Comments for July 9

ch.21 - We have a story here of a desperate man. I'm not sure how many of us in this modern age can relate at all to this degree of fear and distress. In his need (which is driven by this distress) he is moved to use carefully planned deceit in order to get food and weapons. This action to get bread is certainly not condemned by Jesus when he refers to it in the gospels [Matt.12:3,4]. There are so many things in David's life which we would condemn as sin (adultery and murder rate amongst these, as well as multiplying wives and owning horses [1Chr.14:3, 18:4] both of which were condemned under the law for the king to do [Deut.17:16,17]) and yet God preserved him and looked after him because of his faith. In the Old Testament, he is second to none as an example of how a man's faith can bring about God's mercy even in the light of substantial sin. Attitude is everything. Let us develop our own.

21 v.5 - the mention of 'three days' indicates that three days had elapsed since David left Samuel.

21 v.10 - 22 v.2 provides the background to Psalm 34 - SEE STUDY PAGES

22 v.17 shows us that there were those who would not obey Saul in matters that were contrary to their conscience, and, it would appear, they do not lose their lives for this or even receive a reprimand. Doeg, however, is willing - and one assumes some others as well, it seems unlikely that he could kill 85 priests single handed - and so the deed is done. What a blow for David, who feels such a personal responsibility for it (v.22). We cannot help feeling a yearning sympathy for this man whose life is so fraught with unmerited danger.

This time was a very stressful time in David's life. It spawned a number of Spirit guided Psalms. Psalm 52 is a letter to Doeg, or so it reads. Psalm 34 speaks of the time when David was afraid of Achish Psalm 56 speaks of the time when the Philistines took him in Gath. Reading these Psalms against this historical background shows us the mind of a man who was a man after God's own heart. So from the way David responded to his troubles we can learn how a Godly man responded - and learn from that and apply the principles in our own lives.

ch 22 - Another Psalm from this time is Psalm 57, speaking of the time when David had fled from Achish and was in the cave of Adullam.

21:11 One wonders why David thought he would be safe amongst the Philistines. He was carrying Goliath's sword. His spirits must have flagged when he heard the Philistines repeating the words sung of David (1 Samuel 18:7) after he had killed Goliath. How often do we think that we should do something only to find out what we have planned is a disaster?

22:1-2 We should not think of these men who came to David as criminals. Saul had enslaved the nation - 1 Samuel 17:25 indicates this. These men who came to David had been wronged by Saul as had David. There was a fellow feeling with David because of their common experience of Saul.

21:8  David implied that he was on the king's business - that is Saul's business. He seeks to deceive the priest. How can we reconcile this with David being a man after God's own heart?

22:3 David was sure that his parents would find refuge in Moab because his great grandmother Ruth was a Moabitess (Ruth 1:22)

21:2 This was a direct falsehood, extorted through fear. David probably supposed, like many other persons, that a lie is quite excusable when it is told for the sole purpose of saving the speaker's life. But, what is essentially sinful, can never, from circumstances, change its immoral character; and David had to repent of this vice of lying. Psa 119:29

David's group of 400 men were the one in distress, and the discontents of Israel (1Sam 22:22).  What a recipe for disaster this might have been. But they did not influence David - he controlled them. By
1Sam 23:13 200 more men had joined him. He is well described as "A man after God's own Heart."

David was on the run with a death warrant hanging over him.  He was desperate and not above using normally unacceptable behaviour to survive.  He lied again, this time to Ahimelech (21:2).  David asked for food and was given the only food available, consecrated bread (21:6).  David broke the Law.  However, his action was overlooked as the greater principle of life preservation superseded the Law (Matt 12:1-4). 

Then David fled to Achish the king of Gath (who is called Abimelech, a general Philistine kingly appellation in Psa 34:1).  Fleeing to the Philistines for sanctuary was akin to a chicken taking refuge in a fox's lair.  He realized his predicament and pretended to be mad (21:13).  He, obviously, did a great acting job which extricated him from that difficult situation. 

And so, we see David, the anointed of Israel, guilty of lying, breaking the Law, and deception.  Desperate measures for desperate times. Yahweh understood David's drastic situation and forgave him all these things (Psa 86:5; 103:13,14).  From time to time, brethren act inappropriately from desperation.  Let us remember Yahweh's willingness to forgive David and, in turn, render sympathy and help rather than judgement.

It appears that Saul, in his uncontrollable rage, annihilated every living thing in Nob (22:19).  He did this without the approval of Yahweh.  Contrast this attack with Saul's attack on the Amalekites, which was sanctioned by Yahweh.  There, he failed to kill every living thing as ordered (1Sam 15:3,14,15).

It seems strange that an Edomite would be allowed in the tabernacle, and it seems strange that a foreigner was over all the servants of Saul.  Edomites, however, had been given special treatment in the law, whereas other nations were barred from worship (compare Deut 23:3,7).  Esau, their forefather, was the son of Isaac and brother of Israel (Jacob), and so God recognised the special bond between the two peoples which grown out of the men Isaac had blessed (Gen 27:27-29, 39-40).

Doeg's evil actions are commented upon by David in Psalm 52.  He says "your tongue devises destruction... you love lying rather than speaking righteousness... you love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue!"  This seems to suggest that Doeg deliberately set out to cause the destruction of the Priests.  He deliberately told lies, saying that Ahimelech had enquired of the LORD for David, insinuating that he was allied with David against Saul.  Was this any way to behave in gratitude to the God of Israel who had provided blessings for his people?

