Comments for February 9

17 v. 7 - It is interesting here that this verse presents the situation as 'they tempted the Lord'. It was obviously a time when they incurred his wrath through their doubt that he was there for them Deut.9:22 ... but by the time we get to Psalm 81:7 it seems to have been turned round to describe God proving, or testing them (successfully, apparently). The direct lesson for us is brought out forcibly in Ps.95:8 when it is quoted in Heb.3:8,9. This cry that the Children of Israel made 'Is the Lord among us or not?' cannot be made now, not since John1:14, which the whole Old Testament had been foreshadowing.

ch.18 - It seems that the express purpose that God had in sending Moses' father-in-law was that Moses should be guided to establish a hierarchy of command. Moses would presumably have taken this advice directly from God, but God chose to teach him this particular lesson a different way. I wonder how many of us need to learn the same thing - that we can't always go it alone. We don't know much about this man Jethro, but he certain had Moses' love and respect, and God's too it would seem.

17:14 In speaking thus of Amalek Saul should have really understood why he had to fulfil the command of God 1 Samuel 15:3 so his compromise is the more wrong. He was not simply disregarding a command from the prophet. He refused to implement the words of God through Moses in the wilderness. A word which, if he had been a faithful king who had written out for himself a copy of the law [Deuteronomy 17:18] he would have understood that the words spoken to him were actually a re statement of what had been already said and he would have seen himself as the one who was to fulfil the words of Moses.

18:13-16 The way in which Moses was willing to sit all day answering the people's questions and the way that he spoke to Jethro - as if Jethro should have understood why he did it - shows that Moses was completely selfless in his service to the nation of Israel. We tend to use excuses - I am too tired - I have been at work all day - the children have tired me out - and then neglect the needs of our brethren and sisters.

17:2 has the people saying to Moses 'Give us water …' It is interesting that this request is seen by Moses as 'tempting God' (17:7) and as saying 'is the Lord among us or not?' by Yahweh. The way that we speak or think speaks volumes about what we think about God.

18:10 In saying 'Blessed is the Lord who …' Jethro seeks to bless God because he has done something. There are a number of occasions when we see similar language.

Genesis 24:27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.
2 Chronicles 2:12 Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
2 Chronicles 6:4 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which he spake with his mouth to my father David, saying,
Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
Psalms 72:18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
Psalms 124:6 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Knowing that God has worked in our lives should cause us to want to praise Him.

17:12 Now it is evident that God did not require Moses’ hands to be held aloft in order that Amalek should be discomfited. There has to be a spiritual reason for this. Moses, all the time his hands were raised, showed the need for praise to be given to the Father. However that he had not the strength to do this demonstrates that of ourselves we have not the strength to do the father’s will – we are inadequate.

18:25 The ‘able men’ were chief of the tribes (Deut 1:15) so we conclude that Moses was able to easily make a choice as these men had already shown their skills in the tribes.

Exo 18:25  The three qualifications that Jethro gave to Moses for those who would be picked to assist Moses in the judging of the people (men that feared God, men of truth, and the hating of covetousness.) were not unlike the qualifications Paul provided Timothy with in the selection of bishops in the first century. ( 1Tim 3:2-7)

Exo 17:8-16 The strange way God allowed Moses to give salvation to Israel is surely showing us how our Saviour stretched up His hands until the time of "the going down of the sun". One and a half thousand years before Christ’s sacrifice God saved His people in a very symbolic way. However, when our Lord died, the disciples had forsaken Him and fled. Luke says though that "all His acquaintance, and the women that followed Him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things" Luke 23:49 Those faithful supporters play the part of ourselves.

Israel encountered the Amalekites for the first time.  The hatred of the Edomites towards the Jews continued through this warring people who descended from Amalek, Esau's grandson.  The Amalekites would be utterly destroyed but not before many other skirmishes with Israel (Exo 17:14-16).

Saul was supposed to do the job but he failed (1Sam 15:2,3), and it was only by Hezekiah (1Chron 4:43), and later David (2Sam 8:12), that Amalekites, as a group, were destroyed.
 
In their first battle with the Amalekites, Moses' hands were held up by Aaron and Hur.  Holding up the hands is recognition of the LORD's power in our lives.  Although we might become tired, we must persevere to realize the LORD's victory (Heb 12:12). 
 
Jethro praised the Lord (18:10) and offered Moses sound administrative wisdom (v.19).  It seems that the Lord rewarded Jethro with entrance to the Promised Land.
Hobab, who was either Jethro or his son (Num 10:29, Judg 4:11), clearly had representation in the Land.

17:8 The Amalekites, being descendants of Esau entertained a deep grudge against Israel, especially as the rapid prosperity and marvellous experience of Israel showed that the blessing contained in the birthright was taking effect. 

17:12 - Right from the start of the Old Covenant there was provision for the inclusion of those who had been brought into the flock from elsewhere - gentiles who had been accepted into Israel, and yet there always seems to have been a stumblingblock with the Jews about this.

17:7      The challenge ‘ is the Lord among us or not’ for it was a challenge to God shows an amazing ignorance of the character of God on the part of the nation. However we need to be careful that we do not think like this in the way that we carry on our daily lives.

18:21    In suggesting that the judges should be ‘out of all the people …’ a fundamental principle is being developed. The best people to deal with issues are those who know the people with the problem and also have wisdom.

17:8 Amalek picked off the stragglers who were not keeping up (Deut 25:17,18).  Likewise, if we are not keeping up spiritually, the devil (sin in the flesh) will pick us off too.  When Moses' arms were raised Israel prevailed; but when his arms dropped Amalek gained the upper hand (17:11).  When we elevate Christ in our lives sin is defeated; but when we do not hold Him up, the devil gains advantage.

