Comments for March 29

11:3-4  Israel were reminded of this rebellion – Deut 9:22 – when they were at the border of the land, about to cross the river Jordan. As significant rebellions the nation would be reminded of their behaviour again. The mention of the “mixed multitude” indicates that the rebellion of the children of Israel was a bad influence on those who had come out of Egypt wishing to associate with Yahweh the God of Israel.

11:4 The “mixed multitude” indicates that there were non-Jews amongst the company at Sinai. We have to conclude that there were Egyptians who had fled from Egypt along with Israel when they were delivered by Yahweh.

11:7,13 Having been suffered to hunger up to this point – Deut 8:3 – God now provided food that actually met all their needs. But they were not satisfied with what God had given them. They wanted something in addition, or maybe as a replacement.

We have been given the sustenance that we require. There is nothing lacking in the scriptures. They provide all that we need for healthy living according to God’s commandments. So why do we seek other “food” from sources which actually undermine what is contained in the God given food?

11:1 How often do we “complain” about what God has given us? Do we ever complain about the weather, for example? We must rain ourselves to accept the circumstances that we find ourselves in because our Father is in control of events in our lives. He is working for our God, if only we will submit – Rom 8:28

Num 11:1-11 – The LORD heard their complaining. This brought fiery judgement on some in the camp. The Israelites had only gone three days journey from their first camp near the foot of the mount (ie.Sinai) before they complained, Numbers 10:11. Why the fiery judgement among? It was because they lusted after the produce of the ground (Num 11:5) they eat in Egypt. They looked down to the soil for the sustenance rather than to the land flowing with milk and honey, (Exo 3:8).

Num 11:4 The mixed multitude (translated “rabble” in ESV, YLT) that left Egypt with Israel appear to have led this lusting. The Israelites were influenced by this and also complained “Who shall give us flesh to eat?”.  They all longed to return to Egypt. So the judgements of the LORD fell on many of them. 

Paul warned the Corinthian Ecclesia to separate themselves from those members of the ecclesia who lusted after their previous way of life.

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2Cor 6:17-18).

Numbers 11:7-8 – The LORD provided manner to sustain them. If this is so, we discover from the Exodus record that Israel had murmured before this. After crossing the Red Sea under the protection of the LORD they murmured at about the lack of fresh drinking water at Marah. (Exodus 15:23-24). So the judgement of the LORD was severeNum 11:11 - The work of leading and daily administration of Israel was proving to be a heavy burden for Moses to bear. Jesus the prophet like unto Moses was afflicted, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” (Isa 53:4). 

Israel were the ecclesia in the wilderness (Acts 7:37-38). The LORD provided 70 spirit gifted elders to assist him in this work. Moses now had fellowship, he was not alone in the work before him.

Also, Jesus was assisted in the work of establishing the first century ecclesias through the services of the spirit gifted Apostles (John 14:26-27).

Through work of Jesus we are not alone. “for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” (Phil 1:5-6)

11:31 this occasion when quail were given is later than the time in Exo 16:13. On that occasion the nation were hungry at the beginning of their journey. Now they are complaining.

11:12 Whilst Moses seems to question whether he should carry the nation as a “nursing father” it seems Paul – 11Thess 2:7– saw that as his responsibility for the ecclesias.

11:34  This is one of a number of occasions when there was a mass burial before moving on in their journey. What would you have thought about the promised land if you had buried members of your own family because of their sin?

11:33  It seems that the people, on receiving the great number of birds actually forgot the requirement that God had laid down on food. Their gluttony got in the way of Godliness.

ENCOURAGE OR DISCOURAGE?

God's spirit rested on seventy elders of Israel. Sixty eight of them gathered at the Tabernacle with Moses and Aaron, while two remained in the camp. When all the elders started to prophesy, so did the two who were still in the camp. It was then that "A young man ran and told Moses, 'Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.' Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses' assistant since youth, spoke up and said, 'Moses my lord, stop them!' But Moses replied, 'Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord's people were prophets and that he would put his Spirit on them!" (Num 11:27-29).

All too often people try to put out the fire because things are not being done in the traditional way. But the question we need to ask before we pull the pin on the fire extinguisher, to quell the over-zealous spirit of some young person, is this: Are they attempting to honour God by their actions? Are they for Him or against Him? It may be that, like Moses, that we should encourage their work and zeal. But if they are misguided, perhaps all they need is a gentle nudge in the right direction, without killing their enthusiasm.

Sixty eight men prophesying together would have been great to see, but the two men prophesying in the camp would have been even more motivating to those around them. Like Moses, let's pray that all God's people would be moved by the Spirit of God!

11:2  In praying to God on behalf of the nation Moses acts as an intercessor.

Num 11:6-9 - manna was food from God that came down from heaven that pointed toward the bread of life (John 6:49-51).

Num 11:33-34 - the people weren't satisfied with manna God had provided, they wanted more, they craved sin (Rom 6:23) and the place of the plague was "Kibrothhattaavah<6914>" which according to the NIV means "graves of craving".

11:25-26      Seventy men were chosen by God. All but two of them rose to the task. Eldad and Medad, it seems, did not rise to their responsibilities. We learn from this that service to God is not a matter of preferences. If we have been called to the gospel and have been baptised into Christ then serving God is not an option. It is an obligation.

Num 11:16, Luke 10:1 do we see 70 appointed to the Lord Jesus Christ also?

11:5   Of the food items mentioned which Israel said that they had in Egypt only one of them could actually give them much sustenance – the fish. As pleasant as the other times might be they added little to the useful diet of Israel. How many things do we crave for which add little to our spiritual welfare?

Why shouldn't they eat the meat?

Why was it so bad to gather quail, that God sent a plague to punish the people for doing so? Surely of God provided the meat, He meant for the people to eat it?

In Num 11:19-20 God had said: "You shall eat, not one day, nor two days, nor five days, nor ten days, nor twenty days, but for a whole month, until it comes out of your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you"

So God has first of all predicted that meat would arrive for the people in the wilderness, and secondly He had predicted that it would be a whole month's supply. When the quail arrived (quail are a bit like small chickens) they not only arrived right on time, but in the vast quantity that God had said would be there.

The fact that the people rushed to get some meat is completely understandable. The fact that they gathered a lot of it, is understandable too. The fact that they gathered it for two days and a nights solid, without a break, when God had already told them that there would be plenty of time to gather it (a whole month) is downright rude, insulting and showed a complete lack of trust in God. In effect the people were assuming God would take the meat away after a day or two, thus branding Him a liar, or challenging His power.

Now let's look at the quantity involved. Verse 32 says the very least they each gathered was ten homers. A homer is reckoned to have been a measure of volume equal to 211 liters (48 gallons). A standard UK bathtub holds 175 liters of water, now think how much chicken you could fit in that bath, feathers and all. A lot, certainly several weeks worth perhaps 15-30 whole chickens? And this one bathtub full was what the elderly or infirm gathered. The fit and able may have gathered three or four tubs each. The conclusion this brings us to is incredible and inescapable. The people had gathered a month's worth of food in just two days and a night. In other words they had gathered it all. In their greed and selfishness they had killed every last bird and left them to decompose all around the camp, turning God's wonderful miracle into a disaster. It kinda makes you see God's plague in a different light, don't you think?

11:7    We have already – Exo 16:14 – been told what the manna was like so why are we told again? The manna spoke of Jesus – John 6:50 – there was a need for Israel to recognise the manna just as they were to (and failed to) recognise Jesus. Do we see Jesus as the only sustaining food in our wilderness journey? He is the “Word made flesh” John 1:14 – do we devour the scriptures with the same enthusiasm as we do our natural food?

11:28-29      The reaction of Joshua to men prophesying is rather like that of the disciples – Mark 9:38, Luke 9:49– when they came across men who were not known disciples casting out devils. Moses’ reaction “enviest thou for my sake” highlights exactly the human problem – human pride. Do we ever feel slighted when others are capable of things which we think are our jobs in our meetings together?

Num 11:5,6-10

"...but now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all beside this manna, before our eyes..."