Thus the promise of David "God will likewise destroy you forever" (Psa 52:5).  We look in vain, however for any further mention of Doeg and his demise.  Were these words of David inaccurate?  Would God leave such a man unpunished?  The answer lies in the rest of David's words, pointing to a greater punishment than the death of one man.  "He shall take you away and pluck you out of your dwelling place, and uproot you from the land of the living".  This points forward to the entire destruction of Edom as prophesied by Obadiah: "You who live in the cleft of the rocks... who say in your hearts who will bring me down to the ground?... I will bring you down, says the LORD... and you shall be cut off forever" (Obad 2-10).  As surely as this came true, so the opposite will for David: "I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. I will praise You forever". (Psa 52:8-9).

21:4     It would appear that the tabernacle – minus the ark of the covenant – was at Nob at this time else there would be little purpose in having shewbread. Additionally Jesus says that David went to ‘the house of God’ Matt 12:4.

22:5      That Gad the prophet was able to advise David teaches us two things.

1 David had access to a prophet of God – it seems that at this time Saul did not and

2 God approved of what David was doing and took care of him.

1Sam 17:40 - the 5* stones and 1Sam 21:3-5 the 5* loaves of consecrated bread (Lev 24:8-9; Mark 2:23-28) perhaps an echo of mercy and grace echoing Christ, our king and priest after the order of Melchizedek (Gen 14:18;Heb 7:20).

* according to The Miraculous Significance of Numbers and Colors as They Appear in the Holy Scriptures by M.D. Stewart, page 22, "Five in Scripture is employed as the number of grace or mercy."

22:2 The 400 men are the ‘children’ of Psa 34:11 to whom the Psalm was directed.

OBEY
 
If there was one place David was safe from the rage of Saul, it was outside the land of Israel. In exile, whether it was among the Philistines, Moabites, or any other people, David could be almost sure that Saul would not pursue him
 
Going back into the land of Israel while Saul lived was like walking back into the lion's den. Humanly speaking there was little chance of escape. But going back to God's land was exactly what God had in mind.
 
The prophet God said to David, "Do not stay in the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah." (1Sam 22:5) Because it was what God wanted, David seemed to have no hesitation. "So David left and went to the forest of Hereth." (v.5)
 
Even though it may have seemed like a foolish move for David to walk back into Saul's trap, David did as God commanded. Just as he would have anticipated, "Saul heard that David and his men had been discovered." (v.6)
 
God had plans for David in Judah, and though he was so close to Saul, God planned to protect David from him. Sometimes God's plans don't seem to make any sense, but like David, we need to get up and obey without question. God sees the big picture when our view is very limited. Let's obey him whether it seems to make sense to our limited minds or not.

21:11   As we have already seen – 1Sam 14:21– that Jews had already been part of the army of the Philistines maybe going to Achish might not have seemed such an odd thing to do.

21:4,5 answer to Exo 19:15.

Talk about dangerous moves.  David fled to Gath, the city of Goliath, the slain giant. Moreover, he was carrying Goliath's sword.  Desperate times prompt desperate actions.  Let's remember that Yahweh was always aware of David's moves, and protective of him.  This is good to know if we are ever forced to act drastically.

22:3 The king of Moab allowed David's parents to reside with him for a couple of reasons.  First, Saul was his enemy (1Sam 14:47).  Second, Jesse was the grandson of Ruth the Moabitess (with Boaz) (1Chron 2:12).

21:7 The mention of Doeg causes us to look at Psa 52 which is David’s response on hearing what Doeg had done to the priests.

21:5 David and his men were holy according to the Law Exo 19:15.  The taking of the shewbread (KJV); bread of the Presence (ESV) is recorded in the Gospels (Matt 12:3; Mark 2:25; Luke 6:3).

21:7 Doeg means anxious or fearful.  He was an Edomite who had converted to Israel’s religion.

22:1 The cave of Adullam was situated near the Dead Sea.

22:3,4 The cave of Adullam was near Moab.  And so, David and his parents were not far from each other.

22:5 Hareth was southwest of Jerusalem.

22:9-11 Doeg betrayed David and all those at Nob.  Now Doeg was acting like an Edomite.  Edom was bent on the destruction of Israel. 

22:18 Doeg, the Edomite, had no compunction in killing Yahweh’s anointed. 

22:21 It was at this time that David wrote Psa 52 about Doeg.

1Sam 21:1 - after leaving the stone in 1 Sam 20, the "beloved" [Heb. "David" (1732)] goes to a high place [Heb. "Nob" (5011)]; the priest is "Ahimelech" (288) means "my brother is king" and in the kingdom age true brethren of Christ will be kings and priests (Rev 1:6;Rev 5:10). 1Sam 21:3-6 - the number 5 is thought by many to refer to grace or mercy; Christ and his followers are holy; the bread was a lasting covenant (Lev 24:8-9) to be eaten only by priests but in the kingdom age holy followers will be kings and priests; the KJV in Vs.5 mentions "three days" which reminds us of the the three days Christ lay in the tomb followed by the resurrection providing believers with hope and spiritual nourishment; David and his followers ate "hallowed bread" from a priest while our priest is the "hallowed bread" (John 6:48 - Christ is the bread of life) feeding us. 1Sam 21:13-14 - Christ, in anguish, sweated like drops of blood at what awaited him (Luke 22:42-44) and some mocked as if Christ were insane as he made marks in blood and water on the door to eternal life. We read a psalm of David written when changed his behaviour before Ahimelech (Psa 34:1,7,19, 20, 22) and in vs. 20 it refers to "keeping his bones" which is a reference to Christ's sacrifice where not a bone of his was broken.

