17 v.6 Another refrain in the book of Judges There was no king in Israel. [Judges 17:6 18:1 19:1 21:25 (see above)] But notice that it only occurs in the latter chapters. There is a powerful contrast between this time of the Judges and the references in the time of the kings listed below. [1 Kings 15:5 11 2 Kings 12:2 14:3 15:3 34 18:3 22:2 2 Chronicles 24:2 25:2 26:4 27:2 29:2 34:2]

18 v.7 There are only three references to the Sidonians (Zidonians) in Judges. [Judges 3:3 10:12 18:7] And the third reference shows something about their way of life which, sadly, Israel copied. This willingness to copy the way of the inhabitants of the land shows that Yahweh was correct in His demand that the inhabitants of the land be destroyed to protect Israel from false worship. [Deuteronomy 7:1 - 6]

ch 17 - This section of the book of Judges - as we saw last year Chapter 19 - mentions elements relating to Saul and David. The mention of Bethlehem Judah starts in this chapter. 17:7 8 9

18:30-31 We learn here of a competing system of worship which lasted until the captivity and the removal of the ark from Shiloh - two separate incidents. However there is no mention anywhere else about these activities. We should learn that there is no value in enquiring after the false God (Deuteronomy 12:30)

ch.17 - The reason for the Benjamin / Judah contrast in the latter part of Judges is to highlight how that the tribe of Benjamin was not fitted for kingship whilst Judah was. The scene is set for the book of Ruth.

18:7 'Magistrate' was a 'heir of restraint' Hebrew. The problem was that their was no one to give direction to the people. So Israel had no king and the Zidonians had no 'magistrate'.

17:6 The repeated refrain 'every man did that which is right in his own eyes' is a demonstration of how Israel did exactly the of what God told them Deut 12:8. So Israel have gone over Jordan as Deut 12:10 anticipates and the nation quite specifically are going against what God has told them.

18:18-21 The Levite was far more concerned with status than with truth. So he was willing to go with the Danites.

Are we ever influenced by status?

17:3 Since the death of Joshua and the elders, Israel had slipped into a spiritual abyss.  Israel had allowed Idolatrous practices to be incorporated into the worship of Yahweh.

The same thing happened in the first century AD and onwards when pagan practices were allowed to creep into the ecclesia (Acts 20:29,30).  Today, we have Christendom which is markedly removed from Christian truth.  Then, as now, there was a need to stand aside from error.

17       Remember the events of chapters Judg 17, 18, 19, 20 occurred early in the days of the Judges.

17:3    The mother of Micah was a strange mix. On the one hand she claimed that she had dedicated the 11,000 shekels of silver to God but then took part of it and made an idol! It is as if she rationalised her wrong behaviour on the basis that she had committed something to God. Are we ever like this? Attempting to justify some action on the basis that we want to think that God is involved.

17:12-13 The consecration of the Levite is detailed in the Law of Moses. Micah did not have the relevant qualifications to perform the task. It was all a sham despite Micah’s expectations.

17:5 The phrase house of gods (KJV) in Hebrew is beit elohim which is the house of God (elohim).  Micah and his mother probably set up a home shrine (ESV) to worship Yahweh.  They might have been sincere, but they erred by disobeying the Law and by adding pagan elements to their worship.

Micah ordained a son to become priest.  This was contrary to the Law as only Aaron and his sons were eligible to become priests (Num 3:10). Then they added a molten image and a graven image to their worship (17:4).  Perhaps they tried to replicate things pertaining to the tabernacle.

Sincerity in worship is not acceptable to Yahweh if His laws are not obeyed and His truth is perverted.  Many worshippers in the apostasy today are sincere, but they are astray from biblical truth.

17:6 This statement sums up the attitude of the post-Joshua period.

17:13 Micah figured he had all the bases covered, now that he had a Levite for a personal priest.  His conscience was appeased.  But, delusion and ignorance still ruled his worship.

18:1 See Josh 19:47.   

18:5-6 The charade of the Levite being a true priest is continued and even the men of Daniel believed that he had priestly capabilities. However there is no indication in the record that he actually sought advice from God.

