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Notes that are not verse specific
It is quite hard to work out what David is doing in ch.29, where he appears to be willing to go and fight for the Philistines. I suggest, however, that what he is doing is leaving the decision to God, who then organised the circumstances of his life to ensure that he fitted in with His will, just as he will do for us if we trust him with our decisions
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
1Sam 30 Saul, we read yesterday, sought counsel of a woman of a "familiar spirit" 1Sam 28:7. On the other hand to-day we read that David enquired of the Lord by Urim and Thummim. Saul was defeated, while David was winning a sudden victory against his enemies. The nation needed a new king, and there was no doubt who it must be.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
GOOD RESULTS FROM BAD TIMES
In all the events that happened from the time that the Philistines marched out in battle with the Israelites, to when Saul was killed, there seem to be very few positive things that happened. David was not allowed to go to war; Ziklag had been burned and plundered; David's men wanted to stone him; one third of his men were completely exhausted; and finally, Saul and his sons were killed and Israel fled before the Philistines. The only positive thing that happened was that David and the men with him were able to recover their wives, children and plunder back from the Amalekites who had taken them.
Looking back on the situation, we can see that everything was working together in preparation for David becoming a strong king of Israel. If he had marched into battle with the Philistines, the men of Israel would have been confused as to whose side he was on. Avoiding the battle meant that when the time came, Israel knew for sure that he was with them.
The plundering and regaining of the plunder from the Amalekites enabled a gift of plunder to be sent to the elders of Judah, giving David credit in the eyes of his people.
Dealing with the men who were exhausted and those who were planning to stone him, and in turn leading them on to victory, only strengthened his leadership qualities along with the honour and respect given to him by his men.
And finally, the death of Saul, Jonathan, and Saul's other sons, paved the way for David to become king.
All the time it seemed like a string of bad events, but it all worked out for the good. God does the same for us.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Robert
Achish means angry. However, he was pleasantly disposed to David who stayed with him for sixteen months. Achish is named as Abimelech (father of the king) in Psalm 34. Both of these appellations were probably titles and not proper names.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Michael
An impossible situation
Imagine yourself as David or as any one of his soldiers. For years you have had refuge living among the Philistines as servants of Achish, and you've managed to persuade him that you are loyal to him. Yet the inevitable day has come when that loyalty will be tested; when Achish joins in a battle with Israel, your own people. Now you are in a difficult predicament. Do you tell Achish that you don't want to go and fight your countrymen, risking his wrath and being executed for treason? Or do you go to battle knowing you might need to fight against soldiers of your own nation who you don't have a quarrel with?
There will be many instances in our own lives where there appears to be no possible positive outcome. Do we panic and try to find a way out? What did David do? David appears to have put his trust in God, allowing Him to work out a solution that benefited David in ways he couldn't have imagined.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Rob
30 We see a wide range of human emotions in this chapter when David returns to Ziklag. .
David, who sought God’s advice (:1-8). The Egyptian servant (:13-14) who was more interested in his own life than loyalty to his master. The careless abandon of the marauding Amalekites (:16), the selfish men of David which did not want to share the spoil with the men that remained with the stuff (:22) and then David’s generosity in sharing out the spoil, not only with the men who had remained with the stuff but with the inhabitants of towns in Judah (:23-31) We, doubtless, can see ourselves in all the individuals we are invited to consider. Hopefully we reflect the character of David more than we do any of the others portrayed to us.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Peter
30:6 David was a man who had his fill of problems in his life and here, along comes, out of the blue, another serious problem. We sometimes wonder, when we are filled with stress, why God adds to our burdens. Haven't we got enough to deal with without something be added to our already difficult burdens? David feared for his life for something he had no part in and which affected him deeply. Yet rather than rail against God, David "strengthened himself in God". If only we could do the same when events in life appear to crush us beyond our ability to cope or understand.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
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1. Now the Philistines <6430> gathered together <6908>(8799) all their armies <4264> to Aphek <663>: and the Israelites <3478> pitched <2583>(8802) by a fountain <5869> which is in Jezreel <3157>.
2. And the lords <5633> of the Philistines <6430> passed on <5674>(8802) by hundreds <3967>, and by thousands <505>: but David <1732> and his men <582> passed on <5674>(8802) in the rereward <314> with Achish <397>.
