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v.1-7 - I'm sure people haven't changed that much. If this was one of our ecclesias, this superabundance would have been provided by those who are the regular workers, those who get stuck in to ecclesial activities right from the start. There would have been some, surely, who, when hearing the request from Moses to stop providing as there was enough, would be in the embarrassing position of not even having started. There has to be a lesson here for us. Consider
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
v.1-2 - We have here a double insight into what makes people give their time and work to the service of the Lord. On the one hand, v.1, it is God who put the wisdom into their hearts, and on the other v.2 it was every one whose heart stirred him up to come to the work. These two are synonymous because the man whose heart is right before the Lord will do His will as if it was his own. We do well to remember that we do nothing in our own strength and there is certainly no room for pride in ourselves if we work the works of God. All must be done in humility and reverence of His great creative power by which all things consist.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
:10-18 Unity is emphasised in the building of the tabernacle. It is 'one tabernacle (:13). Notice, in the regard, the repeated use of the word 'couple(d) signifying the joining together in one all part. A picture of the 'body of Christ'.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
36:1 We might have thought that those who made the tabernacle should possess specific skills relating to woodwork, needlework and metal work. However the requirement was that they be ‘wise hearted’ and possess ‘wisdom …’. In like manner worldly skills are not required of us when we are involved in building the ecclesia. The ecclesia is built by us when we use the wisdom of the word.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Peter
Exo 36:7 They gave to excess. The love of God had reached through to their hearts, and made them super generous. Another lesson for us.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to David
Getting involved with an ecclesial activity is always an uplifting experience. Working beside our Brethren and Sisters is always a healthy situation. It may be bill pushing for proclamation work, or it may be an ecclesial work day, it is a special time when we can work together, when the only thing we have in common is the love for the Word. The Children of Israel as they worked together in the construction of the tabernacle must have experienced the same feeling.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
Two things stand out to me in this chapter about the Israelites. First, they possessed a great amount of material. Second, they had some skill enabling them to produce the Tabernacle.
However, like all spiritual endeavours, Yahweh's increase is necessary for success (Psa 127:1, 1Cor 3:7, Heb 3:4).
The building of the Tabernacle was a communal (ecclesial) enterprise. This is a reminder to us of the importance to pitch in and help in ecclesial activities.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Michael
v.8 - I have noted this before, but noticed it a number of times in my reading of Exodus this year. Where the scripture refers to those who are wise hearted, this characteristic demonstrates itself, surprisingly to my mind, maybe yours too, in practical skilfulness. We are constantly forced to remember that our skills are from God, and not a result of all the practice as we have been taught. Let us do all to the glory of God, that we too might be amongst the wise hearted.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Peter
V.12,13,17,18 - As regards the tabernacle, or God's manifested dwelling place among His people, we have 5 mentions of 50 in this chapter. The number 50 reminds us of the Year of Jubilee where there is perhaps mercy to a multitude and people in bondage are freed, released and redeemed Lev 25:11,39,40,41,54. When Christ returns and the kingdom of God is established on earth we will have the ultimate Jubilee when people are freed from sin and death.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Charles
36:5 The willing heartedness of the people is seen in that more than enough material is brought for the tabernacle. Have you ever experienced a time in ecclesial life when there have been too many people present for a task such as hall cleaning or billing? Has there ever been a time, in your experience, when there has been more money collected than we know what to do with? Surely there is an exhortation for us here.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Peter
As we read the early verses of this chapter, we have to be impressed with the response for material to construct the tabernacle. All material was a free offering.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to John
36:7 Would to God that we gave ‘too much’ for the work of the gospel!
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Peter
V.3 The work of the building was begun after the first contributions were made. It was progressively carried on, and no necessity occurred to suspend operations, even for the shortest period of time from the want of materials. As we read on in the next few verses we see that a proclamation was made to stop further contributions.(36:6)
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to John
36:2 Even though Bezaleel was given wisdom his virtue was that he was willing to be used in the work of making the tabernacle.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Peter
36:33 It would appear that one of the bars was the same length as the length of the tabernacle which was 30 cubits – that is around 45 feet. So this bar must have been made by splicing or some other way joining the wood. This would not be an easy task with type of wood that it is thought that the ‘Shittim’ wood was. Thus the making of the bars designed to hold the tabernacle together was not an easy task. Thus we see that effort is required to maintain the holding together of groups of believers
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Peter
V.6 There were sufficient free-will offerings for the work at hand. In the work for Christ, there is never enough free-will offering. The nature and challenge of Christ’s work show that deeds, in His Name, will continue until he returns. In fact, as the days shorten and become more turbulent until His return, increasingly greater effort will be needed. And, remember that faith is linked with what is done (James 2:18,26).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Michael
36:5 remember the people who gave ‘much more than enough’ were actually freed slaves. Whilst he Egyptians had thrust gifts upon them the natural man would have wanted to maintain that wealth for himself. Thus we see very clearly that those who gave were really motivated by a right spirit.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Peter
36:5 There had not been a request for a specific amount of gold or other material. The people also did not consider how much would be needed but just gave willingly. Do we give money to the work of God on the basis of how much we think is required or according to how God has blessed us?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Peter
Who gave us our giving?