In chapter 22: Adullam (5725) means "justice of the people";  Mizpeh (4708) means "watchtower"; Ahitub (285) means "bother of goodness"; Abiathar (54) means "father of abundance" or "my father is great".  1Sam 22:1-2  - the "beloved's" brothers and his father's household went to meet him just as we who are in debt (for our sins) must seek out Christ our leader.  1Sam 22:18 - this perhaps echoes the saints wearing righteous garments who have been martyred for following Christ.

22:1  The chapter division here is unhelpful. Chapter divisions are artificial and here we must follow the flow of events if we are to appreciate the destitute state David was in

21:3-4  The fact that David was told that the only food that was available was the shew bread indicated that David arrived at Nob on a Sabbath –Lev 24:5-9

21:10   Maybe the scenario runs like this.  David leaves the priest in Nob and makes his way towards Gath planning to seek refuge with Achish. As he makes his way to Gath the Philistines capture him – Psalm 57 title indicates this. David is then taken to Gath and the events described here take place.

1. 1Sam 21:2 - In a sense both David and Christ were sent by those who were over them (i.e. Saul in the case of David and God in the case of Christ), the "mission" was not understood initially by the godly priests or disciples of Christ but the mission had to do with requiring the very lives of Christ, David and their faithful followers, though neither David or Christ were corrupted during this mission (Psa 16:10;Acts 13:35).

2. 1Sam 21:5 - alone for three days (KJV) and then holy as was Christ.

3. 1Sam 21:6 - David and true believers eat the consecrated bread which represents Christ who IS the consecrated bread of life (John 6:35).

4. 1Sam 21:9 - Valley of "Elah"(<425> perhaps this reminds us of the tree upon which the nature and power of man's sin was defeated in Christ's sacrifice, 6 cubit tall bronze armored Goliath being a symbolic echo of man and fleshly sin).

5. 1Sam 21:10 - "Gath"(<1661> perhaps this wine press echos the shed blood of Christ).

6. 1Sam 21:12-14 - both David and Christ were afraid facing death, they weren't understood and many thought they were mad and both left marks on the door not unlike the passover (Exo 12:21-23); neither "Achish"(<397> can mean "only a man") or Pilate wanted to deal with the beloved.

7. 1Sam 22:1 - both David and Christ were in a cave "Adullam"(<5725> can mean "justice of the people" and only by David and Christ going into and coming out of the cave could there be hope and justice for true followers) and both their fathers houses had members go down to the respective sons (Matt 28:2).

8. 1Sam 22:2 - everyone that was in distress, and everyone that was in debt gathered themselves to David and Jesus; believers to this day go to Jesus as only he could pay the full debt - that of sin and death.

9. 1Sam 22:3 - "Mizpah"(<4708> means "watchtower") while of "Moab"(<4124> means "of his father"), David literally went there while Christ figuratively ascended there as the watchtower of his Father is heaven.

10. 1Sam 22:6 - at the tree both Saul had a spear as did a Roman.

11. 1Sam 22:7 - both sons of Jesse (Jesus and David) to be kings and to give their followers vineyards and authority (Matt 27:37;Mic 4:4;Rev 5:10).

12. 1Sam 22:18 - persecution of the righteous (Acts 8:1;Rev 17:3-6,9).

13. 1Sam 22:23 - true believers will be safe with Christ even if they lose their lives in martyrdom (Matt 10:39).

21:9  After the slaying of Goliath we learn that David put Goliath’s armour in his tent –1Sam 17:54. But here we learn a little more about what happened to Goliath’s weaponry. His sword was with the priests and the tabernacle. Doubtless kept as a reminder of God’s deliverance. This is not the first item added to the tabernacle. There had also been Aaron’s rod and a pot of Manna – Heb 9:5. 

It must have been a very desperate situation for David's father's whole household to leave their home and join David in a cave. We assume that they weren't safe from Saul, who could decide to kill them at any time, but the scripture gives us the more immediate cause for their plight. In 2Sam 23:13-14 we read that there was a Philistine garrison at Bethlehem at that time, so perhaps they had fled from the Philistines rather than Saul?

22:17   So in that the servants of David would not kill the priests we see they were more God fearing that Saul, In fact they feared God more than they feared Saul which, given his irrational and violent behaviour, speaks very highly of his servants.

21:14-15        One wonders if Achish sees David’s behaviour as an opportunity to free David. It would have been just as easy for Achish to command him to be killed.

22:18    Saul showed his utter disdain for the priesthood in instructing this evil Edomite to slay the priests.

22:18  The priests could easily have overpowered Doeg but, clearly they did not. They did violence to no man as John the Baptist advised the soldiers that came to him - Luke 3:14.

22:7     Saul appeals to bribery rather than reason when speaking with his servants who were just standing around. There is no evidence that Saul actually give the things he spoke of to his servants.

22:10-15 Whilst David was before the Philistine sin Gath he was afraid. Psa 56:1-13 speaks of this mind. In particular Psa 56:11 shows us what was on David’s mind at that time.

22:10-15 Whilst David was before the Philistine sin Gath he was afraid. Psa 56 speaks of this mind. In particular Psalm Psa 56:11 shows us what was on David’s mind at that time

21:4 It would appear that the priests were truly living “hand to mouth” – that is they were not being provided for by the people who should have been giving a tithe to the priests so that they could live and serve the people. Another indication of how godless Saul’s reign was.

SEASONS OF LIFE

As we get older, we might still feel like we are in our teens, twenties or thirties, but in actual fact, we are getting older. At certain times of our life we discover that there are things we find more difficult or that are not as easy as they were before. It seems David was hitting that sort of age. "There was war again` between the Philistines and Israel, and David went down together with his servants, and they fought against the Philistines. And David grew weary. And Ishbi-benob ... thought to kill David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid and attacked the Philistine and killed him. Then David's me said to him. 'You shall no longer go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.'" (2Sam 21:15-17).

