Comments for October 12

v.9 - The concept of willing giving is quite common in the exhortation that scripture gives us. To give willingly does not come naturally to human nature, and, it would seem, to give to the Lord, even less so, so this was a noteworthy time in the lives of these people, and a rare time of great happiness for David. Psa.110:3, 2Cor.8:12, 9:7-8

29:10 We may see that the Lord's prayer Luke 11:2 draws on the language of David here. Compare the two accounts Luke 11:2-4 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

v.2 - How many of us could say "Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God". I know I couldn't.

:1-5 David encourages the people by his own example to give to the work of the temple.
:6-9 So the chief of the fathers gave willingly.
:10-19 Which prompted David to praise God in prayer and Psalm.
:20-25 David speaks to the congregation and they make Solomon king the second time.
:26-28 David's forty year reign and his death recorded.
:29-30 Explanation is given as to where else it is possible to read of David's acts.

The great work which David began is now finished. He sleeps and his son reigns in his stead sitting on the throne of the Lord.

:15 So the kingdom is well established and has been consolidated under David and despite the uprisings of Absalom and Adonijah Solomon is on the throne - however David is careful still to remind Israel that they were 'strangers' in the land. Something we would do well to remember when we think things are just as we would like them.

LEMONS

Sometimes the answer is "No." One of David's greatest desires was "to build a house as a place of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, for the footstool of our God." (1 Chronicles 29 v 2) But when he expressed his desire to do so, God said No. "You are not to build a house for my name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood." (v 3) However, David was told that his son Solomon would build the temple, as David desired to do.

It is a credit to David's character that after he had been told "No," he didn't go off, turn his back on the whole project, and sulk. David's enthusiasm never dwindled. Even if he couldn't build the house for his God, he would put his all into preparing for it. David's devoted preparation work for the temple virtually left Solomon with only the job of putting it together.

I wish we all had the same attitude as David, then, when we face negative issues, we would be able to put a positive slant on it, keep up our enthusiasm, and do all we can do, where and when we can. As someone once said, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade!

29 David gave the example by giving of his own wealth (1Chron 29:3) which acted as a good example to the people who "offered willingly" (1Chron 29:6,9) their own wealth.

V.10-19 This beautiful thanksgiving prayer was overflowing with gratitude and delight at seeing the warm and widespread interest that was now taken in forwarding the favorite project of David's life to Solomon. In praying for the continuance of this happy disposition among the people, and in solemnly and earnestly commending the young king and his kingdom to the care and blessing of God.

David's prayer of blessing contains some beautiful expressions. In 1Chron 29:15 he tells God that he and his people "are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers."  David was king, and his people had houses, gardens and farms.  But still he described himself to God as being as unsettled as his ancestors had been.  This man had his priorities right.

Vs.6-8 The Israelites had amassed great wealth through their conquests.  However, it was realized that this wealth came from Yahweh (vs. 12,14). 

Therefore, to give back to Yahweh generously and cheerfully was appropriate. 

Do we consider what we possess a gift from Yahweh?  Do we give generously and cheerfully in His service when the occasion arises (2Cor 2:9)?

V.20 "worshipped the Lord, and king"  Though the external attitude might be the same, the sentiments of which it was expressive were very different in the two cases; of Divine worship in the one, and of civic homage in the other.

29:18  We see a contrast between man’s way of thinking – Gen 6:5 and what David desired the people to be like now Solomon was on the throne. Whereas in Genesis 6 their imagination had been ‘evil’ David wants the people’s imagination to be ‘unto’ God.

V.14 We are not aware of any other acknowledgement in scripture of the fact that there is nothing in a man's life which has not been given to him by God, and when used properly is given back to our creator and sustainer. How wonderful it would be if we always kept this in our minds.

29:23 We should not underestimate the force of the words ‘the throne of the Lord’ for indeed there was a kingdom of God on the earth with human kings sitting on God’s throne ruling on His behalf. A foretaste of the Kingdom age when Jesus will ‘sit on the throne of his Father David’ – Luke 1:32 What a wonderful end to this books of names and ancestry!

29:21-22 After the business of the assembly was over, the people, under the exciting influence of the occasion, still remained, and the next day engaged in the performance of solemn rites, and afterwards feasted on the remainder of the sacrifices.

29:10 The phrase 'our father’ and the sentiments of the next verse can be seen in ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ in Matt 6:9-12

Yahweh did give Solomon those qualities (2Chron 1:11,12). However, given all that, Solomon did not keep the commandments of Yahweh (1Kin 11:3-10). Despite large amounts of wisdom or knowledge, there is still free will with which to contend.

The choices a person makes are subject to the negative desires, impulses, and attitudes which are inherent in human nature. Thus, a person can make the wrong decision even if s/he knows better. Such was the case of Solomon. Let's learn from his experience and strive to make decisions that please Yahweh.

29:11 The words David spoke here are echoed in Dan 2:37 when Daniel explains the dream to Nebuchadnezzar.

First Principles>Kingdom of God>Existed in the past
During the 40 years wilderness journey, the nation became organised, laws were given, officials appointed, the commonwealth of Israel came into existence and BECAME KNOWN AS THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Exo 19:6 1Sam 8:7 1Chron 29:11,23 2Chron 13:8
When Israel went out of Egypt ... Judah was his sanctuary and Israel his dominion Psa 114:1-2
Go to Gen 12:1-5 for more about First Principles>Kingdom of God>Existed in the past

V.17 Yahweh triest the heart (KJV); test the heart (ESV).  Yahweh knows all the thoughts of humankind: for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought (1Chron 28:9) (ESV).  See also Luke 8:17.

And so, we should make sure that our inner person matches our outer presentation.  Yahweh is not fooled, even though we might fool others.  Remember, that every evil deed is preceded by an evil thought (Mark 7:21-23).  Therefore, let us take care of what we think.

V.22 Solomon was first made king under challenging circumstances. Adonijah was slyly crowned king with the help of Joab and Abiathar the priest (1Kin 1:7,18). In response to this audacious act, David hurried to make Solomon king (1Kin 1:33,34).

Because of Abiathar’s help in making Adonijah king, he was deposed as high priest and Zadok took his place.

V.27 The  numeral 40 represents a period of trial (e.g. 40 days rain during the flood, Gen 7:4; Moses and Israel 40 years in the desert, Num 14:35; Jesus 40 days of testing in the wilderness, Matt 4:2).

But how was 40 years as king a trial for Solomon? Well, Solomon was given wisdom beyond any other man.  Also, he was given enormous wealth.  Furthermore, his reign was one of prosperity and peace. 

But, with all that, human nature and free will were still at work.  Solomon’s trial was to keep all his fortunes in perspective and to remain loyal to Yahweh his God.  He failed because he gave in to the weakness of the flesh, and brought idolatry into his kingdom (1Kin 11:4-10).  

We can learn a mighty lesson from Solomon.  Whatever our circumstances, rich or poor, learned or not, we must always keep our eyes on the spiritual ball.  We must watch ourselves and take care of Yahweh’s business, or we will lose our reward (2John 1:8).

29:27 Here the years that David reigned is rounded to whole years. The exact periods are mentioned in 2Sam 5:5

29:2  That Solomon used ‘marble’ helps us to understand why the bridegroom is given legs like marble – Song 5:15. The bride groom has the characteristics of God’s dwelling place.

29:3   Notice, not only had David made great preparation for the temple using materials obtained from other nations. He gave a substantial amount of his own possessions also.  His was not a work that cost him nothing. He was heavily committed at a personal level to the work. Likewise our service to God must include our own gift.

29:6     Notice that David’s commitment had an effect on others. The “chief of the fathers” also offered which, in turn, encouraged “the people” (verse :9). Personal example is a powerful took in getting others to be committed to the work of God.

Darics - the most precious Bible markers

v7 The only other place in the whole Bible where Drams/Darics are mentioned is in Ezra 8:27. Surprisingly, both times it is in exactly the same context - the freewill offering for the preparation of the temple in Jerusalem - but this time at the return of the captives from Babylon. It's odd that a coin, a weight or a measure should appear in only two places in the whole Bible, and even more interesting that it should link two such similar passages. From prior experience of finding these word pairs, it seems that they are placed in the text by God to denote passages He finds especially important and wishes us to link together. They are rare and especially precious Bible markers placed there by the writer of the book, God himself, in order to reveal something to us. As far as I'm aware these don't have a name, so from now on shall we use the word "daric" to denote such a word pair?

