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Notes that are not verse specific
The last chapter tells us that Abraham was old and well stricken in years (24:1) and yet now we learn that he has taken another wife and had 6 children with her. This must be earlier than the incident described in ch.24, but has been held back to fit with the rest of the genealogy recorded here.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Peter
The opening eighteen verses of Gen 25 are verses which contain what some may consider dry reading, but they are important, as they provide the list of the children of the two most important sons of Abraham; Isaac and Ishmael.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to John
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Matt 16:26 - The Sea of Galilee gives as it receives .... BUT the Dead Sea keeps what it gets and is big ... YET it is dead!
Peter Dulis [toronto west] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Peter
1. Gen 26:3-4 - Isaac (who is a type of Christ Gen 22:1-19), along with his father Abraham, is promised the land along with his descendants who will be numerous and through his offspring (i.e. Christ) will all nations on the earth be blessed (Gal 3:8,16,26-29;Heb 11:8-13,16-19).
2. Gen 26:19 - "'a well'(<875> can mean 'pit') 'of springing'(<2416> can mean 'alive, living') water" - [John 4:6-7,10-14 (the sixth hour or noon was when the three hours of darkness began during the crucifixion, v10 "living water", v14 "a well of water springing up into eternal life");John 7:37-38 (out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water);Eph 5:26 (the washing of water by the word) - Jesus was filled with the Word of God and out of his pierced side flowed water - faithful believers can also be filled with the Word of God)].
3. So we have the connection of living water, the word of God, with Christ's sacrifice and resurrection from the pit/well offering Jew and Gentile the hope of eternal life in the promised land.
4. Gen 26:20 - the first well/pit being connected in striving with Isaac, who is a type of Christ, is "Esek"(<6230> can mean 'strife,dispute, contention'). Perhaps this echoes the first day Christ was buried in the pit with a mortal blow dealt to sin (the seed of the serpent Gen 3:15).
5. Gen 26:21 - the second well/pit being connected in striving with Isaac, who is a type of Christ, is "Sitnah"(<7856> can mean 'strife, opposition'). Perhaps this echos the second day Christ was buried in the pit.
6. Gen 26:22 - the third well/pit was different, there was no striving as Isaac, who is a type of Christ, was successful (perhaps echoing Christ who rose on the third day from the pit victorious over sin and death having recovered from a his bruised heel Gen 3:15) so they named it "Rehoboth"(<7344> can mean 'wide places, or streets') which reminds us perhaps of a post resurrection flourishing and the millennial rest in the land when Christ returns.
7. So we have three wells/pits perhaps reminding us of the three days in the pit from which Christ arose (which in the sense of a sacrificial well, combined with the Word which prophecied all this, provides believers the opportunity of living water or eternal life where Christ's sacrifice has made room for faithful believers to be fruitful in the promised land when Christ returns.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Charles
8. Gen 26:23 - we have Isaac, a type of Christ, going to "Beersheba"(<884> can mean 'well of seven' or 'well of the oath' or ' well of the sevenfold oath') which perhaps echos the soon to come millenial seventh day and return of Christ to establish his Father's kingdom on earth made possible by Christ's sinless life, sacrifice, and resurrection on the third day.
9. Gen 26:25 - we have an altar (perhaps echoing the sacrifice of Christ); we have a tent echoing perhaps the tabernacle, and we have the well/pit perhaps echoing the third day when Christ rose out of the well/pit to offer believers living water.
10. Gen 26:26 - "Gerar"(<1642> can mean 'a lodging place'); "Ahuzzah"(<276> can mean "possession") which may echo the promised land.
11. Gen 26:28,30 - we have Gentiles joining in an oath and "covenant"(<1285> can mean 'cutting, made by passing pieces of flesh, a covenant') with Isaac, a type of Christ, who made them a feast and they did eat and drink (combined with the covenent could this be an echo of Gentiles sharing in Christ's memorial feast?).
12. Gen 26:31 - "rose up betimes in the morning" - could this suggest the resurrection?
13. Gen 26:32 - servants of Isaac, a type of Christ, 'dig' (perhaps an echo of 'seek and ye shall find'?) and find 'water' (perhaps echoing 'living water'?).
14. Gen 26:32-33 - "Shebah"(<7656> can mean 'seven, seventh, an oath) and "Beersheba"(<884> can mean 'well of seven' or 'well of the oath' or ' well of the sevenfold oath') so thus we have perhaps a veiled reference to the 7th millennial day of rest where people will have their thirst spiritually quenched.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Charles
Gen 26:12-14 We see evidence of the covenant promises God made to Abraham beginning to work out in blessing in the life of Isaac. There was famine in the land so Isaac and the LORD told him not to go down into Egypt. Isaac obeyed and the LORD blessed him. Isaac sowed the land and the yield was 100 fold! Jesus parable of the sower reminds us of Isaac’s faithfulness, (Matt 13:8,23). Like the seed in the good ground, in the parable Isaac was like the one “who heareth the word and understandeth it”. He “waxed great” and “became very great” with possessions, flocks, herds and servants (Gen 26:13-14). He patiently endured the envy of the Philistines and the conflict over water supplies (Gen 26:14-21). By faith Isaac blessed (<2127>-spoke well of) to Jacob and Esau concerning things to come (Heb 1:20).
