God looks into and searches out the ways, deeds, character, of people, in order to adjudge them their lot accordingly, whether joyous or sad is the result. It’s all in the weight of the scales. Some people tempt God by exhibitions of distrust, by impious or wicked conduct, it’s reckless rebellion. Tests from wherever for people, are for the purpose of ascertaining quality. It’s again about purity, which has been reiterated time and time again. God has compassion on us and for us, this is not to be taken lightly. The promises and commands are not to be taken lightly. There must be an element of trust and reverence. There are a few in this weeks reading.

Parashah #46: Ekev (Because) D’Varim 7:12-11:25

Statutes and Ordinances: Dt 7:12-24

There are in this section 7 Mitzvots/Commandments of the 613.

1. #429 Prohibitions Resulting from Historical events Dt 7:21. You are not to be frightened of them, because Adonai your God is there with you, a God great and fearsome.

2. #430 Idolatry and Related Practices Dt 7:25. You are to burn up completely the carved statues of their gods. Don’t be greedy for the silver or gold on them; don’t take it with you, or you will be trapped by it; for it is abhorrent to Adonai your God.

3. #431 Idolatry and Related Practices Dt 7:25. Don’t bring something abhorrent into your house, or you will share in the curse that is on it; instead, you are to detest it completely, loathe it utterly; for it is set apart for destruction.

4. #432 Torah Dt 8:10. So you will eat and be satisfied, and you will bless Adonai your God for the good land he has given you.

5. #433 Social Dt 10:19. Therefore you are to love the foreigner, since you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

6. #434 Relationship to God Dt 10:20.
7. #435 Relationship to God Dt 10:20. You are to fear Adonai your God, serve him, cling to him and swear by his name.

Dt 8:3 A Promise, quoted in Matt 4:4: He ⇒ humbled you, allowing you to become hungry, and then fed you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had ever known, to make you understand that a person does not live on food alone but on everything that comes from the mouth of Adonai.

⇒ humbled ענה anah pronounced aw-naw. A primitive root and verb (possibly rather ident, with <06030> through the idea of looking down or browbeating).

• afflict, force, exercised, sing, Leannoth, troubled, weakened, stoop, to be depressed, be downcast.

Leannoth is a Hebrew term found in the superscription (title) of Ps 88:1 as part of the phrase Mahalath ⇒ Leannoth. Scholars believe it derives from a root meaning “to answer,” “to sing in response,” or “to afflict/humble,” pointing to a musical or liturgical direction. (Ps 88:1 A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician  upon Mahalath ⇒ Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. (For the leader. Set to Sickness that causes suffering). The title “Mahalath Leannoth” may be rendered “concerning sickness, to be sung” i.e., perhaps, to be sung in sickness.

Dt 9:23 rebelled מרה marah pronounced maw-raw. Meaning: rebellious, provoke, disobedient, against, bitter, changed, disobeyed, grievously, provocation.

• to be contentious, be rebellious, be refractory, be disobedient towards, be rebellious against
• to be disobedient
• towards father
• towards God
• to show rebelliousness, show disobedience, disobey.

Dt 10:6 Mosera or Moseroth = “bonds”, a place near Mount Hor (Num 33:30, 31). Aaron’s burial place (Num 20:22; 21:4; 33:37).

Dt 10:7 Gudgodah = “the slashing place” (in the sense of cutting);

Dt 10:7 Jotbath = “pleasantness”

Dt 10:22 Tab’erah תבערה pronounced tab-ay-raw = “burning”. A place in the wilderness of Paran. The pillar of cloud and light is still present. They have been camped at Sinai 325 days. The cloud rises and directs them first to Taverah in the Wilderness of Paran where many complain and are consumed by fire. Hence the meaning “burning” (Num 9-10).

Dt 6:16; 10:22 Massah מסה Maccah pronounced mas-saw = “temptation”. The place in the wilderness where the Israelites tested Jehovah. Also ‘Meribah’.

Dt 10:22 Kivroth-Hattaavah קברות התאוה Qibrowth hat-Ta’avah pronounced kib-roth hat-tah-av-aw = “graves of lust”. A station of Israel in the wilderness 3 campsites away from Sinai near the gulf of Akabah. Here the people murmured about their food, and quail were sent and they ate of them until thousands of people died of gluttony. It has been just a year since the quail came over the first time. Hence the meaning “graves of lust” (Num 11).

Dt 10:23 Kadesh-Barnea קדשׁ ברנע Qadesh Barnea pronounced  kaw-dashe bar-nay- ah. A derivative of meaning desert of a fugitive; meaning = “holy”. A city in the extreme south of Judah, same as ‘Kedesh’ and ‘Kadesh’. Israel wandered about various parts for 38 years. Spies were sent into Canaan and preceeded as far as Hebron, (Valley of Eshicol. Korah instituted a rebellion Aaron’s rod budded and Miriam died (Num 12-19)).

Dt 11:24 Euphrates = “fruitfulness”.

Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 49:14-51:3

Isaiah 49:15 Compassion רחם racham pronounced raw-kham. Meaning to do with: mercy, pity, love, merciful, Ruhamah, surely.

Ruhamah is a Hebrew name meaning “pitied” or “having obtained mercy”. It appears as a symbolic name in Hosea 2:1 as a sign of God’s restored mercy toward Israel. (Contrasts with Lo-Ruhamah, meaning “not pitied” or “no mercy,” which was given to the prophet’s daughter earlier to show judgment).

• to love, love deeply, have mercy, be compassionate, have tender affection, have compassion
• of God, man
• to be shown compassion, be compassionate

(Gk) ἁγνεία hagneia prounced hag-ni’-ah, purity, sinlessness of life (1 Tim 4:12; 5:2)

1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity”. Is a call to young believers and leaders to earn respect through their actions rather than their age.

1 Timothy 5:2 instructs believers to treat older women as mothers (Respect: Honoring older women with the same care given to a mother) and younger women as sisters with absolute purity (with moral cleanliness and platonic respect).

Mattityahu (Matthew) 4:1-11

4:1 Wilderness ἔρημος eremos pronounced er’-ay-mos. Meaning to do with: solitary, lonely, desolate, uninhabited.

• used of places
• a desert, wilderness
• deserted places, lonely regions
• an uncultivated region fit for pasturage
• used of persons
• deserted by others
• deprived of the aid and protection of others, especially of friends, acquaintances, kindred
• bereft
• of a flock deserted by the shepherd
• of a woman neglected by her husband, from whom the husband withholds.

Commands:

Matt 4:4 But he (Yeshua) answered, The Tanakh says, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of ADONAI“. (Dt 8:3) A promise, mentioned above.

The Setting: In the wilderness during his temptation by the Adversary after fasting for forty days and nights.

The Temptation: The Tempter (the Adversary) tells Yeshua to turn stones into bread to prove he is the Son of God.

The Response: Yeshua quotes from the Tanakh (Dt 8:3 a promise, mentioned above), showing that obeying God’s voice and spiritual truth is more important than physical food.

Matt 4:7 Yeshua replied to him, But it also says, “Do not put ADONAI your God to the test” (Dt 6:16) mentioned above.

The Setting: In the wilderness during his temptation by the Adversary after fasting for forty days and nights.