29:5   Whilst the English word “consecrate” may mean little to us the Hebrew which is the word translated here which means “fill his hand” may be clearer. A similar idea is found in Exo 29:9 where the same word is used.  It is all about making ourselves available for the work that others might perform in the things of God.

29:9   David and then the rulers had given willingly to the service of God. This encouraged the rest of the people to give willingly. So is the power of example. We copy those we respect, whether they do good or bad. This we see that the example we set has an impact on others.

1Chron 29:19 David sought a perfect heart for Solomon.

1Kin 11:11

As this is done with thee should read "is with thee" what was with Solomon?  Deut 17:19 "and it shall be with him and he shall read therin all the days of his life" (talking about the kings).

So the kings were to have the word of God with them all their days, they were to study it so as to have that perfect heart. Solomon started of well but going back to Egypt was his problem he was wise but when he went to Egypt he closed his bible and put it away.

What do we do after reading the comments on here do we simply mark our bibles and put them away? Or do we seek the bible to make us wise and live by those scriptures?

2Tim 3:16 

 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be PERFECT Throughly furnished unto all good works.

29:2    David’s actions were with all his might. He was not halfhearted in his service to God. In this he is an example for us. David’s commitment started before he was made king and continued throughout his whole life. He was like the seed in the good ground in Jesus’ parable – Matt 13:23

29:11 The way in which David speaks of the majestic God and the heavens  reminds us of the way that Jesus’ position in relation to God is described in Heb 8:1

n 29:28   “full of days” is not simply another way to say “old”. It is a comment on how David used his “days”. His days were full of activity for God.

29:1    Maybe Solomon would not have been David’s preferred choice as a successor. However David now makes it clear that Solomon is God’s choice.

29:1 in saying “whom alone God hath chosen” Davis is seeking to reinforce the choice of Solomon over Absalom and Adonijah who both, humanly speaking, had a greater right to the throne being born before Solomon.

29:14 David as the king of Israel, the beloved of God makes a fundamental point. We only give back to God that which is His own. If we can truly believe this it would probably make us less anxious about possessions and more aware of the needs of others.

29:10 Yahweh in the Old Testament is Israel’s God and tends not to be spoken of at their “Father” so David’s use of “Father” here is highly significant and echoes the words of the promise  -2Sam 7:14.

29:12  In the western society in which we life ambition is valued and me and women seek to make a name for themselves – in fact are encouraged to do so.

But notice it is God who has the power to make great. Ultimately that will be when the glory of the kingdom is established with those who are found faithful are exalted. Is this our focus or are we focussed on earthly ambitions?

IT’S YOUR TURN NOW

As David concluded his final speech to Israel dedicating his son Solomon to be king and devoting all the articles of gold, silver and other precious things to the temple, he led them in a prayer of thankfulness, praise and petition. “Then David said to all the assembly, ‘Bless the Lord your God.’ And all the assembly blessed the Lord, the God of their fathers, and bowed their heads and paid homage to the Lord and to the king.” (1Chron 29:20).

I really like the way the Contemporary English Version puts it:  “David then said to the people, ‘Now it's your turn to praise the Lord, the God your ancestors worshipped!’” (v.20).

We so often listen to prayers of thankfulness, praise or petition at our worship services or Bible classes, and then we say, “Amen” and sit down, but the moment is forgotten. We may have been led in prayer or worship by someone else, but let’s not end it there. Let’s remember the words of David “Now it's your turn to praise the Lord!”

29:3 David gives us an example here. Do we just express a willingness ot help and then do nothing? Or is our promise backed up with a wholehearted commitment?

v.16 - The idea of God being in the heathen instead of with his people comes out a number of times in the book - ch.36:23, here, 38:23

38:4 I will put hooks into thy jaws 2 Kings 19:28
38:8 There is a recurring theme of Israel dwelling safely in the land.
It is the promise made to Israel if only they would be faithful. Leviticus 26:5
It is a comfort given to those who are about to go into captivity in Babylon. Jeremiah 23:6 32:37 33:16
They were assured that there would be a return to the land and peace. This is a concept that Ezekiel takes up Ezekiel 28:26 38:8
To encourage the captives. After the exile Zechariah reminds those that have returned that this time is to come. Zechariah 14:11
38:21 Yahweh causes His enemies to fight one another as a means of saving Israel. 1Sam 14:16 Provides an example.
It is the means that will be used against Gog Ezekiel 38:21
Two of the prophets after the exile draw on the earlier example and Ezekiel's prophecy to encourage the returning exiles. Haggai 2:22 Zechariah 14:13

v.23 - It might seem strange to our thinking that God should say that He will sanctify Himself, but the root of the word is to hallow, or set apart. If we do not do this then He will do it Himself, and so will the nations know that He is the Lord God.

38:11 In an attempt to speed on the return of the lord Jesus some try to explain 'dwell safely' as meaning confidently. Whilst the word could be translated confidently' the context of the verse (and the chapter for that matter) has to be taken into account. A land of 'unwalled villages' and at 'rest' is hardly a description of modern day Israel. A word of caution. We should review the news and our expectations against the teaching of Scripture and not try to make Scripture fit into our desires.

38:22 The overflowing rain and hailstone echoes both Joshua 10:11 and the song of Deborah (Judges 5:21). The creator of the weather uses it against man. Man with all his sophisticated weaponry is unable to counter the effects of the weather. God is supreme - using the 'simple' things of His creation.

38:10 - The phrase "evil thought" occurs in one other place - Esther 9:25 in regards to Haman the Agagite. Haman planned to exterminate the Jews(ie. evil thought) because Mordecai wouldn't bow to him. Haman wanted to be worshipped as a god. There are several other scriptures that indicate the reason Gog will destroy the Jews because of religious issues(Isa 34:2,3;Joel 3:11,14,16,17; Isa 2:12,20)
Also,interestingly enough, the word Agag is translated as Gog in the LXX(Num 24:7).

38:19 The "great shaking" in Israel forms the basis for two mentions of earthquakes in Revelation (Rev 6:12, 16:18)

V.11 When we look at the project that Israel is now involved with; the building of the wall or fence around the nation; we soon see that what they are building will be destroyed at the time of the fulfilment of this prophecy speaking of unwalled villages. This is further stated when we go to the twentieth verse. "every wall shall fall to the ground"

As we observe world news we can see nations being positioned to fulfil their roles in prophecy.  It is good for us to watch the geo-political heavens in the light of prophecy for it confirms our faith and encourages us.  But, we should also take care of our walk. 

The exciting events of Ezekiel 38 (continued in Ch. 39) will take place in the end times. Christ, who has returned, will save Israel from the invaders. 

We will have been judged by then and those accepted will be with Jesus to deal with the enemy on the mountains of Israel. He could arrive at any time for us. If we intend to be there with Him, let's take care of His business now.

“In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, ...You will say, "I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people-all of them living without walls and without gates and bars.” NIV
 I am in agreement with the above brethren. It is clear that Israel will be in absolute safety before their attack from the North. This means no Palestinian troubles whatsoever, bars gone, wall(gates) removed…..etc...
Recovered from war (NIV). This is a circumstance after the regathering. They are definitely in War now!!!!
No Bars and Gates…They have to come down first!!! It is no coincidence that the wall is going up now. The LORD is working the scene to draw everyone's eyes to the wall. What good would it be to state "no bars, unwalled" if one wasn't in existence prior to that statement. Same logic for the Jews. What good would it be to state "Brought back from the sword" or "gathered out of many people" if they weren't under the sword prior to this statement or weren't scattered.
I think they will get rid of the Palestinian problem themselves…and then the Jews will believe it was done by their own hands-not God’s and so this is why God intervenes and says:
Ezek 39: 26 After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made [them] afraid.
I believe this situation will most likely develop when we are 10 years at Sinai, so we only need to expect only the chessboard being set-up, not the actual playing in our time. Let us take stock now!!!J

Ezekiel 38: The Coming Crisis

 (A Comparison of Contrasts)

The re-alignment of our latter-day nations really does appear to be exactly as God told Ezekiel all those years ago. The recent re-emergence of Russia as a world power, with the support of many of the Middle Eastern Arab nations, plus possibly the Catholic nations of Europe can well be the fulfilment of today’s chapter. They are questioned by the English-speaking nations of UK and USA in Eze 38:13– but what becomes of that grouping we are not told in this chapter – except of-course that we know that King Jesus will spread His control over all the world, so that eventually the nations will not be individual states, but one, like a sea of glass.

