Comments for October 13

1 v.6 - We are told that Solomon (though not alone) offered 1000 burnt offerings before the Lord. One wonders how many days this would have taken. We are told quite specifically of the (one) altar that they went up to use, so it clearly there was a long spell of constant sacrificing here. God saw this as being good as the outcome is that he visits Solomon in a vision and makes him this offer of 'whatever he wants'. I wonder whether we would even contemplate sacrificing so much of our time and energy and money to God as Solomon must have done here.

1:3-4 The mention that Solomon went to Gibeon whilst the ark was at Zion catches the situation that David instituted. 1 Chronicles 16:1,37-39
There were two systems of worship in place in the days of David when he brought the ark to Zion. The Aaronic, with the Levites and the Melchisedec, with Asaph and his brethren.
Solomon chose to follow the Aaronic by going to Gibeon.

2:1 The juxtaposition of the waywardness of Solomon in the previous chapter with the abrupt change of tenor to tell us that Solomon desired to build an house for the Lord catches a dichotomy in Solomon.
There was the desire to be faithful contrasted with his waywardness.
He desired wisdom for the correct reasons but then violated the laws relating to the king thus fulfilling Samuel's words but then desires to build the house that David had worked to prepare the material for.
Whilst the Chronicles record continues here with the work of building the temple, Solomon's double mindedness is seen again. 2 Chronicles 8:11 When he took many strange wives.
The kings account continues with Solomon's waywardness without reference to the building of the temple. 1 Kings 11:1 Thus marking the wayward side of Solomon.

2:2 - The scale of this exercise was staggering for us mere mortals! I suppose if anyone reading this is a director of a large company, this may be less amazing to them, but to me it is unbelievable. We should make the same major effort to build the house of the Lord today.

1:12 & 1:16 Provide us with an interesting juxtaposition. Solomon was given 'wisdom' but took horses from Egypt in direct contravention of the command (Deuteronomy 17:16) and so we are shown an aspect of Solomon's character. He oscillated between serving God and violating His laws. This is so much like us.

2:6 Solomon's recognition of the majesty of God and that he could not be contained in a house shows an understanding which was not matched in the days of Isaiah (66:1) by which time the temple had become some sort of talisman - Israel thought that because God's temple was in Israel they would never be over run by an enemy.

A KINGDOM PICTURE
When God gave the promises to David concerning the son who would rule after him and the type of rule he would have, they had a two-fold fulfilment. The first was with Solomon and the second and complete fulfilment will be when Christ returns.
In Solomon's reign we have a glimpse of what the reign of Christ will be like - although the power and glory of Solomon will be nothing compare to the power and glory of Jesus Christ when he returns. So what we read here are only shadows of what the reign of Christ will be like.
Jesus was the greater son of Solomon. Though we hardly hear of the wisdom of Jesus - he was more wise than Solomon. His reign will have more peace than Solomon's. Solomon made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made Cedars and plentiful as the Sycamore fig trees in the foothills. We read in Revelation of the New Jerusalem, that the city was made of pure gold and in Isaiah, that the fruitful field will become like a forest.
But the most exciting part of the reign of Christ is that we can be part of it and enjoy it. We can only look back on Solomon's reign, but we can look forward to the return of Christ.

1:7 'Ask what I shall give thee' is the basis for Matthew 7:7

2:11 Huram's use of The LORD indicates a degree of understanding of the God of Israel - probably as a consequence of David's instruction.

LOVE AND REWARDS

When I asked for a volunteer from among my children to do a job for me, only one of them came running up to me, saying, "I'll do it dad!" I was touched by his eagerness and enthusiasm to help. Perhaps the contrast from the lack of response from the others made his eagerness seem even more outstanding. As a result, I decided to reward him for his good deed. When my other son saw the reward, he also wanted to help - but the opportunity had passed. The reward was for the willing volunteers - not for those who do something just for what they can get out of it.

Solomon was also rewarded in this way. In his love for the LORD, Solomon enquired of him in Gibeon, offering 1000 burnt offerings on the altar there. Little did Solomon know that there was to be a reward for his devotion. Solomon's act was done out of love. But God saw what he had done and offered Solomon anything he wanted.

What we need to notice is the process. Firstly Solomon showed his love and devotion to the LORD. Then God gave him a reward. Let's not show love to our God because of the rewards he might give us, but be genuine, loving him for what he has done regardless of whether there are rewards to follow or not.

1:10 In speaking of going out and coming in Solomon is using the language of a shepherd. Num 27:17 shows Moses, in his old age, seeking a replacement lest the people be like sheep without  a shepherd.

2:18 So we see that the kingdom of God, under Solomon's rulership had 153,600 gentiles in it. We see further, that they worked in the kingdom even to the extent that 3,600 were overseers. Gentile involvement in the kingdom has always been part of God's plan.

1:14 Even though the law clearly stated that a king should not multiply horses(Deut 17:16). Solomon still had a passion for horses that was greater than that of any Israelitish monarch, before or after him. His stud comprised of fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses. Even though he bought and sold for profit, it was still a prohibited indulgence for a king.

Solomon started his reign in a very Godly manner.  He already had the ark in Jerusalem, in the tent David had made for it, but he still went the five or so miles north of Jerusalem to Gibeon, where the rest of the Tabernacle was, to worship God there. 

1:3 Yahweh hated high places because there the pagan nations performed their idolatrous sacrifices. Thus, when the Israelites entered the Land, they were told to destroy the high places (Num 33:52).

Israel was to worship Yahweh at Shiloh (Josh 18:1). The ark was taken from Shiloh when the Philistines defeated Israel and never went back (1Sam 4:1-5). It was then that Gibeon became the major center of worship prior to the temple (1Chron 21:29).

Gibeon, meaning hill place, was a natural high place as it rose some 2400 ft.  Gibeon was considered an acceptable place for worship which continued until the temple was operative (1Chron 16:39,40).

2:1 The duty of building the temple was reserved for Solomon; as soon as he became king, he addressed himself to the work, and the writer, in proceeding to give an account of the building, begins with relating the preliminary arrangements.

2:11,16 Jerusalem and Tyre are both blessed at this time with peace and wealth.  Contrast their situation to that which we have been reading about recently in Ezekiel. 

Jerusalem was doomed for destruction and her people taken captive.  That finality occurred in 586 BC.  The prophecy of Tyre's destruction was realized about 250 years later by the hand of Alexander the Great. 

As great and spectacular as Solomon's kingdom was, it did not last.  But it did foreshadow the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus which will be greater in magnificence and scope, and will never be destroyed (Dan 2:44; Luke 1:32,33).

1:13  Gibeon to Jerusalem is about 5 miles – 8 kilometres. Hardly a long way even in Solomon’s days, hardly what we would call a ‘journey’. The word ‘journey’ is used, not because of the distance, but because of the purposefulness of Solomon. He had gone to Gibeon to stand before the tabernacle even though the ark was in Jerusalem.

