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Notes that are not verse specific
LIKE EVERYONE ELSE
It's not just everyone else. As Moses and Aaron led the children of Israel through the wilderness, time after time God's people complained, rebelled, and disobeyed God. And through it all, Moses and Aaron patiently put up with their bad behaviour, interceding for them with God and helping the people on their way to the Promised Land.
It would have been easy for Moses and Aaron to have pride in their hearts, that everyone around them were sinners, but they were righteous. It can be the same for us. If we live good lives and have brought up a good family, we can look around at those who seem to have struggled against sin more than ourselves, and stand there judging them, because we have it all worked out and they don't. It doesn't appear that Moses and Aaron ever did that. It is good that they didn't, because in one moment of not giving honour to God, and striking the rock instead of speaking to it, they joined the ranks of the rest of Israel as sinners. If there was ever anyone we might have thought could have been close to perfect, it would have been Moses through this period of his life.
We are never too good to fall. Let us stay humble and committed to honouring God. Let's not judge others, but realise that we may be only one step away from being just like everyone else.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Robert
In the mercy of God, Jesus ("the spiritual rock that followed them"-1Cor 10:4) beheld and communed with the very rock which he struck in anger on the mount of "Transfiguration" (Matt 17:3).
Ross Melles [Waitakere, Auckland (NZ)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Ross
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1. Then came <935>(8799) the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, even the whole congregation <5712>, into the desert <4057> of Zin <6790> in the first <7223> month <2320>: and the people <5971> abode <3427>(8799) in Kadesh <6946>; and Miriam <4813> died <4191>(8799) there, and was buried <6912>(8735) there.
2. And there was no water <4325> for the congregation <5712>: and they gathered <6950>(8735) themselves together against Moses <4872> and against Aaron <175>.
3. And the people <5971> chode <7378>(8799) with Moses <4872>, and spake <559>(8799), saying <559>(8800), Would God that <3863> we had died <1478>(8804) when our brethren <251> died <1478>(8800) before <6440> the LORD <3068>!
4. And why have ye brought up <935>(8689) the congregation <6951> of the LORD <3068> into this wilderness <4057>, that we and our cattle <1165> should die <4191>(8800) there?
5. And wherefore have ye made us to come up <5927>(8689) out of Egypt <4714>, to bring <935>(8687) us in unto this evil <7451> place <4725>? it is no place <4725> of seed <2233>, or of figs <8384>, or of vines <1612>, or of pomegranates <7416>; neither is there any water <4325> to drink <8354>(8800).
6. And Moses <4872> and Aaron <175> went <935>(8799) from the presence <6440> of the assembly <6951> unto the door <6607> of the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>, and they fell <5307>(8799) upon their faces <6440>: and the glory <3519> of the LORD <3068> appeared <7200>(8735) unto them.
7. And the LORD <3068> spake <1696>(8762) unto Moses <4872>, saying <559>(8800),
8. Take <3947>(8798) the rod <4294>, and gather <6950>(8685) thou the assembly <5712> together, thou, and Aaron <175> thy brother <251>, and speak <1696>(8765) ye unto the rock <5553> before their eyes <5869>; and it shall give forth <5414>(8804) his water <4325>, and thou shalt bring forth <3318>(8689) to them water <4325> out of the rock <5553>: so thou shalt give the congregation <5712> and their beasts <1165> drink <8248>(8689).
9. And Moses <4872> took <3947>(8799) the rod <4294> from before <6440> the LORD <3068>, as he commanded <6680>(8765) him.
10. And Moses <4872> and Aaron <175> gathered <6950>(8686) the congregation <6951> together before <6440> the rock <5553>, and he said <559>(8799) unto them, Hear <8085>(8798) now, ye rebels <4784>(8802); must we fetch <3318>(8686) you water <4325> out of this rock <5553>?
11. And Moses <4872> lifted up <7311>(8686) his hand <3027>, and with his rod <4294> he smote <5221>(8686) the rock <5553> twice <6471>: and the water <4325> came out <3318>(8799) abundantly <7227>, and the congregation <5712> drank <8354>(8799), and their beasts <1165> also.
12. And the LORD <3068> spake <559>(8799) unto Moses <4872> and Aaron <175>, Because ye believed <539>(8689) me not, to sanctify <6942>(8687) me in the eyes <5869> of the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, therefore ye shall not bring <935>(8686) this congregation <6951> into the land <776> which I have given <5414>(8804) them.
13. This is <1992> the water <4325> of Meribah <4809>; because the children <1121> of Israel <3478> strove <7378>(8804) with the LORD <3068>, and he was sanctified <6942>(8735) in them.
