7 v.13 - And so it was that Yahweh put a dream in a man's head and then ensured that he spoke to his fellow just at the right time so that Gideon could hear and be encouraged. What a wonderful God Gideon had. He is also our Father.
7 v.15 - And being assured in his own mind Gideon wastes no time. Strong in faith now he springs into action before doubts can set in again.

8 v.3 - Oreb and Zeeb pass into use in Psalm 83 as a mark of Yahweh's deliverance. Zebah and Zalmunna are only to be found in Judges and Psalm 83 [Judges 8:5 6 7 10 12 15 18 21 Psalm 83:11] Remember that both the Deborah incident and Gideon took place in the same area - the Jezreel valley.
8 v.4-10 - By tracing on a map these locations it is possible to see where Zebah and Zalmunna went and the sort of terrain that Gideon pursued them across.

We noticed links between Deborah and Barak (Chapter 4) and Psalm 83 Here are some more links with that Psalm.

The wayward Israelite woman of Isaiah 3 is described as wearing Midianitish adornments

7:3 The provision 'whosoever is fearful … depart' is a provision of the law of Moses (Deuteronomy 20:18). That so many returned on this occasion gives an indication of the fear amongst the nation.

8:10 Consider the odds. Judges 7:6 shows Israel had 300 men. Here we see the Midianites had 120,000 - odds of 450 to 1. Clearly the victory belonged to Yahweh.

7:22 The Lord does not require assistance from man. The enemy fought amongst themselves whilst Israel watched. On two other occasions 1Sam 14:20 2Chron 20:25   the same thing happened.

8:33 As soon as Gideon was dead the true state of the individuals in the nation was manifest. Is our faithfulness only superficial, encouraged by the commitment of another. Or is our faith strong enough to stand on it's own.

7:12 The Midianites were descended from Midian the son of Abraham by Keturah (Gen 25:2); and the Amalekites were descended from Amalek, Esau's grandson (Gen 36:12).  At some point, the Midianites amalgamated with the Ishmaelites and became one and the same (Gen 37:28).  

Yahweh hated the Midianites for their complicity with the Moabites in persuading Israel to worship Baal-Peor (Num 25:1-18). 

After Yahweh punished Midian at the hand of Gideon, they never again opposed Israel.

7:10     Men of faith can also be fearful – the Lord is aware of that and so makes provision for man’s fears.  

8:1        The men of Ephraim complain that they were not involved from the beginning of the battle – but they had not done anything to mitigate the Midianite onslaught before Gideon arose to deliver Israel. This is one of a number of incidents in the book of Judges which shows that the nation were fragmented and each tribe self seeking. Hardly a good attitude for the ecclesia!

8:22 The peoples unbounded admiration and gratitude towards Gideon prompted them, in the enthusiasm of the moment, to raise their deliverer to a throne, and establish a royal dynasty in his house. But, Gideon knew that the God of Israel was the supreme rular over the nation, and refused to entertain the thought. Personal and family ambition was cheerfully sacriiced to a sense of duty, and every fleshly motive was kept in check by a supreme regard to the Divine honor. He would willingly act as judge, but the Lord alone was King over Israel.

Gideon as a possible echo of Christ - Part 2

We have in the story of Gideon an emphasis on 3 or multiples of 3 which suggests divine perfection and/or the sacrifice and resurrection which offers us hope. Judg 7:3,4,5,6,8,9,13,16,19,20,22,25; 8:4,12,18,19,28,33,35 -- 7:3 those without faith are not selected, many are called but few are chosen; 7:4 God does the choosing and purifying ["try" (KJV) Heb. "tsaraph" (6884) means "refine, fuse, cast, pure, purge away, try", etc.]; 7:5 many are called and read the word and/or get baptized but few are chosen; 7:6 maybe those who lap the water are more alert and discerning of the word or perhaps it refers to the Gentiles/dogs who were further from the word who mainly were chosen later to follow Christ; 7:8 this is not unlike the parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30) where we are entrusted to make the best use of our talents; 7:9 Christ will come like a thief in the night (1Thess 5:2); 7:13 barley bread was the bread of the poor used in times of famine, the barley harvest precedes the wheat harvest, and Christ is the bread of life (John 6:35) who will smash like a stone (Dan 2:34,44,45) the worldly empires in a time of spiritual famine and establish his kingdom on earth; 7:16,19 perhaps our bodies are empty jars/vessels with the torches being the teachings of light that lead to eternal life (1Cor 3:16), trumpets as in the day of resurrection/judgement (1Cor 15:51-52), and the trumpets of the Jubilee which is the freedom from bondage and a possible reference to the millenium with freedom from sin and death; 7:20 once again the mention of 3, (compare with the concept of light, Christ in us and the resurrection 2Cor 4:4-10; Eph 5:14); 7:22 (compare with Eze 38:21 where God reveals his might and glory to the nations); 7:25 "Oreb" and "Zeeb" ["Oreb" means "raven" and "Zeeb" means "wolf" according to Smith's Bible Dictionary] perhaps suggest unclean and predatory (sometimes in sheep's clothing) evil/sin killed by the rock Christ who offered his blood; 8:4 perhaps this refers to baptism; 8:12 perhaps this refers to armageddon or those responsible who are rejected at judgement or the final battle over sin; 8:18,19 Gideon like a prince and also perhaps a reference to those in Christ who fell away and lost their eternal life to the pull of sin; 8:28 perhaps an echo of peace in the millenial age and perhaps a probation period for those who will be taught in that age to come; 8:33 Israel and perhaps other people largely ignoring Christ's true teachings; 8:35 kindness not shown to those who follow Christ .

