WEBNETListen to the readings for May 24 from the NET Bible (Video)
or the World English Bible
This page is now calculating which verses have comments and referenced comments. Please be patient.
You will not be able to view any Comments in the Verse sections below until this notice disappears
Notes that are not verse specific
In Gen 14 we have the record of Abram meeting with Melchizedek king of Salem. How ever in to-day's reading it is the first time that Jerusalem is mentioned by name in scripture. There is no doubt from Psa 76:2 that they are one in the same place.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
Good came out of the Gibeonites deception, in that the five kings who went to punish Gibeon were themselves destroyed, and so an inroad was made into conquering Canaan.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to David
It is easy to glance over a chapter such as the one before us and read that city upon city was destroyed. This was the way in which those who were faithful demonstrated their faith. They lived in the era which saw the entry into the land. The warfare of this age and that of the Commonwealth of Israel (The Bronze Age of David and Solomon) was a nasty affair. In our own era (post-Commonwealth) we are not called on to battle against others with the edge of the sword, for we wrestle against spritiual wickedness (Eph 6:12), which we have all around us- that is our equivalent of the gentile kings in this passage. Most especially though, we share one thing in common with those who took up the sword against the gentiles: we all have to overcome our own human nature. So Notwithstanding David's constant cry to God to deliver him from his enemies, he also tellingly leans on Yahweh when he understands his own guilt (e.g Psa 51:2). It is at this pivotal point that share the faith of any Israelite or even Joshua.
Ross Melles [Waitakere, Auckland (NZ)] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Ross
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. Now it came to pass, when Adonizedek <139> king <4428> of Jerusalem <3389> had heard <8085>(8800) how <3588> Joshua <3091> had taken <3920>(8804) Ai <5857>, and had utterly destroyed <2763>(8686) it; as he had done <6213>(8804) to Jericho <3405> and her king <4428>, so he had done <6213>(8804) to Ai <5857> and her king <4428>; and how the inhabitants <3427>(8802) of Gibeon <1391> had made peace <7999>(8689) with Israel <3478>, and were among <7130> them;
2. That they feared <3372>(8799) greatly <3966>, because Gibeon <1391> was a great <1419> city <5892>, as one <259> of the royal <4467> cities <5892>, and because it was greater <1419> than Ai <5857>, and all the men <582> thereof were mighty <1368>.
3. Wherefore Adonizedek <139> king <4428> of Jerusalem <3389> sent <7971>(8799) unto Hoham <1944> king <4428> of Hebron <2275>, and unto Piram <6502> king <4428> of Jarmuth <3412>, and unto Japhia <3309> king <4428> of Lachish <3923>, and unto Debir <1688> king <4428> of Eglon <5700>, saying <559>(8800),
4. Come up <5927>(8798) unto me, and help <5826>(8798) me, that we may smite <5221>(8686) Gibeon <1391>: for it hath made peace <7999>(8689) with Joshua <3091> and with the children <1121> of Israel <3478>.
5. Therefore the five <2568> kings <4428> of the Amorites <567>, the king <4428> of Jerusalem <3389>, the king <4428> of Hebron <2275>, the king <4428> of Jarmuth <3412>, the king <4428> of Lachish <3923>, the king <4428> of Eglon <5700>, gathered themselves together <622>(8735), and went up <5927>(8799), they and all their hosts <4264>, and encamped <2583>(8799) before Gibeon <1391>, and made war <3898>(8735) against it.
6. And the men <582> of Gibeon <1391> sent <7971>(8799) unto Joshua <3091> to the camp <4264> to Gilgal <1537>, saying <559>(8800), Slack <7503>(8686) not thy hand <3027> from thy servants <5650>; come up <5927>(8798) to us quickly <4120>, and save <3467>(8685) us, and help <5826>(8798) us: for all the kings <4428> of the Amorites <567> that dwell <3427>(8802) in the mountains <2022> are gathered together <6908>(8738) against us.
