Comments for March 28

v. 9 - The trumpet was not just a convenient way of making a loud noise - it was approved by God and part of a command which caused them to remember their Lord and be saved. The trumpet did not only mean 'get up and move on' or 'go forth to war' it also quite clearly was associated with 'God will be with us', and thereby provided certainty to help those of weaker faith. It is a comfort to me that God is prepared to do this. Jos.6:5, Jud.3:27, 7:16-21, Eze.7:14,

v. 11 So Israel moved on from Sinai just under three weeks after the tabernacle was reared up. A lot had taken place in this time, including the death of Nadab and Abihu though not much time had elapsed.

v.35,36 - God recognises here man's need for ritual. It seems that as human beings we have a great need to associate what we do with particular words or actions. To us this seems to give it a deeper meaning - a greater reverence, etc. God therefore sets up rituals like these to appeal to that desire in a good way.

10:12 Now the children of Israel move from Sinai So they would change from their settled existence which they had enjoyed for the last 10 months so it would be quite a change for them.

So a procedure for an orderly move was established.

:35 The words to be used when the tabernacle moved 'rise up … before thee' are found again (Psalm 7:6 Psalm 68:1) Psalm 7 speaks of Absalom's uprising (against the Lord's anointed). Psalm 68 speaks of deliverance from His enemies on a number of occasions. So we see that the language we are considering in Numbers 10 is not simply a little incantation to be said each time the tabernacle was moved. It was a battle cry. The wilderness journey was a battle - against sin. In making the cry the nation were showing that God was involved in the battle, scattering the enemy. Do we believe that God is working in our lives now or do we think that sort of thing stooped at the end of the writing of the New Testament?

10:14  So Judah led the nation in its movements, following the tabernacle. This confirms Judah'' position and status and forms the basis for Judah having the responsibility to lead n battles.

V.33  This is the first time that the ark is identified as the "Ark of the Covenant."

A musical Brother tells us that animal horn trumpets make a most uninspiring call.  So
  God commanded trumpets to be made of silver, to send messages to the camps.

Various signals were devised for the different uses of the trumpet. The signalling for assembly and movements for war would have been similar to the function of the nineteenth-century military bugler (see Num 31:6).
However, the trumpet also had a place in the worship and praise of the LORD.  The shofar (ram's horn) was used in an annual festival (Lev 23:24).  But the silver trumpets became part of the temple furnishings (2Kin 12:13).  Such was the ceremonial greatness of the trumpet, that Solomon had one hundred and twenty of them sounded by priests (2Chron 5:12).
 
Hobab (v.29) was the brother of Moses' wife Zipporah.
After initially rejecting Moses' offer to join the Israelites (v.30), it appears that he did. His offspring were in the Land (Judg 4:11).

V.8 Neither the Levites, nor any of the common ranks of the people could be employed in this office of signal giving. In order to attract greater attention and more faithful observance, it was reserved for the sons of Aaron, as the Lord's ministers.

10        The detailed instructions as to how the silver trumpets were to be used highlight the importance that had to be given to listening carefully to the trumpet – like listening to the word of God. Careless hearing leads to a wrong action.  A new testament us of this is to be seen in 1Cor 14:8

The trumpet was a natural instrument which played only the notes of the harmonic series, that God created. Its sound was not only penetrating but because the pitches were well spaced out, the strident calls would be clear and easy to distinguish.  Compare this with the music that God condemns through Amos in Amos 6:5. where the emphasis is on man inventing instruments for himself, with close together notes (the margin refers to quavering).

As discipline was necessary for the Children of Israel on their journey to the promised land, so it is for us on our journey to the Kingdom. We individually move forward, and also move collectively, but the journey is developed out of individual effort. As individuals we must all discern clearly God's will, and His guidance, walking always in the direction to which He is directing us.. Let each one of us learn from the errors that the Children of Israel made on their journey. We must at all times remain focused on that which is ahead. We must all recognize the will of our Heaven Father, and subject ourselves to it. Then we are in a position to move together in unity.

David employed various musical instruments (including the trumpet mentioned here) to praise the LORD (1Chron 15:16;23:5).  Self-serving reprobates, using the same instruments for their own pleasure, and not to praise the LORD, were condemned (Isa 5:11,12; Amos 6:4-6)

INVITATION
 
Israel were about to move from Sinai toward the Promised Land. Along with the Children of Israel, Reuel, a Midianite, Moses father-in-law had been camping with them. So at the time Israel were about to make their move toward the Promised Land, Reuel also decide it was time to make his move and head back home.
 
As Reuel made his intentions clear to Moses, saying, "No, I will not go; I am going back to my own land and my own people," (Num 10:30) there could have been just a tearful goodbye and away he would go. After all, Reuel was a Midianite. He was not promised any of the blessings of Israel. He was a Gentile, and it was only the sons of Jacob that were promised God's special blessings in Canaan. But Moses persisted. "Please do not leave us. You know where we should camp in the desert, and you can be our eyes. If you come with us we will share with you whatever good things the LORD gives us." (v. 31) We are not told Reuel's answer but we may be able to presume that he did go with them.
 
There are many people - friends, family members, and in-laws - that we could invite to come on our journey toward the Promised Land with us. But let us do more than invite. Let us persist with the invitation as Moses did to Reuel in order that they may share in whatever good things the LORD gives us.

10:5 When the word ‘alarm’ <08628> is use we need to realise that it is simply an instruction. There is no sense of impending danger inherent in the word.