The free-will offering of time, effort and possessions in this chapter seems remarkable. But is it? Come to think about it, hadn't these people been slaves all their lives, working from dust till dawn in poor conditions? They had been made entirely free of that. They had been given their lives back by God. So what was a little work to them? And when they were slaves they had very little. Now God had given them great riches by spoiling the Egyptians (Exo 12:35-36). What was a little Gold and Silver to them? So when we see things from their perspective: out of nowhere they had suddenly been given everything - freedom, a nation, laws, food, money, riches, safety - and they were giving some of it back to God out of joy and gratitude. It should be no different for us.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Rob
Exo 36 - 39 Often in scripture there seems to be what, humanly speaking, seems to be needless repetition. One might have thought that the description of what was to be made would suffice. But no, the actual work of building is described as well. A lesson for us. It is all too easy to plan something – a preaching activity, a change in our own lives – only to discard the plan for one reason or another and move on to something else. We should be like Hezekiah who finished the things he started – 2Chron 31:7 for example
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Peter
Exo 36:18 - "...fifty taches of brass to 'couple'<2266> the tent together that it might be one."
Psa 94:20 - "fellowship"<2266>.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Charles
36:35 The vail was to separate the holy place from the most holy place in the tabernacle. It was made very carefully with skill even though it was not seen by anyone except the priest who entered into the tabernacle. The vail represented Jesus’ flesh (that is his life of service) Heb 10:20. Access to the presence of God in the tabernacle was though the vail. Access to God is now through he sacrifice of Jesus.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
36:4 The “wise men” were not necessarily wise in this world’s wisdom. However they were wise in understanding what God required of them. What kind of wisdom do we think is important? Is it the wisdom required to progress in this life or is it the wisdom to know Him and His purpose?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Peter
36:5 Is our generosity in time, money and commitment limited to what we see as a need. Or is it a super abundance? It is all to give what we see to be the bare minimum.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Peter
36:1 Two men were specifically chosen and given skills to build the tabernacle. Those who helped them has to have a certain attitude in order to execute the skills that they were shown. Likewise, being in Christ is not sufficient. Once in a relationship with God we need to develop a “wise heart” in applying the things of God in our lives.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Peter
36:1 The work of making the tabernacle was a major activity. Doubtless there were some in the camp who felt that they had skills to do the work. However to be associated with the specially appointed individuals the “skill” that was required was a wide heart, not carpentry, or needlework or metal work skills. This we see attitude is more important than ability. We need to understand this when working with others in our activities relating to God.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2018 Reply to Peter
36:3 Whilst the tabernacle was not ready to be assembled and, it might have been thought, all was ready men and women still, daily, gave a free offing. That is the people did not see their responsibility to give as ending when the tabernacle was complete. Do we ever think that we can stop giving of ourselves to God freely? Are we ever justified in saying that we have “done our bit” and so can stop serving God in matters of worship and organisation?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
Exo 36:1-7 Moses called together Bezaleel and Aholiab and those in whom the LORD had put wisdom and understanding and other volunteers to start the work. The quantities of materials contributed by Israel for the construction of the Tabernacle was overwhelming (v.5). They had brought more than enough for the work. They had to be restrained from brining! (v.6).
The task was to make a meeting place according the pattern revealed to Moses.
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.”(Exo 25:8-9,40).
This Exodus record teaches us the importance of generously sharing fellowship in both spiritual and material giving, “especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal 6:10).
“For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contributionfor the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.”(Rom 15:26-27).
Peter Moore [Erith, UK] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
36:8 we come across “wise hearted” men – and women – often in instructions relating to the tabernacle. It was not simply being skilful in a trade. The way the person working thought also was important. A “wise hearted” person was wise in the teaching of God. The same should be true of us. It is not sufficient to just do the “job” we must also have the correct thinking.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
36:2 do we ever feel “stirred up” to work with our fellow believers? That is do we take the initiative when we see a need?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2021 Reply to Peter
36:5 the nation had been salves in Egypt. In Egypt they had nothing. When they left Egypt the Egyptians bestowed many material items on the departing slaves – wealth beyond their wildest dreams. And now they are giving it to God seemingly with no thought about their potential future needs.
Is this how we view our possessions?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Peter
36:1-2 Whilst not one of the freed slaves were practiced in the arts and crafts required to make the tabernacle they were not “novices” as they were given the necessary skills by God.
The tabernacle, then, though made by unskilled men would have been more beautiful and well crafted than anything made by any of the nations round about.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Peter
36:5,7 Notice how these freed slaves are able to give more than God requires for the building of the tabernacle!
Do we ever, in an ecclesial context, get so involved with others that there are more than enough of us to do the required work?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Peter
TALENTED PEOPLE
After all the instructions and waiting, the children of Israel finally began to make the Tabernacle. Bezalel and Oholiab were in charge and had unusual levels of skill in all sorts of disciplines. But with the quantity of work and the huge variety of skills needed to do it all, I am sure there were many talented people that all had a hand in their different areas of expertise.