7. So Joshua <3091> ascended <5927>(8799) from Gilgal <1537>, he, and all the people <5971> of war <4421> with him, and all the mighty <1368> men of valour <2428>.
8. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto Joshua <3091>, Fear <3372>(8799) them not: for I have delivered <5414>(8804) them into thine hand <3027>; there shall not a man <376> of them stand <5975>(8799) before <6440> thee.
9. Joshua <3091> therefore came <935>(8799) unto them suddenly <6597>, and went up <5927>(8804) from Gilgal <1537> all night <3915>.
10. And the LORD <3068> discomfited <2000>(8799) them before <6440> Israel <3478>, and slew <5221>(8686) them with a great <1419> slaughter <4347> at Gibeon <1391>, and chased <7291>(8799) them along the way <1870> that goeth up <4608> to Bethhoron <1032>, and smote <5221>(8686) them to Azekah <5825>, and unto Makkedah <4719>.
11. And it came to pass, as they fled <5127>(8800) from before <6440> Israel <3478>, and were in the going down <4174> to Bethhoron <1032>, that the LORD <3068> cast down <7993>(8689) great <1419> stones <68> from heaven <8064> upon them unto Azekah <5825>, and they died <4191>(8799): they were more <7227> which died <4191>(8804) with hailstones <1259> <68> than they whom <834> the children <1121> of Israel <3478> slew <2026>(8804) with the sword <2719>.
12. Then spake <1696>(8762) Joshua <3091> to the LORD <3068> in the day <3117> when the LORD <3068> delivered up <5414>(8800) the Amorites <567> before <6440> the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, and he said <559>(8799) in the sight <5869> of Israel <3478>, Sun <8121>, stand thou still <1826>(8798) upon Gibeon <1391>; and thou, Moon <3394>, in the valley <6010> of Ajalon <357>.
13. And the sun <8121> stood still <1826>(8799), and the moon <3394> stayed <5975>(8804), until the people <1471> had avenged <5358>(8799) themselves upon their enemies <341>(8802). Is not this <1931> written <3789>(8803) in the book <5612> of Jasher <3477>? So the sun <8121> stood still <5975>(8799) in the midst <2677> of heaven <8064>, and hasted <213>(8804) not to go down <935>(8800) about a whole <8549> day <3117>.
14. And there was no day <3117> like that before <6440> it or after <310> it, that the LORD <3068> hearkened <8085>(8800) unto the voice <6963> of a man <376>: for the LORD <3068> fought <3898>(8737) for Israel <3478>.
15. And Joshua <3091> returned <7725>(8799), and all Israel <3478> with him, unto the camp <4264> to Gilgal <1537>.
16. But these five <2568> kings <4428> fled <5127>(8799), and hid <2244>(8735) themselves in a cave <4631> at Makkedah <4719>.
17. And it was told <5046>(8714) Joshua <3091>, saying <559>(8800), The five <2568> kings <4428> are found <4672>(8738) hid <2244>(8737) in a cave <4631> at Makkedah <4719>.
18. And Joshua <3091> said <559>(8799), Roll <1556>(8798) great <1419> stones <68> upon the mouth <6310> of the cave <4631>, and set <6485>(8685) men <582> by it for to keep <8104>(8800) them:
19. And stay <5975>(8799) ye not, but pursue <7291>(8798) after <310> your enemies <341>(8802), and smite the hindmost <2179>(8765) of them; suffer <5414>(8799) them not to enter <935>(8800) into their cities <5892>: for the LORD <3068> your God <430> hath delivered <5414>(8804) them into your hand <3027>.
20. And it came to pass, when Joshua <3091> and the children <1121> of Israel <3478> had made an end <3615>(8763) of slaying <5221>(8687) them with a very <3966> great <1419> slaughter <4347>, till they were consumed <8552>(8800), that the rest <8300> which remained <8277>(8804) of them entered <935>(8799) into fenced <4013> cities <5892>.
21. And all the people <5971> returned <7725>(8799) to the camp <4264> to Joshua <3091> at Makkedah <4719> in peace <7965>: none moved <2782>(8804) his tongue <3956> against any <376> of the children <1121> of Israel <3478>.