3. Then said <559>(8799) the princes <8269> of the Philistines <6430>, What do these Hebrews <5680> here? And Achish <397> said <559>(8799) unto the princes <8269> of the Philistines <6430>, Is not this David <1732>, the servant <5650> of Saul <7586> the king <4428> of Israel <3478>, which hath been with me these days <3117>, or these years <8141>, and I have found <4672>(8804) no fault <3972> in him since <3117> he fell <5307>(8800) unto me unto this day <3117>?
4. And the princes <8269> of the Philistines <6430> were wroth <7107>(8799) with him; and the princes <8269> of the Philistines <6430> said <559>(8799) unto him, Make <7725> <0> this fellow <376> return <7725>(8685), that he may go again <7725>(8799) to his place <4725> which thou hast appointed <6485>(8689) him, and let him not go down <3381>(8799) with us to battle <4421>, lest in the battle <4421> he be an adversary <7854> to us: for wherewith should he reconcile <7521>(8691) himself unto his master <113>? should it not be with the heads <7218> of these men <582>?
5. Is not this David <1732>, of whom they sang <6030>(8799) one to another in dances <4246>, saying <559>(8800), Saul <7586> slew <5221>(8689) his thousands <505>, and David <1732> his ten thousands <7233>?
6. Then Achish <397> called <7121>(8799) David <1732>, and said <559>(8799) unto him, Surely, as the LORD <3068> liveth <2416>, thou hast been upright <3477>, and thy going out <3318>(8800) and thy coming in <935>(8800) with me in the host <4264> is good <2896> in my sight <5869>: for I have not found <4672>(8804) evil <7451> in thee since the day <3117> of thy coming <935>(8800) unto me unto this day <3117>: nevertheless the lords <5633> favour <2896> thee not <5869>.
7. Wherefore now return <7725>(8798), and go <3212>(8798) in peace <7965>, that thou displease <6213>(8799) <7451> <5869> not the lords <5633> of the Philistines <6430>.
8. And David <1732> said <559>(8799) unto Achish <397>, But what have I done <6213>(8804)? and what hast thou found <4672>(8804) in thy servant <5650> so long as <3117> I have been with thee <6440> unto this day <3117>, that I may not go <935>(8799) fight <3898>(8738) against the enemies <341>(8802) of my lord <113> the king <4428>?
9. And Achish <397> answered <6030>(8799) and said <559>(8799) to David <1732>, I know <3045>(8804) that thou art good <2896> in my sight <5869>, as an angel <4397> of God <430>: notwithstanding the princes <8269> of the Philistines <6430> have said <559>(8804), He shall not go up <5927>(8799) with us to the battle <4421>.
10. Wherefore now rise up early <7925>(8685) in the morning <1242> with thy master's <113> servants <5650> that are come <935>(8804) with thee: and as soon as ye be up early <7925>(8689) in the morning <1242>, and have light <215>(8804), depart <3212>(8798).
11. So David <1732> and his men <582> rose up early <7925>(8686) to depart <3212>(8800) in the morning <1242>, to return <7725>(8800) into the land <776> of the Philistines <6430>. And the Philistines <6430> went up <5927>(8804) to Jezreel <3157>.
1. And it came to pass, when David <1732> and his men <582> were come <935>(8800) to Ziklag <6860> on the third <7992> day <3117>, that the Amalekites <6003> had invaded <6584>(8804) the south <5045>, and Ziklag <6860>, and smitten <5221>(8686) Ziklag <6860>, and burned <8313>(8799) it with fire <784>;
2. And had taken the women <802> captives <7617>(8799), that were therein: they slew <4191>(8689) not any <376>, either great <1419> or small <6996>, but carried them away <5090>(8799), and went <3212>(8799) on their way <1870>.
3. So David <1732> and his men <582> came <935>(8799) to the city <5892>, and, behold, it was burned <8313>(8803) with fire <784>; and their wives <802>, and their sons <1121>, and their daughters <1323>, were taken captives <7617>(8738).
4. Then David <1732> and the people <5971> that were with him lifted up <5375>(8799) their voice <6963> and wept <1058>(8799), until they had no more power <3581> to weep <1058>(8800).
5. And David's <1732> two <8147> wives <802> were taken captives <7617>(8738), Ahinoam <293> the Jezreelitess <3159>, and Abigail <26> the wife <802> of Nabal <5037> the Carmelite <3761>.