Our lives have different seasons. In our youth we can be more physical. As we grow older, hopefully we grow more wise. Even David seemed to realise this and retired from active service.

When life changes for us, let's not resist it but embrace the change and begin to grow again in the new direction that God has for us.

22:19  This list of those in Nob and their possessions that Saul ordered to be killed matches closely what God had told Saul to do to the Amalekites – 1 Samuel 15:3 – which command he did not keep. So whilst Saul was unwilling to keep God’s command he was willing to enforce his own command here at Nob. So he would not destroy God’s enemies but would destroy God’s priests – the route through which he had access to God! So perverse and self-centred was Saul that he did this.

22:7-8  So here we see an eample of Saul’s paranoia. Maybe his subjects, by now, appreciated saul’s unbalanced mind and so did not respond. However Doewg the Edomite saw his chance to ingraciate himnself to Sual and grapsed the opportunity.

21:1 What a sorry state of affairs! The priesthood being afraid of David’s presence because they knew of Saul’s hatred for David. A man that, doubtless, the priesthood knew was destined to be king in the place of Saul.  Their fear was not of David but of what Saul might do if he learnt of David’s association with the priest.

REACCURING THEME: David's deceptive plan, (1Sam 20:6) his lie to Ahimelech, (1Sam 21:2) and fleeing to and acting job in front of the worst enemy to Israel at that time (1Sam 21:13) all show lapses in faith for David. This is not David at his best. Its him behaving like us...

BIBLE MARKING: David was to learn the lesson of Acts 14:22 through his years as a fugitive

David made many mistakes during this very scary and dreadful time of his life. We should look back, recognize, and learn from them no doubt, but notice how never once in all his fleeing did he ever ask "why me?" There's a certain selfishness in that question. It gives way very easily to you wishing your struggle was cast onto someone you think lower of. When in reality, we are told so much through scripture that we are to be honoured. Honoured to be so in God's good grace that He thinks us worthy to go through His perfect refining, moulding, and teaching. (1Pet 1:7 Psa 66:10 Rom 5:3,4) So I propose rather, the question should be, "why NOT me?" 

(Ideas taken from Uncle Colin Badgers class series - David: Stranger and Sojourner)

v.5 - we have picked up this phrase 'holier than thou' and use it against those that think they know it all. Surely we must be more careful than ever in this godless world that this phrase is not aimed at ourselves. Let us aim for a humility of mind that causes others to respect rather than despise us. Luke 18:9-12 - The Pharisees were wrong in their attitude. Let us learn from that.

v.1-7 - So often we read of God's disappointment with his people. The purpose of recording these things is not that we should gloat but that we should learn. 1Cor.10:6-12

v.3 - An ‘altar of brick’ actually violated the Law of Moses for any altar was to be built of rough stone [Exodus 20:25]

The miracle of the healing of Legion (Mark 5) echoes elements of this chapter.

ETERNITY The instruction is to "Be glad and rejoice in what I (God) will create." Sometimes life seems depressing, stressful, too busy, lonely or painful. This is because we live in a world that is cursed by sin and death. But when God creates the new heavens and the new earth, all the ways of this life we now live will be a thing of the past. God says that "the former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind."
Our life now is nothing compared to the eternity that God has stretched out in front of us in the kingdom.
A person 100 years old in the kingdom will be considered a youth. Our mere 70 or so years living now will seem insignificant compared to living 1000 years in a perfect world. The short time of trial now will fade into obscurity when we have entered into Gods "rest" in the kingdom. So let us look past the present troubles and pain and the moments that seem like they last an eternity, and see the future glory of the real eternity stretched out before us and be glad and rejoice in what God will create.

:21 So the kingdom is established and Israel are blessed. So the curse of Deuteronomy 28:30 will be reversed. Instead of building houses which are then taken from them the children of Israel will inhabit the houses they build.

65:1-2 The contrast between the gentile (:1) and Israel (:2) is used by Paul (Rom 10:20-21) to highlight the reason why God opened His offer of salvation to the gentiles.

V.1 "nation.. not called by my name"  That is, the Gentiles. God retorts in their own words Isa 63:9, that their plea as being exclusively "called by His Name" will not avail, for God's gospel invitation is not so exclusive. Rom 1:16,  Rom 9:25

Vs.3-5 There have been (and still are) those of the house of Israel who have arrogantly opposed their God with flagrant idolatry.  

V.6 Yahweh will deal with the arrogant ones as per His promise (Psa 79:12). 

V.9 Yahweh will bless those of His spiritual seed, Christ and His brethren. To these He shall give a new name in the Kingdom (v.15; Isa 62:2; Rev 2:17; 3:12). 

V.17 The Kingdom will herald in a new order (2Pet 3:13; Rev 21:4). 

Vs.18,19 The physical city of Jerusalem will be a place of peace, beauty, and holiness.  New Jerusalem will be also formed, symbolic of the Redeemed (the immortalised saints) (Rev 21:2,10).  

Vs.20-25 Much death and destruction will need to take place before the blessings of the Kingdom are installed.  Those mortals who will be fortunate enough to escape these troubles will also be blessed in the Kingdom. These verses give some insight into God's grace in this regard. 

The LORD warns apostates and sinners in Israel that "they are not all Israel,who are of Israel" Rom 9:6-7, that He would admit Gentiles, and that unbelievers of Abraham's descendants would  be set aside  Rom 11:1-24.  

Isa 65:17-25is speaking of the Kingdom. Isa 65:25 says in a fascinating way, that although the animals, (or nations), will live in peace, there will be no reprieve for the serpent (= sin). Dust will still be the serpent’s meat.  That alone of the punishments in Eden will never be lifted – well not until sin and death are finally abolished at the end of the 1,000 years.

