Comments for May 27

v.14 points out the unique status of the Levites. This status was brought about by their priesthood, and the fact that this gave them an inheritance (Deut 10:9, 12:12,19, 18:2). Their inheritance, like ours, was in the Lord. They were, in this respect then, members of a different covenant, much more like the one that we are under since the death of our testator. They were made worthy by God to enter the tabernacle. Their sins were covered in much the same way as ours. We are to be priests, though not after the Levitical order. However, it seems there is quite a bit here to think about. Num.18:22,23.

The borders of the inheritance of the tribes is spelt out. Our interest in the divisions is probably in proportion to our knowledge of the land of Israel. The list of places is not very informative unless we know where the places mentioned are. A good Bible map will make this, and other chapters which make mention of place names far more interesting and understandable.

v.1 - I don't know about you but I have to stop and remind myself just how much time passes as we read these events. Because they flow on one from the other in the pages of scripture, there is a tendency to think that much less time has passed than really has. It was a long drawn out and gradual process for Israel taking possession of the land - requiring much faith and determination. They did not have it easy, and no man would have seen it through from beginning to end as we can with our position of hindsight. We are greatly blessed and we should remember that.

This chapter starts with a summary of what had not been conquered yet - and Joshua was not old. As if the observation of Joshua's age along with the amount of land remaining to be conquered was to act as a spur to Joshua to finish the work.

Do we ever feel that there is so much to do for the Lord and time is running out?

:22 The death of Balaam actually took place when Moses was still alive (Numbers 31:1-8) demonstrating that the summaries contained in Joshua sometimes extend back to before the time of Joshua's leadership.

13:12-13 Notice the contrast. Whilst Moses cast out the 'remnant of the giants' the children of Israel were not able to cast out the 'Geshurites and Maachathites'.

V.2-6 "This is the land that yet remaineth"  The whole country of the Philistines; a narrow tract stretching about 60 miles along the Mediterranean coast, and that of the Geshurites to the south of it. 1Sam 27:8 Both included that portion of the country "from Sihor, which is before Egypt" a small brook near El-Arish, which on the east was the southern boundary of Canaan, to Ekron, the most northerly of the five chief principalities of the Philistines.   

The nation of Israel had been isolated from other nations. In Egypt they lived in Goshen; in the wilderness they were separate; and if they had destroyed all the wicked people on both sides of the Jordan then they would never have been influenced by Gentile nations.  But they didn't.  And so they were influenced, and they did learn to worship false gods.  How careful we must be, that our neighbours do not influence us.

13:2-6 Having summarised the work so far we now read, sadly, of what had not been achieved by the end of Joshua’s life.

13:6 The method of distribution by lot was, in all respects, the best that could have been adopted, as it prevented all ground of discontent, as well as charges of arbitrary or partial conduct on the part of the leaders; as its announcement in the life of Moses (Num 33:54), as the system according to which the allocations to each tribe should be made, was intended to lead the people to the acknowledgement of God as the owner of the land, and having the entire right to its disposal

13:1  We might imagine the great man Joshua being depressed at the thought that ‘there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed’ however this is true for all servants of God. We reach the end of our lives and we are still so conscious of how far we fall short of the stature of the risen Christ.

V.1 Joshua was about 100 years old at this point but he still had more work to do in surveying and conquering the land for the next ten years. Joshua died at 110 years of age (Josh 24:29).

13:14 The Lord was to be the inheritance of the tribe of Levi. Num 18:20

V.9 The expression the city that is in the midst of the river (KJV) seems odd.  It is with the word river that the difficulty lies.  River is translated from the Hebrew word nachal which essentially means a stream, but which also includes the valley that the stream is in.  And so, the real understanding is that the city lies in the valley in which there is a stream.

V.13 The phrase until this day (KJV) refers to the time Joshua wrote these words, which would be near the end of his life (100+ years old).

v13 tells us that the Geshurites and Maachathites "dwell with Israel to this day", a fact mentioned again in David's time in 1Sam 27:8.

13:2 The Philistines were a ‘thorn in the side’ of Israel for most of the time that Israel were in the land indicating that they never really took possession of the Philistine territory.

"Ekron inscription"

Josh 13:3 - in 1993 stone ingraved evidence was found of Ekron along with five of its Philistine rulers.

13:13   The indication here is that Israel were happy with the compromised environment that they dwelt in which matches exactly the situation in the book of Judges where we are repeatedly advised that the inhabitants of the land dwelt among them, for example Judg 1:29

                                              You are very old(vs1)

it is interesting and a great comfort to see that not only was Joshua "old and well advanced in years" but God himself saw him to be "very old". But God did not excuse him from the task ahead infact when one would have expected to hear God say, 'you need to rest and lie with your fathers', God said: "As of all the inhabitants of the mountain regions from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, that is, all the Sidonians, I myself will drive them out before the Isarelites. Be sure to allocate this land to Israel as an inheritance as i have instructed you, and divide it as an inheritance among the nine tribes and half of the tribe of Manassseh"

Note the sternness in God's tone--- 'Be sure'. Old he was, but the work had to be done. There was still  land to allocate, land to divide, until all Israel were settled in their portions. Not only were he to do this but as "i have instructed you" meaning that as he had done during his prime so he were to do in his old age... old age was not an excuse! But all these words of God are underlined by the firm assertion "i myself will drive them out before the Israelites". Thus though Joshua was to dedicate himself fully to the work it was God who would do the work.

What a lesson it is to those of us who are in old age, or now have a young family to look after, or are now in ill-health or are always occupied in the secular affairs of our daily work; that the work still needs to be done with all the dedication just as we would have done during those free active days. Just as Joshua had land to divide and allocate, so we have work to rightly divide the word of truth and allocate(share) to our brethren and sisters. Our current circumstances should not cause us to shirk from our responsibilities in God's house... we still have to do the work and more perfectly. In all this we should take comfort that, the God who told Joshua go on and divide the land was the same God who said "you are very old". This is the same God we serve today and thus he knows how our circumstances have changed over time and he understands how we are formed and that we are dust --- our failures and weaknesses he is well acquainted with them and his hand is always there to give us a pat on the back. Its us who are going to divide the land but its him who is going to drive out the nations... he will not only pave the way but clear the ground also,ours is but to mark the boundaries! What a great and merciful God we serve! So let us all stand up and divide the land, enemies are no more! 

