January 17

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Reading 1 - Genesis  30
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v .14-16 - Mandrakes - hebrew dudaim = "love-plants". The most likely thing that they were is Mandragora officinalis (botanical name), which is a relative of the night-shades and possesses mild stimulating and narcotic properties (SofS 7:13). Hence the reason that they became, as it were, currency on this occasion - worth jealous bargaining over. God rewards Rachel's selfish jealousy over this by allowing Leah to conceive again. It is not the first time important events have been influenced by human greed - Gen.25:30
Peter Cresswell [Derby Bass Street (UK)]     Comment added in 2001      reply to Peter
v.1,14,15 - There is a lot of emotion in these years, and it seems again (supporting Peter Forbes' point on tomorrow's reading) that Rachel does not have quite the character we would have expected. She seems to be rather spoilt, doubtless at least by Jacob's affections, and have that consequent bitterness that comes from failed expectation that we see so much of in our world today. Bitterness cannot lead us to the love of God, let us beware of this, as bitterness is such a common and accepted emotion in the world in which we live. We must accept the love of God and His chastening hand in humility and faith, and with that we can have confidence in His salvation. Col.3:19, James 3:14
Peter Cresswell [Derby Bass Street (UK)]     Comment added in 2002      reply to Peter
The way in which Jacob sought to build his own flock is certainly a puzzle. However whatever Jacob thought he was doing it is clear that his God blessed him. We can expend so much effort puzzling about the strategy Jacob used that we miss the simple lesson that God was with him.
Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2002      reply to Peter
DECEIVER DECEIVED

Jacob fled to the house of Laban because he had deceived his brother Esau too many times. He was born grasping the heel of Esau, he took his birthright and his blessing. The meaning of his name, Jacob, means, "He Deceives."

When Esau spoke about Jacob he said, "Isn't he rightly named Jacob? He has deceived me these two times: He took my birthright and now he's taken my blessing!" (Genesis 27 v 36).

But when Jacob went to Laban's house he met his match. There was deceit in everything Laban did for Jacob. He gave him Leah instead of Rachel, he made Jacob work 14 years instead of 7 for Rachel, he demanded payment for any stolen property - even though it was not Jacob's responsibility, and he changed Jacob's wages ten times. If it was possible, Laban would have kept all the benefit of Jacob's hard work and sent him away empty handed.

So Jacob, the deceiver, learned what it was like to be deceived. He learnt how distasteful it was and, it seems, his character was improved by his experience.

God may put us in similar situations to improve our characters. If we have a problem he may sting us with it as he did to Jacob. So when we are confronted by attributes we despise in others, let us make sure we cleanse those attributes thoroughly from our own lives to become more like the people God wants us to be.

Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)]     Comment added in 2002      reply to Robert
:23 Rachel, in saying 'God hath taken away my reproach' vices words which Elizabeth spoke after she was promised a child (Luke
Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2003      reply to Peter
30:27 Laban was not a spiritually minded man. However he could not help but see that God was at work in Jacob’s life ‘I have learnt be experience …’ God’s hand can be seen by the ungodly when His work is so obvious!
Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to Peter
Reuben was only a little boy, say about 5 years old, in v14.
David Simpson [Birmingham Kings Norton (UK)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to David
Gen 30:22-23  Looking at the time charts, it appears that Rachel, like Rebekah was married for twenty years before she conceived. Both these mothers of Israel were certainly tried during this period of time.    
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to John
The method Jacob used to encourage his animals to mate is interesting (vs 37-39).  Animals in a free-roaming state are often distracted or frustrated in their attempts to mate.
Jacob's idea was to have his animals stationary and relaxed so that mating could take place.  His sheep and goats would naturally come to the watering troughs, take water and leave.  He devised a way to keep them there to encourage mating.  He placed peeled roots of succulent trees directly in front of the water troughs.  These delicious, sap-drenched morsels would keep contented animals chewing all day if they were permitted to do so.  By carefully shunting the female animals to the trough, where they would be relaxed and occupied, the males (who do not really need much encouragement) would have a great opportunity to mate.  After they were done, Jacob could do the same thing with another group and so on.  This way, the chances of conception amongst his animals were greatly increased over the hit-and-miss natural method.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to Michael
v.1 - Here we see a little of the character behind this attractive young woman.  Once or twice we are given insight into some rather bitter and selfish thoughts that Rachel had.
Peter Cresswell [Derby Bass Street (UK)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to Peter
V.22 This is the third time that we have the phrase "God remembered". We have in Gen 8:1 "God remembered Noah" as the waters of the flood dried. Then we read in Gen 19:29 that "God remembered Abraham"  when Lot was being delivered from Sodom and Gomorrah. These are the only times that we have recorded that God specifically remembered an individual. This certainly places Rachel in an unique position.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)]     Comment added in 2005      reply to John
Jacob, a good shepherd, became bonded by Laban who paid his wages unfairly, mistreated him on account of others, and wouldn't give him freedom. Jacob, possibly a type of Christ, was married to two, perhaps suggesting Jews and Gentiles or perhaps desired and undesired sheep and goats who are brides married to the lamb Christ. Jacob was given the flawed animals much like Christ was a physican to sinners and those who had/have the humility to recognize their need of being healed. In v.36 we read of three days distance not unlike Christ's sacrificial 3 days that released him from his bonds. Ultimately Jacob escaped from Laban and obtained his freedom. V.37-38 we have mention of wood leading the flock to water somewhat akin to Christ's sacrifice on the cross leading us to drink of the water of life and making it possible for us to yield increase. 31:36 we find Jacob asking what crime has he committed that he be hunted down by Laban. The answer, of course, is he committed no crime.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)]     Comment added in 2005      reply to Charles

30:1  Another barren woman in the line of Messiah. However Rachel lacked the patience to wait. Isn’t it wonderful that God will work with people who do not always appreciate His time scale?


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2005      reply to Peter

30:28When Laban said ‘appoint me thy wages’ it is probable that Jacob did not trust him because he says – Gen 30:33– ‘So shall my righteousness answer for me …’


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2007      reply to Peter

30:3     ‘have children’ more correctly should be ‘be builded by’ catching the desire of Rachel to have children  to bring on the fulfilment of the promises through her.


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2008      reply to Peter

 

A woman who was able to bear many children, especially sons, was held in high esteem.  A barren woman was considered cursed. The LORD allowed, the originally rejected, Leah to flourish while the daughter of choice remained childless.  Much competition occurred between the sisters for Jacob's attention.  Boasting and an in your face attitude would not be unlikely from Leah, which would add to Rachel's sense of dejection.  This situation reminds us of fertile Hagar's attitude towards the barren Sarah (Gen 16:4).  However, the LORD, in His foreknowledge and mercy, allowed Rachel to finally give birth to Joseph who would rule over Leah's sons.  Joseph would clearly be a Christ-type who would rule, with His appointed ones, over the twelve tribes of Israel (Matt 19:28).


Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)]     Comment added in 2008      reply to Michael

30:6  Here Rachel names her son but notice her name is not based upon God’s grace. Rather the name reflects Rachel’s feeling that the has at last got that which is her right. Thus she does not manifest a very spiritual attitude.


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2009      reply to Peter

 

Vs.14,16 Besides these two verses, the only other place in the Bible that mandrakes are mentioned is in Song 7:13. There, mandrakes are considered to have a pleasant smell. They have a strong smell, which is acceptable to Orientals who like strong smells. However, the smell to westerners would not be considered particularly pleasant. The mandrake plant is the atropa managdora which is closely related to the deadly nightshade plant atropa belladonna. These plants give narcotic effects. The fruit of mandrakes was used in the Ancient Near East as a narcotic stimulant used in the promotion of sexual activity. The Hebrew word for them is dudaim meaning love plants (or love apples). The fruit is an orange colored apple which ripens in May. The Arabs scorned the fruit of mandrakes and called them devil apples for their power as an aphrodisiac.


Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)]     Comment added in 2009      reply to Michael

30:24 Leah names her children in the present tense – naming each child because of what has happened. However Rachel seems to take a different approach. Having been childless for many years, when Joseph is born, she names him with a name that indicated that immediately after the birth of her first son she is expecting a second one ‘God shall add to me a second son’. Maybe an indication of Rachel’s attitude, not one of great thankfulness but still the competing spirit. Seeking to match her sister in child bearing.


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2010      reply to Peter
Reading 2 - Psalm 34
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v5. - The word ashamed here is chapher, which is a relatively rare word (17 occurrences). The normal word for ashamed (eg. Gen.2:25) is buwsh (109 occurrences) and is used a lot. This word here in Ps.34:5 means confused or abashed or confounded, which is the most common translation. It is the first of several uses of this word in Psalms. The others are in Ps.35:4 (confusion), 35:26 (confusion), 40:14 (confounded), 70:2 (confounded), 71:24 (shame), and 83:17 (shame).
Peter Cresswell [Derby Bass Street (UK)]     Comment added in 2001      reply to Peter
v.7 - This must apply to us too, though we seem to find it so hard to accept. Maybe we are like the young man in 2Kings 6:17 to whom the previously invisible legions of angels guarding them were revealed. Let us remember the protective hand of God, and lean on Him to take us to His kingdom. Psa.91:11, Matt.18:10
Peter Cresswell [Derby Bass Street (UK)]     Comment added in 2002      reply to Peter
The titles of this Psalm shows us why the Psalm was written. There is a change in focus of the Psalm at :11 where David moves from speaking about how God has worked in his life. From :11 David is instructing his 'children'. These children, in the first instance are the 400 who were with him in the cave 1 Samuel 22 - the next event recorded after he escaped from Gath.
Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2003      reply to Peter
In order to see the issues that were in David’s mind we should highlight all the words related to fear and prayer in this Psalm. We will learn that David saw a way through his fears – it was prayer to his God.
Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to Peter
Psalm 34  This Psalm was probably written after David's escape from Achish (1Sam 21:13) David here acknowledges his complete dependence on God.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to John

 

This psalm is in reference to David's departure from Achish, King of Gath (1Sam 21:13,14). The name Abimelech as a general title for Philistine kings.
See also Abraham and Isaac's similar encounters (Gen 20:2, 26:8).


Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to Michael
v.1 (Title) we are told here this is from the time when he feigned madness before Abimelech, which is recorded for us in 1Sam 21:13-15.  It seems that here God is using David's clear acting ability to keep him safe.  Even though this madness is not real (borne out by his ability to write this Psalm at the same time) God allows it to save him from his enemy.
Peter Cresswell [Derby Bass Street (UK)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to Peter
There is no doubt that the encamping of the Lord's angel around us, is the best news we could ever be given. He's not only in front, to prepare the way for us; he's not only at the side to lend us a hand and encourage us; and he's not only behind us to give us a prod, and motivate us - but the Lord's angel is encamping, or pitching all around us.
David Simpson [Birmingham Kings Norton (UK)]     Comment added in 2005      reply to David

Psa 34:5 - your comment sent me scurrying to the Aramaic translation where it is  disappointed, instead of the KJ ashamed.

Fits better with the meanings you give.

It uses confounded in 34:5,  confusion in v.6, confounded in 40:14, 70:2 confusion  71:24 confounded.

Gives a much clearer understanding of what the Psalmist is saying.


