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| v.
2 -
Saul had 3000 men, which is 5 times David's men [1Sam.23:13].
This makes the act of David in revealing himself to Saul one of great faith, as
in any other context it would have meant his sure death. He had such a great trust
in God that he was able to take this 'risk' as it would seem to us not just for
himself but for all 600 of his men, knowing that if Saul chose, he would be able,
in human terms, to wipe them out easily, being so heavily outnumbered. You can't
help wondering what the men that came with Saul thought of this apparent reconciliation!
Psa.7:8,9. Peter Cresswell [Derby Bass Street (UK)] Comment added in 2001 reply to Peter |
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| v.4
- There is no indication that the LORD had told David that Saul would be delivered
into his hand. Indeed David was the anointed king and would doubtless reign in
the place of Saul. We must be careful that we do not pervert justice because we
think that the end justifies the means. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2001 reply to Peter |
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| v.4
- The point was made at our Bible Class last week that the hem of the garment
was a special part - Num.15:38-41
tells us that these fringes were for a remembrance of God's commandments. So here
David was reminding Saul of how he had disobeyed those commandments and was not
worthy of the fringes on his robe. Consider also the woman that had been ill who
sought healing of Jesus by touching the hem of his garment. Luke
8:43-44 Peter Cresswell [Derby Bass Street (UK)] Comment added in 2002 reply to Peter |
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Maybe Psalm 35 was written out of these events. Notice these links.
Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2002 reply to Peter |
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| :17
Saul's response is an example of the effects of the way of a man of God - Proverbs
16:7 Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2003 reply to Peter |
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| 24:5 David had resisted the temptation to kill Saul. However his behaviour had fallen short of his own understanding of what he should have done. Therefore his heart smote him.; Maybe it would have been better if he had not even moved when Saul came into the cave. So often we think we are strong enough to resist temptation and so take risks with our behaviour - but then how do we feel? Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2004 reply to Peter |
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| V.21-22 David gave his promise and therupon he and his men melted away into the hills, finding refuge in another cave. The fact that he did not join Saul and resume his place among the king's followers shows only too clearly that past experiences had taught David that he would never again be able to trust his father-in -law. John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 reply to John |
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There's lessons abundant in these stories of old. I am sure that the Lord's inspiration of these holy men of God made it possible for us to see ourselves in the character studies, and to learn lessons for our lives. David and Saul had talked peaceably, but David was wise enough not to go home together with him
David Simpson [Birmingham Kings Norton (UK)] Comment added in 2004 reply to David |
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| Saul was given to paranoia, fits of jealousy and rage. Such was the evil spirit that Yahweh had given him (1Sam 16:14). In this encounter with David, though, Saul seems to be of rational mind. And so his statement of v.20 is something that he truly believed, hence, the plea of v.21. Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 reply to Michael |
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24:7 Such was David’s position with his men hat a word from him and they obeyed. This is not the only time we find such obedience to david by his men. We should be alert to the other examples in his life. Are we so obedient to the greater son of David? Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2006 reply to Peter |
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V.3-5 - David spared Saul's life but no doubt this was a reminder not lost on Saul that the kingdom of Israel would be torn from him 1Sam 15:27-28. V.12; 1Sam 25:33 - vengeance is mine saith the Lord Rom 12:19. Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2006 reply to Charles |
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24:15 In this very strange conversation between David and Saul – strange because it does not manifest the thinking of the flesh – David clearly left things in God’s hands. But more than that he wanted Saul to understand this as well. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2007 reply to Peter |
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24:2 3,000 men to try to catch David! One wonders how Saul managed to find so many who wanted David dad. Or maybe they went with Saul but their heart was not in the matter – hence David was not caught. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2008 reply to Peter |
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David was thinking spiritually and not carnally when he spared Saul's life. He respected Yahweh and the ones He chose, therefore, he did not give in to the actions of the flesh. Hence, Yahweh could say about David that he was: ...a man after mine own heart... (Acts 13:22). Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2008 reply to Michael |
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24:7 In Psa 7 David reflects upon the accusations of Shimei - 2Sam 16:7 - and can confidently invite God to punish him if the accusations of Shimei are true. The way that David behaved here, which was typical of the way that David behaved, enabled him to speak so confidently when Shimei made his accusations Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2009 reply to Peter |
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V.2 The KJV has the rocks of the wild goats, while the ESV employs a proper noun: Wildgoats' Rocks. The reference to goats is in keeping with the place En-Gedi which means fountain of the kid. V.4 The temptation for David to kill Saul must have been great. David was afraid of nothing and no-one. He had faced wild animals, and the giant of the Philistines without fear (1Sam 17:36). He had Saul, the enemy who had been dogging him, in his grasp. Killing him would solve all his problems. And yet, David deferred to Yahweh and did not exercise what seemed like a logical, human solution. David is a great example for us of faith and constraint. Divine solutions are to be preferred to human ones. But we need faith not to give in to what seems plausible from a human perspective. Trust in Yahweh is the key. Take every problem to him faithfully in prayer and the right solution will follow (Prov 3:5,6; 16:3). Vs.20-22 Through all the haze of his irrationality, Saul knew that David was Yahweh’s anointed. With that admission, he wanted to make sure that his name and progeny would be protected. Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 reply to Michael |
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|
24:3-4 This opportunity which David did not take to kill Saul highlighted David’s strength of character and would also serve as an object lesson to the men that were with him. One does not raise a sword against the Lord’s anointed even if he is trying to kill you! Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2010 reply to Peter |
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1Sam 24:11,16 - David refers to King Saul as "my father" while Saul refers to David as "my son" which perhaps echos Christ being the son of God. Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2010 reply to Charles |
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| v.