13:9-12          Whilst this area of conquest is mention here we should remember that these areas were conquered under the hand of Moses. It is included here, not to show what Joshua achieved but to give a summary of what had been achieved from the time that Israel arrived at the border of the land of Canaan.

13:14 It is a key point in Israel’s history that the tribe of Levi were not given land as an inheritance.  Num 18:20shows that their inheritance was The Lord.  They needed no material possessions because of their association with God. How do we value material things? We are a Kingdom of priests –1Pet 2:9

13:15,24,29    The repeated “and Moses gave …”  indicates that even though all the land had not been taken God’s plan had not changed. The reminder of what Moses had said was to act as an incentive to the tribes to take their possession.

13:14  A number of times in the Old Testament we are told that the Levites were given no inheritance in the land. However we must remember that they were sons of Jacob to whom the land was promised. They were not disinherited because the Lord was their inheritance. Rather the way in which they had no portion of the land during their life teaches in a most powerful way that they, as representative of the faithful, looked to the resurrection as did Abraham – Acts 7:5

13:12  The mention of Og as of the remnant of the giants echoes Moses words – Deut 3:12.

13:3    The “lords of the Philistines” were not dealt with by Joshua. The term became a description of a group of men who we come across through Israel’s History. In the time of the Judg 16:5, 1Sam 5:8, 1Sam 29:7 they appear again.

13:7   One wonders whether the instruction to divide the land was to serve as an incentive to the tribes to finish the job of taking control of the land.

13:3    Apparently the Philistines came from Caphtor and took control of the area they controlled in Joshua’s day whilst Israel were wandering in the wilderness for 38 years. If they had entered the land the first time the Philistines would not have been there.

13:33 the matter of inheritance for the sons of Levi is something mentioned a number of times both in the wilderness – Num 18:20 – and in the land. Here is one of those mentions when Israel were in the land of Canaan.

13:14 we read regularly that the Levites had no inheritance in the land. A consequence of this is that the other tribes should have taken care of their needs in the tithes that were to be paid. Something which, it seems, never happened properly. We should appreciate that the priesthood was impoverished for most of the time that Israel were in the land.

13:1-6 Having been reminded of all that they had achieved so far Israel were now spurred on to finish the task that they had begun so many years earlier. It is all too easy to “rest on our laurels” when we have made some progress in our spiritual life. God clearly did not see the old age of Joshua, not what had been achieved as reasons not to complete the work He had given them to do.

Likewise we must not rely on what we have achieved so far, or faint due to infirmity. There is always something we can do to further develop our spirituality.

13:2  Historical data seems to indicate that the Philistines took control of the territory they inhabited in the days of Joshua during the time that Israel were wandering in the desert after they had been turned back from the border of the land of Canaan because of their lack of faith.

The inference being that if they had taken the land the first time they arrived at the border of the land the Philistines would not have even got a foot hold in the land.

Because the nation had not believed God they ended up with a long standing problem that ran on into the time of the kings.

13:3  Of all the nations that Israel did not destroy I the land of Canaan the Philistines stand out as the real “thorn in the flesh” of the nation of Israel. They were still there in the days of the kings. The moral is that problems that are not sorted out continue to fester and return over and over again.

13:1-6  When Joshua entered the land it may be that he had anticipated that by the time he died that the nation would have taken possession of all the land. But no. There remained, when he was old, much of the land still to conquer. In fact the nation never managed to conquer all of the land even by the time of the last king of Judah, Zedekiah.

Maybe when we were baptised we imagined that we would be able to conquered the various lusts and evils that lurked in our minds. However as the years pass we realise that the battle still continues with old conquered problems popping up again from time to time.

Of course, like Israel, we will never conquered the sin that besets us. Strive we must but recognise that without the sacrifice of Jesus and our Father’s mercy the battle is lost.

17:14 - Let us keep in mind the way in which God can remove our problems and our enemies overnight, as it were, and let us increase our faith in the fact that He will.

ch.17 The list of nations and cities [Isaiah 13:1 15:1 17:1 19:1 21:1,11,13 22:1 23:1 30:6] that is destroyed by the Babylonians provided Israel with a short term fulfilment which should have taught them that Yahweh would keep His word with respect to the other things that he had promised. However they did not believe and so eventually were taken captive by Babylon.

18:1-2 The language of these verses indicates that the Ethiopians were a sea faring nation in the time of Isaiah.

18:7 - Given that Jesus is 'the place where the Lord shall choose' - mount Zion we have here a picture of those that labour and are heavy laden coming to Jesus to find rest. It is those who have fallen and acknowledged their sins that can be saved.

17:1 Damascus
17:3 Ephraim
17:4 Jacob
17:5 Valley of Rephaim

This chronological list of places mentioned in this chapter marks a relentless progression towards Jerusalem. The Valley of Rephaim is just outside the walls of Jerusalem.

17:6 That the 'gleaning grapes' are to be left leaves some comfort that the nation will not be totally destroyed.

18:5 This farming metaphor marks the point that the destruction will be before the nation has risen to its peak.

17:7-8 It is tragic that Israel tended not to see their problems until they had been punished by God. It was the punishment which eventually caused them to turn back to God and away from their idols.

18:6 Despite the way in which the nation spoken of in the earlier chapter behaved - violent and lacking in mercy - God will eventually overthrow them.

V.5 The inhabitants and wealth of Israel shall be swept away, but few left behind; just as the husbandman gathers the corn and the fruit, and leaves only a few gleaning ears and grapes. 2Kin 18:9-11 ( Note Bro. Peter F.'s comment from last year)

Syria had long been an enemy of Israel. Now their downfall is forecast.  But do note that there seems to be a part of Isaiah 17 which speaks of Israel. We cannot be certain, but it looks as though Isa 17:4-11 is directed to Israel, eg Isa 17:7,10.