Yahweh called Gideon to defeat the Midianites.  However, Gideon needed (and received) a lot of assurance before he was willing to act (see Judges Ch. 6).  Once convinced, he put his trust in Yahweh and a successful outcome was accomplished. 

8:23 After the Midianites were crushed, the men of Israel wanted Gideon to rule over them.  He refused.  His response seems noble, but was actually dismissive. 

8:27 Gideon promptly constructed and ephod and led Israel into idolatry. 

Having just been the recipient of Yahweh's demonstrated power, Gideon did a 180-degree turn to faithlessness.  Wickedness is inbred in all humankind (Jer 17:19).  If Gideon could turn so can we.  Therefore, let us take care (1Cor 10:12).

7:9 The record is very specific – at the beginning of the middle watch’ Now as the watch wears on the sentries become more tired and careless. But the attack was when the sentries were fresh and alert.

8:2-3     Gideon’s conciliatory attitude defused the problem demonstrating the proverb ‘a soft answer turneth away wrath’ – Prov 15:1

8:26 The value of the gold earrings alone (approx. 40lbs in weight), at today's values, would exceed $500,000.

7:2,7 Yahweh wanted to demonstrate His power. And so, out of 32,000 men of Israel only 300 were chosen by Gideon to confront the might of the Midianite army who were as grasshoppers for multitude (6:5; 7:12).  Man or beast would not be able to deliver Israel (Psa 33:1; Psa 146:3).  But, confidence in Yahweh could (Psa 18:2).

7:13 This God-inspired dream gave Gideon the tactics he needed to defeat the Midianites.  Barley was the food of the poor and of beasts.  The barley bread represented the 300 Israelite soldiers.  Its significance was to show that, with such a humble element, Yahweh could defeat the sophisticated masses of Midian (7:14).

7:16-22 Note the similarity of Gideon’s campaign with that of Abraham’s in his rescue of Lot from invading kings (Gen 14:8,9,12).  Abraham had 318 men who he divided in the night (Gen 14:14,15). He successfully defeated the enemy and rescued Lot and the others (Gen 14:16).  We are not told of Abraham’s tactics but we can be sure that Yahweh’s heavenly army fought with him to secure victory.

8:23 The idea of Israel having a king raises its head here – maybe for the first time – as can be seen from Gideon’s response. Sadly the nation’s desire was still pursued and Gideon’s son was made king – Judg 9:6

There are a number of phrases from this chapter echoed in Revelation

The 'indignation of the Lord is upon all nations' (34:2) so we see that Israel's fortunes will improve as the kingdom of this world become the kingdom of Christ.

34:10  The rising smoke echoes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah – Gen 19:28.

V.11 The LORD will wreak havoc upon the earth when He judges the nations.  Isaiah describes the conditions, at that time, as one of confusion and emptiness (KJV).  In the Hebrew, confusion is tohu , while emptiness is bohu.  These are the same two words which are translated without form and void in Gen 1:2.  Thus, we can understand the kind of desolation being described. Incidentally, the term tohu-bohu is used in French to denote commotion.

34:4 Being like figs ‘falling from the fig tree’ is quoted - Rev 6:14 - as being part of the destruction of the 6^th seal.

34:10 The ascending smoke for ever is the basis for the language in Rev 14:11

V.2 The phrase all nations  can be replaced by Edom.  Edom, like Moab, was a traditional enemy of Israel.  However, both Edom and Moab are used metaphorically to describe all the enemies who oppose Yahweh. 

"Come near ye nations", but what is interesting that in the entire chapter there is only one nation that is mentioned. It is the nation of Edom. Bozrah and Idumea Isa 34:6,   are both in Edom. Edom is such a fitting type of all nations. Esau is Edom. Esau and Edom are both red, Esau came out red, Edom is an area of red sandstone. Red stands for sin  and our nature. Obadiah tells us of the pride of Edom Obad 1:3-4 and this reminds us of the nature of man. In Obad 1:15  in the middle of the chapter of God's judgements upon Edom we read,"For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen" .Edom is such a fitting example of man,his pride,his sin and soon will be judged.

