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Reflections on Joshua 21:1-22:20
Lest we forget, Jacob had one more son. Leah (wearied, offended) had 6 of Jacob's sons and Levi was the third. Upon Levi's birth, Leah again chose the name in reference to her relationship with Jacob. Genesis 29:34b "'Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.' So he was named Levi" (joined/attached). One might imagine that the Hebrew word for Leviathan may be similar, and they would be right. Etymology for Leviathan brings up words such as entwined, twisted, or coiled such as a serpent.
As Levi had joined his older brother in the Shechem slaughter of Genesis 34, Jacob had cursed them in Genesis 49:5-7 "Simeon and Levi are brothers - their swords are weapons of violence. Let me not enter their council, let me not join their assembly, for they have killed men in their anger and hamstrung oxen as they pleased. Cursed be their anger, so fierce, and their fury, so cruel! I will scatter them in Jacob and disperse them in Israel.
Although Gershon was Levi's firstborn; "The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari." Genesis 46:11, Moses and Aaron were from the Kohathite clan and the Aaronites held the High Priestly office. In fact, although the third book of the bible is Leviticus, the entire book dealt with the Aaronites and the Levitical duties of the rest of the tribe were not detailed until the fourth book, Numbers 35:2 states "Command the Israelites to give the Levites towns to live in from the inheritance the Israelites will possess. And give them pasture lands around the towns. Then they will have towns to live in and pasture lands for their cattle, flocks and all their other livestock. This then sets the stage for the dispersion of the Levites in Joshua 21.
The High Priestly office was set in Judah from the very beginning as reflected in Joshua 21:4 and verses 9-19. Reuben the firstborn had been given land east of the Jordan, we see sons 2 and 4 (Simeon and Judah) uniting forces in the southwestern portion of Canaan with Benjamin and the ruling class of the tribe of Levi. Thus, the scepter of Genesis 49:10 is fulfilled (The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his.)
As mentioned previously, Caleb's inheritance of Hebron became a prominent city in Israel being a city of refuge, city of the High Priests, and David's royal city for the first 7 years of his reign. Until the capture of Jerusalem, Hebron gained prominence beyond that of Shiloh and Shechem. Given the double mention of Kiriath-arba in verse 11 and Hebron in verse 13, it is possible that these represented two cities within the Hebron community. However, it is also possible that the writer of Joshua consulted two historical and/or legal documents.
Thirteen cities total within this grouping of what would become the southern Kingdom of Judah were now allotted to the High Priests. From these would come the annals of Judaism leading up to the promised Messiah, the prophesied destruction of 70 AD, and the prophesied coming together of nations in the last days. From this community, religious tendrils would weave into empires and peoples until the end of time as they sought after, and documented their affairs within the Kingdom of God.
I Chronicles 6:1-3 "The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari. The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel. The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar." Kohath had taken pre-eminence among the sons of Levi as Moses and Aaron had received the special calling by God in Exodus. Next in line then from the High Priestly line from Aaron were the remainder of the Kohathites from Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. By lot in Joshua 1, they received cities and pasture lands within the ruling body of the coming Northern Kingdom, the territories of the Ephraimites and their eastern neighbor Dan and the remainder of the tribe of Joseph (stemming from the allotments given to the daughters of Zelophehad.) Most notable of these cities was Shechem of Ephraim where these allotments were taking place. Overall, these territories would eventually be considered Samaritan lands in the time of Jesus, lying between Galilee and Judah.
Following the Kohathite assignments, the descendants of Levi's first son, the Gershonites received their possessions. These received 9 cities within the northernmost 3 tribal territories of eastern Manasseh, Naphtali, and Asher. They also received 4 cities and pasture lands within Issachar, including En-gannim (southernmost and meaning 'garden' or 'the Lord's protection'). As mentioned, the tribal boundaries of Issachar are most in line with the valley of Armageddon, so prevalent in today's end times philosophies.
The descendants of Levi's third son, the Merarites were split with 4 cities with pasture lands being given west of the Jordan in the territory of Zebulun (perhaps Jesus childhood stomping grounds), and the other 8 cities being given east of the Jordan in the territories of Gad and Reuben.
One might imagine that the summary of Joshua 21:43-45 were the wishful musings of a dreamer as there was not peace within the land following Joshua's death as reflected within the first few verses of the next book of Judges. However, as all nations would be blessed through their culture and they had inherited both lands and peoples, they had come into the land and had full opportunity to live at peace with their neighbors. Thus, in fact, the Lord had provided all that He had promised.
Perhaps also, these words are prophetic as the peace among men available within the Kingdom of God shall come to pass. All of His good promises which He has made to Abraham and all the offspring covered in His new covenant have been covered by the conquests of Jesus Christ. His salvation has been made available to all men and all men can have Peace with Him. Certainly, following the 7 years of conquest within his lifetime and the treaty concerning the allotment of lands written at Shechem (of which the Canaanites had not been invited), Joshua was able to live out his days in peace at his home in the hill country of Ephraim. Certainly, His faith could have allowed him to pen these words.
