Comments for June 9

v.15 - How many times have we made an excuse like this to avoid doing something which we know would be a good work for God. How many of us say 'I am not good enough', someone else will have to do it. When we feel like this, we should not be afraid to ask God for a sign. But we must, of course, ask in unquestioning faith that he will respond. Other people felt inadequate, just as we do. Moses [Exo.3:11,4:10], Jeremiah [Jer.1:6], Mary [Luke 1:34], so we are not alone.

v.1 The refrain 'and the children of Israel did evil ...' runs through Judges in a lamentable way. [Judges 2:11 3:7 12 here 10:6 13:1] Of the twenty seven references to Midian in the book of Judges all of them relate to the time of Gideon. Therefore the comment in [Judges 8:28] that the Midianites lifted up their heads no more is seen to be so in the time of the judges.
v.3 The association between the Midianites and the Amalekites is only seen at this time in the book of Judges [Judges 6:3 33 7:12]

v.1 - The 'black and white' nature of following God is clear throughout scripture, as is the consequence of our action. We can follow God's ways and lead to life or we can follow our own ways and lead to death. The Bible presents no other option. Consequently when the people did not follow God, they did evil and had to be punished. God has not changed today. The punishment for evil is still death with no further hope.

There are a number of similarities between the way that Gideon spoke to God and the way that Moses responded at the burning bush

SURE OF GOD'S PLAN

Like Gideon, we can sometimes feel lost, confused or even just not confident of what God's plan for our life really is. Sometimes it seems that all our reasoning cannot tell which direction we should go in our lives and we need specific help from God to make those choices. Gideon felt that way on a number of occasions.

First he asked for a sign that God was really talking to him at his initial calling, and the sign that was given to him was that of the offering being miraculously burned up and the angel disappearing. Sometimes he will give us a sign too and if we are willing to receive it, we cannot ignore it. He still works in the same way today.

The second sign God gave Gideon was with the fleece. It was to answer a question - "If you will be with me then ... " The first night, as Gideon had asked, the fleece was wet and the ground was dry, and the second night the fleece was dry and the ground was wet. We too can ask for this sort of sign when we need God's guidance. We can ask, "If such and such happens then I will take it as a sign to do so and so." Many people, including myself, have found this really helps (although sometimes the answer can be very challenging.)

Let's not be afraid to ask God for direction as long as we are prepared to listen for the answer and act on the direction God has given us.

6:12 We might think the phrase 'the Lord is with thee' is a common phrase in Scripture. It is not. It is only seen here and 2 Samuel 7:3 and Luke 1:28. 2 Samuel 7:3 is Nathan speaking to David whilst Luke 1:28 is the angel speaking to Mary. The Luke reference matches the context of Judges 6:12. On both occasions they are the words of an angel. One wonders whether Mary thought about the words to Gideon.

6:11 Have we considered the difficulty of threshing wheat by a wine press? Wheat is separated from the chaff by being tossed into the air so that the wind can separate the lighter chaff from the grain which then falls to the ground. This requires that the threshing takes place in an exposed location so that the wind can do its job. The winepress, on the other hand, would be in a more secluded  location.

So the oppression of the Midianites had a practical impact upon daily life in Israel. In like manner if our life is compromised by sinful actions our work in Christ is hampered.

V.13 " why then has all this befallen us?" Gideon's language betrays want of reflection, for the very chastisements God had brought on His people showed His presence with, and His interest  in them.

When Gideon made his excuses why he shouldn't lead Israel, he says he is from Manasseh, and Judg 6:11tells us his town is Abi-ezer.  He then destroyed his father's false gods, which seems to have been worshipped by all the town (Judg 6:28-32).  That's enough to turn the whole town against him, which is what happened. BUT, when the Spirit of God enabled him to blow the trumpet and to call the people to war, who followed him first?  Abi-ezer and the tribe of Manasseh.  How well Gideon must have used those intervening days or months, in preaching to his neighbours.  A great lesson for us!

6:1        ‘The Lord delivered them …’ marks the fact that the oppression was of God rather than simply being an accident of time and place – as if the Midianites were stronger than Israel. Israel never seemed to learn that God was working in their lives for their good. Do we?