V.35 Each day as the camp moved forward, Moses uttered this prayer. What a wonderful lesson for each one of us, as we begin a new day on our journey towards the kingdom. Like Israel we are surrounded by the enemy, and must be aware of our need for defence. That need can only be met by our Heavenly Father. Our enemies are God's enemies, if we are travelling in the right direction, then we will have His protection. 

10:7      Clearly there were different sounds that were made by the trumpet. Whilst we cannot know the difference from the text it is clear that there were at least two different sounds. An ‘alarm’ and a sound that was not an alarm.

10:31 Moses’ words to his father in law might seem strange, if he knew that God was leading them he would not need the eyes of his father in law. I do not think this is lack of faith on Moses’ part but rather a desire that his father in law would stay with Israel and associate with them.

Num 10:33 - two times it refers to "three days" as if to emphasize - perhaps there is an echo of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection after three days making the way for believers to have a resting place in Zion.

10:3 The use of trumpets to call the ‘assembly’ is echoed in the New Testament comment about the resurrection 1Cor 15:52

10:8    Whilst it was necessary for trumpets to be blown and there would have been times when there was an urgency in the need the work was still restricted to ‘the sons of Aaron’. Even when a battle was impending there was no need to panic and take the need to sound an alarm away from the sons of Aaron to get the warning done quickly.

10:29  Having benefitted from association with Israel and their God Hobab, despite protestations from Moses, goes his own way. He spurned the fellowship of the people of God. When we meet up with his descendants again – Judg 4:11-12– we find that they are not neutral with regard to Israel. They have become antagonistic.

10:33   The three day’s journey to  ‘search out a resting place’ is developed – John 14:2  - to speak of the work of Jesus’ in his death and resurrection. Notice here the ‘three days.’

A handy alliance.

In v29 we come across Hobab, son of Reuel (Moses' father in law), a Midianite. We first come across Midianites in Gen 37:28, the traders who took Joseph across the wilderness from Canaan to Egypt to sell him into slavery. When we note that little detail, we can see why Moses said of Hobab "you know where we should camp in the wilderness", since he was presumably of a travelling, trading family, that had travelled the route for generations.

10:35   The way in which God’s enemies were to be scattered when the tabernacle was moved is typical of the destruction of the “proud” who would oppose Jesus – Luke 1:51 – as Mary says in her wonderful, inspired, speech.

10:14-27       The position of the tribes around the tabernacle is clearly laid out – Num 2 - so we can see that the tribes moved off one after another. The ordering of the tribes causes us to realise that the tribes moved off from in turn in a clockwise direction. – East, South, West, North.

10:5  The first time we read about an “alarm” being sounded is when Israel surrounded Jericho – Josh 6:4

10:33  The only other occasion when we read of “the mount of the Lord” is in Gen 22:14. Of course the two locations are not the same. One is Moriah in Jerusalem. This one is Mount Sinai. The point being made is that both places are the Lord’s mountain because the events there figure significantly in the redemptive plan of God.

10:5  A little details but the way that the camp moved off from the east side indicates that they were travelling in an easterly direction – so in the way the camp broke and moved off taught that the nation was journeying towards the land of Canaan – the land of promise.

10:11   This is the first time the tabernacle is dismantled. It is 50 days after it was erected – Exo 40:17

10:6 From the record we conclude that there were a number of different types of trumpet sound that were to be blown. It, therefore, must have been essential that the priests were well able to make the relevant sounds and that the people would recognise them else confusion would reign – 1Cor 14:8

Numbers 10:11 - The signal from the LORD to take up their journeying was the lifting of the cloud off the Tabernacle. This was exactly 50days after the Tabernacle was first reared up. Compare with Exodus 40:17. Like 50 day of Pentecost – from day of Jesus resurrection to his ascension to heaven. As we journey to the Kingdom we look up waiting for our Lord Jesus to descend and tabernacle with his people. (Revelation 21:3)

Israel had been baptized the year before by coming through the Red Sea (1Cor.10:1-3).  Now six days after their second Passover (Num.9:1-3), Israel were now called to prepare to move on their journey to the promised land. 

Our situation is similar today. We have not heard a trumpet call but we have heard the sound  of the Gospel message. “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.” (Romans 10:16-18)

The time will come when we will hear the sound of the trumpet when the redeemed will hear the call to resurrection and by the grace of God, eternal life. 

^“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed”. (1Corinthians 15:52)

10:2 each of the trumpets were to be made from one piece of metal as was the Cherubim and mercy seat – Exo 37:7. Doubtless it would have been easier to construct items like the trumpet from a number of specially constructed parts. But unity is being emphasised. Hence “one piece”

10 Communicating instructions to a large assembly could be challenging. When the camp was to move there was a God appointed procedure. This was achieved by the sounding of the silver trumpets. So Israel’s movement in the wilderness as at the command of God according to His precise instructions.

This is the basis for Paul’s comment about trumpets and uncertain sounds – 1Cor 14:8. But notice Paul is using the analogy in the context of teaching. The lesson is clear. |Any of our teaching must be clear and precise, reflecting exactly what God has revealed in His word.

10:2,5 We have to assume that the nation were given audible examples of the different trumpet blasts and had to remember them.

It is a bit like having to remember the different things that the scriptures say. We read a portion and receive different lessons.

Time for a little humour!!  The Hebrew word for enemy in Numbers 10 and elsewhere is "tsar"!

