Apr 24 2012

Judges 15 – Samson Defeats the Philistines

Samson and the Foxes, miniature (Judges 15:1-8: “Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took torches, and turned the foxes tail to tail, and put one torch in the middle between two tails. When he had set fire to the torches, he released the foxes into the standing grain of the Philistines.”), Oktateuch, Vatopedi monastery, 602, fol. 440r, detail References: Weitzmann: Aus den Bibliotheken des Athos, No. 2 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In verse 4, the Hebrew could denote foxes or jackals. Either way, sending them into the Philistine’s standing and stacked grain with torches tied to their tails was to get double revenge (verses 1-3). When the Philistines came after the “son-in-law of the Timnite,” he allowed himself to be bound to be given over to the Philistines (verses 9-13) knowing he could get free. Not only are the people not ready to battle the Philistines for their freedom, but they are happy to give Samson to their foes in order to appease them.

Samson once again has the spirit of the Lord rush over him, and gets free to reduce the number of Philistines by 1,000, using the jawbone of a donkey (verses 14-15). Correctly giving God the credit for victory (verse 18), Samson then is disrespectful in nearly the same breath. But God grants him his water. He judges Israel during the Philistine rule for 20 years (verse 20).

(Side note: an excellent article on this chapter is at Ferrell’s Travel Blog.)

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

/Robert

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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. For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Apr 23 2012

Judges 14 – Samson’s Marriage

Samson kills a lion with his bare hands

In verses 1-3, Samson decides he must have a Philistine woman he saw for his wife. This was expressly forbidden in Deuteronomy 7:1-3. In verses 8-9. he violates his Nazirite vow (Numbers 26) by touching the lion’s carcass. As for his wedding feast, the Hebrew word in verse 10 is “mishteh” which denotes a feast with much drinking. If Samson participated, such would be another violation of his vow.

Samson right away begins to show disregard not just for his Nazirite vow, but for the will of God in general. Unfortunately, it will not get any better, as we will see in the next two chapters. So why was he chosen even before birth in chapter 13? Why was the spirit of the Lord with him so much of the time, such as when he tore the lion to pieces with his strength (verses 5-6)? Verse 14 gives us the answer – God was going to use him against the Philistines in his own way. This time, the people were not crying out at their plight – at least not yet. They needed someone to stir things up – and to wake them up!

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

/Robert

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image © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Apr 18 2012

Judges 6 – Midian Oppresses Israel

Chapter 6 is the story of Gideon, the reluctant and rather timid judge. This time, the Israelites are overpowered by the Midianites. Verses 3-4 tell us that whenever they planted crops, the Midianites and Amalekites would come and “devour” the land, leaving no sustenance – not even livestock. They hid in caves and were terrified. But this time when they cried out to the Lord, He sent a prophet to rebuke them for their apostasy (verses 7-10). And we soon learn the depths that their apostasy and idol worship have reached are great. It is no wonder the anger of God is burning against them!

Gideon tears down the Baal altars and the
wooden Asherah idols (Judges 6:25-27)

The angel of the Lord then appears to Gideon, the son of Joash the Abiezrite. Abiezer was part of the tribe of Manasseh that settled west of the Jordan River (Joshua 17:1-2). Gideon shows a low opinion of himself in verse 15, but asks for “a sign that it is you who speak with me.” The angel of the Lord gives him one in verse 21, and vanishes. Afterward, the Lord commands him to take his father’s bulls and pull down the altar of Baal that his father has, and the Asherah beside it. The Asherah probably refers to sacred wooden poles erected to worship the goddess Asherah. He was too afraid of his family and the others to do in the daytime, so he took 10 servants and destroyed it by night.

When the men of the town found what he had done the next day, they wanted to kill him. This is a chilling illustration of how low they have gone. But Joash intervenes in verse 31 and tells them that they should let the “powerful ” Baal contend for himself. Gideon, clothed with the spirit of the Lord (verse 34) called out the Abiezrites, sent messengers throughout Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali. But he asks for another sign – the sign of the fleece in verses 36-40 – not once, but twice, clearly knowing he was wrong in testing the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:16). But God lets him have it anyway, maybe from knowing the boy was weak and needed confidence to perform such a great task. The task was for God to save Israel by his hand.

Is he ready now?