17:1,8 They are camped at Rephidim when the Amalekites come against them. v6 God tells Moses to walk on ahead with the elders to the rock at Horeb/Sinai, where water is provided, and 18:5 & 19:1,2 would indicate this is where they next camped. So possibly the Amalekites came against them before they left Rephidim and went to Horeb, where water was provided? Perhaps it was the result of their grumbling, and they had to see the hand of God at work, and believe, before they could receive the water (of life).

17:11 has links to 1Tim 2:8 lift up holy hands in prayer

17:15 is linked to Isa 11:10 where Jesus is the banner, as the remnant of Israel returns from captivity at the end time.

SHARE THE LOAD
 
As Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, watched Moses at his work judging the people from morning till night, he realised that both Moses and the people would be worn out before long if things continued as they were. His advice was that Moses appoint people to share the load with him.
 
For some of us who are leaders in our churches, we find sharing the workload a hard thing to do. We can feel bad about placing the burden on other people; maybe we have never had the example to show us how; maybe as a servant of Christ, we feel we should do it all alone; or perhaps we have tried before and found that it didn't work.
 
Both Moses and Jesus shared the workload. Moses took Jethro's advice and appointed judges. Jesus appointed apostles - people he sent out to help him in his work. Their example is an example for us. Neither men are recorded as facing unwillingness when they asked people to help - both of them were men of prayer.
 
There are two lessons we should learn.
1. If we are hardworking leaders, let us not be afraid to share the load and ask people to share it with us. After all, we need people to take our place when we are gone. Many people are just waiting to be asked.
2. If we are not leaders, let us offer our time and our skills to those who are leaders to us. They may just be waiting for our offer of help.

Whoever we are, let us share the load.

Jethro's suggestion to help Moses judge the people (18:13-27) was put into effect after the Law was given (Deut 1:5-15).

17:4That Moses had to cry to God because he did not know what to do about the absence of water teaches us the Moses was also being tested in the wilderness. However he, unlike the rest of the people, realised that God would have the answer for him. Do we realise that God has the answers for us in our ‘wilderness’?

18:1-4  Whilst the record mentions, almost casually, that Jethro had heard about the way that God had worked for Moses we must realise that there must have been quite effective communication in those days.  We may remember that 40 years later Rahab knew what had happened - Josh 2:10 - but that was some time later and news could easily pass around the known world in that length of time. However when Jethro heard it was not many months after Moses had brought Israel out of Egypt.

18:2 Moses had left Jethro and gone, at God’s instruction, to deliver Israel from Egypt. So it is hardly surprising that Jethro meets Moses with his wife and two sons in the wilderness.

17:1 Journeying from the Wilderness of Sin, the Israelites made two stops, Dophkah and Alush, before they reached Rephidim (Num 33:12-14).

17:3 Israel should have realized after Yahweh’s wonders in Egypt that it was not in His interest to destroy His people. We also have to remember that when we are going through painful trials that Yahweh has not abandoned us. Scripture assures us that He is aware of us and that He cares (1Cor 10:13; Heb 13:5).

17:8 Amalek was cowardly in attacking Israel. He would attack the Israel’s rear and take out the weakest and most vulnerable (Deut 25:17,18).

17:10 Hur is likely to be the son of Caleb, of the tribe of Judah (1Chron 2:19). Josephus and the rabbis say that he was married to Miriam, but I don’t see any scriptural evidence. However, he was an important man and close to Moses. Not only did he aid Moses in defeating Amalek, but when Moses and Joshua went up the mountain, he was left, with Aaron, to govern the people (Exo 24:13,14).

17:14 It was Saul’s job to utterly wipe out the Amalekites (1Sam 15:3,18).  However, he failed (1Sam 15:19).  Samuel was the one who destroyed Agag, the king of the Amalekites (1Sam 15:32,33). However, the Amalekites continued to harass Israel until Hezekiah and David destroyed most of them. Esther, finally, finished Saul’s job by having Haman and his sons killed, and finally freeing the Jews from Amalek (Est 9:24,25).  We don't hear about Amalek or Agag in the Bible again.

Exo 17:7 - "Meribah" means "testing" while "Massah" means "quarrelling". Exo 17:6 - similarly, Christ was fully tested and after bitter quarrelling he was crucified; when Christ was struck he provided living water (1Cor 10:4;John 4:9-14;John 19:34).

18:2 No mention is made in the early record of Moses leaving his family to go back to Egypt. However clearly he did. This is a case of a man who put God’s commands above his family. He certainly was not guilty of the error which Jesus later warned of – Matt 10:37

17:9-13  Joshua was down in the valley, Moses on a hill above him, God in heaven above him.  Quite literally Moses was the intermediary here between God and man.

On the hilltop were both mediator (Moses) and High Priest (Aaron)  We're not told precisely what Hur's role was, but there was a Midianite Hur some time later who was of the royal household. (Num 31:8)  Although these two are clearly not the same person, perhaps the name "Hur" was a regal name.  The Hur with Moses and Aaron was clearly of some importance to Israel. See Exo 24:14

Moses had to hold up his hands in supplication towards heaven for there to be any success for Israel.  Since he was over eighty years old at the time and given that they were out in the desert all day ("till the going down of the sun") it's not surprising that he needed to be seated.  He didn't chose soft, relatively comfortable sand, but chose to base himself an a rock - a sure, firm foundation.

18:5   Moses had clearly left Zipporah his wife when he returned to Egypt. Now within the first few months of the wilderness journey it would appear that Moses is reunited with Zipporah, his wife and his children.  This would become the basis for complaints by Aaron and Miriam later Num 12:1

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

Moses was not actually in the battle. He was not holding a shield, waving a sword, shooting arrows, or throwing a spear. Thousands of Israel's soldiers were doing the actual fighting, but it was Moses who was crucial as to whether they won or lost the battle.

Moses was at the top of the hill where there were no enemies. It was on top of the hill that he was holding up his hands in an attitude of prayer. I am sure that the men who were fighting the battle would have had quite some difficulty finding a peaceful spot to stop and pray - so Moses was doing it for them. "As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalakites were winning." (Exo 17:11) We may think that that the battle should have been won in the fight, but in fact it was outside the battle in prayer.

