Comments for May 14

v.6,7,23 - The number of times this phrase is repeated to Joshua, one way or another, shows us how important it is to develop this attitude of dependence upon God for all things. It is through God that we are able to be strong and of a good courage, not through our own confidence. I personally find this a great comfort. I have no confidence of my own. Many things in my life have removed it, and yet I can be confident, knowing that what I do is God's will and that he will fight for me as he did for the people so long ago, and has done for his people since. Josh.1:6-9, 10:25, 1Chron.28:10, Eph.6:10.

v. 2 There are three occasions in Deuteronomy where Moses tells Israel that he is not able to go over into the land of Canaan. Whilst we might be bitter towards those who had caused us to 'miss out' Moses shows no bitterness on any of these occasions. Deuteronomy 3:27 4:21 here We will remember that Moses did not know that he would not take the children of Israel into the land until the last year of the wilderness journey. Numbers 20:2

v.12 - This occasion of the reading of the law was inclusive of everyone - men, women, children and the stranger. No-one was to miss out on this. Perhaps there is a lesson for us here.

31:6 Be strong and of good courage passes into Biblical use as a refrain to trust in Yahweh. (Deuteronomy 31:6 - 7 23 Joshua 1:6 9 18 10:25 1 Chronicles 22:13 28:20)

31:8 'Fear not nor be dismayed' passes into Biblical use as an exhortation to be faithful as Yahweh will deliver. (Deuteronomy 31:8 Joshua 8:1 10:25 1 Chronicles 28:20 2 Chronicles 20:17)

:4 Israel are yet again reminded, by the use of their recent history, that God is able to deliver them from their enemies. So Israel were to reflect on the way that God had worked in their lives in the past that they might have confidence that He would work in the future. Hopefully this lesson is not lost on us.

31:11 In speaking of "the place which he shall choose" Moses is reminding Israel of God's promise (Deut 12:11)

V.27  Once again we see the stubbornness of the Israelites, we saw this a couple days ago in  CH.29. Moses is telling them in to-days reading that they are a rebellious people. This was spoken to all the people; men, women and children. 31:12

Vs.19,21,22,30 A song is a potent memory device.  Think of how many lyrics to songs (hymns) you can easily bring to mind.  A text set to music is easier to learn and retain than a text alone.  Moses composed a song and taught it to the Israelites as a future witness against them when they sinned.  The full song will be read tomorrow in (Deut 32:1-43).  The song will be performed again in the Kingdom as a reminder of sin and Yahweh's grace (Rev 15:3). 

Moses must have felt very sad when God told him that Israel would forsake God (Deut 31:20). There's an interesting parallel in Acts 20:29,30, where Paul told the elders of Ephesus at Miletus that after his departing grievous wolves would not spare the flock. But, the really sad part there, was that the elders wept most of all because they wouldn't see Paul again, (Acts 20:36-38)  - they wept for the messenger and not for the message.

V.17 We have here a warning of the withdrawal of the Divine favour and protection of which the Shekinah was a symbol. It never appeared in the second temple; and its non-appearance was a prelude of "all the evils that came upon them, because their God was not among them."

31:2       Going out and coming in is the language of a shepherd caring for his flock and passes into Biblical use – for example with David  1Sam 18:16

V.10 This formal reading of the whole law was only to be once in seven years. We must remember however, that every feast brought God before the nation. each had its purpose; a means of remembering their blessings, and an opportunity to express their thanksgiving to the God of their father Abraham.

31:6 ‘He will not fail thee nor forsake thee’ is quoted in Heb 13:5 to show us that this promise to Israel also applies in our own lives. So whenever we think that Israel should have trusted God because of this promise we should reflect on our own lives and ask whether we always trust our Father.

31:19   That Moses was to ‘write this song’ is not so that Israel would have something enjoyable to sing. Singing actually fixes things in the mind more securely than simply reading – how many of us know the words of hymns which are based on Scripture better than the actual words of the Bible? The writing of the song was to help to fix the way that God was dealing with them in their minds.

31:4 This is the last time that Moses mentions the way in which Sihon and Og had been dealt with. The first occasion was in Deut 1:4. Some ten time in the book of Deuteronomy is this point made. So we see that the taking of the land East of Jordan was a major event which Moses uses to show that truly God would deliver the inhabitants of the land of Canaan into Israel’s hands.

V.2 Moses had three periods of his 120 year old life:

1) He lived as an adopted son of Pharaoh for the first 40 years of life (Acts 7:23-25). 

2) He lived in Midian with Jethro’s family from 40-80 years of age (Exo 2:15, 7:7).

3) He guided Israel in the wilderness from 80-120 years old (Josh 14:10).

Moses life journey of 120 years parallels Noah’s witness of 120 years before the flood.  Both men are mentioned in the roll of faith (Heb 11:7,23,24).