Jean Cheetham [Moorestown New Jersey (US)]     Comment added in 2005      reply to Jean
34:19-20 - A righteous man may have many troubles but the Lord, perhaps assisted by  guardian angels v.7 delivers him from them all. Ultimate deliverance will be when Christ returns and in v.20 we note a reference to Christ who suffered no broken bones John 19:36.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)]     Comment added in 2005      reply to Charles

34:16    God’s face and it’s disposition towards man is a topic which we find often in Scripture. Whereas the wicked would do well to hide from His face the righteous will seek it Psa 24:6.  Are we happy that our Father is always looking at what we do?


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2005      reply to Peter

34:11 The ‘children’ are the 400 men who are with David in the cave of Adullam. He I instructing them as to how to deal with persecution – David has learnt from his experience before Achish that God will care for His children.


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2007      reply to Peter
This Psalm has a structural pattern that uses a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet to begin each verse, starting with aleph (A) to tau (Z). PSALM 119 is made up in a similar manner. Each section is divided into eight verses, the first letter of each verse in a section begin with the same letter (1-8 begin with aleph,; 9-16 begin with beth) We can see the hand of God at work, it would have been almost impossible to achieve by the human mind or hand. Keeping the important message and maintaining the alphabetic pattern going is remarkable. The book of Lamentations is written in the same manner, each chapter having 22 verses, except chapter 3, which has 3 x 22 verses.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)]     Comment added in 2007      reply to John

Psa 34:5  links with  2Cor 3:12-18  "...we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord..." & so we are not confused or confounded..

 

 


Wendy Johnsen [Nanaimo, BC, Canada]     Comment added in 2007      reply to Wendy

34:12-14            Peter (1 Peter 3:10) quotes this area of the Psalm to encourage the brethren of his day. The context is so appropriate. David was being persecuted by Saul even though he had not done anything wrong. Peter is encouraging his brethren as to how to deal with persecution n their day.


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2008      reply to Peter

 

This psalm is acrostic, that is, each section of the psalm successively follows the Hebrew alphabet (א to ת - aleph to tav). There are 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet. Besides Ps. 34, other examples of acrostic presentations are: Psalms 1; 9-10; 25; 34; 37; 111; 112; 119; 145; Proverbs 31:10-31; Lamentations 1; 2; 3; 4. Some start each single verse with a different letter. Others use a different letter for a clump of verses. Ps. 119, for example, the first eight verses begin with aleph, then the next eight verses begin with bet, and so on. Acrostics provide alphabetical hooks which make it easier for the (Hebrew) reader to remember the text.


Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)]     Comment added in 2008      reply to Michael

WE ARE NOT ALONE

 

We are not alone. How many times have we heard this message from those gazing into space or hunting aliens from other galaxies? We are not alone. They believe that with the size of the universe, there must be at least one other planet like ours that contains life. But they are looking in all the wrong places. We are not alone. We don't have to look that far to find more intellegent life - we just need our eyes opened to be able to see it.

 

The Bible tells us that there is more life around us than we think. There is probably someone standing or sitting next to you right now and you are not even aware that they are there. "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." (Psa 34:7)

 

It is an awe inspring thought to know that God has not placed us here alone in the universe. Both as a race and individually, we have the wisdom and power of God's angels around us, placed there by God to guide and protect us. Angels have more to do with our lives than we could ever imagine - especially if we love God.

 

If we ever found an alien we may find it helpful, but more likely terrifying or threatening. God has given us angels to deliver us. Let us thank God that we are not alone!


Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)]     Comment added in 2008      reply to Robert

34:7 The apostle Peter – Acts 12:11 – learnt that this was true when an angel delivered him for certain death in the prison.


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2009      reply to Peter
Psa 34:12-16;1Pet 3:10-12.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)]     Comment added in 2009      reply to Charles

34:19 Paul in 2Tim 3:11-12 – uses these assuring words of David to encourage Timothy.