It is not always easy to pray when we are struggling with problems in our lives. Sometimes we even wish the world would stop so that we can get off, get things together, regroup and pray. But life does not stop. This is where we need people to pray for us. If we are not busy in our own struggles, we, like Moses, need to pray for those who are struggling.

So let us pray for the battles against sin to be won God's way. Let us remember that "As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands the Amalakites were winning."

Forgetting to listen to God

One of the things Moses learned during his 40 years in the wilderness of Midian, was an ability to lead. One would think he had learned this at the feet of the best scholars and army generals in Egypt. But for God, the qualification for leadership, or shepherding, is different to that in the world. In 1Tim 3:1-7 we have Paul's list of desired qualifications for leaders. Notice Jethro in Exo 18:21 got a few of these, but left out the rest. And so it was that inevitably some unsuitable leaders were chosen, leading ultimately to a full rebellion against Moses (Num 16:1-3). So was Moses right to listen to Jethro? Should he not also have enquired of God? When we hear advice do we check it against the Bible first before taking it?

Question:

a) Compare Jethro's and Paul's list qualifications for leadership. Which ones are missing with Jethro's list?

b) Which of these could have helped avoid the leaders rebellion?

18:10  Jethro’s comment on how God dealt with the Egyptians because they ‘dealt proudly’ is quoted –Neh 9:10 – as a reminder to Israel about the ineffectiveness of their enemies after the return from Babylon.

18:11 Nehemiah – Neh 9:11 reflects on the fact that the Egyptians were proud. The way in which Nehemiah reflected on earlier events in Israel’s history strengthened him when he thought of the Chaldean invasion. We should, likewise, reflect on God’s earlier activities so that we can be encouraged in our walk towards His kingdom. 

 Exo 17:8-13.

This situation, where success follows in Israel's war with the Amalekites when Moses' hands remain lifted up and the opposite when his hands are let down is so unusual that it appears to cry out for some kind of symbolic meaning to those actions. What may be some significant lessons that we should take from these things?

What is never directly stated here but, it seems to me, can and should be easily read into it is that Moses was praying earnestly to God for His help and assistance in Joshua's and the Israelites' battle with the enemy. While prayer, then, was ongoing, there was success. But not so when there was no prayer.

If this assumption is correct, then several points follow:

1. An acceptable posture in prayer, though definitely not the only one as seen in Biblical examples, is that of holding up one's hands - as if to say, "Please, LORD, listen to and accept my petition to you." One New Testament example of this is found in Paul's letter to Timothy -

1 Tim. 2:8 - "I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing."

2. Another is the obvious one of the practical benefits of prayer by those attempting to do God's will. James uses Elijah as an example in his letter -

Jam. 5:16-18 - "...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain and it did not rain for three and a half years. Again he prayed and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."

3. We, like Moses with the help of Aaron and Hur, can benefit greatly from the sincere prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Over and over again in the letters of the New Testament are found Paul's and others' pleadings to the ecclesias to pray for him personally and his preaching work and for others. Here are just a few examples of this:

- Col. 4:2-4 - "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should."

- Eph. 6:18-20 - "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me, so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

- Col. 1:9 - "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding."

- 1 Thes. 5:25 - "Brothers, pray for us."

And finally there is a neat verse - 2 Cor. 4:15 where, after writing to his Corinthian brethren about the trials and problems he was called on to endure for the sake of his ministry and preaching efforts, he goes on to make this statement -

"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God."

18:2   The presence of Zipporah with Moses provided the environment in which Aaron and Miriam could complain about his wife – Num 12:1

17:5-6          The seeming casual “that thou smotest the river” should have reminded those watching of the destruction of the Egyptian army. Rather than murmuring the people should have recognised that God was working in their lives

17:3   We have read already about Israel who “murmured” against God – Exo 15:24, 16:2– so soon after they had been delivered from slavery in Egypt. How long does it take for us to become dissatisfied with the deliverance from sin and death that Jesus bought us? We may say we do not “murmur” – but is our attitude to service to Him or attendance at meetings a matter over which we “murmur”? Using the fact that we do not benefit from such activities is the same as murmuring.

PERSONAL PLACE NAMES

Imagine if our lives were spent walking through an unnamed wilderness. As we travelled from place to place we could name the places as we went.  Being a wilderness, and with everything all looking very similar, we have have to name the places we pass by the events that happened at those places, rather than by their usual features.

So throughout our lives we would name the places of our journey with names such as the Palm Trees of Birth, The Brickwork of Schooling, The Well of Lies, The Desert of Desperation, The Oasis of Love, The Sands of Argument, The Wishing Well, The Track of Rebellion, The Plain of Weariness, The Shelter of Delight, or Prosperity Island.

As the Israelites travelled through their wilderness for forty years, they had the privilege of naming the places as they went. Unfortunately, the names that were given did not always make for pleasant memories. Take these two, for example: Massah and Meribah. (Exo 17:7). They mean Testing and Quarrelling. How embarrassing to have those names so permanently recorded in their wilderness journey!

So if names were to be given to our wilderness wanderings of life, what would they look like? Would we see Joy, Rejoicing, Prayer, Love, Patience...? Or like Israel: Testing, Quarrelling, Bitterness...? What is the name of the place where you are camped now? What name will be given to the next place you visit?
 

17:14 When Israel defeated Amalek Moses was commanded to write down what God said about Amalek. This is the first occasion in Scripture we find a record of anyone being commanded to write down God’s words.

18:13-18      In these verses we gain an insight into Moses’ dedication to the “church  in the wilderness” Acts 7:38. As such it gives us an indication of how we should care for our brethren and sisters – our fellow believers. Further we should realise that those Moses helped were amongst the congregation who complained and murmured against God and Moses. Doubtless some of them that came to Moses were quite difficult individuals to deal with.

