Jul 3 2013

Ecclesiastes 3 – A Time For Everything

There is no doubt that the Book of Ecclesiastes is one of the most poetically ageless of the Bible’s books of wisdom. Beyond the countless verses that are still quoted today, we also have the song “Turn! Turn! Turn!” written by Pete Seeger and made popular by the Byrds, quoting from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. The book, we see here and again, has much to say about life, death, the joys that work brings to us (as well as its irritations), and reverence for God.

Pete Seeger (right), nearly 89, with his longtime friend the writer/musician Ed Renehan on March 7, 2008. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

These eight verses contain statements of opposites, all of which are simple mini-proverbs in their own right, but all teaching the same conclusive truth. All that becomes of man while “under the sun” is out of his control. Birth, death, emotions, gain, loss, wealth, poverty, love, hate. We do all that we can do make sure that we get the best possible outcome for our own well-being, but despite all of it, in the end everything depends on God’s will; and it is all out of our hands.

Consider verses 9-11 (which is the source for a beautiful hymn): “what gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” Though God has blessed man immensely, he put a longing for eternity in his heart, and even great wisdom is useless when it comes to matters of life, death, and the hereafter. These are beyond man’s control and even his own real understanding; and that fact frustrates the evil man just as much as it frustrated the incredibly wise Solomon.

Then verses 12-13: “I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.” Of all his wisdom, this may be one of the wisest things we get from Solomon. Be joyful and do good all of your life. Eat, drink, and take pleasure in your work. These are God’s gifts to man. Since we cannot really control life “under the sun,” we should make the best of these and all of the other things that we know we must do. Be joyful and take pleasure in them all; and while we do so, do the most important thing – do good to others. For the joy that will give us is from God as well. The righteous will end up dust just like the wicked, and just like the beasts. But doing good for our fellow man, and taking pleasure in our work “under the sun” is God’s gift while we wait for that which we truly long for – eternity.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog. All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility. When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.

Jul 2 2013

Ecclesiastes 2 – Vanity of Self-Indulgence

Solomon was one of the wealthiest of the ancient kings. Part of his wealth came from a fleet of ships that traded in ivory; gold, and other valuables (1 Kings 9:26-28)

Still trying to satisfy his insatiable craving for knowledge, answers, and that which he cannot know, Solomon turns to pleasure; and he has the great wealth to do so with a vengeance. One of the richest men alive at the time, the king had collected gold and silver in great quantities. He says that he denied himself nothing – whatever he wanted, he came to possess it. He indulged himself with wine for distraction, but says that he kept his wisdom. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3). He built great structures and houses, planted vineyards for himself. obtained large herds and flocks of livestock. And with his wealth, he acquired many slaves. None of the possessions nor the pleasures did more than temporarily amuse him because none of them possessed the lasting quality he was looking for.

He then realized that even his great wisdom was all for nothing. In the end, he will end up the same as any fool, and no better. Everything that happened to the fool would eventually happen to him as well. Nothing “under the sun” mattered to him. His only hope was that all of the work that he did to build an empire would be passed on to his heirs. Then he realized that he had no assurance that even this would be so. The kingship could be passed on to one that was not of his house, and along with it, all that he himself had worked for. The ultimate irony, he realized, was that the person to whom it went could himself be a fool. All of it, he repeated, was “striving after wind.”

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jul 1 2013

Ecclesiastes 1 – The Words of the Preacher

Jerusalem, Solomon’s quarries

Clearly Solomon, the writer identifies himself as the son of David, king of Israel, and someone who has “acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me.” By also identifying himself as “the preacher” Solomon obviously knows that his words will be used for learning and instruction, and certainly intends them as such. In fact, some have speculated that he may actually have directly addressed an assembly of some sort with some of these teachings.

The same man who wrote many proverbs extolling the value of work and the foolishness of being lazy says in verse 3 “What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?” In fact, many verses here talk about things “under the sun,” which is the key to understanding here. All the work that we accomplish here “under the sun” will one day pass away, unlike the earth, the sun itself, the wind and the sea, all of which remain constant. No matter how grand man’s accomplishments here may be, they will not matter when this life is over.

