Comments for May 19

3 v.4 - The gap that was to be left was to test their faith further. They had not gone this way before but they were to resist the temptation to get too close to God, to over familiarise with and therefore deny the glory of God. This required a trust that God knew they needed to practise, as do we. This distancing, of course is an old testament thing, as the blood of Christ has brought us near under the new covenant. Ex.3:5, 19:12, Psa.89:7 but the awe and wonder that we should feel for God is not diminished by the work of Christ Heb. 12:28,29.

3 v.16 The River Jordan [the descender] flows from the Sea of Galilee to the Salt Sea, as it is styled in Scripture. Nothing lives in the Salt Sea. Thus the river Jordan is a parable of life. It is a river of life flowing into a sea of death and speaks of our descent to death. Notice that the waters rose up - that is were stopped from the city of Adam. Thus the work of God in providing deliverance in Christ stops the flow from Adam to death.

4:3 - It was still 12 stones that were collected even though not all of the tribes were going to dwell on this side Jordan. The unity of the people was still emphasised, their geographical splitting up being of no consequence whatsoever to their oneness in God. This unity prevails right through the ages for ever (just as the stones were to be a memorial for ever - v.7) for all those who trust in God, finding greater fulfilment in the association with God through the saving work of his Son.

3:1 Israel are in Shittim, 4:19 they arrive in Gilgal. This section covers the tremendous events of the crossing of the river Jordan.
There is great focus on the ark (of the covenant) in this event - 3:3, 6, 8, 11, 14, 15

Chapter 4 - The emphasis on the ark continues in this chapter - 4:5, 7, 9, 11
However we should not think of the ark as a sort of talisman which preserved Israel. It was a manifest token that Yahweh was with Israel. As such He entered the land before them to lead them in. Rather like Jesus is our forerunner (Hebrews 6:20)

3:17 That the children of Israel passed through Jordan 'on dry ground' would doubtless remind the people of what they had heard from their parents - that they had crossed the Red Sea on dry ground. They should, then, have recognised that God was going to deliver the land into their hand as He had delivered their fathers from Egypt.

4:12 We know how many passed over from these tribes
Reuben - 43,730 - Numbers 26:7
Gad - 40,500 - Numbers 26:18
Manasseh - 52,700 - Numbers 26:34

3:1 'early in the morning' is when many faithful men began their service to God Gen 22:3  Abraham is one example. The lesson for us is clear. There should be no delay in starting the work of God, even if the task is not appealing to us.

4:19 the 10th day of the 1st month was the day on which the Passover lamb was to be selected. Exo 12:3  So everything about the Passover this year was done in the land. The wilderness experience was now over.

 4:14 There should have been no doubt from the chief part that he took, that Joshua was the divinely appointed leader. For even the priests did not enter the river or quit their position, except at his command and thence forward his authority was as firmly established as that of Moses.

God chose a different method of parting the River Jordan than He had at the Red Sea.  This was so that the people would honour Joshua as they had honoured Moses, see Josh 3:7.

3:4  The Israelites had to follow the direction of the ark but could not come closer than 2000 cubits.  The same distance also separated the suburbs of the Levites (Num 35:4,5).  The Sabbath's day journey (from Jerusalem) (Acts 1:12) was the same distance of 2000 cubits (just over half a mile).  In all these cases, Jews were always to be within visual range of that which governed their spiritual lives.  Similarly, we are physically separated (at the moment) from our Lord (the ark - Jerusalem) but we must never let Him out of our (spiritual) sight lest we wander away from the proper path. 

CH. 3 As soon as the priests stepped into the waters of Jordon, they stood still, the ark was to accomplish what had been done by the rod of Moses.

3:7        Joshua was doubtless seen by many as insignificant when compared to Moses who had led them for forty years. God assures Joshua that the people will see that God is with him as He was with Moses.

4:8-9     So 12 stones were taken out of Jordan  into the land of Israel and 12 stones were taken from the land on the east of Jordan and put in Jordan in their place.  The 12  which remained in the river reminded Israel of the way in which the priest’s had, so to speak, stopped Jordan. Those taken out of the river and into the land would remind Israel how the whole nation passed through the river. They all became a lasting memorial – see the end of :9 – so whenever any Israelite went to this spot in Jordan he would be reminded of the deliverance God had effected on his behalf.

Josh 3:1,2,3,5,8,11,12,13,14,17; 4:4-9, 20-23 - 3:1 - Joshua rising early in the morning may echo the resurrection of Jesus (Matt 28:1-6); 3:2 - the mention of 3 days also may echo the resurrection of Jesus; 3:3 - following the ark just as we are to follow Jesus; 3:5 - "'sanctify' [Heb."qadash" <6942> means "to be clean" (ceremonially or morally), consecrate, dedicate, holy, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify", etc.] yourselves" may remind us of baptism and the being washed by the word of God (Eph 5:26; John 15:3); 3:8,11 - reminds us of following and being buried/baptised into Christ who buried/destroyed the power of sin and death; 3:12 - 12 possibly echoes the 12 apostles and/or represents God's people; 3:13 - this reminds us of the crossing of the Red Sea and its echo of baptism; 3:14 - we are to wash our sins through baptism and follow Christ - H.P.Mansfield in The Book of Joshua p50 notes how the Jordan is fed from the white snows of Hermon (as life came originally from God) and descends to the 1292 feet below sea level Dead Sea (death) but before that we have the Sea of Galilee (the sea of life as God has made provision/opportunity for a hope of eternal life); 3:17 - as Peter Forbes noted they crossed the Jordan on dry ground like the Red Sea's possible echo of baptism; 4:4-9,20-23 - borrowing some from The Book of Joshua p54-55 we note that the two groups of 12 stones represent Israel (spiritual Israel both Jews and Gentiles in Christ) in two relationships, before and after baptism, the 12 stones washed in the Jordan carried to land represents those who are baptised with sins forgiven while the other 12 stones carried from land to be left in the Jordan represent the before baptism state where we were dead and buried in our sins. 

