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Notes that are not verse specific
AGAINST THE ODDS
It was in the days of Hezekiah that God reduced the kingdom of Israel down to nothing, and finally removed it from his Land. Israel were unfaithful to him. The king of Assyria also marched down against Hezekiah and captured the fortified cities of Judah. It was a time when Judah was on the back foot. They were not the aggressors, but the defenders. So it was against this background that we see a surprising turn of events.
The men of Simeon bucked all the trends of weakness and unfaithfulness, to expand their territory and put the remaining Amalekites to death. If they had been looking around them and taking their cues from the rest of Israel and Judah, they would have been cowering at home, prepared to fight in defence, but also prepared for defeat. Instead they stood up in faith, and claimed the Land that God had said he would give them.
It only takes a small amount of faith for God to move in a situation. We can be inspired by the men of Simeon, because while it appears that society, and even many faithful people, seem to be sliding toward destruction, we can, even though we are small in faith and number, buck the trend and live a life of faith that is victorious in the strength of the Lord.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Robert
4:21-22 Shelah was the son of Judah that Tamar should have been given to. It appears that he did eventually marry and have children. Therefore it would appear he was not evil like his two brothers. It is interesting how the account tells us these are ancient things or records.
Alex Browning [Kitchener-Waterloo] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Alex
1 Chronicles 1-9 can seem to be difficult chapters to read and understand.
Brother Tony Benson’s book – Family Trees of the Tribes of Israel, by using family trees and explanations highlights much that is in the genealogies in this section of the book.
Copies can be ordered from Peterlforbes@tiscali.co.uk. Cost £5.50 plus postage.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
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1. The sons <1121> of Judah <3063>; Pharez <6557>, Hezron <2696>, and Carmi <3756>, and Hur <2354>, and Shobal <7732>.
2. And Reaiah <7211> the son <1121> of Shobal <7732> begat <3205>(8689) Jahath <3189>; and Jahath <3189> begat <3205>(8689) Ahumai <267>, and Lahad <3855>. These are the families <4940> of the Zorathites <6882>.
3. And these were of the father <1> of Etam <5862>; Jezreel <3157>, and Ishma <3457>, and Idbash <3031>: and the name <8034> of their sister <269> was Hazelelponi <6753>:
4. And Penuel <6439> the father <1> of Gedor <1446>, and Ezer <5829> the father <1> of Hushah <2364>. These are the sons <1121> of Hur <2354>, the firstborn <1060> of Ephratah <672>, the father <1> of Bethlehem <1035>.
5. And Ashur <806> the father <1> of Tekoa <8620> had two <8147> wives <802>, Helah <2458> and Naarah <5292>.
6. And Naarah <5292> bare <3205>(8799) him Ahuzam <275>, and Hepher <2660>, and Temeni <8488>, and Haahashtari <326>. These were the sons <1121> of Naarah <5292>.
7. And the sons <1121> of Helah <2458> were, Zereth <6889>, and Jezoar <6714>(8676) <3328>, and Ethnan <869>.
8. And Coz <6976> begat <3205>(8689) Anub <6036>, and Zobebah <6637>, and the families <4940> of Aharhel <316> the son <1121> of Harum <2037>.
9. And Jabez <3258> was more honourable <3513>(8737) than his brethren <251>: and his mother <517> called <7121>(8804) his name <8034> Jabez <3258>, saying <559>(8800), Because I bare <3205>(8804) him with sorrow <6090>.
10. And Jabez <3258> called <7121>(8799) on the God <430> of Israel <3478>, saying <559>(8800), Oh that <518> thou wouldest bless <1288>(8762) me indeed <1288>(8763), and enlarge <7235>(8689) my coast <1366>, and that thine hand <3027> might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep <6213>(8804) me from evil <7451>, that it may not grieve <6087>(8800) me! And God <430> granted <935>(8686) him that which he requested <7592>(8804).
11. And Chelub <3620> the brother <251> of Shuah <7746> begat <3205>(8689) Mehir <4243>, which was the father <1> of Eshton <850>.
12. And Eshton <850> begat <3205>(8689) Bethrapha <1051>, and Paseah <6454>, and Tehinnah <8468> the father <1> of Irnahash <5904>. These are the men <582> of Rechah <7397>.
13. And the sons <1121> of Kenaz <7073>; Othniel <6274>, and Seraiah <8304>: and the sons <1121> of Othniel <6274>; Hathath <2867>.
14. And Meonothai <4587> begat <3205>(8689) Ophrah <6084>: and Seraiah <8304> begat <3205>(8689) Joab <3097>, the father <1> of the valley <1516> of Charashim <2798>; for they were craftsmen <2791>.
15. And the sons <1121> of Caleb <3612> the son <1121> of Jephunneh <3312>; Iru <5900>, Elah <425>, and Naam <5277>: and the sons <1121> of Elah <425>, even Kenaz <7073>.
16. And the sons <1121> of Jehaleleel <3094>; Ziph <2128>, and Ziphah <2129>, Tiria <8493>, and Asareel <840>.
17. And the sons <1121> of Ezra <5834> were, Jether <3500>, and Mered <4778>, and Epher <6081>, and Jalon <3210>: and she bare <2029>(8799) Miriam <4813>, and Shammai <8060>, and Ishbah <3431> the father <1> of Eshtemoa <851>.
18. And his wife <802> Jehudijah <3057> bare <3205>(8804) Jered <3382> the father <1> of Gedor <1446>, and Heber <2268> the father <1> of Socho <7755>, and Jekuthiel <3354> the father <1> of Zanoah <2182>. And these are the sons <1121> of Bithiah <1332> the daughter <1323> of Pharaoh <6547>, which Mered <4778> took <3947>(8804).
19. And the sons <1121> of his wife <802> Hodiah <1940> the sister <269> of Naham <5163>, the father <1> of Keilah <7084> the Garmite <1636>, and Eshtemoa <851> the Maachathite <4602>.
20. And the sons <1121> of Shimon <7889> were, Amnon <550>, and Rinnah <7441>, Benhanan <1135>, and Tilon <8436>. And the sons <1121> of Ishi <3469> were, Zoheth <2105>, and Benzoheth <1132>.
21. The sons <1121> of Shelah <7956> the son <1121> of Judah <3063> were, Er <6147> the father <1> of Lecah <3922>, and Laadah <3935> the father <1> of Mareshah <4762>, and the families <4940> of the house <1004> of them that wrought <5656> fine linen <948>, of the house <1004> of Ashbea <791>,
22. And Jokim <3137>, and the men <582> of Chozeba <3578>, and Joash <3101>, and Saraph <8315>, who had the dominion <1166>(8804) in Moab <4124>, and Jashubilehem <3433>. And these are ancient <6267> things <1697>.
