Comments for September 24

v.40 - This list in these chapters is not just a genealogy. It is also a record of numbers.

v.15 The mention that Zelophehad had daughters reminds us of the situation in Numbers 26:33 and the subsequent question of inheritance Numbers 27:1-7. So the mention here is to remind us that this family were the first to be given the special treatment reserved for families where there were no sons.

:1-5 Sons of Issachar
:6-12 Sons of Benjamin
:13 Sons of Naphtali
:14-19 Sons of Manasseh
:20 Sons of Ephraim
:21-29 A comment on an historical event in the circumstances of the sons of Ephraim
:30-40 Sons of Asher

:23 'Beriah' <01283> means 'in evil'. It is derived from the word <07451> which is extensively translated 'evil' in the Old Testament.

7:2 The number of Issachar was known in the days of David because he had arranged for the nation to be numbered (2Sam 24:1-2)

V.5 Only four sons are mentioned; so that as they were stated to be five, in this number the father, Izrahiah, must be considered as included; otherwise one of the names must have been dropped out of the text. They were each at the head of a numerous and influential division of the tribe of Issachar.

How true Jacob's blessing came, on Joseph's 2 sons (Gen 48).  In 1Chron 7:14-29 Manasseh and Ephraim were indeed counted as tribes of Israel.

7:24 Whilst we learn that it was the daughter that built Beth Horon we learn – 2Chron 8:5 – that Solomon built them. So we have to conclude that they had become dilapidated by the time of Solomon. Maybe because of the lack of a male heir

Vs.1,2 The name Tola is interesting. Tola means worm. Actually, it is a maggot that, when squashed, reveals its scarlet innards.  These maggots were used for dying material a scarlet colour.  

The kind of colour produced by the squashed maggots was used to denote sin (Isa 1:18).  Here, the word translated crimson, in the KJV, is tola.  Yahweh gives Israel (His national son) the appellation tola (Isa 41:14).  

Tola is also the self-description of Jesus (Yahweh's only begotten Son) (Psa 22:6). 

Jesus was being crucified at this time.  Many Jews despised Him, although He gave His life so that others might live.  He crucified the flesh and overcame sin and death.  He was a tola, bearing the crimson of sin to the cross (2Cor 5:21).

7:15 We first meet Zelophehad’s daughters in Num 26, the matter of inheritance of the land was raised by these daughters in Num 27:1. So again the implications of inheritance where there was no son is raised again.

7:1 Whilst Tola and Puah are presented as sons of Issachar it seems that they were father and son – Judg 10:1

V.1 Issachar (the hired one) was the ninth son of Jacob by Leah. Issachar was Leah’s fifth child. Jacob’s description of Issachar was: Issachar is a strong donkey, crouching between the sheepfolds. He saw that a resting place was good, and that the land was pleasant, so he bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant at forced labour (Gen 49:14,15) (ESV).

Jashub is called Job in Gen 46:13.

V.6 Benjamin (son of my right hand) was the youngest son of Jacob by Rachel (who died giving birth to Benjamin). Jacob’s description of Benjamin was: Benjamin is a ravenous wolf, in the morning devouring the prey and at evening dividing the spoil (Gen 49:27) (ESV).

V.13 Naphtali (my wrestling) was the fifth son of Jacob by Bilhah (her second child). Bilhah was Rachel’s maidservant. Jacob’s description of Naphtali was: Naphtali is a doe let loose that bears beautiful fawns (Gen 49:21) (ESV).

V.14 Manasseh (causing to forget) was the elder son of Joseph by Asenath, daughter of Poti-phera, priest of On. He was blessed by Jacob, but was superseded in importance by his younger brother Ephraim: 'God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh.' Thus he put Ephraim before Manasseh (Gen 48:20) (ESV).

V.20 Ephraim (double fruit) was the younger son of Joseph by Asenath. Although younger than his brother Manasseh, Ephraim was blessed first by Jacob. The name Ephraim became synonymous with Israel (e.g. Isa 11:13).

V.30 Asher (happy, blessed) was the eighth son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant. Jacob said of Asher: Asher's food shall be rich, and he shall yield royal delicacies (Gen 49:20) (ESV).

7:1 The number mentioned that were counted in the days of David refers to the time when David numbered Israel by the hand of Joab – 2Sam 24:1,2

1Chron 7:1 - the following may remind us of Messianic qualities: Issachar [(3485) means "he will bring a reward" etc.], Tola [(8439) means "worm"], Puah [(6312) means "splendid" etc.], Jashub [(3437) means "he will return"], Shimron [(8105) means "guardianship" etc.].

1Chron 7:2 - the following may also remind us of Messianic qualities: Tola [(8439) means "worm"], Uzzi [(5813) means "strong" etc.], Rephaiah [(7509) means "healed of Jah, Jah has cured"], Jeriel [(3400) means "taught by God" etc.], Jahmai [(3181) means "whom Jah guards" etc.], Jibsam [(3005) means "fragrant, pleasant"], Shemuel [(8050) means "heard of God" etc.].

