Joshua 8
- God told Joshua to take all of the fighting men to Ai.
- They should take its spoil and livestock
- They should lay an ambush behind the city.
- Joshua sent 30,000 men to lay in ambush while he took others up to Ai as they had before.
- Joshua was going to lure them away from the city.
- The 30,000 men will enter the city and set it on fire.
- Joshua woke up early and sent 5,000 men to Ai for an ambush.
- King Ai had all the men from the city follow Joshua's "beaten" army, leaving the city empty.
- Then Joshua raised his javelin and the ambushers went into Ai and set it on fire.
- They killed all of the men of Ai in that battle except the king whom they took to Joshua.
- They then killed all of the men and women in Ai and took plunder and livestock for themselves.
- Today Ai still lies in ruins and the king was hung until evening and then buried in Ai's gateway with stones.
- On Mount Ebal Joshua built an alter to the Lord.
- They offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on it.
- Joshua wrote the laws of Moses on those stones
- They all stood on either side of the ark between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim
- There Joshua read them the law, the blessings and the curse.
Isaiah 62
- He won't keep silent until Jerusalem see their righteousness and glory
- They will get a new name from God.
- They will be a crown of beauty and a royal diadem (crown with jewels)
- They shall no longer be called Forsaken, Desolate but they shall be renamed My Delight is in Her and Married because God delights in them
- God shall rejoice over them as a groom rejoices over his bride.
- God has appointed watchmen which won't keep quiet
- God has no rest until Jerusalem is made a praise in the world
- God has sworn by his right hand, not to give foreigners their grain or wine again.
- Those who gather and rink it will be in God's holy sanctuary (courts)
- Go through (repeated twice) the gates and prepare a highway for people to come
- Zion's salvation has come
- They shall be called The Holy People,The Redeemed of the Lord;and you shall be called Sought Out,A City Not Forsaken.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Joshua 7 & Isaiah 61
Joshua 7
- Achan, of the tribe of Judah broke faith and took some devoted things, so God's anger burned against Israel.
- Joshua sent spies to Ai, and they said only send a few thousand men because Ai is small.
- 36 men of the 3000 were killed and they fled
- The hearts of the Israelites melted
- Joshua tore his clothes and put his head on the ground by the ark until evening.
- He asked God why he brought them here to be defeated by the Ammmorites
- Joshua feared everyone would hear of this defeat and come out to defeat Israel.
- Joshua also was concerned about doing things for God's name.
- God told Joshua to get up and that someone had stolen devoted things and lied
- Joshua was to address the people and say they will be defeated until the devoted things are returned.
- Joshua was supposed to draw lots to figure out which tribe it was, then they will draw lots by household.
- The person who stole shall be burned along with everything they own.
- Lots were draw and Judah (tribe) was drawn, followed by Zerahites(clan), Zabdi (household), and Achan was selected out of the men.
- Achan admitted that he has sinned and took a cloak, 200 shekels of silver and a large gold bar from their spoils and buried them in his tent.
- Joshua brought Achan and his spoils and his family and animals to the Valley of Achor and stoned Achan first and them everyone and everything else and burned them with fire.
- Achor means trouble
- They covered Achan and his stuff with a large pile of stones that's still there today.
- This turned away God's anger.
Isaiah 61
- Isaiah says that God has anointed him to bring good news to the poor and brokenhearted.
- To proclaim liberty to the captives
- Isaiah is to proclaim the year of the Lord and the day of God's vengeance.
- To replace the ashes of mourners with a beautiful headdress.
- Replace faint spirits with praise and be called "oaks of righteousness"
- God will be glorified and the city will be rebuilt.
- Strangers will watch their flocks and tend their vines.
- The people will speak to the Israelites like ministers and shall be wealthy.
- Shame shall be replaced with rejoicing, a double portion, and everlasting joy.
- God loves justice and hates wrong and robbery.
- God will make an everlasting covenant with them
- Everyone will see they are the offspring of God and blessed.
- Isaiah says he will greatly rejoice in God because he has been clothed by God's garments of salvation and robes of righteousness
- A bridegroom would where a beautiful headdress.
- A bride adorns herself with jewels
- Just like a garden sprouts up what has been sown, God will sprout up righteousness and praise in them before the nations.
-
- Achan, of the tribe of Judah broke faith and took some devoted things, so God's anger burned against Israel.
- Joshua sent spies to Ai, and they said only send a few thousand men because Ai is small.
- 36 men of the 3000 were killed and they fled
- The hearts of the Israelites melted
- Joshua tore his clothes and put his head on the ground by the ark until evening.
- He asked God why he brought them here to be defeated by the Ammmorites
- Joshua feared everyone would hear of this defeat and come out to defeat Israel.
- Joshua also was concerned about doing things for God's name.
- God told Joshua to get up and that someone had stolen devoted things and lied
- Joshua was to address the people and say they will be defeated until the devoted things are returned.
- Joshua was supposed to draw lots to figure out which tribe it was, then they will draw lots by household.
- The person who stole shall be burned along with everything they own.
- Lots were draw and Judah (tribe) was drawn, followed by Zerahites(clan), Zabdi (household), and Achan was selected out of the men.
- Achan admitted that he has sinned and took a cloak, 200 shekels of silver and a large gold bar from their spoils and buried them in his tent.
- Joshua brought Achan and his spoils and his family and animals to the Valley of Achor and stoned Achan first and them everyone and everything else and burned them with fire.
- Achor means trouble
- They covered Achan and his stuff with a large pile of stones that's still there today.
- This turned away God's anger.
Isaiah 61
- Isaiah says that God has anointed him to bring good news to the poor and brokenhearted.
- To proclaim liberty to the captives
- Isaiah is to proclaim the year of the Lord and the day of God's vengeance.
- To replace the ashes of mourners with a beautiful headdress.
- Replace faint spirits with praise and be called "oaks of righteousness"
- God will be glorified and the city will be rebuilt.
- Strangers will watch their flocks and tend their vines.
- The people will speak to the Israelites like ministers and shall be wealthy.
- Shame shall be replaced with rejoicing, a double portion, and everlasting joy.
- God loves justice and hates wrong and robbery.
- God will make an everlasting covenant with them
- Everyone will see they are the offspring of God and blessed.
- Isaiah says he will greatly rejoice in God because he has been clothed by God's garments of salvation and robes of righteousness
- A bridegroom would where a beautiful headdress.
- A bride adorns herself with jewels
- Just like a garden sprouts up what has been sown, God will sprout up righteousness and praise in them before the nations.
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Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Joshua 6 & Isaiah 60
Joshua 6
- The city of Jericho shut itself up and no one left or entered the city because they were afraid of Israel.
- God told Joshua to have the men walk around the city for 6 days
- 7 priests shall carry 7 rams horns with the ark on the 7th day and they shall walk around the city 7 times.
- Then the priests will blow their horns and the men shall shout. This will make the walls around Jericho fall.
- The people did as the Lord instructed.
- They blew the horns continuously but weren't supposed to say anything until instructed to do so.
- They spent the night in camp.
- They walked around the city once for 6 days.
- On the 7th day they walked around Jericho 7 times and then the priests blew their horns and the people shouted because God had given them the city.
- The only thing that they should leave untouched is the house of Rahab.
- They shouldn't take anything from the city which would bring destruction upon Israel.
- Everything made of gold, silver, bronze or iron are holy to God and will go in the Lord's treasury.
- They shouted and when the walls fell, all the people and livestock were destroyed.
- Joshua sent in his two spies to get Rahab and her family. She stayed outside the Israelite's camp.
- Rahab would live in Israel with the Israelites because she helped them.
- Joshua said a curse for any man that would rebuild Jericho.
- His curse said - the foundation shall cost that person their firstborn and that person's youngest shall be payment for the gates being hung.
- God was with Joshua and his fame spread.
Isaiah 60
- Their light and the glory of God shall shine.
- Darkness will cover the earth, but the people shall see God's glory in his people.
- Nations and kings will come to the people's brightness.
- Their sons and daughters from afar shall be gathered together and they shall be radiant, thrilled, and exalted.
- Abundance of the sea and the wealth of nations will come to them.
- They shall bring camels, gold and frankincense, and good news.
- Flocks a Kedar will be gathered and the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to them
- How will rams minister?
- God will use these things to beautify His house.
- They shall fly like doves and the ships of Tarshish will bring their children.
- Foreigners shall build up their walls. Is this a reference to the rebuilding in Nehemiah?
- God struck them in His wrath but he will have mercy on them
- Their gates will be open continually and people will bring them gifts.
- Nations that don't serve them will perish
- The wood from Lebanon shall be used for a place for the Lord.
- Those who afflicted Israel will come and bow at their feet.
- God will take them from hated to majestic so that they know He is their savior, redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
- God will give them gold and silver instead of iron and bronze.
- Peace and righteousness will be on them.
- There will be no more violence in the land.
- Salvation will be their walls and Praise will be their gates
- The Lord will be their light, not the sun and the moon
- The people will be righteous and posses the land forever
- God will do all of this to bring glory to Himself
- God will make these things happen
- The city of Jericho shut itself up and no one left or entered the city because they were afraid of Israel.
- God told Joshua to have the men walk around the city for 6 days
- 7 priests shall carry 7 rams horns with the ark on the 7th day and they shall walk around the city 7 times.
- Then the priests will blow their horns and the men shall shout. This will make the walls around Jericho fall.
- The people did as the Lord instructed.
- They blew the horns continuously but weren't supposed to say anything until instructed to do so.
- They spent the night in camp.
- They walked around the city once for 6 days.
- On the 7th day they walked around Jericho 7 times and then the priests blew their horns and the people shouted because God had given them the city.
- The only thing that they should leave untouched is the house of Rahab.
- They shouldn't take anything from the city which would bring destruction upon Israel.
- Everything made of gold, silver, bronze or iron are holy to God and will go in the Lord's treasury.
- They shouted and when the walls fell, all the people and livestock were destroyed.
- Joshua sent in his two spies to get Rahab and her family. She stayed outside the Israelite's camp.
- Rahab would live in Israel with the Israelites because she helped them.
- Joshua said a curse for any man that would rebuild Jericho.
- His curse said - the foundation shall cost that person their firstborn and that person's youngest shall be payment for the gates being hung.
- God was with Joshua and his fame spread.
Isaiah 60
- Their light and the glory of God shall shine.
- Darkness will cover the earth, but the people shall see God's glory in his people.
- Nations and kings will come to the people's brightness.
- Their sons and daughters from afar shall be gathered together and they shall be radiant, thrilled, and exalted.
- Abundance of the sea and the wealth of nations will come to them.
- They shall bring camels, gold and frankincense, and good news.
- Flocks a Kedar will be gathered and the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to them
- How will rams minister?
- God will use these things to beautify His house.
- They shall fly like doves and the ships of Tarshish will bring their children.
- Foreigners shall build up their walls. Is this a reference to the rebuilding in Nehemiah?
- God struck them in His wrath but he will have mercy on them
- Their gates will be open continually and people will bring them gifts.
- Nations that don't serve them will perish
- The wood from Lebanon shall be used for a place for the Lord.
- Those who afflicted Israel will come and bow at their feet.
- God will take them from hated to majestic so that they know He is their savior, redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
- God will give them gold and silver instead of iron and bronze.
- Peace and righteousness will be on them.
- There will be no more violence in the land.
- Salvation will be their walls and Praise will be their gates
- The Lord will be their light, not the sun and the moon
- The people will be righteous and posses the land forever
- God will do all of this to bring glory to Himself
- God will make these things happen
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Joshua 5 Isaiah 59
Joshua 5
- The kings of Ammorites and Canaanites melted when they heard God has dried up the Jordan so the Israelites could cross on dry land.
- God told Joshua to circumcise the people a second time with flint knives.
- How is possible to be circumcised a second time?
- All the males who came out of Egypt had died.
- The males born in the wilderness had not been circumcised
- God told the men in the wilderness that they would not see the promised land because they did not obey God.
- Joshua circumcised those who were born in the 40 years in the wilderness
- They stayed in Gilgal until all the men were healed.
- It was named Gilgal because God had "rolled away the reproach of Egypt" in them. Gilgal means to roll
- They celebrated the Passover in Gilgal.
- The day after Passover they ate food from the land and the manna ceased the next day.
- Joshua saw a man with a sword by Jericho and the man said he was the commander of the army of the Lord.
- Joshua fell on his face and worshipped.
- The commander of the Lord's army told Joshua to take off his sandals because the place was holy.
Isaiah 59
- God's hand is not shortened or ear dull, but iniquities have created a separation between me and God
- My sins have hidden God's face from me so he does not hear
- My hands and tongue are defiled with blood, iniquities, lies, and wickedness
- No one can go to the law justly or honestly
- They rely on empty pleas and conceive mischief
- They hatch viper eggs and spin webs
- Men cannot make clothes from spider's webs
- Their feet run toward evil and are quick to shed blood
- Desolation and destruction are their highways
- They do not know peace or justice
- That is why justice doesn't overtake us.
- That is why when we hope for light but get darkness and gloom
- That is why we grope like a blind man along a wall
- We hope for justice and salvation but we cannot find it.
- Our sins testify against us
- We know our transgressions and when we deny the Lord
- We speak revolt and conceive and utter lying words
- Righteousness stands far away
- Truth is lacking
- He who departs from evil makes himself a prey (What does this phrase mean?)
- God saw this an it displeased him that there was no one to intercede.
- God's own arm brought him salvation and His own righteousness upheld him.
- He put on breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, garments of vengeance, and a cloak of zeal
- He will repay the evil deeds of his enemies.
- They will fear the name of the Lord from the west to the east.
- He will come like a rushing stream or the wind
- The Lord declares that a Redeemer will come to Zion to those in Zion who turn from transgression
- God makes this covenant, "My Spirit is upon you and my words will not depart from your mouth or your children's mouths from this time until forevermore"
-
- The kings of Ammorites and Canaanites melted when they heard God has dried up the Jordan so the Israelites could cross on dry land.
- God told Joshua to circumcise the people a second time with flint knives.
- How is possible to be circumcised a second time?
- All the males who came out of Egypt had died.
- The males born in the wilderness had not been circumcised
- God told the men in the wilderness that they would not see the promised land because they did not obey God.
- Joshua circumcised those who were born in the 40 years in the wilderness
- They stayed in Gilgal until all the men were healed.
- It was named Gilgal because God had "rolled away the reproach of Egypt" in them. Gilgal means to roll
- They celebrated the Passover in Gilgal.
- The day after Passover they ate food from the land and the manna ceased the next day.
- Joshua saw a man with a sword by Jericho and the man said he was the commander of the army of the Lord.