23. These were the potters <3335>(8802), and those that dwelt <3427>(8802) among plants <5196> and hedges <1448>: there they dwelt <3427>(8804) with the king <4428> for his work <4399>.
24. The sons <1121> of Simeon <8095> were, Nemuel <5241>, and Jamin <3226>, Jarib <3402>, Zerah <2226>, and Shaul <7586>:
25. Shallum <7967> his son <1121>, Mibsam <4017> his son <1121>, Mishma <4927> his son <1121>.
26. And the sons <1121> of Mishma <4927>; Hamuel <2536> his son <1121>, Zacchur <2139> his son <1121>, Shimei <8096> his son <1121>.
27. And Shimei <8096> had sixteen <8337> <6240> sons <1121> and six <8337> daughters <1323>; but his brethren <251> had not many <7227> children <1121>, neither did all their family <4940> multiply <7235>(8689), like to the children <1121> of Judah <3063>.
28. And they dwelt <3427>(8799) at Beersheba <884>, and Moladah <4137>, and Hazarshual <2705>,
29. And at Bilhah <1090>, and at Ezem <6107>, and at Tolad <8434>,
30. And at Bethuel <1328>, and at Hormah <2767>, and at Ziklag <6860>,
31. And at Bethmarcaboth <1024>, and Hazarsusim <2702>, and at Bethbirei <1011>, and at Shaaraim <8189>. These were their cities <5892> unto the reign <4427>(8800) of David <1732>.
32. And their villages <2691> were, Etam <5862>, and Ain <5871>, Rimmon <7417>, and Tochen <8507>, and Ashan <6228>, five <2568> cities <5892>:
33. And all their villages <2691> that were round about <5439> the same cities <5892>, unto Baal <1168>. These were their habitations <4186>, and their genealogy <3187>(8692).
34. And Meshobab <4877>, and Jamlech <3230>, and Joshah <3144> the son <1121> of Amaziah <558>,
35. And Joel <3100>, and Jehu <3058> the son <1121> of Josibiah <3143>, the son <1121> of Seraiah <8304>, the son <1121> of Asiel <6221>,
36. And Elioenai <454>, and Jaakobah <3291>, and Jeshohaiah <3439>, and Asaiah <6222>, and Adiel <5717>, and Jesimiel <3450>, and Benaiah <1141>,
37. And Ziza <2124> the son <1121> of Shiphi <8230>, the son <1121> of Allon <438>, the son <1121> of Jedaiah <3042>, the son <1121> of Shimri <8113>, the son <1121> of Shemaiah <8098>;
38. These mentioned <935>(8802) by their names <8034> were princes <5387> in their families <4940>: and the house <1004> of their fathers <1> increased <6555>(8804) greatly <7230>.
39. And they went <3212>(8799) to the entrance <3996> of Gedor <1446>, even unto the east side <4217> of the valley <1516>, to seek <1245>(8763) pasture <4829> for their flocks <6629>.
40. And they found <4672>(8799) fat <8082> pasture <4829> and good <2896>, and the land <776> was wide <7342> <3027>, and quiet <8252>(8802), and peaceable <7961>; for they of Ham <2526> had dwelt <3427>(8802) there of old <6440>.
41. And these written <3789>(8803) by name <8034> came <935>(8799) in the days <3117> of Hezekiah <3169> king <4428> of Judah <3063>, and smote <5221>(8686) their tents <168>, and the habitations <4583> that were found <4672>(8738) there, and destroyed <2763>(8686) them utterly unto this day <3117>, and dwelt <3427>(8799) in their rooms: because there was pasture <4829> there for their flocks <6629>.
42. And some of them, even of the sons <1121> of Simeon <8095>, five <2568> hundred <3967> men <582>, went <1980>(8804) to mount <2022> Seir <8165>, having for their captains <7218> Pelatiah <6410>, and Neariah <5294>, and Rephaiah <7509>, and Uzziel <5816>, the sons <1121> of Ishi <3469>.
43. And they smote <5221>(8686) the rest <7611> of the Amalekites <6002> that were escaped <6413>, and dwelt <3427>(8799) there unto this day <3117>.
Notes that are not verse specific
Ezekiel 17 M 39 I 180 II 274 III 258 IV 357
Ezekiel's ministry in Babylon is a spiritual journey wrapped in parables. Like Christ's parables, each riddle taught a powerful lesson and this is true of the “great eagles” parable in Ez.17. The key lesson is be faithful to our covenant with God and Christ: there can be no turning back from our baptism into Christ.
Because Ezekiel was dumb for 7.5 years (5-4-5 to 5-10-12) he had to deliver most of his message to Judah through enacted parables. He could speak, but only when God directed him to speak. Called “son of man”, Ezekiel enacted and described many signs to prepare Israel for the parables and spiritual lessons from “the son of man” who followed 600 years later.
Today, Yahweh speaks to us plainly and through signs and wonders; the Scriptures teach right from wrong in plain language but Christ also makes us think by giving us parables to decipher. We are taught by commandments, rules and rituals, parables and prophecies, and through characters and stories. In Jeremiah Yahweh rebuked and told Judah to turn from idols and their wicked ways; in Ezekiel, He encourages us to think, learn and intelligently love and serve Him by deciphering signs and parables. Some people need to be told how to worship God, some need to work it out and others need both ways. God and Christ appeal to our reason and need for specific instruction.
In vv.3-10 Ezekiel tells the Parable of the “great eagle”
vv.11-21 reveals the parable's meaning: Zedekiah broke his word
vv. 22-24 show how Christ manifested the righteousness that escaped Israel
Now that we've read chapter 17, we will examine the interpretation in vv.11-21 alongside the parable's statement in vv.3-10.
3 ... Thus saith The Lord Yahweh; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:
4 He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants.
11 Moreover the word of Yahweh came unto me, saying, 12 Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean? tell them,
12 ... Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken the king thereof [Jehoiachin], and the princes thereof, and led them with him to Babylon (the land of traffic, the city of merchants);
“a great eagle” describes a mighty power that fears no-one and terrifies people near and far. Nebuchadnezzar was Yahweh's servant ad ruled the then known world:
Jer 27:6 I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. 7And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come ... 8And it shall come to pass, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith Yahweh, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.
“great wings, full of feathers” decribes Nebuchadnezzar's dominance.