We must listen and seek to understand the word of God and bear fruit that by God’s grace we can be heirs to the same promises.
Peter Moore [Erith, UK] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
25:3 The appeal that those who wait on God be ashamed is echoed by the prophet – Isa 49:23.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
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1. Then again <3254>(8686) Abraham <85> took <3947>(8799) a wife <802>, and her name <8034> was Keturah <6989>.
2. And she bare <3205>(8799) him Zimran <2175>, and Jokshan <3370>, and Medan <4091>, and Midian <4080>, and Ishbak <3435>, and Shuah <7744>.
3. And Jokshan <3370> begat <3205>(8804) Sheba <7614>, and Dedan <1719>. And the sons <1121> of Dedan <1719> were Asshurim <805>, and Letushim <3912>, and Leummim <3817>.
4. And the sons <1121> of Midian <4080>; Ephah <5891>, and Epher <6081>, and Hanoch <2585>, and Abida <28>, and Eldaah <420>. All these were the children <1121> of Keturah <6989>.
5. And Abraham <85> gave <5414>(8799) all that he had unto Isaac <3327>.
6. But unto the sons <1121> of the concubines <6370>, which Abraham <85> had, Abraham <85> gave <5414>(8804) gifts <4979>, and sent them away <7971>(8762) from Isaac <3327> his son <1121>, while he yet lived <2416>, eastward <6924>, unto the east <6924> country <776>.
7. And these are the days <3117> of the years <8141> of Abraham's <85> life <2416> which he lived <2425>(8804), an hundred <3967> <8141> threescore <8141> and fifteen <7657> <2568> years <8141>.
8. Then Abraham <85> gave up the ghost <1478>(8799), and died <4191>(8799) in a good <2896> old age <7872>, an old man <2205>, and full <7649> of years; and was gathered <622>(8735) to his people <5971>.
9. And his sons <1121> Isaac <3327> and Ishmael <3458> buried <6912>(8799) him in the cave <4631> of Machpelah <4375>, in the field <7704> of Ephron <6085> the son <1121> of Zohar <6714> the Hittite <2850>, which is before <6440> Mamre <4471>;
10. The field <7704> which Abraham <85> purchased <7069>(8804) of the sons <1121> of Heth <2845>: there was Abraham <85> buried <6912>(8795), and Sarah <8283> his wife <802>.
11. And it came to pass after <310> the death <4194> of Abraham <85>, that God <430> blessed <1288>(8762) his son <1121> Isaac <3327>; and Isaac <3327> dwelt <3427>(8799) by <5973> the well Lahairoi <883>.
12. Now these are the generations <8435> of Ishmael <3458>, Abraham's <85> son <1121>, whom Hagar <1904> the Egyptian <4713>, Sarah's <8283> handmaid <8198>, bare <3205>(8804) unto Abraham <85>:
13. And these are the names <8034> of the sons <1121> of Ishmael <3458>, by their names <8034>, according to their generations <8435>: the firstborn <1060> of Ishmael <3458>, Nebajoth <5032>; and Kedar <6938>, and Adbeel <110>, and Mibsam <4017>,
14. And Mishma <4927>, and Dumah <1746>, and Massa <4854>,
15. Hadar <2316>, and Tema <8485>, Jetur <3195>, Naphish <5305>, and Kedemah <6929>:
16. These are the sons <1121> of Ishmael <3458>, and these are their names <8034>, by their towns <2691>, and by their castles <2918>; twelve <8147> <6240> princes <5387> according to their nations <523>.
17. And these are the years <8141> of the life <2416> of Ishmael <3458>, an hundred <3967> <8141> and thirty <7970> <8141> and seven <7651> years <8141>: and he gave up the ghost <1478>(8799) and died <4191>(8799); and was gathered <622>(8735) unto his people <5971>.
18. And they dwelt <7931>(8799) from Havilah <2341> unto Shur <7793>, that is before <6440> Egypt <4714>, as thou goest <935>(8800) toward Assyria <804>: and he died <5307>(8804) in the presence <6440> of all his brethren <251>.
19. And these are the generations <8435> of Isaac <3327>, Abraham's <85> son <1121>: Abraham <85> begat <3205>(8689) Isaac <3327>:
20. And Isaac <3327> was forty <705> years <8141> old <1121> when he took <3947>(8800) Rebekah <7259> to wife <802>, the daughter <1323> of Bethuel <1328> the Syrian <761> of Padanaram <6307>, the sister <269> to Laban <3837> the Syrian <761>.
21. And Isaac <3327> intreated <6279>(8799) the LORD <3068> for <5227> his wife <802>, because she was barren <6135>: and the LORD <3068> was intreated <6279>(8735) of him, and Rebekah <7259> his wife <802> conceived <2029>(8799).
22. And the children <1121> struggled together <7533>(8704) within her <7130>; and she said <559>(8799), If it be so, why am I thus <2088>? And she went <3212>(8799) to enquire <1875>(8800) of the LORD <3068>.
23. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto her, Two <8147> nations <1471> are in thy womb <990>, and two manner <8147> of people <3816> shall be separated <6504>(8735) from thy bowels <4578>; and the one people <3816> shall be stronger <553>(8799) than the other people <3816>; and the elder <7227> shall serve <5647>(8799) the younger <6810>.