V.7 Joshua (Heb. Yeshua) means Yahweh saves.

Joshua is a type of Christ.  They both brought salvation to the people of God.  Their commonalities are:

(1) The name is common to both.  Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua.

(2) Joshua brings the people into the possession of the Promised Land, as Jesus will bring His people into the kingdom ((Heb 4:8,9) ).

(3) As Moses was succeeded by Joshua, so the Law was succeeded by the Gospel (the things concerning the kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ (Acts 8:12)).

In v9-10 we see that Moses wrote and delivered the law to the elders of Israel before his death. This was OK while they were camped together, because anyone could have come to read it or enquire of one of the priesthood. But what about when they were scattered all over the land? How would they hear the message then? Moses' answer was to command them to have it read every seven years when they gathered together at the feast of the year of release (v10). They had to remember it. But can you imagine hearing (and remembering) 240 pages of Bible text in one holiday! God's answer was more realistic: a song (v19-22) "for it will not be forgotten in the mouths of their descendants".

The intention, of course, was to have Levites in every city and village who would teach the people God's laws. It could be a daily study for them as it is for us. But God was looking ahead to a time where He knew the Levites would be chased out of Israel; which happened in the time of Jeroboam (2Chron 11:13-16). During those days the song was literally the only reminder of God's word that they had.

Deut 31:10-12 - Perhaps there is a spiritual echo of the future kingdom age here. The 7th millennial year is where God's chosen, both Jew and Gentile, will be free from their debt of mortality. All Israel will appear before the Lord at the place he will choose. The law will be read (Isa 2:3). The Feast of Tabernacles came 5 days (many feel 5 is associated with grace or mercy or life) after the Day of Atonement, had to do with deliverance (from sin and death?) and gratitude to God for bountiful goodness. It was a feast of 7 days. On the Sabbath the number offered was only one (echo of Christ?). During the feast we have an affirmation of Jesus (John 7:14;8:12). The prophetic significance of all the feasts is in Revelation (Rev 7:9-10).

31:7 In reminding Israel that they were going to the land which the Lord sware to Abraham Isaac and Jacob Moses, for the last time, reminds Israel of their God's plan – the first of some twenty times this is said in Deuteronomy  is found in Deut 1:8

LEARNING TO FEAR

Throughout the Bible we often read that we need to "Fear the LORD." The trend today is to focus on the love of God, and so the fear of the LORD tends to take a back seat in the Bible teaching we hear. In the days when Israel lived in the land under the judges and kings, God required that periodically they were taught how to fear the LORD.

This is what they were told. "At the end of every seven years, in the year for cancelling debts, during the Feast of Tabernacles, when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose, you shall read this law before them in their hearing. Assemble the people - men, women and children, and the aliens living in your towns - so they can listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law." (Deut 31:10-12) Israel were taught to fear the LORD by listening to the law as it was read.

We have a great opportunity today to learn to fear the LORD even more than Israel did. We not only have the law, but the whole Bible, and we have it more freely available to us than ever before. So let us, through our reading of God's word, learn to fear the LORD so that we can give him the respect and honour and obedience he deserves.

31:29  Moses’ lament that Israel would turn away from God after his death is echoed by Paul – Acts 20:29 – when he left the Ephesians.

31:3    Israel’s problem the first time they came to the border of the land of Canaan was that they realised that they were unable to take the land by their own strength –Num 13:31 – They forgot that it was God who was going to give them the land. Their shortcoming was a lack of faith. So as they are about to cross Jordan they are reminded of the fact that it is God who is going to give them the land. Do we have such confidence about His willingness to give us the kingdom?

31:17,18               God’s eyes are on the land of Israel all year – Deut 11:12 - However He would turn away from Israel as a nation if they were unfaithful. This is the same sort of thing that the Psalmist says of How God will react to those who are unwilling to listen to His words – Psa 81:12

31:21   Naomi – Ruth 1:21 – understood that the events in her life were a consequence of chastening from God as she quotes part of this verse. 

31:10 The laws regarding the year of release had already been spoken to Israel – Deut 15:1 and in more detail in Lev 25:4-7 but as the nation are about to enter the land where they will be able to observe that law they are reminded again that it has to be kept.

31:9       Some critics of the Bible say that writing was not “invented” until the time of the Babylonians and so Moses could not have written anything down. However we need to appreciate that Adam was the pinnacle of creation and so we should expect that he could communicate and also we understand that Abraham had a written copy of the promise of Gen 15 because Paul tells us so – Rom 4:23.

31:2    Moses’ inability to “go out and come in” was not due to advanced age – Deut 34:7 – Rather it was he could no longer be a judge when Israel crossed Jordan as he would not be with them.

31:21   Isn’t it so sad. The song that should have reminded Israel about God’s grace and mercy actually was a witness against them because they would not give heed to it. They would sing the words but not apply the sentiments in their own lives. In this there is a lesson for us. How often are we so familiar with the words of a hymn that we sing it without thinking of the words we sing.

