Comments for October 20

12 v.10 - This is surely a step of some spiritual significance. I wonder if this was in Jeremiah's mind when he wrote Lam.4:1?

13:4 That the area of 'Mount Ephraim' compassed a large area is seen from the following passages which show the names of a number of cities in the area and another mountain.

Timnathserah Joshua 19:50
Shechem Joshua 20:7
Bethel Judges 4:5
Shamir Judges 10:1
Ramathaimzophim 1 Samuel 1:1
Mount Zemaraim 2 Chronicles 13:4

13:15 - There are just innumerable times when God fought for those who worshipped Him of His people. Amongst those who are called there are only few who are chosen - the rest appear to be God's people but are not. We have to recognise this and pray for His guidance that we might by His grace find ourselves part of those chosen few.

12:9 The removal by the Egyptians of the wealth and the shields of God from Solomon's temple happened so short a time after Solomon had made all these things. The flesh cannot sustain the kingdom of God on earth - for that is what Solomon reigned over (1 Chronicles 29:23)

13:4-10 Abijah's tirade against Israel is an odd mixture of truth and falsity. He ignored the fact that the ten tribes had been taken from the line of David by God (1 Kings 11:31) even though he is correct in his assessment of the idolatry of Israel. We can so easily mix falsity with truth to further our cause.

SUMMING UP YOUR LIFE

"Rehoboam did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD" (2 Chronicles 12 v 14)

I have lost count of the amount of times I have heard it said, "If I just live a good life, that will be enough." Or, in other words, "God will be pleased with me if I am nice to people, even though I don't read his Bible, pray, or even really believe in him." Let us get this straight right now. God requires more of us than just "living a good life." Over and over we are told in the Bible to seek the LORD. We are told that our faith in God and in his promises will be counted for righteousness. Do we even know his promises? Have we read his Bible to know how he wants us to live? Or do we just try to live by the memory of what we read once or by what our Pastor told us?

What will the summary of our life sound like at the end of our days? Will it be hearing the word of the Lord Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant … Come and share your master’s happiness."? (Matthew 25 v 21). Or will the summary of our life be more like that of Rehoboam's of whom it was said, "He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD." The words of Jesus would then follow when he said, "Throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 25 v 30)

We must seek the LORD now, while he may be found. There is no alternative!

12:7 Despite the sinfulness of the nation because some 'humble themselves' God was willing to provide 'some deliverance' so we see the great mercy of God.

13:18 Judah's conflict with Israel was one which often saw Judah being put to the worse by Israel. In this case we see their trust in God was the only reason why Judah prevailed.

GOD IS WITH US; HE IS OUR LEADER

Judah and Israel were at war. Judah had everything against them – it seemed. They were outnumbered 2:1. Judah had 40,000 troops and Israel had 80,000. They were fighting on Israel’s territory – not familiar ground for the people of Judah. Judah found themselves surrounded – being attacked from the front and from behind. Normally with all these disadvantages Judah would have lost badly. But they had a weapon that Israel had forgotten about.

"God is with us; he is our leader," Abijah cried. "We have not forsaken him!" And as the battle was joined, God, the leader If Judah, brought about a great defeat of Israel. 50,000 men of Israel fell that day – more than the entire army of Judah that went out to fight.

When life seems to turn against us, when friends turn against us or when bad things happen and there seems to be no way out, that is the time to remember that if we are with God, he is with us. He is our leader and will lead us. He will see that we are victorious in his way. So let us have God with us and make him our leader today and every day.

12:13 In saying that the mother of Rehoboam was an 'Ammonitess' we learn that  in reality Rehoboam was barred from the throne through his ancestry.(Deut 23:3)

13:10  Abijam is rather economical with the truth here for we learn in 1Kin 15:3 that he walked in the sins of his father.

12:7 The fact that they were not to be destroyed did not mean that they would escape punishment. They were to become the servants of Shishak, to render tribute to him, so that they might learn to know my service. This sentence was in accordance with the warning given to the nation through Moses.Deut 28:47-48

The sad comment in the first verse is written for our learning (2Chron 12:1). When Rehoboam became settled in as king, "he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him."  When people come into the Truth, and the teaching, or "the bringing through", has been completed, then the real conversion starts.  The newly baptised person will be dismayed that the old habits, and some of the old ways of thinking, and living, will keep returning. They will discover that "being baptised" is not the answer to all their problems. They will need constant help and succouring. Let's remember this verse about Rehoboam, and really make an effort to support our new converts, lest they too forsake the Lord.

13:18 This incident clearly illustrates the extent of the mercy of the Lord even to a rebellious people. In spite of their waywardness and their neglect of His law, in spite of their idolatry, He was prepared to hear them, and to deliver when they called upon Him.

The fact that there was still in Judah a faithful remnant was sufficient reason for God to deliver the whole nation from their enemies. This is something that must never be lost sight of: God is mindful of His servants in all ages, and His hand is ever ready to stretch out on their behalf.

12:9,10 The taking away of the shields of gold and replacing them with ones made out of bronze was synonymous with the decline of the nation.  Gold, which cannot tarnish, represents righteousness, while bronze represents humanity.  Thus, the slide from a glorious kingdom, blessed by Yahweh, to the destruction of the kingdom was set in motion. 

