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This whole chapter seems to give us the message that we can only expect God to be with us and drive out our 'enemies' for us if we play our part correctly and have both a faith in him and a desire to obey him when it means that we must do things we don't want to do. Their example (v.27-36) shows us that we must not hold on to the worldly things that we feel we cannot destroy. This is disobedience and brings about our estrangement from God.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
Chapters 1:1-3:7 serves as an introduction to the time of the Judges. This section of the book of Judges draws on historical data about the time and sketches out the broad picture of how things were during the time of the Judges. A pattern of Rebellion - a cry to God - deliverance - faithfulness - decline. Is shown to be a pattern which runs through the book.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
WORKING TOGETHER
The tribes of Judah and Simeon set a great example to the rest of the Israelites. Both the tribes got together to drive out the Canaanites from their land. Judah, Simeon and the LORD were an almost unstoppable force. The first half of Judges 1 is a record of their success as a team. In contrast to this we read of the rest of the tribes who tried to drive out the Canaanites alone. It seems they neither asked the help from any of their brothers from any of the other tribes, nor sought the help of the LORD, and while they met with some success, the list majors in failure.
The lesson from these events is that we do not succeed alone. We can do so much more and be so much more successful if we do things together. And more than that, when we invite the LORD to be involved and we are doing his will, we can't help but to succeed. This is why God has placed us in families, communities and churches, so that we can get together, support each other, and with the help of the LORD our God, succeed in all we do for him.
So let's not try to make it alone, but get together and be strong and faithful for the LORD our God.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Robert
v.17 - This does not refer to the actual men Simeon and Judah, as they were long dead, but to their descendants and yet they still see themselves as brothers - having the same father and mother - being both sons of Leah. One wonders how much this tie from the past influenced the tribes in their dealings with each other.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
Of the time period of the Judges we learn [Acts 13:20] "he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet."
The last section of the book of Judges - [Judges 17-21] relates events which must have taken place very early into the time of the Judges.
When the nation sought counsel as to whether they should go against Benjamin [Judges 20:27] "the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, ...". Phinehas was the high priest at that time for [Judges 20:28] "Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days".
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
1:19 That they had 'chariots of iron' should not, of itself, have prevented Judah from taking control of the valleys. This indicates that Judah thought that the battle would be won by their own strength.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
1:1 In asking God's counsel in the matter of the order in battle, as has been said in previous years, Israel should have known. However maybe they are being extra cautious in the light of the way that events transpired in the days of Joshua with respect to the Gibeonites Josh 9:14 when they did not ask counsel of God.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Peter
V.19 The war was of the Lord, whose help would have ensured their success in every encounter, whether on the mountains, or the plains, with foot soldiers or cavalry. It was distrust, the want of a simple and firm reliance on the promise of God, that made them afraid of the iron chariots.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
The sorry story of Jerusalem is told here (Judg 1:21). Jerusalem was in Benjamin's territory, and when the book of Judges was written the city was still in Gentile hands. David of-course decided it would make a great capital, and he captured it from the Jebusites.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to David
Through lack of faith, the land was not completely cleansed of idolatrous people. The Jebusites are a classical example of this. They controlled Jerusalem. Remember that earlier (Josh 10) Adonizedek, the (Jebusite) King of Jerusalem had been defeated by Joshua but the city was not taken.
V.8 Now, Judah had taken Jerusalem and set in on fire. However, they had not completed the job by utterly destroying the Jebusites. Jerusalem was reclaimed by the Jebusites and became their stronghold until the time of David. The remnants of the Jebusites were finally subjected to the status of bondservants under Solomon.
V.21 After Judah missed the chance to completely subjugate Jerusalem, it was left to Benjamin to try. It was Benjamin's prime responsibility to do this as Jerusalem was in their territory (close to the border with Judah). They were unable to do this and had to live with the consequences.
