Comments for October 1

v.1,2 - Although David recognised that the law required that the Levites actually carry the ark, as laid down in the law, he himself performed the office of a priest in preparing a place for it. He was able to do this as a priest of the Melchizedek order, as demonstrated by his actions in tomorrow's chapter. See note on Gen.14, (Jan 7). This is the order of 'kings and priests' to which we can belong if we overcome by God's grace. 1Pet.2:9, Rev.1:6, 5:10

15:29 The last time that we saw Michal at a window she was lowering David down to escape the wrath of her father 1Sam 19:12 On that occasion she risked her life for her husband. On this occasion she 'despised him in her heart' 1 Chronicles 16:29 David had grown spiritually whilst he was away from her. She had degenerated spiritually.
So the wilderness was a better growing environment that the court of the king.

v.2,13 - We see here an interesting series of lessons. First that we must do things the way that God has decreed, and second that we must accept this even if we feel it is not necessary. David was angered by the breach which God brought upon Uzzah for touching the ark when it was not his place to do so, but this chapter shows how the man after God's own heart puts aside his own emotions on the matter and accepts that God's law must not be challenged. This is a very great lesson that we should all learn to counter the arrogance of thinking that we know better than God.

:1-24 David prepares to bring the ark from the house of Obed Edom to Jerusalem
::4-11 David assembled the priests for the task
:12-16 David speaks to the Levites about bringing the ark to Zion
:17-24 The singers appointed.
:25-28 David brought the ark to Zion
:29 Michael, David's wife, Saul's daughter, despised David

Having been established as king in Jerusalem David makes preparations in readiness for bringing the ark to Zion and then brings is up amidst much singing. Michael's Saul's daughter, shows her true colours. She despised David because he humbled himself.

Notice the emphasis on David's preparation :1, :3, :12 'prepared'. This cannot be a casual repetition - clearly the Spirit wishes us to see that David's actions were not a spur of the moment activity.

TRY AGAIN

David could have given up. A man had died. David's success and rejoicing had turned into failure and mourning. He had done it his way, and it had not worked. Many people in David's position would have thrown in the towel at this stage and given the whole thing up as a bad idea, but instead of doing that, David learnt from his mistakes and failures, and tried again. This time he did it God's way.

In the time between his first and second attempts to bring the ark back to Jerusalem, David must have done some diligent research into what went wrong the first time, and how he could get it right the next time. David persevered, tried again, did it God's way, and, amid the rejoicing and praise to the LORD, the ark was carried into Jerusalem and placed in the tent that David had pitched for it.

We too will often fail in the things that we do. Even when we know that it is the right thing to do, we may fail because we haven't had the experience or we have gone about it the wrong way. But when it is the right thing to do, let's not give up if things do not go to plan, but evaluate what we have done. Then we need to make sure that we set to the task in the right way - God's way.

15:29 Here we see Michal, David and a window. The last time we saw these three items together was 1Sam 19:12. On that occasion Michal lowered David out of the window because she loved him. Now she 'despised him in her heart'. David had developed spiritually since that last occasion. Michal had degenerated into a Godless unspiritual woman. She had stayed at home with her father, David had been a fugitive in the wilderness. Where do you think is the best place to be? With a Godless king in luxury or with David in the wilderness?

The renewed effort to bring the ark to Jerusalem was highly organised. To begin with. David exhorted the priests to sanctify themselves for their high duty. He warned them what neglect could mean.(V.12-15) The three errors made before must not be repeated: The carrying of the ark on a cart.(Num 7:9) Not covering it with a cloth of blue.(Num 4:6) Uzzah's handling it. All must be done "as Moses commanded according to the word of the Lord" Exo 25:14

It was a tremendous time for rejoicing.  For the first time in Israel's history here was the ark of God coming to Jerusalem.  No temple yet, but the next best thing, a tent.  Jerusalem was, and is, to be the city
of the Great King.  David did well to rejoice with all his might.

Vs.16,17,19 David introduced a system of musical worship through appointed musical masters.  They were required to perform their worship every day (1Chron 16:37).  One of their duties was to sound the cymbals.  

Asaph, one of the musical masters, became prominent and several Psalms (50; 73-83) are attributable to him in some way.  One of his descendants was among the first to return from exile (1Chron 9:15).

15:13  It might seem harsh of David to tell the priests that ‘ye did it not at the first’ on the first attempt to bring the ark to Zion. We might have thought that David bore at least some of the responsibility. An important principle is seen here. Whilst David was the king of Israel it was the responsibility of the priests to ‘keep knowledge’ Mal 2:7  even to the degree to teaching the king of the land. In like manner there should be no distinction in the way that we instruct each other, whether ‘mighty’ or ‘humble’.

Vs.18,21 It seems that Obed-Edom, who housed the ark had two jobs (1Chron 13:13).  He was a gatekeeper, and a harpist (16:5).

15:5-11  There were 862 priests involved in bringing the ark to Zion – but the ark could easily be carried by four men! So we see the magnitude of the rejoicing at the bringing of the ark to Zion

Vs.13-15 Three months previous, the ark had been transported in an incorrect way. This resulted in the death of Uzza. Now, the ark was transported in the right, way according to the Law. 

Actually, it was the job of the Kohathite branch of the Levites who were responsible for transporting the ark (Num 4:15).