Even his quest for wisdom, he says, is “striving after wind” because “in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” What he learned in the end is that there is much that man simply cannot know while “under the sun,” and those truths are the only things that really matter. All else is but vapor…

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jun 30 2013

Summer Schedule – Beginning Ecclesiastes This Week!

English: Ecclesiastes, (קֹהֶלֶת, Kohelet, &quo...

English: Ecclesiastes, (קֹהֶלֶת, Kohelet, “son of David, and king in Jerusalem” alias Solomon, Wood engraving (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For the next four weeks, we will be taking a break from our regular schedule for this year, as we begin the Book of Ecclesiastes tomorrow. We will continue through all 12 chapters, and then read the 8 chapters of Song of Solomon. It will surely be a blessed month in God’s word!

The English title for the Book of Ecclesiastes comes from the Latin Vulgate heading “Libre Ecclesiastes.” The word that we derive it from comes from the Greek translation for the title the writer gives himself in Ecclesiastes 1:1. The Greek word is “ekklēsiastēs.” The Hebrew is “Qoheleth,” and the general consensus is that it denotes something akin to “one who addresses an assembly.” But it is more often translated as a teacher or preacher, as in the ESV of the text. There is some disagreement on whether Solomon is himself the author, but considering all of the factors (not the least of which is the reference to the preacher as the son of David, a king, and wise), it seems very unlikely that it was someone else.

This book is viewed so differently by different scholars, one might think that they are all reading different books. Some see it as optimistic, some pessimistic, poetic, sacrilegious, a book of wisdom, a dialog between a believer and an infidel, and on and on. The best observances we have gleaned from it is that the writer is acutely aware of the consequences of “the fall” and the resulting condition of man, and that of creation itself. But more than that, he has learned great gratitude for the blessed gifts God has given us, his saving grace, and why man has the duty and, more importantly, the genuine need to love, serve, and fear Him all at the same time.

The word vanity is used 38 times in this book in many different contexts, which some say makes it very difficult to translate. Literally the word most closely aligns with “vapor,” which makes perfect sense when one uses it in practically any of those contexts, where vapor would easily be seen as something without substance, fleeting – evaporating into meaninglessness. It is interesting to note that the word used in the Septuagint is the same word Paul used in Romans 8:20-23, when he speaks of the whole creation being “subjected to futility.”

Many believe that Solomon wrote these words in his later years, and that the book strongly indicates that he had repented for his idolatry. This blogger, for one, genuinely hopes that is the case.

/Bob’s boy

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image © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jun 28 2013

Psalms 96 – The Splendor of Holiness

Psalm 96 is part of David’s “Song of Thanks” to the Lord, which he had Asaph and his brothers sing after the arrival of the Ark in Jerusalem. The psalm is found virtually word for word in 1 Chronicles 16:23-33. The rest of that song, in verses 8-22 is taken from Psalms 105 and 106.

Like the previous psalm, this one urges praise to the Lord in song, and does so three times in the first two verses. The notable theme throughout the psalm is its inclusion of all nations – all people – in praising and making offerings to the one true God. The entirety of the nations, all the people of the world, are included 9 times in these 13 verses as belonging to, and ruled by, the Creator of the world. The Gentiles and all people are called on to worship “in the splendor of holiness” the God, who unlike their “worthless idols,” will judge the world in righteousness and according to His faithfulness.

It is a testimony to the fact that is illustrated throughout the Bible that God’s people were given custodial responsibility for God’s word, but all nations were always intended to receive it, and His name would be great in all the world (Malachi 1:11).

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jun 27 2013

Job 24 – Against the Light

There is a lot of confusion, debate, and disagreement about some of the text of chapter 24. Much of the verbiage in verse 18 and following seems so counter to what Job has been arguing that some translations insert an “implied” beginning to verse 18 of the words “you say.” This actually seems right to the flow of the text upon careful reflection. In any event, the complaining point Job begins the chapter with is one of wonder at why God does not punish the wicked in judgment for their deeds now – for all the world to see.

He then lists the more despicable acts that the wicked regularly commit with impunity, making the point that swift justice against them is certainly warranted. Then in verses 18-20, Job states the viewpoint of the way things work against the wicked that his friends have expressed. Yet he returns to a condemnation of the acts of the wicked in verse 21, followed by the somewhat startling observation that it appears that God actually prolongs their lives, gives them security, and even helps them to “rise up” at times when they are in despair of life.

