v.1 - This part of a family tree of the house of Saul and others involved in the intrigue of Saul and David helps to show the relationships between the house of Saul and the house of David.

The tree is compiled using the following passages: 1 Samuel 8:1 1 Samuel 14:49 1 Samuel 14:51 1 Samuel 14:50 2 Samuel 2:18

Samuel must have known Gen 49:10.  He knew that the king would come from Judah, not Benjamin. So wasn't God compassionate to give him 24 hours' notice in 1Sam 9:16?  When Saul of Benjamin arrived
"tomorrow about this time", Samuel was ready, but still God confirmed it by telling Samuel, "Behold the man whom I spake to thee of." (1Sam 9:17)

Samuel knew that the selection of Saul was Yahweh's acceding to the pride of the people (1John 2:16).  Their clamoring for a king was a rejection of God and was bound to fail (8:7).  Nevertheless, Samuel was patient and kind towards Saul in this process.  He feted and accommodated Saul from the evening through until the morning (from the time of drawing water (v.11; Gen 24:11) until the spring = dawn of the day (v.26)). 

V.25 On this day there was a long talk between Samuel and Saul. Saul was being carefully groomed for the high responsibilities which were to come upon him.

Even though Samuel was an old man, he kept on faithfully performing his duties. The office he had been appointed to before his conception was a lifelong one. Interestingly, just as had always been the case, God's plan was not to choose Samuels sons as his successors. This trend had been well vocalised by an earlier Judge, Gideon, and demonstrated in the untimely death of his sons (Judg 8:23, 9:2,5). Samuel should have known this and not made judges of his own sons. God does not care for genealogies or family dynasties.

But God does work with spiritual children. Samuel's spiritual child was David, who even at this time was meditating on the word of God whilst tending his fathers flocks. From now on in the book of Samuel we should notice Samuels growing disdain of the ways of Saul, and growing delight in the ways of David. Just look at the character of the man Saul: In v6 his servant knew more about Samuel than he did. In v7 he though one needed to pay to enquire of the Lord. In vs6-10 he needed to be led by his servant. In 12 and 18 he didn't listen properly to directions.  In v21 he's a fibber (cp. 9:1-2).  In 10:6,9 God needed to change his heart before he was any use. In 10:11-12 the people who knew him were flabbergasted that Saul, of all people, might be a prophet! In 10:11-12 he didn't want to be king, and behaved himself like a coward.

God chose such a man simply because He desired to illustrate to Israel the lesson that Samuel had vocalised in 8:9-18, and to give them temporary relief from the Philistines (9:16). The new judge which God had been nurturing was not the physical son of Samuel, nor the person of choice by the people, but a spiritual son who would be brought up on the word of the Lord through Samuel.

9:9       The explanatory comment that a prophet used to be called a seer indicates that 1 Samuel was written some time after the event but using language of the day. This implies that a contemporary record was incorporated into the book which was later compiled. Of course this does not undermine our understanding of inspiration. The original contemporary writing was inspired by God and the compilation later also was inspired by God.

1Sam 9:18  when asking for the seer's house, it probably was Samuel's home in Ramah  cp 1Sam 1:1,19, 7:17, 9:4,5

9:3    Notice the contrast with David. Saul was looking for lost asses. David actually kept the sheep – 1Sam 17:34

At this point, Saul was a shy self-effacing individual.  And yet, it was he that Yahweh would set up as the first (human) king of Israel.  It does not depend upon the person's desire or aptitude to be a leader, the choice depends upon Yahweh's will: ...he removeth kings, and setteth up kings... (Dan 2:21); ...the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will (Dan 4:25).

9:7-8 Saul was the master and the servant would do what Saul said but here is one of many incidents in Saul’s life when he did not take the initiative that he should have taken. In this instance the servant was more spiritually aware than Saul.

V.2 Ironically, Saul was a bigger-than-average man from the smallest tribe (1Sam 10:3).  The people asked for a king and received Saul.  Saul means asked for.

V.9 Samuel considers himself a seer, which has the connotation of someone who has divine visions (v.19).  But, now seers are being called prophets.  Perhaps this is to emphasize the dual role of a prophet as both a forth-teller and a foreteller. Seers and prophets are named together many times in scripture (1Chron 29:29 etc.).  Three hundred years later, Amaziah calls Amos both a man of visions and a forth-teller (by inference) (Amos 7:12).