- Joshua fell on his face and worshipped.
- The commander of the Lord's army told Joshua to take off his sandals because the place was holy.
Isaiah 59
- God's hand is not shortened or ear dull, but iniquities have created a separation between me and God
- My sins have hidden God's face from me so he does not hear
- My hands and tongue are defiled with blood, iniquities, lies, and wickedness
- No one can go to the law justly or honestly
- They rely on empty pleas and conceive mischief
- They hatch viper eggs and spin webs
- Men cannot make clothes from spider's webs
- Their feet run toward evil and are quick to shed blood
- Desolation and destruction are their highways
- They do not know peace or justice
- That is why justice doesn't overtake us.
- That is why when we hope for light but get darkness and gloom
- That is why we grope like a blind man along a wall
- We hope for justice and salvation but we cannot find it.
- Our sins testify against us
- We know our transgressions and when we deny the Lord
- We speak revolt and conceive and utter lying words
- Righteousness stands far away
- Truth is lacking
- He who departs from evil makes himself a prey (What does this phrase mean?)
- God saw this an it displeased him that there was no one to intercede.
- God's own arm brought him salvation and His own righteousness upheld him.
- He put on breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, garments of vengeance, and a cloak of zeal
- He will repay the evil deeds of his enemies.
- They will fear the name of the Lord from the west to the east.
- He will come like a rushing stream or the wind
- The Lord declares that a Redeemer will come to Zion to those in Zion who turn from transgression
- God makes this covenant, "My Spirit is upon you and my words will not depart from your mouth or your children's mouths from this time until forevermore"
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Thursday, September 2, 2010
Joshua 4 and Isaiah 58
Joshua 4
- Joshua told one man from each of the 12 tribes to take one stone each from the dry land in the middle of the Jordan where the priests stood.
- This would be a sign for their future generations
- They shall tell their children that this was where the waters stopped as the ark crossed the Jordan.
- Joshua also set up 12 stones in the midst of the Jordan where the priests stood until everyone had crossed.
- When everyone had crossed, the ark came too.
- The sons of Gad, Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh crossed over armed fro battle, 40,000
- That day God exalted Joshua and the people stood in awe of them as they had done with Moses.
- The Lord told Joshua to have the priests come out of the Jordan and when they did the river flowed again.
- They crossed the Jordan on the 10th day of the 1st month.
- They set up the 12 stone memorial in Gilgal on the east border of Jericho
- Joshua tells the people to tell their children that these 12 stones show they crossed the Jordan on dry ground as they had done at the Red Sea.
- This will show all people that God is mighty and to be feared forever
Isaiah 58
- These verses are about fasting according to the heading.
- God seems to be telling Isaiah to declare the transgressions and sins of the people of Jacob.
- God says they all seek Him daily and delight to know Him even though they forsake His judgments.
- They ask God for righteous judgments and delight to draw near to God.
- They want to know why God hasn't seen their fasting or their humblings.
- God says that when they fast they oppress their workers, quarrel, and fight.
- This kind of fasting will not be heard by God on high.
- Fasting should not just be to humble yourself and bow your head low with sack cloth and ashes.
- God wants fasting to be loosening bonds of wickedness and letting the oppressed go free.
- It also to share food with the needy and house the homeless.
- This kind of fasting shall bring light and healing
- This will bring righteousness and the glory of God
- Then God will answer your call
- God says they need to stop pointing fingers and speaking wickedness.
- Then their light will rise and gloom be like noon day.
- Then God will guide them continually, satisfy their desires, strengthen them, and give them water.
- God's waters do not fail.
- If they do these things God will rebuild their ruins and repair the breach for future generations.
- What is the breach?
- They must stop seeking their own pleasure on God's holy day.
- They must make the Sabbath honorable again.
- They must not go their own ways, seek their own pleasures, or talk idly.
- Then they can delight in the Lord and God will feed them the heritage of Jacob because God has spoken.
- Joshua told one man from each of the 12 tribes to take one stone each from the dry land in the middle of the Jordan where the priests stood.
- This would be a sign for their future generations
- They shall tell their children that this was where the waters stopped as the ark crossed the Jordan.
- Joshua also set up 12 stones in the midst of the Jordan where the priests stood until everyone had crossed.
- When everyone had crossed, the ark came too.
- The sons of Gad, Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh crossed over armed fro battle, 40,000
- That day God exalted Joshua and the people stood in awe of them as they had done with Moses.
- The Lord told Joshua to have the priests come out of the Jordan and when they did the river flowed again.
- They crossed the Jordan on the 10th day of the 1st month.
- They set up the 12 stone memorial in Gilgal on the east border of Jericho
- Joshua tells the people to tell their children that these 12 stones show they crossed the Jordan on dry ground as they had done at the Red Sea.
- This will show all people that God is mighty and to be feared forever
Isaiah 58
- These verses are about fasting according to the heading.
- God seems to be telling Isaiah to declare the transgressions and sins of the people of Jacob.
- God says they all seek Him daily and delight to know Him even though they forsake His judgments.
- They ask God for righteous judgments and delight to draw near to God.
- They want to know why God hasn't seen their fasting or their humblings.
- God says that when they fast they oppress their workers, quarrel, and fight.
- This kind of fasting will not be heard by God on high.
- Fasting should not just be to humble yourself and bow your head low with sack cloth and ashes.
- God wants fasting to be loosening bonds of wickedness and letting the oppressed go free.
- It also to share food with the needy and house the homeless.
- This kind of fasting shall bring light and healing
- This will bring righteousness and the glory of God
- Then God will answer your call
- God says they need to stop pointing fingers and speaking wickedness.
- Then their light will rise and gloom be like noon day.
- Then God will guide them continually, satisfy their desires, strengthen them, and give them water.
- God's waters do not fail.
- If they do these things God will rebuild their ruins and repair the breach for future generations.
- What is the breach?
- They must stop seeking their own pleasure on God's holy day.
- They must make the Sabbath honorable again.
- They must not go their own ways, seek their own pleasures, or talk idly.
- Then they can delight in the Lord and God will feed them the heritage of Jacob because God has spoken.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Joshua 3 and Isaiah 57
Joshua 3
- Joshua took Israel to banks of Jordan and set up camp.
- The officers spent 3 days telling the people that when the see Levitical priests carrying the ark, they should follow it.
- The people should stay 2,000 cubits behind the ark.
- Joshua told the people to consecrate themselves because tomorrow God would do wonders (he was anticipating God to do awesome things)
- The Lord told Joshua that he would do great things through Joshua just like He did through Moses.
- Joshua told the people that God would do great things so they should know God will remove the other nations.
- Joshua said that as soon as the priest's feet touch the waters they shall be held back in a heap.
- When their feet touch the water it stood in a heap at the city of Adam a far distance away.
- Could the people have seen the waters standing "in a heap"?
- The whole nation crossed on dry ground through the Jordan and the Jordan was high at that time due to perennial flooding.
Isaiah 57
- No one cares when the righteous dies
- The righteous man leaves calamity and enters peace (heaven?)
- These verses talk to sons of the sorceress, adulterer, and loose woman.
- God wants to know who they are mocking
- Their children are children of deceit.
- The burn with lust and kill their children.
- They have sacrificed to stones
- They sacrifice on a high mountain, they deserted God and opened up their beds.
- They have journeyed to the king and multiplied perfumes.
- The were weary at the length of their way, but did not say it is hopeless.
- The found new life doing things their way.
- They did not fear God when they lied.
- Their righteousness and their deeds will not profit them.
- God says they should cry out to their idols for deliverance.
- God says that those who take refuge in Him will lifted up.
- Those who trust in God, He will remove obstacles.
- Those with contrite and lowly spirit God sees and helps.
- He will revive their spirits.
- God will not always be angry with them.
- God was angry at the unjust gains and backsliding of the people.
- God will lead, restore, and comfort them.
- God promises peace to the far and near.
- There is no peace for the wicked who are like waves tossing dirt about.
- Joshua took Israel to banks of Jordan and set up camp.
- The officers spent 3 days telling the people that when the see Levitical priests carrying the ark, they should follow it.
- The people should stay 2,000 cubits behind the ark.
- Joshua told the people to consecrate themselves because tomorrow God would do wonders (he was anticipating God to do awesome things)
- The Lord told Joshua that he would do great things through Joshua just like He did through Moses.
- Joshua told the people that God would do great things so they should know God will remove the other nations.
- Joshua said that as soon as the priest's feet touch the waters they shall be held back in a heap.
- When their feet touch the water it stood in a heap at the city of Adam a far distance away.
- Could the people have seen the waters standing "in a heap"?
- The whole nation crossed on dry ground through the Jordan and the Jordan was high at that time due to perennial flooding.
Isaiah 57
- No one cares when the righteous dies
- The righteous man leaves calamity and enters peace (heaven?)
- These verses talk to sons of the sorceress, adulterer, and loose woman.
- God wants to know who they are mocking
- Their children are children of deceit.
- The burn with lust and kill their children.
- They have sacrificed to stones
- They sacrifice on a high mountain, they deserted God and opened up their beds.
- They have journeyed to the king and multiplied perfumes.
- The were weary at the length of their way, but did not say it is hopeless.
- The found new life doing things their way.
- They did not fear God when they lied.
- Their righteousness and their deeds will not profit them.
- God says they should cry out to their idols for deliverance.
- God says that those who take refuge in Him will lifted up.
- Those who trust in God, He will remove obstacles.
- Those with contrite and lowly spirit God sees and helps.
- He will revive their spirits.
- God will not always be angry with them.
- God was angry at the unjust gains and backsliding of the people.
- God will lead, restore, and comfort them.
- God promises peace to the far and near.
- There is no peace for the wicked who are like waves tossing dirt about.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Joshua 1 and Isaiah 55
Joshua 1
- The Lord to Joshua that Moses was dead and that he was to lead the Israelites across the Jordan.
- All of the land they touch will be theirs from Lebonon to the Euphrates River
- The will own the wilderness and the land west of the Great Sea (Red Sea?")
- No man will be able to stand against them.
- God tells Joshua twice to be strong and courageous and to do the commandments God had given to them.
- Following God's laws = good success and wisdom
- Joshua should meditate on God's law day and night = success and prosperity
- God tells him to be strong and courageous and not to fear a third time because God is with him
- Joshua sent officers to tell the people that they'd cross the Jordan in 3 days
- Joshua spoke to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh and said God will give them rest and this land.
- These 3 groups were to leave their families in this land and go help the Israelites fight in the new land.
- After they help their brothers get land and find rest they can return home.
- They all agreed to go wherever he sent them.
- They promised to obey Joshua like they obeyed Moses.
- They added that God be with him as God was with Moses.
- They said that anyone who rebelled would be put to death.
- They ended by saying being strong and courageous.
Isaiah 55
- Starts by telling anyone thirsty to come to me
- They are to come and get wine and milk without money
- He asks why they labor for unsatisfying things
- He says to listen and eat what is good
- He says to listen so they might live
- He will make an everlasting covenant of love like he did with David
- An unknown nation will run to them because of God.
- He says to seek God while He is near
- Let the wicked forsake his ways and thoughts
- The wicked can still return to God and be pardoned
- God says their ways and thoughts are not aligned with His.
- God's ways and thoughts are higher than theirs.
- God's word will not return to Him empty like rain or snow.
- His word will accomplish His purpose and succeed in the thing He sent it for
- They shall be led in joy and peace.
- The mountains, hills, and tress will clap their hands and sing.
- The cypress will replace the thorn
- The myrtle shall replace the brier
- It shall make a name for the Lord and a sign that won't be cut off
- What is "it"?
- The Lord to Joshua that Moses was dead and that he was to lead the Israelites across the Jordan.
- All of the land they touch will be theirs from Lebonon to the Euphrates River
- The will own the wilderness and the land west of the Great Sea (Red Sea?")
- No man will be able to stand against them.
- God tells Joshua twice to be strong and courageous and to do the commandments God had given to them.
- Following God's laws = good success and wisdom
- Joshua should meditate on God's law day and night = success and prosperity
- God tells him to be strong and courageous and not to fear a third time because God is with him
- Joshua sent officers to tell the people that they'd cross the Jordan in 3 days
- Joshua spoke to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh and said God will give them rest and this land.
- These 3 groups were to leave their families in this land and go help the Israelites fight in the new land.
- After they help their brothers get land and find rest they can return home.
- They all agreed to go wherever he sent them.
- They promised to obey Joshua like they obeyed Moses.
- They added that God be with him as God was with Moses.
- They said that anyone who rebelled would be put to death.
- They ended by saying being strong and courageous.
Isaiah 55
- Starts by telling anyone thirsty to come to me
- They are to come and get wine and milk without money
- He asks why they labor for unsatisfying things
- He says to listen and eat what is good
- He says to listen so they might live
- He will make an everlasting covenant of love like he did with David
- An unknown nation will run to them because of God.
- He says to seek God while He is near
- Let the wicked forsake his ways and thoughts
- The wicked can still return to God and be pardoned
- God says their ways and thoughts are not aligned with His.
- God's ways and thoughts are higher than theirs.
- God's word will not return to Him empty like rain or snow.
- His word will accomplish His purpose and succeed in the thing He sent it for
- They shall be led in joy and peace.
- The mountains, hills, and tress will clap their hands and sing.
- The cypress will replace the thorn
- The myrtle shall replace the brier
- It shall make a name for the Lord and a sign that won't be cut off
- What is "it"?
Friday, June 18, 2010
Deuteronomy 34 & Isaiah 54
Deuteronomy 34
- Moses left the plains of Moab and went up Mount Nebo. From the mountain the Lord showed Moses all of the land promised to Abraham.
- The Lord showed Moses the promised land but told him that he would never go there.
- It says, "he buried him", so God buried Moses and no one knows where Moses is buried even today.
- Moses was buried in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor.
- Moses was 120 and had great vigor and eye sight when he died.
- The people wept over Moses for 30 days in Moab.
- Joshua was full of the spirit because Moses had laid his hands on Joshua.
- The people now followed him.
- There hasn't been a prophet since who the Lord knew "face-to-face" or a prophet who did such great wonders and signs
- It wraps up by saying Moses did great deeds of terror with mighty power.
Isaiah 54
- It tells the barren one to sing for she will have many children (Is this speaking of Elizabeth, John the Baptist's mother?)
- They will need to get a bigger, stronger tent.
- Her offspring will possess the nations
- She will not be ashamed or disgraced. She will not remember the reproach of her widowhood.
- Your Maker is your husband (speaking of Mary?)
- The Lord called her when she was deserted and grieved.
