Comments for March 3

v. 14 - Here we have a verse which reminds of the transient nature of the priesthood, as we are reminded in Heb.7:26-28. All aspects of the law point forward to Jesus. Gal.3:24-25. This aspect here is a pointer to the greater high priest to come who would give his life for the sacrifice for all of us and be able through that to a high priest for ever, and that we might be justified by faith.

The consecration of Aaron and his sons is in accordance with the provision laid out in Exodus 29. The anointing of the tabernacle and Aaron and his sons marks the beginning of the Mosaic order. The children of Israel have spent near on two years building the tabernacle at Mount Sinai, all is finished and the tabernacle has been reared up and the priests are being consecrated to do the work. Without the consecrated priests none of the ordinances could be instituted. A very joyous and solemn time. The beginning of an era. The era of the Mosaic law. 8:23 the consecration of Aaron and his sons was for their lifetime only. Their priesthood was passed on as it 'could not continue by reason of death' Hebrews 7:23 whereas Jesus has an 'unchangeable priesthood' Hebrews 7:24.

v.5 - There is a lesson here. We should not question God's requirements. This is the thing which the Lord commanded to be done. This principle is central to worship throughout the ages. If we question God's commands, we place ourselves in a position where humility of mind is impossible. As we grow older and wiser, one might expect that we would increase in authority, but this is not true. Spiritual wisdom leads us to a greater and greater acceptance of the righteous authority of the Lord, and our own need for absolute subservient reliance on His mercy.

There are three animals involved in the consecration of the priests.
:14 a bullock
:18 a ram
:22 another ram
By simply underlining these verses the structure of the offerings beings to appear.

:35 demonstrates that the consecration was to take place whilst the sons of Aaron remained in the tabernacle. The had a period of separation whilst they were being consecrated. This is like our consecration. Our lives are periods in which we are being consecrated. Therefore we should be separate from the world.

BECOMING A PRIEST

There is a particular order of events we should notice in the narrative of the ordination of Aaron and his sons to be priests. The lessons we learn from them are something that we should try and put into practice in our own lives.
Aaron and his sons were first washed and then dressed in their priestly garments. The first thing we should do as we come to serve God is to prepare ourselves by washing in baptism and then clothing ourselves with spiritual clothes: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love. (Colossians 3:12-14)
Next the sin offering was offered for Aaron and his sons. Once we are dressed we should confess and repent of our sins and pray for forgiveness.
The third step was to present the burnt offering - an offering totally dedicated to the LORD. Our third step is the same: To completely dedicate ourselves to the work of our God, having no distractions and with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength.
The ram for the ordination offering was offered next. The unique thing about this was the blood placed on the right ear, thumb and big toe of Aaron and his sons. This speaks to me of the dedication of our ears to God's word, our hands to his work and our feet to his path.
Finally, Aaron and his sons were to stay in the tent of meeting and to eat the offerings. It was a time of fellowship with the LORD. Once we are dedicated and have been prepared we too will be able to share fellowship with him.

:15 The pouring out of the blood answers to the way in which Jesus 'poured out his soul' (Isaiah 53:12)

Lev 8 - Whilst the earlier chapters in Leviticus have told Israel how they should sacrifice when certain conditions apply we now read of an actual event. This is a description of what took place. Notice the number of times the chapter says ‘he brought’ whereas up to this point the emphasis has been on ‘if …’

Lev 8:12  Aaron, although washed and clothed "as the LORD commanded him" V.9 still was not qualified to enter upon his priestly duties for Israel until both he and the Tabernacle had been anointed with the holy oil. Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the Tabernacle and all therein. "to sanctify them" Next Aaron was anointed with the oil, Moses pouring it upon his head "to sanctify him"

Aaron and his sons were consecrated as priests by Moses who had been instructed by Yahweh.  Moses typifies Christ.  Thus, the Aaronic priesthood was a temporary one to be overshadowed by the everlasting high priest, the Lord Jesus.
 
V.23 Blood on the right ear, thumb, and great toe is significant (see my note on Ex. 29, Feb. 18).

This chapter deals with the consecration of Aaron and his sons. They, too, were human. They were mortal, fleshly and sinners. As they were the privileged ones who in the future would be the mediators between God and men, their cleansing was of the utmost importance.

V.6 We see a lesson here in the complete washing (baptism) of Aaron and his sons, On ordinary occasions they were required, before entering on their duties, only to wash their hands and feet. On this occasion the complete washing was designed to teach them the necessity of both inward and outward cleanliness. When one comes out of the water of baptism he is cleansed completely. This lesson of the washing was for not only for Aaron and his family, but for all the people.

8:6-13   That Moses did all the work associated with consecrating Aaron and his sons contrasts with the work of Jesus. Whereas Aaron and his sons could not make themselves holy Jesus did by the offering of himself.  Heb 10:20. Thus the detail of the consecration of Aaron and his sons highlights the weakness of the law.