Gideon as a possible echo of Christ - Part 1

People are vessels Rom 9:21-23, some are good Acts 9:15; Isa 52:11; 2Tim 2:20-21 and some bad. Gideon (1439) means "a feller" and thus Gideon broke Baal's altar, like Christ, who felled the bonds of sin and death. Gideon was the 5th judge (5 thought by many to be the # of grace or mercy) and the return of Christ will be the 5th dominant empire or kingdom according to Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Dan 2:36-44). Judg 6:11,16,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,30,35,36,38 -- v11 wheat in a winepress under a tree perhaps is an echo of Christ's sacrifice and the bread and wine by which we remember him till he come; v16 credit for victory goes to God; v20 the bread and meat with the blood poured out on the rock is not unlike Christ, the rock, with his life blood poured out; v21 the flesh gets consumed as when Christ is changed from the natural to the spiritual body after 3 days in the pit; v22 Gideon seeing the angel of the Lord face to face is much like Christ being with God; v23 Gideon is told he will not die just as Christ did not see corruption; v24 the Lord is peace altar just as there will be peace in Jerusalem in the millennial era when Christ returns thanks to his sacrifice which made it possible; v25-26 the mention of 7 (7 is thought by many to be the number of spiritual perfection), Christ was like a second Adam (also a perfect fulfilment of the inferior law) and sin/idols were felled with a sacrifice on a proper altar made of wood; v30,38 the son was brought out and the crowd demanded he die but he didn't really die as he rose early the next day having destroyed sin/idols; v35 messengers sent throughout suggests many are called but few (in this case 300) are chosen; v36 God's power saves Israel through Jesus/Gideon who felled or broke the bonds of sin and death and then emerged from his mortal shell or vessel thus fully revealing the light.

6:8  This and Judg 4:4 are the only mentions of  prophets in the whole of the book of Judges.

6:2 Whilst the comment that Israel made ‘dens in the mountains’ might seem to be a simple description of what happened it also is an indictment of them. They should have called to God in prayer. How do we deal with problems?

V.2 Midian means strife.  Historically, Midian was Abraham's son by Keturah (Gen 25:2).  The Midianites joined the Ishmaelites (Ishmael was Abraham's son by Hagar (Gen 16:15)) to form trading caravans. 

Later, Midian joined Moab in their desire for Balaam to curse Israel (Num 22:4).  For this, Yahweh had Moses take vengeance on the Midianites who were decimated (Num 31:2-17).  But, now we see that the Midianites were stronger than Israel. They had, obviously, recovered since nearly being diminished in Moses' day. 

6:3 The ‘children of the East’ were amongst those that came against Israel at that time and the land was desolate ‘unto Gaza’ indicating a vast swathe of the central region of Israel (at least) was under their dominion.

v1 First Principles>Kingdom of God>Was overturned>History of fulfilment
Go to Deut 28:49 to see more details of the history of Israel and its overturning.

V.5 In Hebrew, the word for grasshoppers is arbeh which means many.  The same word is also translated locusts in other passages (e.g. Exo 10:12).  The Midianites were in such abundance that they were many, just like a swarm of grasshoppers.  It is interesting that Yahweh views humankind as grasshoppers – now six billion plus people milling about (Isa 40:22).

V.12 Gideon was being enlisted by Yahweh to relieve Israel from the yoke of Midian.  Gideon means one who hews (i.e. warrior).  He is aptly named because he would be the one to hew down the followers of Baal (See Isa 10:33).

V.19 As was the hospitality of the Near East (and still is), a visitor to one’s dwelling was always greeted like this.

Vs.20,21 However, the angel used the prepared food as a sacrifice.  It was only at this point that Gideon realized that he had entertained an angel (v.22).  We should always be hospitable because the same situation might happen to us (Heb 13:2).  

V.25 Gideon’s father was a worshipper of Baal and Ashtaroth.  Gideon’s first assignment was to destroy his father’s altar and groves.  This demanded much faith as Gideon knew that he would be in personal danger (v.30).  Gideon, nevertheless, accomplished his first assignment despite the risk.  For this act of faith, and other ones he would perform against Midian, Gideon is named in the list of the faithful (Heb 11:32).

Judg 6:36-40 - dew is a covering and may be associated with resurrection (Isa 26:19;Psa 133:3;Psa 110:1-6); the "fleece" [Heb. "gazzah" (1492) means "fleece, to cut off, cut off, shear a flock, shave the hair (as with a sheep), figuratively means 'to destroy an enemy'"] may represent death, in particular the death of Christ (Isa 53:7).

Some of the above is gleaned from The Gospel in the Book of Judges  by Ian Giles, pps. 88-90.

6:25 In being asked to throw down his father’s altar Gideon was reminded of what God had already said – Judg 2:2 at the beginning of the time of the Judges.

PEACE AT JUDGEMENT

One day we are all going to stand before the Lord on the day of judgement. How this will happen, we can only guess, guided by the few clues we can glean from the Scriptures. My question today is how we picture the attitude of God (or Jesus) toward us when we come before them for judgement. Will they be there to interrogate us about every action and word we have ever spoken? Will they behave like an examiner, counting off the marks for and against us to see whether we measure up to entering the kingdom? Should we be fearful of the judgement? Or can we in some way look forward to it?

To put it quite simply, God wants us in his kingdom. If we want to be in his kingdom above all else that this life offers, God will direct our lives to make sure we have every opportunity to be ready for it. But if we don't want to spend eternity with God and Jesus, they won't want to put us through the torment of receiving something we never wanted to receive.