2:3 We learnt that David’s house was ‘of cedar’ –2Sam 7:2  – but David made no mention of the involvement of Hiram in the work. Solomon’s comment fills in some details about David’s home that we do not learn in the historical event of that time.

2:7 It is interesting to note that Solomon only asked for one who was capable of directing workers from all areas. Not unlike Bezaleel (Exo 34:31). The workers who David had gathered together for this work (1Chron 14:1) were still in Jerusalem, and would have instructed others in the various trades, such as masonry and carpentry.

1:9 Solomon’s prayer that the promises to David might be ‘established’ echoes 1Chron 17:23 where David prayed that the promises might be ‘established’.

1:16 Here is an indication that Solomon was moving away from the sort of kingdom that David maintained. There is no record of David having had any horses at all.

1:14-17 Solomon had received wisdom and knowledge from Yahweh (1:12).  And yet, he contravened the Law by multiplying horses (Deut 17:16). There was no prohibition on Kings' owning horses, but they were not allowed to create a cavalry like the nations around.  Yahweh would fight for Israel, and having a cavalry showed lack of faith in the arm of the Almighty (Psa 140:7; 147:10; Prov 21:31). 

2:3,11 Huram (Hiram) the King of Tyre was a Phoenician, not to be confused with the worker of the same name who was a half-Jew (2:13).  The worker's mother is listed here as being of the tribe of Dan (2:14).  However, she is listed as being of the tribe of Naphtali in 1Kin 7:13,14.

2:12 In talking of the God of Israel as the God ‘that made heaven and earth’ we see an indication of Hiram’s understanding about the God of Israel – probably an indication of the instruction that he had received from David.

1:3,4 Although the ark was now installed in Jerusalem, sacrifice could not be made there. The altar of sacrifice, which was made by command of Moses in the wilderness, was still at Gibeah (1Kin 3:4). Now, Zadok, as high priest, would offer these sacrifices (1Chron 16:39,40).

1:5 Bezaleel was an inspired artisan under the command of Moses (Exo 31:2-5).

1:10 Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge, which Yahweh granted (1:12). And yet, these qualities did not prevent Solomon from sinning according to the Law.

Moses had expressly forbidden kings of Israel from amassing horses, and from returning to Egypt (Deut 17:16). And yet, that is exactly what Solomon did (1:14,16,17).

Obedience to Yahweh has nothing to do with how much wisdom we possess. It has to do with making our will His.

2:2 These men were conscripted by Solomon as labourers. They were the children of the foreign nations still found in the Land.  Men of Israel were not conscripted as labourers (1Kin 9:21,22).

However, the people of Israel were taxed to pay for the expenses of the work (1Kin 9:15).

It was the burden of taxation that drove Israel to complain to Rehoboam, Solomon’s son (1Kin 12:4).

It is easy to be impressed by Solomon’s wisdom and wealth, and the grand projects in which he was involved. His visitors, like the Queen of Sheba, were wowed (1Kin 10:8). But, let us not forget the unhappiness of Israel as they were forced to pay for the temple and Solomon's house.

Of course, the people’s anger was instrumental in thrusting Jeroboam to power, and the split in the kingdom.

2:16 See 1Kin 5:9.

1:14  After the wonderful description of the way in which Solomon sought wisdom we see that wisdom did not prevent him making unwise decisions about how to organise his own life.

2Chron 2:7 - archaeology has shown evidence of Israel's backwardness during this time period regarding the engraving arts.

2Chron 2:15-16 - is it possible we have a foreshadowing echo of Christ's anointing sacrifice which along with wood floating through the sea perhaps reminds us of Noah's ark, the baby Moses in the basket, and Christ's burial/baptism for both Jew and Gentile?

GREAT GOD, GREAT TEMPLE

As Solomon was explaining his plans for building God's temple to Hiram king of Tyre, he said this, "The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods." (2Chron 2:5)

Solomon had his priorities right. Because God is Great, he was going to do a Great Job. It was going to be one of the most magnificent buildings in the world of that time. Solomon spared no expense in the work he undertook. The skill of his craftsmen was the greatest available, the materials were nothing but the best, and the result was magnificent. Not only was the temple an amazing work in itself, but it lived up to it's purpose in giving glory to God.

In a different context, the apostle Paul says, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body." (1Cor 6:19-20) If our bodies are the temple of God, just as the building Solomon made was a temple of God, then we must grow ourselves and keep ourselves to give glory to God. We must give him the very best of our lives - our time, money, energy and devotion. Nothing but the best is suitable for the temple we are building for our God.

1:1     There are two elements of Solomon’s stability in the kingdom. One was his status amongst the people and, more importantly, secondly his status with God. There is no value in being a successful ruler if God is not with you. We must not rely on our own abilities but must also do things which please God.

2:1   In reading that “Solomon determined ...” we might be led to think that building the temple was Solomon’s idea. However we know from other parts of Scripture that David had set the work in motion. So what we are learning here is that Solomon was equally committed to the work. He “bought into” the things that David had started. He did not simply carry on because his father had started the work. Are we committed in the same way, or do we just get involved because the work has already started?

Scarce supply and incredible demand

The implication of the verses 2Chron 1:13-17, placed here after God's promise of riches, is that it was these chariots that made Solomon rich. We know already that Egypt had chariots as early as at the time of Joseph (see Gen 41:43 and Exo 14:6) which is perhaps the earliest record of this luxury item, fastest mode of transport and fearful instrument of war. By Solomon's day, Egypt had already had centuries of expertise in building and refining their designs, so these chariots would have been the best available. Solomon embarks on a state owned business venture, buying chariots at wholesale prices, stocking them, and exporting them via his salesmen and agents in other countries. When you consider the distance involved you can appreciate that it would be impossible for a person from Syria to go and buy one of these from Egypt himself, so by offering this service, Solomon made the most desirable item in the world at the time available to the people who had money but no option to own one. Also on a national level, unless the kings of Syria and the Hittites had a treaty with Egypt, which is unlikely, they would never be able to trade with them. This is an extreme example of unmet demand, and it appears that satisfying that demand paid very well!

The extravagance in building the temple spilled over into Solomons life and this was his downfall. We dont know for sure but Solomon must have had a privilaged upbringing and now he saw witness to a beautiful house of God.

Let us remember this with our children and not shower them and programme them into think possesions will make us happy!

Solomon had been "programmed"perhaps to enjoy the good life, no wonder Yahweh warned him 3 times about turning his back on God Yahweh knew his weakness!

1Kin 7:1-8 We see that Solomon built a house for himself so large it took 13 years and also a house for pharoahs daughter.