There is a lesson for us here.  It is best to understand what Yahweh requires before attempting to do something. If there is uncertainty over the matter, He can be consulted through prayer and His Word.

15:28 Notice that whilst it was in David’s heart to bring the ark to Zion the record says it was ‘all Israel’ who brought it marking the point that at this time the people wanted to do the thing which was in David’s heart – indicating that they were faithful to God at this time.

15:25  Again we see that David wanted to share the bringing of the Ark to Zion with the whole nation.

V.29 Michal’s behaviour was first commented upon in 2 Sam 6, and has been reproduced here with amendments.

Michal saw, in her mind, the king behaving in an undignified way. The king had disrobed from his royal Vesture and was gyrating about in the sight of his subjects. His movements would have been slow, in keeping with the solemn music which would have been played for this occasion.

By dancing, David was praising Yahweh, from the heart, for His blessing of kingship.  But, Michal was more interested in monarchical ritual than in praising the one who granted the post.  It was a case of flesh versus the spirit between Michal and David.  Michal’s royal snobbery cost her motherhood, as Yahweh was not pleased with her attitude.

15:27 In wearing a ‘linen ephod’ David is seen to be performing the work of the priest.

15:13  Notice that in the Chronicles record this is the only mention of the abortive attempt to bring the ark to Zion which is recorded in 2Sam 6:1-11. The Chronicles record’s focus is on the positive elements of David’s life here.

1Chron 15:29

“And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD (Yahweh) came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.”

There is more here than at first glance meets the eye. Michal was proud and censorious (2Sam 6:16,20), but before I go further with this, let us keep in mind that Michal once loved David (1Sam 18:20), even risking her father’s wrath by helping David from his murderous intent to escape out a window, and then flat out lied to protect herself and him (1Sam 19:11-17).

Michal, right from the onset, was a pawn in a political chess game. Saul never wanted David as his son-in-law, and hoped David would get killed when he came up with such a hideous dowry (1Sam 18:25). Saul then took advantage of David’s absence and gave Michal in marriage to Paltiel in order to block David’s claim to the throne.

Some time after Saul’s death, David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth  (Saul’s fourth son who was later murdered, 2Sam 4:5-7), saying he wanted Michal back (2Sam 3:14). At this point David already had six wives (2Sam 3:2-5)! Why then was Michal taken from her husband? David in doing this secured his position as king, as Paltiel could have challenged him for the throne. Michal, in not having any children (2Sam 6:23), the house of Saul was completely cut off from any future claims to the throne.

Before we make the same mistake as Michal and start judging David for his actions, we need to keep in mind that while Saul was still the king of Israel, God chose David to be the next king (1Sam 16), and promised it to his seed (2Sam 7:12-13). God knew David’s heart, and David was a man of faith unlike Saul. Michal didn't have a vision and failed to see the beauty, joy and exultation of what truly transpired when David danced before the ark of the LORD. Instead, she mocked David, and punishment was executed against her (2Sam 6:20-23). David was not being immodest when Michal accused him of uncovering himself. David in transferring the ark to Jerusalem was, “girded with a linen ephod,” (2Sam 6:14). This was the outer garment worn by the high priests. It was an outer coat, and it was this coat David took off to dance before the LORD. Michal’s heart, like her father, Saul’s, was not right toward the LORD.

THROUGH THE WINDOW

"As the ark of the covenant of the LORD was entering the city of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. When she saw king David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart."(1Chron 15:29)

Michal's attitude is very typical of the majority of people who criticise or complain. On a great day of celebration and national significance, Michal chose to stay at home, and it was only during the last part of the procession that she looked out of the window to see what was going on. The rest of Israel, no doubt, were lining the streets to celebrate with David and each other. But not Michal. She had "better" things to do. She did not get involved in the celebrations that were going on, so she watched at a safe distance from the window and despised what she saw.

The easiest time to criticise is when we are not directly involved ourselves. It is when we are not involved that we can look on and see only part of the picture, through the window frame, and make judgements on what we see without having seen the whole picture. If we are just looking through the window, let's think twice before we judge, criticise or despise someone.

15:29 We might wonder why David’s wife Michal was at home and not with the people rejoicing in the bringing of the ark to Zion.  Whatever reason we see a man, who despite his wife’s apparent indifference, still focused on the things of God.

1. 1Chron 15:27 - linen and white garments (Rev 7:14;19:8).

2. 1Chron 15:29 - a bit more detail (2Sam 6:16,20-23).

15:21   the phrase “to excel” could equally be translated “chief musician” thus we gain an insight into what “to the chief musician” in the Psalm titles relates to – the one who was excellent in his praise. 

Were the tent and the tabernacle the same?

Notice that the tent that David pitched for the ark is not the Tabernacle. The tabernacle is at Gibeon:

"For the tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of the burnt offering, were at that season in the high place at Gibeon." 1Chron 21:29

So while the tabernacle and all its furnishings, the altar and such, and the Levites, were all at Gibeon, the Ark which was the centrepiece of worship was in another tent in Jerusalem:

"So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness. But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjath-jearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem." 2Chron 1:3-4

What do you think about that? What is God saying to us through these events?

15:4-12       Notice on this occasion, the second time David begins to move the ark, the record clearly states that David involved the children of Aaron – those who had the responsibility for moving the ark.