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2010      reply to Peter

This Psalm makes solid observations about God's care for those who love Him, but sets this treasure in the frame of our afflictions: "many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all". So what we have is a realistic picture of life for those who fear God. We can look back at David's life to see how these promises are worked out, in particular how he was fed time and time again (v9-10), delivered from troubles (v6-7, 17), and even rescued out of his heartbreak (v18). If we take time to read (taste) these Bible accounts and match them to the Psalms, then apply them when we are next in trouble, we will both "taste and see that the LORD is good" (v8). Unfortunately, if we leave out the tasting part, we might miss the seeing too.


Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)]     Comment added in 2010      reply to Rob
v8 Taste and see that the LORD is good.....as, surely, we do each Sunday
Ken Trelfer [Kettering, UK]     Comment added in 2010      reply to Ken
Reading 3 - Matthew  19
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v.25 - This is a very pertinent question. And notably Jesus is emphasising along with the rest of scripture:
1. That God looks on the heart, not the outward appearance (
1Sam.16:7, Jer.17:10)
2. That only a remnant shall be saved (Matt.24:22, Luke 13:23-24, Rom.11:5)
This passage in Matt. 19 shows the truth of the proverb in
Prov.16:2

Peter Cresswell [Derby Bass Street (UK)]     Comment added in 2001      reply to Peter
:1 Maybe the question about putting away wives was not simply a theoretical question. John Baptist had already reproved Herod for taking his brother Philip's wife [Mark 6:17] Maybe the leaders thought that they could trap Jesus with this question and cause him to suffer the same fate as John.
Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2002      reply to Peter
:23 In telling the rich man to 'sell all that he had' Jesus is implementing the teaching of the parable (13:44-46)
Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2003      reply to Peter
:10-11 - along with Paul's words in 1Cor 7:8-9 we have here a clear indication that the best state for worship is unmarried, but also that it is recognised that not all can manage this.
Peter Cresswell [Derby Bass Street (UK)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to Peter
19:22 Note the contrast between the rich ruler here who ‘went away’ and the blind men (20:34) who ‘followed him’ – exactly what the rich man had been asked to do (19:21)
Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to Peter
Matt 19:26  Man is dependent on God in every way for salvation.. Christ answers the question of the young man in a truthful way when he said "WITH MEN THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE" Christ answered Nicodemus; "EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, HE CANNOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD" John 3:3-5 Of himself man can do nothing, there must be a spiritual rebirth.  
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to John

 

Vs.23,24 The picture of a camel going through an actual eye of a needle does not seem to make sense.  However, if the eye of a needle is referring to a narrow aperture through a rock, then perhaps it does.  Imagine a camel loaded with goods in transit through a rocky region (not uncommon in the time and place of Jesus). Somewhere along the way, the path encounters a narrow passage through the rock face.  It is not possible for the camel to go through fully loaded. First, one must unload the camel and squeeze it through the opening and then reload it on the other side.
The Lord is telling his disciples (and us) that in order for a rich man to enter the kingdom he must first divest himself of his wealth.  In fact this figure follows from Jesus' advice to the young man (v.21).
Does that mean we should give everything we have away?
That's a choice, of course, but the not the Lord's categorical demand.  He does not say that a rich man will not enter the kingdom - he says hardly.  Riches can be dangerous if they are misused or become a focus of our confidence (idolatry) (Matt 6:24, 1Tim 6:17,18).  But shared, selflessly, for the greater good, they can honor the Lord (2Cor 9:7, Acts 2:44,45).


Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to Michael
WHAT DO I LACK?
 
It was a brave question the rich young man asked Jesus.  It started with, "What good thing must I do to get eternal life?" (Matt 19:16)  Jesus' reply listing the commandments was too easy for him, so he asked, "What do I still lack?" (v. 20)
 
Have you ever wondered the same of yourself?  What do we still lack in our Christian lives?  We may have some idea of what Jesus would say to us.  It would probably result in something very precious to us being given away - not necessarily riches, but maybe pleasures or time.  It may feel comforting to know that Jesus is not around to ask and so we think we can continue on as we are.  But like the rich young man, we need to know the way to be the best we can be.
 