When Gideon met the angel of the LORD, he was told, "Don't be afraid. You are not going to die." (Judg 6:22) We too can have peace when we meet God face to face, if we, like Gideon, have our hearts tuned into his.

6:5     In speaking of the Midianites as ‘grasshoppers for multitude’ we see an idea used  later  - Joel 1:4,6 –to speak of Israel’s enemies.

6:8-10    Notice how the prophet’s encouragement to Gideon is a re stating of the things God had done for  Israel in the past. On this occasion the deliverance from Egypt which had happened not too long before the time of the Judges.

Judg 6:36-40.

6:13    In commenting about the miracles that his father had told him Gideon is, incidentally, telling us that his father kept the requirements of the low as, for example, given in Deut 4:9.

Israel's idol worship was beginning to take hold and we join the story of Gideon under an oak tree. The location of the oak tree had been designated in some kind of idol worship, as we can see from similar references in Eze 6:13 and Hos 4:13 compared with the context of our chapter which mentions the Baal worship going on there (v25-30).

6:30-31        Whilst Joash had built an altar to Baal maybe his reaction indicates that he was happy that Gideon had destroyed the altar. Maybe, whilst he did not have enough courage to withstand others he was willing to support those who did.

¹² The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior.” ¹³ Then Gideon said to him, “O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now theLord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” ¹⁴ The Lord ^[g]looked at him and said, “Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?”  It was the angel of the LORD that appeared, but he speaks as The LORD. Just as it was at the burning bush. Even after the angel leaves though the LORD still speaks to Gideon. Just has it says in 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.

6:1      “in the sight of the Lord” is such a familiar phrase in Scripture that we might not realise the force of what is being said. God saw what the nation was doing.  In like manner He sees all we do. James 4:10 warns us as to how we should respond to this awareness.

6:10      The prophet quotes Exo 6:7 when he says “I am the Lord your God” which forms the basis for the way in which here the prophet reminds Israel of their deliverance from Egypt against the background of the opposition of the Midianites.

6:5   That the Midianites and Amalakites were like “grasshoppers” in number matches Israel’s comment – Num 13:33 – about how they perceived themselves in the land of Canaan when they first spied it out.  Now, like then, they did not have the faith to believe that they were no match for God.

6:8 We have seen in an earlier post how the discussion between Gideon and the angel echoes Moses at the burning bush. Here we have another echo of Israel’s departure form Egypt under the hand of Moses where Exo 13:3  is quoted .

6:23     When the angel of the Lord spoke to Gideon with the words “peace be unto thee” we see an echo of Num 6:26. The blessing that Moses was to speak to the people. An indication that the angelic visitation was a prelude to deliverance from the Midianites.

6:3,4     the way that the Midianites destroyed that which was sown so that Israel lacked food – the crops – is a fulfilment of Deut 28:39.

6:27       Gideon claims to be from the least of the tribes and the least in his own family however  he could call on 10 servants to assist him in cutting down his father’s alter to Baal. This doesn’t read like an insignificant man in an insignificant family in an insignificant tribe! Even though that is what Gideon said of himself - Judg 6:15. It seems that despite his positon Gideon had a low estimation of himself. That is exactly the sort of person that God can work with – just like Moses who before Gideon spoke similar words to God – Exo 3

6:1,4 the relationship between Israel doing evil and the destruction of their crops s a connection they were intended to see. The destruction of the crops was a promised curse for disobedience – Lev 26:16. Also as it was written in the inspired record it should have served as a reminder for Israel throughout time.

6:2  that the Midianites “prevailed” against Israel an evidence that the blessings of God were not being fulfilled. See the contrast with Deut 28:7 A constant failing in the nation was that they did not look to see how God was keeping His word in their lives.

6:1 The first time in scripture that we read of the Lord delivering them (the children of Israel) it is in Exo 18:8 where they were delivered from the |Egyptians. Here is the next time we come across the phrase. But now the deliverance is not from trouble but to trouble. The contrast could not be more marked.

v.5 - Here we have Zion again, which we have shown over the weeks to refer not just to the city, but to Christ and those who are in Christ, especially when acting in the role of priests and kings. Here we have a picture of the fulfilment of that concept. Isa.2:11,17, Exo.9:16,17, Isa.57:15, Eph.1:20,21.

v.9 - The mourning earth echoes an earlier lament of Isaiah [24:4], which was suggested related to the earthquake in the days of Uzziah. Isaiah is now looking back to that event and using it as a warning to Judah.

v.20-21 - This chapter has been one of condemnation of the people for their wicked actions and yet the fact is still there that they can look on the good things - they can look to Zion and see that salvation is there. Likewise we, whatever the circumstances, even if we have turned against God, can look and see Jesus and the fulfilment of the sure promises of God and so turn our hearts to Him. Deut.12:5, Psa.125:1

33:22 The 'lawgiver' echoes Genesis 49:10 showing that the work of God (in Christ) is actually a fulfilment of the promise to Judah by Jacob.

