Comments for March 13

v.5 - These practices were not a matter of fashion. God was not here telling them not to take on certain fashions in appearance. Fashion is of no consequence before God, except where is cuts across the line of common decency, but these were things which the nations around did when people close to them died, and therefore had a religious significance. God is obviously not telling them never to cut their flesh, as the very token of his covenant involved them doing just that. He is informing them about the way they should behave towards death, which after all was only the end of this life for those who were faithful, that they might await the one to come. The parallel passages make this clearer. Lev.19:27,28, Deut 14:1. See also Lev.10:6, Isa.15:2, 22:12, Jer.16:6, 48:37, Eze.44:20, Amos 8:10, Mic.1:16.

21:1 - 2 The Nazarite was called to higher degree of separation than the priest as he could not be defiled for any dead person no matter how closely related he was to the dead.
21:9 be burned with fire Revelation 18:8
The destruction of Babylon draws on the death of a priests daughter who has played the whore because Babylon - Rome has done just that. The truth of the gospel was corrupted by the ones who should have kept it pure and so prostituted the message. The way in which Revelation 18 portrays Babylon develops this image - of a daughter who has turned to harlotry rather like Israel as described in Ezekiel 16.
21:10 The separation of the high priest is of the same order as the Nazarite - though the Nazarite was a man who chose to separate himself the high priest had no choice. Jesus combines both the high priest and the Nazarite - he was born the son of God but 'took on himself the form of a servant' so electing to suffer and electing to separate himself like the Nazarite. It is for this reason that 'he is able to save to the uttermost ...' Hebrews 7:25.
21:16 - 23 The law regarding priests that were blemished is not discrimination against the disabled. It is a pattern of how we, as part of the bride of Christ is to be Ephesians 5:27 'not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish'.

The rules for the priest and his family are much stricter it seems than for the 'common people'. Let us recognise that in type as we apply these things to ourselves, we are not the common people, but the priests - we are a royal priesthood, a peculiar people - we are the ones with the vow, which we took at baptism. The principles we should apply to our spiritual lives should match the strictures of the principles described in this chapter.

:18 The prohibition upon a man with a physical deformity is not an indication that God does not like the appearance of a disfigured person. Whilst we may manifest such attitudes God does not. The prohibition is to teach that God requires perfection. The man with a blemish is not as he Adam was created who is the image and likeness of God. As in the natural so in the spiritual. Whilst God is not looking for physical beauty in His children he is looking for spiritual completeness.

:11 That the high priest could not be defiled even for close relatives is not a callous requirement of the law. Rather it taught that the things of God are more important that family ties and so the Jew looking at the high priest would (it is hoped) realise that separation to God requires a degree of commitment that most are not willing to make.

The way that the High Priest was barred from certain actions which might be seen as simply compassionate things that a man would do in the case of a family trauma are to mark the point that service to God is single – nothing should come between the man and his service to God. If we aspire to be priest in the kingdom we must have that singleness of mind now – not that we should not meet the needs of family. But rather appreciate what has the first priority.

V.6 "The bread of their God" This was the shew bread, but points forward to John 6:33 Were we see the aspect of salvation which the gospel discloses and offers. The true bread in which we and true believers over the ages have put their trust in.

God’s priests had to be especially holy. They had to abstain from all appearance of evil. Even birth defects barred priests from entering into the Most Holy Place, and from the altar Lev 21:21-23, because humanity must be cleansed and purified before they can approach God Exo 29. God however allowed these "impure" priests to eat the holy bread. That’s mercy.

Under the Law, the high priest could not defile himself (v.11). Contrast him with our high priest, Jesus, who defiled himself by taking on infirmities (Matt 8:17) and raising the dead (Luke 8:54). But, His greatest defilement was on the cross where he died for our sakes (Gal 3:13).  Praise Yahweh.
 
V.5 Yahweh forbade the priests to shave bald spots on their heads, or the corner of their beards; or to cut themselves. This was in order to keep them separate from the practices of neighbouring pagans.  The Egyptian priests, for example, used to shave themselves every three days to appear clean for service.  We recall a later example of the prophets of Baal who attempted to stir up their god by cutting themselves (1Kin 18:27,28).

21:7      The relationship between the priest and his wife should match that of the relationship between God and His people. Hence the priest was called to an high principle. We, likewise, are in the same position.

The high priest was not permitted to rend his clothes (v.10).  However, that is exactly what happened during the interrogation of Jesus before His crucifixion (Matt 26:65).

21:1 The constraints laid upon the sons of Aaron about how to deal with the death of family matters may well be the basis for Jesus’ words ‘Let the dead bury the dead’ Matt 8:22, Luke 9:60

V.16-24 In all these regulations regarding the High Priest preserving both the character and the office, point forward to our High Priest. In Heb 7:26 we read that our High Priest was harmless and undefiled, then in V.28 the writer says "the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity". Aaron was made a High Priest without an oath, all promises connected with eternal life are made with an oath, note V.28 again 

21:5      The injunction not to cut the flesh was violated by the prophets of Baal –1Kin 18:28 – as if self harming would please their God. It is an example of trying to earn approval from God by one’s own actions. ‘If I suffer then God is bound to listen to me’ sort of way of thinking.

Yahweh imposed strict rules for being a priest because priests were to reflect His perfection. Priests had to emulate Him (Lev 20:7). Peter quotes from Lev 20:7 as an underpinning for the behaviour of true believers in Christ who will be the priests of the Kingdom Age (1Pet 1:15,16).

21:1-2  Here we see a formalisation of what Aaron, Eleazar and Ithamar were told – Lev 10:6 when Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord with the provision that family members could be dealt with, which contrasts with the situation in Lev 10:6

V.7 The word for profane (defile, pollute) in Hebrew is halal. Ironically, halal is to Muslims what kosher is to Jews. Halal dietary laws largely follow kosher choice and preparation of foods. There are some differences, though: for example, halal allows for eating camel, whereas kosher does not. In this case, Muslims accept only the requirement that the camel chew the cud. The camel fails the second requirement under the Law, that the hoof be cloven (Lev 11:4).

It is not uncommon to see Muslims shopping for food items in Jewish kosher stores.

Lev. 21:5 It is interesting given the commandment under the law not to make baldness and yet that in Act 21:23 in order to calm the Jews and prove that Paul honoured the law it says

Acts 21:23-24
23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;
24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

While it does not appear to be for the dead it certainly seemed to be a common practice. Paul again does it in Acts 18:18

Acts 18:18
18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
(KJV)

21:7 This constraint relating to marriage will apply to the mortal priest in the age to come – Eze 44:22

It is implied in this chapter that the wife of a priest was counted as being one with him. We can see this because she is not mentioned in v2 or v11. It is simply taken for granted that she is an exception to this "defilement" rule. When he chooses a wife she is to be holy like him (v6-7, 13-15). This brings across a strong message to us about marriage. Do we choose someone who can be holy to God along with us?