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

/Robert

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Apr 16 2012

Judges 3 – The Lord Raises Up Judges

The cycle that is repeated throughout the book of Judges is in full swing. The cycle is:

(1) The people do what is evil in the sight of God (verses 7, 12)

(2) God allows them to be oppressed (verses 8, 12-14)

(3) they cry out to God (verses 9, 15)

(4) God sends a judge to deliver them (verses 9, 15)

(5) There is a period of rest, before the apostasy begins the cycle again.

Illustration to The Holy Bile, Judges, chapter 3. Eglon assassinated by Ehud. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Baal worship referred to in the scripture included a system of sacred prostitutes – “priestesses” of Baal. In this chapter, the first judge was Othniel, who delivered Israel from Cushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia. The second was Ehud, a left-handed man, who hid his sword bound to his right thigh under his clothes (verse 16). He tricked Eglon, the king of Moab into being alone with him and killed him (verses 20-23). Then he led the people to defeat the Moabites. This time, the period of rest lasts 80 years. The third judge is Shamgar, mentioned briefly in verse 31.

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

/Robert

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Mar 22 2012

Numbers 13 – Spies Sent into Canaan

Image via Wikipedia

We take the story of God’s word up now almost half way into the Book of Numbers. The people of Israel left Sinai in chapter 10 and the Lord makes the command for one leader from each of the tribes of their fathers to be sent into the land of Canaan to spy. Notice the reminder in verse 2 that this is the Land that He is giving to the people of Israel. But except for Joshua and Caleb, the spies forget the promise. After 40 days travel through the Negeb (or Negev), Hebron. Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, they bring back a report that the land is indeed good. But their description of the way the land is defended, and indeed the people themselves (verses 32-33) is calculated to persuade the people that taking the land would be impossible.

(Side note: Some background on the Negeb (or Negev) along with a modern photo are provided in this article at Ferrell’s Travel Blog)

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

/Robert

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Mar 19 2012

Exodus 32 – The Golden Calf

Image via Wikipedia

It is hard to believe that these are the people who in Exodus 20:18-19 were so fearful and in awe of the Lord; and that in Exodus 20:23 were explicitly warned not to make idols. Could it be any coincidence that the disaster of Jeroboam I making the two idols was done with him using almost the exact words of verse 4, when he said in 1 Kings 12:28 “Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt”? The golden calf was probably the Egyptian bull “deity” Apis. Sadly, Aaron’s confession to Moses about what they had done is so lame in verses 22-24 – He just threw their gold into the fire, and out comes this calf! Does any of that remind you of Adam in Genesis 3:12, as it does me?

Joshua had been waiting for Moses at his post on the mountain when he remarked to Moses that the noise from the people below sounded like war. Notice that Moses, having been informed by the Lord, asks in verse 26 “Who is on the Lord’s side?” When the sons of Levi come to his side, he orders them to put to death a number of those who did not come at that time – an easy detail to miss with so much happening. In verse 29, he blesses them, saying that they have been ordained for the Lord.

But the Lord is rightfully hot with anger at this “stiff-necked people” and He wants nothing more to do with them. Stephen refers to those who had rejected Jesus in the same way in Acts 7:51, before he is stoned.

(Side note: more information about the Egyptian idol that the calf may have been fashioned after can be found in this Wikipedia article)

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/Robert

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image © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Mar 14 2012

Exodus 19 – Israel at Mount Sinai

Image via Wikipedia

Verses 1-3 tell us how Israel arrives at Sinai to worship the Lord on the mountain as God told Moses they would in Exodus 3:12. Peter refers to verses 5-6 in 1 Peter 2:9-10, as he applies what is said of the Lord’s people here to the church. The instructions to Moses to consecrate the people and to set boundaries they cannot cross (verses 10-13, and 23-24) prepare them for life as it will be when the tabernacle is built. The instructions for abstaining from sexual relations are merely part of the consecration at this time, and should not be construed as more.

As we have learned from other passages, the Lord could manifest Himself in any number of ways that He sees fitting. In this case, the spectacle He creates in verses 16-20 serves to demonstrate that He has been speaking to Moses from the mountain, which is made holy because of His presence – and that the people would do well to listen to Moses.

The sights and sounds – the smoke, fire, and trembling of the mountain (verse 18) bring fear and expectation for the Lord’s people, as though something great was happening here. And indeed it was. The words that the Lord conveyed to Moses would shape the very lives of His people, and things would never be the same as they once were.

