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Notes that are not verse specific
CONCIENTIOUSNESS
It reminds me of the time Paul and Silas went to Berea. It was noted that "The Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17 v 11)
The Bereans, like the Levites in this chapter, were conscientious. They fulfilled their duty properly, fully, at the right time and with the right attitude. In Hezekiah's time more Levites had consecrated themselves than the priests because they were more conscientious. The Levites were ready on time but many of the priests hadn't bothered. It is a sad reflection on the attitude of the priests of the time, that having the most important position in the nation, they were too lazy or disorganised or not motivated enough to be ready for service.
Most of us do not have a position as important as that of the priests. Most of us are not pastors, priests, church or community leaders, but we can be conscientious and prepared to do the work of the LORD at a moment's notice. In fact, we are told to always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you. So be conscientious. Do the right thing at the right time with the right attitude, and may God reward you for it.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Hezekiah began to reign. He became king when he was 25. For the sixteen previous years of his life, Hezekiah's father and example had been Ahaz, a wicked king, who totally turned away from the LORD and provoked him to anger, giving his all to idols. It was Ahaz who shut the doors of the temple of the LORD and turned the people away from him. So we would have thought that Hezekiah would have grown up without regard for the LORD at all. But not so.
It is encouraging to read that "In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the temple of the LORD and repaired them." (v 3) Following this, Hezekiah, still in the first year of his reign, commenced a huge cleanup of the temple and reform of the people back to God.
If we became king, I am sure that there would be a lot of pressing needs to be attended to in the first month of our reign. However, Hezekiah put the LORD as his first priority. Opening the temple and reforming the people were not put off until a more opportune time - Hezekiah gave God first place. We must also make the LORD our highest priority in life. Let's begin right now to open the doors of our hearts, to let God back in, and reform to become more like him.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Robert
The dominant power at this time was Assyria. Ahaz, Hezekiah's father, had allowed Judah to become subservient to Assyria. As a consequence of the assyrianization of Judah, Ahaz had brought paganism and idolatry to the nation. Thus, Hezekiah's religious reforms were remarkable given the damage that his father had done.
In implementing these changes, Hezekiah necessarily pulled away from the influence of the Assyrians. This, of course, was sure to upset the powerful Assyrians who would subsequently make their displeasure known to Hezekiah.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Michael
A Halloween Message:
It’s October 31st. The autumnal winds blow and dislodge the brightly colored leaves from the trees. The air is brisk and clean, and the moon is high in the sky as shadowy clouds bathed in soft silvery light fly by and paint an eerie scene. This unique evening is a curious ambience highly celebrated throughout the world. Halloween is a day of bats, black cats, witches and warlocks, graveyards, spirits, haunted houses, skeletons and vampires. It is one of the strangest holidays that have kept people fascinated for centuries, indulging in fantasies about the other side – spirits that roam the globe on the night of All Hallow’s Eve. We humans have a fascination for the macabre. We see this in the proliferation of vampire, spirit possessions, haunted homes, and magic movies at this time of the year.
This pagan holiday originated with the Druids who believed that on the eve of November 1st Samhain, Lord of Death, called together the wicked souls that within the past year had been condemned to inhabit the bodies of animals. Druids believed black cats were reincarnated humans through whom the Priest had the ability to divine the future. This one night was their only chance to find a human body to possess. They celebrated October 31st with human sacrifices, fortune telling for heathen augury because evil had complete power over the souls of men that night.
Halloween is a holiday dedicated to worshiping the Lord of the Dead, Samhain! The true God is “…not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Matt 22:32). It is also believed that on Halloween the spirits and fairies who have free reign that night to return home would cast spells creating havoc in the home if they were not entertained with food and gifts to their liking. Today, this is known as, “trick or treat”! Black is a favorite color, and rooms are usually decorated to be dark and scary. Truly, the symbols of Halloween are blackness and darkness, but “…God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1John 1:5).
October is a month of unprecedented witchcraft activity as witches prepare for their New Year on October 31st. Witches are practitioners of the occult, the magical manipulation of supernatural forces by means of incantations, and invoking of spirits. The term, “occult” comes from Latin, “occultus,” “hidden,” and they perform in secluded areas in an attempt to gain and invoke supernatural powers. Some believe witches are evil, sinister beings; others believe they are friendly and docile of an ancient Pagan religion. Everyone has an opinion, or belief on, which witch is which.
Witches and witchcraft are acknowledged in the Bible, and God does not distinguish between a good or bad witch (Exo 22:18). God condemns witchcraft and sorcery because it involves blatant idolatry, and Paganism. We are commanded not to follow heathen ways (Deut 18:9-13; Jer 10:2). There is nothing “innocent” about Halloween. It is a spiritual counterfeit. Halloween is a time when our light must continue to shine through the darkness because we are conquerors over the powers of darkness through the Lord Jesus Christ, and his true followers, “shall not walk in darkness…” (John 8:12).
Valerie Mello [in isolation, TN, USA] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Valerie
GOING ALL OUT
Never think you are too young, too old, or too inexperienced to make a difference. Hezekiah was only twenty-five years old when he became king. His father was a wicked king, but even with the evil legacy he had been left with, as soon as Hezekiah was made king, he began to make changes that would make ripples right through Judah, Israel, and all the countries around him.
In just the first month of his reign, he reopened the Lord's temple, and cleaned it all up. No doubt there was huge opposition to his reforms, but Hezekiah pressed on to eventually enthuse all the people and turn them back to the Lord.