3:3-4 These instructions refer exclusively to the advance into the river. The distance which the people were to keep in the rear of the ark was nearly a mile. Had they crowded too near the ark, the view would not have been clear at all times crossing the river. This space was therefore ordered that the ark might be distinctly visible to all parts of the camp, and be recognized as their guide in the untrodden way.

The Jordan River was a natural defensive barrier for the people who lived in Canaan.  The Israelites crossed the Jordan in spring (5:10).  During this time, the river was in its flood stage (3:15).  The width of the river could range anywhere from a couple of hundred yards to one mile.  No wonder the inhabitants of Canaan were astonished and fearful at the news of Israel's crossing (5:1).

3:17 That the waters did not cover and envelope the ark is contrasted with the Psa 69:2 – where the Psalmist speaks in prophecy of Jesus. The waters represent death. God brought Israel out of death into the land for they would truly have died in the wilderness had it not been for His care.

3:1, 4:19 marks the crossing of the river Jordan. Num 22 - , Num 25 records events that took place at Shittim before Israel crossed Jordan.

4:23 The LORD had dried up the River Jordan for His people to cross just as He dried up the Red Sea in their escape from Egypt.

The drying up of water can also be used figuratively in the Bible. Water, such as rivers and seas, is used to describe people. The LORD will dry up His enemies in the same way as He physically caused dry land to appear (Isa 42:15).

4:1 ‘Passed over’ is <05674> - ‘abara’ possibly indicating that John baptised at the same spot where Israel crossed Jordan – John 1:28

3:7 Notice that the magnification of Joshua was not for his benefit but rather that the people would see that God was with him

Josh 3:1,16 - V1 "Shittim" Heb. <7851> means "Acacia, Acacia wood", it was used in making the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant, it has thorns on it and perhaps there is an echo of Christ's sacrifice which leads to the promised land deliverance; V16 "Zaretan" Heb. <6891> means "to pierce, puncture"; V16 "cut off" Heb. <3772> "karath" is the word used for cutting a sacrificial animal to confirm a covenant.

4:22 ‘let your children know’ is a recurring theme in the wilderness and God’s dealings with His people. It is all too easy, when one has not seen the miracle, to take it as something quite natural. In the same way the existence of the nation of Israel is a wonderful example that God is working in the world to fulfil His purpose but for those who did not see the formation of the state it might appear so natural and the significance be lost on them.

4:14     Joshua had been chosen by God to take over the work of Moses.  God ensured that Joshua was now in good standing with the people making an able replacement for Moses.

                                                                         Tasting the waters

Josh 3:13"And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the LORD of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap."

It can be seen that of all Israel only the priests bearing the ark had their feet  into the Jordan waters, the rest walked on dry ground.If the priests and the ark be a type of Christ and dipping into the waters be a symbol of death(as in baptism)would this equate to Christ's "tasting" of death? It was when the priets' feet rested in the waters that the waters were cut off. The same with us, it is only by Christ's tasting the waters that we can cross over from this wilderness into the kingdom of God, no wonder he says to John "suffer it to be so now for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness".The question to us is:Now the waters are cut off, are we crossing over to life that we can live with him?

3:9-10  Israel had been told that God was going to give them the land. This point is re emphasised here when Joshua calls the people to hear “the words of the Lord”. Israel were in need of regular reminding that God was working in their lives for their salvation. Likewise we need to be constantly reminded. Thus we read Scripture daily and read it as if the words are spoken directly to us.

4:18 The parents of those who were to cross Jordan had already experienced the parting of the Red Sea. If they had faithfully taught their children of that event there would not have been any concern in those who stood by Jordan. Herein we see that value in talking about God’s deliverances as they provide the guarantee of future care.

Two crossings

God himself likens this crossing to the crossing of the Red Sea:

"for the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over..."

Notice that the reason for the miracle is also the same as before:

"...that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.” (compare to Exo 14:4,31)

Another reason for the crossing was to establish Joshua as leader, so that the people would fear and obey him (Josh 3:7-8, Josh 4:14), and God likened this to the exaltation of Moses:

"On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they had feared Moses, all the days of his life"

This is exactly what had happened at the Red Sea crossing:

"Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses" (Exo 14:31)

So God is willing to go to great lengths to establish the rule of His chosen ruler, so that the people fear and obey them. In both these cases He used water, which we're told is a symbol of baptism (1Cor 10:2).

4:23   The crossing of Jordan on dry ground is added to the crossing of the Red Sea on dry ground to help to convince Israel that Yahweh was in control. Sadly the nation soon forgot these marvellous evidence of God’s activity in their midst. Do we soon forget such things as the re-establishment of the state of Israel? That was clear evidence that God is still working in the world to bring about His plan. 

3:4    Israel crossed Jordan during the day time and set up camp at the end of that day in sight of Jericho. One wonders what the inhabitants of Jericho thought as they watched Israel setting up camp.

Josh 3:12-17 - this reminds us of the crossing of the Red Sea which was a baptism of sorts (1Cor 10:2) and we remember Jesus walking on top of the water (Matt 14:22-33) which perhaps suggests him walking victoriously over sin and death unlike the Egyptians (Exo 14:21-29) and unlike Adam (Gen 3:17-19) - perhaps the piled up in a heap water (i.e. sins and death?) at a town named "Adam<121>" near "Zaretan<6891>" reminds us of the original fall of man and our need to follow Christ who overcame sin and death while guiding his faithful followers (washed of their sinful old ways of the flesh) to the promised land.