7:3-4  So it seems that  Tolah’s descendants, maybe following him being a judge – seemed to have a private army!

7:5      There are very few comments about people in the genealogies in 1 Chronicles so when here we learn that the tribe of Issachar – or at least part of the tribe – were valiant men we might try and remember than as we read of battles to see if the sons of Issachar figure more prominently than any other tribe.

7:29   Whilst we may have real difficulty identifying the locations of some of the places named here (and in other places for that matter) when marking out the inheritance of a tribe we can establish with certainty where some of the places are. We should use those, and a map, to get clear in our minds where a tribe settled. 

How Israelites named their children

There is a clue in 1Chron 7:1 about how Israelites named their children. Here Tola and Puah are the sons of Issachar, one of the founding fathers of the nation of Israel (Issachar was a son of Jacob who was later named Israel). If we move a few hundred years later, a descendant of Issachar is named Puah and in turn names his son Tola (see Judg 10:1). Thus we see that names remained within families even for hundreds of years.

7:17    The only other mention of “Bedan” is in 1Sam 12:11 where four judges of Israel are mentioned. Whilst there is no “Bedan” in the book of Judges some manuscripts in the Samuel account replace “Bedan” with “Barak” who certainly was one of the Judges. Thou whilst Barak was from the tribe of Naphtali –Judg 4:6 the Bedan seems to be form the tribe of Manasseh – 1Chron 7:14. So maybe they are different people.

7:2   Tola was a judge. He had sons who were “valiant” though they are not mentioned in the book of Judges so we can conclude that there were more faithful men in the time of the Judges than those mentioned by name in that book.

7:24 It is most unusual to find a “daughter” mentioned in the chronology of the sons of Jacob. But here we learn of a daughter of Ephraim. The reason she is mentioned is probably because of the significance of Beth-Horon in the later narrative

1 Chronicles 1-9 can seem to be difficult chapters to read and understand.

Brother Tony Benson’s book – Family Trees of the Tribes of Israel, by using family trees and explanations highlights much that is in the genealogies in this section of the book.

Copies can be ordered from Peterlforbes@tiscali.co.uk. Cost £5.50 plus postage.

7:40 We read of many in the list of men who were “mighty men of valour”. Here we learn also that they were “apt to war and to battle”. We should not form the impression that the focus is not simply on military might for its own sake. When Israel left Egypt they were going to the land of Canaan to expel the inhabitants of that land – at God’s comment. We see elsewhere that men like Joshua, who was a mighty man, was primarily a man of faith. We do not war with “flesh and blood” we are at war with “Adam” who is trying to rule our thoughts and actions. As such we need to be valiant in the battle – but do not overcome in our own strength. It is our faith in the grace of God, which we learn of in the scriptures, that is our valour.

7:13  One is left wondering why the family of Naphtali is presented with such a small amount of information here.

v.8 - We have these constant reminders as we consider this part of Israel's history of God's reaction when those he has chosen turn to idolatry. It must surely make us want to be sure that we keep our hearts and minds set on that which God desires of us.

20:1 10th month 5th day 7th year Jehoiachim's captivity
20:8 But they rebelled against me Psalm 106:7 29 33 43
20:11 which if a man do ... live in them Leviticus 18:520:13 but the house of Israel rebelled Psalm 106:7 29 33 43
20:13 then ... consume them Psalm 106:23
20:14 for my name's sake Psalm 106:8
20:15 I lifted up my hand Psalm 106:26
20:18 defile not yourselves Psalm 106:36
20:21 the children rebelled against me Psalm 106:7 29 33 43
20:23 I would ... among the heathen Deuteronomy 28:64
20:26 caused to pass [Heb set apart all] Exodus 13:12
20:33 mighty ... arm Deuteronomy 4:34
20:37 pass under the rod Leviticus 27:32
20:38 they ... in to the land Numbers 14:36

20:1 Again the elders have come to enquire of the Lord. As in chapter 8.
The temple is about to be destroyed. Remember that Psalm 106 was one of the Psalms written when David brought the ark and placed it in the tent that he had pitched in Jerusalem.
From the use made of Psalm 106 as shown above we appreciate that this area of Ezekiel's prophecy is reminding Israel of the way that they had behaved in Egypt and then in the wilderness.
Three times Ezekiel reminds them that they rebelled :8 :13 :21 so Ezekiel is using the lessons from the wilderness journey, represented by David when he brought the ark to Zion to show Israel at the time that the temple was going to be overthrown that they had not learnt the lessons of the wilderness journey.

v.3 reminds us of that there are requirements on us with which we must comply before direct enquiry of God is possible. These requirements are those of humility and contrition and denial of self, which the elders of the time did not have. Therefore God would not be enquired of by them. God does not change, so let us take the lesson to ourselves - it sure is one I need, don't know about you!

that Ezekiel adds information that we do not find in Exodus. We learn that Israel rebelled in Egypt (20:8) a consequence of which a generation died in Egypt and Israel also rebelled in the wilderness (20:21).