15:1,3  David’s plans to bring the ark to Zion were not haphazard. Twice we are told that the ark was to be brought to a place he had “prepared” for it. It is all well and good if we have good ideas. However the implementation of our ideas requires planning. When we have an idea maybe we should take possession of that idea and do the planning rather than simply leaving the work to others.

15:2    Having committed the error of placing the ark on a cart David now ensure that the commandment of God regarding the transportation of the ark is kept.

1Chron 15:15

“And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD (Yahweh).”

When David had been publicly proclaimed king and had consolidated his kingdom, he purposed to bring the Ark up to Jerusalem, and having consulted with the elders of the people he commenced to carry out his purpose. The Ark was placed on a new cart drawn by oxen, and with Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, preceding it, was escorted towards Jerusalem amidst great rejoicings.

We are not told who was responsible for the chosen method of conveyance, but it was definitely against Divine instruction. Yahweh had expressly commanded that the Ark should be carried by means of staves, upon the shoulders of the Kohathites (Exo 25:12-15; Num 7:9). On reaching the threshing-floor of Nachon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah put forth his hand to hold the Ark. This was also a breach, for even the Kohathites, who were appointed to carry the Ark, were forbidden to touch it on pain of death (Num 4:15).

Biblical obedience is very important and every command adhered to. Uzzah illustrated the forgetfulness of the human mind and/or indifference because the motive was for good. God does not recognize any circumstance when His commands are disregarded. What a lesson for us! God requires we obey His commands to the very letter, and this did not change under Christ (cf. Matt 5:18). No plea of “special circumstances” may be raised!

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture tells us a lot about obedience. The Eerdman’s Bible Dictionary says, “True ‘hearing,’ or obedience, involves the physical hearing that inspires the hearer, and a belief or trust that in turn motivates the hearer to act in accordance with the speaker’s desires.” Biblical obedience is to hear, trust, submit and surrender to Yahweh and Christ. Obedience demonstrates our love, trust, and our faith. Obedience pleases Yahweh and brings with it blessings (Deut 28:1-14; Psa 128:1).

Disobedience is a sin and ought to be taken very seriously (cf. 1Sam 15:22,23; 1Cor 15:1-13; 1Pet 4:17). None of the moral laws of the Law of Moses were done away with (1Tim 1:8-10). Besides, the Ten Commandments were in effect long before the time of Moses (cf. Gen 2:1-3; Gen 26:5; Exo 16:4,28; Lev 18:21-27). They were merely codified on tablets of stone as part of a formal covenant at Mt. Sinai (Deut 5). Scripture shows that these moral laws existed and were well in force long before then.

We are to obey all of Yahweh’s commandments even today and when we do, we fulfill and magnify the Law, as Christ did and expanded it to a spiritual level as prophesied (cf. Isa 42:21). In so doing, we are not judged by the physical letter of the law, as was Israel of Old. Yahweh is full of compassion, gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy (Exo 34:6; Psa 103:8; Psa 145:8,9), but He is also a “consuming fire” (Heb 12:29).

15:23  The only place outside Chronicles where a doorkeeper is mentioned is in Psa 84:10. A task that was not specified for tabernacle worship. Possibly an indication of precisely what the sons of Korah were seeking.

15:23  There are a number of practical tasks that had to be performed to ensure that worship was carried out without hindrance. Doubtless those who did such jobs would not be very noticeable. And so it is today. Ecclesial life requires “doorkeepers” who quietly take on little, unnoticed, tasks so that the various activities run smoothly. The very fact that such individuals pass unnoticed is testament to the fact that they are doing their job well.

15:16  the word translated “lifting up” is related to the word “extol” as seen in Psa 30:1 which is associated with the dedication of David’s house, presumably the place where the ark was placed.

Michal despised David when the Ark was brought to Zion. Why? 2 Samuel 6 reveals the reason. She said to David, "How glorious was the king of Israel today when he uncovered himself..." David never uncovered himself! He took off his kings clothes and put on an ephod (v14). Michal thought this demeaned his position as king. However, David understood the purpose of God and the position of Melchi-zedek, the king-priest of Salem. 

Michal loved David, saved him on one occasion, but nowhere in Scripture is Michal called "David's wife". She was fixated in her belief that she was a king's daughter. 

15:12-13 Undeterred by the abortive attempt to bring the ark to Zion David continues with his plan. How often do we give up on a plan we might have because it does not go smoothly at the first? David evaluated what had happened and doubtless prayed about it before re-commencing his plan. This time David took far more care of what scripture said about transporting the Ark of the Covenant. A lesson teaching us to evaluate our plans against the teaching of scripture rather than just proceed taking no account of Divine counsel in the scriptures.

15:2 the preparation for bringing the ark to Zion took place about 6 months after the events at the end of chapter 15. So there is a 6 months gap between the end of chapter 13 and this verse. It would seem that the events recorded in chapter  14 did not all take place during that 6 month period. For some unexplained reason the digression of 1Chron 14 is included. 

15:16 We tend to think of “lifting up the voice” as indicating an increase in volume. However it would appear here that the focus is not on volume but on praising God for the word translated “lifted up” is translated “extol” in Psa 30:1.

15:3-12  By now David must have fully understood why the earlier attempt to bring the ark up to Jerusalem was such a disaster. So he prepares, in the full knowledge that this time God would accept his actions and intentions.

v.13 - Javan, Tubal and Meshech were 3 of the 7 sons of Japheth (Gen.10:2, 1Chron.1:5). Javan is also mentioned in Isa.66:19, and Meshech and Tubal feature in Eze.32:26, 38:2,3, 39:1. The reference is to Russian quarter rulers and people.