22. Then said <559>(8799) Joshua <3091>, Open <6605>(8798) the mouth <6310> of the cave <4631>, and bring out <3318>(8685) those five <2568> kings <4428> unto me out of the cave <4631>.
23. And they did <6213>(8799) so, and brought forth <3318>(8686) those five <2568> kings <4428> unto him out of the cave <4631>, the king <4428> of Jerusalem <3389>, the king <4428> of Hebron <2275>, the king <4428> of Jarmuth <3412>, the king <4428> of Lachish <3923>, and the king <4428> of Eglon <5700>.
24. And it came to pass, when they brought out <3318>(8687) those kings <4428> unto Joshua <3091>, that Joshua <3091> called <7121>(8799) for all the men <376> of Israel <3478>, and said <559>(8799) unto the captains <7101> of the men <582> of war <4421> which went <1980>(8804) with him, Come near <7126>(8798), put <7760>(8798) your feet <7272> upon the necks <6677> of these kings <4428>. And they came near <7126>(8799), and put <7760>(8799) their feet <7272> upon the necks <6677> of them.
25. And Joshua <3091> said <559>(8799) unto them, Fear <3372>(8799) not, nor be dismayed <2865>(8735), be strong <2388>(8798) and of good courage <553>(8798): for thus shall the LORD <3068> do <6213>(8799) to all your enemies <341>(8802) against whom ye fight <3898>(8737).
26. And afterward <310> Joshua <3091> smote <5221>(8686) them, and slew <4191>(8686) them, and hanged <8518>(8799) them on five <2568> trees <6086>: and they were hanging <8518>(8803) upon the trees <6086> until the evening <6153>.
27. And it came to pass at the time <6256> of the going down <935>(8800) of the sun <8121>, that Joshua <3091> commanded <6680>(8765), and they took them down <3381>(8686) off the trees <6086>, and cast <7993>(8686) them into the cave <4631> wherein they had been hid <2244>(8738), and laid <7760>(8799) great <1419> stones <68> in the cave's <4631> mouth <6310>, which remain until this very <6106> day <3117>.
28. And that day <3117> Joshua <3091> took <3920>(8804) Makkedah <4719>, and smote <5221>(8686) it with the edge <6310> of the sword <2719>, and the king <4428> thereof he utterly destroyed <2763>(8689), them, and all the souls <5315> that were therein; he let <7604>(8689) none remain <8300>: and he did <6213>(8799) to the king <4428> of Makkedah <4719> as he did <6213>(8804) unto the king <4428> of Jericho <3405>.
29. Then Joshua <3091> passed <5674>(8799) from Makkedah <4719>, and all Israel <3478> with him, unto Libnah <3841>, and fought <3898>(8735) against Libnah <3841>:
30. And the LORD <3068> delivered <5414>(8799) it also, and the king <4428> thereof, into the hand <3027> of Israel <3478>; and he smote <5221>(8686) it with the edge <6310> of the sword <2719>, and all the souls <5315> that were therein; he let <7604>(8689) none remain <8300> in it; but did <6213>(8799) unto the king <4428> thereof as he did <6213>(8804) unto the king <4428> of Jericho <3405>.
31. And Joshua <3091> passed <5674>(8799) from Libnah <3841>, and all Israel <3478> with him, unto Lachish <3923>, and encamped <2583>(8799) against it, and fought <3898>(8735) against it:
32. And the LORD <3068> delivered <5414>(8799) Lachish <3923> into the hand <3027> of Israel <3478>, which took <3920>(8799) it on the second <8145> day <3117>, and smote <5221>(8686) it with the edge <6310> of the sword <2719>, and all the souls <5315> that were therein, according to all that he had done <6213>(8804) to Libnah <3841>.
33. Then Horam <2036> king <4428> of Gezer <1507> came up <5927>(8804) to help <5826>(8800) Lachish <3923>; and Joshua <3091> smote <5221>(8686) him and his people <5971>, until he had left <7604>(8689) him none remaining <8300>.
