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v. 3 - The concept of ceremonial uncleanness is emphasised in the law. This same phrase was used back ch. 7:20,21 regarding the touching of uncleanness causing a rift between the people and God. Although the details of these laws are somewhat unsavoury, the spiritual meaning is clear - isn't it? We must desire to keep ourselves from uncleanness before God - the uncleanness of man - that which we have constant contact with in these days of modern communications - but also we learn that if we fall we are 'unclean until the even' - God does not hold it against us in the long term if our attitude is right. The punishment however for lack of attention to the detail of his law is 'to be cut off from his presence'. Ex.33:14,15, Ps.16:11, Ps.51:11, Matt.25:41, 2Thess.1:9.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
22:1 - 9 This demonstrates that being a 'son of Aaron' of itself is not sufficient to allow one to eat of the holy things. As well as being a 'son of Aaron' the priest had to be ritually clean as well. The counterpart in our lives is that we cannot rely on the fact that we are 'in Christ' as sufficient basis for claiming holiness. Once in Christ we must work at remaining holy. This is dealt with in Romans 6:12 for example.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
v.10-16 - Here, and throughout our readings of the laws and practices of the Children of Israel, we see the priests being separated to God, and this separateness is so often emphasised in laws, as in today's chapter. Even at this stage, God had, as it were, chosen out a remnant even of His chosen people. It is with the priests, not the people, that we should try to relate as we draw lessons for our own attitudes and behaviour.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
:21 The word 'accomplish' 06381 is the word 'separate' in Numbers 6:2 where we learn about the Nazarite vow. The man who makes a vow submits his own will to the will of his God - he is no longer his own, he is separated from his own will to do the will of God.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
THE BALANCE
There is a balance we need to achieve in our Christian walk between rejoicing in the joy of the Lord, and in humbleness and repentance as we acknowledge our sins.
There are many Christians who go all out in joy and praise to their Saviour but who neglect to become sober, confessing and repenting of sin. And in the same way there are others for whom living in Christ appears to be miserable. They spend all their time dwelling on their sin and how far they fall short of the glory of God. We need to achieve a balance so that we do not neglect one at the expense of the other.
The overall picture of the feasts of the LORD that were given to Israel, help us to see the balance we need and to get it into perspective. The Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles were all times of rejoicing and celebration. At Passover they celebrated their freedom from Egypt for seven days. At the Feast of Weeks they celebrated a special day giving thanks for the harvest and the blessings God had given them. And at the Feast of Tabernacles they celebrated God's care in the wilderness for seven days. So in total there were 11 days of celebration commanded to be kept by God. On the other hand, the Day of Atonement was a single day when the people were to deny themselves, confess and repent of their sins.
So let's get the balance right in our lives. Let's rejoice and praise 92% more than we dwell on our sin.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
:25 That the bread of a 'stranger's hand' could not be offered as a sacrifice is not to indicate that the stranger is in some way inferior to the Jew. Rather it is to teach that servant of God was to offer his own things to God not the things which belong to others.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
22:23 The freewill offering that was required was the offerer. When Christ returns they will be that freewill offering (Psa 110:3)
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Peter
V2 "Separate" nazar 5144 To abstain. Therefore, the importance of this induction is that the priests should abstain from eating that part of the sacrifices, which, though belonging to them, was to be partaken of only by such of them as were clean.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
If an Israelite decided to make an offering to his God, it had to be in God’s prescribed way. There must be no hint of "and He ought to be grateful". No, if you came to God you came under His terms. So it is with our worship, in our Christian era.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to David
As priests-in-training, we should always make sure that we present our best to Yahweh (vs.19-24).
The relationship between parent and child is important to Yahweh. It is especially important that children should obey their parents. Honouring father and mother is one of the Ten Commandments (Exo 20:12). This principle is expressed in various ways throughout the Law. V.28 is one example. Others are found in Exo 23:19, Lev 18:9 and Deut 22:6,7. The principle is so important that Christ re-iterated it (Matt 15:4, 19:19, Mark 7:10, 10:19, Luke 18:20). Paul also referred to it (Eph 6:1,2). This highlights the seriousness of the Corinthian member's sin (1Cor 5:1).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Michael
22:4-5 Maintaining cleanness under these circumstances must have been very difficult. A priest would have to be careful all the time as to where he trod, where he put his hands or where he sat down. A principle is taught here. Contamination through sin is everywhere present.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Peter
Priests were to remain separate and holy unto Yahweh. The Hebrew word for separate is nazar (v.2). The term Nazarite, a person vowed to be separate and holy to Yahweh, comes from the same word (Num 6:1-8).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Michael
22:10 We have seen in verses :1-9 that those in fellowship with God have got to be clean also. Now we learn that the ‘stranger’ – the one who is not in fellowship with God – has no fellowship in the things of God. A principle which we should carefully remember.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Peter
22:14 That the man who ‘unwittingly’ eats of ‘holy things’ is still responsible for his actions. Ignorance is no excuse for disobedience.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Peter
V.14 David violated this command (1Sam 21:6). However, he was not condemned for it. Jesus comments on the incident (Matt 12:3,4,7). This shows a greater Godly principle of mercy over sacrifice.
It is well understood, by religious Jews, that a law can be violated to preserve life. This makes the sacrifice of Jesus even more remarkable when we consider that He gave His life to violate a law - the law of sin and death (Rom 8:2).
V.28 is akin to not boiling a kid in its mother’s milk (Deut 14:21). Yahweh wants His people to show separation from other nations who follow such practices.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Michael
The emphasis throughout the Book of Leviticus is on holiness before God. It should be the desire of every believer to strive for such holiness, knowing, that outside the work of the Lord Jesus Christ we can never be truly holy or set apart from the world. In verse 31 we have the demand that we keep the commandments of God and put them into practice in our life. An amazing thought is expressed in verse 32 and must be the motivational thought for all believers. We must hallow, or set apart as most holy, the God that we worship and in doing so we will be hallowed, or set apart, in God's sight. May we all strive for such an exalted position that we always give glory to God and recognise the qualities of the father in the person of the lord Jesus Christ.