“divers colours” margin = embroidering 1Chron 29:2 David said that he had prepared “glistering stones of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones” - gems for the temple that Solomon would build. In Eze 16:10,13,18 the same word describes the embroidered linen in the tabernacle.
“highest branch of the cedar” - the cedar tree signifies the royal house of David, cedar dominated the temple and cedar represents elevated people, either kings or saints (Psa 92:12).
“top young twig” was Jehoiachin, his princes and the “good figs”, the priests and tradesmen who were taken to Babylon “for their good”.
5 He took also of the seed of the land (Zedekiah), and planted it in a fruitful field (Jerusalem); he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow tree.
13 And hath taken of the king's seed (King Zedekiah), and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:
“planted in a fruitful field” Zedekiah was given every opportunity to obey God and prosper. Jeremiah ministered to him and many times exhorted him to submit to Nebuchadnezzar and he would live.
6 And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs.
14 That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.
Zedekiah was a weak vassal king; he “turned his branches towards” Nebuchadnezzar but he was unfaithful to the conditions that Nebuchadnezzar placed on him. Notice in v.6 that Zedekiah 'the vine” had shoots and roots and the potential for fruit.
Isa 5:4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? ... 7For the vineyard of Yahweh of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
7 There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers (but no divers colours): and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.
15 But he (Zedekiah) rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar in sending his ambassadors into Egypt (to Pharaoh-Hophra), that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?
Zedekiah's worst sin was not “keeping Nebuchadnezzar's covenant, the promise he made with the king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar was Yahweh's servant and such covenants must be honored. This is a type of our covenant with the Lord Jesus Christ, our covenant of baptism. If we don't keep our vow to be Christ's servants, we will be treated just like Zedekiah.
The other “great eagle” in those days was Pharaoh-Hophra who said “my river is mine own, and I have made it for myself” (Eze 29:3). Pharaoh's pride tempted Zedekiah to disobey Nebuchadnezzar. For this, God gave Egypt to Babylon as 'wages for their siege against Tyre'.
Jer 37:4 Jeremiah came in and went out among the people: for they had not put him into prison. 5Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt: and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them, they departed from Jerusalem. 6Then came the word of Yahweh unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying, 7Thus saith Yahweh ... say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to enquire of me; Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land. 8And the Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city, and take it, and burn it with fire. 9Thus saith Yahweh; Deceive not yourselves, saying, The Chaldeans shall surely depart from us: for they shall not depart.
v.15 “ambassadors to Egypt”Zedekiah sent them so that they might help him escape from Nebuchadnezzar. But he had made a covenant to obey Nebuchadnezzar and no-one can break a covenant and prosper: Judah could have been blessed if Zedekiah and his princes had accepted the conditions God gave them.
8 It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine.
The aim was fruit but Zedekiah never produced any because they were the “bad figs” - Yahweh did not make them bad, they were wicked by choice, Yahweh just divided them into two groups and took the “good figs” to Babylon with Ezekiel and Daniel.
God gave Judah “good soil by great waters” but they thought Egypt was better. Yahweh never let Judah down, they failed to listen, and believe and obey God's word through Jeremiah.
9 ... thus saith The Lord Yahweh; Shall it prosper? shall not he [Nebuchadnezzar] pull up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither? it shall wither in all the leaves of her spring
10 Yea, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind (of Yahweh's judgments Psa.48) toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.
16 As I live, saith The Lord Yahweh, surely in the place where the king dwells that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.
17 Neither shall Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company help him in the war ... 18 Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape. 19 Therefore thus saith The Lord Yahweh; As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.
When Zedekiah “despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when he had given his hand” is equivalent to “despising and breaking Yahweh's covenant”.
20 I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare, and I will bring him to Babylon, and will plead with him there for his trespass that he hath trespassed against me. 21 And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and ye shall know that I Yahweh have spoken it.
We are reminded time and again that covenants are inviolate, they are binding for life and just as the covenant victim died to seal the promise, so death is the recompense for covenant breakers. Remember Jesus' words ...
Matt.8:11 “I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matt.25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 31When the Son of man shall come in his glory ...
Zedekiah was doubly cast into “outer darkness” - when he was judged at Riblath, his sons were executed in front of him, his eyes were put out and he went into the darkness of Babylonian exile where he died. All because he was unfaithful to his covenant. Yahweh is very clear on covenants. Christ's mercy will not save covenant breakers.
vv.22-24 A ray of hope breaks the darkness - “the highest branch” is Jesus Christ, the king of righteousness.
22 Thus saith The Lord Yahweh; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:
23 In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.
This is the “highest branch of the high cedar”. Jesus is the best “young twig”, the “tender one” who Yahweh will plant and raise for Himself.
“Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man [the branch] whom thou made strong for thyself” Psa.80:15,17.
“the tender one” takes to Isa.53:1-2 ”for he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground”. When it came to guile and pride, Jesus was a “tender plant”, untouched by the ways of men. Morally, he was “holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners”. He stands as our model to follow.
There is a subtle but significant change in the text; in v.8, of Zedekiah He said, “he might bring forth branches, fruit and a goodly vine”. In vv.22-23 God says that “I shall” achieve My will.
This promise is repeated in Ezek.21:25 And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, Zedekiah, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end, 26Thus saith The Lord Yahweh; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. 27I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him.
The phrase, “in the mountain of the height of Israel” reminds us of the kingdom's glory that is described in Isa.2:2. Jesus Christ is going to reign forever in Mount Zion with his brothers and sisters. This is the hope that we celebrate as we break bread and the drink wine and wait for him.
Jesus will “be a goodly cedar” Jesus Christ is both a great mountain and a majestic tree that protects and feeds all living. The cedar tree symbolizes immortal righteousness - and is the “sure mercies of David” to us. It reminds us of Dan.2:44 and Dan.4:10-17 because the king who will rule over the kingdom of men is Jesus the glorified Son of God.
“all fowl of every wing” The victory of Jesus Christ's life, his resurrection and return to earth makes him greater than both these “great eagles”. The mightiest of kings come and go - even “the head of gold”, but Jesus Christ endures forever.
Jesus has made a covenant with us by sacrifice: he gave his body and blood for us. We are sanctified and accepted because he “put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” and purchased us with his blood and obedience.
We have a far better covenant than the one Zedekiah made with Nebuchadnezzar because that covenant lasted only as long as they lived. And if that covenant, a man's covenant, was enforced by death; then Jesus Christ's covenant, which is founded on his sacrifice forever, is far more binding and eternal.