17:14   When Israel were at the border of the land about to enter the land of Canaan Moses quotes  - Deut 25:19 - what he wrote down to remind Israel of what had to be done to Amalek. If they had done as commanded then Saul would not have had the problem of the Amalakites in 1Sam 15:3.

17 Learning From The Past

Having seen the Red Sea part to allow them to cross on dry land the Israelites, only a few days later, seem to have forgotten that God cares for them. They see the absence of water as a major problem. It sees that they had forgotten that God would meet their needs.

Exo 17:1-7 The people murmured again (for the fourth time since leaving Egypt) and the LORD responded to satisfy their thirst for water. In the presence of the elders of Israel Moses struck the rock in Horeb once with his rod (Exo 17:6). In presence of the elders of Israel, Jesus the spiritual rock was smitten and through his death the spiritual drink (1Cor 10:4) the water of everlasting life became available to all (John 4:14).

18:27   We all have differencing abilities. We should not attempt to do things beyond our capabilities. Judging matters is a serious issue. It is better to acknowledge our limitations if necessary rather than due to lack of wisdom or experience give unsound advice.

18:23 In recognising the constraint “if God command thee so” Jethro is actually implementing the concept that James writes of –James 4:15

17:8 Whilst this is the first time we meet the Amalekites in the history of Israel in the book of Exodus they will appear and re-appear over and over again in Israel’s history. They were opportunist antagonists seeking opportunities when the nation was weak.

In this respect they are a good example of the power of sin. We can be strong and faithful when we are with fellow believers and involved in godly activities. But when alone and idle we can easily succumb to fleshly desires.

The lesson is clear. Avoid such situations and strive to be involved in godly things.

Of course we cannot always be with others in a face to face situation. However we can always be in the company of faithful believers by reflecting on narratives and reactions to circumstances in scripture.

17:14 The battle with Amalek was a significant point in Israel’s history. It was the first time that the nation had entered physically into battle and as such it represents the battle we all have against sin. This is the first time that we read “write” The writing was to be a memorial. And it serves as an example of where we are to receive strength to fight against sin – from the written word of God.

18:1 News travels fast. The salvation in Christ that will finally be seen in the earth when Jesus returns will fill the earth. However only faithful ones, willing to be taught. Individuals having the faith of men like Jethro will respond positively to the good news.

In which camp are we? Are we longing for the re-establishment of the kingdom? Or does our lifestyle show that in our hearts we are saying “not yet please”?

v.6 - The aspects of nature that bring about plant growth - mainly water and light - are used throughout scripture as metaphors for the way that God cares for us and deals with us, and for what he makes available to us to enhance our growth in Him. Deut 32:2, 2Sam.23:4, Prov.16:5, Hos.14:5-7 ... or what he withholds as a punishment for wilful faithlessness - Isa 5:6. Eze.34:23-26 paints a picture of the kingdom using the same language.

v.3 - The idea of the mountains bringing peace is not only here [Isa.52:7, Eze.34:13,14, Joel 3:18]. Tied in with this idea too is the principle of Psa.85:11 where we learn that truth shall spring out of the earth - a clear prophecy of the coming of Jesus.

This Psalm seems to have been written for the coronation of Solomon. David speaks of his hopes for Solomon - which hopes will be fulfilled in the rulership of the risen Jesus when he returns to sit on David's throne.

:2 That Jesus will judge righteously shows that God does not change. In the kingdom the same God will be there so it is not surprising to see that this judgement was required by the law of Moses (Leviticus 19:15)

A KINGDOM PICTURE
This Psalm of David was not fulfilled in either David's day or his son Solomon's or in the life of any other king of Israel or Judah. It will come to pass when Jesus returns and is king. But to share in that time described here will not happen because we are just lucky. Our life now is the time to get ourselves right with God and to prepare for the kingdom.
This glimpse we have of the wonderful time when Jesus is king, describes what his personal reign will be like. It will be like nothing we have ever experienced before from any other ruler - any place or any time.
He will judge the people in righteousness and justice. He will defend the needy and afflicted and he will care for his people. All the decisions he makes will be the right ones. Not only will he be the best ruler ever, but his reign will last forever and ever. It will be refreshing to have Jesus as king. The righteous will flourish and prosperity (the economy) will boom. There will even be changes in nature when food grows freely on the tops of the mountains. All the earth will be filled with his glory.
Now is the time to decide whether we will be there or not. Luck has nothing to do with it.

72:8 The promise of world wide dominion is quoted by Zechariah (9:10) in the context of a prophecy about Jesus as king.

Psalm 72  A prayer for God's wisdom and righteousness to influence Israel's King. Most of this Psalm can only be truly fulfilled under the Kingship of Jesus. 

Psa 41:13, 72:19, 106:48

The Hebrew verb: "Amen"  given in a number of Psalms.  Often one hears the English version of it to mean: "So be it".  My Hebrew dictionary gives 7 forms of Amen and each form gives an interesting translation of the verb.  Starting with the simple form of amen = to bring up, to foster; 2nd form of amen = to be true, to be faithful; 3rd form of amen = to train, to educate; the 4th form = to be educated, to be skilled; 5th = to believe, to trust; 6th = to be believed; 7th = to train oneself, to practice.  All these forms have the same stem = amn (vowels were not added until the 12 century AD) so the addition of the vowel 'e' = amen.  Like forms in other languages each form is used for a  different,  purpose.  an example from another language may help: the 2nd form in French is used when relating to an event  that  has passed, or the 4th form to scholarly writings.  That is why one leans the different forms of one's own language.   The different forms are distinguished in Hebrew language by the addition of a word(s) as a prefix or a suffix to the stem (root) of the word.