Nigel Hammett [Parkstone, United Kingdom] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Nigel
22:1-5 Uncleanness is ‘contagious’ we might say – Hag 2:13 - what we bring to God in our service can actually corrupt that service which we are offering. Our motivation as well as our actions must be right for what we do to be acceptable
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Peter
Vs.19-24 Yahweh demands that His people bring to Him their best products for sacrifice, even for a free-will sacrifice. But, backsliding Israel would later say: Why should we bring the best for sacrifice, they are only going to be destroyed? Let's get rid of the poor quality cattle and keep the good ones for ourselves. This attitude shows no respect for the God who gave them life, and who protects them and makes them prosper (Mal 1:8). Let us make sure that we honour Yahweh by bringing our best attitude to all our activities (Col 3:23).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Michael
22:21-24The constraints about what animals cannot be offered match the prohibitions laid upon the priest who is to serve before God – Lev 21:17-21.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Peter
Everyone, no matter how far from God they felt, could come and take part in eating the Holy portion of the priest - as long as they were part of his family (v10-13). Notice v11 "Born in his house" which doesn't mean his children, but any slave children (e.g. Gen 15:3, Ecc 2:7). These could certainly be Gentiles. So all the following categories could be present at that meal:
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:27-29)
Notice the context of the Galatians passage to see how we can take part in this meal too.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Rob
22:5-7God expected holy behaviour from His priest. However God did not expect them to starve to death through having been made unclean by touching an unclean animal. That which he could not eat during the day was in fact ‘his food’. It was to be eaten the next day –marking that God will forgive.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Peter
20:8 Repeatedly Israel were called upon to ‘keep’ and ‘do Gods statutes For example Deut 5:1, Eze 11:20. It may seem that the writer is saying the same thing in two different ways. However there is more to it than this. Doing God’s statues is the same as ‘working righteousness’ - Acts 10:35 – Not only does the person believe what God has said but they live a life which show that those teachings are accepted
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Peter
22:29 We should not be compelled to give thanks to God. Such thanksgiving should come from one’s own realisation of what God has done for us.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Peter
22:31 Often we come across the idea that the commandments are to be observed because “I am the Lord”. The creator of the universe does not need to give any other reason that His position as the reason why His commandments are to be kept. We should remember that when we questions things He has said.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Peter
22:19 That sacrifices were to be “without blemish” is true of our service to God. The temptation in Israel would have been to offer an animal that was not as useful as another. But such behaviour is actually robbing God –Mal 3:8. So how wholehearted is our service to God?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
22:12 The daughter of the priest was in a privileged position. However she could lose that position. Marrying a “stranger” caused her to lose that position. In like manner our relationship with God can be compromised by the association we have with others. Nor just in marriage but in every aspect of our lives.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Peter
22:31 “keep my commandments” is seen three times in the book of Prov 3:1, 4:4, 7:2
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Peter
22:4 The son of Aaron could not be blamed for being a leper. However consequences followed from him being a leper. As leprosy is such a powerful symbol of sin it is appropriate that separation from the things of God occurred for a time. Maybe this will help us to see the terrible nature of our sins.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Peter
22:8 The injunction about eating animals that had simply died was given to the whole nation – Exo 22:31 – now it is specifically given again to Aaron and his sons.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2018 Reply to Peter
22:28 The injunction regarding killing both an animal and its young is similarly presented with respect to a bird and its young or eggs – Deut 22:6
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
22:31-32 notice the relationship between God delivering Israel and the need for them to behave in a particular way. It is because we have been delivered from eternal death that we should change our way of living. – Rom 6:11
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
Lev 22:20-25 – There was to be no blemish or imperfection in cattle or flock offered in sacrifice for peace offerings or freewill offerings (v.20-21) for them to be acceptable to the LORD. However there was an exception in the Law regarding the freewill offering. A bullock or lamb with imperfections may only be offered as a freewill offering “Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.” (Lev.22v.23).
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2Cor 9:6-7).
So spontaneous giving of something imperfect to the LORD is acceptable.
However, the same offering of a defective offering, but as a vow is not acceptable to the LORD.
The offerings of the Israelite to the LORD “the bread of God” (v.25) must not be from the hands of strangers. So our giving the LORD must not be the result of the work of others who do not share the faith. Our giving to the LORD must be from what the LORD has blessed us with.
Lesson for us - we must not plan or pledge to give second best to our God, only the best we can offer is what we must do.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Rom 12:1).
“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Gal 1:3-5).
Peter Moore [Erith, UK] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
22:3 So the priests were to avoid contaminating holy things offered by the people. There is a counterpart in the life of a believer today. How easy it is for us to undermines the offering of others by criticising what was offered or suggesting that there is a better way a thing could be done. We must think carefully how we respond to what others suggest or offer. What is offered might not be what we would offer but we should try to work with others to bring their offering long as that offering does not contradict Bible teaching.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2021 Reply to Peter
22:19,21 Here and in many other places we see a sacrifice has to be “perfect”. If not God will not accept it. Israel had a tendency to offer sub-standard animals for sacrifice thinking that would do for God.