24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I Yahweh have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I Yahweh have spoken and have done it.
We are “trees of the field” and we know what great things God and His Son have done for us. He has made us fruitful in Christ. We know that the covenant, God's oath and our vows are binding for life. We have accepted Yahweh's invitation to share His covenant and His blessings.
Let us now share the bread and wine of his peace offering and live as ”dry trees that now flourish” because Yahweh has spoken to us, invited us and done His good pleasure in our lives. Best of all, let us commit to keep his covenant by eating “the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth”.
Carl Hinton [Bedford (United Kingdom)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Carl
YOU ARE THE VINE
God told a parable about his people. They were described as a vine planted by abundant waters whose roots stretched out away from the waters of life to the barrenness of other saviours, and who would never bring forth any fruit. If God were to come into our homes or churches and tell a parable about us as a vine, what sort of parable would He tell?
There are three parts to a vine: The roots, the branches, and the fruit.
The roots need to stretch toward the water. The water we need is the word of God. Do we reach for the word of God and drink it in as if we were dying of thirst?
The branches and leaves need to be growing strong and showing signs of life. Are we active? Are we worshipping, praising, and having fellowship with each other around Christ as our main support?
And lastly, we need to be growing fruit. No matter how green the leaves and branches, or how much Bible knowledge we have, the vine must produce fruit. The fruit we are looking for are changes that bring us closer to God in our individual lives, more people hearing and accepting God's word, and lives changed from sin.
What short of parable would He tell about us?
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Robert
TWO EAGLES AND YOU
In a parable that tells us details about the loyalties and consequences of the kings and princes of Judah, there is an interesting picture that we need to take to ourselves.
The parable goes like this: A great eagle planted a seed in a fertile place and it grew to become a vine with branches and boughs. But then another eagle came along and instead of the vine being loyal to the first eagle that had given it everything it needed for a fruitful life, the vine turned its roots and branches to the second eagle. It is a strange picture but it seems that the first eagle represented Babylon, the seed and vine represented the king and people of Judah, and the second eagle represented Egypt. In his anger, the first eagle took out his wrath on Judah by completely destroying it.
We can put ourselves in the parable too, but in our case the first eagle is God. He has given us everything we need to live fruitful and fulfilling lives for him. In fact, all we have and all we are is only because of him. But when our interests, loyalties, time, resources, love and trust go in a different direction, we turn away from God and our roots and branches end up growing away from him - the source of life.
Let's stay facing God because he is everything to us, has been everything to us, and will be our all. Nothing and nobody else can compete.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Robert
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1. And the word <1697> of the LORD <3068> came unto me, saying <559>(8800),
2. Son <1121> of man <120>, put forth <2330>(8798) a riddle <2420>, and speak <4911>(8798) a parable <4912> unto the house <1004> of Israel <3478>;
3. And say <559>(8804), Thus saith <559>(8804) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>; A great <1419> eagle <5404> with great <1419> wings <3671>, longwinged <83> <750>, full <4392> of feathers <5133>, which had divers colours <7553>, came <935>(8804) unto Lebanon <3844>, and took <3947>(8799) the highest branch <6788> of the cedar <730>:
4. He cropped off <6998>(8804) the top <7218> of his young twigs <3242>, and carried <935>(8686) it into a land <776> of traffick <3667>; he set <7760>(8804) it in a city <5892> of merchants <7402>(8802).
5. He took <3947>(8799) also of the seed <2233> of the land <776>, and planted <5414>(8799) it in a fruitful <2233> field <7704>; he placed <3947>(8804) it by great <7227> waters <4325>, and set <7760>(8804) it as a willow tree <6851>.
6. And it grew <6779>(8799), and became a spreading <5628>(8802) vine <1612> of low <8217> stature <6967>, whose branches <1808> turned <6437>(8800) toward him, and the roots <8328> thereof were under him: so it became a vine <1612>, and brought forth <6213>(8799) branches <905>, and shot <7971>(8762) forth sprigs <6288>.
7. There was also another <259> great <1419> eagle <5404> with great <1419> wings <3671> and many <7227> feathers <5133>: and, behold, this vine <1612> did bend <3719>(8804) her roots <8328> toward him, and shot forth <7971>(8765) her branches <1808> toward him, that he might water <8248>(8687) it by the furrows <6170> of her plantation <4302>.
8. It was planted <8362>(8803) in a good <2896> soil <7704> by great <7227> waters <4325>, that it might bring forth <6213>(8800) branches <6057>, and that it might bear <5375>(8800) fruit <6529>, that it might be a goodly <155> vine <1612>.
9. Say <559>(8798) thou, Thus saith <559>(8804) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>; Shall it prosper <6743>(8799)? shall he not pull up <5423>(8762) the roots <8328> thereof, and cut off <7082>(8779) the fruit <6529> thereof, that it wither <3001>(8804)? it shall wither <3001>(8799) in all the leaves <2964> of her spring <6780>, even without great <1419> power <2220> or many <7227> people <5971> to pluck it up <5375>(8800) by the roots <8328> thereof.
10. Yea, behold, being planted <8362>(8803), shall it prosper <6743>(8799)? shall it not utterly <3001>(8800) wither <3001>(8799), when the east <6921> wind <7307> toucheth <5060>(8800) it? it shall wither <3001>(8799) in the furrows <6170> where it grew <6780>.
11. Moreover the word <1697> of the LORD <3068> came unto me, saying <559>(8800),
12. Say <559>(8798) now to the rebellious <4805> house <1004>, Know <3045>(8804) ye not what these things mean? tell <559>(8798) them, Behold, the king <4428> of Babylon <894> is come <935>(8802) to Jerusalem <3389>, and hath taken <3947>(8799) the king <4428> thereof, and the princes <8269> thereof, and led <935>(8686) them with him to Babylon <894>;
13. And hath taken <3947>(8799) of the king's <4410> seed <2233>, and made <3772>(8799) a covenant <1285> with him, and hath taken <935>(8686) an oath <423> of him: he hath also taken <3947>(8804) the mighty <352> of the land <776>:
14. That the kingdom <4467> might be base <8217>, that it might not lift itself up <5375>(8692), but that by keeping <8104>(8800) of his covenant <1285> it might stand <5975>(8800).
15. But he rebelled <4775>(8799) against him in sending <7971>(8800) his ambassadors <4397> into Egypt <4714>, that they might give <5414>(8800) him horses <5483> and much <7227> people <5971>. Shall he prosper <6743>(8799)? shall he escape <4422>(8735) that doeth <6213>(8802) such things? or shall he break <6565>(8689) the covenant <1285>, and be delivered <4422>(8738)?