65:16 Despite all the rebelliousness of Israel there will come a time when they will turn to God. The promises of  Gen 22:18 will be fulfilled – see the margin of Gen 22:18.

65:10 The way in which the valley of Achor was to be a door of hope shows that the curse upon Achan – Josh 7:24– will finally be lifted and Israel will no longer lust after earthly things

65:1  This verse is quoted in Rom 10:20 showing that Isaiah is speaking about the call of the gentiles. Legion, living on the East of Jordan , might have been classed as a gentile. He certainly was not looking for Jesus when he arrived on the shore and healed him!

Vs.4,5 It is easy to be holier than thou and to cock a snook (act contemptuously) at others. We might not indulge in flagrant, abominable, practices as the Israelites did.  Nevertheless, we are still sinners and ought to treat others with humility and respect.

 65:10 In describing the ‘valley of Achor’ in these terms it contrast powerfully with how it was in the days that Israel entered he land o promise under Joshua –Josh 7:24

The "Jerusalem" in v8-10 is the "new Jerusalem" spoken of elsewhere. We gather this from the context of v17 "behold I create new heavens and a new earth... I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing". This new Jerusalem has come through the trials brought on it by God; v16 "the former troubles are forgotten". The old city has died, as it were, and been replaced by the new.

The picture here can be seen first in the near destruction and miraculous saving of Jerusalem at the time of Hezekiah. The land afterwards had rest and was restored, and Jerusalem was a rejoicing for the people saved from Assyria (v18). And secondly as a picture of all of us who have come, through trials in life, to hold on to God as our only hope. This picture is given us in Heb 12:5-7, 22-24 speaking of the new covenant and heavenly (or new) Jerusalem, the eternal citizenship of which is gained through trials.

So the Bible is asking us to look at the time of Hezekiah as an example of how our salvation works. It's like a textbook accompanying the new testament Gospels. This is why the account is repeated three times in Kings, Chronicles and Isaiah.

65:9 The ‘seed’ who God will bring forth is Jesus. Thus we see in little details in the prophets we see Messiah spoken of. Jesus did say – Luke 24:27 - that he is spoken of in all the scriptures.

65:21 This wonderful picture of Israel at rest dwelling in their own houses and eating their own produce is taken and used to speak of captivity in Jer 29:5 because of Israel’s rebelliousness.

65:24 The answering of a prayer as it was being spoken seems rather like Hezekiah’s experience when Isaiah returned with the answer to the prayer almost as soon as Hezekiah had voiced it. 2Kin 20:5

65:6 When we read “it is written before me” we might ask “where?”. Isaiah quotes twice from the Psalms

Will not keep silence  Psa 50:3

Recompense into their bosom  Psa 79:12

So these two Psalms should be read and reviewed against the background of Isaiah’s inspired use of them.

65:3     We recognise that God is reproving Israel for the open rebellion against His will. However we should appreciate that they did not think that their behaviour was an offence to God. We can be just the same thinking our behaviour is acceptable to God whilst in reality we are astray from Him because we are only doing things that please ourselves. 

HE HOLDS OUT HIS HANDS

Isaiah was talking about Israel when God told him to say, "All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations - a people who continually provoke me to my very face." (Isa 65:2-3). These people thought they were doing service to God by being righteous. They said, "Keep away; don't come near me, for I am too sacred for you!" (v.5).

Though Isaiah's comments were immediately relevant to Israel, they may well be just as relevant to us. I know from personal experience that I can be obstinate and turn away from God's instruction just as easily as Israel did. For that reason I am glad that God has the patience to hold out his hands to me even when I go astray. My prayer needs to be that I will see his arms stretched out toward me and that I will choose to draw near to him.

It can also be very easy to feel that we need to be so separate from the world that in our religious fervour we cut off any association with the people around us. But look at the example of Jesus: the more holy he was, the more approachable he became.

So let's mature in our faith by being like Jesus, drawing near to God and being someone that even "sinners" can come near to, to see the love of God first hand.

65:25  In speaking of no hurt in His holy mountain the prophet is returning to what he has already said –Isa 11:9

1. God answers Isa 64:12 in Isaiah 65; because Israel had rejected God's goodness they would be afflicted and the Gentiles would be embraced and included in the hope of millennial Israel.

2. Isa 65:1-2 - V1 refers to hope for the Gentiles; V2 refers to a disappointing Israel; (Rom 10:20-21;Luke 14:16-24).

3. Isa 65:2-4 - the Jews engaging in ungodly religious practices.

4. Isa 65:3-5 - the Jews provoking God and V5 seems to reflect the hypocritical proud holier than thou attitude of the unholy Pharisees (Luke 11:39-44).

5. Isa 65:6-7 - the Jews would pay for their disobedience and would suffer from spiritual blindness among other things (Rom 11:7-8).

6. Isa 65:8 - Israel is the cluster of grapes and the nation would not be totally destroyed as the "new wine<8492>" (Matt 9:14-17) to come from the cluster would be godly and spread the true gospel.

7. Isa 65:9 - the seed out of Jacob and Judah is Christ and true spiritual Israel.

8. Isa 65:10 - "Sharon<8289>" the plain will be overrun by the enemies of Israel including the Gogian horde but ultimately it will be a pasture for flocks (Isa 33:9-10); the "Valley of Achor<5911>" (the valley of Achor/trouble becomes through the sacrifice of Christ a door of hope and perhaps Achan will go from death by stoning to a resurrection and hope of eternal life in the millennial kingdom on earth with God's chosen people who will possess the mountains and Sharon and the Valley of Achor Gen 38:27-30;Josh 2:18-21;Josh 7:1,8-12,19-26;Hos 2:15).