These words of faith were uttered again by Solomon in I Kings 8:56 "Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses." However, as these promises have been interpreted within conquests of lands and people groups throughout history, they have only served to cause conflict and bloodshed through rival nation groups. Considering the Peace to all Men reflected within the new covenant, such conquests and interpretations must necessarily come to an end as all people gather before their Creator as one.
Reflections on Joshua 22:1-20
Crossing Over Joshua 22:1-10
Numbers 32:20-25 "Then Moses said to them,'If you will do this - if you will arm yourselves before the Lord for battle, and if all of you will go armed over the Jordan before the Lord until he has driven his enemies out before him - then when the land is subdued before the Lord, you may return and be free from your obligation to the Lord and to Israel. And this land will be your possession before the Lord.
'But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out. Build cities for your women and children, and pens for your flocks, but do what you have promised.'
The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses, 'We your servants will do as our lord commands. Our children and wives, our flocks and herds will remain here in the cities of Gilead. But your servants, every man armed for battle, will cross over to fight before the Lord, just as our lord says.'"
Ok, Let's switch gears and follow the commander of the new covenant as we His servants arm ourselves to serve within his Kingdom.
John 2:5 "His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.'
Luke 9:35 "A voice came from the cloud, saying, 'This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.'
Luke 5:30-32 "But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, 'Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?
Jesus answered them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'"
Luke 10:32b-37 "when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
'Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?'
The expert in the law replied, 'The one who had mercy on him.'
Jesus told him, 'Go and do likewise.'"
Matthew 28:16-20 "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
Daniel 7:13-14 "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."
Matthew 11:27-30 "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.'"
Romans 12:1-5 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
Joshua 22:2b-4a "you have obeyed me in everything I commanded. For a long time now - to this very day - you have not deserted your brothers but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you. Now that the Lord your God has given your brothers rest as he promised, return to your homes in the land"
Our work is not yet done as our brethren are suffering worldwide. The poor and needy are oppressed in our homes and cities! They are oppressed in our nations and cultures. Mankind stands broken and divided and in need of earthly salvation. There are still multitudes who seek God that we may comfort, befriend, and heal - until that glorious day of the Lord when we shall again shall enter His rest.
John 14:1-3 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. (You) Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
Joshua 22:5 reminds us again that while we are on this earth, we must be focused on His Law "Love God + Love Man" and all the ramifications of that found throughout this scripture of which we are studying.
For the history relating to verses 6-9, see Numbers 31-32 and Joshua 17. Note that only the fighting men of these three tribes crossed to the West of the Jordan seven years before leaving their parents, wives, and children on the east to cultivate the land and subdue their inheritance.
Righteous Hostility Erupts Joshua 22:11-20
Surprisingly, following seven years of conquest with their brothers, the peace in the land was quickly shattered by judgment as brother turned on brother. Verse 11 immediately considers those on the west side of the Jordan to be Israelites while those on the east to be named individually by tribal name - or perhaps even grouped as Gileadites as that was representative of the land. Jacob had run from Laban in Genesis 31 South from Aram across the Euphrates river into the land of Gilead. Ishmaelites from Gilead bought Joseph from his brothers outside of Shechem in Genesis 37. Makir, descendant of Manasseh named a son Gilead beginning the Gileadite clan. These three tribes had built their altar in the Israelite side and passed over into their land of Gilead. As this was seen immediately as dishonor to Jehovah's wishes that the people worship as one, the Israelites prepared to make war upon their brothers, and peace was fleeting.
Such was the history of the early understandings of the law and the experiences of the Israelites. The Purity, Holiness, and Righteousness of the law given by Moses was of paramount importance. Those who held it closest were emboldened by it. The result, too often was very similar to the story of Cain and Abel. In the hands of men, the law became a tool for an exclusive faith. For those who felt distant or separated from that law, there was a jealousy and a disillusionment as the requirements did not gel with real life. Such visions of the law's intent has caused wars and strife among men throughout history. Thankfully, Jesus came and made sense of mankind's misunderstandings. The Jewish word for Peace reflects God's original intent of the Law - that being to restore or to make whole - the very opposite of what well meaning men intended to do that day - and perhaps this.
These people had learned from the words of Moses and the experiences of history. When they dishonored the Lord by joining with the Moabite and Midianite women below Mount Peor in the valley of Shittim, the Lord had brought them back to a place of honor through death and plague. Certainly, the words of Moses held them tightly as the plague was blamed on their sin and unrighteousness. They had learned the importance of Righteousness and Holiness and felt the discipline of the Lord. Their anguish from those hard lessons is still paramount in many of our hearts and minds today as we are reminded of the importance of those virtues even in the disciplines of our own lives.