V.16 The spiritual blessings, as often in Scripture, are set forth by material, the abundance of which is described by a figure, in which a "handful"  (or literally, "piece," or a small amount} of corn in the most unpropitious locality, shall produce a crop, waving in the wind in its luxuriant growth like the forests of Lebanon. We have a similar figure of speech "shall flourish like grass of the earth" referring to increase.

v.18-20 We do well to meditate on these words which claim to be the final prayer of David, and even if that is stated with some poetic meaning rather than literal, we note that the man after God's own heart concludes his prayer with praise to the God of Heaven.  Do our prayers contain enough praise of God?

Today's psalm is the last one in Book 2. And how does he conclude?  He praises God, the God of Israel, and prays for the time to come when the whole earth is full of God's glory (Psa 72:18-20). Thy kingdom come.

72:9     Whilst it may be that enemies licking the dust is just a way of speaking of dominion over enemies there is a deeper meaning. Isa 49:23 shows Jesus’ subjects  who come to worship him in the kingdom ‘lick up the dust’ of his feet.

V.4,12,13,17,19; Dan 2:44-45 - Christ, the rock, will break in pieces the oppressive world of sin and death and establish a new world order where the needy who cry out will be delivered from death; his name will endure forever, and the whole earth will be filled with his glory. Generations of nations will be blessed and call Christ blessed Psa 72:17;Luke 1:48.

In this Messianic prophecy we see the promises made to both Abraham and to David being echoed. We have the promise made in Eden of One who would overcome the battle of defeating sin. The promise of a land, and nation made to Abraham, and the promise of a Son who would reign for ever made to David.

This psalm concludes Book II. V.20 does not imply that David wrote all the psalms in Book II, nor does it suggest that his writing ceased at this point. Clearly, he wrote more psalms subsequent to Ps 72.

72:20 Whilst we read here that the ‘prayers of David are ended’ we see another occasion – 2Sam 23:1 – when we are shown the last words of David and then 1Chron 23:27. Each of these three events mark different ends. The record in 1 Chronicles speaks of David’s last instructions relating to temple worship. 2 Samuel 23 records David’s last words about his expectations and Messiah whilst Psalm 72 marks the end of David’s prayers about Messiah.

72:2 The sentiments of judging the world in righteousness are echoed in Isa 11:4-5. Very interesting when we realise that this Psalm has the kingship of Solomon as its basis looking forward to Messiah – Jesus Christ.

72:10 The promise that kings would bring presents was actually fulfilled in the reign of Solomon – 2Chron 9:24

David begins by requesting Yahweh, on Solomon's behalf, for the ability to judge Israel honourably. Then the psalm clearly elevates to talk about David's greater son, Jesus, the messiah.  The psalm gives some insight into the joy, bounty, and justice that will be in the kingdom age.

Psa 72:11 First Principles>Sure Mercies of David>People>Christ's Rulership
Although Israel will be the people of God's Kingdom, Christ's rulership will be world-wide Psa 72:11, Rev 11:15.
First Principles>Sure Mercies of David>People> For more information go to Isa 55:1-3

v8 First Principles>Sure Mercies of David>Land
The land will stretch from the Mediterranean Sea to the Dead Sea and from the River Euphrates to the River of Egypt Psa 72:8, Zech 9:10, Matt 21:1-11. The references in Zechariah and Matthew show that this is Jesus' land.
1. The land is desolate for centuries (Lev 26:33) but it will be like the garden of Eden. Isa 51:3, Eze 36:35. This will be the land of the Kingdom.
2. A Kingdom is a DOMinion and a KING. Kesus is to rule the land given by the boundaries of Zech 9:10.
First Principles>Sure Mercies of David> For more information go to Isa 55:1.

72:10-11 The bringing of gifts by the kings, showing their submission, is a consequence of their seeing the glory of Jesus’ kingdom – Psa 48:5

72:9       The idea of the enemies licking the dust has its origins in Gen 3:14 and is seen later in Mic 7:17

Promises to Abraham are strongly echoed here. They will be fulfilled in the kingdom which Christ will rule over.

Gen 12:2,3 - great name, thou shalt be a blessing, I will bless them that bless thee, in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed are all found in Ps 72:17.

Gen 13:14-17- the land is in Ps 72:8.

Gen 22:17 - power over enemies is in Ps 72:9. 

72:8  The promise of world wide dominion of Christ here is echoed – Mic 5:4– in the later prophet in an area of his prophecy speaking of the birth and work of Jesus.

1. Psa 72:2 - Christ shall judge thy people with righteousness (Rom 2:16;2Tim 4:1;John 5:22).

2. Psa 72:2,4,12 - "poor"<6041>; Psa 72:13 - "poor"<1800>.

3. Psa 72:2 - "judge"<1777>; Psa 72:4 - "judge"<8199>.

4. Psa 72:7 - the millenial reign of Christ.

5. Psa 72:8 - "He shall have dominion (Zech 14:9;Heb 2:6-9;1Cor 15:25-26;Eph 1:22)...from the river unto the ends of the earth" (Zech 9:9-10).

6. Psa 72:9 - "his enemies shall lick the dust" (Gen 3:14).

7. Psa 72:11,19 - Jesus as king of the nations/world.

8. Psa 72:14 - "He shall redeem<1350> their soul<5315>".

72:19     The way in which David talks of the earth being filled with God’s glory echoes Num 14:21 and is seen again in Isa 6:3 – a passage which speaks of the glory of the risen Christ – John 12:41

HONOUR JESUS OUR KING

Originally written about, or for, Solomon, Psalm 72 also describes the reign of Christ when he reigns on the earth as king. Let's look at some of the things it says about him.