However, we should bear in mind that physical purity (in the sense of v7) isn't an indication of inner purity, and therefore we should not use it as a reason not to marry someone we love and who shares our faith. Rahab and Ruth are great examples of this, marrying and bringing forth the holy line of David and Jesus.

21:1-2 The prohibition here given to the priest will be re introduced in the millennium when the temple which Ezekiel describes will be rebuilt – Eze 44:25

PRIESTLY CALLING

When God gave Israel the rules for priests, the thing we instantly notice is that the standards of behaviour and holiness that was expected from one of Gods priests was far higher than the standards expected from the rest of the children of Israel. It is the same today. If anyone becomes anyone important - a politician, a religious minister, police, or any public figure of authority - they are held in high regard by the rest of us. As a result, any misbehaviour from any of these people is pounced on by the media who let us know in no uncertain terms exactly how our leaders have fallen from grace. Ye normal people (those who are not leaders) can get away with the same sort of things, making hardly a ripple.

We have been called to be a "Kingdom of priests." (Rev 5:10) As a result, we also should be living our lives with a much higher standard of moral behaviour than the rest of the people around us. As a kingdom of priests we are the ones who are showing those who see us what it means to be one of Gods holy people - displaying Gods holiness and glory.

So let us live our lives with the standards of one of Gods priests.

Lev 21:7

“They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband…”

This passage of Scripture is often used to prove that divorce existed before the Law of Divorcement given by God in Deut 24:1-4! Moses, as God's servant, was responsible to give it to all of the people of Israel. Though often referred to as the Law of Moses, it was the Law of God given to Moses.

We have developed a mindset that when we read, “put away,” we immediately think of divorce. Yet, time and time again, Scripture distinguishes between separation and divorce. “Put away” is the verb garash, Strong’s # <1644>, and it is also found in Lev 21:14; Lev 22:13; Num 30:9. Garash means, “to drive away,” and differs from shalach, “to put away,” Strong’s # <7971>, only in the intensity of the action. The Hebrew word for divorce is keriythuwth, Strong’s # <3748>.

21:12   Amidst all the rules regarding how the priest should respond to the death of a close person he is now told that service to God is more important than human feelings. It is not that God does not care about our feelings.  However His will and service must come first in all things.

21:22   Whilst certain Levites were barred from service they were not out of fellowship with God. They could share in the “bread of his God”. In like manner we may have in our community those who, seemingly, fall short of what we might think a servant of God should be. However our prejudice does not bar them from fellowship. Indeed we should not even notice the “shortcoming”.

21:13  That the high priest had to marry a virgin forms the basis for Paul’s comment – Eph 5:23 – when he speaks of Christ (the high priest) and his bride (the church).

21:8 Here is one of many places where Scripture requires holiness because God is holy – Lev 20:71Pet 1:15 being two other examples. We should not underemphasise the importance of our way of life.

21:24   Notice the specific instruction to the priests was to be told to “all the children of Israel”. The reason why the whole nation had to know was so that they would not think that a priest was shirking his duties if he was not involved in service at a particular time. It is all too easy to form judgments about others who seem not to be involved in the service of God toady. We should think carefully before presuming that such an one is shirking his duties.

21:22-23        The priest who was not physically perfect could serve but was constrained not allowed to be involved in some parts of service to God. His physical deformity was not a sin, but a constraint on his work. This is true in the first century ecclesias also. An example can be seen in Paul’s inspired advice – Romans 14:1 – the brother troubled by meats offered to an idol is no less a brother because of that but nonetheless should be treated carefully.

21:1-2   the way in which God makes an exception to His rules about being defiled by touching the dead shows His love and understanding of human emotions. Whilst the prohibition would cause the priest to focus on his service to God the provision relating to near family recognises that human emotion might, if not allowed to express itself, hinder faithful service.

21:17-21 The details here are repeated at the border of the land, but in less detail – Deut 23:1.

Lev 21:4-23 - Five times in this chapter we read of “the bread of God”(Lev 21:6,8,17,21,22.)  

Each of these verses point forward to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was holy, undefiled and had committed no sin.

The personal preparation of Aaron and his sons for the work to make offerings of sacrifice and the "bread of God", was only fully achieved by Jesus. These requirements of the Law given to Moses were a shadow of what was to be done through the work and sacrifice of Jesus.

21:9 we should realise that this command regarding a woman who had been a harlot formalises something which, it seems, was currently understood in the days of the patriarchs for we see the same language in Gen 38:24 when Tamar, Judah’s daughter in Law, was found to be pregnant.

21:1-9 Notice that there were constraints laid upon the sons of Aaron that were not applied to those who were not sons of Aaron. It is as if their separation was to be seen in the way that they conducted themselves in day to day living.

Whilst we are not sons of Aaron we aspire to be priests in the kingdom of God – Rev 5:10 - and life now is our training ground for that priesthood. For that reason, if no other, we should be willing to apply restrictions to our day to life in order to maintain our separation to God. Of course this is not a licence to shun those not “in Christ”, rather that we should not be copying their way of living.

Lev 21:14; Lev 22:13

“A widow, or a divorced  woman…” But if a priest’s daughter be a widow, or divorced…”

The Book of Leviticus was written shortly after the Israelites exodus from Egypt. It was important to Israel as a nation because it established the priesthood, contained instructions regarding Temple worship and service, and included the moral obligations of the Israelites to God and toward one another. Leviticus helps us to understand what is necessary for our sanctification – set apart as a holy people (cf. John 17:17; 1Thess 4:3).

Leviticus was written c. 1446-1406 BC, during the wilderness wandering and Deuteronomy is believed to have been written c. 1406, as the new generation of Israelites was about to enter the Promised Land. We read in Deut 34:8 that the Israelites mourned for Moses 30 days, so, Moses fell asleep not long after Deut 24 was written (cf. Deut 31:2,3) with Joshua leading the new generation Israelites into the Promised Land (Num 32:11).

We read in Exo 32:7-9 that the Israelites who came out of Egypt had corrupted themselves, worshipped idols, were stiff-necked, hard-hearted (Heb 3:8-10), and Yahweh was against them. They adapted to the Egyptian way of life, and while they left Egypt, Egypt was still in them (Acts 7:38-43). But, and often overlooked, is how the Israelite men treated their wives.