1Kin 10:28 we see he ammassed chariots and horses, these were a weapon of war but not at this time they were a symbol of wealth. Egypt built chariots of gold encrusted with jewels solomon began distributing them but ultimalty he had an eye for a fancy chariot himself. Yahweh had bought Israel out of Egypt but now they went back there and took of its goods and pleasures letting them become idols. The fancy chariot is the sign of the vehicles we drive around in, what do we do with a bit of spare cash that comes through out success at work? Do we buy a fancy chariot that we cannot really afford to park on our drives to show our wealth and success. (a humvee would be the modern day equivalent of a chariot)!

Our success and wealth comes from God, just like Solomon but let it be a blessing not a curse, let us when we return to Egypt to buy our goods let them not become idols like they did with Solomon.

Ecc 1:8

We remember what ever wealth we get we are never satisified.

1:11   Solomon did not seek things for himself and consequently was blessed by God with things he had not asked for.  Solomon, here, is an example of selfless service to God. How often are our prayers peppered with our selfish desires rather than being willing to leave things in God’s hands? 

1:10    Solomon asked for “wisdom”. Paul prays that we might be given the spirit of wisdom – Eph 1:17. We should imitate Solomon’s desire rather than seek things for ourselves.

2 Chronicles 2

Here at the high point of Israel's history, the cracks are starting to show. Notice in v14 that this man is an Israelite of the tribe of Dan, but his mother married a man from Tyre. The area of Dan is the Northernmost part of Israel, neighboring Tyre, and we gain a clue here that Israel was potentially already losing its will to be a nation separated to God, and marrying into the nations around them. Another marriage between a woman of Sidon (near Tyre) and a man of Israel would show how ill advised such a marriage could be, for they worshipped other gods (1Kin 16:31).

1:7    The inference in “ask what I shall give thee” is that the request will be met. So we have to conclude that God knew Solomon’s heart and so knew the sort of thing he would ask for. The counterpart for us is to ask according to His will 1John 5:4.

2:8    Whilst the work was “of God” Solomon saw the need to use skilled men to provide what was required. It is not good enough to be half hearted in the things of God. Whenever we are in His service we must give of our best.

1:1      We must realise that God sets up kings and deposes them. This is true of both gentile kings and Israel’s kings. Some are good and some are not and some, like Solomon, are a mixture of good and bad. We need to learn from both aspects of Solomon’s character.

2:2    The six hundred to “oversee” is the word translated “musician” in the 55 Psalm titles which speak of the “chief musician”.

1:5 We learn a detail here that ads to what David is recorded as having done in 1Chron 17:37-42. For there is no information there about the brazen altar.

2:6 We can learn from Solomon’s humility. He was greater than any of us. However he saw the great work that he was involved in was of little consequence when compared to the greatness of God. We all do things in service to our heavenly father. The danger is that we might start to think that what we are doing or have done is of great significance. It may have been from our point of view. It may have cost us a lot of effort and time. But we really do need to remember that it is only small when compared to the majesty of the Creator. What we do is not for our aggrandisement – it should be for the glory of God and in the process it should help our spiritual development.

1:1 When we read that God “magnified him greatly” we should realise that we are being told that the kings of the nations around Israel had respect for Solomon. This is seen in detail when the Queen of Sheba comes to visit Solomon – 2Kin 10:1

2:4 The temple that Solomon was going to build was to be magnificent. A lesser man would have presented the temple as his own work and for his own glory. Nebuchadnezzar was just like when he boasted about his building of Babylon – Daniel 4:30 – but notice Solomon’s focus. The “house” was to be for “the name of the lord my God”. Do we see our achievements as for our glory or for the glory of God?

THE PRIVILEGE OF SLAVES

Solomon conscripted a slave labour force to build the temple of the LORD. His slaves were made up of all the aliens in the land – those who were left from the time when Joshua led Israel into Canaan.

“Then Solomon counted all the resident aliens who were in the land of Israel, after the census of them that David his father had taken, and there were found to be 153,600. Seventy thousand of them he assigned to bear burdens, 80,000 to quarry in the hill country, and 3,600 as overseers to make the people work.” (2Chron 2:17-18).

Looking at it from the point of view of the slaves, it could have seemed quite a burden to be made a slave again when they had been free for so long. It wouldn’t have seemed fair. But there is an upside to this story. These slaves were given the grand privilege of building the temple of the LORD. They cut the stones, hauled the logs and carried the nails for the greatest structure ever built for the Living God – the greatest the world had ever seen.

Sometimes we may feel as if life isn’t treating us fairly, as I am sure the slaves felt. But God has plans for us even in those trying circumstances: his glory may be growing right under our noses.

1:8-10 the Kings account of this prayer is to be found in 1Kin 3:6-9

v.7 - The idea of Israel no longer polluting the name of the Lord must surely refer to the time of the kingdom, where spiritual Israel will dwell in peace and righteousness. The idea of the pollution being no longer is also set out in ch. 20:9,14,39

39:17 speak to every feathered fowl Revelation 19:17
39:17 assemble yourselves together Revelation 19:17
39:18 ye shall ... of princes Revelation 19:18

The destruction of God here passes into Biblical use as a pattern. We should not confuse the events described in Ezekiel 39 with those in Revelation 19. Just as the numerous references to Babylon in Revelation do not refer to actual Babylon but what it is typical of so it is with Gog in Revelation. It draws on the patterns of things revealed in Ezekiel.

v.29 - regardless of everything, Israel are forgiven. We should be greatly encouraged by the disposition which the Father has to save us. Let us lean on Him in all things.

39:23 We should realise that the destruction of Gog is designed to show the world why Israel have been taken into captivity. It was not to be a time of gloating by Israel.

39:23, 29 Notice the contrast. Whereas God hid his face from Israel He would do this no more when the kingdom is established. So all Israel will be saved' (Romans 11:26)

39:8 "It is done" is quoted in Rev 16:17. Here we have Ezekiel's final judgement spoken of which is echoed in the battle of Armageddon. The evil of man is finished because God has intervened to save His people. 

V.6 In addition to the destruction of Gog's armies upon the mountains as Israel, we are now told that "the fire of (God's) wrath" Eze 38:19 will extend beyond the confines of the Middle East battleground and will penetrate the home territories of Gog and its allies.  

V.1 etc. We should watch the signs appearing in the political heavens but we should also watch how we are walking so that we are ready to receive our Lord when he appears.  His caution in Mark 13:32-37 should give us pause for thought.

Eze 39:11
Hamon-gog, or "Multitude of Gog" will be quite a sight and a huge reminder to those travelling to the Temple in the Kingdom age. We are told the location of the "valley of the passengers" is east of the sea (that is, the Dead Sea). So the lesson is that, while the passengers are travelling to Jerusalem for worship, they walk up and around the right side of the dead sea until they reach this City of Death(ie. Hamoanah). Coming now around the North side of the Dead Sea, and then crossing the Jordan, they would then walk the Valley of Hope(Hos 2:15, Isa 65:10).
So there is a reminder of the Wages of Sin=Death as they pass Hamon-Gog, and also again when approaching the Valley of Achor. Achor was named such after Achan took goods from the siege of the Amorites(at Jericho). Achor, meaning troubling, becomes a door of hope for those who are joined to the Bride. The travellers to the Temple will see the great blessings poured out on Israel as they see their herds lying down there as well. Every step without and within the Millennial Temple will have lessons and reminders for all travelling to it. 