6. And David <1732> was greatly <3966> distressed <3334>(8799); for the people <5971> spake <559>(8804) of stoning <5619>(8800) him, because the soul <5315> of all the people <5971> was grieved <4843>(8804), every man <376> for his sons <1121> and for his daughters <1323>: but David <1732> encouraged <2388>(8691) himself in the LORD <3068> his God <430>.
7. And David <1732> said <559>(8799) to Abiathar <54> the priest <3548>, Ahimelech's <288> son <1121>, I pray thee, bring me hither <5066>(8685) the ephod <646>. And Abiathar <54> brought <5066>(8686) thither the ephod <646> to David <1732>.
8. And David <1732> enquired <7592>(8799) at the LORD <3068>, saying <559>(8800), Shall I pursue <7291>(8799) after <310> this troop <1416>? shall I overtake <5381>(8686) them? And he answered <559>(8799) him, Pursue <7291>(8798): for thou shalt surely <5381>(8687) overtake <5381>(8686) them, and without fail <5337>(8687) recover <5337>(8686) all.
9. So David <1732> went <3212>(8799), he and the six <8337> hundred <3967> men <376> that were with him, and came <935>(8799) to the brook <5158> Besor <1308>, where those that were left behind <3498>(8737) stayed <5975>(8804).
10. But David <1732> pursued <7291>(8799), he and four <702> hundred <3967> men <376>: for two hundred <3967> abode behind <5975>(8799), which were so faint <6296>(8765) that they could not go over <5674>(8800) the brook <5158> Besor <1308>.
11. And they found <4672>(8799) an Egyptian <376> <4713> in the field <7704>, and brought <3947>(8799) him to David <1732>, and gave <5414>(8799) him bread <3899>, and he did eat <398>(8799); and they made him drink <8248>(8686) water <4325>;
12. And they gave <5414>(8799) him a piece <6400> of a cake <1690> of figs, and two <8147> clusters of raisins <6778>: and when he had eaten <398>(8799), his spirit <7307> came again <7725>(8799) to him: for he had eaten <398>(8804) no bread <3899>, nor drunk <8354>(8804) any water <4325>, three <7969> days <3117> and three <7969> nights <3915>.
13. And David <1732> said <559>(8799) unto him, To whom belongest thou? and whence art thou? And he said <559>(8799), I am a young man <5288> of Egypt <4713>, servant <5650> to an Amalekite <376> <6003>; and my master <113> left <5800>(8799) me, because three <7969> days <3117> agone I fell sick <2470>(8804).
14. We made an invasion <6584>(8804) upon the south <5045> of the Cherethites <3774>, and upon the coast which belongeth to Judah <3063>, and upon the south <5045> of Caleb <3612>; and we burned <8313>(8804) Ziklag <6860> with fire <784>.
15. And David <1732> said <559>(8799) to him, Canst thou bring me down <3381>(8686) to this company <1416>? And he said <559>(8799), Swear <7650>(8734) unto me by God <430>, that thou wilt neither kill <4191>(8686) me, nor <518> deliver <5462>(8686) me into the hands <3027> of my master <113>, and I will bring thee down <3381>(8686) to this company <1416>.
16. And when he had brought him down <3381>(8686), behold, they were spread abroad <5203>(8803) upon all <6440> the earth <776>, eating <398>(8802) and drinking <8354>(8802), and dancing <2287>(8802), because of all the great <1419> spoil <7998> that they had taken <3947>(8804) out of the land <776> of the Philistines <6430>, and out of the land <776> of Judah <3063>.
17. And David <1732> smote <5221>(8686) them from the twilight <5399> even unto the evening <6153> of the next day <4283>: and there escaped <4422>(8738) not a man <376> of them, save four <702> hundred <3967> young <5288> men <376>, which rode <7392>(8804) upon camels <1581>, and fled <5127>(8799).
18. And David <1732> recovered <5337>(8686) all that the Amalekites <6002> had carried away <3947>(8804): and David <1732> rescued <5337>(8689) his two <8147> wives <802>.
19. And there was nothing lacking <5737>(8738) to them, neither <4480> small <6996> nor great <1419>, neither sons <1121> nor daughters <1323>, neither spoil <7998>, nor any thing that they had taken <3947>(8804) to them: David <1732> recovered <7725>(8689) all.
20. And David <1732> took <3947>(8799) all the flocks <6629> and the herds <1241>, which they drave <5090>(8804) before <6440> those <1931> other cattle <4735>, and said <559>(8799), This is David's <1732> spoil <7998>.