27:13 the persons of men Revelation 18:13
27:30 cast dust upon their heads Revelation 18:19

 

v.12-14 - Further to the comment above, Tarshish (v.12) and Togarmah (v.14) were also of the Japheth line, which suggests that this list is carefully organised.

Tyre had been a great support in the building of Solomon's temple. Indeed Hiram was 'ever a lover of David' (1 Kings 5:1). What had gone wrong? Tyre had become self centred and concerned with her own wealth. In this position she forgot the 'brotherly covenant (Amos 1:9) and turned against Israel.

27:8-25 The list of places here and their association with Tyre indicates the power and influence of this sea port. It also give us an insight into the world of trade in the days of the Babylonians.

27 Tyre seems to come in for a more detailed criticism and condemnation than any other of the nations round Israel that Ezekiel speaks against. Maybe this is because Tyre had known more about the God of Israel. In the days of David and Solomon there had been a close alliance between the two countries and it is difficult to believe that those kings did not teach the Tyrians about Yahweh.

The fall of Tyre holds a great lesson for each one of us. These ships of Tarshish, the mighty works of of men, are symbols of fleshly pride and power which was so evident in Tyre. We must always be putting things of the flesh aside, remembering that the kingdom of God will be established and at that time all fleshly pride will be removed from the earth. The Psalmist points  out how easily it will be done away with. Psa 48:7  

V.12  Tarshish was thought to be Tartessus, a Phoenician city in southern Spain.  We are told that Tarshish produced silver, iron, tin, and lead which was sold to Tyre. 

Historians tell us that Britain produced these metals and sold them to Mediterranean places.  They claim that the regions of Cornwall and Dartmoor were the first to produce tin.  The fame of this region, as a tin producer, spread so that Britain became known as the Tin Isles. 

The Phoenician merchant vessels were generally known as the Ships of Tarshish.  Thus, any reference to Tarshish, as a place, does not necessarily allude to Spain.  And so, the possible identity of Britain as Tarshish should be noted when considering Ezekiel's prophecy in Chapter 38.

Way back 500 years before Christ Tyre was a very sophisticated trading nation.  It’s interesting to read the comments in today’s chapter about the extent of Tyre’s trading partners and merchants (Eze 27:1-25). But despite their greatness, and world renown, still the Lord God of Israel was going to bring them down to the ground. He, and He alone, rules the world.

27:3 Tyre had a long association with Israel beginning with the association between David and Hiram. As such, being influenced by the morals and standards of Israel she should have been more humble than she was. Of course Israel and Judah hardly gave her a good example to imitate. What about our lives? Do we set a good example of a Christ like life for those around us to see?

Vs.5,6 Large trees were to be found only in northern regions, at elevation.  Three trees from three regions are mentioned here. 

First are the pines from Senir.  Senir refers to Mount Hermon that rises to a height of 2,814m (9,230ft.).  It is located on the border of Syria and Lebanon (see Deut 3:9).  

Then, cedars of Lebanon are also mentioned.  These huge trees grew at elevations between 1000m - 2000m (3300ft - 6600ft).  They could grow to 40m in height and have huge girths.  The few giant cedars that are left have been estimated to be 2500 years old.  

Finally, oaks of Bashan are cited.  Bashan was a northern frontier area in the tribal allocation of East Manasseh.  Oak was particularly prized for ship construction.   

27:26 The ‘East wind’ seems an appropriate description of the force that destroyed the maritime city of Tyre. It was later fulfilled by the invasion of the Greeks, coming from the East.

V.2 Tyre was the world's trading hub at this time. It was known for its wealth, power and beauty. By serving the world it served itself. However, two universal positions existed: Serve God; or serve self. Tyre chose to serve self and not God. Who needs God when one is doing well? Thus, Yahweh destroyed Tyre for its pride. Paul says: For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction (Rom 15:4) (ESV). The same choice exists today for humankind - serve God and live; or serve self and die.

27:5-8 In this section Tyre’s navy is described, in particular the making of their ships. Notice how multinational her ship yards were.

27:5 Tyre is close by Mount Hermon. However here the mountain range is described as Senir’ which is the Ammonite name for the mountain – Deut 3:9– maybe marking the international nature of Tyre’s trading.

The place names in this chapter (according to the KJV) are briefly addressed:

V.5 Senir is an appellation for Mt. Hermon.

V.6 Chittim is Cyprus.

V.7 The isles of Elishah refer to Greece.

V.8 Arvad was an island city off the Syrian coast.

V.9 Gebal was a Phoenician city situated just north of Beirut.

V.10 Lud (called Lydia by the Assyrians) was to be found between Assyria and Syria. Phut was located near Egypt.

V.11 Gammadims simply means men of daring (valour).

V.12 Tarshish is identified with a Phoenician city in Spain.  However, because the ships of Tarshish were trading vessels, they visited many places.  A place, such as Britain, became associated with the name Tarshish because of the amount of raw materials that were sent to Tyre from Britain.

V.13 Javan is associated with the Greeks; Tubal is associated with the area of the southern Caucasus Mountains, east of the Black Sea; Meshech is associated with the area between the Black and Caspian Seas.