These are some of the trades I think would have been required in preparing the tabernacle: graphic artists, project managers, engravers, jewellers, embroiders, weavers, spinners, accountants, artists, auditors, tent makers, farmers, forgers, wire makers, tanners, builders, carpenters, engineers, quality control managers, fitters, people working with precious metals, platers, cabinet makers, tailors, bakers, artists, designers, fashion designers, perfumers, chemists, pattern makers and more. If any one of those people or skills had been missing, the tabernacle would have been incomplete, or at least imperfect.
It is the same with us. One person doesn't build a church or become the complete body of Christ. It takes all of us. Even those of us who have unusual skills. The skills God has given us should be used to his glory. So let us do our part in building up our community of believers. You have a skill that is too good to waste.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Robert
36:3 All was ready. The workmen had their skills. One thing remained – the need for the material. This was met by the willing generosity of the people who had been slaves with nothing in Egypt. As they left Egypt the Egyptians gave them silver and gold and other things. These men who had been impoverished were rich above their wildest dreams – and they gave that wealth to the service of God!
Is there a lesson for us here?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Peter
94 v.12 - Here we have a sound but hard principle, which is there (and proven in example) throughout scripture. David had much chastening at the hands of the Lord. There are many Psalms that show how he lived his life in fear of what man might do to him, but each time it turned him, as it should us, back to God. Ps.119:67,71, Job 5:17, Prov.3:11, 1Cor.11:32, Heb.12:5-11, Rev.3:19. We should worry if we are not chastened.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
Psalm 94 The Psalmist makes a familiar cry. He is troubled because the wicked seem to prosper. However his realisation that the creator of the ear can also hear causes him to realise that indeed God is still in control even thought it might not appear so.
Psalm 95 This Psalm is one of many Psalms which teaches a lesson by reminding the reader about events in the wilderness journey.
Verse 8 04808 Meribah Deuteronomy 32:51 Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh 04808, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.
Verse 8 04531 Masah Exodus 17:7 And he called the name of the place Masah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?
Verse 10 Forty years Numbers 14:34 After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.
Verse 11 Sware in my wrath Numbers 14:23 Surely they shall not see the land
Hebrews 3 & 4, by extensively quoting this Psalm and Numbers 13 & 14 show that Israel's rebelliousness in the wilderness can be matched in our own lives.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
95 v.7-8 - This is picked up not once but twice in the letter to the Hebrews - 3:15, 4:7, that we might receive encouragement not to behave in the hardhearted way that they did, as we walk through our own wilderness leading to God's great promised land at Jesus' return. Hebrews makes it clear that we have a two-way responsibility in this - first that we exhort each other, and second that we listen to the exhortation of others, that we all might remain on that road that leads to life
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
94:14 The assurance that 'the Lord will not cast off His people' echoes Leviticus 26:44 where, amidst a denouncement of Israel if they were unfaithful and forms the basis for Paul's positive statement [Romans 11:2] God hath not cast off His people.
Psalm 95 - Against the background of Israel's refusal to believe that God would give them the land when they arrived at the borders of the land and the 12 spies, including Joshua and Caleb, God is presented as 'a great God, and a great king above all gods' v3. The Psalmist is emphasising that the gods of the nations are nothing and that the people should not fear them lest they suffer the same sort of fate as those who fell in the wilderness.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
94:6 The mention of the widow, fatherless and stranger is interesting. Of the 17 times that the list occurs 11 of them are to be found in Deuteronomy - A nation whose 'men of war' were wasting away (Deuteronomy 2:14) would have many fatherless and widows. The strangers had come out of Egypt with the children of Israel and may well have been viewed as second class citizens in the wilderness. This lesson from the wilderness had to be remembered in the land of Israel. The principles of the truth are applicable at all times in our lives.
95 - This Psalm is a commentary on Numbers 13, Numbers 14, Numbers 15. It's use in Hebrews 3 shows us that the wilderness journey is relevant to us today. So do we believe that God will give us the kingdom? Have we been saved from Egypt? Can we answer 'yes' to both of those questions? Should we answer 'yes' to the first question?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
94:11 The assurance that God is aware of the vanity of man is set against the background of man thinking that God cannot see (:7) and so the context of the Psalm fits perfectly it’s use in 1Cor 3:20 where Paul quotes v11.
95:9 In saying that Israel ‘proved’ God we realise that they learnt that God meant what he said – Num 14:23 that they would not enter into the land – as if we need proof that God will keep His word! Clearly those at the border of the land for the first time did not believe what he had said.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Peter
To suggest that Yahweh does not see what is going on (94:7) is foolish. It is one step closer to suggesting that Yahweh does not exist at all (Psa 14:1, 53:1).
Man has the wont to shut out the things that are not convenient - the out of sight, out of mind idea. But the scriptures tell us that the reality is Yahweh is ever-present, ever-knowing (Job 34:21).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Michael
Will we ever see God?
Our hearts can be either hard like pottery, or malleable like clay. In Psalm 95v8 the reader is urged not to harden his heart as the children of Israel did. Why is the state of the heart so important? Why is it so vital that it yield, rather than remain unmoved?