Whilst there are many places where the language of this chapter are found elsewhere in Scripture here are just a few. Notice the links with Ruth - the gentile girl who associated herself with the hope of Israel. Also see how Zechariah uses the language of this chapter to encourage Israel at the time of the return from Babylon.

The greatest thing that Yahweh hates is idolatry because it opposes the first and greatest commandment (Deut 6:4,5; Matt 22:37,38).  Yahweh demands exclusivity of worship (Exo 20:3).

V.17 The nations are nothing to Yahweh because they are idolatrous. 

V.18 They fashion gods after their own imagination. 

Vs.19,20 Those who are rich make ornate gods out of expensive materials; those who are poor make gods out of inexpensive material. 

And so, idolatry is an equal opportunity pursuit.  True believers in Christ are exhorted to shun idolatry (1Cor 10:14) being part of fleshly works (Gal 5:19-21).  However, it must be remembered that idolatry is not only worshipping a physical image, but also greed (Col 3:5). 

Comfort was going to be theirs when God was to consume the huge forces of Assyria who had encircled Jerusalem and the glory of the Lord was to be revealed in redeeming his people. The mountains of flesh seen in that force were to be cut down like grass, but for those who trusted in the Lord there was to be salvation. It is very easy to misplace our trust. We need to develop a faith in the word of God as this is life eternal. 1Pet 1:22-25. That word of God has to be in us producing fruit to the glory of God. If it is not there then we will not attain to the kingdom of God.

40:9  In saying ‘behold your God’ whilst speaking of Jesus’ we see Jesus who is given the status and authority of his God as he was ‘God with us’ – Isa 7:14 / , Matt 1:23.

V.3 - a reference to John the Baptist preparing the way for Christ Mal 3:1;Matt 3:1-3;Mark 1:3;John 1:23.

40:10 "his reward is with him" is speaking of the return of Jesus and is quoted in Rev 22:12

40:9 The ‘good tidings’ is the promise of the birth of Jesus – Luke 1:19

Vs.18-20 Idolatry does not only take the form of graven images.  Today, worshipping your car, house, job, bank account, or anything that takes precedence over worshipping Yahweh, is idolatry.  The same human nature that persuaded people to stray in the time of the Judges exists today (see my note on today's Judges reading).

Isa 40:22 "the circle of the earth", Job 26:7 "he suspends the earth over nothing" - unless inspired by God how would the writers know in circa BC 750 (Isaiah) and circa BC 1500 (Job) that the earth was as a circle suspended over nothing? Similarly, how is it the writer of Job 28:5 would be in step with the modern scientific theory that below or inside the earth is like fire?

Vs.3-5 These verses are quoted by John the Baptist in Luke 3:4-6.

Vs.6-8 These verses are echoed in Psa 37:2; 1Pet 1:24.  James likens the rich man to fading grass (James 1:10,11).   

Vs.9-11 When Jesus returns to rule from Jerusalem, divine order and peace will ensue.

V.16 Burning all the wood from the forests of Lebanon ,or sacrificing all the beasts that exist, cannot give justice to the glory of Yahweh.

V.31 Followers of Jesus wait patiently in faith for the kingdom to come. At that time Yahweh will bountifully bless Jesus’ disciples; bless natural Israel; and heal the earth (See Isa 35:6; Rev 21:4).

40:6 That ‘all flesh is grass’ would be something that Hezekiah would really appreciate given that he would have been dead unless God had heard his prayer.

1 v.3 The 'witness' of the disciples is seen in the way in which they had 'seen and heard' about Jesus. [Luke 7:22 John 3:32 Acts 4:20 22:15] and is the basis for the Apostle John's reminder.

Ch. 2 - The threefold phrase 'he that saith' [1 John 2:4,6,9] shows that there is a direct relationship between what we claim what we actually do and what we are. It is what we do, not what we say, which actually speaks of how we are.

John, quoting Isaiah 50 switches the emphasis. Isaiah has those walking in light as those who walk in the light of their own making. John is showing the contrast that is consequent of putting on Christ.