38:5  The association of Persia – modern day Iran – with Libya – is most interesting against the background of comments made by both countries in 2005 about Israel and how that nation should not exist. The president of Iran made a number of vitriolic comments about Israel and political leaders in Libya sent on record assenting to the truth of what Iran’s president had said. Of course these comments about Israel are not new. The Arabs have been saying them since the nation was re born in 1948.

38:17 God is in control of the invader though we learnt – Ezekiel Eze 38:11 – that he thought it was all his own idea!

38:8  The land that is ‘brought back from the sword’ is speaking of Israel dwelling peacefully.

The last days Armageddon battle, Christ's revealing himself to all nations and the establishment of a righteous new world order - V.14-23; Rev 16:16; Zech 12:2,3,10; 13:6,8; 14:1-9,16; Obad 1:15-17; Isa 2:2-4.

If you would like a brief overview considering the return of Jesus and the sequence of events after He has returned, please e-mail me for a copy of: The Return of Jesus and End-Time Prophecy.

38:4 Whilst Gog will have the evil thought and desire to come against Israel we see clearly that God is in control. It is He who ‘will bring thee forth’.

V.2 Gog might have been a generic name of a leader. But, the locations of Magog, Meshech, and Tubal are firmly established by scholars. It should be noted that the Hebrew word for chief is rosh which means head. Ros is the ancient name for Russia.

Magog was called the land of the Scythians by the Greeks. This defines the northern Caucasus region.

Meshech were known as the Moschi, a tribe that crossed over the Caucasus range and into the northern Steppes, intermixing with the Scythians. They became known as the Muscovs which gave rise to the Russian nation, and the name of their ancient capital. That ancient capital, today, is known as Moscow.

Tubal, also known historically as Tibareni, is descriptive of the people who settled in the mountainous region south-west of the Black Sea.

V.5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are descriptive of present-day Iran, Sudan, and Libya.

Gomer describes a people who were chased out of present-day southern Russia and Ukraine to the regions of Armenia and Asia Minor. Some have connected Gomer with the Celts, particularly with the name Cymry, which is the Celtic name for Wales. The Celts spread westward across Europe, and so, Gomer could also be implicating Europe as part of Russia’s alliance.

Togarmah seems to have been the ancient name for Armenia.

V.13 Sheba and Dedan is talking about Arabian states, such as Saudi Arabia etc. which are pro-western nations.

Merchants of Tarshish and the young lions are indicating The United Kingdom and its former colonies (including the United States).

And so, it is plain from the descriptions above, who the political players are at the time of the end.

Russia and its allies will sweep down into the Middle-East and devastate Israel and Egypt.

This will occur to the dismay of the English-speaking nations and their allies who will be powerless to stop them.

Only Jesus and His saints will be able to destroy this enemy. The battle to vanquish this foe is called Armageddon.

38:10 ‘evil thought’ might seems to be a general description of God’s view of what God thought. However it is exactly the same Hebrew that is used to speak of Haman’s ‘wicked device’ – Est 9:25 linking the two ideas. Haman wanted to eliminate the Jewish people so does Gog.

38:5    In 2005  I commented on the hostility of Iran towards Israel. 6 years later and, if anything, the rhetoric has got worse. A sure indication that Scripture will be fulfilled as spoken by the prophet.

38:14  We see a similar idea to ‘dwelling safely’ in Eze 38:8where Israel have been brought back from the sword. We should be looking for a time when Israel is not threatened by her neighbours as the prelude to the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth.

38:11   This describes the actions of a nation who have no regard for God, nor His purpose. It is a nation full of its own importance. Notice the way they say “I will ...” God rules in the kingdom of men – Dan 4:24 etc: - but nations in the kingdom of men do not understand this at the moment. However the time will come when they do.  May that time come soon!

1. Ezek 38 does not seem to follow chronologically from the events in Ezek 37. The Gogian invasion will be responsible for the devastation of the modern State of Israel, but Ezekiel 37 is primarily concerned with the restoration of Israel  by the Messiah in all the fullness of God's promises, subsequent to the Gogian invasion.

2. Eze 38:1-7 - description of Gog's armies:

3. Eze 38:2 - "Gog" is a title or derivative of a family name who rules the land of Magog which would be Sythians in a land associated with the rivers Don and Danube (eastern and central Europe) which was the northern extremity of the known world of Ezekiel's time; Meshech and Tubal were Sythian tribes thought to be in the Turkish areas of Phrygia, Cappadocia, but driven north to the area between the Black and Caspian seas.

4. Eze 38:4 - hooks into thy jaws (Eze 29:4).

5. Eze 38:5 - Persia is modern Iran; Ethiopia/Cush is Sudan and perhaps modern Ethiopia; Libya/Put is modern Libya and perhaps other North African nations west of Egypt.

6. Eze 38:6 - Gomer in the days of the Assyrian empire came from the north through the Caucasus  and occupied a part of Asia Minor but were driven back though by the time of Ezekiel they may have been in Western Europe and could represent modern France, Spain, Italy and possibly Germany along with some Eastern European nations not fully under the Russian yoke. Could this be a future European Union? Togarmah may refer modern day Turkey and perhaps Armenia, etc. In Ezekiel's day these nations would be from the northern section of the known world. 

7. The Gogian host may be the king of the north mentioned in Dan 11:40-45.

8. Eze 38:8-13 - the Gogian host invades a prosperous Israel apparently dwelling safely:

9. Eze 38:8 - refers to the partial regathering of scattered Jews to Israel, a land that had been a "waste"<2723>, but  now dwelling "safely"<983>.

10. Eze 38:9-11 - the Gogian host invades like a "storm"<7722> and "cloud"<6051> to cover Israel which has become a land of unwalled villages...at rest, that dwell safely...without walls...having neither bars nor gates - this suggests Israel will have resolved it's national security issues with Palestinians, etc.

11. Eze 38:12 - an Israel gathered from the nations will inhabit and turn "the desolate places"<2723> into a land of prosperity - at the time of this posting we see their potential in various areas including high tech, natural gas and oil self sufficiency and export; this prosperity will be coveted by the invading Gogian host.

12. Eze 38:13 - (could this refer to the king of the south Dan 11:40-45?) Sheba and Dedan would appear to be inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula; the merchants of Tarshish used to refer to the known limits of the western world, coupled with all the young lions it may refer to the UK, USA, Canada, perhaps other allies, etc. It appears these nations will protest but be unable to stop the invasion by the Gogian host. According to Dan 11:42 even Egypt will not escape.

13. Eze 38:14-16 - God's purpose with Gog and the heathen:

14. Eze 38:14 - "dwelleth"<3427>, "safely"<983>.

15. Eze 38:15;39:2 - "north"<6828>, "parts"<3411> - suggests the far north.

16. Eze 38:16 - the Gogian host shall come up against God's people Israel in the latter days as a "cloud"<6051>; "heathen"<1471>; "I shall be 'sanctified'<6942> in thee, O Gog, before their eyes." - but this sanctification/cleansing doesn't happen until Israel and Jerusalem is plundered with all the nations gathered for battle (Zech 14:1-3;Psa 48:7).

17. Eze 38:17-23 - the presence of the Lord in the earth:

18. Eze 38:17 - more than one prophet has predicted this Gogian invasion.

19. Eze 38:18 - "at the 'same'<1931> 'time'<3117> when Gog shall come against the Land of Israel"...God will be very angry - at some point Christ returns (Rev 16:15 - and at some point it appears Christ will rescue those in Egypt Isa 19:20) - the nations gather together (Rev 16:16) at "Armageddon"[<717> - could refer to "Har-Megiddon" the hill or city of Megiddo where Barak was victorious over the Canaanites and where Gideon was victorious over the Midianites, or it could refer to "Arma"(<6194> "heap of sheaves" Neh 13:15) "gai" (means "a valley) "don" (means "judgment"), and it could be connected with "the valley<6010> of Jehoshaphat<3092>" (Joel 3:2,12).]

20. "great<1419> shaking<7494>"- an earthquake that contributes to Gog's destruction?  (Eze 38:19-20;37:7;Hab 3:6;Joel 3:16;Zech 14:3-4;Rev 16:18).