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

/Robert

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image via Wikipedia

Mar 13 2012

Exodus 17 – Water from the Rock

The events of this chapter, especially as referred to in verse 7, are referred to in Psalm 95:7-9. The quarreling with Moses about water and the water from the rock are sometimes confused with what occurs in Numbers 20:2-13, wherein the Lord responds to Moses by telling him that he will not lead His people into Canaan. The difference is that here, Moses did as God told him. In Numbers, he disregards the Lord’s instruction, and brings the water forth in the manner that he pleases. Paul is probably alluding to the water from the rock in this chapter in relation to Jesus in 1 Corinthians 10:4.

The people of Israel face their first battle, and it is the Amalekites that attack them. The references to Moses’ hands in verses 9-12 serve as illustrations of at least a couple of things that we can learn from. It is Moses that the Lord is working though to bless the people and guide and protect them. But Moses is just a man, and he grows weary and Aaron and Hur must help hold his hands up with the staff. The Lord is the one with the power and He is delivering them. But I think that we can also be reminded here that when we face difficult situations in our lives, we need to learn to lean on our brethren, and draw strength from them as we grow weary.

In verses 14-16, the Lord’s gives His judgment on the Amalekites and His statement that He “will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven” will indeed come to pass when He is ready to do so. The reason for His harsh judgment is not spelled out completely here, but His displeasure with them is made clear in Deuteronomy 25:17-19.

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

/Robert

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image © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Mar 9 2012

Exodus 13:17 – 14:31 – Pillars of Cloud and Fire / Crossing the Red Sea

Exodus 13

God defines so much for His people in this chapter. The obvious things are the instructions for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which are given in verses 4-10, and in 11-16 the importance of the first-born is made known – a fact that will permeate their fabric now, and in times to come. To consecrate is “to set apart” or make to holy, by giving it to God; and that is exactly what His people will be expected to do, as the first-born of every man and animal of the people of Israel now belong to the Lord (verse 2).

The first-born of man will be redeemed – that is, a lamb will be sacrificed in their place. They are to keep this as a statute from year to year, and tell their sons the story of why it is now so – because the Lord has delivered them with a strong hand. The repetition of the Lord bringing the people out “with a strong hand” echoes the repetition of “I am the Lord”. The point seems clear that the Lord must be given respect, fear, and honor as the Holy one.

“…about six hundred thousand men on foot…”

God did not lead them by the way of the Philistines even though that would be the shortest way (verses 17-18). They were equipped for battle, but the Lord knew they were not ready for war; and He led them through the wilderness to the Red Sea. The Lord knew how nervous, and even frightened so many thousands of people must have been.

They were free now, it’s true. But we tend to forget when reading about this that they were leaving the only home(s) they had ever known – and they were headed into the wilderness, and even the darkness, to a final destination most of them really did not know about. They didn’t even know when they might finally get there – much less, what would happen to them along the way!

We cannot really envision the presence that the Lord made known to His people at this time (verses 21-22), but the references to the pillar of cloud, and by night a pillar of fire, will be repeated elsewhere. How reassuring, and very fitting, it must have been that God Himself – the same one who in His power and might brought all these great plagues on Pharaoh and his people – was now leading their way with a presence that was both magnificent and awe-inspiring!

Joseph’s wish to be buried in Canaan will be done

The future still had to seem uncertain, but God, in His matchless wisdom (and for very good reasons that we can only partly understand), is making it very clear to them in so many ways that He truly is in charge now! Don’t miss the significance of the faith of both Joseph and of Moses in verse 19, as he take takes the bones of Joseph with him, fulfilling Joseph’s charge in (Genesis 50:24-25)!

Exodus 14 – The Crossing

No matter what you might think of the Biblical accuracy of the Cecil B. DeMille classic, it is pretty hard to read this chapter without seeing the face of Charlton Heston in your mind’s eye unless you are so young you just never saw it (hard to believe, but it happens). For a time before CGI was even a dream to anyone, the special effects of its most famous scene are still truly wonderful. And as I read the chapter again even today, I still get caught up in the very real story of what God did here for it is, if nothing else, a really great story! But it is something else. It is God’s word to us. And I wonder sometimes when we read stories in the Bible that may have become very familiar to us all of our lives… if many of us sometimes really still just don’t get it.