24. And when her days <3117> to be delivered <3205>(8800) were fulfilled <4390>(8799), behold, there were twins <8380> in her womb <990>.
25. And the first <7223> came out <3318>(8799) red <132>, all over like an hairy <8181> garment <155>; and they called <7121>(8799) his name <8034> Esau <6215>.
26. And after <310> that came <3318> <0> his brother <251> out <3318>(8804), and his hand <3027> took hold <270>(8802) on Esau's <6215> heel <6119>; and his name <8034> was called <7121>(8799) Jacob <3290>: and Isaac <3327> was threescore <8346> years <8141> old <1121> when she bare <3205>(8800) them.
27. And the boys <5288> grew <1431>(8799): and Esau <6215> was a cunning <3045>(8802) hunter <6718>, a man <376> of the field <7704>; and Jacob <3290> was a plain <8535> man <376>, dwelling <3427>(8802) in tents <168>.
28. And Isaac <3327> loved <157>(8799) Esau <6215>, because he did eat <6310> of his venison <6718>: but Rebekah <7259> loved <157>(8802) Jacob <3290>.
29. And Jacob <3290> sod <2102>(8686) pottage <5138>: and Esau <6215> came <935>(8799) from the field <7704>, and he was faint <5889>:
30. And Esau <6215> said <559>(8799) to Jacob <3290>, Feed <3938>(8685) me, I pray thee, with <4480> that same <122> red <122> pottage; for I am faint <5889>: therefore was his name <8034> called <7121>(8804) Edom <123>.
31. And Jacob <3290> said <559>(8799), Sell <4376>(8798) me this day <3117> thy birthright <1062>.
32. And Esau <6215> said <559>(8799), Behold, I am at the point <1980>(8802) to die <4191>(8800): and what profit shall this birthright <1062> do to me?
33. And Jacob <3290> said <559>(8799), Swear <7650>(8734) to me this day <3117>; and he sware <7650>(8735) unto him: and he sold <4376>(8799) his birthright <1062> unto Jacob <3290>.
34. Then Jacob <3290> gave <5414>(8804) Esau <6215> bread <3899> and pottage <5138> of lentiles <5742>; and he did eat <398>(8799) and drink <8354>(8799), and rose up <6965>(8799), and went his way <3212>(8799): thus Esau <6215> despised <959>(8799) his birthright <1062>.
1. And there was a famine <7458> in the land <776>, beside <905> the first <7223> famine <7458> that was in the days <3117> of Abraham <85>. And Isaac <3327> went <3212>(8799) unto Abimelech <40> king <4428> of the Philistines <6430> unto Gerar <1642>.
2. And the LORD <3068> appeared <7200>(8735) unto him, and said <559>(8799), Go not down <3381>(8799) into Egypt <4714>; dwell <7931>(8798) in the land <776> which I shall tell <559>(8799) thee of:
3. Sojourn <1481>(8798) in this land <776>, and I will be with thee, and will bless <1288>(8762) thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed <2233>, I will give <5414>(8799) all these <411> countries <776>, and I will perform <6965>(8689) the oath <7621> which I sware <7650>(8738) unto Abraham <85> thy father <1>;
4. And I will make <7235> <0> thy seed <2233> to multiply <7235>(8689) as the stars <3556> of heaven <8064>, and will give <5414>(8804) unto thy seed <2233> all these <411> countries <776>; and in thy seed <2233> shall all the nations <1471> of the earth <776> be blessed <1288>(8694);
5. Because <6118> that Abraham <85> obeyed <8085>(8804) my voice <6963>, and kept <8104>(8799) my charge <4931>, my commandments <4687>, my statutes <2708>, and my laws <8451>.
6. And Isaac <3327> dwelt <3427>(8799) in Gerar <1642>:
7. And the men <582> of the place <4725> asked <7592>(8799) him of his wife <802>; and he said <559>(8799), She is my sister <269>: for he feared <3372>(8804) to say <559>(8800), She is my wife <802>; lest, said he, the men <582> of the place <4725> should kill <2026>(8799) me for Rebekah <7259>; because she was fair <2896> to look upon <4758>.
8. And it came to pass, when he had been there a long <748>(8804) time <3117>, that Abimelech <40> king <4428> of the Philistines <6430> looked out <8259>(8686) at <1157> a window <2474>, and saw <7200>(8799), and, behold, Isaac <3327> was sporting <6711>(8764) with Rebekah <7259> his wife <802>.
9. And Abimelech <40> called <7121>(8799) Isaac <3327>, and said <559>(8799), Behold, of a surety <389> she is thy wife <802>: and how saidst <559>(8804) thou, She is my sister <269>? And Isaac <3327> said <559>(8799) unto him, Because I said <559>(8804), Lest I die <4191>(8799) for her.
10. And Abimelech <40> said <559>(8799), What is this thou hast done <6213>(8804) unto us? one <259> of the people <5971> might lightly <4592> have lien <7901>(8804) with thy wife <802>, and thou shouldest have brought <935>(8689) guiltiness <817> upon us.
