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Notes that are not verse specific
ch.30 - Our gut reaction, living as we do in society where generally an equality between the sexes is felt to be right, is one of a certain feeling of unfairness that the men could make a vow with no-one stopping them but the women were subject to their father or husband's agreement. We tend to think of this as discrimination against the women, but in fact I wonder if the men saw it that way. What a responsibility was placed on the man here.
An implication at a spiritual level is that whatever we determine to do for the Lord, God could disallow, as our Father. But at least there is then forgiveness. Are we accepting of the things to which God says no?
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
In Num 30 a woman's vow could be rescinded by her husband or her father. This shows again that the woman in Scripture represents "the Bride". The man = God. How important that now in the New Testament era, when the Ecclesia is the Bride, that we submit to the will of God and Christ, as our Father and Husband.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to David
Control, over wives and daughters, is generally not in effect in the politically correct societies of the west. However, it still does exist in other cultures and other parts of the world.
Num. 30: A wife's vow could be annulled by the husband, and the daughter's by the father. But a man's vow would stand even if it affected someone else. Take the case of Jephthah's daughter (Judg 11:30,31,34,35).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Michael
Num. 29: It is easy not to appreciate the physically hard work in which the priests were engaged, particularly during feast times which demanded much sacrifice.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Michael
The law here allows a voluntary vow from an individual wishing to make that vow (with the option to be overridden by a father or husband).
However, it does not talk about one person making a vow for another.
That did occur. Take Jephthah’s foolish vow (Judg 11:30,31).
Also consider the case of Hannah and Samuel (1Sam 1:11). Hannah devoted Samuel to Nazarite service before he was born.
Jesus, Himself, was also devoted to the service of Yahweh before He was born. Once devoted, the process cannot be reversed. It is the same for true believers of the Gospel who have made a commitment to follow Christ. They are devoted persons to Yahweh - a state that can never be altered.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Michael
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1. And in the seventh <7637> month <2320>, on the first <259> day of the month <2320>, ye shall have an holy <6944> convocation <4744>; ye shall do <6213>(8799) no servile <5656> work <4399>: it is a day <3117> of blowing <8643> the trumpets unto you.
2. And ye shall offer <6213>(8804) a burnt offering <5930> for a sweet <5207> savour <7381> unto the LORD <3068>; one <259> young <1241> bullock <6499>, one <259> ram <352>, and seven <7651> lambs <3532> of the first <1121> year <8141> without blemish <8549>:
3. And their meat offering <4503> shall be of flour <5560> mingled <1101>(8803) with oil <8081>, three <7969> tenth deals <6241> for a bullock <6499>, and two <8147> tenth deals <6241> for a ram <352>,
4. And one <259> tenth deal <6241> for one <259> lamb <3532>, throughout the seven <7651> lambs <3532>:
5. And one <259> kid <8163> of the goats <5795> for a sin offering <2403>, to make an atonement <3722>(8763) for you:
6. Beside the burnt offering <5930> of the month <2320>, and his meat offering <4503>, and the daily <8548> burnt offering <5930>, and his meat offering <4503>, and their drink offerings <5262>, according unto their manner <4941>, for a sweet <5207> savour <7381>, a sacrifice made by fire <801> unto the LORD <3068>.
7. And ye shall have on the tenth <6218> day of this seventh <7637> month <2320> an holy <6944> convocation <4744>; and ye shall afflict <6031>(8765) your souls <5315>: ye shall not do <6213>(8799) any work <4399> therein:
8. But ye shall offer <7126>(8689) a burnt offering <5930> unto the LORD <3068> for a sweet <5207> savour <7381>; one <259> young <1241> bullock <6499>, one <259> ram <352>, and seven <7651> lambs <3532> of the first <1121> year <8141>; they shall be unto you without blemish <8549>:
9. And their meat offering <4503> shall be of flour <5560> mingled <1101>(8803) with oil <8081>, three <7969> tenth deals <6241> to a bullock <6499>, and two <8147> tenth deals <6241> to one <259> ram <352>,
10. A several tenth deal <6241> for one <259> lamb <3532>, throughout the seven <7651> lambs <3532>:
11. One <259> kid <8163> of the goats <5795> for a sin offering <2403>; beside the sin offering <2403> of atonement <3725>, and the continual <8548> burnt offering <5930>, and the meat offering <4503> of it, and their drink offerings <5262>.
12. And on the fifteenth <2568> <6240> day <3117> of the seventh <7637> month <2320> ye shall have an holy <6944> convocation <4744>; ye shall do <6213>(8799) no servile <5656> work <4399>, and ye shall keep <2287>(8804) a feast <2282> unto the LORD <3068> seven <7651> days <3117>:
13. And ye shall offer <7126>(8689) a burnt offering <5930>, a sacrifice made by fire <801>, of a sweet <5207> savour <7381> unto the LORD <3068>; thirteen <7969> <6240> young <1241> <1121> bullocks <6499>, two <8147> rams <352>, and fourteen <702> <6240> lambs <3532> of the first <1121> year <8141>; they shall be without blemish <8549>:
14. And their meat offering <4503> shall be of flour <5560> mingled <1101>(8803) with oil <8081>, three <7969> tenth deals <6241> unto every <259> bullock <6499> of the thirteen <7969> <6240> bullocks <6499>, two <8147> tenth deals <6241> to each <259> ram <352> of the two <8147> rams <352>,
15. And a several tenth deal <6241> to each <259> lamb <3532> of the fourteen <702> <6240> lambs <3532>:
16. And one <259> kid <8163> of the goats <5795> for a sin offering <2403>; beside the continual <8548> burnt offering <5930>, his meat offering <4503>, and his drink offering <5262>.