Geographically: (Dt 6:16) Refers to the place where the Israelites tested God’s patience by doubting His presence and provision during their time in the wilderness. Mentioned above, Dt 6:16; 10:22 Massah מסה Maccah pronounced mas-saw = “temptation”. The place in the wilderness where the Israelites tested Jehovah. Also ‘Meribah’.

The Temptation: The Adversary places Yeshua on the high point of the Temple and tells him to jump, quoting scripture to argue that God’s angels will protect him.

The Response: Yeshua responds from the Torah (Dt 6:16), refusing to force a miraculous display of God’s protection. (Dt 6:16) mentioned above.

Matt 4:10 Away with you, Satan! Yeshua told him, For the Tanakh says, “Worship Adonai your God, and serve only him”. (Dt 6:13-14) (verse 13) You are to fear Adonai your God, serve him and swear by his name. (verse 14)  You are not to follow other gods, chosen from the gods of the peoples around you.

Luke 4:1-13

Commands:

Lk 4:4 Yeshua answered him, The Tanakh says, “Man does not live on bread alone”. (Dt 8:3) A promise mentioned above.

The Setting: The wilderness during a forty-day period of testing, right after Yeshua was hungry from fasting.

The Temptation: After forty days of fasting, when Yeshua is hungry and tempted to turn a stone into bread.

Lk 4:8 Yeshua answered him, The Tanakh says, “Worship Adonai your God and serve him only.” (Dt 6:13-14) mentioned above.

The Setting: The wilderness, during the temptation by the Adversary.

Lk 4:12 Yeshua answered him, It also says, “Do not put Adonai your God to the test”. (Dt 6:16) mentioned above.

The Setting: The wilderness during the temptation of Jesus by the Adversary. 

Geographically and The Temptation: The Adversary previously quoted Scripture telling Yeshua to jump from the pinnacle of the Temple. Yeshua responds with (Dt 6:16) to reject testing God.

Promise:

Lk 4:4 Yeshua answered him, The Tanakh says, “Man does not live on bread alone”. (Dt 8:3) A promise mentioned above.

If no one tells you about purity, will you know what it is or who it is or how it can be attained, even if it applies. It’s a daily discipline.

An outline of VAYIKRA (LEVITICUS)

Key theme: The holiness of God “Be holy, for I am holy”. It’s all about purity.

Key verses: (11:44-45)

1. A. HOLY OFFERINGS (1-7)
2. Laws for the worshipers (1:1-6:7)
3. Laws for the priests (6:8-7:38)
4. B. HOLY PRIESTHOOD (8-10; 21-22)
5. Consecration (8-9)
6. Admonition (10)
7. Qualification (21-22)
8. C. A HOLY NATION (11-17)
9. Clean and unclean food (11)
10. Childbirth (12)
11. Diseases and defilement (13-15)
12. The Day of Atonement (16-17)
13. D. A HOLY LAND (18-20, 23-27)
14. Immorality (18)
15. Idolatry (19)
16. Capital offenses (20)
17. Annual feasts (23)
18. Blasphemy (24)
19. Sabbatical Year (25)
20. Blessings and cursings (26-27)

Being Acquainted with Leviticus

1. The Sacrifices and the Messiah (Lev 1-7)
2. A Kingdom of Priests (Lev 8-10)
3. Cleanliness and Godliness (Lev 11-12)
4. The Great Physician (Lev 13-15)
5. Israel’s High and Holy Day (Lev 16)
6. Holiness Is a Practical Thing (Lev 17-20)
7. The Cost of Spiritual Leadership (Lev 21-22)
8. The Calendar That Tells the Future (Lev 23)
9. Holy, Holy, Holy (Lev 24)
10. This Land Is God’s Land (Lev 25)
11. The Word “If” (Lev 26-27) 

The Manual of Sacrifice (Lev 1-7)

1. The Whole Burnt Offering (Lev 1:1-17)
2. The Grain Offering (Lev 2:1-16)
3. The Fellowship Offering (Lev 3:1-17)
4. The Purification Offering (Lev 4:1-5:13)
5. The Guilt Offering (Lev 5:14-6:7)
6. Instructions for the Administration of Offerings (Lev 6:8-7:38)

Historical Narrative (Lev 8-10)

7. The Ordination of the Priests (Lev 8:1-36)
8. The Inauguration of Sacrificial Worship (Lev 9:1-24)
9. The Unfortunate Incident of Nadab and Abihu (Lev 10:1-20) 

The Manual of Purity (Lev 11-16)

10. Clean and Unclean Animals (Lev 11:1-47)
11. Uncleanness at Childbirth (Lev 12:1-8)
12. Skin Diseases and Contamination in Clothing (Lev 13:1-59)
13. Purification from Contamination (Lev 14:1-32)
14. Contamination in Buildings (Lev 4:33-57)
15. Bodily Discharges (Lev 15:1-33)
16. The Day of Atonement (Lev 16:1-34) 

The Holiness Code (Lev 17-27)

17. Slaughter and Sacrifice (Lev 17:1-16)
18. Sexual Relations (Lev 18:1-30)
19. Instructions in Worship and Ethics (Lev 19:1-37)
20. Penalties for Offenses (Lev 20:1-27)
21. Priests and Offerings (Lev 21:1-22:33)
22. The Festival Calendar (Lev 23:1-44)
23. Daily Worship (Lev 24:1-9)
24. Blasphemy: An Incident and Instruction (Lev 24:10-23)
25. The Sabbath and Jubilee (Lev 25:1-55)
26. Blessings and Curses (Lev 26:1-46)
27. Redemption and Vows (Lev 27:1-34)

Learning from Leviticus (A Summary) Responsibilities of the Bride and Groom fulfilled in D’Varim.

The fact that God devoted an entire book of the Bible to the subject of holiness would indicate that it’s an important subject, one that we dare not ignore. There were many fascinating details in this book, but the main lessons stand out clearly. Let’s summarize a few of these lessons and make some practical applications to our life today.

Our God is a Holy God

Whenever we minimize the holiness of God, we’re in danger of minimizing human sinfulness, and the combination of these two errors results in the minimizing of the Messiah Yeshua. If we want to preach the Gospel, we must have a holy God who abhors sin and has done something about it at great cost. It’s because God is holy, as well as loving, that the atonement is provided.

God’s holiness means His completeness “apartness” from anything that is sinful. God is different from that which is common; God is separate from that which is defiling. But God’s holiness isn’t a static thing. Gods holiness is dynamic (active and alive), a “sea of glass mingled with fire” (Rev 15:2). Everything about God is holy: wisdom, power, judgments, and even love. If His love were not a holy love, He would never have met the just demands of His own nature and His own holy law.

People today have lost the awesome sense of the holiness of God. Why?

Emphasize on holiness is diminishing. Scripture warns against “scratch people where they itch,” instead of directing them to the holy God, who deserves worship and obedience.

The absence of discipline and low standards of conduct indicates that some people don’t take holiness seriously. Think of the words of James, written to worldly believers: “Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom” (James 4:9 NKJV).

Moses and the elders on Mount Sinai beheld the glory of God. Isaiah in the temple reported when he saw, “the Lord… high and lifted up” (Isa 6:1). Contemplate on sinfulness and God’s holiness, Job, Isaiah, Peter, and John fell on their faces in reverence with godly fear.