16. As I live <2416>, saith <5002>(8803) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>, surely in the place <4725> where the king <4428> dwelleth that made him king <4427>(8688), whose oath <423> he despised <959>(8804), and whose covenant <1285> he brake <6565>(8689), even with him in the midst <8432> of Babylon <894> he shall die <4191>(8799).
17. Neither shall Pharaoh <6547> with his mighty <1419> army <2428> and great <7227> company <6951> make <6213>(8799) for him in the war <4421>, by casting up <8210>(8800) mounts <5550>, and building <1129>(8800) forts <1785>, to cut off <3772>(8687) many <7227> persons <5315>:
18. Seeing he despised <959>(8804) the oath <423> by breaking <6565>(8687) the covenant <1285>, when, lo, he had given <5414>(8804) his hand <3027>, and hath done <6213>(8804) all these things, he shall not escape <4422>(8735).
19. Therefore thus saith <559>(8804) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>; As I live <2416>, surely mine oath <423> that he hath despised <959>(8804), and my covenant <1285> that he hath broken <6331>(8689), even it will I recompense <5414>(8804) upon his own head <7218>.
20. And I will spread <6566>(8804) my net <7568> upon him, and he shall be taken <8610>(8738) in my snare <4686>, and I will bring <935>(8689) him to Babylon <894>, and will plead <8199>(8738) with him there for his trespass <4603>(8804) that he hath trespassed <4604> against me.
21. And all his fugitives <4015> with all his bands <102> shall fall <5307>(8799) by the sword <2719>, and they that remain <7604>(8737) shall be scattered <6566>(8735) toward all winds <7307>: and ye shall know <3045>(8804) that I the LORD <3068> have spoken <1696>(8765) it.
22. Thus saith <559>(8804) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>; I will also take <3947>(8804) of the highest branch <6788> of the high <7311>(8802) cedar <730>, and will set <5414>(8804) it; I will crop off <6998>(8799) from the top <7218> of his young twigs <3127> a tender one <7390>, and will plant <8362>(8804) it upon an high <1364> mountain <2022> and eminent <8524>(8803):
23. In the mountain <2022> of the height <4791> of Israel <3478> will I plant <8362>(8799) it: and it shall bring forth <5375>(8804) boughs <6057>, and bear <6213>(8804) fruit <6529>, and be a goodly <117> cedar <730>: and under it shall dwell <7931>(8804) all fowl <6833> of every wing <3671>; in the shadow <6738> of the branches <1808> thereof shall they dwell <7931>(8799).
24. And all the trees <6086> of the field <7704> shall know <3045>(8804) that I the LORD <3068> have brought down <8213>(8689) the high <1364> tree <6086>, have exalted <1361>(8689) the low <8217> tree <6086>, have dried <3001>(8689) up the green <3892> tree <6086>, and have made the dry <3002> tree <6086> to flourish <6524>(8689): I the LORD <3068> have spoken <1696>(8765) and have done <6213>(8804) it.
Notes that are not verse specific
WILL MANY BE SAVED?
It is interesting to see that when Jesus was asked, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?", Jesus reply was one that did not directly answer the question. Instead of continuing with the train of thought that came from the questioner as they wondered how many people would be saved, Jesus changed the focus from thoughts about others to thoughts about ourselves. If we have ever asked the same question, we still do not know whether one in two, ten or one hundred will be saved, but what we do know is that we have a personal responsibility to make every effort to enter in through the narrow door.
At the time of the kingdom we will be able to rejoice with Jesus over those who are there and saved with us. But for now, rather than looking around us and counting the people who will or won't be saved, we should put all our energies into making sure that we are one of the ones who will be saved. We have our own life to live, our own story to write. No-one else's destiny should be any of our business (apart from encouraging them to chose life). It would be a shame if we spent so much of our energy determining the fate of others that we missed out ourselves.
So let's take to heart the instruction of Jesus and "make every effort to enter in through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able."
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
12:23-24 Jesus’ response to the one who asked whether there were only a few to be saved puts the focus where it ought to be. We should realise that we are in control of our own situation. We have a responsibility to respond to the gospel.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Peter
Who Are Jesus’ Disciples?
We tend to mix with people who are like us. Jesus taught in his parables, and in response to questions, that God does not discriminate between rich and poor. But Jesus also teaches that God has standards. Anyone who wants to follow Jesus must accept the conditions that God sets down for us
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
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1. <1161> There were present <3918>(5713) at <1722> that season <846> <2540> some <5100> that told <518>(5723) him <846> of <4012> the Galilaeans <1057>, whose <3739> blood <129> Pilate <4091> had mingled <3396>(5656) with <3326> their <846> sacrifices <2378>.
2. And <2532> Jesus <2424> answering <611>(5679) said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, Suppose ye <1380>(5719) that <3754> these <3778> Galilaeans <1057> were <1096>(5633) sinners <268> above <3844> all <3956> the Galilaeans <1057>, because <3754> they suffered <3958>(5754) such things <5108>?
3. I tell <3004>(5719) you <5213>, Nay <3780>: but <235>, except <3362> ye repent <3340>(5725), ye shall <622> <0> all <3956> likewise <5615> perish <622>(5698).
4. Or <2228> those <1565> eighteen <1176> <2532> <3638>, upon <1909> whom <3739> the tower <4444> in <1722> Siloam <4611> fell <4098>(5627), and <2532> slew <615>(5656) them <846>, think ye <1380>(5719) that <3754> they <3778> were <1096>(5633) sinners <3781> above <3844> all <3956> men <444> that dwelt <2730>(5723) in <1722> Jerusalem <2419>?
5. I tell <3004>(5719) you <5213>, Nay <3780>: but <235>, except <3362> ye repent <3340>(5725), ye shall <622> <0> all <3956> likewise <3668> perish <622>(5698).
6. He spake <3004>(5707) also <1161> this <5026> parable <3850>; A certain <5100> man had <2192>(5707) a fig tree <4808> planted <5452>(5772) in <1722> his <848> vineyard <290>; and <2532> he came <2064>(5627) and sought <2212>(5723) fruit <2590> thereon <1722> <846>, and <2532> found <2147>(5627) none <3756>.
7. Then <1161> said he <2036>(5627) unto <4314> the dresser of his vineyard <289>, Behold <2400>(5628), these three <5140> years <2094> I come <2064>(5736) seeking <2212>(5723) fruit <2590> on <1722> this <5026> fig tree <4808>, and <2532> find <2147>(5719) none <3756>: cut <1581> <0> it <846> down <1581>(5657); why <2444> <2532> cumbereth <2673>(5719) it <846> the ground <1093>?