"He will be as rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth."(Psa 72:6)

"He will rule from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth."(v.8)

"All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him."(v.11)

"May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long."(v.15)

"All nations will be blessed through him and they will call him blessed."(v.17)

As we read these verses, let's remember that if we have committed ourselves to Christ in baptism, then we have made him King of our lives. For us there is no one greater. So now, instead of looking at these verses with our future glasses on, let's look at them to see what they tell us about how we should be responding to our King now. We need to relate to Jesus as the refreshing rain on the lawn. We need to give him the rule of our lives to their widest extents. We need to bow before him and serve him - do as he says. We need to pray for him and bless him all day long. And we will be blessed through him and call him blessed.

Are we giving Jesus the honour we should be giving him as our King?

72:1-2   The righteousness and judgment spoken of here as being given to the king is seen in the king of whom the prophet Isaiah speaks – Isa 32:1

This is one of the last Psalms of David as you can see in v20. We can also see that this Psalm is about Solomon, because of the title and because of details like the Queen of Sheba in v10. Can you imagine as a young man hearing your father David speaking this prayer, and feeling the weight of expectation on your shoulders?

Q: Which details did Solomon fulfil, and which did he leave undone?

72:10     This promise was partially fulfilled when the queen of Sheba visited Solomon bringing gifts – 2Chron 9:1

Psa 72:10-12

There are THOUGHTS here that these verses indicate that when Christ returns Elizabeth II will still be on the throne. Queen of Sheba means ELI-SHEBA the origin of Elizabeth. It also PERHAPS points to the fact she will be the first ruler tohand her rule over the the Lord Jesus Christ.

The word gifts are sacrifical offerings made to a king priest.

1Kin 10 shows us the offerings of the queen.

Luke 11:31 tells us Sheba was from the south. Queen Elizabeth II was in Nairobi which is south of Jerusalem when her Father died.

Intersting thoughts but of course not to be dogmtic on even so the queen being now over 80 we pray that these verses do highlight the sooness of our masters return when ALL nations shall ascend unto him.

72:6  The world wide dominion of the one spoken of here – the risen Jesus – is seen also in Psa 110:6 where the enemies of many countries are wounded.

72:7      The use of the phrase “abundance of peace” is seen in only two other places in Scripture. Psa 37:11 and Jer 33:6. As the Psalmist here is speaking of the coming kingdom of God we may safely conclude that is the focus of the other two passages.

72:8    A short term fulfilment of this can be seen in the reign of Solomon – 2Chron 9:26

772:19 the prayer “let the earth be full of thy glory” is to be fulfilled at the return of Jesus. Isaiah 6:6 speaks of the time when this prayer will be fulfilled. We should note that various phrases and ideas in Isa 6 are presented as speaking of Jesus I the New Testament.

72:6 We see a similar idea in Mic 5:7 which is speaking of the time of the kingdom of God.

72:9       in speaking of the enemies licking the dust we are reminded of the punishment on the serpent in Eden – Gen 3:14

72:1-2 We might ask “How was God’s judgment and righteousness given to the ‘king’ – Jesus – spoken of in this Psalm?” The only way that the “king” could learn of God’s judgment and righteousness was from the written word of God. By constant application to the written word of God Jesus developed those qualities. Qualities which qualified him for his future role as king of the world. So what about us? We hope to be “kings and priests” (Rev 5:10). We can only develop the required qualities in the way that Jesus did – by application to the written word of God. By applying the principles we learn from our reading.

72:6 The image here speaks eloquently of how we might in, say the UK, appreciate the smell that comes from freshly mown grass. However what we experience in the UK is not what happened in Israel in the days of |David.

It is far more probable that, given the way that the word translated “mown” is used elsewhere there is a reference to the wool on sheep. One use is in Deut 18:4 where the fleece of sheep is spoken of.

v.11-13 - Pigs are used as a symbol of wickedness on a number of occasions. It was, of course, wrong, or at least inappropriate for there to a herd of pigs at all. Were they for export to the gentiles? The Jews, according to the law, though, were just restricted in their eating of them, Lev.11:7, but also in the touching of a dead carcass of a pig Lev.11:8, Deut.14:8. It becomes symbolic of evil worship - Isa.65:4, 66:3.

v.3 - 19 The miracle of the healing of Legion draws on the language of Isaiah 65 and 1 Kings 18 to highlight that the man was a parable of the nation of Israel in their sinfulness and waywardness.
v.5 tombs Isaiah 65:4
v.5 crying cutting himself 1 Kings 18:28
v.7 what have I to do with thee ... Isaiah 65:5
v.11 mountains Isaiah 65:7
v.11 swine Isaiah 65:4
Isaiah is condemning Israel because of the way in which they have perverted the law in the way that they sacrificed and really did not want to listen to Yahweh. The man in the gospel record shows, in his deranged state, the mental state of the nation.

:25-34 The way in which the woman behaved demonstrated exceptional faith and great humility. Her behaviour contrasted very much with many of those around her - in particular the religious leaders - who were concerned for a great show in their actions. She was so sure that Jesus could heal here that she did not even see the need to speak to anyone. All it would need was for her to touch him and then she would be able to go on her way without disrupting Jesus' schedule. Indeed Jesus did not have to say anything when he realised what had happened. However he wished to present the woman as an example of great faith.

:1 :21 'passed over to the other side' These phrases mark the beginning and end of the event of the healing of Legion. It would appear that Jesus had gone with the single intention of healing the man. How often are we willing to make a journey or put ourselves out for the benefit of just one other person?

5:23 'healed' is the same Greek word as Mark 3:4 'save' <4982>

Mark 5  As we read through this chapter we see a series of three interesting miracles performed by Christ. First we have the healing of the man with the unclean spirit.V.8 (the healing of the mind) Then we have the account of the woman with the issue of blood, who by touching the garment of Christ was healed.V.29(the healing of the body) Finally we have Jairus' daughter who the record says was dead,V.35 being raised from the dead.V.42 (conquers death) In these three different miracles we see Christ conquering first the mind, then the body, and finally death. The Apostle Paul wrote that the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 1Cor 15:26

v.3 - Do we have a reference to this incident in Isa 65:1-4, where in v.4 we have the dwelling among the graves and the swine's flesh?  Does that then make this man a picture of the evil of the hearts of the Jews (in particular in this context) and of all mankind in general?  If so then here we have a picture of how Jesus will take away that evil for ever for each of us, just as he did for this man, nailing it to his cross - bearing it for us.

v.4 - The language here is so like that used of Samson's superhuman strength.  Are we being told that this sort of power can be used for good or for evil?  Are we being told to look for connections between this man who lived amongst the tombs, whose strength to 'pluck asunder the chains that bound him' is described as an evil spirit, and Samson who had the same strength but is presented to us as faithful and God-fearing in his use of it?

