24:7-17 This ordering of the priest for worship at the Altar that David had set up becomes the basis for the ordering of priest in the temple which Solomon later built.

25:1-6 This ordering of the singers must have pleased David, the sweet Psalmist of Israel. 2 Samuel 23:1 However we should not presume that David did this because he liked music. it was part of his service to His God. Likewise our singing should not be for our benefit but should be to the glory of the father.

So we see that whilst the twenty four courses were taken from the sons of Aaron's sons the other sons of Levi's son also had their part to play.

Chapter 25
:1-7 The singers
:2 Of Asaph
:3 Of Jeduthun
:4 Of Heman
:8-31 The division of the singers into twenty four courses.

Having set out the twenty four courses of priests to officiate in the temple twenty four courses of priests are ordered for the purpose of making music in the temple.

24:10 Abijah was the family from which Zacharias came (Luke 1:5)

ch 25 - Just as the priests served by course so did the singers. So they would have been on duty for one month in Jerusalem and eleven months they would be back in their home town ministering in their office as priests. There would be two courses at any one time.

25:1 Prophesying (uttering the inspired word) was done with music as well as without. The psalms, for example (the greater part written by David), were set to music. The instrumental and vocal musicians were set up expressly by David to accomplish prophesying in this manner.

Our brethren in the first century did the same thing (Matt. 26:30; Eph. 5:18: Col. 3:16).

We do likewise through our hymns (although not all quote the scripture verbatim). Perhaps better examples are the recent compositions by brethren available on various CDs that have taken the scriptural text and set it to music.

24 In recording the divisions of the priests that David set up we are now moving back in time to the time when David set the ark in the tent that he had pitched for it. David set up a system of worship which passed into the way tings were done in Solomon's temple but which started when the ark was in Zion.

25:8-9 Whilst David was planning the way in which there would always be singers to praise God in the temple he realised that the work was of God, hence they cast lots (Prov 16:33)

24:18 It might be thought that the mention of Aaron might be confusing, after all we are now in the days of David – may years after Aaron had died. However we should appreciate that the mention of Aaron is to mark the point that these men had the right by decent to do the job they were doing.

25:2,3,6  Notice the repeated ‘under the hand of’. We learn that whilst the singers had a job to do they were responsible to others. SO their work for the ecclesia had to be coordinated with others.

24:31  Whilst these men were appointed because of their birth they ‘cast lots’ as if to mark the point that even though they were called they left the specific order in which they were to work to God.

25:5 Heman is called the king's seer.  We see that Gad was also called a seer, while Nathan was called a prophet (29:29).  What is the difference?  The Hebrew word for prophet is naby which means inspired man; while the Hebrew word for seer is chozeh which means one who holds vision (gazer). 

In Samuel, we are told that the term prophet had superseded the term seer (1Sam 9:9). However, here the Hebrew word for seer is ra'ah which has a multiplicity of meanings, including an application of visions.  Perhaps, at one time seers and prophets had different applications, but it is unclear that this is now the case.

24:5 So David continues to organise things for the time when Solomon had built the temple – focusing again on matters to do with worship, not warfare.

25:2 How was prophesying accomplished through using a musical instrument?  Perhaps one answer lies with Elisha.  Elisha needed counsel from Yahweh but was disturbed by the presence of Jehoram, the son of Ahab (2Kin 3:14).  Elisha called for a minstrel, and through the calming action of music he was able to receive Yahweh’s advice (2Kin 3:15). 

One cannot have communication with Yahweh (or vice versa) if the mind is not calm. Remember how Yahweh communicates with His people (1Kin 19:11,12).

We know the calming action of music from David’s dealings with Saul (1Sam 16:23). The power of music was recognized by such writers as William Congreve (1670-1729) who penned:  

Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast,                                                                                                                                                        To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.

More likely, though, the prophesying of David’s musicians consisted only of praying and singing to music.

25:5,6 Notice that Heman’s daughters were also employed as singers.  This was an area of temple service in which women could participate.  The same opportunity is available to sisters in today's ecclesial service.

25:8 Impartiality was important in the selection of teachers and students for respective divisions.

Being self centred was their main problem. They served themselves before serving God. Do we think we are any better? Are our natural motives any different? The answer clearly is No. It is only to the extent that we absorb the mind of Christ that we will be any different.

34:14  This chapter, which speaks of a good shepherd forms the basis for language Jesus uses (John 6)) when we read of the feeding of the 5,000

Vs.23,24 After the abuse of selfish and greedy leaders, Yahweh promises His people one true leader, Jesus, who will take care of them. 

Vs.25-31 A beautiful picture of the kingdom unfolds where bounty and peace will flow, and Yahweh's sheep will be safe. 

V.2 In this chapter, Yahweh indicts the greedy, self-centered shepherds of His flock. 

The Lord Jesus describes two classes of leaders - hirelings and shepherds (John 10:11-14).  Only true shepherds, like the Lord Jesus, really care for the flock. 

