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Notes that are not verse specific
There's a great "type" in the account of Gideon. Many were called, but few were chosen; the water test separated the thoughtful from the rest; then, as when Christ comes, the trumpets sounded; the lights shone up in the sky; the action was totally unexpected; and the action happened in the Valley of Jezreel, or Armageddon.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to David
7:11 God is not offended by our continual need for reassurance. Life can be scary and challenging. God is patient and understanding. Gideon asked twice regarding the fleece being wet or dry (Judges 6:36-40) and he obtained reassurance in ch 7 by overhearing the dream of the Midianite soldier.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
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1. Then Jerubbaal <3378>, who is Gideon <1439>, and all the people <5971> that were with him, rose up early <7925>(8686), and pitched <2583>(8799) beside the well of Harod <5878>: so that the host <4264> of the Midianites <4080> were on the north side <6828> of them, by the hill <1389> of Moreh <4176>, in the valley <6010>.
2. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto Gideon <1439>, The people <5971> that are with thee are too many <7227> for me to give <5414>(8800) the Midianites <4080> into their hands <3027>, lest Israel <3478> vaunt <6286>(8691) themselves against me, saying <559>(8800), Mine own hand <3027> hath saved <3467>(8689) me.
3. Now therefore go to <4994>, proclaim <7121>(8798) in the ears <241> of the people <5971>, saying <559>(8800), Whosoever is fearful <3373> and afraid <2730>, let him return <7725>(8799) and depart early <6852>(8799) from mount <2022> Gilead <1568>. And there returned <7725>(8799) of the people <5971> twenty <6242> and two <8147> thousand <505>; and there remained <7604>(8738) ten <6235> thousand <505>.
4. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto Gideon <1439>, The people <5971> are yet too many <7227>; bring them down <3381>(8685) unto the water <4325>, and I will try <6884>(8799) them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say <559>(8799) unto thee, This shall go <3212>(8799) with thee, the same shall go <3212>(8799) with thee; and of whomsoever I say <559>(8799) unto thee, This shall not go <3212>(8799) with thee, the same shall not go <3212>(8799).
5. So he brought down <3381>(8686) the people <5971> unto the water <4325>: and the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto Gideon <1439>, Every one that lappeth <3952>(8799) of the water <4325> with his tongue <3956>, as a dog <3611> lappeth <3952>(8799), him shalt thou set <3322>(8686) by himself; likewise every one that boweth down <3766>(8799) upon his knees <1290> to drink <8354>(8800).
6. And the number <4557> of them that lapped <3952>(8764), putting their hand <3027> to their mouth <6310>, were three <7969> hundred <3967> men <376>: but all the rest <3499> of the people <5971> bowed down <3766>(8804) upon their knees <1290> to drink <8354>(8800) water <4325>.
7. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto Gideon <1439>, By the three <7969> hundred <3967> men <376> that lapped <3952>(8764) will I save <3467>(8686) you, and deliver <5414>(8804) the Midianites <4080> into thine hand <3027>: and let all the other people <5971> go <3212>(8799) every man <376> unto his place <4725>.
8. So the people <5971> took <3947>(8799) victuals <6720> in their hand <3027>, and their trumpets <7782>: and he sent <7971>(8765) all <376> the rest of Israel <3478> every man <376> unto his tent <168>, and retained <2388>(8689) those three <7969> hundred <3967> men <376>: and the host <4264> of Midian <4080> was beneath him in the valley <6010>.
9. And it came to pass the same night <3915>, that the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto him, Arise <6965>(8798), get thee down <3381>(8798) unto the host <4264>; for I have delivered <5414>(8804) it into thine hand <3027>.
10. But if thou fear <3373> to go down <3381>(8800), go <3381> <0> thou with Phurah <6513> thy servant <5288> down <3381>(8798) to the host <4264>:
11. And thou shalt hear <8085>(8804) what they say <1696>(8762); and afterward <310> shall thine hands <3027> be strengthened <2388>(8799) to go down <3381>(8804) unto the host <4264>. Then went he down <3381>(8799) with Phurah <6513> his servant <5288> unto the outside <7097> of the armed men <2571> that were in the host <4264>.