11. And Abimelech <40> charged <6680>(8762) all his people <5971>, saying <559>(8800), He that toucheth <5060>(8802) this man <376> or his wife <802> shall surely <4191>(8800) be put to death <4191>(8714).
12. Then Isaac <3327> sowed <2232>(8799) in that land <776>, and received <4672>(8799) in the same year <8141> an hundredfold <3967> <8180>: and the LORD <3068> blessed <1288>(8762) him.
13. And the man <376> waxed great <1431>(8799), and went <3212>(8799) forward <1980>(8800), and grew <1432> until he became <1431> <0> very <3966> great <1431>(8804):
14. For he had possession <4735> of flocks <6629>, and possession <4735> of herds <1241>, and great store <7227> of servants <5657>: and the Philistines <6430> envied <7065>(8762) him.
15. For all the wells <875> which his father's <1> servants <5650> had digged <2658>(8804) in the days <3117> of Abraham <85> his father <1>, the Philistines <6430> had stopped <5640>(8765) them, and filled <4390>(8762) them with earth <6083>.
16. And Abimelech <40> said <559>(8799) unto Isaac <3327>, Go <3212>(8798) from us; for thou art much <3966> mightier <6105>(8804) than we.
17. And Isaac <3327> departed <3212>(8799) thence, and pitched his tent <2583>(8799) in the valley <5158> of Gerar <1642>, and dwelt <3427>(8799) there <8033>.
18. And Isaac <3327> digged <2658>(8799) again <7725>(8799) the wells <875> of water <4325>, which they had digged <2658>(8804) in the days <3117> of Abraham <85> his father <1>; for the Philistines <6430> had stopped <5640>(8762) them after <310> the death <4194> of Abraham <85>: and he called <7121>(8799) their names <8034> after the names <8034> by which <834> his father <1> had called <7121>(8804) them.
19. And Isaac's <3327> servants <5650> digged <2658>(8799) in the valley <5158>, and found <4672>(8799) there a well <875> of springing <2416> water <4325>.
20. And the herdmen <7462>(8802) of Gerar <1642> did strive <7378>(8799) with Isaac's <3327> herdmen <7462>(8802), saying <559>(8800), The water <4325> is ours: and he called <7121>(8799) the name <8034> of the well <875> Esek <6230>; because they strove <6229>(8694) with him.
21. And they digged <2658>(8799) another <312> well <875>, and strove <7378>(8799) for that also: and he called <7121>(8799) the name of it <8034> Sitnah <7856>.
22. And he removed <6275>(8686) from thence, and digged <2658>(8799) another <312> well <875>; and for that they strove <7378>(8804) not: and he called <7121>(8799) the name of it <8034> Rehoboth <7344>; and he said <559>(8799), For now <6258> the LORD <3068> hath made room <7337>(8689) for us, and we shall be fruitful <6509>(8804) in the land <776>.
23. And he went up <5927>(8799) from thence to Beersheba <884>.
24. And the LORD <3068> appeared <7200>(8735) unto him the same night <3915>, and said <559>(8799), I am the God <430> of Abraham <85> thy father <1>: fear <3372>(8799) not, for I am with <854> thee, and will bless <1288>(8765) thee, and multiply <7235>(8689) thy seed <2233> for my servant <5650> Abraham's <85> sake.
25. And he builded <1129>(8799) an altar <4196> there, and called <7121>(8799) upon the name <8034> of the LORD <3068>, and pitched <5186>(8799) his tent <168> there: and there Isaac's <3327> servants <5650> digged <3738>(8799) a well <875>.
26. Then Abimelech <40> went <1980>(8804) to him from Gerar <1642>, and Ahuzzath <276> one of his friends <4828>, and Phichol <6369> the chief captain <8269> of his army <6635>.
27. And Isaac <3327> said <559>(8799) unto them, Wherefore <4069> come <935>(8804) ye to me, seeing ye hate <8130>(8804) me, and have sent me away <7971>(8762) from you?
28. And they said <559>(8799), We saw <7200>(8804) certainly <7200>(8800) that the LORD <3068> was with thee: and we said <559>(8799), Let there be now an oath <423> betwixt <996> us, even betwixt <996> us and thee, and let us make <3772>(8799) a covenant <1285> with thee;
29. That thou wilt do <6213>(8799) us no hurt <7451>, as we have not touched <5060>(8804) thee, and as we have done <6213>(8804) unto thee nothing but <7535> good <2896>, and have sent thee away <7971>(8762) in peace <7965>: thou art now <6258> the blessed <1288>(8803) of the LORD <3068>.
30. And he made <6213>(8799) them a feast <4960>, and they did eat <398>(8799) and drink <8354>(8799).
31. And they rose up betimes <7925>(8686) in the morning <1242>, and sware <7650>(8735) one <376> to another <251>: and Isaac <3327> sent them away <7971>(8762), and they departed <3212>(8799) from him in peace <7965>.
32. And it came to pass the same day <3117>, that Isaac's <3327> servants <5650> came <935>(8799), and told <5046>(8686) him concerning <182> the well <875> which they had digged <2658>(8804), and said <559>(8799) unto him, We have found <4672>(8804) water <4325>.
33. And he called <7121>(8799) it Shebah <7656>: therefore the name <8034> of the city <5892> is Beersheba <884> unto this day <3117>.