21. "every man's sword shall be against his brother" - mutual strife contributes to Gog's destruction (Eze 38:21;Judg 7:19-23;Zech 14:11-14).

22. Gog attacked by other plagues (Eze 38:22;Isa 24:1-6).

23. "sanctify"<6942> (Eze 38:23;Zech 14:1-16;Isa 2:1-5).

38:14  Nothing could be clearer. The northern invader, recognising Israel’s safety, moves into action. Maybe the invader will act because he is aware no other nation will come to the aid of Israel.

A gentile enemy

The nations mentioned in this chapter are all found in Genesis 10 and 1Chr 1:

"The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. And the sons of Gomer; Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah. And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations." (Gen 10:2-5)

Notice the summary: "By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands". It seems like Ezekiel is strongly referencing this list of Japheth's sons, making a point that it is the Gentile nations here that come against Israel, as opposed to their traditional enemies of Semitic (Shem) or Canaanite (Ham) descent. This simple point is often missed in scrambling to identify the specific nations these refer to.

38:13  The nations that oppose the northern invader, it seems, are reluctant to get involved militarily. All they do is to speak, questioning the motives of the invader. This approach seems to match the current reluctance of the western nations to get involved in military activities – maybe due to their having been ineffective in the past. Or maybe because the west can no longer afford the conflict. However things happen it seems that the prophet is indicating that Israel will not have any allies when they are attacked by the northern invader.

38:4    The northern invader, it seems, is going to be reluctant at first to attack Israel. However God is going to intervene and cause them to invade Israel. Then they will do it in fury.  So maybe, when these things come to pass, we will see an initial reluctance on the part of the northern invader followed by a full blown attack on Israel.

38:23 As we have seen in earlier chapters God is concerned, not simply to punish rebellious nations. Rather He is concerned that He is known in the earth as the only God.

38:22  The “great hail” is rather like the hail of Rev 16:21

38:5     The ethnic origin of those confederate with God are sons of Ham whereas many of the nation witnessed against  in the earlier chapters 25-29 are ethically from Shem. So we have seen a thrust of offence against Israel from two of the lines of descendants to Noah.

Eze 38:13

“Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof…”

A reader writes: “… I am currently preparing for a signs of the time talk in a few wks. My focus is on Brexit and why Brethren through the ages have said have must come out. Often the focus is on Tarshish in Ezek 38, I have tried to look at it in a slightly different way, by going back in history to understand the history between Britain and Europe and its history of trying to unshackle itself from the European system…”

My reply: … Ezekiel speaks of Sheba, # <7614>, “Sabeans, of an Ethiopian district,” but this is disputed, as the Concordance does not distinguish Sheba from Seba (Psa 72:10), though they may be related. Sheba, the Sabeans, is in southeastern Arabia; Seba, the Sebaim, is in north-eastern Africa, incorrectly translated as “Sabeans” in Isa 45:14. http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/12969-sabeans/

Dedan, # <1719>, “Cushites,” come from Arabia, near the Persian Gulf. They are known as Rhodians by the Arabs, and so referred to in the LXX.

The merchants of Tarshish, # <8659>, “a place on the Mediterranean…” young lions, # <3715>, “a young lion (… as covered with a mane)… village…” The context is not about literal lions, nor images of lions. According to Gesenius HEbrEW-CHALDEE LEXICON of the OLD TESTAMENT, # <3715> is a term applied, “to cruel and blood-thirsty enemies… ‘an enemy devastating the nations'” (cf. Psa 17:12; Psa 91:13; Isa 31:4; Eze 19:3; Eze 32:2). While we intend to refer to the young lions as lesser, or lower-ranked merchants within the colonies of Tarshish, Tarshish being the major shipping power (some say, the Lion), its negative connotation should not have been used; colonies/villages is appropriate. The merchants of Tarshish, # <5503>, “…trade…” are the traders. Note: Tartessus (Spanish), is identified as Tarshish (Hebrew) in the Bible.

New International Version: “Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all her villages will say to you...”

Contemporary English Version: “merchants from southern Spain, will be your allies.”

The Moffat Translation of the Bible: “The merchants of Sheba and Dedan, the traders of Tartessus will be all asking you…”

Good News Translation: “merchants from the town of Spain will ask you…”

Brenton Septuagint Translation” “Sabba, and Daedan, and Carthaginian merchants, and all their villages shall say to thee [Rosh].” Formerly Utica, it became known as Carthage, and today it is Tunis.

Ellicott’s Commentary, “Sheba, and Dedan… Tarshish – The first two are districts of Arabia and the last is probably the Tartessus in Spain."

Adam Clarke’s Commentary: “Sheba, and Dedan] The Arabians, anciently great plunderers; and Tarshish, the inhabitants of the famous isle of Tartessus, the most noted merchants of the time.”

The Dictionary of the Bible, "It is believed that Tarshish was Tartessus in the south of Spain, near Gibraltar . . . ships of Tarshish were originally ships trading to and from Tarshish; but ultimately ships of first-rate size to whatever place their voyages may have been made."

NIV comment: “Tarshish. Traditionally located on the coast of southern Spain, but the island of Sardinia has also been suggested. Passages such as 1Kin 10:22; Jon 1:3 imply that it was a long distance from the Canaanite coast. The list of places in vv. 12-23 [Eze 27] generally follows a west-to-east direction.”

NIV COMPACT NAVE’S TROPICAL BIBLE: … Tarshish - “A place in the W. Mediterranean, perhaps in Spain or Tunisia (2Chron 9:21; 2Chron 20:36,37; Psa 72:10; Jon 1:3.”  Psa 72:10: “isles,” # <339>, is, “a habitable spot, dry land, a coast, an island:-country.” Isles is not limited to just islands.

Psa 48:7: The ships of Tarshish were destroyed with an east wind. Ezekiel addressed Sheba, Dedan, and only the merchants of Tarshish and their villages, not Tarshish, itself.

Britain has been identified to have been Tarshish, the Lion, with the young lions, which are/were its colonies like, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and U.S.A. etc. This is assumed because of the statement, “the young lions,” and with the British flag having a lion on it! Jer 10:9; Eze 27:12,25 are cited as further proof, but these verses do not confirm it, either. The Biblical Tarshish was a Phoenician colony with many colonies, trading as far north as the tin islands of Britain. This does not imply anything, except that they traded with Britain. https://www.ancient.eu/Phoenician_Colonization/ Britain was known for its tin, so was Brittany, France, Spain, Italy, and central and South Africa with whom Tarshish traded.  Gold silver, iron, lead, ivory, peacocks, and apes came from the Mediterranean coastal regions noted for these.

2Chron 9:20,21: King Solomon’s ships went to Tarshish with Huram’s servants. Huram’s city was Tyre, which lay on the Mediterranean coast, so, they were travelling in a north-westerly direction, quite a distance from Judea, hence, “every three years once came the ships of Tarshish….”

Isa 23:1: We learn the Tarshish shipping industry was destroyed and the inhabitants moved to Chittim. Biblical scholars identify Chittim with the isle of Crete (Cretans or Kittim), south of the Greek mainland. Tyre ties in with the Phoenician city, Tarshish, either as a colony or as an independent trading ally. Tyre is Lebanon today. Josephus records in Ant. 10:227, that Nebuchadnezzar ruled over North Africa and Spain and boasted of controlling Yadnana (Cyprus), Yaman (Greece), and Tarsis (Tarshish) of the Atlantic in Spain.

Gen 10: We get the genealogical history of the nations. Tarshish descending from Javan (v. 4), were connected to peoples later known as Greeks. The Tartessians, with the help of the Oestrymians and the Veneti (either the same tribe, or closely related) mined the Scilly Islands, a Gaulish Celtic tribe in the area of Brittany, France. There were also Celt-Iberian tribes in what is now Spain and Portugal. The Tartessians also were closely tied to the ancient Greek colony known as Mainake in southern Spain, today known as Malaga per archaeological findings.

