Comments for July 7

v.1 - Even at this relatively early stage, Saul's hatred of David is public. We do well to consider the stresses of David's life - living with this constant terror of death from so many quarters. It will give us a greater insight into and understanding of many of the Psalms.

v.18 - This is the only mention of David coming to Samuel after his anointing [1Samuel 16:13] So when the spirit records [1Chronicles 9:22] That David and Samuel ordained the singers did they do this on this occasion? We may wonder how far David fled. Saul had his royal 'seat' at Gibeah so a glance at a map will show the distance that David fled for his life.

v.7 - Jonathan had pleaded David's cause successfully on this occasion but the result is that David returns to the potential danger of Saul's court as he was before. Similarly as Jesus has pleaded our cause with his Father, so we are returned to the company of those who through jealousy may wish to do us harm - seeking which of us they might devour upon our own lusts. There is much to be meditated on here.

19:12 Here we see Michal at a window lowering her beloved husband down to save his life. The next, and only other time we see Michal at a window is when David brought the Ark to Zion. (2 Samuel 6:16). On that occasion she 'despised him' - her spirituality had not grown in the 12 years or so between the two events. David's had. So staying at home in luxury was not as beneficial as feeling and struggling in the wilderness wondering whether one would live or die.

PEACEMAKER

Jonathan was very fond of David. No doubt he was also fond of his father, king Saul. So when Saul decided that David was going to be his enemy, and that David needed to be killed, Jonathan stood in the gap to make peace between the two of them. In some ways Jonathan's job was not as hard as it could have been, because David was always prepared to live with and serve Saul, even though Saul was not prepared to put up with David. But Saul's intense hatred and jealousy of David made making peace a dangerous occupation for Jonathan. Later Jonathan had a spear thrown at him for his efforts.

With the amount of disagreements, hatred and jealousy that goes on around us, both in the world, and even within the church, we will all find ourselves in a similar position to Jonathan. Maybe, like Jonathan, our attempt at making peace will fail, but it is our duty to do our best. After all, a special blessing is given to those who make peace. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the Sons of God." (Matthew 5 v 9).

Jonathan's peacemaking tactic was to change Saul's thinking about David from negative to positive. Jonathan "spoke well of David to Saul" Let's try and do the same. By speaking well of each other may we become peacemakers who earn a harvest of peace.

Notice the repetitive 'fled and escaped' (1Sam 19:10,12,18, 20:1)

19:5 Jonathan, in saying that David wrought salvation for 'all Israel' focuses correctly on David's motivation. It was Saul's motivation that was all wrong. He was blinded by jealousy. How often as we blind to the reality of a situation because of envy?

V.24 Saul has been divested of his Armour and outer robes... in a state of trance. Thus God, in making the wrath of man to praise Him, preserved the lives of all the prophets, frustrated all the purposes of Saul, and preserved the life of His servant.  

David escaped Saul and went and told Samuel all about it (1Sam 19:18).  How good it is to have someone to whom you can share problems.  Isn't it one of our Christ-like duties to make sure the whole of our ecclesia can confide in us.  As the hymn says, "Oh! give me Samuel's ear".

Paul's comments regarding the miraculous gifts of the Spirit may have been partially derived from Saul's prophesying in 19:23-24.  "Though I have the gift of prophecy, .... but have not Love, I am nothing..... love does not envy" (1Cor 13:2-8).

19:24    ‘Is Saul among the prophets’ echoes the question of 1Sam 10:12. However whilst then it seems that there was surprise at Saul’s prophesying now it is almost disdain that is shown by the people.

V.4-5 - Jonathan tries to smooth over his father's anger noting that credit for the victory goes to God (not David).

V.10,19,20,21 - three times (1Sam 18:11) David eluded Saul's attempt to pierce him and was also delivered from Saul's men three times at "Naioth" [(5121) from "Navah" (5115) meaning "to rest, to celebrate, prepare a habitation",etc.] of "Ramah" (7414) meaning "a hill, a height" and we have two further mentions of three in the next chapter (1Sam 20:20,41) so perhaps we have an echo glimpsing divine perfection at mount Zion with our king and priest in the millennial rest/habitation made possible by the sacrifice, 3 day burial and resurrection after the third day of Christ.

V.13 The image, or household idol, that Michal used in place of the escaped David is translated from the plural Hebrew word teraphim  These were figurines used for divination.  Rachel had stolen her Father's teraphim (Gen 31:19). 

Yahweh forbade the use of divination by His people (Deut 18:10).  And yet we see those (women) associated with Yahweh's chosen being involved in idolatry.  There is no need for fortune-telling as Yahweh has revealed His plan for humankind through His Word (Amos 3:7). 

19:11 Psa 59 was written as a consequence of these events. Notice the repeated use of words and ideas both here and in the Psalm.

