“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.
  • 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 mot 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 commands. Long life and possession of Canaan (Dt 4:39)
  • Dt 6:1-3, verse 3 is a command. Commandment to hear and obey to inherit God’s blessing (Dt 4:39)
  • Dt 6:4-5 commands. The first and great commandment (Mt 22:36; Ex 20:1)
  • Dt 6:6-9 commands. Responsibility of parents. (v 20-25; 4:9)
  • Dt 6:10-18 verses 12-18 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.

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 chastenings 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 corning 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 certainly 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 we feel and how we fear, and He is adequate to meet our every need. We can never obey God in our own strength, but we can always trust Him to provide the strength we need (Phil 4:13). Every person and every circumstance is a teacher.

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.

You fill in the blanks……

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.

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.

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).

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.”

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.

Matt 6:33 Seek first the Kingdom of God. [In all things]

Parashah 37: Shlach L’kha (Send on your behalf) Numbers 13:1-15:41; Joshua 2:1-24; Hebrews 3:7-19

There are many ways of putting someone to death. It can come in the form of words that are spoken, to the finality of actions. Death comes in many forms. In Genesis through to Revelation, we read of spiritual death [separation] through to physical death. There are many lessons in God’s word. If one searches, many thought provoking details can be attained in “every word of God”.

Observe and highlight what God said in this reading;

God said…

• Num 13:2
• Num 14:11-12
• Num 14:20–25
• Num 14:27-35
• 15:2-16
• 15:18-31
• 15:35
• 15:38-41

When Cross References are attained, with the verses ADONAI said, there is a pattern;

• Num 13:22 with Josh 15:14 outside this reading
• Num 13:33 with Josh 11:21 outside this reading
• Num 14:24 with Josh 14:6-15 outside this reading
• Num 14:22-23 with Heb 3:18
• Num 14:29 with Heb 3:17

Hebrews 3:7-19

⁷ Therefore, as the Ruach HaKodesh says, “Today, if you hear God’s voice,
⁸ don’t harden your hearts, as you did in the Bitter Quarrel on that day in the Wilderness when you put God to the test.
⁹ Yes, your fathers put me to the test; they challenged me, and they saw my work for forty years!
¹⁰ Therefore, I was disgusted with that generation — I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray, they have not understood how I do things’;
¹¹ in my anger, I swore that they would not enter my rest.” [Num 14:21-23]

¹² Watch out, brothers, so that there will not be in any one of you an evil heart lacking trust, which could lead you to apostatize from the living God! ¹³ Instead, keep exhorting each other every day, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you will become hardened by the deceit of sin. ¹⁴ For we have become sharers in the Messiah, provided, however, that we hold firmly to the conviction we began with, right through until the goal is reached. [a promise] 

¹⁵ Now where it says, “Today, if you hear God’s voice, don’t harden your hearts, as you did in the Bitter Quarrel,”

¹⁶ who were the people who, after they heard, quarrelled so bitterly? All those whom Moshe brought out of Egypt. ¹⁷ And with whom was God disgusted for forty years? Those who sinned — yes, they fell dead in the Wilderness! [ Num 14:29] ¹⁸ And to whom was it that he swore that they would not enter his rest? Those who were disobedient. ¹⁹ So we see that they were unable to enter because of lack of trust.

Heb 3:11 anger – agitation of the soul, of a state/distance of separation, by which the union or fellowship of the two is destroyed.