17:14 The language of ‘eventide’ and ‘before the morning he is not’ echoes the destruction of the firstborn in Egypt on Passover night.

Israel had forged an alliance with Syria (Aram) (Isa 7:1).  Yahweh is never pleased with alliances between His people and others (2Cor 6:14).  This negates trust and reliance on Him in favour of fleshly help.  And so, the alliance of Israel and Syria was doomed as both would see destruction (17:3). 

17:10-11 So Judah are reminded – again – that their calamity is because of their unwillingness to trust God.

18:1  Ethiopia, also termed Cush, is present-day Sudan. They had an anti-Assyrian policy as had Hezekiah. However, Yahweh warned Judah not to make an alliance with Ethiopia to combat the common enemy.  And so, naturally, He frowned upon the alliance of Israel with Syria against Assyria. To put reliance in other nations makes the statement to Yahweh that He cannot be trusted.

SCARY PEOPLE

Sometimes it can be difficult to preach. It's not so bad if we think we know how a person will react, and especially if we think they will react in a positive way. But there are so many people that can be quite scary to approach: the local motorcycle gang member, a controversial criminal lawyer, a women's lib supporter, a radical Muslim, or all the people from the local pub on a Friday night. But that does not mean that these people should miss out. Everyone needs to hear the gospel no matter who they are.

Even in Israel's day there were some very scary people around. But even though they were scary, God wanted them to have an opportunity to get to know him, so he sent them messengers. "Go, swift messengers, to a people tall and smooth skinned, to a people feared far and wide, an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers." (Isa 18:2)

I can imagine the messengers going out to deliver their message shaking in their sandals. Would they lose their lives? Would they be beaten or eaten? Would their message get taken seriously? Would they be laughed at or ridiculed? We don't know any of the answers either for them or for ourselves. What we do know is that the result of the message being shared with these fierce people was that God would be honoured by them at some later stage as a result of them having heard God's message. "At that time gifts will be brought to the LORD Almighty from a people tall and smooth skinned, from a people feared far and wide, an aggressive nation of strange speech whose land is divided by rivers - the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the name of the LORD Almighty." (v.7)

Let's do the same. Spread the message even when it is scary, so that God can be honoured.

17:1 This prophecy was completed when Syria was taken over by the Assyrians (See also Amos 1:4; Jer 49:24).  The King of Assyria, at that time, was Tilgath-peleser (2Kin 16:9).

The practice of the Assyrians was to take conquered people and scatter them throughout Assyrian territory. This they did to the Syrians after they destroyed Damascus.  Syria remained a province of Assyria until the Medes conquered Assyria.

17:6 The Assyrians left some poor folks to reside in Israel. Later, the Babylonians would do the same when they destroyed Jerusalem.

17:7 In a calamitous situation, people often turn to God for help.  They do not need Him when things were going well.

17:12-14 These verses are not connected to the foregoing prophecy concerning Israel and its ally Syria.  Yahweh is making a general statement that the persecutors of His people will always pay heavily for their assaults.  Yahweh will always keep a remnant of His people for ever (Isa 11:11; Jer 23:3; Eze 6:8 etc.).

18:1 Egypt is meant here, but the unfolding prophecy is obscure.

17:5 Whilst the ‘burden’ is about Damascus we should realise that the ‘valley of Rephaim’ is a valley outside Jerusalem, on the west, and so would have immediate meaning to the Jews in Isaiah’s day.

18:6    The rather enigmatic language here is speaking of the regathering of the Jews.

17:9    The punishment on the nations in this chapter ‘because of the children of Israel’ echoes the promise to Abraham – Gen 12:3. Those who ‘curse’ Israel will suffer.

18:3     The promise of the lifting up of the ensign echoes Isaiah’s earlier comments –Isa 5:26, 11:12

 Isa 18.

The heading above this chapter (N.I.V.) is - "A prophecy against Cush". But that seems like an oversimplification of what Isaiah is seeing and telling us. So what is really happening in this prophecy?

The important thing to understand at this point in time was that the Assyrian armies were out for conquest throughout this Middle Eastern region - and on into Africa. So the land of Cush (i.e. Ethiopia) is told by Isaiah early in this chapter that they will not escape their punishment. (Also see Isa 20 and Isaiah's physical sign to them as well as Egypt.)

The middle verses 3-6 though appear to be Isaiah's prophecy of the devastation of the Assyrian troops themselves on the mountains of Israel. Note here no reference at all to man's work in accomplishing this - it's all God's doing. And so for this fulfillment in Isaiah's day, we can read of it in Isa. 37; 2 Kings 19 and 2 Chron. 32 - 185,000 destroyed by the angel of the LORD - all in one night as they camped outside the walls of Jerusalem.

So the "near repetition" - compare v. 7 & v. 2 - in v. 7 has now these same Cushite people - tall and smooth skinned, etc. - who instead of receiving a message of doom as in v. 2, now, after being released from captivity apparently, bringing gifts to Mt. Zion, to Hezekiah and Hezekiah's great God who has done such amazing things for them. Throughout Isa. 60 any number of passages has this idea - with nonJewish nations from afar bringing their gifts to Jerusalem in honor of the great God of Israel. And though passages such as these in Isa. 60 are definitely kingdom passages, there is almost always some partial fulfillment in the days of the prophet himself so that his position as a true prophet of Yahweh's can be verified (see Deut 18:21,22).

So will this prophecy and a number of the others in this section of Isaiah be fulfilled a 2nd time in the near future - just  before and after Christ's return? My bet is yes, they will.

17:2  The promise that the flocks will lie down unafraid echoes the promise – Lev 26:6 – made to Israel if they were faithful. 

 17:3  In Isa 7:8,9 Judah were encouraged by being told that the threat from Israel and Syria would cease.  The prophet returns to that point here.