Is Tarshish Great Britain? “There is folklore and little physical evidence that the Phoenicians sourced metals, especially tin, in this area. There is no evidence for any permanent Phoenician settlement. Any trade in this area appears to be late.  The earliest mentions we have of its possibility are Strabo (lived circa 63 BC - 23 AD) and Diodorus Siculus (writing circa 60-30 BC), both writing during a time when Rome most certainly was trading there. Many who embrace this British possibility do so because of their interpretation of end-times prophecy (such as Ezekiel 38), wanting Tarshish to be a reference to Great Britain.” https://notjustanotherbook.com/tarshish.htm

The Coronation Oath Act of 1688, King William and Queen Mary with Bible in hand promised to govern according to its precepts, after which they kissed the Bible, and returned it to the Archbishop! https://churchsociety.org/issues_new/church/legal/iss_church_legal_coronation1688.asp/The UK’s first application to join the EU was in 1961. The French government vetoed it in 1963 and a second application was again vetoed by the French in 1967. Negotiations began in 1969 and the UK was accepted. They joined on Jan 1, 1973. It subsequently met with a lot of opposition, so a referendum was held in 1975 with the majority in favour of staying as a member. The UK officially broke The Coronation Oath Act of 1688 when they joined the EU! They broke their constitutional position, and problem after problem ensued in consequence up to the present day.

No matter how we want to slice it, Ezekiel's 38:13 Tarshish is not the geographical Britain, which only became a prominent sea-faring nation in the 15^thcentury A.D. Its colonies were acquired by invasion subsequently. The British Empire’s colonies extended so far, that it was said, “The sun never sets on England.”  https://www.historyextra.com/period/georgian/how-did-britain-come-to-rule-the-waves/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/9653497/British-have-invaded-nine-out-of-ten-countries-so-look-out-Luxembourg.html/ The fact is that neither the Bible, history, topography, nor genealogy bear out that Tarshish refers to Britain in any way, despite the fact that Elpis Israel, Fourteenth Edition, pp. 433-435, tries to make a connection. Christ’s return is not contingent upon brEXIT, as so often claimed, no more than it is with the Jews wanting to build a third temple for the Messiah to come.

brEXIT is a sign of a clay and iron government: right and left parties not mixing (Dan 2:41-44), which is evidenced here in the U.S. too, and globally. Christ will smash these world governments to pieces and a righteous government will then rule all the nations. Praise be to Yahweh!

38:16 Notice the reason that the northern host is brought against Israel. It is so that the nations in the world will recognise that Yahweh is in fact in charge. The destruction that takes place initially may well cause some of the faithful to lose faith in God. We need to be careful to try and take a long term view of events in the world.

38:6 It is helpful to contrast Togarmah with the Euphrates in Revelation. At the time of the end, the Euphrates is “dried up” (Rev. 16:12) but Togarmah is an ally of Gog. Therefore, as is some sometimes suggested, they cannot be referring to the same thing. The Euphrates in Revelation 16 is without doubt Turkey and the Ottoman Empire that preceded it. Therefore Togarmah cannot be Turkey. As Brother Michael Parry (2009) commented below, Togarmah seems to refer to Armenia. 

38:8 It is clear from Scripture  - Zech 14:2 - that Israel is going to be humbled and it seems that only then will the northern invader come down .

Eze 38:2

“Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him.”

In an article I recently read, I came across the following: “Today the land the Bible calls Magog is dominated in the west by Russia—which is reasserting control over the region it once possessed through the USSR—and China in the east…” It further states: “Every prophetic indication is that China has a strong connection with Gog and Magog. Ezekiel 38:2 refers to China. Along with Russia, China dominates the entire area of Magog…” Is China in the Bible? - Watch Jerusalem/ I checked this verse in the HOLY BIBLE From the Ancient Eastern Text, George M. Lamsa’s Translation From The Aramaic of the Peshitta and it reads: “Son of man, set your face against China, and against the land of Mongolia, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say…” What a surprise! It led me to search more deeply into the topographic maps, migrations and the various conquests of the sons of Japheth, as it relates to Magog, Meshech and Tubal (Gen 10:2). Japheth, which means “expansion” (Gen 9:27), encompasses many of the Muslim nations with sophisticated weaponry aligned with two superpowers – Russia and China!

There are multiple explanations, even legends, concerning the issue of Gog from (not and) the land of Magog. The name Gog comes from the original tribal name of “Magog,” and is an individual who comes from the land of Magog, the chief leader of Meshech and Tubal along with his allies, Iran, Ethiopia, Libya, Ukraine, a.k.a. southern Russia, Turkey with all their armies coming from the north (vv. 5-7). All united, they descend on the mountains of Israel against Israel. Meshech, in Ezekiel’s time, was identified with Muska, an area in modern Turkey. Tubal is associated with Tabal, an Antolian state also in Turkey.  Some records identify Tubal with Syria, but modern-day Syria borders Turkey. Still, it may well have been part of Turkey at some time. In 640 A.D. under the Tang Dynasty, Western Turkey came under the rule of China. Conquest of the Western Turks - Wikipedia/ In 1260 AD, “Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis conquered the Song Dynasty and established the Yuan Dynasty, unifying China and bringing Mongolia, Siberia and parts of the Middle East and even Europe into the Chinese Empire.” China: Timeline - HISTORY

Meshech: Gesenius in his Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon writes: “[Meshech], pr.n. Moschi, a barbarous people inhabiting the Moschian mountains, between Iberia, Armenia, and Colchis…” It is joined with Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, south-west of Russia.”   It is a confederate of nations north and south of the Black Sea bordering with nations bordering southern Russia, which has a significant number of descendants from Meshech. With so many migrations through the centuries, it does seem to pinpoint their migratory pattern having originated from the north-east of Asia Minor, areas which Turkey now occupies, and over time settled further north in Moschi. According to Josephus they were Cappadocians. Ancient Cappadocia was situated in east-central Anatolia, which is modern-day Turkey. They started the nation of Moschi, from which we get the name, Moscow. Psa 120:5-7 describes them as those that hate peace and love war!

Tubal: “[Tubal], pr.n. the Tibareni, a nation of Asia Minor, dwelling by the Euxine Sea [Black Sea], to the west of the Moschi. The Thobelites , who are now called Iberes” (Josephus, Ant. 1:6:1, p. 36), or scroll down to Ch. 6: Josephus: Antiquities of the Jews, Book I (uchicago.edu)/ Tubal in the LXX is referred to as Thobel (cf. LXX).

“It is the nation of Georgia, its capital is Tbilisi [fr. Tubal], many migrating north-east across the Caucasian Mountains named the city Tobolsk, which is in Siberia. In their day, east Georgians were Iberians; west Georgians were Colchians.”  GEORGIA IN ANTIQUITY, David Braund, 1994, pp. 17,18. The Colchians were part of the Persian Empire (Iran). Ancient Tubal, also known as Toboli in Asia Minor is closely related to Moschi/Moscow and identified with the modern-day Russians.

Gog’s alliances span the northern part of the Eurasian continent; the majority were a part of Asia, and the western region located in Europe to Turkestan in western Asia and to Mongolia and China. The Arabs refer to the Great Wall of China as the “wall of al Magog.” The Mongoloid peoples were of the eastern division of the Turkic peoples of central Asia – all aligned with Iran, Ethiopia, and Libya. There are actually more Mongolians in China than in Mongolia, a country sandwiched between China and Russia!

“Land,” #776, erets, “… the earth (at large, or partitively a land) … nations.”   It is a confederate of nations north and south of the Black Sea, which are south of Moscow, includes nations of the former Soviet Union, and central and eastern Asia. Moschi has a significant number of descendants from Meshech. With so many different race migrations, conquests, placename changes through the centuries since the time of Ezekiel’s prophecy, the nations are still traceable and situated exactly in the areas for the latter-day events!

Gog may reference the supreme leader of China. China once controlled, assimilated and dominated vast areas of land to itself, which included Magog, now under Russian control.  Either way, it doesn’t change the end game.  Nonetheless, we must keep our eyes on both. Russia and China joined to conquer not only the Middle East, but eventually want to conquer the world!  While we read primarily of Russia’s role, we cannot exclude China’s role in Ezekiel’s prophecy. Through the years, Russia, to the North, and China, to the East, in relation to Israel, cemented their relations and China supports Russia in its invasion of Ukraine and will not go against Russia economically or militarily. Putin threatens the West with “consequences greater than any you have faced in history,” if the West dares to interfere with his invasion of Ukraine (cf. Dan 12:1)! Russia will back China when it invades Taiwan, and both countries are against Israel (cf. Dan 11:44). The city of Moscow is directly north of Israel, their starting point, it would seem. While Putin threatens to turn America into “radioactive ash,” China threatens America will become “metal scrap.” A rhetorical question was asked: “How to square the circle? How to preserve the Communist Party’s nearly all-embracing powers and have China move forward as a modern state?” I’ll answer it, anyway: “You can’t.”