34. And Esau <6215> was forty <705> years <8141> old <1121> when he took <3947>(8799) to wife <802> Judith <3067> the daughter <1323> of Beeri <882> the Hittite <2850>, and Bashemath <1315> the daughter <1323> of Elon <356> the Hittite <2850>:
35. Which were a grief <4786> of mind <7307> unto Isaac <3327> and to Rebekah <7259>.
Notes that are not verse specific
V.3 We, like the Psalmist must rely solely on our Heavenly Father's guidance and direction for a safe release from the snares of the world around us. Whether we like it or not, we can not do it on our own. The Psalmist was aware that he needed God's direction and guidance.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to John
Prophecy of Jesus or for Jesus?
We tend to think of Psalms as prophecies of Jesus, and that's true as far as it goes. A more helpful way to think of it is that God provided David's life and thoughts as a way for Jesus to read, internalise, understand, and then carry out his purpose. They were a platform on which Jesus could build his life. You've heard of the term "mental fuel"? Well, Jesus needed plenty of that. So Jesus studied this Psalm. He then worked out what events in David's life it applied to. He then meditated about how God had rescued David from those troubles, how He had responded to David's particular plea for help. Then he tucked away the thoughts, sentiments and emotions contained in the Psalm for mental fuel when he faced similar circumstances. We can do the same. It's a bit like the wise virgins storing up oil (Matt 25:1-13).
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Rob
v11 There's more than a hint of Jesus in this verse. We know he was a reproach among his enemies, especially to Judas. The word translated without here can also mean separate. When the disciples saw him picked out and separated from them, they fled, because they were afraid.
Ken Trelfer [Rockingham Forest, UK] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Ken
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1. To the chief Musician <5329>(8764), A Psalm <4210> of David <1732>. In thee, O LORD <3068>, do I put my trust <2620>(8804); let me never <408> <5769> be ashamed <954>(8799): deliver <6403>(8761) me in thy righteousness <6666>.
2. Bow down <5186>(8685) thine ear <241> to me; deliver <5337>(8685) me speedily <4120>: be thou my strong <4581> rock <6697>, for an house <1004> of defence <4686> to save <3467>(8687) me.
3. For thou art my rock <5553> and my fortress <4686>; therefore for thy name's <8034> sake lead <5148>(8686) me, and guide <5095>(8762) me.
4. Pull me out <3318>(8686) of the net <7568> that <2098> they have laid privily <2934>(8804) for me: for thou art my strength <4581>.
5. Into thine hand <3027> I commit <6485>(8686) my spirit <7307>: thou hast redeemed <6299>(8804) me, O LORD <3068> God <410> of truth <571>.
6. I have hated <8130>(8804) them that regard <8104>(8802) lying <7723> vanities <1892>: but I trust <982>(8804) in the LORD <3068>.
7. I will be glad <1523>(8799) and rejoice <8055>(8799) in thy mercy <2617>: for thou hast considered <7200>(8804) my trouble <6040>; thou hast known <3045>(8804) my soul <5315> in adversities <6869>;
8. And hast not shut me up <5462>(8689) into the hand <3027> of the enemy <341>(8802): thou hast set <5975>(8689) my feet <7272> in a large room <4800>.
9. Have mercy <2603>(8798) upon me, O LORD <3068>, for I am in trouble <6887>(8804): mine eye <5869> is consumed <6244>(8804) with grief <3708>, yea, my soul <5315> and my belly <990>.
10. For my life <2416> is spent <3615>(8804) with grief <3015>, and my years <8141> with sighing <585>: my strength <3581> faileth <3782>(8804) because of mine iniquity <5771>, and my bones <6106> are consumed <6244>(8804).
11. I was a reproach <2781> among all mine enemies <6887>(8802), but especially <3966> among my neighbours <7934>, and a fear <6343> to mine acquaintance <3045>(8794): they that did see <7200>(8802) me without <2351> fled <5074>(8804) from me.
12. I am forgotten <7911>(8738) as a dead man <4191>(8801) out of mind <3820>: I am like a broken <6>(8802) vessel <3627>.
13. For I have heard <8085>(8804) the slander <1681> of many <7227>: fear <4032> was on every side <5439>: while they took counsel <3245>(8736) together <3162> against me, they devised <2161>(8804) to take away <3947>(8800) my life <5315>.
14. But I trusted <982>(8804) in thee, O LORD <3068>: I said <559>(8804), Thou art my God <430>.
15. My times <6256> are in thy hand <3027>: deliver <5337>(8685) me from the hand <3027> of mine enemies <341>(8802), and from them that persecute <7291>(8802) me.
16. Make thy face <6440> to shine <215>(8685) upon thy servant <5650>: save <3467>(8685) me for thy mercies <2617>' sake.
17. Let me not be ashamed <954>(8799), O LORD <3068>; for I have called <7121>(8804) upon thee: let the wicked <7563> be ashamed <954>(8799), and let them be silent <1826>(8799) in the grave <7585>.
18. Let the lying <8267> lips <8193> be put to silence <481>(8735); which speak <1696>(8802) grievous <6277> things proudly <1346> and contemptuously <937> against the righteous <6662>.