V3 It was essential that there was a distinction made between the blowing of two trumpets and the blowing of one, that cannot have been just one of volume, especially for those at some distance away.   The natural principle of 'beating'  in sound, where two almost identical sounds interfere with one another to produce a slow, but clear and loud variation in volume would fit the bill.    

10:3-7 The various trumpet blasts were like the voice of God. He had determined what should be done when the trumpets made their different sounds. The nation were to learn what the different trumpet blasts meant. In like manner we are to learn what God’s different ordinances in scripture mean. We need to be able to discern between different aspects of the counsel of God.

v. 4 - Picks up the words of David towards the end of his life, when he was determined to make preparations for the building of a house to God Ps.132:4. Ultimately the building that we do is that of the temple of which we are - the temple of his body - Zion (mentioned later in Ps.132) building up to that bride - the holy city - new Jerusalem Rev.21:1-3 which causes the tabernacle of God to be with men. So let us heed the words and consider the ant and be wise, as advised today.

v.19 Notice that the Lord hates one that sows discord amongst brethren. Whilst we must maintain right doctrine and practice the unity of the body of Christ is paramount. In our own actions we must ensure that our actions are consistent with not sowing discord.

v.6,7 - The point made here in verse seven is that the order of the anthill exists regardless of overseer. Ideally, we are in a position of each being a servant. We too should have no earthly overseer. From this passage we learn that the only way to make this work is to learn from the ant and for each to pull his/her weight at all times, leaving no room for idleness in God's work.

:1-5 Solomon, in quoting Psalm 132:4 is encouraging the sons to put as much effort into avoiding getting into compromising situations as his father did in his desire to bring the ark to Zion. So Godlessness should be replaced with a vigorous application of the principles of the truth.

:21 In encouraging the son to 'bind' the commandments he is quoting Deuteronomy 6:8 and 11:18. Sadly the Jews missed the point of this and instead of making the commandment something in their heart they made an open show of it by wearing phylacteries. Is our religion just 'show'?

6:34-35 Similar language is found in Song of Solomon

Jealousy is the rage Song of Song 8:6

He will not regard any ransom Song of Song 8:7

V.22  Walking, Sleeping, and Awaking here refer to the whole conduct of life. The verse promises direction, guardianship, and wisdom when the precepts of parents are treasured and observed. The Psalmist (Psa 139:17-18) indicates that when he awakes, the first thing that comes to his mind is wisdom. What is the first thing that comes to our mind when we awake?

Vs.1-6 Always, we must be ready to help and to give, even without expecting anything back (Luke 6:35).  But we must never take away a person's responsibility in a matter.
 
The theme of good woman/bad woman goes on (v.23-25).
The actions described here are discouraged in the physical sense but they also apply in the spiritual sense.

GO TO THE ANT
 
We can learn a lot from watching ants.  Solomon tells us, "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!  It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." (Prov 6:6-8)  We may not think of ourselves as sluggards, and so feel that this piece of wisdom is not for us, yet we can still learn some valuable lessons from these small insects.
 
To start with, the ant is always busy.  I have never seen a lazy ant, yet we humans, as the highest and most privileged of God's creation, often slip into a pattern of laziness that does not give glory to God at all.  Often I find a lack of motivation to do certain things unless there is a pressing need for it to be done or a deadline to meet.  The ant doesn't appear to have that problem.  Without anyone telling her what to do, she will be motivated to get on with what needs to be done.  The ant does what it should, while it has the opportunity to do it.  We should do the same.
 
The ant is committed to its family.  It will defend the nest with its life and works for the whole at the expense of its self.  We too must take on the same attitude toward our family in Christ.
 
So let's learn from this small creature. "Go to the ant ... consider its ways and be wise."

I admit I am one who can easily give in to sleep – so the admonitions of the wise man in today’s chapter hits home!  Prov 6:9-11 pictures the person who just wants another few minutes in bed. I’ll get up soon, I promise – and before you know where you are there’s another hour gone. Solomon has very wise words, indeed!

V.16-19 - 6 refers to the number of man and 7 refers to completeness and thus perhaps we have a complete synopsis of the things God hates in man: pride; lying (in a general sense); murder(excludes the capital sentence passed by the court and homicide in self-defence for which there were cities of refuge); plotting evil; eagerness to do evil or swift actions to do evil; (more specific type of lying) a false accuser or false witness or perjury; spreading strife or sowing discord or stirring up dissension among brethren. Job 5:19 - here we also have the mention of 6 and 7 but in a different context.

Much of the above is gleaned from Proverbs vol.1 by A.W.Crawford.

V.27-28 - he who plays with fire will be burnt. We shouldn't see how close we can get to sin, it's too enticing.

6:33  The word ‘wipe’ is the same word which is translated ‘blot’ in Num 5:23. The contest here in Proverbs matches that of Numbers 5. God is saying here that even though there was a trial of jealousy it was not an antidote to gross immorality of a sexual or spiritual nature.

6:5 The call to the son to deliver himself contrasts markedly with Prov 6:32 where the same ‘son’ is seen to ‘destroy himself’ through not heeding the law.

6:6 The encouragement to ‘go to the ant’ is echoed in Prov 30:25 and presents the exhortation that strength is not what is required but industry.

The advice to "observe the ant" appears to apply specifically to the situation mentioned in the preceding verses.

6:6-8 The industrious nature of the ant is legendary. Here Solomon uses the activity of the ant, as part of a colony who work together, to teach how we should be. We are not individuals who work for ourselves. Rather we are part of the body of Christ and so should work for the common good of the community.

