Comments for July 22

v. 1 - The beginning of this chapter in David's life where he is denied permission to build God a house, but at the same time has a series of wonderful promises made to him, showing him that he was part of the royal line that would one day lead to Christ the Messiah, sets the scene. We read over it because the rest of the chapter seems so much more important, but what a relief this must have been for David. The life he had was so full of worry and danger and fear, that this must have been a wonderful time for him - to be at peace. The spiritual implications go a long way too as well of course. The same had been applied to Israel earlier - [Joshua 21:44] - and the same will apply to us at times in our lives of chastening - [Heb.4:1-11].

v.2-5 - Isn't it interesting that Nathan feels able to respond positively to David's desire without asking God? Clearly he knew that there was to be a house for God. Maybe he knew about David and Samuel's arrangements [1 Chronicles 9:22]. However he did not know that David was not to be the builder.

v.18-29 - Notice how David's prayer focuses almost entirely on the praise of God. This is an example we do well to take very much to heart.

This list of some of the language of this chapter used elsewhere shows that Solomon saw himself as a fulfilment of the promise and the quotations from Deuteronomy 12 show that David understood, as mentioned when commenting about Chapter 6., saw from Deuteronomy 12 that Jerusalem was the place where the ark was to be placed.

Whereas we see the promises to David as wonderful - which indeed they are - they were a 'second best' - or could have been seen as such - for David. His desire, which had been in his heart from the time he was a teenager in Bethlehem, was to build a temple and now all he gets are some promises. A lesser man would have been dissatisfied. Not David. He sees in the promises a far greater house than even a temple in Jerusalem. Consider Psalm 127 where the house being built by God and the blessing of children are linked.

7:23 The idea that God would 'make him a name' is quoted by Isaiah (63:14) where the prophet is speaking of the kingdom age. So these words to David will have their fulfilment in the kingdom. This is consistent with the promises to David in this chapter which has its complete fulfilment in the kingdom.

V.22 The angel Gabriel was to make allusion to these very words in his message to Mary about her Messiah-Son. In the course of several direct quotations of the promise to David, he added also, "He shall be great"  Luke 1:32, thus indicating a divine status for this Son of David 

Even prophets of God made mistakes when they spoke from their own perspective.  Nathan should have asked for God's view, before he gave God's approval for David's plan (2Sam 7:3). We should learn from this, too

V.5 David wanted to build a physical house for Yahweh, but He questioned whether David was the one to do it. 

Vs.12,13 As we know, Solomon was charged with the responsibility of building the temple.  However, Solomon was not the described son of promise.  Solomon ascended to the throne while David was still alive, and so this prophesy could not apply to him. 

Also, Solomon's throne did not last forever, and he sinned greatly, particularly by degenerating into idolatry, thus making him unfit in Yahweh's eyes.  We know that the throne was no more after Zedekiah (Eze 21:26,27). 

V.16 The throne will only be re-established by the son of promise who will re-establish David's throne forever. Scripture clearly identifies this future king as Jesus who will take possession of the throne when he returns to the earth (Isa 9:6,7; Luke 1:31-33). 

Understanding the future Kingdom of God on earth is a pivotal part of understanding the Gospel.  Believing in the sacrifice of Jesus and its redemptive significance is not sufficient.  Both parts are necessary for the true believer to understand.  This is what the apostles taught (Acts 8:12).  

7:1  In quoting Deut 12:10  indicating that the Lord had given David rest Scripture is telling us that the time to build the temple was near. It is probable that it was that statement which prompted David, at that time, to speak to Nathan about building the temple.

7:27 ‘revealed’ is ‘opened the ear’ – forming the basis for David’s comment in Psa 40:6

When we consider this promise we see that there are two ways it could be interpreted. The kingdom would never be overthrown, being ruled by a dynasty for ever, or there is to be one seed of David who will sit on the throne through his immortal kingship. The phrase "before thee" (V.16) clearly indicates that David will be there to to witness the reign. David would have been aware of exactly what was meant. He therefore looked forward to the day of resurrection.

WHO'S COMFORTABLE?
 
David looked around him and saw his flash palace and all the comforts he was surrounded with. He also saw the ark of God and the place where the LORD was worshipped - a tent.
 
For a spiritual man like David, the realisation that he was living in all the comfort he had provided for himself, while the ark of God was housed in a tent, must have come as a bit of a shock to someone who loved the LORD as much as David did. David said as much to Nathan the prophet. "Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent." (2Sam 7:1)
 
David then proposed to build a house for the ark of God - a temple where God could be worshipped. It turned out in the end that God did not want David to build him a temple, but that he had planned for David's son Solomon to build it.
 
The important thing to note is David's attitude. He realised that he had been serving himself more than he had been serving God in this area of his life, and he wanted to make it right.
 
Years later, Haggai had to tell his people to get their priorities right in the same way. He said, "Is this a time for you yourselves to be living in your panelled houses, while this house (God's temple) remains a ruin?" (Hag 1:3)
 
Let's have the attitude of David who wanted to do the right thing. Like David, let's acknowledge the areas of our lives in which we serve ourselves more than God, and make the changes we need to make for the better.

7:10    In telling David ‘I will appoint a place’ God is reminding David of what had been said in the wilderness – Deut 12:11 – that God would select a place where his name would be placed. At this point in time, even though it appears that David had worked out that place was to be Jerusalem God had not actually shown the place – this he did when the sword of the angel was stayed over the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.

V.5 David was not allowed to build the temple. That is because he was a man of war, and one who had shed blood (1Chron 28:3). Solomon, whose name means peace, was the one who would build the temple. The temple represented a sanctuary of peace where Yahweh dwelled.

The physical temple pointed forward to Jesus as the spiritual temple (John 2:19-21). Jesus, the Prince of Peace, had shed no blood, and was, therefore, qualified to build the spiritual temple of Yahweh (Isa 9:6). The followers of Jesus are part of Him and, therefore, are part of that temple (1Cor 3:16).

7:18 When David went and ‘sat before the Lord’ we can assume that the place where he went and sat was in the tent that he had pitched where he had placed the ark of the covenant.

The throne of David will be established forever and his offspring Jesus will be the ruler when he returns to rule over the earth - 2Sam 7:12-13,16,25-26;1Kin 11:36;1Chron 17:11-14,23-27;2Chron 21:7;Psa 89:3-4,26,27,36;132:10-13;Isa 9:7;2:2-4;Matt 6:10;5:5;19:28;25:31-34;Luke 1:32-33;Acts 2:29-30;13:23;Rom 1:3;2Tim 2:8;Heb 1:5,8,9,13;Psa 110:1;Rev 22:1,3,12,16,20.