Whilst we are not required to offer animals we are to offer ourselves to God - Rom 12:1 – are we happy to offer sub-standard lives to God?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Peter
22:1-3 The chapter division is unhelpful here as the record continues to speak of the consequences of being unclean yet a priest.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Peter
22:6 Whilst much to the requirements of the Law of Moses would be visible to anyone watching there were certain things which could not be seen. A priest might have touched something unclean accidentally. His conscience would cause him to refrain from priestly work that day. Only he, and God, would know of his breach of the commandment. His action, of itself, would not be sin. However if he hid his action and continued to officiate whilst unclean that would be the sin. Personal conscience applied even during the time of the Law of Moses.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Peter
22:4 the wonderful privileges associated with being the priests of Yahweh could be lost, at least temporarily, due to ceremonial uncleanness. Whilst leprosy might have been easily detected by others there were things that might occur which were seen by no one. In these situations the priest had to exercise his conscience before officiating in the holy things.
In like manner we must recognise the need for holiness in all of our activities. It is not acceptable to be involved in the service of God whilst having a fleshly mind working away undermining the things that we are trying to do to serve God.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Peter
125 v. 1 - I can't resist the temptation to continue the Zion theme here. Here is the promise of God - that Zion might go right through to the end of time. We have seen in the past how Christ is Zion and we are born in him. We also see ourselves collectively as the bride of Rev.21:1,2 prepared and adorned for the marriage. It is all so inextricably linked with God's overall plan. It is also described here as a rock - something - indeed the only thing - in which we can put absolute trust. Ps.62:2,6, 118:8,9, 147:11, 132:13,14, Isa.12:6, 14:32, 51:11,16, 52:1.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
127v.1 - We do well to remember this as a basic principle of all things. Whatever we build, unless it has God's approval, it will come to nothing. We work not in our own strength but by the power of God. This has to be true of everyone, as there is no other power in the earth whereby we might live. What makes those of faith different is that they recognise it and give God the glory, rather than take it for themselves.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
Psalm 125 v2 As the mountains are round Jerusalem actually describes the geographical situation as it is today. Jerusalem, whilst being high, is surrounded by higher hills. Of course this will change when (Isaiah 2:2) And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. But the psalmist was able to take comfort just by looking at his surroundings. This is looking to see how our surroundings can help us to have confidence in God.
Psalm 126 This Psalm contrasts markedly with Psalm 137 where the Psalmist is lamenting the captivity. Truly the resurrection morning will be like this Psalm. Pray God that we will have mouths filled with laughter. Of course entry into the kingdom is not a matter of chance. Our life style now will determine whether we will be welcomed into the kingdom.
Psalm 127 The linking of children (v3) and the Lord building the house (v1) shows that this Psalm is a comment on the promise of 2Sam 7:8-17. Whilst David wanted to build God a house He told David that He would build David a house - this house was to be a house of people. We, if we are baptised, are part of this house of David.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
126:5-6 The deliverance required trust in the future. Israel had been delivered by God but now were required to trust that God would bless their harvest.
127:1 The 'house' that the Lord was to build was not a physical building. It is the 'Church of the living God' 1Timothy 3:15.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
125:3 In speaking of the way that the righteous will be delivered from the wicked God recognises that the wicked can influence the righteous to do evil.
Psa 126 - The deliverance of Zion forms the basis for the language surrounding the deliverance of Peter from prison (Acts 12)
:1 ‘them that dream’ Acts 12:9
:2 ‘laughter’ Acts 12:14
:3 ‘Lord hath done great things Acts 12:17
As a righteous man Peter's experience, through God's deliverance, is like those spoken of in the Psalm.
127:2 The ‘bread of sorrows’ quotes Gen 3:17. David is saying that it is vanity to have the things of this life as our focus. With David it was the fulfilment of the promises which directed his life.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Peter
Psalm 125 This Psalm shows the extent of God's care to those who place their trust in Him. It teaches us that if we are upright in heart we have the great blessing of extensive protection from evil. V.1
Psalm 127 This Psalm of Solomon, which Hezekiah used because it was appropriate for his own circumstances. The Psalm has to do with the raising of children and grandchildren in the fear and admonition of the Lord. We also see in this Psalm the principle that our work in the Truth needs the Divine blessing if it is to prosper.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
SURROUNDED
"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and for ever more." (Psa 125:2)
What an awesome feeling it is to be surrounded by the LORD for our protection. There is an excellent example of this given to us in the life of Elisha. The king of Aram kept having his plans against Israel thwarted because God would reveal the king of Aram's plans to Elisha who would pass them on to the king of Israel. As a result the king of Aram decided he needed to capture Elisha, so he surrounded the city Elisha was in during the night. In the morning Elisha's servant saw that the army of Aram was surrounding them and he cried out to Elisha in shock. Unfazed, Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." (2Kin 6:17) "Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." (v.17) Elisha had a personal bodyguard of angels from the LORD! They surrounded him and kept him safe.
None of those angels have died since then, and they are still surrounding God's people - you and me. Isn't it awesome to think that, just as God's angels surrounded Elisha, so they surround us both now and for ever more.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Robert
TOO MUCH WORK
"In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves." (Psa 127:2) The Good News Bible puts it this way, "It is useless to work so hard for a living, getting up early and going to bed late. For the LORD provides for those he loves, while they are asleep." (Psalm 127 v 2 GNB)
The lesson is simple. God will provide for our needs if we are loved by him. There is no need to join the rat race of 16 hour days, seven days a week, to provide for our needs if we are loved by the LORD. It may take faith to let go and let God provide, but his promise is that he will. Jesus said the same thing and backed up the promise in this Psalm. Speaking about how people worry about food, drink and clothes, Jesus said, "For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matt 6:32-33) There are so many more important things to do in a day than working for food our riches. As the Psalm says, we need sleep. It helps keep our minds in perspective, willing and able to serve God.
