Comments for March 1

5 v. 11,12 - Continuing the theme from ch.2:1, here we have the same process as the meat offering, but this one is not dressed up with oil and frankincense as the other was, because it is a sin offering - made to cover a particular sin - known sin, as opposed to a general covering for sin - something brought specifically to the attention of the person. The way that the sin offering is broken down to allow all to partake demonstrates the way that Jesus, the sin offering to end all sin offerings, died for all who would bring their offering. Isa.53:4-10, 2Cor.5:21.

5:1 - 5 It is interesting that the touching of a dead body or unclean thing is associated with a dishonest witness. 5:16 making amends by adding 'a fifth thereto' advertises that God is affronted by sin and this needs to be acknowledged.

6:11 'put off' 'put on' also see Leviticus 16:23 where Aaron was to change his garments yet again. This marks the change that should take place in our lives consequent on appreciating the requirements of the gospel. Romans 13:12 Ephesians 4:22 - 24 Colossians 3:9 - 10

6 v. 4 - Consider these other passages where things were taken violently away - Gen 21:25, Job 20:19, 24:2, Isa.59:6

5:1 The voice of swearing is the basis on which there is the appeal [Matthew 26:63] to Jesus commanding him to answer the question 'tell us whether you are the Christ'.

6:2 We might think that being dishonest to our neighbour by not mentioning that we have found something that they had lost :3 wrongs our neighbour. Actually it is an offence to God.

5:11 There is a progression from a lamb (:6) right down to 'flour'. The sacrifice is determined by the financial status of the sinner. Thus we see that no matter what little we have to give we are expected to make an offering to God. So it is no good saying that we have no 'talents' as an excuse for not working for God -everyone has something that they can offer and we are all obliged to offer something.

6:20-23 In outlining details of the offering for the priest when he was consecrated we are given more information to add to what was done when the tabernacle was erected and Aaron and his sons consecrated. (Leviticus 8)

5:4 So ignorance is no defence. One is guilty as soon as one is aware of what one has done.

6:6 We will remember that we have read of animals being ‘without blemish’ a number of times already in our reading of Leviticus. A simple point but it is not good enough to give to God what we are inclined to give. Either we give Him the best – or there is no point in giving Him anything.

Lev 6:6  Trespass offering was always a male ram without blemish. The offering was necessary for specific breaches of the law. 

5:1 Knowledge brings responsibility (James 4:17).
 
5:15 The guilt (trespass) offering differed from the sin offering in its specific nature.  Edersheim explains it this way: In fact, the trespass offering may be regarded as representing ransom for a special wrong, while the sin offering symbolized general redemption.

Compensation had to be made by the offender to his victim (5:16). After full restoration, he had to add one fifth of the value. This one fifth represented a double tithe which punctuated the restorative process. 
 
6:12  Supplies were constantly being used up on the desert journey.  Did the Israelites bring enough with them from Egypt, or were they able to replenish en route?

The trespass offerings gave the sinner the wonderful feeling of freedom. The sin had been forgiven, and the person was free to carry on with his life.  But was that only the ideal?  I wonder if EVERY Israelite always took an offering for EVERY trespass?  Distance and life's many other duties perhaps got in the way; and of-course some sins were not repented of. But what a gift they were throwing away!

5:5 - It seems that under the law, in order to confess a sin, you had to be aware of having committed it.  Sins, under the old covenant, almost always seem very specific things.  Very different from the continual humility required of those who seek the forgiveness which can give salvation through the new covenant which Jesus opened for us.

5:8       Repeatedly we learn that the offerer has to take his sacrifice to the priest who will offer it in the appropriate way. It was not sufficient to recognise a need to sacrifice and then to simply kill an animal. The sacrifice had to be effected in the prescribed way. In like manner it is not good enough to say that there is a God, or that one believes in Jesus. One has also to worship Him in the designated way with correct beliefs and actions.

6:10      We learn – Eze 44:18 – that linen was to be worn to prevent the generation of sweat. Now it is not that God does not like sweat, if we might speak thus. For he told Adam ‘in the sweat of they face …’ Gen 3:19. Rather the principle is that the priest who offers, even though he did much manual work, had to realise that the acceptability of the sacrifice was not down to man’s effort. It was due to God’s willingness to accept the sacrifice.

As noted in Offerings and Feasts by F.E.Mitchell, in Chapters 5 and 6 we have 10 specific sins for which a guilt/trespass offering would be given: concealing truth, defilement, swearing rashly, dishonesty in holy things, ignorance, failure in trust, one-sided bargaining, taking by violence, deception or false pretences, stealing by finding. In 5:17-19 - we have mention of sins of ignorance which could entail violation of any of the commandments. Thus we have an echo here to the New Testament where we are to examine ourselves. In 1Cor 11:28 the word "examine" Grk. "dokimazo" (1381) means "to test, try, examine, discern, prove, approve, allow", etc.

Every time an Israelite sinned, albeit inadvertently, it cost him to be put right.  He had to supply the offering (lamb/goat; bird; grain, according to his means), and perhaps to add a fifth in value for restitution (e.g. 5:15,16). 

When we sin, we have access to forgiveness through the Lord Jesus who was epitomised in the sacrifices under the Law.  The cost of our being put right has been underwritten by the Lord (1Cor 6:20). 

Also, the penalty for unresolved transgression was harsh under the Law (Heb 10:28). 

But all things can be forgiven through the Lord Jesus.  We live under the Law of Liberty and not under the Law of Moses (James 1:25).  A great price has been paid for our liberty - a debt we cannot possibly repay.  Let us guard our privileged position by, first, making every conscious attempt not to sin; and, second, if we should sin, to ask for immediate forgiveness and restore any damage caused.