It is the opinion of this blogger that the meat of Job’s viewpoint lies in verse 24, where he makes the case that the wicked are often exalted for a while in this life, but when they are gone, that is when they are “brought low and gathered up like all others;they are cut off like the heads of grain.”

Job is certain of his position and flatly challenges his friends to refute him in verse 25: “If it is not so, who will prove me a liar and show that there is nothing in what I say?”

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jun 26 2013

Psalms 80, 120 – In My Distress I Called

Thought to have been written during the time of captivity, the community lament of Psalm 80 makes pleas to the “Shepherd of Israel” to come and save them. Verse 2’s mention of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh serves to include the whole of Israel. Ephraim and Manasseh represent the northern kingdom, while the tribe of Benjamin remained with Judah after the division. The phrase “let your face shine” in verses 3 and 7 remind of Aaron’s blessing in Numbers 6:24-25. The psalm speaks of Israel as a vine, a metaphor that the Scriptures use often (Isaiah 5:1-3, Jeremiah 2:21, Jeremiah 12:10, Ezekiel 17:6). Then in John 15:1-5, Jesus speaks of Himself as the true vine.

Ruins of the southern wall of the ancient Temple of Jerusalem which date from Herod’s time.

Psalm 120 is the first of 15 psalms with the superscription “a song of ascents” (Psalms 120-134). They are a widely varied collection of psalms, ranging from laments to thanksgiving psalms to royal psalms. We are unsure what is the significance of the word, although many say that these were songs that were sung on “the steps,” which is one meaning for the word.

The best guess we have read is that they were songs that were sung during pilgrimage to the various feasts of the year, which would indicate the “ascent” to Jerusalem for worship. Still, the most interesting view is the belief of some Jews that there are 15 of them because there were 15 steps from the “Court of the Women” to the “Court of the Men” in the Temple.

This one is an individual lament from someone who has been living among ungodly people who are hostile to him. In verse 5, Meschech and Kedar are thought by most to represent places of barbarians. Meshech was in Asia Minor near the Black Sea, and Kedar was in the Syrian desert to the south of Damascus.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jun 25 2013

Proverbs 11:14 – Guidance

Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety

Everyone at some time in their life needs guidance from others. When we are children, we need the guidance of our parents, of course (though we often begin to think otherwise as teenagers). It is often desirable to obtain the guidance of counselors at school or the guidance for planning our education that can be provided at college. We often seek guidance from professionals who are experts in various fields, such as financial planners, attorneys, and accountants. And sometimes we merely need the advice of a trusted friend.

Ephesus, in modern Turkey, is the best-preserved classical city on the Mediterranean, and one of the best places in the world to get the feeling for what life was like for early Christians in Roman times.

God, in His wisdom, has always known what is best for us; and He certainly knows the value that other people with experience in different matters bring to our lives when we need them. Though not the only reason, this is one good reason that God’s word is so full of admonishment about the commandments to listen to the elders of our congregation – those whose job it is to “shepherd the flock” (1 Peter 5:2).

The scriptures list some specific qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 that those who are to serve as elders should have. Many of these qualifications have to do with how he is thought of by others in the community, which is not surprising, since one’s reputation is most often a product of his behavior. The result of experience combined with admirable behavior is the sort of wisdom that God’s word teaches throughout the Book of Proverbs.

The leadership of our shepherds is one that comes with an awesome responsibility, for they will be held accountable for their failure to lead the flock in a manner that is responsible in the Lord’s eyes. They must constantly be on guard to ensure the scriptural teaching of God’s word, and for seeing to the spiritual well-being of His sheep. Paul considered this responsibility so great that he summoned the Ephesian elders to meet with him over many miles journey as he bid them farewell in Acts 20:18-35.

It is absolutely true that many small but strong congregations function well without the benefit of qualified elders. But where there are sufficient numbers in a congregation that qualified men are available to serve, it is imperative that such men are carefully chosen so that the souls of the local people are well nurtured and protected from false teaching which may lead to apostasy.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jun 24 2013

Psalm 95 – Make a Joyful Noise

Psalms 95 – 100 are six of the psalms from Book 4 that eloquently express the divine kingship of God, and almost all of them urge praise to him in song – the phrase “make a joyful noise” is repeated in some of them. It is a call to worship that is still appropriate for churches today, and that phrase is used over and over in hymns and religious themes for worship. This psalm is a celebration of God most high as Creator and God over all. It is He who owns the mountains, the depths of the Earth, as well as the sea. The song calls upon the people to bow down and submit to the Maker, as the sheep of His pasture.