19. Oh how great <7227> is thy goodness <2898>, which thou hast laid up <6845>(8804) for them that fear <3373> thee; which thou hast wrought <6466>(8804) for them that trust <2620>(8802) in thee before the sons <1121> of men <120>!
20. Thou shalt hide <5641>(8686) them in the secret <5643> of thy presence <6440> from the pride <7407> of man <376>: thou shalt keep them secretly <6845>(8799) in a pavilion <5521> from the strife <7379> of tongues <3956>.
21. Blessed <1288>(8803) be the LORD <3068>: for he hath shewed me his marvellous <6381>(8689) kindness <2617> in a strong <4692> city <5892>.
22. For I said <559>(8804) in my haste <2648>(8800), I am cut off <1629>(8738) from before <5048> thine eyes <5869>: nevertheless <403> thou heardest <8085>(8804) the voice <6963> of my supplications <8469> when I cried <7768>(8763) unto thee.
23. O love <157>(8798) the LORD <3068>, all ye his saints <2623>: for the LORD <3068> preserveth <5341>(8802) the faithful <539>(8803), and plentifully <3499> rewardeth <7999>(8764) the proud <1346> doer <6213>(8802).
24. Be of good courage <2388>(8798), and he shall strengthen <553>(8686) your heart <3824>, all ye that hope <3176>(8764) in the LORD <3068>.
Notes that are not verse specific
PUTTING JESUS FIRST
Paul put life into perspective when he said, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." (Phil 3 v 8)
The AV. puts it this way, that Paul counts all things "but dung that I may win Christ.".
This puts Jesus at the very forefront of everything in our lives. It means that we must live for him with all our heart and soul and not place any importance on the things of this life now. They are like dung, rubbish, something we don't want. It is a loss to us when it comes to achieving eternal glory.
Jesus said, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his own soul?" The answer is that it is no good. We will only be rich for a few years, and with it we will have stress and worry, but at death we will take nothing with us. However, if we live now for Christ and put our energies and time into eternal things, we will be guaranteed of our resurrection and eternal life in glory. The reward God gives surpasses all we could ever gain in this life.
Put Jesus first today.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Robert
Matt 16:24
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (cf. Matt 4:18-22; Mark 1:17; Luke 5:27; John 21:19)
Dr. Lawrence J. Peter, a Canadian writer, educator and management theorist best known for his work, The Peter Principle, is quoted as saying: “If you don’t know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.” Spiritually, this is also true. In one respect or another, we are all followers, but the question of what or whom we follow is the all important matter (cf. Jer 10:23). Throughout the Gospels, we need only to look at the numerous references wherein Jesus stated: “follow me.” It is a simple, but demanding edict.
Before becoming the children of God, a lot of us were as the Corinthians and Thessalonians following after idols (1Cor 12:2; 1Thess 1:9). It is as the apostle Paul enumerated in Eph 2:2-3 how in times past we walked according to the course of this world. We were called out to follow Jesus, and while it may not always be a matter of convenience, it is always a matter of conviction!
Those who are the true sheep, hear the Shepherd’s voice and they follow him (John 10:27). The Shepherd leads and the sheep follow. The question then is not if we are followers, but who it is that we are following?
Valerie Mello [in isolation, TN, USA] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Valerie
Mat. 16:19.
Jesus tells Peter here in the last part of this verse -
"Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
What did Jesus mean, especially in light of the fact that he says something almost identical to all the disciples in Matt 18:18?
There really has to be a correlation between Peter being given the keys and the next part of Jesus' same statement - the binding and loosing. When Jesus himself said he had the keys of death and Hades (Rev 1:18), he obviously meant that through his life, death, and resurrection God had given him the power to give eternal life to the faithful and eternal destruction to the wicked. So here Peter is given the power over the coming group of believers to include them within the Christian community and the converse, to exclude some from that same community. We can easily see the inclusion part as pertaining to Cornelius and his household - the first Gentiles - who believed the gospel at his preaching and were accepted by their baptisms. Here there was an open manifestation of God's blessing by their receiving the Holy Spirit prior to their baptisms (Acts 10:46). In reference to this Peter said, "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe" (Acts 15:7).
The same authority to shut out was his (and the other apostles) as can be seen in the incidents in Acts 8:20-24and Acts 5:1-11 concerning Simon the sorcerer and Ananias and Sapphira. Also, the actions of disfellowship may fall into this "loosing" category as illustrated in 1Cor 5 with the unrepentant (at the time!) fornicator and in 1Tim 1:20 with a couple of brothers who were apparently teaching false doctrine (cp. 2Tim 2:16-18).
But as is pointed out in the question, this power stated here to be Peter's was also given to the other disciples as recorded in ch. 18:18. And it can be proven that later believers such as Paul had the same authority in these matters as the original twelve.
A comparison here might be made to God's prophets in Old Testament times. For example, here's what God says to Jeremiah at the beginning of his ministry.
"See, I have this day set you over the nations, and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, and destroy, and to throw down, to build and to plant" (Jer. 1:10).
Yet literally Jeremiah did none of those things. But through his message and the peoples' positive or negative response to it, he, in effect, was empowered to do those things. For "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth" (Jer. 1:9) - God tells him, and therefore his words' fulfillment was sure.