He was only young, very inexperienced, and only one month into his reign, but Hezekiah made a big impact for good.
Don't be afraid of doing the right thing, or using your youthful energy, just be sure what you do is wise. Like Hezekiah, always go all out for God.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Robert
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1. Hezekiah <3169> began to reign <4427>(8804) when he was five <2568> and twenty <6242> years <8141> old <1121>, and he reigned <4427>(8804) nine <8672> and twenty <6242> years <8141> in Jerusalem <3389>. And his mother's <517> name <8034> was Abijah <29>, the daughter <1323> of Zechariah <2148>.
2. And he did <6213>(8799) that which was right <3477> in the sight <5869> of the LORD <3068>, according to all that David <1732> his father <1> had done <6213>(8804).
3. He in the first <7223> year <8141> of his reign <4427>(8800), in the first <7223> month <2320>, opened <6605>(8804) the doors <1817> of the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>, and repaired <2388>(8762) them.
4. And he brought in <935>(8686) the priests <3548> and the Levites <3881>, and gathered them together <622>(8799) into the east <4217> street <7339>,
5. And said <559>(8799) unto them, Hear <8085>(8798) me, ye Levites <3881>, sanctify <6942>(8690) now yourselves, and sanctify <6942>(8761) the house <1004> of the LORD <3068> God <430> of your fathers <1>, and carry forth <3318>(8685) the filthiness <5079> out of the holy <6944> place.
6. For our fathers <1> have trespassed <4603>(8804), and done <6213>(8804) that which was evil <7451> in the eyes <5869> of the LORD <3068> our God <430>, and have forsaken <5800>(8799) him, and have turned away <5437>(8686) their faces <6440> from the habitation <4908> of the LORD <3068>, and turned <5414>(8799) their backs <6203>.
7. Also they have shut up <5462>(8804) the doors <1817> of the porch <197>, and put out <3518>(8762) the lamps <5216>, and have not burned <6999>(8689) incense <7004> nor offered <5927>(8689) burnt offerings <5930> in the holy <6944> place unto the God <430> of Israel <3478>.
8. Wherefore the wrath <7110> of the LORD <3068> was upon Judah <3063> and Jerusalem <3389>, and he hath delivered <5414>(8799) them to trouble <2189>(8675) <2113>, to astonishment <8047>, and to hissing <8322>, as ye see <7200>(8802) with your eyes <5869>.
9. For, lo, our fathers <1> have fallen <5307>(8804) by the sword <2719>, and our sons <1121> and our daughters <1323> and our wives <802> are in captivity <7628> for this.
10. Now it is in mine heart <3824> to make <3772>(8800) a covenant <1285> with the LORD <3068> God <430> of Israel <3478>, that his fierce <2740> wrath <639> may turn away <7725>(8799) from us.
11. My sons <1121>, be not now negligent <7952>(8735): for the LORD <3068> hath chosen <977>(8804) you to stand <5975>(8800) before <6440> him, to serve <8334>(8763) him, and that ye should minister <8334>(8764) unto him, and burn incense <6999>(8688).
12. Then the Levites <3881> arose <6965>(8799), Mahath <4287> the son <1121> of Amasai <6022>, and Joel <3100> the son <1121> of Azariah <5838>, of the sons <1121> of the Kohathites <6956>: and of the sons <1121> of Merari <4847>, Kish <7027> the son <1121> of Abdi <5660>, and Azariah <5838> the son <1121> of Jehalelel <3094>: and of the Gershonites <1649>; Joah <3098> the son <1121> of Zimmah <2155>, and Eden <5731> the son <1121> of Joah <3098>:
13. And of the sons <1121> of Elizaphan <469>; Shimri <8113>, and Jeiel <3273>: and of the sons <1121> of Asaph <623>; Zechariah <2148>, and Mattaniah <4983>:
14. And of the sons <1121> of Heman <1968>; Jehiel <3171>, and Shimei <8096>: and of the sons <1121> of Jeduthun <3038>; Shemaiah <8098>, and Uzziel <5816>.
15. And they gathered <622>(8799) their brethren <251>, and sanctified <6942>(8691) themselves, and came <935>(8799), according to the commandment <4687> of the king <4428>, by the words <1697> of the LORD <3068>, to cleanse <2891>(8763) the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>.
16. And the priests <3548> went <935>(8799) into the inner part <6441> of the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>, to cleanse <2891>(8763) it, and brought out <3318>(8686) all the uncleanness <2932> that they found <4672>(8804) in the temple <1964> of the LORD <3068> into the court <2691> of the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>. And the Levites <3881> took <6901>(8762) it, to carry it out <3318>(8687) abroad <2351> into the brook <5158> Kidron <6939>.
17. Now they began <2490>(8686) on the first <259> day of the first <7223> month <2320> to sanctify <6942>(8763), and on the eighth <8083> day <3117> of the month <2320> came <935>(8804) they to the porch <197> of the LORD <3068>: so they sanctified <6942>(8762) the house <1004> of the LORD <3068> in eight <8083> days <3117>; and in the sixteenth <8337> <6240> day of the first <7223> month <2320> they made an end <3615>(8765).
18. Then they went <935>(8799) in <6441> to Hezekiah <2396> the king <4428>, and said <559>(8799), We have cleansed <2891>(8765) all the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>, and the altar <4196> of burnt offering <5930>, with all the vessels <3627> thereof, and the shewbread <4635> table <7979>, with all the vessels <3627> thereof.