We too have to live with the consequences of allowing sin to reside by our side. The call for us, as it was for Israel, is to separate ourselves from idolatrous influences (2Cor 6:17).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Michael
V.7 Seventy kings appears to be a great number, but it is not so, when we consider that anciently every ruler of a city, or a large town was called a king.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to John
A stark choice
In this chapter we have a bewildering list of the failure of Israel to cast out the people living in the land of promise. Instead of utterly driving them out, as God had commanded, they made slaves of them (v30) , lived alongside them (v21), or even just let them be! (v27). How is this possible when earlier we read that God was with them, and that they served the LORD all the days of Joshua?
In Joshua 24, Joshua calls of of Israel to meet together before he dies. The address he gives them is punctuated by the phrase "you cannot serve the LORD, for He is an holy God" (Josh 24:19). Somehow Joshua knew that they were only giving him lipservice when they said "we will serve the LORD; for He is our God" (v18). Maybe in their enthusiasm they actually thought they meant it, but they didn't. How do we know that? Well, in v23 Joshua still had to command them to put away the idols in their midst. These idols must have been carried with them all the way from Egypt.
God doesn't accept worship from those who worship others as well as Him. He is jealous, and He is holy (set apart). The only acceptable service is wholehearted service. Jesus teaches this too: "you cannot be my disciples"(Luke 14:26,33) "you cannot serve God and Mammon" (Matt 6:19-24) and the context of his teaching is that we must give up those things that are contrary to him. The parallel Jesus makes is between idols and the contemporary things we put before God in our order of priority. We need to be active in rooting these things out, and we need to ask God to help us.
Most of us are living a life of denial. Just like Israel, we feel we're not doing too bad at all. Look at what they say in this verse:
"the LORD drave out from before us ALL the people, even the Amorites which dwelled in the land" (Josh 24:18)
They felt that "nearly all" was all. They thought that because the bulk of the work had been done; it had all been done. They thought "What does it matter if there are a few left? What harm can they do?". And all the while in the back of their minds was the motivation behind it - they loved the practices of the idol worshipping people! If they left a few of them alive here or there, then they could always return to idol worship later! They were leaving a little room for sin, just in case they needed it! We don't do that, do we?
Maybe we should ask ourselves the question: If I am wholly devoted to God, then why do I have all these hobbies? If I serve God only, then why when my family comes to visit do I omit to go to the meeting? If I abhor what God abhors, then why have I got this large TV in my living room ,and this whole pile of junk magazines on my shelf? How is it that I go shopping instead of meeting with brothers and sisters at a fraternal on Saturdays? How is it that when I come home from work I read or watch TV and God is crowded out of my life? The answer, the truthful answer for us, as it was for the children of Israel, may be "I wanted to leave them in my life just in case I needed them as well as God"
If this is our situation, then how can we remedy it? We can take the example of Joshua in this chapter. We can turn back to wholehearted worship of God with a shout of "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!". It's hard but perhaps this needs us to forget our peer group, our family, our friends, or anyone that distracts us from wholehearted service. What else? Throw out everything that pulls you back to a divided heart -- perhaps the TV, novels, internet, a club or hobby. Cleanse yourself and you household of any lingering worldly influence. Then it's time to get down on our knees and confess to God; confess that our lifestyle is just not good enough for Him! Confessing that we've been slipping away into apathy, we have been starting to love the world around us more than Him. Then take real action. It is time to serve the LORD with our whole heart.
It is time today to invite God back into our lives. It is right now that we should beseech Him to come and fight for us, driving out the last of our resistance to Him in our lives. Only God can do that, just as it was only He who could fight for Israel. If we do not take this lesson from Joshua, then our lives will continue along the slippery slope experienced by that nation, and we only need to read on in Judges to find out what that was. And if we can't do this for ourselves, we should consider our children and do it for them. How was it that the next generations after Joshua were so ungodly, if not for the influences that their parents had allowed them to experience? (Judg 2:10)
We make the same choice today that Joshua put before Israel all those years ago: "if it seem evil for you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve... the Gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell? As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!" (Josh 24:15).
