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Notes that are not verse specific
The final years of Judah and its kings are very well recorded by Bro Michael Ashton in the final 2 chapters of his book "Chronicles of the Kings". Suffice it here to say that Josiah was the last good king, and his 3 sons and one grandson who reigned fully deserved the punishment and shame of deportation.
Solomon's beautiful temple was stripped of all its beauty, and finally "they burnt the house of the Lord"
(2Kgs 25:9). How it must have hurt the Lord God!
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to David
25:17-19. Why would the new King of Babylon decide to release Jehoiachin from prison. Could this have been the work of Daniel?
Alex Browning [Kitchener-Waterloo] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Alex
NO SERVICE MEDALS
Over the final years of the kings in Judah, as recorded in the book of Kings, there are some notable people missing from the record.
Isaiah was given a brief mention during the reign of Hezekiah, but Jeremiah, who played a major role with all the last kings, is not mentioned at all. Neither is Ezekiel, Daniel, Obadiah, Habakkuk or Zephaniah, who were all God's prophets over that period of time. Who knows, it is very likely that there were other prophets and God fearing people who made their mark on history at that time who were not recorded in the Scriptures at all. But the fact that they did not get their names in print, or receive a king's service medal, or a star on the walk of fame, did not deter them from doing their job - and doing it well.
It may well be the same for us today. Maybe the tireless work and the sacrifices we make will not get noticed by anyone. But like these great men of faith, let's not give up. Instead let's keep actively doing our part in the service of the Lord. He is watching. He knows. And we know that our labour in the Lord will not be in vain.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Robert
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1. In his days <3117> Nebuchadnezzar <5019> king <4428> of Babylon <894> came up <5927>(8804), and Jehoiakim <3079> became his servant <5650> three <7969> years <8141>: then he turned <7725>(8799) and rebelled <4775>(8799) against him.
2. And the LORD <3068> sent <7971>(8762) against him bands <1416> of the Chaldees <3778>, and bands <1416> of the Syrians <758>, and bands <1416> of the Moabites <4124>, and bands <1416> of the children <1121> of Ammon <5983>, and sent <7971>(8762) them against Judah <3063> to destroy <6>(8687) it, according to the word <1697> of the LORD <3068>, which he spake <1696>(8765) by <3027> his servants <5650> the prophets <5030>.
3. Surely at the commandment <6310> of the LORD <3068> came this upon Judah <3063>, to remove <5493>(8687) them out of his sight <6440>, for the sins <2403> of Manasseh <4519>, according to all that he did <6213>(8804);
4. And also for the innocent <5355> blood <1818> that he shed <8210>(8804): for he filled <4390>(8762) Jerusalem <3389> with innocent <5355> blood <1818>; which the LORD <3068> would <14>(8804) not pardon <5545>(8800).
5. Now the rest <3499> of the acts <1697> of Jehoiakim <3079>, and all that he did <6213>(8804), are they not written <3789>(8803) in the book <5612> of the chronicles <1697> <3117> of the kings <4428> of Judah <3063>?
6. So Jehoiakim <3079> slept <7901>(8799) with his fathers <1>: and Jehoiachin <3078> his son <1121> reigned <4427>(8799) in his stead.
7. And the king <4428> of Egypt <4714> came <3318>(8800) not again <3254>(8689) any more out of his land <776>: for the king <4428> of Babylon <894> had taken <3947>(8804) from the river <5158> of Egypt <4714> unto the river <5104> Euphrates <6578> all that pertained to the king <4428> of Egypt <4714>.
8. Jehoiachin <3078> was eighteen <8083> <6240> years <8141> old <1121> when he began to reign <4427>(8800), and he reigned <4427>(8804) in Jerusalem <3389> three <7969> months <2320>. And his mother's <517> name <8034> was Nehushta <5179>, the daughter <1323> of Elnathan <494> of Jerusalem <3389>.
9. And he did <6213>(8799) that which was evil <7451> in the sight <5869> of the LORD <3068>, according to all that his father <1> had done <6213>(8804).
10. At that time <6256> the servants <5650> of Nebuchadnezzar <5019> king <4428> of Babylon <894> came up <5927>(8804) against Jerusalem <3389>, and the city <5892> was besieged <935>(8799) <4692>.
11. And Nebuchadnezzar <5019> king <4428> of Babylon <894> came <935>(8799) against the city <5892>, and his servants <5650> did besiege <6696>(8802) it.
12. And Jehoiachin <3078> the king <4428> of Judah <3063> went out <3318>(8799) to the king <4428> of Babylon <894>, he, and his mother <517>, and his servants <5650>, and his princes <8269>, and his officers <5631>: and the king <4428> of Babylon <894> took <3947>(8799) him in the eighth <8083> year <8141> of his reign <4427>(8800).
13. And he carried out <3318>(8686) thence all the treasures <214> of the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>, and the treasures <214> of the king's <4428> house <1004>, and cut in pieces <7112>(8762) all the vessels <3627> of gold <2091> which Solomon <8010> king <4428> of Israel <3478> had made <6213>(8804) in the temple <1964> of the LORD <3068>, as the LORD <3068> had said <1696>(8765).
14. And he carried away <1540>(8689) all Jerusalem <3389>, and all the princes <8269>, and all the mighty men <1368> of valour <2428>, even ten <6235> thousand <505> captives <1540>(8802), and all the craftsmen <2796> and smiths <4525>: none remained <7604>(8738), save <2108> the poorest sort <1803> of the people <5971> of the land <776>.