20:26 Here is a terrible perversion of what God had requested. Exodus 13:12 required the firstborn lamb or sheep to be given to God. Here Israel were giving their firstborn to false gods. They had taken the truth and made it into a lie to suit themselves. Whilst we may not do things as blatant as this there is always the danger that we will modify our beliefs and practices to suit ourselves.

20:8 In telling the elders that God poured His anger out in Egypt we are being told something which is additional information to that contained in the book of Exodus and possibly are learning why the earlier of the plagues in Egypt came upon Israel as well as the Egyptians.

V.13 They rebelled in the very place where death and terror were on every side and where they depended in every way on God's care. The pollution of the sabbaths and disobedience of God's law is nowhere more clearly seen than in the golden calf. Exo 32:4

SABBATH KEEPING
 
One of the things that comes up time after time in Ezekiel 20 is the fact that the people did not keep the Sabbath.  In fact the judgement on them was far worse than for just not keeping the Sabbath.  God terms it this way, "They utterly desecrated my Sabbaths." (Eze 20:13) 
 
Twice we read that God gave Israel the Sabbaths  He says, "Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so that they would know that I the LORD made them holy." (v.12)  And he requested them to "Keep my Sabbaths holy." (v.20)  But it is four times we read the other side of the story.  Israel and Judah refused to keep the Sabbaths and desecrated them instead. (v.13,16,21,24).
 
The Sabbath was intended to be a day of rest.  It was to refresh the body for the coming weeks work.  It was also a day that was to be totally free from the mundane cares, worries and busyness of every day life.  It left the Sabbath keeper time to enjoy God's day and to remember him in it.  The Sabbath was a day given to God where the life that was lived was in honour of the LORD God.  Because they desecrated the Sabbath none of these blessings were enjoyed by Israel. People became selfish and self centered and too busy to even give God a second thought. 
 
Our world is quickly moving in the same direction.  Let us make sure that we are not caught up in the Sabbath or Sunday rush, but that we dedicate that time to remembering our Lord, to be refreshed, and to enjoy the day God has given us.

V.5-6 "Lifted up my hand....unto them" Three times this is repeated. This was the sign of His oath: Exo 6:8  He was their redeemer from Egyptian slavery, to a land flowing with milk and honey: Exo 13:5, Exo 33:3.

Vs.45-48 Yahweh used a parable to describe the destruction of Judah.  The forest (Heb. ya'ar = to thicken with greenery) is set in the south (Heb. negev = south = desert area parched from drought).  

Yahweh's people (the forest) are largely parched for His Word because they have rejected it.  Thus, the people of Judah, whether prosperous (green trees) or not (dry trees), will all suffer the same fate.  They will be burned (Isa 10:16-19). 

Fire is considered a cleansing agent which is used by Yahweh as an expression of His anger (Psa 21:9).    

The Sabbath day is mentioned several times in today’s chapter, (Eze 20:12,13-16,20,21).  Israel never really seemed to accept this weekly reminder. The Sabbath day was “sign” between God and men (see Eze 31:12-17).  If the working folk normally toiled for 6 days a week, then Saturday was their God-day. They didn't work, or light fires, or cooked food.  This gave them a regular time every week to think about God, and to remember Egypt (Deut 5:12-15

20:3  Ezekiel had been speaking the word of God to these elders for almost a year, and yet they did not listen. However they wanted to enquire of God through the prophet. Because of their unwillingness to listen God told them that He would not listen to them either. In the same way He had told Jeremiah not to intercede on their behalf when they were in Jerusalem – Jer 7:16

V.37 This covenant was in fact the Abrahamic covenant, which has been ratified by the blood of Jesus (Gal 3:15-17). This is what Jesus offered to Israel (Mark 1:15). By the teaching of Jesus, and in the first century by the apostles, that the nation was caused to pass under the rod. This is a reference to the tithe of the flock (Lev 27:32). The nation of Israel was caused to pass under the Shepherd's rod of selection, and those who responded to the selection process were a remnant according to the election of grace (Rom 11:5). They were brought into the bond of the covenant

20:3 ‘I will not be enquired of by you’ contrasts powerfully with what the elders were doing. They had come to sit before Ezekiel to ask if there was a message from God.

Vs.6,15 The promised land is described as a land flowing with milk and honey. 

For the land to flow with milk meant that there would be lush pastureland for cattle (sheep and goats provided most of the milk and milk products at this time). 

For the land to flow with honey there would be an abundance of wild flowers (honey eaten at this time was wild honey). Other evidence of the land's fertility is shown in the spies' bringing back grapes, pomegranates, and figs (Num 13:23,24).

V.29 The high place (Heb. bamah) used for idolatrous worship was called Bamah. Today, the elevated platform in synagogues, used for the reading of the Torah, is called the Bimah.

20:3Whilst in Jerusalem Jeremiah had been told -Jer 7:16, 11:14, 14:11 - not to pray for the people. Now the ‘elders’ are told directly that God will not be ‘enquired of’ by them

V.49 Ezekiel was concerned about the reception of his audience when he spoke in parables.  Later, Yahweh let Ezekiel tell his listeners, plainly, about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and Judah (Eze 21:1-32).