6:23The way in which Solomon talks of the ‘commandment’ being like a ‘lamp’ and a ‘light’ echoes his father in Psa 119:105

HATE TO LOVE

"There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." (Prov 6:16-19)

If there are seven of these things the LORD hates, then the inverse must also be true. If we find the opposite of the things the LORD hates, then we would find seven of the things God loves. What would the seven things the LORD loves be? Maybe the following rephrasing of these verses would help.

There are six things the LORD loves, seven that are cherished by him: humble eyes, a truthful tongue, hands that show care and compassion, a heart that seeks the best, feet that are quick to follow Jesus, a truthful man who is totally honest, and a man who makes peace among brothers.

If we put these two lists side by side and examine ourselves in the light of them, we will probably find that our attitudes will fall somewhere in between the two extremes we have listed. We need to make sure we are progressing from the things God hates toward the things he loves by allowing him to renew our minds and hearts as we grow toward the standard set by Jesus Christ

6:9-11The wise man is not here speaking of physical sleep. Nor is he simply talking about idleness in the things of this life. Rather he is saying that such activities in the things of God lead to paucity of spirituality.

Prov 6:6-8

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; Consider her ways, and be wise."

The word, "sluggard" is the Hebrew word, atsel - Strong's concordance # <6102>. It is used synonymously with the word, "slothful," as we see in Prov 18:9, "He also that is slothful (atsel) in his work is a brother to him that is a great waster."

Prov 19:15; Prov 20:4; Prov 26:15 show us that the slothful, or lazy, have all kinds of excuses for not doing things. They are too cold, too hot, too tired, task is too hard, and on and on. They have the desire to do the right thing; they just never get around to doing it (Prov 13:4).

The apostle Paul in Rom 12:11 picks up this term, "slothful" when he writes, "not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." The word, "business" is the Greek word, spoude, Strong's concordance # <4710> and means, "eagerness, earnestness...diligence...haste." What Paul is conveying is that we are to be diligent in the things pertaining to God.

The lowly ant lords over no one, they are wise in that they prepare their "meat in the summer" and gather their "food in the harvest." Ants work together; they are very clean and will not keep anything unclean around them. If you step on an ant nest, they are very diligent in rebuilding it.

Here's what we learn when we consider the ant: 1) We are not to rule over anyone (Mark 10:42-43). 2) We are to sow the seed of the Word if we want a Harvest. 3) We need one another. 4) Our lives must be spotless (Eph 5:27), and remove anything that would distract us from God. 5) We must be diligent in building up one another.

6:13   The winking eyelid of the ‘naughty person’ answers to the fluttering ‘eyelids’ of the strange woman. The naughty person and strange woman are one and the same as far as their potential effect upon the son is concerned. He is best to avoid both.

1. Prov 6:1-5 - wisdom's protection from suretyship (generosity is a good thing but agreeing to responsibility or liability for the debts of another is to be avoided) - that said, God's Son did take on the responsibility of our burdens (Isa 53:3-6,8,10-12), paid the full price, yet was delivered:

2. Prov 6:1 - "My son ...surety"<6148>, "friend"<7453>, "'stricken'<8628> thy hand with a 'stranger'<2114>" - could this have application to Christ's sacrifice?

3. Prov 6:2 - "snared with the words of thy mouth" (Matt 12:10-14;26:2,64;John 18:4-9) - when his time was come Christ didn't talk his way out of the crucifixion.

4. Prov 6:3 - "my son...'deliver thyself'<5337> when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go 'humble thyself'<7511>, and 'make sure'<7292> thy friend" (Matt 26:50) - Christ saved himself and others, submitted and overcame the betrayal of his friend.

5. Prov 6:4 - in the garden of Gethsemane Christ didn't sleep nor in the grave did he see corruption (Matt 26:38-47;Acts 13:37) as do others who 'sleep'.

6. Prov 6:5 - "'Deliver thyself'<5337>...'hand'<3027> 'of the fowler'<3353>" - in order to save and be saved from human nature (Heb 4:15) Christ allowed himself to be entangled on the cross.

1. Prov 6:6-11 - wisdom's warning against sloth:

2. Prov 6:6 - there can be natural/temporal sloth and spiritual sloth, both are unwise - look what Christ accomplished in his short ministry (John 21:25).

3. Prov 6:8 - the ant is smart enough to provide for its future, shouldnt we be? The spiritual lesson is provide for the future now, else we and others die in the winter of tribulation (Jer 8:20;Matt 25:24-30;Luke 10:2).

4. Prov 6:11 - natural and spiritual poverty can happen quickly.

1. Prov 6:12-19 - mischief making and seven things hateful to God:

2. Prov 6:12 - "naughty"<1100>, "wicked"<205>, "froward"<6143> (Prov 2:10-12 - wisdom delivers us from the perverse).

3. Prov 6:14 - "Frowardness"<8419>, "mischief"<7451>, "soweth"<7971>, "discord"<4066>.

4. Prov 6:15 - "suddenly"<6597>, "suddenly"<6621>, "broken"<7665>.

5. Prov 6:16 - "unto him"<5315> - "nephesh" used in reference to God's life or mind?

6. Prov 6:17 - pride is the opposite of humility, "lying"<8267> in a general sense (the first lie led to Eve's sin; Rev 21:8 all liars shall have their part in the second death), murder (Exo 20:13 thou shalt not kill, Rev 21:8 God is the avenger of blood, Rom 12:19 vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord).