:8 The covenant which was broken was the one which Hezekiah made with the king of Assyria (2 Kings 18:14-17)

33:1 We read 'woe' and maybe just pass over it as a judgement from God. Isaiah speaks of 'woe' 21 times - we maybe should get the message that Judah's rebelliousness brought untold problems for them.

V. 14 If such awful judgements have fallen on those who knew not the true God, how will it be for each one of us, who have been shown the truth, and have been given the hope of being heirs of the promises made to Abraham if we continue to sin? Luke 12:47-48 We are how ever comforted in knowing that God is loving and merciful God. 

“A threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecc 4:12). Now look at Isa 33:22 – the Lord is our Judge, our Lawgiver and our King. No wonder the verse concludes “He will save us”!

33:15  The man who is blessed by God behaves in a particular way. He does not follow after evil actions. Righteousness is not achieved by a legalistic observance of the letter of the law. Rather, from the examples given by Isaiah it is seen in the man who does not denigrate or demean his brother.

V.15 In contrast to the trembling "sinners in Zion", the righteous shall be secure amid all judgements, they are described according to the Old Testament standpoint of righteousness (Psa 15:2, Psa 24:4).

V.5,6,17,20 - here we have the millennial age where the Lord will be exalted as king and Zion, Jerusalem will be a peaceful abode and tabernacle filled with justice, righteousness, wisdom, knowledge with the fear/reverence of the Lord being the key to this treasure

33:8 In saying "The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth" we learn that the country was over run with lawlessness. Travel was dangerous due to thieves and so was not undertaken unless absolutely necessary – as in Judg 5:6 when the state when Israel were oppressed is described.

33:2‘we have waited for thee’ echoes Isa 25:9 and speaks of the response of those who, like Hezekiah, put their trust in a God who promised that he would deliver them. Instead of waiting in fear they waited in confidence for God to intervene as He has said he would.

LAST DAY PROPHECIES

In a prophecy that has application to the last days, we read, "The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure." (Isa 33:6) We need to remember that we are living as close as anyone ever has to the last days, if we are not in them already. It is for this reason we need to take particular note of what is said in last day prophecies like this one.

1. "The LORD is exalted for he dwells on high." No matter what it seems like, whether it appears that God is in control or not, he is the one we should honour and the one we should trust. We need to exalt him and give him glory no matter what is going on.
2. "He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness." Even though justice and righteousness may appear to be gone for good, we need to keep the vision in our minds of when it when it will be fully restored.
3. "He will be the sure foundation for your times." More than any other time, God is the sure foundation we need in the last days.
4. "He will be a rich store of salvation, wisdom and knowledge." Notice that he is not just a store, but a rich store, above and beyond what we would expect.
5. "The fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure." Let us fear the LORD at all times so that we can share in these much needed last day blessings.

33:14-15 The ‘devouring fire’ is the Assyrian invader. The faithful will be delivered from that. Not because of some military prowess but because they walk ‘righteously’ – that is by faith for that is how Abraham was counted righteous – because he believed God’s promise – Gen 15:6

Vs.1-4 These verses are addressed to Sennacherib.

The rest of the chapter intertwines Sennacherib’s assault on Jerusalem with the time that Jesus returns to earth to assume His kingly duties from Zion.

Vs.14-18 These verses give a picture of the future kingdom when Jesus shall reign from Zion.  Only the righteous will be with Him.  Sinners will cast out and destroyed (1Cor 6:9,10).  Yahweh is a consuming fire, and so will Jesus be when He comes to judge (Deut 4:2; Heb 12:29). Devouring fire and everlasting burnings (KJV) describe the complete and utter destruction of sinners. The phrase everlasting burnings is not to be construed as the popular myth of hell where sinners are consigned for eternity.

V.22 In the kingdom, there will be a theocracy which combines the judicial, legislative, and administrative branches of government. The government will be the responsibility of Jesus (Isa 9:6).

33:6     The linking of Wisdom and Knowledge reminds us of the temptation that Eve fell to. –Gen 3:5-6 – shows the correct way to please God. Use His wisdom not our own.

33:2     During the reign of Hezekiah Judah saw the Assyrian gradually advancing towards Jerusalem, taking into captivity all before it.  The inhabitants had to just watch and wait whilst the Assyrians were coming until God destroyed the army when they were surrounding Jerusalem.  They had to learn patience. This is an example for us to consider. Often we would prefer an immediate solution to our problem but our Father in love keeps us waiting that we might learn patience.