We learn from these verses that the Israelites wanted a variety of foods like fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, garlic and spicy foods. The manna, which God provided in raining it down from heaven, was monotonous for them. They craved variety. They did not understand that they were being fed with the best possible diet, angel's food (Psa 78:25). What God did for Israel, He is doing for us. He gave us bread from heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:33-34,42).

The Israelites were not content with what God supplied. Are we content with what God is supplying us, or are we looking for worldly stimulation? Are we craving for variety in entertainment, and feel deprived, bored, and impatient? Is our heart craving for "Egypt" like theirs were? Because of their dissatisfaction, they murmured and complained, and God rejected them. That generation was not permitted to enter the Promised Land. These things were written for our learning (Rom 15:4). Dare we then complain that "the way" is too narrow (Matt 7:14)? If such is the case, well, then we already know the sentence Jesus will pronounce on us on Judgment Day.

COMPLAINTS

The boss came out of his office one afternoon last week to tell all his staff that after some serious negotiations with the owners and overseas executives of our company, that there would be no pay rises this year. This was a serious blow to us all. We had as good as been promised a rise and we were all looking forward to it, especially in the current economic climate - and now our hopes were dashed.

Then came the complaining. Small groups of people gathered together to complain to each other about the situation. What most people forgot to discuss was the fact that they still had a job, that our pay rates are relatively good for our industry, that our work environment is one of the best in the world, and that we have a good team of people to work with. Money means a lot, but we cannot complain about money while forgetting everything else that makes a job either a good one or a bad one.

It is human nature to grumble. Israel were travelling through the wilderness toward the Promised Land with God. On the way he provided all their needs. Instead of focusing on what God had provided, the children of Israel began to grumble about what they didn't have. "Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused." (Num 11:1) Then they complained, "If only we had meet to eat." (v 4) Both of these times God's anger was stirred and the people were punished for their complaints.

Let's not stir up God's anger against us by complaining about our circumstances.

11:3    Right throughout the wilderness journey places were often re-named to associate the place name with the event. ‘Taberah’ means ‘a burning’. So these place names would serve as a constant reminder of the past behaviour and God’s response.

COMPLAINING ABOUT FOOD

Complaining. It affects almost all of us. Even when Israel were in the wilderness and God was so miraculously looking after them, they complained. The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost - also the cucumbers, leeks, melons and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!" (Num 11:4-6)

I suspect that if we were in the same position, we would complain too. We are not in their position, and yet I still hear complaints about the spiritual diet we are fed as we travel toward God's kingdom. "There are too many classes; There are not enough classes; I don't like the music; I wish we could have some quality Bible teaching; Today's teacher put me to sleep; Can't anyone organise anything properly?; Can't they see it should be done this way?..."

It is easy to focus on the negative, but what Israel forgot as they grumbled about their food was that it was freely given by God to keep them alive. They forgot to count their blessings in the manna that had been given to them.

So let us, instead of complaining about the spiritual food God has provided to keep us alive, count our blessings in what we have been given, and if needs be, put a little of our own effort into seasoning the flavour.

11:4 ‘fell a lusting’ is quoted in 1Cor 10:6 so we see that this is the event that Paul refers to when he summarises Israel’s disobedience in the wilderness

Num 11:16,17,24,25 - 70 elders to help Moses; some feel 7 is the number of spiritual perfection and 10 is the number of ordinal perfection with 70 being the number of perfect spiritual order.

11:22 God says that He will feed Israel with ‘flesh’ in the wilderness and Moses wonders how God could manage that. This attitude is reflected in the disciples – Mark 8:4 – at the time of the feeding of the four thousand.

11:1     This complaint is the one referred to by Jude in Jude 1:16

V.33 On the previous occasion when they murmured against Moses about the lack of flesh, it was because they were hungry.(Exo 16:3) On this occasion we have a different set of circumstances, they were not hungry, it was a lustful desire that they wanted flesh to eat (V.4). This, along with their sin brought forth God's judgement of a great plague.

11:26 Just a little point. The names of the seventy were written down in a record – ‘written' so it was a choice that was recorded, though there is no list of names anywhere in Scripture. Eldad and Medad are the only two names from that list that are recoded in a way that enables us to be sure that they were amongst the 70.

HARDSHIPS
 
They had been walking through the wilderness for well over a year, the desert was dry and harsh, they were constantly on the move and the only food they had was manna. There were no shops, no changes of scenery, no new clothes - just the same hot, dry and hash conditions all day every day.
 
Putting myself in Israel's place, I can understand them complaining about their hardships. Probably I would have been no better. Yet in the wilderness, while it may not have been comfortable or even a choice lifestyle, God provided their needs. They had been given his protection, they had the hope of the Promised Land before them to keep them going, they had an outstanding leader in Moses, they were given the perfect food and supplied with enough water for their needs. Not only that, but even while walking through the desert, their clothes and shoes were not wearing out.
 
In the same way God provided for Israel's needs, he has said he will provide for ours. He has not promised to provide for our comfort or luxury. The people were not really facing hardship - they had all they needed. And usually our complaints are not about hardship either - mostly lack of comfort.
 
So let's not complain in the hearing of the LORD about our hardships but rejoice that our needs are so graciously supplied.

This is not the only time that Moses is given people to help him. In Exo 18:13-26 Jethro recognises that Moses needs help in the administration of affairs, and suggests this to Moses, who chooses "capable men" and and makes them leaders, officials & judges. There is no suggestion there that they are given the Spirit, as in this chapter. In this chapter, God tells him to bring 70 of these officials & leaders, and they receive "of the Spirit that was on" Moses.

It appears that the initial complaints came from the mixed multitude, and then the Israelites joined in (v.4).  The mixed multitude comprised other Semites and Egyptians who joined the Israelites in their exodus (Exo 12:38). There were people of mixed marriages also (Lev 24:10). At least, a segment of the mixed multitude was not spiritually committed to the ways of the LORD. They were opportunists who hitched their wagons to the Israelites in the hope of better things ahead. But, under trial, they folded because they had no faith. Unfortunately, their conduct affected the whole group (Gal 5:9). In our spiritual community, we should not allow spiritually uncommitted people to affect the rest of the household.

Herds and flocks accompanied the wilderness trekkers (v.22), but no thought was given to eating them.  They had to be reserved for sacrificial purposes. 

11:2     Aaron was the anointed high priest by now. However the people cry to Moses and he prays to God thus we see that the law of Moses could not save Israel from their own sinfulness.

V.16-17 An order seventy was to be established either by a selection from the existing staff of elders, or by the appointing of new ones, empowered to assist Moses by their collective wisdom and experience in the onerous cares of the peoples. It is suggested by some Jewish historians that this was the origin of the Sanhedrin. We how ever believe that it was a temporary appointment, adopted to meet a trying situation.  

The LORD would listen to Moses, his chosen, as he made intercession for His people (v.2).  As such, Moses displayed the rôle of Christ for us (Rom 8:34).
 
The incident of Joshua's trying to prevent the prophesying of Eldad and Medad (v.27-29) is reminiscent of John's prevention of the one casting out devils (Luke 9:49,50).
 
Moses could not deal with whole of the people (v.14).
He spoke to the LORD (v.15).  And the LORD sent him help (v.16-17).
The LORD knew of the problem before Moses spoke to Him.  Why did He not offer help to Moses?  He was waiting for Moses to communicate to Him.
This is something for us to think about.  The LORD knows what we need before we ask (Matt 6:8), but it is still our responsibility to communicate with Him.

Quails were apparently given to the Israelites twice.  Once in this chapter, when they fell
  "round about the camp" Num 11:31, and once before in Exo 16:13, when the birds
  "covered the camp".  On both occasions God was very annoyed with the moaning people.
They should have realised that the manna contained everything they needed. In Psa 78:25 
it says "Man did eat angels' food."  That is not the normal word for angel, or messenger.  The word "angel" there means "strong men".  In other words, can I suggest that the manna had all the vitamins, proteins and all the goodness to make the Israelites perfectly strong and healthy.  There was no need for quails.