IGNORANCE IS NO EXCUSE
 
Ignorance is no excuse. It is easy to think that because we do not know, we are not responsible. How can we be guilty of breaking God's law if we do not know what it says?
 
Let's put God's law into a different context. If we take the privilege of driving a car on the road, we are under an obligation to drive according to the rules of the road. If we are ignorant of what side of the road to drive on, or the meaning of a red traffic light, we are sure to be quickly caught by the traffic police and punished even though we were ignorant. It is our responsibility to get to know the rules before we drive in the road.
 
It is the same with living life. God, through his prophets and through Jesus, has set down for us what is right and what is wrong and what is expected of us. It is all laid out in life's instruction book, the Bible. So we read, "If a person sins and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD's commands, even though he does not know it, he is guilty and will be held responsible." (Lev 5:17)
 
The lesson for us is to get to know God's laws so we can live by them. We need to repent for the mistakes we have made. We are responsible and will be held accountable at the judgement.

5:11 The quantity of ‘fine flour’ is exactly the same as the amount of manna that was stored in the tabernacle - Exo 16:33

6:4   In speaking of that which was ‘found’ being taken ‘violently away’ indicates that withholding an item found is as bad as taking away someone else’s property.

5:1-2 - V2 "if a 'soul' touch" (KJV) or "if a 'person' touches anything" (NIV). ["Soul" (KJV) or "person" (NIV) in both vs 1 and vs 2 are from the Hebrew word "nephesh" (5315) in its primary meaning it stands for creature, a breathing creature man or animal. It is variously rendered: person, self, creature, life, soul, etc.]. This clarifies how a soul can touch - the soul is a person.

5:2 Of course one might inadvertently touch an unclean thing and no one else know about it. It was the responsibility of the one who had touched the unclean thing to acknowledge his actions and recognise his position. Likewise we sin and no one else knows. Rather than enabling us to ‘get away with it’ we should, as the faithful Jew would, recognise what we have done and take the appropriate action.

Chapter 5 shows that sins can be committed without awareness. However, when those sins are exposed, the sinner has the obligation to take ownership of them. Any compensation for damage done should be paid. The same thing applies to us.  But, the sins that we do unconsciously are often not revealed. We must make sure that we pray for forgiveness for sins made without knowledge. There is no doubt that we have made some.

6:12.13 The fire burned continuously only when the Israelites where camped. When they were on the move, the altar had to be cleaned and covered before it (and the other holy implements of the tabernacle) where manually transported by the Kohathites to the next camping spot (Num 4:11,13).

5:7-10 Whilst the law made a specific requirement for the offering that had to be given when the sin was known there was provision that the poorer offerer was able to offer a sacrifice of lesser value. Thus we see that the offering was proportionate to what the man had – it was a sacrifice, but it was not fixed in such a way that a man may be unable to perform what was required of him due to his financial situation. Likewise repentance is never beyond our means.

6:5-6  Notice that whilst restitution is made to the one wronged there is also the need for a sacrifice to God. Thus we see that our actions against our fellow men actually impact upon God.

6:13   The fact that the fire was never to go out on the altar indicates that we should always be ready to make a sacrifice to God. No need to spend ages preparing the fire, so to speak.

Lev 6:11-13 – The burnt offerings and the peace offerings were reduced completely to ashes on the altar where the fire never went out (v.12).  The burnt offering symbolized total dedication to serving the Lord.  This is represented by the complete reduction of the burnt offering to ashes.  Jesus is typified by the ashes of the burnt offering because he devoted himself completely to the service of His heavenly Father.  The Adamic nature was completely consumed.  The Priest took the ashes outside the camp to a clean place. Jesus was laid in a clean place, a tomb prepared but never been used (Luke 23:53).  The continual fire burning on the altar (v.13) reminds us of the importance our continual service to our Master.  We are exhorted “not to be weary in well doing”, as we have, “opportunity” (Gal 6:9-10).  For us it is a continual warfare (Rom 7:18,24,25).

6:30     provides the basis for the apostle's comment –Heb 13:11.

6:7   Whoever touched the sin offering was rendered clean. Similarly contact with Christ cleanses us from our sin. Of course not simply by touching him. But rather by absorbing and practicing his teaching.

Sin + Accountability = Guilt

In these chapters, "guilty" refers to the state of having trespassed, and being accountable for it. There are several ways not to be guilty:

1) Not having sinned in the first place

2) Having sinned but not being held accountable

So the equation for guilt is: Guilt = sin + accountability

5:1-6 appears to give a list of sins, some of which have automatic accountability, and some of which accountability is only there once you realise your sin. Thus, in these cases, guilt only exists when there is an awareness of sin.

5:2  This simple statement about the effect of touching something unclean teaches a very important principle. The principle is clear. Uncleanness is easily transmitted . In like manner the influences of the things around us can easily contaminate us – 1Cor 15:33

5:4      “When he knoweth” implies that as soon as the problem is recognised action is to be taken to resolve the problem. There was to be no delay in being reconciled to God under the Law of Moses. The same must be true today.

5:5-6  Confession today is often a very private matter. We have sinned and recognised our error and spoken to God in private. However such was not the case in Israel. One how had sinned made an open show of his confession by the sacrifice that he offered. The priest who took the offering would certainly know and probably the person’s family also would n=know as an animal was selected. Prying questioning would possibly follow. The spiritually wise would not seek to find the reason for the confession.

Lev 5:1     Solomon specifically prays – 1Kin 8:31 – about this matter. Thus indicating that it was not a trivial matter.

6:5 Jesus said total honesty was required – Matt 5:37 – this is what is being taught hear. God was looking for integrity in His people, even if their honesty costs him – Psa 15:1-4.