15. And he carried away <1540>(8686) Jehoiachin <3078> to Babylon <894>, and the king's <4428> mother <517>, and the king's <4428> wives <802>, and his officers <5631>, and the mighty <352>(8675) <193> of the land <776>, those carried <3212>(8689) he into captivity <1473> from Jerusalem <3389> to Babylon <894>.
16. And all the men <582> of might <2428>, even seven <7651> thousand <505>, and craftsmen <2796> and smiths <4525> a thousand <505>, all that were strong <1368> and apt <6213>(8802) for war <4421>, even them the king <4428> of Babylon <894> brought <935>(8686) captive <1473> to Babylon <894>.
17. And the king <4428> of Babylon <894> made Mattaniah <4983> his father's brother <1730> king <4427>(8686) in his stead, and changed <5437>(8686) his name <8034> to Zedekiah <6667>.
18. Zedekiah <6667> was twenty <6242> and one <259> years <8141> old <1121> when he began to reign <4427>(8800), and he reigned <4427>(8804) eleven <259> <6240> years <8141> in Jerusalem <3389>. And his mother's <517> name <8034> was Hamutal <2537>, the daughter <1323> of Jeremiah <3414> of Libnah <3841>.
19. And he did <6213>(8799) that which was evil <7451> in the sight <5869> of the LORD <3068>, according to all that Jehoiakim <3079> had done <6213>(8804).
20. For through the anger <639> of the LORD <3068> it came to pass in Jerusalem <3389> and Judah <3063>, until he had cast them out <7993>(8689) from his presence <6440>, that Zedekiah <6667> rebelled <4775>(8799) against the king <4428> of Babylon <894>.
1. And it came to pass in the ninth <8671> year <8141> of his reign <4427>(8800), in the tenth <6224> month <2320>, in the tenth <6218> day of the month <2320>, that Nebuchadnezzar <5019> king <4428> of Babylon <894> came <935>(8804), he, and all his host <2428>, against Jerusalem <3389>, and pitched <2583>(8799) against it; and they built <1129>(8799) forts <1785> against it round about <5439>.
2. And the city <5892> was besieged <935>(8799) <4692> unto the eleventh <6249> <6240> year <8141> of king <4428> Zedekiah <6667>.
3. And on the ninth <8672> day of the fourth month <2320> the famine <7458> prevailed <2388>(8799) in the city <5892>, and there was no bread <3899> for the people <5971> of the land <776>.
4. And the city <5892> was broken up <1234>(8735), and all the men <582> of war <4421> fled by night <3915> by the way <1870> of the gate <8179> between two walls <2346>, which is by the king's <4428> garden <1588>: (now the Chaldees <3778> were against the city <5892> round about <5439>:) and the king went <3212>(8799) the way <1870> toward the plain <6160>.
5. And the army <2428> of the Chaldees <3778> pursued <7291>(8799) after <310> the king <4428>, and overtook <5381>(8686) him in the plains <6160> of Jericho <3405>: and all his army <2428> were scattered <6327>(8738) from him.
6. So they took <8610>(8799) the king <4428>, and brought him up <5927>(8686) to the king <4428> of Babylon <894> to Riblah <7247>; and they gave <1696>(8762) judgment <4941> upon him.
7. And they slew <7819>(8804) the sons <1121> of Zedekiah <6667> before his eyes <5869>, and put out <5786>(8765) the eyes <5869> of Zedekiah <6667>, and bound <631>(8799) him with fetters <5178> of brass <5178>, and carried <935>(8686) him to Babylon <894>.
8. And in the fifth <2549> month <2320>, on the seventh <7651> day of the month <2320>, which is the nineteenth <8672> <6240> <8141> year <8141> of king <4428> Nebuchadnezzar <5019> king <4428> of Babylon <894>, came <935>(8804) Nebuzaradan <5018>, captain <7227> of the guard <2876>, a servant <5650> of the king <4428> of Babylon <894>, unto Jerusalem <3389>:
9. And he burnt <8313>(8799) the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>, and the king's <4428> house <1004>, and all the houses <1004> of Jerusalem <3389>, and every great <1419> man's house <1004> burnt <8313>(8804) he with fire <784>.
10. And all the army <2428> of the Chaldees <3778>, that were with the captain <7227> of the guard <2876>, brake down <5422>(8804) the walls <2346> of Jerusalem <3389> round about <5439>.
11. Now the rest <3499> of the people <5971> that were left <7604>(8737) in the city <5892>, and the fugitives <5307>(8802) that fell away <5307>(8804) to the king <4428> of Babylon <894>, with the remnant <3499> of the multitude <1995>, did Nebuzaradan <5018> the captain <7227> of the guard <2876> carry away <1540>(8689).
12. But the captain <7227> of the guard <2876> left <7604>(8689) of the poor <1803> of the land <776> to be vinedressers <3755> and husbandmen <3009>(8802)(8675) <1461>(8801).
13. And the pillars <5982> of brass <5178> that were in the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>, and the bases <4350>, and the brasen <5178> sea <3220> that was in the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>, did the Chaldees <3778> break in pieces <7665>(8765), and carried <5375>(8799) the brass <5178> of them to Babylon <894>.
14. And the pots <5518>, and the shovels <3257>, and the snuffers <4212>, and the spoons <3709>, and all the vessels <3627> of brass <5178> wherewith they ministered <8334>(8762), took they away <3947>(8804).
15. And the firepans <4289>, and the bowls <4219>, and such things as were of gold <2091>, in gold <2091>, and of silver <3701>, in silver <3701>, the captain <7227> of the guard <2876> took away <3947>(8804).
16. The two <8147> pillars <5982>, one <259> sea <3220>, and the bases <4350> which Solomon <8010> had made <6213>(8804) for the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>; the brass <5178> of all these vessels <3627> was without <3808> weight <4948>.