19. Moreover all the vessels <3627>, which king <4428> Ahaz <271> in his reign <4438> did cast away <2186>(8689) in his transgression <4604>, have we prepared <3559>(8689) and sanctified <6942>(8689), and, behold, they are before <6440> the altar <4196> of the LORD <3068>.
20. Then Hezekiah <3169> the king <4428> rose early <7925>(8686), and gathered <622>(8799) the rulers <8269> of the city <5892>, and went up <5927>(8799) to the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>.
21. And they brought <935>(8686) seven <7651> bullocks <6499>, and seven <7651> rams <352>, and seven <7651> lambs <3532>, and seven <7651> he <6842> goats <5795>, for a sin offering <2403> for the kingdom <4467>, and for the sanctuary <4720>, and for Judah <3063>. And he commanded <559>(8799) the priests <3548> the sons <1121> of Aaron <175> to offer <5927>(8687) them on the altar <4196> of the LORD <3068>.
22. So they killed <7819>(8799) the bullocks <1241>, and the priests <3548> received <6901>(8762) the blood <1818>, and sprinkled <2236>(8799) it on the altar <4196>: likewise, when they had killed <7819>(8799) the rams <352>, they sprinkled <2236>(8799) the blood <1818> upon the altar <4196>: they killed <7819>(8799) also the lambs <3532>, and they sprinkled <2236>(8799) the blood <1818> upon the altar <4196>.
23. And they brought forth <5066>(8686) the he goats <8163> for the sin offering <2403> before <6440> the king <4428> and the congregation <6951>; and they laid <5564>(8799) their hands <3027> upon them:
24. And the priests <3548> killed <7819>(8799) them, and they made reconciliation <2398>(8762) with their blood <1818> upon the altar <4196>, to make an atonement <3722>(8763) for all Israel <3478>: for the king <4428> commanded <559>(8804) that the burnt offering <5930> and the sin offering <2403> should be made for all Israel <3478>.
25. And he set <5975>(8686) the Levites <3881> in the house <1004> of the LORD <3068> with cymbals <4700>, with psalteries <5035>, and with harps <3658>, according to the commandment <4687> of David <1732>, and of Gad <1410> the king's <4428> seer <2374>, and Nathan <5416> the prophet <5030>: for so was the commandment <4687> of the LORD <3068> by <3027> his prophets <5030>.
26. And the Levites <3881> stood <5975>(8799) with the instruments <3627> of David <1732>, and the priests <3548> with the trumpets <2689>.
27. And Hezekiah <2396> commanded <559>(8799) to offer <5927>(8687) the burnt offering <5930> upon the altar <4196>. And when <6256> the burnt offering <5930> began <2490>(8689), the song <7892> of the LORD <3068> began <2490>(8689) also with the trumpets <2689>, and with the instruments <3627> ordained by <3027> David <1732> king <4428> of Israel <3478>.
28. And all the congregation <6951> worshipped <7812>(8693), and the singers <7892> sang <7891>(8789), and the trumpeters <2689> sounded <2690>(8688)(8675) <2690>(8764): and all this continued until the burnt offering <5930> was finished <3615>(8800).
29. And when they had made an end <3615>(8763) of offering <5927>(8687), the king <4428> and all that were present <4672>(8737) with him bowed <3766>(8804) themselves, and worshipped <7812>(8691).
30. Moreover Hezekiah <3169> the king <4428> and the princes <8269> commanded <559>(8799) the Levites <3881> to sing praise <1984>(8763) unto the LORD <3068> with the words <1697> of David <1732>, and of Asaph <623> the seer <2374>. And they sang praises <1984>(8762) with gladness <8057>, and they bowed their heads <6915>(8799) and worshipped <7812>(8691).
31. Then Hezekiah <3169> answered <6030>(8799) and said <559>(8799), Now ye have consecrated <4390>(8765) <3027> yourselves unto the LORD <3068>, come near <5066>(8798) and bring <935>(8685) sacrifices <2077> and thank offerings <8426> into the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>. And the congregation <6951> brought in <935>(8686) sacrifices <2077> and thank offerings <8426>; and as many as were of a free <5081> heart <3820> burnt offerings <5930>.
32. And the number <4557> of the burnt offerings <5930>, which the congregation <6951> brought <935>(8689), was threescore and ten <7657> bullocks <1241>, an hundred <3967> rams <352>, and two hundred <3967> lambs <3532>: all these were for a burnt offering <5930> to the LORD <3068>.
33. And the consecrated things <6944> were six <8337> hundred <3967> oxen <1241> and three <7969> thousand <505> sheep <6629>.
34. But the priests <3548> were too few <4592>, so that they could <3201>(8804) not flay <6584>(8687) all the burnt offerings <5930>: wherefore their brethren <251> the Levites <3881> did help <2388>(8762) them, till the work <4399> was ended <3615>(8800), and until the other priests <3548> had sanctified <6942>(8691) themselves: for the Levites <3881> were more upright <3477> in heart <3824> to sanctify <6942>(8692) themselves than the priests <3548>.
35. And also the burnt offerings <5930> were in abundance <7230>, with the fat <2459> of the peace offerings <8002>, and the drink offerings <5262> for every burnt offering <5930>. So the service <5656> of the house <1004> of the LORD <3068> was set in order <3559>(8735).
36. And Hezekiah <3169> rejoiced <8055>(8799), and all the people <5971>, that God <430> had prepared <3559>(8689) the people <5971>: for the thing <1697> was done suddenly <6597>.