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Rob
1:19 Notice that Judah ‘could not’ drive out the inhabitants. With respect to all the other tribes we are told that they ‘did not’. The difference is because whilst Judah were faithful it was ‘of God’ that the Canaanites would remain in the land Judg 2:21
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Peter
Following the death of Joshua came a period of apostasy/idolatry with repetitive periods/cycles of punishment and deliverance by judges and then obedience followed by apostasy with a new judge to deliver them perhaps echoing Christ's delivering. Even the meaning of the names of the judges seem to point to Christ. The judges came from no particular tribe. It is uncertain how long a period they consecutively ruled as the total period was 450 years (Acts 13:20), but as there was no central government, some overlapped and thus they may have only ruled about 300 or so consecutive years (1Kin 6:1). One could argue there were at least 12 judges (12 thought by many to be the number of governmental/administrative perfection) written of not including Barak who was more an associate with Deborah and Abimelech who was a wannabe king or false leader who murdered his brethren. There are 5 judges about whom much detail is given. There are repetitive periods of 40 (40 thought by many to be a period of probation, trial, testing, and/or chastisement) with Othniel, Deborah, Barak, Gideon reigning 40 years, Ehud had two 40 year periods of rule.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Charles
1:3 Judah may have invited Simeon to join with him to fight against the Canaanites because they were brothers. However there is a more pressing reason. The inheritance of Simeon was within ‘the portion of children of Judah’ – Josh 19:9
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Peter
1:8,21 Notice that whilst Judah took Jerusalem the Benjamites did not. Jerusalem, being a city on the border between Judah and Benjamin, was shared. Clearly it was in two parts. Maybe the beginnings of an indication that Judah was suitable for kingship whereas Benjamin was not.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Peter
V.26 Some researchers identify the location of the new Luz as being close to Banias which is presently located in the Golan Heights at the foot of Mt. Hermon, 60 km. southwest of Damascus. Banias is the Caesarea Philippi of the New Testament (Matt 16:13).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Michael
1:12-15 This section of the narrative is found in the earlier book of Josh 15:16-19 which indicates the correspondence between the end of the book of Joshua and the time of the Judges.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Peter
v21-36 First Principles>Kingdom of God>Was overturned>History of fulfilment
Go to Deut 28:49 to see more details of the history of Israel and its overturning.
Roger Turner [Lichfield (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Roger
V.7 Just think how much we need our thumbs and big toes for our daily operations. Without them we would be useless.
Vs.12-15 This information has already been given in Josh 15:13-19.
V.19 …but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. This seems to be out of place. The previous verse together the first part of this verse show success at defeating the enemy. But, now there seems to be a problem. Why couldn’t Judah defeat those valley dwellers? Was it because they had iron chariots? Why would that matter if Judah had the power of Yahweh behind them? It seems that this incident belongs to a later time, when Judah lacked faith. That lack of faith would not be conducive to Yahweh’s aid.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Michael
Adoni-bezek - a parable of the atonement?
Judg 1:2,4-8 - Is Adoni-bezek an echo of Christ's sacrifice? Both Adoni-bezek and Christ had enemies who fought against them (Judg 1:5). Victory came through Judah (Judg 1:2,4;Matt 2:6). Perhaps we have a parable of the priestly consecration requirement before induction into service with the works and walk cleansed by blood, the sacrificial blood was their own and was upon the thumbs and toes (Judg 1:6;Exo 29:20-21;Heb 9:22-26). The Law was fulfilled to the letter in the cases of Adoni-bezek and Christ (Judg 1:7;Lev 24:19-20;Matt 5:17-18). In both cases we have a table (memorial table?) where people are fed (Judg 1:7;Psa 23:5;Luke 22:13-20). Both were in the likeness of sinful flesh (Rom 8:3). In both deaths God's righteousness was proclaimed (Judg 1:7;Rom 3:25). Sin's power was slain in the general area of Jerusalem and possibly outside the city in both cases (Judg 1:7;Heb 13:11-14). Adoni-bezek (137) comes from "Adoni" [(113) which means "lord, master, owner, sovereign, controller" which is a form of "Adonai" (136) which means "Lord, God"] and "bezek" (966) which means "lightning". The only other mention of "bezek" other than a place is an association with the manifestation of the glory of God so in Adoni-bezek's name and in the example of Christ we have God manifestation (Eze 1:1,13,14,28;John 17:1,3-6). There is also a connection with "lightning" to the 70 who were directed (Judg 1:7;Luke 10:17-18). Jerusalem is attacked and taken in both cases ( Judg 1:8;Luke 21:20).