12. And the Midianites <4080> and the Amalekites <6002> and all the children <1121> of the east <6924> lay <5307>(8802) along in the valley <6010> like grasshoppers <697> for multitude <7230>; and their camels <1581> were without number <4557>, as the sand <2344> by the sea <3220> side <8193> for multitude <7230>.
13. And when Gideon <1439> was come <935>(8799), behold, there was a man <376> that told <5608>(8764) a dream <2472> unto his fellow <7453>, and said <559>(8799), Behold, I dreamed <2492>(8804) a dream <2472>, and, lo, a cake <6742>(8675) <6742> of barley <8184> bread <3899> tumbled <2015>(8693) into the host <4264> of Midian <4080>, and came <935>(8799) unto a tent <168>, and smote <5221>(8686) it that it fell <5307>(8799), and overturned <2015>(8799) <4605> it, that the tent <168> lay along <5307>(8804).
14. And his fellow <7453> answered <6030>(8799) and said <559>(8799), This is nothing else save the sword <2719> of Gideon <1439> the son <1121> of Joash <3101>, a man <376> of Israel <3478>: for into his hand <3027> hath God <430> delivered <5414>(8804) Midian <4080>, and all the host <4264>.
15. And it was so, when Gideon <1439> heard <8085>(8800) the telling <4557> of the dream <2472>, and the interpretation <7667> thereof, that he worshipped <7812>(8691), and returned <7725>(8799) into the host <4264> of Israel <3478>, and said <559>(8799), Arise <6965>(8798); for the LORD <3068> hath delivered <5414>(8804) into your hand <3027> the host <4264> of Midian <4080>.
16. And he divided <2673>(8799) the three <7969> hundred <3967> men <376> into three <7969> companies <7218>, and he put <5414>(8799) a trumpet <7782> in every man's hand <3027>, with empty <7386> pitchers <3537>, and lamps <3940> within <8432> the pitchers <3537>.
17. And he said <559>(8799) unto them, Look <7200>(8799) on me, and do <6213>(8799) likewise: and, behold, when I come <935>(8802) to the outside <7097> of the camp <4264>, it shall be that, as I do <6213>(8799), so shall ye do <6213>(8799).
18. When I blow <8628>(8804) with a trumpet <7782>, I and all that are with me, then blow <8628>(8804) ye the trumpets <7782> also on every side <5439> of all the camp <4264>, and say <559>(8804), The sword of the LORD <3068>, and of Gideon <1439>.
19. So Gideon <1439>, and the hundred <3967> men <376> that were with him, came <935>(8799) unto the outside <7097> of the camp <4264> in the beginning <7218> of the middle <8484> watch <821>; and they had but <389> newly <6965>(8687) set <6965>(8689) the watch <8104>(8802): and they blew <8628>(8799) the trumpets <7782>, and brake <5310>(8800) the pitchers <3537> that were in their hands <3027>.
20. And the three <7969> companies <7218> blew <8628>(8799) the trumpets <7782>, and brake <7665>(8799) the pitchers <3537>, and held <2388>(8686) the lamps <3940> in their left <8040> hands <3027>, and the trumpets <7782> in their right <3225> hands <3027> to blow <8628>(8800) withal: and they cried <7121>(8799), The sword <2719> of the LORD <3068>, and of Gideon <1439>.
21. And they stood <5975>(8799) every man <376> in his place round about <5439> the camp <4264>: and all the host <4264> ran <7323>(8799), and cried <7321>(8686), and fled <5127>(8799)(8675) <5127>(8686).
22. And the three <7969> hundred <3967> blew <8628>(8799) the trumpets <7782>, and the LORD <3068> set <7760>(8799) every man's <376> sword <2719> against his fellow <7453>, even throughout all the host <4264>: and the host <4264> fled <5127>(8799) to Bethshittah <1029> in Zererath <6888>, and to the border <8193> of Abelmeholah <65>, unto Tabbath <2888>.
23. And the men <376> of Israel <3478> gathered themselves together <6817>(8735) out of Naphtali <5321>, and out of Asher <836>, and out of all Manasseh <4519>, and pursued <7291>(8799) after <310> the Midianites <4080>.
24. And Gideon <1439> sent <7971>(8804) messengers <4397> throughout all mount <2022> Ephraim <669>, saying <559>(8800), Come down <3381>(8798) against <7125>(8800) the Midianites <4080>, and take <3920>(8798) before them the waters <4325> unto Bethbarah <1012> and Jordan <3383>. Then all the men <376> of Ephraim <669> gathered themselves together <6817>(8735), and took <3920>(8799) the waters <4325> unto Bethbarah <1012> and Jordan <3383>.