14. And Moses <4872> sent <7971>(8799) messengers <4397> from Kadesh <6946> unto the king <4428> of Edom <123>, Thus saith <559>(8804) thy brother <251> Israel <3478>, Thou knowest <3045>(8804) all the travail <8513> that hath befallen <4672>(8804) us:
15. How our fathers <1> went down <3381>(8799) into Egypt <4714>, and we have dwelt <3427>(8799) in Egypt <4714> a long <7227> time <3117>; and the Egyptians <4714> vexed <7489>(8686) us, and our fathers <1>:
16. And when we cried <6817>(8799) unto the LORD <3068>, he heard <8085>(8799) our voice <6963>, and sent <7971>(8799) an angel <4397>, and hath brought us forth <3318>(8686) out of Egypt <4714>: and, behold, we are in Kadesh <6946>, a city <5892> in the uttermost <7097> of thy border <1366>:
17. Let us pass <5674>(8799), I pray thee, through thy country <776>: we will not pass <5674>(8799) through the fields <7704>, or through the vineyards <3754>, neither will we drink <8354>(8799) of the water <4325> of the wells <875>: we will go <3212>(8799) by the king's <4428> high way <1870>, we will not turn <5186>(8799) to the right hand <3225> nor to the left <8040>, until we have passed <5674>(8799) thy borders <1366>.
18. And Edom <123> said <559>(8799) unto him, Thou shalt not pass <5674>(8799) by me, lest I come out <3318>(8799) against <7125>(8800) thee with the sword <2719>.
19. And the children <1121> of Israel <3478> said <559>(8799) unto him, We will go <5927>(8799) by the high way <4546>: and if I and my cattle <4735> drink <8354>(8799) of thy water <4325>, then I will pay <5414>(8804) <4377> for it: I will only, without doing any thing <1697> else, go through <5674>(8799) on my feet <7272>.
20. And he said <559>(8799), Thou shalt not go through <5674>(8799). And Edom <123> came out <3318>(8799) against <7125>(8800) him with much <3515> people <5971>, and with a strong <2389> hand <3027>.
21. Thus Edom <123> refused <3985>(8762) to give <5414>(8800) Israel <3478> passage <5674>(8800) through his border <1366>: wherefore Israel <3478> turned away <5186>(8799) from him.
22. And the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, even the whole congregation <5712>, journeyed <5265>(8799) from Kadesh <6946>, and came <935>(8799) unto mount <2022> Hor <2023>.
23. And the LORD <3068> spake <559>(8799) unto Moses <4872> and Aaron <175> in mount <2022> Hor <2023>, by the coast <1366> of the land <776> of Edom <123>, saying <559>(8800),
24. Aaron <175> shall be gathered <622>(8735) unto his people <5971>: for he shall not enter <935>(8799) into the land <776> which I have given <5414>(8804) unto the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, because ye rebelled against <4784>(8804) my word <6310> at the water <4325> of Meribah <4809>.
25. Take <3947>(8798) Aaron <175> and Eleazar <499> his son <1121>, and bring them up <5927>(8685) unto mount <2022> Hor <2023>:
26. And strip <6584>(8685) Aaron <175> of his garments <899>, and put <3847>(8689) them upon Eleazar <499> his son <1121>: and Aaron <175> shall be gathered <622>(8735) unto his people, and shall die <4191>(8804) there.
27. And Moses <4872> did <6213>(8799) as the LORD <3068> commanded <6680>(8765): and they went up <5927>(8799) into mount <2022> Hor <2023> in the sight <5869> of all the congregation <5712>.
28. And Moses <4872> stripped <6584>(8686) Aaron <175> of his garments <899>, and put <3847>(8686) them upon Eleazar <499> his son <1121>; and Aaron <175> died <4191>(8799) there in the top <7218> of the mount <2022>: and Moses <4872> and Eleazar <499> came down <3381>(8799) from the mount <2022>.
29. And when all the congregation <5712> saw <7200>(8799) that Aaron <175> was dead <1478>(8804), they mourned <1058>(8799) for Aaron <175> thirty <7970> days <3117>, even all the house <1004> of Israel <3478>.
1. And when king <4428> Arad <6166> the Canaanite <3669>, which dwelt <3427>(8802) in the south <5045>, heard <8085>(8799) tell that Israel <3478> came <935>(8802) by the way <1870> of the spies <871>; then he fought <3898>(8735) against Israel <3478>, and took <7617>(8799) some of them prisoners <7628>.
2. And Israel <3478> vowed <5087>(8799) a vow <5088> unto the LORD <3068>, and said <559>(8799), If thou wilt indeed <5414>(8800) deliver <5414>(8799) this people <5971> into my hand <3027>, then I will utterly destroy <2763>(8689) their cities <5892>.
3. And the LORD <3068> hearkened <8085>(8799) to the voice <6963> of Israel <3478>, and delivered up <5414>(8799) the Canaanites <3669>; and they utterly destroyed <2763>(8686) them and their cities <5892>: and he called <7121>(8799) the name <8034> of the place <4725> Hormah <2767>.
4. And they journeyed <5265>(8799) from mount <2022> Hor <2023> by the way <1870> of the Red <5488> sea <3220>, to compass <5437>(8800) the land <776> of Edom <123>: and the soul <5315> of the people <5971> was much discouraged <7114>(8799) because of the way <1870>.