21. And David <1732> came <935>(8799) to the two hundred <3967> men <582>, which were so faint <6296>(8765) that they could not follow <3212>(8800) <310> David <1732>, whom they had made also to abide <3427>(8686) at the brook <5158> Besor <1308>: and they went forth <3318>(8799) to meet <7125>(8800) David <1732>, and to meet <7125>(8800) the people <5971> that were with him: and when David <1732> came near <5066>(8799) to the people <5971>, he saluted <7592>(8799) <7965> them.
22. Then answered <6030>(8799) all the wicked <7451> men <376> and men of Belial <1100>, of those <582> that went <1980>(8804) with David <1732>, and said <559>(8799), Because they went <1980>(8804) not with us, we will not give <5414>(8799) them ought of the spoil <7998> that we have recovered <5337>(8689), save to every man <376> his wife <802> and his children <1121>, that they may lead them away <5090>(8799), and depart <3212>(8799).
23. Then said <559>(8799) David <1732>, Ye shall not do so <6213>(8799), my brethren <251>, with that which the LORD <3068> hath given <5414>(8804) us, who hath preserved <8104>(8799) us, and delivered <5414>(8799) the company <1416> that came <935>(8802) against us into our hand <3027>.
24. For who will hearken <8085>(8799) unto you in this matter <1697>? but as his part <2506> is that goeth down <3381>(8802)(8675) <3381>(8717) to the battle <4421>, so shall his part <2506> be that tarrieth <3427>(8802) by the stuff <3627>: they shall part <2505>(8799) alike <3162>.
25. And it was so from that day <3117> forward <4605>, that he made <7760>(8799) it a statute <2706> and an ordinance <4941> for Israel <3478> unto this day <3117>.
26. And when David <1732> came <935>(8799) to Ziklag <6860>, he sent <7971>(8762) of the spoil <7998> unto the elders <2205> of Judah <3063>, even to his friends <7453>, saying <559>(8800), Behold a present <1293> for you of the spoil <7998> of the enemies <341>(8802) of the LORD <3068>;
27. To them <834> which were in Bethel <1008>, and to them which were in south <5045> Ramoth <7418>, and to them which were in Jattir <3492>,
28. And to them which were in Aroer <6177>, and to them which were in Siphmoth <8224>, and to them which were in Eshtemoa <851>,
29. And to them which were in Rachal <7403>, and to them which were in the cities <5892> of the Jerahmeelites <3397>, and to them which were in the cities <5892> of the Kenites <7017>,
30. And to them which were in Hormah <2767>, and to them which were in Chorashan <3565>, and to them which were in Athach <6269>,
31. And to them which were in Hebron <2275>, and to all the places <4725> where David <1732> himself and his men <582> were wont to haunt <1980>(8694).
Notes that are not verse specific
The people of Judah did not heed Jeremiah's prophecy. If anyone looked around Judah and Jerusalem at that time, everything was just fine. Nobody wants to hear gloom and doom because it interrupts the pleasantries of every-day activities.
The same situation exists in the modern world. People have been preaching for years that terrible trouble would be coming on the world but nobody wanted to hear. But, the trouble has now started. The economy is in turmoil and people are losing their jobs and homes. Personal debts and bankruptcies are at all-time highs. Marriage breakdown and social unrest will increase. People are fearful of what will happen (Luke 21:26).
There is only one hope of salvation, and that is being in covenant relationship with the Lord. This parallels the ark in Noah's day. The end times are likened to the days of Noah (Luke 17:6). Only those inside the ark were saved, and only those in a covenant relationship will be saved now.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Michael
5:28,29 Looking after the fatherless and the needy in our midst is something that God commands us to do and will punish us if we ignore. More pointedly, unless we look after the poor and the needy we shall not know God (or be known by God) (Jeremiah 22:16). Pure and undefiled religion (which we all seek to have) involves a strong emphasis on visiting the "fatherless and the widows in their affliction" (James 1:27).
Suffering is all around us - don't imagine it is not there. What does it take to make even just a telephone call to a lonely brother or sister, or someone suffering hardship? Or to take an interest in them beyond a Sunday morning salutation?
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
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1. Run ye to and fro <7751>(8786) through the streets <2351> of Jerusalem <3389>, and see <7200>(8798) now, and know <3045>(8798), and seek <1245>(8761) in the broad places <7339> thereof, if ye can find <4672>(8799) a man <376>, if there be <3426> any that executeth <6213>(8802) judgment <4941>, that seeketh <1245>(8764) the truth <530>; and I will pardon <5545>(8799) it.