17. And on the second <8145> day <3117> ye shall offer twelve <8147> <6240> young <1121> <1241> bullocks <6499>, two <8147> rams <352>, fourteen <702> <6240> lambs <3532> of the first <1121> year <8141> without spot <8549>:
18. And their meat offering <4503> and their drink offerings <5262> for the bullocks <6499>, for the rams <352>, and for the lambs <3532>, shall be according to their number <4557>, after the manner <4941>:
19. And one <259> kid <8163> of the goats <5795> for a sin offering <2403>; beside the continual <8548> burnt offering <5930>, and the meat offering <4503> thereof, and their drink offerings <5262>.
20. And on the third <7992> day <3117> eleven <6249> <6240> bullocks <6499>, two <8147> rams <352>, fourteen <702> <6240> lambs <3532> of the first <1121> year <8141> without blemish <8549>;
21. And their meat offering <4503> and their drink offerings <5262> for the bullocks <6499>, for the rams <352>, and for the lambs <3532>, shall be according to their number <4557>, after the manner <4941>:
22. And one <259> goat <8163> for a sin offering <2403>; beside the continual <8548> burnt offering <5930>, and his meat offering <4503>, and his drink offering <5262>.
23. And on the fourth <7243> day <3117> ten <6235> bullocks <6499>, two <8147> rams <352>, and fourteen <702> <6240> lambs <3532> of the first <1121> year <8141> without blemish <8549>:
24. Their meat offering <4503> and their drink offerings <5262> for the bullocks <6499>, for the rams <352>, and for the lambs <3532>, shall be according to their number <4557>, after the manner <4941>:
25. And one <259> kid <8163> of the goats <5795> for a sin offering <2403>; beside the continual <8548> burnt offering <5930>, his meat offering <4503>, and his drink offering <5262>.
26. And on the fifth <2549> day <3117> nine <8672> bullocks <6499>, two <8147> rams <352>, and fourteen <702> <6240> lambs <3532> of the first <1121> year <8141> without spot <8549>:
27. And their meat offering <4503> and their drink offerings <5262> for the bullocks <6499>, for the rams <352>, and for the lambs <3532>, shall be according to their number <4557>, after the manner <4941>:
28. And one <259> goat <8163> for a sin offering <2403>; beside the continual <8548> burnt offering <5930>, and his meat offering <4503>, and his drink offering <5262>.
29. And on the sixth <8345> day <3117> eight <8083> bullocks <6499>, two <8147> rams <352>, and fourteen <702> <6240> lambs <3532> of the first <1121> year <8141> without blemish <8549>:
30. And their meat offering <4503> and their drink offerings <5262> for the bullocks <6499>, for the rams <352>, and for the lambs <3532>, shall be according to their number <4557>, after the manner <4941>:
31. And one <259> goat <8163> for a sin offering <2403>; beside the continual <8548> burnt offering <5930>, his meat offering <4503>, and his drink offering <5262>.
32. And on the seventh <7637> day <3117> seven <7651> bullocks <6499>, two <8147> rams <352>, and fourteen <702> <6240> lambs <3532> of the first <1121> year <8141> without blemish <8549>:
33. And their meat offering <4503> and their drink offerings <5262> for the bullocks <6499>, for the rams <352>, and for the lambs <3532>, shall be according to their number <4557>, after the manner <4941>:
34. And one <259> goat <8163> for a sin offering <2403>; beside the continual <8548> burnt offering <5930>, his meat offering <4503>, and his drink offering <5262>.
35. On the eighth <8066> day <3117> ye shall have a solemn assembly <6116>: ye shall do <6213>(8799) no servile <5656> work <4399> therein:
36. But ye shall offer <7126>(8689) a burnt offering <5930>, a sacrifice made by fire <801>, of a sweet <5207> savour <7381> unto the LORD <3068>: one <259> bullock <6499>, one <259> ram <352>, seven <7651> lambs <3532> of the first <1121> year <8141> without blemish <8549>:
37. Their meat offering <4503> and their drink offerings <5262> for the bullock <6499>, for the ram <352>, and for the lambs <3532>, shall be according to their number <4557>, after the manner <4941>:
38. And one <259> goat <8163> for a sin offering <2403>; beside the continual <8548> burnt offering <5930>, and his meat offering <4503>, and his drink offering <5262>.
39. These things ye shall do <6213>(8799) unto the LORD <3068> in your set feasts <4150>, beside your vows <5088>, and your freewill offerings <5071>, for your burnt offerings <5930>, and for your meat offerings <4503>, and for your drink offerings <5262>, and for your peace offerings <8002>.
40. And Moses <4872> told <559>(8799) the children <1121> of Israel <3478> according to all that the LORD <3068> commanded <6680>(8765) Moses <4872>.
1. And Moses <4872> spake <1696>(8762) unto the heads <7218> of the tribes <4294> concerning the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, saying <559>(8800), This is the thing <1697> which the LORD <3068> hath commanded <6680>(8765).
2. If a man <376> vow <5087>(8799) a vow <5088> unto the LORD <3068>, or swear <7650>(8736) an oath <7621> to bind <631>(8800) his soul <5315> with a bond <632>; he shall not break <2490>(8686) his word <1697>, he shall do <6213>(8799) according to all that proceedeth <3318>(8802) out of his mouth <6310>.
3. If a woman <802> also vow <5087>(8799) a vow <5088> unto the LORD <3068>, and bind <631>(8804) herself by a bond <632>, being in her father's <1> house <1004> in her youth <5271>;
4. And her father <1> hear <8085>(8804) her vow <5088>, and her bond <632> wherewith she hath bound <631>(8804) her soul <5315>, and her father <1> shall hold his peace <2790>(8689) at her: then all her vows <5088> shall stand <6965>(8804), and every bond <632> wherewith she hath bound <631>(8804) her soul <5315> shall stand <6965>(8799).