25. And they took <3920>(8799) two <8147> princes <8269> of the Midianites <4080>, Oreb <6159> and Zeeb <2062>; and they slew <2026>(8799) Oreb <6159> upon the rock <6697> Oreb <6159>, and Zeeb <2062> they slew <2026>(8804) at the winepress <3342> of Zeeb <2062>, and pursued <7291>(8799) Midian <4080>, and brought <935>(8689) the heads <7218> of Oreb <6159> and Zeeb <2062> to Gideon <1439> on the other side <5676> Jordan <3383>.
1. And the men <376> of Ephraim <669> said <559>(8799) unto him, Why hast thou <4100> served <6213>(8804) us thus <1697>, that thou calledst <7121>(8800) us not, when thou wentest <1980>(8804) to fight <3898>(8736) with the Midianites <4080>? And they did chide <7378>(8799) with him sharply <2394>.
2. And he said <559>(8799) unto them, What have I done <6213>(8804) now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning <5955> of the grapes of Ephraim <669> better <2896> than the vintage <1210> of Abiezer <44>?
3. God <430> hath delivered <5414>(8804) into your hands <3027> the princes <8269> of Midian <4080>, Oreb <6159> and Zeeb <2062>: and what was I able <3201>(8804) to do <6213>(8800) in comparison of you? Then their anger <7307> was abated <7503>(8804) toward him, when he had said <1697> that <1696>(8763).
4. And Gideon <1439> came <935>(8799) to Jordan <3383>, and passed over <5674>(8802), he, and the three <7969> hundred <3967> men <376> that were with him, faint <5889>, yet pursuing <7291>(8802) them.
5. And he said <559>(8799) unto the men <582> of Succoth <5523>, Give <5414>(8798), I pray you, loaves <3603> of bread <3899> unto the people <5971> that follow <7272> me; for they be faint <5889>, and I am pursuing <7291>(8802) after <310> Zebah <2078> and Zalmunna <6759>, kings <4428> of Midian <4080>.
6. And the princes <8269> of Succoth <5523> said <559>(8799), Are the hands <3709> of Zebah <2078> and Zalmunna <6759> now in thine hand <3027>, that we should give <5414>(8799) bread <3899> unto thine army <6635>?
7. And Gideon <1439> said <559>(8799), Therefore when the LORD <3068> hath delivered <5414>(8800) Zebah <2078> and Zalmunna <6759> into mine hand <3027>, then I will tear <1758>(8804) your flesh <1320> with the thorns <6975> of the wilderness <4057> and with briers <1303>.
8. And he went up <5927>(8799) thence to Penuel <6439>, and spake <1696>(8762) unto them likewise <2063>: and the men <582> of Penuel <6439> answered <6030>(8799) him as the men <582> of Succoth <5523> had answered <6030>(8804) him.
9. And he spake <559>(8799) also unto the men <582> of Penuel <6439>, saying <559>(8800), When I come again <7725>(8800) in peace <7965>, I will break down <5422>(8799) this tower <4026>.
10. Now Zebah <2078> and Zalmunna <6759> were in Karkor <7174>, and their hosts <4264> with them, about fifteen <2568> <6240> thousand <505> men, all that were left <3498>(8737) of all the hosts <4264> of the children <1121> of the east <6924>: for there fell <5307>(8802) an hundred <3967> and twenty <6242> thousand <505> men <376> that drew <8025>(8802) sword <2719>.
11. And Gideon <1439> went up <5927>(8799) by the way <1870> of them that dwelt <7931>(8803) in tents <168> on the east <6924> of Nobah <5025> and Jogbehah <3011>, and smote <5221>(8686) the host <4264>: for the host <4264> was secure <983>.
12. And when Zebah <2078> and Zalmunna <6759> fled <5127>(8799), he pursued <7291>(8799) after <310> them, and took <3920>(8799) the two <8147> kings <4428> of Midian <4080>, Zebah <2078> and Zalmunna <6759>, and discomfited <2729>(8689) all the host <4264>.