V.2 This is the first time that we are introduced to the prophet Nathan. Nathan means gift, or given (by God).  He plays an important role in the reigns of David and Solomon.  The understanding of the temple, on how it is to be set up, and by whom, is one of Nathan’s responsibilities.  Other main responsibilities of Nathan included the rebuke of David in his affair with Bathsheba, and Solomon’s education.

Nathan is accredited with writing a book (1Chron 29:29). This work is unknown outside its mention in the Books of Samuel.  Perhaps, this is a lost work.

V.29 The blessings of Yahweh’s house will be continued in the kingdom period.  A fourth temple will be built, the details of which are outlined in Ezekiel Ch.41. This physical temple will be used by the mortal population for worship.  There are many similarities to Solomon’s temple, but many differences also. The ways of Yahweh and His Christ will be taught to the earthly population in their preparation for judgment at the end of the kingdom period (Rev 20:12-15). 

All surviving nations from the wars, which shall precede peace in the Kingdom, will be commanded to come to Jerusalem to worship (Zech 14:6,7). The physical temple will be open for worship throughout the whole day and night for those nations to worship (Rev 21:24,25).  

It will be the responsibility of the Redeemed (the immortalised brothers and sisters of Jesus accepted, by Him, at the first judgment) to teach the mortal population of divine ways.  This is because the divine multitudinous assembly consisting of the Yahweh, His Son and the Redeemed will be at the core of the temple (Rev 21:22).  And, we have been promised that we would become a kingdom of priests (Rev 5:10).

In developing our vision of the kingdom, we should keep our future duties in mind.  Why do we want to be in the Kingdom anyway?  Do we seek eternal life, and if so, for what purpose? Surely, if we are trying to worship Yahweh as best we can in this life, then we would want to continue worshipping Him in perfect understanding  and without the interference of the flesh in the Kingdom (1Cor 13:12; 15:52-54). 

Today, we try to teach a largely hostile population the Truth.  In the kingdom, it will be our divine duty and pleasure to teach the whole, attentive world the Truth.

2Sam 7:14;Heb 1:5.

v12-16: First Principles>Sure Mercies of David>King
One of the conditions for there to be a kingdom is that there has to be a king. Although David was a king, these verses show that Jesus will be king, and this will last for ever. Zech 6:12-13, Matt 5:35
1. David is to have a descendant 1Chron 17:11-12, 2Sam 7:12, Luke 18:38, Rom 1:3-4, Rom 1:3-4
2. The Descendant is called the Branch Isa 11:1-4, Jer 23:5-6, Jer 33:14-15, Zech 6:12-13
3. The Descendant will reign on David's throne 1Chron 17:11-14, Psa 89:36
4. The Descendant will reign on David's throne for ever 2Chron 21:7, Jer 33:17
5. This Descendant is the Son of God 1Chron 17:13, Mark 10:47-48, Luke 1:31-33, John 7:42, 2Tim 2:8, Rev 22:16
6. This is an everlasting covenant sworn to David, and it did not take place in David's lifetime 2Sam 23:3-5 but there will be a future fulfilment Psa 89:3-4. Psa 132:11 is quoted in the New Testament and applied to Jesus Acts 2:30, Acts 13:22-23. This shows that Jesus will be the future King.

David's descendant is Rev 22:16 Jesus' testimony
David's descendant is a Saviour and a King Acts 13:22-23
Jesus will be king Acts 17:31
Jesus will reign from mount Zion Mic 4:7, Psa 2:6
The Kingdoms will become those of Christ Rev 11:15
The two covenants - Abraham and David Matt 1:1

For more about First Principles>Sure Mercies of David, go to Isa 55:3.
 

7:12-17This account of the promise has as its prime focus Solomon with Messiah in the distance whereas the account of this promise in 1Chron 17:11-15 has Messiah as its prime focus and Solomon as the short term fulfillment as can be seen from the differences between the two accounts

Notice the Samuel account uses language which speaks of short term whereas Chronicles is more general. Also Chronicles does not mention committing iniquity. Samuel has ‘thy house’ speaking to David whereas Chronicles has God speaking of ‘my’ house.

2Sam 7:12 - if Heli (Luke 3:31) was the father of Mary it would appear Christ was at least partially descended from David's son Nathan as we don't know Mary's mother's lineage.

7:6     David’s words are used repeatedly by Solomon when he dedicates the temple which he had built according to the instructions that David had given him.  The words in this verse are quoted – 1Kin 8:16 -

7:12   The phrase ‘sleep with thy fathers’ is quoted – 1Kin 1:21 – by Bathsheba to cause David to respond to the promise that God had made to him.

7:23     That God would make a name for David contrasts with the desire of the men who built the tower of Babel. They were more concerned with making a name for themselves – Gen 11:4

7:12    The phrase ‘sleep with thy fathers’ is quoted – 1Kin 1:21 – by Bathsheba to cause David to respond to the promise that God had made to him.

The second tent for the ark

"the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains." 2Sam 7:2

Where do you think the ark was at this time? We'd assume the "curtains" mentioned here are the tabernacle wouldn't we? In 2Sam 6:17 and 1Chron 16:1 we see the ark was in Judah in the tent David pitched for it, in and Psa 78:60-68 we are told how God forsook the tabernacle at Shiloh at the time of Eli.
 

7:7      the fact that God “walked” with Israel teaches a powerful lesson. Israel was not on their own in their journeying. God was not watching from afar. He was with them. In like manner God’s faithful children, now, are not on their own.

7:8   Whilst the way God speaks of how he took David from being a shepherd to be king is factually correct there is more to it than just a factual description. God had chosen David precisely because he was a shepherd – he was committed to taking care of sheep. So God knew he would be capable and willing to take care of God’s sheep – His people. It is an example of what Jesus would later say Matt 25:21

7:12    The promise that David’s son would come “out of thy bowels” highlights that the promise to David is a continuation of the promise to Abraham where a similar phrase is used – Gen 15:4 – to speak of Abraham’s seed.

7:18 The privileged position of David sitting before the Lord is echoed in our relationship with God Eph 2:6speaks of us sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

7:28     David’s prayer “thy words be true” is echoed in the words of his son Solomon – 1Kin 8:26

2Sam 7:16

“And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established forever before thee: thy throne shall be established forever.”

As a result of David’s sin (2Sam 12:9,10), rebellion within David’s house ensued. First it was by the hands of Absalom, then Adonijah’s rebellion against Solomon. Solomon, a type of Christ in many respects, marred the divinely intended type by marrying Pagan women and building altars to their gods. God then proceeded to mark, historically, the marred picture by rending the Kingdom of Israel in two. Rehoboam adopted the foolish advice of the young men while rejecting the conciliatory counsel of the old men and a revolt ensued and the Kingdom split in two. The promise was conditional (1Kin 9:1-9). All these events appeared to come about quite naturally, but the Divine Hand of Providence was at play all the time!  The division never healed and won’t be until the greater than Solomon reunites them as one again (Eze 37:22; Matt 12:42; Luke 11:31).