3:10   The list of nations listed here, duplicated in Josh 24:11 reminded Israel of what Moses had promised them when they were at the border of the land; abut to cross Jordan – Deut 7:1

4:12-13  Whereas the total men of the two and a half tribes amounted to 136,930 adding the totals from Num 26:7,18,34 we see that “about 40,00” passed over. So it would appear that a significant number remained on the east of Jordan.

4:24   The focus is that God will be known in the earth. A sentiment repeated by Solomon – 1Kin 8:60 – when he dedicated the temple he had built

3:4       As Israel entered the land of Canaan to conquer the land the Ark was very exposed. Carried by the priest – probably few in number – travelling over half a mile in front of the army. Clearly this was to teach Israel that Yahweh did not need their help in conquering the land.

4:2-3 This procedure did nothing to enhance Israel’s military prowess as it proceeded to conquer the land. An army might seek a lightning attack on an unprepared enemy. However whilst Israel were busy selecting stones the inhabitants of Canaan would be able to prepare themselves for the invasion.

3:4 The warning that Joshua gives – come not near – echoes what Moses said –Num 2:2 – at the beginning of the wilderness journey. Even in the enthusiasm of crossing Jordan respect for God’s laws was essential.

4:5 Israel have been here before! However the outcome on that occasion was quite different. Now the nation are called to “sanctify yourselves” because of what would happen “tomorrow”. On the previous occasion the instruction was “turn you and get you into the wilderness” – Num 14:25. On this occasion the nation had faith. On the previous occasion it was precisely because they did not have faith that they were turned back into the wilderness.

It is faith, not strength of arm, that guarantees the kingdom for us.

4:6,7,21-24 When your children ask in time to come, "What do these stones  mean to you?"

On two occasions the record goes out of its way to highlight the importance of the stone monument as a trigger for children's curiosity in understanding God's activities (vv6,7 give the "What"; vv. 21-24 give the "Why")  Children are naturally inquisitive and God wants parents to respond to that curiosity by providing answers. Fobbing children off ("too busy", "Go ask your  Sunday School teacher") is not what God wants. Sadly, there may come a time when children don't ask questions, because they don't get answers. What a lost opportunity for bonding and education!

3:15  Whereas the entry of the two spies into the land and their visit to Jericho was a “secret” exploration the entry into the land in order to take control of it was far from secret.

It would appear that their crossing of Jordan struck fear into the inhabitants of the land - 6:1 . So much so that they were able, unhindered, to set up stones taken out of Jordan – Josh 4:19.

3:16 So, as the Jordan, dried up and the people crossed the dry river bed the inhabitants of the land could now see the miraculous drying up of the river. They clearly had heard about the departure of these people from Egypt as Rahab makes mention of it – Josh 2:9-10 – specifically mentioning the drying up of the Red Sea forty years earlier.

3:4, 17 There shall be a distance between you and [the ark] about 2000 cubits in length ... the priests bearing the ark stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan and all Israel was passing over

If 2000 cubits distance needed to be maintained between the ark and the people passing over, how did the people overtake the ark that was stationary in the midst of the Jordan without breaching this 2000 cubit no-go zone?

A suggestion: the people did no walk alongside the ark but walked in a curve to the south of the stationary ark (the water had ebbed to the south so that they could walk on dry ground) and then curved back to follow the path to then arrive at the  east bank of the Jordan. The curve had a radius of at least 2000 cubits.

EARLY IN THE MORNING

The lives of the children of Israel were about to change. All they had known for the past forty years was how to wander around in the desert. Now at last, they were directly heading toward the Promised Land. For Israel, this was no ho-hum adventure. This was special. It was the fulfilment of all they had been waiting for.

The day had come. Joshua was now the leader of the people and they were about to make their move into the land. Were they going to sleep in, get up at lunch time and wonder how the day was going to pan out? Of course not!

The first thing we read is this: "Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over." (Josh 3:1). This was to be one of the most important days in Israel's history. All Israel got up early to make the most of it.

Most of the important things that happened in the Bible, happened early in the morning. But it is often the early morning that we waste by sleeping in bed. Mornings are the times that we can often come closest to God. So let us make tomorrow and every day a new beginning by getting up early in the morning, spending time with God and being responsive to his leadership.

3:13  the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap

Psalm 114 is a commentary on these events and also suggests that earthquakes occurred (Psalm 114:3,4,6,8). Imagine the fear that the Canaanites felt when experiencing all these events.

v. 2 - The great light, of course is revealed in Jesus, who was the light of the world. This is a direct reference, one of many in Isaiah, to the calling of the gentiles - the people that walked in darkness. This means then that these passages do not just refer to Christ's birth, but to his entire part that he plays in his Father's purpose in bringing about atonement for all nations. In the context of light, bearing in mind Isa.60:3, which surely refers to the wise men that visited the infant Jesus, Christ here is the bright and morning star of Rev.22:16, joining fully the whole purpose of God, by reference back to his roots in the old covenant through David.

v.1 - The chapter division between chapter 8 and 9 is unhelpful. It breaks the flow of the narrative. The dimness spoken of in chapter 9 is a continuation of the theme of 8:22 which relates to the Assyrian invasion.

v.10 - in the pride of their heart there is a desire here to bring about the kingdom age by their own strength - a problem mankind has always had and never so much as the present, when he is even talking of medical advances leading to eternal life. Here in this verse man is trying to re-establish the Garden of Eden, though this is only in God's power - Eze.36:35

9:6 The promise of the son echoes the events surrounding the life of Samson when we learn that 'the government' was to be upon his shoulders the echoes are of Judges 16:3 and Genesis 22:17. As Samson, in carrying the seat of local government out of Gaza to Hebron to the burial place of Abraham who had received the promise of Genesis 22:17 so has Christ taken control of the gates of hell and of death.