19:1   The record clearly makes the point that ‘all’ of Saul’s servants knew of his hatred of David. So there could be no doubt later of Saul’s intentions. He was not even discreet in his attempt to have David killed.

V.24 The KJV uses the word naked to describe Saul's state of undress.  Naked is translated from the Hebrew word arom which means partially or totally naked. The likely inference, here, is that Saul stripped off his armour and was left in his tunic.  Samuel would not have allowed Saul to become totally nude.

19:4 Jonathan’s friendship was such that he was willing to incur the wrath of his father. He could have kept silent about David but no, he sought to present that truth about his friend. We see a lovely aspect of Jonathan’s character here.

V.1 Saul had secretly tried to kill David, but now he attempted it openly.

V.6 Saul, presumably, rescinded the previous day’s kill order.

Vs.9,10 But, Saul’s  changeable mind now reverted to killing David once again.

V.18 Samuel was now engaged in supervising a school for prophets. Naioth suggests  dwellings which consist of separate buildings which made up the prophets' residences.

V.23 Who can resist the Spirit of Yahweh for good or evil?

19:2  One wonders if Saul was even aware of Jonathan’s reactions towards David which we saw in 1Sam 18:1. Doubtless he would not have told Jonathan of his evil plans otherwise.

1Sam 19:9-10 - "...the 'evil' <7451> 'spirit' <7307> from the 'Lord' <3068> was upon Saul..."  - in James we have  clarifying parameters demonstrating the fairness of God - "Let no man say when he is 'tempted' <3985>, I am 'tempted' <3985> of 'God' <2316>: for 'God' <2316> 'cannot be tempted' <551> with with 'evil' <2556>, neither 'tempteth' <3985> he any man:" (James 1:13).

19:10 That David ‘fled and escaped’ becomes a catch phrase – 1Sam 19:12,18, 20:1. So we see that David’s life is now on a downward spiral as he flees from Saul and loses contact with his loved ones – his wife and Jonathan – in the process. When we feel that life is hard for us consider whether it is as bad for us as David’s experience at this time. The anointed king fleeing for his life, not knowing what was going to happen next.

v. 24 The Hebrew word translated prophesied can also mean to sing. Vine says that the word "prophesied" can be linked with musical expression: "Music is sometimes spoken of as a means of prophesying, as in 1 Chronicles 25:1-3" Strong says that the word "naba" translated prophesied in this verse is: "A primitive root; to prophesy, that is, speak (or sing) by inspiration." 
 
It may well be that Samuel and the prophets at Ramah had formed a choir and were singing probably very structured and inspirational Psalms and not the random ecstatic utterances posited by commentators. As each detachment sent by Saul came to take David, they came within the Spirit's defensive perimeter and instead of killing them, the Spirit, the angel sent to protect David, caused them all to burst into song but not of their own accord. They all joined the choir and they couldn't stop singing. Then along comes Saul and he too joins the chorus. It must have been an impressive display because the locals made special mention of it for a long time after!
 
We are told that Saul  "stripped off his clothes also" which indicates that the men he had sent previously had also done the same thing. Was this the angel's way of disarming the men who had come to capture or kill David and of humbling them? What did they sing while under divine influence?  I wonder if the angel made Saul and his men sing David's praises? In any case, this incident would have convinced Saul that he could not prevail against David if God was taking such special care of him. See 1Samuel 24:20. Psalm 34:7  The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. [NKJV]
 

19:6-7 Saul’s about face was a consequence of his unstable mind. Easily led and soon to change his mind again.

19:1     Doubtless Saul knew of the friendship between Jonathan and David. So telling Jonathan of his plan to kill David would doubtless mean that David got to know of Saul’s desire. At least David would be prepared for the rejection of Saul.  So David’s expectations of a smooth transition to kingship if he had such an idea, was now thwarted.

19:13 Michal put an “image” <8655> in the bed.  The word is used repeatedly in the Old Testament to speak of a god or image which Israel should not have had. So we might ask what was such a thing doing in David and Michal’s house. Does this give an indication of Michal’s spirituality – or lack of it?

19:9-10            One wonders how big the room was in which Saul and David were. Was Saul such a poor shot with the javelin that even in the confined space of a room he was unable to kill David?

19:1-3 Jonathan’s behaviour would indicate that he was not convinced of his father’s evil intentions. Or maybe he wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt because he wanted to keep the law with respect to his father – Exo 20:12

19:18  We might conclude that David went to Samuel because Samuel had anointed him to be king and David wanted answers to questions like “what has gone wrong since you anointed me?”