34. And from Lachish <3923> Joshua <3091> passed <5674>(8799) unto Eglon <5700>, and all Israel <3478> with him; and they encamped <2583>(8799) against it, and fought <3898>(8735) against it:
35. And they took <3920>(8799) it on that day <3117>, and smote <5221>(8686) it with the edge <6310> of the sword <2719>, and all the souls <5315> that were therein he utterly destroyed <2763>(8689) that day <3117>, according to all that he had done <6213>(8804) to Lachish <3923>.
36. And Joshua <3091> went up <5927>(8799) from Eglon <5700>, and all Israel <3478> with him, unto Hebron <2275>; and they fought <3898>(8735) against it:
37. And they took <3920>(8799) it, and smote <5221>(8686) it with the edge <6310> of the sword <2719>, and the king <4428> thereof, and all the cities <5892> thereof, and all the souls <5315> that were therein; he left <7604>(8689) none remaining <8300>, according to all that he had done <6213>(8804) to Eglon <5700>; but destroyed <2763>(8686) it utterly, and all the souls <5315> that were therein.
38. And Joshua <3091> returned <7725>(8799), and all Israel <3478> with him, to Debir <1688>; and fought <3898>(8735) against it:
39. And he took <3920>(8799) it, and the king <4428> thereof, and all the cities <5892> thereof; and they smote <5221>(8686) them with the edge <6310> of the sword <2719>, and utterly destroyed <2763>(8686) all the souls <5315> that were therein; he left <7604>(8689) none remaining <8300>: as he had done <6213>(8804) to Hebron <2275>, so he did <6213>(8804) to Debir <1688>, and to the king <4428> thereof; as he had done <6213>(8804) also to Libnah <3841>, and to her king <4428>.
40. So Joshua <3091> smote <5221>(8686) all the country <776> of the hills <2022>, and of the south <5045>, and of the vale <8219>, and of the springs <794>, and all their kings <4428>: he left <7604>(8689) none remaining <8300>, but utterly destroyed <2763>(8689) all that breathed <5397>, as the LORD <3068> God <430> of Israel <3478> commanded <6680>(8765).
41. And Joshua <3091> smote <5221>(8686) them from Kadeshbarnea <6947> even unto Gaza <5804>, and all the country <776> of Goshen <1657>, even unto Gibeon <1391>.
42. And all these kings <4428> and their land <776> did Joshua <3091> take <3920>(8804) at one <259> time <6471>, because the LORD <3068> God <430> of Israel <3478> fought <3898>(8737) for Israel <3478>.
43. And Joshua <3091> returned <7725>(8799), and all Israel <3478> with him, unto the camp <4264> to Gilgal <1537>.
Notes that are not verse specific
“Babylon is to fall!” For the Israelites about 700 years before Christ, that news would have seemed as likely as saying the USA is to loose all its power. But God knew best. The Lord would break the dominance of Assyria “in My land” (Is14:25), and then Babylon would also fall. As we know, it DID come to pass.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to David
How is it that, though Babylon is destroyed, it re-emerges again in the prophecy of Revelation?
I think the answer is that Babylon is more than just a city. In this Prophecy, the city named Babylon initially refers to Nineveh whose army was destroyed by God in Isa 37:36-38. History* tells us that the city was then completely destroyed by an army of Babylonians and Medes, fulfilling Isa 13:7. Nineveh remains destroyed.... or does it?
Esarhaddon, the son of Sennacherib (king of Nineveh) actually built the city of Babylon before Nineveh was destroyed. So we can see that the influences and culture of Nineveh just shifted to Babylon. God in His wisdom, saw these events before time and saw fit to name the whole culture Babylon, no matter which city held the balance of power. We see in the book of Daniel how Babylon was simply handed on from one empire to the next.