GOD'S COMPASSION
 
When we think back to some of the earlier chapters in Ezekiel, and remember the way in which the people of Judah, with their idol worship, rejection of God and immoral behaviour, tested God's patience to the limit, we could wonder how he could ever bring himself to say what we now read in Ezekiel 39.  "Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will now bring Jacob back from captivity and will have compassion on all the people of Israel, and I will be zealous for my holy name.  They will forget their shame and all the unfaithfulness they showed towards me when they lived in safety in their land with no-one to make them afraid." (Eze 39:25-26)
 
Reading of God's compassion on such a disobedient, unfaithful people, gives us an awesome hope for ourselves.  Even though we are sinners, he is willing to forgive and forget all that we have done in the past.  He will have compassion on us and love us.  God wants us to be part of his family. 
 
Few of us have disappointed him as much as Israel did, but even if we did, God's compassion can overlook those offences against him. When we are forgiven he will forget our sins and we will never have to bear the shame and guilt of them again.
 
Let's be thankful that our God is so compassionate.

The world is to learn great lessons from Israel. Eze 39:23 says that the heathen will know that Israel’s captivity was because of their sin. They sinned and were punished, but now, (in Christ’s Kingdom), the Jews have returned. Never again are they to be separated from God (Eze 39:29).  What a wonderful way for the prophet to conclude this part of his forth-telling!

39:9-10  The description of what will happen to the weapons of war when Gog is destroyed does not match what happens at the moment and has happened in the past. An army would loot the slain and recover what weaponry was useful from the defeated army. Israel will have no need of weaponry at this time.

39:9 The burning of the weapons of war fits in with Isaiah’s description of the kingdom when nations ‘will not learn war any more’ – Isa 2:4

39:28-29 The spiritual regeneration of Israel will be seen after the destruction of the northern invader. It is that event which will finally cause them to realise that they cannot rely upon their own strength.

Vs.4,6 When Gog (representing Russia) invades the land of Israel, Gog will be destroyed.  Jesus and His immortalised saints will annihilate the enemy.  Moreover, Yahweh will send a conflagration to the motherland of Russia which shall be residing confidently.

39:27 The return of the Jews at the moment is not seen by any other than Bible believers that God is working with the Jews. However when the kingdom is established God’s dealings with the Jews will be understood by all the world.

V.2 The mountains of Israel represent the mountainous heartland of Israel, that is Judea and Samaria (The West Bank). We know that Israel shall be dwelling safely on the mountains of Israel when Russia and its allies invade the Land (Eze 38:8).

And so, let us keep watch as Israel creates more and more settlements in Judea and Samaria. Despite protests from the world community, settlements will go ahead because Yahweh has decreed that it shall be so.

The mountains of Israel, which are today barren, have settlements sprouting up on them. Soon, the mountains shall be truly settled as more and more Israelis occupy that area.

It is no surprise that it is the religious Jews who are spearheading the push for settlements, as they claim that the territory properly belongs to Israel by the promise of Yahweh.

V.4 Invading Russia and its allies will be destroyed by Jesus and the Redeemed on the mountains of Israel . This event is known as Armageddon (Rev 16:16). It is Yahweh’s judgement on the nations.

But, before peace ensues, and the Kingdom is established, further trouble will occur as Catholic-led Europe will confront Jesus and the Redeemed. They too will be quashed. Then, the Kingdom period will begin.

Stay tuned to the notes on Revelation for further details.

V.11 Hamon-gog means the multitude of Gog.

V.16 Hamonah means multitude.

39:2 Doubtless Gog will think that she has decided what to do however we must note that God says ‘I will ...’ marking the point that God is in control of world affairs – Dan 4:17

39:2,4,17        Apart from one mention of the ‘mountains of Israel’ in Josh 11:21 all the other 15 occurrences are in the prophecy of Ezekiel where it seems that the term is used to speak of the hill country of Judea – the area surrounding Jerusalem and Northwards.      

39:4  The fact that the armies of Gog will fall on the mountains of Israel is like the destruction of the Assyrian army in the days of Hezekiah -  2Kin 19:35

1. Eze 39:1-16 - the burial of Gog's army:

2. Eze 39:2 - KJV - "and leave but the sixth part of thee"(<8338> might be better translated "and lead thee along"); "north"<6828> "parts"<3411> indicates the extreme border or uttermost parts of the north.

3. Eze 39:3-5 - Gogian confederacy is destroyed at "Armageddon" (Rev 16:16).

4. Eze 39:4 - "birds...beasts" apparently are not literal (e.g. Jer 12:9).

5. Eze 39:6 - KJV - "carelessly"<983>..."Isles"<339> suggests the allies of Gog will face destruction too (great earthquake and cities of the nations destroyed Rev 16:18-19).

8. Eze 39:8;Rev 16:17 - "it is done".

9. Eze 39:9,12,14 - three mentions of "seven"<7651> which many feel can represent the covenant number, God's seal, the number of spiritual perfection, to be full or satisfied, the millennial day of rest.

10. Eze 39:10 - "they shall spoil those who spoiled them" (somewhat similar to Exo 12:35-36).

11. Eze 39:11 - "graves"<6913>, "valley"<1516>, "passengers"<5674>, "Hamongog"(<1996> now known as "the ravine of the passengers" and located on the east side of the Dead Sea).

12. Eze 39:12,14,16;37:23 - the same word is used for "cleanse"<2891> - Ezek 39 is referring to cleansing the land while Ezekiel 37 is referring to cleansing the people; according to the law of Moses wouldn't the people traditionally be cleansed after touching the dead? If the law of Moses pattern still holds true these chapters are not in exact chronological order with chapter 37 primarily being an encouraging overview of the future.

13. Eze 39:17-20 - the sacrificial feast:

14. Eze 39:17 - "feathered<3671> fowl<6833>...beast<2416> of the field<7704>" would seem to be referring to the nations (Dan 4:12;Jer 12:9); "gather yourselves on every side to my 'sacrifice'<2077> that I 'do sacrifice'<2076> for you" - this sacrifice is a feast that will confirm the millennial covenant into which the nations will enter so that man may recognize the folly of his sin, it is probably not a literal feast but rather an acknowledgement. 

15. Eze 39:17-20 is similar to Rev 19:17-18.

16. Eze 39:20 - "filled at my table" (reminds me of Mal 1:7,11;Luke 22:16,18-20).

17. Eze 39:21-29 - Israel restored:

18. Eze 39:25,28 - "Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be 'jealous'<7065> 'for my holy'<6944> 'name'<8034>...I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there" - none in the 12 tribes will be in exile, they will all be regathered to Israel.