19:5    The way Jonathan spoke to Saul about what David did gives an indication as to why Jonathan “loved David” He placed his trust in God, not in his own strength. Just like Jonathan had done – 1Sam 14:6

19:5 Jonathan was “innocent blood” because the curse his father made was not from God and Jonathan was totally ignorant of it. His act of eating the honey was not an act of open rebellion.

GOOD TIMES, BAD TIMES

God was with him. It must have felt great for David as he went to battle in the strength of the LORD. This is what happened: "And there was war again. And David went out and fought with the Philistines and struck them with a great blow, so that they fled before him." (1Sam 19:8).

David would have come back into the city as the hero of the nation. He would have gone to the place of worship and offered thank offerings and praise to God. All the people would have been cheering and lifting him up. God was with him and things were going well.

It may have been only a short time later - next day, next week - that it all changed. God was still with him - that had not changed. But a harmful spirit from the LORD came upon Saul, and the next thing David knew, he was running for his life, all alone, from a king determined to kill him.

Do we see God at work in our lives in the good times? Just as it was for David, the same God is also at work in our lives in bad times. God still loved David. David had done nothing wrong, but there were things David needed to go through before it all came right again. No doubt it is the same for us. Let's trust God in the good times and the bad.

19:5 Jonathan was “innocent blood” because the curse his father made was not from God and Jonathan was totally ignorant of it. His act of eating the honey was not an act of open rebellion.

19:1Saul has been pursuing David and now he tries to enlist the help of his son Jonathan. Maybe thinking that Jonathan would appreciate that David was a threat to his possibility of becoming king in place of Saul.

18:19-23         Isn’t it interesting? The record says that three groups of Saul’s servants went to Samuel and clearly found him with no difficulty. However when Saul went he had to ask where Samuel could be found. This is like when Saul was looking for his father’s asses and had to ask where Samuel was – 1Sam 9:11-13 and then he did not even recognise him – . This contrasts with David who, it seems, knew exactly where to go – 1Sam 19:18

19:8-9  Notice the way the two events are linked. David killed the Philistines who fled from before him. The “evil spirit”  came upon Saul. It is as if David’s victory, rather than causing Saul to be pleased pushed him to hatred of David.

Compare the two roles David is performing in this chapter. in verse 8 he performs a duty on a big scale with a large multitude of people. In verse 9 David performs a small and personal service with only him and Saul. In Ecclesial life, do we prefer to be involved in only the big important tasks, or are we willing to help someone out in an unseen favour?

Twice in this chapter 1Sam 19:14,17 does Michal finds herself caught up in a lie and handles herself untruthfully towards her father. breaking two commandments - not lying and respecting your parents. This will no doubt call to mind other similar events where characters behave in a deceitful manner, yet through God's will, ends up working out. (Gen 27:15-19) 

v.8-10 - We see here that there are two extremes - either God is for us or against us. We have plenty of example set us of what not to do!

v.16 - That Abraham did not know about those who had Yahweh as their father indicates that those spoken of are some of the children of Abraham. Indicating that Isaiah is here speaking of the promises to Abraham of seed as the dust of the earth[Genesis 13:16].

v.8 - Here is a picture of those Jesus would save - those in whom there is no guile - those who walk in the truth and do not lie - John 1:47, Eph 4:25, Col.3:9

63:5 This is where we meet the culmination of the work of the 'man'. We met the tabernacle in 4:6 and the man in 32:2 but there was 'no man' in 32:2 so now we learnt that the Lord brought salvation through the man - 'God was in Christ' (2 Corinthians 5:19)

:10 'rebelled … holy spirit' is quoted by Stephen (Acts 7:51) to confirm that the Jewish leaders who had crucified Jesus did not understand the way that God worked in gaining salvation for mankind.

63:1 The 'dyed garments' that will be worn by Christ echoes the garments washed in wine and blood (Gen 49:11). Notice in Gen 49 the garments belong to the lawgiver from Judah.

V.17 "made us to err" that is ,"suffer" us to err and to be hardened in our heart. They do not mean to deny their own blameworthiness, but confess that through their own fault God gave them over to a reprobate mind. Rom 1:28

Vs.1-6 These verses talk of divine retribution against the enemies of Yahweh.  They confirm the judgement given in Isa 34:6. 

In the end times, the King of the North shall sweep into Israel and down to Egypt (Dan 11:40-42).  The Lord Jesus, now returned from heaven, will intervene to save His people Israel.  The one coming from Bozrah with dyed (bloodied) garments is the Lord Jesus.  He shall confront the invading host, the King of the North, described in Ezekiel as Gog (Russia) and confederates (Eze 38:3-6). The Lord will begin His campaign in the south and work His way north to Jerusalem and Israel.  There, He will utterly destroy the invaders (Eze 39:1-5).  