5 -
Everyone I have met seems to have had at some stage in their life a fascination
with this concept of the preknowledge of God. Let us not be confused. We have
free will. We can use that free will to ask God for guidance, or to accept our
own or fellow man's counsel. But God knows what we will choose, and can see right
to the end of our lives. In Jeremiah's case, this is expressed in the words of
this verse. Each one of us can be chosen by God in this way for a particular work,
but that path is inevitable only in the mind of God who knows the end from the
beginning. As we go though life, we have to work it out for ourselves. Let us
resolve today to set our will to match that of God. Psa.71:5,6,
Isa.49:1,5. And consider
the life of Paul, who was able nevertheless to say what he did in Gal.1:15,16. Peter Cresswell [Derby Bass Street (UK)] Comment added in 2001 reply to Peter |
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| v.1
- Anathoth was a city of the priests [for the sons of Aaron] Therefore Jeremiah
was 'son' of the high priest Hilkiah mentioned. [2
Kings 22:4] 'Go
up to Hilkiah the high priest,' [Jeremiah
1:1] v.2 - Josiah reigned 31 years [2 Kings 22:1 2 Chronicles 34:1] Jehoahaz reigned 3 months [2 Chronicles 36:1] Jehoiakim reigned 11 years [2 Chronicles 36:5] Jehoiachin reigned 3 months [2 Chronicles 36:9] Zedekiah reigned 11 years [2 Chronicles 36:11] So from the 3rd year of Josiah to the taking captive was 31 - 19 + ¼ + 11 + ¼ +11 = 34½ years Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2001 reply to Peter |
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| v.8
- Oh how many times have these words been so needed in your life? Many times in
mine. There is so much in this life, however comfortable we have been blessed
to be, that scares us. In simple terms, according to this verse and others like
it, it shouldn't. Peter Cresswell [Derby Bass Street (UK)] Comment added in 2002 reply to Peter |
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| In Taking up the
mantle of prophet and reproving Israel Jeremiah, as the son of the high priest,
forsook wealth and approval to serve God. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2002 reply to Peter |
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| Jeremiah
1. GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE God said to Jeremiah "Before I formed you
in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you
as a prophet to the nations". God had mapped Jeremiah's life out before he had
created him! He had prepared circumstances, tasks and people that would all make
Jeremiahs life what it became. But Jeremiahs life is not the only one that God
has made plans for. Jesus, all the prophets, the apostles and many others have
all been prepared by God for the tasks they were given. God still did not stop
there. We too have been predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his son
(Rom
8 v 29), and God has prepared in advance good works for us to do just as he
did for Jeremiah. There is no doubt about it. God has a plan for your life - whether
you like it or not. It is up to us to us to fit in with God's plan and to serve
him in the ways he has planned for us to do. Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 reply to Robert |
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| :6-7
The response to God's call was 'I cannot speak for I am a child'. One wonders
what Jeremiah thought when God's response was a quotation from Deuteronomy
18:18 - a promise of a 'prophet like unto Moses' who would be listened to. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2003 reply to Peter |
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| 1:9 In touching Jeremiah's mouth God is treating him in the same way that Isaiah (Isa 6:7) was cleansed for his task. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2004 reply to Peter |
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| V.6 From the long duration of his office; (35 years) Jer 1:2-3, Jer 40:1 one would think that Jeremiah would have been about 25 years old at his calling. The word "child" is translated "young man" in 2Sam 18:5 In his early twenties he would be a young man. Another thing we see in this verse is that it was not Jeremiah's word, but God's Word. John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 reply to John |
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Jeremiah prophesied in Judah during the reign of Josiah and subsequent kings up until the Babylonian exile. Therefore, his time of prophesying took place between 626 BC and sometime after 586 BC. Vs.6,7,9 The humble disposition of Jeremiah is reminiscent of Moses (Exo 4:10-12). Vs.11,12 There is an interesting play on Hebrew words. In verse 11, almond = shakad which is related to hasten (KJV) = shakad in verse 12. Actually, hasten is better translated watch as it is, subsequently, in Jer 31:28; 44:27; 51:12. The almond blossoms early in spring and so the word that Yahweh gave Jeremiah would be broadcast early. Yahweh would watch (be alert) to bring His Word to fruition. The budding almond signified that Aaron was chosen as priest (Num 17:8). Perhaps, in like manner, the almond signified Jeremiah as a chosen prophet (v.5).Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 reply to Michael |