Our aim as followers of Jesus Christ is to find God. It is He who has created us, and has the key to our continued existence. It is He who provides all things for our daily survival and wellbeing, just as He provided for Israel in the wilderness. Our aim is ultimately to enter into His presence, so that we can be with Him, and praise Him for His goodness in that provision to us (v2). But in Hebrews 12v9-14 we are told that no-one will see God, unless they yield to His chastening. Unless we allow ourselves to be moulded by the guidance and correction of God, we cannot be changed, we will never be holy, and therefore we will never be ready to enter His presence. Psalm 94v12-13 calls those whom God chastens "blessed". And why?
"That Thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity"
In the Kingdom we will rest, and God will rest. God is still at work in His creation. He is making a new creation in you and me, and His creative work sometimes involves some adversity for our benefit. That rest from adversity is waiting for us, but first there is a little training and correction to be gone through. If we yield to it, and soften our hearts in humility, we will be trained by God, we will enter that rest, and we will see Him.
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.....Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." (Matt 5:5,8).
If we harden our hearts to it, try to avoid it, or refuse to learn from it, we're in danger of the same fate as the children of Israel (Psa 95:8,11, Heb 3:11-13, 4:11).
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Rob
BURST INTO JOY
It is not just people who are looking forward to the return of Jesus Christ from heaven to judge the earth and establish it in righteousness. We read in Romans 8 that "The creation was subjected to frustration ... in the hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in pains of childbirth right up to the present time." (Rom 8:20-22)
So at the time Jesus returns we can expect to see a huge change in the nature of the creation around us. It will burst from the bonds of sin, death and decay, to blossom in a way we have not yet seen. Even with all the fertilisers, genetic engineering, pest control and support we give to growing crops, I believe we have seen nothing like the glory of the garden to come.
It is debatable whether the trees of the forest will actually sing, the fields actually be jubilant and the heavens literally rejoice - that is yet to be seen, but we do know that when the earth is established in justice and righteousness things will certainly change for the better.
If the creation is groaning now and will burst into joy at the return of Christ, how much more should we be longing for that time when our joy will be made complete?
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Robert
94:9-11 The evidence of God's providence is found in His creative power and omniscience, which assures us that He will will punish the wicked in regard to all their vain purposes, on the other hand V.12-13 He favours though He chastens, those that do His will.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to John
94:1 - As human beings with our plethora of negative emotions which we grapple with each day, it is important for us constantly to be remind that it is God, not us, that will take vengeance. It is not our place to do it, but instead to be patient and wait upon God's good pleasure to bring about the removal of sin from this earth.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Peter
Psa 94:9 says that as God made the ear, surely He can hear. This is wonderful reasoning. When we discover how the three tiny bones in the ear amplify the sound reaching the ear-drum, and pass those vibrations into the inner ear, where they are translated into electrical impulses which are conveyed to the brain via a special nerve - we cannot but honour the Designer. But He doesn’t hear through sound-waves. The Lord never says, “You stop talking for a moment, while I listen to that man.” He never has ear infections, or the onset of deafness through old age. God made the human ear. Therefore, He can hear.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to David
94:2 As the ‘judge of the earth’ Yahweh is answerable to no one. As such He raises up and brings low. An example of bringing low was when He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah – 18:24. he did 'right’ in His judgment there. It is not a matter of debate.
95:10 The Psalmist says that God was wroth with Israel ‘forty years’ though their actual wandering in the wilderness was 38 years – Deut 2:14 so we conclude that the period spoken of in this Psalm covers right from when Israel left Egypt. God counted the first two years towards the 40 year period.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Peter
WATCH OVER YOUR THOUGHTS
We must keep a strict watch over our thoughts, because God tales particular notice of them. (v.11) Thoughts are words to God. As the saying goes, "garbage in = garbage out".
What do we think about?
In this busy life we lead, our thoughts can often be far away from GOD and the awareness of His hand at work all around us. Let us give time to mediate on His word - and our thoughts will take care of themselves.
As Job made a "covenant with his eyes", let us also make a covenant with our thoughts and not let the filth of this world enter into our minds, and this can only be done by keeping God's word in the forefront of our minds.