1. Isa 17:1 - "The 'burden'<4853> of Damascus" (Jer 49:23-27); Damascus shall become a ruinous heap (some point to Damascus being levelled by Assyria circa 732BC while others feel it may also refer to an event in the end times).

2. Isa 17:1-3 - the fate of Damascus is closely linked with Ephraim (the northern kingdom of 10 tribes) and suggests Judah's deliverance from Sennacherib of Assyria.

3. Isa 17:4 - this could refer to the weakening of Jacob by the Assyrians who took the 10 tribes and much of Judah though not Jerusalem, but does it have application to the end times as well with Israel to be weakened?

4. Isa 17:5-6 - the Valley of Rephaim was a broad and fertile valley beginning near the Valley of Hinnom, and extending several miles south-west from Jerusalem; this seems to suggest the weakness of Jacob as only a few gleanings will remain.

5. Isa 17:7-8 - people (this doesn't seem limited to Jacob) to abandon false idol worship and turn to the Holy One of Israel; is this referring to events in Hezekiah's time, or does it also include the end times?

6. Isa 17:9 - the strong cities could be those of Hezekiah which the Assyrians captured and destroyed (2Kin 18:13;2Kin 19:25); Canaanite idol worshippers had their cities taken over by Israel led by Joshua and now the same evil was found in God's people and the Assyrians are used as the punishing agent of God; is this punishment limited to the ancient Assyrians or does this include the end times latter day "Assyrian?"

7. Isa 17:9-11 - desolation because the God of thy salvation and the rock of thy strength was forgotten; though fine and imported plants be planted the harvest will be as nothing.

8. Isa 17:12 - "Woe to the multitude of many people...nations" - is this a reference to the Assyrians and their mercenaries from various countries and does it include the end times Assyrian? The rushing of many waters reminds me of (Luke 21:25;Rev 17:1,15).

9. Isa 17:12-14 - God's rebuke of the nations that spoil and rob "us" (who are the invading nations and who is "us"?); Does this refer to the destruction of Sennacherib's Assyrian army or does it include a latter day "Assyrian"? If end times it would seem to be God is the rebuker through His Son Jesus Christ (Isa 9:6-7;Isa 2:4;2Thess 1:7-8;Mic 5:2-5); if the end times are included the rebuked could be the Russo-Assyrian clay and the invaders who caused violence are met with violence themselves (Eze 38:1-23;Eze 39:1-8;2Pet 3:8-10;Heb 4:1-11).

1. Isaiah 18 is difficult to interpret.

2. Isa 18:1 - Woe to the land with 'whirring wings' (could this be referring to locusts?); rivers of 'Cush'(<3568> means "black" and perhaps refers to the southern or upper Nile region of southern Egypt, Sudan and/or Ethiopia - Dan 11:40-43  ); there are several branches of the Nile delta the could be called the rivers of Ethiopia; Tirhakah was a Cushite king (Isa 37:9) that ruled Egypt and Ethiopia during the time of Sennacherib.

3. Isa 18:2,7 - (KJV) "scattered"<4900>, "peeled"<4178>.

4. Isa 18:3 - "an ensign...a trumpet" - perhaps Jesus is the ensign (Isa 5:26;Isa 11:1-12) and the trumpet is the Jubilee (Isa 27:13;Matt 24:30-31;Rev 11:15).

5.  Isa 18:4 - is the Lord's resting place in this instance heaven or Mount Zion (Isa 18:7)?

6. Isa 18:5 - before the harvest (Rev 14:15 the gathering and resurrection?) there will be a pruning and cutting away.

7. Isa 18:6 - those cut away (the bodies of the 185,000 Assyrians of Hezekiah's day Isa 37:36 and/or perhaps the latter day 'Assyrian' Gogian host Eze 39:1-4, 17-22) will be left to the birds of prey and the animals of the earth.

8. Isa 18:7 - at that time gifts/tribute will be brought by a tall and smooth-skinned people (NIV) that are feared far and wide to the Lord at Mount Zion.

18:7   In a beautiful way the repentant Jews are being seen here as a gift to God.

17:4    Whilst Israel might have rejoiced that the promise that Damascus would be taken away she could not boast as “Ephraim” would also suffer.

17:1   The Assyrians were a terrible scourge as they advanced taking captive countries. They took Israel away in the days of Hoshea. But in the removal of Syria and Israel Judah had some respite from her two enemies only to be threatened herself by the Assyrians. They would also have bene over run had it not been for the Divine deliverance in the days of Hezekiah.

17:14  This description of the death during the night of Israel’s enemies speaks of the destruction of the Assyrian army in the days of Hezekiah – 2Kin 19:35

17:12-13            we might see water as a destructive power that man cannot control. We have seen floods and Tsunamis devastate large areas of the world. Nations coming against Israel are presented like this. But “God shall rebuke them” The creator who controls the forces of nature also controls the nations that come against His people.

17:4 the “making thin of Jacob” may well refer to the Assyrian invasion of the land of Judah after Hoshea in the northern kingdom was taken into captivity by the Assyrians.

15:5 Moab throughout Israel’s history was not particularly friendly right from the time that Israel entered the land of Canaan. Judgment fromGod came against them for their behaviour towards Israel. However it did not please Yahweh that he was having to punish them. So His heart cried out for Moab.

If we are going to be like God and His son we will not rejoice over the misfortune of others. Rather it will pain us to see others suffering.

17:10  Syria is the target for this judgment as verse 1 indicates. However they are reproved for forgetting the God of their salvation. We need to be careful to remember that God is not just the saviour of His people. He is the only saviour there is and He seeks to save all men. Remember the patriarchs originated from Syria –Deut 26:5. Forgetting God does not absolve one of the obligation to serve Him.

Isa 18:2 The nation "scattered and peeled" is talking about Judah at the time of the Assyrian invasion.

Isa 18:3 The "ensign" is spoken of also in Isaiah 5:26, 11:10,12, 13:2, 30:17, 31:9, 33:23, 49:22, 62:10.