5. And the people <5971> spake <1696>(8762) against God <430>, and against Moses <4872>, Wherefore have ye brought us up <5927>(8689) out of Egypt <4714> to die <4191>(8800) in the wilderness <4057>? for there is no bread <3899>, neither is there any water <4325>; and our soul <5315> loatheth <6973>(8804) this light <7052> bread <3899>.
6. And the LORD <3068> sent <7971>(8762) fiery <8314> serpents <5175> among the people <5971>, and they bit <5391>(8762) the people <5971>; and much <7227> people <5971> of Israel <3478> died <4191>(8799).
7. Therefore the people <5971> came <935>(8799) to Moses <4872>, and said <559>(8799), We have sinned <2398>(8804), for we have spoken <1696>(8765) against the LORD <3068>, and against thee; pray <6419>(8690) unto the LORD <3068>, that he take away <5493>(8686) the serpents <5175> from us. And Moses <4872> prayed <6419>(8691) for the people <5971>.
8. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto Moses <4872>, Make <6213>(8798) thee a fiery serpent <8314>, and set <7760>(8798) it upon a pole <5251>: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten <5391>(8803), when he looketh <7200>(8804) upon it, shall live <2425>(8804).
9. And Moses <4872> made <6213>(8799) a serpent <5175> of brass <5178>, and put <7760>(8799) it upon a pole <5251>, and it came to pass, that if a serpent <5175> had bitten <5391>(8804) any man <376>, when he beheld <5027>(8689) the serpent <5175> of brass <5178>, he lived <2425>(8804).
10. And the children <1121> of Israel <3478> set forward <5265>(8799), and pitched <2583>(8799) in Oboth <88>.
11. And they journeyed <5265>(8799) from Oboth <88>, and pitched <2583>(8799) at Ijeabarim <5863>, in the wilderness <4057> which is before <6440> Moab <4124>, toward the sunrising <4217> <8121>.
12. From thence they removed <5265>(8804), and pitched <2583>(8799) in the valley <5158> of Zared <2218>.
13. From thence they removed <5265>(8804), and pitched <2583>(8799) on the other side <5676> of Arnon <769>, which is in the wilderness <4057> that cometh out <3318>(8802) of the coasts <1366> of the Amorites <567>: for Arnon <769> is the border <1366> of Moab <4124>, between Moab <4124> and the Amorites <567>.
14. Wherefore it is said <559>(8735) in the book <5612> of the wars <4421> of the LORD <3068>, What he did <2052> in the Red sea <5492>, and in the brooks <5158> of Arnon <769>,
15. And at the stream <793> of the brooks <5158> that goeth down <5186>(8804) to the dwelling <3427>(8800) of Ar <6144>, and lieth <8172>(8738) upon the border <1366> of Moab <4124>.
16. And from thence they went to Beer <876>: that is the well <875> whereof the LORD <3068> spake <559>(8804) unto Moses <4872>, Gather <622> <0> the people <5971> together <622>(8798), and I will give <5414>(8799) them water <4325>.
17. Then Israel <3478> sang <7891>(8799) this song <7892>, Spring up <5927>(8798), O well <875>; sing <6030>(8798) ye unto it:
18. The princes <8269> digged <2658>(8804) the well <875>, the nobles <5081> of the people <5971> digged <3738>(8804) it, by the direction of the lawgiver <2710>(8781), with their staves <4938>. And from the wilderness <4057> they went to Mattanah <4980>:
19. And from Mattanah <4980> to Nahaliel <5160>: and from Nahaliel <5160> to Bamoth <1120>:
20. And from Bamoth <1120> in the valley <1516>, that is in the country <7704> of Moab <4124>, to the top <7218> of Pisgah <6449>, which looketh <8259>(8738) toward <6440> Jeshimon <3452>.
21. And Israel <3478> sent <7971>(8799) messengers <4397> unto Sihon <5511> king <4428> of the Amorites <567>, saying <559>(8800),
22. Let me pass <5674>(8799) through thy land <776>: we will not turn <5186>(8799) into the fields <7704>, or into the vineyards <3754>; we will not drink <8354>(8799) of the waters <4325> of the well <875>: but we will go along <3212>(8799) by the king's <4428> high way <1870>, until we be past <5674>(8799) thy borders <1366>.
23. And Sihon <5511> would not suffer <5414>(8804) Israel <3478> to pass <5674>(8800) through his border <1366>: but Sihon <5511> gathered <622> <0> all his people <5971> together <622>(8799), and went out <3318>(8799) against <7125>(8800) Israel <3478> into the wilderness <4057>: and he came <935>(8799) to Jahaz <3096>, and fought <3898>(8735) against Israel <3478>.
24. And Israel <3478> smote <5221>(8686) him with the edge <6310> of the sword <2719>, and possessed <3423>(8799) his land <776> from Arnon <769> unto Jabbok <2999>, even unto the children <1121> of Ammon <5983>: for the border <1366> of the children <1121> of Ammon <5983> was strong <5794>.