5. But if her father <1> disallow <5106>(8689) her in the day <3117> that he heareth <8085>(8800); not any of her vows <5088>, or of her bonds <632> wherewith she hath bound <631>(8804) her soul <5315>, shall stand <6965>(8799): and the LORD <3068> shall forgive <5545>(8799) her, because her father <1> disallowed <5106>(8689) her.
6. And if she had at all an husband <376>, when she vowed <5088>, or uttered <4008> ought out of her lips <8193>, wherewith she bound <631>(8804) her soul <5315>;
7. And her husband <376> heard <8085>(8804) it, and held his peace <2790>(8689) at her in the day <3117> that he heard <8085>(8800) it: then her vows <5088> shall stand <6965>(8804), and her bonds <632> wherewith she bound <631>(8804) her soul <5315> shall stand <6965>(8799).
8. But if her husband <376> disallowed <5106>(8686) her on the day <3117> that he heard <8085>(8800) it; then he shall make her vow which she vowed <5088>, and that which she uttered <4008> with her lips <8193>, wherewith she bound <631>(8804) her soul <5315>, of none effect <6565>(8689): and the LORD <3068> shall forgive <5545>(8799) her.
9. But every vow <5088> of a widow <490>, and of her that is divorced <1644>(8803), wherewith they have bound <631>(8804) their souls <5315>, shall stand <6965>(8799) against her.
10. And if she vowed <5087>(8804) in her husband's <376> house <1004>, or bound <631>(8804) her soul <5315> by a bond <632> with an oath <7621>;
11. And her husband <376> heard <8085>(8804) it, and held his peace <2790>(8689) at her, and disallowed <5106>(8689) her not: then all her vows <5088> shall stand <6965>(8799), and every bond <632> wherewith she bound <631>(8804) her soul <5315> shall stand <6965>(8804).
12. But if her husband <376> hath utterly <6565>(8687) made them void <6565>(8686) on the day <3117> he heard <8085>(8800) them; then whatsoever proceeded <4161> out of her lips <8193> concerning her vows <5088>, or concerning the bond <632> of her soul <5315>, shall not stand <6965>(8799): her husband <376> hath made them void <6565>(8689); and the LORD <3068> shall forgive <5545>(8799) her.
13. Every vow <5088>, and every binding <632> oath <7621> to afflict <6031>(8763) the soul <5315>, her husband <376> may establish <6965>(8686) it, or her husband <376> may make it void <6565>(8686).
14. But if her husband <376> altogether <2790>(8687) hold his peace <2790>(8686) at her from day <3117> to day <3117>; then he establisheth <6965>(8689) all her vows <5088>, or all her bonds <632>, which are upon her: he confirmeth <6965>(8689) them, because he held his peace <2790>(8689) at her in the day <3117> that he heard <8085>(8800) them.
15. But if he shall any ways <6565>(8687) make them void <6565>(8686) after <310> that he hath heard <8085>(8800) them; then he shall bear <5375>(8804) her iniquity <5771>.
16. These are the statutes <2706>, which the LORD <3068> commanded <6680>(8765) Moses <4872>, between a man <376> and his wife <802>, between the father <1> and his daughter <1323>, being yet in her youth <5271> in her father's <1> house <1004>.
Notes that are not verse specific
Picking up on the point Bro. Peter makes above regarding the end not justifying the means, it concerns me that this mode of thinking is becoming more acceptable in our community as well as society in general. It has been my experience that when an attitude of "the end justifies the means" is regularly adopted, it can set one on a path that leads to deceitful, dishonest behaviour becoming the norm and as a result, the cause of much distrust and disharmony - on both individual and ecclesial scales. This attitude is a by-product of Post-Modernist thinking & philosophy and needs to to guarded against in our community.
It is worth noting that in the case of Rahab lying to the soldiers as to where the spies had allegedly gone, the most favourable comment we can make is that Scripture is silent on the matter of her dishonesty. Divine silence or lack of apparent Divine judgement in Scripture over actions such as this cannot be assumed to always portray Divine approval of the means. Whilst Heb 11:31 clearly states that Rahab is included in the "gallery of the faithful" for putting her faith in God into action in saving the lives of the spies, it is important to note that she was honoured for "receiving the spies with peace..." and is also commended in James 2:25 for "sending the spies out another way." In neither passage is she commended for lying to no less than the king of Jericho, and neither in the rest of Scripture is lying condoned -in fact the exact opposite (see the penultimate paragraph below).
In the case of Jacob deceiving his father to obtain the birthright, whilst it had been foretold to Rebekah his mother in Gen 25:23 that the birthright would be Jacob’s and not Esau’s, instead of waiting for the Lord God to work that process to completion in His own good time, the means Jacob and his mother used to obtain it resulted in a) Jacob never seeing his mother again, b) Jacob having to flee for his life to his uncle Laban - by whom c) Jacob was treated on many occasions with gross dishonesty, contempt and deceit. Surely the lesson here is that whilst we are to be interactive with God in His will for us in our lives, we need to ensure our interactions comply with His laws at all times and allow Him to work with us.
To emphasise this point, it seems that, particularly in the interactions between Jacob and Laban, there is a Divine warning to us: in that the way Laban treated Jacob was a Divine example to Jacob of "what goes around, comes around"; and it could rightly be argued that the treatment Jacob received at the hands of Laban was Divinely allowed to happen in order to teach him a valuable lesson on honesty and to build his character which, to his great credit, he both learnt and practised well with Laban.