17. The height <6967> of the one <259> pillar <5982> was eighteen <8083> <6240> cubits <520>, and the chapiter <3805> upon it was brass <5178>: and the height <6967> of the chapiter <3805> three <7969> cubits <520>; and the wreathen work <7639>, and pomegranates <7416> upon the chapiter <3805> round about <5439>, all of brass <5178>: and like unto these had the second <8145> pillar <5982> with wreathen work <7639>.
18. And the captain <7227> of the guard <2876> took <3947>(8799) Seraiah <8304> the chief <7218> priest <3548>, and Zephaniah <6846> the second <4932> priest <3548>, and the three <7969> keepers <8104>(8802) of the door <5592>:
19. And out of the city <5892> he took <3947>(8804) an <259> officer <5631> that was set <6496> over the men <582> of war <4421>, and five <2568> men <582> of them that were <7200>(8802) in the king's <4428> presence <6440>, which were found <4672>(8738) in the city <5892>, and the principal <8269> scribe <5608>(8802) of the host <6635>, which mustered <6633>(8688) the people <5971> of the land <776>, and threescore <8346> men <376> of the people <5971> of the land <776> that were found <4672>(8737) in the city <5892>:
20. And Nebuzaradan <5018> captain <7227> of the guard <2876> took <3947>(8799) these, and brought <3212>(8686) them to the king <4428> of Babylon <894> to Riblah <7247>:
21. And the king <4428> of Babylon <894> smote <5221>(8686) them, and slew <4191>(8686) them at Riblah <7247> in the land <776> of Hamath <2574>. So Judah <3063> was carried away <1540>(8799) out of their land <127>.
22. And as for the people <5971> that remained <7604>(8737) in the land <776> of Judah <3063>, whom Nebuchadnezzar <5019> king <4428> of Babylon <894> had left <7604>(8689), even over them he made Gedaliah <1436> the son <1121> of Ahikam <296>, the son <1121> of Shaphan <8227>, ruler <6485>(8686).
23. And when all the captains <8269> of the armies <2428>, they and their men <582>, heard <8085>(8799) that the king <4428> of Babylon <894> had made Gedaliah <1436> governor <6485>(8689), there came <935>(8799) to Gedaliah <1436> to Mizpah <4709>, even Ishmael <3458> the son <1121> of Nethaniah <5418>, and Johanan <3110> the son <1121> of Careah <7143>, and Seraiah <8304> the son <1121> of Tanhumeth <8576> the Netophathite <5200>, and Jaazaniah <2970> the son <1121> of a Maachathite <4602>, they and their men <582>.
24. And Gedaliah <1436> sware <7650>(8735) to them, and to their men <582>, and said <559>(8799) unto them, Fear <3372>(8799) not to be the servants <5650> of the Chaldees <3778>: dwell <3427>(8798) in the land <776>, and serve <5647>(8798) the king <4428> of Babylon <894>; and it shall be well <3190>(8799) with you.
25. But it came to pass in the seventh <7637> month <2320>, that Ishmael <3458> the son <1121> of Nethaniah <5418>, the son <1121> of Elishama <476>, of the seed <2233> royal <4410>, came <935>(8804), and ten <6235> men <582> with him, and smote <5221>(8686) Gedaliah <1436>, that he died <4191>(8799), and the Jews <3064> and the Chaldees <3778> that were with him at Mizpah <4709>.
26. And all the people <5971>, both small <6996> and great <1419>, and the captains <8269> of the armies <2428>, arose <6965>(8799), and came <935>(8799) to Egypt <4714>: for they were afraid <3372>(8804) of <6440> the Chaldees <3778>.
27. And it came to pass in the seven <7651> and thirtieth <7970> year <8141> of the captivity <1546> of Jehoiachin <3078> king <4428> of Judah <3063>, in the twelfth <8147> <6240> month <2320>, on the seven <7651> and twentieth <6242> day of the month <2320>, that Evilmerodach <192> king <4428> of Babylon <894> in the year <8141> that he began to reign <4427>(8800) did lift up <5375>(8804) the head <7218> of Jehoiachin <3078> king <4428> of Judah <3063> out of prison <1004> <3608>;
28. And he spake <1696>(8762) kindly <2896> to him, and set <5414>(8799) his throne <3678> above the throne <3678> of the kings <4428> that were with him in Babylon <894>;
29. And changed <8132>(8765) his prison <3608> garments <899>: and he did eat <398>(8804) bread <3899> continually <8548> before <6440> him all the days <3117> of his life <2416>.
30. And his allowance <737> was a continual <8548> allowance <737> given <5414>(8738) him of the king <4428>, a daily <3117> rate <1697> for every day <3117>, all the days <3117> of his life <2416>.
Notes that are not verse specific
13:17 Ezekiel did not like to speak the words which God gave him to speak. However he spoke. This contrasts with the false prophets who delighted to speak their own thoughts.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
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1. And the word <1697> of the LORD <3068> came unto me, saying <559>(8800),
2. Son <1121> of man <120>, prophesy <5012>(8734) against the prophets <5030> of Israel <3478> that prophesy <5012>(8737), and say <559>(8804) thou unto them that prophesy <5030> out of their own hearts <3820>, Hear <8085>(8798) ye the word <1697> of the LORD <3068>;
3. Thus saith <559>(8804) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>; Woe <1945> unto the foolish <5036> prophets <5030>, that follow <1980>(8802) <310> their own spirit <7307>, and have seen <7200>(8804) nothing!