Israel faced two courses; obedience led to blessings, disobedience to punishments. Because of their disobedience, power over them was given to their enemies, and through them God executed their punishments. It is no different today. The ways of providence have not ceased. God’s hidden hand still works among the nations and His ecclesia, and divisions within (cf. 1Cor 11:19) and without all seem to come about so naturally. Only the greater than Solomon, the Christ, will be able to heal the rifts (Mal 4:2). What was written in Biblical times was written for our learning (Rom 15:4).

The nations are in turmoil and America is being opposed by unrelenting all-out attacks by the liberal world order; their guiding principles are open borders, liberal democracy, destroy capitalism and share the wealth, and individual freedoms. It all sounds so nice and charitable, but what they leave out is that the people will be forced to live under its dictatorial rules, edicts, unceasing regulations, and constantly soaring high taxes needed to pay for their socialist utopian dream! There will be no individual freedoms, and no individual rights.

President Trump is battling to save this nation, but with the liberal media against him, very little of this is being reported simply because it goes contrary to their agenda. “Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it.” - Adolph Hitler and Dr. Joseph Goebbels, Nazi leaders. America, as a nation, has forsaken God, and will reap its punishments just as Israel did. While American soldiers under President Obama were ordered to wear high heels so they would know what it feels like to be a woman, Russia was and is seriously and busily training for war!

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2015/04/23/soldiers-in-high-heels-draw-online-outburst/

Even more abominable is how certain nations like Italy, Austria, and Hungary are looking to President Trump to save them from the liberalism of the EU instead of repenting and turning to God. Italy erected a huge, scary-looking statue of Donald Trump honouring him like a god through whom deliverance will come! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWjC_mrucY4

God rules in the kingdoms of men and will bring about the punishments rightly due. He will set up rulers as He purposes for the final end-game. Our duty is to remain faithful and not be critical of who is, who is not, or who ought to be in power, because to do so is a direct affront to God (Rom 13:1,2). It is what it is for a reason. Political emotions are high even in Christadelphia, though Scripture clearly warns us not to entangle ourselves in worldly affairs (2Tim 2:4).

2Sam 7:16

A reader writes: “Every morning I do an hour to two hours of Bible study to start my day. This includes reading the comments submitted to the Daily Bible Readings. It has been a wonderful educational and uplifting spiritual Oasis to start each day with, that is until I read your entry today. This Oasis has been threatened with your "political" motivated comments. You used "liberal" democracy, "liberal" world order, "liberal" media tieing them in with Adolph Hitler, as well as stating that "President Thrump is battling to save this nation" (from liberalism). Etc.

I'm afraid that your "political" statements might have opened the "political" Pandora's Box and has contaminated this Oasis that I have enjoyed and benifited from these last umpteen years. Will others follow your example with supporting or opposing views? I pray not! For we are NOT of this world. Only Christ can set things right. To get political is to judge and Jesus said "Do not judge so that you will not be judged"(Matt 7:1) We are to discern, we are NOT to judge. Politics divides people. Faith brings people together. They can not be combined and have harmony.

Your comments "Scripture clearly warns us not to entangle ourselves in worldly affairs (2Tim 2:4)" and "Our duty is to remain faithful and not be critical of who is, who is not, or who ought to be in power, because to do so is a direct affront to God (Rom 12:1-2" are both good advice. I wish you had limited your comments to those and those alone for I feel that your "political" comments in themselves have created a stumbling block for me and possibly for others.(Matt 18:7).”

My reply: It is very sad that you interpret what I wrote in 2Sam 7:16 as my "political statements," when what I stated is a condensed version directly from the media, not my political opinions or conclusions, and are all verifiable upon research, which I did. The future is bleak for the world, America is divided without question, and brethren and sisters are divided and have been politically especially since President Trump came into power. While in fellowship with one another they resent one another over political matters! This is what motivated me to exhort and to write, "Political emotions are high even in Christadelphia, though Scripture clearly warns us not to entangle ourselves in worldly affairs (2Tim 2:4)."

The author of the books of Samuel was an uncannily astute observer of political life and moral compromises and the contradictions that the struggle for power inevitably entails. The Bible presents numerous detailed examples of political events of warring factious nations, and some have rejected the Bible for these reasons, others because of its accounts of slavery, animal sacrifices, still others oppose the Song of Solomon for its intimate sexuality! Some even refuse to read Brother Dr. John Thomas' works and disparage him, because he owned slaves!

You conclude that my conclusions, "are good advice." Scripture advises this. How can I then favour one party over another, be duplicitous, especially in light of Rom 13:1,2, which I cited? This makes no sense. Observing, pausing and considering, is one thing, entangling quite another. My side is with Christ and his future governmental rule, and I fear that your emotions have led to a misunderstanding in what I presented, which, as stated, was in direct response to Christadelphians heatedly taking sides in hopes of their rethinking the matter. It was a call to action in love to reverse their thinking! We are the children of the living God, so why should we live in fear? Do we not believe or have faith in what God has declared (Deut 31:6; Psa 32:7; Psa 46:1-3)? Having said that, I do appreciate and respect your sensitivity, and possibly others, to the issues addressed, who may not have been aware in which direction the world is heading, and shall do my best to refrain from being so detailed, and for this, I thank you.

Daniel tells us that God sets over the kingdoms of men the "basest of men," so to us it really doesn't matter who is in worldly power - the good, bad, and ugly things they do. It truly is a very exciting time in witnessing the unfolding of events, the troublous times such as never was to come upon the world, and the fulfillment of certain prophecies that will usher in the return of Christ, and the glorious future that awaits the saints - all prophesied in the Word of God.

Addendum: To discern, or to evaluate the signs of the times, is to judge. How else may we determine right from wrong (cf. Matt 7:15-20; 1Cor 2:15,16)? Judging involves every aspect of life, but it must be righteous judgment, not a hypocritical one (John 7:24). It is to understand the parties’ stand and the placement of it in Scripture (cf. Luke 17:27-30). This observation is not an active participation or entanglement in either party. If it contradicts the Word, we make judgments according to the Word. Our only side is with Christ, but this does not prohibit us watching, judging world events, or even commenting on them. It is only when sides are taken, as related to the political parties, that disharmony exists creating problems!

https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=3544/

Regarding Liberalism vs. Conservatism in our day, “Modern conservatism is really a variant of liberalism, and socialism, too, is not wholly distinct from it.”

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/aug/15/liberalism-political-economic-different-ideologies/

7:9 David would recognise how that God had been with him during the time he was fleeing from Saul. Whilst here, focusing on Solomon, the enemies have been subdued in the “parallel” account 1 Chronicles 17:10 – where the focus in on Christ, the enemies will be subdued. This is because the Chronicles account is looking forward to the last enemy – death – being cut off.