What must not be overlooked is that in the Hebrew, Jacob’s name means "supplanter" or "heel-catcher" <03290> and that later in his life, after he and Laban had parted company (and shortly after Jacob's wife Rachel died in giving birth to Benjamin) Jacob's name was changed from "supplanter" to "Isra-el" - "prince with El" <03478> i.e. prince with God.
It appears to me from this change of name, that the privileged position Jacob now enjoyed as a "prince with God", was not only a result of the promises made to him, but was bestowed on Jacob partly for the calibre of his dealings with Laban. In this long and trying association with his disreputable uncle, Jacob had learned the lesson of being honest in his dealings with others from being on the receiving end of so much deceit and dishonesty from Laban. And whilst there were times when Jacob allocated greater priority to the welfare and increase of his own flocks than to that of his uncle's, we do not read that Jacob intentionally mis-appropriated any of Laban's flock as his own or was intentionally dishonest.
Furthermore, when Jacob wrestled all night with the angel and the angel probably knocked his hip joint right out of its socket, instead of scheming his way through and out of the situation as he had done with his mother to deceive his father to gain the birthright, Jacob was forced (to quote Exo 14:13 ) to "stand still and see the salvation of the Lord" as Esau raced towards him with 400 men. And Jacob found to his great relief that "the salvation of the Lord" could be reliably depended upon!
We read in Gen 31:38-42 of the terrible one-sided "conditions of employment" that Laban had forced on his own nephew and of the numerous times Laban had demanded compensation from Jacob for animals lost through no fault of his own, yet Jacob bore with the undeserved chastisement and financial loss, and was rewarded by God with the privilege of being a "prince with God" - I suggest partly for his undeserved suffering and overall honesty during those awful years in the employ of his uncle. And we haven't even mentioned the awful way Laban cheated Jacob on his wedding night!
Surely in these incidents, Scripture is teaching us very clearly that we are to be totally honest and open with each other as Col 3:9 states i.e. " … lie not one to another … " - which means we should not use underhand, deceitful or dishonest means (which includes "being economical with the truth") in our dealings with each other but be totally honest and above board - even if it’s in the process of obtaining a positive and/or beneficial outcome for our brother or sister - even though their behaviour towards us may be at times, unworthy of such favour!
After all, isn't that following the example our Lord left for us during his ministry on earth?
Nigel Morgan [Fawley UK] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Nigel
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1. The king's <4428> heart <3820> is in the hand <3027> of the LORD <3068>, as the rivers <6388> of water <4325>: he turneth <5186>(8686) it whithersoever he will <2654>(8799).
2. Every way <1870> of a man <376> is right <3477> in his own eyes <5869>: but the LORD <3068> pondereth <8505>(8802) the hearts <3826>.
3. To do <6213>(8800) justice <6666> and judgment <4941> is more acceptable <977>(8737) to the LORD <3068> than sacrifice <2077>.
4. An high <7312> look <5869>, and a proud <7342> heart <3820>, and the plowing <5215> of the wicked <7563>, is sin <2403>.
5. The thoughts <4284> of the diligent <2742> tend only to plenteousness <4195>; but of every one that is hasty <213>(8801) only to want <4270>.
6. The getting <6467> of treasures <214> by a lying <8267> tongue <3956> is a vanity <1892> tossed to and fro of <5086>(8737) them that seek <1245>(8764) death <4194>.
7. The robbery <7701> of the wicked <7563> shall destroy <1641>(8799) them; because they refuse <3985>(8765) to do <6213>(8800) judgment <4941>.
8. The way <1870> of man <376> is froward <2019> and strange <2054>: but as for the pure <2134>, his work <6467> is right <3477>.
9. It is better <2896> to dwell <3427>(8800) in a corner <6438> of the housetop <1406>, than with a brawling <4079>(8675) <4066> woman <802> in a wide <2267> house <1004>.
10. The soul <5315> of the wicked <7563> desireth <183>(8765) evil <7451>: his neighbour <7453> findeth no favour <2603>(8717) in his eyes <5869>.
11. When the scorner <3887>(8801) is punished <6064>(8800), the simple <6612> is made wise <2449>(8799): and when the wise <2450> is instructed <7919>(8687), he receiveth <3947>(8799) knowledge <1847>.
12. The righteous <6662> man wisely considereth <7919>(8688) the house <1004> of the wicked <7563>: but God overthroweth <5557>(8764) the wicked <7563> for their wickedness <7451>.
13. Whoso stoppeth <331>(8801) his ears <241> at the cry <2201> of the poor <1800>, he also shall cry <7121>(8799) himself, but shall not be heard <6030>(8735).
14. A gift <4976> in secret <5643> pacifieth <3711>(8799) anger <639>: and a reward <7810> in the bosom <2436> strong <5794> wrath <2534>.
15. It is joy <8057> to the just <6662> to do <6213>(8800) judgment <4941>: but destruction <4288> shall be to the workers <6466>(8802) of iniquity <205>.
16. The man <120> that wandereth <8582>(8802) out of the way <1870> of understanding <7919>(8687) shall remain <5117>(8799) in the congregation <6951> of the dead <7496>.
17. He that loveth <157>(8802) pleasure <8057> shall be a poor <4270> man <376>: he that loveth <157>(8802) wine <3196> and oil <8081> shall not be rich <6238>(8686).
18. The wicked <7563> shall be a ransom <3724> for the righteous <6662>, and the transgressor <898>(8802) for the upright <3477>.
19. It is better <2896> to dwell <3427>(8800) in the wilderness <776> <4057>, than with a contentious <4079>(8675) <4066> and an angry <3708> woman <802>.
20. There is treasure <214> to be desired <2530>(8737) and oil <8081> in the dwelling <5116> of the wise <2450>; but a foolish <3684> man <120> spendeth it up <1104>(8762).
