11 v.5 - Notice that whilst Saul has been made king he does not have a throne but rather is still continuing to look after his father's cattle. It as if he had no regard to the anointing of Samuel.
11 v.13 - A glimmer of awareness of Yahweh's work is seen here in Saul. An awareness which seemed to be lacking most of the time during the reign of Saul.

12 v.9 - 'sold them into the hand ...' is a refrain in the book of Judges which is found once also in 1 Samuel [Judges 2:14 3:8 4:2 10:7 1 Samuel 12:9] And marks chastening from Yahweh to cause Israel to repent and turn to him. In the book of Judges this happens every time the chastening comes. This is a mark of the long suffering of God. He knew how His people would respond and knew that they would turn away but He still loved them. A wonderful comfort for ourselves.
12 v.11 - Whilst 'Bedan' is here mentioned amongst the Judges he is not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture, let alone in the book of Judges. So he was either a judge of whom we have no information or is a different name for one of the judges of whom we have other information. Suggestions have been made that it refers either to Barak or Samson, though no reliable evidence is supplied to support the ideas.
12 v.17 - We should note that rain and thunder in the time of wheat harvest in Israel was most unusual, if not unheard of. Wheat harvest is June / July in Israel.

11:7 The taking of a yoke of oxen and the sending of the parts throughout Israel echoes the behaviour at the time (Judges 20:6) when Benjamin brought the ire of the rest of their brethren against them which brought about the actions when the men of Jabesh Gilead took of the 400 daughters of Benjamin. Thus strengthening the link.

11:14-15 So Samuel wanted to 'renew the kingdom' - what had happened? Was just one battle sufficient to require the kingdom to be renewed? This indicates that by this time in Saul's kingdom there was no direction and God was not the centre of the people's lives. Saul, as we saw (see above) was not even committed to rulership.

12:12 Nahash died during the early reign of David (1 Chronicles 19:1)

11:3 That Nahash was willing for the men of Jabesh seven days to seek a deliverer would indicate that he did not think that anyone would be willing to come or be able to stand against him.

12:6 The assertion by Samuel that the Lord 'appointed' (Heb) Moses and Aaron comes after he has spoken about the way he has been rejected by the people who wanted a king. The force of this point is that it was the Lord, not the people who appointed Moses and Aaron by contrast to how the king was chosen.

 12:7-16 Samuel told the people to look back over their past history and learns its lessons afresh; it was God whose "righteous acts" had saved them from Egypt, brought them to Canaan, and cared for, disciplined, and saved them,as the pendulum of their faith in Him swung backwards and forward. The long period of the Judges was sketched out for them by this last one of a long and distinguished line, and, so that they might go utterly without excuse, the lesson was understcored that through all the changing scenes of life. "the Lord your God is your king:."

11:1 Jabesh-gilead was situated on the border of Gad and Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan.  All the inhabitants of this city were supposed to have been annihilated except four hundred virgins who were given to the men of Benjamin (Judg 21:10-14).  If that were the case, then the present inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead had no direct relationship with Benjamin.  Nevertheless, the appeal of Jabesh-gilead to Saul drew on the connection of heritage that Saul, a Benjamite, would have had with the city.

Jabesh-gilead and Beth-shan were in sight of each other.  When Saul and his three sons were killed by the Philistines, they were hung up on a wall in Beth-shan as trophies.  In gratitude for Saul's delivery from Nahash, the men of Jabesh-gilead went over to Beth-shan and took the bodies of Saul and his sons down from the wall and buried them (1Sam 31:11-13). 

Jabesh-gilead is about six miles from Pella.  Those who heeded the prophetical warning of Jesus about the coming destruction of Jerusalem, in 70 AD, fled to Pella and were safe (Mark 13:14).

11:7      The way in which Saul hewed the oxen into 12 parts and sent them through Israel is like the way that the Levite cut up his concubine and sent her pieces throughout Israel – Judg 20:6. On that occasion it was to call the people up against Benjamin. Now Saul is calling the people to join him in defending a city which had not joined in the activities Judges 20 records.

12:17-18 The wheat harvest would have been late June, early July; at that time of the year it seldom, if ever rains. The sky is for the most part cloudless. There could not, therefore, have been a stronger or more appropriate proof of a Divine mission than the phenomenon of rain and thunder happening. The people regarded it as a miraculous display of Divine power. In a state of panic they asked Samuel to pray. What comforting words Samuel delivered to the people. Fear not; The LORD will not forsake His people. Then he delivered the exhortation, which is still as powerful today as it was at that time. Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart, and consider how great things He has done for you. (V.24)   

11:5   Saul is king – but still working in the field! David, when anointed, continued to care for sheep – but the sheep he cared for were God’s people. The contrast between Saul who focuses on earthly things and David who focussed on heavenly things is seen here.