4. O Israel <3478>, thy prophets <5030> are like the foxes <7776> in the deserts <2723>.
5. Ye have not gone up <5927>(8804) into the gaps <6556>, neither made up <1443>(8799) the hedge <1447> for the house <1004> of Israel <3478> to stand <5975>(8800) in the battle <4421> in the day <3117> of the LORD <3068>.
6. They have seen <2372>(8804) vanity <7723> and lying <3577> divination <7081>, saying <559>(8802), The LORD <3068> saith <5002>(8803): and the LORD <3068> hath not sent <7971>(8804) them: and they have made others to hope <3176>(8765) that they would confirm <6965>(8763) the word <1697>.
7. Have ye not seen <2372>(8804) a vain <7723> vision <4236>, and have ye not spoken <1696>(8765) a lying <3577> divination <4738>, whereas ye say <559>(8802), The LORD <3068> saith <5002>(8803) it; albeit I have not spoken <559>(8804)?
8. Therefore thus saith <559>(8804) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>; Because ye have spoken <1696>(8763) vanity <7723>, and seen <2372>(8804) lies <3577>, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith <5002>(8803) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>.
9. And mine hand <3027> shall be upon the prophets <5030> that see <2374> vanity <7723>, and that divine <7080>(8802) lies <3577>: they shall not be in the assembly <5475> of my people <5971>, neither shall they be written <3789>(8735) in the writing <3791> of the house <1004> of Israel <3478>, neither shall they enter <935>(8799) into the land <127> of Israel <3478>; and ye shall know <3045>(8804) that I am the Lord <136> GOD <3069>.
10. Because, even because they have seduced <2937>(8689) my people <5971>, saying <559>(8800), Peace <7965>; and there was no peace <7965>; and one built up <1129>(8802) a wall <2434>, and, lo <2009>, others daubed <2902>(8802) it with untempered <8602> morter:
11. Say <559>(8798) unto them which daub <2902>(8802) it with untempered <8602> morter, that it shall fall <5307>(8799): there shall be an overflowing <7857>(8802) shower <1653>; and ye <859>, O great hailstones <417> <68>, shall fall <5307>(8799); and a stormy <5591> wind <7307> shall rend <1234>(8762) it.
12. Lo, when the wall <7023> is fallen <5307>(8804), shall it not be said <559>(8735) unto you, Where is the daubing <2915> wherewith ye have daubed <2902>(8804) it?
13. Therefore thus saith <559>(8804) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>; I will even rend <1234>(8765) it with a stormy <5591> wind <7307> in my fury <2534>; and there shall be an overflowing <7857>(8802) shower <1653> in mine anger <639>, and great hailstones <417> <68> in my fury <2534> to consume <3617> it.
14. So will I break down <2040>(8804) the wall <7023> that ye have daubed <2902>(8804) with untempered <8602> morter, and bring <5060>(8689) it down to the ground <776>, so that the foundation <3247> thereof shall be discovered <1540>(8738), and it shall fall <5307>(8804), and ye shall be consumed <3615>(8804) in the midst <8432> thereof: and ye shall know <3045>(8804) that I am the LORD <3068>.
15. Thus will I accomplish <3615>(8765) my wrath <2534> upon the wall <7023>, and upon them that have daubed <2902>(8802) it with untempered <8602> morter, and will say <559>(8799) unto you, The wall <7023> is no more, neither they that daubed <2902>(8802) it;
16. To wit, the prophets <5030> of Israel <3478> which prophesy <5012>(8737) concerning Jerusalem <3389>, and which see <2374> visions <2377> of peace <7965> for her, and there is no peace <7965>, saith <5002>(8803) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>.
17. Likewise, thou son <1121> of man <120>, set <7760>(8798) thy face <6440> against the daughters <1323> of thy people <5971>, which prophesy <5012>(8693) out of their own heart <3820>; and prophesy <5012>(8734) thou against them,
18. And say <559>(8804), Thus saith <559>(8804) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>; Woe <1945> to the women that sew <8609>(8764) pillows <3704> to all armholes <679> <3027>, and make <6213>(8802) kerchiefs <4555> upon the head <7218> of every stature <6967> to hunt <6679>(8780) souls <5315>! Will ye hunt <6679>(8779) the souls <5315> of my people <5971>, and will ye save <2421> <0> the souls <5315> alive <2421>(8762) that come unto you?
19. And will ye pollute <2490>(8762) me among my people <5971> for handfuls <8168> of barley <8184> and for pieces <6595> of bread <3899>, to slay <4191>(8687) the souls <5315> that should not die <4191>(8799), and to save <2421> <0> the souls <5315> alive <2421>(8763) that should not live <2421>(8799), by your lying <3576>(8763) to my people <5971> that hear <8085>(8802) your lies <3577>?
20. Wherefore thus saith <559>(8804) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>; Behold, I am against your pillows <3704>, wherewith ye <859> there hunt <6679>(8781) the souls <5315> to make them fly <6524>(8802), and I will tear <7167>(8804) them from your arms <2220>, and will let the souls <5315> go <7971>(8765), even the souls <5315> that ye hunt <6679>(8781) to make them fly <6524>(8802).
21. Your kerchiefs <4555> also will I tear <7167>(8804), and deliver <5337>(8689) my people <5971> out of your hand <3027>, and they shall be no more in your hand <3027> to be hunted <4686>; and ye shall know <3045>(8804) that I am the LORD <3068>.
22. Because with lies <8267> ye have made the heart <3820> of the righteous <6662> sad <3512>(8687), whom I have not made sad <3510>(8689); and strengthened <2388>(8763) the hands <3027> of the wicked <7451>, that he should not return <7725>(8800) from his wicked <7563> way <1870>, by promising him life <2421>(8687):
23. Therefore ye shall see <2372>(8799) no more vanity <7723>, nor divine <7080>(8799) divinations <7081>: for I will deliver <5337>(8689) my people <5971> out of your hand <3027>: and ye shall know <3045>(8804) that I am the LORD <3068>.