Notes that are not verse specific
TIMELY PRAYER
Daniel knew by reading the prophecies of Jeremiah that the time of the Jerusalem captivity was about up. As a result of his knowledge Daniel began a very fervent and heartfelt prayer asking for the forgiveness and restoration of his people. In time Daniel's prayer was answered and many Jews returned with Zerubbabel and Ezra to rebuild the temple and the city of Jerusalem during the reign of Cyrus.
According to my reading of the Bible, there is not much time left before Jesus Christ returns. That means that it must be time for us to start praying. We must pray earnestly and fervently with all our hearts for the return of Jesus Christ. It is our time now to confess our sins, to repent and to plead for the restoration of God's people. It is time to pray for Israel, that God will take away their blindness and restore them. It is time now to pray for God's will to be done and for the earth to be filled with his glory for ever and ever.
So let us pray with all our hearts as Daniel did. May God answer our prayers and send Jesus back to make the earth a new and wonderful place again.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
V.22 to give thee ...understanding. Dan 8:16, 26 shows that the symbolic vision had not been understood. God therefore now gives "information" directly, instead of by symbol, which required interpretation.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
Whence came the Godly influence on Hezekiah. As other brethren have commented , certainly not from his father Ahaz. Both 2 Kings 18 v 2 and 2 Chronicles 29 v 1 record his mother's name as Abi or Abijah " Yahweh is my father " presumably the daughter of the Zechariah in 2 Chronicles 26 v 5 , one who is said to have " understanding in the visions of God" I suggest that the influence of his mother and maternal grandfather were the primary influences for good in the life of Hezekiah. He may also have had contact with the prophet Isaiah.
John Locke [Gorseinon] Comment added in 2009 Reply to John
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1. In the first <259> year <8141> of Darius <1867> the son <1121> of Ahasuerus <325>, of the seed <2233> of the Medes <4074>, which was made king <4427>(8717) over the realm <4438> of the Chaldeans <3778>;
2. In the first <259> year <8141> of his reign <4427>(8800) I Daniel <1840> understood <995>(8804) by books <5612> the number <4557> of the years <8141>, whereof the word <1697> of the LORD <3068> came to Jeremiah <3414> the prophet <5030>, that he would accomplish <4390>(8763) seventy <7657> years <8141> in the desolations <2723> of Jerusalem <3389>.
3. And I set <5414>(8799) my face <6440> unto the Lord <136> God <430>, to seek <1245>(8763) by prayer <8605> and supplications <8469>, with fasting <6685>, and sackcloth <8242>, and ashes <665>:
4. And I prayed <6419>(8691) unto the LORD <3068> my God <430>, and made my confession <3034>(8691), and said <559>(8799), O <577> Lord <136>, the great <1419> and dreadful <3372>(8737) God <410>, keeping <8104>(8802) the covenant <1285> and mercy <2617> to them that love <157>(8802) him, and to them that keep <8104>(8802) his commandments <4687>;
5. We have sinned <2398>(8804), and have committed iniquity <5753>(8804), and have done wickedly <7561>(8689), and have rebelled <4775>(8804), even by departing <5493>(8800) from thy precepts <4687> and from thy judgments <4941>:
6. Neither have we hearkened <8085>(8804) unto thy servants <5650> the prophets <5030>, which spake <1696>(8765) in thy name <8034> to our kings <4428>, our princes <8269>, and our fathers <1>, and to all the people <5971> of the land <776>.
7. O Lord <136>, righteousness <6666> belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion <1322> of faces <6440>, as at this day <3117>; to the men <376> of Judah <3063>, and to the inhabitants <3427>(8802) of Jerusalem <3389>, and unto all Israel <3478>, that are near <7138>, and that are far off <7350>, through all the countries <776> whither thou hast driven <5080>(8689) them, because of their trespass <4604> that they have trespassed <4603>(8804) against thee.
8. O Lord <136>, to us belongeth confusion <1322> of face <6440>, to our kings <4428>, to our princes <8269>, and to our fathers <1>, because we have sinned <2398>(8804) against thee.
9. To the Lord <136> our God <430> belong mercies <7356> and forgivenesses <5547>, though we have rebelled <4775>(8804) against him;
10. Neither have we obeyed <8085>(8804) the voice <6963> of the LORD <3068> our God <430>, to walk <3212>(8800) in his laws <8451>, which he set <5414>(8804) before <6440> us by <3027> his servants <5650> the prophets <5030>.
11. Yea, all Israel <3478> have transgressed <5674>(8804) thy law <8451>, even by departing <5493>(8800), that they might not obey <8085>(8800) thy voice <6963>; therefore the curse <423> is poured <5413>(8799) upon us, and the oath <7621> that is written <3789>(8803) in the law <8451> of Moses <4872> the servant <5650> of God <430>, because we have sinned <2398>(8804) against him.
12. And he hath confirmed <6965>(8686) his words <1697>, which he spake <1696>(8765) against us, and against our judges <8199>(8802) that judged <8199>(8804) us, by bringing <935>(8687) upon us a great <1419> evil <7451>: for under the whole heaven <8064> hath not been done <6213>(8738) as hath been done <6213>(8738) upon Jerusalem <3389>.
13. As it is written <3789>(8803) in the law <8451> of Moses <4872>, all this evil <7451> is come <935>(8804) upon us: yet made we not our prayer <2470>(8765) before <6440> the LORD <3068> our God <430>, that we might turn <7725>(8800) from our iniquities <5771>, and understand <7919>(8687) thy truth <571>.