34:4 The heavens being rolled together as a scroll is quoted in Rev 6:14 so we can see what Isaiah is speaking about is a pattern for elements of the 6^th seal

Chapters 34 and 35 of Isaiah form one prophecy against the nations who are the enemies of Yahweh. This is a prophecy that can be applied to the end times.

V.5 Edom is not singled out here.  Edom has become an epithet for all the enemies of Yahweh.

V.8 After leaving Bozrah, Jesus and His band will continue their journey to Jerusalem. He will destroy His enemies there and free the city.

Brotherly Hatred

The context of these chapters in Isaiah is the battle for Jerusalem against the Assyrian invasion.  So why do we have a chapter sandwiched in-between dedicated to Edom? What's Edom got to do with the Assyrian invasion?

In 33:1 God sounds a warning: "woe to you who plunder , though you have not been plundered". Could this apply to Edom? Psa 137:7 seems to suggest that Edom rejoiced at the later destruction of Jerusalem, and Eze 35:5, 10-12 shows God's judgement on them for waiting in the wings to take the land of Israel and Judah after the people had been taken captive. So Edom were a nation who waited gleefully for Israel to be destroyed by Assyria, and that's why we have a chapter here about Edom.

Looking to the future battle for Israel, we can learn from this that although the nations round about Israel might not be the main aggressors in the final battle of Armageddon, they will still be judged for hating her. And on a personal level, Jesus repeats this teaching for us, when he speaks about hating your brother in your heart being as bad as murder (Gen 27:41, Lev 19:17, Matt 5:21-22, 1John 3:15). After all, the Edomites (Esau) were the brothers of Israel (Jacob).

34:2 So the prophet now speaks of God’s judgements upon all nations. From the way in which we have seen in previous years how the language from this chapter is used in Rev 6:13,14 and Rev 16:11 we may conclude that this chapter is talking about the time of the return of Jesus.

'the hire of the labourers' Leviticus 19:13
'kept back by fraud' Malachi 3:3
'the cries … Sabbaoth' Deuteronomy 24:15

Brethren should understand that the way in which God works does not change. The principles he laid out under the law are just as relevant in James' day and in ours too.

5:9 The word 'grudge' 4727 is found elsewhere. Typical translations are

Mark 7:34       sighed
Rom 8:23       groaned
2Cor 5:2,4     Groan

So we see that James is warning against the attitude of mind where we might be willing to do something for our brother or sister but in our hearts we would prefer not to do it.

V.11 Some contend that the Book of Job was an allegory and, therefore, Job was not a real person.  The fact that both James and Ezekiel (Eze 14:14,20) both talk about him suggest strongly that he did exist.

5:3That they had ‘heaped [RV laid up] treasure together for the last days’ is a sad reflection of the brethren in James’ day, however where do we stand. Jesus warns that our heart will be where our treasure is – Matt 6:21.

V.3 - unwisely spent money (and talents) will testify against us come judgment day Matt 25:24-30

V.19 - do we do our best to rescue the flock who stray? (Luke 15:28-32) Of the two sons who is ultimately lost, the one who stayed in the meeting but perhaps was lacking in the right spirit, or the one who came back and was humble?

V.20 - are we content to not show enough love to reach out and help others on the wrong path?

5:11So another reference to Job.

5:5 James is wring the brethren and sisters about the dangers of a selfish lifestyle, likening such a way of living to that of Israel in the days near the end of the kingdom of Judah – Jer 12:3

We are sometimes asked to pray for sick members, either at the meeting, or on e-announce, or by personal message. But James gives us two more pieces of good advice, as well as praying for those who are unwell (James 5:13,14). He says that if we are afflicted (which means to suffer evil), then we should pray. If we are happy, we should sing praises to God. This reminds me of Paul’s words, “To me to live is Christ” (Phil 1:21). This is putting Christ first, middle and last in our lives. Our life is then full of Christ.

V.7 Yahweh is the husbandman (John 15:1).  Yahweh’s spiritual children are His husbandry (1Cor 3:9).

Vs.14,15 We can, and do, petition our Heavenly Father for the physical welfare of our brethren.  However, it seems here that the sickness (weakness) referred to might be spiritual rather than physical.  The last part of v.15 gives a clue: and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  The forgiveness of sins seems to be linked to the sickness. 

Physical affliction in a person's life is not necessarily the result of a specific sin (longitudinally, of course, it is the result of Adam's sin).  Surely, that was the mistaken notion that Job's friends had of his condition. 

And so, sins can be forgiven for spiritual weakness (error in walk) if accepted by Yahweh offered through a prayer of faith.

Vs.19,20 We should make every effort to recover anyone who has wandered away from the Truth.  It is a matter of life and death.

5:12 James quotes the Sermon on the Mount when he says ‘let your yea be yea and your nay nay’ – Matt 5:37