Notes that are not verse specific
9:13 Did Jesus and the disciples have the resources to buy food to feed the 5000 men plus women and children that were probably with them, or is this a rhetorical question indicating the impossibility the disciple saw in them providing food.
Alex Browning [Kitchener-Waterloo] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Alex
Luke 9:54
What is fire from heaven, if it is not lightning... and these where the Sons of Thunder making the request. Notice Jesus compassion for the Samaritans. He had to remind James and John that He had come to save men's lives... not fry them!!
Luke 9:62
I was born on the land and did my apprenticeship as a farmer - not with horse or bullock and plow, but with tractors, and what Brother Collyer says in Chapter 9 of Principles and Proverbs of crooked plow lines is true. Only by focusing on a distant object (not a cloud!!) can one hope to plow a straight furrow.
Now there is no particular reason for plowing straight lines (that I know of) except that the results look neat and tidy. Perhaps in ancient days, where there were no fence lines to mark out the boundaries between properties, a straight line was a good idea when marking the first turning of the soil between your corner markers. Running off course could well put your plow line into the neighbours property.
A quick backward glance will not throw the line, but a backward focus will.
For me, this is what the verse means. Jesus is not forbidding a backward glance to reassure oneself that the effort of forward focus has been worth while. But He is warning that a backward focus may negate the good work already done. The forward focus will produce 'straight' results, but the focus must be in faith. I guess the backward focus takes my mind back to legalism, the great nemesis of the faithful in every age.
Looking forward, one cannot see the results behind, but one must work on in faith, that that which is being produced behind our back, out of sight as it were, is 'straight' - whereas looking back can be 'comforting' because the results can be seen instantly - which is the like the comfort of legalism - no waiting for results in faith.
Legalism creates instant results.... but not the best outcomes.
So, just like legalism, a backward focus produces results that are 'crooked'.
Only by focusing on an immovable object some distance away, can one hope to create what the Bible calls 'straight' works in faith. The real secret to a straight furrow, is a forward focus which lines up two objects, one behind the other, such as a fence post or a rock on the far border of the field, and a tree even further in the distance.
In our spiritual figure, we do that by lining up Jesus with His Father, and the result will be those 'straight' works in faith.
Cliff York [Pine Rivers (Aus)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Cliff
v58 Jesus didn't always have "nowhere to lay his head". For example, he stayed with Martha, Mary and Lazarus at Bethany. But he and his disciples were dependent on the hospitality of others (v4) and sometimes that hospitality was denied them (vv5, 53) and they had nowhere to lay their heads.
v59 The father may not have been dead or even unwell. In those times you could not act independently until your father had died. Meaning: I will follow you when my father dies.
Additionally, once dead, the father was dead for 12 months and, in some cases, then reburied in a family tomb. So, the person could have extended the time by many years and even if the father were dead could have extended it for another year.
v61 Farewells were elaborate drawn-out events and involved lots of celebration and meetings – potential for a person to change his mind and stay home.
This person was only half committed and may have been saying I will follow you BUT on my terms with flex leave, rostered days off, overtime pay, no weekend work and so on. By contrast, when Elisha said farewell to his family, it was quick and unequivocal - he burned the tools of his trade (the oxen and their yoke: 1 Kings 19:21) symbolising his determination to follow Elijah.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Bruce
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1. Then <1161> he called <4779> <0> his <848> twelve <1427> disciples <3101> together <4779>(5671), and <2532> gave <1325>(5656) them <846> power <1411> and authority <1849> over <1909> all <3956> devils <1140>, and <2532> to cure <2323>(5721) diseases <3554>.
2. And <2532> he sent <649>(5656) them <846> to preach <2784>(5721) the kingdom <932> of God <2316>, and <2532> to heal <2390>(5738) the sick <770>(5723).
3. And <2532> he said <2036>(5627) unto <4314> them <846>, Take <142>(5720) nothing <3367> for <1519> your journey <3598>, neither <3383> staves <4464>, nor <3383> scrip <4082>, neither <3383> bread <740>, neither <3383> money <694>; neither <3383> have <2192>(5721) two <1417> coats <5509> apiece <303>.
4. And <2532> whatsoever <3739> <302> house <3614> ye enter <1525>(5632) into <1519>, there <1563> abide <3306>(5720), and <2532> thence <1564> depart <1831>(5737).
5. And <2532> whosoever <3745> <3739> <302> will <1209> <0> not <3361> receive <1209>(5667) you <5209>, when ye go <1831>(5740) out of <575> that <1565> city <4172>, shake off <660>(5657) the very <2532> dust <2868> from <575> your <5216> feet <4228> for <1519> a testimony <3142> against <1909> them <846>.
6. And <1161> they departed <1831>(5740), and went <1330>(5711) through <2596> the towns <2968>, preaching the gospel <2097>(5734), and <2532> healing <2323>(5723) every where <3837>.
7. Now <1161> Herod <2264> the tetrarch <5076> heard <191>(5656) of all <3956> that was done <1096>(5740) by <5259> him <846>: and <2532> he was perplexed <1280>(5707), because <1223> that it was said <3004>(5745) of <5259> some <5100>, that <3754> John <2491> was risen <1453>(5769) from <1537> the dead <3498>;
8. And <1161> of <5259> some <5100>, that <3754> Elias <2243> had appeared <5316>(5648); and <1161> of others <243>, that <3754> one <1520> of the old <744> prophets <4396> was risen again <450>(5627).