17:13  That “god shall rebuke them” echoes Isa 2:4 where Yahweh involves Himself in judging the world.

17:7 This is a “burden” against Syria. But notice that God is looking for men to recognise Him as their Maker. The first step to a relationship with Yahweh was to recognise Him as the creator. What was true then is just as true today. Deny Creation and fellowship with God who is denied cannot exist.

17:1  Ahaz had placed his confidence in Syria and its capital Damascus. He even copied their form of worship – 2Kin 16:10-16 But the Assyrian overcame him. Hezekiah, unlike his father Ahaz, trusted Yahweh rather than the gods of Syria.

3 v.7 - It is quite worrying that there can be people in this category, and even more worrying that we could be amongst them, if we have developed the wrong attitude to our learning. Ch.4:3,4 develops this problem, and brings it home to us that these people, as opposed to ch.3, which seems to be referring to the world outside the truth (though personally I'm not so sure about this and I am encouraged to see that Bro. Peter [below] is in agreement with me here!) are, or at least were, definitely amongst us, but turn away to listen to those who say what they want to hear. We have eyes to see and ears to hear - we must be sure that is what we do. Deut.29:4, Prov.14:6, Isa.30:10,11.

3:2 - 5 describes the attitudes and behaviour of brethren and sisters in the last days. Paul is not warning Timothy about how unbelievers would behave. Unbelievers have behaved in this way all through the ages. Paul had already warned the brethren and sisters in Ephesus that 'of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things ...' Acts 20:30. The warning is the same for ourselves. We should not be looking at the world for the fulfilment of these words. Sadly we should be prepared for these things in the ecclesias. Not that we should instigate a witch hunt. We should take the warning of the Apostle to heart and be wary lest we are led astray by such errors when they are paraded as truth.

4:2 'exhort ... with all long suffering ...' The point of exhortation is that those spoken to are in need of the word. If this is so it is probable that the problem being addressed will not be resolved with the first or even the second presentation of the message. This is so even if the recipient recognises the word of exhortation as relevant and wishes to implement it in his life. Therefore whoever exhorts must recognise this fact - that is he must be 'long suffering' and be willing for the word to grow in the 'good and honest heart'

3:1 'Perilous' <5467> is found (Matthew 8:28) translated 'fierce' - the only other use of the word. Hence we can develop a clearer understanding as to what the word means.

ch.4 - These three echoes of Stephen's last words

May indicate the impact that the dying Stephen had on Saul of Tarsus.

3:16 'reproof' is the same word that is translated 'evidence' (Hebrews 11:1). So we see that Scripture provides us with evidence or proof. Whilst we tend to think of this in the context of proving our doctrines are correct - which indeed is important - we should realise that the proof we find shows us how we should live 'that the man of God may be furnished …'

4:2 Paul is not suggesting that 'Out of season' preaching means that we should speak to unbelievers when they are not willing to listen or are busy doing something else. Rather Paul is insisting that brethren and sisters ought to be spoken to whenever it is necessary. Whilst we cannot and should not expect the unbeliever to give heed to the gospel message as his first priority the believer should be willing to 'drop everything; when the gospel is being preached to him.

2Tim 4:16. Once again we see the importance of example. The effect that the example of Stephen had on Paul. “I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge” Paul here imitates the attitude shown by both Christ (Luke 23:34) and Stephen (Acts 7:60) It is remarkable that the dying words of Stephen should be repeated by his ex-persecutor as he faces a similar fate. We can also see in verses 17 and 22 similarities to what Paul recorded and what were spoken by Stephen. We must at all times beware that what we do and what we say are being seen and heard by those around us. Wouldn’t be wonderful if just one of our actions had such a positive effect on our Brethren and Sisters or our young people.

3:15 Timothy knew the scriptures 'from a child' because of the faith of his mother and grandmother (2Tim 1:5)

4:1 In charging Timothy with a task Paul echoes the responsibilities already given (1Tim 5:21). The letters to Timothy were personal letter designed to help Timothy to help the ecclesia at Ephesus. In saying 'I charge you ...' Paul is highlighting the force of the commission that Timothy had received. Obedience to the responsibilities was not an option, it was an obligation.

In the opening nine verses of the third chapter there are two things that Paul wants Timothy to do.

The same exhortation applies to each one of us, as we await the return of Christ to fulfil the promises of old 
                                                                                                                                      

3:6  In describing believers as ‘laden with sin’ Paul quotes Isa 1:4  where Isaiah reproves Judah for the wanton way she disregarded God’s law – with devastating results. Paul’s warning, by using Isaiah, is that just as God worked in Israel’s experience in the past He will do so in the lives of the believers in Ephesus.

4:14 Whilst Alexander the coppersmith had wronged Paul the matter was left in the hands of God. Paul, by saying this, is encouraging Timothy – and ourselves – to remember that the Lord is the judge.

3:10 A man's inner purpose is not necessary evident the first time you meet him. Though his words may be very fine, he may be otherwise. But, when in the case of Paul, teaching and conduct are in harmony, no doubt remains as to the purpose of his life. Timothy, no doubt, had become persuaded about Paul's purpose, and made it his own. The Apostles return to Lystra, the very city which had almost stoned him to death, must have made that purpose even clearer. (Acts 14:22). Paul continually makes the point of the example that he left for those who would follow in his steps. What an exhortation for each one of us.

2Tim 3:16 all/every scripture is "God-breathed" . Although in English the word is "inspire", actually the Word is breathed out by God, and we have to inspire it. Just as we inspire/breathe in life giving oxygen to sustain our physical bodies, so we have to inspire the Word of God to sustain us spiritually - "man does not live by bread alone" to quote another analogy. We imagine a case of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, where God is breathing life into us cp Adam's creation. The prophets were inspired  by God.

3:5 That those ‘false accusers’ had a ‘form of godliness’ meant that they were to be avoided because they looked like faithful brethren but their attitude belied that. However as we are so easily taken in by outward appearance they were to be avoided.