When God wishes to destroy a city, it isn't the bricks and mortar He wishes to destroy. It is the culture of wickedness and Godlessness. Culture is something which is passed on from generation to generation, learned from father by son, and as such is virtually impossible to stamp out. When God prophesied of the utter destruction of Babylon He had the impossible in mind. The culture of Babylon which is now rampant in our whole society, worldwide, will be finally erased at the coming of Jesus.
* "The History of the World", Plantagnet Somerset Fry, 1994, Dorling Kindersley.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Rob
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. For the LORD <3068> will have mercy <7355>(8762) on Jacob <3290>, and will yet choose <977>(8804) Israel <3478>, and set <3240>(8689) them in their own land <127>: and the strangers <1616> shall be joined <3867>(8738) with them, and they shall cleave <5596>(8738) to the house <1004> of Jacob <3290>.
2. And the people <5971> shall take <3947>(8804) them, and bring <935>(8689) them to their place <4725>: and the house <1004> of Israel <3478> shall possess <5157>(8694) them in the land <127> of the LORD <3068> for servants <5650> and handmaids <8198>: and they shall take them captives <7617>(8802), whose captives <7617>(8802) they were; and they shall rule <7287>(8804) over their oppressors <5065>(8802).
3. And it shall come to pass in the day <3117> that the LORD <3068> shall give thee rest <5117>(8687) from thy sorrow <6090>, and from thy fear <7267>, and from the hard <7186> bondage <5656> wherein thou wast made to serve <5647>(8795),
4. That thou shalt take up <5375>(8804) this proverb <4912> against the king <4428> of Babylon <894>, and say <559>(8804), How hath the oppressor <5065>(8802) ceased <7673>(8804)! the golden city <4062> ceased <7673>(8804)!
5. The LORD <3068> hath broken <7665>(8804) the staff <4294> of the wicked <7563>, and the sceptre <7626> of the rulers <4910>(8802).
6. He who smote <5221>(8688) the people <5971> in wrath <5678> with a continual <1115> <5627> stroke <4347>, he that ruled <7287>(8802) the nations <1471> in anger <639>, is persecuted <4783>, and none <1097> hindereth <2820>(8804).
7. The whole earth <776> is at rest <5117>(8804), and is quiet <8252>(8804): they break forth <6476>(8804) into singing <7440>.
8. Yea, the fir trees <1265> rejoice <8055>(8804) at thee, and the cedars <730> of Lebanon <3844>, saying, Since thou art laid down <7901>(8804), no feller <3772>(8802) is come up <5927>(8799) against us.
9. Hell <7585> from beneath is moved <7264>(8804) for thee to meet <7125>(8800) thee at thy coming <935>(8800): it stirreth up <5782>(8790) the dead <7496> for thee, even all the chief ones <6260> of the earth <776>; it hath raised up <6965>(8689) from their thrones <3678> all the kings <4428> of the nations <1471>.
10. All they shall speak <6030>(8799) and say <559>(8799) unto thee, Art thou also become weak <2470>(8795) as we? art thou become like <4911>(8738) unto us?
11. Thy pomp <1347> is brought down <3381>(8717) to the grave <7585>, and the noise <1998> of thy viols <5035>: the worm <7415> is spread <3331>(8714) under thee, and the worms <8438> cover <4374> thee.
12. How art thou fallen <5307>(8804) from heaven <8064>, O Lucifer <1966>, son <1121> of the morning <7837>(8676) <3213>(8685)! how art thou cut down <1438>(8738) to the ground <776>, which didst weaken <2522>(8802) the nations <1471>!
13. For thou hast said <559>(8804) in thine heart <3824>, I will ascend <5927>(8799) into heaven <8064>, I will exalt <7311>(8686) my throne <3678> above <4605> the stars <3556> of God <410>: I will sit <3427>(8799) also upon the mount <2022> of the congregation <4150>, in the sides <3411> of the north <6828>:
14. I will ascend <5927>(8799) above the heights <1116> of the clouds <5645>; I will be like <1819>(8691) the most High <5945>.