V.31  These migratory birds (Exo 16:11) were on their journey from Egypt when "the wind from the Lord" an east wind. (Psa 78:26) Forcing them to change their course, carried them over the Red Sea to the camp of Israel. It is very difficult for us to realize the quantity of birds there had to be, as we read the last few verses of the chapter. A question; How were these birds killed? Seeing that the Children of Israel were forbidden to eat any animal that died of itself or from which the blood was not properly drained: Any ideas?

11:12 Nurse
11:14 Not being able to bear
are two ideas picked up by the Apostle Paul 1Thess 2:6,7  when speaking to the brethren and sisters in Thessalonica.

:5 There are six items that Israel lusted after - the number of man. Compare this with Deuteronomy 8:8 where the fruits of the land of Canaan are enumerated - 7 of them The number of completeness.

v.6 - We have an insight here into human nature which is quite frightening. We know that we can quickly get fed up with the same food every day. We also know that this was the greatest of all food in the physical sense - angel's food [Psa.78:25]. The obvious parallel is with our daily reading of the word. Where should we look to find this discipline? If we are reading this we have probably overcome this problem, so how do we help others to do the same. Our spiritual well-being relies on our constant drip-feeding of God's word in our lives throughout our lives to the end. I have met very few who find this easy. I know I don't. Let us, like Jesus, who built his life around His Father's Word, and so overcame the wiles of the devil "It is written ..." strive to stay in constant contact with it to the end of our lives.

11:1 And immediately the people complain! There is no indication of complaint, though there was rebellion - with the golden calf - whilst they were settled at Sinai with all the activities of making the tabernacle to occupy their minds. As soon as the work of building the tabernacle (the ecclesia in type) ceased the idle hands and minds looked for things to complain about.

v.2 - We have here a throw-away sentence but it of amazing proportions in recognising the power of God over things that can cause man great heartache. Anyone who has ever had anything to do with large scale fire-fighting will appreciate this verse. Moses prayed - and the fire was quenched. That is amazing. And this fire was so out of hand (in human terms) that it was killing people who couldn't escape from it in time on the edge of the camp (v.1). Would this also have caused the people to be extra-awed by the pillar of fire that represented God at night?

v. 5 Despite the fact that we are so familiar with this complaint of Israel this list of food is only found in this place in Scripture.

7:17  the harlot attired woman (:10) has a lovely odour of "myrrh and aloes" (:17) as she seeks to entice the youth. But we find "myrrh and Aloes" providing an odour elsewhere. The risen lord Jesus had garment with the odour of "myrrh and Aloes" (Psa 45:8). He was seeking a woman. But not in an illicit way. He is calling the "daughter" to leave the world and associate with him. No sordid relationship in the dark here. Rather she was to be elevated to a place in the "king's palace" (Psa 45:15)

The risen lord is calling us to be that "daughter"

7:1 the word translated “lay up” <6845> is translated “hide” in Prov 2:1. Se we see how we should view His word.

7:10 the son should not be deceived – harlots has their own clothing which is, apparently, easily recognised. We can assess whether what we are being asked to follow is in accordance to God’s will similarly. We should be able to recognise wrong practices and teaching. This knowledge can only come from a familiarity with Scripture.

7:16   we saw on a previous occasion the connection with the merchandise of the virtuous woman with the tapestry – Prov 31:22 to which we can add the fine linen from Egypt – Proverbs 31:24. The lesson we made on that occasion should be remembered. Error portrays itself as truth.

7:27   Notice that it is “many strong men” who have been drawn aside by the “strange woman” – that is idol worship and following false teaching. We might think we are robust enough in our faith to be able to examine what others believe or read material which is destructive to the gospel message. The counsel of the inspired wise man is that we are not strong enough to expose ourselves to that sort of thinking.

7:4      In speaking of “wisdom” as a “sister” and “understanding” as a “kinswoman” we are being taught that these qualities are not just “nice to have”. Rather we should fellowship them as family members. We know how we feel about close family members. God’s teaching should be sought with the same enthusiasm.

7:2    This the third of three occasions when the wise man calls on his readers to keep the commandments- The other two are Prov 3:1, 4:4

7:22       Here, like in Prov 4:4 the injunction to keep the commandments and live draws on Lev 22:31.  Doing the commandments is associated with living.

An example of this chapter in practice can be found in Genesis 39.

Workshop: For each verse in Proverbs 7, can you find a companion verse in Genesis 39?

(If there are four or more people in your group, you can split into two and one group can take Judges 16)

Discussion: What happened to Joseph as a result of his actions? What might have happened to him if he had given in?

7:13    We have previously noted the links with Deut 6. Taking the word “diligently” we reflect on our commitment to the things of God and our commitment to the things that interest us. Are we as diligent about the things of God as we are about our hobbies? Can we remember sporting facts more easily than Biblical facts? Will we make more effort to support our favourite team than ecclesial activities? 

 Prov. 7:2.

7:1,24  That the warning about the woman who would entice hi is spoken to the son it is meant for the children also. We are, as we have seen in Heb 2:13, are those “children”.

1. Prov 7:1-23 - wisdom's warning to avoid unfaithfulness/adultery be it lust or spiritual apostasy:

2. Prov 7:1-3 - Jesus kept His Father's words, His commandments, His law, and wrote them on the table of his heart. 

3. Prov 7:2 - "live" (<2421> can mean "restore" and according to Brown-Driver-Briggs can mean to "live for ever"); "apple" (<380> meaning the black of the eye or pupil) is the same Hebrew word as "black"<380> in Prov 7:9.

4. Prov 7:3,4,7 - v3 "heart"<3820>, v4 "understanding"<998>, v7 "understanding"<3820>.

5. Prov 7:4 - wisdom mentioned as being a "sister" (<269> according to Brown-Driver-Briggs this Hebrew word can also refer to a bride; this same word is also used to refer to a bride in Song 4:10) - the bride of Christ must embrace wisdom; we want to be Christ's "kinswoman"<4129> and embrace wisdom.

6. Prov 7:5 - "strange"<2114>, "stranger"<5237>.

7. Prov 7:7 - "simple ones"<6612>.

8. Prov 7:8 - he didn't avoid temptation, he went toward temptation - the house of desire is the house of death be it personally or spiritually.

9. Prov 7:9 - four successive stages of the night (literal darkness or spiritual darkness).

10. Prov 7:10-12 - the harlot (Rev 17:4-6,9,18) of sin, unfaithfulness and apostasy tempts us at every corner, it is the broad way that leads to destruction (Matt 7:13-14), the apostate churches/religions and so forth, but the sister of Prov 7:4 is wisdom which can protect us and we must seek it (Matt 7:7-8;13:44-49).

11. Prov 7:13 - "impudent"<5810>.

12. Prov 7:13-15 - Peace offerings (Lev 7:11-34) used by the shameless worldly woman as a convenience for her sin with the religious nature of the feast ignored - the early Christian memorial feast was also misused (1Cor 11:20-22,27,29) - using religion as a pretext to ensnare with harlotry/apostasy (Rev 2:20;17:1;18:9).

13. Prov 7:16-20 - we have harlotry, adultery, unfaithfulness, apostasy;  v16 "fine linen" (Rev 19:8) can be symbolic of purity but not when from "Egypt" the land of bondage and slavery (John 8:33-34;Rom 6:16-18) or is this Christ's sacrificial bed that has been defiled by an unfaithful bride/church/religion; v19-20 could the "goodman" (<376> can refer to a husband) who goes on a journey with "money" (<3701> silver is thought by many to refer to redemption - the harlot mentions she doesn't have her goodman's money so the love of money could be one of her motivations 1Tim 6:10 - there is no redemption in harlotry or apostasy) have a symbolic application to Christ who will come home on the day appointed (Acts 17:31;John 5:22,25,27;Luke 12:46;Matt 25:6;Luke 10:35) to meet his bride and repay/reward her on the day of judgment?