14. Therefore hath the LORD <3068> watched <8245>(8799) upon the evil <7451>, and brought <935>(8686) it upon us: for the LORD <3068> our God <430> is righteous <6662> in all his works <4639> which he doeth <6213>(8804): for we obeyed <8085>(8804) not his voice <6963>.
15. And now, O Lord <136> our God <430>, that hast brought <3318> <0> thy people <5971> forth <3318>(8689) out of the land <776> of Egypt <4714> with a mighty <2389> hand <3027>, and hast gotten <6213>(8799) thee renown <8034>, as at this day <3117>; we have sinned <2398>(8804), we have done wickedly <7561>(8804).
16. O Lord <136>, according to all thy righteousness <6666>, I beseech thee, let thine anger <639> and thy fury <2534> be turned away <7725>(8799) from thy city <5892> Jerusalem <3389>, thy holy <6944> mountain <2022>: because for our sins <2399>, and for the iniquities <5771> of our fathers <1>, Jerusalem <3389> and thy people <5971> are become a reproach <2781> to all that are about <5439> us.
17. Now therefore, O our God <430>, hear <8085>(8798) the prayer <8605> of thy servant <5650>, and his supplications <8469>, and cause thy face <6440> to shine <215>(8685) upon thy sanctuary <4720> that is desolate <8076>, for the Lord's <136> sake.
18. O my God <430>, incline <5186>(8685) thine ear <241>, and hear <8085>(8798); open <6491>(8798) thine eyes <5869>, and behold <7200>(8798) our desolations <8074>(8802), and the city <5892> which is called <7121>(8738) by thy name <8034>: for we do not present <5307>(8688) our supplications <8469> before <6440> thee for our righteousnesses <6666>, but for thy great <7227> mercies <7356>.
19. O Lord <136>, hear <8085>(8798); O Lord <136>, forgive <5545>(8798); O Lord <136>, hearken <7181>(8685) and do <6213>(8798); defer <309>(8762) not <408>, for thine own sake, O my God <430>: for thy city <5892> and thy people <5971> are called <7121>(8738) by thy name <8034>.
20. And whiles I was speaking <1696>(8764), and praying <6419>(8693), and confessing <3034>(8693) my sin <2403> and the sin <2403> of my people <5971> Israel <3478>, and presenting <5307>(8688) my supplication <8467> before <6440> the LORD <3068> my God <430> for the holy <6944> mountain <2022> of my God <430>;
21. Yea, whiles I was speaking <1696>(8764) in prayer <8605>, even the man <376> Gabriel <1403>, whom I had seen <7200>(8804) in the vision <2377> at the beginning <8462>, being caused to fly <3286>(8716) swiftly <3288>, touched <5060>(8802) me about the time <6256> of the evening <6153> oblation <4503>.
22. And he informed <995>(8799) me, and talked <1696>(8762) with me, and said <559>(8799), O Daniel <1840>, I am now come forth <3318>(8804) to give thee skill <7919>(8687) and understanding <998>.
23. At the beginning <8462> of thy supplications <8469> the commandment <1697> came forth <3318>(8804), and I am come <935>(8804) to shew <5046>(8687) thee; for thou art greatly beloved <2532>: therefore understand <995>(8798) the matter <1697>, and consider <995>(8685) the vision <4758>.
24. Seventy <7657> weeks <7620> are determined <2852>(8738) upon thy people <5971> and upon thy holy <6944> city <5892>, to finish <3607>(8763) the transgression <6588>, and to make an end <8552>(8687)(8675) <2856>(8800) of sins <2403>, and to make reconciliation <3722>(8763) for iniquity <5771>, and to bring in <935>(8687) everlasting <5769> righteousness <6664>, and to seal up <2856>(8800) the vision <2377> and prophecy <5030>, and to anoint <4886>(8800) the most <6944> Holy <6944>.
25. Know <3045>(8799) therefore and understand <7919>(8686), that from the going forth <4161> of the commandment <1697> to restore <7725>(8687) and to build <1129>(8800) Jerusalem <3389> unto the Messiah <4899> the Prince <5057> shall be seven <7651> weeks <7620>, and threescore <8346> and two <8147> weeks <7620>: the street <7339> shall be built <1129>(8738) again <7725>(8799), and the wall <2742>, even in troublous <6695> times <6256>.
26. And after <310> threescore <8346> and two <8147> weeks <7620> shall Messiah <4899> be cut off <3772>(8735), but not for himself: and the people <5971> of the prince <5057> that shall come <935>(8802) shall destroy <7843>(8686) the city <5892> and the sanctuary <6944>; and the end <7093> thereof shall be with a flood <7858>, and unto the end <7093> of the war <4421> desolations <8074>(8802) are determined <2782>(8737).
27. And he shall confirm <1396>(8689) the covenant <1285> with many <7227> for one <259> week <7620>: and in the midst <2677> of the week <7620> he shall cause the sacrifice <2077> and the oblation <4503> to cease <7673>(8686), and for the overspreading <3671> of abominations <8251> he shall make it desolate <8074>(8789), even until the consummation <3617>, and that determined <2782>(8737) shall be poured <5413>(8799) upon the desolate <8074>(8802).
Notes that are not verse specific
When Stephen prayed "Lord lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:60) and "Saul was consenting unto his death" (Acts 8:1), I wonder if he knew how remarkably his prayer would be answered. The man that pursued Stephen to death for believing in and preaching Jesus Christ was soon to embrace the same faith. But Saul had to repent before Stephen's prayer could be answered. No doubt there were many present at Stephen's death who were not forgiven of their sin because they did not repent.