Some of the above was gleaned from The Gospel in the Book of Judges by Ian Giles, p.21 and Judges and Ruth by Harry Whittaker, p.4.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Charles
Othniel perhaps foreshadows Christ. Though possibly having Gentile blood, Othniel was a leader in the tribe of Judah and his name means "lion of God". Christ in the Apocalypse is represented as "the Lion of the tribe of Judah." Othniel answers a call equivalent to Revelation's "who is worthy to open the book?" (Rev 5:2;Judg 1:12) in that Kirjath-sepher means "city of books". The lion prevailed to open the book (Rev 5:5;Judg 1:13). Christ and Othniel are both bridegrooms (Rev 21:2,10;Judg 1:13) an interesting note is Christ takes the new Jerusalem as a bride while it would appear Othniel perhaps takes the old Jerusalem as the name of his bride "Achsah" means "anklet or tinkling ornament" (Isa 3:16-18) which can also suggest fetters (bondage to sin and death?). Each bride has made herself ready and sought the bridegroom (Rev 19:7;Matt 7:7-8;Matt 25:1-13;Judg 1:13-15) just as we have to be ready and come to Christ. Othniel's wife was given springs of water while the lamb (i.e., Christ) will lead to springs of living water (Rev 7:17;Rev 21:6;Rev 22:1-3;John 4:7-14;Judg 1:15). The first appearance in Scripture of the term "the spirit of the Lord" is in connection with the judge Othniel (Rev 22:17;Judg 3:10).
Some of the above was gleaned from The Gospel in the Book of Judges by Ian Giles, pps. 40-48.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Charles
1:16 The mention of the behaviour of the Kenites explains the way that Jael was favourably disposed towards Israel –Judg 4:17- when she killed Sisera as she was married to a Kenite – Judg 4:11
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Peter
1:17 The way that Judah went with Simeon to conquer the land is one of the few occasions in the book of Judges where we see tribes working together in obvious harmony.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Peter
LOSING MOMENTUM
After Joshua had led the children of Israel into the land of Canaan, there were still people to be conquered and lands to be taken before their inheritance was complete. Judges chapter 1 describes their efforts as they continued to take possession of the land God had given them. If I was to put a title to this chapter, I would call it "Losing Momentum."
The first tribe we read of is Judah. Together with Simeon, Judah had energy and faith and got rid of most of the Canaanites in their part of the land. In some cases the efforts of individuals equalled the efforts of the whole tribe! But sadly the picture changes as we continue reading about the efforts of the rest of the tribes. The Jebusites ended up living with the people of Benjamin; the people of Manasseh only managed to make slaves of the Canaanites in their area, but not defeat them; the Canaanites lived among the people of Ephraim, as did Zebulun with the Canaanites in their area. Even worse, the people of Asher lived among the Canaanites, and the people of Dan were forced to move from their inheritance because the Canaanites were too strong.
As the chapter moves on we see the Israelites lose momentum. Losing momentum is easy to do, but we can't afford to do it if we want to develop a relationship with God and to inherit his promises. Let's pick up the pace, have faith and be strong and courageous.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Robert
1:21 It was Benjamin that did not drive the Jobsites out of Jerusalem. However David, of Judah, did – 2Sam 5:6-7
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Peter
1:20 The almost casual way in which we are told that Caleb expelled “the three sons of Anak” might lead us to think that his task was easy. However from the way that Israel were unable to dispossess the inhabitants of the land in the days of the Judges we can conclude that Caleb’s task was not an easy one. It was achieved by faith in the promises that God had given.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Peter
1:34 One tends to find armies trying to control the high ground to give them an advantage over their enemy. However here we seem to see a reversal with the Danites being forced into the hills. So whilst they would have had the advantage of height they had no power to overcome the Amorites indicating the defeat was of God.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
Book of Judges 1 - The Book of Judges has direct relevance for us today. We await the return of Jesus to reign as king over God’s people. The book introduces us to a period when ”there was no king in Israel, every man did that which was right in their own eyes.” Judg 17:6; Judg 21:25.