V.8,21,33,34 - perhaps the consecration of Aaron and his sons foreshadows the purification of our king and priest Christ and perhaps also refers to those chosen at judgment who reflect the attributes of Christ Rev 1:6. Lev 8:8 the Urim <224> means lights and Thummim <8550> means perfections, an emblem of complete truth and both were/are the (plural) attributes of Christ. Exo 28:30 in mentioning judgment, perhaps foreshadows Christ's perfect light in rendering decisions of judgment at his second coming and perhaps Urim suggests sins and other things coming to light while Thummim perhaps suggests revealing of truths, perfections, and innocence. Deut 33:8-9 referring to Levi mentions Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one which perhaps also points forward to the truly holy one in Christ who will make decisions including that of judgment at his second coming. We seem to have examples of Urim and Thummim being used in 1Sam 14:36,37,41 (Septuagint v41 reads, Why have you not answered your servant today? If the fault is in me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the men of Israel are at fault, respond with Thummim); 28:6; 30:7,8. Lev 8:21 notes the washing of the inner parts and legs in water which perhaps refers to baptism/purification followed by inner purity brought about by the word and a straight and narrow pure walk. We have the mention of water actually coming out of Christ along with the blood during his sacrifice as well as his walking on water perhaps suggesting his purity which allowed him to walk over death after the three days.  Lev.8:33-34 also mentions the concepts of consecration and atonement which perhaps foreshadow our high priest.

8:23-24 The placing of blood upon the right ear, thumb and big toe signifies

Ear           = hearing

Thumb    = doing

Great toe = walking

The significance of the great toe and thumb is that those digits, whilst being ‘little members’ play a great part in the function of the human body. The absence of the thumb makes grasping things difficult. The absence of the great toe makes balance very difficult.

V.8 This breastplate speaks of the High Priest as a mediator between God and the Children of Israel. On the shoulders of the High Priest were two onyx stones set in ouches of gold, engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel. In this way the High Priest carried the names of the Children of Israel both upon his shoulders and upon his heart as we read in Exodus 28. "Aaron shall bear the names of the Children of Israel in the breastplate of judgement  upon his heart, when he goeth into the holy place." This shows the dual purpose of the High Priest as a mediator, the heart to love and the shoulder to carry. So it is with our mediator, as he intercedes with the Father on our behalf.

8:33      Here we see that it took seven days to consecrate the priests. But they eventually died and had to be replaced. This is contrasted in Jesus who is consecrated for ever – Heb 7:28

The sin offering described here used a bullock (v.14), whereas the sin offering described in Lev 5:6 used a female lamb or kid. The difference is that a bullock was used as a sin offering when atonement was to be made for the community. The female lamb or kid was to be used when the atonement was to be made for the individual.

8:21The smell of burning flesh is not at all pleasant. However we are not being told that God likes the smell of burning flesh even though we don’t. The ‘sweet savour’ is the works of the flesh being destroyed.

V.8 Not much is known about Urim (lights) and Thummim (perfections). They were probably stones that were kept in the priests' breastplate. The scripture is not clear how they were used to elicit answers. We do know that Urim and Thummim were superseded by the prophets who became Yahweh’s vehicles for information (1Sam 9:9; Amos 3:7).

8:33 The consecration of Aaron and his sons was a ritual. There was nothing physically essential to require them to be in the court of the tabernacle seven days. God could have deemed them consecrated immediately. We are being taught that it takes time for unregenerate flesh to be changed by the influence of the word of God.

If you just imagine...

Imagine yourself as a son of Aaron attending your consecration ceremony. You will have been involved in the immense efforts to prepare the tabernacle, ark, altar and a multitude of other implements. Now as a result, the gold, silver and brass shines in the desert sun. Skilful artists have made the priestly clothes. The breastplate with gold filigree and engraved precious stones glinted in their perfection. The linen garments presented to you are white and dazzling in the light. The whole nation of Israel stands round you, in awe, as the consecration ceremony begins at the culmination of all their hard work.

Now move yourself on in time to the end of the ceremony. The new altar is dulled by the fire, awash with blood, animal fat and ashes. A pile of offal lies beside it on the ground. A great pool of red stains the earth where the animals have been slain. Your white garments are bloody and your hands are covered in fat. Brown drying blood is caked on everything. Your hair and garments smell of smoke mingled with perfume. And there you remain for seven days, considering in your own mind the gravity of what had happened "to make atonement for you... that you may not die" (Lev 8:34-35).

8:6    The way in which Aaron and his sons were washed with water typifies the cleaning effect of the word of God on those who would be priests of God – Eph 5:26

8:27-28     Aaron is the high priest. He is given the sacrifice to ‘wave’ but then Moses takes it back and offers it. Thus we see that until Aaron was fully consecrated he was unable to offer the sacrifice. A life of faithfulness to God must begin with the waters of baptism. A ‘good life’ is not sufficient.

8:36    Whilst Aaron and his sons began by keeping the commandments in less than a week Nadab and Abihu had strayed from those commandments. The commandments of God are not things to observe for a while and then disregard.

Lev 8:30

“And Moses took of the anointing oil, and of the blood which was upon the altar, and sprinkled it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon his sons’ garments with him; and sanctified Aaron, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons’ garments with him.”