One final point - the "in heaven" part of what Jesus is saying really has to mean that with these powers given to them along with the authority, their actions whether positive or negative, will be endorsed by God Himself. This is perhaps best seen in the incident after Jesus' resurrection - Jn. 20:21-23 - where he breathes on the eleven the Holy Spirit and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
Wes Booker [South Austin Texas USA] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Wes
16 v1 The Pharisees and the Sadducees asked that Jesus show a sign from heaven. They may have not been able to refute the existence of many of Jesus' miracles (Matthew 15:30,31) and so a delegation of Pharisees and Sadducees came from Jerusalem to discredit him by stating, in effect that, even granting that Jesus can do wonders, these signs are earthly signs only (lame healed, blind given sight, and so on). Whether real or feigned (after all, Jannes and Jambres could feign earthly miracles in Moses' day), earthly signs are not in the same league as heavenly signs (which are dramatic and cannot be feigned) such as Elijah performed when he called down fire from heaven to consume top-down the sacrifice on the altar (1 Kings 18:38,39). Elijah gave a sign from heaven; all that Jesus can do are earthly signs. So Jesus is inferior to Elijah and therefore NOT the son of God. That is why Peter's response in Matthew 16: 16 "You are the Christ, the son of the living God" is so poignant and relevant. At least Peter could see through the Pharisees and Sadducees subtle propaganda.
16 v4 Whatever preaching plans Jesus had for visiting Magdala (15:39) Jesus was so deeply affected by the weasel words of the Pharisees and the Sadducees that he put these plans aside and departed to far off Caesarea Philippi to be alone with his disciples and see what effect their words had on them (16:13).
16 v23 Peter was powerful - he was the first to acknowledge who Jesus really was after the onslaught of the Pharisees and Sadducees weasel words (16:1). So Jesus would naturally feel close to Peter. Jesus harshness in telling Peter to get behind him was Jesus way of protecting himself. Had Jesus listened any further to Peter he may have been tempted to sin.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
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1. The Pharisees <5330> also <2532> with the Sadducees <4523> came <4334>(5631), and <2532> tempting <3985>(5723) desired <1905>(5656) him <846> that he would shew <1925>(5658) them <846> a sign <4592> from <1537> heaven <3772>.
2. <1161> He answered <611>(5679) and said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, When it is <1096>(5637) evening <3798>, ye say <3004>(5719), It will be fair weather <2105>: for <1063> the sky <3772> is red <4449>(5719).
3. And <2532> in the morning <4404>, It will be foul weather <5494> to day <4594>: for <1063> the sky <3772> is red <4449>(5719) and lowring <4768>(5723). O ye hypocrites <5273>, ye can <1097>(5719) discern <1252>(5721) <3303> the face <4383> of the sky <3772>; but <1161> can ye <1410>(5736) not <3756> discern the signs <4592> of the times <2540>?
4. A wicked <4190> and <2532> adulterous <3428> generation <1074> seeketh after <1934>(5719) a sign <4592>; and <2532> there shall no <3756> sign <4592> be given <1325>(5701) unto it <846>, but <1508> the sign <4592> of the prophet <4396> Jonas <2495>. And <2532> he left <2641>(5631) them <846>, and departed <565>(5627).
5. And <2532> when his <846> disciples <3101> were come <2064>(5631) to <1519> the other side <4008>, they had forgotten <1950>(5633) to take <2983>(5629) bread <740>.
6. Then <1161> Jesus <2424> said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, Take heed <3708>(5720) and <2532> beware <4337>(5720) of <575> the leaven <2219> of the Pharisees <5330> and <2532> of the Sadducees <4523>.
7. And <1161> they reasoned <1260>(5711) among <1722> themselves <1438>, saying <3004>(5723), It is because <3754> we have taken <2983>(5627) no <3756> bread <740>.
8. Which when <1161> Jesus <2424> perceived <1097>(5631), he said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, O ye of little faith <3640>, why <5101> reason ye <1260>(5736) among <1722> yourselves <1438>, because <3754> ye have brought <2983>(5627) no <3756> bread <740>?
9. Do ye <3539> <0> not yet <3768> understand <3539>(5719), neither <3761> remember <3421>(5719) the five <4002> loaves <740> of the five thousand <4000>, and <2532> how many <4214> baskets <2894> ye took up <2983>(5627)?
10. Neither <3761> the seven <2033> loaves <740> of the four thousand <5070>, and <2532> how many <4214> baskets <4711> ye took up <2983>(5627)?
11. How <4459> is it that <3754> ye do <3539> <0> not <3756> understand <3539>(5719) that I spake <2036>(5627) it not <3756> to you <5213> concerning <4012> bread <740>, that ye should beware <4337>(5721) of <575> the leaven <2219> of the Pharisees <5330> and <2532> of the Sadducees <4523>?
12. Then <5119> understood they <4920>(5656) how that <3754> he bade <2036>(5627) them not <3756> beware <4337>(5721) of <575> the leaven <2219> of bread <740>, but <235> of <575> the doctrine <1322> of the Pharisees <5330> and <2532> of the Sadducees <4523>.