14. Prov 7:22-23 - "'a fool'<191>...hasteneth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life." 

1. Prov 7:24-27 - wisdom's description and warning of the house of folly:

2. Prov 7:24-25;Phil 4:8.

3. Prov 7:26 - broad is the way that leads to destruction (Matt 7:13-15).

4. Prov 7:27 - "Her house is the way to 'hell' (<7585> meaning the grave)" and thus is the way to  "the chamber of 'death' (<4194> - death is like sleep, not a place of eternal torture or bliss Ecc 9:5-10;3:19-20;Psa 6:5;146:4;145:20;49:12-20;16:10;Acts 2:31;13:35;Gen 37:35;Job 14:13)" - sin leads to death (Rom 3:23;Eze 18:4;Rom 6:23).

7:27   The language here echoes the way in which the wise man has spoken before in Prov 21:18 and , Prov 5:5

A STICKY WEB

In the first nine chapters of Proverbs, chapters that are written specifically for men, we are given four extended warnings about the adulteress. The warnings in chapter 7 are the last of them. To me, it is quite significant, that even way back in Solomon's day, the wandering eyes of a man were a force to be reckoned with. Solomon seemed to think so too because the sexual purity of a man is the second biggest theme, after wisdom, in the early chapters of Proverbs he addressed to "My Son."

The problem today is that our addictions to sex or pornography in whatever form, can be much easier disguised than it could when Solomon watched a young man fall into a wayward woman's home all those years ago. Today we don't even need to leave our homes. But just like the poor fool that Solomon observed, we can just as easily get caught by the traps she sets today. She leaves traps on her world wide web, and we have free access to it through our computers, phones, or televisions.

"He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in."(Prov 7:8-9) He walked straight into her trap. Do we do the same, though virtually, when passions run high in the evening? Do we surf the internet and - oh, there she is!? Let's stay away and avoid temptation. "The sexually immoral ... will not inherit the kingdom of God." (1Cor 6:9-10) "Do not let you heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths." (Prov 7:25)

7:12,15          The way in which the youth finds the strange woman contrasts with the bride in  Song 3:2who found the true love. We must take care not to be seduced by that which is not God.

7:19 The Goodman who has gone on a journey is echoed in Jesus’ parable in Matt 21:33

7:19-25 Paul draws heavily on this language to warn Timothy

v13-19 remind us of the similar situation Joseph met Gen 39:12-13, he dealt with it in the right way, he fled and we are exhorted to do the same; 1Cor 6:18-20, 1Cor 10:13-14, 1Tim 6:10-11, 2Tim 2:22, James 4:7-8

V.2 In the expression, apple of the eye (see also Psa 17:8), the word apple is translated from the Hebrew word ishon which means little man. As with all small, delicate, and vulnerable things (like a child), protection is paramount. And so, the apple must be protected from any intrusion. It is easy to understand this in a physical application, but it is also meant as a spiritual application. The apple (synonymous with the pupil) lets in light which carries with it the premier source of information. Spiritually useful as well as spiritually damaging instruction both enter through the same portal. The pupil, hence the brain, hence, the heart, hence the spirit, must be protected from harmful influences.

7:15 The sons of God should be ‘diligent’ in their attention to God’s law – Deut 6:7,13 however godlessness is equally diligent in seeking those to ensnare. If we were to give as much attention to manifesting Godliness as we do to satisfying ourselves we would do well.

TO YOUNG MEN
 
Title: Warning against the adulteress
To: Young Men (Prov 7:7)
When: At twilight, as the day is fading, as the dark of night sets in. (v.9)
Why: Because her house is a highway to the grave leading down to the chambers of death. (v.27)
What she looks like: Dressed like a prostitute with a brazen face. (v.10,13)
How she seduces: By her dress, her kisses, seductive words and offers of sex. (v.10,13,17-18,21)
Where he finds her: On the street near her corner.(v.8)
 
John Cowan, speaking and writing for adolescents, says that when a boy reaches about 12 or 13 years of age he begins to have a fascination with the female body. But don't worry, he says, this phase is only temporary and should be mostly over by the time you turn 98! Solomon also knew what he was talking about when he demanded that young men in particular focus their attention on this section of proverbs (and we all feel young when we look at beautiful women!) He was right when he told us to watch out at twilight and early evening and to stay away from the places scantily clad girls hang out. These are the times and situations when emotion will take over from wisdom and we are prone to be led "like an ox going to the slaughter." (v.22)
 
Men, let's not flirt with temptation, but avoid her all together.

7:18 The woman, in talking of taking of love ‘until the morning’ demonstrates that her work are the works of darkness.

v 2 the "apple" of the eye is actually the pupil - that black part in the middle of the iris through which all light, and therefore images, ie everything that we see, enters the eye before impinging on the brain. We have to therefore be careful of what we allow to enter as it affects us intimately. What should be going in are the words of scripture that we read, that should be our constant focus ("focus" is also a word to do with the eye - specifically the lens).

7  The father is calling the son to listen to the law of God. In this chapter there are repeated quotations from Deuteronomy 6.

The stubborn son would rather listen to the strange woman rather than the father.

There’s a picture in Prov 7:6-23 of Solomon looking out of his palace window, and observing the downfall of a simple young man.  It’s a picture which I’m sure Solomon himself should have learnt from.  How important it is for us to not only learn lessons from everyday life, but to apply such lessons to ourselves.  Today’s chapter tells us that if Solomon had had the strength of character to say “No” to some of his lady friends, then his life would have turned out far differently.

The virtuous woman wisdom is always being challenged by the subtle, adulterous woman.  We are constantly torn, in this life, between following a Godly path (wisdom and true religion) or giving into the flesh (worldly desires and idolatry).  It is only by the LORD's grace that we can possibly hope to succeed in overcoming the world.

V.2  "The apple of thine eye" The Hebrew word for "apple" is IYSHOWN (380) Which is the pupil or ball. The eye is one of the most protected parts of the body. We all go to great lengths to protect our eyes from injury, or loss. So the direction here is; To guard or protect the law and commandments that we have been taught, there must be no limit to the effort we must put forth to do this.

Prov 7:24 Whilst it seems that the whole of the chapter has been a warning to the son that he does not follow the 'strange woman' - that is false worship - the 'children' are just as likely to stray.

v.14-23 - The power of this picture is so great. God, through Solomon, purposely uses man's most vulnerable lust to show how easy it is to be taken away from the truth by those who deceive with fair speeches. So much of what this harlot says is designed subtly to ease the young man into a sense that what she is doing is right. v.17 picks up language used elsewhere [Psa.45:8, Song 4:14, John 19:39] of Jesus and his resurrection - the words are fair but on this occasion the intention is evil. Let us learn this powerful lesson and take heed.

:11 The 'stubborn' woman attracts the son who will not listen to the instruction of the father. Israel were to stone the 'stubborn' son [Deuteronomy 21:18-20] who would not listen to the instruction of the Word. So the 'stubborn' woman attracts the 'stubborn' son.

The 'woman' of this chapter is clearly 'foolishness' but she portrays herself in ways which make her appear as if she is 'wisdom'

Error can so often seem to be true - this is because the flesh tries to justify what it wants to do.

v. 4 - Does this refer us back to the times when Abraham and Isaac said this of their respective wives? Surely it points forward to the words of Jesus in Matt.12:49,50 and Luke 11:27,28, encouraging us to choose our friends (brothers and sisters) carefully.

v. 15 the word translated 'diligently seek' is used a number of times in proverbs. Proverbs 1:28 seek <07836> me early <07836>, Proverbs 7:15 diligently <07836> to seek <07836> Proverbs 8:17 seek <07836> me early <07836> Proverbs 11:27 diligently <07836> seeketh <07836> Proverbs 13:24 betimes <07836>. And also in other parts of Scripture. Job 7:21 seek <07836>... morning <07836>, Job 8:5 seek <07836> ... betimes <07836>, Job 24:5 rising <07836> betimes <07836> Psalms 63:1 early <07836> will I seek <07836> Psalms 78:34 enquired <07836> early <07836> Isaiah 26:9 seek <07836> thee early <07836>: Hosea 5:15 seek <07836> me early <07836>. A review of its use in Scripture helps us to understand what the proverb is telling us.

21:12-13 Whilst being brought before magistrates for one’s faith might be seen as a terrible situation Jesus presents the positive aspect of such an event. It will be a testimony to the truth of the gospel. As such it would not be forgotten by God.