The sprinkling of the blood mixed with oil signified sacrifice mixed with the Spirit, and that the priests with their clothing were consecrated and sanctified by the stained blood of the sacrifice. They could not otherwise come acceptably before the LORD. Putting blood on the tip of Aaron's right ear, right hand, right big toe on the right foot meant that he hears differently, works differently, and walks differently.

Like the priests in Biblical times, we can only be consecrated and sanctified to God through sacrifice - in presenting our bodies as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1), heeding to the written Word (oil), and our walk differing from the world (Rom 12:2). We are clothed with the priestly garment of Jesus given freely by him, and "worn" in faith. What a terrible blunder it would be to separate the oil from the blood; they must always go together. Our consecration should be even greater because it was made through a far greater sacrifice - the shed blood of God's own Son.

8:34   The very fact that Aaron and his sons had to be consecrated with the ritual described in this chapter indicates that even though Aaron and his family were chosen by God to do the service of the tabernacle they still had to meet certain requirements laid down by God. The fact that God chose them, of itself, did not remove the need for them to submit to God’s consecration. Likewise we, even if we have accepted the sacrifice of Christ and become God’s children, are required to submit to His ordinances. 

The Bullock

Bullock was a symbol of strength, the preist was not to do his work on his own strength but by gods strength.

OUr great high priest did nothing by his own strength but by his fathers. Psa 80:15 Yahweh made Christ strong.

Luke 1:80 tells us he grew strong in spirit.

Heb 1:9 tells us he was annointed oil (spirit) above his fellows.

Only through the help of his fathers word did he overcome the nature we also posses.

Israel failed many times to accept that without Yahweh they have no strength Eze 39:29 but they will learn when Christ returns!

Do we rely on God or do we rely on ourselves?

8:3     Notice that the three parts of the body that were to be touched with the offering are the same three parts of the body, generally, that Peter mentioned – JJohn 13:3 – when asking Jesus to wash more than his feet.

1. The Ordination of Aaron and His Sons (Lev 8:1-36):

2. VS.2,14,18,22 - the bull was presented as a sin offering, a ram as a burnt offering, and the other ram for the ordination.

3. In V6 we have cleansing (of sins) by water; in V21 we have the cleansing of the inner parts with water and the legs which perhaps symbolize a clean straight and narrow walk over sin and death, the cleansing of what is not just outside but what is inside and not visible, from the inside of Christ gushed out water (and blood) when he was pierced. Christ hasd to die for believers and his own sinful nature (though he was unblemished by sin).

4.In VS.7-8 we have holy clothing reminding of righteousness.

5. In V8 we have the Urim and Thummim for seeking direction and guidance from God.

6. In V2,10-12,30 we have annointing oil which consecrates.

7. In VS.11,33,35 we have multiple mentions of "7" which could represent rest, millennial day of rest, completion, spiritual perfection, God's seal or covenant number, to be full or satisfied.

8. In VS.15,19,23,24,30 we have the blood put on all 4 horns of the altar just as Christ has nails hammered in 4 places, blood was on all sides of the altar just as with Christ's sacrifice, blood was on the ear (the hearing), blood was on the thumb (the works), blood was on the toe (the walk), blood was on the garments (Rev 7:14).
9. In VS.15,34 we have atonement.

10. In 16,17,20,21,28,32 we perhaps have the symbolic burning/destruction of the Adamic nature.

11. In V26 we have the bread/flesh not corrupted by yeast (Psa 16:10;Jon 2:6;Acts 2:27,31;Matt 16:6,12).

12. In V27 we have the wave offering when portions of the offerings were waved in the air (just as Christ was lifted up in the air) and offered to the Lord, which was then God's provision to those priests who were in service to God just as Christ's sacrifice is available to feed all who serve him and to become kings and priests (Lev 23:10-12;Rev 5:9-10).

Lev 8:8 Urim and Thummim

 Exo 28:30And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before Yahweh: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before Yahweh continually.

The words Urim and Thummim in English translate as light and perfection,

Let us recall the words of 2Tim 3:16

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

There are ideas that the Urim and Thummim were used as a way for Yahweh to speak to his people well, let us see what scripture tells us.

Exo 25:22 reads, And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune OR SPEAKwith thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

And so it was the priest that Yahweh would speak through.

And in Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

So when Yahweh needed to speak to someone he spoke through priests and prophets. He did not need to use the Urim and Thummim.

Let us have a look at the spiritual aspect of this Urim and Thummim.

IN Ex 28:30 the Urim and Thummin are to be upon Aarons heart, not just his chest but as the word is translated in Strong’s his feelings, his will and his intellect.

 Just as that golden plate that displayed Holiness to Yahweh signified his thoughts so the Urim (light) and Thummim (perfection) were to be in his mind.

Deut 33:8 And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;

The holy one then is that great high priest the Lord Jesus Christ. He would put into his intellect, his feelings and his mind, light and perfection.

Heb 1:3  Who being the brightness of his glory, THE URIM and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, having made through himself purged sin, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Matt 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light URIM; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light URIM  is sprung up.