Lindsay Yuile [Glasgow South Scotland (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Lindsay
Acts 9:5.
"And he (Saul, i.e. Paul) said, 'Who are you, Lord?' Then the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'" (N.K.J.V.)
Is Jesus here alluding to an ox kicking against the prodding of a goad, or is there something else to this analogy that Jesus is making?
This is one of those passages where the easy, most obvious allusion may not actually be the one Jesus was making. The Greek word that is translated "goads" here - "pricks" (K.J.V.) - is "kendron". And it is used only 5 times in the New Testament. They are here; the recounting of Paul's conversion story in Acts 26:14; twice in 1 Cor. 15 (1Cor 15:55,56); and Rev 9:10. 1 Cor. 15:55,56 reads -
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law."
The allusion Paul is making there almost has to be to the bite of the serpent and Gen. 3:15, the serpent being the originator of sin and death in Adam and Eve, but it's sting being conquered by "the last Adam", the Lord Jesus Christ (see 1Cor 15:45,57). Rev. 9:10 reads -
"They (locusts) had tails and stings like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months."
So again the sting comes from an animal - a symbolic one, no doubt - a locust that stung like a scorpion. Scorpions, by the way, are paired with serpents in Jesus' own words in Luke 10:19. So the point is that by its other usage (other than in Acts), the source of the sting is not an object but an animal - either the serpent or a snake-like creature.
Given this, then, what is the immortal Jesus actually telling Saul? Is it this - you (Saul) are, by your persecuting of my people, acting like you are the fulfillment of Gen 3:15 - the seed of the woman - and I and my people are the serpent. But it's impossible for you to continue to do this and think that way, for in reality, it's the exact opposite. As you can see, I'm alive and talking to you, and so the roles are really reversed. You represent the serpent, and I am the seed of the woman. So you must immediately change and come over to the right side!
There is another passage that may have this same ironic twist to it. And it's Psa. 41:9 which reads -
Even my closest friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me."
This had its initial fuflillment in Ahithophel's rebellion against David but also foretold Judas' betrayal of Jesus and is quoted by Jesus himself in this way in John 13:18. the allusion here again must be to Gen. 3:15, but with Judas in the role of the woman's seed who is lifting up his heel against the one he perceives to be the "serpent" - Jesus. And, of course, the absolute reverse is what is really true. A question to ask - given this fact - is this: How does this passage then reflect on those speculations that many have had about Judas - i.e. he actually had a "somewhat pure" motivation behind his deeds in trying to provoke Jesus into an immediate display of his power and overthrow of the Roman power and establishment of God's kingdom at that time?
Wes Booker [South Austin Texas USA] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Wes
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1. And <1161> Saul <4569>, yet <2089> breathing out <1709>(5723) threatenings <547> and <2532> slaughter <5408> against <1519> the disciples <3101> of the Lord <2962>, went <4334>(5631) unto the high priest <749>,
2. And desired <154>(5668) of <3844> him <846> letters <1992> to <1519> Damascus <1154> to <4314> the synagogues <4864>, that <3704> if <1437> he found <2147>(5632) any <5100> of this way <3598>, whether <5037> they were <5607>(5752) men <435> or <2532> women <1135>, he might bring them <71>(5632) bound <1210>(5772) unto <1519> Jerusalem <2419>.
3. And <1161> as he <846> journeyed <4198>(5738) <1722>, he came <1096>(5633) near <1448>(5721) Damascus <1154>: and <2532> suddenly <1810> there shined round about <4015>(5656) him <846> a light <5457> from <575> heaven <3772>:
4. And <2532> he fell <4098>(5631) to <1909> the earth <1093>, and heard <191>(5656) a voice <5456> saying <3004>(5723) unto him <848>, Saul <4549>, Saul <4549>, why <5101> persecutest thou <1377>(5719) me <3165>?
5. And <1161> he said <2036>(5627), Who <5101> art thou <1488>(5748), Lord <2962>? And <1161> the Lord <2962> said <2036>(5627), I <1473> am <1510>(5748) Jesus <2424> whom <3739> thou <4771> persecutest <1377>(5719): it is hard <4642> for thee <4671> to kick <2979>(5721) against <4314> the pricks <2759>.
6. And <5037> he trembling <5141>(5723) and <2532> astonished <2284>(5723) said <2036>(5627), Lord <2962>, what <5101> wilt thou have <2309>(5719) me <3165> to do <4160>(5658)? And <2532> the Lord <2962> said unto <4314> him <846>, Arise <450>(5628), and <2532> go <1525>(5628) into <1519> the city <4172>, and <2532> it shall be told <2980>(5701) thee <4671> what <5101> thou <4571> must <1163>(5748) do <4160>(5721).
7. And <1161> the men <435> which <3588> journeyed <4922>(5723) with him <846> stood <2476>(5715) speechless <1769>, hearing <191>(5723) <3303> a voice <5456>, but <1161> seeing <2334>(5723) no man <3367>.
8. And <1161> Saul <4569> arose <1453>(5681) from <575> the earth <1093>; and <1161> when his <848> eyes <3788> were opened <455>(5772), he saw <991>(5707) no man <3762>: but <1161> they led <5496> <0> him <846> by the hand <5496>(5723), and brought <1521>(5627) him into <1519> Damascus <1154>.
9. And <2532> he was <2258>(5713) three <5140> days <2250> without <3361> sight <991>(5723), and <2532> neither <3756> did eat <5315>(5627) nor <3761> drink <4095>(5627).