20:5-7 Here we are provided with additional information about the time when Israel were in Egypt. We learn that they had been told to ‘cast ye away every man the abomination of his eyes’ that they would not be defiled with the gods of Egypt. Maybe the fact that Israel were idol worshippers in Egypt explains why Israel suffered from the first plagues which were brought against Egypt.

v 8 First Principles>Kingdom of God>Was overturned>History of fulfilment
Go to Deut 28:49 to see more details of the history of Israel and its overturning.

v 34,35,41 First Principles>Kingdom of God>Restoration clearly foretold
In Eze 21:25-27 UNTIL indicates a limitation to the overturning. Go there for more prophecies about Israel's restoration.

V.1 The time is the seventh year of Zedekiah’s reign, and Jeconiah’s captivity. We are not told why the elders came to Ezekiel, or what they wanted to enquire about.

Vs.3,4 Because the elders of Israel were corrupt, Yahweh would not listen to them.

V.5 etc. For almost the rest of this chapter (to v.44), Yahweh recounts the history of His bringing Israel out of the iron furnace of Egypt (Jer 11:4).

He brought His people out of the land of idolatry and commanded them to obey Him. But, they rebelled and worshipped the gods of Egypt, ignoring their God, Yahweh.

How ungrateful can a people be when brought out of sin and bondage, to slide into idolatry (Psa 106:21)?

We too, have been brought out of sin and bondage by the blood of the Lord Jesus. We must remain grateful, and not slide back into our previous sinful state, lest we be condemned (Luke 9:62; Heb 10:29).

Vs.46-49 These verses begin a description of Yahweh’s planned destruction of His people by both fire and the sword. The description is continued in Ezekiel Ch.21. Really these four verses should begin Ch.21, and are misplaced in Ch.20.

Egyptian hearts

The context of this chapter is Lev 18. It sets the scene of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, and in particular their difference to the other nations (Lev 18:1-3):

"I am the LORD your God. According to the doings of the land of Egypt... and the land of Canaan... you shall not do. I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgements"

And the big difference between Israel's God's commandments and Egypt's god's commandments is there in the rest of the verse "which if a man does, he shall live by them". In other words God's laws were life giving. In the 20th Century can see that clearly now that we understand things like disease control and the need for flowing water, washing hands and food hygiene. This verse is quoted in v11, 13 and 21 of our chapter.

But later on in the chapter the same wording is used to say they could not live by them (v25) in practice. This is the central point of the scripture for the Jew picked up in new testament teaching: "You could not live by the law!" (Gal 3:10-13) therefore another way had to be provided for salvation, namely Jesus Christ and faith in him. v26 goes on to say that the law was specifically designed to condemn the unclean practices of Egypt, Canaan and the Gentiles, so that every Israelite who practiced those things would be destroyed in the wilderness (v12,21). These were the terms they had agreed to in Exodus 19:8 and Exo 24:3 and 7 even though their hearts were with their idols (v16) and again in Deut 27:26.

So the lesson for us is not to aim at keeping the commandments, but instead to aim at changing our hearts. This is the central lesson of salvation by faith, explained using these very passages in Romans 10:4-9.

20:11 The quotation ‘which if a man do ... live in them’ from Lev 18:5 highlights to Israel – and to us for that matter – that just talking about what we believe is not enough.

20:29   ‘Bamah’ means ‘high place’

Eze 20:37-38

"And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant: and I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me..."

To "pass under the rod," is a term associated with counting the sheep as they passed under the shepherd's rod. The sheep, under the care of the shepherd, were thus gathered into the flock. During this time, the shepherd would also examine the sheep for sores, or any other underlying issues by pushing aside the wool with his rod and running it over the sheep's body. In this way, any problems would immediately be revealed. Passing the sheep under the rod gave the shepherd the opportunity to make sure all the sheep were accounted for, that they were all his, to evaluate the quality of his sheep, and provided a means of separation.

The prophet Ezekiel shows us by means of illustration that the Lord GOD as His people's Shepherd (Psa 80:1; see also (Psa 79:13) scrutinizes His sheep very closely before accepting them into His flock (see Mic 7:14). In Matt 25 this account is brought very vividly before us, when the Son of God will come in all his glory, and after careful scrutiny separate his sheep from the goats.

Some shepherd farmers that took their sheep to Agricultural Shows used to cut the coat in such a way as to mask their underlying flaws. A wise judge would part the wool and check underneath it. This is how we got the saying, "to pull the wool over someone's eyes"! While they may have fooled some of the judges some of the time, we are kidding ourselves if we think we can pull the wool over Jesus' eyes anytime.

20:18  The appeal not to defile themselves with idols picks up Psa 106:39 – another of a number of quotations of that Psalm which describes Israel’s history up to David bringing the ark to Zion – but now Ezekiel is seeing the things of the temple being dismantled. A complete reversal of God’s wonderful plan.