19. Eze 39:28-29 - "Then they shall know that I am the Lord their God (Zech 12:10-11)...Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured 'my spirit'<7307> upon the house of Israel". 

Possible order of events after the return of Christ:

Israel is secure and at peace before Christ comes (Eze 38:8,11,12); Christ comes (Rev 16:15); resurrection and judgment (1Thess 4:16;2Thess 2:1;Dan 12:2;1Pet 4:17;Rev 16:15;2Cor 5:10;1Cor 4:5); Gogian confederacy invades Israel (Ezek 38;Joel 2 and 3;Zech 14;Dan 11:40-45); Israel cries to God for help (Joel 2:12-17); Israel overrun (Eze 38:9;Dan 11:41-45;Jer 30:4-7;Zech 14:1-2;Joel 2:1-10); 2/3 of Israel die (Zech 13:8); Gog's army marches down to Egypt (Dan 11:42-43);Gog is alarmed by tidings out of the east and north and marches from Egypt to destroy (Dan 11:44); Gog heads toward Jerusalem (Joel 3:1-2,9-16); great Olivet earthquake (Zech 14:3-4;Rev 16:18;Eze 38:19-23); way of escape for Jews but destruction for Gogian host (Zech 14:4-5;Isa 24:6,17-23;Eze 38:19-23;Joel 2:20;Isa 17:12-14;Eze 39:11); Jesus reveals himself to Israel (Isa 63:1-6;Zech 13:6;12:10-14); temple started (Amos 9:11-13;Acts 15:16;Zech 6:12-15;Ezek.40-48); order restored, Israel rallies, army formed (Eze 37:10;Jer 51:19-23;Zech 10:3-5); world is called upon to submit or face judgments (Rev 14:6-7;Isa 18:3-5); Elijah sent before coming judgments on nations (Mal 4:4-6); local enemies of Israel subdued (Isa 11:14); Christ prepares Israel to carry war to nations (Psa.2;Mic 4:11;5:8); Israel moves north to free Jews (Jer 3:12-18); apostate church with european coalition prepares to resist Christ and the saints (Rev 17:4-6,9,12-14;19:7-9,11-21); the apostate church with european coalition is subdued (Rev 14:14-16;17:14;14:8-11;Dan 7:11); apostate church sentenced by divine decree (Rev.18; Rev.17; Rev.19); Volcanic action destroys capital city of the apostate church (Rev.18); rest of world eventually subdued and converted (Rev 14:17-20;Psa 110:2,6); All of the 12 tribes gathered in Israel (Isa 11:11-16;Jer 16:14-18); temple consecrated and first passover celebrated (Eze 43:18-27;45:21;Matt 6:10;5:5); nations begin to go to Jerusalem to keep the feast of tabernacles and law from Jerusalem (Zech 14:16;Mic 4:1-7); at the end of the 1000 year millennium there is a last rebellion to be crushed (Rev 20:1-3,7-10); those not resurrected and/or given immortality when Christ comes in his glory (see Rev 16:15) will be subject to mortality while having opportunity of being taught, hence the term second death (Rev 20:5-6,12-15); at the very end of the millennium with sin erradicated and even the last enemy death itself put to death, Christ will turn the kingdom on earth over to his Father who is God (Rom 8:13;Eph 5:5;1Cor 15:52-57;Rev 20:14;1Cor 15:24-28).

Some of the above was gleaned from a Bible insert originally by John Hensley and printed in Livonia, Michigan, USA. Im not sure regarding the usage of Ezekiel 40-48 as to its appropriateness, there are a number of theories regarding Ezekiel 40-48.

39:26  The promise of a time when the people would dwell afraid echoes an earlier prophet – Mic 4:4 – who is looking to the coming kingdom of God on earth 

Multitudes

The armies that come against Israel in this prophecy are specifically called a "multitude" throughout this chapter. The burial place of this great army and the town that springs up there to support the burial workers are called Hamon Gog and Hamon respectively, meaning "multitude of Gog" and "multitude". This word is useful for us to see what other prophecies apply to this same time. Doing a word search we find equivalent prophecies in Isaiah 29 and Joel 3, both of which describe the burying of multitudes that come against Israel.

Finding key words in a prophecy is an easy way to help us find other equivalent prophecies in other books of the Bible.

39:29 When Ezekiel speaks of God pouring out His spirit on Israel we see a re-presentation of what an earlier prophet said – Joel 2:28

39:1  This the last of the 13 times that Ezekiel is told to “prophesy against”. The only other use of the phrase is to be found in Jer 26:12

39:6     “carelessly” is translated “securely” in the RV. An indication that no matter how secure man feels in his own eyes God can overthrow his position.

39:29   The way in which God says He will not hide His face from Israel contrasts with Deut 31:17-18 where God sad he would hide His face from rebellious Israel.

39:19    Judgment on Gog was a sacrifice that God made on Israel’s behalf. It was not just wanton destruction of one of Israel’s enemies.

Eze 39:9 Wood was used to build chariots in Ezekiel’s day and was a natural fuel, but in modern times steel is used, not wood. Wrong!

The Dutch developed a high-tech wood composite named lignostone as a fuel source which the Russians have adapted for military use. It’s relatively lightweight, supposedly stronger than steel and resists nuclear radiation, hence Russia uses it in the construction of their military vehicles and weapons. However, after God has destroyed Gog’s army, Israel will put it to better use as a fuel source, which will last them for seven years. ‘they shall set on fire and burn the weapons ... (for) seven years.’

39:13 Notice again the focus. God is going to get involved in what happens in Israel so that the nations will recognise Him and glorify Him

39:4     “The mountains of Israel” answer, to a large extent today, to what is called the West Bank which implies that Israel at this time will be in possession of that are of the land of Israel.

Eze 39:1,6,11

“AND you, O Son of man, prophesy against China and say, Thus says the LORD God: Behold, I am against you, O China, the ruler and the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal… And I will send a fire on Mongolia, and on the people who dwell peacefully in the *islands; and they shall know that I am the LORD…

 And it shall come to pass on that day I will give to China a place there for burial in the land of Israel, the great valley which is east of the sea; and they shall close off the valley; and there they shall bury China and all his army; and it shall be called the valley of the annihilation of China.”

HOLY BIBLE FROM THE ANCIENT EASTERN TEXT, George M. Lamsa’s translation from the ARAMAIC OF THE PESHITTA. * Footnote for the “islands,” is identified as Japan.

In addition to the comments given on Eze 38:2, we find in Isa 49:12, the word Sinim is # <5515>, “unknown name… a distant Oriental region.” Then in Gen 10:17; and 1Chron 1:15, we have the word Sinite, # <5513>, “unknown name of a man; a Sinite, or descend of one of the sons of Canaan:-Sinite.”

Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible (1879) defines the word as "a people in the far east; the Chinese?" The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915) says, "The land is clearly far off, and it must be sought either in the South or in the East. Septuagint points to an eastern country. Many scholars have favored identification with China, the classical Sinae. It seems improbable that Jews had already found their way to China; but from very early times trade relations were established with the Far East by way of Arabia and the Persian Gulf; and the name may have been used by the prophet simply as suggesting extreme remoteness....While no certain decision is possible, probability points to the East, and China cannot be quite ruled out." Modern translations of the Bible tend to translate Sinim as Syene (ancient Aswan) because the Great Isaiah Scroll of the Dead Sea Scrolls uses that word.

The Bible speaks of the prophetic role of China in the end-times, and this includes all the ethnic groups of the Mongoloid race living in China. They are descended from Noah’s son, Japheth (Gen 10:2). “The son of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras” (KJV 1611; cf. Gen 9:22-27).

The Aramaic Version reads: “The sons of Japheth were Gomer, Mongolia, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.” Mongol is derived from the name Magog. Mongolia is equated with Magog with no descendants listed. However, Josephus wrote: “Magog founded those that from him were named Magogites, but who are by the Greeks called Scythians.” Flavius Josephus: Josephus: The Complete Works - Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org) The Scythians lived in an area that stretched from the Russian steppes into modern-day China and Mongolia. The Scythian culture extended over 2,000 miles covering Ukraine, Russia, to Mongolia, a part of East Asia/China. Mongolia is bordered by Russia to its North and China to its south. Numerous mixed tribes settled here, but the majority who dwelt in the land of Magog were Mongolic and Turkic tribes.

Sinim refers to the Oriental region called China, and the Sinite are its inhabitants. Another Biblical name for China is Chittim (Gen 10:4; Isa 23:1). “THE burden of Tyre, Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.” Chittim, # <3794>, denotes “Cyprus… an islander.” It applies both to the nation, or land of China and its isles, because it was their progenitors that first populated Cyprus and gave it its name. In the Aramaic Bible, Chittim  is translated as China (Cp. Isa 23:1; Jer 2:10; Eze 27:6).  “Because the Khitans controlled the overland trade and communication route from China through Central Asia to Europe, China was called Cathay [Kitai]), after the Khitans. The designation first applied to north China, but later designated all of China. It is a name the Russians still use for China today.” https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature/read/1282-isaiahs-end-time-vision/2034/

News reports allege President Putin has cancer and possibly Parkinson’s disease.  If this is true and he does not survive through this war, expected to be a long one, then, without question, China’s President will take the helm. Regardless, we should not overlook China’s role being also north and far east of Israel since the majority of prophecy scholars tend to focus only on Russia to the far north of Israel.

39:21 God’s plan is to fill the earth with the knowledge of His glory – Hab 2:14 – It might be difficult to see how this is going to be achieved. However the pride and arrogance of man has to be destroyed. Thus the battle described here, gruesome as it seems, will be necessary.

There is a counterpart in our own personal lives. Pride in each of us is potentially a great threat to our fellowship with our God. Where pride reigns acknowledgment of God is absent. We have a job to do now so that we can be with Christ in his kingdom showing the knowledge of God’s glory.

39:2-6 When a nation eventually comes against Israel in their own land it will look as if it is the most natural event. But notice how often the word “I” is found in these verses. It is Yahweh who will do this in order that His name is eventually glorified in the earth. Is everything we do designed to show God’s glory?

39:11 the aftermath of the destruction of Gog is spoken of here. It echoes the words of the earlier prophet who writes of the same event – Joel 2:20

v.3 tells us that there were a multitude of people there waiting for the stirring of the waters. So why did Jesus pick just this one man? As always, it must be because just this one man had the faith to be healed. As always it is a remnant that are saved.

5:1 John mentions a number of feasts in his gospel record. Four of them are Passovers. These are all of them
John 2:13 is the first Passover mentioned in John
John 5:1 is the second Passover mentioned in John
John 6:4 is the third Passover mentioned in John
John 11:55 is the fourth Passover mentioned in John

The narrative of the healing of the lame man at the pool echoes language used of Israel just before they entered the land of Canaan under Joshua.

This man had been in the 'wilderness' and was about to enter a kind of 'rest' effected by 'Joshua' / Jesus. Israel should have seen that Jesus was bringing the true freedom which Joshua did not actually bring. (Hebrews 4:6)

:19 Whist we may use Jesus' comment to 'prove' that he was not equal to God - and this is true - we must realise that Jesus is advertising his total reliance on the words and teaching of his Father in heaven.

5:27 Jesus has been given authority to execute judgment because he is 'the son of man'. The relationship between these two issues - judgment and son of man is this. Because of Jesus' humanity he is qualified to pronounce judgment on mortals - he shares their feelings (Matt 8:17, Heb 5:1-2)

V.6 Could anyone doubt that a sick man would like to be made whole, or that the patients came thither, and this man had returned again and again, just in hope of a cure? But Jesus asked the question. "Wilt thou be made whole"  By making him detail his case to deepen in him the feeling of entire helplessness, without the One who would heal him. Not unlike our helplessness without him, the more we realize and think about it, the stronger each one of us become.

V.30 In this chapter Jesus clearly illustrates that he is the Son of God and not God Himself.  He has derived His life and power from His Father.  He is dedicated to doing His Father's will, being the image of His Father (2Cor 4:4).

The close relationship of Jesus to His Father and their oneness of purpose should not cloud the fact that Jesus and His Father are two separate persons.

5:11-12 Whilst it might be that the man who had been healed did not know the name of the man who had healed him it may well be that he describes him in the way he does to emphasise, without saying it, that if a man could heal him then he had the right also to allow the man to carry his bed on the Sabbath.

HONOUR
 
"Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgement to the Son, that all may honour the Son just as they honour the Father. He who does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent him." (John 5:22-23)
 
The word "honour" that is used in these verses is the one that is also used in the New Testament quotations of the fifth commandment, "Honour your father and mother." The same word is also used when we read, "These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." (Matt 15:8)
 
We can see from these uses that giving honour to Christ is a way of life. It is not something that is just tacked on to the end of prayers: "...through Jesus name, amen." Rather it is a way of life that honours Jesus and puts him in a high place in every aspect. It involves honouring him with our lips - giving him praise and lifting him up before other people. It involves honouring him with our wealth, possessions, time and conversation as we would do for our parents. And it involves honouring him with our hearts as we put him in pride of place above everything else that is important in our lives.
 
In honouring Jesus, we honour God. let's give them the honour they deserve today and every day.

WALKING IN THE LIGHT

There is an interesting play on the word "light". In verse 35 Jesus called John "a burning and shinning light". The Greek word "luchnos", indicates, a portable lamp, such as was used at night to travel short distances. The light would flare up for a moment and then flicker out. And so was John. He flared up for a moment in time so that people could see themselves for what they were, before the had to stand before the great and true "light" John 1:9 (Jesus)

Here is John 1:9, Jesus is referred to as the "true light". The Greek word "Phos" indicates a light that is absolute and underived, permanent. It's were we get the English word "phosphorous" from. The same word, interestingly enough, is used of God (1 Jn 1:5) So perfect did Jesus manifest God's character, that he reflected the very light of God.