15. Yet thou shalt be brought down <3381>(8714) to hell <7585>, to the sides <3411> of the pit <953>.
16. They that see <7200>(8802) thee shall narrowly look <7688>(8686) upon thee, and consider <995>(8709) thee, saying, Is this the man <376> that made the earth <776> to tremble <7264>(8688), that did shake <7493>(8688) kingdoms <4467>;
17. That made <7760>(8804) the world <8398> as a wilderness <4057>, and destroyed <2040>(8804) the cities <5892> thereof; that opened <6605>(8804) not the house <1004> of his prisoners <615>?
18. All the kings <4428> of the nations <1471>, even all of them, lie <7901>(8804) in glory <3519>, every one <376> in his own house <1004>.
19. But thou art cast out <7993>(8717) of thy grave <6913> like an abominable <8581>(8737) branch <5342>, and as the raiment <3830> of those that are slain <2026>(8803), thrust through <2944>(8794) with a sword <2719>, that go down <3381>(8802) to the stones <68> of the pit <953>; as a carcase <6297> trodden under feet <947>(8716).
20. Thou shalt not be joined <3161>(8799) with them in burial <6900>, because thou hast destroyed <7843>(8765) thy land <776>, and slain <2026>(8804) thy people <5971>: the seed <2233> of evildoers <7489>(8688) shall never <5769> be renowned <7121>(8735).
21. Prepare <3559>(8685) slaughter <4293> for his children <1121> for the iniquity <5771> of their fathers <1>; that they do not <1077> rise <6965>(8799), nor possess <3423>(8804) the land <776>, nor fill <4390>(8804) the face <6440> of the world <8398> with cities <6145>(8676) <5892>.
22. For I will rise up <6965>(8804) against them, saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068> of hosts <6635>, and cut off <3772>(8689) from Babylon <894> the name <8034>, and remnant <7605>, and son <5209>, and nephew <5220>, saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>.
23. I will also make <7760>(8804) it a possession <4180> for the bittern <7090>, and pools <98> of water <4325>: and I will sweep <2894>(8773) it with the besom <4292> of destruction <8045>(8687), saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068> of hosts <6635>.
24. The LORD <3068> of hosts <6635> hath sworn <7650>(8738), saying <559>(8800), Surely as I have thought <1819>(8765), so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed <3289>(8804), so shall it stand <6965>(8799):
25. That I will break <7665>(8800) the Assyrian <804> in my land <776>, and upon my mountains <2022> tread him under foot <947>(8799): then shall his yoke <5923> depart <5493>(8804) from off them, and his burden <5448> depart <5493>(8799) from off their shoulders <7926>.
26. This is the purpose <6098> that is purposed <3289>(8803) upon the whole earth <776>: and this is the hand <3027> that is stretched out <5186>(8803) upon all the nations <1471>.
27. For the LORD <3068> of hosts <6635> hath purposed <3289>(8804), and who shall disannul <6565>(8686) it? and his hand <3027> is stretched out <5186>(8803), and who shall turn it back <7725>(8686)?
28. In the year <8141> that king <4428> Ahaz <271> died <4194> was this burden <4853>.
29. Rejoice <8055>(8799) not thou, whole Palestina <6429>, because the rod <7626> of him that smote <5221>(8688) thee is broken <7665>(8738): for out of the serpent's <5175> root <8328> shall come forth <3318>(8799) a cockatrice <6848>, and his fruit <6529> shall be a fiery <8314> <0> flying <5774>(8789) serpent <8314>.
30. And the firstborn <1060> of the poor <1800> shall feed <7462>(8804), and the needy <34> shall lie down <7257>(8799) in safety <983>: and I will kill <4191>(8689) thy root <8328> with famine <7458>, and he shall slay <2026>(8799) thy remnant <7611>.
31. Howl <3213>(8685), O gate <8179>; cry <2199>(8798), O city <5892>; thou, whole Palestina <6429>, art dissolved <4127>(8738): for there shall come <935>(8804) from the north <6828> a smoke <6227>, and none shall be alone <909>(8802) in his appointed times <4151>.