TO US A CHILD IS BORN

With Christmas only one day away, this is a part of the Bible that we often hear quoted at this time of year. Yet it is a very important part of scripture because it foretells of the birth of the Messiah, the saviour of the world. It tells of his mission and his achievement and also of the future role of the child who was to be born.

It is a good thing so many people remember the birth of Christ at this time of year because it provides us with plenty of openings to show Jesus to people in a way they have never seen him before – in a way, with God’s blessing, that will be life changing to those who hear.

At Christmas most people remember the birth of Jesus, in a manger, in Bethlehem. They remember the shepherds, the angels and the three wise men. Our job is to shift the paradigm to show, not only the child, but the man, the saviour, the sacrifice, the love, the resurrection and the future hope of his kingdom established in peace and righteousness. That is what the gospel is all about. Tell the whole story today.

:7 The promise 'the zeal … will perform this' is echoes later in the times of Isaiah, in the days of Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:31, Isaiah 37:32). Hezekiah would have taken courage that he was involved in the fulfilment of these earlier words of Isaiah. The immediate fulfilment of these words was the deliverance from the Assyrians

V.14 Branch and rush We have just read the phrase Head and tail which is representative for the highest and lowest. (Deut 28:13-14) We now have another image for the same thought (Isa 19:15) The branch is elevated on the top of the tree, the rush is on the ground..

9:7 This is the third time that the emphasis has been upon David's throne or house.(7:2,13) and forms part of a theme running through the prophet (16:5, 22:9,22, 37:35, 38:5, 55:3)

Isaiah's main prophetic thrust is concerned with Assyria as the divine instrument to punish Yahweh's reprobate nation.  However, Isaiah does give ultimate hope to Israel (and by extension to the Gentiles) of the Messiah. He begins this chapter (vs.1,2) with such a promise.  His words are qualified by the gospel record (Matt 4:12-16).  Certainly, Israel had languished in spiritual darkness and oppression for 400 years between Malachi and Matthew.  And so, with the birth of Christ, the promised Messiah, faith had been answered and hope renewed to those who had waited, such as Simeon (Luke 2:25-32) and Anna (Luke 2:36-38).

“The Lord shall have no joy in their young men …” (Isa 9:17).  Our dear Lord God chose Israel to be His people.  He brought them out of Egypt, and gave them their land. Everything could have been so good, and God would have had “joy”.  But no, they sinned, and forgot God.  How terrible it is to cause God to have no joy! 

9:6  The word translated ‘wonderful’ is the same word that is translated ‘hard’ Gen 18:14  showing that what God is promising here is a development of the promise to Abraham of the promised seed of the woman – the Messiah.

9:12  "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still." Is a recurring phrase in this chapter :17,21showing that God, even though angry with Israel is still looking for repentance.

9:1-2 ‘the land ... of the nations’, being quoted in Matt 4:15-16, shows that this area of Isaiah’s prophecy is a prophecy of the work of Jesus during his ministry.

V.1 The affliction of Zebulun and Naphtali refers to the Assyrian invasion. During the first Assyrian invasion under Tiglath-pileser, the region of Galilee suffered the most. This area contained the tribal allotments of Zebulun and Naphtali (2Kin 15:29).

THE LIGHT OF JESUS

Jesus was brought up in Galilee. Speaking of the people in Galilee at that time, Isaiah said, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." (Isa 9:2) What an amazing blessing the people of Galilee had when they had Jesus among them for so long. Imagine how much they would have learnt from him if they had listened to him and observed his life and attitudes. All of a sudden, with Jesus among them, a light must have been shed on the word of God. With the help of Jesus they could see what the law really meant, they could understand what salvation was all about, and were taken out of the darkness of tradition and rules and given the light and freedom of truth and faith.

But Jesus was more than a light for the people of Galilee. He came as the light of the world. He came to shed his light on us and on our way.

Jesus has certainly filled my world with light. Without him, I would never be able to find my way through life. He has given me hope where there was no hope, and meaning where things were meaningless. He has given me faith, pointed the way to God, stood beside me, lightened my days, and guided me in the way I need to go.

When we have truly experienced the light of Jesus in our lives, we will never want to let go of it!

9:6 The way that Isaiah prophesies ‘a son is given is picked up in John 3:16 ‘God ... gave ... his son’

Isa 9:6-7 - Jesus Christ is a servant of, not equal to, his Father God; but he has the right to represent God and is a reflection/manifestation of God - Isa 7:14 (Immanuel means God is with us);Isa 42:1;Phil 2:6-7 (NIV helps clarify v.6);John 14:28;Matt 25:39;1Cor 15:24-28;John 10:31-36;John 17:21-23;1John 3:21,23;John 8:54-55. 

A new world government will be on the Son of God's shoulders and he will rule from King David's throne - Isa 9:6-7;Matt 28:18;Luke 1:32;1Cor 15:24-25.

Isa 9:6 First Principles>Sure Mercies of David>Government
Here is a verse which prophesies about the coming of Jesus and that he will govern God's Kingdom on earth.
For more information about the government of God's Kingdom, go to Matt 19:28

9:9 Indeed Samaria did give heed to the gospel message – John 4:39 has Samaritans responding to the preaching of Jesus and is recorded as something that the apostles rejoiced at – Acts 8:14

9:3     So the nation of Israel had multiplied as God had promised to Abraham – Gen 22:17. However that blessing had not turned into joy for Israel.