V.21 At this time, Saul is seen as a modest man.  Later, his demeanor will change.  Perhaps, by choosing a man from the tribe of Benjamin, Yahweh was easing any contestation from the other tribes. Remember that Benjamin had been severely diminished in its clash with the other tribes (Judg 20:46-48). And so, the other tribes would, likely, have had a compassionate acceptance of Saul the Benjamite.

V.24 The word shoulder (KJV) is better translated leg (ESV).

9:3 We must be careful not to think that God chose Saul because of his stature. God looks on the heart – Here the record mimics the attitude of the people.

Whilst we are familiar with the way that 53:7-8 is quoted in Acts 8:3 we should be aware that this chapter is quoted often - here are some occasions.

"HE WAS PIERCED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS"

V.8 Having progeny in Israel was of great importance.  To be barren or impotent was considered a curse of Yahweh.  Jesus was cut off in his prime and had no descendents in the natural sense.

V.10 However He does have a heritage in spiritual offspring (Psa 127:3).  This offspring are those who have believed the Gospel and have covenanted themselves with the Lord through the waters of baptism (Mark 16:16). 

Vs.11,12 Thus, He justifies the many who have taken these steps.  He does not automatically justify all (Matt 20:28).  Hence, His sacrifice was a representation and not a substitution. Salvation, made possible through His sacrifice, is available to anyone who is willing to take the prescribed steps outlined in the scriptures. 

V.2 Contrast the physical appearance of Jesus with that of Saul (1Sam 9:2).  Saul was chosen because he appealed to the physical senses of the people.  The Lord did not come to appeal to the physical senses but to the spirit. 

The first King of Israel, Saul, became disgraced and died in shame; the last King of Israel, the Lord Jesus, will reign forever in glory. 

The lesson for us is that we should seek the things of the spirit, which are forever; and not the things of the flesh which will cease.

Isa 53:11 is just wonderful.  It says that the Lord Jesus Christ will be resurrected from death, will ascend to Heaven, and there remember His pain and travail. Then, when He remembers “how much it hurt”, He will see us, and be satisfied (or full, satiated.) Just think – Jesus is pleased that He died in that dreadful way, for you and me.

53:4 ‘He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows’ is quoted – Matt 8:17 – in the context of Jesus’ miracles. So we see that the sacrifice of Jesus, as spoken of here, is more than just his death on the cross, it was his life as well.

V.1 - Rom 5:6-21 elaborates about Christs sacrifice, how through Adam we inherited sin, how the law caused recognition of tresspass, and how through Christ grace might reign through righteousness unto eternal life

V.2 - Christ is the "root" referred to in Isa 11:1-10 and Rom 15:12; out of "dry ground" refers to the spiritual drought of the water/word of God as prior to Christ and John the Baptist there were no prophets speaking from God for 432 years, and now, as we wait for Christ's return, it is close to 2000 years that we have had any prophets speak from God so now we are also in a quiet time of spiritual drought though we do have the complete Bible

V.3 - this verse offers a glimpse into how Christ's life was a living sacrifice prior to his crucifixion Rom 12:1; even his disciples fled from him Matt 26:56

V.4 - 1Pet 2:24 the first tree involved Adam from whom we inherit sin and the second tree involved Christ who bore the sins of many

V.5 - "wounded" (KJV) or "pierced" (NIV) [Heb. "chalal" (2490) means "to bore, to wound, slay, slain, to begin (as if by an opening wedge), first, gather the grape there of, take inheritance", etc.]; "stripes" (KJV) or "wounds" (NIV) [Heb. "chabbuwrah' (2250) from "chabar" (2266) which means "to join, have fellowship with, join (self, together)", etc.]; "peace" [Heb. "shalom" (7965) means "peace, rest, safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, i.e. health, prosperity", etc.]

V.7 - not opening his mouth or retaliating Mark 14:61; 1Pet 2:23

V.8 - "prison" (KJV) or "oppression" (NIV) [Heb. "otser" (6115) means "closure; also constraint: barren, oppression, prison", etc.] suggesting Christ's arrest and brutal detainment; his "judgment" at the hand of Pontius Pilate.