- He deserted her for a moment but will gather her with great compassion.
- God relates this moment like the time when he promised Noah the world would never flood again.
- God now promises not to be angry and rebuke her any longer.
- The mountains and hills may depart, but God's steadfast love and covenant of peace will not.
- God addresses them as "storm tossed" and "afflicted".
- God will make their foundation with sapphires, their pinnacles of ruby, the gates of carbuncles (crystals), and their walls of precious stones
- All of their children will be taught by the Lord and they will have great peace.
- They shall be established in righteousness and far from oppression and fear.
- God won't send strife, and anyone who stirs strife up will fall.
- God says He has created a smith to blow coals and produce "a weapon for its purpose"
- He has also created a ravager to destroy.
- No weapon against them will win
- They will confute any judgment brought against them.
- This is their heritage from God and their vindication (righteousness) from God.
- Moses left the plains of Moab and went up Mount Nebo. From the mountain the Lord showed Moses all of the land promised to Abraham.
- The Lord showed Moses the promised land but told him that he would never go there.
- It says, "he buried him", so God buried Moses and no one knows where Moses is buried even today.
- Moses was buried in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor.
- Moses was 120 and had great vigor and eye sight when he died.
- The people wept over Moses for 30 days in Moab.
- Joshua was full of the spirit because Moses had laid his hands on Joshua.
- The people now followed him.
- There hasn't been a prophet since who the Lord knew "face-to-face" or a prophet who did such great wonders and signs
- It wraps up by saying Moses did great deeds of terror with mighty power.
Isaiah 54
- It tells the barren one to sing for she will have many children (Is this speaking of Elizabeth, John the Baptist's mother?)
- They will need to get a bigger, stronger tent.
- Her offspring will possess the nations
- She will not be ashamed or disgraced. She will not remember the reproach of her widowhood.
- Your Maker is your husband (speaking of Mary?)
- The Lord called her when she was deserted and grieved.
- He deserted her for a moment but will gather her with great compassion.
- God relates this moment like the time when he promised Noah the world would never flood again.
- God now promises not to be angry and rebuke her any longer.
- The mountains and hills may depart, but God's steadfast love and covenant of peace will not.
- God addresses them as "storm tossed" and "afflicted".
- God will make their foundation with sapphires, their pinnacles of ruby, the gates of carbuncles (crystals), and their walls of precious stones
- All of their children will be taught by the Lord and they will have great peace.
- They shall be established in righteousness and far from oppression and fear.
- God won't send strife, and anyone who stirs strife up will fall.
- God says He has created a smith to blow coals and produce "a weapon for its purpose"
- He has also created a ravager to destroy.
- No weapon against them will win
- They will confute any judgment brought against them.
- This is their heritage from God and their vindication (righteousness) from God.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Deuteronomy 33 & Isaiah 53
Deuteronomy 33
- Moses blesses the people before he dies.
- The Lord came from Sinai from the ten thousands of holy ones with fire in His right hand.
- He loved His people and kept them in His hand.
- The people responded by following in God's steps and listening to Him.
- The Lord became their king in Jeshurun when Moses commanded them the law
- God spoke about the tribes
1) Reuben shall be few
2) Judah will bring the people into Him and defend against adversaries.
3) Levi will teach Jacob the rules and laws and burn offerings on the alters. There was a blessing put on Levites' work and a curse on those who rise against them.
- What is Thummim and Urim?
4) Benjamin dwells in safety. All day long, God dwells "between his shoulders"
5) Joseph's land will be the best, and their will be great quality and abundance because Joseph was prince among his brothers. He is majesty and powerful like a wild ox against enemies. Ephraim is ten thousands and Manasseh is thousands.
6) & 7) Zebulun and Issachar should rejoice in what they do. They will offer "right sacrifices" and draw abundance and hidden treasure from the sea.
8) Gad will be blessed and grow in size. Gad chose the best land as commander of the army. He executed the Lord's justice and judgments.
9) Dan is a lion's cub that leaps from Bashan (What does this mean?)
10) Naphtali is full of favor and blessing from the Lord and owns the lakes on the south.
11) Asher's sons will be most blessed and be strong.
- There is none like God. He is eternal and their dwelling place who thrusts out and destroys their enemies.
- Why is Destroy capitalized?
- Israel can be happy because there is no one like them who are saved, shielded, and given triumph by God.
- They shall defeat their enemies.
- Why were Zebulun and Issachar's blessings grouped together?
- Why wasn't Simeon mentioned in Moses's blessings speech?
Isaiah 53
- These verses predict the coming Messiah.
- They are looking for who the "arm of God" has been revealed.
- He will grow up among them but not be majestic or overly desirable.
- He was despised and rejected by men.
- A man of sorrows who knows grief
- "we" didn't esteem Him (Isaiah seems to put himself into that group)
- He has carried our grief and sorrows but we still didn't esteem Him
- Gospel statement = But he was wounded for our transgressions;he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,and with his stripes we are healed.
- He was killed because of my sin to bring us peace.
- We have all gone astray (sinned) every one of us.
- God has placed all of our iniquities on Him
- When he was afflicted he didn't open his mouth. (Christ didn't speak to his accusers)
- He was like a sheep led to slaughter (the cross)
- He was taken away by judgment (the Jews) and stricken for the transgressions of the people (the sins of mankind)
- The made his grave with the wicked although there was no violence or deceit in Him.
- It was God's will to "crush" him and put him to grief.
- His soul will make an offering for guilt (take away the sins of the world)
- He shall prolong his days then and God will prosper his hand.
- Out of anguish of his soul he shall see the light and be satisfied (when he said "it is finished?"
- The "righteous one" shall make many accounted righteous and bear their iniquities.
- God will divide him a portion because he poured out his soul to death.
- He was counted as a transgressor and bore the sins of many.
- He intercedes for transgressors
- Moses blesses the people before he dies.
- The Lord came from Sinai from the ten thousands of holy ones with fire in His right hand.
- He loved His people and kept them in His hand.
- The people responded by following in God's steps and listening to Him.
- The Lord became their king in Jeshurun when Moses commanded them the law
- God spoke about the tribes
1) Reuben shall be few
2) Judah will bring the people into Him and defend against adversaries.
3) Levi will teach Jacob the rules and laws and burn offerings on the alters. There was a blessing put on Levites' work and a curse on those who rise against them.
- What is Thummim and Urim?
4) Benjamin dwells in safety. All day long, God dwells "between his shoulders"
5) Joseph's land will be the best, and their will be great quality and abundance because Joseph was prince among his brothers. He is majesty and powerful like a wild ox against enemies. Ephraim is ten thousands and Manasseh is thousands.
6) & 7) Zebulun and Issachar should rejoice in what they do. They will offer "right sacrifices" and draw abundance and hidden treasure from the sea.
8) Gad will be blessed and grow in size. Gad chose the best land as commander of the army. He executed the Lord's justice and judgments.
9) Dan is a lion's cub that leaps from Bashan (What does this mean?)
10) Naphtali is full of favor and blessing from the Lord and owns the lakes on the south.
11) Asher's sons will be most blessed and be strong.
- There is none like God. He is eternal and their dwelling place who thrusts out and destroys their enemies.
- Why is Destroy capitalized?
- Israel can be happy because there is no one like them who are saved, shielded, and given triumph by God.
- They shall defeat their enemies.
- Why were Zebulun and Issachar's blessings grouped together?
- Why wasn't Simeon mentioned in Moses's blessings speech?
Isaiah 53
- These verses predict the coming Messiah.
- They are looking for who the "arm of God" has been revealed.
- He will grow up among them but not be majestic or overly desirable.
- He was despised and rejected by men.
- A man of sorrows who knows grief
- "we" didn't esteem Him (Isaiah seems to put himself into that group)
- He has carried our grief and sorrows but we still didn't esteem Him
- Gospel statement = But he was wounded for our transgressions;he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,and with his stripes we are healed.
- He was killed because of my sin to bring us peace.
- We have all gone astray (sinned) every one of us.
- God has placed all of our iniquities on Him
- When he was afflicted he didn't open his mouth. (Christ didn't speak to his accusers)
- He was like a sheep led to slaughter (the cross)
- He was taken away by judgment (the Jews) and stricken for the transgressions of the people (the sins of mankind)
- The made his grave with the wicked although there was no violence or deceit in Him.
- It was God's will to "crush" him and put him to grief.
- His soul will make an offering for guilt (take away the sins of the world)
- He shall prolong his days then and God will prosper his hand.
- Out of anguish of his soul he shall see the light and be satisfied (when he said "it is finished?"
- The "righteous one" shall make many accounted righteous and bear their iniquities.
- God will divide him a portion because he poured out his soul to death.
- He was counted as a transgressor and bore the sins of many.
- He intercedes for transgressors
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Deuteronomy 32 & Isaiah 52
Deuteronomy 32
- Moses taught the assembly of Israel a new song
- Moses tells the heavens and earth to listen to his words while he proclaims God's greatness.
- Moses refers to God a the Rock
- God's ways are perfect and justice
- God is faithful and without iniquity
- Israel has dealt corruptly with God so they are no longer His children.
- Moses calls the people foolish and senseless because God created them.
- Moses tells the young to ask the older generation about God's faithfulness.
- God gave the peoples of the earth borders, but he made Jacob his heritage.
- Jacob was in the desert, a wasteland and God encircled him and cared for him.
- God alone guided him, no foreign gods were involved.
- God fed him honey out of rocks and oils out of flinty rocks. (similar to water out of rocks at Marriba?)
- God also gave them milk, wine, and wheat to eat.
- Jeshurun grew fat and forsook God and scoffed at the "Rock of his salvation"
- They made God jealous and angry by following strange gods.
- They worshipped demons and new gods which their fathers had never heard about.
- They forgot God who made them.
- God saw their wickedness and hid His face because they were perverse and not faithful.
- God said he would provoke Israel to anger using a foolish nation.
- God anger burns to the depths of Sheol and burn the earth and its increase.
- Is the "increase" the nation of Israel?
- God says He will send plague, waste, teeth, and venom against them.
- God will set the sword against ALL of Israel; man, woman, young, and old.
- The reason Moses didn't want God to wipe out Israel was because their enemies might misunderstand and think they defeated Israel instead of God punishing them.
- Moses says their enemies have no counsel and no understanding.
- Moses recounts that two of their people defeated ten thousand (Joshua)
- Moses links those people with Sodom and Gomorrah.
- God says vengeance is His and He will repay them
- God will judge His people and have compassion on them once their power is gone.
- God will simply ask them in this low time, where their other gods have gone.
- God will tell them to have their gods help and protect them.
- God tells them that He is the only God and no one can deliver them out of God's hand.
- God will sharpen His "flashing sword" (lightning) and take vengeance on His adversaries.
- He will kill His enemies.
- Moses says the Israelites' response should be to rejoice and even other gods should bow down to God.
- He will avenge the blood of His children.
- Moses rehearsed this song with them and warned them to remember it and teach it to their children.
- Moses' song is not simply "empty words" but words of long life in the new land.
- God told Moses to go up Mount Nebo (in Abrim) in the land of Moab to view the promised land.
- God also told Moses that he'd die there.
- Moses would die there because he "broke faith" with God at the waters of Meribah-kadesh.
- This was because Moses didn't treat God as holy before his people.
Isaiah 52
- Jerusalem needs to wake up and put on strength and garments for no more uncircumcised will come into the city.
- They need to pick themselves up and loose their bonds.
- Israel was sold for nothing and will be redeemed without money.
- God recounts them sojourning into Egypt.
- The Assyrians have oppressed them for nothing.
- God sees His people have been taken away and His name is despised.
- God promised they will all know His name soon.
- Well known verse 7 , How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news
- People bring good news, publishes salvation, and who tell Zion their God reigns.
- They sing for joy and see the return of the Lord.
- The Lord redeemed His people so they can sing.
- All nations will see the salvation of the Lord.
- God tells them to depart and go out from "there" Where is there?
- They need to purify themselves.
- God will go before them AND be their rear guard (He will totally protect them).
- God's servant shall act wisely and be lifted up and exalted.
- His appearance was marred and kings will shut their mouths because of him (Jesus?)
- They will see things untold and understand things they have not heard.
- This last section of Isaiah 52 seems to point to Jesus
- Moses taught the assembly of Israel a new song
- Moses tells the heavens and earth to listen to his words while he proclaims God's greatness.
- Moses refers to God a the Rock
- God's ways are perfect and justice
- God is faithful and without iniquity
- Israel has dealt corruptly with God so they are no longer His children.
- Moses calls the people foolish and senseless because God created them.
- Moses tells the young to ask the older generation about God's faithfulness.
- God gave the peoples of the earth borders, but he made Jacob his heritage.
- Jacob was in the desert, a wasteland and God encircled him and cared for him.
- God alone guided him, no foreign gods were involved.
- God fed him honey out of rocks and oils out of flinty rocks. (similar to water out of rocks at Marriba?)
- God also gave them milk, wine, and wheat to eat.
- Jeshurun grew fat and forsook God and scoffed at the "Rock of his salvation"
- They made God jealous and angry by following strange gods.
- They worshipped demons and new gods which their fathers had never heard about.
- They forgot God who made them.
- God saw their wickedness and hid His face because they were perverse and not faithful.
- God said he would provoke Israel to anger using a foolish nation.
- God anger burns to the depths of Sheol and burn the earth and its increase.
- Is the "increase" the nation of Israel?
- God says He will send plague, waste, teeth, and venom against them.
- God will set the sword against ALL of Israel; man, woman, young, and old.
- The reason Moses didn't want God to wipe out Israel was because their enemies might misunderstand and think they defeated Israel instead of God punishing them.
- Moses says their enemies have no counsel and no understanding.
- Moses recounts that two of their people defeated ten thousand (Joshua)
- Moses links those people with Sodom and Gomorrah.
- God says vengeance is His and He will repay them
- God will judge His people and have compassion on them once their power is gone.
- God will simply ask them in this low time, where their other gods have gone.
- God will tell them to have their gods help and protect them.
- God tells them that He is the only God and no one can deliver them out of God's hand.
- God will sharpen His "flashing sword" (lightning) and take vengeance on His adversaries.
- He will kill His enemies.
- Moses says the Israelites' response should be to rejoice and even other gods should bow down to God.
- He will avenge the blood of His children.
- Moses rehearsed this song with them and warned them to remember it and teach it to their children.
- Moses' song is not simply "empty words" but words of long life in the new land.
- God told Moses to go up Mount Nebo (in Abrim) in the land of Moab to view the promised land.
- God also told Moses that he'd die there.