2. And though they say <559>(8799), The LORD <3068> liveth <2416>; surely they swear <7650>(8735) falsely <8267>.
3. O LORD <3068>, are not thine eyes <5869> upon the truth <530>? thou hast stricken <5221>(8689) them, but they have not grieved <2342>(8804); thou hast consumed <3615>(8765) them, but they have refused <3985>(8765) to receive <3947>(8800) correction <4148>: they have made their faces <6440> harder <2388>(8765) than a rock <5553>; they have refused <3985>(8765) to return <7725>(8800).
4. Therefore I said <559>(8804), Surely these are poor <1800>; they are foolish <2973>(8738): for they know <3045>(8804) not the way <1870> of the LORD <3068>, nor the judgment <4941> of their God <430>.
5. I will get <3212>(8799) me unto the great men <1419>, and will speak <1696>(8762) unto them; for they have known <3045>(8804) the way <1870> of the LORD <3068>, and the judgment <4941> of their God <430>: but these have altogether <3162> broken <7665>(8804) the yoke <5923>, and burst <5423>(8765) the bonds <4147>.
6. Wherefore a lion <738> out of the forest <3293> shall slay <5221>(8689) them, and a wolf <2061> of the evenings <6160> shall spoil <7703>(8799) them, a leopard <5246> shall watch <8245>(8802) over their cities <5892>: every one that goeth out <3318>(8802) thence shall <2007> be torn in pieces <2963>(8735): because their transgressions <6588> are many <7231>(8804), and their backslidings <4878> are increased <6105>(8804).
7. How <335> shall I pardon <5545>(8799) thee for this <2063>? thy children <1121> have forsaken <5800>(8804) me, and sworn <7650>(8735) by them that are no <3808> gods <430>: when I had fed them to the full <7650>(8686), they then committed adultery <5003>(8799), and assembled themselves by troops <1413>(8704) in the harlots <2181>(8802)' houses <1004>.
8. They were as fed <2109>(8716) horses <5483> in the morning <7904>(8688): every one <376> neighed <6670>(8799) after his neighbour's <7453> wife <802>.
9. Shall I not visit <6485>(8799) for these things? saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>: and shall not my soul <5315> be avenged <5358>(8691) on such a nation <1471> as this?
10. Go ye up <5927>(8798) upon her walls <8284>, and destroy <7843>(8761); but make <6213>(8799) not a full end <3617>: take away <5493>(8685) her battlements <5189>; for they are not the LORD'S <3068>.
11. For the house <1004> of Israel <3478> and the house <1004> of Judah <3063> have dealt very <898>(8800) treacherously <898>(8804) against me, saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>.
12. They have belied <3584>(8765) the LORD <3068>, and said <559>(8799), It is not he; neither shall evil <7451> come <935>(8799) upon us; neither shall we see <7200>(8799) sword <2719> nor famine <7458>:
13. And the prophets <5030> shall become wind <7307>, and the word <1696>(8763) is not in them: thus shall it be done <6213>(8735) unto them.
14. Wherefore thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068> God <430> of hosts <6635>, Because ye speak <1696>(8763) this word <1697>, behold, I will make <5414>(8802) my words <1697> in thy mouth <6310> fire <784>, and this people <5971> wood <6086>, and it shall devour <398>(8804) them.
15. Lo, I will bring <935>(8688) a nation <1471> upon you from far <4801>, O house <1004> of Israel <3478>, saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>: it is a mighty <386> nation <1471>, it is an ancient <5769> nation <1471>, a nation <1471> whose language <3956> thou knowest <3045>(8799) not, neither understandest <8085>(8799) what they say <1696>(8762).
16. Their quiver <827> is as an open <6605>(8803) sepulchre <6913>, they are all mighty men <1368>.
17. And they shall eat up <398>(8804) thine harvest <7105>, and thy bread <3899>, which thy sons <1121> and thy daughters <1323> should eat <398>(8799): they shall eat up <398>(8799) thy flocks <6629> and thine herds <1241>: they shall eat up <398>(8799) thy vines <1612> and thy fig trees <8384>: they shall impoverish <7567>(8779) thy fenced <4013> cities <5892>, wherein thou <2007> trustedst <982>(8802), with the sword <2719>.