Lev 5:1 If a Hebrew hears another person swearing (<423> meaning an oath) he has a duty to speak against this error. To remain silent was to be complicit. Jesus remained silent at his trial before Caiaphas as he listened to many false witnesses. The High Priest challenged Jesus to respond to the charges laid against him, yet Jesus chose to remain silent (Matt 26:57-62). 

The High Priest said, "I adjure (<1844> to extract an oath) thee by the living God that thou tell us whether thou be be the Christ the Son of God". Only then did Jesus respond (Matt 26:63). The High Priest was using the Name of God to extract under oath a response from Jesus. to his question. For Jesus to have remained silent in these circumstances would have been in conflict with the Mosaic Law (Lev 5:1). Our Lord Jesus "did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth" (1Pet 2:21-23).

5:11,15 notice even when “ignorance” is involved an offering has to be made. Actions have consequences. In like manner we might cause a problem innocently. However the thing we do will have consequences which we should try and remedy.

6:7 In speaking of repayment the Law defines the man as having done violence and deceit. These are two of the characteristics which Jesus did not manifest – Isa 53:9 – It is as if the Law of Moses is laying out the principles of behaviour that he finds abhorrent. Just as Jesus did not manifest those traits we should ensure that we do not either. That is the point the apostle Peter makes about Jesus whose steps we should follow –1Pet 2:21-24.

6:4 the way that a man is spoken of here using the words “violently” and “deceitfully” presents two qualities that were never seen in Jesus – Isa 53:9.

He was different from any man who ever lived.

Psalm 105, Psalm 106 - (this comment continues tomorrow). Psalms 105 & 106 form a pair and along with Psalm 96 are to be found in 1 Chronicles 16
The Psalms are seen in 1 Chronicles 16 in this way
1 Chronicles 16:8-22 Psalm 105:1-15
1 Chronicles 16:23-33 Psalm 96
1 Chronicles 16:35-36 Psalm 106:47-48
As can be seen whilst the whole of Psalm 96 is reproduced in 1 Chronicles 16 only parts of Psalms 105 and 106 are found in the chronicles account.

LOOKING BACK TO WHERE WE HAVE COME FROM
The thing the stirred the Psalmist to praise the LORD, sing to him, give him thanks and glory, and to rejoice in him was when he remembered the wonders God had done, the miracles and judgements he had pronounced. When he thought of how small and weak Israel were to begin with and how God had led them through seemingly impossible situations, how he had done miracles to make them his special people, the Psalmist was filled with thanks and praise for his awesome God.
Sometimes it is good to take a look back in our lives and to see how God has worked his plan out in us. We can see the circumstances he worked in our lives that caused us to be receptive to him. We can see how he has done miracles to keep us safe or to bring us to the position we are in now. We can see how he has blessed us in understanding his word and drawing closer in our relationship with him.
In another place we read that God has prepared good works in advance for us to do, and maybe we can see how we have been developed by his plan and the works he has had us do. And when we see it all (or even some of it) we will be able to praise the LORD with the Psalmist.

v.3 - This principle of giving God the glory is the only solution to human pride. We have to recognise that whatever we do, we do by the power of God - there is no other power in the earth by which we might live and think. Psa.34:2, Isa.45:25, Jer.9:23,24, 1Cor.1:27-31, Gal.6:14

Continuing the theme introduced last year that this Psalm was part of David's song of praise when he brought the ark to Zion. Psa 105:28-36 lists the plagues of Egypt. However notice that the Psalm does not have them in the same order as Exodus

However the Psalm omits the two plagues which are named. Why is this?

GOD'S ACTIVE WORK

If we ever lack the confidence that God is actively at work in our lives, one of the best things we can do is to look back to the past and see the undisputed times that God has been at work in the lives of his servants. This chapter is a prime example. The Psalmist goes through many of the major events in the history of Israel, showing how God was so actively at work in the lives of his people. No doubt this has been a huge encouragement to many Jews ever since the time this Psalm was written. Even in the dark times when they thought that God had forgotten them, they could read this (or better still, sing it) and be encouraged to know that even in the dark times God is in control.

We can do the same, although we have the advantage of being able to look at the lives of so many more amazing people through an extra 4000 years or so from the finish of this Psalm. We can look at instances where God was at work in times of persecution of true believers, at times when the truth was brought back into the open, or at times when God has moved us, influenced our circumstances or performed miracles.

So let's look back, whether at our own lives or at the lives of others, and be encouraged to know that God is still just as active in our lives today.

v.15 refers back to a time before the famine which took them into Egypt. Maybe this refers to the occasions when God protects the wives of both Abraham and Isaac, when they say that they are their sisters, so that they are not killed for their wives' sake. Each time a king is told not to touch - Gen. 12:18-20, 20:1-7, 26:6-11

Just a point first. No one got back to me with an answer to the question I raised last year.

This Psalm should be read with Psalm 106. This Psalm speaks of the things that happened. Psalm 106 comments about the rebellion. So this Psalm sets the scene so that Psalm 106 can draw the lessons.

BIG PICTURE

As we consider the life of Joseph from the narrative perspective of Genesis, we can see that neither Joseph, his family, nor anyone in Egypt, had any inkling of God's big plan. Yet Psalm 105 tells the same story from God's point of view. God was in control. He knew what was going to happen, and he was aware of what was going on. The way it happened for Joseph was that he was sold as a slave, promoted to become a ruler of Egypt, and then the famine came. From God's perspective the order was different. God called for a famine and then sent Joseph to Egypt.

The difference between our perspective and God's perspective is that God can see the end from the beginning. He is outside the restrictions of time. We, however, only see events in the order in which they take place because we are bound by time.

There were more than ten years when people - Joseph, Jacob, and Joseph's brothers, would have been asking themselves, "What is God's plan?" They would not have understood the strange events that happened to them. Looking at it either from hindsight or from God's perspective, we can see how it all fitted in.