- Moses would die there because he "broke faith" with God at the waters of Meribah-kadesh.
- This was because Moses didn't treat God as holy before his people.
Isaiah 52
- Jerusalem needs to wake up and put on strength and garments for no more uncircumcised will come into the city.
- They need to pick themselves up and loose their bonds.
- Israel was sold for nothing and will be redeemed without money.
- God recounts them sojourning into Egypt.
- The Assyrians have oppressed them for nothing.
- God sees His people have been taken away and His name is despised.
- God promised they will all know His name soon.
- Well known verse 7 , How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news
- People bring good news, publishes salvation, and who tell Zion their God reigns.
- They sing for joy and see the return of the Lord.
- The Lord redeemed His people so they can sing.
- All nations will see the salvation of the Lord.
- God tells them to depart and go out from "there" Where is there?
- They need to purify themselves.
- God will go before them AND be their rear guard (He will totally protect them).
- God's servant shall act wisely and be lifted up and exalted.
- His appearance was marred and kings will shut their mouths because of him (Jesus?)
- They will see things untold and understand things they have not heard.
- This last section of Isaiah 52 seems to point to Jesus
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Deuteronomy 31 and Isaiah 51
Deuteronomy 31
- Moses tells the Israelites he's 120 and no longer able to go out and come in.
- He also tells them God said he can't cross the Jordan.
- God will cross the Jordan before them and dispossess the nations there.
- Joshua will be their leader there.
- They shall do to them as God commanded.
- Moses tells them to "be strong and courageous" and not fear because God is with them.
- Moses pulled Joshua up and told him to be strong and courageous because God is with them and God will not leave nor forsake them.
- God with you = no fear
- Moses gave the Levites a law to read every 7 years at the Feast of Booths
- Moses tells them to read it to everyone among them so they may learn to "hear and learn to fear the Lord."
- Also their children will hear the law every 7 years.
- God said Moses would die soon and needed to commission him.
- God appeared in a pillar of cloud over the tent.
- God tells Moses that the Israelites will whore after other gods in the new land and God will turn His face from them.
- God tells Moses that when the people enter the promised land and are full and content, they will turn from God.
- God gives Moses a song to confront them in their future sinfulness.
- Moses wrote down the song and taught it to the people that day.
- God said that He knows how they will sin before they even get into the promised land.
- God commissioned Joshua and told him to be strong because God was with him.
- Moses told the Levites to put this book of the law (Deuteronomy?) next to the ark.
- Moses says the law will bear witness against them when he's gone.
- Moses also tells them they are rebellious and says they will be even more so when he (Moses) is gone.
- Moses has all the elders called to speak to them that heaven and earth will bear witness against them.
- Moses tells them they will surely turn from God's commandments and provoke God to anger.
Isaiah 51
- Isaiah tells those who pursue righteousness to listen to him.
- He reflects how Abraham was one man but God multiplied and blessed him.
- God comforts Zion, making her wilderness like Eden.
- There will be joy and gladness and thanksgiving in Zion.
- God's justice is a light to the peoples.
- God's righteousness draws near
- His salvation has gone out
- His arms will judge the people.
- People wait for the arms of God.
- The heavens will vanish and the earth will die out. the people will die.
- God's salvation is forever
- God's righteousness will never be dismayed.
- God calls to His people to not fear man or his revilings.
- Those people will will fall but righteousness and salvation are forever.
- They cut Rahab into pieces, dried up the sea, for the redeemed to pass,
- The ransomed of the Lord will return to Zion.
- Joy and gladness will fill them. Sorrow and sighing will leave them.
- God comforts, but God asks why they are afraid of man "who dies".
- The son of man has forgotten the Lord, your maker.
- God's people fear man, when God made the heavens and the earth.
- God tells those that are "bowed down" that they won't go into the pit and be lacking bread.
- God makes the waves of the sea.
- God has put His words in their mouth and they are in His hands because they are His people.
- God tells them to wake up.
- They have drank from the cup of God's wrath (cup of staggering)
- No man yet born has been able to lead
- God asks who can comfort them after they have faced devastation, destruction, famine, and sword.
- The people are full of the wrath and rebuke of God.
- The people are drunk (not with wine) but from drinking God's wrath.
- God pleads for their cause (Is this a reference to Christ?) and takes away the cup of God's wrath.
- They will no longer drink from that cup.
- God will put the cup in the hands of their oppressors.
- God tells His people to bow down.
- Moses tells the Israelites he's 120 and no longer able to go out and come in.
- He also tells them God said he can't cross the Jordan.
- God will cross the Jordan before them and dispossess the nations there.
- Joshua will be their leader there.
- They shall do to them as God commanded.
- Moses tells them to "be strong and courageous" and not fear because God is with them.
- Moses pulled Joshua up and told him to be strong and courageous because God is with them and God will not leave nor forsake them.
- God with you = no fear
- Moses gave the Levites a law to read every 7 years at the Feast of Booths
- Moses tells them to read it to everyone among them so they may learn to "hear and learn to fear the Lord."
- Also their children will hear the law every 7 years.
- God said Moses would die soon and needed to commission him.
- God appeared in a pillar of cloud over the tent.
- God tells Moses that the Israelites will whore after other gods in the new land and God will turn His face from them.
- God tells Moses that when the people enter the promised land and are full and content, they will turn from God.
- God gives Moses a song to confront them in their future sinfulness.
- Moses wrote down the song and taught it to the people that day.
- God said that He knows how they will sin before they even get into the promised land.
- God commissioned Joshua and told him to be strong because God was with him.
- Moses told the Levites to put this book of the law (Deuteronomy?) next to the ark.
- Moses says the law will bear witness against them when he's gone.
- Moses also tells them they are rebellious and says they will be even more so when he (Moses) is gone.
- Moses has all the elders called to speak to them that heaven and earth will bear witness against them.
- Moses tells them they will surely turn from God's commandments and provoke God to anger.
Isaiah 51
- Isaiah tells those who pursue righteousness to listen to him.
- He reflects how Abraham was one man but God multiplied and blessed him.
- God comforts Zion, making her wilderness like Eden.
- There will be joy and gladness and thanksgiving in Zion.
- God's justice is a light to the peoples.
- God's righteousness draws near
- His salvation has gone out
- His arms will judge the people.
- People wait for the arms of God.
- The heavens will vanish and the earth will die out. the people will die.
- God's salvation is forever
- God's righteousness will never be dismayed.
- God calls to His people to not fear man or his revilings.
- Those people will will fall but righteousness and salvation are forever.
- They cut Rahab into pieces, dried up the sea, for the redeemed to pass,
- The ransomed of the Lord will return to Zion.
- Joy and gladness will fill them. Sorrow and sighing will leave them.
- God comforts, but God asks why they are afraid of man "who dies".
- The son of man has forgotten the Lord, your maker.
- God's people fear man, when God made the heavens and the earth.
- God tells those that are "bowed down" that they won't go into the pit and be lacking bread.
- God makes the waves of the sea.
- God has put His words in their mouth and they are in His hands because they are His people.
- God tells them to wake up.
- They have drank from the cup of God's wrath (cup of staggering)
- No man yet born has been able to lead
- God asks who can comfort them after they have faced devastation, destruction, famine, and sword.
- The people are full of the wrath and rebuke of God.
- The people are drunk (not with wine) but from drinking God's wrath.
- God pleads for their cause (Is this a reference to Christ?) and takes away the cup of God's wrath.
- They will no longer drink from that cup.
- God will put the cup in the hands of their oppressors.
- God tells His people to bow down.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Deuteronomy 30 & Isaiah 50
Deuteronomy 30
- God is reminding them to remember the blessings and the curse He promises them this day.
- They need to remember it when they enter the new land with all their heart and soul.
- When they turn back to God, He will restore the fortune and have compassion on them.
- They will then be brought back together from where they had been scattered.
- He will gather them from the "outermost parts of heaven"
- Where is the outer most parts of heaven?
- God will bring them back to the promised land and make them more numerous than their fathers.
- God will circumcise their hearts, so they will love God with heart and soul and live.
- Paul talks about circumcising the heart in the NT.
- The curses will then be on their enemies who persecuted them (Babylonians and Assyrians)
- Loving God = prosperous in all work, fruit of womb, fruit of cattle, and crops.
- God will again delight in prospering them. (It's amazing that God takes delight in us.)
- loving God "heart and soul" is listed 4 times in this section.
- God says this commandment isn't "too hard" or "far off" (God's not distant or unfair)
- God says the commandment is so near, it's in their heart and mouth.
- The command isn't in heaven, or in a far away land over the sea.
- The blessing and a curse = life and death.
- Obeying commands by loving God, walking in His ways, obeying His commandments = multiplying, blessing, and possession of the promised land.
- Turning to other gods and not obeying = they perish, not entering promised land across the Jordan.
- God call heaven and earth to bear witness to this blessing and curse.
- God tells them to choose life.
- Hold fast to God = life and length of days and living in promised land.
- This chapter has a lot of repetition, seemingly to emphasize the blessing and curse and leave no doubt as to what God is saying to His people.
Isaiah 50
- God asks where their mother's certificate of divorce is.
- God says he sent her away.
- God also asks which creditor He sold them to.
- They were sent away and sold because of their iniquities.
- God asks why there was no one when he came or no answer when He called.
- God asks the rhetorical question, "Is my hand to short to redeem?" "Have I no power to deliver?"
- He then answers these obviously leading questions, by saying the seas dry up when He rebukes them, and He can make the heavens black.
- Isaiah says that God has given him a "tongue of those who are taught" so that he can sustain the weary and hear those who are taught.
- Because God opened Isaiah's ear he didn't turn away or rebel.
- Instead Isaiah's response has been giving his back to a beating and his cheek to have his beard pulled out.
- He didn't hide his face from disgrace or spitting.
- Isaiah's response = seeing the Lord helps Him, so he hasn't really been disgraced and can't really be put to shame.
- Isaiah knows the "he who vindicates me is near"
- Isaiah knows that as long as God is with him, no one can really declare him guilty or contend with him.
- His adversaries will wear out like an old piece of clothing.
- Isaiah asks who fears God and obeys Isaiah's voice.
- Isaiah tells those walking in darkness to trust in the Lord and rely on his God.
- Why does Isaiah say "trust in his God"? Is he referring to Christ or himself?
- Those who light their own torches and walk by their own torches light will lie down in torment.
- Isaiah shows an amazing faith in God through his own trials. He can see that as long as God is for him, no one can truly be against him. Wow!
- God is reminding them to remember the blessings and the curse He promises them this day.
- They need to remember it when they enter the new land with all their heart and soul.
- When they turn back to God, He will restore the fortune and have compassion on them.
- They will then be brought back together from where they had been scattered.
- He will gather them from the "outermost parts of heaven"
- Where is the outer most parts of heaven?
- God will bring them back to the promised land and make them more numerous than their fathers.
- God will circumcise their hearts, so they will love God with heart and soul and live.
- Paul talks about circumcising the heart in the NT.
- The curses will then be on their enemies who persecuted them (Babylonians and Assyrians)
- Loving God = prosperous in all work, fruit of womb, fruit of cattle, and crops.
- God will again delight in prospering them. (It's amazing that God takes delight in us.)
- loving God "heart and soul" is listed 4 times in this section.
- God says this commandment isn't "too hard" or "far off" (God's not distant or unfair)
- God says the commandment is so near, it's in their heart and mouth.
- The command isn't in heaven, or in a far away land over the sea.
- The blessing and a curse = life and death.
- Obeying commands by loving God, walking in His ways, obeying His commandments = multiplying, blessing, and possession of the promised land.
- Turning to other gods and not obeying = they perish, not entering promised land across the Jordan.
- God call heaven and earth to bear witness to this blessing and curse.
- God tells them to choose life.
- Hold fast to God = life and length of days and living in promised land.
- This chapter has a lot of repetition, seemingly to emphasize the blessing and curse and leave no doubt as to what God is saying to His people.
Isaiah 50
- God asks where their mother's certificate of divorce is.
- God says he sent her away.
- God also asks which creditor He sold them to.
- They were sent away and sold because of their iniquities.
- God asks why there was no one when he came or no answer when He called.
- God asks the rhetorical question, "Is my hand to short to redeem?" "Have I no power to deliver?"
- He then answers these obviously leading questions, by saying the seas dry up when He rebukes them, and He can make the heavens black.
- Isaiah says that God has given him a "tongue of those who are taught" so that he can sustain the weary and hear those who are taught.
- Because God opened Isaiah's ear he didn't turn away or rebel.
- Instead Isaiah's response has been giving his back to a beating and his cheek to have his beard pulled out.
- He didn't hide his face from disgrace or spitting.
- Isaiah's response = seeing the Lord helps Him, so he hasn't really been disgraced and can't really be put to shame.
- Isaiah knows the "he who vindicates me is near"
- Isaiah knows that as long as God is with him, no one can really declare him guilty or contend with him.
- His adversaries will wear out like an old piece of clothing.
- Isaiah asks who fears God and obeys Isaiah's voice.
- Isaiah tells those walking in darkness to trust in the Lord and rely on his God.
- Why does Isaiah say "trust in his God"? Is he referring to Christ or himself?
- Those who light their own torches and walk by their own torches light will lie down in torment.
- Isaiah shows an amazing faith in God through his own trials. He can see that as long as God is for him, no one can truly be against him. Wow!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Deuteronomy 29 & Isaiah 49
Deuteronomy 29
- This section tells God’s covenant with the people while they were in Moab in addition to the covenant He made with them at Horeb.
- Moses gathered the people and reminded them of all that the Lord did for them in Egypt
- But until now God hadn’t given them eyes and ears to see or hear.
- Moses simply led them 40 years in the wilderness.
- For 40 years their sandals hadn’t worn out, the hadn’t ate bread or drunk wine so that they’d know He is God.
- Moses reminds them how they defeated Sihon and Og in Heshbon and Bashan.
- They gave that land to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manassites.
- Moses tells them to keep their work they made then so they will prosper.
- Moses reminds them why EVERYONE is gathered (husbands, wives, kids, sojourners, elders, servants, etc…)
- They are there to make a sworn covenant with God that they might be His people as God promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
- God is making a covenant with everyone there today and with whomever is not there as well.
- Moses reminds them how the left Egypt and passed through many nations
- He reminds them of the detestable things and idols they saw
- God warns them to beware lest there be a root a poison and bitter fruit spring up.
- God warns the man who hears the words of the covenant and says he will be safe even though He walks in the “stubbornness” of His own heart.
- What does God mean when He says “this will lead to the sweeping away of moist and dry alike?”
- God will not forgive that man but God’s anger will burn against him and the curses of Deuteronomy will settle against him.