We read here in Leviticus that they “divorced” their wives, a law which was not even given till many years later. What the husbands did was to cast out their wives, which even through the centuries despite Deut 24:1-4, there were husbands who were still just puting away (shalach, # <7971>) their wives without a certificate of divorcement, contrary to God's law; their disobedience and action being what God hates (cf. Deut 24:1;  Isa 50:1; Jer 3:14; Jer 31:32; Mal 2:16). God described these husbands’ actions as, “treacherous” (Mal 2:14,15) and Jesus as, “hardness of heart” (Matt 19:8). It was not God’s original plan for mankind, but neither was slavery, which He also had to regulate to protect them (Exo 21:1-11; Deut 15:12-18;). To say God “hates” laws He gave is not the God we serve. God’s laws are “perfect,” His statutes, “right,” and His commandments, “pure” (Psa 19:7,8).

Divorce, as cited in the above two verses of Lev 21 is Strong’s Concordance, # <1644>, garash, “to drive out, cast out,” as well as in Num 30:9, which gives us a good indication how forceful this action was against the wives. Garash is not a divorce, and just because James Strong added it in his Concordance does not mean it is right. The word for divorce is the Hebrew word, keriythuwth, # <3748>, wherein divorce is defined as a, “cutting away of the matrimonial bond.” In Gen 3:23, did God divorce Adam when He sent him out of the Garden of Eden? Adam was sent away, shalach, # <7971>. Scripture defines Scripture; sometimes we just need to dig a bit harder.

21:10-12 By implication anyone who was associated with a dead body was rendered unclean. However this was not to prevent family members preparing and burying their dead. However the high priest was in a different position. He could not “go out of the sanctuary” as that would impact on his ability to serve the nation in their sacrifices. Service to God always took priority.

20:10 It is not the case that the High Priest had no feelings for other people. Clearly in order to do his job effectively he had to be able to have compassion on those he served.

However the principle being taught here is that service to God and the associated separateness could not be put aside because of human feelings.

The same is  true for us. We must not make exceptions in our mind when family members depart from the truth and behave in unacceptable ways. The Divine principles remain irrespective of how we might feel and try to justify the actions of other family members.

The temptation. There is only one group of people who have access to the pinnacle of the Temple (v9), the priests. And the "kingdoms of the world" are promised to Israel - the priests ruled over the Kingdom of Israel.. so they thought they could get Jesus Christ on side with them.

When Nicodemus (a member of the Sanedrin) came to Jesus, he said "We know that you are a teacher come from God..." but instead of supporting the work of Messiah, they wanted Jesus to join them!!

120 v. 2 - If I said this, I would be asking for deliverance from the consequences of my own words, but not David. He has such an enviable confidence in himself, and is here, as on many other occasions, bemoaning the behaviour of his enemies and requesting deliverance. What an amazing example he is. Ps.109:1,2, 140:1-3, Matt.26:59-62.

121 v.7 - We need to ask God continually, as Jesus instructed us to (Matt.6:13), to keep us from evil. This is one of the verses that assures us that he will respond to that plea. Here are one or two more. Psa.91:9-10, Job 5:19-27, Prov.12:21, Rom.8:28,35-39, 2Tim.4:18

Psalm 120 This is the first of the 15 'Songs of Degrees' as the titles call them. They seem to have been sung as Israel made their ascent to the temple for the feasts. This Psalm presents faithful Israel seeking the peace of the kingdom against the background of the animosity of the nations round about.

Psalm 121 This Psalm starts with a question. '… from whence cometh my help?' the Psalmist has seen the hills surrounding Jerusalem and realises that the nations around- and some in Israel - worship false gods on the hills. He then states his realisation that it is only from the Lord that help comes - not from the false gods around him.

Psalm 122 v4 is speaking of Jerusalem as the place where the tribes go up the Psalmist is talking of a very short time in Israel's history. Only during the reign of Solomon did all the tribes go up to worship at the 'house of God' after that the kingdom was divided and only the faithful from the ten tribes would even try to go to the temple. Of course this Psalm will have its fulfilment in the kingdom when Israel are restored and worship God in truth.

Psalm 123 In lifting his eyes to the Lord the Psalmist is contrasting himself with the enemies of the Lord in Psalm 121. The touching and powerful way in which he speaks of the commitment of the servant and the love of the maid look to their lord we see a picture of ones who desire to serve. Is this a description of our relationship with our father?

Psalm 124 The references to escaping as a bird out of a snare (v7) may well be a reference to the deliverance of Hezekiah from the Assyrians. The Sennacherib Prism records that Hezekiah was trapped 'as a bird in a cage'. Of course Sennacherib would not want to record the destruction of his army. The mention of the overflowing waters (4) could be a reference to the words of Isaiah who foretold the Assyrian invasion (Isaiah 8:8, 28:2 )

120:6 The Psalmist shows his true feelings for those he dwells with. Not for him the fellowship of men of darkness. Rather he is for God's peace (:7)

121:5 In speaking of God as 'shade' we see echoes of Psalm 17:8, 36:7 57:1 63:7.

122:5 In saying thrones the Psalmist is looking to the kingdom when the disciples will sit on 12 thrones … (Matthew 19:28)

123:2 In the analogies given about the way that servants and maiden look to their masters we see a beautiful image of how we should regard our God. Both the servant and maiden are required by their master to obey them - Not by constraint but willingly likewise we are to be unstinting in our service 1 Peter 5:2.

124:1-3 The Psalmist - against the background of severe trial of an enemy - sees exactly who had given deliverance. It is so easy to seek God when in difficulty but to forget Him when the problem is over.

120:4 ‘coals of Juniper’ – Juniper = broom see RV margin is possibly a reference to charcoal made from the Juniper or broom tree.

121:3 In saying that God ‘will not slumber’ David is expressing a simple truth about God’s care for His children – but surprisingly not an expression one finds elsewhere – now here is an opportunity for you to show I have not been thorough in my checking!

122:3 ‘compacted’ is the same word found Exo 26:4 ‘coupled’ speaking of the curtains .

123:3 One might think that the Psalmist has contempt for himself until we see (v4)  that it is others that think so of him.  But notice the Psalmist is not seeking to assert his own position. He leaves things in God’s hands.

124:4 If this is a Psalm of Hezekiah we might see in the overwhelming waters a reference to the Assyrian who was  a river which reached unto the neck in the days of Hezekiah (Isa 8:7-8)

Psalm 120 From this Psalm we learn that we have a loving Heavenly Father who is prepared to help those who put their trust in Him. This was Hezekiah's experience and it can be ours as well.

Psalm 121 This Psalm reveals the unwavering trust that Hezekiah had in God. He knew that his only help lay in God, and that God would protect his going out and coming in. We must learn to develop such a trust in God ourselves despite the faith destroying materialism of the age we live.