9. And <2532> Herod <2264> said <2036>(5627), John <2491> have <607> <0> I <1473> beheaded <607>(5656): but <1161> who <5101> is <2076>(5748) this <3778>, of <4012> whom <3739> I <1473> hear <191>(5719) such things <5108>? And <2532> he desired <2212>(5707) to see <1492>(5629) him <846>.
10. And <2532> the apostles <652>, when they were returned <5290>(5660), told <1334>(5662) him <846> all that <3745> they had done <4160>(5656). And <2532> he took <3880>(5631) them <846>, and went aside <5298>(5656) privately <2596> <2398> into <1519> a desert <2048> place <5117> belonging to the city <4172> called <2564>(5746) Bethsaida <966>.
11. And <1161> the people <3793>, when they knew <1097>(5631) it, followed <190>(5656) him <846>: and <2532> he received <1209>(5666) them <846>, and spake <2980>(5707) unto them <846> of <4012> the kingdom <932> of God <2316>, and <2532> healed <2390>(5711) them <846> that had <2192>(5723) need <5532> of healing <2322>.
12. And <1161> when the day <2250> began <756>(5662) to wear away <2827>(5721), then <1161> came <4334>(5631) the twelve <1427>, and said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Send <630> <0> the multitude <3793> away <630>(5657), that <2443> they may go <565>(5631) into <1519> the towns <2968> and <2532> country <68> round about <2945>, and lodge <2647>(5661), and <2532> get <2147>(5627) victuals <1979>: for <3754> we are <2070>(5748) here <5602> in <1722> a desert <2048> place <5117>.
13. But <1161> he said <2036>(5627) unto <4314> them <846>, Give <1325>(5628) ye <5210> them <846> to eat <5315>(5629). And <1161> they said <2036>(5627), We <2254> have no <3756> <1526>(5748) more <4119> but <2228> five <4002> loaves <740> and <2532> two <1417> fishes <2486>; except <1509> we <2249> should go <4198>(5679) and buy <59>(5661) meat <1033> for <1519> all <3956> this <5126> people <2992>.
14. For <1063> they were <2258>(5713) about <5616> five thousand <4000> men <435>. And <1161> he said <2036>(5627) to <4314> his <848> disciples <3101>, Make <2625> <0> them <846> sit down <2625>(5657) by <303> fifties <4004> in a company <2828>.
15. And <2532> they did <4160>(5656) so <3779>, and <2532> made <347> <0> them <846> all <537> sit down <347>(5656).
16. Then <1161> he took <2983>(5631) the five <4002> loaves <740> and <2532> the two <1417> fishes <2486>, and looking up <308>(5660) to <1519> heaven <3772>, he blessed <2127>(5656) them <846>, and <2532> brake <2622>(5656), and <2532> gave <1325>(5707) to the disciples <3101> to set before <3908>(5683) the multitude <3793>.
17. And <2532> they did eat <5315>(5627), and <2532> were <5526> <0> all <3956> filled <5526>(5681): and <2532> there was taken up <142>(5681) of fragments <2801> that remained <4052>(5660) to them <846> twelve <1427> baskets <2894>.
18. And <2532> it came to pass <1096>(5633), as <1722> he was <1511>(5750) alone <2651> praying <4336>(5740), his <846> disciples <3101> were with <4895>(5713) him <846>: and <2532> he asked <1905>(5656) them <846>, saying <3004>(5723), Whom <5101> say <3004>(5719) the people <3793> that I <3165> am <1511>(5750)?
19. They <1161> answering <611>(5679) said <2036>(5627), John <2491> the Baptist <910>; but <1161> some <243> say, Elias <2243>; and <1161> others <243> say, that <3754> one <5100> of the old <744> prophets <4396> is risen again <450>(5627).
20. <1161> He said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, But <1161> whom <5101> say <3004>(5719) ye <5210> that I <3165> am <1511>(5750)? <1161> Peter <4074> answering <611>(5679) said <2036>(5627), The Christ <5547> of God <2316>.
21. And <1161> he straitly charged <2008>(5660) them <846>, and commanded <3853>(5656) them to tell <2036>(5629) no man <3367> that thing <5124>;
22. Saying <2036>(5631), <3754> The Son <5207> of man <444> must <1163>(5748) suffer <3958>(5629) many things <4183>, and <2532> be rejected <593>(5683) of <575> the elders <4245> and <2532> chief priests <749> and <2532> scribes <1122>, and <2532> be slain <615>(5683), and <2532> be raised <1453>(5683) the third <5154> day <2250>.
23. And <1161> he said <3004>(5707) to <4314> them all <3956>, If any man <1536> will <2309>(5719) come <2064>(5629) after <3694> me <3450>, let him deny <533>(5663) himself <1438>, and <2532> take up <142>(5657) his <848> cross <4716> daily <2250> <2596>, and <2532> follow <190>(5720) me <3427>.
24. For <1063> whosoever <3739> <302> will <2309>(5725) save <4982>(5658) his <848> life <5590> shall lose <622>(5692) it <846>: but <1161> whosoever <3739> <302> will lose <622>(5661) his <848> life <5590> for my <1700> sake <1752>, the same <3778> shall save <4982>(5692) it <846>.
25. For <1063> what <5101> is <5623> <0> a man <444> advantaged <5623>(5743), if he gain <2770>(5660) the whole <3650> world <2889>, and <1161> lose <622>(5660) himself <1438>, or <2228> be cast away <2210>(5685)?
26. For <1063> whosoever <3739> <302> shall be ashamed <1870>(5680) of me <3165> and <2532> of my <1699> words <3056>, of him <5126> shall <1870> <0> the Son <5207> of man <444> be ashamed <1870>(5700), when <3752> he shall come <2064>(5632) in <1722> his own <848> glory <1391>, and <2532> in his Father's <3962>, and <2532> of the holy <40> angels <32>.