21. He that followeth <7291>(8802) after righteousness <6666> and mercy <2617> findeth <4672>(8799) life <2416>, righteousness <6666>, and honour <3519>.
22. A wise <2450> man scaleth <5927>(8804) the city <5892> of the mighty <1368>, and casteth down <3381>(8686) the strength <5797> of the confidence <4009> thereof.
23. Whoso keepeth <8104>(8802) his mouth <6310> and his tongue <3956> keepeth <8104>(8802) his soul <5315> from troubles <6869>.
24. Proud <2086> and haughty <3093> scorner <3887>(8801) is his name <8034>, who dealeth <6213>(8802) in proud <2087> wrath <5678>.
25. The desire <8378> of the slothful <6102> killeth <4191>(8686) him; for his hands <3027> refuse <3985>(8765) to labour <6213>(8800).
26. He coveteth <183>(8694) greedily <8378> all the day <3117> long: but the righteous <6662> giveth <5414>(8799) and spareth <2820>(8799) not.
27. The sacrifice <2077> of the wicked <7563> is abomination <8441>: how much more, when he bringeth <935>(8686) it with a wicked mind <2154>?
28. A false <3577> witness <5707> shall perish <6>(8799): but the man <376> that heareth <8085>(8802) speaketh <1696>(8762) constantly <5331>.
29. A wicked <7563> man <376> hardeneth <5810>(8689) his face <6440>: but as for the upright <3477>, he directeth <995>(8799)(8675) <3559>(8686) his way <1870>.
30. There is no wisdom <2451> nor understanding <8394> nor counsel <6098> against the LORD <3068>.
31. The horse <5483> is prepared <3559>(8716) against the day <3117> of battle <4421>: but safety <8668> is of the LORD <3068>.
Notes that are not verse specific
THE HOUSE OF GOD
One of the earliest things Jesus did in his public ministry was to cleanse the temple. He had found men selling cattle, sheep and doves and exchanging money. He said, "Get out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!"
God's temple, his house was to be a house of prayer for all nations. It was a place where men and women from all over the world could come to learn of God, to worship him and to pray, yet the Jews had turned it into a shopping mall, a place to make money. Their actions made the temple into an unclean place that needed to be cleansed.
Just as the Jews strayed from the primary use of the temple as a place of worship, it is easy for us to do the same. Where are our thoughts as we come to the place where we worship? Are our thoughts centred purely on the God we have come to be with and to praise, or do our minds pollute God's holy place with business, personal grievances, criticism, and impure thoughts? We need to make our worship times into true times of pure worship - not the unclean market that Jesus had to cleanse.
Let's get back to the house of God.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
V.10 It was not the earthly bridegroom who held back the good wine. It was the God of Israel, who in the fulness of time sent forth the Heavenly Bridegroom with the true wine, which had in it the essence of eternal life.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
The whole of the signs of John show the spiritual development of a son of God.
The Eight Sgns of John
1. Water into wine
2. Healing of nobleman's son
3. Lame man healed
4. Feeding 5000
5. Walking on water
6. Blind man sees
7. Raising of Lazarus
8. Net of fishes =153 =Gematria =Sons of God
Putting these signs together we have:
Come to Jesus who can wash us from our sins in his own blood Rev 1:3(1st)and allow the word to heal (2nd) you from the consequences of sin. Walk(3rd) in the truth and feed(4th) on the word of life that you might live and reign with Christ over the sea of nations(5th).Those that see(6th) the light and know the truth will be raised(7th) to glory and become sons of God(8th)
Richard Snelling [Swansea] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Richard
Jn. 3:8.
Jesus speaking to Nicodemus -
"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
What did Jesus mean by these statements?
The first thing to note about this statement is that Jesus chooses to use the normal word translated "spirit" - pneuma - here for "wind" rather than "anemos", the word that is the regular one for wind. The analogy then is in the comparison of how the wind acts being comparable to how one who is born of the Spirit acts. Whereas the Spirit of God can blow in a man's life to destroy and cause to wither away (see
Isa 40:7), it can also be used in a very positive way - in forming a new creation that can eventually live forever. But this new creation which Nicodemus must experience as well as all whom God calls is not necessarily readily apparent to those who have not been called nor experienced this rebirth themselves. "One cannot tell where it comes from or where it's going."
Another point - maybe the main one - in Jesus' analogy is the fact of the invisibility of the wind, yet it is obviously undeniable that it is there doing its amazing work, for the effects of the power of the wind testify to its presence. So too with the believer who is born of water and Spirit. What the power behind his faith and actions is may not be readily apparent to those who know him, but through his actions others may eventually come to see the truth, the source of godliness and righteousness that dwells in him.
Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." (Mat. 5:16)
And Peter endorses this with his exhortation - "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." (1 Pet. 2:12)
It is interesting to note Nicodemus' reaction to his statements in v. 9 - "How can this be?" Just as he couldn't quite fathom the need to be born again or how one could do so (v. 4), he now can't sort out what Jesus means here. But Jesus is making it a first principle truth that even though he is "
the teacher of Israel" (R.V. - v. 10), he, like every other person, must humble himself to follow what Jesus is teaching and not rely on his current position and status in Israel. And to his credit - though it took awhile for these truths to germinate in him - he did take Jesus' teachings as his own and humbled himself to accept him and believe in him. See
John 7:50,51 &
John 19:38-42.
There may be something that I'm missing here in this attempt at understanding this verse. Any other ideas are encouraged.
Wes Booker [South Austin Texas USA] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Wes
3:2 Nicodemus declares that Jesus "came from God". Being a Jew he did not infer that Jesus existed in heaven prior to his birth and descended to earth through an incarnation event. He simply meant that Jesus was a devout and educated Jew who was given God's power to perform "signs" (miracles) to attest to the fact that "God was with him".