 These words in Matt 4:16 are talking about manifesting Yahweh, remember that the priest was not only to bring man to God but God to man if we do manifest God then we should be brightness and light URIM!

Heb 5:8  Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, THUMMIM he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.

So then we are also to put light Urim into our lives with perfection or Thummim. How do we that brethren and sisters?

Ps 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light (URIM) unto my path.

Just as that priest was anointed by the word pouring into his mind we are to be lights shining forth in this dark world. We are to make the word of God our anointing pouring it into our minds making it our very will and intellect. SLIDE 14

What did we read in 2 Tim 3:16?  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be WHAT?perfect, THUMMIM! Throughly furnished unto all good works.

And those words thoroughly furnished mean to equip fully, only when the high priest was displaying Urim and Thummim, pouring the word into his mind, letting the word perfect him could he be fully equipped for his good works. Are we fully equipped brethren and sisters? 

Have we followed the things of Aaron in being suitably clothed and prepared, do we shine as lights in the evil world are we using the word to perfect us?

Does the word have such an effect on our minds that we seek to be perfect? If we don’t do these things brethren and sisters then we are not displaying Holiness to Yahweh and we will not be kings and priests in the future age

MADE NEW AGAIN

The moment had come. The Tabernacle had been completed and set up, the rules for it's service had been explained, and now it was time to prepare the priests. Moses gathered them at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Aaron and his sons. This was the same Aaron who had led Israel in the sin with the golden calf just a short time earlier. And here he was now, standing before Moses and before God to be consecrated as the high priest of the LORD.

We all make mistakes. We all sin. Some people's sin is more public than the sin of others - just like Aaron's sin with the golden calf.  But as he stood before God, his past was behind him and a new future of dedication to the LORD was ahead.

Like Aaron, our sins may seem crippling at the time. But God has made provision to overlook our faults and get us back on track again.

The apostle Paul is another example of this. He persecuted the church, but was restored to become one of the leading disciples of his time.

No matter what our past has been like, God can make us new again. Let's give him all we have got and not cripple ourselves with the mistakes of our past.
 

8:3   There was to be no uncertainty amongst the nation as to who had been anointed as priest. Hence all the congregation was to watch this ritual.

8:6    As the cleansing of Aaron and his sons was effected by water our cleansing is effected by Jesus’ words – John 15:3

8:9,13,17,21,29     Whilst the book of Exodus records “as the Lord commanded Moses” a number of time the only place in Leviticus is here which relates to the consecration of Aaron and his sons.

8:23 There may be an echo of this command in Peter’s request in John 13:9 where he speaks of his head, hands and feet.

Leviticus 8:1-17  In preparation for service as priests Moses consecrated Aaron and his sons.   Moses washed (v.6), clothed (vs.7-9) and anointed them with oil (v.10). Moses provided and slew the bullock for a sin offering (vs.14-16). Its’ blood was used to purify the altar in order to make reconciliation on it (v.15).  

“in all things it behoved him (Jesus) to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” (Heb. 2:17).  

The internal organs of the bullock, fat, caul, liver, kidneys were burnt on the altar. Symbols of sin that is naturally within human beings.

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” (Mark 7vs.21-23).

“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.”(Psalm 51:6).  

The remains of the bullock representing sin, that is the hide, flesh and dung were burnt outside of the camp. Jesus did no sin but he suffered outside the gates of Jerusalem. (Heb.13v11-13)

God raised up a prophet who was like Moses (Deut.18vs.18-19). That prophet was Jesus. He opened the way for his true followers to be consecrated in preparation for their work as kings and priests in the future Kingdom of God on earth (Rev.5v.10).  Jesus “washed us from our sins in his own blood” (Rev.1vs.5-6). 

Jesus has provided the sacrifice and the means for us to be washed, clothed (2Cor.5vs.2-4) and prepared for his service. Now is our time of opportunity! 

8:4 the consecration of Aaron and his sons was a very significant event in the development of Israel’s worship. Hence “all the congregation” was to gather at “the door of the tabernacle”. Now it is evident that all the congregation would not actually be able to see what was happening. However the command was so that they could all be involved. No one stayed “at home”.

8:5 The consecration of Aaron and his sons clearly was at God’s instruction. However the record is clear here. The people were reminded that it was according to God’s instruction 9 times in the detail in this and the subsequent chapter.

8:7  The record says that Moses “girded” Aaron with the girdle. Jesus “girded himself” – John 13:4Both are involved in service to God.

The reference in John is designed to remind us that Jesus was not just a servant but doing the work of the high priest in readiness to him being raised to the status of the priest after the order of Melchisedec.

8:12  In instructing Moses to take “the anointing oil” we have added confirmation that these events recorded here took place after the items for the tabernacle had been made.

Lev 8:31,32

THE MEANS OF CONSECRATION

“NONE will be found in the consecrated state who have not now availed themselves of the means of consecration in the spiritual eating of the flesh provided—(‘My flesh which I give for the life of the world’ – Jesus)—eaten, too, ‘not with the old leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth’ (1Cor 5:8). And when the whole family have eaten, the surplus flesh and bread will be burnt with fire, destroyed in judgment: withdrawn in anger: the door shut: no further admission to the consecrated state. Many will run eagerly after the grace of God in Christ when his glory is revealed—to be met only with the fateful words: ‘too late!’”