20:18   Separateness and holiness are required of His children. Hag 2:13 teaches that contact with an unclean item defiles the one who touches it. Isa 52:11 encourages Israel to avoid contact with the unclean. However there  is more to this than ceremonial uncleanness. The things we do, the things we think about, the places we go, can defile our minds from the purity of God’s word and thus alienate us from him.

1. Eze 20:1 - this meeting was almost a year after Eze 8:1.

2. Eze 20:3-4 - the word "judge"<8199> in verse 4 can also be rendered "plead"<8199> as in Eze 20:35; Ezekiel, the son of man, somewhat echos the later son of man as a mediator (1Tim 2:5;John 5:22,27).

3. Eze 20:5-8 - Israel's rebellious history in Egypt (worshipped Egyptian gods Eze 20:7,8,16).

4. Eze 20:9-12 - Israel's rebellious history in the exodus (God showed restraint toward Israel's bad behavior so that His name would not be profaned).

5. Eze 20:13-27 - Israel's rebellious history in the wilderness (Eze 20:16-21,26 God again shows restraint that he might be recognized as the true God, in verse 26 Israel even offered their own children to be burned as a sacrifice to idols and God allowed it that they might be "desolate"<8074> as to recognize the true God).

6. Eze 20:28-29 - Israel's rebellious history in the land. 

7. Eze 20:30-32 - even in their present captivity the house of Israel had not learned.

8. Eze 20:11-17 - Israel rejects the Sinai old covenant.

9. Eze 20:37 - Israel to this day has rejected the new covenant but when Christ returns they will accept it (Gal 3:15-18;4:9;Jer 31:31-34;Heb 8:6-13;10:10-18).

10. Eze 20:37 - "pass under the rod" perhaps refers to Lev 27:32 - a remnant of Israel will respond to the shepherding of the new covenant selection process of grace (Rom 11:5).

11. Eze 20:33-44 - God will save Israel for His name's sake (Eze 20:8-9,13-14,21-22).

12. Eze 20:40-44 - Israel will return to their land and worship Yahweh (Isa 2:1-4;Zech 12:10).

13. Eze 20:41-42 - God will make Himself known to the Gentiles and to Israel.

14. Eze 20:37-38,40-44 - there will be a restoration of the relationship between Israel and God.

15. Eze 20:45-49 - this section should be considered the beginning of Ezekiel 21. In Eze 20:46 three Hebrew words are used for "the south"<8486>, "the south"<1864>, "the south"<5045>.

20:4  Here we have an example when judgment is not condemnation from the one speaking. Rather Ezekiel was, by his judgment, to cause them to realise what they had done. 

20:20   At a time when the Sabbath is no longer an ordinance that Christians have to observe we may miss the force of what God is moving Ezekiel to say. Comparing the words here with Exo 31:13 we see that Ezekiel is quoting these words almost exactly. He is highlighting that the people are flagrantly in disregard of one of God’s key commandments.

20:8,13,21     Three times the prophet reminded the elders that the nation of Israel had rebelled against God Twice in Egypt and once in the wilderness. God sent Moses the first time and the people refused him. The second time he came they rebelled in the wilderness. The third time they rebelled despite the fact that God had already “spared them” – 20:17

20:7-8 Maybe the fact that Israel did not turn from idol worship in Egypt is the reason why they suffered from the effects of the first three plagues on Egypt.

20:37  The way Ezekiel speaks of returning Israel passing under the rod reflects the way a shepherd examines his sheep one by one. A similar idea is seen in Jer 33:13 where he speaks of the nation passing again under the hand.

20:9,14,22       So we see that God worked to deliver Israel, not for their benefit, but for his own benefit. Lest His name be defiled. We should always strive to glorify His name.

20:15-16    Psa 106 is an inspired commentary on Israel’ history, particularly in the wilderness. Twice here Ezekiel is inspired to remind the elders who are sitting before him of this Psalm - Psa 106:26 – in particular is being quoted.

20:35 The “wilderness of the people” is the type of wilderness referred to by the “wilderness” in Revelation 17:3.

20:1 Chapters Eze 20 - 23 appear to have been spoken at the same time to the elders who came to sit before Ezekiel. One major theme if this event is the impact of Egypt on Israel. The impact was Israel learnt idolatry. We find this mention repeatedly-  20:7-8, 23:8,19,27. Israel were taken to Egypt in Jacob’s day by God because of the famine. So God’s love was seen. In Egypt Jacob’s children did not see Yahweh’s deliverance. They just saw the idol worship and copied that. Freed from sin and death do we gaze at what is around us or reflect on the deliverance we have gained?

20:38 When Ezekiel said “they shall not enter into the land of Israel.” Those listening to him might have remembered that exactly the same words were said – Numbers 14:30 – to the rebels who would not believe that God would give the nation the land of Canaan when they left Egypt. In Ezekiel’s day the challenge was to believe what God had said. He had warned of the captivity through the prophet Jeremiah. But his message was not believed.