25. And Israel <3478> took <3947>(8799) all these cities <5892>: and Israel <3478> dwelt <3427>(8799) in all the cities <5892> of the Amorites <567>, in Heshbon <2809>, and in all the villages <1323> thereof.
26. For Heshbon <2809> was the city <5892> of Sihon <5511> the king <4428> of the Amorites <567>, who had fought <3898>(8738) against the former <7223> king <4428> of Moab <4124>, and taken <3947>(8799) all his land <776> out of his hand <3027>, even unto Arnon <769>.
27. Wherefore they that speak in proverbs <4911>(8802) say <559>(8799), Come <935>(8798) into Heshbon <2809>, let the city <5892> of Sihon <5511> be built <1129>(8735) and prepared <3559>(8709):
28. For there is a fire <784> gone out <3318>(8804) of Heshbon <2809>, a flame <3852> from the city <7151> of Sihon <5511>: it hath consumed <398>(8804) Ar <6144> of Moab <4124>, and the lords of the high places <1181> of Arnon <769>.
29. Woe <188> to thee, Moab <4124>! thou art undone <6>(8804), O people <5971> of Chemosh <3645>: he hath given <5414>(8804) his sons <1121> that escaped <6412>, and his daughters <1323>, into captivity <7622> unto Sihon <5511> king <4428> of the Amorites <567>.
30. We have shot <3384>(8799) at them; Heshbon <2809> is perished <6>(8804) even unto Dibon <1769>, and we have laid them waste <8074>(8686) even unto Nophah <5302>, which reacheth unto Medeba <4311>.
31. Thus Israel <3478> dwelt <3427>(8799) in the land <776> of the Amorites <567>.
32. And Moses <4872> sent <7971>(8799) to spy out <7270>(8763) Jaazer <3270>, and they took <3920>(8799) the villages <1323> thereof, and drove out <3423>(8686)(8675) <3423>(8799) the Amorites <567> that were there.
33. And they turned <6437>(8799) and went up <5927>(8799) by the way <1870> of Bashan <1316>: and Og <5747> the king <4428> of Bashan <1316> went out <3318>(8799) against <7125>(8800) them, he, and all his people <5971>, to the battle <4421> at Edrei <154>.
34. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto Moses <4872>, Fear <3372>(8799) him not: for I have delivered <5414>(8804) him into thy hand <3027>, and all his people <5971>, and his land <776>; and thou shalt do <6213>(8804) to him as thou didst <6213>(8804) unto Sihon <5511> king <4428> of the Amorites <567>, which dwelt <3427>(8802) at Heshbon <2809>.
35. So they smote <5221>(8686) him, and his sons <1121>, and all his people <5971>, until there was none <1115> left <7604>(8689) him alive <8300>: and they possessed <3423>(8799) his land <776>.
Notes that are not verse specific
Prov. 15:8.
"The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright please him."
What are some basic principles of our faith that we can and should take from a passage like this?
The first example that comes to mind that has to do with how God views the sacrifice of the wicked is that of Cain - Gen 4:2-5. The question naturally arises from this account as to why God was pleased with Abel's sacrifice but not so with Cain's - especially since later on, under the Law of Moses, both grain and animal offerings were allowed, even commanded. The answer would appear to be that the sacrifices were supposed, in this situation, to be sin offerings and for this particular offering, God required a specific animal. Also note that it's clearly stated that Abel brought of the "firstborn of his flock" whereas Cain's offering was "some of the fruit of the soil" and not necessarily its first fruits. The point then is this - Abel did everything according to God's explicit instruction, whereas Cain apparently chose to go through the motions of "obeying God" but doing so only after changing the rules to match up with what he had decided should be ok. Obviously, Cain's true character can be seen soon after with his murder of his brother and even later still in his choice of going away from the LORD's presence (v. 16).
So the basic principle as seen in this account and seen throughout all of Scripture is that things must be done according to God's will, not according to what man has invented and superimposed on God's straightforward teaching. This can be seen in many ways today with the changes many churches have made to very clear teachings of God and Christ concerning baptism, the breaking of bread, the nature of man, the nature of God and Jesus, etc. It is not good enough to just be "Christian" if that form of Christianity isn't in conformity to what God and Jesus have clearly taught as recorded in the Bible.
As for the 2nd part of the verse, prayers to God are very, very important as a means of showing gratitude and as a means of seeking His help in all aspects of our lives. Prayer shows our dependence on Him and His love and with it our complete trust in Him to do what is best for us. And it is, too, a form of sacrifice (note the tie in with the first half of the verse here).
In Heb. 13: 15,16 we're told -
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
And in Hos. 14:2, we read,
"Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: 'Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we many offer the fruit of our lips.'" (K.J.V. has "the calves of our lips")
And then there's James' statement (Jam. 5:16) that "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective".
So the two halves of this verse put together present the best of all road maps for us to follow in our lives in Christ - showing our complete trust in God and dependence on HIm in our sincere prayers coupled with our need to conform every part of our lives to His will - in contrast to simply "doing our own thing" and expecting that to be acceptable to God.