10. And <1161> there was <2258>(5713) a certain <5100> disciple <3101> at <1722> Damascus <1154>, named <3686> Ananias <367>; and <2532> to <4314> him <846> said <2036>(5627) the Lord <2962> in <1722> a vision <3705>, Ananias <367>. And <1161> he said <2036>(5627), Behold <2400>(5628), I <1473> am here, Lord <2962>.
11. And <1161> the Lord <2962> said unto <4314> him <846>, Arise <450>(5631), and go <4198>(5676) into <1909> the street <4505> which <3588> is called <2564>(5746) Straight <2117>, and <2532> enquire <2212>(5657) in <1722> the house <3614> of Judas <2455> for one called <3686> Saul <4569>, of Tarsus <5018>: for <1063>, behold <2400>(5628), he prayeth <4336>(5736),
12. And <2532> hath seen <1492>(5627) in <1722> a vision <3705> a man <435> named <3686> Ananias <367> coming in <1525>(5631), and <2532> putting <2007> <0> his hand <5495> on <2007>(5631) him <846>, that <3704> he might receive his sight <308>(5661).
13. Then <1161> Ananias <367> answered <611>(5662), Lord <2962>, I have heard <191>(5754) by <575> many <4183> of <4012> this <5127> man <435>, how much <3745> evil <2556> he hath done <4160>(5656) to thy <4675> saints <40> at <1722> Jerusalem <2419>:
14. And <2532> here <5602> he hath <2192>(5719) authority <1849> from <3844> the chief priests <749> to bind <1210>(5658) all <3956> that call <1941>(5734) on thy <4675> name <3686>.
15. But <1161> the Lord <2962> said <2036>(5627) unto <4314> him <846>, Go thy way <4198>(5737): for <3754> he <3778> is <2076>(5748) a chosen <1589> vessel <4632> unto me <3427>, to bear <941>(5658) my <3450> name <3686> before <1799> the Gentiles <1484>, and <2532> kings <935>, and <5037> the children <5207> of Israel <2474>:
16. For <1063> I <1473> will shew <5263>(5692) him <846> how great things <3745> he <846> must <1163>(5748) suffer <3958>(5629) for <5228> <0> my <3450> name's sake <3686> <5228>.
17. And <1161> Ananias <367> went his way <565>(5627), and <2532> entered <1525>(5627) into <1519> the house <3614>; and <2532> putting <2007>(5631) his hands <5495> on <1909> him <846> said <2036>(5627), Brother <80> Saul <4549>, the Lord <2962>, even Jesus <2424>, that appeared <3700>(5685) unto thee <4671> in <1722> the way <3598> as <3739> thou camest <2064>(5711), hath sent <649>(5758) me <3165>, that <3704> thou mightest receive thy sight <308>(5661), and <2532> be filled with <4130>(5686) the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>.
18. And <2532> immediately <2112> there fell <634>(5627) from <575> his <846> eyes <3788> as <5616> it had been scales <3013>: and he received sight <308>(5656) forthwith <3916>, and <5037> arose <450>(5631), and <2532> was baptized <907>(5681).
19. And <2532> when he had received <2983>(5631) meat <5160>, he was strengthened <1765>(5656). Then <1161> was <1096>(5633) Saul <4569> certain <5100> days <2250> with <3326> the disciples <3101> which were at <1722> Damascus <1154>.
20. And <2532> straightway <2112> he preached <2784>(5707) Christ <5547> in <1722> the synagogues <4864>, that <3754> he <3778> is <2076>(5748) the Son <5207> of God <2316>.
21. But <1161> all <3956> that heard <191>(5723) him were amazed <1839>(5710), and <2532> said <3004>(5707); Is <2076>(5748) not <3756> this <3778> he that destroyed <4199>(5660) them which <3588> called on <1941>(5734) this <5124> name <3686> in <1722> Jerusalem <2419>, and <2532> came <2064>(5715) hither <5602> for <1519> <0> that <5124> intent <1519>, that <2443> he might bring <71>(5632) them <846> bound <1210>(5772) unto <1909> the chief priests <749>?
22. But <1161> Saul <4569> increased <1743> <0> the more <3123> in strength <1743>(5712), and <2532> confounded <4797>(5707) the Jews <2453> which <3588> dwelt <2730>(5723) at <1722> Damascus <1154>, proving <4822>(5723) that <3754> this <3778> is <2076>(5748) very <846> Christ <5547>.
23. And <1161> after <5613> that many <2425> days <2250> were fulfilled <4137>(5712), the Jews <2453> took counsel <4823>(5668) to kill <337>(5629) him <846>:
24. But <1161> their <846> laying await <1917> was known <1097>(5681) of Saul <4569>. And <5037> they watched <3906>(5707) the gates <4439> day <2250> and <2532> night <3571> to <3704> kill <337>(5661) him <846>.
25. Then <1161> the disciples <3101> took <2983>(5631) him <846> by night <3571>, and let him down <2524>(5656) <5465>(5660) by <1223> the wall <5038> in <1722> a basket <4711>.
26. And <1161> when Saul <4569> was come <3854>(5637) to <1519> Jerusalem <2419>, he assayed <3987>(5711) to join himself <2853>(5745) to the disciples <3101>: but <2532> they were <5399> <0> all <3956> afraid <5399>(5711) of him <846>, and believed <4100>(5723) not <3361> that <3754> he was <2076>(5748) a disciple <3101>.