Robert Roberts, The Law of Moses, p. 187

v. 6 - A repeated truth for us all to note - repeated time and time again - even in this psalm, but certainly throughout the writings of the psalmists. The message so clear - when we are in times of trouble, we should not wallow in it, but cry unto the Lord. v.13,19,28, 50:15, Isa.41:17,18, Jer.29:12-14, Hos.5:15, 2Cor.12:10

Psalm 107 Notice the repeated refrain that the people 'cry' to God v6, 13, 19, 28. On each occasion God delivered His people. Rather like the period of the Judges. Do we believe that God will hear our cries?

v.4-7 - Amongst many other things, we have here a picture of the plight of Hagar, when she fled with Ishmael from the jealousy of Sarah. Gen.21:14-20.

In listing :3 the quarters from which Israel were to be gathered East West North South we have an order which is only seen in Isaiah 43:5-6 and Luke 13:29. Thus this comment in the Psalm, being picked up in Isaiah and by the Lord, is a specific prophecy about the re-gathering of Israel.

The repeated refrain (:8, 15, 21, 31) shows that men in general do not recognise the wonderful provision that God makes for them. Israel forgot the way in which God delivered them time after time. Do we forget the deliverance that we have received through the death of Jesus?

107:25-27 We learn that God creates circumstances which stress out His servants so that they see their need to rely on Him. When they turn to Him he delivers them. This is a repeated experience because we are all slow learners.

Psalm 107  The Psalm is a plea for man to "Praise the Lord for His goodness" The appeal is made five times. V.1;8;15;21;31: The word "thank" V.1 and "praise" V.8 are the same Hebrew word, "YADAH" 3031 To revere, to worship. 

 The psalmist says 4 times in this psalm, that he wishes people would praise God for His goodness, (Psa 107:8,15,21,31).  If I spoke up for my God when I was with people, perhaps they would praise Him more. It’s not hard to say, “Hasn’t God given us a wonderful morning?” or “Human designers couldn’t have made a flower like this, could they?”

107:1    Whilst there is no direct evidence that this Psalm was written about the bringing of the ark to Zion we have a strong verbal link with Psa 106:1.  When this Psalm in :6 talks about deliverance from distress there is a similarity in language with 2Sam 7:1 which indicates a thematic link with the events associated with bringing the ark to Zion as David is spoken of as having been given rest after he had brought the ark to Zion..

Although the general theme of this Psalm may have been suggested by God's love to the children of Israel, it must also be regarded as an instructive celebration of God's praise for His merciful providence to all men in their various emergencies. several are given; captivity and bondage, wanderings by land and sea, and famine; some as evidences of God's displeasure, and all the deliverances as evidence of His goodness and mercy to them who humbly seek Him. 

V.5,18 - in v5 we find a "soul" KJV or "lives" NIV [Heb. "nephesh" (5315) means "breathing creature, life, body, man, they, person, soul", etc.] so famished from lack of food and drink that their soul fainted or lives ebb away while in v18 we read that their "soul" KJV or "they" NIV loathed food.

V.17,19 - we read the frequent cycle here of rebelling/transgressing, suffering/being afflicted, crying to the Lord, and being saved from distress.

V.20 - God sent his word (perhaps in part prophetically referring to Christ? John 1:1,2,14), and healed them, and rescued them from "destructions" KJV "the grave" NIV Heb. "shechith" (7825) means "destruction, pit, corruption".

Anyone who is alienated from Yahweh is bound unto death in iron (chains) (v.10).  They are in that state, of course, because of rebellion (v.11).  Idolatry is associated with rebellion, because if one is not worshipping Yahweh, he or she must be worshipping somebody or something else. The prophets cited Egypt as being the land of idolatry (Isa 19:1; Eze 20:7,8).  Yahweh brought His people out of this land of idolatry, which Jeremiah calls an iron furnace (Jer 11:4). Happily, if one turns to Yahweh in repentance, He will free that prisoner awaiting death (vs.14,16). 

v 10,11 language is similar to that of Jude 1:6, 2Pet 2:4 The psalm seems to be talking about those who subsequently repented, and Jude/Peter about those who did not.

107:8 The refrain ‘Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works unto the children of men’ which is repeated in :15,21,31 elevates the events described from mere natural actions – such as, for example, the description of the weather :23-29 – from natural phenomenon to Divine intervention. We do well to reflect on the way that God uses ‘natural’ things in our lives and be willing to praise Him for the ‘natural’ things which are all part of His care for His children.

107:20 The way in which the Psalmist speaks of God sending His word to produce healings is seen to have a fulfilment in the healing of the centurions servant in Matt 8:8.

107:7The ‘city of habitation’ is like the city which Abraham looked for - Heb 11:10 - which was built by God.