We must preach when it’s convenient and when it’s not convenient (2Tim 4:2). The AV wording of “be instant” means to be at hand, and is translated as such in 2Tim 4:6. So putting the two phrases together we must be there, at hand, when it’s convenient to preach and when it’s not convenient to preach. We MUST preach.

3:7    The way in which ‘ever learning’ is contrasted with ‘never coming to the knowledge of the truth’ is not to be taken as a reason for not studying Scripture. The ‘truth’ is not a set of propositions to be learnt. It is a way of life which has to be lived. Those who Paul warns against are those who take great delight in simply talking about what they think they know about Scripture.

Paul warns of the deterioration of sound doctrine and behaviour in the last days (3:1,2; 4:3). The last days really began in the first century, although the term should be more correctly applied to our times.

In the first century, Paul was already fighting Gnosticism in the ecclesia. The true doctrine of the gospel was being diluted by pagan mythological thought and practice. The antichrist was in its developmental stage. Behaviour would inevitably become worse.  We are now seeing bad behaviour like never before.

3:1The full term of the last days really started in the first century. We now live in the final section of that timeline - one I prefer to call the end times. However, there is a difference in what is called the last days here, and the latter times in 1Tim 4:1.  Different Greek words are used for latter and last. Latter (husteros) gives the sense of happening within the near future (1st. Century), while last (eschatos) gives the impression of happening in the final days (before Christ returns).

Although family quarrels and betrayals have existed throughout the last days, it is apparent, by statistics and events in the news, that disrespect is most rampant today.

Respect for older people, for example, has largely gone. The elderly are easy prey for thugs. The scriptural command to: …rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD (Lev 19:32) hardly exists. Neither does, in many cases, the command to: Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Matt 19:19).

The family unit is largely gone. In Québec, where I live, 42% of all couples living together are not married; and the birthrate is the lowest in the West. This selfish generation does not want to be held to spiritual account. Gone are the days when the abundance of children was considered a blessing (Psa 127:3-5).

We should expect these things as we pass through the last days before the return of Jesus. When He comes, all things will be made right.

4:1 The ‘charge’ was ‘instruction’ as the word translated ‘charge’ <1263> carries the sense of ‘testify – Acts 2:40. So Paul is appealing to Timothy’s acceptance of Scripture. Thus scripture, and not the words of man, were what Timothy was to think about when reflecting upon his responsibilities – likewise us.

3:5 Today churches talk of Jesus and the Gospel but deny the power of our Lord and His Word because they follow myths instead of the Word of God (the Bible) (3:16).  The Word of God is true (John 17:17). Those people who deny the truth of God’s Word live in darkness (Isa 8:20).

3:8 Jannes and Jambres are the magicians who opposed Moses (Exo 7:11,22).

4:3,4 We live in that time. People want spirituality in their lives and turn to New Age philosophies or liberal churches and synagogues to satisfy their superficial cravings.  These people want to be soothed now. Therefore, few are interested in what the God of the Bible has to say. 

However, He is the only one with a permanent plan for humankind.  Long after the New Age adherents are gone, those who believed Yahweh and followed His Son Jesus will be living in eternal bliss.  And so, the choice is to be stroked now or to work on gaining salvation which will last forever (4:7,8).

All Scripture (Old and New Testament) is inspired by God; don't add or take away from it - 2Tim 3:16;Luke 24:25-27;John 10:34-35;Acts 26:22;2Pet 1:21;Rev 22:18-19.

3:11 Paul, speaking of his deliverance from persecution, quotes Psa 34:19 – a Psalm in which David instructs those who are suffering persecution as he was. The Psalm was written as a consequence of him fleeing from Achish – 1Sam 21:10-15 – in the Psalm explaining to those who would listen that it is better to fear God than it is to fear man.

A person's level of conviction is no way to measure the truth of what they're saying. 2Tim 3:13 tells us that "deceivers" are themselves deceived. So someone may be utterly fervent in what they're telling you. Completely convinced in their own minds. But completely wrong. The antidote for us is not a quick fix, but to "know the holy scriptures which are able to make you wise" (3:15)

4:4  We might think that people just turn away from the truth. Paul identifies exactly the problem. They stop listening to the truth. We may style that as not reading Scripture or heeding sound doctrine. But  it is an active choice to not listen. God exhorts Israel to ‘hear o Israel ...’ Deut 6:4 and to hearken Deut 4:1 to give but two examples.

2Tim 4:1-2

“I charge thee…preach the word; be instant in season, out of season…”

The greatest compliment any teacher of the Word may receive is that the way they preach reflects who they are in real life. Our lives must back up what we say. Truly, the key word is authenticity. Our preaching/teaching must be a true expression of who God wants us to be and is making us to be. Otherwise, there is a grave danger that within a short time we lose credibility and our teaching becomes less convincing and effective.

There is a sense of urgency in the word, “charge” in preaching the Word because of the danger of the seasons, or dangerous epochs they were living in (2Tim 3:1-7). I expect there was a lot of passion in Paul’s plea to Timothy from a Roman prison, as he knew his execution was at hand (2Tim 4:6). He had hoped to see Timothy before his execution, and twice wrote, “do thy diligence” to visit him (verses 9,21). But, as it turned out, this epistle was his last. He never saw Timothy, or Mark again (verses 11-13). By the time Timothy received this epistle, Paul may have already been decapitated. This letter of Paul’s is rightly called, “Paul’s last will and testament” for us all. What a wonderful epitaph and fitting example of Paul's life in the Truth: “I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (verse 7).

Paul closed his letter by strengthening Timothy in commending him to the guardianship of the Chief Shepherd, who, though the under shepherds might be stricken down, would always be around to care for his flock. Paul knew that Timothy was living in very dangerous times, and exhorts him to be strong and steadfast (2Tim 1:6-8,13). The closing end of their Age is synonymous with the closing end of our Age. Paul’s intentions when writing this letter were obvious. He intended God’s Word be preached all the time in every Age. Are we prepared to heed his charge amidst this selfish, ambitious, and apostate Age? The season of these last days also threatens the life of the ecclesia. I would sum up 1Tim 4:16 as of extraordinary seriousness, and may we take Paul’s message diligently and earnestly to heart. After all, our salvation depends on it!