V15 Righteousness is linked with our speech. Prov 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life.

It isnt just about what we shouldnt say, swearing etc but also about saying the right words. Wholesome has the idea of medicine, so our tongues should give health and life to those around us. Our mouths should be a source of comfort to our brethren and sisters.

33:14 After asking the question “who shall dwell with the devouring fire” the prophet answers in verses 33:15-16. These words, probably known by the three friends of Daniel, must have been a comfort to them Dan 3:20-21

33:7   Today there are so many peace missions and attempts to resolve conflict in the world. Maybe some of them weep now. But when Jesus returns they will be out of a job! Maybe then they will weep because of a loss of status in the world.

1. Isa 33:1 - various nations that have spoiled Israel and Judah have themselves been spoiled and this would appear to include the latter days; the spoiler in Isaiah's time was the Assyrian but when Sennarcherib's army was destroyed outside Jerusalem he ceased to spoil, afterwards Babylon spoiled and ceased to spoil and was in tern spoiled by the Medes and Persians whose leader, Cyrus, was a type of Christ; when the latter day Babylon and the Assyrian/Gogian host cease to spoil they will be spoiled; there are 5 woes addressed to the unworthy in Jerusalem (Isa 28:1;Isa 29:1,15;Isa 30:1;Isa 31:1) and Isa 33:1 is the 6th woe which denounces Assyrian treachery; it is thought by some the entire pattern of events in Hezekiah's day will reproduce itself in the latter day final salvation of Israel.

2. Isa 33:2 - a faithful minority waiting for the Lord, this has application to the brethren of the latter days.

3. Isa 33:3 - God takes the spoil of the nations (Isa 53:12).

4. Isa 33:5-6 - a godly administration described in Messianic terms (Isa 2:1-4;2Sam 7:12-17).

5. Isa 33:7-9 - the Jewish valiant ones and ambassadors of peace will be unsuccessful and the treaty will be broken (by the Assyrian and the latter day Assyrian); perhaps diplomats in search of help went to Egypt (or a modern day king of the south) only to have it prove fruitless.

6. Isa 33:10-12 - this is the great crisis where God "rises and is exalted" along with the millennial judgment of sin (Matt 25:41;Luke 13:24-28).

7. Isa 33:14 - the sinners future fate (Psa 145:20); but this will end (1Cor 15:26;Rev 20:14;Rev 21:4;Rev 22:3).

8. Isa 33:14-17 - the righteous elect will not be consumed by fire and shall see Christ the king face to face (Psa 15:1-5;Dan 3:20-27;Isa 43:2,4;1Cor 3:9-15;Mal 3:2;1Cor 13:12).

9. Isa 33:17 - "the king in his beauty" is this Hezekiah having recovered from illness, the second coming of Christ, or both?

10. Isa 33:18 - "the receiver" could this be the Assyrian who took tribute? "he that counted towers" could this be the Assyrian general (and/or a latter day Assyrian/Gogian host general)?

11. Isa 33:19 - no more fierce foreigners speaking a different language - could this refer to an era of peace for Zion (Isa 9:7;Isa 11:9)?

12. Isa 33:20 - "Zion<6726>", "solemnities<4150>"; Jerusalem will be saved and not ever taken down (this is future).

13. Isa 33:21-22 - from the Lord (not the Nile, not the Euphrates) flow prosperous rivers and streams; the Lord is the judge, lawgiver, king (Isa 2:1-4;Dan 12:2;2Sam 7:12-18) and he will be enthroned in Jerusalem; there will be freedom in Christ from sin and death as opposed to slave rowed galleyships of apostasy (Rev 18:2,9,17-21).

14. Isa 33:23 - the Assyrian ship is unseaworthy and helpless; even the lame will will carry off the Assyrian ship's plunder.

15. Isa 33:24 - spiritual and physical health; iniquity forgiven.

33:5   Whilst right judgment was brought about in the short term by Hezekiah here Isaiah is speaking of the time when Jesus rules from Jerusalem as world king.

32:9    The reproof of those “at ease” is echoed by the contemporary prophet –Amos 6:1.

33:1        The one who will reign in righteousness and rule in judgment is Jesus – see the way that similar language has been used already in Psa 72:1-2

33:16  Secure bread and water echoes how God cared for Israel in the wilderness.

33:15  We can shut our eyes from seeing evil by controlling what we watch and close our ears by controlling what we listen to on the media.

32:2  the “king” is Jesus and the “princes” are the redeemed believers when the kingdom is re-established. The “saints” will have been given eternal life and will, being free from sin, judge righteously as Jesus will.

33:4 the way the prophet speaks indicates that the enemy will take all the “spoil”. Nothing will be left.

33:21 against the background of the fear earlier in the chapter those who trust Yahweh are assured that they need not be concerned as their God has made preparation for them. What was true for Israel is true for believers today we should learn from hoe God took care of His own in the past.