Wes Booker [South Austin Texas USA] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Wes
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1. A soft <7390> answer <4617> turneth <7725>(8686) away wrath <2534>: but grievous <6089> words <1697> stir up <5927>(8686) anger <639>.
2. The tongue <3956> of the wise <2450> useth knowledge <1847> aright <3190>(8686): but the mouth <6310> of fools <3684> poureth out <5042>(8686) foolishness <200>.
3. The eyes <5869> of the LORD <3068> are in every place <4725>, beholding <6822>(8802) the evil <7451> and the good <2896>.
4. A wholesome <4832> tongue <3956> is a tree <6086> of life <2416>: but perverseness <5558> therein is a breach <7667> in the spirit <7307>.
5. A fool <191> despiseth <5006>(8799) his father's <1> instruction <4148>: but he that regardeth <8104>(8802) reproof <8433> is prudent <6191>(8686).
6. In the house <1004> of the righteous <6662> is much <7227> treasure <2633>: but in the revenues <8393> of the wicked <7563> is trouble <5916>(8737).
7. The lips <8193> of the wise <2450> disperse <2219>(8762) knowledge <1847>: but the heart <3820> of the foolish <3684> doeth not so.
8. The sacrifice <2077> of the wicked <7563> is an abomination <8441> to the LORD <3068>: but the prayer <8605> of the upright <3477> is his delight <7522>.
9. The way <1870> of the wicked <7563> is an abomination <8441> unto the LORD <3068>: but he loveth <157>(8799) him that followeth <7291>(8764) after righteousness <6666>.
10. Correction <4148> is grievous <7451> unto him that forsaketh <5800>(8802) the way <734>: and he that hateth <8130>(8802) reproof <8433> shall die <4191>(8799).
11. Hell <7585> and destruction <11> are before the LORD <3068>: how much more then the hearts <3826> of the children <1121> of men <120>?
12. A scorner <3887>(8801) loveth <157>(8799) not one that reproveth <3198>(8687) him: neither will he go <3212>(8799) unto the wise <2450>.
13. A merry <8056> heart <3820> maketh a cheerful <3190>(8686) countenance <6440>: but by sorrow <6094> of the heart <3820> the spirit <7307> is broken <5218>.
14. The heart <3820> of him that hath understanding <995>(8737) seeketh <1245>(8762) knowledge <1847>: but the mouth <6310>(8675) <6440> of fools <3684> feedeth <7462>(8799) on foolishness <200>.
15. All the days <3117> of the afflicted <6041> are evil <7451>: but he that is of a merry <2896> heart <3820> hath a continual <8548> feast <4960>.
16. Better <2896> is little <4592> with the fear <3374> of the LORD <3068> than great <7227> treasure <214> and trouble <4103> therewith.
17. Better <2896> is a dinner <737> of herbs <3419> where love <160> is, than a stalled <75>(8803) ox <7794> and hatred <8135> therewith.
18. A wrathful <2534> man <376> stirreth up <1624>(8762) strife <4066>: but he that is slow <750> to anger <639> appeaseth <8252>(8686) strife <7379>.
19. The way <1870> of the slothful <6102> man is as an hedge <4881> of thorns <2312>: but the way <734> of the righteous <3477> is made plain <5549>(8803).
20. A wise <2450> son <1121> maketh a glad <8055>(8762) father <1>: but a foolish <3684> man <120> despiseth <959>(8802) his mother <517>.
21. Folly <200> is joy <8057> to him that is destitute <2638> of wisdom <3820>: but a man <376> of understanding <8394> walketh <3212>(8800) uprightly <3474>(8762).
22. Without counsel <5475> purposes <4284> are disappointed <6565>(8687): but in the multitude <7230> of counsellors <3289>(8802) they are established <6965>(8799).
23. A man <376> hath joy <8057> by the answer <4617> of his mouth <6310>: and a word <1697> spoken in due season <6256>, how good <2896> is it!
24. The way <734> of life <2416> is above <4605> to the wise <7919>(8688), that he may depart <5493>(8800) from hell <7585> beneath <4295>.
25. The LORD <3068> will destroy <5255>(8799) the house <1004> of the proud <1343>: but he will establish <5324>(8686) the border <1366> of the widow <490>.
26. The thoughts <4284> of the wicked <7451> are an abomination <8441> to the LORD <3068>: but the words of the pure <2889> are pleasant <5278> words <561>.
27. He that is greedy <1214>(8802) of gain <1215> troubleth <5916>(8802) his own house <1004>; but he that hateth <8130>(8802) gifts <4979> shall live <2421>(8799).
28. The heart <3820> of the righteous <6662> studieth <1897>(8799) to answer <6030>(8800): but the mouth <6310> of the wicked <7563> poureth <5042>(8686) out evil things <7451>.
29. The LORD <3068> is far <7350> from the wicked <7563>: but he heareth <8085>(8799) the prayer <8605> of the righteous <6662>.