Israel were barred from entry into the land because of lack of faith – Hebrews 3:19. That is exactly the same challenge for us. Do we really believe that our Father wants to give us a place in His kingdom?

20:1-3  When the elders came to seek for God’s word from Ezekiel – 8:1 – the prophet went into a trance and then spoke to them – 11:25. On this occasion he starts to speak God’s words immediately.

20:21 When the prophet speaks of doing the Law and keeping it he is directing his hearers to Deut 4:1.

v.10 - I personally find this a hard thing to do. My desire for praise from those around me is great - I wonder how many reading this will admit to the same problem. Nevertheless, we have here a clear instruction not to desire thanks for our service to God, as it is no more than our bounden duty. We have agreed to serve Him, and we must do so, so willingly, that no thought of gratification enters our heads. Nevertheless, we also know, ironically, that this very attitude will bring us eventually to the greatest reward that there is. 1Chron.29:14-16, Job 22:2-3, 1Cor.9:16-17

v.26 - 30 Jesus is stressing the interventionist nature of his return. With respect to the flood and the destruction of Sodom life seemed to be going on quite normally until the catastrophic intervention of Yahweh. The same will be true at the time that Jesus returns.

17:23 Matthew 24:23
17:24 Matthew 24:27
17:26 Matthew 24:37-38
17:31 Matthew 24:17
17:36 Matthew 24:41
17:36 Matthew 24:40
17:37 Matthew 24:28

The above passages are re used by Jesus in Matthew, in the Olivet Prophecy, to reinforce the preparation that he has been doing now. We must realise that we are all slow learners and need to be told the same things more than once.

THANK-YOU!
Sin is like Leprosy. Just as leprosy eats away at your flesh consuming you until you die, so sin causes sickness and death in both a physical and spiritual way. And just as leprosy makes you an outcast from society, so sin removes us from the presence of God and we are cast out from his presence.
Ten men came to Jesus asking to be healed of their leprosy. Jesus told them to go to the priests, and as they went they were cleansed. It is only by coming to Jesus and asking for forgiveness from our sins that we can be forgiven and eventually healed from the consequences of our sins. Our healing from sin and the healing that the lepers were given is a gift from God. It is something we don't deserve and only given by the grace of God.
Only one of those ten lepers came back, praising God with a loud voice, to thank Jesus. It seems that only one realized the value of his cleansing and was thankful for it. Ten percent. Is it still the same today? Of all the people that ask for forgiveness, how many people return in prayer or song to give praise and glory to God and to say "Thank-you"? When you last asked God for forgiveness did you return to say thank-you or are you one of the 90% who don't? Give thanks, and be one to whom Jesus says, "Rise and go, your faith has made you well."

:31 Whilst the warning not to return back from the field may well be a very practical warning, especially against the background of the Roman invasion of Jerusalem in AD70 there is a more powerful warning when we see it is a quotation from 1 Kings 19:20 - Elijah's words to Elisha when he lacked commitment.

17:15-18 Human kind is selfish and self seeking. We notice the contrast between the one who returned and the other nine. However we do well, also to reflect on what Jesus said. For whilst the man thanked Jesus his actions were taken by Jesus as giving glory to God. Do we receive the praise of men or do we see appreciation of our actions as glorifying God? If we are truly manifesting Christ in our lives our actions will demonstrate him to the world. Thus any thanks we receive should be seen, not as praise but rather glorifying God.

V.18 It is not how much light we have received that is the most important, but what we have done with the light we received. In the present case the Samaritan, though less enlightened than the Jews, used what he received to better advantage.

Luke 17:26-30
It's interesting here that although our minds automatically think of violence and immorality as being what the days of Noah and Sodom remind us of.. and rightly so as Gen 6:5,11,13 and  Gen 13:13 ... But, here, Christ brings out the aspect of their 'marrying and being given in marriage'. The point is that these societies lost track of God, partaking in everyday affairs. This in fact led to violence and immorality.
And it was on this 'same day' that Sodom (and Gomorrah-Gen 19:24) perished.

"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Rev 22:12

V.23-24 - The return of Christ will be noticeable.

Vs.12-16 Jesus healed ten lepers.  As they started to go to the priest, as commanded, they were already healed. 

One (a Samaritan) turned back to glorify Yahweh, falling before Jesus. He realized who the priest was to whom he should present himself.  The Lord made the statement to the Samaritan: Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole (v.19) (KJV).  

Jesus could not have been talking about the physical leprosy which had already been healed.  He was talking about the spiritual leprosy (sin) of which the Samaritan was now cured.   
 

17:33  The idea of saving life and losing it returns to a point Jesus has already made – Luke 6:24

17:18 The inference is that the ten lepers were made up of one Samaritan and ten Jews. Jews and Samaritans did not normally have dealings with each other – John 4:9 – but their common need for company had brought them together. Actually they had a greater common need. They needed to be healed from sin and death. Only the gentile, it appears, appreciated that.

17:10 It is not how much we do, but how and what we do that count. Cain and Able both brought an offering; The Pharisee and the publican both entered the temple to pray                                        In each case, what a difference! 