Peter Dulis [toronto west] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Peter
94:9-12 The ability that God has to be aware of all that we do should not bring terror to our hearts. Rather it should help us to appreciate that our God is a God of love who has the desire for us to change our characters.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Peter
95:7 In speaking of the children of Israel as ‘sheep’ the Psalmist is using an idea which is a clear Biblical theme. We see it in Eze 34 as a warning to the leaders in Israel. We also see it in Jesus’ teaching – for example Matt 18:12.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Peter
95:8 The KJV describes the provocation and the temptation that the Israelites displayed in the wilderness. In Hebrew, provocation is Meribah, while temptation is Masah. Thus, the place of Israel's rebellion was so named (Exo 17:7).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Michael
94:7 The attitude ‘the Lord shall not see’ maybe indicates the reasoning we subconsciously make when we choose to sin. If we could really appreciate the presence of God in our lives – make God a reality – we might have less problems resisting temptation. After all how would we probably all find it easier to behave appropriately when we are in good company?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Peter
94:10,11,12 Man in vs. 10,11 come from the Hebrew word Adam which implies the earthy human being whose thoughts are vanity (empty, unsatisfactory). However the man in v.12 comes from the Hebrew word gever which means valiant. In Modern Hebrew, a man is called a gever when he is respected for his character and integrity.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Michael
First Principles>Kingdom of God>Existed in the past
8. The Wilderness Journey from Egypt to Canaan was 40 years long. Exo 16:35 Num 14:33 Num 32:13 Deut 2:7 Deut 8:2,4 Deut 29:5 Josh 5:6 Neh 9:21 Psa 95:10 Acts 7:36 Acts 13:18 Heb 3:9,17. Go to Gen 12:1-5 for more about First Principles>Kingdom of God>Existed in the past
Roger Turner [Lichfield (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Roger
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Charles
94:12 We might not think that we should be happy when God chastens us but – Prov 3:12, Heb 12:6 - chastening comes from God upon those He loves.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Peter
Psa 95:4 - this verse was printed on the back of the shirts of each of the 33 trapped Chilean miners rescued in 2010 after their being trapped for 69 days.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Charles
95:10 In speaking of those in the wilderness as those who ‘err in their heart’ we learn something about their motivation. The decision to not enter the land was not a spur of the moment sin. It was a pre-meditated decision. We need to understand that it is this sort of attitude that take tremendous changes to overcome. Our whole way of thinking has to change in such situations.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Peter
95:10 In saying that ‘they have not known my ways’ we learn that those who held rebellious thoughts did this for the simple reason that they had not taken account of their knowledge of the way that God had worked in the past.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Peter
"He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct?"
E.W. Bullinger in Figures of Speech Used in the Bible writes: "He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct (you among the heathen)? This is evidently the completion of the sense. The A.V. fills up the Ellipsis in the next sentence. This is of a different character, and comes under another division: 'He that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?'"
Valerie Mello [in isolation, TN, USA] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Valerie
1. Psa 94:1 - "O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth" (Rom 12:19).
2. Psa 94:17 - "Unless the Lord had been my help" (the strengthening angel from the Lord - Luke 22:41-43).
3. Psa 94:18 - could this have application to Peter attempting to walk on water? (Matt 14:29-31).
4. Psa 94:20 - "the throne of iniquity" (could this relate to Saul and/or Annas).
5. Psa 94:20 - "frameth mischief by a law?" (John 19:7;11:48-54).
6. Psa 94:21 - "They gather themselves together...and condemn the innocent blood" (Matt 27:2-4,24-25).
7. Psa 94:23 - "he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness" (Matt 27:25;Luke 23:28-31).
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Charles
1. Psa 95:1 - "the rock of our salvation" (Exo 17:6-7;Num 20:8,11,13;1Cor 10:4;Isa 53:5;1Pet 2:24;John 7:37-39;4:7-15;19:34).
2. Psa 95:1,2,6 - perhaps these verses have application to worship and the feast of the dedication (John 10:22).
3. Psa 95:3 "above all gods<430>" - Psa 82:6 "I have said, Ye are gods<430>; and all of you are children of the most High" - John 10:34 "I said, Ye are gods<2316>" - the two words translated "gods" here can refer to judges and magistrates.
4. Psa 95:7 - "the sheep of his hand" (John 10:25-29).
5. Psa 95:7 - "hear his voice" (John 10:3,4,16,27).
6. Psa 95:11 - "enter into my rest" (the millenial day of rest with the soon to come kingdom of God on earth - Matt 11:28-29;Heb 4:1-5,8-11;Isa 2:2-4).
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Charles
94:3-4 The way in which the wicked seem to live and sin with impunity was a concern of David, and other Godly men, repeatedly in Scripture. Do we feel the same? Do we pray about ungodly behaviour with the same fervour as God’s servants whose thoughts and feelings are recorded in Scripture for our learning –Rom 15:4.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Peter
94:18 David recognised that his walk (way of living) was faltering but also recognised that the solution to that problem was trust in God. We doubtless recognise that our way is faltering from time to time but are we as confident that God has the answer?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
95:6 Possibly kneeling to pray is not something that we do. Indeed it is not necessary to kneel to pray. One can pray anywhere at any time. However the attitude of mind that caused the Psalmist to “kneel2 should be present – that of recognition that the God to whom we speak is our lord and should be respected and honoured.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Peter
Psalm 94
This Psalm can be seen in the context of Saul's slaying eighty five priests in 1Sam 22:18. At this time David was completely powerless to do anything to avenge this terrible crime. Thus he prays and writes this Psalm, addressing it to God like this:
"O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs"
But Saul's crime didn't end at making their wives widows and their children fatherless. David notes,
"They slay the widow and the stranger,
And murder the fatherless." (v6)
The record in 1Sam 22:19 says this:
"Also Nob, the city of the priests, he struck with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and nursing infants, oxen and donkeys and sheep—with the edge of the sword."