21:24 In saying that the people would fall by the sword Jesus is echoing an earlier prophecy –Dan 11:33. Jesus, by referring Daniel’s prophecy is encouraging his audience to examine what Daniel had to say about the forthcoming destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans.

21:26 the shaking of “the powers of heaven” speaks of confusion amongst world leaders. As the 21^st century unfolds we see political commentators looking at world affairs and saying that they cannot even guess as to the outcome of some of the things that are happening.

21:27,28 In this section of the prophecy the Lord Jesus draws on Psalm 24, which is about the establishing of the Kingdom. The words “coming … glory” (Lk. 21:27) echo Psalm 24:7,9: “… of glory shall come in”. “Lift up your heads” (Lk. 21:28) also quotes Psalm 24:7,9: “Lift up your heads …” And the “earth” and “sea” (Lk. 21:25) are also mentioned in the psalm: “The earth” (Ps. 24:1); “the seas” (Ps. 24:2). Note that in the account of the Olivet prophecy in Matthew 24, “stand in the holy place” (Mt. 24:15) also quotes from Psalm 24 (see v. 3).

21:26 the shaking of “the powers of heaven” speaks of confusion amongst world leaders. As the 21^st century unfolds we see political commentators looking at world affairs and saying that they cannot even guess as to the outcome of some of the things that are happening.

Luke 21:6

“… the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

The March 13, 2019 article in Breaking Israel News concerning the actual location of the Temple Mount and authenticity of the Wailing Wall writes, “Christians look at the Kotel (Western Wall) and the other retaining walls of the Temple Mount and see that they are still standing. So either Jesus is a liar or the archaeology is lying. Given that choice, devout Christians choose faith in Jesus over facts.” Keidar goes on to say, “Taken in context, it seems clear Jesus was most likely referring the actual Temple buildings and not the retaining walls… In regards to the Temple structures, his prediction proved accurate."

The article states that Josephus cited the Mount as the location of the Second Temple, but give no evidence of this.

Actually, Josephus in The Wars of the Jews, Book 5, ch 4,2, states that on the east hill south of the Temple ran from Siloam “and reaches as far as a certain place which is called Ophlas when it was joined to the eastern cloister of the temple.” Cf. 2Chron 27:3; 33:14. Note the map at https://yrm.org/lost-temple-mount-found-pt1/ I also read in Josephus’ Wars, Book 6,9.1.4; Book 7,1.1, Ch. 8, that Titus ordered the Temple be demolished, razed to the ground, and by the time the war was over, this is exactly what happened. Josephus lamented on its complete and utter destruction! Josephus said that he saw the area of the Temple, “as a desert!”  He wrote, “I cannot but wish that we had all died before we had seen that holy city demolished by the hands of our enemies, or the foundations of our Holy Temple dug up, after so profane a manner.”  The only thing the Romans left was the Roman fortress, Antonia, "an ancient heathen military center..." "Rather, the wailing wall, which contains about 450 Herodian stones, remains part and parcel of the ancient pagan idolatrous centre for the heathen legions of the hated Imperial Roman occupation forces." The Wailing Wall could not have been part of the Temple, otherwise Josephus would have described the scene differently!

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/josephus/war-6.html/ https://yrm.org/discovering-real-temple-mount-pt-2/

Judaism claims the Western Wall  (a.k.a. Kotel, Solomon’s Wall, Wailing  Wall), was a segment of a longer retaining wall, the only outer wall left of the Second Temple. This contradicts Christ’s words, numerous Archaeologists who have no reason to lie about it, and numerous other Biblical Historians. The article further claims, “Rejecting the Temple Mount is the last stand of Replacement Theology.” Nobody is endorsing Replacement Theology by questioning the location of the Wailing Wall, as it relates to the Temple. https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/106547/jewish-temple-really-temple-mount/?utm_source=Israel365&utm_campaign=189e2a1098-BIN_morning_3_19&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bb2894f273-189e2a1098-46083969&mc_cid=189e2a1098&mc_eid=818e0f47b3/

The covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was long before what we know today as Judaism. Their faith was a covenant-based faith. Today, Judaism is Rabbinic Judaism, which came into full force after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70-73 A.D. Historians, including Jewish Historians, say the predecessors forming present-day Rabbinic Judaism is comparable to the spirit of the Pharisees and Sadducees of Christ’s day! Jewish author, Herman Wouk writes, “The Talmud is to this day the circulating heart's blood of the Jewish religion” – being “morally superior” to Scripture! Hoffman contends “that the Jews' so-called oral traditions are not really a protective hedge around the Torah at all, but serve as loopholes to get around the Law [cf. Mark 7:9-13]… [Speaking of "loopholes," please read https://jewishjournal.com/opinion/134042/when-bill-and-hillary-clinton-turn-to-judaism/]. But perhaps the most glaring hypocrisy of all lies in how Judaism claims to be the religion of Moses, as based on the written Torah, while simultaneously venerating the Talmud as superior to the Scriptures.”  I read these same historical reports by another Jewish author, Daniel Gruber, in Rabbi Akibah’s Messiah - The Origins of Rabbinic Authority.

https://www.cbcg.org/booklets/judaism-revelation-of-moses-or-religion-of-men/chapter-seven-the-deceptiveness-of-judaism.html If cbcg.org does not come up, search “the deceptiveness of Judaism,” click on this site, and it will come up through the search engine. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/ancient-jewish-religion-and-culture/

The covenant promise was to both the natural Israelites who remained faithful and to the spiritual Gentile converts (Acts 4:12,16)! These only are the chosen seed of Abraham (Gal 3:29; cf. Exo 19:5,6 cp. 1Pet 2:9,10; cf. Isa 57:19; cp. Acts 2:39). Dr. Raphael Jospe, author of “The Concept of the Chosen People: An Interpretation, and Instructor at the Open University of Israel in Jerusalem wrote, “… there is considerable consensus that the Jews chose to be chosen.” This would apply to the present Jews, not those who accept the Truth. The good news is, that the time is coming when the natural branches of Israel having been cut off (Rom 12:15-28) will be restored again (Eze 37:13,14; Zech 12), and all Israel will be saved (Rom 11:25-28). The nation of Israel is the chosen nation of all the nations!

“Subconsciously, the Christians want to believe that the Jews are wailing at the wrong wall,” Enerson, a Christian studying at the Scandinavian School of Theology, told Breaking Israel News. “They want to think that the Jewish people were wrong and maybe the Christians know something the Jews don’t.” Why would Christians want to think such a thing subconsciously or consciously? It hints of anti-Jewism if we don’t take what they say at face value. Regardless, the fact remains that it is idolatrous worship to pray at or venerate and bow our heads to this claimed “holiest site.” http://www.biblicalresearchinstitute.com.au/the-wailing-wall-source-of-jewish-idolatry.html/

http://askelm.com/temple/t000701.htm

 www.askelm.com/temple/t111219.pdf

http://www.askelm.com/temple/t980504.htm/

https://www.meforum.org/6898/is-the-western-wall-judaism-holiest-site

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/history-and-overivew-of-the-western-wall

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Herod-Agrippa-II

https://www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-Features/Herod-began-building-Western-Wall-but-didnt-finish-it/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2065254/Coins-Jerusalems-Western-Wall-hints-sacred-site-older-Herod.html/

Following on from Sis. Valerie's comment above, it wasn't just the nations immediately surrounding Israel that 'sprouted' into life: here's a list of all the nations that were born or gained independence from May 1948 until the end of 1974:

Algeria,  Angola,  Austria,  Bahamas,  Bangladesh,  Barbados,  Bhophutatswana,  Bhutan,  Botswana,  Burundi,  Cambodia,  Cameroon,  Cape Verde Isles,  Central African Republic,  Chad,  Congo,  Cyprus,  Dahomey,  Eritrea,  Fiji,  The Gambia,  Gabon,  Ghana,  Grenada,  Guinea,  Guinea Bateau,  Guyana,  India,  Ivory Coast,  Jamaica,  Kenya,  Kmer Republic,  Kuwait,  Lesotho,  Libya,  Madagascar,  Malawi,  Mali,  Malta,  The Maldives,  Mauritania,  Mauritius,  Maurau,  Morocco,  Mozambique,  Nigeria,  North Korea, North Vietnam,  Pakistan,  Rwanda,  Samoa,  Seo Tomé,  Senegal,  Singapore,  Somalia,  Sri Lanka,  Sudan, Surinam,  Swaziland,  Syria,  Tanzania,  Togo,  Trinidad & Tobago,  Tonga,  Tunisia,  Uganda,  United Arab Emirates,  Upper Volta,  Yemen,  Zaire, Zambia.