Are there things in our lives we don't understand? Maybe we will later. But for now we can be sure that our lives are part of God's plan. He knows the big picture.

105:15  The mention of prophets clearly speaks of Abraham (Gen 20:7) when God reproved a king (Gen 20:5).

Psalm 105  This Psalm,along with to-morrow's reading appears to go together. This Psalm looks at Israel's history from what God has done showing His goodness to His people. V.42-45

GOD'S PLAN
 
Put yourself in the shoes of any one of the people in this Psalm.  The whole aim of this Psalm is to show that God keeps his promises.  The first people mentioned are Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  It was to them that God gave the promises and in particular this one, "To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit." (Psa 105:11)  And the Psalmist is at pains to point out that they were strangers in the land and wandered from nation to nation. (v.12-13).  I wonder if any of these great men ever questioned the accuracy of God's promise when it seemed that the promises were not being fulfilled. 
 
Then, if we follow through we learn of Joseph, the Children of Israel in Egypt, Moses, the plagues on Egypt and God's guidance and compassion in the desert.  Any of these people and the events associated with them, taken by themselves, seem like totally random events.  But when they are put together in their big context, as they are in this Psalm, we can see how God worked out his plan - from his initial promises to the time he gave the children of Israel the land he had promised.  None of those events seem out of sequence and God's promises were fulfilled.  But as any one of the people involved at the time we would have had difficulty seeing how we would have fitted into God's big plan. 
 
Quite likely we have the same difficulty today.  So like those faithful people of old we must trust in God.  He will work his plan out.  He knows best.

V.10-11 It is the promise made to Jacob. Gen 28:13, Out of all the promises of God, this one, concerning the possession of Canaan is prominently brought forward.. Everything revolves around this. The wonders and judgements have all for their ultimate design the fulfilment of this promise. The same lesson applies to each one of us we await the return of our King. 

v.14-15 - If God would do this for wayward Israel, then He will do it for us too.  We can take great comfort in these things.

This is another psalm that goes through Israel’s history.  It therefore shows us how important are these historical stories.

105:28-36          Does anyone have a suggestion as to why the plagues of the Exodus are ordered differently in this Psalm?

V.19 "The word of the LORD tried him"  We clearly see in these few words how exceedingly simple the language of Scripture is. Seven words of only one syllable each, yet the whole of God's dealings with man are summarised in this brief statement. Starting in Eden it was God's word that tested our first parents, so it was with the last Adam, he was tried and tested in all points. It is by every word of God that man lives.

It is good to recount the wonderful works of Yahweh.  It adds appreciation for our God, and increases our faith.  This is especially true when we face trials.  We realize that, by reviewing His magnificent exploits, we know that our God has the unlimited power to help us: Is any thing too hard for Yahweh? (Gen. 18:14).

It is interesting, in the order of the plagues, that plague #9 of darkness is mentioned first. The reason for the plagues was the darkness in the hearts of the Egyptians, the lack of the knowledge of God.
In fact, plague #3 of lice/gnats is not omitted, but comes after #4 v 31
As to why the plagues of the cattle plague/murrain & boils are omitted, I don't have an answer, but it is interesting to note that they are potentially both "infectious" things.

This whole psalm is a testimony to the Word of God in action, continuous action which has results, and is not barren. The Word that brings some into relationship with God, and brings judgement on those who don't believe.

105:19 In saying ‘the word of the LORD tried him’ we learn that Joseph was aware of God’s word of instruction and that God used the circumstances of life to instruct His servants.

V.17-22 As we read this portion of the Psalm, we marvel at the power of the Word. The Word that sustained Joseph through all those difficult years in Egypt. The twenty years or more from his family, the time spent in the prisons of Egypt, the shame brought to him by the wife of Potiphar. The Word spoken of here would have been promises that would have been told him by his father Jacob. Also, there were the two dreams that he had. He did not have a Bible that he could pull out and read as we have. How richly blessed we are in the 21st century to have the Word available to us in our native tongue, and the freedom to read it. What a privilege we have as servants of God today.

105:25,  This Psalm, which comments on Israel’s history, provides added information – added revelation. In the Exodus narrative we learn that "there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph." (Exo 1:8) who treated Israel badly. However in this Psalm we learn that God was involved. It was He who turned Pharaoh’s heart against Israel. So we see that God’s plan to deliver Israel from Egypt started long before the plagues.

SUDDENLY FULFILLED

God made a covenant with Abraham saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit." (Psa 105:11) If we had lived in the time of Abraham, heard God's covenant with him and seen the rest of his life lived as a nomad, not owning any of the land God promised him, we could have said that God failed to keep his promise. And had we lived a few hundred years after that and had seen the struggles that Abraham's descendants went through, especially as slaves in Egypt, we would have said that there was no hope of God's promises ever being fulfilled. But through all their struggles, God's plan was being put into action. Because of their suffering, the children of Abraham grew more and more numerous until there were enough of them to take over and fill the land God had said he would give them.

All of a sudden God's promises came true. After the plagues on Egypt and a short interlude wandering in the wilderness, Abraham's descendants entered and possessed the land God had promised.

There are still promises of God that have not been fulfilled. Looking at the world around us and the time it has taken to fulfil God's promises, we could also wonder whether they could ever be fulfilled. But just as it happened for Abraham's descendants, so it will happen for us. All of a sudden God's promises will be fulfilled. Until then, let us hold on to the faith we have in the promises of God.

105:14-15 One occasion when God told a man not to touch His anointed was then Abraham and Sarah pretended they were brother and sister and Abimelech took Sarah – Gen 20:3

V.1 The scriptures abundantly recount the works of Yahweh. Our God never ceases to perform deeds.