31:7 Probably Joshua did not need the encouragement. But the people did.

31:21 The words which were given to lead Israel in right ways would witness against them if they did not take heed. The same is true for us. The words Jesus spoke give life. But they might witness against us if we disregard them.

31:5Notice Moses’ confidence. Even though he would not cross Jordan he was convinced that he wasn’t needed. He recognised that Yahweh would be their delivered – as He had bene right through the 40 years in the wilderness.

31:1  Up to the time that Moses was told that he would not be allowed to enter the land of Canaan – the land of promise – there was no reason to doubt that he would cross Jordan. Whilst it was the constant carping of the nation that prevented Moses from entering the land he never shows any sign of personal criticism of the people!

Can we be so gracious to our fellow believers?

31:2-3  Notice Moses’ positive attitude. He, whilst unable to lead the people, was confident that the focus he had for the last forty years would be maintained. God’s plan would continue unabated.

Though a real “rock” to Israel Moses was well aware that he was not indispensable. In this there is a strong lesson for each of us. We might be doing a valuable job for God. However we should never think that the good work we are doing will cease if we were to stop. God will always find faithful men and women to continue His work.

3 v.10,11 - The contrast is stark and quite clear. We each reap the rewards of our own actions. We need therefore to beware, as it is well known that God gives people their desire on occasions to teach them that it was an evil desire. We need to make our requests within the framework of God's blessings, that we may eat the fruit of our doings. Ecc.8:12, Rom.2:5-11.

3 v.18 Isaiah 3 draws on language from other parts of Scripture 05914 Proverbs 7:22 stocks Isaiah 3:18 tinkling ornaments 07720 Judges 8:21,26 ornaments Isaiah3:18 tires 08597 Exodus 28:40 beauty Isaiah 3:18 bravery - Bad translation Deuteronomy 26:19 honour Isaiah 4:2 comely Ezekiel 16:17 fair. To describe the wantonness of Israel in the way that she had turned the beauty which God had given her into an abomination.

4:2 06780 Branch is a prophecy of Christ. So when the same word is used in other prophecies [Jeremiah 23:5 33:15 Zechariah 3:8 6:12] we can see that not only are these prophecies of Christ but each is part of a large picture which the Old Testament is painting for us.

3:18 Isaiah 3 draws on language from other parts of Scripture

To describe the wantonness of Israel in the way that she had turned the beauty which God had given her into an abomination.

Chapter 4 is speaking of a time of great desolation in Israel (4:2) 'escaped of Israel' (4:3) 'Left in Zion'. It is a time when (4:4) the filth of the daughters of Zion will be washed away. These things have not yet happened - it will be achieved when Christ returns'

4:2 - Let us strive to be amongst those that are left in Zion (in Christ), written among the living in Jerusalem. We are there now, and by God's amazing grace we will remain there if we do not turn aside. This is the wonder of God's salvation. Let us rejoice that He has chosen us to be part of it.

3:1 Continuing the use of the curses which we saw in Chapter 1 'Lord of hosts doth take away the whole stay of bread' quotes Leviticus 26:26. Leviticus 26 is the earlier recording of the curses which are later repeated in Deuteronomy 28.

4:6 The 'tabernacle' is the lord Jesus Christ. We can follow the idea of God's provision of a man to be a 'tabernacle' - a place of sanctuary through Isaiah (32:2, 41:28, 63:5)

3:12  "Way of thy paths" Once again we go to Micah's prophecy, were the words are written "We will walk in His paths" Mic 4:2  As was the case so often, they lacked the leadership which was to be provided by the priests. They were sheep without a shepherd.

3:26 The desolate Israel will 'sit upon the ground' and will eventually rise from the dust (52:2) when Messiah comes.

4:4 'The spirit of judgement' by which the sins and filth are to be purged away was to be the Babylonian captivity. However in judging the sin of mankind through the righteousness of Christ sin is 'purged' eternally.

The Babylonian conquest and subsequent captivity of Israel caused devastation and hardship at that time.  However, Isaiah is looking forward to the latter days in which Israel will be decimated by Gog and its confederates.  He paints such a desperate picture of that time (4:1).  It is the Lord Jesus (the Branch) who will rescue them from this dismal situation (4:2; Zech 14:2,3).

God had given Israel so much, but they loved Him so little.  If we look at the chronological tables, Uzziah started to reign in 811BC, that’s less than 200 years since David had started to reign. And, it’s a mere165 since the kingdom had split into two. Israel hadn't really given God a chance.

3:5  Isaiah here describes the collapse of society in Israel which was a consequence of the people forsaking God. In society today there is no moral cohesion because God is not recognised as an authority.