- God will also blot out that man’s name.
- Moses refers to Deuteronomy as “The Book of the Law”
- Foreigners and that man’s children will see the sickness and affliction of that man’s land, like Sodom and Gomorrah, and wonder why God had done that.
- They will wonder what caused God’s anger to heat up so much.
- That man’s neighbors will tell people that it is like that because that man abandoned God’s covenant and served other gods.
- Serving other gods brought the curses of Deuteronomy upon the land.
- They kindled God’s wrath, fury, anger (3 words for the same thing in one sentence)
- “The secret things” belong to God, but things revealed in Deuteronomy belong to us and our children forever.
Isaiah 49
- It starts by says Ah Ariel, Ariel where David encamped
- Where is Ariel?
- God will distress her and make her an Ariel (which can also mean altar hearth, lion of God, or hero)
- God will lay siege to Ariel.
- They will be bowed down and speak from the dust
- The multitude of their foreign foes will be like small dust
- Is this a good or a bad thing?
- God will visit them quickly bringing earthquakes, whirlwinds, and fire
- Those fighting against Ariel will be like a dream like a hungry man dreaming of food and waking up hungry.
- Again is this a blessing or a curse?
- Ariel will be drunk and stagger but not with strong drink
- The Lord has poured a spirit of deep sleep upon them and closed their eyes (prophets) and their heads (the seers).
- It will be for them like giving a sealed book to a man who can read or an unsealed book to a man who cannot read.
- That is because the people draw near to God with words and their lips but keep their hearts far from God.
- Their fear of God is from a commandment taught by men.
- Therefore God will again do great wonders and the wisdom of the wise and discerning will perish.
- God speaks to people who think their “dark deeds” are hidden and no one sees them, but God does.
- They turn things upside down which is like the clay telling the potter he didn’t make them or have any understanding.
- Soon Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field (It was a great forest at this time)
- The fruitful field shall be like a forest
- The blind will see and the deaf hear
- The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord and the poor shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.
- God will cut off all who do evil and the ruthless.
- The scoffer has been making wrong accusations against him who is right.
- God speaks directly to the house of Jacob and tells them that they shall no longer be ashamed
- They will again sanctify God’s name when they see their children working.
- They will again stand in awe of God.
- Those who go astray in spirit will again come to understanding and those who murmur will accept instruction
- This section tells God’s covenant with the people while they were in Moab in addition to the covenant He made with them at Horeb.
- Moses gathered the people and reminded them of all that the Lord did for them in Egypt
- But until now God hadn’t given them eyes and ears to see or hear.
- Moses simply led them 40 years in the wilderness.
- For 40 years their sandals hadn’t worn out, the hadn’t ate bread or drunk wine so that they’d know He is God.
- Moses reminds them how they defeated Sihon and Og in Heshbon and Bashan.
- They gave that land to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manassites.
- Moses tells them to keep their work they made then so they will prosper.
- Moses reminds them why EVERYONE is gathered (husbands, wives, kids, sojourners, elders, servants, etc…)
- They are there to make a sworn covenant with God that they might be His people as God promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
- God is making a covenant with everyone there today and with whomever is not there as well.
- Moses reminds them how the left Egypt and passed through many nations
- He reminds them of the detestable things and idols they saw
- God warns them to beware lest there be a root a poison and bitter fruit spring up.
- God warns the man who hears the words of the covenant and says he will be safe even though He walks in the “stubbornness” of His own heart.
- What does God mean when He says “this will lead to the sweeping away of moist and dry alike?”
- God will not forgive that man but God’s anger will burn against him and the curses of Deuteronomy will settle against him.
- God will also blot out that man’s name.
- Moses refers to Deuteronomy as “The Book of the Law”
- Foreigners and that man’s children will see the sickness and affliction of that man’s land, like Sodom and Gomorrah, and wonder why God had done that.
- They will wonder what caused God’s anger to heat up so much.
- That man’s neighbors will tell people that it is like that because that man abandoned God’s covenant and served other gods.
- Serving other gods brought the curses of Deuteronomy upon the land.
- They kindled God’s wrath, fury, anger (3 words for the same thing in one sentence)
- “The secret things” belong to God, but things revealed in Deuteronomy belong to us and our children forever.
Isaiah 49
- It starts by says Ah Ariel, Ariel where David encamped
- Where is Ariel?
- God will distress her and make her an Ariel (which can also mean altar hearth, lion of God, or hero)
- God will lay siege to Ariel.
- They will be bowed down and speak from the dust
- The multitude of their foreign foes will be like small dust
- Is this a good or a bad thing?
- God will visit them quickly bringing earthquakes, whirlwinds, and fire
- Those fighting against Ariel will be like a dream like a hungry man dreaming of food and waking up hungry.
- Again is this a blessing or a curse?
- Ariel will be drunk and stagger but not with strong drink
- The Lord has poured a spirit of deep sleep upon them and closed their eyes (prophets) and their heads (the seers).
- It will be for them like giving a sealed book to a man who can read or an unsealed book to a man who cannot read.
- That is because the people draw near to God with words and their lips but keep their hearts far from God.
- Their fear of God is from a commandment taught by men.
- Therefore God will again do great wonders and the wisdom of the wise and discerning will perish.
- God speaks to people who think their “dark deeds” are hidden and no one sees them, but God does.
- They turn things upside down which is like the clay telling the potter he didn’t make them or have any understanding.
- Soon Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field (It was a great forest at this time)
- The fruitful field shall be like a forest
- The blind will see and the deaf hear
- The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord and the poor shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.
- God will cut off all who do evil and the ruthless.
- The scoffer has been making wrong accusations against him who is right.
- God speaks directly to the house of Jacob and tells them that they shall no longer be ashamed
- They will again sanctify God’s name when they see their children working.
- They will again stand in awe of God.
- Those who go astray in spirit will again come to understanding and those who murmur will accept instruction
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Deuteronomy 28 & Isaiah 48
Deuteronomy 28
- If the are faithful to obey God's commandments, God will rise them above all nations.
- They shall be blessed for listening to God's voice in many ways:
1) Your cities and fields.
2) Fruits of womb, fields, and cattle.
3) Your basket and kneading bowl.
4) When they come in and go out.
5) Enemies who rise against them will be defeated (come one way, flee 7 ways).
6) In your barns and undertakings
7) established as a people holy to God.
8) All other people will see they are God's people.
- God will make others fear them and will abound them in prosperity.
- God will open "His good treasury" the heavens and give their land water
- Israel shall lend to other nations but NOT borrow
- God will make Israel the head not the tail.
- It says similar phrases about "if you obey God's commandments, then..." 5 times in this section.
- The last "if, then" phrase throws if you obey God and don't serve other gods
- The next section starts off with more curses if they don't obey God's commands
- List of Curses:
1) Cursed be cities and fields
2) Cursed be basket and kneading bowl
3) Cursed be fruit of wombs, ground, and herds
4) Cursed coming in and going out.
- Confusion and frustration in all undertakings - they will be destroyed and perish for forsaking God.
- pestilence will stick to them
- God will strike them with wasting disease, fever, fiery heat, drought, blight, and mildew
- The sun shall bake the earth so it's hard as iron.
- Their will be no rain
- Their enemies will defeat them.
- They shall come in one way and flee their enemies 7 ways.
- They shall be a horror to all nations.
- God will strike them with boils, tumors, scabs and unhealable itch.
- God will strike them with blindness, confusion, and madness.
- They shall be opressed and robbed continually with no help.
- They will have a wife who will be ravished by another.
- They will build a house but not live in it.
- Their cattle, donkeys, sheep, and children will be taken away by others.
- An unknown nation will rise against them and crush and oppress them continually.
- Under a new king they will serve gods of wood and Israel will become a horror, a byword, and a proverb to other people and they will be led away.
- They will plant much seed only to be eaten by locusts.
- They will plant vineyard but only worms shall drink of the grapes.
- Their olives will drop off and the crickets will eat their fruit.
- The sojourner will be raised up and they will be brought low.
- The sojourner will lend to them and become the head. They will be the tail.
- Moses repeats that these curses will overtake them because they did not serve the Lord.
- The curses will be a sign to them and their children forever.
- They will serve their enemies because they didn't serve God with "joyfulness and gladness of heart".
- God will destroy them by putting a yoke of iron on them.
- God will send an unknown nation to attack them like an eagle.
- This new nation will take everything they have and kill their children as well.
- They will even tear down the high walls that the Israelites trust in.
- - During the siege the most tender man will not share the flesh of his children with his wife.
- His tender wife will not share the afterbirth she eats during the distress of the siege.
- These things will happen if Israel does not fear “the glorious and awesome name, the Lord your God.
- If they don’t, their children will be plagued by disease and severe affliction, all the diseases of Egypt that they feared.
- God will even bring every unknown disease against them.
- They are numerous like the stars but will then be few in number.
- He takes delight in doing good to Israel but He will delight in destroying them and seeing them come to ruin.
- God will scatter them across the earth, where they will serve other gods which they have never known.
- There they will find no resting place and their hearts will tremble and have a “languishing soul”.
- They will dread every day with no assurance of life.
- Because of the dread and what their eyes see they will say, in the morning “if only it were evening” and in the evening “if only it were morning.”
- They will be shipped back to Egypt which God promised they shall never do.
- There they will sell themselves as slaves, but no one will buy them.
Isaiah 48
- If the are faithful to obey God's commandments, God will rise them above all nations.
- They shall be blessed for listening to God's voice in many ways:
1) Your cities and fields.
2) Fruits of womb, fields, and cattle.
3) Your basket and kneading bowl.
4) When they come in and go out.
5) Enemies who rise against them will be defeated (come one way, flee 7 ways).
6) In your barns and undertakings
7) established as a people holy to God.
8) All other people will see they are God's people.
- God will make others fear them and will abound them in prosperity.
- God will open "His good treasury" the heavens and give their land water
- Israel shall lend to other nations but NOT borrow
- God will make Israel the head not the tail.
- It says similar phrases about "if you obey God's commandments, then..." 5 times in this section.
- The last "if, then" phrase throws if you obey God and don't serve other gods
- The next section starts off with more curses if they don't obey God's commands
- List of Curses:
1) Cursed be cities and fields
2) Cursed be basket and kneading bowl
3) Cursed be fruit of wombs, ground, and herds
4) Cursed coming in and going out.
- Confusion and frustration in all undertakings - they will be destroyed and perish for forsaking God.
- pestilence will stick to them
- God will strike them with wasting disease, fever, fiery heat, drought, blight, and mildew
- The sun shall bake the earth so it's hard as iron.
- Their will be no rain
- Their enemies will defeat them.
- They shall come in one way and flee their enemies 7 ways.
- They shall be a horror to all nations.
- God will strike them with boils, tumors, scabs and unhealable itch.
- God will strike them with blindness, confusion, and madness.
- They shall be opressed and robbed continually with no help.
- They will have a wife who will be ravished by another.
- They will build a house but not live in it.
- Their cattle, donkeys, sheep, and children will be taken away by others.
- An unknown nation will rise against them and crush and oppress them continually.
- Under a new king they will serve gods of wood and Israel will become a horror, a byword, and a proverb to other people and they will be led away.
- They will plant much seed only to be eaten by locusts.
- They will plant vineyard but only worms shall drink of the grapes.
- Their olives will drop off and the crickets will eat their fruit.
- The sojourner will be raised up and they will be brought low.
- The sojourner will lend to them and become the head. They will be the tail.
- Moses repeats that these curses will overtake them because they did not serve the Lord.
- The curses will be a sign to them and their children forever.
- They will serve their enemies because they didn't serve God with "joyfulness and gladness of heart".
- God will destroy them by putting a yoke of iron on them.
- God will send an unknown nation to attack them like an eagle.
- This new nation will take everything they have and kill their children as well.
- They will even tear down the high walls that the Israelites trust in.
- - During the siege the most tender man will not share the flesh of his children with his wife.
- His tender wife will not share the afterbirth she eats during the distress of the siege.
- These things will happen if Israel does not fear “the glorious and awesome name, the Lord your God.
- If they don’t, their children will be plagued by disease and severe affliction, all the diseases of Egypt that they feared.
- God will even bring every unknown disease against them.
- They are numerous like the stars but will then be few in number.
- He takes delight in doing good to Israel but He will delight in destroying them and seeing them come to ruin.
- God will scatter them across the earth, where they will serve other gods which they have never known.
- There they will find no resting place and their hearts will tremble and have a “languishing soul”.
- They will dread every day with no assurance of life.
- Because of the dread and what their eyes see they will say, in the morning “if only it were evening” and in the evening “if only it were morning.”
- They will be shipped back to Egypt which God promised they shall never do.
- There they will sell themselves as slaves, but no one will buy them.
Isaiah 48
- God is calling out to Judah and Israel who confess God but not in truth or right
- The call themselves after God's holy city
- God reminds them of the former things He announced to them that happened as He said they would.
- He told them what would happen before it took place because He knew they were an obstinate people.
- God told things to them in advance so they couldn't say their iodls did those things.
- God tells them to listen up because He is declaring new things that will take place.
- God has created things now before today that they have never heard of so they couldn't say they knew this or that.
- What things was God referring to that He had recent;y made but not long ago?
- God says even long ago their ears were not opened.
- God said that He knew they would deal treacherously and were rebels from birth.
- God deferred His anger for His name's sake and for the sake of His praise.
- That is why He didn't cut them off.
- God has refined and tried them in the "furnace of affliction"
- God says "For my own sake" (twice) and that He won't give His glory to another.
- God tells Israel to listen to Him because he is the first and the last and Hid hands laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens.
- When he calls them heaven and earth stand together.
- The Lord loves them (Israel) and will be against Babylon and the Chaldeans
- God has called him and he will prosper
- God reminds them that He is not speaking in secret and has been there from the beginning.
- God has sent me (Isaiah?) and his Spirit
- God is their God and teaches them how to profit and the way they should go.
- If only they had listened to God and obeyed His commandments there would have been peace like a river and righteousness like the waves of the sea.
- Their offerings and descendents would have been like grains of sand and their name would never have been cut off.
- They should shout for joy because God has proclaimed that He will redeem His people.
- He reminds them that God provided them water from a rock in the desert
- This section closes with this statement, "Thereis no peace," says the Lord, "for the wicked."
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Deuteronomy 27 & Isaiah 47
Deuteronomy 27
- God commanded them to set up lager stones when they cross the Jordan River and plaster them.
- They should write all the words of "this" law on the plastered stones.
- The land will be flowing with milk and honey as God promised.