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
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1. And <2532> the third <5154> day <2250> there was <1096>(5633) a marriage <1062> in <1722> Cana <2580> of Galilee <1056>; and <2532> the mother <3384> of Jesus <2424> was <2258>(5713) there <1563>:
2. And <1161> both <2532> Jesus <2424> was called <2564>(5681), and <2532> his <846> disciples <3101>, to <1519> the marriage <1062>.
3. And <2532> when they wanted <5302>(5660) wine <3631>, the mother <3384> of Jesus <2424> saith <3004>(5719) unto <4314> him <846>, They have <2192>(5719) no <3756> wine <3631>.
4. Jesus <2424> saith <3004>(5719) unto her <846>, Woman <1135>, what <5101> have I <1698> to do with <2532> thee <4671>? mine <3450> hour <5610> is <2240> <0> not yet <3768> come <2240>(5719).
5. His <846> mother <3384> saith <3004>(5719) unto the servants <1249>, Whatsoever <3748> <302> he saith <3004>(5725) unto you <5213>, do <4160>(5657) it.
6. And <1161> there were <2258>(5713) set <2749>(5740) there <1563> six <1803> waterpots <5201> of stone <3035>, after <2596> the manner of the purifying <2512> of the Jews <2453>, containing <5562>(5723) two <1417> or <2228> three <5140> firkins <3355> apiece <303>.
7. Jesus <2424> saith <3004>(5719) unto them <846>, Fill <1072>(5657) the waterpots <5201> with water <5204>. And <2532> they filled <1072> <0> them <846> up <1072>(5656) to <2193> the brim <507>.
8. And <2532> he saith <3004>(5719) unto them <846>, Draw out <501>(5657) now <3568>, and <2532> bear <5342>(5720) unto the governor of the feast <755>. And <2532> they bare <5342>(5656) it.
9. <1161> When <5613> the ruler of the feast <755> had tasted <1089>(5662) the water <5204> that was made <1096>(5772) wine <3631>, and <2532> knew <1492>(5715) not <3756> whence <4159> it was <2076>(5748): (but <1161> the servants <1249> which <3588> drew <501>(5761) the water <5204> knew <1492>(5715);) the governor of the feast <755> called <5455>(5719) the bridegroom <3566>,
10. And <2532> saith <3004>(5719) unto him <846>, Every <3956> man <444> at the beginning <4412> doth set forth <5087>(5719) good <2570> wine <3631>; and <2532> when <3752> men have well drunk <3184>(5686), then <5119> that which is worse <1640>: but thou <4771> hast kept <5083>(5758) the good <2570> wine <3631> until <2193> now <737>.
11. This <5026> beginning <746> of miracles <4592> did <4160>(5656) Jesus <2424> in <1722> Cana <2580> of Galilee <1056>, and <2532> manifested forth <5319>(5656) his <848> glory <1391>; and <2532> his disciples <3101> believed <4100>(5656) on <1519> him <846>.
12. After <3326> this <5124> he went down <2597>(5627) to <1519> Capernaum <2584>, he <846>, and <2532> his <846> mother <3384>, and <2532> his <846> brethren <80>, and <2532> his <846> disciples <3101>: and <2532> they continued <3306>(5656) there <1563> not <3756> many <4183> days <2250>.
13. And <2532> the Jews <2453>' passover <3957> was <2258>(5713) at hand <1451>, and <2532> Jesus <2424> went up <305>(5627) to <1519> Jerusalem <2414>,
14. And <2532> found <2147>(5627) in <1722> the temple <2411> those that sold <4453>(5723) oxen <1016> and <2532> sheep <4263> and <2532> doves <4058>, and <2532> the changers of money <2773> sitting <2521>(5740):
15. And <2532> when he had made <4160>(5660) a scourge <5416> of <1537> small cords <4979>, he drove <1544>(5627) them all <3956> out of <1537> the temple <2411>, and <5037> the sheep <4263>, and <2532> the oxen <1016>; and <2532> poured out <1632>(5656) the changers <2855>' money <2772>, and <2532> overthrew <390>(5656) the tables <5132>;
16. And <2532> said <2036>(5627) unto them that sold <4453>(5723) doves <4058>, Take <142>(5657) these things <5023> hence <1782>; make <4160>(5720) not <3361> my <3450> Father's <3962> house <3624> an house <3624> of merchandise <1712>.
17. And <1161> his <846> disciples <3101> remembered <3415>(5681) that <3754> it was <2076>(5748) written <1125>(5772), The zeal <2205> of thine <4675> house <3624> hath eaten <2719> <0> me <3165> up <2719>(5627).
18. Then <3767> answered <611>(5662) the Jews <2453> and <2532> said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, What <5101> sign <4592> shewest thou <1166>(5719) unto us <2254>, seeing that <3754> thou doest <4160>(5719) these things <5023>?
19. Jesus <2424> answered <611>(5662) and <2532> said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, Destroy <3089>(5657) this <5126> temple <3485>, and <2532> in <1722> three <5140> days <2250> I will raise <1453> <0> it <846> up <1453>(5692).
20. Then <3767> said <2036>(5627) the Jews <2453>, Forty <5062> and <2532> six <1803> years <2094> was <3618> <0> this <3778> temple <3485> in building <3618>(5681), and <2532> wilt <1453> <0> thou <4771> rear <1453> <0> it <846> up <1453>(5692) in <1722> three <5140> days <2250>?