12:2  There is a certain irony in the fact that Egypt came against Rehoboam. Israel had been delivered from Egypt under Moses and now there is a risk of bondage again, but Jeroboam had lived safely in Egypt and was now reigning in Samaria!

13:2-3 So there was war between Israel and Judah even though Rehoboam had been told not to go to war with Jeroboam. 2Chron 11:4

13:12 The warning given to Jeroboam, meant nothing to him. His army had lured the army of Judah, under the leadership of Abijam into a trap, with the enemy in front of them, and also behind them. We read that when Judah cried unto the LORD, the army of Jeroboam fled from the armies of Judah, and were defeated (V.13-18). This was a mortal blow to Jeroboam from which he never recovered. 

12:4-6  In taking the fenced cities and came to Jerusalem Shishak was doing what Assyria would do in the days of Hezekiah. 2Kin 18:13

13:21 So Abijah multiplied wives to himself – in direct violation of God’s instruction to the King – Deut 17:17

12:2 Yahweh deemed that Judah should be punished. But, how did Yahweh accomplish this on the ground? Yahweh works through people, good or bad, to achieve His goals.

Yahweh worked through Shishak. But, what prompted him to come up against Judah? Remember that Shishak and Jeroboam were friends. When Jeroboam fled from Solomon, he went to Egypt where Shishak took care of him (1Kin 11:40). It was, probably, Jeroboam who persuaded Shishak to invade Israel.

Although Yahweh works through bad people, he does not dismiss their evil attitudes and actions. They too must be punished. Remember how Yahweh worked through Pharaoh when Israel was in Egypt (Exo 9:16; Rom 9:17). Although Yahweh worked through Pharaoh, He punished him for his stubborn refusal to obey Him.

And so, the same situation applied to Jeroboam. He worked through Jeroboam to bring Shishak against Judah. But, for his evil intent, Jeroboam had to be punished. And so, he was castigated when Abijah defeated Israel (13:17,18).

Yahweh always needs to balance the books. Let’s make sure that our books are balanced before judgment Day.

12:1 So Rehoboam ‘soon forgot’ God. He was just like the people who did not remember the deliverance in the wilderness. So rather than being an example to the people he imitated their failures.

2Chron 13:8 
First Principles>Kingdom of God>Existed in the past
During the 40 years wilderness journey, the nation became organised, laws were given, officials appointed, the commonwealth of Israel came into existence and BECAME KNOWN AS THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Exo 19:6 1Sam 8:7 1Chron 29:11,23 2Chron 13:8
When Israel went out of Egypt ... Judah was his sanctuary and Israel his dominion Psa 114:1-2
Go to Gen 12:1-5 for more about First Principles>Kingdom of God>Existed in the past

2Chron 12:13 First Principles>Kingdom of God>Was overturned>History of fulfilment
3. During the reign of Rehoboam, the kingdom was divided into a Southern, two tribe kingdom with its capital in Jerusalem 2Chron 12:13 and a Northern ten tribe kingdom with its capital in Samaria 1Kin 12:15.
Rehoboam remained king of Judah 1Kin 12:16,18, 2Chron 10:16,17. Jeroboam became king of Israel 1Kin 12:20.
Go to Deut 28:49 to see more details of the history of Israel and its overturning.

12:2-4 Shishak came up against Judah in 969 BC.

12:13 Rehoboam’s mother was an Ammonite. She was one of the foreign wives who turned Solomon to idolatry (1Kin 11:5).

The god of the Ammonites was Milcom. Milcom was associated with the Moabite god Chemosh, the fire god. Milcom is another form of the name Moloch (Molech).

Some of the victims of sacrifices to Molech were the children of worshippers. These children would be taken alive and offered as sacrifice in the fire that was kindled in front of Molech. This practice was an abomination to Yahweh, and prohibited under the Law (Lev 18:21; 20:2-5). And yet, Israel did practice this abomination (Jer 32:35).

12:14 Rehoboam must have been influenced by his mother in the ways of idolatry as he was growing up.

13:3 Israel confronted Judah with 800,000 men, but when the fighting was over Israel had only 300,000 men left (13:17).

13:5 See Num 18:19. Salt has a property of preserving food from perishing. It is this property of preservation that is being highlighted in the covenant. God’s covenant with His people will be preserved for ever.

13:15-16 That the deliverance was of God can be seen that Judah were outnumbered two to one – 2Chron 13:3

2Chron 12:1 - When Rehoboam's position as king was established he abandoned the law of the Lord; when Christ returns and is established as king the law will go forth out of Zion (Isa 2:3).

2Chron 13:1,2,8,10,11,12,18 -- V1 - perhaps "Abijah" [<29> means "Jah is (my) Father"] was an echo of Christ; V2 - reigned 3 years, V8 - kingdom of the Lord in the hands of David's descendants; V10 - the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him; V11 - burnt offerings, a table with bread not unlike the memorial table and gold holding the light; V12 - God is with us (meaning of "Immanuel"); V18 - they were victorious because they relied on the Lord.

2Chron 13:4 - "Zemaraim"<6787> means "double fleece" and reminds of the sign given to Gideon who is perhaps an echo of Christ and the great Jubilee to come (Josh 18:22;Judg 6:36-40).

2Chron 13:5 - covenant of salt - eating another's salt is a token of fidelity and friendship and is an unbreakable covenant (Num 18:19); salt preserves decay, gives savour and accompanied all offerings (Lev 2:13); salt is a symbol of faithfulness, faithful believers, and is associated with Christ as salt accompanies all sacrifices and is a preservative (Matt 5:13;Luke 14:34).