- They shall also set up stones on Mount Ebal and plaster them with plaster as well.
- On Mount Ebal they shall make an altar, but shouldn't use any iron tool to build it.
- The altar shall be built of uncut stones.
- They will offer burnt and peace offerings there and eat there and rejoice there before God.
- They shall also write the words of the law on those stones.
- Moses and Levitical priests to Israelites to be quiet and listen because they have now become a people of God, so they need to obey God's commandments and statutes.
- Weren't they already God's people before this day being discussed?
- Moses charged the people to stand on Mount Gerizim and bless people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin.
- These shall go to Mount Ebal and curse people: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
- Why do the Levites lift up and curse when they are in the "to bless group"?
- Curses listed:
1) Anyone who dishonors their parents
2) Anyone who moves his neighbors markers
3) Anyone who misleads the blind
4) Anyone who perverts justice due sojourner, fatherless, or widow.
5) Anyone who lies with his father's wife.
6) Anyone who lies with an animal.
7) Anyone who lies with his sister (either his mother or father's daughter)
8) Anyone who lies with his mother-in-law
9) Anyone who strikes down his neighbor in secret
10) Anyone who doesn't confirm all words of the law.
Isaiah 47
- Starts off by calling virgin daughter of Babylon to sit in the dust.
- They shall no longer be called delicate and tender but will be stripped naked.
- Everyone will see their disgrace and God will spare no one.
- God is Our Redeemer and the Holy One of Israel.
- The Chaldeans shall no longer be the "mistress of kingdoms".
- God was angry with His inheritance (Israel) and gave them into Babylon's hands.
- God tells them to listen, because they are calling themselves "I am, and there is no other besides me" (basically claiming they are God)
- God says two things will come to Babylon in a moment
1) the loss of children
2) widowhood
- both things will come despite the attempts from sorcery and great powers to stop it.
- They felt secure in their wickedness and again thought they were God.
- Evil will come upon them and ruin will come upon them suddenly.
- God tells them to keep trying their enchantments and sorceries (Mocking them?)
- They are weary with my counsels and God tells them to let their star gazers save them.
- They are like stubble burned with fire and cannot deliver themselves.
- God ends this chapter by saying their is no one who can save them.
- God commanded them to set up lager stones when they cross the Jordan River and plaster them.
- They should write all the words of "this" law on the plastered stones.
- The land will be flowing with milk and honey as God promised.
- They shall also set up stones on Mount Ebal and plaster them with plaster as well.
- On Mount Ebal they shall make an altar, but shouldn't use any iron tool to build it.
- The altar shall be built of uncut stones.
- They will offer burnt and peace offerings there and eat there and rejoice there before God.
- They shall also write the words of the law on those stones.
- Moses and Levitical priests to Israelites to be quiet and listen because they have now become a people of God, so they need to obey God's commandments and statutes.
- Weren't they already God's people before this day being discussed?
- Moses charged the people to stand on Mount Gerizim and bless people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin.
- These shall go to Mount Ebal and curse people: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
- Why do the Levites lift up and curse when they are in the "to bless group"?
- Curses listed:
1) Anyone who dishonors their parents
2) Anyone who moves his neighbors markers
3) Anyone who misleads the blind
4) Anyone who perverts justice due sojourner, fatherless, or widow.
5) Anyone who lies with his father's wife.
6) Anyone who lies with an animal.
7) Anyone who lies with his sister (either his mother or father's daughter)
8) Anyone who lies with his mother-in-law
9) Anyone who strikes down his neighbor in secret
10) Anyone who doesn't confirm all words of the law.
Isaiah 47
- Starts off by calling virgin daughter of Babylon to sit in the dust.
- They shall no longer be called delicate and tender but will be stripped naked.
- Everyone will see their disgrace and God will spare no one.
- God is Our Redeemer and the Holy One of Israel.
- The Chaldeans shall no longer be the "mistress of kingdoms".
- God was angry with His inheritance (Israel) and gave them into Babylon's hands.
- God tells them to listen, because they are calling themselves "I am, and there is no other besides me" (basically claiming they are God)
- God says two things will come to Babylon in a moment
1) the loss of children
2) widowhood
- both things will come despite the attempts from sorcery and great powers to stop it.
- They felt secure in their wickedness and again thought they were God.
- Evil will come upon them and ruin will come upon them suddenly.
- God tells them to keep trying their enchantments and sorceries (Mocking them?)
- They are weary with my counsels and God tells them to let their star gazers save them.
- They are like stubble burned with fire and cannot deliver themselves.
- God ends this chapter by saying their is no one who can save them.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Deuteronomy 26 & Isaiah 46
Deuteronomy 26
- During first harvest in the new land, they shall some some of the first fruits in a basket to a place God will choose to make His name dwell there.
- They should go to the priest in office and say they have come into the land the Lord swore to their fathers.
- The priest will place the basket before the altar.
- Moses gives them the following to recite to remember where they came from, "A wandering Aramean was my father. And he went down into Egypt and sojourned there, few in number, and there he became a nation, great, mighty, and populous. Then Egypt treated us harshly and humiliated them with hard labor."
- That's when the Israelites cried out to God and God heard them and brought them out of Egypt.
- God reminds them He brought them out of Egypt with "great deeds of terror", signs, and wonders.
- God gave them this "milk and honey flowing" land.
- That's why they are giving God their first fruits.
- They should set it down and worship the Lord and rejoice in all the good God has given to you and your house.
- In the 3rd year they should give their tithe of produce to the Levite, sojourner, fatherless, and widow so they can eat within their towns.
- Then they shall say before God that they have removed the "sacred portion" and given it to the needy according to God's commands.
- They should say they have not transgressed or forgotten any of God's commands or eaten the tithe while mourning or being unclean.
- It says they have kept all commandments a second time.
- They should ask God to look down from His "holy habitation" in heaven and bless Israel and the ground He has given them.
- Moses reminds them that they should be careful to do God's commandments with all their heart and soul. (echoed by Jesus in greatest commandment speech)
- They have declared God is their God and they will walk in His ways, follow His commands, and listen to His voice
- God declares this day that they are His treasured people and He will set them in fame high above all other nations in honor.
- They shall be His holy people and He had promised.
Isaiah 46
- Bel and Nebo will bow down.
- Their idols will weary their beasts.
- Their idols cannot save the burden and they go into captivity.
- God calls out to the house of Jacob to listen to Him.
- He carried them in the womb, and will carry them to old age.
- He will carry and save them.
- God asks them who His equal is.
- The wealthy people hire a goldsmith to make an idol that they can worship.
- They carry the idol home and put it in its place, but it can't move.
- It cannot answer them or save them from trouble
- God tells them to remember the things of old.
- There is no one like God.
- He knows the end from the beginning and ancient times from things not yet done (the future)
- God's counsel will stand and He will accomplish His purpose.
- God can call a bird or a man of counsel from far places.
- If God says it, it will happen.
- God tells those "stubborn of heart" and "far from righteousness" to listen to Him
- God's salvation will not delay.
- Salvation is in Zion and His glory in Israel.
- During first harvest in the new land, they shall some some of the first fruits in a basket to a place God will choose to make His name dwell there.
- They should go to the priest in office and say they have come into the land the Lord swore to their fathers.
- The priest will place the basket before the altar.
- Moses gives them the following to recite to remember where they came from, "A wandering Aramean was my father. And he went down into Egypt and sojourned there, few in number, and there he became a nation, great, mighty, and populous. Then Egypt treated us harshly and humiliated them with hard labor."
- That's when the Israelites cried out to God and God heard them and brought them out of Egypt.
- God reminds them He brought them out of Egypt with "great deeds of terror", signs, and wonders.
- God gave them this "milk and honey flowing" land.
- That's why they are giving God their first fruits.
- They should set it down and worship the Lord and rejoice in all the good God has given to you and your house.
- In the 3rd year they should give their tithe of produce to the Levite, sojourner, fatherless, and widow so they can eat within their towns.
- Then they shall say before God that they have removed the "sacred portion" and given it to the needy according to God's commands.
- They should say they have not transgressed or forgotten any of God's commands or eaten the tithe while mourning or being unclean.
- It says they have kept all commandments a second time.
- They should ask God to look down from His "holy habitation" in heaven and bless Israel and the ground He has given them.
- Moses reminds them that they should be careful to do God's commandments with all their heart and soul. (echoed by Jesus in greatest commandment speech)
- They have declared God is their God and they will walk in His ways, follow His commands, and listen to His voice
- God declares this day that they are His treasured people and He will set them in fame high above all other nations in honor.
- They shall be His holy people and He had promised.
Isaiah 46
- Bel and Nebo will bow down.
- Their idols will weary their beasts.
- Their idols cannot save the burden and they go into captivity.
- God calls out to the house of Jacob to listen to Him.
- He carried them in the womb, and will carry them to old age.
- He will carry and save them.
- God asks them who His equal is.
- The wealthy people hire a goldsmith to make an idol that they can worship.
- They carry the idol home and put it in its place, but it can't move.
- It cannot answer them or save them from trouble
- God tells them to remember the things of old.
- There is no one like God.
- He knows the end from the beginning and ancient times from things not yet done (the future)
- God's counsel will stand and He will accomplish His purpose.
- God can call a bird or a man of counsel from far places.
- If God says it, it will happen.
- God tells those "stubborn of heart" and "far from righteousness" to listen to Him
- God's salvation will not delay.
- Salvation is in Zion and His glory in Israel.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Deuteronomy 25 & Isaiah 45
Deuteronomy 25
- @ men come into court before the judge, the innocent is acquitted and the guilty will lie down and be beaten with a number of stripes proportionate to his offense.
- 40 stripes is the number, any more would degrade your brother
- If 2 brother live together and one dies, the second shall take his wife and be a husband's brother to her.
- The first son born will receive the dead husband's name, so his name is not blotted out.
- If the second brother doesn't want to take the wife, she shall go to the elders and say that the brother refuses to perform the duty of the husband's brother.
- The elders will call the second brother and if he still refuses the wife shall remove his sandal and spit in his face.
- She will also say, " So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother's house"
- The second brother's house shall be known as "the house of him who had his sandal pulled off" in Israel.
- If a women is protecting her husband in a fight and grabs the attackers private parts, her hand shall be cut off.
- What does it mean about not have a large and small weight in their bags?
- They should only have a fair weight and fair measure.
- This will ensure their days are long in the land God is giving them.
- All who act dishonestly are an abomination to God.
- Moses reminds them of King Amalek, who attacked them when they were tired.
- He cut off their "tail" those lagging behind"
- So when God gives Israel rest from its enemies they shall blot out the memory of Amalek and not forget.
Isaiah 45
- Cyrus is labeled as "God's instrument"
- The Lord has grasped Cyrus' hand and is using it to subdue nations, overthrow kings, and level exalted places (mountains)
- God will give them treasures of darkness that they might know it is the Lord.
- He calls them for the sake of Jacob, Israel
- He knows them even though they don't know Him.
- God says there is no God besides Him and He will equip them even though they don't know Him.
- people will know Him from the east (rising of the sun) and from the west
- God does all things; creates light and darkness, well being and calamity
- He tells the clouds to rain down righteousness.
- The earth will open to bear salvation and fruit of righteousness.
- Woe to those who strive against God who made them.
- The clay doesn't question the one forming it.
- Woe also to those who ask a father what he's begetting or a women what their in labor with.
- So it is with those who question God about His children or the work of His hands.
- God created the earth, man, and the heavens.
- God stirred up righteousness in the man and will level his ways so they can build cities.
- He will set the exiles free.
- Men of stature, Egypt, Cush, Sabea, will come and bow down to them in chains.
- Then even they will see God is in His people and there is no other god.
- God is a god who hides Himself but is the Savior
- The makers of idols go into confusion and will be put to shame for all eternity.
- The Lord created the heavens (he is God!) who formed the earth (he established life on it and didn't leave it empty)
- God did not speak in darkness or in vain.
- God speaks in truth and declares what is right.
- The survivors should draw near together.
- They have no knowledge, those who carry around wooden idols that cannot save.
- They should present their case (about God?)
- God is righteous and a Savior.
- God tells "the ends of the earth" to turn to Him (not just Israel.)
- God has sworn by Himself, that His word has gone out and "every knee shall bow every tongue swear allegiance"
- Shame will come to those against Him.
- All offspring of Israel shall be justified and glory in the Lord.
- @ men come into court before the judge, the innocent is acquitted and the guilty will lie down and be beaten with a number of stripes proportionate to his offense.
- 40 stripes is the number, any more would degrade your brother
- If 2 brother live together and one dies, the second shall take his wife and be a husband's brother to her.
- The first son born will receive the dead husband's name, so his name is not blotted out.
- If the second brother doesn't want to take the wife, she shall go to the elders and say that the brother refuses to perform the duty of the husband's brother.
- The elders will call the second brother and if he still refuses the wife shall remove his sandal and spit in his face.
- She will also say, " So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother's house"
- The second brother's house shall be known as "the house of him who had his sandal pulled off" in Israel.
- If a women is protecting her husband in a fight and grabs the attackers private parts, her hand shall be cut off.
- What does it mean about not have a large and small weight in their bags?
- They should only have a fair weight and fair measure.
- This will ensure their days are long in the land God is giving them.
- All who act dishonestly are an abomination to God.
- Moses reminds them of King Amalek, who attacked them when they were tired.
- He cut off their "tail" those lagging behind"
- So when God gives Israel rest from its enemies they shall blot out the memory of Amalek and not forget.
Isaiah 45
- Cyrus is labeled as "God's instrument"
- The Lord has grasped Cyrus' hand and is using it to subdue nations, overthrow kings, and level exalted places (mountains)
- God will give them treasures of darkness that they might know it is the Lord.
- He calls them for the sake of Jacob, Israel
- He knows them even though they don't know Him.
- God says there is no God besides Him and He will equip them even though they don't know Him.
- people will know Him from the east (rising of the sun) and from the west
- God does all things; creates light and darkness, well being and calamity
- He tells the clouds to rain down righteousness.
- The earth will open to bear salvation and fruit of righteousness.
- Woe to those who strive against God who made them.
- The clay doesn't question the one forming it.
- Woe also to those who ask a father what he's begetting or a women what their in labor with.
- So it is with those who question God about His children or the work of His hands.
- God created the earth, man, and the heavens.
- God stirred up righteousness in the man and will level his ways so they can build cities.
- He will set the exiles free.
- Men of stature, Egypt, Cush, Sabea, will come and bow down to them in chains.
- Then even they will see God is in His people and there is no other god.
- God is a god who hides Himself but is the Savior
- The makers of idols go into confusion and will be put to shame for all eternity.