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| ALL WE NEED Jeremiah had a high calling. Before he was even born he had been set apart by God to be a prophet to the nations. This was going to mean a life of dedication to God, of ridicule and persecution, of speaking God's word in public and demonstrating God's message to the people. As a young man, Jeremiah didn't feel at all qualified or equipped to be the servant God expected him to be. But when God sets someone apart for a certain task, he also provides them with all they need to perform that task. Jeremiah said, "I do not know how to speak," (Jer 1:6) but God said, "I have put my words in your mouth." (v.9) Jeremiah said, "I am only a child, " (v.6) but God replied, "I am with you." (v.8) God said to Jeremiah, "Do not be afraid or terrified of them" (v.8,17) And God gave Jeremiah a reason for this confidence saying, "I will rescue you," and "Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land ... they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you." (v.8,18,19) No matter what challenges Jeremiah had to face as he went about the work of the LORD, God gave him the strength and abilities to overcome and meet those challenges. When we serve the Lord, he will provide all we need to do it. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Phil 4:13) Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2004 reply to Robert |
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| Jeremiah was the last of the main stream of prophets to speak in Jerusalem. He had the very unhappy task of speaking of the destruction of the Holy City, which he eventually saw happen. Then came Ezekiel in Babylon, and after the return there was Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. Jeremiah was reluctant at first to speak, but God assured him that before he was born God had picked him out as a prophet. (Jer 1:4-10) This helps us to understand Eph 1:4-6, where Paul speaks of our predestination. God is not limited by time, like us. He sees all the way through. David Simpson [Birmingham Kings Norton (UK)] Comment added in 2005 reply to David |
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1:14 The ‘seething pot’ that was to come out of the North was the Babylonian invasion. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2006 reply to Peter |
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V.5 Yahweh is without beginning and without end (Psa 90:2). He knows all things that will occur before they happen. That is the reason He can express His foreknowledge of Jeremiah. There are other examples, in the Bible, concerning His expressed foreknowledge of people. These include the Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:24; 1Pet 1:20), and His true believers (Eph 1:4). These passages do not suggest that either Jeremiah or the followers of Christ pre-existed. And yet, many people ascribe the same sort of passages, referring to Christ, as proving His pre-existence. This, of course, is an attempt to give credence to the false doctrine of the Trinity. Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2006 reply to Michael |
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1:11,13 Jeremiah was shown two visions. The doubling of the vision guaranteed the things that God was saying – Gen 41:32 Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2007 reply to Peter |
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1:5 Whilst we might have difficulty understanding God’s foreknowledge we must accept that He had selected Jeremiah before his birth. This is the wonderful position the children of God are. Rather than trying to rationalise it we should simply accept it knowing that God’s thoughts are different from ours – Isa 55:8 Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2008 reply to Peter |
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1 As we start to read Jeremiah we doubtless are aware that the prophecy of Jeremiah is not in chronological order. Rather than try to re-organise the chapters maybe we should try to understand, from the way the book is constructed, what the purpose of the order is. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2009 reply to Peter |
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V.1 Anathoth was a city given to the priests, the sons of Aaron (Josh 21:18). V.6 Jeremiah felt inadequate to carry out Yahweh’s commission. This is reminiscent of Solomon’s feeling as he assumed the throne (1Kin 3:7). But, Yahweh gives the required wisdom to His servants, as he did to Solomon (1Kin 4:29). Likewise, Yahweh gave Jeremiah the wisdom he needed (v.9). And so, we should not be prevented from expanding our spiritual horizons because we feel inadequate. If we approach all things in faith and prayer, Yahweh will add the necessary wisdom (James 1:5). V.13 a seething pot (KJV); boiling pot (ESV) indicates the fury of Yahweh which can be expressed in the turbulence of war as He sends nations to do His bidding. In this case, he used Babylon to punish Judah and Jerusalem. For another example of this figurative expression of Yahweh’s anger, see Job 41:20. V.19 The servant of Yahweh must expect that the Truth will not be accepted. People do not want to hear bad things. They did not in Jeremiah’s day, and they do not today. Nevertheless, we must be bold and speak the Truth, like Jeremiah did, even if it means ridicule, or worse. Jeremiah was ill-treated, but he will be in the Kingdom. What about us? Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 reply to Michael |