WHERE YOU ARE
 
I am a mechanical engineer. In many ways I enjoy my job, but what I would really like is to have a job that would enable me to serve the Lord full time. As I read through the story of Legion, the demon possessed man, I realised that he and I had more in common than I thought. Out of love for Jesus and in thankfulness for what the Lord had done for him, Legion begged to follow Jesus. He wanted to get in the boat with Jesus and his disciples in order to serve Jesus wherever he went. But Jesus had other plans. Instead of allowing him to follow, he said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." (Mark 5:19)
 
Legion and I both have the same problem. Our desire is to serve the Lord personally, but it is not his will at this point that I should do so, and neither would he allow Legion to follow him. Instead we are to serve the Lord in the place he has put us. Legion did a great job. "So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed." (v.20)
 
The lesson is the same for me. He has given me people who need to see and hear the gospel message right in the place where I work and live. Let's all serve him to the best of our ability right where he has put us. He doesn't make mistakes. Let's give him our all right where we are.

Mark 5:15      That 'Legion' was found 'clothed and in his right mind' is indicative of two things. Luke 8:27 advises us that he was unclothed. Here is clothed. There is a play on Adam's condition when he was naked and then clothed by God. Secondly it was his mind that needed attention. That was also true of Adam.

v 8,9 Jesus talks to the unclean spirit in the singular sense, but the man's concept is multiple. Is this to do with the fact that all sin is sin to God, but we/"man" tend to see a multiplicity of different sins, and we grade them according to our view of their seriousness.

v 28-34 the woman had to realise that the power/healing was not in his clothes, but was as a result of her faith. It was also important for the disciples to witness the miracle.

Jairus’ daughter died. That’s the punishment on Adam. Then the woman with the issue of blood was suffering, in symbol, from the punishment on Eve. She had real problems with her childbirth organs. Both were 12 – the girl was 12 years old, and the woman had been suffering for 12 years. If 12 represents Israel, here we have Jesus lifting the punishments of Eden, for Israel.

5:14-16 Notice the threefold use of see / saw. The healing was evident to all. There was evidence for all. However many chose to disregard the evidence because it did not suit them. We can be the same. We might see the incontrovertible evidence and yet still disregard it.

43 Jesus realizes that the daughter of Jairus, who because of her fatal illness had probably not been able to eat in some time, orders that she be given something to eat. One moment Jesus triumphs over death, the next moment he appeases hunger, and in all probability, prevents it from becoming a reality, neither his power or his compassion can be measured.

5:7      In recognising Jesus as ‘the son of the most high God’ Legion is showing his recognition of what God had said about Jesus –Mark 1:11 – even though the Jewish leaders could not. The historical account of the healing of the man is a parable of repentant Israel recognising Jesus.

Vs.22,23 Jairus came to Jesus pleading for Him to accompany him home to help his dying daughter.  Jesus agreed but was interrupted by the woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years.  Jesus healed the woman (v.34). 

However, during the delay in healing the woman, Jairus' daughter had died.  Imagine the grief of Jairus.  He might have thought: If only Jesus had attended to my daughter right away she would have been saved. 

Subsequently, we know that the Lord brought the little girl back from the dead (vs.41,42). Jesus showed that He possessed the power of His Father (John 3:34).  The lesson for Jairus, and the onlookers, was in the parallel experiences of the healed woman and Jairus' daughter. 

Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, who represented the Law, would have banned the woman from attending worship because she was unclean.  She had been spiritually dead for twelve years.  Jairus' daughter of twelve years was now physically dead. 

The Lord Jesus, who fulfilled the Law, was able to make the woman physically and spiritually clean; and was able to resuscitate Jairus' daughter.  Jesus gives life where the Law cannot (John 14:6). 

YOUR STORY

After Jesus had healed Legion, Leigion begged to go with Jesus. "Jesus did not let him, but said, 'Go home to your family and tell them how much the LORD has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.' So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolos how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed." (Mark 5:19-20)

Legion had only known Jesus for perhaps a day at the most. He probably did not have a thorough knowledge of the Bible and we are not even told if he had been baptised or not. Legion was a brand new disciple  with less qualifications to preach than you or I probably have. And yet when Legion went out he made big inroads for Jesus in the community where he lived.

What was the message he preached? He told how much Jesus had done for him. Every one of us who has a relationship with God and Jesus has a similar story. We may not know much about preaching the gospel, but we can tell people what God and Jesus have done for us. Once they are interested, others can help with the details.

When Legion spoke, people were amazed at his story. No doubt our story of God working in our lives can have a similar effect. When we let the Lord work though us, his story, written and told in our lives, can work miracles.

Legion begged Jesus to allow him to follow him. The people begged him to go away. Jesus responded equally well to both. The ruler of the synagogue begged Jesus to heal his daughter. The woman fearing and trembling fell down at Jesus' feet. The people, believing Jesus couldn't heal a dead girl, asked him to discontinue his journey, but he put them outside the house and healed her anyway.