V.9 - "assigned a grave with the wicked" Matt 27:38 (with the two thieves) ..."and with the rich in his death" Matt 27:57-60 (Joseph of Arimathea placed Christ's body in his tomb)

V.10 - "soul" (KJV) or "life" (NIV) [Heb. "nephesh" (5315) means "life, a breathing creature, person, body, breath, soul", etc.] is offered indicating Christ's "soul" or "life" was mortal unlike God who is "everlasting to everlasting" Psa 90:2. The concept of a sin offering was for general sin (including unaware sins of ignorance) Leviticus chapter 4; Luke 23:34; Heb 13:10-13. A better sacrifice Gal 3:23-25; Heb 9:22-25; Rom 8:3;Gal 2:16 Christ is the mediator between God and man 1Tim 2:5

V.12 - Dividing him a portion among the great and he will divide the spoils with the strong (the great and strong being Christ's brethren who will become saints and heirs according to the promises to Abraham when Christ returns to establish his kingdom on earth and grant those chosen eternal life) Gal 3:26-29. Poured out his "soul" (KJV) "life" (NIV) [Heb. nephesh (5315)] unto death, see notation in v10 about Christ's "soul/life" being mortal. Christ was numbered with the transgressors in death and life, he paid the atonement tax (Exo 30:12-16;Matt 17:24-27), ate with sinners, died in the middle of sinners, and still gives hope to repentant sinners as where 2 or 3 are gathered together he is there in their midst (Matt 18:20; 9:11-12).

53:12 The way in which Jesus ‘made intercession’ was by his resurrection – Heb 7:25 – he ‘ever liveth’. His resurrection is the guarantee that God will forgive.

53:2 Having ‘no form nor comeliness’ echoes David’s words – Psa 39:11 – where David speaks of his beauty being ‘consumed’. Notice other verbal links between the Psalm and Isaiah 53. This Psalm is messianic and speaks about the suffering of Jesus.

This prophecy not only announces the coming Messiah to Israel, but, also, the fact that Israel would reject Him.  I wonder how that was understood by the Israelites at the time of Isaiah.

53:12 Notice it is Jesus’ ‘soul’ that is poured out – no mention is made of his blood – catching the truth of Lev 17:11

The word 'bruised' in v5 and 'bruise' in v10 remind us of Gen 3:15 which emphasises the victory over sin that Christ wrought. The agony of Christ's death cannot be deminished but it was not final. The victory over sin was made complete on Christ's ressurrection morn and can be ours too by by God's mercy through Jesus Christ.

V.1 Unfortunately the Jews did not believe the report (v.3; John 1:11).

Vs.5,10  the word bruised (KJV) and bruise (KJV) are rendered from the Hebrew daka   which means to crumble (crushed and crush in ESV).  The sense of the word, as applied to Jesus’ experience, is that He outwardly suffered.  By contrast, bruise in Gen 3:15 comes from the Hebrew word shuph which means snap at, and has the sense of overpowering or overwhelming.

V.6 Israel, initially, rejected Jesus and went its own way. But, when Jesus returns, Israel will recognize Jesus (Zech 12:10). Jesus had no iniquity, and yet it was put upon him (2Cor 5:21).

V.9 It is easy to see that the wicked could refer to the two criminals who died beside him.  But who are the rich in his death (KJV), (a more accurate translation is: a rich man in his death, ESV)? Could the reference be to Joseph of Arithmathaea, a rich man who claimed the body of Jesus and placed Him in a tomb (Mark 15:43-46)? Or, could it be referring to Nicodemus, a rich man who brought expensive spices to Jesus’ grave (John 19:39)?  Or, could the reference be to both?

V.12 Make intercession means to come between.  Jesus, as mediator, has bridged the gap between the divine and the human, and has brought God to us (Eze 22:30; 1Tim 2:5).

The following is a quick list of how some of the verses in this Messianic chapter applied firstly to Hezekiah. If you know of any others, I would love to hear about them by clicking the email link below this post.

53:2 We have to form a relationship with Jesus. However his appearance is not appealing, of so the record wishes to understand. We are to fall in love with his mind, not his looks.

15 v.3 - There are three references to a song which Moses wrote [Deuteronomy 31:22 30 32:44] This song was delivered to those who had survived the wilderness journey and were about to enter the land of promise. How fitting that the redeemed, at the end of their wilderness probation, should sing the Song of Moses. may it be that we so number our days [Psalm 90:12] that we wills sing that song of Moses.