We need to examine ourselves - are we walking in the light?

5:37-38 In saying that the Jews had seen his miracles but had not believed that God had sent him Jesus is likening those Jews to Pharaoh who saw the miracle and yet did not believe that God had sent Moses - Exo 4:5

5:18 When the Jewish authorities saw the man carrying his bed on the Sabbath, in obedience to Christ's command, they criticized both him and the impotent man. Here we see a plot by the leaders being instigated to put Jesus to death, this was for two reasons; A) A violation of the law of the Sabbath and (B) blasphemy (making himself equal to God.)

5:25 The ‘dead’ who hear are not those in the grave but those who are alive but unaware of the gospel. The voice that they would hear would be the voice of Jesus preaching life. Verse 28 then speaks of the resurrection.

V.4 This verse is omitted in some manuscripts.

5:10 On seeing the man carrying his bed it would have been more sensible for the leaders to ask why he was carrying the bed than to simply confront him. Likewise ourselves. We should not immediately jump to conclusions when we see fellow believers doing things we are ‘sure’ are wrong. It is always beneficial to enquire why what we perceive to be an error is being performed.

V.18 The Jews believed that their immortal, invisible God was unique (Deut 6:4). Then, how could a flesh-and-blood mortal man be His son? Jesus’ claim to be God’s son was not only preposterous to the Jews but blasphemous. That made Jesus worthy of death. And yet, they could not deny or explain Jesus’ miraculous works.

Christendom also, like those Jews, does not understand the relationship between Jesus and His Father. They believe that Jesus and His Father is indeed one God, who together with the Holy Spirit makes a triune God. This unreasonable doctrine of the Trinity was formulated in the fourth century A.D. at the Council of Nicaea. Followers of Christ before that could not have believed in the Trinity. This includes the apostles who possessed the Holy Spirit. How could these believers be in error?

The truth is that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is indeed an immortal, invisible unique God. Jesus is His Son because He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit (Yahweh‘s power) (Matt 1:20,21). But His mother was human, thus making Him a man. Jesus and His Father were one - in character and purpose. But they were, and remain, two separate persons.

V.21 For example, Yahweh raised the widow’s son in Sarepta through Elijah (1Kin 17:22); or the Shunamite’s son through Elisha (2Kin 4:32-35).

V.2 In the Hebrew tongue Bethesda (KJV) is not accurate. In Aramaic called Bethesda (ESV) is accurate.

V.5 The crippled man of Israel had been bound by his infirmity for 38 years. He had no hope of being cured. But, Jesus cured him and freed him from the prison he was in.

I wonder if this man was symbolic of the nation of Israel.

Israel reached the Promised Land two years after leaving Egypt. They had a chance of going into the Land, but lacked faith. Yahweh was angry with this lack of faith and doomed the nation to be imprisoned in the wilderness for 38 years (Deut 2:14).

After its sojourn in the desert, Israel was reborn and allowed into the Land. As Israel entered the land, Joshua warned the nation that if they sinned, Yahweh would punish it worse than its punishment in the desert (Josh 24:20).

Jesus’ warning to the healed man reflects that of Joshua’s to Israel (v.14).

As the nation of Israel was liberated after 38 years, so was the crippled man. But only Jesus could support a complete healing and not the Law (Acts 4:12). The Law only promised death, whereas Jesus brought life (1Cor 15:56; 2Tim 1:10).

Perhaps this episode of the crippled man by the pool was a lesson to show Israel that only Jesus, the Messiah, could truly heal. The present healing of infirmities demonstrated that Jesus could, through the power of Yahweh, heal for all time.

5:29 In speaking of a resurrection of life and a resurrection of damnation Jesus could well have had in mind Dan 12:1-2

John 5:24 says that those who believe have "passed from death to life" and that person "has eternal life". It is a present situation. Jesus is described in this way too: "as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the son also to have life in himself". Yet we know Jesus was still mortal when these words were said by him. He was still able to die. Yet death held no power over him, as we know, because he was raised. In hindsight these words were true. We should learn to think of our own life and death in these terms too. The important thing is to believe (3:16-18).

5:14    This is the first of only two times in John’s gospel that Jesus tells a person to ‘sin no more’ The other is John 8:11, the woman taken in adultery.  It is not simply a request not to sin. That is an impossibility. Rather Jesus is linking healing with sinfulness pointing to the removal of sin and death.

John 5:23

“That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.”

Slowly, methodically, and incrementally, the Christian Right movement in America is working to remove Jesus as the Son of God from the Bible, and never before in American history have the believers in Jesus been more hated! The Chrislam movement, the joining of “Christianity” and Islam, is rapidly spreading and being embraced by many “Christian” ministers.

Consider the following: Heb 4:8 and Acts 7:45: "Jesus" is changed to "Joshua". (NIV, NASV, RSV); Mark 13:6 and Luke 21:8: removes "Christ" (NIV, NASV, RSV, NRSV); Matt 18:26 and Matt 20:20: The NKJV removes "worshipped him" (robbing worship from Jesus) (NIV, NASV, RSV, NRSV); Acts 4:27,30: change "holy child" (Jesus) to "holy servant" (NIV, NASV, NRSV, RSV). Hundreds and hundreds of verses have been changed, added, and simply removed to suit the times we live in! In fact, the NIV, written by two self-confessed homosexuals, decided to change the word, "sodomites" to "male shrine prostitutes"(1Kin 14:24; 1Kin 15:12)!  The 1611 KJV Bible is by far the best we’ll ever get.

Hitler’s anti-Semitism grew out of his “Christian” education! It did not spring from him, but from the preaching's of the Catholic and Protestant ministers! Martin Luther, himself, had a livid hatred for Jews. In his book, “On the Jews and their Lies,” Luther set the standard for Jewish hatred up until WW II. Hitler expressed great admiration for Martin Luther!

The parallel is obvious! The true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ may very well face unprecedented challenges to their faith. Adolph Hitler in, “Mein Kampf” wrote: “The Western democracy of today is the forerunner of Marxism which without it would not be thinkable. It provides this world plague with the culture in which its germs can spread” – and it certainly has!

The apostle John warned, “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ: He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son” (1John 2:22). Only in Christ are we able to accept the totality of all Bible truth. The Word of God in the Old Testament linked with the New Testament constitute essential doctrinal truths, and makes Bible doctrine complete. To accept Christ is to accept the Bible in its entirety, to deny Christ is to deny the Bible in its entirety (Luke 16:31; Rev 22:19).