Yahweh is also a faithful God, one who can be trusted completely (Deut 7:9). Jesus emulated His Father, and He asks us to do the same (Matt 5:48). And so, Yahweh's two qualities of faith and works should be ours (James 2:18,20,26).

V.18 Joseph’s feet were fettered and he was incarcerated in jail. His walk was interrupted for a time.

After his release, Joseph rose to extraordinary heights of power. He was given complete power over the affairs of Egypt.

Joseph was a type of Christ.

Jesus’ walk was interrupted when He was killed and laid in the grave. When He rose from death, Jesus was changed into a new being. Then He ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of His Father.  There He was given complete power over all affairs (1Cor 15:27).

105:18 The Genesis record of Joseph in prison shows him as a diligent man who was favoured by the keeper of the prison. Clearly that is so. However the Psalm here adds information about the suffering that Joseph experienced in the prison.

105:17 In saying that God ‘sent’ a man the psalmist is actually quoting Joseph’s words – Gen 45:5

105:42 We take it for granted that God remembers His promises. Such is His consistency. We should both rejoice in this and see His consistency in keeping His word as a model for ourselves.

1. Psalm 105 looks at Israel's history from the point of view of what God has done: His great benevolence and graciousness to His people.

2. Psa 105:5 - what believers should remember. Psa 105:8-9 - what God remembers.

3. Psa 105:1-5,45 - features of true worship.

4. Psa 105:15 - "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm" - ["mine anointed" - does this refer to Christ, or to those in a more general sense selected by God (1Sam 24:5-6), or could it refer to both?].

105:44  That Israel were given land that others had laboured on echoes Josh 24:13. Joshua called upon the people to serve God faithfully which is the point the Psalmist makes in the next verse.

105:37   When Israel left Egypt God was their saviour. They were, therefore, not “feeble” though possibly there were aged and infirm people among them. Likewise we, having been delivered from sin and death, are not “feeble” though we may have ailments. Our strength is in God. The frailty of our nature do not hinder God’s works of salvation towards us. 

105:41The way in which the Psalmist here speaks of God making rivers is the sort of detail that the prophet –Hab 3:9 – picks up on when he reflects on what God had done in the past.

The key point of this chapter is that in v42 the writer comes back to the promise to Abraham which he introduces in v8-11. So all that happened to Israel as outlined in v12-41 is as a result of those promises! The same point is made for us in Hebrews 11.

105:5,8   We do not worship a forgetful God. So we should not be forgetful of His faithfulness.

Psa 105:19

“Until the time that his word came (to pass): the word of the LORD tried him.”

There is a differentiation between his word and the word of the LORD. In the first instance, word is # <1697>, dabar, and means, “a matter (as spoken of)…” The second word is # <565> “imrah,” and means, commandment, speech, word.” Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon defines “imrah” as “a word, speech, especially the word of God…”

The Hebrew Names Version translates this verse thus: “Until the time that his word happened, And the LORD’s word proved him true.” The NIRV has, “He was in prison until what he said would happen came true. The word of the LORD proved that he was right.”

“His word” refers to Joseph’s word, the narrative of his dreams (Gen 37), as revealed to him by the LORD in dreams that foreshadowed his exaltation. It was the “word of the LORD,’ His commandments in the Torah that tried Joseph as he resisted his temptations and rose above his tribulations and was obedient.

"The path of sorrow, and that path alone, leads to the land where sorrow is unknown" – William Cowper, poet

From the desert pit to the Midianites' chattel, to Potiphar's slave, from Pharaoh's dungeon to the servant of servants many years elapsed and it would have been so easy for Joseph to get despondent and doubt his dreams. Yet, time tried and tested Joseph and prepared him for what was to come. It proved Joseph’s unconquerable faith, his ability to see things that are not as though they were.

Joseph’s fate would bring anyone to despair, but Joseph had that quality of moral fiber, a character which was not weakened by adversity. He had virtue, he had faith, he had patience and fidelity, and with these qualities he prevailed. What a man emerged out of Pharaoh’s dungeon!

The word of the LORD will test our patience too; it will test our belief to be heirs of the Kingdom. We cannot practically fulfil the law of Christ without strenuous effort. As with Joseph, we know that the word of the LORD, His revealed word as read in the Bible, is sure and will come to pass. Our present adversities are but stepping stones to a glorious future, or do we focus on our fetters and wonder if God will bring our exaltation to pass?

Our stepping stones strengthen us, and raise us to a clearer and graver view of God and life. Our stepping stones must not be stones of stumbling and rocks of offence to cast us down. Every one of us is tested and tried and are better for it if we submit to God’s will for us. Ultimately, God wants all of us out of the pit to emerge with a purified faith and exalt us to be Kings and Priests in His Kingdom.

WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN

Why would a loving God allow bad things to happen to good people? People will choose to lose their faith in God because of a series of events they feel are unjust, and that God could have prevented. At some stage, bad things are going to happen to us too. And when they do, or better still, before they do, take a look at Psalm 105.

Israel were in Egypt. Their initial stay in Egypt was probably when they saw the active hand of God at work most in their lives. They were escaping the famine, together as a family again, making a new start in a new land. God was with them. But listen: "Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob lived as an alien in the land of Ham. The Lord made his people very fruitful, he made them too numerous for their foes, whose hearts he turned to hate his people, to conspire against his servants." (Psa 105:23-25).

And all this time, some 430 years, God was with them, though they probably didn't realise it. How easy would it have been to lose your faith in God who cares for you, while living in Egypt like that?

God allows things to happen that we don't understand, because he has bigger plans. He certainly cares for us as individuals, but more important than an easy life now, is our preparation for God's kingdom. No matter what comes our way in life, let's always rely on God, who is far wiser and has bigger plans than we could ever dream of.