This great and terrible crime happened because of Saul's hatred for David, and so he felt terrible personal regret. He wanted desperately to avenge the deaths of these innocent people -- but Saul was God's anointed King, and David could do nothing.
We too will have situations in our lives where we feel wickedness has gone unpunished. Jesus tells us to "turn the other cheek", for it is God who will make a reckoning with the wicked, not us.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Rob
94:1-2 Are we so confident that God will judge aright that we invoke Him to not only judge the world but ourselves also?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Peter
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Peter
94:12 When the Psalmist speaks of the blessed man who God chastens we seem to have the basis for what James wrote James 1:12
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2018 Reply to Peter
94:12-13 the clear implication here is that through keeping God’s laws it is easier to avoid the snares that the wicked lay for the righteous.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
94:16-17 We do well to remember, in our difficulties, that it is only because the our God is able to defend and save us. Whilst the immediate problem may not go away our eternal future is guaranteed by the all-powerful God. We must believe this.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
94:1-4 The world abounds in groups of individuals who seek to change things in their society. There are groups that would try and change how local government deals with issues in the community. There are those who seek to promote “green” objectives. Such groups might appear to have good ideals and objectives. However they are not groups that the faithful believers in God will get involved with. Not knowing fully the “big picture” of Gods’ involvement in our world the believer will be happy to leave such things in Gods hand.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2021 Reply to Peter
95:8-10 Rebellious men delayed God’s plan to “fill the earth with the glory of the Lord” (Num 14:21). But undeterred His plan will be fulfilled. The death and resurrection of Jesus guarantees that. So the “rest” remains (Hebrews 4:9). So we should rather than seeking rest now be working towards that “rest” (Heb 4:11) in confidence that our Father will grant rest to those who believe His promises.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Peter
94:3-7 This must have been the feelings of Lot in Sodom. He did not join in the evil excesses which extended beyond sexual immorality – see Eze 16:49– he was troubled by what he saw – 2Pet 2:8
Do we despair of what we see because it denigrates the Creator?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Peter
95:1 In speaking of God as the rock of his salvation David is using the same words used by Moses in Deuteronomy 32:15 where Moses spoke of the rebelliousness of Israel in the wilderness. A fitting connection given that the Psalm later - :11 –speaks of that rebellion in the wilderness.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Peter
94:1-9 Whilst we might see this Psalm as the outpouring of grief of the man of God, David, who saw the evil in the land in his day we might consider that the sentiments that are expressed in the Psalm should match our feelings about the world in which we live. The Psalms are not distant crying of a man long dead. They are the expression of the feelings of all men and women who seek God to be glorified in the earth.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Peter
v. 15-20 - We are members of Christ (v.15), which makes our bodies a temple (v.19). What an honour. Surely there is no way that these things can be taken lightly. We must consider the implications of this situation with the help of Paul - 1Cor.3:16, 2Cor.6:16, Eph.2:21-22, Rom.14:7-9
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
:12 'all things are lawful unto me' is not a Biblical truth. Rather Paul is quoting what is said by the brethren at Corinth to then show that it is not true because 'all things are not expedient'.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
6:1 In this litigious society the starkness of Paul's assessment - 'before the unjust' should help us to realise the importance of this issue. Dealing with wrongs is not that one can assert one's rights. We have none. And recompense belongs to God Lev 19:18 and besides this the reason for judging issues is that we might develop spiritual minds - by thinking about issues in the way Jesus did. So we should deal with matters of the church ourselves so that we can grow, spiritually.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Peter
1Cor 6:12 A lesson for all of us. Our thoughts, speech, and actions must be considerate of all within the ecclesia.1Cor 8:10
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
V.15 Paul's condemnation of sexual immorality was made against the backdrop of the promiscuous Corinthian society.
Corinth was a city of great luxury and wealth. A huge temple had been erected for the worship of the goddess of love Aphrodite (= Diana = Artemis = Venus = Astarte = Semiramis). This temple employed one thousand cult-prostitutes. Much drunkenness and revelry was the norm in this liberated city which had no rivals in terms of vice.