- The Lord created the heavens (he is God!) who formed the earth (he established life on it and didn't leave it empty)
- God did not speak in darkness or in vain.
- God speaks in truth and declares what is right.
- The survivors should draw near together.
- They have no knowledge, those who carry around wooden idols that cannot save.
- They should present their case (about God?)
- God is righteous and a Savior.
- God tells "the ends of the earth" to turn to Him (not just Israel.)
- God has sworn by Himself, that His word has gone out and "every knee shall bow every tongue swear allegiance"
- Shame will come to those against Him.
- All offspring of Israel shall be justified and glory in the Lord.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Deuteronomy 24 & Isaiah 44
Deuteronomy 24
- This law addresses divorce
- if a man finds some indecency with a wife he may write her a certificate of divorce and send her out.
- if she remarries and the second husband divorces her or dies, the first husband may NOT take her back because she has been defiled.
- Isn't the woman allowed to remarry if her husband dies?
- The Israelites were not to bring any sin into the new land of inheritance.
- A man shall be free to be happy with his wife for one year and can't be in the army or public duty.
- No one shall take a millstone or upper millstone in a pledge (it's like taking a life).
- If anyone steals his brothers and sells him into slavery he shall die (like Joseph's brothers).
- Be careful to listen to the priests when someone has leprosy (Miriam is given as a reminder).
- You shall not go into a house to collect a pledge but wait outside.
- If the pledger is poor you shouldn't sleep in his pledge but restore it to him before the sun sets so he might sleep and it be counted as righteousness to you.
- Don't oppress a hired worker who is poor, but pay him on the same day because he needs it and so he won't cry out to God against you.
- Fathers shall not be put to death because of kids or vis versa, but each for his own sin
- What about the "you shall be punished to the fifth generation" etc...?
- Do not pervert justice for the fatherless, widow, or sojourner but remember you were a slave in Egypt and God redeemed you.
- Also in remembrance of being a slave in Egypt they shouldn't return to fields for a sheaf, or check over olive trees twice, or strip the grape vines, but should leave them for the fatherless, widow, and sojourner.
Isaiah 44
- God reminds them He formed them in the womb and will help them.
- Who is Jeshurun?
- God will pour water on dry land.
- He will pour His spirit on Israel's offspring and blessing on their descendants.
- Their children will write God's name on their hands and call themselves "the Lord's"
- God's names; King of Israel, Redeemer, Lord of hosts, first and the last.
- There is NO god besides God.
- God asks if there is anyone besides Him who can declare what will happen.
- God tells them not to fear because they were His from of old and He doesn't know of any other "Rock."
- All idol makers and idols are nothing.
- God will put them to shame and they will be terrified.
- The ironsmith fashions it over hot coals but gets hungry and thirsty and feels faint.
- A carpenter shapes the would to look like a man and cuts down cedar trees and other strong trees.
- The rain grows the tree and the man uses some wood for a fire to make bread and the other wood to make an idol.
- Then he falls down before the idol he made and worships it.
- It repeats the previous 2 statements.
- He cannot discern or understand the absurdity of using the same wood to cook a meal on that he uses to make an idol to worship.
- God will not forget Israel His people.
- He has blotted out their sins like a cloud or a mist.
- God tells them to return to Him because He has redeemed them.
- The heavens, earth, mountain, and trees sing out because God has redeemed Jacob and glorified in Israel.
- It again mentions God formed them in the womb.
- He reminds them He made all things;heaven and earth by Himself.
- He makes fools of diviners, liars, and makes their knowledge foolishness.
- God confirms words of His servants and messengers
- God will raise up ruins in Jerusalem and dry up rivers and will say to Cyrus that Jerusalem shall be rebuilt and her foundation be laid.
- This law addresses divorce
- if a man finds some indecency with a wife he may write her a certificate of divorce and send her out.
- if she remarries and the second husband divorces her or dies, the first husband may NOT take her back because she has been defiled.
- Isn't the woman allowed to remarry if her husband dies?
- The Israelites were not to bring any sin into the new land of inheritance.
- A man shall be free to be happy with his wife for one year and can't be in the army or public duty.
- No one shall take a millstone or upper millstone in a pledge (it's like taking a life).
- If anyone steals his brothers and sells him into slavery he shall die (like Joseph's brothers).
- Be careful to listen to the priests when someone has leprosy (Miriam is given as a reminder).
- You shall not go into a house to collect a pledge but wait outside.
- If the pledger is poor you shouldn't sleep in his pledge but restore it to him before the sun sets so he might sleep and it be counted as righteousness to you.
- Don't oppress a hired worker who is poor, but pay him on the same day because he needs it and so he won't cry out to God against you.
- Fathers shall not be put to death because of kids or vis versa, but each for his own sin
- What about the "you shall be punished to the fifth generation" etc...?
- Do not pervert justice for the fatherless, widow, or sojourner but remember you were a slave in Egypt and God redeemed you.
- Also in remembrance of being a slave in Egypt they shouldn't return to fields for a sheaf, or check over olive trees twice, or strip the grape vines, but should leave them for the fatherless, widow, and sojourner.
Isaiah 44
- God reminds them He formed them in the womb and will help them.
- Who is Jeshurun?
- God will pour water on dry land.
- He will pour His spirit on Israel's offspring and blessing on their descendants.
- Their children will write God's name on their hands and call themselves "the Lord's"
- God's names; King of Israel, Redeemer, Lord of hosts, first and the last.
- There is NO god besides God.
- God asks if there is anyone besides Him who can declare what will happen.
- God tells them not to fear because they were His from of old and He doesn't know of any other "Rock."
- All idol makers and idols are nothing.
- God will put them to shame and they will be terrified.
- The ironsmith fashions it over hot coals but gets hungry and thirsty and feels faint.
- A carpenter shapes the would to look like a man and cuts down cedar trees and other strong trees.
- The rain grows the tree and the man uses some wood for a fire to make bread and the other wood to make an idol.
- Then he falls down before the idol he made and worships it.
- It repeats the previous 2 statements.
- He cannot discern or understand the absurdity of using the same wood to cook a meal on that he uses to make an idol to worship.
- God will not forget Israel His people.
- He has blotted out their sins like a cloud or a mist.
- God tells them to return to Him because He has redeemed them.
- The heavens, earth, mountain, and trees sing out because God has redeemed Jacob and glorified in Israel.
- It again mentions God formed them in the womb.
- He reminds them He made all things;heaven and earth by Himself.
- He makes fools of diviners, liars, and makes their knowledge foolishness.
- God confirms words of His servants and messengers
- God will raise up ruins in Jerusalem and dry up rivers and will say to Cyrus that Jerusalem shall be rebuilt and her foundation be laid.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Deuteronomy 23 & Isaiah 43
Deuteronomy 23
- A List of people not allowed to enter the assembly of the Lord
1) Man with crushed testicles or "male organ" cut off
2) No one born of forbidden union (even to the 10th generation decedents)
3) No Ammonite or Moabite (even to the 10th generation)
- they are excluded because they didn't meet Israel with bread and water when they left Egypt.
- they also hired Balaam against Israel.
- reminds them how God turned Balaam's curse into a blessing
- Israel shall not seek peace or prosperity for either group
4) Edomite first and second generation
- Israel should NOT abhor them because Edomites are their brother and they were sojourners in Egypt
- A List of things that make you Unclean
1) Nocturnal emission
- this man should go outside the camp.
- at evening he shall bathe himself with water and come back at sunset
2) Excrement
- go outside the camp, sit down, dig a hole, and bury it.
- The camp shall be kept clean and holy, so nothing "indecent" should be there that might make God turn away
- Miscellaneous laws
1) You may not return an escaped slave but should keep him with you.
2) Daughters shouldn't become cult prostitutes.
- they shouldn't bring money made from these into house of the Lord.
- both the prostitution and money made from it are an abomination
3) No interest shall be charged to your brother
- you may charge a foreigner interest
-charging brothers interest takes away God's blessing in what they undertake and land they want to possess.
4) Do not delay any vow made to God
- God will require your vow be fulfilled
- If not it is sin
- Not vowing ensures you won't be guilty of sin
- caution - be careful what to do what has passed from your lips because you have vowed voluntarily
5) Eating Neighbors grapes from his vineyard & fields
- you may eat your fill but not take any with you.
- grain - you may pluck ears but not take the sickle to the standing grain
Isaiah 43
- God tells them not to fear because He has redeemed them and they are His.
- He will protect them when they cross rivers and walk through fire.
- Because He is God and their Savior
- Egypt is their ransom
- God loves them and gives men in return for Israel.
- God will gather them up from the east and west, north and south.
- He will bring His "sons and daughters" from the ends of the earth.
- He will call everyone He has called by name for His glory
- God tells people to come and declare what has taken place in the past.
- God says they are his servant whom He has chosen that they might know and understand Him.
- No "god" was made before Him and there will be none after Him either.
- There is no savior besides the Lord.
- No one can be delivered from God's hand.
- God is the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel
- God brings them all down from Babylon; even the Chaldeans.
- God is the Creator your King (God is constantly reminding them of His "labels")
- God quenches chariots and might warriors like a wick.
- Why does God tell them NOT to remember the old things? (v.18)
- He says He is making a new way and asks why they don't see it
- The wild beasts honor God even jackals and ostriches (which are "lower" animals)
- He gives water in the dry wilderness
- His people should declare Him praise
- All these truths and Israel and Jacob still did not call out to God.
- They have not brought offerings or sacrifices before God
- Why would frankincense weary them?
- They also didn't bring God sweet cane or fat from sacrifices.
- Instead the people have burdened God with their sin and iniquities.
- He blots out transgression for His own sake and will not remember their sins. (v.25) Why?
- God tells them to remember Him, set forth a case that they may be proved right. What does He mean by this?
- Your first father (Adam?) sinned and mediators (everyone else) transgressed against God.
- Therefore God will profane their princes, let Jacob be destroyed, and revile Israel.
- A List of people not allowed to enter the assembly of the Lord
1) Man with crushed testicles or "male organ" cut off
2) No one born of forbidden union (even to the 10th generation decedents)
3) No Ammonite or Moabite (even to the 10th generation)
- they are excluded because they didn't meet Israel with bread and water when they left Egypt.
- they also hired Balaam against Israel.
- reminds them how God turned Balaam's curse into a blessing
- Israel shall not seek peace or prosperity for either group
4) Edomite first and second generation
- Israel should NOT abhor them because Edomites are their brother and they were sojourners in Egypt
- A List of things that make you Unclean
1) Nocturnal emission
- this man should go outside the camp.
- at evening he shall bathe himself with water and come back at sunset
2) Excrement
- go outside the camp, sit down, dig a hole, and bury it.
- The camp shall be kept clean and holy, so nothing "indecent" should be there that might make God turn away
- Miscellaneous laws
1) You may not return an escaped slave but should keep him with you.
2) Daughters shouldn't become cult prostitutes.
- they shouldn't bring money made from these into house of the Lord.
- both the prostitution and money made from it are an abomination
3) No interest shall be charged to your brother
- you may charge a foreigner interest
-charging brothers interest takes away God's blessing in what they undertake and land they want to possess.
4) Do not delay any vow made to God
- God will require your vow be fulfilled
- If not it is sin
- Not vowing ensures you won't be guilty of sin
- caution - be careful what to do what has passed from your lips because you have vowed voluntarily
5) Eating Neighbors grapes from his vineyard & fields
- you may eat your fill but not take any with you.
- grain - you may pluck ears but not take the sickle to the standing grain
Isaiah 43
- God tells them not to fear because He has redeemed them and they are His.
- He will protect them when they cross rivers and walk through fire.
- Because He is God and their Savior
- Egypt is their ransom
- God loves them and gives men in return for Israel.
- God will gather them up from the east and west, north and south.
- He will bring His "sons and daughters" from the ends of the earth.
- He will call everyone He has called by name for His glory
- God tells people to come and declare what has taken place in the past.
- God says they are his servant whom He has chosen that they might know and understand Him.
- No "god" was made before Him and there will be none after Him either.
- There is no savior besides the Lord.
- No one can be delivered from God's hand.
- God is the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel
- God brings them all down from Babylon; even the Chaldeans.
- God is the Creator your King (God is constantly reminding them of His "labels")
- God quenches chariots and might warriors like a wick.
- Why does God tell them NOT to remember the old things? (v.18)
- He says He is making a new way and asks why they don't see it
- The wild beasts honor God even jackals and ostriches (which are "lower" animals)
- He gives water in the dry wilderness
- His people should declare Him praise
- All these truths and Israel and Jacob still did not call out to God.
- They have not brought offerings or sacrifices before God
- Why would frankincense weary them?
- They also didn't bring God sweet cane or fat from sacrifices.
- Instead the people have burdened God with their sin and iniquities.
- He blots out transgression for His own sake and will not remember their sins. (v.25) Why?
- God tells them to remember Him, set forth a case that they may be proved right. What does He mean by this?
- Your first father (Adam?) sinned and mediators (everyone else) transgressed against God.
- Therefore God will profane their princes, let Jacob be destroyed, and revile Israel.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Deuteronomy 22 & Isaiah 42
Deuteronomy 22 (mixed laws)
- They shouldn't ignore a brother's animal who goes astray, but shall return it.
- If they don't know whose animal it is they should keep it until their brother comes looking for it
- They should do the same thing with anything belonging to their brother, even clothes.
- If his donkey or ox has fallen, help them up.
- A woman shouldn't wear men's clothes
- A man shouldn't wear women's clothes (both are an abomination)
- They may take the young from a nest, but not the sitting mother.
- If building a roof make a parapet (barrier) so no one falls off the roof.
- They shouldn't sow two seeds in their vineyard (that would "forfeit" the whole yield/ make it holy) How does mixing seeds make the yield holy?
- They should work a donkey and ox together.
- They should mix cloth of wool and linen together.
- There should be tassels at the 4 corners of their garments.
- If a man takes a woman and hates her (because he finds out she is not a virgin he should tell her parents.
- The parents shall seek out the elders and should present a cloak.
- If this happens the man will be whipped and fined 100 shekels of silver for bringing a bad name on a virgin of Israel.
- She should still be his wife and he may not divorce her.
- If she is found guilty she shall be stoned outside her father's house for "whoring" to purge evil.
- If a man is found with another man's wife they shall both be put to death.
- If a man lies with a betrothed woman, they will both be stoned by the gate (the woman for not crying out for help and the man for the actual act)
- If a man seizes a betrothed girl in the country only he shall die. The woman has committed no offense.
- If a man seizes an unbetrothed woman and lies with her he shall give her father 50 shekels of gold and marry her. He may NOT divorce her.