27. But <1161> I tell <3004>(5719) you <5213> of a truth <230>, there be <1526>(5748) some <5100> standing <2476>(5761) here <5602>, which <3739> shall <1089> <0> not <3364> taste <1089>(5695) of death <2288>, till <2193> <302> they see <1492>(5632) the kingdom <932> of God <2316>.
28. And <1161> it came to pass <1096>(5633) about <5616> an eight <3638> days <2250> after <3326> these <5128> sayings <3056>, <2532> he took <3880>(5631) Peter <4074> and <2532> John <2491> and <2532> James <2385>, and went up <305>(5627) into <1519> a mountain <3735> to pray <4336>(5664).
29. And <2532> as <1722> he prayed <4336>(5738), the fashion <1491> of his <846> countenance <4383> was <1096>(5633) altered <2087>, and <2532> his <846> raiment <2441> was white <3022> and glistering <1823>(5723).
30. And <2532>, behold <2400>(5628), there talked <4814>(5707) with him <846> two <1417> men <435>, which <3748> were <2258>(5713) Moses <3475> and <2532> Elias <2243>:
31. Who <3739> appeared <3700>(5685) in <1722> glory <1391>, and spake <3004>(5707) of his <846> decease <1841> which <3739> he should <3195>(5707) accomplish <4137>(5721) at <1722> Jerusalem <2419>.
32. But <1161> Peter <4074> and <2532> they that were with <4862> him <846> were <2258>(5713) heavy <916>(5772) with sleep <5258>: and <1161> when they were awake <1235>(5660), they saw <1492>(5627) his <846> glory <1391>, and <2532> the two <1417> men <435> that stood with <4921>(5761) him <846>.
33. And <2532> it came to pass <1096>(5633), as <1722> they <846> departed <1316>(5738) from <575> him <846>, Peter <4074> said <2036>(5627) unto <4314> Jesus <2424>, Master <1988>, it is <2076>(5748) good <2570> for us <2248> to be <1511>(5750) here <5602>: and <2532> let us make <4160>(5661) three <5140> tabernacles <4633>; one for <3391> thee <4671>, and <2532> one for <3391> Moses <3475>, and <2532> one for <3391> Elias <2243>: not <3361> knowing <1492>(5761) what <3739> he said <3004>(5719).
34. While <1161> he <846> thus <5023> spake <3004>(5723), there came <1096>(5633) a cloud <3507>, and <2532> overshadowed <1982>(5656) them <846>: and <1161> they feared <5399>(5675) as <1722> they <1565> entered <1525>(5629) into <1519> the cloud <3507>.
35. And <2532> there came <1096>(5633) a voice <5456> out of <1537> the cloud <3507>, saying <3004>(5723), This <3778> is <2076>(5748) my <3450> beloved <27> Son <5207>: hear <191>(5720) him <846>.
36. And <2532> when the voice <5456> was past <1722> <1096>(5635), Jesus <2424> was found <2147>(5681) alone <3441>. And <2532> they <846> kept it close <4601>(5656), and <2532> told <518>(5656) no man <3762> in <1722> those <1565> days <2250> any <3762> of those things which <3739> they had seen <3708>(5758).
37. And <1161> it came to pass <1096>(5633), that on <1722> the next <1836> day <2250>, when they <846> were come down <2718>(5631) from <575> the hill <3735>, much <4183> people <3793> met <4876>(5656) him <846>.
38. And, <2532> behold <2400>(5628), a man <435> of <575> the company <3793> cried out <310>(5656), saying <3004>(5723), Master <1320>, I beseech <1189>(5736) thee <4675>, look <1914>(5657) upon <1909> my <3450> son <5207>: for <3754> he is <2076>(5748) mine <3427> only child <3439>.
39. And <2532>, lo <2400>(5628), a spirit <4151> taketh <2983>(5719) him <846>, and <2532> he suddenly <1810> crieth out <2896>(5719); and <2532> it teareth <4682>(5719) him <846> that he foameth <876> again <3326>, and <2532> bruising <4937>(5723) him <846> hardly <3425> departeth <672>(5719) from <575> him <846>.
40. And <2532> I besought <1189>(5681) thy <4675> disciples <3101> to <2443> cast <1544> <0> him <846> out <1544>(5725); and <2532> they could <1410>(5675) not <3756>.
41. And <1161> Jesus <2424> answering <611>(5679) said <2036>(5627), O <5599> faithless <571> and <2532> perverse <1294>(5772) generation <1074>, how <2193> long <4219> shall I be <2071>(5704) with <4314> you <5209>, and <2532> suffer <430>(5695) you <5216>? Bring <4317>(5628) thy <4675> son <5207> hither <5602>.
42. And <1161> as he was <4334> <0> yet <2089> a coming <4334>(5740), the devil <1140> threw <4486> <0> him <846> down <4486>(5656), and <2532> tare <4952>(5656) him. And <1161> Jesus <2424> rebuked <2008>(5656) the unclean <169> spirit <4151>, and <2532> healed <2390>(5662) the child <3816>, and <2532> delivered <591> <0> him <846> again <591>(5656) to his <846> father <3962>.
43. And <1161> they were <1605> <0> all <3956> amazed <1605>(5712) at <1909> the mighty power <3168> of God <2316>. But <1161> while they wondered <2296>(5723) every one <3956> at <1909> all things <3956> which <3739> Jesus <2424> did <4160>(5656), he said <2036>(5627) unto <4314> his <848> disciples <3101>,
44. Let these <5128> sayings <3056> sink down <5087>(5640) into <1519> your <5210> <5216> ears <3775>: for <1063> the Son <5207> of man <444> shall be <3195>(5719) delivered <3860>(5745) into <1519> the hands <5495> of men <444>.