This Psalm also emphasizes the importance of family and children. If we work all day every day we will have no time for them and will not be able to bring them up in the way of the LORD. Let's trust God, give more time to the things that are really important, and put work in it's proper place.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Robert
The One, who created the mountains to surround Jerusalem for protection, also encompasses us (125:2). Yahweh is His name: For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name (Amos 4:13).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Michael
In all our actions, both regarding our life in the Truth, and our everyday existence, let’s remember Psa 127:1. Except the Lord build the house, we are wasting our time if we continue to build it.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to David
125:2 We saw in Psa 121:1-2 the contrast between the idol worshippers and the faithful Psalmist. Again here we see the hills being used but this time as a figure of Gods protection.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Peter
Psa 127 Human enterprises only succeed by Divine blessing. This Psalm was probably associated with the building of the temple by Solomon. It may have been adopted in this view, as suited to this series especially, as appropriately expressing the sentiments of those involved in relation to the erection of the second temple.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to John
126:2 Notice it is the heathen who recognise Gods goodness to those who trust in Him.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Peter
126:6 The repetition implies there is no end of weeping here, as there shall be no end of joy hereafter (Isa 35:10)
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to John
The psalmist talks of freedom from the Babylonian exile like a dream (126:1). He goes on to pray that the returnees from captivity would flood back into the land (126:4). But not all did. Although many captives were maltreated by their masters, there were some Jews who prospered in Babylon. These were reluctant to go back and, thus, stayed to establish a strong Jewish community. They did use their wealth, however, to support emigration and the welfare of those in the Land. Today it is similar, where many Jews choose not to immigrate to Israel. They remain prosperous in the Diaspora yet support emigration and fundraise for Israel.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Michael
126:6 The Lord having done great things is picked up by Mary in Luke 1:49 when she speaks of the wonderful thing spoken to her by the angel. So maybe we should read the Psalm as a reflection of Mary’s thoughts when she learnt that she was to be the mother of Jesus – the messiah.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Peter
127:1 The LORD is the power behind all things. He is the One who gives increase to all effort (1Cor 3:7).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Michael
BODYGUARD
"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore." (Psa 125:2)
I was watching Barak Obama, an American presidential hopeful, out campaigning in front of thousands of people. While the television cameras concentrated on picking out their man, it was impossible to miss the huge entourage of body guards that constantly surrounded him at every step he made. Big men in black suits anticipated and shadowed him everywhere he went. But just because Barak Obama has bodyguards, it doesn't mean he is safe. They are only men. They may be good at their job, but the American presidency is still near the top of the list for the percentage of people in their occupation getting killed on the job.
Better than a dozen body builders in black suits, we have the LORD as our bodyguard. Standing as solid and unmovable as the mountains surrounding Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds us with his unfailing protection. We can put our whole trust in him. He will not be moved and is always there to protect us.
Let us put our trust in the LORD our God. There is no one more powerful, caring or able to have our protection and eternal needs at heart.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Robert
NOTICE THE GOOD
When bad things happen in our lives, we sit up and pay attention. None of us likes pain and it quickly takes our focus, motivating us to do all we can to ease it. Quite often it is a painful experience that makes us turn to God and helps us to remember to call on him.
When good things happen to us, it is easy to take them in our stride, to enjoy them and move on. Pleasant events in our lives can have less inclination to turn us toward God than the nasty ones. Yet these good times should be the ones where we feel inspired to turn to God in praise and to love him more and more.
When some of the Jews returned from captivity, the psalmist wrote, "The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." (Psa 126:3) Returning from captivity might not be an every day occurrence for most of us, but we have numerous reasons we can rejoice. Perhaps one of the most important reasons is the freedom from the captivity of sin we have been granted in Christ.
Let's not let God's blessings pass us by unnoticed, but let's rejoice in them, giving glory and thanks to God for his love toward us.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Robert
126:2This Psalm is looking, ultimately, to the time of the kingdom. Israel will be the first nation in the kingdom and God’s law will emanate from Jerusalem - Isa 2:3
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Peter
125:1,2 This vote of confidence in Yahweh’s protection of Jerusalem and His people probably belongs to the time of Nehemiah and the re-building of Jerusalem. At that time, Sanballat and Tobiah and company did everything they could to stop the re-building (Neh 4:7,8). But, their efforts were thwarted and the walls were re-built. Then, in 516 BC, the temple was completed.
Psalm 126 expresses the joy of the returning captives from Babylon. Even the nations around were aware of the great events that followed their return.
Psalm 127: Some versions, for example the Septuagint, have no mention of Solomon in the title. The commentator Adam Clarke says of this psalm: It was most likely composed for the building of the second temple, under Nehemiah, and by some prophet of that time.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Michael
127:1 Ezra understood that when God was watching over His people there was no need for an armed guard – Ezra 8:22
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Peter
GOD'S PLANS, GOD'S BUILDING
"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psa 127:1)
Over a lifetime there are a lot of things we try and achieve. Building a house, making a home and growing a family are just some of them. Added to these we also aim for other achievements, perhaps promotion at work, sporting excellence, achievement in the arts, mission work, writing, or expertise in a particular field. In any of these things the same principle applies. "Unless the Lord builds the house it's builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."
Over a lifetime we see plenty of houses, businessmen, careers and reputations built up and even thrive, but unless they are done to the glory of God, they are done in vain. Their glory may last a little while, even a lifetime, but it soon fades and the results will not see us through into eternity.