V.12 The right hand of Moses was but the instrument; the arm of God was the real mover of the water

When Israel was in trouble, God felt that trouble too. Isa 63:9 has the word “afflicted”, which is usually translated as trouble. So the Lord God not only led them, but suffered with them.  What a Loving Father Figure!

63:7 There is a contrast seen here. Whereas God was going to bring ‘vengeance’ (63:4) upon man He was also going to show His ‘lovingkindness’ to others. The outcome is dependant upon the attitude of the individual to God.

Esau, or Edom, versus Jacob, or Israel, is a theme which can be found from cover to cover throughout the scripture. Because Esau gave up the promises of God for a mere meal, he came to be associated with those who reject God (Heb 12:16). Here in Isaiah we can see the stark contrast in God's character shown to those who are His, compared to those who reject Him (cp. 3-6 with 7-9). By understanding the murderous attitude of the people of Edom to Israel, and the prophecies of God against them, we can build up a good picture of why God will judge the earth. This persecution of brother to brother can also been seen in Cain and Abel, Joseph and his brothers, the Pharisees to Jesus, and today in the Arab nations against Israel. It is always rooted in jealousy.

63:3 The one who has ‘trodden the winepress alone’ is Jesus – Rev 19:15

63:11 The God of Israel, is a merciful God, but He punishes the unrepentant sinner, which Israel was, hence as we read in the 10th verse He fought against them. What we must never forget is that the Covenants of old will not, or cannot be broken. They never have been completely forsaken or forgotten. God's plan of salvation is based upon the promises made to Abraham and David.

63:1 The one that ‘cometh from Edom’ is rather like the one spoken of in Song 3:6 where it is the bridegroom. Whereas here the context is of judgement in the song it is as a bridegroom arriving for his wedding. So we see how inextricably linked the return of Christ, the judgement of the nations and the marriage of Christ and his bride are linked.

63:10 ‘he fought against them’ is picked up by Jesus – Rev 2:16– so this passage does not only speak about rebellious Israel. Brethren and sisters can ‘vex His holy spirit’ to use the words of the prophet. So we can be like Israel in the way that we view His work. Stephen – Acts 7:51 – shows that Israel were like that in Jesus’ day when they were unwilling to recognise that God was working through Jesus.

V.1 See Isa 34:6. In the end times, Gog and his confederates will have invaded Israel and other parts of the Middle East (Eze 38:16). The returned Jesus with the Redeemed, coming from the judgment in Sinai to liberate Jerusalem and Israel, will encounter the enemy on the way and destroy it (Rev 19:13).

Vs.2,3 See Rev 19:15. I have trodden the winepress alone is a reference to Jesus, the Messiah, as the sole person responsible for the atonement.

V.4 ...my redeemed refers to Natural Israel that will shortly be liberated.

V.5 See Isa 59:16.

V.6 The figurative use of drunk; wine vat (v.2); and winepress (v.3) are all used to show the destruction of the enemy.

V.8 The angel of his presence is Gabriel  (Dan 9:21; Luke 1:19).

Vs.11-14 Moses was a type of Christ (Heb 3:1-3).

V.16 See John 4:12; 8:39.

63:9 If we are not careful we do not see God being affected by our actions. Angels rejoice over repentance – Luke 15:7 – it would be foolish to presume that our sinfulness does not impact upon our Father. Clearly Israel’s behaviour affected Him.

63:4    The ‘day of vengeance’ echoes the words of Isa 61:2. Words which Jesus did not quote when he read Isaiah 61 in the synagogue in Nazareth, Words that are to be fulfilled when he returns.

63:18   In speaking of the sanctuary as being 'trodden down’ we are reminded of Psa 79:1 and Jesus’ words in Luke 21:24

63:3-4 The winepress was trodden “alone” because “there was none to help”. Salvation is the work of God. He received no help from Israel. We really need to appreciate that we were redeemed by God through no action on our part.

Saviour and redeemer

We are used to thinking of Jesus as the redeemer and saviour. In this chapter we see that God Himself was Israel's saviour (v8) and redeemer (v9,16) when He saved them from Egypt and led them in the wilderness (9,12).

63:5    Have we considered that God is still looking for people to help. Jesus, alone, brought salvation to us. How do we respond to that! Are we passive in our acceptance of salvation or are we active servants? Could God look at us and conclude that we are not working for  Him?

63:10 In saying that Israel “vexed [the] holy spirit” we have the basis for Jesus’ comment in Matt 12:31. In the same way that Israel in the wilderness questioned God’s ability those who challenged Jesus’ miracles questioned God’s power.

Isa 63:14 God's name as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was made famous in the earth by His powerful deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Today people mistakenly think that "God" is sufficient to name him, but the multitude of religions who profess to believe in a god believe radically different things about who he is than what is presented in the Old Testament of the Bible. The one true God of the Bible chose to tie His name to Israel, to the Old Testament and to Jesus the son of David.