21. But <1161> he <1565> spake <3004>(5707) of <4012> the temple <3485> of his <848> body <4983>.
22. When <3753> therefore <3767> he was risen <1453>(5681) from <1537> the dead <3498>, his <846> disciples <3101> remembered <3415>(5681) that <3754> he had said <3004>(5707) this <5124> unto them <846>; and <2532> they believed <4100>(5656) the scripture <1124>, and <2532> the word <3056> which <3739> Jesus <2424> had said <2036>(5627).
23. Now <1161> when <5613> he was <2258>(5713) in <1722> Jerusalem <2414> at <1722> the passover <3957>, in <1722> the feast <1859> day, many <4183> believed <4100>(5656) in <1519> his <846> name <3686>, when they saw <2334>(5723) the miracles <846> <4592> which <3739> he did <4160>(5707).
24. But <1161> Jesus <2424> did <4100> <0> not <3756> commit <4100>(5707) himself <1438> unto them <846>, because <1223> he <846> knew <1097>(5721) all <3956> men,
25. And <2532> <3754> needed <5532> <2192>(5707) not <3756> that <2443> any <5100> should testify <3140>(5661) of <4012> man <444>: for <1063> he <846> knew <1097>(5707) what <5101> was <2258>(5713) in <1722> man <444>.
1. <1161> There was <2258>(5713) a man <444> of <1537> the Pharisees <5330>, named <3686> Nicodemus <3530>, a ruler <758> of the Jews <2453>:
2. The same <3778> came <2064>(5627) to <4314> Jesus <2424> by night <3571>, and <2532> said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Rabbi <4461>, we know <1492>(5758) that <3754> thou art <2064> <0> a teacher <1320> come <2064>(5754) from <575> God <2316>: for <1063> no man <3762> can <1410>(5736) do <4160>(5721) these <5023> miracles <4592> that <3739> thou <4771> doest <4160>(5719), except <3362> God <2316> be <5600>(5753) with <3326> him <846>.
3. Jesus <2424> answered <611>(5662) and <2532> said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Verily <281>, verily <281>, I say <3004>(5719) unto thee <4671>, Except <3362> a man <5100> be born <1080>(5686) again <509>, he cannot <1410>(5736) <3756> see <1492>(5629) the kingdom <932> of God <2316>.
4. Nicodemus <3530> saith <3004>(5719) unto <4314> him <846>, How <4459> can <1410>(5736) a man <444> be born <1080>(5683) when he is <5607>(5752) old <1088>? can <3361> <1410>(5736) he enter <1525>(5629) the second time <1208> into <1519> his <848> mother's <3384> womb <2836>, and <2532> be born <1080>(5683)?
5. Jesus <2424> answered <611>(5662), Verily <281>, verily <281>, I say <3004>(5719) unto thee <4671>, Except <3362> a man <5100> be born <1080>(5686) of <1537> water <5204> and <2532> of the Spirit <4151>, he cannot <3756> <1410>(5736) enter <1525>(5629) into <1519> the kingdom <932> of God <2316>.
6. That which is born <1080>(5772) of <1537> the flesh <4561> is <2076>(5748) flesh <4561>; and <2532> that which is born <1080>(5772) of <1537> the Spirit <4151> is <2076>(5748) spirit <4151>.
7. Marvel <2296>(5661) not <3361> that <3754> I said <2036>(5627) unto thee <4671>, Ye <5209> must <1163>(5748) be born <1080>(5683) again <509>.
8. The wind <4151> bloweth <4154>(5719) where <3699> it listeth <2309>(5719), and <2532> thou hearest <191>(5719) the sound <5456> thereof <846>, but <235> canst <1492> <0> not <3756> tell <1492>(5758) whence <4159> it cometh <2064>(5736), and <2532> whither <4226> it goeth <5217>(5719): so <3779> is <2076>(5748) every one <3956> that is born <1080>(5772) of <1537> the Spirit <4151>.
9. Nicodemus <3530> answered <611>(5662) and <2532> said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, How <4459> can <1410>(5736) these things <5023> be <1096>(5635)?
10. Jesus <2424> answered <611>(5662) and <2532> said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Art <1488>(5748) thou <4771> a master <1320> of Israel <2474>, and <2532> knowest <1097>(5719) not <3756> these things <5023>?
11. Verily <281>, verily <281>, I say <3004>(5719) unto thee <4671>, We speak <2980>(5719) that <3754> <3739> we do know <1492>(5758), and <2532> testify <3140>(5719) that <3739> we have seen <3708>(5758); and <2532> ye receive <2983>(5719) not <3756> our <2257> witness <3141>.
12. If <1487> I have told <2036>(5627) you <5213> earthly things <1919>, and <2532> ye believe <4100>(5719) not <3756>, how <4459> shall ye believe <4100>(5692), if <1437> I tell <2036>(5632) you <5213> of heavenly things <2032>?
13. And <2532> no man <3762> hath ascended up <305>(5758) to <1519> heaven <3772>, but <1508> he that came down <2597>(5631) from <1537> heaven <3772>, even the Son <5207> of man <444> which <3588> is <5607>(5752) in <1722> heaven <3772>.
14. And <2532> as <2531> Moses <3475> lifted up <5312>(5656) the serpent <3789> in <1722> the wilderness <2048>, even so <3779> must <1163>(5748) the Son <5207> of man <444> be lifted up <5312>(5683):
15. That <3363> <0> whosoever <3956> believeth <4100>(5723) in <1519> him <846> should <622> <0> not <3363> perish <622>(5643), but <235> have <2192>(5725) eternal <166> life <2222>.
16. For <1063> God <2316> so <3779> loved <25>(5656) the world <2889>, that <5620> he gave <1325>(5656) his <848> only begotten <3439> Son <5207>, that <2443> whosoever <3956> believeth <4100>(5723) in <1519> him <846> should <622> <0> not <3361> perish <622>(5643), but <235> have <2192>(5725) everlasting <166> life <2222>.