2Tim 4:8

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Many of the Protestant faiths use this verse along with Acts 16:31;Rom 8:38-39; Rom 10:9 to prove, “once saved, always saved,” even though the apostle Paul wrote about the possibility of losing his salvation (1Cor 9:27). This verse was written shortly before his death. It was only at the end of his life and after a lifetime of perseverance, that he could confidently claim his salvation.

As faithful followers of Christ, we have a moral certitude of our salvation, but this is different from being certain of our salvation. We must persevere throughout our lives (Matt 24:13) and we can choose to fall away. The distinction between a true and superficial believer is that the superficial one will not persevere to the end in faithful obedience to Christ.

We know that salvation is ours to lose, and those who believe otherwise do not even know, though they may think they know, whether salvation is even theirs to begin with! Nobody in his or her right mind claims that, “once shaved, always shaved.” The concept is ridiculous! As ridiculous and unscriptural is the claim, “once saved, always saved” as evidenced by the parables of the sower (Matt 13:3-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15).

We read in 2Cor 2:15, “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are (being) saved…” The verb, “saved,” is in the continual tense. Salvation is a continual process. Salvation is not just about accepting Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, and inviting him into our hearts, and once you have done so you are instantly saved as most Protestants who spread all this fog claim! We read throughout Scripture that believing in the unadulterated Scriptural Truth of the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27; 2Tim 1:13-14; Titus 1:9 cf 2Tim 4:1-5), and performance of good works and faith are necessary for salvation (Psa 11:7; 28:4; Isa 3:10; Rom 8:13; Titus 3:8,14; Rev 22:12).

Salvation is conditional. There are no shortcuts! Paul speaks of his fellow workers as those whose names are written in heaven in the book of life (Luke 10:20; Phil 4:3). Compare this with Rev 3:5 wherein Jesus says, “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life…” You can only blot out a name if it was there to begin with.

3:8       As Paul was inspired to write this letter to Timothy we have to conclude that the names Jannes and Jambres are actual names of people who were involved in a rebellion against Moses and that those names, though not provided in the Old Testament, are correct as they were given to Paul by God. The tradition may well be true, that is the names were known before Paul wrote. However the seal of authority is the inspiration of God, not the tradition.

^4:10 for Demas, having loved this present ^b]">[b]world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to ^c]">[c]Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.¹¹ Only Luke is with me. Are these the ones that had deserted him referred to in v. 16. “ At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.” It would be sad if Titus was considered one of those.

4:16 It is interesting that in the verses preceding this Paul is very pointed in dealing with the acts of Demas and Alexander and calls on God to reward or remember their deeds. But here though all deserted Paul he asks that God not hold it to their charge.  Paul new the difference to wilful and selfish rejection and the normal weakness of human flesh.

4:12   Timothy had something to look forward to as Tychicus was on his way to support him. It may be that Tychicus carried the letter and then was to remain with Timothy as support. 

4:8   The “crown of righteousness” spoken of here by Paul is offered to “those who overcome” in Rev 2:10 and is a term used similarly in James 1:12.

2Tim 3:13

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”

The book of 2Tim records the last words of the apostle Paul, and we do well to take close heed to them. This admonition to Timothy stands as a stark warning to us living in the last days.

It is a general law of depravity - that if men are not converted, evil men and phony preachers will go from bad to worse. This progress is certain, though gradual, since nemo repente fuit turpissimus, i.e. “no one ever becomes thoroughly bad in one step.” We live in dangerous times and the closer we come to our Lord’s return, we are warned that men will get worse, that preachers’ deceptive teachings will get worse deceiving themselves and others as they sink deeper into iniquity. Paralleling the increased evil tendencies of mankind in these last days is the vector of seducement by spiritual imposters.

It is undeniable that an exponential spiraling increase in the intensity and prevalence of violence is witnessed on a daily basis. We have terrorist groups like, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram, Hamas, Hezbollah, and ISIS who carry out terrorist attacks on a daily basis, beheadings on a daily basis, kidnappings on a daily basis, bombings on a daily basis, and threats for the annihilation of all world religions, except their own, on a daily basis. Children as young as 9 years old are being trained on how to behead people by practicing on animals. They are called, “Cubs of the Caliphate”!

Al Qaeda and ISIS formerly fighting each other have now formed an alliance that makes them stronger and more powerful. This certainly spells further dangers ahead. These are the people certain nations are trying to negotiate with! Even if ISIS could be defeated, leaving Iran as a threshold nuclear power is to win the battle and lose the war. Iran, in kind, formed an alliance with North Korea and declared that North Korea was a part of their access of resistance. Iran has very inflammatory rhetoric against Israel and recently called for the alienation of Israel from the rest of the world, made a proclamation to eradicate Israel, and promotes international terrorism. The world is spinning out of its own axis; these situations are already beyond the world leaders to control.

Back in 2000, former U.S. president, Bill Clinton said that he looked forward to entering “the millennium of peace.” It has been anything but that (cf. 1Thess 5:3)! The main thing is to understand that we are on the brink of the most dynamic event of all Earth’s history, when we will be liberated from all these evil atrocities and not be fearful and unbelieving as the rest of the world. We must remain steadfast and committed in full assurance of God’s word that God’s people will enter into His peace (cf. Heb 4:1,3,11).

2Tim 3:16

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

The Bible is a book above all books. It is supernatural in origin, eternal in duration, inexpressible in value, immeasurable in influence, infinite in scope, divine in authorship, human in penmanship, regenerative in power, infallible in authority. The Bible has travelled more paths, knocked at more doors, spoke to more people than any other book in the world! All Scripture, the Bible, is God-breathed and has stood the test of time like no other book.