The lesson for us is to give the whole of our lives to God, not just the little boxes we call Prayer and Religious Services. Whether we are working, doing hobbies, sports or bringing up a family, let us seek God's will in what we do, and devote it to him. When our lives are part of God's plan nothing we do will be in vain.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Robert
127:3 Very specifically children born to David and his sons were an heritage. The ‘heritage’ being the house of David – a continued throne of David.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Peter
125:5 Whilst the Psalm might appear to be talking about the land of Israel and the city of Zion the way in which Paul – Gal 6:16 – quotes this verse shows that the Psalm is speaking of the faithful servants of God, not just a physical land and city.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Peter
1. Psa 125:1 - those who become affiliated with Zion will share her destiny and abide forever (Mic 4:1-7).
2. Psa 125:2 - the Lord with His people forever (suggesting resurrection and immortality).
3. Psa 125:3 - the 2004 comments of Peter Forbes seem to explain this verse quite well and perhaps 1Cor 10:13 ties into it as well.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Charles
1. Psa 126:1 - the NET Bible reads, "When the Lord restored the well-being of Zion, we thought we were dreaming." - perhaps the dreaming refers to Sennacherib's army destroyed (Isa 37:36) and/or that of a latter day "Assyrian".
2. Psa 126:4 - the NET reads, "O lord, restore our well-being, just as the streams in the arid south are replenished." - does this refer to the restoration of the land from Assyria, or the blossoming of the land from 1948 on, or the blessings when Christ returns and the latter day Assyrian has been defeated (Isa 35:1-10;Mic 4:4)?
3. Psa 126:5 - perhaps this has a spiritual application to those believers who sow the seed enduring hardships being joyful when Christ returns (Matt 9:37-38;Gal 6:7-9;John 16:22).
4. Psa 126:6 - the suffering Christ was the ultimate sower of precious seed and he will come again but this time with rejoicing and his harvest with him.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Charles
1. Psa 127:2 - temporal toil and what it yields is empty compared to things eternal. While Jesus the beloved "slept" in the tomb his Father was building his "house". Jesus awoke from sleep to see his seed, the travail of his soul, a great harvest.
2. Psa 127:3 - perhaps there is an application to Christ's receiving his harvest of children (Isa 53:10-11).
Some of the above thoughts were gleaned from Psalms Studies volume 2, by George Booker, p 764.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Charles
127:5 The “children” or more precisely child who will “speak with the enemies in the gate” is the risen Jesus. The gate is the place where men met to judge matters. Jesus as the true judge will speak righteousness.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Peter
WITNESS TO GOD'S WORK.
The way God works in our lives doesn't just affect us. When the Jews were brought back from Babylon into Israel after seventy years of captivity, the whole world knew about it. All the people in the places they left knew that they had gone back to their own land. Anyone who lived in between their start point and their destination would have seen the thousands of people travelling and would have known. And all the people in the neighbouring lands around Israel would have known that the Jews had returned. And other than that, who knows how far the news would have travelled!
The psalmist tells us what other people had to say about the return of the Jews to the land of Israel, "Then it was said among the nations,'The LORD has done great things for them.'" (Psa 126:2)
More people than we might realise will see what is going on in our lives too. They will see the highlights and lowlights of our lives and they will see our characters develop as God moves in our lives.
Let's make sure they know that it is God working in our lives and that what happens are not just random events or done in our own strength. Show them that God is in control. Then what God has done in our lives will become a witness to them too, causing them to say "The LORD has done great things for them"
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Robert
126:4 The Psalmist likens their return to the “streams in the South” because in the desert in summer the streams dry up and only reappears in the spring after the rain. A dry and barren land comes to life after the rain even though it looks, humanly speaking, as if it is totally barren. So will be the final regathering of Israel. The world will not expect it. However it will happen with the same degree of certainty as rain causing dried up streams to come to life again.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
Mt Zion cannot be moved
The symbol of Zion (Psa 125:1) is explained in Heb 12:22-29.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Rob
126:5-6 The Psalmist talks of men risking all by sowing. A sentiment which will be rewarded as JJer 31:9-34 shows when God will deliver Israel once and for all.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Peter
“EXCEPT the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it…”
We live in a culture today that minimizes the role of men, discounts the importance of fathers, and generally tends to dismiss the male gender as unnecessary. Stemming from the women’s lib movement that began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the continuing and pervasive line of thinking says that women don’t really need a man, they can do almost everything that a father does in a family and that men are pretty much obsolete.
It becomes more and more evident that there are other reasons why the man is the head of the household, and not just the fact that man was created first. Indeed, fathers not only have the greater responsibility in making their marriage work, but also have the greatest influence on the children. Consider the following report:
In 2003, the Baptist Press reported the following: “Did you know that if a child is the first person in a household to become a Christian, there is a 3.5 percent probability everyone else in the household will follow?
If the mother is the first to become a Christian, there is a 17 percent probability everyone else in the household will follow.
But if the father is first, there is a 93 percent probability everyone else in the household will follow.”
These are amazing statistics! Clearly, if we want our children to embrace the teachings of the Bible, the greater responsibility not only rests on the father, he must lead by Godly example, and a lot of harm is done to the family when the head of it is a curmudgeon.
In vv. 4,5 we read: “As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them…” Arrows here is a metaphor for children who have gone out from our quiver, or bow. Raised Godly, we will not be ashamed of them when they leave us, and some day when we will be elderly and need their help, they will be there for us to encourage us, to protect us and to help us. What a beautiful picture of family life as intended by the greater Father!
Sadly, God is not always in the center of our home, or children may just become disobedient, hostile and rebellious. What do we do? Children are a gift to us from God (v. 3). No matter the storms around us, we must not give up on them, let alone write them off. Children sometimes will get swept away with the world, not realizing they are standing in harm’s way, but God has put us there as their parents and true parents will stand in harm’s way to recover their children.
Parents have died for their children, and most of us would die for ours too if ever we were confronted with that choice. If we love them that much, then let us pray for them each and every day and be thankful for them. The difficult child is a blessing. A burden? No doubt! Difficult? Oh, yes! Humanly impossible? Certainly, but a blessing of God, nevertheless!