1. Isaiah 63 is similar in some respects to Isaiah 34.

2. Isa 63:1 - the Edomites were enemies of Israel (2Chron 28:17); Bozrah is in the land of Edom (Esau's descendants, the Edomites, lived to the south of Jerusalem; Edom is literal as well as symbolic of those who are antagonistic to Israel - Gog spares Edom Dan 11:41;Lam 4:21-22;Gen 25:23-26;Rom 9:10-13;Song 3:6-8;Song 8:5); Christ's garments to be stained crimson.

3. Isa 63:1-6 - Messianic judgment against the enemies of his people; Rev 19:11-16; the "I" of Isaiah 63:1-6 is the Messiah and God will bring the vehicle of Christ with the redeemed saints (Isa 40:10;Isa 62:11); the earth, not heaven, is the arena of the Lord's bestowal of "reward", "vengeance", and execution of the "work before him" which will include judging those resurrected from the dead upon his (i.e. Christ's) return to earth (Rev 11:18;2Tim 4:1).

4. Isa 63:2 - "garments red"refers to Christ's garments.

5. Isa 63:3 - NIV "I have trodden the winepress alone...I trampled them (i.e. the nations) in my anger...their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing" - it is not Christ's blood but his enemies blood that is being trodden and spattered here, this isn't the first advent, but the second coming (Rev 19:1-2,7-16,19-21).

6. Isa 63:7-8 - loving kindness bestowed on God's children and prior deliverances echoed that echoed the great deliverance to come; V7 "yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses" (considering the Jews disobedience, God was merciful); V8 (but God would know they would be false).

7. Isa 63:9 - the angel of God's presence (Exo 23:20), God's angel saving and redeeming them; in His love and mercy He redeemed His people; this is historic and prophetic redemption via Moses and later Christ (the hope Rev 5:9-10).

8. Isa 63:10 - NIV "Yet they rebelled (this is why God punishes the Jews)...So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them"; (but sins are to be forgiven Mic 7:15-20).

9. Isa 63:12,14 - an everlasting name (Psa 72:19).

10. Isa 63:16 - the national seed of Abraham knew not the prophet and his brethren (John 1:10-11;Isa 61:9).

11. Isa 63:17-19 - Isaiah pleads for the millennial kingdom age.

63:10 That God became their enemy is echoed by Jeremiah when Judah is taken captive – Lam 2:4

63:19    The mention that the heathen were not called by God’s named contrasts with Israel who were – Deut 28:10

63:15 The call on God to look down from his holy habitation echoes the call –2Chron 30:27 – that reached unto God’s holy habitation. The Chronicles account, speaking of the same time as Isaiah, indicates that the prayer was heard.

63:17 In reality Israel had hardened their own heart. Here their complaint is that they did not learn from the way in which God was working with them. Do we complain about the way He corrects us rather than taking heed to the chastening He gives us?

63:11 Israel have a wonderful God. He does not remember sins casting them away – Isa 38:17 – but he remembers Hs promises. Isn’t it wonderful that our God has selective memory!

63:9 The principle, “In all their affliction he was afflicted”, is demonstrated by Christ when Saul’s persecution of believers led Christ to say: “why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4).

63:3 the way the one treading down the wicked being polluted by their blood being sprinkled on him speaks of the way that Jesus suffered in dying for our sins after a life of resisting temptation.

63:10-13 Both the Old and New Testament make it abundantly clear that Israel rebelled against God. We have to ask ourselves the question “Are we really any different from them?” We like to think that we are but we must take care not to delude ourselves. There was an antidote for Israel which should have curbed their rebelliousness. That antidote was to reflect on what God had done for them in the past. Their history is also recorded for our benefit – Rom 15:4 – but if we do not read it regularly we will be inclined to forget all that our loving God has done for His children.

63:7 We have been reading sin the earlier part of this chapter of the vengeance of God. But now we see another side of God. His “lovingkindness” – bit that we can choose one or other aspect of the character of God. His vengeance will be seen on the wicked but his graciousness has been seen in the way His arm brought salvation through faith in the risen Jesus. We have to decide on how to order our lives because the way God will deal with us is determined by how we respond to what He has done for us.

63:11-12 Remembering what God has done in the past is always helpful. A reminder of His work through Moses in delivering Israel from Egypt stands as a powerful reminder that He can save against all expectations. Doubtless those enslaved in Egypt never considered that they would leave Egypt a free people – but they did. A reminder to us who cannot see a way out of our sentence of death. God has provided for us a similar, but greater, salvation.