13. When <1161> Jesus <2424> came <2064>(5631) into <1519> the coasts <3313> of Caesarea <2542> Philippi <5376>, he asked <2065>(5707) his <848> disciples <3101>, saying <3004>(5723), Whom <5101> do men <444> say <3004>(5719) that I <3165> the Son <5207> of man <444> am <1511>(5750)?
14. And <1161> they said <2036>(5627), Some say that thou art <3303> John <2491> the Baptist <910>: <1161> some <243>, Elias <2243>; and <1161> others <2087>, Jeremias <2408>, or <2228> one <1520> of the prophets <4396>.
15. He saith <3004>(5719) unto them <846>, But <1161> whom <5101> say <3004>(5719) ye <5210> that I <3165> am <1511>(5750)?
16. And <1161> Simon <4613> Peter <4074> answered <611>(5679) and said <2036>(5627), Thou <4771> art <1488>(5748) the Christ <5547>, the Son <5207> of the living <2198>(5723) God <2316>.
17. And <2532> Jesus <2424> answered <611>(5679) and said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Blessed <3107> art thou <1488>(5748), Simon <4613> Barjona <920>: for <3754> flesh <4561> and <2532> blood <129> hath <601> <0> not <3756> revealed <601>(5656) it unto thee <4671>, but <235> my <3450> Father <3962> which <3588> is in <1722> heaven <3772>.
18. And <1161> I say <3004>(5719) also <2504> unto thee <4671>, That <3754> thou <4771> art <1488>(5748) Peter <4074>, and <2532> upon <1909> this <5026> rock <4073> I will build <3618>(5692) my <3450> church <1577>; and <2532> the gates <4439> of hell <86> shall <2729> <0> not <3756> prevail against <2729>(5692) it <846>.
19. And <2532> I will give <1325>(5692) unto thee <4671> the keys <2807> of the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772>: and <2532> whatsoever <1437> thou shalt bind <1210>(5661) on <1909> earth <1093> shall be <2071>(5704) bound <1210>(5772) in <1722> heaven <3772>: and <2532> whatsoever <1437> thou shalt loose <3089>(5661) on <1909> earth <1093> shall be <2071>(5704) loosed <3089>(5772) in <1722> heaven <3772>.
20. Then <5119> charged he <1291>(5668) his <848> disciples <3101> that <2443> they should tell <2036>(5632) no man <3367> that <3754> he <846> was <2076>(5748) Jesus <2424> the Christ <5547>.
21. From <575> that time forth <5119> began <756>(5662) Jesus <2424> to shew <1166>(5721) unto his <848> disciples <3101>, how that <3754> he <846> must <1163>(5748) go <565>(5629) unto <1519> Jerusalem <2414>, and <2532> suffer <3958>(5629) many things <4183> of <575> the elders <4245> and <2532> chief priests <749> and <2532> scribes <1122>, and <2532> be killed <615>(5683), and <2532> be raised again <1453>(5683) the third <5154> day <2250>.
22. Then <2532> Peter <4074> took <4355>(5642) him <846>, and began <756>(5662) to rebuke <2008>(5721) him <846>, saying <3004>(5723), Be it far <2436> from thee <4671>, Lord <2962>: this <5124> shall <2071> <0> not <3364> be <2071>(5704) unto thee <4671>.
23. But <1161> he turned <4762>(5651), and said <2036>(5627) unto Peter <4074>, Get thee <5217>(5720) behind <3694> me <3450>, Satan <4567>: thou <1488>(5748) art <3754> an offence <4625> unto me <3450>: for thou savourest <5426>(5719) not <3756> the things <3588> that be of God <2316>, but <235> those that be of men <444>.
24. Then <5119> said <2036>(5627) Jesus <2424> unto his <848> disciples <3101>, If any <1536> man will <2309>(5719) come <2064>(5629) after <3694> me <3450>, let him deny <533>(5663) himself <1438>, and <2532> take up <142>(5657) his <848> cross <4716>, and <2532> follow <190>(5720) me <3427>.
25. For <1063> whosoever <3739> <302> will <2309>(5725) save <4982>(5658) his <848> life <5590> shall lose <622>(5692) it <846>: and <1161> whosoever <3739> <302> will lose <622>(5661) his <848> life <5590> for <1752> <0> my <1700> sake <1752> shall find <2147>(5692) it <846>.
26. For <1063> what <5101> is a man <444> profited <5623>(5743), if <1437> he shall gain <2770>(5661) the whole <3650> world <2889>, and <1161> lose <2210>(5686) his own <848> soul <5590>? or <2228> what <5101> shall a man <444> give <1325>(5692) in exchange <465> for his <848> soul <5590>?
27. For <1063> the Son <5207> of man <444> shall <3195>(5719) come <2064>(5738) in <1722> the glory <1391> of his <848> Father <3962> with <3326> his <846> angels <32>; and <2532> then <5119> he shall reward <591>(5692) every man <1538> according <2596> to his <846> works <4234>.
28. Verily <281> I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, There be <1526>(5748) some <5100> standing <2476>(5761) here <5602>, which <3748> shall <1089> <0> not <3364> taste <1089>(5667) of death <2288>, till <302> <2193> they see <1492>(5632) the Son <5207> of man <444> coming <2064>(5740) in <1722> his <848> kingdom <932>.