Psalm 123 This Psalm outlines Hezekiah's cry for mercy. It shows his humility as he waited patiently and looked for God to have mercy on him. The lesson for us is that we too must place reliance upon God in the distresses of life. We must wait patiently, with our hope in God, for the outworking of His plans in our lives. 

REJOICING IN JERUSALEM
 
The call will come again to go up to Jerusalem to worship.  Many times I have heard it said, "Next year in Jerusalem!" but so far that dream has not been brought into reality.
 
Zechariah speaks of the time when all the people of the earth will go up to worship at Jerusalem every year.  It is interesting to see what feast they go to celebrate.  It will be the feast of Tabernacles.  Of all the feasts and holy days celebrated by Israel, the feast of Tabernacles was the most joyful one.  Others were days of solemn remembrance and one was even a day of fasting and mourning, but the feast of Tabernacles was always a happy celebration, celebrating the harvest and God's provision in bringing Israel into the Promised Land.  As a feast in the kingdom it will also be one of joy to celebrate the harvest of the earth - God's people redeemed and made immortal, and God's provision in bringing them into the kingdom.
 
Until then we still wait for the all to go up to Jerusalem.  When it comes there will be great rejoicing.  "I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.'  Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem." (Psa 122:1-2)  May they be our feet and our voices, not only in the streets of Jerusalem, but inside the city, rejoicing in the LORD.

Today it’s a thought I heard from someone else.  There are 15 “Songs of Degrees”.
5 have been written by David (or Solomon as in the title of Psa 127). This leaves 10, with no author recorded.  Could they be from Hezekiah’s pen?  God made the sun go back 10 degrees for him, as a sign (2Kin 20:8-11). It’s possible that that miracle inspired him to write 10 psalms.

120:2   We might think we are capable of seeing through people who try to deceive us. The Psalmist, on the other hand, asks that God will deliver him. Not for him the wisdom of humans skills to extricate himself from evil men.

121:1-2 Idol worshippers looked to the high places for their support. David, by contrast, looks to God. His house is nestling in the middle of the hills Psa 125:5

122:1    What is our immediate reaction if someone asks us to go to a meeting with them? Do the things of the kingdom stir joyful emotions?

123:4    How do we feel when people scorn the things of the gospel? Is it something that troubles us or can we hear blasphemy and mocking and remain unmoved? How should we feel?

124:3    ‘quick’ is the old English for ‘alive’. As such the swallowing up of the living is rather like the destruction of Korah and his company – Num 16:32.

As previously mentioned, Psalms 120 -134 are known as the Songs of Degrees. Hezekiah received 15 extra years of life from God (2Kin 20:6; Isa 38:5) and we have a total of 15 Psalms in this collection. Also, as David Simpson mentioned, 10 Psalms were written by an anonymous person and perhaps even by Hezekiah himself reminding us of the shadow God moved backward 10 degrees (2Kin 20:8-11; Isa 38:8). At Hezekiah's recovery he praised God in eloquent song (Isa 38:9-20) and in the final verse 20 made an interesting pledge which may have some relevance to these Songs of Degrees.

121:4 We learnt that he God who always keeps His eye on the nation of Israel also is concerned for the individual for He uses the same language to speak of both the nation and the individual.

121:5 It is easy to see the Psalmist speaking of God as his God but here we see a more intimate expression. The Psalmist speaks of God as his ‘keeper’. He recognises that his God cares for him. We need to recognise that God is not only our Lord but the one who cares for us as a father does his children. We need to develop a close relationship with Him.

Ps. 121 is a wonderful assurance to Israel that the LORD is an ever-present help. That assurance is for the true believers of Jesus also. The language is clear and easy to understand. But, do we accept it simply and without reservation?

GOD IS MERCIFUL

David was put in a tough spot when he was told to choose one of three punishments from the LORD. He was given the choice of either "three years of famine, three months of being swept away before your enemies, with their swords overtaking you, or three days of the sword of the LORD - days of plague in the land, with the angel of the LORD ravaging every part of Israel." (1Chron 21:12 David made his choice, and the reason behind his decision was an interesting one. He said, "Let me fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men." (v.13)

David knew that justice and mercy come from the LORD. David knew that the LORD loved his people Israel and because of that love he would never hurt them more than they deserved or could cope with.

Bad things happen to us. Often God will have let them happen or even brought them on. But we will not get the same mercy and love from anyone else. That is why the psalmist said, "I lift my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven. ... So our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy." (Psa 123:1-2)

120:7 David was amongst those that Jesus described as ‘blessed’ –Matt 5:9

Psalm 120 begins a series of fifteen psalms that are psalms of degrees (ascents). Some suppose that each psalm matched one of fifteen steps that the priest would have to ascend into the temple. More likely, the fifteen psalms mirror the gradual ascent into Jerusalem of the returning captives from Babylon.

120:5 Meshec (Heb. Meshek) was the northernmost territory that Nebuchadnezzar conquered. Today, the region is around Armenia and southern Russia. In fact, Moscow derives its name from Meshec; as Tobolski does from Tubal. (See Eze 39:1). Incidentally, the word Chief (head) in Hebrew is rosh. The Scythian chiefs of this region were called Rhos after which the region Russia was derived.

Kedar, in Northwest Arabia, was the southern opposite to Mesech. It was smitten by Nebuchadnezzar (Jer 49:28,29). Nebuchadnezzar would have placed Jewish captives throughout his territory, which is reflected in the psalmist’s lament of v.5.

121:5,6 The Babylonian captives humbled themselves and cried out to Yahweh for help, and He responded. Contrast this with the object lesson Yahweh gave rebellious Jonah (Jon 4:6-10).

122:2 Imagine that for seventy years the Jewish captives in Babylon had not seen Jerusalem. What they had longed for would shortly come to pass.

123:3 The Jewish captives were treated contemptuously in Babylon by their masters.  They appealed to Yahweh for deliverance.

124:7,8 It was only by Yahweh’s mercy that the Jewish captives were preserved. Recognition of Israel’s God ,Yahweh, as the creator of all things and the preserver of life, is always appropriate to voice.

121:4 That God does not ‘slumber nor sleep’ in his care for Israel echoes the idea found here - Deut 11:12

122:4 In saying ‘whither the tribes go up’ the Psalmists is looking beyond his day to the time of the kingdom, when Israel and Judah will be saved. There was only a short spell during the reign of David when the nation was united in such a way that all the tribes used Jerusalem as the centre of their worship.

124:8   Notice that God is the creator  and it is the creator who helps.  We cannot view an acceptance that god created the heavens and the earth as an optional belief. It is integral to a belief that God works to save His children.  He can save because he is the creator.

Psa 121:1

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, From whence cometh my help.”