16 v.15 - The brethren and sisters knew that Jesus would come 'as a thief' because Jesus told his disciples as much in the Olivet prophecy. [Matthew 24:43] Confirming that they knew the 'times and the seasons' Paul reminds them that they are not in darkness. [1 Thessalonians 5:4] In a similar way Peter [2 Peter 3:10] reminds his Jewish audiences that despite apparent delays the destruction of Jerusalem will take place. Jesus is taking up his own warning [Revelation 3:3 16:15] giving two warnings to his disciples lest they become complacent.

The two quotations from Exodus highlight the tabernacle which was a pattern (Exodus 25:40 Hebrews 8:5) is to have it's fulfilment when the kingdom of God is established.

The quotation from Genesis 1 highlights the universal nature of the judgement of the second vial.

The song of Moses was sung after Egypt had perished in the Red Sea and Israel had been delivered from death in Egypt. It is typical of our deliverance from sin and death.

Without this linking in Revelation of Ezekiel 38 and Daniel 12 we might be forgiven for thinking that Ezekiel is not speaking of events around the return of Christ and the resurrection. However the fact that John, by the Spirit, links them provides us with the certainty of the link.

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15:2  In getting the victory over the beast we see individuals who had resisted the ‘devil’. Whilst there doubtless will be battles surrounding the return of the risen Christ the biggest battle each and every one of us has is with the ‘works of the flesh in our members.

V.3 The writer to the Hebrews emphasises the positions of Moses and of Christ as servant and son (Heb 3:5-6). Moses as servant, and Christ as son, bridge the Divine purpose. Moses as the mediator of the first covenant which revealed sin for what it is, showing the need of a Redeemer (Gal 3:19-24). Christ of course is the mediator of the new covenant that bears it away. 

15:3 The ‘song of Moses …’ is the ‘new song’ of Rev 5:9, 14:3

15:2 Having the victory is not an end in itself. Notice that those who had gotten the victory had ‘harps’. The whole purpose of God is to fill the earth with men and women who are immortal because they want to serve God now. They will be able to do so forever in the kingdom if they learn how to do it now. That is the ‘victory’

Armageddon (means "the hill Megiddo") - Rev 16:16

Signs of the times - Jer 30:11,15,17;Matt 24:3-27;Luke 17:20-30;Luke 21:24-34;2Tim 3:1-5;Eze 11:16-17. Armageddon - Dan 11:40-45;Eze 38:1-23;Eze 39:1-12;Joel 2:1-13;Psa 48:7;Isa 24:1-6;Zech 14:1-16. Post Armageddon - Zech 12:10;Isa 2:2-4.

Chapter 12 saw the rise of the false system of worship to its place in the political heavens. By contrast, Chapter 15 shows the divine rising to overthrow that blasphemous system.

V.1 The seven last plagues constitute the complete (seven) wounds (plagues) that shall be administered until peace reigns.

V.2 Sea is symbolic of nations (e.g. Luke 21:25). Glass (or glassy) suggests transparent and smooth.  And so, sea of glass (or glassy sea) represents nations that are at rest. This is in contrast to the roaring of Luke 21:25). 

Fire is turbulent and destructive, a sign of war.  But, as the nations are now at rest, the war must have been their experience before peace came.

…those who had conquered (ESV) are the redeemed from the apostate system of worship.

Beast represents the political element that supported the false system of worship.

Image is symbolic of the religion (i.e. Catholicism).

Mark represents the many and varied commercial activities of the system.

Number is indicative of the moral standing of the name (See Rev 13:17,18).  The name will be in the discussion of Ch.13 in December.

The Redeemed will be over the nations (on the sea of glass), praising Yahweh (harps).

V.3 Moses was a Christ-type.  He had a song of victory over Egypt (Exo 15:1); and so too will Jesus (Lamb) have a song of victory over the idolatrous system of worship.  Jesus will now be king (of saints (KJV) is better translated nations (ESV)).

V.5 Temple (KJV) is rendered sanctuary (ESV).  The Holy of Holies will be manifest in the political heavens (World Government Isa 9:6).

V.6 Jesus and the redeemed administer complete justice via the angels.

V.7 This beast (living creature) represents the redeemed. The vials (bowls) contain Yahweh’s angry retributions on the ungodly.

V.8 Divine help will be unavailable (smoke = obscured) to the nations until Yahweh’s retribution has finished.

Chapter 16 will be discussed in the December Reading

16:5 In saying that God is righteous because he has poured out his judgement son the wicked echoes Psa 129:5 Fleshly thinking only sees punishment from God as underserved. A correct perception of man’s standing before God enables one to appreciate that God is righteous in His judgements.