4:1,2  The ‘day’ that is being spoken of is the day when Israel will ‘sit desolate’ – 3:26

3:14; 5:4,7 - God's vineyard is Israel though in Christ the potential harvest also includes the Gentiles Matt 21:33-44 who have an opportunity to be a "spiritual Israel" of sorts.

4:2-5 - in that day the "Branch" [Heb. "tsemach"<6780> means "a sprout, branch, bud, that which grew, spring (-ing)", etc.] of the Lord. And then we read of a final cleansing v4 and the Lord's presence and glory to be visible v5. Jer 23:5-6 the righteous "branch" [Heb. "tsemach"<6780>] will be a descendant of David, a king, he will be called The Lord Our Righteousness. This branch refers to Jesus when he returns to earth to rule the earth from Mount Zion. However Isa 60:21 refers to a different "branch" [Heb. "netser"<5342> means "in the sense of greenness as a striking colour, a shoot, a  descendant, branch"] and this branch seems to refer to restored Israel or Israel in Christ and includes the Gentiles who through Christ are heirs according to the promises to Abraham Gal 3:26-29. But it should be noted that "branch" [Heb. "netser" (5342)] in Isa 11:1 seems to refer to Christ.

3:2 The ‘prudent’ is actually the diviner <07080> - see Deut 18:10

3:9 Let us all be aware of the fact, that our generation stands guilty, like Sodom before God.

3:4 In saying ‘babes shall rule over them’ Isaiah is saying that which Solomon said was not a good thing in a kingdom – Ecc 10:16 - was going to come to pass.

Isa 4:1 Verse 1 is showing that a disproportionate killing of males is likely when Gog initially sweeps down through the land of Israel. Dan 11:41 describes the Gogian entry into Israel – “the glorious land”. However, it appears that Israel is not the main focus for the King of the North’s excursions, for they pass on through the land, leaving Edom, Moab and the chief of the children of Ammon (Jordan’s King’s have all been from the same family – descendants of Mohammad). It seems to imply that the King of the South will have power in Jordan and will oppose the Gogian forces. The word “escape” is used in Dan 12:1 as “delivered” and would imply a deliverance.

This deliverance however was only so effective, it may be this sweeping down the land that Zech 13:8 describes. Two thirds of the nation of Israel shall be cut off and killed. This is speaking of the whole land (“all the land”). We see graphically that this day will be a “day of darkness and of gloominess” and “there hath not been ever the like”. Imagine, this time if we are an Israeli. Wives watching their husbands and sons leave them for the last time. In 2 vs. 6 we see that the people “shall be much pained” or “in anguish” (RV).  No wonder Israel will begin to look "the branch" who will come to save them (Zech 14:3-4).

4:4 The ‘filth of the daughters of Zion’ will be cleansed by the sprinkling of water Eze 36:25

3:1 The 18-month Babylonian siege of Jerusalem began in 589 BC until the fall of the city in 587 BC.  During those 18 months the food and water supply was greatly diminished. The people were starving and they turned to cannibalism (Eze 5:10).

Jews had cannibalised their offspring in the siege of Samaria (2Kin 6:28,29); and would do so again in the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD (Jer 19:9).

3:6 This shows the degradation of the situation. Leadership had disintegrated. Anyone who appeared to have wealth (having clothes in the Near East was a sign of wealth) would be asked to govern. This manpower shortage is echoed in 4:1.

3:16,17 The arrogant Jewish women parading around showing off their finery would be humiliated. As captives they would be stripped naked (Isa 20:4). See also Isa 47:3.

4:1 The chapter division between chapters 3 and 4 is, in fact, quite unhelpful. ‘that day’ of this verse is the day when the women of Isaiah 3 will lament their downfall.

3:6   God had appointed rulers over Israel. Those rulers were to have spiritual qualities. However the time would come when Israel would be so depraved and impoverished that they would decide on the outward appearance who should rule over them. This we see how one can become a respecter of persons.

Isa 4:1-6

“And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach…”
This verse is often used to justify polygamy, but this verse is not about polygamy!

“In that day” - We read in Isa 2:1-2 that Yahweh is speaking to Isaiah about the “last days,” and wherein He says that, “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.”

The “seven women” in these last days represent the people from these nations that will go to Jerusalem to the one man, whose name is the “branch” (Isa 4:2; Zech 6:12 to learn of Yahweh’s ways (Zech 8:23).

The “daughters of Zion” are the Israelites gathered from all the nations and brought back to their homeland. They are not yet submissive to their Messiah, but with a defiant attitude exclaim that they will eat their own bread (not the bread of life), and wear their own apparel (not Christ’s). They are not yet the submissive wife (Eph 5:22)! All they want is to be called by his name, having a name that they live, but are “dead” (Rev 3:1; cf. 2Chron 7:14). It takes more than just putting on the name of Christ! They are not yet humbled. We read in Isa 3:16-23 of Yahweh’s punishment against these “daughters of Zion” (see also Jer 3:17-26), after which He will wash their “filth,” and take away their “reproach” (cf. Isa 32:9-19).