It shows that today's new morality is really yesterday's old immorality. We, like the Corinthian ecclesia, have to be on guard against adopting so-called acceptable public mores.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Michael
v.2 - the word for 'smallest matters' elachostos <1646> is the same word used in Matt 25 as 'the least [of these my brethren]' We have many exhortations to judge without causing pride in ourselves - a very hard thing to do. We must learn to judge the smallest matters, and leave, I suggest, the weightier matters for our Lord.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Peter
6:7 In asking the Corinthians ‘Why do ye not suffer wrong?’ Paul is appealing to a principle which Jesus laid out in the sermon on the mount – that is turn the other cheek Matt 5:39 – that is we should be willing to suffer wrong Matt 5:40.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Peter
Paul is now getting down to some of the real troubles in the Corinthian Ecclesia. in 1Cor 5 he spoke strongly against sexual sins and incest, and today he continues with going to law in 1Cor 6:1-8, and then again with sins which will bar those who commit from the kingdom (1Cor 6:9-20). He comes back at the end of the chapter to remind us that we are the temple of God, (1Cor 6:15-20), therefore we must take great care not to defile that temple.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to David
6:4 This verse is made into a question in the RV ‘do ye …?’ which seems to make more sense of the passage. The implication being that the ecclesia was not giving enough attention nor seeing the importance of the ecclesia making decisions rather than putting matters of judgment into the hands to a secular legal system.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Peter
6:2 ‘judge’ here carries the sense of deciding between. It is not in the sense of condemning.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Peter
6:3 Whilst we might struggle to understand how we shall ‘judge angels’ we should not be deflected from thinking about the tremendous work that the glorified believer will have in the kingdom is the reason why we should deal with ‘things that pertain to this life’. There are two points here. First our high calling provides the obligation to deal with things we come across in our daily lives and secondly if we are unable to learn how to do it now we will not be qualified to do it in the kingdom.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Peter
lawsuits - 1Cor 6:1-8
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Charles
The saints' judging of angels (v.3) is probably referring to Jude v.6. Who these angels are is an open question. Some think that they may be referring to Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Others think that they refer to creatures of a time before the re-generation of the earth and the creation of Adam. What is important to note is that the immortalised saints will have a role to play at the Judgement.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Michael
1Cor 6:2 First Principles>Sure Mercies of David>Government
This verse shows that others besides Jesus and the twelve apostles will rule in God's Kingdom.
For more about the government of God's Kingdom on earth, go to Matt 19:28.
Roger Turner [Lichfield (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Roger
6:8-9 Paul does not discuss whether one’s case is right or not when speaking about going to law. Rather whether we have been wronged or not the act of going to law. In doing so the one taking the action is deemed ‘unrighteous’.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Peter
6:13 The association of ‘meats’ and ‘fornication’ is because Idol worship, eating meats offered to idols and temple immorality were all linked in Corinth.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Peter
6:14 The resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee that his followers will be raised form the dead also. Paul expanded this in Acts 17:30-31 to show that also includes judgement.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Peter
“Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
In this letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses problems of strife, envy, and division which had entered the ecclesia. Christ's disciples were arguing over issues that involved defrauding one another and choosing sides against one another. In fact, the problem became so prevalent that believers were going to the unbelievers in heathen courts to settle their disputes with other believers!
In this section of Scripture, Paul is exhorting believers to wake up and see a reality greater than their own petty grievances. He was concerned that their witnessing of Christ was being undermined by the practice of handling personal and ecclesial disputes among believers before the unbelievers. Paul knew their behaviour was indeed undermining the Truth as it is in Jesus and because of it they denied Christ’s teaching. It was a sad witness to the Truth.
Valerie Mello [in isolation, TN, USA] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Valerie
6:13 Whilst there is no indication that the matter of going to law related to the problem of the man who had his father’s wife of chapter 5 Paul links the two. So maybe the ecclesia sanctioned one brother appealing to the law of the land to sort out an issue which Scripture deals with.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Peter
Wes Booker [South Austin Texas USA] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Wes
6:9 One presumes that those who went to law were concerned to recover material things. Those who take such actions are “unrighteous”. By contrast those who are not “unrighteous” (people who try to implement the teaching of Jesus) will receive something more valuable than the things that the world offers – an eternal inheritance on the earth.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
Whose power are we under?
In v12 Paul introduces the fact that he chooses his influences carefully, because he wishes to remain in control:
"I will not be brought under the power of any"
In v16-17 he applies this reasoning to fornication, showing that when you unite your body with another, it brings you into the power of someone else. This is the most powerful union of body anyone can experience, and Paul is saying that it is impossible to do this without the union affecting the spirit. Taken simplistically here, the spirit refers to the mind, which should belong to the spiritual things of Christ, and the body/flesh refers to the physical. We are one in spirit with Jesus (v17), and transgressing the will of God in such a major way as to sleep with a prostitute or someone we're not married to, is a huge blow to that spiritual bond. Followers of Christ who commit this sin may find it difficult to pray to God or to have the same spiritual relationship with Jesus they once had. The sensible way to view our bodies, though separate from our minds, is to view them as vessels for our mind (see v19). If we defile the vessel we can't help defiling the mind/spirit also.
Further reading
If you are interested in learning some more about this, looking at the temple in the old testament will be helpful. There were times when the temple was defiled in one way or another (see particularly Nehemiah) and there is always an affect on the spirit of the nation as a result.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Rob
6:19 In saying that the body is the temple of the holy spirit Paul is teaching that God walked amongst His people as is seen in Exo 29:45. See also 2Cor 6:16
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Peter
6:15 Do we always think of ourselves as an indivisible part of Jesus? Are our actions and thoughts always informed by this knowledge?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Peter
6:7 We understand the way in which Jesus teaches us to “turn the other cheek” but what Paul is saying has an Old Testament basis also. For example Prov 20:22
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Peter
“DARE any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? ...”