9. Isa 65:11 - pagans and those that forsake the Lord believe in chance (1Sam 6:1-9), gambling, and the gods of good luck and destiny.

10. Isa 65:11-12 - those who forsake God's holy mountain (i.e. mount Zion, Jerusalem) will be destined for the sword; (1Cor 10:20-22) Gentiles drinking the "cup<4221> 'of devils<1140>'" in sacrificing to nonexistant entities.

11. Isa 65:13-14 - God's servants will eat (is this literal and/or spiritual food?), drink (is this literal and/or spiritual drink?) and sing for joy in contrast to those who are cursed.

12. Isa 65:15-16 - the wicked to be destroyed and the elect to inherit the earth (Psa 145:20;Matt 5:5;Rev 5:9-10;Isa 2:1-5); God's servants called by the name of Christ (2Cor 1:20;Rev 3:14;Isa 65:17;2Pet 3:13;Rev 10:7;Isa 65:18-19;Col 1:2;1Pet 4:16).

13. Isa 65:17-25 - the millennial kingdom age to come (Zeph 3:13-20;Psa 86:9-10); VS 17-19 rejoicing in Jerusalem during Christ's millennial reign; VS 20,25 (under Christ's rule the saints will rejoice forever; the wild beasts of nations will be tamed, but as for the serpent nations they shall lick dust Psa 72:7-9;Mic 7:16-17). 

65:6  God, on seeing the wickedness of Israel, will not keep silence. He said He would act – and He did. Are we moved to not keep silence when we see and hear error?

65:17     The new heaven and earth that Isaiah speaks of is drawn upon by Peter – 2Pet 3:13 and Jesus – rRev 21:1 – to speak of the kingdom when Jesus will rule on earth as king.

65:10   Both here and in Hos 2:15 – the valley of Achor. A place of disgrace for Israel, is presented as a place of blessing.

65:19  Isaiah has spoken of this time already 30:19– the prophet now goes on to describe in the remainder of the chapter other benefits of the time when Jesus rules from Jerusalem.

65:8 Even though Israel had turned away from God as is seen in the previous verses God is willing to note that there is the possibility of fruitfulness and so does not destroy. This should be a comfort to us who try to do what is right but often fail significantly.

65:24 there are examples of prayers that have been immediately answered. We might think of Hezekiah when he was told he was going to die  - Isa 38:5. Whilst I could add more examples maybe you will benefit from thinking for yourselves about who else you can think of whose prayers were heard immediately.

65:17-18 There is a new age coming. Incredible as it might seem its glory will obliterate and overshadow all that has gone before it. We should be glad now that these things are so. But our joy will be full when the kingdom is re-established in the earth. This vision should encourage us through the difficulties we might experience in this life.

65:11  God earlier in the chapter speaks of the way that He would bless His people. Surely, one might have thought, a realisation that God would bless His people would cause them to strive to be faithful. But no, despite His promise they forsook Him. Of course they would not recognise that they had forsaken Him. It was just that they worshipped other things as well as follow God’s instructions. But God cannot tolerate duplicity,

We have to ask ourselves how “single” are we in our worship of Him and how focussed are we on living a life that will please Him?

65:22-24 Isaiah is inspired here to describe the experience of the mortal Jewish population in during the millennium reign of Jesus. One of the many areas of the Old Testament which speaks of a mortal population of Jews living into the kingdom of God and recognising Jesus as their Messiah.

Isa 65:17-25

“A great national reconciliation being consummated, and the Twelve Tribes grafted into their own olive again, they will then enjoy the better promises of the second Covenant. A new heart, and a new spirit they will then possess. They will be God’s reconciled people, and He will be their God. He will call for the corn and increase it, and lay no famine upon them; and they shall receive no more reproach among the nations. Their land that was desolate will then be as the garden of Eden. Jerusalem will be a rejoicing, and Israel a joy. Their lives shall endure as the days of a tree, and they shall wear out the works of their hands. These are a few incidents of the national blessedness that awaits Israel, when the kingdom of God shall be restored to them, and established in the second millennium of its independence under the New and Better Covenant.”

Dr. John Thomas, The Faith in the Last Days, p. 78

Underlines added to emphasize that Israel’s reconciliation as YHWH’s people is an event still to happen.  “Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father…” 1John 2:23.

10 v.2 - The order of the naming of the 12 apostles

From which we can conclude:- Lebbaeus, Thaddaeus and Judas the brother of James are the same person Simon the Canaanite and Simon Zelotes is the same person Mark 2:14 has 'Levi the son of Alphaeus' the tax gather who is Matthew. Thus Matthew / Levi and James are brothers.

The way in which Paul speaks to Timothy using Jesus' words highlights that Jesus words very powerfully become the message that the Apostles taught.

Verse 6 explains what Jesus is doing in this chapter. He is fulfilling his own parable by being the good shepherd searching for the lost sheep of Israel. It is clear that he includes all Israel in this. This seems to be the start of the last call to repentance of the people of God, after having had generation after generation of prophets urging them to repent and turn back to Him. Chapter 11 v 13 tells us that John the baptist was the last of those prophets. God was sending His own son out to plead with the people to repent, showing great signs and wonders, as a last resort before He had to destroy them. It may be for this reason that Jesus is at pains to point out that they were going "in my name", or "for my sake" (v18, 22, 39, 40). The disciples were going out amongst the people as if they were Jesus, the son of God, and if the people responded to them, then they responded to that son. If they were kind to them, then they were kind to the son of God. If they only gave a cup of cold water to a disciple, then it was as unto the son of God. It is this that seems to be the guide as to whom would be judged, and who wouldn't. The judgements of Christ in AD70 would be based upon the response of these people to his disciples. (Matt 23v34-38; 25v31-46).