13. And Gideon <1439> the son <1121> of Joash <3101> returned <7725>(8799) from battle <4421> before <4608> the sun <2775> was up,
14. And caught <3920>(8799) a young man <5288> of the men <582> of Succoth <5523>, and enquired <7592>(8799) of him: and he described <3789>(8799) unto him the princes <8269> of Succoth <5523>, and the elders <2205> thereof, even threescore and seventeen <7657> <7651> men <376>.
15. And he came <935>(8799) unto the men <582> of Succoth <5523>, and said <559>(8799), Behold Zebah <2078> and Zalmunna <6759>, with whom ye did upbraid <2778>(8765) me, saying <559>(8800), Are the hands <3709> of Zebah <2078> and Zalmunna <6759> now in thine hand <3027>, that we should give <5414>(8799) bread <3899> unto thy men <582> that are weary <3287>?
16. And he took <3947>(8799) the elders <2205> of the city <5892>, and thorns <6975> of the wilderness <4057> and briers <1303>, and with them he taught <3045>(8686) the men <582> of Succoth <5523>.
17. And he beat down <5422>(8804) the tower <4026> of Penuel <6439>, and slew <2026>(8799) the men <582> of the city <5892>.
18. Then said <559>(8799) he unto Zebah <2078> and Zalmunna <6759>, What <375> manner of men <582> were they whom ye slew <2026>(8804) at Tabor <8396>? And they answered <559>(8799), As thou <3644> art, so were they; each one <259> resembled <8389> the children <1121> of a king <4428>.
19. And he said <559>(8799), They were my brethren <251>, even the sons <1121> of my mother <517>: as the LORD <3068> liveth <2416>, if <3863> ye had saved them alive <2421>(8689), I would not slay <2026>(8804) you.
20. And he said <559>(8799) unto Jether <3500> his firstborn <1060>, Up <6965>(8798), and slay <2026>(8798) them. But the youth <5288> drew <8025>(8804) not his sword <2719>: for he feared <3372>(8804), because he was yet a youth <5288>.
21. Then Zebah <2078> and Zalmunna <6759> said <559>(8799), Rise <6965>(8798) thou, and fall <6293>(8798) upon us: for as the man <376> is, so is his strength <1369>. And Gideon <1439> arose <6965>(8799), and slew <2026>(8799) Zebah <2078> and Zalmunna <6759>, and took away <3947>(8799) the ornaments <7720> that were on their camels <1581>' necks <6677>.
22. Then the men <376> of Israel <3478> said <559>(8799) unto Gideon <1439>, Rule <4910>(8798) thou over us, both thou, and thy son <1121>, and thy son's <1121> son <1121> also: for thou hast delivered <3467>(8689) us from the hand <3027> of Midian <4080>.
23. And Gideon <1439> said <559>(8799) unto them, I will not rule <4910>(8799) over you, neither shall my son <1121> rule <4910>(8799) over you: the LORD <3068> shall rule <4910>(8799) over you.
24. And Gideon <1439> said <559>(8799) unto them, I would desire <7592>(8799) a request <7596> of you, that ye would give <5414>(8798) me every man <376> the earrings <5141> of his prey <7998>. (For they had golden <2091> earrings <5141>, because they were Ishmaelites <3459>.)
25. And they answered <559>(8799), We will willingly <5414>(8800) give <5414>(8799) them. And they spread <6566>(8799) a garment <8071>, and did cast <7993>(8686) therein every man <376> the earrings <5141> of his prey <7998>.
26. And the weight <4948> of the golden <2091> earrings <5141> that he requested <7592>(8804) was a thousand <505> and seven <7651> hundred <3967> shekels of gold <2091>; beside ornaments <7720>, and collars <5188>, and purple <713> raiment <899> that was on the kings <4428> of Midian <4080>, and beside the chains <6060> that were about their camels <1581>' necks <6677>.
27. And Gideon <1439> made <6213>(8799) an ephod <646> thereof, and put <3322>(8686) it in his city <5892>, even in Ophrah <6084>: and all Israel <3478> went thither a whoring <2181>(8799) after <310> it: which thing became a snare <4170> unto Gideon <1439>, and to his house <1004>.
28. Thus was Midian <4080> subdued <3665>(8735) before <6440> the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, so that they lifted up <5375>(8800) their heads <7218> no more <3254>(8804). And the country <776> was in quietness <8252>(8799) forty <705> years <8141> in the days <3117> of Gideon <1439>.