11:1 Nahash means serpent.  The Ammonites derived from Ammon the son of Lot.  The Ammonites are closely associated with the Moabites, who are descended from Lot’s other son Moab.  And so, this conflict, like so many in the Near Middle East, was an intra-extended-family affair.

11:2 Taking out the right eye of a captive made him useful as a servant, but ineffective as a fighting man.

11:7 This action is similar to the Levite’s in bringing attention to the whole nation (Judg 19:29).

12:12 Samuel reminds the people of their error in demanding a human king

12:16,17 As a confirmation of Yahweh’s displeasure at the people’s choosing an earthly king, thunder and rain was sent.  This was harvest time (June/July) when normally the skies would be clear.

12:19 After seeing the sign from heaven, the people admitted their wrong in dismissing Yahweh as their king.

Saul appears to have been a keen student of history - Judg 6:15;1Sam 9:21;Judg 7:16;1Sam 11:11;Judg 19:29;1Sam 11:7.

12:3 Could we lay ourselves bare before our brethren and sisters and ask such a question in the certain knowledge that we would receive the sort of answer that Samuel received?

9:7 Throne of David
16:5 Tabernacle of David
22:22 Key of the house of David
37:35 Defend for David's sake
38:5 The God of David thy father
55:3 The sure mercies of David

God worked in Isaiah's day because of what he said to David.

V.1 In this chapter we see the gospel call going out to all nations. There is here a marvelous application to the call of the Gentiles in the first century and later. there is one qualification however, they must thirst, or have a keen sence of need. As water is necessary to maintain physical life, we see that it is also necessary for salvation. 

55:1  In Isa 52:3 God had spoken about salvation ‘without money’ now the method is explained. It was to be achieved through the fulfilment of the promises to David – ‘the sure mercies of David’ Isa 55:3.

V.1 - "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters" (NIV) this is amplified in John 4:9-15 where it mentions "living water" from Jesus which refers to God's word of life  Matt 4:4.

V.3 - "Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting  covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David". The word for "soul" is Heb. "nephesh" (5315) meaning "person, body, a breathing creature, life, soul" and thus we see here the indication that under certain conditions/promises the "soul" may "live" via the resurrection when Christ returns and those at judgment welcomed as the saints are allowed to reign on the earth but obviously we have the indication of the soul's mortal state made even more plain by Rom 6:3,4,23. This mercy shown to David that Peter Forbes already referred to is the covenant/promises to David in 2Sam 7:8-16 where it talks about David's son and then his throne being established forever; we have Solomon indicated in 1Kin 2:10-12 and then a dual fulfillment involving Jesus in 2Sam 7 where in vs 13 we have a transition to this later son Jesus Isa 9:6,7 who's return we eagerly await.

V.8-9 - Sometimes, looking through the dim vision of man, we may have difficulty understanding why God allows or causes certain things to happen the way they do but we must recognize that His thoughts and ways are infinately higher than our's.

This is a very famous chapter, often quoted in lectures and literature, in conjunction with the call to salvation. You would think that there's not much more to be said about it. But there's something very obvious and very important that's often missed in our reading of it. In fact, it's vital. And here it is:

It is the word of God that saves us.

Yes, the chapter speaks of salvation through Christ (v4). Yes, it speaks of the free gift of life by God's grace (v1). Yes, it speaks of repentance and abundant forgiveness (v7). But all this is secondary to the main thrust, which is simply:

"Read your bible!"

In v2 we're told that nothing satisfies, except the word of God, therefore we should "listen carefully to Me and eat what is good". In v3 we should incline our ear, hear and live because of the knowledge gained. In v6 we should seek Him while there's still time (today's the only time we have). In v7 we're told that our own thoughts are simply not good enough, but have to be replaced. Not only should we forsake our old paths, but the old thoughts too, and replace them with His word. Why is this so important? Well, v8-9 because our thoughts are alien to God's, and His so much better than ours. This word will make our thoughts so fruitful that they will also provide instruction for others (v10) and if we listen to that word then it will automatically change our thoughts and way of life (v11) and that's a firm promise "it shall not return to me void".