V.14 Togarmah is associated with the Armenian region.

V.20 Dedan is associated with N.W. Arabia.

V.21 Kedar is also associated with the N.W. of Arabia.

V.22 Sheba is associated with Yemen.

V.23 Haran was located just north of the Euphrates in Mesopotamia; the locations of Calneh and Eden are unknown, but are placed in Mesopotamia; Asshur is another name for Assyria; Chilmad was a city beyond the Euphrates.

Tyre and Babylon

Have you noticed the links between this chapter and Revelation 18? Here's a list of some, but there's probably many more. Why do you think Revelation is picking up this prophecy of Tyre?

And the nature of its fall is the same too: Eze 27:26,27,32,34 "the midst of the sea" and Rev 18:21 "threw it into the sea saying 'thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down'"

27:29 The impact of the fall of Tyre would be more widespread than just the inhabitants of Tyre. All the trading nations whose ships used Tyre as a trading centre would suffer also – hence all the categories of people that would lament over the demise of Tyre as the great trading nation.

27:9 The mention of ‘Gebal’ takes us back to the time of Solomon. The inhabitants of Gebal were the stone masons who helped to build the temple –1Kin 5:18 where the word ‘stonesquarers’ is found here in Ezekiel.

27:6   In the seemingly casual mentions of “oars” we are given an indication that not all the ships used in trade were sail driven ships. Some were powered by rowing.

1. Ezekiel 27:1-36 - Tyre made shipwreck - a lamentation by all who profited by Tyre:

2. Eze 27:3-4 - "I am of 'perfect'<3632> beauty...thy builders have 'perfected'<3634> thy beauty" - Tyre was proud, wealthy and felt complete (Rev 3:17), but there wasn't time for Yahweh and His Word, much like the nations of today.

3. Eze 27:4-11 - the Tyrian ship:

4. Eze 27:5-7 - "ship boards...oars...thy sail" - we have an image of a majestic ship but unlike Noah's majestic ark and Christ walking on the water (Matt 14:25,32) this is not a spiritual ship reaching out to the surrounding nations, this is a ship about to sink, not unlike the materialistic powers of our world today, many will be submerged forever by sin and death.

Ezek 27:7 - "Fine linen"<8336> typically reminds us of righteousness (Rev 19:8), but this fine linen is associated with Egypt reminding us of bondage to sin and death despite its appearance. The wealth of this world is passing and doesn't offer us true riches (Luke 12:15-21;16:11-15,19,25;Matt 6:19-20).

5. Eze 27:9 - "Gebal"<1380> reminds us of the "stonesquarers"<1382> employed by Solomon for work on the temple (1Kin 5:18); the "calkers"<2388><919> did not cover with "pitch"<3722> reminding us of the atonement (Gen 6:14).

6. Eze 27:12-25 - the ship's cargo:

7. Eze 27:10,13,14,15,17,22,25 - here we have many of the nations (Persia, Phut, Tubal, Meshech, Togarmah, Dedan, Israel, Sheba, Tarshish) later mentioned in Ezekiel 38 as gathered together in the battle of Armageddon when Christ returns to earth saving ravaged Israel and entering in a new millenial era.

8. Eze 27:13 - merchants of slavery (reminds me of enslavement to sin and death).

9. Eze 27:15,20 - it seems there were two tribes of Dedan, one Hamitic (Gen 10:7), and one Semitic (Gen 25:3).

10. Eze 27:17-18 - among the cargo we have Judah and Israel having wheat of Minnith<4511> which reminds me of the bread of life being distributed/offered to all the nations, plus honey, oil (reminds me of the anointing of Jesus), balm(<6875> Matt 9:12-13 reminds me of the great physician)...wine of 'Helbon'<2463> reminds me of Christ's shed blood that believers remember at the memorial table. 

11. Eze 27:26-31 - the shipwreck:

12. Eze 27:26 - an east wind may be an illusion to Nebuchadnezzar and others who would have attacked Tyre from the east.

13. Eze 27:25-27 - the majestic ship Tyre sinks with all hands lost.

14. Eze 27:28 - the earth will literally shake when Christ returns to stand on the mount of Olives (Zech 14:4-5).

15. Eze 27:30-31 - "cry bitterly...they shall weep for thee with bitterness of heart and bitter wailing" reminds me of the future (Luke 13:24-28).

16. Eze 27:32-36 - the nations lament for Tyre:

17. Eze 27:33 -  like Tyre,  modern merchants and countries gain wealth through global economic trade, but the modern world is as vulnerable as Tyre, it will soon pass, "and never shalt be any more." We must avoid being too attached to the world and the fleeting things it offers (Gen 19:24-26).

1. Gen 6:14 - in Noah's ark we have a great ship made of wood and the wood was covered by "pitch"(<3722> the atonement)..."pitch"(<3724> redemption price) just as Christ's blood covered the wood of the cross atoning for our sins.

2. Gen 7:13 - in the ark, which floated above the water, the world was saved with many called but few chosen and this perhaps reminds us of the opportunity the world has to be saved by Christ who walked on water and offered his shed blood for those who would follow and seek protection in him.