If we are brave enough we could ask the people who know us.  If they know we are followers of Christ, nearly everyone will be able to tell us what we lack in our Christian walk.  We need honest answers from people who know us well, who see us every day and who have a good idea of what our character is like.  It may even be that friends are too close to give us an honest answer, and it is likely that someone we don't see eye to eye with will have the best advice - if we care to listen.
 
Once we know what we lack, what will we do with that knowledge?  The rich young man went away sad because he couldn't bring himself to do what needed to be done.  Are we prepared to change?

Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to Robert
v.2 - One might ask, did he wait to heal them in Judaea because he needed to see their demonstration of faith in following him so far, or was it because the faith of the people in Galilee did not permit him to heal there? It had been OK in 4:23, but Galilee was his own conutry where as a prophet he tells us he was not honoured 13:57
Peter Cresswell [Derby Bass Street (UK)]     Comment added in 2004      reply to Peter

V.21 - "perfect" Grk."teleios" (5046) means "complete (in various applications of growth, mental and moral character, etc.), completeness, of full age, man, perfect", etc.


Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)]     Comment added in 2005      reply to Charles

19:21 The call to the ruler to 'sell all' echoes the way that the man who found the pearl of great price responded - Matt 13:44.


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2005      reply to Peter
V.26 With men this is impossible. At every point, beginning, middle, and end, man is completely dependent on God for everything; of his own he can do nothing, a spiritual rebirth must take place. To obtain salvation, man must be born again (John 3:3-5). It is God who, through Christ is able to provide salvation (Heb 7:25).
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)]     Comment added in 2006      reply to John
a) The comment made by Jesus in Matt 19:4,5 tells us what isn’t very plain in Gen 2:23,24. Adam said that his new wife Eve was bone of his bones, and flesh of his flesh, then God makes the comment in v24, that a man should leave his parents and be joined completely to his wife.
b) God never tells us all to sell up our possessions, Matt 19:21,22. Jesus only said it to this young man because he obviously trusted in his wealth, to the exclusion of his real love of God.

David Simpson [Birmingham Kings Norton (UK)]     Comment added in 2006      reply to David

19:3 Maybe the question that the Pharisees asked had an origin in recent events. John the Baptist had been imprisoned because he had witnessed against Philip’s behaviour – Matt 14:3-4


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2007      reply to Peter

19:3   The question ‘is it lawful …’ actually misses the point of what God’s mercy is all about. Whilst the law made provision for a man to ‘put away’ his wife such actions fell far short of the ideal. The lesson for us is clear. Whilst something might be ‘lawful’ it might not be the Christ like thing to do.


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2008      reply to Peter

 

V.12 From a spiritual point of view it is better to remain single.  But not many can follow that path. The apostle Paul did, but he realized that for others (probably most) it is better to marry than to burn (1Cor 7:9).  Nevertheless he concluded that: ...if you do marry, you have not sinned...but those who marry will face many troubles in this life...(1Cor 7:28).  Marriage is a God-given institution and should be respected (Heb 13:4).  However, things can and do go radically wrong sometimes.  The Lord wants married couples to remain together, but if adultery occurs the marriage bond is essentially broken.  True, the offended party can agree to forgive the offending party and choose to remain in the relationship.  However, if the offended party cannot reconcile, he or she can dissolve the marriage.  But, can he or she re-marry?  Does the offended party have to remain celibate and burn?  The Lord seems to suggest that, under these circumstances, it is permissible to re-marry (Matt 19:9).  This so-called exceptive clause tilts towards mercy.  The offended party can decide to remarry or to remain single - that is his or her choice.  Of course, the least complicated state would be to remain single. Whatever the decision, others should check their mercy meter and not stand in judgement.


Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)]     Comment added in 2008      reply to Michael

19:4 Jesus’ response to his critics who are asking about what is ‘lawful’ directs their attention to Gen 1:27 and 2:24. Their response was to question what Moses said in the law of Moses, implying that in some way there is a difficulty with the Genesis account because of what Moses said. So often we see one passage of Scripture as if it is in conflict with another. However given that all Scripture is inspired we ought to look at the passages as complementary father than as if they cause a conflict.


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2009      reply to Peter

 

Vs.13,14 Some people claim that these verses allow for children who have died to be saved.  This is a sweet sentiment but it is not supported by scripture.  Scripture says, clearly, that belief and baptism are necessary for salvation (Mark 16:16).  This is predicated upon a free-will choice from an understanding mind.  Children are hardly able to make that choice. 

The Lord is not advocating salvation for children but rather pointing out an acceptable attitude for believers.  Unless one is prepared to adopt a child-like faith (unquestioning trust and humility), then one will not obtain salvation (Matt 18:3,4).

V.30 actually begins Matthew Ch.20.


Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)]     Comment added in 2009      reply to Michael

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Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)]     Comment added in 2009      reply to Rob
 

There are three ways to go about religion. 1) Haphazardly. 2) Perfectly. 3) Trustingly. The first one is downright rude to the Father who created us and gave us everything. The second is insulting to Jesus who was perfect for us so that we needn't be. The third gives glory to God and Jesus who worked so hard to give us a method of salvation that was realistic for us to achieve.

Both the man in v16 and the disciples in v27 concentrated on method 2. Inheriting the kingdom by works. Jesus is careful to praise their good works whilst pointing out the better way to go about salvation. So in v29-30 and ch.20 v1-16 he warns them that no matter how much work you do for God, the inheritance is by faith, and the gift of life the same. Later in their lives the apostles would genuinely struggle to see the Gentiles inheriting the same promises, yet without keeping the law perfectly (Acts 21:25).


Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)]     Comment added in 2009      reply to Rob

v28 First Principles>Sure Mercies of David>Government
Every Kingdom has a King, a Government, a People, a Land and a Capital City. This section is to do with the Government of God's coming Kingdom.
The disciples looked for a restoration of Israel Acts 1:6
Jesus has promised the disciples that they will govern Jesus' Kingdom. Matt 19:28, Luke 22:30.
1. The government was prophesied previously Isa 9:6, Mic 4:1-4
2. The rulership is not limited to the twelve 2Tim 2:12, Rev 5:9-10, Rev 2:26-27, Rev 3:21
    Princes shall rule in judgement Isa 32:1
    The blessed will inherit the kingdom Matt 25:34
    The saints will possess the Kingdom Dan 7:18,22
    The saints will judge the world 1Cor 6:2
    Also see Psa 149:7-9
For more information about First Principles>Sure Mercies of David, go to Isa 55:1-3


Roger Turner [Lichfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2009      reply to Roger
Matt 19:17 - Jesus is plainly saying he is not God.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)]     Comment added in 2009      reply to Charles

19:17 It might seem that Jesus’ rebuke of the young man is unnecessary and might even deter him from seeking more of Jesus. However it was important to set out the important principle which is laid out in Psa 14:1 before saying any more. The reason for this is that unless the principle is understood it is impossible to move on to the next stage in this young man’s development.


Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)]     Comment added in 2010      reply to Peter
Matt 19:4-7 - marriage is a faithful bond between one man and one woman. This echos the relationship between Christ (the bridegroom) and his faithful followers (the bride) - Matt 19:4-7;John 3:27-30;Luke 5:34-35;Eph 5:23-33. In Old Testament times, prior to Christ, the Law sanctioned the taking of more than one wife (Deut 21:15).
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)]     Comment added in 2010      reply to Charles

v24  The eye of a needle is both strait and narrow Matt 7:14


Ken Trelfer [Kettering, UK]     Comment added in 2010      reply to Ken