27. But <1161> Barnabas <921> took <1949>(5637) him <846>, and brought <71>(5627) him to <4314> the apostles <652>, and <2532> declared <1334>(5662) unto them <846> how <4459> he had seen <1492>(5627) the Lord <2962> in <1722> the way <3598>, and <2532> that <3754> he had spoken <2980>(5656) to him <846>, and <2532> how <4459> he had preached boldly <3955>(5662) at <1722> Damascus <1154> in <1722> the name <3686> of Jesus <2424>.
28. And <2532> he was <2258>(5713) with <3326> them <846> coming in <1531>(5740)(5734) and <2532> going out <1607>(5740) at <1722> Jerusalem <2419>.
29. And <2532> he spake <2980>(5707) boldly <3955>(5740) in <1722> the name <3686> of the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424>, and <5037> <2532> disputed <4802>(5707) against <4314> the Grecians <1675>: but <1161> they went about <2021>(5707) to slay <337>(5629) him <846>.
30. Which when <1161> the brethren <80> knew <1921>(5631), they brought <2609> <0> him <846> down <2609>(5627) to <1519> Caesarea <2542>, and <2532> sent <1821> <0> him <846> forth <1821>(5656) to <1519> Tarsus <5019>.
31. Then <3303> <3767> had <2192>(5707) the churches <1577> rest <1515> throughout <2596> all <3650> Judaea <2449> and <2532> Galilee <1056> and <2532> Samaria <4540>, and were edified <3618>(5746); and <2532> walking in <4198>(5740) the fear <5401> of the Lord <2962>, and <2532> in the comfort <3874> of the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>, were multiplied <4129>(5712).
32. And <1161> it came <1096>(5633) to pass, as <1330> <0> Peter <4074> passed throughout <1330>(5740) <1223> all <3956> quarters, he came down <2718>(5629) also <2532> to <4314> the saints <40> which <3588> dwelt <2730>(5723) at Lydda <3069>.
33. And <1161> there <1563> he found <2147>(5627) a certain <5100> man <444> named <3686> Aeneas <132>, which had kept <2621>(5740) <1909> his bed <2895> <1537> eight <3638> years <2094>, and <3739> was <2258>(5713) sick of the palsy <3886>(5772).
34. And <2532> Peter <4074> said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Aeneas <132>, Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> maketh <2390> <0> thee <4571> whole <2390>(5736): arise <450>(5628), and <2532> make <4766> <0> thy <4572> bed <4766>(5657). And <2532> he arose <450>(5627) immediately <2112>.
35. And <2532> all <3956> that dwelt <2730>(5723) at Lydda <3069> and <2532> Saron <4565> saw <1492>(5627) him <846>, and <3748> turned <1994>(5656) to <1909> the Lord <2962>.
36. Now <1161> there was <2258>(5713) at <1722> Joppa <2445> a certain <5100> disciple <3102> named <3686> Tabitha <5000>, which <3739> by interpretation <1329>(5746) is called <3004>(5743) Dorcas <1393>: this woman <3778> was <2258>(5713) full <4134> of good <18> works <2041> and <2532> almsdeeds <1654> which <3739> she did <4160>(5707).
37. And <1161> it came to pass <1096>(5633) in <1722> those <1565> days <2250>, that she was sick <770>(5660), and died <599>(5629): whom when <1161> they <846> had washed <3068>(5660), they laid <5087>(5656) her in <1722> an upper chamber <5253>.
38. And <1161> forasmuch as <5607>(5752) Lydda <3069> was nigh <1451> to Joppa <2445>, and the disciples <3101> had heard <191>(5660) that <3754> Peter <4074> was <2076>(5748) there <1722> <846>, they sent <649>(5656) unto <4314> him <846> two <1417> men <435>, desiring <3870>(5723) him that he would <3635> <0> not <3361> delay <3635>(5658) to come <1330>(5629) to <2193> them <846>.
39. Then <1161> Peter <4074> arose <450>(5631) and went with <4905>(5627) them <846>. When he <3739> was come <3854>(5637), they brought him <321>(5627) into <1519> the upper chamber <5253>: and <2532> all <3956> the widows <5503> stood by <3936>(5656) him <846> weeping <2799>(5723), and <2532> shewing <1925>(5734) the coats <5509> and <2532> garments <2440> which <3745> Dorcas <1393> made <4160>(5707), while she was <5607>(5752) with <3326> them <846>.
40. But <1161> Peter <4074> put <1544>(5631) them all <3956> forth <1854>, and kneeled down <5087>(5631) <1119>, and prayed <4336>(5662); and <2532> turning <1994>(5660) him to <4314> the body <4983> said <2036>(5627), Tabitha <5000>, arise <450>(5628). And <1161> she opened <455>(5656) her <848> eyes <3788>: and <2532> when she saw <1492>(5631) Peter <4074>, she sat up <339>(5656).
41. And <1161> he gave <1325>(5631) her <846> his hand <5495>, and lifted <450> <0> her <846> up <450>(5656), and <1161> when he had called <5455>(5660) the saints <40> and <2532> widows <5503>, presented <3936>(5656) her <846> alive <2198>(5723).
42. And <1161> it was <1096>(5633) known <1110> throughout <2596> all <3650> Joppa <2445>; and <2532> many <4183> believed <4100>(5656) in <1909> the Lord <2962>.
43. And <1161> it came to pass <1096>(5633), that he tarried <3306>(5658) many <2425> days <2250> in <1722> Joppa <2445> with <3844> one <5100> Simon <4613> a tanner <1038>.