30. The light <3974> of the eyes <5869> rejoiceth <8055>(8762) the heart <3820>: and a good <2896> report <8052> maketh <1878> <0> the bones <6106> fat <1878>(8762).
31. The ear <241> that heareth <8085>(8802) the reproof <8433> of life <2416> abideth <3885>(8799) among <7130> the wise <2450>.
32. He that refuseth <6544>(8802) instruction <4148> despiseth <3988>(8802) his own soul <5315>: but he that heareth <8085>(8802) reproof <8433> getteth <7069>(8802) understanding <3820>.
33. The fear <3374> of the LORD <3068> is the instruction <4148> of wisdom <2451>; and before <6440> honour <3519> is humility <6038>.
Notes that are not verse specific
OPEN THE EYES OF OUR HEARTS
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." (Ephesians 1 v 18 - 19)
This is a prayer that we should all pray for each other. Paul prayed it for the Ephesians, so we should pray it for our friends. More than that, we may also find we need to pray it for ourselves. Every now and then we need that uplifting revelation from God that opens the eyes of our hearts, strengthens our hope in the reward God has promised, and displays God's awesome power to us again. It may come as we read his word, pray or admire his creation, from a song, a passing word or a deep and thoughtful discussion - whatever way God chooses to open the eyes of our hearts.
Without being re-awakened, having the hope of the kingdom fresh in our minds, and the strength we gain from the knowledge of God's power, our lives have every little purpose. Our peace, faith, hope and strength will all be stripped from us and we will feel like there is no point to the life we live. But now we can have the eyes of our hearts opened by God and live victoriously in Christ, knowing that if we are with God, he will be with us.
God has given us an awesome hope, and along with it the grace and strength to receive what he has offered. May the eyes of our hearts be opened today.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
1:5 - (cp Rom 8:29,30) Predestinated= "marked out in advance".
This does not speak of divine interference of human freewill, but of Yahweh's foreknowledge. Man has freewill to do as he pleases, but because Yahweh knows the end from the beginning - because He knows the entire course which a man will choose to take in life - He already knows who will respond to His will. He has "marked out before", that is, before the foundation of the world, those individuals, because He knows the degree of faithfulness they will show.
Matt Drywood [Hamilton Book Road (Can)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Matt
6:7-8 Sowing what we reap has passed into colloquial use. However it has it's origins in Scripture. Paul highlights a principle first seen in Proverbs Prov 6:14,19, 11:18, 22:8
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Peter
1:1 "By the will of God" Paul has not attained this office of apostle by aspiration, not by man's appointment, but by Divine preparation, having been set apart by the will of his Heavenly Father.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to John
Paul writes this epistle to the Ecclesia that was now established in Ephesus. He addresses the message of exhortation “to the saints” [Eph.1:1] as a group and in particular to those who were faithful in Christ Jesus. This suggests there were factions in the ecclesia. They were all addressed as “saints”, but they must also be faithful.
So the Epistle is an exhortation to them and to us to thank God for Jesus Christ our Lord; theirs’ and our our salvation is by the grace fo God - to the Jews and Gentiles. The closing three chapters exhort us all to support each other in the spirit of love and so promote unity holiness and love in the body of Christ.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places” [Eph.1 v.3].
Paul makes four more references to the “heavenly places.
Eph.1 v.20 - When Jesus rose from the dead God set him on his right hand in heavenly places.
Eph.2 vs.4 to 6 - God in His mercy will raise us up to sit in heavenly places in Jesus.
Eph.3 vs.9 to 11 - God purpose through the work Jesus was to make the Ecclesia aware of principalities and powers [in Kingdom age?] when the faithful are in heavenly places.
Eph.6 v. 12 - We are exhorted to resist spiritual wickedness in "high places" wherever we encounter these challenges to our faith.
You may have noticed that the KJV shows the word “places” in italics which suggests in is not in the Greek texts. This suggests that “heavenly” is in the definite article , i.e. the heavenly. Which invites us to further study.
These references to heavenly places remind me of the words of Proverbs 15 v.24. “the way of life is above to the wise, that he he may depart from hell beneath”.
Peter Moore [Erith, UK] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Peter
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1. Paul <3972>, an apostle <652> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> by <1223> the will <2307> of God <2316>, to the saints <40> which are <5607>(5752) at <1722> Ephesus <2181>, and <2532> to the faithful <4103> in <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>:
2. Grace <5485> be to you <5213>, and <2532> peace <1515>, from <575> God <2316> our <2257> Father <3962>, and <2532> from the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>.
3. Blessed <2128> be the God <2316> and <2532> Father <3962> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, who <3588> hath blessed <2127>(5660) us <2248> with <1722> all <3956> spiritual <4152> blessings <2129> in <1722> heavenly <2032> places in <1722> Christ <5547>:
4. According as <2531> he hath chosen <1586>(5668) us <2248> in <1722> him <846> before <4253> the foundation <2602> of the world <2889>, that we <2248> should be <1511>(5750) holy <40> and <2532> without blame <299> before <2714> him <846> in <1722> love <26>:
5. Having predestinated <4309>(5660) us <2248> unto <1519> the adoption of children <5206> by <1223> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> to <1519> himself <848>, according <2596> to the good pleasure <2107> of his <848> will <2307>,
6. To <1519> the praise <1868> of the glory <1391> of his <848> grace <5485>, wherein <1722> <3739> he hath made <5487> <0> us <2248> accepted <5487>(5656) in <1722> the beloved <25>(5772).