107:27-30 This is almost a description of the disciples afraid in the storm and Jesus calming the storm– Matt 8:24-26

20  sets us thinking of Jesus  (John 1:1) and the healing aspect (Prov 20:30) is shown through the bruising he suffered (Isa 53:5)

When Thomas was invited to touch Jesus' hands and thigh, (John 20:27) it was the twelfth day after his crucifixion and by then there would be considerable visible bruising.  There is a link here to the woman with the issue of blood who reached out and touched the blue hem of Jesus' garment in order to be made whole (Mark 5:28).  The idea of the hem is associated with the extremities of a bird's wings - hence to Jesus' hands - and the whole idea was summed up perfectly for Thomas in Mal 4:2 - the sun of righteousness was risen with healing in his wings.

107:8-10             The satisfaction spoken of here is not merely natural things. We understand this because the ones that sit in darkness are blessed – by seeing the light of the gospel – Isa 9:2, Matt 4:15-16

107:42 The time when ‘iniquity will stop her mouth’ is the kingdom. The righteous will see it. What a wonderful prospect. However if we wish to be there then our mouths now should be free from guile and dishonesty.

1. Psa 107:1-3 - the redeemed are gathered from all lands.

2. Psa 107:4-9 some redeemed were travellers in the wilderness; Psa 107:10-16 some redeemed were captives in prison; Psa 107:17-22 some redeemed were sick in mind and body; Psa 107:23-32 some redeemed were mariners.

3. Psa 107:6,13,19,28 "they cried unto the Lord in their trouble".

4. Psa 107:8,15,21,31 "he delivered/saved them out of their distresses".

5. Psa 107:40-41 the rich become poor and the poor become prosperous.

107:9    The way in which the Psalmist speaks of God filling the hungry with goodness is similar in idea to Jesus’ comments – Matt 5:3– in the sermon on the mount.

RESPONSE TO REDEMPTION

If we have been delivered from the bondage of sin, from separation from God, from constant temptation, from being lost in the world, or from having no hope, we need to take notice of the instructions given in a psalm written for people just like us. It begins like this: "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say this - those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and south." (Psa 107:1-3)

If we have been redeemed from trouble, have we recently given thanks to the LORD and said, "For his love endures for ever!"? Have we told other people of the goodness of the LORD lately? The psalmist ends the psalm in a similar way: "Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD." (v.43) What about that? Do we meditate on how great God has been to us? Do we consider his great love as something to purposely think about during the day?

Let's say it, let's think it, let's tell others of the great love of the LORD. The more we do it, the more it will become part of us, and the more we will love God.

107:6     In saying that when people called unto God and were delivered it may be that the Psalmist is reflecting on the time of the Judges for we read similar language a number of times there – Judg 3:9,15, 4:3, 6:6-7, 10:10-12

This wonderful Psalm is split up into five sections plus an introduction and summary. Any of the five sections might relate to some incident in our lives where we have been graciously helped by the LORD when we thought hope was lost. If we have had occasions like this then we need to ask ourselves the question: "did I thank the LORD for His goodness and wonderful works?"

107:43 An ability to understand God’s lovingkindness does not come naturally. It is the domain of the “wise”. The wise, of course, are not those wise in the things of the world. Rather it is those who are wise in the things of God from a reading of His word.

107:10 We see the ideas of this verse again in the prophet – Isa 9:2– where the work of Jesus is spoken of.

107:6,13,19,28              The recurring theme of crying to God and being delivered is also seen repeatedly in the book of Judges. It highlights that God forgives even though He knows that further sin and rebellion will follow.

Psa 107:29  Flying Above The Storms

Let us use the emotional momentum of trouble or sorrow or disappointment in this life to raise our spiritual consciousness to the next higher plane. That is what these providential "evils" are for.

Take full advantage of their power, and be thankful for them. The jets in the stratosphere fly high above all storms, in the perpetually clear sky and sunshine. So must we, in our deepest inner consciousness.

107:40 Men in power feel that they are important and in control of their destiny and the destiny of the country they rule over. However they do not know that God rules in men’s kingdoms – Dan 4:17 – so ultimately they will be lost in their objectives.

107:3    the mention of the gathering form the four points of the compass is seen also in Gen 28:14, Isa 45:3, Luke 13:29

107:41 setting the poor on high is rather like the way in which Hannah spoke – 1Sam 2:8

107:42 The apostle Paul was inspired to draw on words from this verse in Rom 3:19 where he explains that the fact that man sins will cause him to stop speaking when Yahweh judges mankind.

Psa 107:10 speaks of prison and links with Joseph when he was cast into prison.

See my notes in Gen 39:20

107:6,13,19 Israel, repeatedly, turned away from God and yet He responded to their cries for help and deliverance. Such was (and is) the mercy of Israel’s God. Surely a sufficient reason to praise Him (107:15,21,31). Whilst the Psalmist is clearly referring to historical events in Israel’s history – for example in the days of the Judges –Our Father has delivered us from “the power of death” (Heb 2:14). Surely an even greater reason than Israel had to praise God.