Where then is the joy this Psalm speaks of? Is it to take off the yoke, unshoulder the burden, or is it to seek in prayer grace for help in this time of need (Heb 4:16)? The difference between the one from the other is determined by the very nature of the family structure. God’s Word is decisive. He is a loving Father, a caring Father, a Father who reaches out, and a forgiving Father who understands all situations. So, be encouraged. This is the joy that swallows up the sorrows, and makes the pain and toils all worthwhile in the end.
Valerie Mello [in isolation, TN, USA] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Valerie
Psalm 126
The captivity of Zion (v1) is also mentioned in Psalm 137. If these Psalms are related then this must have been written some time during the captivity in Babylon which happened in stages as described in 2Chron 36.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Rob
Psalm 127
In talking about children as sharp arrows, David may be thinking of the example of Joab, Abishai and Asahel, sons of Zeruiah. These brothers were instrumental in setting him up as King.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Rob
125:1 It seems that all mountains cannot be moved. So what is special about Mount Zion? Well it is special because that is the place of His choosing where He will cause His name to dwell – Deut 12:11 – as is confirmed when Solomon’s temple was built in that area.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Peter
127:4 Another analogy is presented about children –Psa 128:3. The focus is not on military might but God’s provision.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Peter
127:1-3 the first three verses, in particular, of this Psalm explain what God said to David – 2Sam 7:27 – when David is promised descendants against the background of wanting to build a physical house for God.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2018 Reply to Peter
STRONG IN THE STORM
Recently we were due to be deluged by huge storms as a tropical cyclone was due to hit. The weather people issued warnings of strong winds, rain, and even snow in some places - all in the middle of summer! Having seen storms like this in the past, we anticipated that roofs would be blown off, trampolines would go flying, boats would be ripped off their moorings and power lines would come down.
The potential for damage when a storm bears down in huge, and really, no matter how strong your house, no one is immune to it. But there is one thing I can always be sure of in a storm. Around our city are numerous mountains (hills really). No matter how hard it blows, rains, hails or snows, those mountains will still be there when the storm is over. They are solid. They can withstand any storm.
Maybe the psalmist was thinking similar thoughts when he said, "Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures for ever." (Psa 125:1). When the storms of life rage around us, we don't have to fall apart and get tossed to and fro like all the people around us. Trust in the LORD will keep us standing firm and solid like a mountain. God loves us and has our best interests at heart. So let's trust in him and stand firm in his love.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2018 Reply to Robert
JOY MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
The people of the world and the nations around Jerusalem, looked to the Jews and came to a remarkable conclusion: "The LORD has done great things for them," they said. (Psa 126:2).
What had they seen that made them come to that conclusion? Let's go back a little bit in the same verse to find the answer: "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them.'" (v.2).
The people watching the Jews saw joyful people, joyful faces, they heard laughter, singing and rejoicing. It was joy that made them conclude that God had done great things for His people.
Imagine a different scenario. The Jews arrived back in their land grumbling and miserable, hostile and angry, and even depressed. The people around them would have taken one look and decided that their own gods were much better than Israel's God. God obviously hadn't done anything for them!
Do people see the joy of the Lord in us? It's no good saying that it is there deep down - it needs to show! Our faces, attitudes and actions all need to show our joy. Our words, music and laughter need to give it away.
What conclusion do we want people to make about us? Do we want them to know that He has done great things, or that He's not worth believing in? Our joy can make all the difference.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2018 Reply to Robert
127:3 in speaking of children (of promise) are an “heritage” we see an idea picked up in Eph 1:11 where the margin says that we have obtained an “heritage” because of having been predestinated.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
126:2 men and women seem obsessed with revelling and laughter. However their laughter is transient and often is of little lasting consequence. The “laughter” the Psalmist speaks of is very different. It is a rejoicing that will continue for-ever because God’s plan has been brought to fruition and the kingdom of God will have been established.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
127:5 Speaking with the enemies in the gate is like the way the promise -of Gen 22:17 – speaks of the possession of the gates of the enemy – to be fulfilled in Jesus at his return.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2021 Reply to Peter
126 Whilst the Psalm speaks of rejoicing at the freeing of Israel from captivity when the glorious kingdom of God is established it also has a very personal message for God’s faithful children. Our “captivity” was “turned” at baptism. Maybe on that night we felt “the Lord hath done great things for [us]” (:3) Reflecting on that deliverance from sin and death will revitalise our appreciation of what salvation in Christ is all about.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Peter
125:5 The Psalmist presents a picture of the wicked who have chosen their own way being led along that way by God. This is how God works. He gives men what they want. If they want “life and immortality” he will give it them, conditional on them walking faithfully. However to the one who despises his ways God gives them what they want – but their way ends in death.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Peter
126:1-2 Jeremiah had promised that Israel would be in Babylon for 70 years and then would return ot the land promised to their fathers. So, we might think, they were expecting it so why get to excited.
The reality is that time passes and they could not be sure exactly when the return would take place. When it happened, therefore, it was a bit like a dream.
This is our experience. We know that Christ will return – but we do not know exactly when. So his return will produce joy in our hearts.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Peter
125:5 Paul – Gal 6:16 – by inspiration, quotes this verse. So as Paul is talking about faithful believers we can conclude that whilst the Psalm speaks of literal blessing on Israel it speaks also of you and I.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Peter
v.5 - Here Peter agrees to do something for Jesus that makes no logical sense in human terms - just because Jesus said so. Quite a lesson in itself isn't it? Ps.127:1,2, Luke 6:46-48, John 15:14. Remember Naaman - 2Kings 5:10-14.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
v.14 A regular feature of the gospels is that Jesus did not want those who had been healed to spread that abroad. Matthew 8:4 9:30 12:16 16:20 Mark 1:44 3:12 5:43 7:36 8:30 Luke 8:56 His desire was that people would come to him because of his word and not just for the miracles [or the bread].