4:5    The idea of a cloud by day and fire by night is first seen in Exo 13:21 when Israel left Egypt, delivered by God. It is used regularly to speak of the protection of God in the wilderness journey. Here the prophet, by inspiration, is reminding Israel of God’s continuing care for them.

3:5   The sort of anarchy Isaiah speaks of comes from a forsaking of God’s laws. Without an acknowledgement of a Supreme being who gives law there is no authority and society breaks down. This is how it was in the days of Isaiah. The principles are equally true today. Men and women who do not acknowledge God do not have any authority except their own and so society breaks down.

Isa 4:2.

4:1    The prophet describes a situation where women were left widows or with no prospect of marriage. In the days of Ahaz – 2Chron 28:6 – Judah suffered a great loss of men in battle. Possibly Isaiah is referring to that time here as he spoke during the reign of Ahaz as we see in Isa 1:1. 

Beautiful young socialites

Idolatry had taken complete hold on Judah, as it had done on Israel before, so God was going to do something drastic to salvage the situation. Society had programmed itself to listen to the young women and children rather than the wise, elderly or God-fearing (Isa 3:5,12) and a generation of young female socialites, schooled in the idolatries of the nations, held sway over the people of Jerusalem (Isa 3:16-23). God resolved to eradicate this mentality by the ravages of war so that these women would be forced to humble themselves to survive (Isa 4:1).

3:10-11          Isaiah draws on the language of Ecc 8:12-13 in these two verses. Ecclesiastes is a warning of the way that Godless people will behave. Isaiah is applying the words of Ecclesiastes to his own day.

1. Isa 3:1 - "For" connects Isaiah chapters 2 & 3. Isaiah 3:1 - God would take way the "stay"<4937> ( can mean supply) and the "staff"<4938> ( can mean support) of Jerusalem and Judah; the stay of bread and water reminds of "Bethlehem" which means "the house of bread" and there was a well there (2Sam 23:15-17) where three mighty men fetched water by breaking through a sin barrier of sorts yet David refused the water, later Judah for the most part would refuse the living water and bread of life Christ offered and would deny the resurrection of the third day. Isa 3:1-3 - a cutting off of all supplies and the structure of society due to various calamities visited on the Jewish nation.

2. Isa 3:4-7 - (Ecc 1:16;Lev 19:32) literally and spiritually there were children such as Jotham and Ahaz ruling the kingdom of Judah but the people got the leadership they deserved; for many years the Jews lacked strong leaders and argued over trifles; the Jewish leaders imitate Gentile leaders to the day; V.4 "babes"<8586> ( can also refer to tyrants). Ecclesias receive the leadership they deserve be it good or not so good as well.

3. Isa 3:6-8 - a kingdom in ruin and chaos (examples: Judg 11:6;2Chron 28:19-23;Amos 9:4,8), the result of disobedience. Isa 3:8-9 - the ruination of Israel due to pride and arrogance; V.9  their disobedient sayings and doings were not hidden and brought evil upon themselves. Isa 3:9-12 - the spiritual life of Israel had gone rotten - their affliction was inevitable (they were too proud to repent Hos 7:10). Isa 3:10 - encouragement to the faithful remnant. Isa 3:10-11 - fate of the righeous vs the wicked as both reap what they sow (Dan 12:2;Matt 7:13-14;Matt 22:14). Isa 3:12 - bad guidance (Hos 4:6); Isa 3:12 (2Kin 11:1-3;Jer 22:24-26;Amos 4:1) children and women oppressed and ruled over the people - to some extent this can potentially happen in ecclesias as well.  Isa 3:12-15 - the blind guides of the ruling class oppressing and misleading the poor (Matt 7:15;Matt 15:14;John 9:39-41). Isa 3:13-14 -God judges. Isa 3:14 - "the vineyard' (Isa 5:7 - perhaps we have an echo of Naboth's vineyard taken by Jezebel and Ahab). Isa 3:14-15 -the poor were oppressed then and are now, judgment came in Isaiah's day but the most devastating is yet to come.

4. Isa 3:16-17 - the women made a vain and wanton use of the wealth unrighteously acquired by their husbands, they walked in pride rather than seeking pleasure serving God and helping the poor and needy; the influence of unrighteous women with the "scab" on the head similar to the beginnings of leprosy (Lev 13:2) perhaps suggesting sinful unclean thoughts. Isa 3:16-24 - pride in wealth and outward appearance. Isa 3:18-24 - fashions change but the point seems to be about a narcissistic pride leaving little room for God with the superficial outward fashionable beauty masking an inner ugliness. 

5. Isa 3:17-18,25-26 - the wrath of God as a result of disobedience. V.25-26 - warriors killed and the gates of Zion lament.