A further point to ponder:
After telling his disciples to go out and preach, heal the sick, and cast out demons, he commands them to leave all food, money, and extra clothing behind. The reason he gives is "for the worker is worthy of his wages". Who were they working for, and who would provide the wages? Is Jesus reminding them that if they are working for their Father in heaven, they will be looked after by Him? Is this the basis of his exhortation in Matt 6v33, that if we are trying to do His will in our lives, He will look after the rest?

10:19 In telling the disciples to ‘take no thought’ when they are brought before magistrates Jesus is repeating the encouragement he gave them (Matt 6:31,34) so we see that Jesus promises in the Sermon on the Mount extends far beyond material things.

V.14:  "Shake off the dust of your feet." A Jewish symbolical act indicating a complete break away, so complete that they would not even take a grain of dust with them. We see that Paul and Barnabus followed the same practice at Antioch. Acts 13:51  Paul it appears, carried this symbolical act a little further in Corinth, when he shook his raiment as he left the synagogue  Acts 18:6

Vs.1-4 The apostles were given spiritual power.  This was before the Holy Spirit was manifest  at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). 

Judas Iscariot was a recipient of this divine power.  Could Judas have been forgiven over the betrayal of Jesus?  It is a moot point since he chose to commit suicide rather than to seek forgiveness.  Of course, it is folly to second guess the Lord.  However, since Judas had been recipient of the Holy Spirit would not the Word condemn him (Heb 6:4-6)?

V.28 There is nothing mysterious in this verse.  Simply put, man can kill the body, but only Yahweh has power over the life-force (soul = breath) which animates the body.  Thus, He can re-animate the body (bring back to life) at will.  In this we both fear and hope.  We fear the power and majesty of Yahweh and hope in our revival at the last day (Psa 34:9; 2Cor 4:14).

V.37 Jesus is to take precedent over our natural families.  By extension, brethren of Christ must take precedence over our natural families.

10:22-25 In warning the disciples what to expect Jesus is reminding the disciples of what had been said of him earlier inMark 3:21

EFFECTIVE PREACHING
 
Jesus sent the twelve apostles out with the following instructions: As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. (Matt 10:7-8)
 
There are a number of lessons we should learn from what Jesus said.
1. Our message must be that the kingdom of heaven is near. While it is important to tell people what our hope is all about and the truth of the message of salvation, we need to tell them that the time is near. We need to convey a sense of urgency, telling people that we are living in the last days. Without that sense of urgency many of God's people may put off their decision for another day - maybe even a day too late.
2. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. There is more to the task than just proclaiming the message. We may not have all these abilities, but it is important that we balance our message with service for the people we want to teach. People always have needs, and one effective way we can get the message across is by showing God's love in action.
3. Freely you have received, freely give. God's salvation cost us nothing. Show our appreciation for his gift to us by sharing it with others.

10:35 The animosity amongst family members was not something new. It was predicted – Mic 7:6 – and was something which Jesus experienced in his own family.

10:19-20 After being told that they would be brought before governors and kings for Christ's sake. The disciples were given these incredible words of comfort. These words had a great effect upon the Apostle Paul during his trials before the captain and the centurion, and again when he stood before king Agrippa. As Paul was strengthened, so we can all receive strength and comfort when we are out doing the work of Christ. 

10:14 The seeming harsh injunction to shake the dust of the city off their feet if Jesus’ message was not heeded was because they had rejected God’s salvation offered through Jesus’ representatives. Later – Acts 13:51 – Paul did the same thing to the Jews because they rejected the message about Christ

V.16 It seems odd that Jesus would exhort His disciples to be wise as serpents.  The serpent is synonymous with cunning (skill at deception). In Eden, it was the serpent that deceived Eve (2Cor 11:3).  Obviously, the Lord was not telling His disciples to seduce people by trickery.  A cunning creature is also cautious and lacks naivety.  The Lord is exhorting His disciples to be harmless as doves  but, at the same time, to have eyes wide open to avoid the subtleties and pitfalls that they might encounter in their work.

10:7-8 Preaching the kingdom is at hand and healing the sick, for the disciples, were two parts of the same message. The healings were the evidence that their message had credibility as they were performing the work that would be seen in the kingdom of God.

Vs.34-36 Christendom celebrates the birth of Jesus at Christmas.  The sentiment of Peace on earth and goodwill towards all men has been proclaimed on behalf of the Christ-child.  Christ, speaking for himself, says that he did not come to bring peace (presently). 

Throughout history, individuals, families, and states have been in conflict in the name of Christ. Nations have fought wars, and millions have died, all in His Name.  And so where is the peace? Many have become cynical and have scoffed at this misguided Christmas sentiment.  The result is that they have chosen to deny the existence of God (Psa 14:1). 

Global peace will only occur when the Lord Jesus returns to earth from heaven to establish the Kingdom (Isa 9:6,7).  Those in Christendom will never experience that peace as they believe in the myth of heaven going at death rather than the reality the of Kingdom of God on earth. 

True believers in Christ, however, have the assurance of Christ's peace, even now, as they contend with a tumultuous world and wait for His return (John 14:27).

10:14 We should appreciate that the disciples were not speaking to people who had no knowledge of God. They were speaking to God’s people who should have known all about the kingdom of God. Indeed they should have been waiting for it as some clearly were - Luke 2:25 - so the way that the disciples were to respond was appropriate for the audience.

What was the reward in v42? Was it an eternal reward, or more immediate? Could it be Jesus is referring to the troubles of AD70 (the judgement on the Jews because they rejected Jesus), where such people would be spared? This is rather like the example of Rahab in the old testament who escaped because of her kindness to visitors.