12:1   Solomon had left a wonderful legacy for Rehoboam, however he needed to ‘establish the kingdom’ because he wasted all that had been left for him. The spiritual conditions were now poor – only 40 years after the death of David! It does not take long for spiritual principles to be forgotten.

13:21 It would appear that Abijah saw his future in having a large family of his own making rather than being part of a large family of God’s making.

13:1    For those who want to draw up their own chart of the kings of Israel and Judah this verse is one of the few places where we can, with any degree of certainty, marry up the time scales of the two kingdoms.

13:22 From time to time we read of writings in other books – here the story of Iddo. The Holy Spirit has preserved in the Scriptures the inspired books we need in order to understand God. This is not to say that the other books such as the story of Iddo are of no value. It is just that they are not part of the inspired record. 

2 Chron 12: The first plunder of the Temple

Why would such a great army suddenly come against Jerusalem? Think about the splendour of the temple under the reign of Solomon and the fame this place had received. This fame had certainly spread to Egypt because Solomon had trading agreements with Egypt (see 1Kin 10:28). Also in 1Kin 10 the people of Sheba heard of all the treasures of Solomon since he had shown them all to the Queen of Sheba, and this event was just one example of the foreign kings and dignitaries that came to Solomon:

"And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart."

So it seems likely that this army came to plunder the temple, a goal they achieved, and then just went away again.

13:20 Jeobaum lived to defeat Rehaboam and lose to his son while doing great evil but in the end all that is sumed up regarding his life is that God struck him and he died. God allowed him greatness then took it all away including his life. to whom God gives much much is expected.  

13:10-12          Abijah clearly was concerned with appearance rather than substance. The fact that there were priests in Judah and sacrifices were offered was no guarantee that there was faithful worship. We see – 1Kin 15:3 – that Abijah was sinful. We must be careful not to confuse the appearance of faithfulness to God with true service.

2 Chron 13

Israel is now at civil war, with the North under Jeroboam against the South under Abijah. Notice the difference between the two sides though: v8-11.

This was one occasion where a King could legitimately claim the moral high ground. These occasions for us might be few and far between. Have we prepared our house to serve the LORD as Abijah had? Have we assembled a circle of friends and associates that likewise serve God and can help us in that regard? Do we follow the ways of God to the letter? The exhortation here is that when we do those things God listens to our cry, and He is the same mighty God that protected Abijah from an army of 800,000 men.

12:8   All of Rehoboam’s plans to strengthen the cities to defend himself – 2Chron 11:5-12 were to no avail! Whilst Israel in the north had not attacked him the old enemy Egypt did.  All because Rehoboam had turned from serving God.

13:7     Rehoboam was at least 41 by this point – see 2 Chronicles 12:13. He was 41 when he began to reign. So we should be careful not to assume ”young” here means young of age.

12:1   Clearly Rehoboam “strengthened himself” in a material and worldly way. Not b thinking about God. He was becoming self-sufficient and felt he did not need what he would have considered the constraints of God’s law. Herein is a powerful lesson for us. Success can easily bring along with it a casual attitude to the things of God.

12:1-2  Rehoboam, in seeking to recover the ten tribes from Jeroboam clearly was seeking to fight, not against Jeroboam but gainst God. God had told Solomon –  1Kin 11:11 – and Jeroboam – 1Kin 11:21 – that the kingdom was going to be divided.

12:13 The invasion by the Egyptians and their taking the treasures from the temple would have appeared a natural event. However it was of God that Rehoboam might be humbled. God works through seemingly natural circumstances to “encourage” people to respond to His word. It worked on this occasion. There were many other occasions when God’s chastening hand was ignored.

13:9 Jeroboam had indeed cast out the Levites. This was something that continued all the days of the northern kingdom. So we can imagine the impoverished state of any Levites trying to live faithfully in the north. The tithes that they were entitled to would not be given and probably they were deprived of the cities that they were appointed by Moses.

12:14 Rehoboam did evil because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord. Rehoboam hadn't specifically set out to do evil, but he defaulted to doing evil automatically because he hadn't set his heart on seeking / following God. We should appreciate that our default is do evil - not to serve God. We need to make sure that we have made a clear choice to serve Him and re-evaluate our focus regularly

13:12  God had been rejected by the people when they desired a king and Saul was appointed as king. So to say that God was their “captain” did not reflect the thinking of either the king or the people.

Do we, on the one hand say that God is our king but on the other hand behave as if we are answerable to no one?

13:12  Rehoboam seems to have heeded the words of God – 11:3-4 – but Abijah did not. What God had said to Rehoboam was still true as it was God who had divided the nation into two kingdoms. God’s truth does not change. We should appreciate that in all aspects of our lives.

13:3-4 is it possible this event inspired the words of Luke 14:31-32?