7. Prov 6:18 - swiftly plotting evil (Jude 1:4,14-16;Isa 59:7;Rom 3:9-19).

8. Prov 6:19 - "A false witness that speaketh 'lies' (<3577>; Exo 20:16;Matt 26:59-62;Acts 6:11-13)...'soweth'<7971> 'discord'<4090> among brethren (Rom 16:17-18)".   

9. Prov 6:13,17 sins with eyes, sins with hands; Prov 6:13,18 sins with feet; Prov 6:14,18 sins with heart; Prov 6:14,19 divider and mischief maker.

1. Prov 6:20-35 - wisdom's defence against the folly of immorality:

2. Prov 6:20,23 - v20 (Prov 1:8;6:23); v23 "'the commandment'<4687> is a 'lamp'<5216>; and the 'law'<8451> is 'light'<216>; and 'reproofs'<8433> of 'instruction'<4148> are the way of life" - John 5:35 John the Baptist was a lamp ('light'<3088>...'light'<5457>), John 1:8 Christ was the light ('Light'<5457>...'Light'<5457>).

3. Prov 6:22 - could this have an application to an obedient Godly spiritual walk, the sleep of death, and the awakening of resurrection?

4. Prov 6:24 - "'evil'<7451>'woman'<802>...'strange woman'<5237>" - in the Old Testament adulteress means sinful
Israel (Hos 1:2;2:1-23) and in the New Testament adulteress describes worldly Christians (James 4:4-7).

5. Prov 6:26 - could this mean a whorish woman takes your money, but an adulterous woman will take your life?

6. Prov 6:30-31 - a thief is not as bad as an adulterer but has to restore seven-fold - the implication being how much more an adulterer.

7. Prov 6:32 - adultery is suicidal conduct, and in a spiritual sense it is not being faithful to Christ, the bridegroom.

8. Prov 6:32 - KJV "'destroyeth'<7843> 'his own soul'<5315>" (a soul being destroyed) - NIV "destroys himself".

9. Prov 6:35 - "ransom"<3724> is similar to the word used in the day of "atonement"<3722> ceremonies (Lev 16:10) - the reference is to an attempt to bribe the injured husband from laying a charge, but an unfaithful adulterer can't make restitution - we have to be faithful to Christ.

6:12    The way a man thinks affects the way he behaves.  The way a man walks is determined by his mind.  It is not possible to walk faithfully with a mind which is astray from Him.

Prov 6:16-19.

FIREWOOD AND ANTS

At the time of writing this, I was sitting in front of a warm fire. It was a very cold night outside, and I was glad I had spent quite a few days over summer sweating it out with a log splitting axe and stacking firewood. Splitting logs and stacking firewood are not my idea of summer fun, but it is one of those things that needs to be done if we are to stay warm without spending too much money over winter.

Solomon looked at ants and said this: "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores it's provisions in summer and gathers it's food at harvest." (Prov 6:6-8).

Solomon probably had more than firewood in mind when he penned his proverb. We need to be motivated to do good and to store up treasures in heaven right now while we still can. There is no use waiting until we are persecuted to do good deeds, or until Jesus has returned to find out how he wants us to live, or to wait for our dying breath to repent.

Do it now. Be like the ant and get ready today for the certainty of the return of Jesus and judgement tomorrow.

6:1  The word translated “surety” <6148> is translated “meddle” Prov 20:19, 24:21. This is the danger of being surety. It associates one with the one for whom surety is given. So a degree of fellowship follows.

Prov 6:16-19

“These six things doth the LORD (Yahweh) hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”

This Hebrew literary style is used to emphasize a list of things hateful to God and used to call special attention to the last item on the list. God hates all these sins, but the last one is especially abhorrent to Him because it is the outcome and consummation of all the others (cf. Psa 133)! It should be noted, though, that this is not a complete list of all the sins God hates. God hates anything that stands in open opposition to His word and His glory.

The general tendency of mega church leaders is to accentuate the positives and ignore the negatives. This is why they are so successful. Yet, it is so important to know that God will judge wickedness and sin, both in attitudes and in actions. The fact remains, though, that people just do not want to hear that God hates and is disgusted with the character of those who work iniquity (Psa 5:4-6; cf. Psa 11:4-7). 

Solomon wrote in Prov 1:7; Prov 9:10 that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning (foundation) of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Solomon then described what this fear is in Prov 8:13. “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil...” (cf. Psa 97:10). We are to hate all evil and our approval before God is in direct proportion to love of virtue and hatred of sin. This was Christ’s character and God honoured him above all others (cf. Psa 45:7; Heb 1:8-9). God expects holiness and godliness from His people and to hate all evil in our desire to walk holy before God (Psa 101:2-8). As it is, we are only accepted by Him because He views us in Christ Jesus (Eph 1:3-6).

If we are God’s true children, we will hate what He hates, and we will love what He loves. We are taught that God is love (1John 4:16), that God is merciful (Deut 4:31), but do not like to hear the other side of God’s character. To walk in God’s love, we must be love. While God is defined by His love, God also hates, and even His hatred of sins is an expression of His perfect love, as hatred arises out of His love for His own glory and holiness (cf. Num 32:23; Psa 50:22; 73:18-20; Prov 29:1; Gal 6:7-8).  It is vital to understand that there are some things God hates, and if we allow these things to be a part of our lives, we will someday answer to Him.