We know from Rev 14:20 that the outpouring of the winepress can symbolize blood. So the Why is Your apparel red...(Isa 63:2) question makes sense when we realize its Christ wearing His robe dipped in blood Rev 19:13 

Isaiah's prayer is a most interesting section of not only this chapter but the entire book. He's not necessarily losing faith but he is getting confused as to the ways God is going about things regarding His people: LORD, why have you allowed us to turn from your path? (Isa 63:17 NLT) He joins some other prophets that dealt with this type of question and emotional state - Habakkuk (Hab 1:2) and Elijah (1Kin 19:10) So its clear that being a prophet and preaching to the people who either wanted to hear none of it/wanted to kill you could take a toll on you. This is why the New Testament speaks so highly of the Prophets and their works - Eph 2:20 James 5:10 2Pet 3:2

v.4 - One of many occasions when Jesus tells the person he has healed not to tell anyone - a direct example of the outworking of his own recent words in ch.6:1.

v.2 - This is the first recorded miracle, at least in Matthew, which Jesus performed. John [John 2:1 - 11] Says that the turning of water to wine is the beginning of miracles that Jesus performed. However the cleansing of a leper is particularly significant given the way that leprosy is used as a pattern of sin at a general level and a bar to fellowship with God.

8:34 The response of the men of Gadara that Jesus should depart out of their coasts (paralleled in Mark 5:17 Luke 8:37) marks the way in which the men of the area rejected the mission of Jesus. SO the way that Jesus went out of his way to heal the man is seen to be even more impressive.

:14 The healing of Peter's mother in law took place on a Sabbath (Mark 1:29) - or so we might conclude because they had just come out of the synagogue.

God given authority

From the last verse of chapter 7, right through this chapter, Jesus demonstrates how he now has power over all aspects of creation. Firstly, in 7v28-29 he shows how his words are aligned with those of God, and that he speaks them with authority. He heals people with a word in verse 16. He commands the wind and waves in verses 26-27. He casts out demons with a single word in verse 32, "go". In the next chapter he even forgives sins. All these demonstrate the authority given to him by his Father.

The Gentile centurion is the only one who seems to understand what is going on. He recognises the authority of the Christ, and likens it to his own command over his hundred or so soldiers. All he had to say was "go", and they would do it (v9). He recognises by these words that Jesus was the man who had command over life and death. We should see throughout this chapter quite how much had been entrusted to Jesus by his father. In 3v17 God had indicated that Jesus was His heir to the rulership of His people. As the son of God, Jesus could do with this power as he saw fit. Isn't it wonderful that he chose to heal, to forgive, to release men and women from bondage, and finally to lay down his life for all of us?

8:28 Matthew has ‘two’ possessed whilst the parallel accounts have one. Matthew has two other occasions when ‘two’ were involved in a miracle (Matt 9:27, 20:30). The latter being found in Mark 10:46 and Luke 18:35 where there is only one person. These are not contradictions between Matthew and the other gospel writers. Rather we would do well to investigate what it is about Matthew and his ‘two’ people that is part of the structure of his  gospel.

V.4 The man is ordered to rush to the temple at Jerusalem, so that an examination by the priesthood, in accordance with the laws of Moses. Lev 14, can be conducted, and he can be pronounced cured of his leprosy and qualified to bring the required offerings. When it is subsequently discovered by the priests that it was Jesus who had healed this man, the clean bill of health already given to him will serve as a testimony regarding Christ's respect for the Mosaic law (Matt 5:17).  

Vs.24-26 We cannot explain the miracles that the Lord performed because they do not comply with known natural laws (see Bro. John Bilello's book Miracles for some ideas). Take for example the quietening of the storm. This was no mere gust of wind but a furious storm which put life and limb in danger. Jesus, with one rebuke, instantly brought about great calm.  Normally, after a storm abates, there would be water sloshing about for some time until it finally came to rest.  But here the transition was from storm to calm instantly - what a miracle!  Who can understand the power of Yahweh? (Job 26).

V.21 The request from the man to bury his father was not that his father had just died.  Jesus would have allowed him time out to do this.  When Elisha was called by Elijah, Elisha requested time to bid farewell to his parents, and this was granted (1Kin 19:19-21). 

A temporary time out to put affairs in order is acceptable.  However, the request of the man wishing to bury his father was different.  He was asking for time until his father was dead before following Jesus. This open-ended amount of time was not acceptable to the Lord.  We should not let things in our lives delay our service to the Lord.

8:19-23 Notice the contrast. Some who came to Jesus would not follow him but the disciples 'followed him' when he left the multitudes.

V.4 Moses was a type of Christ.  Consider the parallels.  Moses led his people from the land of sin (Egypt) to the land of promise (Israel).  Jesus does the same thing for His people.  Moses gave Israel a law to follow in obedience to Yahweh.  Jesus fulfilled that law which foreshadowed Him  (Heb 10:1).  He replaced a law, which could only promise death, by the law of liberty which promises life (James 2:12). 