2:11 The one who hateth his brother is like Cain who killed Abel and then 'dwelt in the land of Nod - wandering' (Genesis 4:16)

1:1 That John had 'handled' Jesus is seen by implication (Luke 24:39). Clearly John, who had spent three and a half years with Jesus during 'the days of his flesh' is speaking of the resurrected Jesus.

2:11 In saying that the one who hateth his brother 'knoweth not wither he goeth' John is quoting the sentiments of Genesis 4:16 which speaks of Cain

1John 1:4. By “these things” the Apostle signifies all the things he has disclosed to them, both in his Gospel message as well as in this Epistle. The reason he has done so is “that your joy may be full”.

1John 1:5. God is not only light, but is the source of light.
       Light is the source of life.
       Light it reveals all.
       Light destroys darkness.
       Light is warmth.
       Light is health.
       Light provides hope and joy.

1John 2:13. It appears that John is writing to three different age groups, which when we look at the original meanings of the Greek words used we see that these different categories would cover the whole ecclesia, as it does today. We are all included in John’s exhortation regardless of our spiritual development.
      FATHERS: pater (3962) a parent, a nourisher, a provider.
      YOUNG MEN: neaniskos (3495) the younger, immature members.
      LITTLE CHILDREN: paidion (3813) those under spiritual instruction. Not one who was child of John’s by natural birth, but of spiritual birth.

1:2 In saying 'the word was manifest' John echoes his words (John 1:14) 'The word was made flesh'

1:5 In saying 'God is light' John develops a theme which he has in his gospel (John 1:4,9, 8:12, 9:15, 12:35,36) The light of God was manifest in the 'face of Jesus Christ' (2Cor 4:6)

2:19 Continuing last year's comment on 'went out' Cain 'went out' from the presence of the Lord (Gen 4:16) showing that sin separates from God which is one of the themes of this letter.

1:1  Notice the repeated use of ‘seen’ or similar words throughout the letter – 1John 1:2, , 3:1,2,6, 4:12,14,20. John was an eyewitness of the resurrections but there is more to seeing than using one’s eyes. One who has ‘seen’ Jesus does his works. Anyone who does not do his works has not ‘seen’ hi even if he claims he has.

2:2 It may seem superfluous to say ‘and not for our’s only’ but it acts as an antidote against the self righteous attitude of, for example, of the Pharisee Luke 18:11.

1:6-7 The contrast between walking in light and walking in darkness s not simply a nice contrast. It marks the only two option. We might like to think that walking in light is just going to the meeting but it must extend to the whole of our lives.

1:10   Whilst we might think that we would never speak or think like this maybe there are times when our actions or thoughts demonstrate that we do. Such thinking is manifest when we are unwilling to repent of a sin – such an attitude is equivalent to denying that the sin has been committed.

1:1 This verse is talking about Jesus.  However, those who believe that Jesus is God and that He existed from the beginning, might point to this verse as proof of that.  Jesus was not God but the Son of God (1:3). 

In the beginning, God spoke (His Word), and things were done (Gen 1:3).  Then later, (in about 4 BC), God spoke again, and And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth (John 1:14). 

Jesus, the promised Messiah, was born by the power of God, and He began his mission.

1:4,6,9 It is so easy to ‘say’ we are believers. John repeatedly emphasises that the evidence is not in the words but in the actions.

The word “advocate” in 1John 2:1 is the same word translated “Comforter” (given a capital C in the AV) in John 14:16,26 and John 15:26 and John 16:7. Vine comments that this word is one called to one’s side, therefore one capable of giving aid. “It was used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for the defence, an advocate” (W.E.Vine p208). What a wonderful hope we have therefore! If we sin we can pray to God through Jesus, Jesus Christ will plead for us. We must thank God for Jesus.