6:25   The injunction about lusting after a woman in the heart is the sort of thing that Jesus taught – Matt 5:28

Prov 6:16,17

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look…”

It is interesting to note that while the number starts with six, the number of man; it ends with seven, the number of completion. It is not without significance that the seventh sin listed has to do with sowing discord/dissention among the brethren, and we do well to pay real close to what part we play in all this for this is the “the last straw” with God!

Why does it start with pride? Because, all the sins that follow are rooted in pride. All are outcomes of wounded pride. The Bible tells us a lot about pride and it is all negative (cf. Psa 12:3; Prov 16:5; Isa 2:12; James 4:6).

Pride is the most subtle and deceptive of all sins. It is insipient in all of us and we may not even be aware of it. Our prayer life, our faith, our obedience to God, our willingness to self-sacrifice, our Bible knowledge, our ability to speak, our patience can all give rise to self-esteem and a sense of superiority over others. We pride in our humility, esteeming ourselves better than others – we have a haughty look (cf. Matt 23:12: Luke 14:11). It has been said that the worse form of badness is human goodness when human goodness becomes a substitute for the new birth!

Pride is dangerous because it can delude us into thinking that our works in the Truth will commend us to God (cf. Phil 2:3-8). God abhors pride (cf. Prov 16:5). People who are proud are self-centered, not God centered. Pride keeps us from solving problems, not because the problem is too big, but because we are too small to solve them. We attack one another instead of attacking the problem! For differences to be worked out, pride must be dealt with first. We must seek God, love one another, and be willing to submit ourselves to the Lord. If we did this, as we are commanded, we would not have contentions – we will have problems, but not contentions. To be in contention means being in competition that ends with one side, the winner being content! How can we be right with one another if we are not right with God? Pride precedes destruction (cf. Prov 25:25,26).

It is to the humble that God will look – even to those that are of a humble and contrite spirit and tremble at His word (Psa 51:17; Isa 66:2; Matt 11:29). Pride is the exact opposite of humility (cf. 1Pet 5:6). Humility precedes honour (Prov 18:12; cf. Phil 2:8,9).

God cares for us and calls us to humility that He may exalt us in due time. The very essence of God’s nature demands it and as we humble ourselves, it is then that we truly worship Him. A good rule of thumb is: God first, others second, self last.

Prov 6:16,17

A reader writes: “I was just about to confess to you that I have pride,  but after thinking about it,   I realize I nearly confused it with thankfulness.   Perhaps the two are close together.   For instance,   I am pretty handy in certain areas, and it pleases me that I can exercise common sense in many instances,  and while that gives me satisfaction,   I rather think it falls into the category of being thankful to God for that blessing.”

My reply: Taking "pride" in your work is not what Scripture is talking about, as Scripture tells us to give honor to whom honor is due (Rom 13:7). The key is to accurately acknowledge who these people are. We can only do this when we recognize their God-given identities and roles.

There is a great feeling of accomplishment sometimes in the things we do, always remembering and being grateful to God through whom all things are possible. The manifestation of Biblical pride is very different. It deals with our personal conduct and behavior toward one another.

6:3   The way the writer here talks about humbling oneself to achieve a resolution of an issue is similar to the way in which Jesus talks – Luke 14:32.

6:14      Only twice – here and 6:19 is the word <4066> translated “discord” in the KJV. However the same word is translated “strife” or related words 13 more times in Proverbs. So we see the force of the inspired wise man’s words.

Prov 6:16-19

“These six things doth YAWEH hate: yea even seven are an abomination unto him… a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running into mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”

Augustine in Confessions, Book X, chapter 23 wrote: “I have had experience of many who wished to deceive, but not one who wished to be deceived” (cf. Matt 7:12; Luke 6:31).

“Lie” by definition is “…a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive…” “Deceit” – act or practice… intended to … mislead by a false appearance or statement” – Random House College Dictionary.

Lying goes hand-in-hand with deceit. Lies are told because of jealousy, pride, for personal gain, self-serving to make themselves look better,  they just have to be right at any cost by putting down others, or they simply are attention-seekers. To lie is a serious moral and ethical matter, which will not leave those unpunished.

Yahweh hates a lying tongue – one who knowingly and willingly intends to deceive, and thus becomes a false witness. Such a person has no conscience about separating friends, or of sowing discord among brethren, being quick to use an opportunity to rush into doing evil. They speak lies in hypocrisy to deceive (cf. Prov 14:5,25).

Prov 19:5 warns that, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells lies will not escape (see also, Prov 19:9; Prov 21:28). So, while it appears they get away with it for a time, they will not get away with it before God. Divine retribution is sure. “Though the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small; Though with patience He stands waiting, with exactness grinds He all.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

6:27   The inspired wise man’s counsel is to avoid even the slightest association with that which defiles. The human mind tends to think it can resist temptation and so goes as near to sin. However the Divine teaching is, by implication, that the human mind cannot resist temptation.

AN ANT'S LIFE

I was doing the vacuuming (hoovering) yesterday when I came across a ring of ants on the floor around some cake that had been dropped. (No, I didn't drop the cake!). They were busy at work devouring the cake and presumably taking it back to their nest piece by piece as food for the rest of the colony. "Yuck, that's dirty,"  I thought, and I vacuumed them up.

Today I read this in Proverbs: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without having any chief officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest." (Prov 6:6-8).