33:8 During the reign of Hezekiah the Assyrians had taken control of fenced cities in Judah - 2Kin 18:13 – so, with the Assyrians occupying cities in the land travel would be only undertaken when absolutely necessary. Isaiah is giving a description of what it was like in Judah when Assyria was advancing towards Jerusalem.

33:10  We might ask the question “How long …” with respect to the re-establishment of God’s rule on the earth. But, as Isa prophesied, the time will come when God is exalted. We need patience to wait for Him to arise. The delay as we see it, does not mean He will not fulfil His words. Developing patience is the skill we must develop as we wait.

33:23-24  The analogy that the prophet was inspired to present is that of men at sea in distress, unable to save themselves. It is in those circumstances that God will intervene and save His people, as he did in the days of Hezekiah when the Assyrian army came against Jerusalem.

33:2 Waiting requires patience. Such an obvious point. However we do need to learn the lesson. We will only develop patient waiting for Christ if we learn to wait for Him to act at His pleasure, not ours.

3 v. 5 - Oh how true this is. How wrapped up we are in our own pride. How often do we use our tongues to glorify God, rather than ourselves? Here is something to work on for the rest of our lives, as we are told, v.2 that it will make us perfect (see Peter's comment below), and this should be our aim. 2Pet.2:18, Jude v.16, Rev.13:5-6.

3 v.2 - Consider the way that the word 5046 'perfect' is used in the New Testament. [Matthew 5:48 19:21 Romans 12:2 1Corinthians 2:6 13:10 14:20 Ephesians 4:13 Philippians 3:15 Colossians 1:28 4:12 Hebrews 5:14 9:11 James 1:4,17,25 here 1John 4:18] Having noticed that the word is used three times in James we should recognise that this is a major theme in the letter. This is another case of James returning to the same, or a related point, later in his letter. [James 1:26 here] The idea of using a 'bridle' to control the tongue is seen in a number of places in Scripture. [Psalm 32:9 39:1 here]

4 v.2 - James introduces the need for personal prayer in the context of tribulation. We have the assurance that He will hear our prayers. [James 1:5,6] However the problem that the brethren had was that their prayers were selfish. [James 4:2,3] Thus were not being answered.

WISDOM

When we think of wisdom we can tend to think of some of those ultra clever people - Einstein, Pythagoras, Newton and so on. But anyone can have wisdom. If they just ask God, he will give it to them - you and me included! James tells us in chapter 1 v 5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." But in receiving wisdom it does not mean that we will be able to pass every exam that comes our way or be given special knowledge like Einstein, Pythagoras and Newton. If that is what we want we need to ask for intelligence. Wisdom is better than intelligence. Wisdom is knowing how to live. Wisdom is making right decisions. Wisdom is treating people right. Wisdom is living a life that is pleasing to God. So James says, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."

Wisdom produces a good life, good deeds and humility. The person you see practising these three godly qualities is a wise person indeed. Let's ask God for wisdom and then show it in our own lives as we live well, do good deeds and practice humility.

3:9 At times one would not think that we were made 'in the similitude of God' (quoting Genesis 1:26). Clearly the likeness we bear is determined by how we think. It is not just outward appearance.

4:4 The quotation 'adulterers and adulteresses' from Leviticus 20:10 seems to be a very harsh judgement upon his brethren and sisters however James is focusing on the way that the believer compromises his fellowship with God by his association with the world. He is not speaking of physical immorality which doubtless the brethren, and we for that matter, would say we were not involved in. So the charge James makes could well be just as applicable to us also.

James 3:1. By changing to the first person ( using the word we) James is showing what kind of a person he is. Although he was a leader in the ecclesia, he demonstrates his humility by including himself in the warning he now gives. He recognizes his position in this regard, as we all should.

James 3:2,6 Note the repetition of the term “The Whole Body”
      v.2 Control the tongue----------“Bridle the body”
      v.3 Hold the reins---------------“Turn the body”
      v.6 Lose control-----------------“Stain the body”

James 4:11. In this verse we see a change from “a brother” to “his brother”. James is showing here the closeness that they had in the truth; of course this closeness still applies in the 21st. century.

3:8 Do we despair when we realise 'the tongue can no man tame'? James is highlighting the reality of our situation. However the Word can teach us how to speak. This is how we should practice our speech. It is not just a matter of not speaking but rather we should speak in particular ways (Prov 25:11, Col 4:6)

4:17 Returning to this passage we notice that James draws on the requirements of the law (Deut 15:9) The Jew who did not help those whose needs he saw was sinning.

3:17 During his earthly ministry, Jesus opposed sin, and publicly rebuked the spiritual leaders of Israel. Yet the moral and social outcasts (prostitutes and tax collectors) experienced both his wisdom from above and his great love. They knew that he was peace loving, considerate, full of mercy and without partiality.