3. Contrasting and comparing to Noah's ark, we have the image of a great wooden ship (Eze 27:5-6) which is Tyre with its domain on the high seas (Eze 27:4). Similar to a later ruler,Tyre's proud ruler said in his heart he is a god sitting on the throne of a god (Eze 28:2;2Thess 2:3-4,7-12) in the heart of the seas (could the seas when covering refer to death and thus Tyre was perhaps symbolically surrounded by sin and death which Christ walked over?). Wealthy Tyre has linen sails but this linen from Egypt (Eze 27:7) the land of bondage to sin and death isn't righteous or pure despite its appearance (Rev 19:8;7:14). Tyre's caulked seams <2388><919> do not mention using the atoning pitch of Noah's ark. Many nations including Tarshish did business with wealthy Tyre, even Judah and Israel (Eze 27:12-25). But unlike Noah's ark, Tyre would be a shipwreck (Eze 27:26-27) and come to a horrible end mourned by many much as a wealthy apostate religious system will be mourned in the days to come (Eze 26:21;27:36,32-33;Rev 18:11-21;Rev 17:1-6,9,11,14,15,18).

27:31-32      The lament of the merchants will not, in any way, prevent God’s judgments. The traders with Tyre lamented, not because of God’s judgment. Rather they lamented the consequences of Tyre’s downfall and now it would affected their prosperity.

27:26-31         One presumes that mariners would have left Tyre on their trading trips to return to find that Tyre had been devastated, first by the Chaldeans and then later by the Greeks. The returning shipmasters must have been horrified to find their city destroyed. Completely unexpected.-

27:3  National pride was to be the downfall of Nebuchadnezzar – Dan 4:29-32 – It was also the downfall of Tyre.

27:35   We should appreciate that the overthrow of Tyre would have had a massive impact on the nations with whom she traded. It would be akin to China no longer transporting products all over the world today.

27:5-8  The integrated way I which other nations were dependant on Tyre continuing to be a major power highlights a key point. When one significant power falls the impact is far ranging and impacts on other nations also. So will it be when Christ returns. N nation will be immune from the impact of Jerusalem becoming the world capital.

27:10-24           we see here, and elsewhere in this chapter, the consequences on world trade and employment as a consequence of the downfall of Tyre.

27:8-25 Tyre was but a city port, however its influence spread throughout the known world. Not only was Tyre a trading power it employed many from around the world in its trade. People today talk about the “Global Village” and that impact on world trade. One county suffers and all the rest of the world experiences the consequences. This should help us to understand that when Christ returns it will not take much to de-stabilise the world order.

27:5-9 Describes the way in which Tyre’s ships were constructed. They used craftsmen from any different places as well as using materials from many countries. The fall of Tyre, therefore, would have had a massive impact on the economies of those countries.

27:33-34 Human nature is fickle. All nations had looked to Tyre and were, to a large extent, reliant on Tyre’s prosperity. However now Tyre has been destroyed by the Babylonians and the nations of the world seem to turn against Tyre and become a “terror”. Why is that? Maybe those nations who had looked to Tyre now, seeing her downfall at the hand of the Babylonians, want to distance themselves from Tyre fearful that they might suffer the same fate.

If this is correct they were “fair weather friends”. Is this how we treat our friends?

27:26 We doubtless realise that it was not “an east wind” that actually destroyed the ships of Tyre in the sea. God is using the language of the end of shipping to speak of the end of the power of Tyre.

27:36  For a nation to “hiss” against Tyre is a sign of contempt. Whilst the nations had looked on Tyre as a great power once broken all respect for Tyre was gone!

It is a case of the nations being “fair weather friends” of Tyre.

v.13 - The story of these two on the road to Emmaus is full of surprise and circumstances that certainly do not suggest fabrication. This is important as it the most comprehensively accounted and personal of the records of the witness to the resurrected Jesus.

24:23 Isn't it interesting that they had no difficulty believing that the women had seen angels, it was the message that they had problems with.
We would do well to think on this. We 'entertain angels' if we are willing but do we always see them as such? An angel in our lives is someone sent by God to stimulate us in beneficial ways.
24:50 This did not follow on immediately from the incident in the room because he went to Galilee where he had arranged to meet his disciples. John 21 has some of the details of that visit to Galilee and also we know that he was on earth after his resurrection 40 days before the ascension but from Luke's account of the gospel there does not seem to be forty days from the resurrection.

24:31 The opening of the eyes of the two who had walked with Jesus echoes Adam and Eve's experience (Genesis 3:7) when they had taken of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. By contrast, the two on the road to Emmaus were associated with the tree of life - Jesus whereas Adam and Eve were barred from it.

:34 We know Peter was not there in the upper room - else the two would not have needed to tell the assembled company that Jesus had appeared to Peter. But how did these two know that Jesus had appeared to Peter. They left Jerusalem only knowing the claims of the women.

We must conclude that Jesus had told them.

v.45 Christ taught them 6 things in v 46-47 - Christ showed them ‘what’ to preach. But He also taught them ‘how’ to preach, this verse gives us a clue on the consistency of the Apostles methods of preaching Christ. Note how the Acts speeches and Epistles use the same OT references to prove the same message. What a Bible School that would have been...!