29. And Jerubbaal <3378> the son <1121> of Joash <3101> went <3212>(8799) and dwelt <3427>(8799) in his own house <1004>.
30. And Gideon <1439> had threescore and ten <7657> sons <1121> of his body <3409> begotten <3318>(8802): for he had many <7227> wives <802>.
31. And his concubine <6370> that was in Shechem <7927>, she also bare <3205>(8804) him a son <1121>, whose name <8034> he called <7760>(8799) Abimelech <40>.
32. And Gideon <1439> the son <1121> of Joash <3101> died <4191>(8799) in a good <2896> old age <7872>, and was buried <6912>(8735) in the sepulchre <6913> of Joash <3101> his father <1>, in Ophrah <6084> of the Abiezrites <33>.
33. And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon <1439> was dead <4191>(8804), that the children <1121> of Israel <3478> turned again <7725>(8799), and went a whoring <2181>(8799) after <310> Baalim <1168>, and made <7760>(8799) Baalberith <1170> their god <430>.
34. And the children <1121> of Israel <3478> remembered <2142>(8804) not the LORD <3068> their God <430>, who had delivered <5337>(8688) them out of the hands <3027> of all their enemies <341>(8802) on every side <5439>:
35. Neither shewed <6213>(8804) they kindness <2617> to the house <1004> of Jerubbaal <3378>, namely, Gideon <1439>, according to all the goodness <2896> which he had shewed <6213>(8804) unto Israel <3478>.
Notes that are not verse specific
V.1 We read here that the whole world is summoned to hear the announcement concerning the day of the LORD'S wrath and His punishment of the nations.(Similar to Psa 49:1) The call is worldwide and refers to the nations. Matt 25:31-34; 45-46,
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to John
Brotherly Hatred
The context of these chapters in Isaiah is the battle for Jerusalem against the Assyrian invasion. So why do we have a chapter sandwiched in-between dedicated to Edom? What's Edom got to do with the Assyrian invasion?
In 33:1 God sounds a warning: "woe to you who plunder , though you have not been plundered". Could this apply to Edom? Psa 137:7 seems to suggest that Edom rejoiced at the later destruction of Jerusalem, and Eze 35:5, 10-12 shows God's judgement on them for waiting in the wings to take the land of Israel and Judah after the people had been taken captive. So Edom were a nation who waited gleefully for Israel to be destroyed by Assyria, and that's why we have a chapter here about Edom.
Looking to the future battle for Israel, we can learn from this that although the nations round about Israel might not be the main aggressors in the final battle of Armageddon, they will still be judged for hating her. And on a personal level, Jesus repeats this teaching for us, when he speaks about hating your brother in your heart being as bad as murder (Gen 27:41, Lev 19:17, Matt 5:21-22, 1John 3:15). After all, the Edomites (Esau) were the brothers of Israel (Jacob).
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Rob
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1. Come near <7126>(8798), ye nations <1471>, to hear <8085>(8800); and hearken <7181>(8685), ye people <3816>: let the earth <776> hear <8085>(8799), and all that is therein <4393>; the world <8398>, and all things that come forth <6631> of it.
2. For the indignation <7110> of the LORD <3068> is upon all nations <1471>, and his fury <2534> upon all their armies <6635>: he hath utterly destroyed <2763>(8689) them, he hath delivered <5414>(8804) them to the slaughter <2874>.
3. Their slain <2491> also shall be cast out <7993>(8714), and their stink <889> shall come up <5927>(8799) out of their carcases <6297>, and the mountains <2022> shall be melted <4549>(8738) with their blood <1818>.
4. And all the host <6635> of heaven <8064> shall be dissolved <4743>(8738), and the heavens <8064> shall be rolled together <1556>(8738) as a scroll <5612>: and all their host <6635> shall fall down <5034>(8799), as the leaf <5929> falleth off <5034>(8800) from the vine <1612>, and as a falling <5034>(8802) fig from the fig tree <8384>.
5. For my sword <2719> shall be bathed <7301>(8765) in heaven <8064>: behold, it shall come down <3381>(8799) upon Idumea <123>, and upon the people <5971> of my curse <2764>, to judgment <4941>.