Unknown where the crossing took place

Come now, you might say. It’s the account of the crossing of the Red Sea, God delivering His people. I understand that, and probably you do already get what I mean here, but I don’t think all of us do – not always. That is, after all, the point of reading the Bible again and again, isn’t it? If we never learned anything new, what would the point be? Read it once – maybe a second time to refresh the memory – and move on, right? But we learned long ago that reading the Bible is different, didn’t we? We can read the same chapter we read yesterday six months from now and we might learn something totally different.

So what do I personally take away from these 31 verses of the Lord’s word today? Well, there’s the usual stuff, of course. Here is the same Pharaoh and his servants that couldn’t get the people of Israel out of their land fast enough after the last plague. Now that they are gone, they start to wonder “What were we thinking, letting them go!” So they have to go after them. Then there are the people of Israel, who find out they are coming after them. The same people of Israel who saw the power of God throughout the ten plagues. The same people of Israel who have been led through the wilderness and the darkness by the awesome visage of “the angel of God” (verse 19 and Exodus 13:21-22). The same people who now cry out, and even tell Moses that they were better off back in Egypt (verse 12)!

We are so blessed in our lives that sometimes we do not even see the many ways that God continues to bless us each and every day. Then, if we run into a situation that is difficult, and sometimes even seems desperate, we can so easily begin to lose hope when we do not fully trust in the Lord. And in those times, it is easy to listen to others who would have us believe that it truly is hopeless.

We do not have Moses or anyone else to perform wonders before our eyes at God’s command. God knows that He has given us what we need on this earth – through His word. And He will see that we get whatever else we really need until we reach the end, and bring us home to Him if we choose to serve Him.

The lack of faith on the part of the people of Israel in verse 12, after so much reason to have faith in abundance, is sometimes hard to understand. But God fights for them anyway, and…

Well, I don’t want to ruin the rest of the story for you…

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

/Robert

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images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Mar 8 2012

Exodus 11-12 – A Final Plague / Passover and the Exodus!

Chapter 11 opens with the Lord revealing that this next plague will be the last, and that Pharaoh will let them go – and will drive them away. So now, he tells Aaron and Moses, it has come to the time that the people will “plunder” the Egyptians simply by asking their neighbors for silver and gold as the Lord had told Moses in Exodus 3:21-22. Notice that in verse 3 “the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians”. They will be happy to give them their jewelry!

Then, as God instructed, Moses told Pharaoh how (though all of the people of Israel will be spared, so that the distinction the Lord is making is clear) every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die. The passage doesn’t elaborate on Moses walking out from Pharaoh “in hot anger” in verse 8. But it is hard to imagine that Moses had not become fed up with Pharaoh, as well as the suffering that his stubborn sinful defiance of the Lord was bringing on others. And so it is with our own sin – more often than we may realize.

Just as Pharaoh had previously ordered the death of so many of those born to the people of Israel (Exodus 1:16 and Exodus 1:22), that judgment now falls on him and his own people. As the Lord gives Moses and Aaron instructions for the people to avoid the death that will come to the land, He tells them in verse 2 that this month will become the first month of the year. As the events that will take place in this time of their deliverance will redefine their lives, it is only fitting that it will even do so to their calendars!

Note the many similarities in the Lord’s instructions for this first passover (and all those that will follow) to what we know from the New Testament concerning “our passover lamb,” Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7) – the blood, the unleavened bread, the sacrifice each will make of a lamb in their behalf, just to name a few.

Even the command in verse 46 that “you shall not break any of its bones” reminds us of John 19:36 as it points to Psalm 34:20. The blood on the doorposts from the lambs for the plague to “pass over” them will also be a symbol of their obedience, as will their remembrance and observance of the passover for generations to come (verses 24 ff).

As the Lord said would be so, there was a great cry in the land as no house was untouched by death (verse 30); and Pharaoh does indeed hasten their departure in verses 31-32, as do the Egyptian people. The Lord gives them the Passover proclamation in verses 43-49; and 430 years after 70 people of the house of Israel (Jacob) entered Egypt, more 600,000 of them (besides women and children) went out.

The reference to “by their hosts” in verse 51 has military connotations; but it is God who fought the battle for the people of Israel, as we are reminded of the meaning of Jacob’s new name – “God fights” (Genesis 32:28).

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