24:45 We should be careful not to presume that Jesus 'opened their understanding' by some miraculous means. Their understanding, like the two on the road to Emmaus, was opened by a realisation that what they already knew Scripture said applied to Jesus. It was their attitude to Scripture which developed. In this there is a lesson for us. So often we come to Scripture with a closed mind - unwilling to let it teach us what it is saying. We might echo the words of the Psalmists 'Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.' Psa 119:18

V.30-31 How was it that the two suddenly recognized him? Did they see the marks of the nails in his hands? Was it the manner in which he broke the bread and gave it to them that opened their eyes? Or, was it the way he spoke to his Father that refreshed their memories? Of course we do not know; but there was doubt it was the risen Lord.

V.21 The followers of Jesus had the expectation that He would redeem Israel at that time.  When He died, that dream ended and they were overcome with disappointment.

Vs.27,44 The Lord confirms that the Gospel begins in the Old Testament and does not begin in the New Testament as some suppose.

V32 "he opened to us the scriptures" Everything in the Old Testament points forward to Christ, and in the New Testament everything proceeds from Him. How richly blessed each one us are in having the Word explained to us.. 

24:33  This meeting is the same event as when Jesus met the disciples and Thomas was not present – John 20:19

As we read this account of Cleopas and his friend's encounter with Christ on the road to Emmaus, we ask ourselves: How often does Christ walk with us unrecognised; when our hearts and minds are wrapped up in our earthly cares and concerns? How often do we think that we are alone? When in fact we are never alone? We are told on more than one occasion I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee

24:11‘Idle tales’ really denigrated the testimony of the women – there were more than one of them who were able to tell the apostles, and yet they did not believe. So the ones who would be ‘sent’ – the meaning of apostle – did not believe the message they would later tell. So we see there was a tremendous change abut to take place in these men.

As we look further at this account of these two followers of Jesus, we see so much of their makeup. This would have been the spring of the year, and yet it appears that they were unaware of anything that they would have been surrounded with; the only thing that they were concerned about was the death and the crucifixion of Jesus. Their minds were totally tied up with the thoughts of the events of the past few days. They were completely unaware of the beauty of the season; the rebirth of the fields, and of the trees, the birds in song. If only our minds could be focused on the Hope of Israel to the same decree.

24:11  That they viewed the words as ‘idle tales’ indicated that whilst they would have liked the words to be true it never entered their consciousness that they were, in fact, true.

V.18 Cleopas and his companion did not recognize Jesus until He was revealed to them.  Do we recognize Jesus in our brothers and sisters?  If we do, then our treatment of them will be exactly how we would treat the Lord (Matt 18:5). 

24:13 And now we have moved towards the end of the resurrection day and are now outside Jerusalem. Luke makes little references to the details of the resurrection morning, confining himself to the meeting with the women and a brief comment about the women talking to the eleven.

Vs.41,42 Jesus did not have need of food. An immortal being does not need to eat. But, Jesus wanted to put his disciples, who were still trying to process everything, at ease.

V.37 The word spirit comes from the Gr. pneuma and has been used to describe unseen conditions such as:

-divine entity (Matt 3:16)

-mental illness (Luke 8:29)

-physical infirmity (Luke 13:11)

-mental desire (Matt 26:41)

-mind, mental disposition, inner self (Mark 8:12)

-life force (John 6:63)

-attitude (1Cor 4:21)

But, when Jesus appeared to the disciples, they thought that they had seen a spirit (pneuma). This is not proof that ghosts, poltergeists or other popular superhuman apparitions exist. This is a reference to angels who, although they can appear in human form, are nevertheless spirits (Heb 1:13,14).

24:21 In saying that they had thought Jesus would ‘redeem Israel’ they are voicing a thought that was seen at the time of Jesus – Luke 1:68 It is as if the whole of the gospel narrative is enveloped in this thought – that Jesus would redeem Israel. The people were looking for deliverance from Rome. God was providing deliverance from sin and death.

Is Jesus quoting the angels from Luke 2:14 when he greets the disciples with "peace to you" (v36)?

24:12  Whilst the disciples denigrated the words of the women Peter had to check them out! So if he felt the need to check out what they had said why did he think their words were ‘idle tales’? So often we dismiss what we hear because we do not credit the speaker with the knowledge to speak authoritatively and then discover that they were correct!

24:10 Notice how it is emphasised that it was women who reported that Jesus was alive. But their testimony was seen as ‘idle tales’. It is as if God did it this way so that the men had to see the proof for themselves lest the whole resurrection story be seen by Jesus’ enemies as a fraud.

 Luke 24:37-39.

24:15 Notice the two on the road to Emmaus “reasoned”. The resurrection of Jesus is something that can be established as a matter of fact. It is not left to personal opinion or preference. These two were trying to piece together the evidence for the events that they had heard of. So should we. We cannot allow the resurrection of Jesus to be simply a matter of opinion. We must review the facts and decide accordingly.

24:24  the “certain of them” were Peter and John – John 20:3 – who were the first two disciples who visited the empty tomb. 

24:10 Zacharias had spoken at the birth of John of a time when one would deliver people form their enemies –Luke 1:74. That must have seemed a hollow promise to these two sad individuals as they trudged home.  But what a change was to take place. Their understanding would be opened and they would fully understand what Zacharias had said.

OPEN MINDS

These people had been with Jesus for three and a half years. They had heard him teach, they had heard him speak of his death and resurrection before it even happened, and yet even after his resurrection they still didn't understand. When Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead, he said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.' Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." (Luke 24:44-45).

I can't blame the disciples for not understanding, because I know I wouldn't have been any better. I am sure they thought they understood all that they needed to know, but didn't realise how much they had missed until it had happened.