32. What shall one then answer <6030>(8799) the messengers <4397> of the nation <1471>? That the LORD <3068> hath founded <3245>(8765) Zion <6726>, and the poor <6041> of his people <5971> shall trust <2620>(8799) in it.
Notes that are not verse specific
ch 5,6 - GETTING RICH
When the stock market crashed some years ago the sudden loss of the fortunes of thousands of people disappeared in an instant. There were also many Christians who had gotten very rich from the share market who were devastated when everything was taken from them. They thought that because they were Christians God had blessed them and they had become rich. Paul spoke of them as teaching false doctrines, who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. The problem with getting rich is that it can all be taken from you in a moment, but more than that, it becomes a temptation, a trap and even a god to those possessed with riches. "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
To get better value for your riches we should leave the love of money and store up with the riches of God. We read that "Godliness with contentment is great gain." Let us be content with what God has given us, whether it is much or little, and be rich in the true riches of godliness, contentment and peace.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
LAYING UP A GOOD FOUNDATION
In verse 19 we read about "Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come", but what exactly does this mean? Sometimes we may think that the wealthy cannot inherit the kingdom of God -but in v.17-19 they are not condemned for being wealthy nor told to give all their wealth away; but they are told what not to do and what to do with it.
Wealth must never make a person proud or feel they are better than someone without money. The wealthy must not set their hopes in the wealth itself but rather they are told to use their wealth to do good; be ready to share; and that they must remember that we are all part of God's household.
Every time we could give and do not give - it lessens the wealth laid up for us in the kingdom to come. The teaching of the Christian ethic is, not that wealth is a sin, but that it is a very great responsibility. As the Lord taught - ""it is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) Let us lay up treasure in heaven and not on earth.
Peter Dulis [toronto west] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Peter
v18 Wealth is not a sin, hoarding wealth is a sin. Poverty is not a virtue - it can often lead to covetousness (v9)
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Bruce
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. Let <1526> <0> as many <3745> <0> servants <1401> as <3745> are <1526>(5748) under <5259> the yoke <2218> count <2233>(5737) their own <2398> masters <1203> worthy <514> of all <3956> honour <5092>, that <3363> <0> the name <3686> of God <2316> and <2532> his doctrine <1319> be <987> <0> not <3363> blasphemed <987>(5747).
2. And <1161> they that have <2192>(5723) believing <4103> masters <1203>, let them <2706> <0> not <3361> despise <2706>(5720) them, because <3754> they are <1526>(5748) brethren <80>; but <235> rather <3123> do them service <1398>(5720), because <3754> they are <1526>(5748) faithful <4103> and <2532> beloved <27>, partakers <482>(5740) of the benefit <2108>. These things <5023> teach <1321>(5720) and <2532> exhort <3870>(5720).
3. If any man <1536> teach otherwise <2085>(5719), and <2532> consent <4334>(5736) not <3361> to wholesome <5198>(5723) words <3056>, even the words of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, and <2532> to the doctrine <1319> which is according <2596> to godliness <2150>;
4. He is proud <5187>(5769), knowing <1987>(5740) nothing <3367>, but <235> doting <3552>(5723) about <4012> questions <2214> and <2532> strifes of words <3055>, whereof <1537> <3739> cometh <1096>(5736) envy <5355>, strife <2054>, railings <988>, evil <4190> surmisings <5283>,
5. Perverse disputings <3859> of men <444> of corrupt <1311>(5772) minds <3563>, and <2532> destitute <650>(5772) of the truth <225>, supposing <3543>(5723) that gain <4200> is <1511>(5750) godliness <2150>: from <575> such <5108> withdraw thyself <868>(5737).
6. But <1161> godliness <2150> with <3326> contentment <841> is <2076>(5748) great <3173> gain <4200>.
7. For <1063> we brought <1533>(5656) nothing <3762> into <1519> this world <2889>, and it is certain <1212> <3754> we can <1410>(5736) carry <1627> <0> nothing <3761> <5100> out <1627>(5629).
8. And <1161> having <2192>(5723) food <1305> and <2532> raiment <4629> let us be <714> <0> therewith <5125> content <714>(5701).