Take note: Don't be lazy. Don't wait for someone to tell you what to do, just get on with it. Don't wait for the last minute to do the things that you need to do. Little by little we can achieve so much more than we can if we try and squeeze all our work in at the last minute. Collecting firewood is a good example. It needs to be done in summer because in winter it is going to be too cold and wet.

But one job that can easily be neglected  that we certainly won't have time to do at the last minute, is to prepare for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. That day will take us by surprise. Look at the ant. The ant is ready for winter. Are we ready for Jesus' return?
 

6:10-11 These words are repeated again  - Prov 24:33-34 – highlighting their importance. Idleness in the things of God brings “poverty” in an understanding of God’s mind.

6:2  We need to be very careful what we promise as we are bound by our words – Matt 5:37. Rash promises have bad consequences so we should think carefully about what we are thinking about committing ourselves to before saying anything

6:4-5 the counsel to focus tirelessly on extricating oneself from a foolish commitment is contrasted with David who made a commitment to find a place for God’s to rest and never rested from that focus – Psa 132:4

6:27-28 Some thrive on risk taking. The “Wise” avoid risk.

Some risks have a certain detrimental outcome. And yet the risk is taken!

The spiritual counterpart is clear. False worship brings its own problems. The prime one being alienation from the Creator.

Serpent like thinking corrupts.

Paul’s counsel, expressing the Creator’s sentiments

2Cor 11:2  For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ.

v. 1-8 - Here we have a prime example of the practical outworking of the words of Prov.26:4,5. There was another occasion in Luke 22:67,68.

v. 2 The question 'by what authority doest thou these things' relates to the events of the previous day. Yesterday Jesus had cast the money changers out of the temple [Luke 19:45] which undermined the position of the leaders who made money from the merchandising on the temple mount.

20:1 Whereas Luke says 'one of those days' we know that these events took place on the third day before the Passover - see Mark 11 which tabulates the days (:1, 12, 20)

WHOSE IMAGE?
Jesus was asked, "Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" Jesus answered the question but he gave them far more to think about than what he was originally asked for. "Show me a denarius, " he said, "Whose portrait and inscription are on it?" "Caesar's, " they replied. He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

This puts a whole new perspective on possessions. All our possessions can be converted into money, therefore we need to be sure we do not put too much emphasis on what we own. When we get down to the nitty gritty, nothing we own is really worth anything when it comes to serving God. It is interesting to notice that Jesus already had his priorities set. When he was asked the question, he had to ask to see some money as it seems that he didn't have any on him - he had already given away what was not his.

Now if we follow his thoughts through, we find that we were made in the image of God. Therefore when we give Caesar the things with Caesar's image and name on it, we must give God the things with his image and name on them - us. He wants us to love him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. We were made in the image of God. Lets dedicate ourselves to Him.

:9 Jesus is in Jerusalem, only a few days away from his death. Whilst he has been speaking almost exclusively to his disciples - as we have noted in the last few chapters - Jesus now turns to the people to preach to them.

V.25  Remember: We are made in the image God: When we give Caesar the things with his image on it. We must also give to God the things that have His image on them. Man is made in the image of God. (Gen 1:27) We must give or dedicate ourselves to Him.  

20:16 When Luke records that 'they said God forbid' we see how the Jewish leaders to whom the parable was directed actually are so involved in the parable that they are caused to make the exclamation - thus condemning themselves.

The Lord had no compunction to publically condemn the false religious leaders of his day (v.46-47).  Should that be our position in speaking the truth to our friends about the false religious leaders and practices of today?  It may not be politically correct in this so-called tolerant society (in the west, at least), but it is with God's Truth that we are concerned.  If we do not say anything, are we giving tacit approval to the status quo?  We are the LORD's watchmen.  Does that responsibility extend to those outside the household of faith (Eze 33:1)?

20:13  The ‘beloved’ son is the ‘wellbeloved’ of Isa 5:1 Jesus, by the careful use of Isaiah 5, is forcing the scribes and chief priests to confront their situation.

The power & authority of man vs God is a theme of this chapter. Jesus refuses to answer their question about the source of his authority directly v 8, but then goes on to illustrate the issue as he progresses. In the parable of the tenants, the tenants disregard the authority of the owner (God), in favour of their own authority. Nevertheless, at the end the owner's authority is supreme v 15,16. Then Jesus shows them in a wonderful way, when they look to hand him over to Caesar's representative v 20, the difference between Caesar & God, in terms of material/temporal vs spiritual authority. Those who choose to be God's & fall under His authority, will be blessed at the resurrection v 35, but those who love their own authority & are self-righteous (as were the tenants) will be punished  v 46,47. Jesus brings the question of the source of his own authority back to them v 41-44, but again does not give them an answer.

20:17 Jesus’ quotations from Psa 118:22 was a direct challenge to the religious leaders. When Jesus entered Jerusalem the people shouted some of the words of Psa 118:25. The leaders has requested that Jesus silence them – Luke 19:39. Now Jesus is directing their minds to the same Psalm – a Psalm sung at Passover time.

The Sadducees made up a weird story hoping to trick Jesus (Luke 20:27-38). They didn’t believe in the resurrection, and tried to show how impossible it would be for a woman who had married 7 brothers to choose which one she would be married to in the resurrection. How little they understood Jesus or the true doctrines. In the Kingdom we will not be married, but will be like the angels, (but the Sadducees didn’t believe in angels, either!)

20:7   To say ‘we cannot tell’ whether John was a prophet or not was a terrible indictment of the leaders. They should have been the guides. They should have been instructing the people. They should have known. However, hindered by their own pride, they refuse to commit themselves. How often is our judgement compromised by our own pride?