My understanding of the Scriptures is probably similar. There are things I think I understand, but maybe one day I will see some of those things in a new light, hindsight, for instance.

Until then, any of us who study the Scriptures need to keep an open mind, even to things we think we are sure about. At the same time, we need to pray that Jesus will open our minds so that we can understand the Scriptures, and put them into practice.

24:12 Paul – 1Cor 15:5 – seems to indicate that Peter was the first disciple to see Jesus after the resurrection. So maybe this is the time when Jesus appeared to him.

24:1        The “they” who came to the tomb were separate visitors from Mary Magdalene who came first to the tomb – John 20:1. So we see that Mary arrived first and then went away and at some point a little later this group of women arrived at the tomb.

Luke 24:44

“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.”

Christ defined the Hebrew Scriptures as comprising of three sections: The Law (Torah); the Prophets (Nevi’im), and the Writings (Kethuvim), the third book, which begins with the Psalms. In doing so, he referred to the entire Old Covenant (cf. Luke 24:27).

The “all things” have not yet been fulfilled. To believe it has is Preterism – a first century fulfillment. If all has been fulfilled, then why are we not still looking to the future?

The prophecies take us to the Second Coming (Parousia) of Messiah to the Millennial Age and beyond. The Kingdom of God has not yet come (cf. Isa 40:9; Isa 52:7; 2Pet 3:10). Christ’s birth, death and resurrection are a part of it, not all of it. The Law, the Prophets, the Writings, therefore, are not yet abolished (Matt 5:17-19).

If we believe the Law of Moses does not affect us today, then we would also have to say the same thing regarding the Prophets and Writings! It wasn’t just the Law of Moses (cf. Matt 5:18). The Law here represents the entire Old Covenant. The Ceremonial and Sacrificial Laws are not binding as they foreshadowed Christ, who is the “very image” (Heb 10:1). However, all the other Laws still have an application to our way of living. We learn from Matt 5:21-30 that the Law of Moses is to be obeyed not in the strictness of the letter, which the Pharisees misinterpreted, falsely taught and did, but according to their spirit and intent, which they missed. By Christ saying, “But I say unto you,” he did not abrogate the Law, he magnified it. (cf. Psa 19:7-11). Christ also pointed out that “scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). By rejecting various parts of its moral teachings because they aren’t quite palatable to some of us, we are doing exactly that!

24:13   sixty furlongs – Roman Stadia equates to almost  8 miles – just over 12 Kilometres.

24:29 Does our hospitality extend so freely to those who share our faith? The couple had only just, that afternoon, met this “stranger” yet he “constrained” to stay with them and they provide for his physical needs.

24:51  The way in which Jesus’ departure is described matches in a very similar way, the end of the recorded life of Elijah – 2Kin 2:11

24:5  one wonders what the women expected to find. A tomb sealed with soldiers guarding it doubtless. But instead they found it open and deserted. In the light of early morning they were doubtless already on edge. So it is hardly surprising that they were “sore afraid”. Everything they were experiencing was outside of what they were expecting.

24:10 Notice the presence of “Joanna”. She was associated with Herod via her husband. It would be very surprising if she did not tell her husband what she had seen and we know that Herod had an interest in Jesus Luke 23:8 – and so it is likely that he would have heard from Chuza what his wife had experienced.

24:1-9 The activities of the women and then some of the disciples seems chaotic. However it was not, from God’s perspective. It was He who was in charge of events so that Mary Magdalen would be the first person to see the risen Jesus and the two who ended up walking back to Emmaus in the afternoon would have their unexpected meeting with Jesus. Both of which events have lovely pictures of the return of Jesus.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

Luke 24 is a chapter of good things - especially the record of our Lord's resurrection.  Jesus' sacrifice is the way by which salvation has come to the world; but His resurrection is the guarantee that our life of service to God has not been lived in vain.  It is the guarantee of our own resurrection.

Verse 1 tells us that some dedicated women - we know they were dedicated because they arrived at the tomb very early in the morning - to anoint the body of Jesus with spices   The empty tomb took them by surprise, when, suddenly two strangers appeared - angels, obviously sent to comfort them and to explain the reason for Jesus' absence.  They asked the women a  question; seemingly a simple, if not somewhat cryptic question: "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" Luke 24:5  A fair enough question, and entirely appropriate for that particular occasion; live people don't usually inhabit cemeteries.

But to us it is more than a simple enquiry;  it is also a very profound statement for the benefit of all believers of all ages.  To me, it contains this incredibly powerful message:  "Why are you looking for the wisdom of God or the meaning of life among the philosophies of men?"  Peter well and truly understood the importance of choosing wisely; when many of Jesus' disciples turned away and no longer followed him, he asked his closest followers, the Twelve, if they too wanted to leave.  Peter responded with "Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life." John 6:68

So, the great lesson for us must be this:  Do we live our lives among the theories, the beliefs, the practices, the hopes and dreams, and the philosophies of a world which has its headquarters in a cemetery (so to speak), a world which will never see a rolled-away stone from which eternity is guaranteed?    Or, do we go to the true source of eternal life?     Where do we live?

24:6 Whilst Jesus told his disciples that he was going to die he only once used the word “crucify” – Matt 20:19 – so we might conclude that this is the occasion that the angels are referring to. So, incidentally, we learn that at least some of the women heard those words,