We see another parallel between Moses and Jesus in this reading.  Moses interceded and petitioned Yahweh on behalf of Miriam's leprosy, and she was healed (Num 12:10-15).  No leper from the people of Israel had been recorded as being healed since, until Jesus healed the leper in vs.2-4.  Leprosy is synonymous with sin which leads to death.  Only Jesus is able to intercede on our behalf to cure this malady (Acts 4:12).

8:22 The seemingly heartless teaching ‘let the dead bury the dead’ is based upon the calling to separateness for the sons of Aaron – Lev 21:1. So is not heartless at all, nor is it a new teaching. It is embedded in the law of Moses for those called to be God’s servants.

8:28    The word ‘fierce’ <5467> is only found here and in 2Tim 3:1 where it is translated ‘perilous’. Thus we gain an insight into what Paul was saying to Timothy. The times would be difficult because of opposition to the gospel.

Vs.28,31People, today, who have mental illnesses are not considered as being possessed with demons.  Symptoms and behaviours are better understood, and labels have been attached to identify them. 

The first century had no such nomenclature.  And yet, there are people, today, who believe in demons, as evil spirits, that exist to roam the world to torment people.  They believe that these superhuman entities have been allowed to move freely, throughout history, to affect their nasty deeds. 

But, Yahweh, creator of all things, did not make supernatural phenomena to torment individuals.  However, He did create evil (Isa 45:7).  That means Yahweh created the conditions whereby the negative expressions of imperfect human nature could manifest themselves.  Mental illness is one such presentation.

8:10 That the faith like that of the centurion was not found in Israel is an indication of the hardness of heart of the Jews and is a precursor to the sending of the gospel to the gentiles.

V.11 Here is proof that the Patriarchs will be resurrected to inherit the promises that were given to them.

V.12 ...the children of the kingdom refers to the Jews who rejected the call of the Gospel.  Jesus came to the Jews first to preach the Good News (Matt 10:5-7; 15:24).

V.14 Catholics claim (erroneously) that Peter was their first pope.  Peter was married, and yet Catholic priests are forbidden to marry.  Scripture foretold the false system of worship that would develop and bring in such restrictions (1Tim 4:1-3).

8:17 In speaking of removing Israel’s ‘sicknesses’ Jesus fulfilled the words of Exo 23:25, foreshadowing the time when all Israel will be saved.

"Galilee Boat"

Matt 8:18,23-27 - a boat estimated/tested to be about 2000 years old, capable of holding about 15 people, was uncovered in the Sea of Galilee during a severe 1986 drought. This boat would be similar to the type Jesus and his disciples travelled in. It measures 30 feet long and 8 feet wide.

8:31-34      It seems as if the herd of swine represented the people of the city close by. Notice the two fold use of ‘whole’ and the twofold use of coming (came) out.

8:20    Jesus’ comments about the birds having nests seems to draw on Psa 84:3

8:12    The ‘weeping and gnashing of teeth’ is a phrase that Jesus uses four times – Matt 8:12, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30 in Matthew’s gospel and once – Luke 13:28 – outside Matthew’s gospel.  Always associated with rejection at the time of the kingdom.

Matt 8:34.

8:24     One can hardly image the force of the “tempest” but we might be helped by realising that the word translated “tempest” <4578> here is on 13 other occasions in the New Testament translated “earthquake”. 

Matt 8:5-10

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him...”

Capernaum is located at the north corner of the Sea of Galilee, on the side of the ancient road from Tiberius to the east of the Sea of Galilee: Golan, Gamla, and Jordan (cf. Matt 4:13). This is the area where the Centurion lived, and would have been very well familiar with the healing miracles of Jesus. We see that the Centurion, equated to an army officer with 100 men under him, recognized the authority of Jesus as coming from a higher authority who could heal his servant. The Centurion told Jesus that he was a man under authority. In modern parlance, there would have been a General over him, which meant the Centurion had Lieutenants, Sergeants, and Privates under him. As long as he was under authority, he had authority. The Centurion recognized this in Jesus as Matt 8:9 in the Greek literally read: “I also am set under authority…” Like Jesus was under authority to a higher power, yet having authority, so the Centurion was under authority to a higher power, yet having authority. The Centurion saw that Jesus recognized the authority of God, and lived under the authority of his Father. Jesus, thus, had authority over death, and diseases, (cf. Matt 4:24). He could but speak the word and heal the lame, blind, lepers, and even quell the storm.