Joshua was dead (v.1), Israel were in the land and now their faith was to be tested. They like us are expected to “fear the Lord in sincerity and truth and put away the Gods…“ (Josh 24:14).
Israel engaged in a progression of compromises with the pagan peoples in the land.
Judges 1 |
Tribe |
|
vs.2-4, 8, 17, 18 |
Judah & Simeon |
Lord gave victory over the Canaanites & Pezzizites and Jerusalem, Gaza, Askelon, Ekron. Limited success in the valleys. |
v.21 |
Benjamin |
Failed to drive our Jebusites, although Jerusalem had been taken by Judah (v.8). |
v.22-25 |
House of Joseph |
Took Bethel. |
v.27 |
Ephraim & Manasseh |
Manesseh failed to take Bethshean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo and their associated towns. Canaanites "would dwell in the land." |
v.28 |
Israel were strong |
Put Canaanites to tribute. Failed to obey God and "did not utterly drive them out." |
v.29 |
Ephraim |
Failed to drive out the Canaanites. Israel allowed them to dwell “among them”. |
v.30 |
Zebulun |
Failed to drive out the Canaanites. They “dwelt among them and became tributaries”. |
v.31-32 |
Asher |
Failed to drive out the Canaanites. The consequence was that they (i.e. Asherites) “dwelt among the Canaanites”. They now reached a position where they could not drive them out”. |
v.33 |
Naphtali |
Failed to drive out the Canaanites. They now became the hosts! The Naphtalites now “dwelt among the Canaanites”. |
v.34 |
Dan |
Amorites forced Danites out of their possession into the mountains. |
The result of Israel’s compromise was that they were losing possession of the land God had given them. This is a warning for us that we do not compromise our faith and practice. If we do then the ways of the world will take priority in our lives and we will be subject to it’s ideas. “Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death or of obedience unto righteousness .”(Rom 6:16).
Peter Moore [Erith, UK] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
1:2 Should the nation have known that Judah was to go up first because of the way that the journeying of the nation was described – Num 25:9?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Peter
1:1 One presumes that they asked the Lord through the High Priest. So for the first time the nation does not have one designated leader. This marks the beginning of a fractured and disunited nation.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Peter
Judg 1:7 – Thumbs and Toes
Together Judah and Simeon defeated Adonibezek slaying the community of Canaanites and Perrizites who lived in Bezek (<966> – lightning). Adonibezek was the ruler or king of Bezek who fled from Bezek but when Israel caught him they cut off his thumbs and great toes (Judg 1:6). We might ask why this gruesome detail is recorded for us? Adonibezek acknowledged that this was his just reward because he had done this to 70 other rulers (v.7).
When a woman of Canaan came to Jesus to plead with him to heal her grievously troubled daughter (Matt 15:22-28), Jesus makes reference to her position as a Gentile (v.26). She may have been aware of the Judges record because she recognised that as a Canaanite (v.27) she should be permitted to eat crumbs from the master’s table (Mark 7:28).
Without thumbs and great toes Adonibezek and the 70 kings he subdued could only crawl and scrabble for food under the table. We contrast this with the significance in the Law of Moses of great toes and thumbs. At the consecration of Aaron’s sons (Exo 29:20) and the cleansing of lepers (Lev 14:14) blood of the trespass offering was to be sprinkled on the right ear and thumb of the right hand and the big toe of the right foot.
The Priests and those who wanted to be cleansed of their leprosy must dedicat their lives to serving the Lord. This symbolised a commitment to listening, doing and walking in the ways of the Lord.
When Israel entered the land, the pagan peoples around them did none of these things. This record in the opening chapter of the Book of Judges sets the scene for us that the inhabitants of the land did as they pleased and walked in the own ways. God cut off these nations! Do we listen, do and walk in the ways of the Lord? (1John 1:6-7).