God wants His people to be holy

Eight times in Scripture, God said, “Be holy, for I am holy.” Since God’s commandments are God’s enablements, this commandment assures us that it’s possible to live a holy life. What health is to the body, holiness is to the soul; and the Great Physician can give us the spiritual health and wholeness that we need.

God wants His people Israel to be “a holy nation” (Ex 19:6), and this high calling applies to believers today (1 Peter 2:9).

Israel had failed and still fails to be a holy nation and therefore failed to give the witness to the world that God wanted them to apply. Not only did Israel suffer for her sins, but also the pagan world suffered by not seeing in Israel the difference it makes when you belong to a holy God. Some communities emphasizes verbal witness but neglects godly character and conduct, and both are important. Yeshua didn’t say, “Ye are the lips of the world,” but “Ye are the light of the world.” He didn’t say, “Ye are the sermons of the earth,” but “Ye are the salt of the earth.” A holy life dispels darkness and repels decay. (Whatever version of scripture one uses, the basic context still applies.)

Holiness begins at the altar

The Book of Leviticus begins at the altar where innocent sacrifices shed their blood for the guilty. It begins with the description of five sacrifices.

The first step toward holiness is the admission of one’s own sin and the recognition of Messiah and walk in His ways. We need spiritual knowledge, and we ought to resolve to cultivate Holy/Godly habits.

God’s has always had an abhorrence of sin. Unless one learns to detest sin, one may never be able to cultivate holiness.

Believing in God reveals God’s power to conquer sin. The purity of Yeshua cleanses (1 Jn 1:7, 9), and brings nearness to God (Eph 2:13), and purges us from sin (Heb 9:14). By accepting His finished work and the sanctified position in Him (13:12), one take steps toward living a holy life.

Holiness involves obedience and discipline

Besides bringing a sacrifice to the altar and going away knowing that sins had been forgiven was a temporary measure. Worshipers also had to obey the rules and regulations that the Lord gave His people concerning what was clean and what was unclean.

One should heed even investigate the dietary laws, and what they illustrate: There are some things in this world that must not get into our system because God disapproves of them. There is reasoning in not to touch a dead body or pick up a bone, and one must be careful “to keep unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). There are conditions and means if one does, God has covered that aspect. Liberty isn’t license to participate in things that aren’t good.

It isn’t enough to read and study the Bible. One suggests, “keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (1 Jn 3:22). Disciplined obedience is an important part of holy living. It’s important to discuss and debate the Bible, demonstrating its truths in our everyday lives. Listen to God himself and develop an intimate relationship. It is a clarion call.

Walk carefully to keep from being defiled (Eph 5:15). Incorporate God’s standards of holiness into every aspect of daily life: the clothes worn, the food eaten, the things touched, the people with whom one fellowships with. Marriages of husbands and wives: placing their most intimate experiences under the discipline of the Word of God. For everything in life belongs to God.

It’s only when God’s holiness increasingly begins to touch every area of our lives that we can say we’re starting to make progress in being holy.

Holiness must be from God and be genuine

One must be aware of “false zeal.” God disapproved of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, because they brought “false fire” and false zeal into the sanctuary, violating the holy law of God. (See notes in Parashah #36)

One example, today being under the influence of alcohol, Paul’s gives an admonition, “not be drunk with wine but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18).

One must be careful that one’s “fire” is ignited by God’s Spirit from God’s altar and not by the flesh or even demonic forces. Satan is a deceiver, and one must be careful to detect and reject his counterfeits.

Holiness involves priestly mediation

Those not born in the tribe of Levi, was banned from the sacred courts of the tabernacle. He had to come to God by means of the mediation of the priests. Today all of God’s people are priests; but one must come to God through Messiah, our mediating High Priest (1 Peter 2:5).

There can be no growth in holiness apart from fellowship with God. Messiah now carries on the “unfinished work” of our sanctification as He intercedes for us. This is one of the major themes of the Book of Hebrews. He wants to “make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight (Heb 13:21).

God’s people today can respectfully enter into His very presence and fellowship with Him (10:19-22). Through Messiah, we have access to the throne of grace to “obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (4:16). Unless we “take time to be holy” and commune with God, we will never grow in holiness or likeness to Yeshua. Complacency is no excuse.

Lack of holiness affects the land

Some tend to think of sin as an individual activity that affects only the person. Moses made it clear that the sins of the people affected the land God had given them, and that the land would “vomit them out” if they persisted in their rebellion.

Idolatry and sexual immorality are the two sins that God especially singled out as polluting the land. “Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled. The land was defiled; and enveloped consequences, and the land vomited out its inhabitants” (Lev 18:24-25).

Uphold holy standards. Do communities have the authority to impose God’s laws on the pagans of the land? Profess to know God, practice holy standards. When communities become like the world, there is no influence to change the world and/or the land to be a better place. In Genesis there were mandates.

Idolatry and immorality have invaded and become acceptable in today’s society, being approved and promoted. Instead of remorse and repentance bringing people to their knees soulful weeping, harden hearts exhibit a different sort of acceptable recreation.

God’s Judgment begins “at the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17).

Holiness isn’t a private affair

The Old Testament believer was part of a worshiping community; he or she didn’t try to “go it alone.” The priests were the overseers of the spiritual life of the nation; the Levites assisted them; and each member of the nation had a part to play in the ongoing battle against the stain of sin and the world.

One of the dangerous tendencies in communities today is the emphasis on “individual believership,” as though each believer is a ‘Lone Ranger” and doesn’t need anybody else to assist them in their quest for holiness. Of course, we need individual and personal daily devotional times with the Lord, but it mustn’t end there. Everyone needs the help of other believers, and they need us.

The restful Sabbath Day is an opportunity to teach the Word, learn from each other. Each Passover is an opportunity to review God’s mercy toward His people. The Lord’s feasts bring the community together, either to repent or rejoice. When we forsake “the assembling of ourselves together” (Heb. 10:25), we rob ourselves of the blessings God gives to those who are a vital part of a worshiping fellowship.

Holiness glorifies the Lord

Since only God can make a person holy, a godly life is a pinnacle of His grace and a tribute to His power. Instruction, mentoring, and encouragement, reveals not only God, who gets the glory, but people see Messiah reproduced in His character and nature, and it changes lives.

We may not see the changes taking place, but God sees them. The important thing is that we keep measuring ourselves in the standards of God and following Yeshua. Keep yielding ourselves and letting Him be glorified in all that we are and do.

Holiness means living to please God alone

If one is walking alone in the land, and accidentally became unclean, one could do one of two things. Stay outside the camp (community) and take the necessary steps for cleansing, or one could return to the camp do nothing about it and remain defiled. But that person would be toxic and secretly defiling everything and everyone in contact.

Unless one obeyed the regulations given in God’s law and became clean again, that person would be living a lie, doing a great deal of damage and inviting disciplinary action.

One of the principles Yeshua stressed in the Sermon on the Mount is that we live our lives before the eyes of God, to please Him alone, and not before the eyes of people in order to impress them (Matt 6:1-18). There are times when what we do is misunderstood but fully understood and approved by God Most High. In other words, Yeshua wants everybody to concentrate on building character.

“Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Heb 4:13), so it’s futile to try to hide. According to 1 John 1:5-10, once we start lying to others (v 6), we’ll soon start lying to ourselves (v 8); and the result will be trying to lie to God (v 10). This leads to a gradual deterioration of character that brings collapse and shame. We seek to live a holy life, not so that we can be recognized as “holy people,” but in order to please a Holy God. We live before Him openly and sincerely, hiding nothing, fearing nothing. Having reverent fear is the only fear that’s acceptable.

Knowing God and becoming more like Him is the easiest thing in the world because God is for us and gives us all the help we want as we seek to attain the goal. But it’s the hardest thing because almost everything within us and around us fights against us, and we have to exercise a holy determination to run the race with perseverance and keep our eyes on the Lord (Heb 12:1-3). Replace defilement of any sort with holiness, that’s our part.

But it can be done; otherwise, God would never have said eight times in His Word, “Be holy, for I am holy!”

His commandments and promises are of His enablement.

 

Parashah 45: Va’etchanan (I pleaded) D’Varim 3:23-7:11

“Remember you were slaves” before you began to believe in Yeshua and his way of life, nature and character and followed God in what He said. The enemy will test continually what you know (even what you think you know) and how you live. Testing your mind, body, soul and spirit and every circumstance.

Believe in the promises of God and Yeshua. Beware of the corrupted, distorted enemy promises, these come in many different forms and tactics. Daily we decide who we are a slave to, in our mind, will and emotions.

This week we focus on point two, from Parashah 44 reading points, “Remember you were slaves, Dt 5:15”.

This week’s reading has 12 commands of the 613. These come under the categories:

• Loans Business, Treatment of slaves Dt 5:21
• Relationship to God Dt 6:4, 5, 13
• Torah Dt 6:7 (x 2), 8 (x 2), 9
• Blasphemy Dt 6:16. Not tempting God’s promises and warnings. “Do not put ADONAI your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah [testing].
• Prohibitions resulting from historical events Dt 7:2, 3.

Looking for a deeper breakdown see below, there are also other commands and prophecies in this section. A reminder that God’s word does not change. The following is a breakdown with associated cross references.

• Dt 3:23-29. Moshe’s unanswered prayer Verse 28 being a command. Here persistant prayer is a shadow of what Yeshua taught.
• Dt 4:1 Warnings and charges to the new generation Dt 1-43. Five warnings “Hear and obey the law.” (Dt 4:39)
• Dt 4:2-8. Do not add to or take from the law but keep it. (Rev 22:18-19). Verses 2 and 6 are commands.
• Dt 4:9-14 Live diligently by the law and instill it in the children. Verses 9, 10, 14 are commands.
• Dt 4:15 a command, – 22 Live freely from all adultery which is a form of idolatry (Ex 20:14).
• Dt 4:23 a command, 24 Cleave to God; never provoke him to jealousy.
• Dt 4:25–31 (a promise) is the 20fold prophecy of sin, dispersion and conversion in the later days (Dt 30:3). Verse 25, 28 = 7th prophecy fulfilled and being fulfilled. (2 Kgs 17, 25; Ezek 37; Mt 23:26-29; Lk 21:20-24; verses 29-31 will be fulfilled at Isaiah 11:10-12; Zech 12:10-13:1; 14:1-21; Mt 23:39; Rom 11:25-29).
• Dt 4:32–38 Reasons for God’s miracles.
• Dt 4:39–40 Both commands. God’s charge to Israel and conditions of blessing them. (Dt 5:30-33; 6:2; 8:1; 11:8; 30:15).
• Dt 4:41-43 Cities of Refuge (Dt 19:11; Num 35; Josh 20).
• Dt 4:44-49 Mosaic Law taught the new generation (Dt 4:44-7:26) Location of the giving of the law.
• Dt 5:1 a command
• Dt 5:2, 3 Charge to Israel to hear and obey the laws of Sinai. Mosaic covenant not made with man before Moshe.
• Dt 5:4, 5 How the Mosaic covenant was given to Israel.
• Dt 5:6, 7 The ten commandments (Ex 20). Law against polytheism. (Polytheism is the belief in, or worship of, more than one god. Derived from the Greek words poly (“many”) and theos (“god”), it contrasts directly with monotheism (the belief in a single, all-powerful deity). Verses 7-9 are commands.
• Dt 5:8, 9 are commands, 10. Law against idolatry (Ex 20:4-6).
• Dt 5:11 a command. Law against profanity (Ex 20:7)
• Dt 5:12-15 are commands. Law against Shabbat breaking (Ex 20:8)
• Dt 5:16 a command. Law against parental dishonour. (Ex 20:12)
• Dt 5:17 a command. Law against murder. (Ex 20:13; Dt 5:17; Gen 9:6). Wilful murder (Num 35:16-21); Involuntary murder (Num 35:22-29); Inquest for the slain (Dt 21:1-9).
• Dt 5:18 a command. Law against adultery (Ex 20:14)
• Dt 5:19 a command. Law against larceny (Ex 20:15)
• Dt 5:20 a command. Law against perjury (Ex 20:16)
• Dt 5:21 a command. Law against covertness (Ex 20:17)
• Dt 5:22–27 Effect of God’s presence. (Ex 20:18-21)
• Dt 5:30-33 are commands. Long life and possession of Canaan (Dt 4:39)
• Dt 6:1-3, verse 3 a command. Commandment to hear and obey to inherit God’s blessing (Dt 4:39)
• Dt 6:4-5 are commands. The first and great commandment (Mt 22:36; Ex 20:1). Dt 6:4-9 The Shema is relevant, composed of three passages, The first passage has 42 words, name of God, with (Dt 11:13-21 has 72 words encoded with the names of God; Num 15:37-41). Remember what greatest connection to God was asked in the gospel of Mark 12:29, 30.  Genuine connection to God leads to all the connections to the rest. How you love others is also how you love yourself. Meditate on that. Have unity with God, be impregnated with His Word. He is the greatest gift we have. God is one, God is love, He unifies all creation.
• Dt 6:6-9 are commands. Responsibility of parents. (v 20-25; 4:9)
• Dt 6:10-18 verses 12-18 are commands. Warning of backsliding in prosperity of God’s word (Dt 8:10; 9:1). Verse 10 is the 8th prophecy in Dt (6:10-12 fulfilled in the settlement of Canaan, Josh 13:1-21:45).
• Dt 6:20-25 Duties of parents. Verse 21 is a command.
• Dt 7:1-6 Verses 2-5 are commands. Laws of conquest and segregation (Num 31:17; Ex 23:32).
• Dt 7:7-8 Why God chose Israel (Dt 9:1-6; Gen 18:19)
• Dt 7:9-10 God’s character (Dt 10:12-22; 32:3-4).
• Dt 7:11 a command and 9th prophecy in Dt (7:11-24 fulfilled in settlement in Canaan).

From this last dot point to the end of the end of chapter 7, it details the 27 conditional blessings. Taking note that verses 18, 25, and 26 are commands.

Yesha’yahu 40:1-26

This section looks beyond captivities (Chapters 40-66). Consolation with a view of return from captivity (40:1-48:22). Comfort, no sins (Jer 31:31-40; Rom 11:26). Just as we must look beyond our difficult circumstances, there is hope ahead. Isaiah was instructing people to get their eyes off themselves and look by faith to God who loved them and promised to do great things for them. “Be not afraid”. “Behold your God”. God is greater than our circumstances. Look at the faith of Yeshua.