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The context of Jeremiah God had turned over Israel (Samaria) to the Assyrians. They had laid the land waste and then resettled it. But Jerusalem had been spared. The time of Hezekiah was a time of prosperity and return to the worship of the true God. But Hezekiah only had 15 years. During this time Manasseh was born and became the most evil King in Judah's history. He immediatly set about to undo the good Hezekiah had done (2Kin 21:3). So great was his evil that he caused Judah to practice greater abominations than the nations God had driven out of the land, and that's saying something! So God said He would overturn Judah with the same punishments as Samaria, wiping it clean like a bowl (2Kin 21:10-15). After Manasseh was his son Amon who followed his father's ways, and then Josiah reigned, his 8 year old son who again began to restore worship of the true God. This is where Jeremiah fits in. He began to speak out when Josiah was 21, and interestingly his message was not to be of hope but of judgement. To explain this we need to look at two important verses. 2Kin 23:25-26 explains how, though Josiah's heart was wholy to follow God, it wasn't enough to blot out the damage Manasseh had done. So in v27 of that chapter, a repeat of the promise "I will cast off this city Jerusalem". God said to Jeremiah "I am ready to perform My word" (v12). He was to bring upon them a repeat of the Assyrian invasion, this time with the Babylonians, and this time without hope (v14-16). And Jeremiah was there to read them the accusation. Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2009 reply to Rob |
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1:19 As God had chosen Jeremiah He also assured him that he would take care of Him. This is true of those of us who are chosen. Our lives are not a haphazard series of events. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2010 reply to Peter |
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| v.
7 -
The quote is from Hos.6:6,
and Jesus used it before in ch.9:13,
where he said "I
am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance". The "knowledge
of God is greater than burnt offerings", Hosea tells us. See also 1Sam.15:22. Peter Cresswell [Derby Bass Street (UK)] Comment added in 2001 reply to Peter |
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| v.3
- Details concerning the shewbread tell us that it was changed on the Sabbath
[Leviticus
24:8] Notice that Jesus
and his disciples were walking through the corn on the Sabbath. The appeal to
the events of 1
Samuel 21:3 must have
taken place on the Sabbath day or the shewbread would not have been available
for David and his men. The issue in Jesus case is that he is 'lord of the Sabbath'
marking that a man's need comes before the letter of the Sabbath law. This is
a point which occurs a number of times in the gospels. This event is recorded
in three of the gospel records highlighting its importance in laying down a principle.
[Matthew
12:3 Mark 2:25 Luke 6:3] Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2001 reply to Peter |
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| 12:5
The question that Jesus asks demonstrates that there are elements of the law of
Moses which took precedence over other elements. Judgement had to be made as to
which law had to be observed. Likewise in Christ we have to use judgement on issues
rather than simply quoting one principle and disregarding others. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2002 reply to Peter |
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| :41
When Jesus introduced the idea that the men of Nineveh or the Queen of Sheba will
rise in the judgement and condemn the Jewish leaders of his day Jesus prime focus
does not relate to whether these individuals will be raised from the dead. The
point he is making is that whilst they - Jews - would not recognise the power
of God vested in him both the men of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba - gentiles
- recognised that God was at work in their lives and responded to what they knew. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2003 reply to Peter |
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| It is very unfortunate
to be born into a family with no mother, father, brothers, or sisters. Jesus was
the first of a "new creation", and he wanted to have a family round
him. In v47-50
Jesus emphasises the fact that he has left his earthly mother and siblings, and
now has a new spiritual family. Jesus demonstrated how seriously he took this
change in where he belonged. He had completely divorced himself from the ties
of the flesh, and only recognised the ties of his new "spirit family".
I wonder if we always see it this way, or whether we hold on to our family connections
and status, long after we have been "born again" into a new family.
Do we treat our spiritual brothers and sisters as well as our fleshly ones? Jesus
is suggesting that we no longer have any fleshly relatives.