This Psalm is a continuation of Psa 120 wherein Hezekiah is greatly distressed over the Assyrian army trumpets for war. The situation was very troubling, but instead of looking down helplessly, Hezekiah made the choice to look up to God from where he knew his help would come (see Psa 123:1). The Psalmist looked not to the hills, but to the God of the hills. He believed in a personal God, not in Pantheism, which is nothing more than Atheism wearing a fig leaf!

Today we witness unprecedented winds of change in governmental, cultural, economic, meteorological and geological affairs, with wars and civil unrest. Jesus tells us when we see these things occurring, we are to “look up” (Luke 21:28)! This is a biblical principle that is to carry us through any serious and trying situation. Looking up brings hope, but if we have our eyes fixated on looking down, we shall see nothing, but hopelessness in a world laden in sin.

1. Psa 120:1 - compare with Mark 14:32-36;Luke 22:42-43.

2. Psa 120:2 - Christ's life was delivered (Mark 16:9) from lying lips (Mark 14:55-59) and the deceitful tongue of Judas.

3. Psa 120:3 - compare with Psa 55:13-15,23 (perhaps this has application to Judas).

4. Psa 120:5 - perhaps Mesech (Gen 10:2;Eze 38:2-3;Eze 39:1-2) and Kedar (Gen 25:13;16:11-12) are metaphors or examples of Israel's uncongenial sojourns and surroundings.

5. Psa 120:7 - "I am for peace" - Christ is the Prince of Peace (Eph 2:13-17;Isa 9:6).

1. Psa 121:1 - perhaps this has application to Christ in Gethsemane.

2. Psa 121:2 - Christ our priest-king had help from the Lord which made heaven and earth (Gen 14:18-19;Luke 22:42-43).

3. Psa 121:3 - could this have application to God's care for His son's nailed feet which will stand on the Mount of Olives and/or perhaps God's care/protection of the saints (Gen 3:15;Psa 22:16;Zech 14:4;1Sam 2:9-10;Psa 122:2)?

4. Psa 121:4 - God never sleeps and there were three sleep periods (days) that paved the way for Christ (who didn't sleep literally or figuratively as did others who face corruption) and his followers to arise (Matt 26:40,43-46;Acts 2:27,31).

5. Psa 121:5-6 - there was "shade"<6738> and no sun from 12 to 3 pm (Luke 23:44-45) when Christ was crucified and by night Jesus was resting in his tomb. Somewhat similarly, Jonah was in a "booth"<5521> or thicket just outside the city and God provided a "shadow"<6738> to "deliver"<5337> him from his "grief"<7451> and there was a crimson "worm"<8438> prepared by God (which perhaps further connects Jonah with Christ along with Jonah's three days in the belly of a fish) after which Jonah "fainted"<5968> and felt it better to die than live although he didn't really die (Jon 4:5-8) but with God's instruction Jonah prepared and watched over a great city that included rescued Gentiles.

6. Psa 121:7 - this reminds me how Christ never did evil (never sinned) and that God would preserve his life.

7. Psa 121:8 - this reminds me that Christ received immortality from his exiting the tomb/earth and will return and come into his Father's earthly kingdom house to rule (Acts 1:9-11;Isa 2:2-4;Psa 122:1-2;Zech 14:4,6,16). 

1. Psa 122:3 - the city Jerusalem is to be "compact"<2266> "together"<3162> - a unified complete unit ruled by God's Son Christ. The same word is used for "fellowship"<2266> in Psa 94:20 and the same word is also used in Exo 36:18 "...fifty taches of brass to 'couple'<2266> the tent together that it might be one."

2. Psa 122:5 - "thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David" (Dan 12:2;Matt 19:27-28).

3. Psa 122:6 - peace and safety in the last days will be manifested (1Thess 5:2-4,9-10); those who abuse Jerusalem and the Jews are cursed (Gen 12:3;Num 24:9;Zech 12:3-9).

4. Psa 122:6-7 - despite its pending destruction, Christ looked ahead to the peace of Jerusalem and the prayer of the saints throughoutthe years has been for the millenial renewal of the city (Luke 19:41-42;Psa 48:2,3,12,13).

1. Psa 123:1 - Christ put his trust in God humbling himself and yielding to his Father's will.

2. Psa 123:2-3 - Divine rescue for Israel will only come when there is true repentance; believers put their trust in God; the ultimate mercy will be when Christ returns to establish his Father's kingdom on earth with sin and death destroyed (1Cor 15:20-28).

1. Psa 124:4-5 - could proud overwhelming waters perhaps echo the ultimate enemy of sin and death covering life (Christ wasn't overwhelmned by the waters Psa 18:4,16;69:1,2,15)?

2. Psa 124:7 - Peter Forbes in his 2002 comments noted Sennacherib's misleading spin on the deliverance of Hezekiah and Jerusalem writing that Hezekiah was "shut up like a caged bird in his royal city, Jerusalem."  Jesus pleased God (Matt 3:16-17) and would defeat the enemies of sin and death with God's help offers mercy, freedom and deliverance to faithful believers.

122:6    Those that look to the time when Jerusalem will be exalted – pray for those times – will be bless according to Jesus – Matt 5:4 – for those that mourn are those that mourn for Zion.

24 HOUR WATCH

I read an article in the newspaper recently, about the two pilots of an aeroplane carrying over 150 people. The pilots had been stood down from their jobs, for leaving the cockpit in mid flight, and having a nap in business class. For over half an hour the lives of one hundred and fifty people were in the hands of an auto pilot, and other unqualified flying staff, while the two pilots slept.

The psalmist paints a beautiful contrast to this story, when he says of God "he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep ... he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore." (Psa 121:3-4,7-8)

When we fly, we put our trust in the pilots who are responsible to get us safely to our destination. How much more, then, should we put our trust in God who doesn't sleep, who constantly watches over us, and over our lives to keep us in His will? He always has our best interests at heart, and never needs to take a break and leave us to chance.

So, let's put our trust in God above all else, knowing that He can and will watch over us both now and for evermore.

FAITH OUT LOUD.

I remember in my primary school days, learning my times tables by chanting them out loud. The same went for spelling. If I didn't know how to spell a word, I would not only have to write it down numerous times, but also spell it aloud. I have also learnt that in teaching other people, and explaining things to others, I myself have the concepts reinforced in my own mind, and learn even more than those I am teaching.

Saying things out loud reinforces what we believe. When we speak aloud, we grow in confidence of that which we have said. This is probably why some people who lie can eventually believe their own lies - because they have convinced themselves by telling their lies out loud so often.

The psalmist uses the same technique to build up faith in God. He says "If the LORD had not been on our side - Let Israel say - If the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away." (Psa 124:1-5)

By the people of Israel repeating this out loud after the psalmist, they would have grown in their faith in God, more convinced than ever that with God on their side, they would overcome.