9. But <1161> they that will <1014>(5740) be rich <4147>(5721) fall <1706>(5719) into <1519> temptation <3986> and <2532> a snare <3803>, and <2532> into many <4183> foolish <453> and <2532> hurtful <983> lusts <1939>, which <3748> drown <1036>(5719) men <444> in <1519> destruction <3639> and <2532> perdition <684>.
10. For <1063> the love of money <5365> is <2076>(5748) the root <4491> of all <3956> evil <2556>: which <3739> while some <5100> coveted after <3713>(5734), they have erred <635>(5681) from <575> the faith <4102>, and <2532> pierced <4044> <0> themselves <1438> through <4044>(5656) with many <4183> sorrows <3601>.
11. But <1161> thou <4771>, O man <444> of God <2316>, flee <5343>(5720) these things <5023>; and <1161> follow after <1377>(5720) righteousness <1343>, godliness <2150>, faith <4102>, love <26>, patience <5281>, meekness <4236>.
12. Fight <75>(5737) the good <2570> fight <73> of faith <4102>, lay hold on <1949>(5634) eternal <166> life <2222>, whereunto <1519> <3739> thou art <2564> <0> also <2532> called <2564>(5681), and <2532> hast professed <3670>(5656) a good <2570> profession <3671> before <1799> many <4183> witnesses <3144>.
13. I give <3853> <0> thee <4671> charge <3853>(5719) in the sight <1799> of God <2316>, who <3588> quickeneth <2227>(5723) all things <3956>, and <2532> before Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>, who <3588> before <1909> Pontius <4194> Pilate <4091> witnessed <3140>(5660) a good <2570> confession <3671>;
14. That thou <4571> keep <5083>(5658) this commandment <1785> without spot <784>, unrebukeable <423>, until <3360> the appearing <2015> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>:
15. Which <3739> in his <2398> times <2540> he shall shew <1166>(5692), who <3588> is the blessed <3107> and <2532> only <3441> Potentate <1413>, the King <935> of kings <936>(5723), and <2532> Lord <2962> of lords <2961>(5723);
16. Who <3588> only <3441> hath <2192>(5723) immortality <110>, dwelling <3611>(5723) in the light <5457> which <3739> no man <3762> can approach unto <676>; whom <3739> no man <444> hath seen <1492>(5627), nor <3761> can <1410>(5736) see <1492>(5629): to whom <3739> be honour <5092> and <2532> power <2904> everlasting <166>. Amen <281>.
17. Charge <3853>(5720) them that are rich <4145> in <1722> this <3568> world <165>, that they be <5309> <0> not <3361> highminded <5309>(5721), nor <3366> trust <1679>(5760) in <1909> uncertain <83> riches <4149>, but <235> in <1722> the living <2198>(5723) God <2316>, who <3588> giveth <3930>(5723) us <2254> richly <4146> all things <3956> to <1519> enjoy <619>;
18. That they do good <14>(5721), that they be rich <4147>(5721) in <1722> good <2570> works <2041>, ready to distribute <1511>(5750) <2130>, willing to communicate <2843>;
19. Laying up in store <597>(5723) for themselves <1438> a good <2570> foundation <2310> against <1519> the time to come <3195>(5723), that <2443> they may lay hold on <1949>(5638) eternal <166> life <2222>.
20. O <5599> Timothy <5095>, keep <5442>(5657) that which is committed to thy trust <3872>, avoiding <1624>(5734) profane <952> and vain babblings <2757>, and <2532> oppositions <477> of science <1108> falsely so called <5581>:
21. Which <3739> some <5100> professing <1861>(5740) have erred <795>(5656) concerning <4012> the faith <4102>. Grace <5485> be with <3326> thee <4675>. Amen <281>. The first <4413> to <4314> Timothy <5095> was written <1125>(5648) from <575> Laodicea <2993>, which <3748> is <2076>(5748) the chiefest city <3390> of Phrygia <5435> Pacatiana <3818>.