Vs.20,21 The Pharisees wanted to know when the kingdom of God would come (ESV). Jesus replied that: the kingdom of God is in the midst of you (ESV). (The KJV has the kingdom of God is within you, which has led some to erroneously think that the Kingdom of God is a state that only exists inside a person's heart).

The Pharisees clearly believed in the manifestation of a physical kingdom. However, they were legalistic guardians of the Law and hypocrites in their application of it (Matt 15:7-9,14). They were not willing to understand, and take to heart the spiritual lessons that Jesus was offering.

The Pharisees wanted the Romans to be overthrown and the Kingdom of Israel to be re-established right away. They refused to accept Jesus' teachings about the kingdom and His place as King.

That seed of understanding and acceptance must be always be planted in the heart - within - if one is to be part of His kingdom. Nevertheless, it was about a physical kingdom, on earth, that Jesus preached (Matt 6:10; 25:34; Luke 13:28,29).

The Kingdom will be established when Jesus returns to earth (Acts 1:11; 2Tim 4:1; Rev 22:12).

17:23-24       The fact that here we read words which Jesus would use again in the Olivet Prophecy – Matt 24:23,27 – should alert us to the fact that what Jesus said on the Mount of Olives was not a new message. It was part of his ongoing preaching.

WATCHING OR READY?

When will the kingdom of God come? We can watch the signs. We can keep focused on the events in the world around us. We can know all the prophecies that lead up to the return of Christ. We can even be flat out busy in the church. But none of that will be any use at all if we are not personally ready for Jesus to come back.

Speaking about when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus said,  "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21) Perhaps another way of saying this is that it is no use watching for the kingdom of God if you are not living as if you are in it.

In the days of Noah and the days of Lot, people were so busy doing their own thing that they forgot all about living for God. No doubt there were some who kept their eyes on the signs of the times but who were also swept away in destruction because they hadn't prepared themselves. The warning for us is that "it will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed." (v.30) Some will be taken and some will be left.

Where will we be? It all depends on how we spend our time today. Are we more busy watching the signs or getting on with life than we are preparing our lives for God's kingdom? The warning is there. How will you prepare today?

17:19-20 Notice the contrasts. The ‘Samaritan’ praises God and the Pharisees make a demand about the kingdom. They rejected the sign of the healed Samaritan.

The Kingdom of God within the Pharisees?

V.21 - this verse is translated in the NIV "...the kingdom of God is within you." with an alternate NIV translation being "...the kingdom of God is among you." The latter translation would seem more likely in light of scripture such as Matt 23:27-28 - we do have the exception such as Paul. This passage in Luke 17:21 refers to Jesus, the nucleus of the kingdom and with the powers of (defeating sin and being the door to the kingdom, healing the blind and lame, etc.) and an embodiment of Godly principles (Heb 4:15). Christ, who will rule the kingdom of God on earth when he returns, was already in their presence (Luke 10:9-11;11:20;Heb 6:4-5;Mark 1:14-15) but their hearts were not prepared accept him (Jer 17:9;Isa 53:3). Christ has to be in our hearts if we are to be allowed into his kingdom upon his return.

V.3 A more complete procedure for dealing with a brother (or sister) who has sinned against one is shown in Matt Matt 18:15-17.

Vs.5,6 The apostles lacked the faith, at this point, to implement the commands of Jesus (see Matt 17:18-20 for connection).

Vs.7-10 Following on from vs.5,6, Jesus is emphasising that He is the master and that the apostles are His servants. The apostles needed to remember their position when their faith is increased.

When they would be able to perform miracles, they would still be unworthy servants (ESV) who carried out their duty which was commanded by their master.

The apostles must never become inflated with self-importance just because they can use divine power to accomplish extraordinary things.

V.11 Geographically, it is impossible to go from Galilee to Jerusalem without going through Samaria, unless one detours westward  [1]for a considerable way.

V.24 Jesus will be unmistakably manifest on the day He reveals Himself to the world. However, the judgment of His followers will have taken place quietly, out of the view and the awareness of the general public. That means, Jesus could come at anytime to judge His people. Let us be ready and eager to receive Him.

Vs.26; 28-30 The flood came and the people did not know what hit them because they were unprepared. Fire rained down on Sodom and the people did not know what hit them because they were not prepared.

When Jesus returns, the general population will not know what hit them because they will be unprepared (1Thess 5:2). However, we should be ready if we are daily engaged in seeking the Kingdom of God (Matt 6:33).

Vs.34-36 Jesus will come quietly for His brethren before He is revealed to the world at large. Therefore, His brethren shall be taken (KJV) quietly from wherever they are, to judgment.

With regards to end-time events, I have a brief overview of: The Return of Jesus and End-time Prophecy. If you would like a copy, please e-mail me.

[1] Brother Michael probably meant Eastward - into the Jordan Valley

Jesus now sums up the parables in the previous chapters in v1-5. Forgiveness is what is needed. But this requires faith to put into practice.