12:1-2  The turning away from God and the invasion of Shishak are not unrelated events that just happen to be in adjacent verses. The invasion is a direct consequence of Rehoboam’s  godless behaviour.  We should be careful so as to see the relationship between events recorded in scripture – and the consequences of our actions in our own lives – Not that we are punished for each action.

v. 9 - There more significance than first meets the eye in this arrangement of movement? As well as a practical issue, as Bro. Peter suggests below, could it not be that this is an exhortation that once having put your hand to the plough you do not look back. Pressing forward and not turning back - this is very much a theme of scripture. Phil.3:13-14, Heb.10:8, 2Pet.2:20-21. Consider also the description of the four creatures in Eze.1:12,17

46:9 The simple description of movement of worshippers in the temple in the age to come has a great practical benefit. There will be many individuals coming to worship. The direction given here is to prevent congestion and disorder in the temple at those times.

This chapter leaves us in no doubt that there will be ritual sacrifices in the kingdom. I have to admit that this really surprises me and seems out of keeping with the ideas that God later presents through the new covenant and the association we can have with Jesus which leads to salvation. I hope one day to understand this better, even if it is not until the kingdom!

46:1 That this gate will be open on the Sabbath and shut the rest of the week contrasts interestingly and starkly with Israel who were not interested in observing the law of the Sabbath and so, after the days of Ezekiel, wanted to trade on the Sabbath (Nehemiah 13:15)

The way in which the 'prince' is shown offering sacrifices is further evidence that he will be a mortal. Jesus offered 'once and for all' (Hebrews 10:10). The offering of animals is to teach the need for sacrifice. Jesus and the glorified saints have already learnt this and given themselves (Romans 12:1).

46:16 If the prince has "sons" to whom he gives gifts we have yet further evidence that the priest will be mortal.

V.12-15 Not only is he to perform official acts of worship on holy days and feasts, but in voluntary offerings daily he is to show his individual zeal, surpassing all his people in liberality, and so setting them a princely example.

Vs.2,3 Besides sin offerings (45:17), the priest was to offer both burnt offerings and peace offerings on Sabbaths and New Moons. According to the Law of Moses, the burnt offering was associated with righteousness leading to dedication, while the peace offering was associated with thanksgiving. 

The animals would be prepared in the following manner:  burnt offering (Lev 1:1-17); peace offering (Lev 3:1-17).  Perhaps the offering of six lambs in Ezekiel's temple serves as a reminder that Christ's sacrifice was present (through promise) from the beginning (Rev 13:8), and was available to humankind through all ages (six days [six epochs]) until the kingdom (the Sabbath = God's rest). 

Vs.8,9 Mortals worshipping in the future temple will enter through one gate (either north or south) but exit through the opposite gate.  Contrast this with the priest who will enter and exit the same way on the east gate of the inner court. 

The movement of people represents the transience of human nature (mortality) as it passes through life never to return.  The movement of the priest (who stands for Yahweh) shows permanence (immortality) never to fade.

Who is the Prince?
I believe a correct understanding of this prophecy requires Christ as the Prince. The following verses offer the proof. The tip off as well is in studying the goings in and goings out(movements) that are offered as comments above. Understanding that only the sons of Zadok(immortal priest) have privileges at the altar shows that this inner area(Most Holy) is the immortal zone. The Prince, who is allowed here as well, is also of those that may approach the holy hill(Psa 24:3,4). Also, Please see my comments from Oct 18th on the mortal/immortal priests.
This is not the first time that Ezekiel spoke about a Prince in age to come.
Eze 37:24,25
...And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: ... and my servant David shall be their prince forever.
This is a prophecy about the restoration of Israel as Kingdom of God
Prince given a name - My servant David
Is a king over them [Israel]
Will be their prince for ever
Must be Jesus Christ
Luke 1:32,33 ...He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Dan 9:25 ...unto the Messiah the Prince [shall be] seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troubled times.
Isa 9:6  ...For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Acts 3:14,15 ...But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
Acts 5:30, 31 ...The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Rev 1:5 ...And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Other verses to support that Christ is the Prince from Ezekiel:
Eze. 34:23, 24 ...I will set up one shepherd over them...24 my servant David a prince among them Eze. 37:22,24,25,28 .I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all...24David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd...25my servant David shall be their prince for ever...28when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.
Eze. 44:2-3 ...This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut. 3It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD...
But what about Eze 46:18? If Christ is indeed the prince, why would this be included? Christ wouldn't take anything by oppression, so why say this if he is the prince?
o Israel's princes had dealt by oppression with the stranger, Eze. 22:6-7,12.
o Her princes had gotten dishonest gain and oppressed the stranger wrongfully, vs. 27-29.
o There is a future time when God's princes shall no more oppress my people, Eze. 45:7-10.
o The Prince is he who shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor, Psa. 72:2-4,13-14. See also Isa. 11:1-5.
o This is not a law telling the prince what he cannot do, but a statement indicating what the prince will not do, in contrast with what has been done in the past.
And if Christ is the prince, then why would he have sons to give inheritance to?
o The Saints are said to be the children of Abraham (Gal. 3:7), the patriarchs (Acts 13:32-33), Paul (1Cor. 4:14-17) and the apostle John (1Jn. 2:1).
o Jesus referred to the disciples as his children or sons: Mark 2:18-19; John 13:33
o We are the children which God hath given him, Heb. 2:10-13 (from Isa. 8:18).
The Prince eats bread & drinks wine in kingdom (Luke 22:15,16,30).
See yesterday's comments as to why Messiah the Prince might offer a sin offering in Chapter 45:22.