6. The sword <2719> of the LORD <3068> is filled <4390>(8804) with blood <1818>, it is made fat <1878>(8719) with fatness <2459>, and with the blood <1818> of lambs <3733> and goats <6260>, with the fat <2459> of the kidneys <3629> of rams <352>: for the LORD <3068> hath a sacrifice <2077> in Bozrah <1224>, and a great <1419> slaughter <2874> in the land <776> of Idumea <123>.
7. And the unicorns <7214> shall come down <3381>(8804) with them, and the bullocks <6499> with the bulls <47>; and their land <776> shall be soaked <7301>(8765) with blood <1818>, and their dust <6083> made fat <1878>(8792) with fatness <2459>.
8. For it is the day <3117> of the LORD'S <3068> vengeance <5359>, and the year <8141> of recompences <7966> for the controversy <7379> of Zion <6726>.
9. And the streams <5158> thereof shall be turned <2015>(8738) into pitch <2203>, and the dust <6083> thereof into brimstone <1614>, and the land <776> thereof shall become burning <1197>(8802) pitch <2203>.
10. It shall not be quenched <3518>(8799) night <3915> nor day <3119>; the smoke <6227> thereof shall go up <5927>(8799) for ever <5769>: from generation <1755> to generation <1755> it shall lie waste <2717>(8799); none shall pass through <5674>(8802) it for ever <5331> and ever <5331>.
11. But the cormorant <6893> and the bittern <7090> shall possess <3423>(8804) it; the owl <3244> also and the raven <6158> shall dwell <7931>(8799) in it: and he shall stretch out <5186>(8804) upon it the line <6957> of confusion <8414>, and the stones <68> of emptiness <922>.
12. They shall call <7121>(8799) the nobles <2715> thereof to the kingdom <4410>, but none shall be there, and all her princes <8269> shall be nothing <657>.
13. And thorns <5518> shall come up <5927>(8804) in her palaces <759>, nettles <7057> and brambles <2336> in the fortresses <4013> thereof: and it shall be an habitation <5116> of dragons <8577>, and a court <2681> for owls <1323> <3284>.
14. The wild beasts of the desert <6728> shall also meet <6298>(8804) with the wild beasts of the island <338>, and the satyr <8163> shall cry <7121>(8799) to his fellow <7453>; the screech owl <3917> also shall rest <7280>(8689) there, and find <4672>(8804) for herself a place of rest <4494>.
15. There shall the great owl <7091> make her nest <7077>(8765), and lay <4422>(8762), and hatch <1234>(8804), and gather <1716>(8804) under her shadow <6738>: there shall the vultures <1772> also be gathered <6908>(8738), every one <802> with her mate <7468>.
16. Seek ye out <1875>(8798) of the book <5612> of the LORD <3068>, and read <7121>(8798): no one <259> of these <2007> shall fail <5737>(8738), none <802> shall want <6485>(8804) her mate <7468>: for my mouth <6310> it hath commanded <6680>(8765), and his spirit <7307> it hath gathered <6908>(8765) them.
17. And he hath cast <5307>(8689) the lot <1486> for them, and his hand <3027> hath divided <2505>(8765) it unto them by line <6957>: they shall possess <3423>(8799) it for <5704> ever <5769>, from generation <1755> to generation <1755> shall they dwell <7931>(8799) therein.
Notes that are not verse specific
DON'T GRUMBLE
It is so easy for us to see the faults in others when we are not in their shoes. It is especially easy to see the faults of those in leadership positions. But until you are in the same position yourself, you have no idea what you are talking about. In the wilderness the children of Israel grumbled against Moses time after time, and the result, in nearly every circumstance, was a form of judgement or condemnation that came upon them. So James picked up the lesson for us when he says, "Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The judge is standing at the door."
Just as the children of Israel grumbled about their leader, Moses, so the main target of our grumbling is often the people that work hardest in our Church. But do we work as hard as they do? Do we have the responsibilities they do? Have we been given the same calling as they have? Jesus asked why we try to take the piece of sawdust out of our brothers eye, when we have a log in our own eye. Let's look at ourselves before we grumble against each other. Then let's change our grumbling to praise and encouragement for our brothers.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
Today's readings.. (Judges 7,8), (Isaiah 34), (James 5)
Today we read the final chapter of James and his warning to the believers in Jerusalem, for some had “laid up treasure in the last days.” [v.3] The “last days” facing Jerusalem, James knew, was the destruction that Jesus had foretold, the time when it would be surrounded by armies and “its desolation had come” and the Temple destroyed. [Luke 21 v.6, 20]
The immediate “last days” at that time, James knew, was God's vengeance on the people of Jerusalem for killing his Son - they saw their sense of glory as particularly relating to their possession of a most impressive Temple, even Jesus' disciples boasted of this (Mark 13 v.1).