As the remnant in Babylon looked back they saw failure and sin, and they needed encouragement. Four voices are heralded here;

1. The voice of pardon. v 1-2
2. The voice of providence. v 3-5
3. The voice of promise. v 6-8
4. The voice of peace. v 9-11

Verses 40:1, 2, 6, 9 and 26 are commands. 40:1 Comfort, <05162> נחם nacham pronounced naw-kham. Means repent, comforter, ease. In the context of;

1. to be sorry, console oneself, repent of, regret, comfort, be comforted, be moved to pity, have compassion
2. rue, suffer grief
3. to comfort oneself
4. ease oneself
5. be consoled

40:2 speak comfortably <03820> לב leb pronounced labe. From the standpoint of; heart, mind, midst, understanding, hearted, wisdom, comfortably, well, considered, friendly, kindly, stouthearted, care. Expanding;

1. inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding
2. inner part, midst
3. midst (of things)
4. heart (of man)
5. soul, heart (of man)
6. mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
7. inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
8. conscience
9. heart (of moral character)
10. as seat of appetites
11. as seat of emotions and passions
12. as seat of courage

The Duty of Administering comfort can be read in the following (See Ac 16:40); (Isa 40:1; 1 Co 14:3,31; 2 Co 2:7; 1 Th 4:18; 5:11,14).

Now let us take a closer look at each voice mentioned. Again, whose voice does one listen to?

(1) The voice of pardon (v 1-2). The nation had sinned against the Lord, with their idolatry, injustice, immorality, and insensitivity to His messengers (Jer 7). But they were still people, and He loved them. Though He would chasten them, He would not forsake them. “Speak tenderly” means “speak to the heart,” and “warfare” means “severe trials.” “Double”, does not suggest that God’s chastening’s are unfair, for He is merciful even in allowing punishments (Ezra 9:13). God chastened them in an equivalent measure to what they had done (Jer 16:18). We should not sin, but if we do, God is waiting to pardon (1 Jn 1:5-2:2), so long as there follows a repentant heart.

(2) The voice of providence (v 3-5). The Jews returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, and the Lord would go before them to open the way. The picture here is of an ambassador repairing the roads and removing obstacles, preparing the way for the coming of a king. The image of the highway is frequent in Isaiah’s prophecy (read 11:16). Of course, the ultimate fulfillment here is in the ministry of John the Baptister as he prepared the way for the ministry of Yeshua (Mt 3:1-6). Spiritually speaking, Israel was in the wilderness when Yeshua came, but when He came, God’s glory came (Jn 1:14). The way back may not be easy, but if we are trusting God, it will be easier.

(3) The voice of promise (v 6-8). “All flesh is grass!” Assyria was gone, and now Babylon was gone. Like the grass, nations and their leaders fulfill their purposes and then fade away, but the Word of God abides forever (Ps 37:1.2; 90:1-6; 103:15-18; 1 Pet 1:24-25). As they began their long journey home, Israel could depend on God’s promises, and so can we. Perhaps, they were especially claiming (2 Chr 6:36-39).

(4) The voice of peace (v 9-11). Now the nation itself comes out of the valley and climbs the mountaintop to declare God’s victory. To “bring good tidings” means “to preach the Good News.” The good news in that day was the defeat of Babylon and the release of the captive Jews (52:7-9). The Good News today is the defeat of sin and Satan by Yeshua and all who will trust in Him (61:1-3; Luke 4:18,19). God’s arm is a mighty arm for winning the battle (Isa 40:10), but it’s also a loving arm for carrying His weary lambs (v 11). “We are coming home!” would be good news to the devastated cities of Judah (1:7; 36:1; 37:26)

The circumstances before us (Isa 40:12-26). The Jews were few in number, only a remnant, and facing a long and difficult journey. The victories of Assyria, Babylon, and Persia made it look as though the false gods of the Gentiles were stronger than the God of Israel, but Isaiah reminded the people of the greatness of Yehovah. When you behold the greatness of God, then you will see everything else in life in its proper perspective.

God is greater than anything on earth (v 12-20) or anything in heaven (v 21-26). Creation shows His wisdom, power, and immensity. He is greater than the nations and their gods. He founded the earth and sits on the throne of heaven, and nothing is equal to our God, let alone greater than our God. The next time you are tempted to think that the world is bigger than God, remember the “drop of a bucket” (v 15) and the “grasshoppers” (v 22; read Num 13:33). And if you ever feel so small that you wonder if God really cares about you personally, remember that He knows the name of every star (Isa 40:26) and your name as well! (See Jn 10:3, 27.) The same God who numbers and names the stars can heal your broken heart (Ps 147:34).

Someone defined “circumstances” as “those things you see when you get your focus off God.” If you look at God through your circumstances, He will seem small and very far away, but if by faith you look at your circumstances through God, He will draw very near and reveal His greatness to you. The circumstances within us (Isa 40:27-31). Praising the Lord, stop complaining to Him. He doesn’t act as though He did not know their situation or have any concern for their problems (v 27; 49:14). The same for us, He knows. Instead of seeing the open door of opportunity, the Jews saw only the long road before them, and they complained that they did not have strength for the journey. Was God was asking them to do the impossible?

God knows how one feels and how one fears, and He is adequate to meet every need. We can never obey God in our own strength, but we can always trust Him to provide the strength needed (Phil 4:13). Every person and every circumstance are teachers.

Mattityahu 4:1-11; 22:33-40

Temptation is one focus in this section, which is also significant in Mk 1:12; Lk 4:1; Heb 2:9-18; 4:14; 5:9.

Yeshua states in Mt 12:26: If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? One answer may be – When people agree with, act out and empower what the demonic has enticed.

Three commands:

1. Mt 4:4 But he answered, ‘The Tanakh says, ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of ADONAI’ (Dt 8:3).
2. Mt 4:7 Yeshua replied to him, “But it also says, ‘Do not put ADONAI your God to the test.”
3. Mt 4:10 “Away with you Satan” Yeshua told him, “For the Tanakh says, “Worship ADONAI your God, and serve only him.” (Dt 6:13-14)

One promise: (Shows the enemy of the soul also knows scripture in its fullness.)

Mt 4:6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “jump” For the Tanakh says, ‘He will order his angels to be responsible for you…. They will support you with their hands, so that you will not hurt your feet on the stones.”

As well as replies or explanations, Yeshua asked over 300 questions across the four Gospels, ranging from theological challenges to deeply personal inquiries. While He was asked 183 questions, He rarely answered them directly, preferring to use His questions to teach, challenge motives, and encourage faith.

Yeshua’s questions can be broadly grouped into these key categories:

• Identity and Faith
• Personal and Heart-Checking Questions
• Theological and Scriptural Challenges
• Observations on Human Nature

Yeshua frequently drew insights from everyday life and human behaviour, often phrasing them as probing questions.

Mark 12:28-34

You fill in the blanks……

Priority: (Mark 12:28-34). One challenger to Yeshua was a scribe. When he started his conversation with Yeshua, who was a tool of the Pharisees who were trying to get evidence (Matt 22:35), the scribe stood and dared to commend the Lord for His reply. The Word had spoken to the man’s heart and he was beginning to get a deeper spiritual understanding of the faith he thought he understood.