Russia wins China’s backing in NATO showdown over Ukraine | Russia-Ukraine war News | Al Jazeera

Xi Jinping: How China's president became one of the country's most powerful leaders | CNN

China and Russia’s goal is one, that being, together they can achieve global dominance; their New World Order, and not the present so-called elites’ New World Order and “Woke-ism,” which they reject. Back in 1957, Mao Tse-Tung, the Supreme Leader of China and its Communist party, said that the East Wind (“Dong Feng”) will someday radically change the world (cf. Jer 18:16,17)! The East Wind Blows – Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance/

Do we honestly think China and Russia who view Western leaders as highly incompetent, really and truly care what they have to say?

I expect when all is well and done, China being, by far, more powerful and economically stronger than Russia will betray Russia and take it over and have sole rulership over the nations of the world! Their history strongly indicates this as their end goal. They want Communism their way, and no other way. We already know this won’t happen, because there is one coming, Jesus, who is so much greater than any Supreme Ruler from China!

38:8-9  Future events are difficult to visualise and order in our minds. The prophet speaks of Israel in peace and safety as a consequence of the use of the “sword”. We may see Israel dwelling peaceably with her currently hostile neighbours. The world might then think “peace at last”. We must be aware that peace achieved by the use of violence will never be permanent. Whatever happens we must not become complacent. Jesus will return and we must be ready for that day. Readiness does not come from knowing the exact order of events leading to his return. Preparedness is an ongoing process where our minds are washed by the word of God – Eph 5:26 – hence the value of regular, thoughtful, reading of scripture.

Eze 38

“When Russia makes its grand move for the building-up of its Image-empire, then let the reader know that the end of all things, as at present constituted, is at hand." ELPIS ISRAEL, John Thomas

On March 16, 2022, the Daily Mail, UK, reported Putin saying the West’s, “attempt to global dominance” is coming to an end.” https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/fb-10619933/Putin-says-Wests-attempt-global-dominance-coming-end.html/  Putin’s goal is to break the West’s New World Order, which the United Nations wants up and running by 2030, if not sooner.

The struggle between the West and East is a battle of who will dominate the New World Order! Around mid-March Russia asked China for military assistance and immediately China was threatened by the US of the consequences should it aid Russia. Nevertheless, on March 30^th, Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, and Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister, met and declared the two nations are working together to achieve “a multipolar, fair and democratic world order.” They believe too much power is in the hands of the European Union and the US and want to redistribute this power in their creation of a “Fair World Order.” Regarding these “new challenges,” Wang Yi is quoted saying: “The will of both sides to develop bilateral relations has become even stronger.”

 https://www.rt.com/russia/552953-lavrov-china-trip-afghanistan/

Russia’s deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, Dmitry Polyanskiy, told the UN Security Council that Russia does not agree with Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is part of Syria. https://www.jns.org/at-un-russia-denounces-israels-sovereignty-in-golan-heights-after-jerusalem-backs-ukraine/ Furthermore, that “while Europe decides on its energy policies to reduce Russian dependence, Israel continues to benefit from gas exploration in its economic waters.”  https://www.israel21c.org/can-israel-export-gas-to-europe-we-asked-the-experts/  It is possible for Israel to supply Europe with natural gas through Egypt. However, this will definitely bring them at loggerheads with Russia! https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-21/israel-egypt-plan-new-gas-pipe-that-could-boost-europe-supplies/ God says He will put “hooks” in Gog and all his company’s [nations] jaws (Eze 38:4), causing them to make some alterations in their plans, “turn thee back,” and head for Israel’s “spoil” (Eze 38:12,13)? This chapter is about the battle of Armageddon, which we will fight with Christ, God willing, not present-day Russia’s retreating from Ukraine, as claimed by some that Russia will do, as it is not faring well in their war against Ukraine! “Men should never prophesy of the future from present appearances.” ELPIS ISRAEL, John Thomas. The Media is not governed by Scripture, but by propaganda. In our assessment of current events, we need to consult the Bible. Russia and China are working together for world domination, and they will have to eliminate their competitors. They are not to be under-estimated!

“Russian state TV says Ukraine invasion ‘has already escalated into World War 3.’”

In addition to waring with Ukraine, Russia is also “fighting against Nato infrastructure, if not Nato itself.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russian-state-tv-ukraine-world-war-3-b2058684.html/  Analysts claim this battle could take years, and at some point, Gog, will go after Israel’s spoils. After all, wasn’t it Henry Kissinger who said, “Control oil and you control nations; control food and you control people?” This is the plan with Russia and China, and it is the plan of the European Union and the United States, as they vie for global dominance! Neither World Order is a winning situation for its global citizens, but the good news is, neither one will win in the end (Dan 2:43,44)!

Daniel was extremely alarmed when he saw the vision of the fourth beast, the revived Roman Empire. It is the most wicked of all the previous governments, which caused him to faint and feel sick for several days (Dan 7:23,27; 8:27)! Things will get more and more dire until Christ returns (Dan 12:1).

Perilous times are ahead, and these events are signs to us that Christ’s return is very near. It is not meant to scare us, but to prepare us, and be “ready” (Matt 24:44).

38:8 Two phrases “brought back from the sword” and “shall dwell safely all of them” speaks of a time which has never, up to this point in time, existed in Israel. Somehow Israel are to be delivered from all her enemies and be at peace before Gog’s army comes against Israel.

38:11-12 It would appear that the attack that will be made on Israel will be cause they look as if they would provide no resistance to an invading power. In 2024 this hardly looks likely. We should expect significant changes in Israel’ capability to defend itself – something that could happen quite quickly, especially is electronic warfare devices become useless.

v.35 - Already Jesus is telling them that the end is not far away - the time of the great harvest which was brought about effectively by his death. In this context, of talking to the Samaritan, he is also speaking of the great harvest of the gentiles that would take place in the establishment of the first century church during the next hundred years or so, and less of of the continuing harvest that has taken place to this day, all leading eventually to that time when all will be gathered in God's own eternal kingdom, where we hope to be. Matt 9:37-38

4:46 Cana is only mentioned in John's gospel. There are three occurrences. John 2:1 4:46 21:2 [The occurrence in John 21:2 tells us Nathanael was from Cana]

The woman at the well knew her Old Testament Scriptures.
4:25 he will tell us all things Deuteronomy 18:18

Notice also the way in which things to do with Shechem - where Jesus was at the well - are alluded to in this chapter

4:39 In saying that many of the Samaritans believed John is continuing his exposition of Isaiah 9 which we saw in Chapter 3. 'Samaritan's quotes Isaiah 9:9 which speaks of Samaria understanding about the son that was given.

4:4 When the record says that Jesus 'must needs go through Samaria' you will see from a map that in travelling from Jerusalem to Galilee the route through Samaria was not necessarily the natural one to take. The physically less demanding route would have been down the road to Jericho and then along the Jordan valley on the relatively level terrain in contrast to the mountainous terrain of the hills along the middle of the land of Israel. So we have to conclude that 'must needs' does not relate to topographical necessity but rather that Jesus knew he had a task to perform in Samaria.

V.21 Jesus answers that it is not where one worships that matters, but, the attitude of heart and mind is what matters. It is not the the "where", but the "how" and the "what" that is important.

V.24  Tells us about Yahweh and how He must be worshipped.  Worshipping the invisible God in spirit and in truth necessarily excludes the works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21). These works must be replaced by the fruit of the spirit (vs. 22-25). 

Note that one component of the works of the flesh is idolatry.  We associate idolatry with the worship of false gods made of wood, stone etc. in which we would never engage.   It should be noted, however, that idolatry is equated by Paul with covetousness, something in which we are more likely to be engaged (Col 3:5).

4:42 Notice that the Samaritans saw ‘Christ’ as the ‘saviour of the world’. To the Samaritans a saviour / Christ for only Israel would have been of little value.

FAITH IS A GIFT THAT GROWS AS WE USE IT

John 4:53 - "he himself believed, and his whole house"

4:6 In saying that it was ‘the sixth hour’ we appreciate that Jesus sat on the well at mid day – the hottest part of the day. It was normal for the water to be collected early in the morning in the cool. This lady came at mid day which in itself indicated she did not fit in with the other women.