The Greek word for “inspiration” is theopneustos, # <2315>, “divinely breathed in.” It is not partially, or progressively inspired, though progressive in revelation. It is all inspired and as such, Jesus would never have changed any part of the Law, as some claim, but did in fact say, “… Till heaven and earth pass, not one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matt 5:18). Even the law of Old Testament animal sacrifices to this present day teach us great spiritual and moral truths. We just need to look beyond the natural. The divinely breathed in Word does not change with the times; it is steadfast and sure.

All Scripture includes its every individual thoughts and words. They are useful for doctrine (teaching and learning), didaskalia, # <1319>; for reproof, (i.e. conviction), # <1650>, elegehos, the same word translated evidence in Heb 11:1; for correcting (rectification), # <1882>, epanorthosis; the only place where this word is used; instruction in righteousness. “Instruction” is the Greek word, paideia, # <3809>, “… education, training…” It is not # <3806> as printed in Strong’s Concordance. This is a misprint, as the word pathos is the word for “concupiscence, inordinate affection.”Paideia is translated as “nurture” in Eph 6:4; “chastening” in Heb 12:5,7,11.

Both the Old and New Testaments, or Covenants of the Bible did not come to us by the will of man, but were written by Holy Spirit filled human beings (2Pet 1:20,21). In Deut 32:46,47, we learn that we are to take heed to set our hearts to all of Moses’ words. These are not empty words. Both the Old and New Testaments set the proper standard for us in all issues as they are presented to us and for us to follow. The Psalmist in Psa 119 devoted 176 verses using the twenty-two letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which in essence says that all Scripture from Aleph to Tau, from Alpha to Omega, from A to Z are life to us.

3:1-2   In returning to those who would teach false teachings Paul is returning to the point he made already – 1Tim 4:1- now we learn what would motivate them. It was  that they would be self-centred. The lesson is clear for us.

2Tim 3:16,17

A reader writes: “…the last few weeks have been something of an emotional and exhausting roller-coaster! I got the distinct impression from X who is young in age, displays all the cocksure arrogance and lack of experience when vehemently responding to me regarding Deut 24 that we are not under the Law of Moses, but under the Law of Christ…. And further writes that Christ said, ‘BUT I SAY UNTO YOU.’ By this he means we are no longer under Deuterony 24….”
My reply: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” All means all, and this includes Deut 24(cf. Job 32:8). What this Scripture is telling us is that ALL Scripture is God-breathed! Do we grasp what this really means? God’s very breath is in His words; they are not just words on a piece of paper. It is designed to teach the reader that every Scripture, every writing to which the name of Scripture can be given was actually breathed out by God! It is of Divine origin and of Divine authority.

How much of the Word is God-breathed? ALL! (cf. Matt 4:4). In the gospel of John we read Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35), i.e. fragmentized. Scripture as a whole cannot be annulled, or set aside, take a piece here, take a piece there and come to some sort of conclusion. Yet, we find ourselves doing this very thing by setting aside Deut 24 and using Christ’s quote, “But I say unto you…” (Matt 5) – the very Christ who also said, “… the Scripture cannot be broken” i.e. the Old Testament! Is he contradicting himself? Christ in Matt 5 was referring to the teachings of the Pharisees who twisted and abused the Law of Moses for selfish reasons, and he corrected their beliefs.

Christ never put himself above the Father whose very Words are God-breathed! How can anyone imagine what God had declared in Deut 24:1-4 regarding divorce and remarriage is annulled under Christ when Scripture clearly tells us that all Scripture is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction? How can anyone imagine that Christ, the Son of God, would annul the God-breathed word of his Father? The Son is not above the Father, nor would he make himself greater than the Father. Christ would never presume to go above Him (cf. John 8:28; John 12:49). It is outright blasphemy to think so! The moral laws of the Law of Moses were not abrogated under Christ, only the sacrificial laws were abrogated. .
Inspiration of the Bible cannot be a collection of uninspired words that are supposed to convey inspired thoughts. It is impossible to divorce the thoughts from the Words of the Bible as it would be to divorce my thoughts from my words. This is what is happening. We are putting our preconceived ideas and our will into the Word and claiming it is from God! We need the WHOLE Bible. When we are all mixed up, it is because we have neglected the Word of God, as evidenced by X’s very statement. He is not studying the Bible as he ought and is deceiving himself if he thinks that his prayers were some kind of a revelation from God; that His command as read in Deut 24 was nullified by His son!  Scripture begs to differ. If God commanded marriage as absolutely indissoluble under any and every condition and then changed His mind when He introduced His very God-breathed Word of Deut 24, then that would make God inconsistent; it would make God change His mind, it would give us the impression that God erred, when He clearly said, "I am the LORD, I change not" (Mal 3:6)! God gave us the pattern for marriage, and if we love Him, we will do our best to adhere to His pattern. It is a principle outlined for us, not a command. This is how the infallible God thinks or works; this is not how fallible man thinks and works.

God has revealed Himself and His will through His Word, but He will never reveal the truth of any issue if we do not apply ourselves diligently and search for the answers in His Word – not what this author and that author wrote. Scripture must be compared with Scripture. All the pieces of the puzzles must fit; if it does not, it is not the Word, but our misinterpretation of the Word and causes the problem. We must diligently apply ourselves in digging for the Truth of any issue, but sadly, most don’t take the time thinking they are right and will not humble themselves to be teachable like little children. It is often those who know the least about the Bible that think they know the most.

4:19-21   The way in which greetings are sent from Paul that Timothy should pass on to the fellow believers in Ephesus shows us the importance of maintaining friendships within the body of believers of which we are members.

2:9   Of course it was not Paul’s gospel. It was the gospel of Jesus Christ. However Paul says it is “my gospel” to distinguish from those who were seeking to get the Ephesians believers to forsake Christ and turn to the Law of Moses.

3:16   The one word translated “inspiration of God” would be better translated “God breathed”. This reminds us of the way in which Adam was brought to life Gen 2:7 by God breathing the breath of life into his nostrils. Just as the breath of God brought Adam to life the word of God gives us life – a life educated in Godly things.

2Tim 3:12,13

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”