1John 2:25 First Principles>Immortality
1. Something to hope for 1John 2:25
2. Resurrection of the body is necessary
    1. of Jesus 1Cor 15:17,22
    2. of ourselves 1Cor 15:52-54
3. Resurrection will be in the future - at Jesus' coming 1Cor 15:23
4. Immortality to be enjoyed in the body Phil 3:20
5. Immortality to be enjoyed on the earth Matt 5:5
6. Conditions of immortality
    1. Immortality is conditional Matt 7:13-14
    2. on belief John 3:15-16
    3. on obedience Mark 16:16
7. Criterion for resurrection Dan 12:2
8. Immortality is not inherent in man, but is the gift of God John 10:28
9. Concerning those who are not responsible Jer 51:57
10. What the righteous among the responsible will receive from Christ Phil 3:21
11. What will become of those whom Jesus rejects Luke 13:28
First Principles> For more first principle topics, go to Acts 8:12

2:2 The word propitiation means the act that brings favor or makes peace.  The word atonement, meaning the act that reconciles God with man, would be a better translation.   God can only be reconciled to man if man's sins are forgiven.   And, Jesus is the means by which sins can be forgiven.  Thus, Jesus is a mediator who brings God to man (1Tim 2:5).

2:15,16 To be in the world but not of the world is a constant challenge.  This is particularly true in today’s permissive and subtlety persuasive humanistic society.  Let’s beware of the traps that prevent us from truly worshipping Yahweh.

A Believer's Relationship with the World

"Love not the world..." (1 John 2:15) vs "God so loved the world..." (John 3:16)

Some verses emphasize we should not love the world and that it will lead us astray: Rom 12:2;2Tim 4:19;Matt 13:22;John 15:19;17:9;Gal 1:4;James 1:27;4:4;Gen 19:12-17,26. But other verses emphasize God loved the world, Jesus gave his life for the world, we are to reflect Christ and should live in the world with love in our hearts: John 3:17;6:51;1Tim 1:15;1John 4:14;2Cor 5:19;Phil 2:15;1Tim 4:10;Gal 6:10.

In balancing the above we realize this world is passing (2Pet 3:13) and that in a sense we are not to be of this world (John 17:14), we are to be separate from the evil that is in this world, but rather than be isolated and avoid people in the world we should follow Christ's example of service and reach out to the world (John 17:18) out of love (Rom 5:8;1John 4:11,19;Matt 22:39;Luke 10:29-36). 

Much of the above was gleaned from Balancing The Book: A Study of Biblical Paradoxes by Len Richardson, pps 29-34.

Sinning and Sinfulness

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves" (1 John 1:8) vs "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin" (1 John 3:9).

Here is a fuller context of each - 1John 1:6-10;1John 2:1-2 vs 1John 3:6-9. The first idea is easier to accept. We know we all sin and are dependant on grace (Rom 3:20-24;1Tim 1:15-16;Rom 5:8). It is not difficult to confess we are "sinners" in the general sense. But sometimes it is difficult to acknowledge the specifics of our own personal sins. And what are we to make of the second idea? This second set of verses "children of God do not sin" seems much more demanding and less comfortable. It has been suggested that John was countering the growing influence of the gnostic philosophy in the early church, that appeared to be saying "knowledge" is all that matters and actual conduct is not so important. This is always the danger of a purely "cerebral" religion. 1John 3:9 is in the Greek continuous present tense and stresses a habitual attitude which could be paraphrased as "does not keep on sinning", or to quote the Amplified Bible, "...habitually practices sin". Thus sin is to be foreign to the new spiritual nature of a sincere believer. That said, sin remains an on going battle as Paul describes in Rom 7:18-25.

We all sin, because the "old man" is still there. To deny this, as John has said, is to make God a liar. But we have to fight against giving in to sin, we should not be "sinners", that is, habitual and self willed sinners. Sin is not characteristic of God's children but of the Devil's (1John 3:8). The life in Christ is sinless. It is the life of perfect love.

Much of the above was gleaned from Balancing The Book: A Study of Biblical Paradoxes by Len Richardson, pps 47-51.

2:16 The words of John to ‘love not the world’ slip easily from the tongue. But following John’s advice is far harder! AS realisation that all of these things are to vanish – having that realisation in our minds all the time – might help us to follow John’s advice.