Let us also voice our faith out loud, and grow in confidence in the Lord.

120:5   Dwelling in the “tents of Kedar” is like the way in which the Song of Solomon speaks of the appearance of the bride – Song 1:5

Psa 120:4 coals of Juniper.

The juniper is a tree that is abundant around water and provides shade and food 1Kin 19:4-7 When we look at the idea of arrows in V4 and Psa 127:4 we see it speaks of the coal of the juniper as divine judgment delivered by Gods people

Its coal or more likely charcoal when burnt it burns very hot and lasts a long time cp Eze 39:9 where we see the burning of 7 years when speaking of Gods judgement.

Josh 11 tells us about the resistance Israel met when they entered the land of Canaan, from the King of Hazor, King of the Canaanites. Hazor was burned to the ground by Joshua, but when we get to the time of Jeremiah, Hazor is still there, and the people of Kedar dwell there. Jer 49:28-33 tells us that this is a tent dwelling people, mostly employed in livestock farming and the keeping and trading of Camels. Eze 28:13 tells us that Meshech were a trading nation. Perhaps at the time the Psalmist is writing Psalm 120, Meshech and Kedar are confederate, using the camels for long trading trips? Perhaps the people of Kedar were descended from Meshech, who was the son of Japheth? In any case, having looked at some background, we're still left with the questions: What did the Psalmist mean? Why was he dwelling with these people? Why were they lying about him? Certainly v7 sounds a lot like the uncomfortable relationship the Jews have always had with the Bedouin people, especially when they returned to Palestine after the First World War.

Psa 121:4 Yahweh oversees all he never sleeps. 1Kin 18:27

Psa 121:5 He is our keeper, "to hedge about" Isa 5:2 he plants us and takes care of us.

Psa 121:7 If we keep away from the tree of evil he will keep us on the way to the tree of life.

After reading Ps121 what have we to worry about? Psa 37:38-40

124:7  David, speaking of deliverance as a bird echoes Moses’ word of comfort to the faithful two spies who would have gone into the land the first time the nation arrived at the border of the promised land – Psa 91:3

Psalm 121

This Psalm appears to refer to Isa 38:8 where God promises to take the shadow of the sun back ten degrees. The title of Psalm 121 is "a song of degrees" and mentions a shadow in v5. Perhaps Hezekiah wrote this as he waited to see if the promise of God would come to pass, and as he checked the shadow on his hand to see if it would advance?

Psalm 122

The heading of the Psalm tells us this is written by David, but when we read the contents it brings up an enigma. In v1 he asks:

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD... Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem."

The problem is, the temple at Jerusalem wasn't built until partway into Solomon's reign, so how can David be talking about going to God's house at Jerusalem? What is David talking about?

Psalm 123

"Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us." (Psa 123:2)

At various times in their short history, Israel had been under the rule of the Philistines. For example during the days of Samson the scripture says this: "for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel." Judg 14:4

Do you think David will have known about this? What do you think the situation was while David grew up? (for example, David lived in Bethlehem, and later in (2Sam 23:14) we are told there was a garrison of the Philistines there)

Psalm 124

David is likening the situation of Israel and its enemies to crossing a stream of water, where God had saved them from being covered over by that water. He is reminding them of how God saved them at the time of Joshua, where they entered the land of Canaan by crossing the Jordan. See the similar language to this Psalm in Josh 3:16, 4:7, 23.

But why would David be thinking of this historical event now? The answer may be that he had just experienced the same journey over the Jordan, and this time, it was his own people that threatened to overwhelm him (see 2Sam 17 and especially v20-22).

120:1   The Psalmist sees as his first recourse when in difficulty was to call on God. Is this our way of thinking or is God our last resort?

121:1    In response to his question “from whence cometh my help?” He gives the response –Psa 123:1 – he sees the help as coming from God not the hills where idols are  worshipped.

121:6  the blessing on the faithful here that the sun will not affect them contrasts with the bride in Song 1:6where she has been affected in a negative way.

FOR THE LEAST OF THESE

As Jesus concluded the parable of the sheep and goats, he said this: "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me." (Matt 25:40).

Some people have suggested that one way of looking at the parable of the sheep and goats is that we clothe, feed and look after God's chosen people - Israel. While the parable may not be limited to what we can do for the Jews, it is certainly something to keep in mind.

Psalm 122 is a song about Jerusalem. The psalmist describes the great feeling of joy he feels when he goes there, the beauty he sees there, and the purpose and plans God has for the city. He makes it personal to us, reminding us to pray for the city. Then he says, "For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you.'" (Psa 122:8).

Yes, God's special people are in Jerusalem right now. They are desperate for peace. They need our prayers. It is us that have been grafted into their family. So even if it is only in prayer, let's support and help them. There is a blessing on those who support Jerusalem. "Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me."
 

LOOK UP

God wants us to act very differently to our normal reactions when circumstances affect us.
"If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matt 5:39).
"Do not resist an evil person." (Matt 5:39 again).
"Do not worry about your life." (Matt 6:25). And the list could go on.

Here's another: When life gets hard and we feel out of control, overwhelmed, depressed, or think we have no fight left in us, we tend to hang our heads and think dark thoughts. It's only natural. We look at the dirt and we don't see any good - even though there might be good things surrounding us. Everything we see and hear fills our senses with more things to lower our mood and our heads even further.

But this is what the Psalmist tells us: "Look Up!" Listen: "I lift my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven. As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy." (Psa 123:1-2).

So instead of sadly looking down, look up! Keep looking up because that's where God is and were our help will come from. Even the physical act of looking up keeps us much more positive than staring at the dirt all day. Look up. Look towards where your help comes from.
 

122:3   In the same way that Jerusalem was “compacted” that is joined together we as fellow believers should be joined together – 2:22.