Isa 9

The lands of Zebulun and Naphtali were in Galilee. Zebulun and Naphtali were two of the 12 sons of Jacob and tribes of Israel. Zebulun was west of the Sea of Galilee, and Naphtali was north of Zebulun (Josh 19:10-16,32-39). These two areas were the first to fall when the Assyrians attacked.

The LORD had pronounced judgment against the house of Jacob and Samaria, its capital because they had turned from Him. Instead of Israel repenting and turning back to God, they became defiant and in their pride said that though the bricks of mud fell down, they will rebuild with stones, and though the enemies destroy their forests, they will replant it with even better trees (Isa 9:8-9)! The LORD then sent against them the Syrians from the east, and the Philistines from the west, and they overcame Israel. The LORD’s anger was even harsher towards them the second time around, but even after all this, Israel still refused to turn back to God (verse 13), and so He would strike them again. They were so wicked and evil that the LORD brought on fire on the whole land, and the peoples’ bodies would fuel the fire! Everyone looked after himself, did not care for, have pity, or look after his brother (verses 19-20).

The people of Manasseh and of Ephraim attacked each other, and then together they attacked Judah! All this despite the fact that Isaiah had reminded them of the days when they were oppressed by the Medians centuries earlier (Judg 7:15-25), and how relief came from a most unlikely source, a story long remembered and mentioned twice more in Isa 10:26; 60:6.

Though the picture was very, very bleak, Isaiah was given a glimpse earlier into the future that Messiah would be born and ultimately will deliver Israel, and be their ruler and King (verses 6-7). The people who sat in darkness would see a great light (see Matt 4:12-16). The majority of Jesus’ ministry took place in the northern area of Israel, around the Sea of Galilee. The northern tribes were the first to suffer from the Assyrian invasions and they were the first to see the light of Messiah!

Isa 9:9-10

“...that say in the pride and stoutness of heart, The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.”

America’s foundation, as we know it, with a President, a Senate, and a House of Representatives, only came into existence on April 30, 1789. It was the day America’s first President, George Washington was inaugurated in New York City, and in his inaugural address, second paragraph, he said: “…it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to the Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes…” (http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/wash1.asp). George Washington prayed for the future of America, committing the nation to God. This took place in the first capital of America, New York City! Washington never set his foot in Washington DC; it did not exist in his day (see http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=13734)!

The exact spot where George Washington’s inaugural address took place in attendance with another attending founding father, John Adams, and the gathered people, and committed themselves to God, is at the very spot we now know today as Ground Zero (THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn)!

America continues to turn it’s back on God. They removed Him, His Bible, His Ten Commandments from our schools and government, and drove Him out of our national life. When judgment came on September 11^th with the fall of the Twin Towers, or World Trade Center, a symbol of America’s pride and economical power, they very briefly brought God out of the closet, but within a few weeks, they turned their backs on God again. Instead of being humbled, American leaders from the President, Senators, the Mayor and Governor, all in a defiant spirit vowed they would rebuild, bigger, better, taller, stronger, than before not unlike the attitude we read in Isa 9:10.

(http://www.themoderntribune.com/john_kerry_speech_after_9_11_-_rebuild_america_and_the_world_trade_center.htm)! America completely missed the warning God in His mercy gave to repent and avoid an even greater calamity. Is the United States following in the footsteps of ancient Israel, who also at one time dedicated themselves to God, but their increasing defiance lead to increasing severe judgments?

Is it a coincidence that this judgment on America came on September 11^th, the date Professor Ernest Martin in The Birth of Christ Recalculated, proved mathematically that this is the birth date of Messiah! “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…Isa 9:6). Did we miss the message? Did those who dedicated themselves at one time to Messiah turn their backs to him? For unto us the child, the Son of God, the Light that shines in darkness was given, and when he returns, the rod of oppression will be lifted, and those who stayed and those who turned back to God will share in his victory, and bring joy both to literal and spiritual Israel. Let us heed the message, unlike ancient Israel and America today.

9:2     The wonderful promise of ‘light’ – Jesus, their Messiah – is echoed in the contemporary prophet Mic 7:7-8where Israel’s repentance is described.

9:2       The idea of people walking in darkness seeing a light is picked up by Jesus – John 8:12 – when speaking to the woman taken in the act of adultery.

9:4    “The day of Midian” is a reference to the deliverance from Midian in the days of Gideon spoken of in Judg 7:25

9:2     Whereas Isaiah has people “walking” when this verse is quotes in Matthew 4:16 we see the people “sitting”. They have been on a journey downwards like Psa 1:1speaks of.

1. Isa 9:1-2 - prior to the fall of Samaria in 722BC, Northern Israel (Zebulun and Naphtali in the region of Galilee) fell to Assyria in 734BC and 7 centuries later they would be the first to see the glorious great light of Christ though in a very limited sense Jonah (who was from Gath Hepher near Nazareth, both areas in the Galilee region) and Hezekiah echoed the light of Jesus (Matt 2:23;Matt 21:11;John 1:46;John 7:52;2Kin 14:25;Matt 4:12-16;Luke 1:78-79;John 1:4,5,9;John 8:12;John 9:5;Isa 42:6;Isa 49:6).

2. Isa 9:3 - the harvest (Exo 23:16;Lev 23:10-12;1Cor 15:20-23;Matt 9:37-38;John 4:35-36;Matt 13:36-41).

3. Isa 9:3-7 - (NIV) "You have enlarged the nation["goy"<1471> "usually refers to Gentiles, nations"] and increased their joy" through the resurrection of the nation of Israel and through the resurrection of the dead (Eze 37:1-13,21-26;Dan 12:2). 