Matt 23:4 Laying burdens upon others peoples shoulders was completley against scripture and certainly against what a priest was supposed to be,

Exo 28:12 for we see the high preist was to have upon the shoulders (bare the burden) and upon the chest (in his heart) the breasplate which contained the 12 tribes of Israel (Urim and Thummim) as he entered the most holy.

The great high priest is of course our burden bearer who sits at the right hand of God.

2Sam 7:10-17 - This would appear to have elements of Solomon, but V12 suggests Christ (Solomon was made king by David while David was still alive). V14 I will be his father and he will be my son (God was the Father of Christ), V16 your kingdom will endure forever suggests Christ.  A similar passage is 1Chron 22:6-10 where it even mentions Solomon by name yet V10 would appear to be an echo of Christ. Both Christ and David were referred to as sons of David. 

2Sam 7:16

A reader writes: “My dear Sister Valerie, Your comments were totally unwarranted for the brothers retort and I do so pray that you keep up your detailed work. Has he never heard any Prophecy talks as they go into great detail on political agenda’s to keep us the Watchmen abreast of what God and the angels are doing as he rules in the Kingdom of men… May our Heavenly Father Bless you and keep you under his protective wings until our Lords return.”

My reply: This brother clearly took Matt 18:6 out of context, implying, albeit unknowingly, that I am willfully placing a stumbling block before the brethren! In Luke 17:2; Matt 18:6, offend in both these verses is # <4624>,scandalizo, “to entrap, i.e. trip up… to entice to sin.” Therefore, those who willfully would draw someone away from the Truth, or prevent from coming to the Truth, warrant the death sentence. Matt 18:6 is a dire warning, not to be taken literally.

In Rom 14:21, the verse carries both, “stumbleth or is offended…” Stumbleth is # <4350>, proskopto, “to strike at, surge against, trip up” cf. # <4348> from <4350>, “occasion of apostasy.” Offended is scandalizo, # <4624>. Then in 1Cor 8:13, offend x2 is # <4624> scandalizo. When we wound their weak conscience, we sin against Christ (cf. 1Cor 8:12).  

Our desire is to bring one another closer to Christ, learn to love, and to love one another, not threaten and condemn one another with a noose because we are offended, citing Matt 18. Interestingly, many walked away from Christ because they were offended at what he said and this caused him to ask his disciples, “… Doth this offend [# <4624>] you?” (John 6:53-69). Christ did not purposely trip up anyone, his intentions were good, yet just speaking the Truth, he knew some would reject the Truth altogether; he knew their hearts and, thus, spoke in parables, we don't, and thus, speak plainly (cf. John 16:25). Yet, how often Jesus exclaimed he wanted to bring them to the Truth, but they wouldn’t, and just before his crucifixion he lamented for them when he prayerfully, sorrowfully, compassionately and lovingly exclaimed, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem” (Matt 23:37; Luke 13:34). It is this beautiful spirit we are to emulate. Let us ask ourselves, “Is our heart toward the things of God and His Son, the Christ? If we turn away, who shall we turn to?”

7:18-29 David had been working towards building God a house for the last 15 plus years. Nathan had encouraged him to do it but then told him he could not (:3-5) but that when he was dead his son would build it. It is against the background o that disappointment that David, having received the promise (:12-16) David praised God for His words. In this we see how David’s focus was on doing God’s will, rather than his own. We can learn from this as to how our lives should be focussed.

7:9 David would recognise how that God had been with him during the time he was fleeing from Saul. Whilst here, focusing on Solomon, the enemies have been subdued in the “parallel” account 1Chron 17:10– where the focus in on Christ, the enemies will be subdued. This is because the Chronicles account is looking forward to the last enemy – death – being cut off.

TIME TO REST?

There are certain times in our lives when we might sit back and think to ourselves that we have accomplished the things we have wanted to achieve, or that life is not so busy or pressured at present, so that we can take it easy and relax for a little bit.

David could have thought that too. He had been made king, all of Israel was united, his kingdom had been established, he had built himself a house for his growing family, and because of his continual shows of strength, his enemies were keeping their distance. Time to take life easy? Not if David had his way!

"Now when the king lived in his house and the LORD had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, the king said to Nathan the prophet, 'See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.'" (2Sam 7:1-2).

David wanted to use the quiet time to build up a house for God's glory. While the rest of us would holiday in Hawaii, David wanted to get to work for God while he had the time to do it. Let us make the most of our quiet or fulfilled times and use them, like David, to give glory to God.

7:2 How often do we spend more time on our own things and less on the things of God. Not that David was seeking to increase his status. Rather, seeing the situation he was in he saw that there were things he should be doing for God. It is not, however, all about a building. It is a matter of Recognising that there are always things that we can do for god, though often we put our own “needs” first.

7:5  Whilst here it seems as if God is just asking David a question from the way that the records in 1Chron 17:4reads God was very clear in telling David that he was not to build the house. So we see the way that the record reads here is a rhetorical question to which, by implication, David would understand that the answer was that he was not to build the house.

v. 1 - It is clear that the way of the wicked prospers. Those around us are able to have wealth and comfort that we do not share, and as all things are from God, this must be His judgement on them. We need to recognise as Jeremiah did in v.3, that our trials are there because God cares for us, where he does not care for the wicked. What they have is for this life only and is fleeting and transient, but what we have is for ever. ch.11:20, Gen.18:25, Deut.32:4, Ps.119:75.

v.16 - The concept of diligent observance is seen in a number of parts of Scripture [Exodus 15:26 Deuteronomy 11:13 22 28:1 Jeremiah 12:16 17:24 Zechariah 6:15] and marks the requirement to give detailed attention to the things of God, not just skip over them. How does this apply to our daily reading of Scripture?

v. 3 - Let us remember that if we plead with Him (v.1), we are also known of Him. The greatest honour of all is that we might be known of God. We should remember that. Consider 1John 3:20-21

12:13 The sowing of wheat and reaping thorns is taken up by Jesus (Luke 8:14) in the parable of the sower. So we understand that the coming up of the tares / thorns is not a chance happening. It is a conscious choice made by those who get involved with the things of the world.

:10 The 'pastors' who have destroyed the vineyard - which is Israel are the religious leader. We know that the fact that Israel did not wholly follow their God meant that He turned to the gentiles. This is seen in the way that 'after that I will return' is quoted (Acts 15:16) by James along with the quotation from Amos 9 to justify the preaching to the gentiles.

12 This chapter breaks into two parts. 

:1-13 Jeremiah laments his situation.

:14-17 God responds to Jeremiah's complaint.