4:22 In saying that ‘we’ know who we worship Jesus is echoing the words he had spoken to Nicodemus - John 3:11

V.2  It would not have been proper for Jesus to baptise anyone. Those who would have been baptised by the Master might have valued their baptisms over baptisms by His servants, the disciples.  Besides, Jesus was (and is) the central figure of baptism, and any hint of favouritism or ego would be counterproductive to the Gospel (Acts 2:38; 8:12).

4:6 Jesus being ‘weary’ indicates that he shared our weaknesses. Simply getting tired is a consequence of sharing Adam’s nature. Whilst we might use weariness as a reason for taking things easy this was not so with Jesus The woman arrives and a discussion follows. Jesus does not excuse himself on the basis of weariness, he simply started to preach – and as a consequence was refreshed by the time the disciples returned. Do we excuse ourselves from involvement in activities on the basis of weariness or, because of weariness join in activities knowing that we will be spiritually uplifted by the activity?

EFFECTIVE FAITH

Faith is believing without seeing. The writer to the Hebrews puts it this way: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Heb 11:1)

An excellent example of faith shown in this way was that of the royal official whose son was sick. He wanted Jesus to come to his house to heal the boy, but instead Jesus simply said, "You may go. Your son will live." (John 4:50) Many others would have hung around insisting that Jesus see, touch and speak to the boy to make him better, after all, this is what had happened to everyone else. But not this man. Of him we read, "The man took Jesus at his word and departed." (v.50) There was no sign, no announcement, no voice from heaven or flash in the sky, there was nothing except a word from Jesus and the action of faith.

The royal official and his son were not the only ones to benefit from such a great display of faith. As the royal official explained his story, "He and all his household believed." (v.53)

While our individual faith and our answers to prayer might seem a very personal thing, we, like the royal official, can turn people to God by simply sharing with them the way God has worked in our lives and showing our example of undoubting faith.

So let's take Jesus at his word and step out in faith, showing our trust in him in action. Then, when we share what God has done for us, others may also put their trust in him.

V.4 Samaria lay between Judea and Galilee, and so, as a matter of geography, Jesus had to travel through that territory. However, it is clear that the Lord had a greater purpose in taking that route.

V.5 See Gen 33:19. However, in Stephen’s discourse, Abraham is named as the purchaser (Acts 7:16). For a possible explanation, please see my note for Acts 7 on Oct 29^th.

V.12 Our father Jacob. The Samaritans derived from the intermarriage of Jews and non-Jews who were left in the land during the Babylonian exile.

V.32 I have food to eat means spiritual food.

4:22 The discussion in which the woman at times tries to evade Jesus’ questions and comments does revolve around fundamental truth. Jesus is careful in his questioning and discussion not to be confrontational. However he still makes the point about where salvation emanates in no uncertain terms. We must take care to, whilst avoiding confrontation, still present the clear true gospel.

4:15    In saying ‘give me this water’ we see a phrase which is later reflected – John 6:34 – where people think that some natural material would meet their needs, just like the woman.

4:10   The request of the woman for the ‘living water’ is echoed – John 7:38 – in the offer of ‘living water’

John 4:22-24. A couple -

1. v. 22. When Jesus tells the woman that salvation is of (or from) the Jews, what did he really mean?

2. vv. 23,24. What did he mean by stating that true believers must worship God "in spirit"?

1. In the first part of v. 22, Jesus puts down the whole system of Samaritan worship as a false worship. Back in 2 Kings 17, several times over, it is stated that those who settled in that area from Babylon and surrounding areas and likely intermarried with Jews who were still there after many had gone into captivity not only worshiped Yahweh but also combined that with a worship of idols. See 2Kin 17:32,33,41. So in contrast to this convoluted religion that had been inherited from past generations, true salvation was only through the God of Israel. And, for that matter, he himself, the Savior, was a Jew - and therefore the salvation he brings is of the Jews. See Zacharias' prophecy in Luke 1:76,77 where he says the same thing. Jesus' statement here reminds me of a much quoted prophecy in Zechariah (ch. 8:23) which reads, "... In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, 'Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.'" Here again "the Jew" really in the first sense must = Christ himself. Note here the last expression - "we have heard that God is with you", which is the meaning of one of Jesus' titles - Emmanuel (Isa 7:14 cp  Matt 1:22,23).

2. The straightforward answer to this is that spirit = the right attitude, so worshipers of God must do so in truth but also with the right way of thinking. If either is lacking, then the worship can't be pleasing to God. In so many churches today whose members are very sincere in their beliefs, the truth part is lacking. We, as Christadelphians, have to be concerned that we don't fall into the 2nd category of having a wrong or bad attitude in our worship of our God while still holding onto the basic principles of truth.

One writer that I read had this interesting series of thoughts on this -

"Instead of a worship of outward forms glorifying not God but a man-made temple on this mountain or that, Jesus called for worship 'in spirit and in truth.' Since God is Spirit, and not located in any one place on earth, those who would be acceptable to Him must avoid centering their worship on any earthly place and must rise above the types and outward forms of the Mosaic system to the truth of the inner spirit which the Law was designed to express. These, Jesus insisted, are the true worshipers (the word he used makes deliberate contrast with type and ceremony): 'for also the Father seeks such to worship Him.' The man who 'trembles at God's Word' (Isa 66:2) is not to be found under every roof."

4:31-32       The disciples had left to buy food – John 4:8 – but on their return Jesus does not need food. His focus is on doing God’s will and it seems that the encounter with the woman had provide all the sustenance that he required.  How important is food to us when there are things to do for God?

John 4:23-24

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

In verses 21-22, Jesus directed the woman’s attention away from the external “where” to worship to the internal “how” and “whom” to worship. The words, spirit and truth correspond to the “how” and “whom.”

Worship must engage our emotions and our thoughts. Truth without love or love without truth is meaningless to God (cf. 1Cor 13:1-6). True worship comes from people who are deeply emotional and who deeply love sound doctrine because God is love (1John 4:8,16) and His Word is truth (John 17:17).

The first thing that stands out in verse 23 is the phrase, “true worshippers.”  This implies that there are also false worshippers and not true followers of Christ. The true worshippers show great reverence toward God and are identified by the way they worship, which must be in spirit and in truth. No other kind of worship is acceptable to God! This also implies that many think they can worship God in any way they like. By using this phrase, Christ is directing us to the Bible, as it is only from this source that we can learn how to worship God the right way.

Worshipping God requires commitment, a complete change of our life, and a willingness to be obedient to all what God says.  God and Christ must be first in our lives, and this requires our commitment to them (cf. Matt 10:37). The worship God is pleased with is the worship and praise we give Him six days prior to our religious services and culminates on the first day of the week, which is not a mythical interlude in a week of reality!

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “The gods we worship write their names on our faces, be sure of that. And a man will worship something – have no doubt about that, either... That which dominates will determine life and character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping we are becoming.”

Today, worship has become more entertainment-oriented and man-centered designed to appeal a pleasure-mad society with little thought about pleasing God and a lot of false teachings passed off as truth. Yet, in every Age, God has specified how He is to be worshipped. If we worship just in spirit, we become fanatics; if we worship just in truth, we become Pharisaical, but to worship in spirit and in truth makes us true disciples, indeed.

John 4:22 We have a wonderful example here of how our lord Jeus Christ deals with individuals in the same situation differently.

John 3:15 Jesus tells a narrow minded Jew who needed his thinking enlightened that "whoever believeth shall be saved".

Here in v22 he tells the woman a gentile already enlightened that "salvation is of the Jews".

Why Does Jesus do this? If Nicodemus had been told that salvation was of the jews he would have thought, "thats ok for i am a Jew" and worked away Nicodemus needed his thinking changed.

If the woman had been told anyone could be saved she also would have walked away, instead they got an answer they werent excpecting but an answer that would stay with them as they walked away, Homework!

Isa 50:4 “ The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary.

If only i could give the right answer to every situation like our master did!

4:14   In saying that the one who drinks of the “living water” will never thirst Jesus is introducing an idea which he will return to – John 6:35

Where should we worship God?