17. For <1063> God <2316> sent <649>(5656) not <3756> his <848> Son <5207> into <1519> the world <2889> to <2443> condemn <2919>(5725) the world <2889>; but <235> that <2443> the world <2889> through <1223> him <846> might be saved <4982>(5686).
18. He that believeth <4100>(5723) on <1519> him <846> is <2919> <0> not <3756> condemned <2919>(5743): but <1161> he that believeth <4100>(5723) not <3361> is condemned <2919>(5769) already <2235>, because <3754> he hath <4100> <0> not <3361> believed <4100>(5758) in <1519> the name <3686> of the only begotten <3439> Son <5207> of God <2316>.
19. And <1161> this <3778> is <2076>(5748) the condemnation <2920>, that <3754> light <5457> is come <2064>(5754) into <1519> the world <2889>, and <2532> men <444> loved <25>(5656) darkness <4655> rather <3123> than <2228> light <5457>, because <1063> their <846> deeds <2041> were <2258>(5713) evil <4190>.
20. For <1063> every one <3956> that doeth <4238>(5723) evil <5337> hateth <3404>(5719) the light <5457>, neither <2532> <3756> cometh <2064>(5736) to <4314> the light <5457>, lest <3363> his <846> deeds <2041> should be reproved <1651>(5686).
21. But <1161> he that doeth <4160>(5723) truth <225> cometh <2064>(5736) to <4314> the light <5457>, that <2443> his <846> deeds <2041> may be made manifest <5319>(5686), that <3754> they are <2076>(5748) wrought <2038>(5772) in <1722> God <2316>.
22. After <3326> these things <5023> came <2064>(5627) Jesus <2424> and <2532> his <846> disciples <3101> into <1519> the land <1093> of Judaea <2449> <2453>; and <2532> there <1563> he tarried <1304>(5707) with <3326> them <846>, and <2532> baptized <907>(5707).
23. And <1161> John <2491> also <2532> was <2258>(5713) baptizing <907>(5723) in <1722> Aenon <137> near <1451> to Salim <4530>, because <3754> there was <2258>(5713) much <4183> water <5204> there <1563>: and <2532> they came <3854>(5708), and <2532> were baptized <907>(5712).
24. For <1063> John <2491> was <2258>(5713) not yet <3768> cast <906>(5772) into <1519> prison <5438>.
25. Then <3767> there arose <1096>(5633) a question <2214> between <3326> some of <1537> John's <2491> disciples <3101> and the Jews <2453> about <4012> purifying <2512>.
26. And <2532> they came <2064>(5627) unto <4314> John <2491>, and <2532> said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Rabbi <4461>, he <3739> that was <2258>(5713) with <3326> thee <4675> beyond <4008> Jordan <2446>, to whom <3739> thou <4771> barest witness <3140>(5758), behold <2396>, the same <3778> baptizeth <907>(5719), and <2532> all <3956> men come <2064>(5736) to <4314> him <846>.
27. John <2491> answered <611>(5662) and <2532> said <2036>(5627), A man <444> can <1410>(5736) <3756> receive <2983>(5721) nothing <3762>, except <3362> it be <5600>(5753) given <1325>(5772) him <846> from <1537> heaven <3772>.
28. Ye <5210> yourselves <846> bear <3140> <0> me <3427> witness <3140>(5719), that <3754> I said <2036>(5627), I <1473> am <1510>(5748) not <3756> the Christ <5547>, but <235> that <3754> I am <1510>(5748) sent <649>(5772) before <1715> him <1565>.
29. He that hath <2192>(5723) the bride <3565> is <2076>(5748) the bridegroom <3566>: but <1161> the friend <5384> of the bridegroom <3566>, which <3588> standeth <2476>(5761) and <2532> heareth <191>(5723) him <846>, rejoiceth <5463>(5719) greatly <5479> because <1223> of the bridegroom's <3566> voice <5456>: this <3778> my <1699> joy <5479> therefore <3767> is fulfilled <4137>(5769).
30. He <1565> must <1163>(5748) increase <837>(5721), but <1161> I <1691> must decrease <1642>(5745).
31. He that cometh <2064>(5740) from above <509> is <2076>(5748) above <1883> all <3956>: he that is <5607>(5752) of <1537> the earth <1093> is <2076>(5748) earthly <1537> <1093>, and <2532> speaketh <2980>(5719) of <1537> the earth <1093>: he that cometh <2064>(5740) from <1537> heaven <3772> is <2076>(5748) above <1883> all <3956>.
32. And <2532> what <3739> he hath seen <3708>(5758) and <2532> heard <191>(5656), that <5124> he testifieth <3140>(5719); and <2532> no man <3762> receiveth <2983>(5719) his <846> testimony <3141>.
33. He that hath received <2983>(5631) his <846> testimony <3141> hath set to his seal <4972>(5656) that <3754> God <2316> is <2076>(5748) true <227>.
34. For <1063> he whom <3739> God <2316> hath sent <649>(5656) speaketh <2980>(5719) the words <4487> of God <2316>: for <1063> God <2316> giveth <1325>(5719) not <3756> the Spirit <4151> by <1537> measure <3358> unto him.
35. The Father <3962> loveth <25>(5719) the Son <5207>, and <2532> hath given <1325>(5758) all things <3956> into <1722> his <846> hand <5495>.
36. He that believeth <4100>(5723) on <1519> the Son <5207> hath <2192>(5719) everlasting <166> life <2222>: and <1161> he that believeth not <544>(5723) the Son <5207> shall <3700> <0> not <3756> see <3700>(5695) life <2222>; but <235> the wrath <3709> of God <2316> abideth <3306>(5719) on <1909> him <846>.