The Centurion understood the principle that we must learn to submit to authority to have authority! Is it any wonder that Jesus marveled at his faith when he in addition also manifested trust and belief in his word! It took faith for a Roman Centurion to recognize a Jewish Rabbi as “Master” (Lord). It took faith to urgently call upon Jesus and believing that Jesus could heal his servant. But, he also had humility (Matt 8:8) and this fact must not be glossed over. He recognized Jesus’ authority over him being greater than even his Emperor from whom he derived his authority. The Centurion respectfully pleaded with Jesus; he did not demand a healing. He recognized in himself his unworthiness to have someone like Jesus come under his roof. Furthermore, Rabbinical tradition taught that a Jew would be ceremonially defiled if he were to enter the home of a Gentile (cf. Acts 10:28; 11:3), and it may well be that the Centurion was familiar with Jewish culture and beliefs and did not want to put Jesus in that position.

Jesus used the word “marveled” only twice: once here at the expression of a Gentile Centurion’s deep conviction that Jesus possessed all authority as the Son of God; the other time Jesus marveled may be read in Mark 6:5-6 wherein Jesus marveled at the remarkable lack of faith of his own townspeople, the Jews! The faith Jesus saw in this foreigner toward him was admirable and greater than any faith he had seen from among his own people!

The word “faith” is used 247 times in the Bible, twice only in the Old Testament (Deut 32:20; Hab 2:4)! We read in Rom 1:17, “The just shall live by faith,” that we are justified by faith (Rom 3:28), faith being the substance of things hoped for, but not yet seen (Heb 11:1), that our salvation is only by grace through faith (Eph 2:8). A request made in faith will receive a response that rewards this kind of faith, however, we must learn to submit to Divine authority now, if we want to have authority over the nations in the Age to come (Rev 2:26).

8:12   Twice, here and Matt 13:38 Jesus talks of the “Children of the kingdom”. Of course he is not speaking of children literally. He is speaking of those who are child like in their willingness to learn of Jesus.

8:16  The evening was the time of the evening sacrifice under the Law of Moses. So we can see Jesus’ healing at even time as the outworking of the evening sacrifice.

8:8     In saying “speak the word” we see something similar to God’s word in Creation Psa 33:9

8:6,13The man “sick of the palsy” who was healed immediately is echoed in the healing work of the Apostles as can be seen in Acts 9:33-34.

8:27 when Matthew has the people saying “hat manner of man” as a reaction to Jesus we see a phrase which the apostle Peter – 2Pet 3:11 - was inspired to use to focus his reader’s minds on how they were to be different from those around them.

8:27 We might think that stilling the storm was something that Jesus did for his own comfort or the comfort of his disciples. However there was more to the miracle than that. The Old Testament teaches extensively that God controls the weather. Jesus’, in stilling the storm, was showing that he was doing the work of the Creator.

FAITH COMES FIRST

It's faith that we need. We build ourselves up in Bible knowledge, we build ourselves up in praise, we go all out and preach the gospel - and all these things are good things - but most important of all, we need faith.

When Jesus saw the faith of the centurion who believed that Jesus could heal his servant even from a distance, Jesus said this: "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and west and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matt 8:11-12).

The subjects of the kingdom were the Jews. They had more Bible knowledge than anyone. They had organised praise on all the time in the temple. They travelled great distances to preach and convert people to Judaism. But the centurion trumped their knowledge, praise and preaching with his faith. The others are important, but faith comes first.

Do you believe you have been forgiven? Do you believe in God's power? Are you living as if Jesus might return any day? Are you willing to trust God no matter what? Faith comes first.
 

Matt 8:21,22

“And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.”

The Aramaic word for “dead” is “metta,” and the word for “town” is “matta.” There is a slight difference in pronunciation… It seems more likely that the early copyists and translators confused the word “matta” (town) for the word “metta” (dead) and what Jesus meant was, let the town bury the dead. This seems more reasonable because each town buries their own dead.”

A KEY TO THE ORIGINAL GOSPEL, George M. Lamsa, p. 100

8:2 Having taught the people Matthew now moves on to speak about the miracles that Jesus performed. 10 are recorded in this and the next chapter. The miracles authenticated Jesus’ words that the people had heard. Just like when he told the paralysed man his sins were forgiven and then told him to take up his bed – Matt 9:2-7. The miracles that we appeal to in order to authenticate our message is the fulfilment of prophecies.

8:18  There were at least two reasons for Jesus leaving areas when great multitudes followed him. A significant reason being that he wanted those who flocked to him to put some effort into following hi as can be seen from the way that the record continues in the next few verses.

We need to be sure that we are not only following Jesus when it is convenient.

8:11 Jesus’ preaching, even from the earliest days of his ministry, recoded that gentiles would accept the gospel and enter the kingdom of God.  Clearly Jesus is drawing on the Old Testament teaching about the kingdom and gentiles. Maybe it starts with Abraham – Gen 12:3