122:6,7,8       The threefold “peace” of this Psalm is seen again in Eph 2:14,15,17

124:1-3 There are doubtless many times in Israel’s experience that the words spoken here could be true. One, however, is in the days of Hezekiah when the Assyrians were surrounding the city of Jerusalem and then were destroyed by the angle of the lord –Isa 37:36-37

124:1-2 Twice David asserts that he had been delivered because god was “on our side”. The doubling of the statement is not idle repetition. Rather it emphasises how David saw it as a certainty (Gen 41:32). How confident are we that God is on our side? Sometimes we talk of the judgment as if we think that God is against us! We should remember “if God be for us who can be against us” (Rom 8:31)

122:2-3 Going to the house of God together and the city being “compacted together” might seem unrelated. However a moment’s thought will help us to appreciate that God is looking for His children to worship Him in unity - –to that they all think exactly the same but that they, despite their uniqueness, worship together. This is how a well-functioning body works All the parts work together for the wellbeing of the body . Ephesians 4:16

124:3 “quick” means “alive” as can be seen – 1Pet 4:5  - by the way that it is used elsewhere in scripture.

v. 7 - We need to remember that Jesus went through this for us. He had to suffer like us so that he was able to be a perfect atonement - the we should be at one with God through his work. He gave up the opportunity to worship the devil - to follow his own desires - that he might fulfil God's purpose for the world. It was the most unselfish of acts anyone has ever committed or will ever commit. Consequently he became the object of others' worship and ultimately every knee shall bow to him. Lu.8:28, 17:16, Ps.72:11, Rev.4:10

v. 3 In the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness twice the statement 'if thou be the son of God' is seen. Jesus withstood the temptations and 'the devil departed for a season' [Luke 4:13]. As if to remind us that Jesus continued to battle with temptation twice when he was on the cross he is taunted 'if thou be ...' [Luke 232:35 23:37].

4:6 The 'devil' is presented as offering all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus were to bow down. Maybe Jesus was able to rebut this temptation by his knowledge of what his Father had promised him 'Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance' (Psalm 2:8)

4:40 When it is recorded 'the sun was setting' we should realises that this was at the end of the Sabbath (Mark 1:29-30) At this time in Jesus' ministry the people seemed to avoid seeking Jesus' healing powers on the Sabbath -even though he had healed earlier in the day. They would be reproved a little later for seeking Jesus' healing powers on the Sabbath

In Christ's testing in the wilderness we have many lessons. We must avoid temptation if possible. We must use thought substitution; replace negative with positive. Each time Christ was was tempted He quoted from the Old Testament. (V.4,8,12) We need temptations to be tried, to be made a better person(2Tim 2:21) We must sacrifice the flesh to follow Christ.(Matt 16:24)

4:6 When the 'devil' offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world Jesus only needed to ask his Father and he would be given them anyway (Psa 2:8). Jesus was willing to wait for his Father's good pleasure rather than take the kingdoms there and then.

V.25-27 To the woman of Zarephath....to Naaman the Syrian. God's love is world wide embracing. It is not limited to a single nationality, sex, age ,or where one stands socially. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond or free, neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."  Gal 3:28

We have in this chapter a clear example of the most positive kind, that is, the record of Jesus, how he overcame his temptation, not simply by avoiding failure, but by presenting the positive action he followed. we are not unmindful of Paul's exhortation. "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." 1Cor 11:1

4:4 The quotation from Deut 8:3 is from an area of Scripture where Israel were being reminded that the wilderness journey and their hunger was to 'prove' them (Deut 8:2) Jesus was learning about himself whilst he was in the wilderness those 40 days.

The temptation of Jesus was a testing experience.  Would He prove to be true to His Father's will or give in to His own?  He suffered forty days without food.  This prohibition of food would make anyone weak and susceptible to persuasion.  But He rose to the occasion and overcame self by being obedient to His Father's will.  This was a learning experience for Him, for we are told that: Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered (Heb 5:8). His example is for us to follow. 
  

In this chapter we seem to be given the reason that Jesus moves his home base from Nazareth to Capernaum ie the unbelief of Nazareth. cp v 22, & 31

Re demons - it is interesting to note that the language of Jesus is the same when he speaks/casts out the unclean spirit v 35 as when he speaks to the fever v 39  In those days people didn't understand about bacteria/viruses (real unseen entities) or mental illnesses (abnormal functioning of the nervous system), in the same way we do.

The Lord Jesus saved His life outside Nazareth.  He knew that He had to die by crucifixion – a terribly slow and painful death. But here was a chance of a horrible, but very quick death. The dear Lord passed through the midst of them, and went His way.  In John 8:59 the Jews were going to stone Him, but “He hid Himself”. Then in John 10:31 they again took up stones to kill Him, but on this occasion He reasoned with them. Then finally in John 10:39 He again “escaped out of their hand.”  That makes 4 times when Jesus “saved” His life so that He could finish the work God had given Him to do (see John 17:4). The 5th time when they came to take Him He offered Himself to them (John 18:4-9).  This was the time for which he had “saved Himself”. 5 is generally thought of as the number of grace.  Jesus therefore died for us, by grace, on the 5th occasion.

4:2     That Jesus ‘hungered’ ties Jesus’ wilderness experience with that of Israel on the way from Egypt – Deut 8:3 Hence the use of the language of that chapter is not surprising during the trials of Jesus.

It is clear from this chapter that the Old Testament writings impacted Jesus and His work. Jesus used the words of Deuteronomy as a defence during His temptation (vs.4,8,12). He explained Isa 61:1,2 as applying to Himself in vs.18,19. He referred to Elijah’s and Elisha’s dealings from 1 and 2 Kings in vs.25-27. All these examples show the importance of understanding the Old Testament in order to understand the Gospel (The things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 8:12)).

Jesus showed factual evidence from the scriptures concerning events from the days of Elijah and Elisha (vs.25-27). However, His presentation was met with hostility (vs.28,29). We should not expect that our presentations regarding the Truth should be met with anything less.

4:13 ‘for a season’ indicates that Jesus continued to be tempted. Shortly – Luke 4:29 - a similar temptation to that of throwing himself down from the pinnacle of the temple arose.

After forty days of fasting, Jesus would have been exhausted both mentally and physically. His temptation was an internal dialogue. Notice that Jesus’ only defence against His temptations were scriptural refutations (Deuteronomy). The sword of the spirit should be the weapon that we use, also (Eph 6:17).

V.19 The acceptable year of the Lord is a reference to the Year of Jubilee when release was given to all persons and property (Lev 25:10).

Vs.27,28 nobody could refute the scriptural evidence here. But the crowd was furious over the (perceived) intimation that Gentiles were to be preferred over Jews. This unhelpful attitude would find its way in the early ecclesia were Judaizers would promote the premier place of Jews and insist on keeping some of their customs, like circumcision.

V.38 Peter (the first pope according to Catholics) was married. What’s wrong with this picture?

V.43 Jesus preached the kingdom of God which is a cornerstone of the Gospel. The kingdom of God will be a real kingdom on earth. Jesus will be the king and rule the whole earth, when he returns. How come the churches of Christendom don’t preach this?

4:38-39 We saw in Luke 4:40 that the people came to Jesus to be healed at the end of the Sabbath but he healed Peter’s mother in law on the Sabbath, after he went ‘home’ from the synagogue.

brEAD AND FELLOWSHIP

One of the important things we need to do as believers in the Lord is to have fellowship together. In order to keep strengthening our faith we need the encouragement we can gain from having strong friendships with people who are like minded. One of the ways we do that is to get together with each other and socialise, and very often, more often than not, it happens around a meal. In my part of the world, eating together is a very important part of fellowship. It is a time when we can relax in each others company, get to know one another and build relationships with each other.