8. And <1161> he answering <611>(5679) said <3004>(5719) unto him <846>, Lord <2962>, let <863> <0> it <846> alone <863>(5628) this <5124> year <2094> also <2532>, till <2193> <3755> I shall dig <4626>(5661) about <4012> it <846>, and <2532> dung <906>(5632) <2874> it:
9. And if <2579> <3303> it bear <4160>(5661) fruit <2590>, well: and if not <1490>, then after that <1519> <3195>(5723) thou shalt cut <1581> <0> it <846> down <1581>(5692).
10. And <1161> he was <2258>(5713) teaching <1321>(5723) in <1722> one <3391> of the synagogues <4864> on <1722> the sabbath <4521>.
11. And <2532>, behold <2400>(5628), there was <2258>(5713) a woman <1135> which had <2192>(5723) a spirit <4151> of infirmity <769> eighteen <1176> <2532> <3638> years <2094>, and <2532> was <2258>(5713) bowed together <4794>(5723), and <2532> could <1410>(5740) in <1519> no <3361> wise <3838> lift up <352>(5658) herself.
12. And <1161> when Jesus <2424> saw <1492>(5631) her <846>, he called <4377>(5656) her to him, and <2532> said <2036>(5627) unto her <846>, Woman <1135>, thou art loosed <630>(5769) from thine <4675> infirmity <769>.
13. And <2532> he laid <2007> <0> his hands <5495> on <2007>(5656) her <846>: and <2532> immediately <3916> she was made straight <461>(5681), and <2532> glorified <1392>(5707) God <2316>.
14. And <1161> the ruler of the synagogue <752> answered <611>(5679) with indignation <23>(5723), because <3754> that Jesus <2424> had healed <2323>(5656) on the sabbath <4521> day, and said <3004>(5707) unto the people <3793>, There are <1526>(5748) six <1803> days <2250> in <1722> which <3739> men ought <1163>(5748) to work <2038>(5738): in <1722> them <5025> therefore <3767> come <2064>(5740) and be healed <2323>(5744), and <2532> not <3361> on the sabbath <4521> day <2250>.
15. The Lord <2962> then <3767> answered <611>(5662) him <846>, and <2532> said <2036>(5627), Thou hypocrite <5273>, doth <3089> <0> not <3756> each one <1538> of you <5216> on the sabbath <4521> loose <3089>(5719) his <848> ox <1016> or <2228> his ass <3688> from <575> the stall <5336>, and <2532> lead him away <520>(5631) to watering <4222>(5719)?
16. And <1161> ought <1163>(5713) not <3756> this woman <5026>, being <5607>(5752) a daughter <2364> of Abraham <11>, whom <3739> Satan <4567> hath bound <1210>(5656), lo <2400>(5628), these eighteen <1176> <2532> <3638> years <2094>, be loosed <3089>(5683) from <575> this <5127> bond <1199> on the sabbath <4521> day <2250>?
17. And <2532> when he had said <3004>(5723) these things <5023>, all <3956> his <846> adversaries <480>(5740) were ashamed <2617>(5712): and <2532> all <3956> the people <3793> rejoiced <5463>(5707) for <1909> all <3956> the glorious things <1741> that were done <1096>(5740) by <5259> him <846>.
18. Then <1161> said he <3004>(5707), Unto what <5101> is <2076>(5748) the kingdom <932> of God <2316> like <3664>? and <2532> whereunto <5101> shall I resemble <3666>(5692) it <846>?
19. It is <2076>(5748) like <3664> a grain <2848> of mustard seed <4615>, which <3739> a man <444> took <2983>(5631), and cast <906>(5627) into <1519> his <1438> garden <2779>; and <2532> it grew <837>(5656), and <2532> waxed <1096>(5633) <1519> a great <3173> tree <1186>; and <2532> the fowls <4071> of the air <3772> lodged <2681>(5656) in <1722> the branches <2798> of it <846>.
20. And <2532> again <3825> he said <2036>(5627), Whereunto <5101> shall I liken <3666>(5692) the kingdom <932> of God <2316>?
21. It is <2076>(5748) like <3664> leaven <2219>, which <3739> a woman <1135> took <2983>(5631) and hid <1470>(5656) in <1519> three <5140> measures <4568> of meal <224>, till <2193> the whole <3650> was leavened <2220>(5681).
22. And <2532> he went <1279>(5711) through <2596> the cities <4172> and <2532> villages <2968>, teaching <1321>(5723), and <2532> journeying <4160>(5734) <4197> toward <1519> Jerusalem <2419>.
23. Then <1161> said <2036>(5627) one <5100> unto <4314> him <846>, Lord <2962>, are there few <1487> <3641> that be saved <4982>(5746)? And <1161> he said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>,
24. Strive <75>(5737) to enter in <1525>(5629) at <1223> the strait <4728> gate <4439>: for <3754> many <4183>, I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, will seek <2212>(5692) to enter in <1525>(5629), and <2532> shall <2480> <0> not <3756> be able <2480>(5692).
25. When once <575> <3739> <302> the master of the house <3617> is risen up <1453>(5686), and <2532> hath shut <608>(5661) to the door <2374>, and <2532> ye begin <756>(5672) to stand <2476>(5760) without <1854>, and <2532> to knock <2925>(5721) at the door <2374>, saying <3004>(5723), Lord <2962>, Lord <2962>, open <455>(5657) unto us <2254>; and <2532> he shall answer <611>(5679) and say <2046>(5692) unto you <5213>, I know <1492>(5758) you <5209> not <3756> whence <4159> ye are <2075>(5748):
26. Then <5119> shall ye begin <756>(5698) to say <3004>(5721), We have eaten <5315>(5627) and <2532> drunk <4095>(5627) in thy <4675> presence <1799>, and <2532> thou hast taught <1321>(5656) in <1722> our <2257> streets <4113>.
27. But <2532> he shall say <2046>(5692), I tell <3004>(5719) you <5213>, I know <1492>(5758) you <5209> not <3756> whence <4159> ye are <2075>(5748); depart <868>(5628) from <575> me <1700>, all <3956> ye workers <2040> of iniquity <93>.
28. There <1563> shall be <2071>(5704) weeping <2805> and <2532> gnashing <1030> of teeth <3599>, when <3752> ye shall see <3700>(5667) Abraham <11>, and <2532> Isaac <2464>, and <2532> Jacob <2384>, and <2532> all <3956> the prophets <4396>, in <1722> the kingdom <932> of God <2316>, and <1161> you <5209> yourselves thrust <1544>(5746) out <1854>.