V.5  "swelling of Jordan"  In harvest time and earlier (April and May) it overflows its banks (Josh 3:15), and fills the valley called the Ghor. "the pride of Jordan", its wooded banks abounding in lions and other wild beasts.Jer 49:19, Jer 50:44, Zech 11:3

Yesterday’s reading reminded us how far Judah had gone from God.  Today He tells them that He has left them (Jer 12:7-9). Dreadful words.  But at the end of the chapter there is hope. The Lord will scatter them, but in the end re-gather them (Jer 12:14-17). He really is a merciful Lord God.

12:15  A glimmer of hope is presented amidst gloom and doom. There will come a time, says the prophet, when God will regather the Jews in His compassion.

12:1-4 The way in which Jeremiah laments the way things seem to be going in the land highlights at least two things.

1 Jeremiah was troubled by the fact that even though he was speaking truth he was still suffering whereas the wicked seemed to prosper.

2 Jeremiah had a concern for the people that he was sent to witness to.

12:3 The New Testament – James 5:5 – uses language from this verse to warn brethren and sisters about the consequences of their decadent lives.

V.7 Yahweh dearly loved His people, and yet He was willing to punish them to teach them a lesson.  He always had restoration in mind, though, after the lesson had been learned.  There is a lesson here for us as ecclesias and as parents, that tough love is better for our members or for our children than is indulgence.

Vs.1-4 The wicked do seem to prosper.  Yahweh makes them prosper, but they pay Him no attention. Jeremiah claims that he has been devoted to Yahweh, and urges The Almighty to punish the wicked, like sheep for slaughter (James 5:5). The prophet asks how long would this wickedness last.

V.5 Yahweh asks Jeremiah that if he can hardly deal with the smaller things (footmen), then how will he keep up with the larger challenges (horses)? This is not to mention the great uncontrollable outbursts of pride and wickedness like the swelling of the Jordan (KJV). 

The River Jordan burst its banks twice a year. The river covered the woods which, at that time, concealed lions and other dangerous animals.  The traveller could become confused with the new parameters of the swollen river and run smack into these wild animals.  Hence, is described the most dangerous condition of all for Jeremiah in his witness for Yahweh’s truth.

Incidentally, the ESV translates the swelling of the Jordan (KJV) as the thicket of the Jordan to better reflect the reality of the dangers of the wild animals (Jeremiah's greatest challenges).

V.6 Jeremiah cannot rely on anyone but Yahweh.  All others will betray him, and will rail on him (See Prov 26:5; Isa 31:4).

Vs.7-13 Yahweh’s people have dealt treacherously with Him and have betrayed Him.  Thus, Yahweh has turned them over to the oppressor for correction (Lam 1:7).

Vs.14,15  But, Yahweh will always redeem His people by saving a remnant of them.  He has always done this, and He will do so again in the end times (Psa 107:1-3).

In the previous chapter Jeremiah learns of the plot to kill him (11:18-19). Most painfully for Jeremiah, they are his own family and amazingly, his fellow priests of God (compare 1:1, and 11:21, 12:6). Thus in v1 Jeremiah is perplexed and discusses the problem with God. How can these seemingly righteous people be so happy plotting treachery and wickedness? How can they quote scripture so well, and give such uplifting sermons when Your ways are not in their hearts? (v2). Such is Jeremiah's disgust with these perverse members of his family, that in his prayer he requests their doom, which God grants (v3 and 11:21-23).

But God's reply is interesting. "If you have run with footmen and been wearied, how can you contend with horses?" (v5). In other words: "Now you feel but a little of what I feel" (v7-13).

12:3 Jeremiah, frustrated with the people he has to speak to, desires God to intervene and judge them. That is what he is asking for when he speaks of ‘the day of slaughter’.

12:15  James in Acts 15:16 speaks of the ‘prophets’ The major part of his quotation in from Amos 9:11. The opening comment quotes ‘after this I will return’ from this place in Jeremiah.

12:5-6 Jeremiah had lamented his situation in verses :1-4. God now explains that it is hardly surprising that Jeremiah is having problems due to the power of his opponents.

12:16-17        The justice and mercy of God are seen in the way that God would deal with Israel.  Punishment if unfaithful, blessings if faithful.  It was ever this. We only ever have two choices. Obedience or disobedience though often we do not see this clear distinction and try to justify our back sliding behaviour as if there is a third way

12:11  Josiah was a faithful king bringing about significant reforms in worship. However the prophet says of the sorry state of the land “no man layeth it to heart” indicating the apathy of the people. It was only Josiah and maybe a few others who turned to God faithfully. 

OUTLINE OF JEREMIAH

PART TWO -- THE PROPHECIES TO JUDAH (JEREMIAH 2:1 to 45:5)

I. The Condemnation of Judah (Jeremiah 2:1 to 35:38)

   D. Fourth Sermon - Judah's Breach of the Covenant (Jeremiah 11:1 to 12:17):

      11. Jer 12:1-3 - V1 Jeremiah asking God (NIV) "Why does the way of the wicked prosper?"; VS 1-3 the prosperity of the wicked has always been a problem and trial for the righteous (Job 9:24;Job 21:7-11,30;(NIV) Psa 9:17-18;Psa 73:2,3,Psa 73:12-17); V2 "they grow<1980>", "reigns<3629>".

      12. Jer 12:4 - Jeremiah asks, how long shall all the land suffer because of the wicked? The wicked mock Jeremiah, saying, inspite of all his threatening, we shall outlive him; the wicked planned that Jeremiah would die (or be killed) and/or that his prophecies would not come about.

      13. Jer 12:5-6 - VS 5-17 God replies; V5 God starts out conveying to Jeremiah that if you think it is difficult for you now prepare for things to get even more difficult; V5 "swelling<1347>"; the "swelling of Jordan (river)" might refer to the two times a year it used to overflow its banks being Spring (April to May) and harvest season (Josh 3:15) or it might refer to military forces or even Christ (Jer 50:44;Zech 11:3;Jer 49:19;Obad 1:21); V6 those of Anathoth, his own brethren, dealt treacherously with Jeremiah but Jeremiah  and Christ paid the price of their redemption (Jer 11:21;Jer 12:6;Luke 4:24;John 7:5;Jer 32:8-15); V6 Jeremiah and Christ were both put in a pit with assistance from the ruling authorities that did not wish to assist, and both rose out of the pit (Jer 38:4-10).
 

   D. Fourth Sermon - Judah's Breach of the Covenant (Jeremiah 11:1 to 12:17):

      14. Jer 12:7-10 - V7 "mine house<1004>" context seems to suggest it refers to my household not the temple, "I have left<5203>"; VS 7-9 as David Simpson noted in his 2005 comments God left Judah and will scatter them, but in the end regather them (Jer 12:14-17); VS 7,10 the coming spoiling of the land was because of Jeremiah's evil neighbors; V10 "pastors<7462>".