As Jesus was being tempted to make stones into bread when he was hungry after fasting for forty days, his answer to the temptation was, "Man does not live in bread alone." (Luke 4:4) We need more than food to survive. Sure, food will keep us alive for now, but to really live and to live eternally, we need the word of God.

So when we get together for fellowship and to share a meal, we need to do more than to eat and socialise. Matthew adds "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matt 4:4) When we get together to share a meal, far more importantly we should also share the word of God with our fellow believers. Bread alone will do nothing, but sharing the word of God will share life.

NOT ON brEAD ALONE

When Jesus was tempted to turn stones into bread to cater for his hunger, he replied with a quote from Deuteronomy: "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'" (Luke 4:4) The whole of the verse in Deuteronomy reads: "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with Manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes fro the mouth of the LORD." (Deut 8:3)

What this tells us is that in order to really live - live eternally - we need to live by the word of God.

Food alone, even the most advanced nutrient and vitamin supplements, will not help us to live for ever. They may extend our natural life slightly, but they will do nothing for us eternally. The only way we can live for ever is by living according to the word of God.

But the question is, How much do we live by the principle that "Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God"? Is the word of God as important to us as food? Do we spend as much time in reading and meditating on God's word as we do eating? Is the income we spend on food proportional to what we spend on doing what we are told to do in the word of God?

Jesus didn't just quote it, he lived it. So should we.

4:16   ‘where he had been brought up’ and ‘as his custom was’ build a picture of a young man who was very well known to those in the town as a synagogue member and Bible student – but no one was ready for what happened next!

4:15  In mentioning ‘synagogues’ it is evident that Jesus moved around teaching and the ‘coming to Nazareth’ indicates that he moved round rather than just taught at home.

Summary of Luke

4:1-13      Jesus tempted by the devil

4:14-15    Jesus returned to Galilee

4:16-30    Jesus preached in the synagogue in Nazareth and the people tried to kill him

4:31-32    In Capernaum in the synagogue

4:33-37    First Miracle in synagogue in Capernaum – healing a man with an unclean spirit

4:38-39    Second Miracle Peter’s mother in law healed

4:40-41    Sabbath evening many came to be healed in Capernaum

4:42-44    Next day into desert place and preached to those who came to him

 Lk. 4:13.

4:20  When we read that Jesus “sat down” we learn that he stood to read the Scripture. However we should not presume that when he “sat down” he returned to his seat in the congregation. He sat down to teach. 

Internal or external tempter?

Firstly we have to understand why Jesus was tempted, was it to show how good he was at resisiting temptation?

Doubtful, Jesus did EVERYTHING to the glory of his father, so this temptation was not to show how clever or how good Jesus was.

Matt 4:1 tell us Jesus was to be tempted or "proved"as that word means, here in Luke we are told he was full of the holy spirit.

In Adam we had a man who recieved the word of God directly from the Elohim, here in the Lord Jesus Christ we have a man FULL of the spirit word. The 1st Adam failed his temptation despite being made very good, here the second Adam made like a earthly man from a woman reisted temptation.

How? Because the spirit word was in him and was him, the WORD MADE FLESH.

So what did Jesus prove?

Back in Eden Adam was commanded to overcome temptation, he had the word instructed to him directly from the Elohim, Adam he was tempted and Adam failed.

So for that commandment to be fulfilled God sent another Adam, the word was in this Adam for he was the word made flesh. Jesus was tempted and Jesus overcame.

How because Jesus was the word made flesh, when ever a temptation came his way he repsonded with the word.

So this "proving" was to prove that man cannot overcome sin unless he has a mind of spirit, Adam could not do it despite being made very good, therefore we have no chance at all!!

Fortunatly Yahweh provided a man that could overcome the flesh.Phil 2:5

The spirit word helps us all and is how Jesus overcame. Psa 119:11, Psa 119:99, 2Tim 3:16-17 He didnt have to read it like we do because the word was in him.

We could say Christ had a genetic advantage, just like a tall man can play basketball better than a short person. Jeus had an advantage over us in that though he was just as temptable and as sucebitble as we are to failure he could think of that bible quotation instantly.

If we say this temptation was purely internal we have a few problems.

Who left him if it wasnt an external tempter?

Could a mind so full of the word and spirit as in V1 and that it was at one with his father think up such evil thoughts without external influence? John 8:28-29

It is clear then that Chists temptation were from an external source that entered his brain to become an internal temptation to which his spirit mind replied with an answer based 100% on Gods word blocking that temptation right out.

How often do we succomb to temptation then quote the passage later?

Consider the pages of Christondem astray Pg203, Naz revisted P85-86.

4:42 The seeming casual comment “and when it was day” teaches that the next morning Jesus moved on to another village. We should be alert to such seeming casual comments as they help us to fit Jesus’ ministry into a time frame.

4:14 When we read that Jesus returned “in the power of the spirit” we are being told that Jesus was motivated by the understanding he had of the Word of God. The “power of the spirit” was the influence God’s written word had on him.

4:34    Whereas the phrase “Holy one” occurs a number of times in the Old Testament all occurrences in the New Testament refer to JesusMark 1:14, Luke 4:34, Acts 2:27, 3:14,13:35, 1John 2:20

4:5   By contrast John – Rev 21:10 – is carried to a high mountain where he sees the kingdom of God

4:11 Jesus did indeed benefit in a very specific way from angels ministering to him at the end of the forty days fasting – Mark 1:13

4:17  Doubtless this was not the first time that Jesus had read scripture to the audience in the synagogue as he clearly visited the synagogue in his home town ever week. Though this was doubtless the first time that he had spoken about what the reading spoke about.

4:1 there are a number of similarities with Israel in the wilderness when they left Egypt. Jesus was “led by the spirit” which answers to Israel being led by the angel - Exo 23:20

4:17  Doubtless this was not the first time that Jesus had read scripture to the audience in the synagogue as he clearly visited the synagogue in his home town ever week. Though this was doubtless the first time that he had spoken about what the reading spoke about.

4:17 that Jesus “found” the scriptures that he read to them would indicate that whatever was expected of him he was the one who scrolled through the scroll until he came to the part he wanted to read. Doubtless this took a little time and so the audience would have been watching and waiting with anticipation.

4:16,20 Here we learn, almost incidentally, of Synagogue practice in Israel in the times of Jesus. Notice that he “stood” to read and “sat” to teach. This was the custom of his day.

You will notice that often we find Jesus sitting to teach as we read the gospel., following the pattern of teachers of his own day.