The comments made in Eze 46:1 almost sound as though the Law of Moses is to be re-instated.  Obviously that is not so, so how are we to understand these ideas?  Probably it has a lot to do with the time when the prophecies were given. The Law of Moses was operating in Ezekiel’s days, so perhaps these prophecies are couched in the terms that Israel would understand. But possibly there will be six working days a week for the people of the world, and possibly one day (described here as the Sabbath), when the mortal population come to worship.

46:16-17  The provision for gifts from the ‘prince’ to his sons and servants matches what the law of the year of release would require under the law of Moses if the ‘gift’ related to land or house which was not in a city. Anther clear indication that the law of Moses, or something very similar to that, will be instituted in the kingdom when Christ reigns on earth.

46:1 In describing the opening and shutting of this gate we learn, almost incidentally, that the Sabbath will be observed during the millennial reign of Jesus.

46:18 Ahab took the inheritance of Naboth by oppression. Clearly this ‘prince’ will not do such a thing, it is a comment to the people that the ‘prince’ who will rule will be unlike any that have ruled before.

V.13 This burnt offering differs from the Law in which a sacrifice was offered in the evening also (Exo 29:38,39).

V.14 The grain offering accompanying the burnt offering also differs from the Law (Exo 29:40).

46:2 That the gate was to be open all day, and this point is stressed, indicates the existence of fellowship. Jesus set before those that would follow him ‘an open door’ Rev 3:8 It is the responsibility of those who would seek Jesus to go through it.

46:1-3 The title of Psalm 92 indicates’ that Psalm was ‘for the sabbath day’ We learn as we read the Psalm that the sabbath was designed so that people could worship God without the toils of daily labour. See Psa 92:1-4.

46:12  The way in which the ‘prince’ is involved in preparing and offering animal sacrifices is a further indication that he is a mortal person in the kingdom of God when this temple is built.

1. Eze 46:1 - the east gate is shut 6 of 7 days which is contrasted with the gates in the Messianic millennial kingdom being continually open (Isa 60:11;Rev 21:22-25).

2. Eze 46:1-3,8 - the prince, like the rest of the general population, was not permitted to enter the inner court.

3. in Ezekiel chapters 1-39, all mentions of a prince without the associated mention of David are clearly not references to Christ (Eze 7:27;12:9-13;21:25;28:2;30:13;38:2-3;39:1); the comments in Ezekiel 45 contain additional qualities of the prince.

4. Eze 46:4,6,13 - mentions of lamb, without blemish, 6 -  all seem to echo the sacrifice of the sinless man Jesus, the Son of God.

5. Eze 46:17 - "it shall be his to the year of liberty" - isn't the Messianic millennium going to be a time of liberty for servants of the prince?

6. Eze 46:20 - the sin offering is covered more extensively in Ezekiel 45.

7. Eze 46:22 - again the question of cubits or reeds.

46:24   It is not clear why God would show Ezekiel, in vision, the places for the preparation of sacrifices that are to be offered if such sacrifices are not to be offered in the kingdom age when Jesus returns. 

46:6   The beginning of the month – the new moon – was marked every month under the Law of Moses . So here we see another element of the Law of Moses which will be re-introduced in the land of Israel in the kingdom of God.

46:4      This offering by the prince differs from all other sacrifices under the Law of Moses. There is no sacrifice which consists of six lambs and a ram.

46:20 This is the only time we are told where a specific aspect of sacrifice would be prepared.

46: is divided thus.

:1-18    speaks of the prince and feasts.

:19-24  describes the boiling place for the offerings.

46:18  that a prince is commanded not to take anything by oppression is a further indication that the prince is a mortal. One who is immortal would not be able to oppress!

46:18 the prince here is totally different from the princes that existed in the past –22:27

46:19 a recurring phrase in this description of Ezekiel seeing the temple is “and he brought me …”. We see that learning the structure of the future temple was not to be an unstructured aimless wander around the temple. In like manner our understanding of God and His majesty does not come from an unstructured meander through scripture. It will be a consequence of careful reflection on all the record that was given by inspiration.

46:17 the mention of the way that the year of liberty is spoken of here makes it clear, by inference, that the year of release, and probably the jubilee will be kept during the reigns of Jesus on the earth.

46:8-9  Notice the contrast. The “prince” would use the same entrance as his route to exit the temple. However the people approaching the temple would leave by the gates on the opposite side of the temple from the one they entered by. We might conclude that the difference was to ensure a flow of people through the temple. Something that the prince would not to consider as there would be no one entering through the gate he was leaving by.

14 v.16 - The concept of the Comforter here, whilst clearly referring to the events of Acts 2 and the Holy Spirit, I am sure also refer in much wider sense to the salvation brought about by the resurrection. The clue to this is the use of the Greek work parakletos, which occurs in these verses each time the word Comforter occurs, but is only found in one other place in scripture - in 1John 2:1, where, translated advocate, it clearly refers to Christ after his resurrection - which is, after all, when he would come to them again. (v.18,19)

13:4 the washing of the disciples feet was a consequence of them arguing about who was going to be the greatest Luke 22:24 Jesus, rather than simply speaking to them, did something. We should learn from this that often actions speak louder than words.

14:6 Jesus and the disciples are still in the upper room. He is preparing them for his imminent death. In speaking about coming to God by him he is restating what he told them about the good shepherd John 10:9. Look in this area of John for other allusions to what Jesus said about the good shepherd in chapter  10.