29. And <2532> they shall come <2240>(5692) from <575> the east <395>, and <2532> from the west <1424>, and <2532> from <575> the north <1005>, and <2532> from the south <3558>, and <2532> shall sit down <347>(5701) in <1722> the kingdom <932> of God <2316>.
30. And <2532>, behold <2400>(5628), there are <1526>(5748) last <2078> which <3739> shall be <2071>(5704) first <4413>, and <2532> there are <1526>(5748) first <4413> which <3739> shall be <2071>(5704) last <2078>.
31. The same <1722> <846> day <2250> there came <4334>(5656) certain <5100> of the Pharisees <5330>, saying <3004>(5723) unto him <846>, Get thee out <1831>(5628), and <2532> depart <4198>(5737) hence <1782>: for <3754> Herod <2264> will <2309>(5719) kill <615>(5658) thee <4571>.
32. And <2532> he said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, Go ye <4198>(5679), and tell <2036>(5628) that <5026> fox <258>, Behold <2400>(5628), I cast out <1544>(5719) devils <1140>, and <2532> I do <2005>(5719) cures <2392> to day <4594> and <2532> to morrow <839>, and <2532> the third <5154> day I shall be perfected <5048>(5743).
33. Nevertheless <4133> I <3165> must <1163>(5748) walk <4198>(5738) to day <4594>, and <2532> to morrow <839>, and <2532> the day following <2192>(5746): for <3754> it cannot be <3756> <1735>(5736) that a prophet <4396> perish <622>(5641) out of <1854> Jerusalem <2419>.
34. O Jerusalem <2419>, Jerusalem <2419>, which <3588> killest <615>(5723) the prophets <4396>, and <2532> stonest <3036>(5723) them that are sent <649>(5772) unto <4314> thee <848>; how often <4212> would <2309>(5656) I have gathered <1996> <0> thy <4675> children <5043> together <1996>(5658), as <5158> a hen <3733> doth gather her <1438> brood <3555> under <5259> her wings <4420>, and <2532> ye would <2309>(5656) not <3756>!
35. Behold <2400>(5628), your <5216> house <3624> is left <863>(5743) unto you <5213> desolate <2048>: and <1161> verily <281> I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, <3754> Ye shall <1492> <0> not <3364> see <1492>(5632) me <3165>, until <2193> <302> the time come <2240>(5661) when <3753> ye shall say <2036>(5632), Blessed <2127>(5772) is he that cometh <2064>(5740) in <1722> the name <3686> of the Lord <2962>.
1. And <2532> it came to pass <1096>(5633), as <1722> he <846> went <2064>(5629) into <1519> the house <3624> of one <5100> of the chief <758> Pharisees <5330> to eat <5315>(5629) bread <740> on the sabbath <4521> day, that <2532> they watched <2258>(5713) <3906>(5734) him <846>.
2. And <2532>, behold <2400>(5628), there was <2258>(5713) a certain <5100> man <444> before <1715> him <846> which had the dropsy <5203>.
3. And <2532> Jesus <2424> answering <611>(5679) spake <2036>(5627) unto <4314> the lawyers <3544> and <2532> Pharisees <5330>, saying <3004>(5723), Is it <1487> lawful <1832>(5748) to heal <2323>(5721) on the sabbath day <4521>?
4. And <1161> they held their peace <2270>(5656). And <2532> he took <1949>(5637) him, and healed <2390>(5662) him <846>, and <2532> let him go <630>(5656);
5. And <2532> answered <611>(5679) them <4314> <846>, saying <2036>(5627), Which <5101> of you <5216> shall have an ass <3688> or <2228> an ox <1016> fallen <1706>(5695) into <1519> a pit <5421>, and <2532> will <385> <0> not <3756> straightway <2112> pull <385> <0> him <846> out <385>(5692) on <1722> the sabbath <4521> day <2250>?
6. And <2532> they could <2480>(5656) not <3756> answer <470> <0> him <846> again <470>(5677) to <4314> these things <5023>.
7. And <1161> he put forth <3004>(5707) a parable <3850> to <4314> those which were bidden <2564>(5772), when he marked <1907>(5723) how <4459> they chose out <1586>(5710) the chief rooms <4411>; saying <3004>(5723) unto <4314> them <846>,
8. When <3752> thou art bidden <2564>(5686) of <5259> any <5100> man to <1519> a wedding <1062>, sit <2625> <0> not <3361> down <2625>(5686) in <1519> the highest room <4411>; lest <3379> a more honourable man <1784> than thou <4675> be <5600>(5753) bidden <2564>(5772) of <5259> him <846>;
9. And <2532> he that bade <2564>(5660) thee <4571> and <2532> him come <2064>(5631) and say <2046>(5692) to thee <4671>, Give <1325>(5628) this man <5129> place <5117>; and <2532> <5119> thou begin <756>(5672) with <3326> shame <152> to take <2722>(5721) the lowest <2078> room <5117>.
10. But <235> when <3752> thou art bidden <2564>(5686), go <4198>(5679) and sit down <377>(5657) in <1519> the lowest <2078> room <5117>; that <2443> when <3752> he that bade <2564>(5761) thee <4571> cometh <2064>(5632), he may say <2036>(5632) unto thee <4671>, Friend <5384>, go up <4320>(5628) higher <511>: then <5119> shalt thou <4671> have <2071>(5704) worship <1391> in the presence <1799> of them that sit at meat <4873>(5740) with thee <4671>.
11. For <3754> whosoever <3956> exalteth <5312>(5723) himself <1438> shall be abased <5013>(5701); and <2532> he that humbleth <5013>(5723) himself <1438> shall be exalted <5312>(5701).
12. Then <1161> said he <3004>(5707) also <2532> to him that bade <2564>(5761) him <846>, When <3752> thou makest <4160>(5725) a dinner <712> or <2228> a supper <1173>, call <5455>(5720) not <3361> thy <4675> friends <5384>, nor <3366> thy <4675> brethren <80>, neither <3366> thy <4675> kinsmen <4773>, nor <3366> thy rich <4145> neighbours <1069>; lest <3379> they <846> also <2532> bid <479> <0> thee <4571> again <479>(5661), and <2532> a recompence <468> be made <1096>(5638) thee <4671>.