      15. Jer 12:11 - "the whole land (of Israel) is made desolate" - another fulfilled prophecy.

      16. Jer 12:12 - "spoilers<7703>".

      17. Jer 12:13 - as Peter Forbes notes in his 2002 comments, the wheat and the tares reminds one of the parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-15 especially note V14); V13 perhaps also reminds one of Eden after the fall of man (Gen 3:9-19).

      18. Jer 12:14-17 - VS 14-17 evil neighbors (Syrians, Moabites, and Amonite aggressors) will likewise be punished as Judah if they don't obey;  VS 15-17, Jer 18:7-8, Jer 24:6, Jer 31:28 - future restoration of a remnant; Gal 6:16 "the Israel of God" still mostly sleeps awaiting the coming of the shepherd God has appointed and then Jeremiah will awake (Jer 31:26) and then will there be few that be saved? Christ answers (Luke 13:23-30); V16 both Jew and Gentile must reverse their past conduct, then believing Gentiles shall also be admitted within the fold of the true (spiritual, Israel).

12:4     The way in which Jeremiah speaks of the land suffering because of the sin of the people is not mere poetry. God was cursing the land because of Israel’s sins. An earlier clear example of this is seen in Amos 4:9.

12:2     Jeremiah now reminds God of what He had done. In Jer 2:21 God says he had planted Israel in the land. Jeremiah now laments that even though God had planted them they were not following Him.

12:2    In the earlier prophet – Isa 5:1-2 – The prophet speaks of the vineyard that God had prepared. Jeremiah now refers back to that by speaking of God planting the nations.

12:6    God was well aware that Jeremiah’s own family had turned against him. Maybe this was something that Jeremiah had not considered – that God knew what was happening to him. We can learn from this. Whatever is happening in our lives our Father is fully aware of it and will organise circumstances as He sees appropriate for us.

12:1  this is one of the many times that Jeremiah enters into dialogue with God. He speaks of the problem many faithful servants of God have voiced. Why do the wicked prosper? Or why haven’t you judged the wicked yet? Of course the reason is that God is merciful and is waiting for repentance. We should try and develop that way of thinking in our own lives

Jer 12:4 here we see the herb withering.

In fact Herb is associated with withering in other places of scripture in scripture,Psa 37:2, Isa 42:15.

But the herb in Deut 32:2 is noted as tender, it is a young shoot that has sprouted from the earth they are the plants animals eat tehrefore vunerable to the beasts of the field. The herb in Duet 32 is dependant upon rain or rather the doctrine of God!

12:5 Jeremiah had spoken to God about the godlessness of the people and that it is hard preaching to them. God’s response is that it is going to get harder! We might think that was not very encouraging. However it was good for Jeremiah to know in advance that he was going to experience more problems with his own family which is to a large extent where his problems were coming from.

12:7-10 These are heart felt laments by Yahweh because of the behaviour of His people. He had instructed Israel to build the temple in the days of Solomon. His presence was there – seen in the cloud that filled the temple when Solomon dedicated it to God. But now God speaks of forsaking it. Consider. Things were so bad in His house that He would rather not be there.  Do we give consideration at how our Father feels when we wilfully disobey Him?

12:4 We live in an age when many are encouraging us to “save the planet”. It might seem a laudable thing to do. In fact there is nothing wrong with being careful with the earth that God has created. However it is rather short sighted to think that we can “save the planet” that is destined to be changed by God.

Notice that it was the behaviour with respect to worship of Him that caused the land to “mourn” in Jeremiah’s day. Likewise today it is the sinfulness of mankind that is the issue – not things like global warming.

We cannot change the way that men and women in the world behave but we can work on our own behaviour.

12:1  The nation of Israel were being punished by God and yet Jeremiah can say “righteous art thou O Lord …”

This reaction on Jeremiah’s part comers from a clear understanding of how and why God reacts as He does.

Whenever we might be tempted to question God’s actions, whatever they are, we are in a foolish position of questioning God’s righteousness.

Jer 12:1-4 This section is very interesting for the fact that Habakkuk, a contemporary prophet to Jeremiah, wrote almost identical words Hab 1:2-4,12-17 So from these two servants of the LORD we understand just how taxing this calling really was. We learn that sometimes its ok to feel these emotions of confusion and sadness, after all, God INTENDS for us to not understand everything Isa 55:8. God does not get upset at Jeremiah. He swiftly provides him the answer and ease of mind He knew he needed. And because of this conversation, Jeremiah is up and ready to go in the very next chapter. So never be ashamed if a day comes filled with bewilderment. Never be embarrassed to ask for a spiritual pick-me-up. And don't be consumed with pride so as to not recognize the answer provided. 

v.1-12 - These verses give us a great exhortation not to be proud in our own strength, as the Scribes and Pharisees were, using their power to teach to turn men to their way of thinking without the authority of scripture behind it. It is true that we need to beware of many many 'Scribes and Pharisees' in our modern age, those who would take us from the truth, but equally we need to heed these words in the light of what we do ourselves. [Rom.16:18]. Let us be sure that what we do is to the glory of God and not of ourselves, that v.13 may not be levelled also at us. [1Cor. 10:31].

v.11 - The problem of being 'greatest' is seen extensively in the gospel records [Matthew 18:1,4 23:11 Mark 9:34 Luke 9:46 22:24]
v.12 - Jesus teaches us that God will exalt the humble. [Matthew 23:12] This idea passes into the letters of James and Peter [James 4:10 1 Peter 5:6]

23:14 Devour widows houses Ezekiel 22:25 shows that the leaders in Jesus' days were no better than those who had been taken captive to Babylon - and so would suffer the same fate - captivity - when the Romans came, which they did in AD 70.

Jesus' ministry started with specific teaching to his disciples - Matthew 5-7, The sermon on the mount. This chapter also contains specific teaching to individuals - The religious leaders. So Jesus public ministry begins and ends with a 'sermon' - but note the difference. The first is instruction to his disciples. The last is a powerful condemnation of the religious leaders of his day.

Jesus has finally silenced the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and the Herodians in chapter 22v22, 34, 46, after they tried to entangle him in his speech (22v15). Now he unleashes a terrible barrage of accusation and condemnation against them. Can you imagine how they felt having the most popular man in Israel publicly exposing them in this way?

Jesus seems to be very emotionally involved in this chapter. He must have been quite wound up to say the things he did with such feeling! But why was he so concerned with their hypocrisy? Surely it was up to them what they did, and Jesus could have concentrated on those more worthy of salvation?