1. Isa 3:18;Isa 4:1,2 - "in that day" suggests there should be no chapter break; "in that day" is mentioned 8 times in Isaiah, some believe the number "8" refers to a new beginning, and/or immortality; Isaiah 4:2 seems to refer to the Messianic millennial time to come.

2. Isa 4:1 - 7 women glad to seek protection from one man, perhaps this refers to a shortage of men due to the ravages of war (Isa 3:25); there is no mention of marriage, the women are taking the initiative, and the geographical area is Palestine (Isa 2:1,13;Isa 3:1,8,16;Isa 4:3,5) which are distinctions from a somewhat superficially similar account in the Book of Mormon; due to plagues (Isa 3:16-24) the women are repugnant. This may even have a spiritual application with the one man being Jesus as noted by Valerie Mello in her 2012 comments.

3. Isa 4:3 - only those who are holy will be written in the book of life (Psa 69:28;Luke 10:20;Phil 4:3;Rev 13:8;3:5;17:8;20:15;21:27;Heb 12:23;Dan 12:1).

4. Isa 4:3-4 - a purification and deliverance (Deut 30:6;Eze 36:24-28;Exo 13:21;Isa 33:17,20-24).

5. Isa 4:4 - ultimate cleansing (Isa 3:16-23;Prov 30:12;Eze 38:21-23;Eze 39:21-25).

6. Isa 4:5 - KJV "defence" [Heb. <2646> "chuppah" can mean "chamber, room, canopy, (bridal) canopy, closet, defence, fig. refers to divine protection"], <2646> is "chamber" in Psa 19:5, <2646> is "closet" in Joel 2:16 - the Lord's presence and glory will be visible as Christ (the bridegroom) will come to be visited with his bride.

7. Isa 4:5-6 - an analogy to the first divine encampment under Moses (Exo 40:38); the deliverance from the Assyrians echoed a greater deliverance when the Messiah returns.

8. Isa 4:6 - divine protection.

3:6,8   The ruin of Jerusalem draws on the words of Ecc 10:18 showing that a king who does not uphold the laws of God will bring the city to ruin.        

3:17      the assurance by the prophet that God would smite Israel draws on the language of the curses found in Deut 28:27

3:1     The phrase “the Lord, the LORD of hosts” is only found in Isaiah’s prophecy – Isa 1:24, 3:1, 10:16,23, 19:4

3:9      This is the second time that Judah are likened to Sodom. The first is in 1:9

2:22 “Whose breath is in his nostrils” is a phrase found earlier – Gen 7:22 – focussing on the total destruction of life in the flood.

3:16 Isaiah is not just speaking of women who walk in a particular way. What is spoken of is associated with false worship as can be seen form the rest of the chapter. The contemporary prophet – Mic 2:3 – speaks of the same things but in less detail.

3:13 This verse seems to explain why Christ stood when he appeared to Stephen: “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing …” (Acts 7:56). The Lord had stood “to judge the people”, but Stephen “cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:60) and so there was no punishment that day. But eventually, in AD 70, the Lord entered “into judgment with the ancients of His people, and the princes thereof” (Isa. 3:14).

3:24 Isaiah has been describing a woman who would appear a delight to those involved in idol worship. However we see her as now totally unappealing to the same men. But this is exactly how God saw her and it is how we should see idol worship – however appealing it might seem.

3:1-8   Isaiah describes the total breakdown of society which took place during the reign of Ahaz. However it was not a “natural disaster”. It was a consequence of a godless king not implementing God’s laws. Decay starts from the top.

4:5-6 We see the ideas presented her being repeated after the return from Babylon in Zech 2:5

3:8 At the time that Isaiah first spoke Jerusalem was still standing and the nation was going about its normal day to day business. “Ruined” is not speaking of physical damage. Rather the sinfulness of the people meant that the spiritual situation of Jerusalem was ruined rather than being a praise and joy in the earth

v.3 - Can we learn from the diligence of these prayers? Praying always for you. Do we pray always for our brethren and sisters? The power of prayer is a wonderful thing. May we develop this habit along with the apostles. Rom.1:8,9, Phil.1:3-5, 1Thes.3:10-13.

v.23 The seeming all embracing phrase 'under heaven' has a quite specific use in Scripture. The following references demonstrate the universality of Yahweh's judgement. Genesis 6:17 Exodus 17:14 Deuteronomy 7:24 9:14 25:19 29:20 2 Kings 14:27 Not that it always speaks of the whole world as a place but rather that the judgment that is to come is complete Thus the use in [Ecclesiastes 1:13] extends this principle to speak of those things which are happening in His domain. The two New Testament references [here, Acts 4:12] expand the theme to show that the Father is indeed concerned with salvation for those who will see that life without Christ is vanity.

Here is a list of places where either the Old Testament is used in Colossians of we find similar language elsewhere in the New Testament.