However, we perceive that many of the prophesied judgements by Jesus on Jerusalem also apply to God's judgements on the Gentiles at the time when the Jews have returned and Jerusalem is re-established, a time when all nations, especially those around them are in trouble, read Luke 21 v.24-28. James' vision clearly applies to our “last days” as well - so we should take his advice to “establish your hearts” [v.8] very much to heart.
The chapter starts, “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted ...” This reminds us of what we read last week in Isaiah 24 v.2,3. Today the “riches” are very largely on paper, computer figures, with some having mountains of debt - it all seems ready to collapse, probably starting with Europe.
So many, especially the apparently wealthy, live “in luxury and self-indulgence” [v.5] Crime rates are mounting, so how relevant to us are James' words, “Be patient therefore brothers (& sisters) until the coming of the Lord” [v.7] The only true way to “be patient” and to “establish your hearts” is in the meditative reading and, discussion together as much as we can, of the word of God. This is the foundation to remaining steadfast. Verse 11 tells us, “Behold, we consider those blessed who remain steadfast” Let us make sure we are among the “blessed.”
Stuart-Caleb Art Courtonel [Rugby] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Stuart-Caleb Art
https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/
Stuart-Caleb Art Courtonel [Rugby] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Stuart-Caleb Art
5:1-6 The rich (v1) are probably wealthy non-believing Jews who oppressed their employees who were Jewish converts to Christ. James acts like an Old Testament prophet railing against a group of wicked people who were not present. These wealthy Jews so oppressed their employees that the employees sometimes died - something that would be unlikely in the ecclesia but likely in a tense atmosphere of Christ converts within a Jewish community
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
5:17,18 We sometimes forget that Elijah prayed for a drought to occur - and God acceded to his request.
1 Kings 17:1 hints that God may have given Elijah control as to the release from drought as well: "there shall be neither dew nor rain, except at my word". It takes courage for a brother or sister to pray for the economic destruction of the ecclesia so that repentance might occur. Elijah was certainly a strong, focused and courageous brother whose prayers were effective, even if it meant hardship would occur.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
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1. Go to <33>(5720) now <3568>, ye rich men <4145>, weep <2799>(5657) and howl <3649>(5723) for <1909> your <5216> miseries <5004> that shall come upon <1904>(5740) you.
2. Your <5216> riches <4149> are corrupted <4595>(5754), and <2532> your <5216> garments <2440> are <1096>(5754) motheaten <4598>.
3. Your <5216> gold <5557> and <2532> silver <696> is cankered <2728>(5769); and <2532> the rust <2447> of them <846> shall be <2071>(5704) a witness <3142> against <1519> you <5213>, and <2532> shall eat <5315>(5695) your <5216> flesh <4561> as it were <5613> fire <4442>. Ye have heaped treasure together <2343>(5656) for <1722> the last <2078> days <2250>.
4. Behold <2400>(5628), the hire <3408> of the labourers <2040> who <3588> have reaped down <270>(5660) your <5216> fields <5561>, which <3588> is of <575> you <5216> kept back by fraud <650>(5772), crieth <2896>(5719): and <2532> the cries <995> of them which have reaped <2325>(5660) are entered <1525>(5754) into <1519> the ears <3775> of the Lord <2962> of sabaoth <4519>.
5. Ye have lived in pleasure <5171>(5656) on <1909> the earth <1093>, and <2532> been wanton <4684>(5656); ye have nourished <5142>(5656) your <5216> hearts <2588>, as <5613> in <1722> a day <2250> of slaughter <4967>.
6. Ye have condemned <2613>(5656) and killed <5407>(5656) the just <1342>; and he doth <498> <0> not <3756> resist <498>(5731) you <5213>.