(Source: Whittaker's Almanac 1975)

I make that 71 countries that were formed or gained independence - in just 26 years following the rebirth of Israel!

Austria surprised me, but it didn't gain full independence until 1955.

Truly, the Word of God can be relied on!

Luke 21:29

“And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree and all the trees.”

We know the fig tree represents the nation of Israel, therefore, all the trees are other nations. Israel became a dried up fig tree for many years and the nation was no more, but then it revived and became a nation again.  Was Jesus referring to the other nations that were proximate to Israel would also be reborn in referencing “all the trees?”

Lebanon

The French granted this area independence on November 22, 1943.

https://www.lebaneseexaminer.com/2014/11/21/history-lebanon-gained-independence/

Jordan

Emir Abdullah ended the British mandate and gained full independence for Transjordan on March 22, 1946. Transjordan adopted the name of Jordan on May 25, 1946. http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/his_transjordan.html/

Syria

Syria was granted its independence on April 17, 1946.

https://uca.edu/politicalscience/dadm-project/middle-eastnorth-africapersian-gulf-region/french-syria-1919-1946/

Egypt

Following the completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important world transportation hub, but also fell heavily into debt. Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt’s government in 1882, but nominal allegiance to the Ottoman Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent from the UK in 1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty with the overthrow of the British-backed monarch on July 23, 1952.

https://wiki.mises.org/wiki/Egypt/  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolution_Day_(Egypt)

(Emphasis added)

The birth of these countries adds to the significance of Israel becoming a nation in 1948, especially considering they all border Israel! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borders_of_Israel/ Up until 1943-1952, these countries did not exist as independent countries. They were either a part of the Ottoman Empire, the British Empire, or a part of a French colony. Christ tells us the generation that sees these things will not pass away and that the kingdom is “nigh at hand” (Luke 21:31,32).

21:29    When Jesus said “£behold the fig tree” whilst he is here on the mount of Olives he could well have been pointing to the fig tree which he cursed yesterday in the same location – Mark 11:21

21:38  Luke – more than the other Gospel writers – emphasises that “all the people” gave attention to Jesus. You might review Luke’s Gospel, if you have not already done so, to see how often we see this.

21:12    We know that some who were associated with rulers such a Manaen - Acts 13:2 – had association with Herod. So one wonders whether, when standing before such individuals, the gospel was preached and that message affected others who heard what was said.

21:8,9,18      Notice how Jesus is concerned to allay any fears the disciples might have about their position when Jerusalem was to be overthrown by the Romans.

Luke 21:2-4 - the widow, like Christ, gave all she had.

21:25 That the sea and the waves represent people can be seen in Isa 57:20

Luke 21:24

“… Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.”

The following article came from: http://www.wnd.com/2012/11/12th-century-rabbi-predicted-israels-future/

Ludwig Schneider of Israel Today magazine translated some of the works of Rabbi Ben Samual into English over the last few years, including “The Book of the Pious – Sefer Hasidim” and the “Book of Calculations – Sefer Gematriyot.”

Following the Christian crusades to the Holy Land, between 1096-1270, a regular correspondence developed between the Jews in the Holy Land and the Christian West. Thus, for example, the rabbis in Worms and Regensburg in Germany knew that Saladin’s Ayyubids had been ruling in the Holy Land since 1187.

At this time, Judah Ben Samuel published the results of his biblical calculations (Gematria) and astrological observations and summarized as follows: “When the Ottomans (Turks) – who were already a power to be reckoned with on the Bosporus in the time of Judah Ben Samuel – conquer Jerusalem they will rule over Jerusalem for eight jubilees. Afterwards Jerusalem will become no-man’s land for one jubilee, and then in the ninth jubilee it will once again come back into the possession of the Jewish nation – which would signify the beginning of the Messianic end time.”

One jubilee is 50 years (Leviticus 25). It is the 50th year after seven times seven years, the year in which each person should regain ownership of his or her land. Ben Samuel’s calculations were purely theoretical; there was absolutely no sign at that time of their being fulfilled. He himself was not able to experience their fulfillment, for it was only 300 years after his death that the first of his predictions were to come true.

The Mamluks, who had been reigning in Jerusalem since 1250, were conquered in 1517 by the Ottoman Turks. They remained for eight jubilees (8 x 50 = 400 years), that is to say they were in Jerusalem for 400 years. Exactly 400 years later, in 1917, the Ottoman Turks were conquered by the British. The League of Nations conferred the Mandate for the Holy Land and Jerusalem to the British. Thus, from 1917, under international law, Jerusalem was no-man’s land.

Then, when Israel captured Jerusalem in the Six Day War of 1967, exactly one jubilee (50 years) after 1917, Jerusalem reverted to Jewish-Israeli ownership once again. Thereby, according to the prophecies of Judah Ben Samuel, the Messianic End Times began.

Many scholars have studied and made reference to Judah Ben Samuel’s writings in an effort to understand how he reached his conclusions. Among those referencing Ben Samuel were Rabbi Isaac Ben Solomon Luria, a mystic dealing with the messianic world (Jerusalem, 1531-1572, Safed); Joseph Solomon Delmegido (1591 Candia – 1655 Prague), a mathematician and astronomer (“Mazref le-Chochma”), Azulai I (1724-1806), a famed bibliographer; Samuel David Luzzatto (1800-1865), a Bible scholar; historian Heinrich Graetz (1817-1891); and Torah scholar Jacob Epstein (1925-1993).

The secret of how Judah the Pious arrived at such accurate predictions has less to do with the actual calculations than it does with the fact that he had consecrated his life to God. His pupils Rabbi Isaac ben Moses (Vienna), Rabbi Baruch ben Samuel (Mainz) and Rabbi Simcha (Speyer) testify that Ben Samuel was a model of abstinence and selflessness and was awaiting with a burning desire the coming of the Messiah.

Ben Samuel was often called “Light of Israel.” Even bishops came to him for advice. If anyone asked him where his wisdom came from he would answer, “The prophet Elijah, who will precede the Messiah, appeared to me and revealed many things to me and emphasized that the precondition for answered prayer is that it is fueled by enthusiasm and joy for the greatness and holiness of God.”

But to recap the astonishing predictions: In AD 1217 this scholarly and pious rabbi prophesied that the Ottoman Turks would rule over the holy city of Jerusalem for eight Jubilees. Now, keep in mind, he made this prediction 300 years before the Ottoman Turks seized control of Jerusalem in 1517. If indeed 1217 and 1517 were jubilee years as Judah Ben Samuel believed, then his prophecy was exactly right, because exactly 400 years after the Turks took control of Jerusalem they were driven out of the city and the holy land in 1917 by the Allied forces under the command of General George Allenby – on Hanukkah, by the way.

But it gets more interesting still.

The rabbi also prophesied that during the ninth Jubilee Jerusalem would be a “no-man’s land.” This is exactly what happened from 1917 to 1967, due to the fact that the Holy Land was placed under British Mandate in 1917 by the League of Nations and literally “belonged” to no nation.

Even after Israel’s war of independence in 1948-49, Jerusalem was still divided by a strip of land running right through the heart of the city, with Jordan controlling the eastern part of the city and Israel controlling the western part of the city. That strip of land was considered and even called “no-man’s land” by both the Israelis and the Jordanians.

It was not until the Six Day War in 1967 when the entire West Bank of the Holy Land was conquered by the Israeli army that the whole city of Jerusalem passed back into the possession of Israel. So once again the prophecy made by the rabbi 750 years previously was fulfilled to the letter.