We can learn a lot from these people, mostly Gentiles I presume, who begged Jesus. He always responds well to those who humble themselves before him. So we see from the evidence of all four Gospels that Jesus need not be feared by those who approach him humbly, even though he has the power to both forgive or condemn. Let's keep in mind his answer to the girl's father:

"Do not be afraid; only believe." (v36)

V.1 It seems that Christ crossed to the east side of the Sea of Galilee for the express purpose of healing Legion. This area was mainly inhabited by Greeks, hence the keeping of pigs.  The name of Legion (a Roman name) would further suggest that the demoniac was a Gentile. 

What was Christ trying to demonstrate?  Was He sending a message that He was the saviour of all people, both Jews and Gentiles (Gen 22:18; Gal 3:16)?  Christ sent the healed Legion away to publish this fact, which he did in Decapolis, the ten Gentile cities of east Galilee.

5:17 In seeking for Jesus to depart out of their coasts the people are behaving like the Jewish leaders did towards Jesus. Despite all the evidence that he was who he claimed to be he was rejected by those he came to save. The rejection of Jesus here foreshadows Jesus’ rejection by the Jewish leaders throughout his life.

5:9    Another link with Elijah can be seen here with ‘for we be many’ which echoes 1Kin 18:25

The healing of Legion is like a new Exodus

Summary of Chapter

5:1-19        Country of Gadarenes – healing of a man with an unclean spirit (Legion)

5:20           Healed man proclaimed what Jesus had done for him in Decapolis

5:21-43      Capernaum – though not stated here – healing of Jairus’ daughter (healing of woman with issue of blood 12 years during the narrative about Jairus’ daughter)

5:21     So from Capernaum the people could see Jesus’ boat coming towards them. Many people flocked to the coast to hear him. Jairus, seeing the boat coming had one thing on his mind, His sick daughter who was beyond the help of the system that he was part of.

5:29  The way in which Mark says “the fountain of her blood was dried up” reminds us of Lev 12:7 where the law speaks of how such a healed person should respond.  Under the law of Moses she was required to offer a sacrifice. Jesus makes no such request of this woman (though on other occasions – Mark 1:44  - he requires lepers to keep the requirements of the Law of Moses) 

5:39   On a number of occasions Jesus speaks of people who are dead as being asleep. On those occasions Jesus raised the dead thus indicating that in reality death, for those who are to be raised at least, is simply a sleep. We should take comfort from Jesus’ words and learn from  the nightly example of sleep.  We look forward to going to sleep after a busy day knowing that we will wake refreshed.

5:8  In calling the “unclean spirit” out of the man Jesus is doing that which the prophet had said would happen – Zech 13:2. That is God would remove the “unclean spirits” from the land. Zech 13:2 is the only place in the Old Testament where we find the phrase “unclean spirit”.

5:4     In saying that the man had been “bound with fetters” we are being reminded that this is exactly what Israel were like. They were to be loosed from that bondage as the prophet says  - Isa 52:1-2 – so we see the way in which the miracles is described is designed to remind us of the Old Testament description of salvation.

5:22 Jairus is named here but referred to on three later occasions as “ruler of the synagogue” – Mark 5:35,36,38. This emphasises that he was a man who one would have expected would not have been sympathetic to Jesus. So in turning to Jesus for help he probably alienated himself from the Pharisees and Jewish authorities.

5:32    In being told that Jesus “looked round” we are seeing a phrase unique to Mark’s gospel account. It is found in Mark 3:5,34, 10:32, 11:1 and once of the disciples  9:8.

5:43 this is not the only time that Jesus did not want his miracles published. Whilst the miracles were signs that Jesus was the Messiah he wanted people to believe in him because of the words he spake. The miracles confirmed the words just like the disciples would after his resurrection – Mark 16:20.

STUBBORN PROBLEMS

We all deal with problems in life. Some of them seem to sort themselves out easily and quickly, but others, even when they seem to start out simple, can become the plague of our life.

Maybe it started out that way for the woman with the bleeding. To have a monthly cycle is perfectly normal, to bleed for a time after childbirth is also normal. Maybe it will stop tomorrow, she might have thought. But weeks later she was still bleeding. She tried the local doctor, but he couldn't cure her. She tried many others and suffered a great deal. Eventually twelve years passed and her suffering went on.

Perhaps our problems are health issues too, and we have been to see doctor after doctor. Some of us have relationship problems that don't seem to go away - even with the help of the best counsellors. Or maybe we have problems at work and no matter what we try, we can't get out of the rut.

Finally she found Jesus, and with one touch of his robe, she was healed.

Have you looked to Jesus? Have you asked him to help? All those doctors, counsellors, self help book, and YouTube videos are nothing compared to the healing touch of Jesus. Let's seek him out today. His touch can make even the most stubborn problems melt away.
 

5:23 Whilst Jairus asked that Jesus would “lay his hand” on his daughter Jesus did something different. He took her by the hand - :41. This was a deliberate act to show his Messiahship. As has been commented before taking by the hand was to show that Jesus was the son that Israel could not provide to save as spoken of in Isa 51:18

5:41 this is the second of four occasions when Jesus took someone by the hand when he healed them. The others are Mark 1:31, Mark 8:23, Mark 9:27. This is one of the  details in Mark designed to show that Jesus was Messiah in fulfilment of the words of the prophets – in particular Isa 51:18

5:25-28  The woman is typical of mankind. Mankind – all of us – are in dire circumstances. Death is the inevitable event facing all of us. No matter how much money is expended on health it is, ultimately, to no avail.

The only way out is to throw oneself on the mercy of God who will grant eternal life to those who forsake human solutions to our problems and see in the risen Jesus the forgiveness of sins being available.

5:17-18  Notice the stark contrast between the man who had been healed and those who witnessed the healing. Whilst they wanted Jesus to depart from them the man wanted to go with Jesus. There is no better evidence that Jesus did go than seen in the man who wanted to be with him. It would take time for those left behind to realise that Jesus’ teaching was not to be feared but to be embraced. Luke 8:40 shows us that when Jesus returned to them they accepted him – doubtless because of the words that the healed man told them during Jesus’ absence.