V13 is key. They had been shutting the kingdom up to others. V17, 24, 26 they were blind guides of the blind! This is worse than not having a guide, because a blind man might be able to feel his way on hands and knees if necessary. Jesus was so utterly angry with them because they had shut up the kingdom to the "little ones" who would otherwise have entered it. They had, by adding to the law and making it a burden, made it like a millstone round the necks of those who were trying to be faithful, when really it ought to have been "a schoolmaster to Christ". The Pharisees ought to have been able to see, so that they could guide the way to Jesus, but instead they would drag those they were guiding into a pit with them! (15v14). For this reason they would receive the greater condemnation (v14). They were the ones who were causing the little ones to stumble, and Jesus had said of such "it would be better if ... they were thrown into the sea" (Mark 9v42). After three years of teaching them and pleading with them to repent, he'd finally had enough, and pronounced the judgement of v32-38 on them. This was to be the culmination of all the prophecies regarding the wickedness of Israel "that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth... all these things will come upon this generation".

23:38 Whilst the Jewish leaders would have thought of the temple as the house of God Jesus refers to it as ‘your’ house. It was theirs, not God’s.

V.29-32 The hypocrisy which Jesus signals refers to the fact that these very scribes and Pharisees who occupied themselves with the task of thus honouring the prophets, at the same time were making plans to murder the greatest Prophet of all.  Matt 12:14,   Matt 16:21,    Matt 21:38; 39; 46

V.37-39 Christ's final recorded address fittingly closes with a moving lament in which the severity of Divine judgement on all who have answered such marvellous compassion with contempt.  

V.23 It is easy for us to stand appalled at the scribes and Pharisees, and to applaud the Lord's tongue-lashing of them.  However, if we are not employing the spiritual qualities of justice, mercy and faith, then we ought to take stock of ourselves.

23:33 In calling them a 'generation of vipers' Jesus is echoing the rebuke of John the Baptist (Luke 3:7}

V.35 Jesus puts the blood guilt on the Jewish leaders for all the righteous who have been slain throughout Old Testament times.  He says: the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah. 

Abel's murder is recorded in the first book of Old Testament scripture (Gen 4:8); and Zechariah's murder (not the prophet) is recorded in the last book of Old Testament scripture (according to the original Hebrew order) (2Chron 24:20-22).  

23:13 The repeated woes, after the parable of the wicked husbandmen – Matt 21:33-41 - spoken on the same day as this chapter shows that Jesus’ mind was still in Isaiah 5 for we read repeated woes there also. Isa 5:8 etc.

23:16-19        The precise legalism of the Jews was, in fact, their downfall. They thought that their precision was a virtue – they had defined what was acceptable in minute detail – but they missed the spirit of the law – Twice they had been encouraged to understand Hos 6:6 – in Matt 9:13, 12:7 and still the lesson had not sunk home. How are we doing in that respect?

V.14 This verse is not found in some manuscripts.

23:11 Seeing greatness in service is a way of thinking which is fundamentally different to the thinking of the flesh. So even when we ‘serve’ we tend to think of what we are doing as some great virtue. However the more we ‘serve’ the lowlier we should think of ourselves.!

Vs.2,3  It is easy to shake one's head in disgust at Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees, but we should be careful to examine our own behaviour (Matt 5:20).  Doing things decently and in order (1Cor 14:40) should not be an excuse to supplant faith with legalism.

Jesus did not criticise the Pharisees as teachers of the Law, but He did condemn their hypocrisy.  They did not practice what they preached.  It is an easy for anybody to do this, so care must be taken, by us, to make sure our words and deeds are compatible.

V.9 Catholic priests are called father contrary to the command of Christ.  Furthermore, they set themselves up as mediators between God and man.  Again, this is contrary to the scriptures (1Tim 2:5).

Vs.16-22 The Lord's condemnation of the Pharisees' swearing oaths reminds us of our own stance in not taking oaths (James 5:12).

V.24 strain at a gnat (KJV) is better rendered: straining out a gnat (ESV) as the sense is the Pharisees taking care to remove a gnat which has fallen in their drink.  The gnat was unclean according to Law, as was the camel. The gnat was the smallest unclean animal, while the camel was the largest, hence the contrast.

V.27 The hypocrisy of the Pharisees reminds us of the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders in Ezekiel’s time. Then, they built up a wall and daubed it with untempered mortar (whitewash) (Eze 13:10).

In both cases, falsehood was covered over by an attractive exterior. We use the term whitewash, in modern parlance, in referring to the glossing over of mistakes. There's an old plasterer’s saying which says: A good finish hides a multitude of sins.

V.28 Are our hearts compatible with what we show (Rom 2:13; James 1:22)?

V.37 See Isa 31:5.

23:13 Doubtless these Scribes and Pharisees would have been amazed that Jesus said that they bar themselves from the kingdom of God by their actions. However we are likely you do the same thing when we make judgements against others – ‘for with what judgement ye judge ...’ – Matt 7:2

Who does v11-12 remind you of? "whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased". Probably a scribe or Pharisee because that's who Jesus was talking about here (see the next verses). Does the Bible give us a specific example? How about Saul of Tarsus? Can you think of any verse that back this up?

23:38-39         These are the last words which Jesus says publically to the Jewish leaders.  From now on when speaking with them he is being tried for his life. What an indictment . the temple , here called  ‘your house’ is to be destroyed. What would be the last words Jesus might say to us today?

23:6    Jesus has already spoken of the attitude of this sort of pride –Luke 11:43 – the record in Luke took place at an earlier time than this occasion here in Matthew.

23:12  Jesus’ warning and encouragement that those who humble themselves will be exalted is  spoken of - 1Pet 5:6 - by the apostle Peter

23:18-22          Jesus has already spoken of the foolishness and error of oath making – Matt 5:34-36. The fact that Jesus reproves the religious leaders for their oath making possibly indicates the reason why Jesus warned his disciples against it. He was concerned that they did not copy the behaviour of the religious leaders of his day. 

23:9-10         Human nature is such that we like to have leaders. Some actually like to be leaders.  Many churches have people “in charge”. This must not be amongst believers. Jesus is the head, we are all equal members looking to Jesus, not other believers, for our instruction and leadership.

23:33   Jesus has already – Matt 12:34 – called the religious leaders “vipers”.

22:37-39               The way in which Jesus draws together Deut 6:5 and Lev 19:18 to answer the lawyer’s question forms the basis for John’s observation – 1John 4:20.

23:5      We must always monitor our motives which prompt our actions. Human nature loves the praise of men.

23:14  A faithful prophet – Amos 8:4– speaks of the greed of the priests in a similar way to Jesus here. They “swallow up the needy”

DO I NEED TO CHANGE?

As Jesus blasted the Pharisees and teachers of the law for not putting into practice the things they taught, he must have made himself very unpopular. Everything he said must have felt like a knife going in and then twisting as he reproved them for their pride, their fruitless preaching, their greed, selfishness and secrets. But I wonder if many of them took his words seriously? Did they recognise their own sin and evil natures in what he said? Did any of them go away thinking, "I need to change"?