Peter Moore [Erith, UK] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Peter
1:1 This request “who shall go up” has a counterpart –Judg 20:18. But on that occasion it is who shall go up first against their own brethren!
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Peter
1:4 And the Lord delivered … introduces what God said He would do for Israel when they entered the land. He was going to give it to them – 13:11
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2018 Reply to Peter
1:5 Adoni-Bezek, the king of Bezek means “lord of Bezek” which seems to be the way many of the kings in the land of Canaan were called a this time – the Lord of …
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
1:1 this is the first time in the book of Judges that we are told that Joshua was dead. The second is in Judg 2:8. In this chapter the focus is on not taking the land. The focus in chapter 2 develops the consequences of not taking the land.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
1:19 Judah was the only tribe of which it was said “The Lord was with …”
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2021 Reply to Peter
1:3 Fellowship in work is a wonderful thing. It may be that because Simeon’s inheritance was within the territory of Judah that they worked together. But from time to time we do not seek the help of those close by, even when it is readily available. Working together has benefits – Ecc 4:9
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Peter
TEAMWORK
This is my question: Who did the best job of conquering the land of Canaan?
Judah and Simeon teamed up and defeated the Canaanites, Perizzites, Jerusalem, Debir, Hebron, Gaza and all the towns in that area. They were completely successful.
Benjamin couldn't drive out the Jebusites.
The house of Joseph conquered Bethel.
Manasseh didn’t drive out the inhabitants of their territory but made them do forced labour.
Ephraim had the Canaanites live among them.
Zebulun also had the Canaanites among them.
Asher and Naphtali did the same.
Dan was pushed out of their inheritance by the Canaanites in their territory.
As far as I can see, it looks like Judah and Simeon were by far the most successful. So why was that? I think it may have been because they teamed up, fought side by side, helped each other and encouraged each other. They would not let each other be satisfied with a half-finished job.
We have a battle we are fighting for too. We have our own territory to clear from sin and to fill with God’s righteousness. By ourselves we will lose motivation. We need help. We need to fight for each other and help each other. Team up in your battle against sin and be victorious.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Robert
1:6 Cutting off the thumbs and great toes would severely impact on Adoni-Bezek’s ability to walk and grip anything. Though one wonders why he was not killed as this was the command – Deut 7:1-2.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Peter
1:1,4 In asking who should go up first and the number being 10,000 we are given details of an army going against the Canaanites. Sadly we see a similar situation when the nation went against their own brethren – see Judg 20:18,34when the nation united against the tribe of Benjamin in Gibeah.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Peter
1:1-2 Joshua’s conquest of the land was, by and large, a great success. However at the death of Joshua there were still areas of the land of Canaan that were not in the control of Israel.
The comment here “who shall go up” confirms what we learnt in the book of Joshua that there were parts of the land still to take.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Peter
v.1 - We all like to be covered with a covering - we all like to try to hide our sins. Scripture teaches however that there is only one way to do that and it involves a total self-sacrifice on our part. Ps.32:1, 61:4, 91:1-4, Rom.4:6-8.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
v.7 - The repeated condemnation of Israel for returning to Egypt for help and the constant reminders in Scripture which show that returning to Egypt for help is futile should alert us to the fact that we, naturally, seek to the world for help rather than go to our Father.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
30:15 'And ye would not', marking the way that Israel would not listen to the word of God, is reflected in the way in which Jesus ends a lament to the religious leaders of his day (Matthew 23:37)
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
:17 'One thousand … of one' quotes Leviticus 26:8 - Israel have yet again chosen the curses through their sinfulness.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
V.24 The grain will be so abundant that it will be separated from the chaff. That is a far cry from what we see to-day. The cattle to-day are fed the grain before there is any separation of the grain from the chaff.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
V.1 Faithless individuals are called rebellious (KJV) because they seek protection from others rather than from Yahweh. In this case, the rebels turned to Egypt for help. The word covering (KJV) means forming an alliance and it is that which they desired to do with Rahab.