13. But <235> when <3752> thou makest <4160>(5725) a feast <1403>, call <2564>(5720) the poor <4434>, the maimed <376>, the lame <5560>, the blind <5185>:
14. And <2532> thou shalt be <2071>(5704) blessed <3107>; for <3754> they cannot <3756> <2192>(5719) recompense <467>(5629) thee <4671>: for <1063> thou <4671> shalt be recompensed <467>(5701) at <1722> the resurrection <386> of the just <1342>.
15. And <1161> when one <5100> of them that sat at meat with him <4873>(5740) heard <191>(5660) these things <5023>, he said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Blessed <3107> is he <3739> that shall eat <5315>(5695) bread <740> in <1722> the kingdom <932> of God <2316>.
16. Then <1161> said he <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, A certain <5100> man <444> made <4160>(5656) a great <3173> supper <1173>, and <2532> bade <2564>(5656) many <4183>:
17. And <2532> sent <649>(5656) his <848> servant <1401> at supper <1173> time <5610> to say <2036>(5629) to them that were bidden <2564>(5772), Come <2064>(5737); for <3754> all things <3956> are <2076>(5748) now <2235> ready <2092>.
18. And <2532> they all <3956> with <575> one <3391> consent began <756>(5662) to make excuse <3868>(5738). The first <4413> said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, I have bought <59>(5656) a piece of ground <68>, and <2532> I must <2192>(5719) needs <318> go <1831>(5629) and <2532> see <1492>(5629) it <846>: I pray <2065>(5719) thee <4571> have <2192>(5720) me <3165> excused <3868>(5772).
19. And <2532> another <2087> said <2036>(5627), I have bought <59>(5656) five <4002> yoke <2201> of oxen <1016>, and <2532> I go <4198>(5736) to prove <1381>(5658) them <846>: I pray <2065>(5719) thee <4571> have <2192>(5720) me <3165> excused <3868>(5772).
20. And <2532> another <2087> said <2036>(5627), I have married <1060>(5656) a wife <1135>, and <2532> therefore <1223> <5124> I cannot <3756> <1410>(5736) come <2064>(5629).
21. So <2532> that <1565> servant <1401> came <3854>(5637), and shewed <518>(5656) his <848> lord <2962> these things <5023>. Then <5119> the master of the house <3617> being angry <3710>(5685) said <2036>(5627) to his <848> servant <1401>, Go out <1831>(5628) quickly <5030> into <1519> the streets <4113> and <2532> lanes <4505> of the city <4172>, and <2532> bring in <1521>(5628) hither <5602> the poor <4434>, and <2532> the maimed <376>, and <2532> the halt <5560>, and <2532> the blind <5185>.
22. And <2532> the servant <1401> said <2036>(5627), Lord <2962>, it is done <1096>(5754) as <5613> thou hast commanded <2004>(5656), and <2532> yet <2089> there is <2076>(5748) room <5117>.
23. And <2532> the lord <2962> said <2036>(5627) unto <4314> the servant <1401>, Go out <1831>(5628) into <1519> the highways <3598> and <2532> hedges <5418>, and <2532> compel <315>(5657) them to come in <1525>(5629), that <2443> my <3450> house <3624> may be filled <1072>(5686).
24. For <1063> I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, That <3754> none <3762> of those <1565> men <435> which <3588> were bidden <2564>(5772) shall taste <1089>(5695) of my <3450> supper <1173>.
25. And <1161> there went <4848>(5711) great <4183> multitudes <3793> with him <846>: and <2532> he turned <4762>(5651), and said <2036>(5627) unto <4314> them <846>,
26. If any <1536> man come <2064>(5736) to <4314> me <3165>, and <2532> hate <3404>(5719) not <3756> his <1438> father <3962>, and <2532> mother <3384>, and <2532> wife <1135>, and <2532> children <5043>, and <2532> brethren <80>, and <2532> sisters <79>, yea <2089>, and <1161> his own <1438> life <5590> also <2532>, he cannot <3756> <1410>(5736) be <1511>(5750) my <3450> disciple <3101>.
27. And <2532> whosoever <3748> doth <941> <0> not <3756> bear <941>(5719) his <848> cross <4716>, and <2532> come <2064>(5736) after <3694> me <3450>, cannot <3756> <1410>(5736) be <1511>(5750) my <3450> disciple <3101>.
28. For <1063> which <5101> of <1537> you <5216>, intending <2309>(5723) to build <3618>(5658) a tower <4444>, sitteth <2523> <0> not <3780> down <2523>(5660) first <4412>, and counteth <5585>(5719) the cost <1160>, whether <1487> he have <2192>(5719) sufficient to <4314> finish <535> it?
29. Lest <3363> haply <3379>, after he <846> hath laid <5087>(5631) the foundation <2310>, and <2532> is <2480> <0> not <3361> able <2480>(5723) to finish <1615>(5658) it, all <3956> that behold <2334>(5723) it begin <756>(5672) to mock <1702>(5721) him <846>,
30. Saying <3004>(5723), This <3754> <3778> man <444> began <756>(5662) to build <3618>(5721), and <2532> was <2480> <0> not <3756> able <2480>(5656) to finish <1615>(5658).
31. Or <2228> what <5101> king <935>, going <4198>(5740) to make <4820>(5629) war <4171> against <1519> another <2087> king <935>, sitteth <2523> <0> not <3780> down <2523>(5660) first <4412>, and consulteth <1011>(5736) whether <1487> he be <2076>(5748) able <1415> with <1722> ten <1176> thousand <5505> to meet <528>(5658) him that cometh <2064>(5740) against <1909> him <846> with <3326> twenty <1501> thousand <5505>?
32. Or else <1490>, while the other <846> is <5607>(5752) yet <2089> a great way off <4206>, he sendeth <649>(5660) an ambassage <4242>, and desireth <2065>(5719) conditions <4314> of peace <1515>.
33. So <3779> likewise <3767>, whosoever <3956> he be of <1537> you <5216> that <3739> forsaketh <657>(5731) not <3756> all <3956> that he hath <5224>(5723) <1438>, he cannot <3756> <1410>(5736) be <1511>(5750) my <3450> disciple <3101>.
34. Salt <217> is good <2570>: but <1161> if <1437> the salt <217> have lost his savour <3471>(5686), wherewith <1722> <5101> shall it be seasoned <741>(5701)?
35. It is <2076>(5748) neither <3777> fit <2111> for <1519> the land <1093>, nor yet <3777> for <1519> the dunghill <2874>; but men cast <906>(5719) it <846> out <1854>. He that hath <2192>(5723) ears <3775> to hear <191>(5721), let him hear <191>(5720).