107:11 the word translated “contemned”<5006> is elsewhere translated “despise” in the Old Testament. Thus we see that rebellion against God’s words in not keeping his commandments is the same as despising them. It is not possible to both be disobedient and claim to respect his commandments.

107:2-3 We are amongst the redeemed from the four points of the compass – Luke 13:28-29 – the deliverance spoken of in the Psalm extends beyond deliverance from kings on the earth. It extends to deliverance from death.

107:2 Whilst the Psalm focuses on the way in which God will deliver His people, the nation of Israel, from their enemies we should remember that there is a greater enemy than all nations of the world together. It is death.  Whenever we might despair of our perceived situation we do well to remember that the greatest battle has already been won on our behalf. Romans 5:10

v.13 - The phrase 'quit you like men' is translated from one word that simply means be strong, so effectively the phrase 'be strong' is repeated in two different ways. The aspects of watching and standing fast require us to have strength in the Lord. Matt.24:42-44, 26:41, Luke 21:36, 2Tim.4:5, 1Pet.4:7, 5:8, Rev.3:2,3.

:10 Timothy had already been to Corinth at Paul's behest (4:17) and it would appear that he had some hard words to say to the Corinthians. Maybe from this verse we can conclude that Timothy's visit had not been an easy one and that the brethren at Corinth had not treated Timothy with the respect that should be shown to a brother.

DEVOTED TO SERVICE

Jesus did not just teach service, his life was devoted to those he came to serve. He never said, "Watch me now, and I will show you how to be a servant," because he didn't need to. His life, every moment of it, spoke volumes.

Jesus is not the only example of a servant in the New Testament, there are many others. One such example are the people in the household of Stephanas. They were the first converts to Christianity in Achaia and, we read, "have devoted themselves to the service of the saints." From the short paragraph concerning Stephanas and his family, we also learn that they were hard workers for Christ. They supplied the needs of Paul and his team and they refreshed his spirit.
We too should aim to be devoted to service just as Stephanas and his family were. We need to work hard for Christ, identifying both spiritual and physical needs so that we can supply our brothers and sisters with what they lack and be able to refresh their spirits. We can serve in so many ways - we just need to identify the needs and then meet them in service.

16  The collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem served two purposes. It supplied for the physical needs of the brethren and helped the gentile to associate himself with the suffering of his Jewish brother - thus engendering unity between Jew and gentile - a major problem in the first century.

1Cor 16:20  "Holy kiss" Rom 16:16, 1Thess 5:26 The token of the mutual love of the members of the ecclesia. Especially at the memorial feast, at which all the dissensions of the Corinthians would be swallowed up.

We follow the same pattern of giving, in accordance with our means, to help the brotherhood in welfare and preaching (v.1,2).  However, this must be done out of love (v.14).
If it is done only out of a sense of duty then it is invalid (1Cor 13:3).

16:1 ‘Now concerning …’ like we saw in 7:1, 8:1 and , 12:1 indicate that the point is one either raised by the Corinthians or was seen by Paul to be important enough to make specific mention. The tabular way that Paul works through these matters highlights structure to his letter.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if it could be said of us that we are addicted (v.15 KJV) to works of the Truth.

Stephanus and family were the firstfruits of Paul’s preaching in Greece. What a lovely comment Paul makes in 1Cor 16:15! Bro and Sis Stephanus, and the family were so delighted when new members were baptised and joined their ecclesia, that they were “addicted” to helping them. This word means “set themselves”, or in a sense were unable to stop themselves helping the new ones.

v 9 would seem to hold a contradiction: Paul says that the door of opportunity to work in the service of the Lord is wide open, but this would seem to be contradicted by his next statement "and  there are many who oppose me". Our lesson from this is that we should see opportunity in adversity, and not see it as a door that is shut to service.

16:3 ‘Liberality’ <5485> is elsewhere – John 1:14,14,17, Rom 3:24 - translated ‘grace’ thus showing that the giving of money was more than an act of relieving suffering.

16:13  In quoting the Philistines’ comment – 1Sam 4:9 – Paul is not encouraging the brethren to be Philistines. Rather he is citing the commitment of the Philistines against tremendous odds.

16:1 It will be helpful, when reading this chapter about the collection of money, to try to extend the principles Paul lays out to all areas of our lives. We need to appreciate that our giving extends far beyond the giving of money.

V.22 It seems strange that the original words, Anathema Maranatha, were not translated. Anathema is Greek, and means: Let him be accursed; while Maranatha is Aramaic, and means: Our Lord comes.

And so the statement to those who do not love the Lord is that, they be cursed; the Lord will come (to judge them).

16:4 Even though Paul is the instigator of the collections and even though he was planning to go to Jerusalem as he was already in possession of money from other believers for the poor saints in Jerusalem he does not presume that the Corinthians will want to send money with him even if one of their number is present.

16:17 It is worth noting here that the word ‘coming <3952> is the word ‘parousia’  some would argue that this word speaks of the invisible presence of Jesus, saying that the word itself means invisible presence. The use of the word here clearly is talking about a visible presence of Stephanas
 

16:6   ‘that ye may bring me on my journey’ shows Paul providing the believers in Corinth with an opportunity to assist him in a bigger work than just their own problems. The ‘journey’ is to benefit the poor saints in Jerusalem.