- Taking your father's wife would be like uncovering his nakedness and shouldn't be done. (reference to Noah)
- Why does lying about a wife's virginity carry twice the "fine" as raping a virgin?
Isaiah 42
- God says to behold His servant in whom He delights who will have God's Spirit to bring justice to the nations. (reference to Jesus)
- He will not cry out or break a bruised reed (reference to crucifixion?)
- He will be faithful and not discouraged until He has established justice.
- God, who has created all, has called us in righteousness and will take us by the hand and keep us.
- God will give a covenant/light for His people that will make the blind see and free the prisoners.
- God gives his glory to no one and no idol.
- God is telling them what will happen BEFORE it takes place.
- We should sing a new song to God.
- The desert and cities, people of Kedar and Sela will sing for joy.
- God shows his zeal and might against His foes.
- God has kept His peace and restrained Himself long enough.
- Now He will lay waste to mountains and rivers will be islands (coastlands)
- God will lead the blind to new paths and bring them into the light. He won't forsake them.
- Those who worship idols are turned back and put to shame.
- His servant is blind and His messenger deaf.
- His dedicated one (one at peace with God) is blind
- He sees but doesn't observe, has open ears but doesn't hear (reference to what Jesus told the Pharisees?)
- The Lord was pleased for His righteousness' sake; to magnify His law and make it glorious.
- The people have been plundered and looted.
- God was the one who let Jacob and Israel be looted because of their sin against Him.
- They wouldn't obey His laws, so He poured out His anger on them.
- Still he (Israel) didn't understand or take it to heart.
- They shouldn't ignore a brother's animal who goes astray, but shall return it.
- If they don't know whose animal it is they should keep it until their brother comes looking for it
- They should do the same thing with anything belonging to their brother, even clothes.
- If his donkey or ox has fallen, help them up.
- A woman shouldn't wear men's clothes
- A man shouldn't wear women's clothes (both are an abomination)
- They may take the young from a nest, but not the sitting mother.
- If building a roof make a parapet (barrier) so no one falls off the roof.
- They shouldn't sow two seeds in their vineyard (that would "forfeit" the whole yield/ make it holy) How does mixing seeds make the yield holy?
- They should work a donkey and ox together.
- They should mix cloth of wool and linen together.
- There should be tassels at the 4 corners of their garments.
- If a man takes a woman and hates her (because he finds out she is not a virgin he should tell her parents.
- The parents shall seek out the elders and should present a cloak.
- If this happens the man will be whipped and fined 100 shekels of silver for bringing a bad name on a virgin of Israel.
- She should still be his wife and he may not divorce her.
- If she is found guilty she shall be stoned outside her father's house for "whoring" to purge evil.
- If a man is found with another man's wife they shall both be put to death.
- If a man lies with a betrothed woman, they will both be stoned by the gate (the woman for not crying out for help and the man for the actual act)
- If a man seizes a betrothed girl in the country only he shall die. The woman has committed no offense.
- If a man seizes an unbetrothed woman and lies with her he shall give her father 50 shekels of gold and marry her. He may NOT divorce her.
- Taking your father's wife would be like uncovering his nakedness and shouldn't be done. (reference to Noah)
- Why does lying about a wife's virginity carry twice the "fine" as raping a virgin?
Isaiah 42
- God says to behold His servant in whom He delights who will have God's Spirit to bring justice to the nations. (reference to Jesus)
- He will not cry out or break a bruised reed (reference to crucifixion?)
- He will be faithful and not discouraged until He has established justice.
- God, who has created all, has called us in righteousness and will take us by the hand and keep us.
- God will give a covenant/light for His people that will make the blind see and free the prisoners.
- God gives his glory to no one and no idol.
- God is telling them what will happen BEFORE it takes place.
- We should sing a new song to God.
- The desert and cities, people of Kedar and Sela will sing for joy.
- God shows his zeal and might against His foes.
- God has kept His peace and restrained Himself long enough.
- Now He will lay waste to mountains and rivers will be islands (coastlands)
- God will lead the blind to new paths and bring them into the light. He won't forsake them.
- Those who worship idols are turned back and put to shame.
- His servant is blind and His messenger deaf.
- His dedicated one (one at peace with God) is blind
- He sees but doesn't observe, has open ears but doesn't hear (reference to what Jesus told the Pharisees?)
- The Lord was pleased for His righteousness' sake; to magnify His law and make it glorious.
- The people have been plundered and looted.
- God was the one who let Jacob and Israel be looted because of their sin against Him.
- They wouldn't obey His laws, so He poured out His anger on them.
- Still he (Israel) didn't understand or take it to heart.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Deuteronomy 21, Isaiah 41
Deuteronomy 21
- If they find a slain man in a field and don't know who killed him, the elders of the closest town shall bring a heifer down and break its neck there.
- The priests, sons of Levi shall and settle any dispute and assault.
- The elders of that closest city shall wash their hands and testify that they don't know who killed the man.
- They will pray God will accept this atonement for the blood guilt of the slain man.
- This will purge the guilt of the innocent blood from their midst because this is doing what's right before God.
- If they see a beautiful captive and want to take her as a wife, they must shave her head and cut her nails.
- She shall be remove her clothes from when she was captured and lament her father and mother for a month.
- After that she can be their wife.
- If after a month, they no longer desire her, they should release her where she wants.
- They may not sell her or treat her as a slave because they already humiliated her.
- Is this saying they can have sex with a slave and THEN say they don't want her anymore?
- A man with 2 wives, one loved and they other not loved, who has a first born to the unloved wife may not treat the first born of the loved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife.
- The firstborn of the unloved wife shall still get the double portion because he still has firstborn rights.
- A man with a rebellious son who won't listen to either parent, shall take him before the elders.
- The elders will stone the child for being rebellious; gluttonous and a drunkard in order to purge evil from their midst.
- One who commits a crime and is hung from a tree shall not hang all night but be buried that same day.
- Cursed is anyone who hangs from a tree (reference to crucifixion)
- They don't want to curse the land God is giving them as an inheritance.
Isaiah 41
- The people shall renew their strength and draw near to God for judgment.
- God tramples kings under His feet and treats them like dust.
- The Lord is the first and the last (alpha and omega)
- The coastlands have seen and are afraid.
- Everyone helps his neighbor and says be strong.
- Others will strengthen one another but God tells Israel not to fear. He will strengthen them.
- Those who are against you will be put to shame.
- They shall not find those who are against them.
- How does God hold our right hand with His righteous right hand?
- God calls Israel a worm but says He will help them.
- With God they can thresh the moutains and hills
- They shall rejoice and glory in the Holy One.
- God will not forsake those who are parched. He will answer them.
- God will make the dry land a flowing river or spring.
- God will put different kinds of tree together in the wilderness so that "they may see and know , consider and understand" that God's hand has done this.
- God tells them to bring their case before Him.
- They people want to know what will happen and has happened in the past.
- They say these things to idols whose works are "less than nothing"
- God is stirring someone from the north and east who will call upon His name.
- They will remember this prediction when it happens.
- God was the first to give them a herald of good news.
- When idols are asked about the future they give no answer or counsel because they are a delusion.
- The idols are simply metal images with "empty wind"
- If they find a slain man in a field and don't know who killed him, the elders of the closest town shall bring a heifer down and break its neck there.
- The priests, sons of Levi shall and settle any dispute and assault.
- The elders of that closest city shall wash their hands and testify that they don't know who killed the man.
- They will pray God will accept this atonement for the blood guilt of the slain man.
- This will purge the guilt of the innocent blood from their midst because this is doing what's right before God.
- If they see a beautiful captive and want to take her as a wife, they must shave her head and cut her nails.
- She shall be remove her clothes from when she was captured and lament her father and mother for a month.
- After that she can be their wife.
- If after a month, they no longer desire her, they should release her where she wants.
- They may not sell her or treat her as a slave because they already humiliated her.
- Is this saying they can have sex with a slave and THEN say they don't want her anymore?
- A man with 2 wives, one loved and they other not loved, who has a first born to the unloved wife may not treat the first born of the loved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife.
- The firstborn of the unloved wife shall still get the double portion because he still has firstborn rights.
- A man with a rebellious son who won't listen to either parent, shall take him before the elders.
- The elders will stone the child for being rebellious; gluttonous and a drunkard in order to purge evil from their midst.
- One who commits a crime and is hung from a tree shall not hang all night but be buried that same day.
- Cursed is anyone who hangs from a tree (reference to crucifixion)
- They don't want to curse the land God is giving them as an inheritance.
Isaiah 41
- The people shall renew their strength and draw near to God for judgment.
- God tramples kings under His feet and treats them like dust.
- The Lord is the first and the last (alpha and omega)
- The coastlands have seen and are afraid.
- Everyone helps his neighbor and says be strong.
- Others will strengthen one another but God tells Israel not to fear. He will strengthen them.
- Those who are against you will be put to shame.
- They shall not find those who are against them.
- How does God hold our right hand with His righteous right hand?
- God calls Israel a worm but says He will help them.
- With God they can thresh the moutains and hills
- They shall rejoice and glory in the Holy One.
- God will not forsake those who are parched. He will answer them.
- God will make the dry land a flowing river or spring.
- God will put different kinds of tree together in the wilderness so that "they may see and know , consider and understand" that God's hand has done this.
- God tells them to bring their case before Him.
- They people want to know what will happen and has happened in the past.
- They say these things to idols whose works are "less than nothing"
- God is stirring someone from the north and east who will call upon His name.
- They will remember this prediction when it happens.
- God was the first to give them a herald of good news.
- When idols are asked about the future they give no answer or counsel because they are a delusion.
- The idols are simply metal images with "empty wind"
Monday, January 4, 2010
Deuteronomy 20 & Isaiah 40
Deuteronomy 20
- God tells them not to be afraid when the fight against an army bigger than them because God is with them.
- The priest shall speak to the people before battle.
- He will tell them not to let their hearts be faint and remind them that God is with them.
- The officers shall speak next and will let anyone leave who:
1) Didn't dedicate a new house he just built
2) Planted a vineyard and hasn't enjoyed its fruit
3) Hasn't taken his betrothed wife yet
4) Is faint hearted and fearful (that man should leave so he doesn't make other doubt God)
- The commander shall be appointed next
- God instructs Israel to offer peace before fighting a city
- If they accept peace they will do forced labor for Israel
- If not, they shall besiege it
- They shall kill all men found in the city
- The women, children, and livestock shall be their spoil.
- That's what they should do to far away cities.
- But in the cities God is giving them as an inheritance, they shouldn't save anything that breathes.
- They should completely destroy the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.
- This is so the Israelites don't learn abominable practices from them and sin against God
- When besieging, they may eat from trees but not cut them down.
- They may cut down nonfood trees for seigeworks.
Isaiah 40
- God comforts His people by speaking tenderly to them.
- Her warfare will end that she has received doubly for her sins.
- The voice of one crying in the wilderness, "prepare the way of the Lord" (Later used by John the Baptist)
- The land will be leveled.
- The glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it.
- The flesh is like the grass and will wither when the breath of the Lord blows on it.
- v. 7 and 8 are echoed in James 1
- Zion shall speak the good news and fear not.
- God comes with might and His reward is with Himself.
- He will gather his flock and carry them in His arms.
- No one can measure the water in His hands or the span of the heavens, or weigh the mountains
- Who can measure His Spirit or offer Him counsel... No one
- No one taught Him justice, knowledge, or understanding.
- There aren't enough animals to make burnt offerings
- All nations are nothing before Him; they are like a drop in a bucket or fine dust
- An idol is created by a craftsman and an idol is NOT like God.
- They should know these things they've always been told from the beginning.
- God sees man like grasshoppers and unrolls the heavens like a carpet.
- God makes princes and kings nothing.
- God asks who can be compared to Him (echoes of the end of Job)
- He will call them out by His might and strong power.
- God asks why the people say their way is hidden from God when He is the everlasting God, creator of the earth.
- God does not grow faint or weary and His knowledge is "unsearchable"
- God gives power to the faint and strength to the weak.
- Even young men grow weary but God will renew their strength.
- "They shall mount up on wings like eagles. they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint" (Used in a hymn)
-
- God tells them not to be afraid when the fight against an army bigger than them because God is with them.
- The priest shall speak to the people before battle.
- He will tell them not to let their hearts be faint and remind them that God is with them.
- The officers shall speak next and will let anyone leave who:
1) Didn't dedicate a new house he just built
2) Planted a vineyard and hasn't enjoyed its fruit
3) Hasn't taken his betrothed wife yet
4) Is faint hearted and fearful (that man should leave so he doesn't make other doubt God)
- The commander shall be appointed next
- God instructs Israel to offer peace before fighting a city
- If they accept peace they will do forced labor for Israel
- If not, they shall besiege it
- They shall kill all men found in the city
- The women, children, and livestock shall be their spoil.
- That's what they should do to far away cities.
- But in the cities God is giving them as an inheritance, they shouldn't save anything that breathes.
- They should completely destroy the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.
- This is so the Israelites don't learn abominable practices from them and sin against God
- When besieging, they may eat from trees but not cut them down.
- They may cut down nonfood trees for seigeworks.
Isaiah 40
- God comforts His people by speaking tenderly to them.
- Her warfare will end that she has received doubly for her sins.
- The voice of one crying in the wilderness, "prepare the way of the Lord" (Later used by John the Baptist)
- The land will be leveled.
- The glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it.
- The flesh is like the grass and will wither when the breath of the Lord blows on it.
- v. 7 and 8 are echoed in James 1
- Zion shall speak the good news and fear not.
- God comes with might and His reward is with Himself.
- He will gather his flock and carry them in His arms.
- No one can measure the water in His hands or the span of the heavens, or weigh the mountains
- Who can measure His Spirit or offer Him counsel... No one
- No one taught Him justice, knowledge, or understanding.
- There aren't enough animals to make burnt offerings
- All nations are nothing before Him; they are like a drop in a bucket or fine dust
- An idol is created by a craftsman and an idol is NOT like God.
- They should know these things they've always been told from the beginning.
- God sees man like grasshoppers and unrolls the heavens like a carpet.
- God makes princes and kings nothing.
- God asks who can be compared to Him (echoes of the end of Job)
- He will call them out by His might and strong power.
- God asks why the people say their way is hidden from God when He is the everlasting God, creator of the earth.
- God does not grow faint or weary and His knowledge is "unsearchable"
- God gives power to the faint and strength to the weak.
- Even young men grow weary but God will renew their strength.
- "They shall mount up on wings like eagles. they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint" (Used in a hymn)
-
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