But the psalm is also a reminder to Israel and even to God’s people today of the displeasure of the Lord at disobedience, as it recounts how, barely out of the bondage in Egypt, they tested the Lord at Meribah, so quickly had they forgotten His mighty works on their behalf. The psalm points out that though He spared them, he “loathed that generation” for forty years, and in His anger He swore that they would not enter the promised land. It was a mistake for them, for those in the time this psalm was written, and for people today to think that because judgment does not come now, it will not ever come.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jun 23 2013

Book of Joshua (Part 1) – Into the Promised land

The Book of Joshua begins with God affirming the commission of Joshua as Moses’ successor and instructing him in his duties. Then comes the job of moving an entire nation of people across the Jordan River into Canaan, followed by the actual task of setting about to take the land that has been promised to them.

Crossing into Canaan (Joshua 1-5)

God commissions Joshua, giving him His instructions and charging him with responsibility for His people (Joshua 1).
Joshua sends two spies to survey the land, particularly Jericho (Joshua 2:1). At the house of Rahab, they receive her kindness and she gets a promise from them that she and her family will be saved when the invading force enters (Joshua 2). This is an important event leading to the coming of Christ for two reasons. First, Rahab is directly in the genealogical line of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-5). Secondly, it demonstrates God’s saving grace for others in addition to the Israelites.
The Jordan River is the only flowing body of water in ancient Palestine. It winds its way from the north into the Sea of Galilee, then empties at the southern end of the sea and resumes its serpentine path until it ends completely in the Dead Sea. Although it is only 70 miles from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, the river winds 200 miles. Before it enters the Sea of Galilee, it drops 800 feet, then another 600 feet on its way to the Dead Sea. The Jordan River as it leaves the Sea of Galilee.

The Israelites cross the Jordan into Canaan (Joshua 3-4). The Levitical priests are instructed to carry the Ark of the Covenant 2000 cubits (about 1/2 mile) ahead of everyone else. In a scene most reminiscent of the crossing of the Red Sea, God causes the waters of the Jordan to stand apart and rise, leaving dry ground for first the priests with the ark, and then the people, to cross over. This highly symbolic event was orchestrated by Joshua at God’s instruction to demonstrate to the people visibly the leadership that had now passed from Moses to Joshua.
- Twelve stones (one for each tribe) were gathered from the Jordan and placed as a monument for their descendants to be reminded of this historic event.
God’s people observe the first Passover in Canaan (Joshua 5).
- The sons of Israel (sons of those who had died in the wilderness wandering) are circumcised to prepare for God’s work.
- After first eating the fruit of the promised land, the manna ceased the next day (Joshua 5:10-12).
- Joshua encounters a divine manifestation of the Lord in Joshua 5:13-15.

Taking the Land in Canaan (Part 1- Joshua 6-8)

In the second battle for Ai in Joshua 8, the Israelites tricked the soldiers of Ai, pretending to run away. This drew the soldiers of Ai from the city. A second army of Israel rushed into the city and set it on fire. Then the city was defeated.

After seven days of marching with the Ark, a final blow of the trumpets and a shout by the people brings the walls of Jericho down (Joshua 6:1-21).
- As promised, Joshua saves Rahab and her family (Joshua 6:22-24).
- Joshua proclaims a curse on anyone who rebuilds the city (Joshua 6:26-27), which was fulfilled in 1 Kings 16:34.
Achan’s sin (taking some of the “devoted things” for himself brings about death for about 3,000 in defeat at Ai (Joshua 7).
Renewed by the Lord, Joshua takes 30,000 and sets up an ambush that with the Lord’s aid, leads to the fall of Ai. Joshua builds an altar to the Lord at Mount Ebal, and writes the law of Moses on stones. With half of the nation, the Levitical priests, elders and all on either side of the Ark in front of Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, Joshua blesses them and reads every word of the law (Joshua 8).