3:1 James is not saying don’t be masters. Rather he is saying that being a master brings greater responsibilities. That there were brethren who were ‘masters’ in the ecclesias is seen elsewhere – Eph 6:9, Col 4:1, 1Tim 6:1

4:3 Whether and how prayers are answered is often a vexing question. We pray and then wonder about an answer. James warns against selfish prayers. We must, therefore, question our motives for whatever we ask. John – 1John 5:14  guides us about what we should ask for.

4:2; 2:11 - was there a murder in the first century brotherhood that James is addressing and/or is he referring to spiritually killing our fellow brethren by discouraging, showing preferential treatment to our favourites, offering little encouragement to some, in a general sense not showing sufficient love, or might it be a reference to one who "hateth" [ Grk. "miseo" (3404) means "to detest (especially to persecute), to love less, hate (-full)"] his brother is a murderer 1John 3:15 ? 

4:4 - loving the world 1John 2:15-17 when Israel in the days of the judges and kings got close to the world they turned to various unfaithful worldly behaviours including idol worship... do we have idols?

4:6,10 - "God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble...Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up" - if we are humble enough to read God's Word, seek understanding of His Word, follow in His ways in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), and not our own proud inclinations, we will be lifted up i.e. resurrected to eternal life to inherit the earth Matt 5:5

3:5 Continuing the matter of the relationship between Job and James the tongue figures extensively in the book of Job. His friends had a lot to say and it was what that they said that devastated Job.

 3:6 The words of a wicked man are likened to a fire (Prov 16:27). Yet, the spirit Word is also likened to "tongues of fire" (Psa 39:3, Isa 30:27, Acts 2:3). As we go through this chapter we see that the fire of the spirit Word is light from above (V.17), and becomes a fire in our bones (Jer 20:9). The fire of the natural tongue is ignited from below (V.16) and defileth the body. 

3:5       Elsewhere – 1Cor 12:12 - we learn that the parts of the body combine to make the whole ecclesia. So the behaviour of one affects all. What we say can impact significantly on others.

3:5-8 James points out that the tongue is the most vicious of all human instruments.  Even secular writers have recognized this fact.  For example, Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1863)  wrote: The magic of the tongue is the most dangerous of all spells.

4:5 In asking the question as to whether Scripture ‘speaks’ in vain should cause us to reflect upon the way we view Scripture. It is of no value if it is only written down. We must translate the Scripture – the written word – into actions. That is be ‘doers of the word’ – James 1:22

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” James 4:7. This is a wonderful statement. If we stand up to sin, “the sin which doth so easily beset us”, then the temptation eases, and stops being such a pain.

4:4….the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.  Jesus gave His life to deliver us from this evil world (Gal 1:4).  Why then would we involve ourselves in worldly things? 

In today’s western humanistic society there are many enticing traps in which to become ensnared.  Humanism, for a follower of Jesus, can be like the siren whose seductive beckoning dashes many a vessel upon the rocks.  Humanism is anti-God and so we cannot accept any of its wares (See my comment for Joshua 23, 24, June 5, 2009).    

ANYONE CAN BE WISE

It all seems a little bit too simple. I imagine someone wise and understanding doing great things. I imagine their wisdom and understanding being shown in deep teachings, in counselling difficult problems and in being chosen to sit on numerous committees. James has a different idea to me. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." (James 3:13)

Cleverness and good advice are not what wisdom is all about. Wisdom is about putting godly principles into practice in everyday life. The wise person shows his wisdom by living a good life. That means doing the things that God wants us to do. It is not as easy as we might think - especially when we need to be patient, to eliminate gossip, to give without expecting anything in return and to love faithfully even though there may be no love shown in return. Showing wisdom means to do good deeds. We should be looking out for good things we can do for other people, and ways we can serve them, making the life of someone else a little bit better, easier or more godly. And we must do it all in humility.

A wise person is a great person but the greatness is shown in humility, not pride. The one who shows pride displays a lack of wisdom.

Living a life of wisdom is simple enough for anyone to do, yet is a challenge for even the highest achievers. Let us do our best to live wise and good lives in the sight of God.

3:6 The little word here, the idle word there. They come out of our mouths so glibly. However the damage they can do – and we cannot take back the words we have spoken – the damage is done, the ‘world’ is inflamed our fellow believers are damaged.

4:8 Mention of the double minded  continues James’ comment earlier – James 1:8

James 3

James presents to us three analogies: a rudder, a bit, and a spark. He explains how a small bit in the horse's mouth controls the whole horse; a small rudder in the hands of a skilled captain can keep a ship's course in the face of the fiercest storms, and how just a small spark can destroy an entire forest!