I have purposely left out the links with Ephesians because we will present them separately tomorrow.

Time spent following up the quotations will prove most useful.

"WE HAVE NOT STOPPED PRAYING FOR YOU"
In this chapter we learn a lot about thanksgiving and prayer.
1. Thank God for faithful and loving brothers and sisters.
2. Thank God for the growth and spread of the gospel.
3. Pray for those brethren you know.
4. Ask God to fill them with the knowledge of God's will.
5. Ask God to fill them with spiritual knowledge and understanding.
6. Pray that the brethren may live a life worthy of the Lord.
7. Pray that brethren may please God in every way.
8. Pray that they may bear fruit in good works.
9. Pray that they may grow in the knowledge of God.
10. Pray that they will be strengthened by God's power to have great endurance and patience.
11. Pray that they might give thanks for the hope of the kingdom.
12. Do not stop praying for these brothers.
It is very important to pray for people - especially your brothers and sisters in Christ. They - we all - need strength from the power of the prayers of others. Let is fill out our prayers for our brothers and sisters and pray for them in the way that Paul and Timothy prayed for the Ephesians. And most important of all: Never stop praying for your brothers and sisters - they need your prayers.

Notice the repeated use of 'all' in this chapter (:9, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19) Consider the majesty and supremacy of Christ!

Col 1:3. We see very early in reading of this epistle that thanksgiving is one of the main themes .
      1:3.Thankful for the ecclesias at both Colosse and Laodicea.
      1:12. Thankful for the hope of being a partaker of the inheritance of the saints.
      2:7. Thankful for “the faith” in Jesus Christ.
      3:15. Thankful for the calling in “the one hope.”
      3:17. Thankful for everything in “word and deed.”

Col 1:15. The word “IMAGE” 1504 EIKON is an interesting study. “Vines” explains the word best for us. The word involves the two ideas of representation and manifestation. (Gen 1:27 is worth noting) Where Adam failed, the Lord Jesus Christ succeeded. God is invisible, therefore the image has to be manifested.

Col 1:28. We see the phrase “every man” three times in this verse. This was important to Paul that all men, both Jew and Gentile realized that redemption could only be secured through Christ. Christ must be both in, and amongst them. The lesson still applies today for all of us. The wisdom the apostle writes about is not that which we put away and store in our mind, but, putting one’s mind in the correct order, so that perfect man can be developed in Christ. The perfectness is growth in Christ, spiritually mature, full-grown, or of full age. (Heb 5:14)

1:7 The mention of Epaphras and the following in both Colossians and Philemon shows that the ecclesia at Colosse was closely associated with Philemon.

Paul wrote this letter from Rome about 62 AD.

Vs.15-17  Some use these verses to claim the pre-existence of Christ.  The phrase itself is a contradiction in terms.  In any event, understanding the passage will dispel such nonsense.             

V.15 claims Christ to be the firstborn of every creature.  Indeed He became the firstborn, or first begotten, when His father raised Him from the dead (Psa 2:7; Acts 13:33; Rev 1:5). He is the first of all those (every creature) who will receive like treatment (1Cor 15:20-23).  

Now immortalised and sitting at His father's right hand, Jesus is controlling worldly events (Heb 2:8;10:12). That is what vs. 16 and 17 are telling us. 

1:4  Do we think that other brethren and sisters would think your ecclesia is memorable in the way it shows its faith and love? Before thinking that others in your ecclesia maybe let the ecclesia down consider how you might work to make the ecclesia more memorable in these areas.

1:9 It is so easy to think that we are wise just because we know ‘things’. However Paul gives the correct emphasis – wisdom is to be in ‘spiritual understanding’. It is now just knowing but understanding how, at a Scriptural level, to apply the things we know.

This first chapter of Colossians is hard to read in the AV. There are only 6 full stops! But the chapter speaks of the love Brothers and Sisters have for each other, and the love and wisdom the father has for us. It’s interesting to think over whether in Col 1:16-20 Paul intends us to read the first creation or the second. The first was when the world was made and Adam and Eve were put in it; and the second is when Jesus Christ started the new creation of his church. Both seem to fit.  The term “firstborn” is obviously the same as “firstborn from the dead” (= Jesus), in Col 1:15-18.

1:9    In Col 1:3-4 Paul has been thanking God for the brethren and sisters in Colosse. Now he prayers for them that they might continue in the faith. How easy it would be to thank God for them and then forget their needs.

V.15 One of the qualities of God is that He is invisible (to man). This means that Jesus cannot be God as he was visible to man. However, Jesus did reflect the character of God, His Father, as His representative on earth.

1:4 Philemon was at Colosse. Clearly there was a group of believers who met in his house - Philem 1:2 - so it would seem he had been preaching to his neighbours and they had accepted Christ. Knowledge of their faithfulness extended beyond the four walls of the house. We should remember that our actions and words are seen and heard by others.