13:18 The quotation from Psalm 41:9 which speaks of the treachery of Ahithophel shows that Judas behaved just like him. There are a number of clear links between Judas and Ahithophel in the gospels and Acts 1 which are interesting to follow up using your marginal references.

The number of times that Jesus uses the word 'abide' in the upper room and on the way to the Garden of Gethsemane should cause us to ponder what he was teaching his disciples and what we should be learning from this.

Here is a list of all uses of the word in John 14 and John 15.

The use of 3438 / 3306 'mansions' / 'Abide' on the last night of Jesus' life.

So, as can be seen from the use of this Greek word from the upper room towards the Garden of Gethsemane, a major topic is being introduced. The information was firstly given to Peter in response to his need to be comforted after being told that he will betray Jesus [John 13:38]. But the abiding of Jesus after his resurrection and ascension is of paramount importance to all the disciples.

14:18 When Jesus says 'comfortless' here the Greek word is 'orphans' so in a very intimate way Jesus is speaking of the way in which the disciples will be comforted. However whilst he says 'orphans' he is the one who will 'come' - and he is not our father. So what do we think Jesus is saying?

13 An obvious point, really, but John, whilst spending more time speaking of the events of this last night in the life of the lord, does not actually mention the last supper.

14:9 In saying 'if ye have seen me ye have seen the Father' Jesus is representing what he has already said (12:45) clearly indicating that it is not physical appearance that is important. It is the character of God that Jesus manifested - which is just what He manifest to Moses (Exo 34:5-7)

13:33 "Little children" TEKNION 5040 "an infant": This is the only occasion that this phrase spoken by Christ has been recorded. By using this form of address Jesus implies that the disciples, though spiritually immature, are nevertheless, very dear to him. John uses this phrase seven times in his fist epistle.  

13:34 The act of Jesus' washing the disciple's feet is profound in its lesson of humility. We are asked to follow this example by treating each other with respect (Phil 2:3).

13:36 Those who believe that the souls of (good) people go to heaven at death often quote this verse as proof. The word follow comes from the Greek word akoloutheo which means accompany. And so Jesus is saying that, later, Peter will accompany Him. He does not say that Peter will come after (literally follow) Him into heaven.

14:2,3 Jesus says that His Father's house has many mansions (rooms) and that He will go to prepare a place. Now if the souls of (good) people floated off to heaven at death, why would Jesus have to come back to earth to collect them?

Scripture tells us that Jesus did ascend to heaven, but that He will also return to earth (Acts 1:11). Why would He do that if all good souls floated upward to be with Him in paradise forever?

Jesus is presently in heaven sitting beside His Father (Col 3:1; Heb 12:2). He will remain for a set time (Matt 22:44). He will then come back to earth to set up His kingdom which will last forever (Dan 2:44; Luke 1:33).

Those who are found worthy (whether deceased or not) will be immortalised and find a place in that kingdom where they will live and reign forever with Jesus (1Cor 15:51-55; Rev 5:10).

At that time, Peter, and other faithful people will accompany Jesus and find a place (mansion = room) in the house of God (13:36). This is the reward that Jesus will bring the faithful, not a disembodied trip through the ether (Rev 22:12).

13:34-35 - To have a highly evolved  intellectual understanding of how we are to worship isn't sufficient. We are to love agapao (25) one another as Christ loved agapao (25) us, and we all know the extent to which Christ loved us. All men will know we are his disciples if we love agape (26) one another. In John 14:21 we read that to obey Christ is to love agapao (25) him. In Matt 7:20-21 - true followers can be recognized by their fruit which is to do the will of the Father. Gal 5:22-26 elaborates on the fruit of the spirit.

13:9 The disciples were ‘clean’ because of the fact that they had taken Jesus’ words to heart – John 15:3  which is itself a development of what David understood Psa 119:9.

14:29 In telling the disciples that when the event happened they would believe is Jesus appealing to the test of the validity of a prophet. Deut 18:22, by implication.

SILENT DENIAL
Part of my job as an engineer is to produce precision components as we manufacture custom built machinery. Today I produced a part where the size was difficult to measure and to achieve, but I got it right. My boss said that it showed my skill as a machinist, but I insisted that it was a fluke. I had done my best, but was still surprised at the quality of the job.
 
Unfortunately I missed an opportunity to give glory to God. Instead of putting the result down to good luck, I should have said that it was because I had prayed before I had machined it and that the result was due to God's blessing, which, in fact, it was. But at the time those thoughts did not occur to me.
 
I have often wondered how I would go if I had been put in Peter's position at the time he denied his Lord. He had insisted that "I will lay down my life for you." (John 13:37) Maybe we have said or thought the same thing, and maybe we are even more determined than Peter was, that if anyone asks us about our faith, we will be sure to give them an honourable answer.
 
But what about the times when we could speak out for the Lord without being asked, but don't? Those are times when we have opportunity to confess him or to just remain silent with no one expecting anything more. Let's not deny him by keeping silent, but make the most of every opportunity to make him known.

13:22-23 Isn’t it amazing that the disciples did not know, even at this late our, who would betray Jesus? They had all spent time with Judas and seen Jesus’ behaviour towards Judas – and yet still knew nothing! How often we show our feelings so that every one knows what we think of brethren for whom we do not have a high regard. Jesus is a wonderful example for us to emulate here.