Sometimes we can almost be tempted to laugh when Jesus dresses down the important and haughty men of his day, but there are lessons here for us too. As we read the last, blunt warnings of Jesus to the Jewish leaders, does any of it apply to us? Do we harbour pride? Are we pathetic in the way we preach? Are we greedy, selfish or do we have secrets we don't want anyone else to know about?

What about when we read the words of the prophets to the faithless people of Israel and Judah? Or the words of the apostles to the believers at the time? Do we just gloss over their words and ignore them? Or do we listen to God, retain the things he is trying to tell us, and change?

Our human nature is no different to the people Jesus spoke to. Like them, we all need to change to become true followers of Jesus.

Matt 23:9

“And call no man your father upon the earth:  for one is your Father, which is in heaven… neither be ye called masters (teachers): for one is your Master, even Christ.”

This verse has often been the basis of controversy, in that we cannot call our dads “father,” or a priest, “father,” because in doing so, we violate a command. While the second part is true, the first part is not. If this were true, how would we reconcile Mark 7:9-13; Luke 16:24,27,30; John 2:12; Acts 7:2; 22:1, 1Cor 4:15; 10:1; Col 3:21; 1John 2:12, all seemingly contradictions, as “father” was applied to others besides God?

This kind of query is especially common among Catholics and former Catholics, in that if it is wrong to called the Pope and priests father, then it is wrong to use it in the natural sense too! To take this verse as interpreted by some, the commandment to “honour your father” (dads) would be meaningless and would diminish the authority of the apostles! The apostle Paul certainly did not interpret the Lord’s words to mean only one was to be called “father,” our Heavenly Father, nor one “teacher” – Christ. It is so important to interpret Scripture with Scripture in its context! The apostle Paul identified himself as a father in the spiritual begetting of God’s children (Gal 4:19; Philem 1:10).  He also identified himself as “a teacher of the Gentiles” (2Tim 1:11).

Christ upheld Deut 5:16 (cf. Matt 19:19) when he berated the Scribes and Pharisees who used traditions to rationalize, thus dishonouring their fathers and mothers (Mark 7:9-13)! Biologically, to beget is to give the seed (ovum) the power to reproduce as a child is conceived. A father begets, the mother conceives. In begetting, the father shares in the attributes of the Father, the author of life, in the creation of this new life. The father is the one that gives the child life for without it no ovum would survive to produce.

Christ recognized that the Pharisees had an obligation to teach the people, as Moses taught the people (Matt 23:2,3). Unlike Moses, the Scribes and Pharisees were proud and used their positions for their own profit and glory (cf. Num 12:3). Their act of pride was to be called “teacher,” or “master and “father.” Christ emphasized that the one who seeks to be a teacher, father, or master must serve others, and not seek their own glory or power, which is what they were guilty of (cf. Matt 19:16; John 13:13,14). Jesus, himself, acknowledged Nicodemus as a teacher (cf. John 3:10)! In Antioch certain men were called “Prophets and teachers” (Acts 13:1; cf. 1Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11). In no way does the title for our biological fathers diminish the ultimate power and authority God has over life. Rather, the biological father participates in the one Fatherhood of God. 

A priest does not bear the authority of God, as Roman Catholicism teaches. The religious head of Romanism is called, “Papa,” or “Father,” and is in clear violation of this command! The Papa (Latin for Pope) claims to be God on earth, and as such is idolized by his followers! They are false teachers using mostly the Catholic Catechism teachings in schools. They have this illusion that the higher up the priestly ladder, the holier they are, and for this reason, the Pope, the highest ranking, is perfect, or very near perfect, and not to be contradicted on pain of being excommunicated for blasphemy! As with the Pharisees, they are filled with pride and gross hypocrisy. Their teachings “shut up the kingdom of heaven against men…” (cf. Matt 23:13), as do the other false teachers in our day who give themselves the titles of bishop, reverend (cf. Psa 111:9), pastor, or minister - those without, but we also need to watch for false teachers within (cf. Matt 7:15; 2Cor 11:13-15,26;  Rev 3:9).

When Jesus commanded and warned not to call any human, “Father,” it came directly before he delivered a scathing condemnation of the priests as read in the “woes” having set themselves up as “fathers” and “teachers.” It is a warning to us and against the censor of Pharisaical priests (cf. Mark 11:27,28). The greatest sin of the Catholic Church is their disobedience to Christ’s command that we do not set up any man as the highest spiritual authority, which belongs to God only, and by their very disobedience and teachings contrary to Scripture are shown to be false teachers! This is what will ultimately bring them down, not their child molestations.

When we put it all together, the statement is unmistakable as to what Christ really taught. We are to be faithful and hand down the true teachings of the one God the Father, as taught by the one true and faithful Teacher, Christ, whose teaching we know to be the “doctrine of Christ” (2John 1:9). The apostles faithfully and truthfully taught this and the “doctrine of Christ” is also referred to as “the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). The apostles' doctrine never contradicts Christ's doctrine, they are one and the same, and to which we must adhere if we are to enter into the life.

23:5 We should be aware that the problem of the scribes and Pharisees – that they wanted to be seen of men – is potentially our problem as well. Paul – Eph 6:6 – styles is as “eyeservice”.

23:21 the criticism here is rather like the way that Jesus warned his disciples about making oaths in Matt 5:34.

23:26 Saul of Tarsus was a spiritually “blind Pharisee” and this was typified in his actual blindness for “when his eyes were opened, he saw no man” (Acts 9:8).

23:2  Notice Jesus says “scribes and Pharisees”. He does not include the Sadducees or the Herodians. There were some groups which did, at least, respect the Law of Moses. There were others that did not.

23:2-3 Sometimes wise counsel is given by a believer but that counsel does not match the way they live their life in Christ. It is all too easy to disregard the counsel in such a situation, maybe to our own detriment.  Jesus clearly makes the point that one in authority who speaks God’s word should be listened to even if their lifestyle falls short of what is required. The skill is in being able to separate out the right teaching from the wrong actions.

v23 Why did the scribes and Pharisees tithe mint, dill and cumin? No one else seems to have done this. The Law did not mandate that these kitchen herbs and spices be tithed but then neither did the Law prohibit them being tithed. The scribes and Pharisees probably wanted to impress other people with their super-piety. Everyone else tithed grain, fruit or animals to make tithing simple and straightforward. By going beyond what everyone else was doing, the scribes and Pharisees highlighted their spiritual superiority.

Imagine the meticulous and time-consuming activity of separating out every tenth seed of cumin to satisfy their tithing extreme. But where was justice, mercy and faithfulness? Ignored.

23:8-12  As followers of Jesus we have various responsibilities. The things we say and do are a consequence of our understanding of His word. So far so good. Sadly human nature is such that it seeks to elevate those who appear to be “expert” or competent in one area or another. We must take care not to imitate this characteristic of human nature whether we give titles to those we admire or not.