What does it mean when a person is not far from the kingdom of God? It means that the person is facing the truth honestly and is not interested in defending even personal prejudices. Meaning, testing personal faith by what the Word of God says and not by what some group demands. People close to the kingdom have the courage to stand up for what is true even if they lose friends and make enemies. These leads on to Identity (v 35-37).

May our walls of separation from God be broken quickly so we may see Him face to Face in the way He wants us to view Him. What is your priority?

Luke 4:1-13; 10:25-37

Two thought provoking questions are raised in this section.

Luke 10:26: Yeshua responds to an expert in the law by asking, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”

He challenges the expert to interpret the text not just through rote knowledge, but with insight and discernment, ultimately leading to the expert’s correct identification of the law’s essence: loving God with all one’s being and loving one’s neighbour as oneself.

Luke 10:36: “Of these three, which one seems to you to have become the neighbour of the man who fell among robbers?”

This may be a lot to take in, let the Ruach guide you as to what is needed. He gave you the breath of life, live. An acronym for HOPE can be bringing heaven over people everywhere. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. When we are able to mourn the loss of something in our lives it is then we are comforted. May El Gibbor (Mighty God) instill in us his strong, might, warrior elements to our soul to fight the enemy and his draining tactics from our soul. Matt 5:4 “Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted]. This week may we be aware of the intimacy with God. When confronted with life’s challenges, He will supply our needs with unmerited kindness. 

Parashah 44: D’varim (Words) Dt 1:1-3:22

A word of caution: Read slowly and use it “time” wisely. In light, of things, and words, importance is directed towards remembering.

Remembering God’s blessing and being led by them is the structure of this weeks reading.

It has been bought to the writer’s attention the words of Ps 62:10(9). “Ordinary folks are merely a breath and important people a sham; if you lay them on a balance scale, they go up – both together are lighter than nothing”.

Hence, learning to remember and remembering to learn is just a saying or is it. Another saying; say what you mean, mean what you say. Or, don’t be mean in what you say, could also be added.

Moshe wanted the people to remember the things that were really important for self, the community and the nation. Remembering who they were, where they came from, what God had done for them.

If we, like them, were able to remember these facts, we too can enter into our destiny triumphantly, defeat the enemy, avoid dangerous temptations and enjoy the inheritance God already prepared.

Moshe highlighted the mind and heart of God. Each law, ceremony, prohibition and memory of past events pointed to God. Through the deeds of power, and gracious truth, the Lord revealed his nature and character. The knowledge of God and our continual relationship with Him is life’s most important knowledge, it is life itself.

Seven points of remembrance are balanced throughout D’varim. For people of all time keep the following points in mind while future reading. God’s amazing design unfolds;

1. Remember the Lord – Dt 8:18
2. Remember you were slaves – Dt 5:15
3. Remember how God led you – Dt 8:2
4. Remember Mt Sinai – Dt 4:9-13
5. Remember how you provoked God – Dt 9:7
6. Remember your enemies – Dt 25:17
7. Remember what happened to Miriam – Dt 24:9

This week we focus on point one. Remember the Lord.

People in any time period aren’t any different to now. People are still searching and living in a world of superstitious idolatry in which there are many gods. One difference, some people believe in the One. Emphasising the point of being becareful not to worship someone or something as a god.

The Lord is faithful, who keeps His word and will not be false to His people. God loves his people and He wants them to love and obey Him. In His mercy, He will forgive if people repent and return to Him, while remembering rebellion isn’t tolerated. He expects all to listen, remember the Word, His word. We cannot know the will of God or worship and serve acceptably if He is not first and accepted as the only deity.

Everything we need is found in the Word (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Tim 3:16-17). There are two consuming questions that can be asked. How do you cleave to a consuming fire? And the second, what passions are being fulfilled?

In Dt 18:22, Moshe points out, “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken (Dt 18:22). The first prophecy in Dt is 1:35-40 fulfilled, Num 14:23-35; Josh 3:5.

Wandering through Ammon Dt 2:19-23, several branches of giants are mentioned in Deut. Avims Dt 2:28-29; Num 13:26-33. Anakims, Emims (terrible ones), giants (Rephaim), Horims, Zamzummins (loved ones), and Avims (1:28, 29; 2:10-12, 20-23, 3:11-13. People may be of an opionion of where they came from. The point the writer is establishing here is, God told His people not to fear them Dt 1:28, 29. There are spiritual giants in lives today, point is, do not fear them.

• 2:20 Zamzummims prounounced (singular) zam-zome = “plotters”.
• 2:21 Anakims pronounced (singular) an-aw-kee = “long-necked”. A tribe of giants, descendants of Anak, which dwelled in southern Canaan.
• 2:23 Avims = “ruins” located in the southwest corner of the seacoast.
• 2:23 Hazerim pronounced khats-ay-reem = “villages”. Settlements of Ishmaelites.
• 2:23 Azzah prounced az-zaw = “the strong”. Another name for ‘Gaza’, a city located in the extreme southwest of close to the Mediterranean.
• 2:23 Caphtorims pronounced (singular) kaf-to-ree = “a crown”. Cretans as the inhabitants of Caphtor.
• 2:24 Arnon = “rushing stream”. Forms the border between Moab and the Amorites.
• 2:24 Sihon prounced see-khone = “warrior”. Amorites king at the time of the conquest and defeated by Moses in Transjordan.
• 2:24 Heshbon pronounced khesh-bone = “stronghold”. The capital city of Sihon, king of the Amorites, located on the western border of the high plain and on the border line between the tribes of Reuben and Gad.

Dt 2:24, 25 Second prophecy fulfilled v 26-37; Num 21.

• 2:26 Kedemoth pronounced ked-ay-mothe = “eastern”. One of the towns in the district east of the Dead Sea allotted to the tribe of Reuben and given to the Merarite Levites.
• 2:29 Esau = “hairy”. Eldest son of Isaac and Rebecca and twin brother of Jacob; sold the birthright for food when he was hungry and the divine blessing went to Jacob; progenitor of the Arab peoples.
• 2:29 Seir = “hairy” or “shaggy”. Patriarch of the Horites. The land of Edom, south of the Dead Sea.
• 2:29 Ar pronounced awr = “a city”. A city of Moab located south of the Arnon river; perhaps the capital.
• 2:29 Jordan pronounced yar-dane = “descender”. The river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km).
• 2:30 heart obstinate/harden (heart) אמץ amats prounced aw-mats. To be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, hard, to be determined. As with all words and intentions, they can be positive or negative.
• 2:24/31 Sihon = “warrior”. Was an aggressor, Num 21:23; Judg 11:20.
• 2:32 Jahaz/Jahzah= “trodden down”. A place in Reuben east of the Dead Sea.
• 2:37 Ammon was located west and a little north of the kingdom of Sihon, south-west of Og (another giant), near the river Jabbok which separated Sihon and Og. It was on this river bank that Jacob wrestled with a Yehovah (gen 32:22-32).
• 3:1 Og (another giant).

Dt 3:2 is the third prophecy fulfilled in Dt 3-13; Dt 2:24-25, v 26, 37 is the second fulfilled prophecy of Num 21.