14:6 Jesus does not merely show the way, he is the way. It is interesting to follow Christ's use of the phrase "I AM" as recorded in John's record. A total of seven times.

14:22 Jesus is ‘manifest’ to the disciples but not to the world because the disciples ‘know’ him though the way he is revealed in Scripture – the world does not ‘see’ that.

14:23 The we in this verse, plainly shows that Jesus and His father are separate beings. And, when Jesus declares: for my Father is greater than I (14:28), He is clearly making a distinction between Himself and His Father.

13:13 Jesus reminds the disciples that they call him both ‘master’ and ‘lord’ however it is interesting to notice – Matt 26:22,25– that when we see Judas actually addressing Jesus that he does not call him ‘lord’ but just ‘master’. Judas did not seem to actually appreciate the status of Jesus.

13:5 Jesus took on the role of a servant as He stooped down to wash the feet of the disciples, including those of Judas. This act was an extreme example of love, humility, and non-judgment.

If the Master did this, ought we not treat our brothers and sisters with the same love, humility, and non-judgment? Of course, Jesus’ example was for us to follow (13:14,15).

13:18 See Psa 41:9.

13:20 Receiving those whom Jesus sent, such as the apostle Paul, was like receiving Jesus Himself. And so, how could one oppose the message that such men as these men delivered?

14:6 See Acts 4:12.

14:30 The prince of this world is the evil tendency of human nature to fulfil the desires of the flesh (Eph 2:2,3). The evil in human nature can only lead to death: …the wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23). Jesus overcame all human tendencies by obeying His Father. Because Jesus obeyed His father, sin in the flesh hath nothing in me (KJV); has no claim on me (ESV).

John 13:34: The second great commandment had been to love your neighbour as your self. Christ has changed that commandment so the new commandment is love your neighbour as Christ has loved you. The image of self has been replaced with the example of Christ raising the expectation of that love.

13:30 The way that John says Judas ‘went immediately out’ is a concept which he develops in 1John 2:19

Jesus is spot on when he says to Peter "a servant is not greater than his master" (13:16) because later Peter proclaims he wants to die for Jesus (v37-38). This is the wrong way round. Peter and the other disciples had to learn that to meekly accept Jesus's sacrifice for them was all that's required. And how about us? Do we in a sense try to die for Jesus, rather than accepting his offer to die for us? Do our actions betray an inner character like Peter, who wanted to do good things and be great because of it? Are we martyrs about our good works, telling others about how hard this or that is for us, so that we can look good? Jesus doesn't want this attitude. We should first accept that we need him, then having been affected by his sacrifice, do good to others simply because we wish to please Jesus (13:14).

13:34  Of course it was not a ‘new commandment’ to love. It was embedded in the law of Moses Lev 19:18. Its newness was in that whereas the law made it a commandment Jesus actually demonstrated the quality.

John 14:14

“If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.”

There are other passages in Scripture that tell us the same thing (Matt 7:7;  21:22; Mark 11:24). In trying to reconcile these Scriptures with our common experience that not all our prayers are answered, we keep theorizing to explain why that is forgetting that this is not a promise to grant all our requests (Isa 59:1-2; James 4:3; 1Pet 3:7). We see by this, that no Scripture stands alone, but like a jigsaw puzzle, all the pieces must fit in order to get a correct picture. We read in 1John 5:14: “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.”

Whether or not our requests are granted depends on: 1) Are we living in faith? 2) Is our request in line with the Word of God? 3) Do we approach God with a right attitude? These three combined with God’s will, our answer is clear: “it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7). However, He will do it in His time, not ours, and in a way that gives credence to His Word, to His Truth, and to His Purpose.

If we live according to the Truth, though the days are short, the nights long, the skies bleak and dreary, we have the assurance the Ark will keep the water out, the Red Sea will part, Goliath will fall, the walls of Jericho will come tumbling down, because we live the faith of the son of God who won the victory for us!

14:2     When Jesus says he is going ‘to prepare a place’ he echoes the ideas associated with the journey of the ark for three days to find a resting place for Israel – Num 10:33

John 13:2,27.

14:26   The promise that the disciple would remember all that Jesus had said. Peter – Acts 11:16 – actually gives an example of this happening.

John 13:30 Nothing can be worse that to share a meal with someone knowing they will betray us, Psa 41:9 yet here we see it prophecied.

Psa 55:12 we perhaps see what Christ thought as Judas walked away, "i thought you a freind Judas, i could have understood you if you my enemy"? In John 6 Peter had said that Jesus had the words of eternal life when Jesus asked if they would also turn away, but Judas did!

14:12 Jesus is not saying that those who believe in him will perform greater miracles than he did. That cannot be possible as he raised the dead. Rather Jesus is talking about the way in which his followers would show God to others. Their work would be “greater” simply because there were more of them than just Jesus. 

13:4     Mark 14:17 records Jesus, with the disciples, arriving at the prepared room. However even though the room was prepared none of the disciples was prepared to be a servant.

STAND BY YOUR MAN

I wonder if I would have the dedication of Peter. Jesus had just told his disciples that he was about to go away. He said, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later." (John 13:36). The trial, crucifixion and death of Jesus were all things that were outside the experience of the disciples at that moment. They had no idea what was ahead - it was all unknown to them. But Peter, stepping out of the comfort he might have known, declared, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." (v.37).