A further point
to ponder: Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 reply to Rob |
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| 12:7 Jesus quotation of Hos 6:6 and his observations ‘if ye had known’ demonstrates that actions should be determined not just by clear statements in Scripture – for example ‘thou shalt not ..’ but also by an understanding of the principles behind statements in Scripture. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2004 reply to Peter |
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| V.8 The sabbath was made for man, not vice versa. The sabbath was instituted to be a blessing for man; to keep him healthy, to make him happy, and to render him holy. Man was not created to be the sabbath's slave. Jesus, as Lord of the sabbath, not only honored it by regularly attending the synagogue, but He also honored it by performing acts of mercy and healing on that day.V.9-14 John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 reply to John |
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V.24 Jesus was accused by the Pharisees of performing miracles by Beelzebub. In Hebrew Beelzebub is Baal Zvuv which literally means Master (or Lord) of the fly. Its derogatory connotation is Lord of Dung (the place where flies gather most). Vs.31,32 Thus, the Pharisees, instead of welcoming the miraculous power of God, cast aspersions on the Holy Spirit. The Lord issued the sternest of warnings about this. We should be careful also to respect the Word, which is an expression of the Spirit, lest we be judged unworthy. Disobeying the Word, by conducting ourselves inappropriately, is equated with blasphemy (Titus 2:1-5). Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 reply to Michael |
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| V.50 "whosoever" This means exactly what the apostle wrote to the believers at Galatia (Gal 3:28) there are no national differences; there are no social differences; there are no sexual differences. All those who do the will of our Heavenly Father are Christ's brothers and sisters, and heirs of the promises made to Abraham. John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2005 reply to John |
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|
12:5 Jesus' appeal to the way that the law was broken to ensure that another aspect of the law was kept should alert us to the problems associated with rules. It is not possible to make rules that cover all eventualities. We have to us judgement in the application of rules. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2006 reply to Peter |
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12:14 The Pharisees had already decided the answer to the question that they raised in 12:10 Their intention was not to learn truth. Rather it was to trap Jesus in his words and actions. We can be like this, having decided that someone is wrong we question them in a way which enable us to confirm our prejudice against that person. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2007 reply to Peter |
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| 12:35 One must be careful to point out that this verse does not offer any excuse for a fatalistic view of life. It does not make it right for a man to say: "I did not make myself, can I help what I am? can I help what I think? can I help the way I act?" The next verse states clearly that a man remains fully responsible for what he is, what he thinks, what he speaks, and what he does. John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2007 reply to John |
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Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2008 reply to Peter |
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A MIRACULOUS SIGN "Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, 'Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you.' He answered, 'A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.'"(Matt 12:38-40) It is interesting that right through his ministry, Jesus gave sign after sign that he was a man of God, and that he was no less than the son of God. Many people saw those signs and believed. The ones that should have seen them first were the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. They were the ones with their noses in the Bible, who knew by heart all the prophesies of the Messiah, and yet they just couldn't see who he was. God had given them all the signs that they needed, but they refused to believe. Even today people ask for signs. Just like it was in the days of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, there are signs all over the place that God exists and is alive and active. There may be times where God has to give us a special sign, but for the most part we have all the evidence we need right in front of us. Lets not close our eyes to the signs in the word of God, in the world around us, and in our individual lives, but open them up to see the evidence of God in the ways he has chosen to reveal himself to us. Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2009 reply to Robert |
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12:10 Earlier in the day they had confronted Jesus about sabbath breaking with the matter of the corn. Now in the synagogue on the same day they try again to discredit Jesus. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2009 reply to Peter |
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V.14 The Pharisees were furious because their pride had been pricked (Luke 6:11). V.30 One is either 100% with Jesus, or 100% against Him. There are no half-measures, although a lot of people do try to mix and match. The choice is as clear today as it was in Joshua’s day (Josh 24:15). There are going to be many people at the judgment who are going to be hugely shocked and disappointed (Matt 7:22,23). Vs.36,37 These verses should be very sobering, as it is easy to speak inappropriately. Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 reply to Michael |
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12:22 Jesus’ miracles were not simply acts of kindness. They had deeper spiritual significance also. The man who was blind and dumb represented Israel’s leaders. Jesus taught that they were ‘blind’ Matt 15:14. Because they were ‘blind’ to the teaching of the law they were ‘dumb’ also – that is they were unable to teach the law. Peter Forbes [Glenfield (UK)] Comment added in 2010 reply to Peter |
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| In v38-45 Jesus calls his generation evil and adulterous, a generation that would be condemned at the judgement. So we can see that Jesus already knew that his preaching would have no effect on them. They would inevitably be judged unworthy and the gospel go to the Gentiles instead. Hence his reference to the Gentiles who repented in v41-42 and the quote in v18 and 21 "in his name the Gentiles will hope". Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 reply to Rob |
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