The Pharisees were clearly hirelings as they were only concerned with their public image and not with the welfare of their sheep (Matt 23:23-28). 

We need to evaluate whether we are hirelings or shepherds, either on an ecclesial leadership level or on a personal level.  To be shepherds, we must always put the needs of our brethren ahead of our own.

There are three parts in today’s chapter. Eze 34:1-10 is God rebuking the leaders (shepherds), for their lack of good teaching; Eze 34:11-22 is God saying that He is to become their Shepherd, and will feed His flock. Then in Eze 34:23-31 David, or Jesus, will be their King.

34:17  In speaking of judging between rams and he goats Ezekiel provides the basis for the words of a later prophet – just after the return from Babylon Zechariah uses these words – Zech 10:3

34:14 Very specifically this chapter speaks of the feeding of the 5,000. Ezekiel speaks of the good shepherd feeding the sheep in good pastures on a high mountain. Those two ideas seem quite contradictory. However they are echoed in the feeding of the 5,000. Comparing John 6:3 and , John 6:10 we see both these elements there also.

V.2 Ezekiel the prophet (Heb. naby) had to speak against the shepherds of Israel. The word shepherds is translated from the Hebrew root ra'ah.  This is the same root as seer in 1Sam 9:9 (see my note above on 1 Chr 24,25).

As the seer had to look out (in vision), the shepherds had to look out (for their flock).  Unfortunately, the shepherds of Israel were not doing their job, and so the prophet had to step in and chide them on behalf of Yahweh.  Again, the power of the prophet (naby) superseded that of the seer (ra'ah).

34:4 That the leaders in Ezekiel’s day did not seek ‘that which is lost’ is seen in stark contrasts with Jesus for whom this was his whole job – Matt 15:24

34:8 That there was ‘no shepherd’ is picked up by Jesus – Matt 9:36 – when e reflected n the situation in his day in Israel.

Eze 34:12-13,25-31 - Israel will be scattered (70 AD), regathered (1948) and ultimately will be blessed and dwell safely in a new world order (with Christ as their shepherd).

Eze 34:23-24 - another messianic prophesy; "David" means "beloved" and Jesus is the good shepherd John 10:11.

V.5 Contrast this state of affairs with that under our Shepherd, Jesus (Matt 18:11-14).

V.10 The leaders (teachers) of Christ’s spiritual flock have a great responsibility. Their leadership will be called into question at the judgment, and they will be judged more strictly (James 3:1). And so, any ecclesial leader, teacher, lecturer, or writer had better reflect the Word of Yahweh accurately, or he/she will suffer the consequences.

Vs.11-13 Yahweh has never forgotten His people.  He will always keep a remnant for His Name’s sake (Mic 7:18).  There are some terrible times yet ahead for God’s people, but a remnant will be saved (Zech 14:2,3). The remnant will find peace in the Kingdom (Mic 4:4).

V.17 Between cattle and cattle (KJV) is more accurately translated: between sheep and sheep (ESV).  Yahweh will judge between those who are true and those who are false.  The rams and he-goats are false elements which are subject to punishment.

Jesus reflects the conditions of judgement, similarly in Matt 25:32,33.

V.20 Yahweh’s judgments are equitable.  He will judge both the rich and the poor equally (Acts 10:34).

Vs.23,24 Jesus is that shepherd who shall care for Yahweh’s sheep (Isa 40:11).

V.29 The plant of renown (KJV) is a reference to Jesus (Isa 11:1; Jer 23:5).

34:2 The ‘woe’ that Ezekiel brought from God is for the same reason that Jesus – Matt 23:13 etc – would pronounce woes upon the leaders of Jerusalem in his day. Both occasions, Ezekiel’s here and Jesus’ came before Jerusalem was overthrown

1:6 Baptism is the beginning of a journey, not the end. Hence Paul speaks of performing the good work which had begun in the brethren and sisters at Philippi. In reality continuing to hold fast to the things we hold dear and remain enthusiastic is harder than the initial response to the gospel message.

2:12-13 There seems to be a contradiction between 'work out your own salvation' and 'for it is God that worketh in you'. However there is no contradiction. The problem at Philippi was that some brethren and sisters interfered with the lives of others rather than sorting out their own problems. Paul is saying that it is their own responsibility to deal with their own lives knowing that God is involved. Rather like the situation in Rome where they had to be taught that each brother or sister is God's servant. Romans 14:4

Amos 6:12 Shall horses run upon the rock? will [one] plow [there] with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:

Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Philippians 1:11 shows that the fruits of righteousness give praise to the Father whilst Hebrews 12:11 show that the fruits of righteousness will produce blessings in the faithful brother or sister. This demonstrates that there are no losers when the Father is at work in our lives and we respond. Israel should have learnt this (Amos 6:12). We are just as likely to forget as they did.

2:5-8 This can only be achieved by copying the Lord Jesus Christ. He had a higher calling than us. He could have appealed to His rights. He never did therefore God exalted him.