7. In <1722> whom <3739> we have <2192>(5719) redemption <629> through <1223> his <846> blood <129>, the forgiveness <859> of sins <3900>, according <2596> to the riches <4149> of his <846> grace <5485>;
8. Wherein <3739> he hath abounded <4052>(5656) toward <1519> us <2248> in <1722> all <3956> wisdom <4678> and <2532> prudence <5428>;
9. Having made known <1107>(5660) unto us <2254> the mystery <3466> of his <848> will <2307>, according to <2596> his <848> good pleasure <2107> which <3739> he hath purposed <4388>(5639) in <1722> himself <848>:
10. That in <1519> the dispensation <3622> of the fulness <4138> of times <2540> he might gather together in one <346>(5664) all things <3956> in <1722> Christ <5547>, both <5037> which <3588> are in <1722> heaven <3772>, and <2532> which <3588> are on <1909> earth <1093>; even in <1722> him <846>:
11. In <1722> whom <3739> also <2532> we have obtained an inheritance <2820>(5681), being predestinated <4309>(5685) according to <2596> the purpose <4286> of him who worketh <1754>(5723) all things <3956> after <2596> the counsel <1012> of his own <848> will <2307>:
12. That <1519> we <2248> should be <1511>(5750) to <1519> the praise <1868> of his <846> glory <1391>, who <3588> first trusted <4276>(5761) in <1722> Christ <5547>.
13. In <1722> whom <3739> ye <5210> also <2532> trusted, after that ye heard <191>(5660) the word <3056> of truth <225>, the gospel <2098> of your <5216> salvation <4991>: in <1722> whom <3739> also <2532> after that ye believed <4100>(5660), ye were sealed with <4972>(5681) that holy <40> Spirit <4151> of promise <1860>,
14. Which <3739> is <2076>(5748) the earnest <728> of our <2257> inheritance <2817> until <1519> the redemption <629> of the purchased possession <4047>, unto <1519> the praise <1868> of his <846> glory <1391>.
15. Wherefore <1223> <5124> I also <2504>, after I heard <191>(5660) of <2596> your <5209> faith <4102> in <1722> the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424>, and <2532> love <26> unto <1519> all <3956> the saints <40>,
16. Cease <3973>(5731) not <3756> to give thanks <2168>(5723) for <5228> you <5216>, making <4160>(5734) mention <3417> of you <5216> in <1909> my <3450> prayers <4335>;
17. That <2443> the God <2316> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, the Father <3962> of glory <1391>, may give <1325>(5632)(5630) unto you <5213> the spirit <4151> of wisdom <4678> and <2532> revelation <602> in <1722> the knowledge <1922> of him <848>:
18. The eyes <3788> of your <5216> understanding <1271> being enlightened <5461>(5772); that <1519> ye <5209> may know <1492>(5760) what <5101> is <2076>(5748) the hope <1680> of his <846> calling <2821>, and <2532> what <5101> the riches <4149> of the glory <1391> of his <846> inheritance <2817> in <1722> the saints <40>,
19. And <2532> what <5101> is the exceeding <5235>(5723) greatness <3174> of his <846> power <1411> to <1519> us-ward <2248> who <3588> believe <4100>(5723), according to <2596> the working <1753> of his <846> mighty <2479> power <2904>,
20. Which <3739> he wrought <1754>(5656) in <1722> Christ <5547>, when he raised <1453>(5660) him <846> from <1537> the dead <3498>, and <2532> set <2523>(5656) him at <1722> his own <848> right hand <1188> in <1722> the heavenly <2032> places,
21. Far above <5231> all <3956> principality <746>, and <2532> power <1849>, and <2532> might <1411>, and <2532> dominion <2963>, and <2532> every <3956> name <3686> that is named <3687>(5746), not <3756> only <3440> in <1722> this <5129> world <165>, but <235> also <2532> in <1722> that which is to come <3195>(5723):
22. And <2532> hath put <5293>(5656) all <3956> things under <5259> his <846> feet <4228>, and <2532> gave <1325>(5656) him <846> to be the head <2776> over <5228> all <3956> things to the church <1577>,
23. Which <3748> is <2076>(5748) his <846> body <4983>, the fulness <4138> of him that filleth <4137>(5734) all <3956> in <1722> all <3956>.