4. Isa 9:3-5 - Hezekiah and Jerusalem were delivered from the Assyrians and there will be a deliverance with the return of Christ from a latter day Assyrian, then Israel will be enlarged and its joy increased as the yoke, staff, and rod of all oppressors will have been broken (Judg 7:12,20,22;2Chron 32:2-3,20-22;Isa 37:36-37;Psa 83:4-9;Eze 38:21).

5. Isa 9:4 - "as in the day of Midian's defeat" - the punishment of the latter day Assyrian or Gogian host (Isa 10:24-27); the ultimate yoke that burdens is sin which leads to death.

6. Isa 9:6 - "us" = Judah; "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given" this child is Christ (Matt 22:41-46; a son can't be co-eternal nor is he co-equal to God John 3:16;John 14:28;2Tim 2:5); "Wonderful"( means "wonder, marvel, a miracle, hard to understand") Heb 1:4-5; "Counselor" (Isa 11:1-2;Matt 17:5;John 7:45-46;Matt 7:28-29;Rev 3:18;Zech 6:12-13); "Mighty" - human ruler called "mighty one" (Eze 31:11);  "God"[ Heb word "el" (means "God, angels, mighty men, men of rank, etc.") i.e. "Immanuel" and the concept of God manifestation in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Mark 12:29;Deut 18:15,18-19;1Cor 8:6;Psa 82:5-7;John 10:29-36;John 17:21-23;1Tim 2:5;Phil 2:5-11 though Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, and humbled himself becoming obedient to death, God exalted him and gave him a name above every name, though the Prince of Peace clarifies]; "Everlasting Father" Gen 45:8 (Joseph was sent by God yet was made a father unto Pharoah); Isa 22:20-25 (Eliakim is a representative of Christ and was a father to those who live in Jerusalem); "Prince of Peace" (Ecc 3:1,8 a time for war and a time for peace, to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven; Matt 10:34-36; future peace on earth Psa 72:4-8;Psa 85:9-11;Hos 3:4-5;Isa 32:17-18;Luke 2:14;John 14:27;Isa 53:5;Rom 10:15;Mic 5:4-5;Psa 122:6-7;Isa 66:10-13).

7. Isa 9:6 - Christ will be called these titles in the Messianic Kingdom age to come. Heb 1:4,8,9 illustrates that Christ is worthy to bear divine titles and yet he is no more "very God" than the angel who bore the divine name before the children of Israel. Angels were called God (Exo 23:20-21). Christ will be father (Isa 53:10). Christ called human officials "gods" (Psa 82:5-7;John 10:34) but himself the Son of God (John 10:36).

8. Isa 9:7 - Christ will reign on earth ruling from King David's (Jerusalem) throne forever (Eze 37:24-25); God's zeal will accomplish the installation of the new government with His Son Jesus (a descendant of King David) reigning (Luke 1:31-33).

9. Isaiah 9:8-21 - Woe to Ephraim/Samaria and Judah.

10. Isa 9:8-12 - Most of Israel was carried away in 734BC, but Samaria held on till 722BC; Vs.8-10 the arrogant pride of Israel; Israel to be punished by neighboring adversaries, but God has even more punishment in store for Israel.

11. Isa 9:13-16 - the people are not seeking God; The "ancient" (i.e. "elders") are not guiding the people in the way of right and the "prophets" are false prophets speaking lies and those led by them are destroyed (Hos 4:6).

12. Isa 9:17 - God is still angry with His straying people.

13. Isa 9:20-21 - (NIV) "Each will feed on the flesh of his own offspring", and Manasseh (means "causing to forget", one of the 10 tribes of Israel and Joseph's oldest son) fighting with Ephraim (means "double fruit" or "double ash heap: I will be doubly fruitful", one of the 10 tribes and Joseph's younger son who was given the double or better  blessing as if he was the first born) and they both shall be against Judah; God is still angry.

9:20   That the people would eat and not be satisfied quotes the curse of Lev 26:26

9:9      We should appreciate that “Samaria” was the northern kingdom of Israel We are probably in the days of Hoshea – the last king of Israel.

9:12    That the Syrians would spoil Israel in the north should have been sufficient reason for Ahaz not seeking their help against his enemies. Political alliances are always built on compromise. Ahaz should have placed his confidence in God.

9:19    That the land is “darkened” takes us back to 8:22.

Isa 9:6

“For unto us a child is born, a son is given…”

This verse, amongst others, is used to justify and support the doctrine of the Trinity that Jesus is God!

The Brenton LXX, vv. 6,7 reads: “For a child is born to us, and a son is given to us, whose government is upon his shoulder: and his name is called the Messenger of great counsel: for I will bring peace upon the princes, and health to him. His government shall be great, and of his peace there is no end: it shall be upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom, to establish it and support it with judgment and with righteousness from henceforth and forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall perform this.”

The Lexham English LXX (LES) is very similar: “Because a child was born to us; a son was given to us whose leadership came upon his shoulder; and his name is called ‘Messenger of the Great Council,’ for I will bring peace upon the rulers and health to him.”

The Greek LXX (Old Greek) translation of the Hebrew Bible (not the Latinized Trinitarian ones we have available), is the earliest translation, and came at the request of King Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt for the use of the Greek-speaking Jewish community in Alexandria. At first, just the Torah was translated in the third century B.C.E. during his reign between 285-246 BCE; the rest of the Biblical books were translated later. The whole Hebrew Bible was likely translated into ancient Greek by the middle of the second century B.C.E. These Hebrew/Greek translators translated the paleo Hebrew scrolls to Old Greek, the language of the Empire. Their rendering of Isa 9:6 demonstrates that this verse as read today was not there. The rest was added some time later.