Their point was valid. The community often suffered for the defilement of a few. Sin left unchecked can defile a nation. And yet, war between brothers does not improve the situation. As the brothers were open to the concerns of brothers, so we today must be willing to consider the concerns of our fellowman and allow ourselves to be called to Holiness and Righteousness as these too are the requirements of God. Peace without righteousness and Holiness does not set mankind right with his maker. And yet, correction of our fellowman takes much greater care than going to war when we realize that God loves the sinner.
Hebrews 1:21-31 "and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' [Deuteronomy 32:35] and again, 'The Lord will judge his people.' [Deuteronomy 32:36; Psalm 135:14] It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
James 5:19-20 "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins."
Proverbs 10:11-13a "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, "
Ephesians 4:15-16 "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
Matthew 18:10-17 "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
If your brother sins [against you], go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'[Deuteronomy 19:15] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."
Just remember, the tax collectors and sinners were followers of Christ. He came to seek and to save the likes of them. Do not write such individuals off as unsaved - the next section of Matthew 18:21-35 condemns the one who does not offer forgiveness and welcome the repentant sinner back into the fold. Don't make repentance a power trip where you hold all the cards or those very cards will be stacked against you by the master dealer!
Reflections on Luke 20:1-26
A Righteous Battle! Luke 20:1-8
Isaiah 5:7 "For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel and the men of Judah His delightful plant. Thus He looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; For righteousness, but behold, a cry of distress."
Isaiah 3:14 "The Lord enters into judgment against the elders and leaders of his people: 'It is you who have ruined my vineyard; the plunder from the poor is in your houses.'"
Jesus knew the cross He was to bear as He ventured toward Jerusalem. The scheming of the Jerusalem church seeking to put an end to His ministry had been in the works long before the triumphal entry. Jesus had healed on the sabbath. He had partied with sinners and tax collectors. His reputation had preceded them and He had made enemies as He refined the Levites with fiery words of judgment and condemnation. For His part, Jesus had fueled that fire, knowing what must take place for the fulfillment of His Father's redemption plan.
It was no surprise then that the leaders of the Jerusalem temple, the religious center of the empire, accosted Jesus routinely during that Holy week, hoping to stem this threat to their religious ideals. They knew the blasphemy they sought. As we study the gospel of John, we will find Jesus often claimed that He and the Father were One! For them, this was outright blasphemy! Certainly, this man who rode into town on a donkey was not the conquering King they all envisioned who would destroy all wickedness in men and reclaim the glory days of David and Solomon! Surely, this was not the man to set all the world right and gather all nations toward Jerusalem in Peace and Glory!
Thus, they sought blasphemy. Yet Jesus knew his time was not yet and sidestepped their trap. In so doing, he again fulfilled scripture. Proverbs 28:10 "He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance." Isaiah 8:14 "and he will be a sanctuary; but for both houses of Israel he will be a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare."
Vine Dresser's Eviction Notice Luke 20:9-18 (see also Mathew 21:33-46, Mark 12:1-12)
Luke 18:7-8 "And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
The question of the parable of the vine dressers carries on the message of discipleship within this Kingdom of God. In answer to the Pharisee's question of Luke 17:20, Christ said the Kingdom was in the midst of you. As we have considered, Jesus then condemned unjust discipleship! He spoke of those who would be called to serve within that Kingdom throughout the rest of Luke 17. We have seen that this calling is while we are yet alive, not some rapture to grab us out of the world, but a calling that sends us into the world - sharing His love, joy, and peace with our neighbors. Luke 18:1-8 condemned the injustice of mankind compared to the justice of God. Luke 18:9-14 condemned our pride in life and our own self-righteousness. Luke 18:15-17 spoke of accepting the weak through the purity and peace of a child. Luke 18:18-30 reminded the disciple of the importance of reaching out to the poor and needy with all that we are and all that we have - pure selflessness. Luke 18:31-34 said it would not be easy to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Luke 18:35-43 exemplified bringing sight to the blind and the light of understanding to those in darkness.
Luke 19:1-10 continued the message of discipleship by claiming the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost - and witnessed his association with the tax collectors and sinners so that all would understand. Luke 19:11-27 judged those who would not bear fruit - which brings us back to today's parable. As Jesus entered the vineyard of Jerusalem in Luke 19:28-40, he immediately met hostility with the tenants. He cried over their coming devastation as reflected in Luke 19:41-44, exemplifying the love He still had for them. And yet, his purpose was not to console, but to cleanse and refine - to prepare the way for the new covenant in His blood which would come to all people. He therefore cleansed the Temple of the sacrificial laws in Luke 19:45-48 as He reiterated the prophecy of Isaiah 56:7 that His Father's house would be a house of prayer for all nations.