We should not think that salvation will come to us in any other way than this. It may be hard for us to accept the fact that we have to read the bible daily, and it may be immensely difficult for us to fit it into our busy lives, but we must. The message of this chapter is as clear as day:

"Hear, and your soul shall live".

55:1 In saying that the ‘wine and oil’ can be bought ‘without price’ the prophet is using language similar to that of a financial transaction to speak of responding to the gospel message. The idea of Prov 23:23 is therefore seen here.

55:8 When God says his ways and thoughts are not the same as ours He is making a profound and fundamental point. Echoing the language of Ecc 3:11 we learn that our very nature prevents us, by our own endeavours, from finding out about God. It requires His revelation. We have that in His word.

V.1 All people, young and old, need water to sustain life. But, youngsters need milk to grow, while mature persons can take wine.  These spiritual offerings, which cater to all levels of maturity, are made freely by Yahweh.  It all starts with water which equates to His Word.  Jesus, the Word made flesh, can give living water (John 1:14; 4:14; 7:38).  Believing Him and studying the scriptures, will allow one to develop spiritual maturity. 

55:1 Obtaining food ‘without price’ is like Joseph’s brothers experienced – Gen 43:28 – when they went to Egypt for corn.

v 1 First Principles>Sure Mercies of David
The covenant which God made with David will not be broken Psa 89:3-4, Psa 89:34-36.
Every kingdom has a king, a government, a people, a land and a capital city.
These five conditions are to be satisfied by God's coming Kingdom as the following references show:
1. There will be a king - go to 2Sam 7:12-16
2. The disciples of Jesus loked for a restoration of Israel. Jesus has promised the disciples that they will govern Jesus' Kingdom - go to Matt 19:28
3. Since the Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of Israel restored, Israel will be the people of God's Kingdom - go to Isa 55:1-3
4. The land will stretch from the Mediterranean Sea to the Dead Sea and from the river of Egypt to the River Euphrates - go to Psa 72:8
5. The capital city is to be Jerusalem - go to Jer 3:17
First Principles> For more information about each topic, go to Acts 8:12.

V.2 It is better to spend time and effort in acquiring wholesome spiritual food rather than the bread of deceit (Prov 20:17).

V.4 Jesus is the faithful witness (Rev 1:5).

V.5 The Gentiles will be included in God’s plan of salvation.

V.6 The invitation for salvation has an expiry date. It is a time-limited offer. And so, if you have not been put right with Yahweh, then do it immediately.

Vs.8,9 We cannot comprehend how much greater Yahweh is than humans.  And yet, He is talked about by some people as if he were just like them.  Such expressions as: The man upstairs, are abominable.

V.11 God’s word is sure.  What He says will happen, will happen! (Gen 1:3).

V.12 The remnant of Israel shall be saved and enjoy Yahweh’s grace in the Kingdom (Isa 44:23; Mic 2:12).

V.13 In the Kingdom, nature will be tamed and the earth will flourish (Isa 60:13).

v1-3 First Principles>Sure Mercies of David>People
1. Since the Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of Israel Restored, Israel will be the people of God's Kingdom Isa 55:1-3, Psa 69:36-36, Mic 4:7-8.
2. Although Israel will be the people of God's Kingdom, Christ's rulership will be world-wide Psa 72:11, Rev 11:15.
First Principles>Sure Mercies of David> for more information go to Isa 55:1.  

ch.19 - Four times in chapter 19 [v1,3,4,6] the redeemed sing alleluia. This word catches the meaning of the Hebrew 01984 & 03050 where it is translated 'praise the LORD' [Psalm 104:35 105:3,45 106:1,48 111:1 112:1 113:1,9 115:17,18 117:2 135:1,3,21 146:1,10 147:1,20 148:1,14 149:1,9 150:1 150:6] Truly those who are redeemed will 'praise the LORD' may we, in anticipation of this great even praise Him now.

20 v.6 - What a wonderful prospect - to be in the first resurrection. All our hopes and desires will be fulfilled. reigning with Christ as kings and priests [Revelation 5:10]. We will be there if we take our training for this priesthood seriously.

The use of 1 Chronicles 16 which speaks of the time when David brought the ark to Zion and behaved as a priest after the order of Melchisedec shows that the promises to David - which flowed from the action of brining the ark to Zion and the Melchisedec priesthood are central issues in the fulfilment of the purpose of God.

The use of Isaiah 14 once again ties falsehood with Babylon. It is appropriate that the restraining of sin is associated with the lock on the bottomless pit.