7. Be patient <3114>(5657) therefore <3767>, brethren <80>, unto <2193> the coming <3952> of the Lord <2962>. Behold <2400>(5628), the husbandman <1092> waiteth <1551>(5736) for the precious <5093> fruit <2590> of the earth <1093>, and hath long patience <3114>(5723) for <1909> it <846>, until <2193> <302> he receive <2983>(5632) the early <4406> and <2532> latter <3797> rain <5205>.
8. Be <3114> <0> ye <5210> also <2532> patient <3114>(5657); stablish <4741>(5657) your <5216> hearts <2588>: for <3754> the coming <3952> of the Lord <2962> draweth nigh <1448>(5758).
9. Grudge <4727>(5720) not <3361> one against another <2596> <240>, brethren <80>, lest <3363> ye be condemned <2632>(5686): behold <2400>(5628), the judge <2923> standeth <2476>(5707)(5758) before <4253> the door <2374>.
10. Take <2983>(5628), my <3450> brethren <80>, the prophets <4396>, who <3739> have spoken <2980>(5656) in the name <3686> of the Lord <2962>, for an example <5262> of suffering affliction <2552>, and <2532> of patience <3115>.
11. Behold <2400>(5628), we count them happy <3106>(5719) which endure <5278>(5723). Ye have heard <191>(5656) of the patience <5281> of Job <2492>, and <2532> have seen <1492>(5627) the end <5056> of the Lord <2962>; that <3754> the Lord <2962> is <2076>(5748) very pitiful <4184>, and <2532> of tender mercy <3629>.
12. But <1161> above <4253> all things <3956>, my <3450> brethren <80>, swear <3660>(5720) not <3361>, neither <3383> by heaven <3772>, neither <3383> by the earth <1093>, neither <3383> by any <5100> other <243> oath <3727>: but <1161> let <2277> <0> your <5216> yea <3483> be <2277>(5749) yea <3483>; and <2532> your nay <3756>, nay <3756>; lest <3363> ye fall <4098>(5632) into <1519> condemnation <5272>.
13. Is <2553> <0> any <5100> among <1722> you <5213> afflicted <2553>(5719)? let him pray <4336>(5737). Is <2114> <0> any <5100> merry <2114>(5719)? let him sing psalms <5567>(5720).
14. Is <770> <0> any <5100> sick <770>(5719) among <1722> you <5213>? let him call <4341>(5663) for the elders <4245> of the church <1577>; and <2532> let them pray <4336>(5663) over <1909> him <846>, anointing <218>(5660) him <846> with oil <1637> in <1722> the name <3686> of the Lord <2962>:
15. And <2532> the prayer <2171> of faith <4102> shall save <4982>(5692) the sick <2577>(5723), and <2532> the Lord <2962> shall raise <1453> <0> him <846> up <1453>(5692); and if <2579> he have <5600>(5753) committed <4160>(5761) sins <266>, they shall be forgiven <863>(5701) him <846>.
16. Confess <1843>(5732) your faults <3900> one to another <240>, and <2532> pray <2172>(5737) one <240> <0> for <5228> another <240>, that <3704> ye may be healed <2390>(5686). The effectual fervent <1754>(5734) prayer <1162> of a righteous man <1342> availeth <2480>(5719) much <4183>.
17. Elias <2243> was <2258>(5713) a man <444> subject to like passions as <3663> we are <2254>, and <2532> he prayed <4336>(5662) earnestly <4335> that it might <1026> <0> not <3361> rain <1026>(5658): and <2532> it rained <1026>(5656) not <3756> on <1909> the earth <1093> by the space of three <5140> years <1763> and <2532> six <1803> months <3376>.
18. And <2532> he prayed <4336>(5662) again <3825>, and <2532> the heaven <3772> gave <1325>(5656) rain <5205>, and <2532> the earth <1093> brought forth <985>(5656) her <848> fruit <2590>.
19. Brethren <80>, if <1437> any <5100> of <1722> you <5213> do err <4105>(5686) from <575> the truth <225>, and <2532> one <5100> convert <1994>(5661) him <846>;
20. Let <1097> <0> him <846> know <1097>(5720), that <3754> he which converteth <1994>(5660) the sinner <268> from <1537> the error <4106> of his <846> way <3598> shall save <4982>(5692) a soul <5590> from <1537> death <2288>, and <2532> shall hide <2572>(5692) a multitude <4128> of sins <266>.