10:23 Jesus told his disciples to ‘flee’ into another city when persecuted.  There was no virtue in staying round to suffer.  We find Paul does the same thing – Acts 14:6 – when he was persecuted.

10:18  The warning that the followers of Jesus would be brought before ‘kings’ was Paul’s experience – Acts 26:2.

10:14

Note the list was Produced by Brother John Owen

Matt 10:5,6.

10:42 The Nazarite who broke his Nazarite vow had lost all the days of his vow up to when he broke the vow. Consider a man who had made a vow that would run for, say, a month but on the last day he defiled himself. The previous days of his vow were “lost” Num 6:12. We must take care that our pilgrimage is not marred. 

10:14 The mention of “dust” reminds us of the way in which the serpent was to eat dust – Gen 3:14. Dust is associated with sinfulness. Those disciples whose message is not heeded do not wish to be associated with those who reject Jesus.

10:22  Jesus will, again – Matt 24:9-  tell the disciples that  they will be hated for their commitment to him.

10:37     The way in which Jesus speaks about family relationships is not a harsh call to neglect family. Rather it echoes the call to the Nazarite – Num 6:6-7. Just as the Nazarite vow takes precedence over family matters so commitment to Jesus must take precedence over all else in our lives.

10:12-13          When the disciples went out preaching and sought hospitality they were to be selective as to where they lodged. They should only lodge with those who were sympathetic to their ministry. We can learn from this. Our “friends” should, at least, be sympathetic, not hostile, to our faith.

Matt 10:34

“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”

This is a strong statement, one that weighs heavily on the heart as it applies to our own spiritual journey. This passage is metaphoric and not meant to be taken to mean Christ is advocating taking up the sword and fight. This same metaphor is also read in Heb 4:12. Jesus explains the sword to be a sword that causes divisions and presents us with a choice complicating even our closest relationships. (Matt 10:35,36).

It has been pointed out that this contradicts Prov 6:19, “A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” This verse deals with causing divisions among believers by giving false reports on another; Matt 10 deals with dividing the faithful from the unfaithful, and includes the disobedient within the household of faith (cf. Prov 4:14-19; 1Cor 5:9-13; Eph 5:9-15).

Brother Robert Roberts wrote back in 1871, “The Editor would like to be good friends with them all. He is not naturally unfriendly to any; but the truth comes in and makes breaches where none would be. This is in accordance with what Christ said would be the operation of his word—a sword and a fire, causing separations. The truth accepted makes fast friends, other conditions being equal; but the truth professed and betrayed, isolates from the betrayers all its true friends, whatever excellence of personal quality may exist.”

10:29 do we actually believe that God is aware of every bird that dies? We should be cause that is the basis for Jesus’ words of encouragement to his disciples. Jesus is stating a clear Old Testament lesson. God is intimately involved in His creation all the time.

10:36 this statement was so true of Jesus’ own experience where his brothers seemed to hate him and his mother did not understand him.

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR

When Jesus sent the twelve disciples out to preach he gave them a message. It was a very simple one. This is what it was: "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt 10:7). Since that time about two thousand years have passed by, and the message remains the same. The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Some people say that because Jesus is the king of the kingdom, he was near, and so his message was right for the people of the time. But even after he had gone into heaven he still said, "Behold, I am coming soon." (Rev 22:12).

We don't know whether Jesus will return tomorrow or in a hundred years or more. But what I do know is this: As I have got older, time seems to go faster and faster. If I make a plan I have to be very proactive in making it happen or time will just slip by and my plans will not develop.

The kingdom of heaven is near All too soon our lives will be over, and if we haven't prepared now, we won't be ready. It will be sooner than you think. There is less time to prepare than you think - even if you live out a full life.
 
The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Are you ready? Do the people around you know that Jesus is coming? Will they have time to prepare?
 

10:39 The phrase “shall find it” draws on Ecclesiastes 11:1: “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days”. Bread can represent life, as Christ said: “I am that bread of life” (Jno. 6:48). To cast one’s "bread upon the waters" is to ‘lose’ one’s life. A faithful believer will ‘find’ their life after many days at the resurrection and judgment.

10:15    The ideas here, and particularly the word “harmless” are drawn on - Phil 2:16 by the apostle Paul.

10:4 In the parable of the tares growing with the wheat –Matt 13:24-30 – Jesus presents a picture of faithful and unfaithful believers growing together. But the final judgment will come and there will be a separation. Up to that time those who will be “tares” provide challenges for faithful believers. Jesus doubtless provided challenges for Jesus during his time as a disciple.

10:22  When Jesus speaks of the son of man coming he is probably, in the first instance, speaking of AD70.

10:4 Simon the Canaanite is elsewhere – Luke 6:15- called Simon Zelotes. It is only by comparing all the lists of the 12 that we see the relationships and qualities they each had.

We have what I could imagine being a very funny dynamic where Christ, at the end of chapter 9, had told His disciples to pray for helpers for the big multitude of people (Matt 9:37-38) only to turn around and say "surprise! YOU'RE gonna be the helpers!" by making them apostles with the power to heal all diseases (Matt 10:1) I believe what's being done here is getting us to think about our own abilities. How often do we see someone, either in ecclesia or not, struggling with a task or going through a clear valley of their life? We might say a prayer for them, (which is definitely a good play don't get me wrong James 5:15)  but like Christ showed His Disciples, its possible the prayer we offer for God to help someone, may be worked out through us! God time and time again has commended those who show zeal for The Faith (Num 25:11,13) Christ even gives His most famous parable over this exact topic of being proactive and helping when no one else will Luke 10:33-37