17:1   It might seem sad to realise that ‘offences will come’.  The one who causes the ‘offence’ receives the ‘woe’ however those who are called upon to react to the offence has the opportunity to respond in a Godly manner and thus the offence can be a route through which a Christ Like character is developed.

Luke 17:1-10

“Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come; but woe unto him, through whom they come…!”

The background of this teaching is Luke 16 wherein Jesus had been dealing with the Pharisees who by their false teachings and manner of living were leading many astray. They claimed to love God, while they loved money.

Reality check 1: We live in a world laden with temptations and sins. Because of this, it is impossible that no offence should come, but let none of us be on the wrong side of the offences (verse 1).  To such Jesus said: “It is better for him to hang a millstone about his own neck and cast himself into the sea” (the Greek middle voice, (verse 2). This rhetorical picture reveals how grave this matter is should we be a negative spiritual influence on others causing them to stumble in their spiritual walk! Offences is # <4625>, skandalon, from which we get the English word “scandal,” and means, “occasion to fall (of stumbling)… stumblingblock.”  The aspect of false teaching is brought out. Offences are about turning believers out of the way causing them to PERISH (1Cor 8:11). A millstone is a very large, heavy stone at the top of a grinding mill used to crush grains. It was customary to have a donkey turn these millstones. Samson was used as a “donkey” by the Philistines to grind grain (Judg 4:21), and it was a millstone that broke Abimelech’s skull (Judg 9:53).

Reality check 2: God holds us responsible for our beliefs, our choices, and our actions.

Reality check 3: We read in verse 3 that we are our “brother’s keeper,” and as such we cannot overlook their sins (cf. Matt 18:15), but seek to restore their relationship with Christ. There is to be no compromise on this (John 17:21,23).  We are to look after one another, and care for one another’s spiritual well-being.

Reality check 4: We are to forgive (verse 4), but note that repentance is a prerequisite for forgiveness! Repent is # <3340>, metanoeo, and means, “to think differently…,” in other words, a change of mind that leads to a change of behaviour. Forgiveness cannot be complete where no repentance is found.

Reality check 5: Restoration is given by the offended who gives the forgiveness, and no one else! Avoiding confrontations by the offending parties in question will only result in the whole body eventually suffering. Those who do that must repent and ask God to forgive them that they may go on and truly forgive and restore.

Reality check 6: Verses 5-6 teach us to rely on the power of Christ in faith. This is the only way we can succeed!  It is the only way the impossible becomes miraculously possible. The lesson is about forgiveness. Forgiveness goes against the natural grain because of sinful pride. It is an area in which we all need to cry out for help as did the apostles. It is an area that is the biggest impediment to spirituality.

Reality check 7: Verses 7-10 teach us that in faithfully doing what we do, we still are only doing what we are supposed to do! We owe God, but He owes us nothing! The Jewish Mishna, Pirkei Avot (Chapters of the Fathers) 2:7 has this maxim: “If you have studied the Torah, do not claim merit for yourself, since you were created for this.” The reward we will be merited with for our efforts will be because of God’s grace (cf. Luke 12:36-38). Salvation is not of our own doing.

Our life in the truth is not a private affair, but a family affair. Our life in the truth is one of reality, responsibility, rebuke, repentance, restoration, reliance, and reward. By trusting in God, we can do it because it is He who does these things in us. Apart from God, we can do nothing, without faith it is impossible to please God, and without God we cannot be strengthened to do the things He commanded.

17:34  We may spend time discussing  what is meant by one ‘left’ and the other ‘taken’ but maybe we would be better occupied working out how to avoid suffering the judgements of God as the world did in Noah’s day and those of Sodom did when God judged them.

Luke 17:20,21-

17:3-5  Why did the disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith when he told them about the need to forgive many times? From our own experience we know how difficult it is to forgive the same person repeatedly for their errors. However we expect God to forgive us repeatedly for our errors. We need faith to believe that God will actually do what we find difficulty doing.

Luke 17    In healing the lepers who stood 'afar off' (:12-14) Jesus is showing that he is like the father in the parable of the prodigal son - Israel's leaders are like Joseph's brothers.

17:14  One wonders how often the priests had ever seen a man who came completely clear. Of course the priest could not cleanse the leper. All he could do was recognise whether the disease had ceased. It was only Jesus who could actually cleanse a leper.

17:16 It is only Luke who introduces Samaritans who were healed – here and Luke 10:33. Of course the woman at the well - John 4– was a Samaritan but there was no healing involved.

17:5    Whilst :1 and:22 in the record speaks of the Disciples here we read of the “apostles”. That is the twelve – Luke 6:13. So we conclude that whereas Jesu was talking to a lot of his followers it is the 12 who specifically speak here.

17:15  The leper who had been “afar off” – verse :12 – now praises God. In this we see the sort of thing that the prophet Isa 57:19 speaks of when he speaks of the peace that would be extended to those who are “far off”.

Luke 17:28-32

“Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot… But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all… Remember Lot’s wife.”