Our tongue, also a little member, if not controlled is capable of losing its direction and to create catastrophe. But, is James really implying that our tongue controls our body? Not necessarily, as we know our bodies are controlled by our mind, but it does illustrate that as a man "thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Prov 23:7). If we allow ourselves to speak sinfully, then chances are we will act more sinfully in many more ways.

We must study God's Word, meditate on it and pray, and the next time we speak let us THINK is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind? This is the key to walking in the Spirit, and only then will we be able to tame the sinful fiery words of our tongue, still not by our own strength, but by His.

James 4:4

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

Friendship with the world is when our inner desires and motives are in harmony with those of the world that does not know and does not want to know God. Friendship with the world is when we seek what the world seeks, and want what the world wants undistracted, or interfered with by what the Scriptures say.

Christ said that many would seek to enter into God’s Kingdom, but would not be able to (Luke 13:22-30). Why? Because those that embraced the Hope of Israel were not earnest about it; they did not give enough of their time and energy to reading and studying the Word; they laid hold of multiple other flesh-pleasing things, and devoted their best faculties and time to the promotion of objects unconnected to Christ.

We are commanded not to love the world (1John 2:15-17). We cannot walk hand in hand with the things of this world, serve two masters (Matt 6:24; Luke 16:13; Rom 6:16), and expect to be in fellowship with God. Most of us are familiar with Jesus’ words: “No one can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other…” But, there are those who in one way or another forget how this verse ends, and even fewer who actually take these words seriously: “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” We must look conscientiously at our lives and ask some seriously tough questions like, “Who is my master?” We cannot afford not to do this; the stakes are simply too high.

3:7-8  We should be humbled by the realisation that whilst having been given dominion of creation  - Gen 1:26  -  we are unable to have dominion of ourselves. Of course Jesus controlled himself perfectly.

4:13 The warning about making claims about the future and our future activities is based on Prov 27:1.

TWO KINDS OF WISDOM

These verses (James 3:13-18 ) show the difference between men's pretending to be wise (worldly wisdom), and the wisdom that comes down from above. Have we ever know someone who claimed to be wise, but acted foolishly? 

True wisdom blends wisdom & understanding together for leadership which manifests itself in a peaceable way of life. May purity, peace, gentleness, teachableness, and mercy shown in all our actions, and may the fruits of righteousness abound in our lives, always giving glory to God in all things we do.

Psalm 107:43 - "Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD."

4:6    The quotation from Prov 3:34 shows the folly of holding a grudge as such an one is resisted by God. The context in Prov 3 demonstrates this.

4:4     The opposite to being an enemy of God is to be a friend of God. James – 2:23– has already highlighted the sort of person who was God’s friend. It was Abraham who has been spoken of already as a man of faith which is put into action – James 2:21

4:8     The call to draw near to God so that He will draw near to the believer echoes the words of the prophet – Zech 1:3 –who, when speaking to a nation who had just returned from captivity, still needed to repent. We should not presume that because we are baptised into Christ that we need do no more. Repentance and drawing near to God are daily activities that we should do.

James 4:11

“Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.”

In the previous chapter, James speaks about the evils of the tongue. He impugns motives as to why this is (James 3:14,16), which the apostles were permitted to do because they were given the Holy Spirit by the Father.

There is not a verse that is more disobeyed than this one. Judgmental words flow out of a judgmental heart. It all begins in the heart (Matt 15:19). It is a sin to judge what is in someone else’s heart, in other words, to judge their motives. It is crucial for us to examine our own motives why we do what we do, that it be Biblically based.

Some versions translate this verse as, “Do not slander one another.” Slander is to defame or malign one’s character by sharing false or deliberate misleading information, and it is always sin. Slanderers assume they know all of the pertinent facts and motives behind a person’s words or actions. Those who do, stand on very shaky ground in assuming a prerogative that belongs to Yahweh only (Jer 17:10; Prov 10:18)!

But, James applied a much broader meaning here to include any form of criticism maligning an individual’s character. James showed that speaking evil and judging are not two separate issues. He pointed out how presumptuous it is to speak evil or judge a brother because in so doing, we speak evil against the law and judge the law. These set themselves up as experts in judging God’s law! Once we do this, we are no longer in a right relationship with God, having set ourselves to know exactly what is going on with a person and so dismiss them with a word of judgment!

Our relationship to Yahweh’s law is to obey it out of love. He is the only One who truly sees all and knows all, and can see into the heart of others because he is the Lawgiver. When we live trusting Yahweh, we can release others from judgments and condemnations. However, if there is error in the ecclesia, we are to attack the error and not the person (cf. James 5:19,20).

3:16   The way in which the tongue is described as a fire is rather like the way in which Prov 26:23 speaks of the lips.

3:18  the ones who “make peace” draws on Jesus blessing – Matt 5:9

James 4:4

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be the friend of the world is the enemy of God.”