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
v.20 In saying 'thy sins be forgiven thee' we have the first of only two occasions when Jesus said this. We might think it was a common feature in Jesus' preaching but it was not. Can you find the other occasion [you will also find parallel accounts of this event but there is one other different occasion]
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
KEEPING FOCUSED
Even when we try to limit the amount of things we do, our lives can still get crowded in with pressures, people and deadlines, leaving us stressed, loosing control and our minds in a whir. But at times like this let us take heart in the fact that Jesus has been through it all before us - and overcome it. He was tempted in all points like we are, yet without sin.
It is here, in Luke 5, that we get a glimpse as to how he did it. Jesus was under pressure by people to preach to them and to heal all their sick. He barely would have had a moment to himself and he was crowded - mobbed almost - by all the people. More and more people were coming all the time and the pressure on him must have been intense. It is verse 16 that tells us how he coped. "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." That is such a wonderful idea! Why is it that we find it so hard to be motivated to do it ourselves? All we need to do is to take a walk, a bike ride, a drive or whatever, to be alone and to focus our minds on God. Then we need to pray. Talk to him. Tell him our needs, worries, pressures, and above all to praise him for his countless blessings.
Try it today. Make it a habit.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
5:1 Whilst there were occasions when the multitude only came for the 'loaves and the fishes' (John 6:26) we have an occasion here when the multitude actually came for the word of God. This desire became less marked as Jesus' ministry developed and the impact of his message became clearer. We must take care that as we grow in Christ our desire to serve him lessens as we grow in appreciation of the force of the message.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
V.31 In speaking to them in this manner Christ is showing that He both understood, and that He intended to go the source of the problem (or sickness) which afflicts all mankind. (sin) He came to call sinners to repentance. He shows that He is in a position to cure each one of us.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Peter
The fishing industry in the time of Christ was a profitable one. Fish was not only supplied to the Jewish markets but to the Romans also. Peter and Andrew lived (in a house) in Bethsaida (John 1:44). Their partners, James and John had hired servants (Mark 1:20). And so, they all must have made a comfortable living. Thus, it was all the more remarkable that they up and left the business to follow Jesus (v.11). This after, probably, their best catch ever (v.9).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Michael
V.11 Never before had the disciples done this. There had been a call to accept Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah (John 1:35-51); next a call to become Christ's more steady companions, without bidding farewell to all (Matt 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20). But, this call meant that they must leave all, or at least be prepared to leave all.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to John
5:12 The man 'full of leprosy' typified the nation which was defiled by sin. Jesus had come to save them 'from their sins' (Matt 1:21). The man, unlike the Jewish leaders, saw his need and so was cleansed. Baptism is only effective for those who see their need.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Peter
I have often thought of Peter sitting in his boat while Jesus taught the people. Peter had probably never seen such a crowd, and it seemed that they were all looking at him! He had been fishing all night, but caught nothing. Then, instead of going home to breakfast and bed, he was sitting there with his partners washing, and probably mending, their nets. Jesus surprisingly then asked Peter to row out a little from the land, while He taught the people from the boat. This meant of-course that Peter had to keep wide awake, and follow all the teaching carefully. (This reminds me of the ecclesial president. He must know what is going on all of the time, and be alert.) And then when the preaching was over they went out fishing again, and this time caught a multitude of fish. This was the deciding factor for Peter. He left all and followed Jesus as a disciple.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to David
5:5 The beginning and end – John 21:3-6 - of the ministry of Jesus involves an unfruitful night of fishing which is terminated by the lord intervening and a large draught of fish being caught
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Peter
5:30 The Levi has invited Jesus and the disciples. Jesus accepted the invitation but the scribes and Pharisees murmured against ‘them’ – they dare not speak directly to Jesus.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Peter
5:5,8 Notice the shift in Peter’s way of speaking to Jesus. Initially he is ‘master’ but after the miracle he is ‘lord’.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Peter
Jesus urged those He healed, like this leper, to present themselves to the priest (vs.5:13,14).
He did this to show that:
1) He was the fulfilment of the Law (Matt 5:17).
2) His order of priesthood surpassed that of the priesthood under the Law (Heb 9:11).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Michael
5:12-13 The priest under the law of Moses could not make a leper clean. All he could do was to pronounce him clean when the signs of active leprosy had abated. Jesus’, therefore, is seen as more effective than the law of Moses.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Peter
BECAUSE YOU SAY SO
Jesus had borrowed a boat from Simon and had been sitting in it a little way from shore while he taught the people. As the teaching was happening, Simon and Andrew were busy on the shore cleaning their nets from the previous nights fishing. As they worked they listened to the teaching of Jesus. "When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.' Simon answered, 'Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.'" (Luke 5:4-5)
Even though the instructions Jesus gave to Simon seemed illogical (fish were usually caught at night, and what would Jesus, a carpenter, know about fishing anyway?) Simon's attitude was that because Jesus said so, he would do it. Probably all he was expecting was to have to clean his nets again, but he chose to faithfully follow the instructions of Jesus whether it made sense to him or not.
We should follow Simon's example. Because Jesus says so, let's do it. I'm not talking about fishing, but about loving your enemies, about preaching the word, giving to those in need, about fasting, prayer, faithfulness, watching our way of life, and the many other instructions Jesus gives us.