2:10 'name of Jesus ... bow' is quoted from Isaiah 45:23 'things ... earth' is quoted from Exodus 20:4

The blending of Isaiah 45 and Exodus 20 shows that Jesus is the 'image' which Yahweh has made of Himself who should be worshipped.

ch 1 - There is a problem at Philippi. Paul seeks to develop Biblical principles which the whole ecclesia will acknowledge so that when he addresses the problem there would be no dissent. So he speaks of 'strife' (1:15) and 'one mind' (1:27) as principles to be upheld that no one would dispute.

ch 2 - Continuing the issue he will address later there is 'one accord' (2:2) 'one mind' (2:2) no 'strife' (2:3) and 'like minded' (2:20)

1:27 I have been establishing in many of the comments on Philippians for the last few years, that they was a problem in Philippi. In fact it was that there was strife between brethren and sisters, exemplified in the strife between Syntyche and Euodias (4:2). But rather than to 'strive' with each other the brethren and sisters were to strive 'together for the faith of the gospel'.

2:7,9 The exaltation of Jesus was because he humbled himself. This is a clear Biblical principle which is shown as the approach we must take if we want to be exalted in God's sight (James 3:10 , 1Pet 5:6)

1:23 and 2:6 There are two important doctrinal issues to ponder in these two verses.  In reference to these, please see my comments for Phil 1,2 on Apr. 8th.

1:16 It is difficult to accept that there were those of the household of faith who preached Christ through selfish ambition.  It was so in Paul's day, and so why should we be surprised if it occurs in our day. 

There is a sentiment in the performing arts which says that: the vocal chords are directly attached to the ego.  And so, there is a danger that teachers and lecturers, especially, can fall in love with their own voices and messages.  Thus, we should strive to remain open minded and humble when dealing with the Word (James 4:5,6; 1Pet 5:5,6).

1:14 We might think that if we were a prisoner it would impact upon the effectiveness of our personal preaching. Paul, on the contrary, was as a prisoner a stimulus to brethren who were ‘confident’ because of Paul’s bonds. Now clearly they were not pleased he was in chains, rather his reaction to his circumstances was the encouragement to them.

2:20 The Philippians are styled as caring ‘naturally’ for Paul. However it is not ‘natural’ to care for people. Caring for others is a fulfilment of the commandment of God Gal 5:14. The marginal translation ‘genuinely’ catches the meaning of the Greek more accurately.

2:13 Yahweh desires to work in us.  That can only happen if we do not allow our human nature to block Him.  And so, the more transparent we are, the more that light will shine through us. 

2:5-8 Paul continues to develop the principles that the brethren and sisters would assent to so that when he deals with the personal problem they will all be in accord with him – the two sisters included.

1:7     The ‘grace’ of Paul which the Philippians shared was the knowledge of the gospel which Paul had preached to them.

-

1:13  Whilst it might be thought that ‘Caesar’s palace’ was in Rome it could well be that this letter was written by Paul when he was in Caesarea because the word translated ‘palace’ here is also translated ‘judgement hall’ in Acts 23:35.

Let this mind be in you

The "mind which was also in Christ Jesus" (2:5) was lowliness of mind (v3), to esteem others better than himself (v3) and to look out for the interests of others (v4); to have no desire for personal reputation (v7) but to humble himself and be obedient no matter what (v8).

1:1 Philippi was the capital city of a province in Macedonia. It was named after Philip III of Macedon who fortified the old city of Crenides and called it by his name.  But, this Philippi should not be confused with Caesarea-Philippi. 

Philip the tetrarch was Herodias’ husband (Matt 14:3).  He wanted to dedicate a city to the emperor Caesar.  And so, Philip enlarged the city of Paneas, which was situated at the foot of Mt. Hermon, and called it Caesarea.  But, to distinguish this city from the Caesarea on the coast, he  tacked on his own name and it became Caesarea-Philippi. 

The famous battle that pitted Augustus and Mark Anthony against Brutus and Cassius took place in or near Philippi. Augustus won and the people of Philippi became freemen.

1:11 The fruit of righteousness (KJV) consists of right thoughts; right attitudes; right words; and right actions.

1:15 Those who preached Christ with envy and strife (KJV) were the Judaizers who wanted to impose Mosaic rites on believers.

1:21 While Paul was alive, he represented Christ. But, when he died, he would be relieved of any human burden, and his next waking moment would find him invited into the Kingdom.

2:4 See Gal 6:2.

2:13 Remember that we are here to please Yahweh. 

2:27 The apostles did not have the gift of healing all the time.  It was only at specific times, under specific circumstances that Yahweh allowed the apostles to have the spirit of healing. During the sickness of Epaphroditus, healing power was not available to either Paul or any other apostle.  But, the prayer of faith was (James 5:15).  

1:20  Paul’s prayer was that in nothing would he be ashamed. Here he is speaking of his preaching. We might extend that to all aspects of our lives. Are there things we say, think or do that we would not want our brethren and sisters to know about?