It certainly would be significant if both 1917 and 1967 were Jubilee years, considering the significance of what happened in Jerusalem on those years. But it gets even more interesting, because Judah Ben Samuel also prophesied that during the 10th Jubilee Jerusalem would be under the control of the Jews and the Messianic “end times” would begin. If he’s right, the 10th Jubilee began in 1967 and will be concluded in 2017.

“The Bible should be our standard for prophecy and interpretation of prophetic events,” said Joseph Farah, editor and founder of WND, upon learning of Judah Ben Samuel’s predictions in Israel Today.“But one cannot ignore what this 12th-century rabbi said and wrote. It’s well-documented. And I applaud Israel Today for bringing it to light. The implications of these predictions is staggering to say the least.”

Luke 21:11,25

“... and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven... And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars...”

Major astronomical events are validated in the Bible, and here we read of Jesus, himself, referring to astronomical events occurring before his second coming. The prophet Joel wrote, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come” (Joel 2:31; cf. Rev 6:12).

Blood moons occur when the earth is positioned between the sun and moon. This is in contrast to a solar eclipse when the moon is positioned between the earth and the sun causing the darkness. From a biblical perspective, the sun and moon as signs are evident (cf. Gen 1:14), and used prophetically (Gen 37:1-11).

In the last 500 years, we have had three blood red moon tetrads: 1) 1492, the Edict of Expulsion of the Jews from Spain. Columbus took three ships, the Pinta, Nina, and Santa Maria to bring the Jewish exiles to America. 2) 1948 Israel became a nation again. 3) Israel gained control of Jerusalem in the 6 Day War. The fourth blood moon tetrad will occur between April 15, 2014, and September 28, 2015! According to NASA the next blood moon tetrads will take place in 2031-2033 and further on in time this century. So, what makes the 2014-2015 blood moon tetrads different from all the others?

Between the four lunar eclipses of 2014-15, we have two solar eclipses sandwiched between them, which make these upcoming events even more astonishing! This will not happen again during this millennium (2000 – 3000 AD)! Jewish rabbis teach that the blood moon lunar eclipses are a sign from God for judgment of the nation of Israel. They also teach that solar eclipses are a sign of judgments against the nations of the world. Will 2014-15 impact both Israel and the world and foreshadow the devastating war as prophesied in Ezekiel 38? These signs are fascinating enough to issue us a warning.

From Genesis to Revelation it is clearly outlined that God has a plan for the earth and the human race and it is to that foreordained plan that God is working. It is incredibly revealed through the nature and timing of the seven annual feast of Yahweh. We have two Passover blood red moons and two Sukkot blood red moons (in order of appearance: April 15, 2014 Passover blood red moon; October 8, 2014 Sukkot blood red moon; April 4, 2015 Passover blood red moon; September 28, 2015 Sukkot blood red moon). I find this fascinating as both Passover and Sukkot, or Feast of Tabernacles, are observed yearly; both begin on the 15th day of the month counting from the new moon; both begin on the seventh-day Sabbath, each and every year; both feasts fall at the time of the dark conjunction lunar phase; the first day of both feasts is a High Sabbath; there is always exactly 177 days between the 15th of Nisan and the 15th of Tishri each lunisolar year; both feasts are reckoned by using the same lunisolar calendar system; there are exactly six months between both of the feasts from spring to fall! The fact that the four blood red moons happen to fall only on Passover and Sukkot is phenomenal and a very rare occurrence! The blood red moons show us the times and seasons we are in.

A total eclipse of the sun will occur on March 20, 2015, which is the biblical calendar month of Nisan 1; the date Moses opened the Tabernacle in the wilderness, and fire came from God to light the burnt offering. Rabbi Mark Blitz writes:  “So here we have a total solar eclipse beginning the religious year followed two weeks later by a total lunar eclipse/blood moon on Passover followed by the next solar eclipse (partial) on Sept 13th which just so happens to be Rosh Hashanah!”  Nisan 1 marks the beginning of the religious cycle, and six months later the Jews observe Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets, which is the biblical calendar month of Tishri 1!

What will befall Israel and the nations, we will soon find out. One thing is certain, these eclipses are not only signs for us, but also warnings that deliverance is coming and the bride must make herself ready for the return of her bridegroom.

21:15  The assurance that the opponents of the disciples will not be able to overcome the words of the disciples reminded them of how Daniel’s three friends prevailed – Dan 3:28-29

Summary Of Luke

21:1-4        Jesus saw woman casting money into the treasury – comments on her spirit of generosity

21:5-36      Jesus taught the temple was to be overthrown and destroyed

21:37-38    General comment that Jesus taught in the temple in the day time and to the Mount of Olives at the end of the day.

21:7    It is most natural that the disciples’ focus was on the things that they might experience. Therefore we should not be surprised when the temple was destroyed in AD 70. Doubtless the disciples were not surprised when that happened.  Looking back believers after AD 70 would have realised that Jesus was speaking of that event. Of course they would not see how, also, it speaks of the end of time around the time of his return.

Luke 21:28

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

Literally and figuratively and spiritually and every way you can look up, we should be looking up. This fall of 2011, three comets, Honda, Levy, and Elenin are inbound to Earths near proximity. They will be exerting tremendous forces on the Earth, all at the same time to lesser and greater degrees as they move through our Solar System. This will be a very dangerous time for our planet.

Comet Elenin, believed to be a brown dwarf star, or accompanied closely by one, poses the greatest danger. It will be closest to the Sun on September 11, 2011. The next major alignment is on September 26, 2011 when Elenin will align with the Earth. Please check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqV0StQbJQs/ The following dates are very important to watch. The events indicated may occur on or near these dates and come from the scientific community:

On September 26, 2011, Elenin will be at 0.396 AU, almost 21 times closer to the Earth than it was on March 11, 2011 when an alignment of Elenin/Earth/Sun occurred at 2.155 AU and devastated Japan by a 9.0 earthquake!  An AU, or Astronomical Unit, is a unit of length equal to about 149,597,870.7 km (92,955,807.27 miles), approximately the mean Earth-Sun distance.

On October 16, 2011, Elenin will be closest to the Earth at 0.232 AU. Elenin will be on the ecliptic between the Earth and the Sun being at perigee, or at the center of the body it is orbiting. This is also a very dangerous time.

On November 23, 2011, the Earth will be in the center of the Sun and Elenin, and gravity being proportional to the square of the distance means gravity will be over 400 times greater than it was at the time of the Japan earthquake! If the Sun would be between Earth and Elenin, this alignment would pose no threat.

ELE-nin is more than likely a code (though claimed to be named after a Russian Scientist) with ELE in NASA terms, meaning Extinction Level Event! NASA Scientists frequently use code words and catch phrases. We are already witnessing the effects, and it is without doubt that seismic activities and other natural catastrophes will continue to increase in their frequency and intensity.

This year the Feast of Trumpets occurs from September 28-30! Could a mega-earthquake be a distraction when the dead are raised and we are taken to Sinai (1Cor 15:22;1Thess 4:13-18)? Hardly anyone would notice what has really taken place as Earth is being hit with calamity after calamity. It is interesting to contemplate, and we will find out soon enough.

Luke 21:36

“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

This quote is frequently interpreted to closely watch current events as we begin to see prophecy unfold, and thus escape God’s wrath. While we ought to know the “times and seasons” we are living in, a closer examination of this particular passage of Scripture, points to a much deeper conclusion.

In context, we read in v.34:

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares…”

Jesus’ admonition is to watch ourselves, “take heed to yourselves”! We are to be vigilant, circumspect, and spiritually awake. The danger is in not watching ourselves, indulging rather in material distractions. Our being worthy to escape,” is building a character in the image of our God.

The word, “watch” in v.36 is “Strong’s Concordance #69, agrupneo, and at its most basic, means “to be sleepless,” implying a continuous watchfulness or vigilance. This being hand-in-hand with “pray always,” denotes being alert for spiritual dangers and beguilements. This does not come about by merely analyzing current events.