105:4   When Adam and Eve sinned they sought to hide from God’s face – Gen 3:8 - The Psalmist’s counsel is the counsel that we should follow.

105:22 The record of Joseph in Egypt talks about Joseph as second in the kingdom taking care of the gathering and distribution of the grain. However here we see an additional aspect of his work. He instructed Pharaoh’s wise men, imprisoning those who would not be instructed. So we might conclude that by the time Moses stood before Pharaoh requesting that he let Israel depart there would be, despite the fact that those of Joseph’s day had passed off the scene, there would have been a body of knowledge imparted by Joseph. Joseph would have instructed them in matters of law and practice based on the God of the Hebrews. 

105:28When the record says “they rebelled not against his word” the Psalmist is speaking of Egypt. The comment is an observation as to how the Egyptians responded at the end of the plagues for it is evident that they did rebel during the plagues.

105:5 there are only three laces in scripture where the record speaks of “a thousand generations” – 1Chron 16:15 which is the historical setting of the Psalm and Deut 7:9 where Moses, at the end of the wilderness journey reminded the nation that they were a “special people” – Deut 7:6 – so special that Yahweh was planning to dwell with them.

Psa 105:17-18 Joseph did not have it easy in prison it was not to spare his death. he was laid in iron means his neck in a collar of Iron. Gen 39:20

105:22 Here and Psalm 81:5 we have an indication that Joseph used his influence in Egypt to give some understanding of the God of Israel to the Egyptians. He taught God’s “wisdom” and instituted a system of worship (Psa 81:5) So we might conclude that the Pharaoh that “knew not Joseph” (Exo 1:8) had no time for Joseph’s religious values that he had established in Egypt. The good of one man can be undone in a moment. However that does not mean that we should not try and show the spirit of Christ in our lives. In fact we have no option – just as Joseph did not. His instruction of others was a consequence of the values he held. His “religion” affected his daily life.

105:31 we are given additional information here when compared to the Exodus record. Exodus just says “flies” here we learn that there were different types of flies – that is more than one kind.

105:22  the word translated “senators” <2205>is only found once in scripture – here – but is related to the word which is translated “elders” 115 times. So we can safely conclude the Psalm is speaking about people (Egyptians) who were responsible to Joseph whilst he was managing the storage and then distribution of the harvest during the yaer’s of plenty and then famine.

v.12 - This chapter is presented in the context of spiritual love, being the 'more excellent way' of ch.12:31, described in ch.13. In this context the love which we have should cause is to excel in the edifying of each other. That all may 'profit withal' - ch.12:7. We are exhorted to do it correctly too - that 'all things be done unto edifying' ch.14:26, and this, with the rest of the chapter, sets the correct context for that much misused verse at the end of the chapter - v.40

:26 In saying 'every one of you' we see that the focus of the minds of the brethren and sisters in Corinth was that they might have their say - pushing themselves forward in the process as if they were important. They had forgotten that the gift was something that they had been given rather than something which was inherent to them

14:1 'Prophesy' does not necessarily mean 'foretell the future' It also covers speaking to edify or comfort (1Cor 14:4)

1Cor 14:3,5,12,26. Edification ; Edifying OIKODOME 3619 (building) along with OIKODOMEO 3618 V.4, 17(house builder). The apostle in this chapter is showing how important it is that the ecclesia is being built up. A responsibility of all members to see that all things be done unto edifying. (building up)

V.:5 Speaking in tongues (Gr. glossolalia) meant speaking in foreign languages.  It does not mean speaking in some unintelligible utterance as some would suppose. 

V.18 The fact that Paul had the gift of languages is demonstrated in Acts when he spoke to the Roman captain in Greek (Acts 21:37), and then switched to Hebrew for the Jews (v.40). 

Vs.34,35,37 Paul instructs women to be silent in the ecclesia. This instruction has the authority of the Lord.

v.3 - to prophesy is to edify, exhort or comfort our fellow brethren.  This is something that we do.  In our efforts to point out that the Spirit Gifts are no longer in the ecclesia today as they were in the first century, we may miss the fact that when we prophesy, as we do by the definition above, we do so to the glory of God, who gives us the words.  May we never be inclined to take the glory to ourselves, and remember that this is a gift from God through His word.

14:11  It is probable that those with different followings also has special language – special ways of saying things to mark out their ‘superiority’. But unless what is said is understandable by all it is useless. The speaker, rather than being viewed as useful is viewed as a ‘barbarian’ exactly the opposite of what he is trying to achieve!

It is interesting that 1Cor 11:4 says that women prophesied, which would make them fall under the injunction of 1Cor 14:29-33 How does this then tie up with v 34-35? Would they have to be silent at times when they are not, under Holy Spirit guidance, prophesying (or praying)?

There must have been problems about Spirit gifts in the Corinth ecclesia. Chapters 12 and 14 are all on this theme, so we must deduce that ch13 is too. Whilst love is not exclusively a Spirit gift, Paul includes this short treatise on love as an example of how other gifts must be accompanied by love. In today’s chapter he includes his exhortation about the use of tongues to be coupled with love (1Cor 14:1).

14:20‘be not children …’ echoes what Paul has said in 1Cor 13:11The Corinthians were so inflated with their own importance and Paul is highlighting that they are behaving childishly.

14:3     Notice how often ‘edify’ and related words are used in the chapter - 4,5,12,17,26– Whilst it might have been thought that the use of the gifts of the holy spirit was the focus of this chapter in reality edifying the body of Christ is the prime focus. If we were to elevate all our discussions to this level we would benefit immensely. If we were to ask ‘what can we do to edify the body of Christ’?’ Or ‘how is this discussion edifying the body of Christ?’ we would avoid strife and contention.