The Hebrew grammatical construction for vv. 6,7 is: “For a child has been born to us, a son given to us, and the authority is upon his shoulder, and the wondrous adviser, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, called his name, ‘the prince of peace.’ To him who increases the authority, and for peace without end, on David's throne and on his kingdom, to establish it and to support it with justice and with righteousness; from now and to eternity, the zeal of the Lord of Hosts shall accomplish this.”

https://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/15940/jewish/Chapter-9.htm/

The Masoretic Text is very similar to the Great Isaiah Scroll, date uncertain, but carbon testing gives it as 150-100 BCE, or 356-103 BCE. In them, there are variants not considered of any significance by the transcribers. This is not the case, especially for the tenses. Wrong tenses lead to wrong interpretations. “…the two thousand year old scroll contains alternative spellings, scribal errors, corrections, and most fundamentally, many variant readings. Strictly speaking, the number of textual variants is well over 2,600, ranging from a single letter, sometimes one or more words, to complete variant verse or verses.” By doing a comparison, “you will be able to evaluate on your own the intricate issue of variant readings, which have obvious literary, historical and theological implications for the correct understanding of Isaiah’s original words.” http://dss.collections.imj.org.il/isaiah/

In The Jewish Targums, John Ronning, Theologian, writes: “… in light of this rendition, it could be fairly said that the Targums reflect a point of view which could be unreceptive to the idea of the incarnation, thus hostile to claims of Deity by any man including Jesus of Nazareth.” (cf. Phil 2:6-11). This mistranslation has certainly not helped Jews or Gentiles. Jewish Scholars say this passage speaks of Hezekiah, a type of Christ, but not the Christ. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIoFKPA5lRg

9:13 Even though God is willing to be merciful to Israel they will not listen! They will not change. So, despite His mercy, judgment is to come and is no respecter of persons

9:7 do we ever consider that Yahweh is enthusiastic to bring about His plan? Here we see quite clearly that He is enthusiastic – zealous – to bring His son into the world.

WONDERFUL COUNSELLOR

We often read through the titles Jesus was given at his birth as a list of awesome titles without thinking about them too much. “And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6). So let’s stop for a moment and think about what one of these titles might mean to us.

Wonderful Counsellor. If you are anything like me, we struggle through life. We want to know our direction in life, we have decisions to make, we don’t understand our bodies or what our hormones are doing to us, we struggle with relationships, battle against our selfishness, want to be happy but find it an uphill battle, or just keep giving in to the worry monster. This is where our Wonderful Counsellor comes in. How often do we make use of him?

The Hebrew words for Wonderful Counsellor can also be translated Miracle Advisor. Isn’t that just what we need? God has given us a Miracle Advisor to help us through life. He is a Wonderful Counsellor to show us the way through our problems. What a blessing!

So let’s not fret and worry, but take our problems to him in prayer and be open to his answers.
 

9:1 “Nevertheless” presents hope. Isaiah 8 speaks of darkness due to the upcoming Assyrian invasion in the north. Despite the darkness that will come in Zebulon and Naphtali – tribal territories in the northern kingdom – there is hope. That hope was the preaching of the gospel by Jesus and his work of salvation as  9:1-2 is quoted in Matt 4:15-16 and applied to the preaching of Jesus. We all too often focus on short term issues whilst God is focussed on the long term and more serious issues. In this case death with no hope.

9:10 On the days of Hezekiah God had the intention of freeing Israel from her burden – 1Chron 29:10 – Maybe Isaiah’s words here reflect that promise to Hezekiah. 

9:6  It is evident that the final fulfilments of this promise is the birth of Jesus because part of this verse is quoted in Luke 2:11. Whilst our general understanding of what a prophecy is speaking about might lead us to the correct conclusion we can establish the certainty of the fulfilment when the New Testament scriptures apply the passage to a specific event.

If we are ever in doubt about the way we should be behaving as we watch and wait for the imminent coming of our Lord to this world of sin and death, then we would do well to turn to this chapter for exhortation and encouragement. In Isa. above we were amongst those who walked in darkness. We are no longer (v.4), but this lifting of the veil of darkness brings with it massive responsibilities, and we cannot get away here from the suddenness with which we should expect events to change. May we always be ready. Jer.23:20, Matt.24:42-44, 2Pet.3:10, Rev.16:5.

v.1-4 The destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 was a tremendous event which the brotherhood throughout the world was looking for because of the Lord's Olivet prophecy [Matthew 24 Mark 13 Luke 21]. 'Peace and safety' [5:3] answers to the way in which Jews in Jerusalem would have reacted when the Roman army retreated before the final onslaught which over ran the city. The brethren in Thessalonica had to be aware of what the Lord had said so that they could understand the fulfilment of the Olivet prophecy in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

5:2 Whilst the day of the lord will come (v4) 'as a thief in the night' the brethren and sisters were not 'in darkness' nor were they to (v6) 'sleep'. Rather (v8) sobriety was to be the watchword. Paul, by the Spirit, plays upon the fact that the lord will return in a time of darkness when the world would not expect a thief. However the brethren and sisters were to be different from the world. They - we - are to be prepared for the Lord's return.

5:20 That Paul called upon the brethren to 'despise not prophesyings' would imply that there were some in the ecclesia who denigrated New testament prophets who spoke to the ecclesia words that were not palatable. The danger was that the ecclesia might behave towards the first century prophets in the same way as Israel had responded to their prophets in Old Testament times.

5:9 Even though Paul and the brethren suffered persecution Paul was concerned that they did not see their persecution as indication of the wrath of God.

V.22 An exhortation that is just as powerful to day as it was when written by Paul. Keep oneself from everything that causes pain, sorrow, labour, which has an evil influence.   