Following the question of his authority, He placed the questioners ill at ease before the people in Luke 20:1-8 before giving His answer in Luke 20:9-18. His parable itself turns the question back upon these tenants of His Father's vineyard who had received their lease through the law of Moses. Who indeed has authority over my Father's vineyard? My Father called you to serve within this Kingdom in righteousness and holiness. He made it clear it was not because of your righteousness, but because He was Holy that He called you to be holy to be his light unto His creation. And yet, as He sent prophets to refine that self-righteousness into His-righteousness and Love, they were mistreated and disrespected. Each time, as He sent to harvest the hearts and minds of men, he found his vine dressers were keeping the fruit of His vineyard for themselves and refusing the counsel of his prophets.
So, now, as Jesus spoke to these Levites, His answer to their question of authority was that He held the position of Son and heir. He let them know in the hearing of all people of all time that the Father had sent Him into their world. He let them know that He was aware of their intentions to kill Him. He let them know of their coming punishment and the change coming within the Kingdom their God. And the people said "May this never be!" (vs 16).
Jesus then quoted to them Psalm 118:22 "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;" This stone would not only destroy their previous understandings, but it would shame the self-righteousness of all men from the beginning until the end of time who imagined any righteousness within them apart from their creator. Perhaps with red faces of shame, but more probable of anger, the Levites gnashed their teeth as they felt the judgment of this powerful adversary towards their world and life view and against the very pride and justification they felt before their understanding and view of God.
As He became more and they became less - even within the eyes now of their followers of Jerusalem, they changed their stance and attempted to find fault with Him before their Roman governance. Knowing their people hated the taxman as much as they, they attempted also to dissuade the people. He answered by pointing out the worldliness of money and its appropriate earthly use. He honored those in authority and separated church and state. Love (exemplified by honor) God + Love (exemplified by honor) men.
Further notes on Jesus the cornerstone:
Ephesians 2:19-21 "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord." (Although we may have been given authority over who may be let into this citizenship, we will be judged by our inclusions or exclusions - our ability to forgive according to the justice of our God with which He has forgiven us (see Matthew 18:21-35))
I Peter 2:4-5 "As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (Pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:14)
Coming Restoration through His Redemption Plan (Seeking to Save the Lost and Chosen)
Romans 8:28-35 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?
Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?"
That intercession began on the Cross as Jesus prayed: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:24
Zechariah 10:10 "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son."
Wisdom 5:1-2 "Then shall the just one with great assurance confront [II Thessalonians 1:6] his oppressors who set at nought his labors[Colossians 2:14-15]. Seeing this, they shall be shaken with dreadful fear, and amazed at the unlooked for salvation."
Wisdom 11:13-14 "For when they heard that the cause of their own torments was a benefit to these others, they recognized the Lord. Him who of old had been cast out in exposure they indeed mockingly rejected; but in the end of events, they marveled at him, since their thirst proved unlike that of the just."
Reflections on Psalms 89:1-13
Responsive verse
(verse 1) "I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations."
Lamentations 3:22-23 "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4zw5kZ65w4&feature=related
(verse 2) "I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself."Hebrews 10:12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.
(verse 3) "You said, 'I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant,'" II Samuel 22:51 "He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever."
(verse 4) "I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations."
Isaiah 9:7 "Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."
(verse 5) "The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
Revelation 7:11-12 "All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!"
(verse 6) "For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?"
Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
(verse 7) "In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him."
Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
(verse 8) "O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you."
I Samuel 2:2 "There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God."
(verse 9) "You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them."
Mark 4:41 "They were terrified and asked each other, 'Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!'"
(verse 10) "You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies."
Exodus 15:1b ""I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea."
(verse 11) "The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it."
I Chronicles 29:11 "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all."
(verse 12) "You created the north and the south; Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name."
Proverbs 8:29b-30 "and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence,
(verse 13) "Your arm is endued with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted."
Daniel 12:7 "The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, 'It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.'"
Reflections on Proverbs 13:15-16
(verse 15) As men we have the power to study and grasp an understanding of Wisdom and knowledge in a good way or a bad way. We can attain a knowledge of good and/or evil. By striving after the good, we will find favor with God and man. by striving after evil or folly - or by being lax in study at all, we fall quickly out of that favor. "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52
Job 28:28 "And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord - that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.' "
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (see also Luke 12:31 where righteousness is replaced with justice)
II Chronicles 1:12a "therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor,"
(verse 16) as exemplified by Jesus in Hebrews 5:7-9 "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him"
Isaiah 64:5-6 "You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved?
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."
Romans 11:32-36 "For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? [Isaiah 40:13] Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? [Job 41:11]
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Amen!
Rick
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