Because he says so, let's act.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Robert
5:26 Maybe the ‘strange things’ that the people saw was this multitude of doctors of the law watching Jesus do something that they could not do. Namely heal the man who had been sick.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Peter
5:33 The question about fasting asked by the Jewish leaders focuses on a difference between Jesus and John’s disciples. It is as if the Jewish leaders are now saying that John’s message was more acceptable that Jesus’ message – even though they would not respond to John’s message! – Luke 7:30
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Peter
Summary of Luke
5:1-11 By the lake Gennesaret Jesus entered ship and great catch of fish Peter James and John left all and followed Jesus
5:12-15 Third Miracle – men with leprosy healed
5:16 Jesus withdrew himself to pray
5:17-27 Fourth Miracle – man sick of the palsy borne of four – sins forgiven (v:20)
5:27-32 Call of Levi (Matthew)
5:33-35 Why do your disciples not fast?
5:37-39 Parables of old and new
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Peter
Wes Booker [South Austin Texas USA] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Wes
5:5 When Peter calls Jesus “master” <1988>, here he uses a fairly casual word. However as Jesus’ ministry progresses Peter’s (and the rest of the disciples) understanding of Jesus increased. They then recognised him as “master” <1302> in the sense of a religious teacher.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
Have you noticed there appears to be a theme in this chapter if you take verses Luke 5: 8, 20-22, and 30-31?
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Rob
FORGIVABLE
Have you ever thought that you might be unforgivable? Have you ever felt like your sins are too big, too often, or too horrible to be overlooked or healed? Luke tells two stories about Jesus that really touched me.
The first was about a man with leprosy, a terrible skin disease that often represents sin in the Bible. This man came to Jesus. "When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, 'Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.'" (Luke 5:12).
I love the reaction of Jesus towards this man: "'I am willing' he said 'Be clean!' And immediately the leprosy left him." (v.13).
Jesus wants us to be clean - whether it is from leprosy, from sin, or from past mistakes. He is willing to heal and forgive.
The second story was about the paralytic who was lowered on a mat through the roof into the room where Jesus was. When Jesus saw the faith of his friends, he said to the man "Your sins are forgiven" (v.20). He was still lying on his mat, but he was now clean. Then to prove that Jesus could forgive sins, he told the man "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." (v.24)
He has the power to forgive sins, and to heal us from all our diseases - including our sinfulness, if we are willing. And if we are willing, he is willing.
No sin is too big, bad or horrible to be forgiven, and no one is unforgivable. Let us accept his grace in our lives.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Robert
Luke 5:27-28 - when we follow Jesus we must leave our old ways behind and fully follow him with all our heart (Luke 12:22-34;Matt 19:16-30;Luke 9:57-62).
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Charles
5:8 Whilst it was certainly true that Peter was a sinner we maybe should see him saying a little more than that. Maybe it is a reaction to his casual “master” of verse :5. He now realises that his assessment of Jesus was wrong and dismissive.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Peter
5:8 Having followed Jesus since his baptism – John 1:37-42– Peter is now beginning to see that Jesus is more than just another teacher.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Peter
5:36-39 Jesus’ parables here teach that we always prefer that which we are used to. We should be careful to avoid the trap of being unwilling to change simply because we are comfortable how we are.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2018 Reply to Peter
5:28 In using the same words “rose up” as are used of the man who was healed - :25– we see two men who appeared quite different but actually both had the same needs.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
5:30 we wonder whether the scribes and Pharisees had been invited to the feast also. Probably not but they had arrived anyway to fault Jesus. They had seen what had happened – that Jesus had called a despised tax gatherer to follow him. He had not called the Pharisees or scribes!
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
5:24 this miracle, and Jesus’ ability to forgive sins is found in Matthew 9:6 andMark 3:10. The word translated “power” <1849> actually carries the sense of “authority” as can be seen where the same word is translated “authority” – Matt 7:29, Matt 21:23 being two typical examples
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2021 Reply to Peter
5:30 we wonder whether the scribes and Pharisees had been invited to the feast also. Probably not but they had arrived anyway to fault Jesus. They had seen what had happened – that Jesus had called a despised tax gatherer to follow him. He had not called the Pharisees or scribes!
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Peter
5:20 On both of the occasions – here and 7:48 – we see that there are Pharisees present.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Peter
5:4 Jesus said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch"
This was a difficult moment. Jesus had successfully taught the people (so successfully, that he needed to sit in a boat to get away from the pressing crowd (vv1-3)). But, as good a Bible teacher as Jesus was, he was not a fisherman; and here he was appearing to be skilful at fishing. Peter, and some of the remaining crowd, would have thought: Why put your reputation as a masterful teacher at risk by pretending to know how to fish, and fail? Peter, an expert fisherman, had to choose whether to obey this naive fishing advice (and make Jesus look silly when Jesus' advice failed), or resist his lifelong experience and obey Jesus. Hence Peter's words, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets" (5:5). Peter chose to put Jesus above what experience had taught him. And Peter was overwhelmed with the result which changed his entire mindset.
To a non-fisherman, this miracle would probably not even be seen as a miracle. Jesus was just lucky, or may have had some hitherto unknown background in fishing. But to a fisherman like Peter it was life changing because Peter knew that it was a powerful miracle by someone who was unskilled in fishing, a miracle that only a fisherman could really appreciate.
There are many times in our lives when we have to choose between what we believe to be true and Jesus' commands. A modern example: Sisters speaking in the ecclesial meeting seems appropriate to our Western, egalitarian mindset especially when we see women speaking at meetings at work; but for those following Christ, we might say "Master, women speak at meetings at work, but at your word, I will require that only brethren speak in the ecclesia".
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
5:13 Whereas the priest under the Law of Moses would look and see whether the leprosy had gone when Jesus healed the man the leprosy that was there disappeared at the word of Jesus. The Law of Moses would only pronounce a man clean when the leprosy had gone Jesus could treat the actual problem.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Peter
5:3 We should not assume that this is the first time that Peter had interacted with Jesus. The record hear reads as if Jesus already knew Peter. In fact Peter had been a disciple of John the Baptist – John 1:41-42.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Peter