Paul exhorts the brethren to be watchful and vigilant about the coming disaster in 70 AD, which occurred about twenty years after this letter was written.  It is not that the brethren were ignorant of what was about to pass (vs.1,2) - they were fully acquainted with Jesus' predictions on the matter (Matt 24:1-22).  Nevertheless, there was a need to re-focus the mind and to bolster faith.  And so, too, it is for us.  We need to exhort one another constantly for the same reasons (Heb 10:25). 

5:1 When the disciples asked Jesus – Acts 1:7 - about the times and seasons they were told that it was not necessary for them to understand them at that time. There were more important matters at stake. Now, some years on, it seems that Paul does not need to discuss them because the brethren understood how things would happen ‘as a thief in the night’. So the details of the time are not necessary for the Thessalonians either.

GOD'S WILL FOR YOU
 
Have you ever wondered what God wants for your life? What jobs does he have for us? What should we be doing right now? This might surprise you, but I have the answer. Actually Paul gave us the answer when he said, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1Thess 5:16-18)
 
Whatever other activities we do and no matter what circumstances surround us, being joyful, continually praying and giving thanks are the things that are God's will for our life. Is this too simple? Would it be better if he had chosen us to single-handedly preach the gospel on an island of savage cannibals? Or maybe we would rather have been called to find the cure for AIDS or cancer. Being joyful, praying and giving thanks do not seem to be earth shattering events that will rate highly on the list of life long, great achievements to be read out at our funeral. In some ways they seem rather mundane and almost too simple to bother with. But just try it. Try it for one day. "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances." It is not as easy as it might seem at first. If we can achieve it for a day, try it for a week. Over a lifetime the joy, prayer and thanks will transform our characters to become something really special in the sight of God, making his will for our life a glorious blessing.

5:5 The ‘light’ / ‘darkness’ ‘day’ / ‘night’ motif have their origins in the creation narrative in Genesis.

1Thess 5:25 is a short little verse which says a lot. We must pray for each other, for the workers, for those who travel in the Lord’s service, those who visit the sick, and for all of our Brothers and Sisters. The work needs prayers.

5:12 Paul, here has in mind, not three different groups of leaders, but one group who provide the leadership by serving, helping, encouraging, warning, and by admonishing when necessary. The fact that there is only one article preceding the points raised seems to confirm this point. The next verse seems to indicate that there was a certain amount of complaining and criticising going on with regard to the way they were being lead. Hence: "Be at peace among yourselves."

WAITING FOR DOOMSDAY

5:3     The ‘peace and safety’ cry may well have been the cry of Jews in Jerusalem when Titus, the Roman general, left off his siege of Jerusalem in AD 70. The sudden destruction would be his return and final overthrow of the city. Whilst Thessalonica was a long way away from the city of Jerusalem and the events of AD 70 had not yet happened the events associated with the fall of Jerusalem would serve as a powerful warning to brethren and sisters in Thessalonica about complacency.

Vs.2,4 The return of Jesus to the earth will come as a surprise to the world at large. However, to those believers who are expecting and watching, His return should not be a surprise.

V.27 Here is another example that Paul spoke and wrote with the authority of the Lord, and that he did not just express his own personal opinions.

5:4 The brethren were not in darkens shows that though they did not know the day nor the hour they were aware that Christ was  going to return and that they should lives lives consistent with that knowledge. This is an important point to understand. Our preparedness for the return of Jesus is not conditional upon knowing when he will return. It is a consequence of understanding what manner of persons we ought to be.

5:27 That Paul charged that the letter be read to ‘all’ indicates that there was a possibility that it might have been taken as a personal letter to the one who received it.

5:9    We do well to remember what Paul told the Thessalonians. It is all too easy to feel that God is ‘down on us’ when the reality of the situation is that he wishes to save us from ourselves.

5:28v ‘The grace of our lord Jesus Christ ...’ trips so easily off the tongue. However there is a wealth of meaning and comfort in the word ‘grace’. Grace is undeserved favour. It is that ongoing forgiveness of we who do not deserve forgiveness which should assure us of our Father’s desire to give us the kingdom – Luke 12:32.

5:5     Jesus has already – John 9:4– spoken of this principle. If we are in “darkness” we cannot walk faithfully.

1Thess 5:23.

5:21  We might wonder why Paul had to tell the brethren to “despise not prophesyings”. Maybe the reason is that from time to time Spirit guided prophets in the meetings reproved the actions of some. It would be very easy to try and dismiss what one had heard as simply the words of men if the warnings were not liked. Paul says that this is the same as despising the word of God. Whilst there are no Spirit guided teachers today we can still benefit from thinking about Paul’s comment. Others who understand God’s word might speak to us things we find hard to accept. However if they are correct we should heed them, not disregard them.

5:12-13           How do we feel when menial tasks are to be performed at our meeting rooms and some quickly give themselves in service and we stay at home? Do we thank God for such individuals? Are we challenged in our conscience by them? Do we regard them highly, or do we feel reproved by their actions?

5:7    It is clear that men and women can be “asleep” and “drunk” during the daytime. Paul is associating those states with “the night” to force home the point that they are works of darkness.

5:26       On a number of occasions – here, Rom 16:16, 1Cor 16:20, 2Cor 13:12 – the apostle was inspired to speak of this kind of greeting. We must be careful to ensure that we are not constrained by Victorian or cultural values when we greet fellow believers. Of course this does not give licence to exploitation. Rather it sets the picture of true fellowship. We should greet our fellow believers with the same warmth as we would greet our own family members.

5:7       The description of those “that sleep” draws on a similar idea found in Joel 1:5.

5:13 the precise way in which Paul uses words that we find in Mark 9:50 is a strong indication that Mark’s gospel record was available when Paul wrote to the Thessalonians early in the first century

1Thess 5:6

“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”