14:2 Clearly in Corinth there were those who thought that speaking in tongues was some wonderful thing they could do to instruct their fellow believers. Doubtless it was used by the brethren that were ‘puffed up’ to bolster their position amongst their fellow believers. This simple observation by Paul that such utterances were spoken ‘to God’ should have caused those who were ‘puffed up’ to reconsider their actions.

women preachers - 1Cor 14:34-35;1Tim 2:8,12;Acts 18:26.

Joel prophesied that Yahweh would pour out His spirit on men and women and they would both prophesy (Joel 2:28,29). And, 1Cor 11:5 agrees that women were allowed to prophesy. However, it would appear that they were not allowed to prophesy in mixed company in the ecclesia (vs. 34,35). That way the respect for the God-à Christ-à Man-à Woman hierarchy would be maintained.

There are two groups of people who Paul asks to keep silent in the church. 1) those who spoke a language the others couldn't understand, and 2) the women. It's obvious from the context that Corinthian services were chaotic. People speaking over each other, and no wonder because they were desperate to be heard above the noise. Most things said were left un-heard, either because the listeners could not understand the language, or because the interpreter had no time to interpret before someone else chipped in. Would you be edified by such a meeting?

Paul's solution is to limit the number of people speaking, and limit the time they have to speak, so that the words that are said actually have some weight. He rightly paints a picture of a musical instrument (v7). Which would you rather listen to; a full orchestra playing several different tunes, loudly, at the same time, or a single flute?

God is not the author of confusion - 1Cor 14:33;2Pet 3:16.

14:8 The ‘uncertain sound’ is the babblings of those who tried to impress by mimicking the speaking in tongues.

14:25 The way in which unbelievers will respond ‘God is in you’ quotes Isa 45:14 thus showing that this passage in Isaiah  has a partial fulfilment in the first century when the gospel was preached.

14:32 Contrary to what seemed to have been the thinking of those in Corinth – that is they could interrupt each other claiming that the ‘spirit’ was moving them Paul indicates that they did have a degree of control over at least when they spoke.

14:19 Brevity is not often a characteristic that we use when we speak. We seem often to think that we need to use many words to make our point. Being understood is more important than the number of words we use.  It usually is the case that the better thought out our comment the less words we use. Therefore we would do well always to think carefully about what we are going to say and how we are going to say it before opening our mouth.

About a week ago, I received a question for use from a brother in NJ. Here it is - actually about 3 questions in all - 1Cor 14:34,35 -

14:13  The temptation is when we talk to show off our cleverness and knowledge of a subject. However if our listener cannot understand what we are saying we are wasting our time. An excellent communicator is not interested in being clever. Rather he is interested in being understood. 

Women speaking.1Cor 14:35

It is a popular thought that woman "at home"refers to married women and perhaps only married women could not speak or even perhaps unbaptised women. the words husbands should reall be translated men.

1/ could newly baptised sisters speak then while older sisters be silent? No Titus 2:3-5

2/ At home doesnt mean marriage, many sisters lived with brethren who are fathers, brothers and sons.

3/ The context of the verses supports the translation as women not wives.

The word silence in V34 is the word SIGEO it is used for silience here but in v30 it is translated hold peace. It is giving the idea to sit and listen, this isnt of course stopping sisters from singing.

As with all doctrinal problems we should take the context of the chapter its talking about edifying the ecclesia, the word speak is LALEO which means a formal message, so for a sister to speak in the ecclesia to carry a FORMAL message in order to edify then it is wrong. A sister has a different role, perhaps in the home.

We must remember in the principle of Adam and Eve that Eve's speaking or formal message iniated mans downfall, for he let her take his authority  away. WOman was never to have authority over a man again, in other words she wasnt to instruct man.

The possesioon of the Holy spirit DID NOT give woman authority over a man either spirit gifts or spirituality does not give a woman authority over a man.

I know many spiritual sisters mopre knowledgable than me, but their spirituality is seen in the recoginition of the place in the ecclesia and in the home.

As brethren we must remember that a mans authority over a woman is only in speaking and making decisions, a woman can be just as spirtually aware as a brother. His authority oNLY came from the order of creation not because a womans incapability!!

14:16 The “unlearned” is not someone who is uneducated. Rather it is one who does not have the relevant spirit gift to enable him to understand the word spoken in an unknown tongue.

14:8    In the days before modern radio communication armies were organised and battle plans executed through the sounding of bugles. For an army to respond correctly to the command the bugle sound had to be clear and distinct and able to be heard above the sound of the battle. The analogy in church matters is clear. Against the background of the noise of confusion and error those who speak truth need to make their message clear and unambiguous.

14:7   In using the analogy of musical instruments Paul, again, is highlighting that different benefits are seen in different people. The Corinthians sought particular gifts to the exclusion of others thinking that one was  more prominent gifts were more important. Likewise we should be careful to seek to do the thing that are necessary rather than those which are most visible.

14:19 Paul’s use of the phrase “five words” is doubtless not an arbitrary number. A key part of the gospel messages is written about by Paul – 1Cor 2:2 – where he uses five words to say “Jesus Christ and him crucified”. So we might conclude that these are the five words that Paul would rather speak.

1Cor 14:37,38

“If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.”