16:17-18         Notice how the coming of brethren refreshed Paul. How often do we view our visiting as a means of refreshing others? Surely this should be reason to be hospitable in our visiting.

1 Cor. 16:13.

16:24  When we end a communication expressing our love for the one written to it is not a simple formality – at least it should not be. Paul clearly had the well-being of the Corinthians in his mind often. This was because he loved the believers in Corinth. A plea, therefore, that we think carefully about what we write or say to others about our feelings for them.

Strength

Its amazing how this theme follows through the readings.

Lev 8:14-15The priest was to put away his own strength symbolised in the bullock.

Psa 107:27-28 We see that Yahweh brings stress on us that we rely on him.

Now we are being told in 1Cor 16:13 ACT LIKE A MAN, be strong!

After reading the principles in Lev 8 that we are not to rely on our own strength and that in Ps 107 our stress's and problems are there so we can learn to rely on him, we should act like men and have courage in him!

Notice Psa 31:24 Yahweh stregthens us so that we may have courage.

16:19 The mention of “the church which is in their house” gives an insight into first century practice which is rarely seen today. In the first century it was probably the easiest way for groups of believers to meet together. No need to find property to rent and a homely environment to which those who did not know the gospel message could be invited. A lesson for us today?

16:3-5  The way Paul speaks here and mentions Macedonia helps us to fix the time, in relation to the Acts of the Apostles, when this letter to Corinth was written. In Acts 19:21 Paul is on his way to Jerusalem. Acts 21:2 mentions Macedonia  whilst from Acts 20:16 we see Paul at Ephesus. Piecing these details together provides the date to fix in time the writing of this letter. We should be alert to little details like this in the other letters which will help us to see where they fit into the life of the writer of the letter.

QUIT YE LIKE MEN

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." (NIV) v.13-14

The brethren & sisters eagerly awaited for Paul's return, but while they waited they were exhorted to stand fast in the true and be courageous. A Christian is always in danger, and must ever be on the watch. We need to be fixed in the faith of the gospel and the Hope that is ever set before us, and never give it up, no matter what. Therefore Paul exhorts the brethren & sisters to consider 4 things - 

1. Be alert to spiritual dangers

2. Stand true to the Lord

3. Be courageous in standing up for the truth

4. And do all things with kindness and love

Today as we likewise wait on the Lord's return and would be wise to take Paul's advise in our daily living.

16:24   “Anathema Maranatha” could have been translated into English. Maybe the translators left it untranslated as it was a phrase that might have bene used extensively in the first century. However it is worth knowing what it means. Roughly translated it means that those who do not love Jesu should be afraid of the return of Christ.

16:12 We know – Acts 19:1– that Apollos had been in Corinth so maybe Paul thought that he would be a good person to send to help deal with the problems there.

16:17 so we conclude that a number of concerned believers from Corinth actually visited Paul to tell him about the problems in Corinth. Are we willing to “stick our neck out” to highlight a problem? OR do we rather just hold back hoping that someone else will deal with it?

This chapter brings together themes of the previous chapters. Thy were to give a “liberality” (charis) (v. 3) just as the Lord had given them “gifts” (charisma) (1 Cor. 12:4). Timothy worked “the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 16:10) and there were those that “laboureth” (1 Cor. 16:16), exemplifying the words of Paul when he spoke of “the work of the Lord” and “labour” (1 Cor. 15:58). All things were to “be done with love” (1 Cor. 16:14) and Paul had spoken of love in 1 Corinthians 13. There were “firstfruits of Achaia” (1 Cor. 16:15) and there is “Christ the firstfruits” (1 Cor. 15:23). And they were to “submit” (1 Cor. 16:16) to brethren and sisters just as "all things shall be subdued" (1 Cor. 15:28) unto Christ. 

16:11 Paul was expecting |timothy to return – ideally with a good report on how things were in Corinth. The very fact that Paul had to even mention that he was looking for Timothy to return indicates his concern as to how Timothy might be treated by the believers in Corinth.

16:14 We are all fragile individuals and easily upset by what others say either about us or to us. This is independent of whether any hurt was intended. It seems also that the closer we are to a fellow believer the easier it is for us to be upset by words or action or inaction.

We must always have the spiritual health of our fellow believers at the forefront of our mind when we go about our daily lives.

16:12 Clearly there was a difference of opinion between Paul and Apollos regarding visiting Corinth. But notice the difference in opinion did not become a strife. It is acceptable to have differences of opinion when talking about non-fundamental matters.

16:14 And so now, at the end of the letter, Paul returns to the point he was making –  13:1-8 – The overriding quality that will stem disharmony is love based on a correct understanding of what the gospel requires of each of us. In love we will be able ot differentiate between fundamental and non-fundamental matters.

16:2 “lay up in store” speaks of planning and organisation. We would never consider giving to God that which was left over in our lives. His commandments will always come first. But is this how we think about giving materially to God in our collections? Or do we just give what comes to hand as the bag is passed round?