45. But <1161> they understood not <50>(5707) this <5124> saying <4487>, and <2532> it was <2258>(5713) hid <3871>(5772) from <575> them <846>, that <3363> <0> they perceived <143>(5638) it <846> not <3363>: and <2532> they feared <5399>(5711) to ask <2065>(5658) him <846> of <4012> that <5127> saying <4487>.
46. Then <1161> there arose <1525>(5627) a reasoning <1261> among <1722> them <846>, which <5101> <302> of them <846> should be <1498>(5751) greatest <3187>.
47. And <1161> Jesus <2424>, perceiving <1492>(5631) the thought <1261> of their <846> heart <2588>, took <1949>(5637) a child <3813>, and set <2476>(5656) him <846> by <3844> him <1438>,
48. And <2532> said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, Whosoever <3739> <1437> shall receive <1209>(5667) this <5124> child <3813> in <1909> my <3450> name <3686> receiveth <1209>(5736) me <1691>: and <2532> whosoever <3739> <1437> shall receive <1209>(5667) me <1691> receiveth him <1209>(5736) that sent <649>(5660) me <3165>: for <1063> he that is <5225>(5723) least <3398> among <1722> you <5213> all <3956>, the same <3778> shall be <2071>(5704) great <3173>.
49. And <1161> John <2491> answered <611>(5679) and said <2036>(5627), Master <1988>, we saw <1492>(5627) one <5100> casting out <1544>(5723) devils <1140> in <1909> thy <4675> name <3686>; and <2532> we forbad <2967>(5656) him <846>, because <3754> he followeth <190>(5719) not <3756> with <3326> us <2257>.
50. And <2532> Jesus <2424> said <2036>(5627) unto <4314> him <846>, Forbid <2967>(5720) him not <3361>: for <1063> he <3739> that is <2076>(5748) not <3756> against <2596> us <2257> is <2076>(5748) for <5228> us <2257>.
51. And <1161> it came to pass <1096>(5633), when <1722> the time <2250> was come <4845>(5745) that he <846> should be received up <354>, <2532> he stedfastly set <4741>(5656) his <848> face <4383> to go <4198>(5738) to <1519> Jerusalem <2419>,
52. And <2532> sent <649>(5656) messengers <32> before <4253> his <848> face <4383>: and <2532> they went <4198>(5679), and entered <1525>(5627) into <1519> a village <2968> of the Samaritans <4541>, to <5620> make ready <2090>(5658) for him <846>.
53. And <2532> they did <1209> <0> not <3756> receive <1209>(5662) him <846>, because <3754> his <846> face <4383> was <2258>(5713) as though he would go <4198>(5740) to <1519> Jerusalem <2419>.
54. And <1161> when his <846> disciples <3101> James <2385> and <2532> John <2491> saw <1492>(5631) this, they said <2036>(5627), Lord <2962>, wilt thou <2309>(5719) that we command <2036>(5632) fire <4442> to come down <2597>(5629) from <575> heaven <3772>, and <2532> consume <355>(5658) them <846>, even <2532> as <5613> Elias <2243> did <4160>(5656)?
55. But <1161> he turned <4762>(5651), and rebuked <2008>(5656) them <846>, and <2532> said <2036>(5627), Ye know <1492>(5758) not <3756> what manner <3634> of spirit <4151> ye <5210> are of <2075>(5748).
56. For <1063> the Son <5207> of man <444> is <2064> <0> not <3756> come <2064>(5627) to destroy <622>(5658) men's <444> lives <5590>, but <235> to save <4982>(5658) them. And <2532> they went <4198>(5675) to <1519> another <2087> village <2968>.
57. And <1161> it came to pass <1096>(5633), that, as they went <4198>(5740) in <1722> the way <3598>, a certain <5100> man said <2036>(5627) unto <4314> him <846>, Lord <2962>, I will follow <190>(5692) thee <4671> whithersoever <3699> <302> thou goest <565>(5741).
58. And <2532> Jesus <2424> said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Foxes <258> have <2192>(5719) holes <5454>, and <2532> birds <4071> of the air <3772> have nests <2682>; but <1161> the Son <5207> of man <444> hath <2192>(5719) not <3756> where <4226> to lay <2827>(5725) his head <2776>.
59. And <1161> he said <2036>(5627) unto <4314> another <2087>, Follow <190>(5720) me <3427>. But <1161> he said <2036>(5627), Lord <2962>, suffer <2010>(5657) me <3427> first <4412> to go <565>(5631) and bury <2290>(5658) my <3450> father <3962>.
60. <1161> Jesus <2424> said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Let <863>(5628) the dead <3498> bury <2290>(5658) their <1438> dead <3498>: but <1161> go <565>(5631) thou <4771> and preach <1229>(5720) the kingdom <932> of God <2316>.
61. And <1161> another <2087> also <2532> said <2036>(5627), Lord <2962>, I will follow <190>(5692) thee <4671>; but <1161> let <2010>(5657) me <3427> first <4412> go bid them farewell <657>(5670), which are at home at <1519> my <3450> house <3624>.
62. And <1161> Jesus <2424> said <2036>(5627) unto <4314> him <846>, No man <3762>, having put <1911>(5631) his <848> hand <5495> to <1909> the plough <723>, and <2532> looking <991>(5723) back <1519> <3694>, is <2076>(5748) fit <2111> for <1519> the kingdom <932> of God <2316>.