“There is such a thing as the whole counsel of God (Acts 2:27); a faithful work of the Lord (Titus 1:9-14; an earnest contention for the faith (Jude 1:3); a full, wise, uncorrupted, saving testimony of the truth (1Tim 4:15,16). And there are those who never get farther than a mere smattering of the thing; whose capacities are too contracted to expand to the greatness of the truth—whose energies are too much bestowed on mere temporalities to leave a sufficiency for growth in the Spirit, and stop short in pious ‘charitable’ uncertainties, which embarrass the operations of the truth, and would spoil the work of God if they were to get their way. They are dealt with in Paul’s words: ‘If any man think himself a *brother, let him show it by acknowledging frankly and abetting heartily the whole counsel of God; but if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant…’

If any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant; but let not those who are privileged to be otherwise, take direction or example from the ignorant man, nor let their course be influenced by him, either for the sake of pleasing him, or from any other motive. His way leads to destruction and death; and all the more so because he wears the garb and talks and language of one who knows the way of life. ‘He thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual’; if he be so, let him show it by the manly, earnest, zealous carriage of such a one. But if he be but a spiritual ignoramus, let him take the consequences in being avoided.”

Brother Robert Roberts, SEASONS OF COMFORT, SPIRITUAL IGNORANCE AND WOMAN’S POSITION, pp. 84,85

Man is # <3762>, oudeis. It includes anyone, even females/sisters. *Brother Roberts used the word, "brother," which is also within the “any man” definition (cf. 2Cor 11:13; Gal 6:3).

14:37  Paul, the apostle, now challenges those in Corinth who claimed a spiritual status. The challenge being that they had to accept that what Paul had said was correct – that is inspired – or acknowledge that their claimed status had no validity at all.

1Cor 14:34

“Let your women keep silence in the ecclesias; for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.”

“There is a tendency with some to drive this doctrine to an extreme. I have heard some speak contemptuously of the sisters as ‘mere women, only fit to nurse babies, and look after the pudding.’ Against such a doctrine every true brother will earnestly protest. It is not only degrading to her whom God has given us for ‘an helpmeet,’ but it is inconsistent with the spirit of the Gospel which teaches that there is neither male nor female in Christ’ that we are all one in Christ Jesus….

Such a boorish doctrine… it is a doctrine to be opposed and detested as much as any hurtful doctrine may be. The man who holds, and much more the man who preaches it, deserves to be deprived of every social advantage, and to be shup up in a cave. This, in fact, is his destiny at last.

If a sister is an intelligent, active, useful, noble servant of Christ, her being a woman is no disqualification or barrier; it only precludes her from the act of public speaking, and involves subjection to her husband… She is a partner, a helper, a fellow-heir in all things pertaining to Christ, and the man who would degrade her from this position is not fit for a place in the body of Christ….”

Brother Robert Roberts, SEASONS OF COMFORT – SPIRITUAL IGNORANCE AND WOMAN’S POSITION, pp. 87,88

It is as Brother Roberts wrote, “Hypocrites always oppose the deeds of righteousness under pious pretences.”

Difficult passages require a lot of careful study and reflection, and combined with its receptiveness, we can come to a proper understanding of the meaning of difficult passages. This verse is not as simple as it may appear to read. This passage requires study, just like any other difficult passage in Scripture. To obey it accurately, we must understand it accurately!

“Silence” is # <4601>, sigao. It is in the present active imperative form, a continuous action, which carries the idea of “keeping quiet!” “To speak” is # <2980>, laleo, “talk.” In addition to women not speaking publicly in the Meeting, they were also to be quiet and keep quiet and not be disruptive in talking to those around them perhaps asking for an explanation what was said (cf. # <4602>, <4623>; v. 35). Sigao does not mean that women may not sing hymns during the Meetings, contending that sigao demands absolute silence! This is not the kind of silence Paul demands. The nature of the silence is clearly determined by the context.

14:26 Paul returns to the focus he has set earlier. Speaking in tongues was not for the exaltation of the one speaking. Rather it was for the edifying of those listening. This should be our objective whenever we speak about God’s word.

14:1 The word translated “follow” <1377> is regularly translated “persecute” – for example Matt 5:11. Now when we understand persecution we see it as a relentless activity followed with great zeal. This is how we should be charitable, in the biblical sense. Our showing Christian charity should be with great enthusiasm and stamina.

14:8  Whilst believers today do not speak by the Holy Spirit the obligation to speak understandable words is essential. An “uncertain sound” could be a vague speaking about clear Bible principles. We may wish to be vague for fear of offending someone. However clear teaching is always essential. Though, however, should be given as to how to present clear truth in a way which is not taken as a personal attack.

14:11 Whilst none of us now would claim to speak in an “unknown tongue” some of us speak in ways which leave our audience baffled as to what we are saying. It is all too easy to assume that because we understand what we are saying that our audience will understand as well.

A good rule of thumb is to assume that if the audience do not understand what we are saying then our communication skills are at fault, not that the audience is not very perceptive!

14:9 We live in an age when communication abounds. However the use of language is less extensive than it had been in the past. For example in the Victorian times especially words were used which we rarely if ever use today. Much good writings was written in those days by faithful believer. We must be careful not to discard such material simply because words are used that we do not use in our daily conversation. A little thought when we come across a word we are not familiar with will very often provide the meaning.

EXCEL

There is always something to learn. I have been on a number of courses to better myself in certain areas of my life. Some of that learning has been to do with work, some out of interest, and some because it would benefit my spiritual life and the lives of others. It is a good thing to seek to improve ourselves, and God wants nothing less from us. We need to make sure that what we choose to study is something we can use to honour God and bless those around us.

Speaking about spiritual gifts, Paul said, "Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church." (1Cor 14:12). We don't need to limit this instruction only to the gifts of the Spirit. Excelling in areas that build up the church can be applied to any area of our learning and development. We cannot find a more worthy purpose for our lives than to please God and build up his people.

So when we find ourselves eager to grow and excel in any area of our lives, let's commit ourselves to excelling in ways that will both build up other believers, and in ways that please God. In doing this we will excel above and beyond our highest expectations. Let's not waste the gifts God gives us by keeping them to ourselves, but excel by investing them in the lives of others.