In these words there is the implication of reciprocal action, one believer bringing a claim and another believer making a counterclaim. The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament, Illustrated from the Papyri and Other Non-Literary Sources [William Bernard Eerdmans, 1930; reprinted in 1982, p. 532] cite examples from the papyri where the term “law” commonly means “lawsuits,” and that Paul’s word was used regularly in legal context to mean a lawsuit. The matter here is a civil matter, not a criminal prosecution, over which a lawsuit had been initiated.
The Hebrews had their own system of justice established during the wilderness wanderings. Moses was advised by his father-in-law, Jethro, to set up a system by which disputes would be heard and from which appeals would be made to Moses. Over the centuries, this system was enlarged into a complex organization of priests, Levites, and heads of families who had the responsibilities over all disputed matters. Later, the Sanhedrin served as a kind of Supreme Court. The Hebrews actually believed that taking their disputes to Gentile courts amounted to blasphemy against Yahweh’s laws!
In Paul’s day, legal hearings took place not in private rooms such as we have today, but in the public square or the marketplace. By publicly airing their “dirty laundry” before the unbelievers, flew in the face of who they were or supposed to be. They did not apply the Biblical pattern for reconciliation as given in Matt 18:15-17.
To apply then these verses against going to law for a divorce, a civil matter, is to take what Paul said totally out of context. The apostle Paul gave us the example that going to law without any kind of redresses falls within Rom 13:1-7. Nevertheless, resolving personal issues of this nature is always the best approach among believers.
Brother Robert Roberts believed “Divorce is inadmissible according to the law of Christ, except in the case he mentions in Matt 19:9. Where this case arises, and the parties are divorced, they are at liberty to marry again, both by human law and divine” – March 1884, Christadelphian magazine.
Valerie Mello [in isolation, TN, USA] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Valerie
“… Be not deceived; neither fornicators… shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
“We have no fellowship with those who hold the detestable doctrine that betrothed persons may act as husband and wife. It is a subject on which we will hold no parley, whoever is concerned, or whatever may be the consequences springing from out utter intolerance of evil. It is one of the questions on which our colours are nailed to the mast, and our motto ‘No surrender’ if we sink.” Robert Roberts, 1883.
Fornication is unlawful sexual relations and includes adultery. Fornication is not just about being intimate (cf. 1Cor 5:1). It involves lewdness (shameful, lewd behaviour), uncleanness (cf. Matt 7:21-23), lust (lewd thoughts), and sexual touching (Rom 13:14; 1Cor 7:1; Gal 5:19,20; Eph 5:3-7).
Fornication is a violation of the moral laws of the Torah (cf. Acts 10:28; 2Pet 2:8). Sexual relations is only permitted in marriage (Heb 13:4) and this rule does not change just because a couple is engaged. God is not setting anyone up for failure; He is telling us through His teachings how not to fail!
Valerie Mello [in isolation, TN, USA] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Valerie
6:20 The price we are bought with is the death of God’s firstborn son Jesus. This is like the way I which Israel were bought with the death of the firstborn in the land of Egypt at the time of the Exodus.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2018 Reply to Peter
“DARE any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?”
“We can sympathize with you in your distress at the unfair way in which certain brethren (who ought to behave better) are using the writings of Dr. Thomas and brother Roberts, and are denying (on mere assertion) what these brethren have said. Brother Roberts did not believe in the papal dogma of the indissolubility of marriage, nor forbid the obtaining of a legal divorce for broken wedlock.” [Emphasis added]
E. W. Browne, A.T. Jannaway, 1927
Valerie Mello [in isolation, TN, USA] Comment added in 2018 Reply to Valerie
6:9 “be not deceived” is a stark warning. It is all too easy in pursuing our own “rights” that we miss the point that our eternal salvation is at stake.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
18-20 The example of Joseph underlies this passage. Just as Paul commanded, “flee fornication”, so Joseph “fled” (Gen. 39:12) from Potiphar’s wife. Joseph was “the temple of the Holy Spirit” for he was “a man in whom the Spirit of God is” (Gen. 41:38). And just as a believer is bought with a price so Joseph bought the Egyptians: “Behold, I have bought you this day” (Gen. 47:23).
Nigel Bernard [Pembroke Dock UK] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Nigel
6:11 We may think that we come from a “respectable” background, especially if we have been brought up in a God fearing house. However we deceive ourselves if we think that before baptism our life was acceptable to God. We were “enemies” – Rom 5:10
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Peter
6:8 A realisation that our fellow believers are not justified in seeking redress for our wrong doing towards them does not give us licence to do so knowing that they will simply accept the wrong. Given the responsibility we should be super sensitive to avoid putting our fellow believers in a difficult position.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Peter
6:16 the way in which Paul quotes from Gen 2:24as the proof for a particular way of behaving demonstrates that the Corinthian believers were expected to accept the Creation account of Adam and Eve without question.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Peter
6:15 Just as a faithful husband would not cheat on his wife by visiting an harlot the faithful believer would not even think about embracing false doctrine or false practice.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Peter
6:4 If the RV is correct in making this into a question we might conclude that the Corinthians has set brothers to judge who they thought were “wise” but in reality they lacked spiritual perception. This is consistent with the problem in Corinth that some use worldly wisdom rather than use God’s wisdom.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Peter