Dt 2:26 Before making war, Moshe had given the Amorites the opportunity of avoiding it by permitting Israel to go through their land; and he had made a promise to stay on the highway not disturbing or plundering on either side of the road, and paying for whatever the people needed (v 26-28). Moshe cited two examples – the Edomites and Moabites whose country Israel had passed around without giving them trouble (v 29). But Sihon refused, which made war (v 30-37).

• 3:9 Hermon = “a sanctuary”. Sirion = “breastplate“. And Shenir means coat of mail (v 9). Senir/Shenir = “snow mountain”. The Amorite name for Mount Hermon.
• 3:10 Gilead “rocky region”.

Fourth prophecy in Dt 3:21, 22 fulfilled; Josh 2:1-12:24.

Isaiah 1:1-27

Isa 1:5 poses a question: Why do people wilfully destroy themselves and endure the effects of sin when they could have the God’s blessings? (v 18 ; 41:17-20; 55:1-13; 58:1-14;  Jn 3:16; 7:37-39; 10:10; 14:12-15; Acts 1:4-8). It’s also the first prophecy in Isaiah 1:5-9 that is fulfilled.

Isa 1:13 vain שׁוא shav pronounced shawv or שׁו shav pronounced shav. Meaning emptiness, vanity, falsehood, nothingness, emptiness of speech, lying
worthlessness (of conduct). Iniquity און aven pronounced aw-ven.

Isa 1:13 oblations מנחה minchah pronounced min-khaw. Gift, tribute, offering (to God), present, oblation, sacrifice, meat, grain offering.) A gift offering to secure favour, and could be either a blood (Gen 4:3-5), or bloodless gift (Gen 32:13-21).

Isa 1:18 חטא chet pronounced khate. sin, faults, grievously, offences. To miss the mark.

Only Godly living brings blessing.

Continuing on from Moshe, Isaiah states, “To the law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Is 8:20). Isaiah was not afraid to let God’s light shine through him.

Isaiah’s name means salvation of the Lord. Salvation (deliverance) is the key theme of the book. The deliverance of the Lord is held in the key verse of Isaiah in 1:18. “Come now”, says ADONAI. “Let’s talk this over together. Even if your sins are like scarlet, they will be white as snow; even if they are red as crimson, they will be like wool…”

One outline can be viewed as follows, which he wrote concerning the different acts of deliverance that God would perform;

1. Sermons against Judah and Israel 1-12
2. Burden’s of judgement against the Gentiles 13-23
3. Songs of future glory 24-27
4. Woes of coming judgement from Assyria 28-35
5. Historical interlude 36-39
6. Hezekiah delivered from Assyria 36-37
7. Hezekiah delivered from Babylon 37-38

The prophet Isaiah identified himself seven times as “the son of Amoz,”  not to be confused with ” Amos. (see 1:1; 2:1; 13:1; 20:2; 37:2, 21; 38:1).

John 15:1-11

This section of the book of John, like the others mentioned, highlights relationships and responsibilities.

The I AM statemens of Yeshua the 7th and last are recorded in John’s gospel. The branches – we must abide (Jn 15:1-11) shows four elements in this allegory that Yeshua gives as an teaching illustration. The vine, the branches, the vinedresser and the fruit.

The vine representing the life and economy. There are three different types of vine recorded in scripture. Past, future and present. The past vine was the nation of Israel (see Ps. 80:8-19; Isa 5:1-7; Jer. 2:21; Ezek. 19:10-14; and Hosea 10:1). What could been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it?”, God asked (Isa. 5:4). But the vine produced wild grapes! Instead of practicing justice, it practiced oppression; instead of producing righteousness, it produced unrighteousness and cries of distress from the victims. Unfortunately lasting results were seen in Matt 21:33-46, where Yeshua came to the vineyard and was cast out.

The future vine “the vine of the earth” is described in Rev 14:14-20, where the world system is evident. Believers in the Messiah versus the people of the vine of the earth relying on their sustenance and satisfaction on this world.

The present vine is the true vine the Messiah, and includes the branches. Our union with Him bears fruit.

The branch, of itself is weak and useless. It’s good for either bearing or burning, but not for building (read Ezek 15). The branch cannot produce its own life; it must draw that life from the vine. Its the communion with Messiah through the Spirit that makes possible the bearing of the fruit. Many images are given of the union and communion. The body and its members (1 Cor 12). The bride and the bridegroom (Eph 5:25-33). The sheep and the shepherd (Jn 10). Daily love and devotion maintains the communion. The shepherd brings the sheep into the flock, the sheep follow in order to have protection and provision.

When we know our weaknesses and confess our need for His strength we form relationship and abide in Him. The key word is abide; its used eleven times in Jn 15:1-11. “continue” in Jn 15:9 and “remain” in Jn 15:11. Letting nothing hinder Jn 15:3. It involves obeying Him and loving Him Jn 15:9-10. Submitting in His righteousness. When a person abides in Messiah good fruit will be evident Jn 15:2.  This also entails pruning to bear more fruit Jn 15:2. Believers who abide in Him have prayers answered Jn 15:7 according to His will. They also experience a deepening love for Messiah and for other believers Jn 5:9, 12-13, and experiences of Joy Jn 15:11.

Abiding also entails worship, meditation on God’s word, prayer, sacrifice of time, and service.

The vinedresser, is in charge of caring for the vines. He prunes the branches in two ways; he cuts any dead wood that can breed disease and insects, and he cuts away living tissue so that the life of the vine will not be so dissipated that the quality of the crop is jeopardized, all for a higher quality. God desires quality and quantity. Some vineyards invest in two or three years in training the “pruners” so they know where to cut, how much to cut, and at the correct angle to cut. The pruning process hurts; but there is rejoicing when better quality of fruit is produced.

How does He prune? Sometimes used; the Word convicts and cleanses. The word purge in Jn 15:2 is the same as clean Jn 13:10; Eph 5:26-27. Sometimes chasten Heb 12:1-11.

The fruit, is not robotic mechanisms, but the living organisms producing good fruit. It has been asked, “how can I know if it is of God or not?” The reply is, “Look at the fruit, and the lasting benefit of it”. The enemy of the soul cannot produce good fruit, there may be imitation, even distortion, but it will not be of any lasting benefit, the fruit will be bought into the light and exposed. The deception is eventually detected, for real spiritual fruit has in it the seeds for more fruit. Man-made results are dead and cannot reproduce themselves. Many counterfeit are open doors of distruction, that lead many astray and waste life and God given time.

Branches do not eat the fruit, others do. We are not producing fruit to please ourselves, but to serve others. Feeding others with words of life and works. The lips of the righteous feed many Prov 10:21. We are part of a harvest Jn 4:35-38. As we grow in obedience and holiness we are bearing fruit. Rom 6:22. The fruit of the Spirit Gal 5:22,23 is a characteristic that glorifies God. Our works/service grow out of our abiding life Col 1:10. The praise that comes from our hearts is fruit to the glory of God Heb 13:15.

A true branch, united with the vine will always bear good fruit. Not every branch bears a bumper crop, just as not every field has a bumper harvest Matt 13:8, 23, but there is always fruit where there is life.