Jesus tells us that at the time he returns there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines; there will be plagues and pestilence; interestingly the word translated "earthquake"<4578> (Luke 21:11) is also translated as "tempest"<4578> (Matt 8:24); we have seen heavy rains causing major flooding in various places lately. 

Some of the above thoughts were from Andy Walton 1/22/2011.

21:22 the ‘days of vengeance’ Echo the judgements that Isaiah  spoke of – Isa 61:2 – which we know is part of a prophecy of the work of Jesus.

TWO IMPORTANT PRAYERS

As Jesus concluded telling his disciples about the things that were to happen before he set up the kingdom of God, he gave us all two things to pray for. He said, "Be always on the watch and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:36)

Terrible times are coming, times that will try our faith like never before. Jesus was right. We need to pray, not just when it happens, but now. In doing this our faith will be increased and God's strength will become part of our lives so that we can escape all that is about to happen. If this means that we literally escape from the trials of that time, that will be great. But it may mean that through faith we are able to escape our weakness in times of trouble and temptation to be able to stand firm when our Lord returns.

The other thing we need to pray about is is that we will be able to stand before the Son of Man. So let's pray for forgiveness, for strength and wisdom so that we can live lives now and through the time of trouble that will enable us to stand before the Son of Man when he comes.

21:20 When Jesus spoke these words the land of Israel was under the occupation of the Romans so one cannot help but wonder who the disciples would have thought would surround Jerusalem with armies. There was no other significant power around at that time and it would seem inconceivable that the Romans who were already in the land would encompass the city.

v 20-24 First Principles>Kingdom of God>Was overturned>History of fulfilment
8. The crucifixion of Jesus filled the cup of iniquity (Matt 23:32). Christ warned of the coming judgement Luke 19:43,44, Luke 21:20-24
Go to Deut 28:49 to see more details of the history of Israel and its overturning.

COPING WITH LAST DAY TEMPTATIONS

It is so easy to let the pressures of the moment take us away from God. There are so many things that appear to need to be done right now, that we can easily lose sight of the things that are really important. Jesus warned of this happening to us in the last days. He said, "Be careful or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth." (Luke 21:34-35) All these issues are a real problem to us today.

Dissipation is to be wasteful of both time and or possessions. It is a problem we all have in a throw away, pleasure seeking culture.

drunkenness is also a big issue in society, and particularly with young people and binge drinkers.

And the cares of this life - the urgent and seemingly important things in life - also take us away from God.

It is just as Jesus described, and none of us are free from it. But Jesus did not leave us without hope because he gave us the solution. "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." (v.36) We need to carefully watch the way we live to avoid the temptations that lead us away from the Lord, and on top of that, we need to pray. With his help, and only with his help, we will be able to stand on the day of judgement.

What Jesus had done in driving out the money changers and traders from the temple had far reaching consequences. When we look at the similar event in (Neh 13:8-22) we can see that the traders would immediately try to come back. Jesus had to do something to stem this tide. It appears that from the time of its cleansing, Jesus was daily present in the temple to keep it clean. He replaced the space occupied by the tables of the merchants with himself and the crowds who listened to his teaching (Luke 19:47-48).

In v1 the Scribes, Pharisees and Elders came to Jesus. The New King James version says they "confronted him". I don't think this was a friendly visit. As Peter suggests in his earlier comment, they came to question him about throwing out the money changers; and by implication to arrest him. They saw him as a threat to their power (v14). Jesus was in great danger, and continued to be in daily danger until his arrest (see Matt 26:55). But because of Jesus' popular appeal they needed to catch him in his words publicly, giving them grounds to arrest him; which wasn't as easy as they thought it would be (v26).

21:3-4 How often are we willing to do things for our fellow believers when it is convenient to ourselves but are not willing to put ourselves out to meet the needs or wants of others? David taught what sacrifice is when, speaking with Ornan the Jebusite, - 2Sam 24:24 - reasoned that something is not a sacrifice unless there is personal cost.

v18 "not a hair of your head will be lost" refers back to the incident in 1Sam 14:45 where Jonathan was delivered from being killed by his own father. The people, recognising Saul's madness, went against their king to protect Jonathan. This is the context of Jesus' comment in v16 "you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers... and they will put some of you to death". It is obviously only the promise of eternal life that can fulfil this. If we belong to Christ, even death cannot touch a single hair on our heads.

People had the opportunity to donate to the welfare of the temple (vs.1,2). There were actually thirteen chests (big money boxes), all in the shape of trumpets, which were placed in the court of women.

21:4-5 There is clearly a time gap between these two verses. Jesus saw the woman casting money into the treasury in the temple but the comments about the temple were made from the Mount of Olives see Matt 24:3.

21:11-12 The question the disciples asked related to the destruction of the temple. Now Jesus tells the disciples that they will have to suffer persecution before that happens.

This is one of two great prophecies of the end times given by Jesus, the other being Revelation. We are perhaps meant to see connections within the two of them.

The first few verses of this chapter hold a wonderful lesson for us (Luke 21:1-4).  I have never been penniless, thank the Lord. And I suspect that the majority of us who read these notes have filled freezers, bulging wardrobes, and warm and secure homes. This “certain poor widow” had nothing. There was no state help for widows. All this dear sister had, (I hope I’m not being too presumptuous to call her that), was 2 tiny coins. She therefore had the choice of giving one coin to the temple, and keeping one to feed herself. What would we have done? But she gave 100%. Literally everything she had.  This story really makes me feel ashamed.

21:3-4  The example of the poor widow shouts ‘commitment’ to us. It is not how much we do for the Lord, it is how much of our resources – we give to Him. How much of our resources do we keep back for ourselves?

V.2 Luke identifies the widow as being poor, but, in fact she was truly rich. She may have been poor from a material point of view, but, she was extremely rich, rich in faith. She gave to God all that was hers, because she realized that everything was Gods.

v.16 is qualified by Jesus in Matt 10:34-36.
Some think that v.24 was fulfilled in 1967 when the Israelis captured East Jerusalem to unite the whole city.  However, it can be argued that Jerusalem is still being trodden down by the Gentiles in some form or other.
There will be a day, however, when Jerusalem will no longer be a contention (a burdensome stone) (Zech 12:3), when peace will truly reign (Isa 2:2-4).

21:2 The 'poor widow' picks up the 'widow' of 20:47 thus setting a contrast. Whilst the leaders were willing to devour widow's houses here we see a widow, who despite the appalling way the leaders behaved, gave of her all. Likewise we should not modify our generosity to our brethren because some might not demonstrate the love of God fully.

V.36  "WATCH";   "PRAY":  The two things we must always be doing. These warnings show the the need of preparedness for the time of the end. It is only by being watchful at all times, and by fervent prayer, that any will be able to stand without fear before the Lord.

Against the repeated use of 'ye' (21:6, 8, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 30, 31) we have one 'they (21:27) indicating clearly that the prophecy would not all be fulfilled in AD 70 even though it had a major application then.

:32
Generation:
Christ analysis of the generation in the first century was evil,perverse,adulterous,untoward, and faithless. Do we see any difference in our generation? The lesson is clear, and so we warned to WATCH, or in other words , to remain sleepless(Mk13:35, 1Thess 5:6, Rom 13:11)

21:20 Jerusalem encompassed with armies answers to (Matthew 24:15) 'the abomination of desolation …' so Luke explains what is meant by the words in Matthew.

v. 4 - The word translated penury (husterema 5303), we can see from its use elsewhere 1Cor.16:7, 2Cor.11:9 (lacking), 2Cor.8:14, 9:12 (want) that this implies criticism of the rich, not only for their pompous approach to giving to the temple, but also of their inability to see and therefore supply for the need of the widow. We need to make up that which is lacking - both materially and spiritually in ourselves and in others - Col1:24 (behind), 1Thes.3:10 (lacking)

v. 24 'until the times of the gentiles are fulfilled' is reflected in the language of Paul when he says [Romans 11:25] 'until the fullness of the gentiles be come in'. Jerusalem will not be free from oppression until [Romans 11:26] 'all Israel shall be saved'.