1. And <2532> you <5209> hath he quickened, who were <5607>(5752) dead <3498> in trespasses <3900> and <2532> sins <266>;
2. Wherein <1722> <3739> in time past <4218> ye walked <4043>(5656) according to <2596> the course <165> of this <5127> world <2889>, according to <2596> the prince <758> of the power <1849> of the air <109>, the spirit <4151> that now <3568> worketh <1754>(5723) in <1722> the children <5207> of disobedience <543>:
3. Among <1722> whom <3739> also <2532> we <2249> all <3956> had our conversation <390>(5648) in times past <4218> in <1722> the lusts <1939> of our <2257> flesh <4561>, fulfilling <4160>(5723) the desires <2307> of the flesh <4561> and <2532> of the mind <1271>; and <2532> were <2258>(5713) by nature <5449> the children <5043> of wrath <3709>, even <2532> as <5613> others <3062>.
4. But <1161> God <2316>, who is <5607>(5752) rich <4145> in <1722> mercy <1656>, for <1223> his <848> great <4183> love <26> wherewith <3739> he loved <25>(5656) us <2248>,
5. Even <2532> when we <2248> were <5607>(5752) dead <3498> in sins <3900>, hath quickened us together with <4806>(5656) Christ <5547>, (by grace <5485> ye are <2075>(5748) saved <4982>(5772);)
6. And <2532> hath raised us up together <4891>(5656), and <2532> made us sit together <4776>(5656) in <1722> heavenly <2032> places in <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>:
7. That <2443> in <1722> the ages <165> to come <1904>(5740) he might shew <1731>(5672) the exceeding <5235>(5723) riches <4149> of his <848> grace <5485> in <1722> his kindness <5544> toward <1909> us <2248> through <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>.
8. For <1063> by grace <5485> are ye <2075>(5748) saved <4982>(5772) through <1223> faith <4102>; and <2532> that <5124> not <3756> of <1537> yourselves <5216>: it is the gift <1435> of God <2316>:
9. Not <3756> of <1537> works <2041>, lest <3363> any man <5100> should boast <2744>(5667).
10. For <1063> we are <2070>(5748) his workmanship <4161>, created <2936>(5685) in <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> unto <1909> good <18> works <2041>, which <3739> God <2316> hath before ordained <4282>(5656) that <2443> we should walk <4043>(5661) in <1722> them <846>.
11. Wherefore <1352> remember <3421>(5720), that <3754> ye <5210> being in time past <4218> Gentiles <1484> in <1722> the flesh <4561>, who <3588> are called <3004>(5746) Uncircumcision <203> by <5259> that which <3588> is called <3004>(5746) the Circumcision <4061> in <1722> the flesh <4561> made by hands <5499>;
12. That <3754> at <1722> that <1565> time <2540> ye were <2258>(5713) without <5565> Christ <5547>, being aliens <526>(5772) from the commonwealth <4174> of Israel <2474>, and <2532> strangers <3581> from the covenants <1242> of promise <1860>, having <2192>(5723) no <3361> hope <1680>, and <2532> without God <112> in <1722> the world <2889>:
13. But <1161> now <3570> in <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> ye <5210> who <3588> sometimes <4218> were <5607>(5752) far off <3112> are made <1096>(5675) nigh <1451> by <1722> the blood <129> of Christ <5547>.
14. For <1063> he is <2076>(5748) our <2257> peace <1515>, who <3588> hath made <4160>(5660) both <297> one <1520>, and <2532> hath broken down <3089>(5660) the middle wall <3320> of partition <5418> between us;
15. Having abolished <2673>(5660) in <1722> his <848> flesh <4561> the enmity <2189>, even the law <3551> of commandments <1785> contained in <1722> ordinances <1378>; for to <2443> make <2936>(5661) in <1722> himself <1438> of twain <1417> one <1519> <1520> new <2537> man <444>, so making <4160>(5723) peace <1515>;
16. And <2532> that he might reconcile <604>(5661) both <297> unto God <2316> in <1722> one <1520> body <4983> by <1223> the cross <4716>, having slain <615>(5660) the enmity <2189> thereby <1722> <846>:
17. And <2532> came <2064>(5631) and preached <2097>(5668) peace <1515> to you <5213> which <3588> were afar off <3112>, and <2532> to them that were nigh <1451>.
18. For <3754> through <1223> him we <2192> <0> both <297> have <2192>(5719) access <4318> by <1722> one <1520> Spirit <4151> unto <4314> the Father <3962>.
19. Now <3767> therefore <686> ye are <2075>(5748) no more <3765> strangers <3581> and <2532> foreigners <3941>, but <235> fellowcitizens <4847> with the saints <40>, and <2532> of the household <3609> of God <2316>;
20. And are built <2026>(5685) upon <1909> the foundation <2310> of the apostles <652> and <2532> prophets <4396>, Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> himself <846> being <5607>(5752) the chief corner <204> stone;
21. In <1722> whom <3739> all <3956> the building <3619> fitly framed together <4883>(5746) groweth <837>(5719) unto <1519> an holy <40> temple <3485> in <1722> the Lord <2962>:
22. In <1722> whom <3739> ye <5210> also <2532> are builded together <4925>(5743) for <1519> an habitation <2732> of God <2316> through <1722> the Spirit <4151>.