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24

By Spirit, Jesus means that God is not bound to any earthly place, nor any earthly form. He said this in response to the woman's question in v20. By Truth, Jesus means that salvation must be obtained in the manner God stipulates, not in a way stipulated by tradition, in answer to her statement in v20 "our fathers worshipped in this mountain". It really is a matter of obedience. If God had commanded people to worship at the temple located in Jerusalem, that's what the woman's forefathers ought to have done. Instead, they built alternative gods and alternative altars, pretending God would accept that (see 1Kin 12:26-32 and Hos 10:1-8).

The lesson Jesus is bringing home to the woman and to us is that, though we have great liberty in the time and place where we worship, the manner of that worship must not be man made. It must be in truth. Truth is the substance that binds us mortal, earthly creatures to the spiritual things of God.
 

4:7-8   The request for a drink from the Samaritan woman was not an indication that Jesus was unwilling to draw water from the well, which might be implied from the way that the record says “for his disciples were gone away …”. Rather Jesus is creating an opportunity to speak to the woman about the message of salvation.

John 4:4 Jesus must needs go, not the easiest route Jesus never took the easy option in life. And a lovely reference here to Ecc 10:7. The lord had a job to do with the woman but i also feel the master "must needs go" for his own welfare also.

John 4:5-6 here we see Jesus sat on a well at Shechem. He wasnt just resting his legs he was resting his mind and encourgaing himself. What would Jesus be thinking of as he sat on that well?

Firstly Joeseph (saviour) is mentioned Joseph was called the increaser by Pharoah Gen 41:45

Jesus would also increase upon his ressurection and also liek Joseph "marry"into priesthood.

But Jesus was also sat on a well at Sechem, I beleieve Jesus was sat there thinking about all the history that went on regarding Shechem there were some bad times but also some wonderful times.

Josh 24 we see that Joshua at SHechem had bought all Israel together and reminded them how Yahweh had never let his people down by reminding them of all the things he had done for them.

As Jesus sat wearily on that well he would have reminded himself of Joshua 24 and how his father had helped Abraham, Moses and Joshua.

But Shechem also pointed forward! Gen 33:17

Firstly Shalem wasn’t a place but a state of mind, Jacob came in peace to get peace of mind.And we know that the word “booths” in the Hebrew signifies huts or permanent dwelling rather than nomdic shelters. These booths relate to the feast of tabernacles, a feast which pointed forward to a time when Israel would be settled permanently in their own land,  Zech 14:16 

And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, Yahweh of armies, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

So as he sat there he would have remembered no more weary journeys as the master had just taken he would be looking forward to that time in thee millennium age when he would find true rest.

As we get weary and we feel down let us remember the blessings in Joshua 24 and the things of Gen 33:17 that point to that millenial age. 

4:12-13      Clearly Jesus was greater than Abraham but that was not the point. Rather than answer the question and show his own position Jesus highlighted the bleak position that the woman was in – that even though she could drink of the well she would die. It is really important that we do not get bogged down with trivia when important issues need to be talked about.

4:4      In introducing “Samaria” we are being reminded of the prophecy –Isa 9:9 – that the light of IIsa 9:1-3would be seen in Samaria.

4:47-50         Whilst the nobleman requested that Jesus “come down” to heal his son he was quite happy to accept Jesus’ words that the son was cured. Such was his faith in Jesus’ ability to heal – even at a distance.

4:1  The Pharisees had gone to check out John – John 1:19-24 – and then they checked Jesus out - John 3:1-2 and what they had heard filled them with consternation. Jesus was more popular than John! What could they do? The solution, as we see in the gospels, was to deride Jesus, his preaching and his work.

John 4:20-22

“Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for [the] salvation is of (ek) the Jews.”

This was Christ’s response to the Samaritan woman when she said, “Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship” (v. 21).

The ten tribes of Israel were led into captivity by the Assyrians and most lived in Samaria (2Kin 16:5,6; 1Chron 5:26; cf. 1Kin 11:31-38). The Assyrians could not conquer Judah (2Chron 32:9-22). When Israel’s captivity ended, most of them stayed in Samaria.  Judah and Benjamin, were captured by the Babylonians, and when their captivity ended, most of them returned to Jerusalem (2Chron 36:22,23; cf. 2Kin 25:22-26).  Since the Levites were given cities within the other tribes’ land (Josh 21:1-3,41,42; cf. Deut 18:1,2), they split too, but King Jeroboam 1 and his sons of the Northern Kingdom rejected them in executing their priestly services and most of them joined themselves to Judah (2Chron 11:14; 13:9).

Jesus pointed out that worship will no longer come from any geographical location (Luke 4:21). The, is a definite article preceding salvation in the Greek. “Of,” “ek,” # <1537>, is a Greek preposition for, “out of, origin;” the “Jews” is # <2453>, “Ioudaios,” “… country… of Judaea.” “The salvation comes out of Judea” (not Samaria). Christ’s focus of salvation to the Samaritan woman was of him, a Judahite, being the only Messiah who saves, and his salvation the only plan of deliverance for all mankind, and so taught by his faithful apostles, Judahites of Judea, too. 

Today, if we live in Israel, we are Israelites; if we embrace Judaism, we are Jews, no matter who we are or where we came from. Christ did not teach that salvation is of the Jewish people, as a race, religion, or a nation. This verse is misconstrued. The majority of the Jews rejected him, clamoured for his death and sought to destroy his teachings. Most Jewish people living in Israel today, or anywhere else, are still living in unbelief that Messiah had come and most do not even know from what tribe they are from, if any. The salvation came from, or out of the tribe of Judah, not out of the tribe of Israel of Samaria. This is in context of what Christ said to the Samaritan woman. Furthermore, the word, Jew, did not originate from the Hebrews, and the tribe of Judah did not include the other 10 tribes. Christ was not limiting nor speaking of physical heredity, nor of other forms of genetic lineage (John 18:37, “everyone”; Gal 3:29; cf. Matt 21:43). https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/679454/jewish/How-Can-I-Find-Out-Which-Hebrew-Tribe-Im-From.htm/ Judaism rejects that Messiah had come because he failed to fulfil numerous Biblical prophecies including his building the Third Temple.  https://www.aish.com/jw/s/48892792.html/ https://www.premier.org.uk/Blogs/Yeshua-Explored/Jesus-in-the-Talmud/

http://www.jewfaq.org/mashiach.htm/ http://jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/8616-jesus-of nazareth/

http://www.tyndale.cam.ac.uk/Tyndale/staff/Instone-Brewer/prepub/07_Instone_Brewer.pdf/ Jews for Jesus in defense of the Talmud give parallels very similar to the Gospels, but do not give those that blasphemously describe the Jesus they say they serve! https://jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/issues-v01-n03/the-talmud-and-the-gospels/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_in_the_Talmud/ https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/160992/jewish/can-a-jew-believe-in-jesus/ https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/what-do-jews-believe-about-jesus/

The covenant people of YHWH are those who have made a covenant with Christ and are Christ’s. They are spiritual, not natural secular Israel, excluding, of course, natural Jews who embrace Messiah in Truth (Rom 11:24). Paul explained this in Rom 2:28,29. God is faithful and has always kept a remnant.

It especially hits home, because my husband was Jewish, my children are Jewish, but not practicing Jews, my father-in-law was Jewish, a colonel in the army, captured by the Nazis, tortured and murdered, and is a number among the holocaust victims. We long and pray for that day when all Israel (House of Judah and House of Israel) shall be saved and be one again in Messiah (Rom 11:25-27; Eze 37:15-28).

4:51-53 The nobleman could easily have presumed that his child had recovered naturally, especially as all Jesus said was go home and your son will live – that is be well. It was only through enquiring did he establish that it was Jesus’ words that had healed his son.

4:9 the comment about Jews not speaking with Samaritans is something we see in Jesus’ instructions, later, to his disciples – Matt 10:5. But Jesus’ later instruction is a general comment which is clearly not to be taken as an indication that the gospel could not be preached to them as individuals.

4:4 There is no specific record of Jacob giving Shechem to Joseph. However it is implies wen considering Gen 48:22 – the promise to Joseph of “one portion above thy brethren” and Josh 24:21 which states that Joseph was buried in Shechem.

4:9 Whilst the woman initially recognised Jesus as “a Jew” after having been in conversation with her she recognises him as the Messiah - :29

4:8 the significance of the need to buy food is seen a little  later when the disciples were puzzled at Jesus’ lack of need for food - :31-32