18. Nevertheless in those days <3117>, saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>, I will not make <6213>(8799) a full end <3617> with you.
19. And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say <559>(8799), Wherefore <8478> <4100> doeth <6213>(8804) the LORD <3068> our God <430> all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer <559>(8804) them, Like as ye have forsaken <5800>(8804) me, and served <5647>(8799) strange <5236> gods <430> in your land <776>, so shall ye serve <5647>(8799) strangers <2114>(8801) in a land <776> that is not yours.
20. Declare <5046>(8685) this in the house <1004> of Jacob <3290>, and publish <8085>(8685) it in Judah <3063>, saying <559>(8800),
21. Hear <8085>(8798) now this, O foolish <5530> people <5971>, and without understanding <3820>; which have eyes <5869>, and see <7200>(8799) not; which have ears <241>, and hear <8085>(8799) not:
22. Fear <3372>(8799) ye not me? saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>: will ye not tremble <2342>(8799) at my presence <6440>, which have placed <7760>(8804) the sand <2344> for the bound <1366> of the sea <3220> by a perpetual <5769> decree <2706>, that it cannot pass <5674>(8799) it: and though the waves <1530> thereof toss <1607>(8691) themselves, yet can they not prevail <3201>(8799); though they roar <1993>(8804), yet can they not pass over <5674>(8799) it?
23. But this people <5971> hath a revolting <5637>(8802) and a rebellious <4784>(8802) heart <3820>; they are revolted <5493>(8804) and gone <3212>(8799).
24. Neither say <559>(8804) they in their heart <3824>, Let us now fear <3372>(8799) the LORD <3068> our God <430>, that giveth <5414>(8802) rain <1653>, both the former <3138> and the latter <4456>, in his season <6256>: he reserveth <8104>(8799) unto us the appointed <2708> weeks <7620> of the harvest <7105>.
25. Your iniquities <5771> have turned away <5186>(8689) these things, and your sins <2403> have withholden <4513>(8804) good <2896> things from you.
26. For among my people <5971> are found <4672>(8738) wicked <7563> men: they lay wait <7789>(8799), as he that setteth <7918>(8800) snares <3353>; they set <5324>(8689) a trap <4889>, they catch <3920>(8799) men <582>.
27. As a cage <3619> is full <4392> of birds <5775>, so are their houses <1004> full <4392> of deceit <4820>: therefore they are become great <1431>(8804), and waxen rich <6238>(8686).
28. They are waxen fat <8080>(8804), they shine <6245>(8804): yea, they overpass <5674>(8804) the deeds <1697> of the wicked <7451>: they judge <1777>(8804) not the cause <1779>, the cause of the fatherless <3490>, yet they prosper <6743>(8686); and the right <4941> of the needy <34> do they not judge <8199>(8804).
29. Shall I not visit <6485>(8799) for these things? saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>: shall not my soul <5315> be avenged <5358>(8691) on such a nation <1471> as this?
30. A wonderful <8047> and horrible thing <8186> is committed <1961>(8738) in the land <776>;
31. The prophets <5030> prophesy <5012>(8738) falsely <8267>, and the priests <3548> bear rule <7287>(8799) by their means <3027>; and my people <5971> love <157>(8804) to have it so: and what will ye do <6213>(8799) in the end <319> thereof?
Notes that are not verse specific
WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?
Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" If he was asking today we would probably get answers like: A prophet; A mythical figure from Christian stories; Someone in the Bible; or, Don't know. Then Jesus asked, "But who do you say I am?" This is a question we must all ask ourselves every day of our lives. Peter's reply was the right one. "You are the Christ (the Messiah), the Son of the Living God!" This was just the answer Jesus wanted to hear and it was a great encouragement to him to hear that at least one of his disciples understood who he was and his mission. But who do we see Jesus as for us? Is he an amazing man who changed the world? Is he someone to be worshipped in the Bible? Is he the baby born in Bethlehem, crucified at Easter, who made his mark on history? He is all of those things but he is much more than that too. He is our personal living saviour, who saved us from our sins and who came to save the world. He is the perfect son of God. And he is our reason to live, our love, our life and our King who will return to reign in glory.
Who is he to you?
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
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); or when Elijah declared that fire from heaven would destroy a group of fifty soldiers with their captains - TWICE (2 Kings 1:10, 12, 14). 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>.