About one year after Paul wrote this epistle, Colosse was completely destroyed by an earthquake. Laodicea was also destroyed. The cities were rebuilt, but Colosse became Chonos. Laodicea seems to have retained its name, as it is mentioned in Rev 1:11.

V.13 Some believe that the kingdom of God is a state within oneself. The Kingdom of God will be a real kingdom on earth when Jesus returns. He will be the king and will rule over all the earth. What is meant in this verse is that Jesus has brought us out of sin and placed us under His righteous leadership. If we live by His rules, then we will be eligible for entry into the Kingdom that He will bring when he returns to earth.

Col 1:3 - God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1:23 whilst God’s offer of salvation is open to all who will heed the message it is not unconditional. It is ‘if’ Israel in the wilderness were saved out of Egypt but all the men or war died in the wilderness because they did not believe. Jude 1:5 So salvation depends upon believing that God will keep His word.

1:4    The ecclesia manifest ‘love’ but that love can only be seen through the way in which individuals behave. Philem 5shows that one of those who showed that love was Philemon.

"...I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions..."(Col 1:24)

Paul was a chosen servant of the Lord; a soldier of Christ. He suffered for Christ's body.In a way one would liken him to a soldier who fills up bullets in his body risking death for his fellow citizens. Such should be our view. Instead of thinking of how to please the flesh lets think of what to fill up in our flesh, that which is lacking in the spiritual and secular life of our brethren. Let us not fear the bullets, HE who went before us endured a thousand over!

1:26  The ‘mystery’ is the purpose of God of saving men through the death and resurrection of Jesus.1Cor 2:7-10 teaches us that the ‘mystery’ was available to be known to the Jews but they did not see it.

1:4     As Paul had “heard” of the faith of the believers at Colosse we can conclude that he did not preach there to form the ecclesia but that he kept an active watch on what was happening even where he had not been.

He makes me feel like an honoured guest. The way Paul writes really makes me want to be in God's kingdom. Listen to this: "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Col 1:13-14)

A few months ago, some of the managers at work were invited to have lunch with the Prime Minister. It was a huge honour for them to be invited and to spend time talking to him. What a greater honour it is still, to be invited into the kingdom of the Son God loves! We have been chosen as the special friends of God's Son by God himself!

Not only has he invited us, but he has already rescued us from darkness, he has already given us redemption, and he has already forgiven our sins. In fact, as believers, we have already been brought into the kingdom of the Son he loves. What an honour!

Since we are already in his kingdom, let's live as though we are. Just as the managers at work dressed up and put on a good show for the Prime Minister, let's live our best in word, in action and in love for our God and our King.

1:28   Notice that Paul’s desire is to present all “perfect in Christ”. Is this the focus of our life – the salvation of others? I suppose we could start with our close friends and extend that desire. Such an attitude will change the way we think of others.

1:10   The call to “walk worthy” is seen in Ephesians 4:1 and 1Thess 2:12. Each occasion presents a slightly different aspect of the responsibility. It is worth looking at all three and building up a picture in our own minds of what kind of walk we should do.

1:6 The call to bring forth fruit echoes the whole purpose of the creation of man – Gen 1:28 – man is to be fruitful. So we see that the command to Adam actually extends beyond populating the earth. What is done is to be to God’s glory.

1:10      God has counted us righteous because of our faith in His son. We should, therefore count ourselves as ones who do not sin – Rom 6:11 – this is what it is to “walk worthy”. We should live according to our status in Christ.

1:7-9    The way in which Paul, on learning about the believers in Colosse, payed for them is instructive for us. How often do we pray for other groups of fellow believers? I don’t mean in some general way but specifically for things which we know are needed – and then tell them that we are praying for them?

1:9       how often do we pray for our fellow believers that they might grow in their understanding of the gospel? This is what Paul did. Their baptism was only the beginning of their journey. It was not the end.

1:17 When Paul says “all things consist” <4921> we understand that what Paul is saying is that because of Jesus’ work all believers stand together. The word is variously translated but carries the sense of being placed together”

1:18 in describing Jesus’ qualities Paul reminds his readers of what John the Baptist said – John 1:16

1:10The unenlightened life is a fruitless journey from the cradle to the grave. But for those who have accepted the risen Jesus Christ and have been baptised life is not fruitless. There is a purpose to life. That purpose is to bring fruit for God. That fruit is seen in a changed way of life. A life which has as its focus giving God glory.

1:7  How often would we cite the example of a brother or sister that we know as an example ot follow? How often do you think that you might be cited as an example to follow by another fellow believer?

1:15 Jesus was not the first of  His Creation. Genesis 1 outlines the order of events and there is no mention of a man until the sixth day when Adam was created. Paul is here speaking of the resurrection of Jesus for the dead to eternal life. In this sense Jesus is the “firstborn of every creature”