The linking of Isaiah 11 and Psalm 2 shows how both passages speak of the same time in the events associated with the return of Christ.

Here we have a very interesting quotation from Daniel 6 where, in Daniel, the servants of God are entrapped - or so it seemed. However they were delivered. Not so here in Revelation 20. God's enemies fate is sealed for ever.

19:4 "Amen; Alleluia" is found elsewhere in Scripture in Neh 5:13 where "praised the Lord" matches "Alleluia" in Revelation. In Nehemiah it is the word of hose who have kept the covenant. In rev it is the cry of the four living creatures when they see the beauty of God's final deliverance of the saints.

20:8 "Gog and Magog" reminds us of Eze 38:2. However we should be careful not to assume that here we are reading about the same event as Ezekiel records. In the same way that Rev 18 quotes extensively from Eze 27 and Jeremiah to identify a power, using symbol, rev 20 uses the language from Ezekiel 38 to highlight the characteristics of a power at the end of the thousand years.

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19:2  The avenging of the blood of Gods servants echoes what Jehu would do to the house of Ahab and Jezebel.

20:1-2 The casting of the dragon, with all his other appellations, into the bottomless pit where it is locked away is a beautiful image of the restraining of sin in the millennium.

19:1 ‘Alleluia’ <239> is only found in Revelation 19 in the New Testament though it is often found in the Psalms. Its use in Revelation 19 is a high point in the book. The kingdom of men has become the kingdom of Christ. Truly a time for praise.

19:11   “in righteous doth he judge” quotes Isa 11:4

19:2 Whilst scripture says that the whore polluted the earth in reality it is people who are polluted. The idea of the earth being polluted by rulership draws on 2Kin 11:3 where Athaliah’s rulership of the people is described as ruling over the land.

19:1 After the destruction of Rome, these events take place. The heaven here is political.  It symbolizes the new government of Jesus in the Kingdom. The people in the Kingdom will shout praise to Yahweh.

19:2 The whore represents the false system of worship.

19:3 A second Alleluia (Hallelujah) suggests the two-part destruction of Rome, the city; and then the false system itself. Forever and ever signifies complete and utter destruction for all time.

19:4 The twenty-four elders were introduced in Ch. 4, and signify the Redeemed who are now in a position of authority, especially in the role of priests, as promised (Rev 1:6).

19:5 The voice is that of Jesus, who now occupies the throne.

19:6 The complimentary reaction to 19:5 comes from the Redeemed of Christ.

19:7 The ecclesia (true members) of Christ is His bride.  John talks of Jesus as being the bridegroom (John 3:29).

19:8 White symbolizes purity.  Righteousness of saints (KJV) is better rendered righteous deeds of saints (ESV).  The saints have no righteousness of their own; Christ is their righteousness.  However, the saints are responsible for their actions.

19:9 See Jesus' parable in Matt 22:2-14. 

19:10 This is John speaking, as the enormity of the prophecy grabs him.  The feet belong to the angel that is giving John the message.  The angel points out that only God should be worshipped. That negates the angel-worship practised by some in Christendom today.

19:11 The white horse here is not the same as the one in Rev 6:2.  This one underscores the purity of the rider, Jesus.  Faithful and true is repeated from Rev 3:14.

19:12 His eyes were as a flame of fire is repeated from Rev 1:14.  Many crowns indicate the many military victories.  No man knew means no man understood.

19:13 Vesture dipped in blood talks of the military conquests of Jesus  (See Isa 63:3). Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14).

19:14 The Redeemed are described here having had their garments washed (See Rev 7:14).

19:15 Sword was described in Rev 1:16.  Jesus will rule with a rod of iron (See Rev 2:27), and put down all unholy opposition.

19:16 The title of Jesus that all shall know.

19:17,18 The great feast following the slaughter of the ungodly (e.g. the demise of Gog Eze 39:17).

19:19,20 After the defeat of Gog comes the destruction of Rome.  After the destruction of Rome, the false religious system (beast), pope (the false prophet), all the system’s commerce (mark), the political arm of the system (image) will be destroyed.

19:21 The individuals who survive the campaign of 19:19,20 will be rooted out and destroyed.

Ch.20 will be discussed in the December Reading

19:21 Whilst it might seem strange to us to see a sword coming out of a mouth remember this is imagery. The mouth speaks of words. The sword speaks of conquest. The enemies of God will have sought to conquer with words. This is far more subtle than the sword. ‘Spin doctors’ can make anything sound good and appealing. Whist we would not easily be led astray by a call to arms we might easily be seduced by words.