20:17 Jesus challenges the leaders with Psa 118:22 and after the resurrection Peter challenges the same leaders with the same Psalm in Acts 4:11

What Jesus had done in driving out the money changers and traders from the temple had far reaching consequences. When we look at the similar event in (Neh 13:8-22) we can see that the traders would immediatly try to come back. Jesus had to do something to stem this tide. It appears that from the time of its cleansing, Jesus was daily present in the temple to keep it clean. He replaced the space occupied by the tables of the merchants with himself and the crowds who listened to his teaching (Luke 19:47-48).

In v1 the Scribes, Pharisees and Elders came to Jesus. The New King James version says they "confronted him". I don't think this was a friendly visit. As Peter suggests in his earlier comment, they came to question him about throwing out the money changers; and by implication to arrest him. They saw him as a threat to their power (v14). Jesus was in great danger, and continued to be in daily danger until his arrest (see Matt 26:55). But because of Jesus' popular appeal they needed to catch him in his words publicly, giving them grounds to arrest him; which wasn't as easy as they thought it would be (v26).

NO MORE MARRIAGE?

When Jesus answered the question the Sadducees asked about the woman who out-lived her seven husbands without having any children, he said this: "The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children since they are the children of the resurrection." (Luke 20:34-36)

If there is no marriage after the resurrection, what is going to happen to all those beautiful marriages where couples have such a great love for each other? Will that love fade? Or will they be tormented with the fact that they cannot be together with their spouse?

If there is one word that sums up God and all that he stands for, it is Love. To love God and to love our neighbour are the two greatest commandments. Our aim is to perfect our characters so that love shines though in every way. (1Cor 13, Gal 5:22-26) When perfection comes, love will not die. Love will grow.  The love we feel for one particular person now, will grow to encompass all of God's children and especially for our Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of limited love, love will grow into more than we ever thought possible.

20:40 Notice how, having silenced his critics, Jesus continues with a question. He was not, after all, simply defending himself during his questioning. He had as his objective saving others. In discussion is our prime objective to present ourselves in a good light or are we concerned about the need of others at all time?

20:26 Whilst we read that the Jewish leaders ‘held their peace’ we know that this was only for a short while whilst they thought how else they might trap Jesus in his words. Against all the evidence they continued to oppose his teaching. So set were they to follow their own ways they could not see the words of God. We do well to take the warning to ourselves.

20:10-13    Jesus’ description in the parable of how the servants were all treated is just like the way in which Israel’s leaders treated the prophets.

Summary Of Luke

20:1-47           3 days before the Passover – repeated challenge of Jesus by the religious leaders

            :2        By what authority do you do these things?

            :9        Parable – Parable of the vineyard

            :21      Shall we pay tribute to Caesar or not?

            :27      Challenge about resurrection

            :40      Then the leader dare not ask any more questions

            :41      Jesus challenges the leaders – Whose son is Christ?

20:18  The grinding to powder of those on whom the stone falls picks up the language of Dan 2:35 so Jesus likens the Jewish leaders to the worldly systems  that will be swept away as his return. 

20:47 The warning about devouring widow’s houses provides the introduction to Jesus’ comments –  21:2 - about the poor widow who willingly gave to God

20:20  The Jewish leaders had tried many times themselves to trap Jesus in his words. By now maybe they have realised that Jesus knew their motives. So they change tactics (for a while at least) and send other men who, presumably Jesus did not now were connected with the leaders, to try and trap Jesus – but to no avail.

20:23  The Jewish leaders were intent on trapping Jesus in his words. However his response is to highlight their craftiness. Maybe this is a lesson for us. When disingenuous questions are asked maybe we should highlight the nature of the questioner and thus their motives.

20:47  A faithful prophet – Amos 8:4 – speaks of the greed of the priests in a similar way to Jesus here. They “swallow up the needy”

20:45 That Jesus spoke in the audience of “all the people” about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees echoes the “all the people of :6 where we see an example of their hypocrisy.

20:21 the ones who were saying “master we know …” are the same people who had been questioning Jesus about his status and had been seeking to see “signs” – miracles – that they might believe him. Thus their approach to Jesus shows their hypocrisy.

20:21 the ones who were saying “master we know …” are the same people who had been questioning Jesus about his status and had been seeking to see “signs” – miracles – that they might believe him. Thus their approach to Jesus shows their hypocrisy.

19:17 “faithful” echoes the words of an earlier parable – Luke 16:10–and the sentiments of the parable of the prodigal son – Luke 15:11-32

20:18 falling on the stone and being broken speaks of submitting to Jesus’ authority. Something the Jewish leaders were unwilling to do.

20:19  a recurring theme in the gospel records is that the chief rulers did not do something – like take Jesus captive – because they “feared the people”. Repeatedly we are being reminded that basing our behaviour on reflecting on the consequences of what others would think is not really an acceptable way to behave.

20:20 - , Isa 29:21 – had warned about individuals like the chief priests -  men who would hang on every word spoken  simply for the purpose of finding fault. Hopefully we are never like that!

21:14-17 Drawing together the way Jesus spoke to his disciples, drawing on words and ideas from Daniel 3 which records how faithful men would not compromise their faith presented a powerful lesson to the disciples who would suffer terrible persecution in a short time.

The example drawn from Daniel made it clear that those before Nebuchadnezzar did not presume on deliverance but rather trusted that their God would do what was right.