I admire Peter for his zealous attitude and determination to stand by his Lord, no matter what should come. I think even if he had known what was about to happen to Jesus, he would have still said exactly the same thing. We all know that Peter ended up disowning Jesus when he should have been standing with him, but I am sure I would have done the same in his position.

In the end it was Peter that declared his commitment; it was Peter that was in the courtyard where he could be challenged; and it was Peter who came to his Lord's defence in the garden.

Are we as ready as Peter was to stand by Jesus no matter what? Like him we may fail, but let's at least make the effort.

PEACE I GIVE YOU

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27).

The peace Jesus offers and the peace that we are offered by the world around us are two very different things. No mater what peace of mind insurances we take out, they do not reduce the worry. Though our house and contents may be insured, it still does not dispel the fear of someone breaking in. Though our health may be insured, we are still vulnerable to getting sick. Though a new political party gets into power or a ceasefire is pronounced, we are still at the mercy of any new uprising.

But the peace of Jesus is different. The promise for his peace is that God is in control of your life. Everything that happens is for the best and He cares for you. So whether things happen that seem bad or seem good, we can be confident that God's will is being done, that we can cope with any testings he brings us, and our hearts do not need to be troubled or afraid.

The peace of God is beyond human understanding, but if we accept it from Jesus, it is within the reach of anyone of us.

John 14:27 Peace?

The verse speaks of a different peace that the world can offer.

Isa 26:3

Stayed gives the idea of leaning upon or establish our minds which will give us peace or tranquility of mind

Isa 57:19 PEACE PEACE!

Isa 32:17

tells us our work of righteousness will achieve.

Prov 11:30 Work of righteous is also a tree of life.

So the righteous then will bring peace not only to themselves but others they will become trees of life!

John 20:26

What does Jesus offer here?

PEACE!

who to? THE RIGHTEOUS!

How does he offer peace? BY HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS!

Where is he stood? IN THE MIDST AS THE TREE OF LIFE!

Through him we gain perfect peace.

13:18  Jesus only quotes part of what David wrote about Ahithophel. David says “in whom I trusted” – Psa 41:9. Jesus does not repeat those words as he knew Judas was untrustworthy.

John 14

God is a helper of the helpless. The saying, “God helps those who help themselves” is unbiblical. While attributed to Benjamin Franklin, this phrase actually comes from Greek mythology, Aesop’s Fables, wherein Hercules replied to the desperate Waggoner, “… The gods help them that help themselves.” This Greek myth has "infiltrated" the Bible!

According to Barna Research Group, 8 out of 10 people they interviewed believe it is one of the Ten Commandments! This is a significant falsehood because the very essence of the gospel is that God helps those who cannot help themselves (cf. Isa 25:4). We are constantly in need of saving and in need of Christ our Saviour. There is a theological word for God’s willingness to help those who cannot help themselves: it is called GRACE.

The message of John 14 is that God only helps those who help themselves to Him through Christ in obedience! The fact that God will provide is not a reason for inactivity, a trap many fall into. Obedience to the commandments requires work. Studying to show ourselves approved unto God requires work (2Tim 2:15), for which He will reward us.

We read in Rom 5:6,8, “For while we were yet without strength [helpless], in due time Christ died for the ungodly… But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ paid the penalty because we are helpless and incapable of paying our, or anyone else's debt, ourselves.

13:19   In saying that he was telling them things before they happened was part of the evidence that he was a prophet – Deut 18:22

13:24 The new commandments to love one another is taken up again – 15:12,17and then John was inspired to use the phrase five times in his first letter  1John 3:11,23, 4:7,11,12 and again in 2John 1:5

13:12   Jesus’ question was rhetorical. The disciples did not understand what he had done. At best they might have realised that someone should have washed the feet of the guests at the meal. However the lack of one washing the guest’s feet provided Jesus with the opportunity to teach them about service and humility – something which we lack many times

14:5    And now Thomas is as perplexed as Peter was – John 13:36.

13:8 clearly Peter was not the first disciple whose feet Jesus washed. Peter must have watched events unfold wondering how he should react. How often do we realise we have not done something that we should have done and yet not responded immediately. Peter could have taken over form Jesus as soon as he saw what was happening. But he did not. Pride often gets in the way of what we should do.

13:3-4 notice the contrast. Jesus with all that had been promised him now takes upon himself the most menial task. That is the emphasis here. How can we learn from this? I leave you to think about that yourselves.

13:3 The record here emphasises the obedience of Jesus as a servant. Whilst “all things” were committed to him he took the form of a servant – Phil 2:7. If Jesus could serve his brethren, one of whom was going to betray him. We should never try to avoid opportunities to serve Jesus through our work towards our fellow believers.

14:21 “He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will disclose myself to him.”

Jesus and others declared that Jesus’ relationship with God was as a son to his father in as natural a way as other men speak of their respective fathers. Yet if Jesus were God, as Trinitarians claim, this is incorrect. cp also “… together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:6

14:28 When Moses went up the mountain to receive the Law. Moses encouraged the people to wait for him because he would return.

13:29  So even at this late time in the ministry of Jesus the disciples did not have the slightest idea that Judas Iscariot was the traitor. So well concealed was his deceptiveness. And so even handed was Jesus with all of the disciples. Can we behave in such an even handed way  as Jesus or do we tend to hide our actions and plans like Judas did?