To profess Christ, though, is more than just a verbal confession. We can deny Christ by our manner of living. If we fail to live up to what Christ taught, we are in reality denying him. Those who turn from the truth of God (Titus 1:16), honour neither the Son, nor the Father. May we not be among those who debauch, debase, and destroy the Word.

5:33   The record of the Jews sending to John to question him is found in John 1:19-21

5:30     In saying that God had sent him Jesus is re presenting what Nicodemus had said in John 3:2. Likewise in verses :37,38. Another example of where a theme starts in Jesus’ conversation and is developed in the rest of John’s gospel. There are others which you may notice as you read the gospel.

5:21     In the short term Jesus “quickened” – gave life – to the impotent man.  But Jesus, speaking of the future, speaks also of the resurrection – see 1Cor 15:45

5:15  The way in which the healed man tells others that it was Jesus echoes John 4:29and is seen again in the healing of the man born blind – John 9:1

John 5:43

On September 25, 2015, the Pope addressed the United Nations Assembly in New York. Here is what he said:
"Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for your kind words. Once again, following a tradition by which I feel honored, the Secretary General of the United Nations has invited the Pope to address this distinguished assembly of nations. In my own name, (highlighted for emphases by me) and that of the entire Catholic community, I wish to express to you, Mr Ban Ki-moon, my heartfelt gratitude. I greet the Heads of State and Heads of Government present, as well as the ambassadors, diplomats and political and technical officials accompanying them, the personnel of the United Nations engaged in this 70th Session of the General Assembly, the personnel of the various programs and agencies of the United Nations family, and all those who, in one way or another, take part in this meeting. Through you, I also greet the citizens of all the nations represented in this hall. I thank you, each and all, for your efforts in the service of mankind." 
Jesus said, " I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive" John 5:43! And so they do!

The entire transcript may be read at:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/pope-francis-told-united-nations-general-assembly/story?id=34034426

5:4      The way in which the record speaks of and “angel” picks up on the fact that God sent His angel – Exo 33:2-  to guide Israel through the wilderness

5:2         Bethesda is a Hebrew place name and John is inspired to make the point that he is using a Hebrew word. Its meaning is significant – hence attention is drawn to it. Bethesda means “house of mercy” which was the experience of the man who was healed.

John 5:46,47

“For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

There is a great need today to seek out the wisdom God has revealed in His Word and apply it in our lives. Some have come to excel at misusing the Scriptures taking it completely out of context, ignore parts of it making the Holy Spirit inspired Scripture partially inspired, and, inadvertently, condone sinful behaviour and criticize those who would speak out against error (cf. Matt 22:29).

When Christ spoke of the Scriptures, he referred to the Old Testament. The Scriptures were nothing less than God’s Word given to Moses and the prophets. We witness the magnitude of error during Christ’s day when Old Testament Scriptures were not searched and diligently studied. It is so with us today!

Those who made a covenant with God at baptism and declare His statutes only so far as it pleases them, are not esteemed by God as righteous. Unto the wicked God said, “What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in my mouth? Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee” (Psa 50:16,17).

It is no surprise that the Word should contain difficulties. It is God’s way of dealing with us (Prov 25:2). Difficulties prove and strengthen the righteous, while turning away the wicked. God declared “none of the wicked shall understand” (Dan 12:10). “Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? For the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.” (Hos 14:9).

In 2Tim 3:16, the apostle Paul refers us to all Scripture, all of the Old with the New, to be profitable for reproof, correction, and training in righteousness - personal and ecclesiastical issues. The teaching of Christ and the apostles is built on the Old Testament. To ignore the OT, or reject them altogether in our studies, is to reject God, Christ, and Paul’s teachings!

Displaying the Bible in a prominent place will not rub off on us. The Bible will profit us only if we read it, study it, and apply it to life, as intended by God for us. When we do this, one will obey Christ, and order his or her life according to Scripture – all Scripture. Only by obedience will the Giver of Life by grace bestow the hope of eternal life on the obedient. "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Heb 5:9).

5:38    Jesus is speaking to the Jewish leaders here. In saying that they won’t listen to him who God had “sent” Jesus is drawing on Nicodemus’ word – John 3:2 – in which he acknowledged that Jesu was sent by God.

John 5:39

“Search the scriptures…”

Searching the Scriptures helps us know if we are on the right track, and gives us the assurance that what we believe is right. This is so important because whatever issues we face, there are always those who excel at misusing and distorting the Scriptures, and that to their own destruction. The apostle Peter pointed out that wresting the Scriptures is fatal (2Pet 3:16)! Christ said it is a mistake not to know what the Scriptures teach (Matt 22:29). Knowing the Scriptures is necessary, but it must also be accompanied with obedience (Heb 5:9).

The Pharisees who paraded around as holy men, claimed to know the Law, laid burdens on the people difficult to bear, were the ones singled out by Christ, as opposed to the Sadducees, who were more liberal, and the Herodians, who were the politicians. The Pharisees, while attempting to honour the word of Yahweh and manifesting an extreme form of its observance, were actually the farthest from Yahweh!

The Bible is nothing less than the words of Yahweh; it is neither Moses’ opinion, nor is it Isaiah’s perspective and, therefore, we must search Yahweh’s words with utmost honesty and integrity, and when we do, we will be rewarded (Matt 7:8).

“Men who will not investigate, yet denounce, are either fools or knaves. There are multitudes of this sort of people in all parts of the world. Their unwillingness to investigate what they denounce arises from a diversity of causes. Pride, avarice, love of ease, dullness of intellect, indifference to truth or error, to right or wrong, etc., are among the conditions that involve men in such folly and wickedness.”

Dr. John Thomas, 1851

5:7     Over devious posts we have shown that the details of this miracle show Israel who came out of Egypt fit and well were now a physically sick nation. They had “no man” to save them. The Law of Moses could not save them. So God provided the “man” in the person of Jesus.

5:44 Jesus’ question makes it very clear. It is not possible to accept Jesus’ authority if one has respect to another authority than God. We do well to think about this when reflecting on theories presented by man about, for example, the origin of the world and life on it. When men’s ideas conflict with what God and His son said we have to make a choice. We cannot blend the two together.

5:7 The man had “no man” not simply because he was alone. But it was the case that Israel had not managed to provide a saviour – God had looked already –  59:16 – so He provided the man in the person of Jesus.

5:18 The word translated “equal” carries the sense of in quality. This is how the Jews were thinking Jesus was claiming equality.

5:18 here and elsewhere we read of the “Jews” seeking to kill Jesus because of what he had said or done. We should be careful to notice that they wanted to kill Jesus, not try him lawfully to establish guilt of any of the things they accused him of.

5:2

Forget the debate about the angel troubling the water.

Israel left Egypt fit and health by contrast to John 5:3 of impotent folk

after 38 years they entered the dried up Jordan

They, like the man had been “a long time”

But now they, like the man, was to “rise up”

And walk into the land – as the man now was able to walk

Jesus was the prophet “like unto Moses”  Deuteronomy 18:15