It is unwise to build a theological doctrine on a parable or allegory. Yeshua was teaching one main truth – the fruitful life of a believer. Our abiding in Yeshua certainly should produce love, joy and peace in our hearts. It is stated in Jn 3:35 that The Father has placed all things into the Son’s hand, and has revealed all things to the Son Jn 5:20. The same love that was personally experienced by the disciples can be experinced in believers too Jn 17:26. This leads to Yeshua used the picture of “the friend”. The two pictures of the believer being the branches and friends reveal both our privileges and responsibilities. As branches we have the privilege of sharing His life and the responsibility of abiding. As friends we have the privilege of knowing His will and the resposibility of obeying.

Staying close to God abiding in Him, is a central theme of these scriptures mentioned. It all about getting back to the garden of eden, the promised land of inheritance, and wholeheartedly loving God. Not mindlessly embracing the counterfeits of this world, which leads to hard heartedness. Each person must assume the burden of his own disbelief and face the giants of their own soul. It requires boldness to uncover and dispossess idolatry in its many forms. ‘”Dont be afraid because ADONAI your God will fight on your behalf” (Dt 3:21-22). Repent and be lead by righteousness (Is 1:27).

Affliction on the poor, needy and oppressed is not tolerated by the Lord. He hears the cries of them. Hardening from the effects of sin across genrations leads to stiff necked people with uncirumcised hearts and ears. This continually opposes the Ruach haKodesh. Idolatry in any form will be destroyed. It must also be remembered we don’t fight against flesh and blood, but of principalities, rulers and powers. What and how we use words will echo in eternity. Through it all, “Do not be afraid”. Live a balanced life in righteousness.

Faith and courage are both tested by circumstances. One often jumps to conclusions when one tries to judge the actions of another. Proverbs 14:29, 30 says, “He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly. A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottennes to the bones.”

Judges 11:1-33

A leader was in demand, (Judg 11:1-29, 32-33). Now we are introduced to Jephthah יפתח Yiphtach pronounced yif-tawkh whose name means “he opens”, the Gileadite, (a branch of the tribe of Manasseh), the man God chose to lead Israel to victory.

What kind of man was he? The unwanted brother (vv 1-3). Jephthah wasn’t to blame for his birth. His father, Gilead, had only one wife, but he consorted with a concubine and fathered a son. At least Gilead acknowledged the boy and took him into his home, but his other sons didn’t accept this “son of a strange woman.” When Gilead died and the inheritance was to be divided, the legitimate sons drove Jephthah away. Little did they realize they were rejecting a future judge of Israel.

Jephthah left his father’s territory and went north to the land of Tob, (the name means “good”), which was near Syria; and there he became captain of a band of “adventurers” (v 3). The ‘Hebrew word means “to make empty” and refers to idle people looking for something to do. (See 9:4, the “vain and light persons” who followed Abimelech. Here the word means “to be reckless.”) Jephthah was already known as “a mighty man of valor” (v 1). Thus he had no trouble forming a band of brigands.

The unopposed leader (vv 4-11). Jephthah’s brothers didn’t want him, (Similar to Yosef’s brothers), but the elders of Israel needed him and sent deputation eighty miles to the land of Tob to ask him to take charge. Jephthah reply sounds a good deal like what the Lord had said to the people when the turned to Him for help (10:13-14). Apparently the Jewish leaders had cooperated with Gilead’s sons in expelling the unwanted brother from the land, but Jephthah listened to them and made sure their offer was valid. He was willing to lead them against the enemy if the elders would name him ruler of Gilead.
You can’t help but appreciate the way Jephthah emphasized the Lord in all his negotiations with the leaders of Israel. It was the Lord who would give the victory (11:9), not Jephthah; and the agreement between him and the elders must be ratified before the Lord at Mizpah (v 11; see 1 Sam 11:15). Jephthah didn’t see the challenge as a political opportunity for himself but as an occasion ‘for trusting the Lord and serving Him‘. In addition, the writer of Hebrews makes it clear Jephthah was a man of faith, not an opportunist (Heb. 11:32).

One can’t help but wonder how his brothers felt when the man they renounced returned home as the captain of the army and the leader of the land. More than one “underdog” in Scriptupe had the same experience. Yosef, was rejected by his brothers and later became a saving leader. It also took King David seven years to gain the full support of twelve tribes of Israel. For that matter, Yeshua was rejected by some people, and still is, but that doesn’t mean that prophecy won’t be fulfilled.

The unsuccessful diplomat (vv 12-28). Before declaring war, Jephthah tried peaceful negotiations with the Amnonites, but the negotiations failed. Neverrtheless, this section does tell us two things about Jephthah: (1) He knew the Scriptures and the history of his people, and (2) he was not a hothead who was looking for a fight. Being a military man himself, Jephthah knew that a war could result in thousands of Jewish men being killed and he wanted to avoid that if at all possible.

The King of Ammon (father of Jerahmeel, worshipped Molech, god of the Ammonites), declared that he and his men were only reclaiming land that the Jews, under the leadership of Moshe, had stolen from them. If Israel would restore that land, he would call off his troops. But Jephthah presented four compelling arguments that should have convinced the Ammonites that they were wrong.

1. He presented the facts of history (vv 14-22).
2. His argument was that the Lord had given Israel the land (vv 23-24)
3. Jephthah’s argument was that Israel had lived on the land for centuries (vv 25-26).

“Three hundred years” is a round figure, but it comes close to the total number of years given in the Book of Judges for the periods of oppression and of peace. Israel had dwelt in the Transjordan area for three centuries, and that was reason enough to claim title to the land as their own. Why was the King of Ammon making his claims now? During those three centuries, the people of Ammon didn’t try to reclaim their territory. In fact, back in the days of Moses, even the King of Moab hadn’t tried to get his land back! If the Ammonites had a legitimate claim to the territory, they should have said something centuries ago!

Jephthah’s final argument was that the Ammonites were actually fighting against the Lord (vv. 27-28). Jephthah hadn’t declared war on Ammon; it was Ammon that declared war on Israel. But if God gave Israel the land, then the Ammonites were declaring war on the Lord God; and that could only mean disaster and defeat for Ammon. Jephthah had tried to reason, with the King of Ammon, but he wouldn’t listen.

The undefeated warrior (vv 29-33). Empowered by the Spirit of God (see 3:10; 6:34), Jephthah called for volunteers (12:12) and mustered his army. In order to be certain of victory, he foolishly made a bargain with God, a subject we shall take up later. The Lord gave him victory over the Ammonites, and he captured twenty of their strongholds as he pursued the fleeing enemy army. This would guarantee freedom and safety for the Jews as they traveled in the Gilead territory.

The writer of Hebrews wrote that Jephthah was a man of faith and his victory was a victory of faith (Heb 11:32). People sometimes get hung up on the issues of war, of who is right and who is not. The fact and basic principle is one of faith. Who one has faith in. Only The God Most High knows all the motives of a persons heart and only He knows the plan of outcome. It is His plan of events. The circumstances of birth or of family are not a handicap to the person who will live by faith. So then as we have read and heard numerous times, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Rom 10:17). And this is the victory that has overcome the world our faith (1 Jn 5:4). Through the faith of Jephthah, the Ammonites didn’t threaten the Israelites for another fifty years. (1 Sam 11:1).

When The God Most High requests something of someone, it’s wise to be obedient with His strength and His courage and have perseverance.