The idea of turning to Egypt must have been particularly abhorrent to Yahweh given Israel's history of deliverance from that idolatrous nation. But the rebels would not listen to sound advice and wanted to hear only that which was convenient (vs. 9,10,11). The same attitude is prevalent today as people refuse to hear the true Gospel (2Tim 4:3,4).
Vs.15,16 The rebels refused the sanctity of Yahweh and decided to flee. However this fleeing would bring about the fear that Yahweh had previously promised to rebels and the destruction that would follow (v.16; Lev 26:17,36).
Vs.18-33 Yahweh then gives a beautiful (futuristic) picture of those who will place their confidence in Him.
V.31The enemies of Israel will be destroyed (the Assyrian = the latter day northern Gog).
V.33 The destruction of Israel's enemies is given by the figure of burning in Tophet = Gehenna (hell fire) = Valley of the Sons of Hinnom, found on the south-side of Jerusalem where garbage and dead criminals were incinerated.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Michael
LISTEN TO GOD.
These were God's holy people. They were the ones God had personally chosen out of all the people of the world. They had heard his voice - the voice of the one and only Living God. They were the ones blessed with the written word, the law of Moses, the prophets, psalms and history from God's perspective. They had also been continually blessed with prophets, seers and priests proclaiming God's message and refreshing their minds, turning them toward their God.
Israel had no excuse. They were rebellious against God and his commandments. In their sin they no longer wanted to hear from him. "These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to the LORD's instruction. The say to the seers, 'See no more visions!' and to the prophets, 'Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophecy illusions. Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the holy one of Israel.'" (Isa 30:9-11)
Israel are not the only ones to behave like this. We also are capable of it. I have known people who have fallen into habitual sin and who stopped reading their Bibles because they couldn't bear to listen to God speaking to them. May it never happen to us. By keeping our lives free from sin we will always be keen to listen to accept, and act upon the voice of the Lord.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Robert
God rebukes His people for wanting to go back to Egypt (Isa 30:1-7). Whether Judah had really wanted to do this, or it is a figure of speech for Israel regressing constantly into trouble, I don’t know. But God rebukes them for it.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to David
30:1-2 The ‘rebellious children’ are those who rebelled against Hezekiah in seeking to Egypt for help (see Isa 36:6)
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Peter
V.23 This is better translated "rain for thy seed" Physical prosperity accompanies national piety; which is clearly seen through out the Old Testament. The early rain fell soon after the seed was planted in October or November, and the latter rain came in the spring, just before the ripening of the corn. Both were needed for a good harvest.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to John
Rahab is an accepted metaphor for Egypt. Rahab was considered a monster of the sea. Job describes him as a (sea) serpent which Yahweh destroys (Job 26:12,13). The word proud at the end of v.12 in the KJV is rahab in the original script. Modern versions translate it, more correctly, as a proper noun. In a parallel account we see that the KJV has correctly presented Rahab as a proper noun (Psa 89:9,10).
Isa 51:9,10 show the destruction of Rahab, the sea-monster, which allowed Israel to cross the Red Sea. Clearly we can see the figurative link between Rahab and Egypt.
V.7 Isaiah describes Egypt's help as being useless because her strength is stilled. The word strength in the KJV is rahab. Thus, the Egyptian monster has been rendered worthless - literally dead-in-the-water.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Michael
30:31 The beating down to the Assyrian took place in the days of Hezekiah. Isaiah is speaking of the end of the Assyrian threat which had already overtaken Israel in the North.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Peter
30:33 Tophet is literally "A place of abomination", the valley of the sons of Hinnom, southeast of Jerusalem, where Israel offered human sacrifices to Molech by fire; hence, a place of burning. 2Kin 23:10, Jer 7:31
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to John
30:12 Doubtless Israel would have said that they did not ‘despise’ God’s word. However their attitude to His instruction told God that they did in fact despise what he told them. Isn’t that challenging when we struggle to keep His commandments?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Peter
30:8 The exhortation to ‘write’ the words ‘in a table’ picks up the words of Moses – Deut 27:8– when he commanded Israel to write down the curses and blessings for future generations.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Peter
V.14 The same figure is used in Psa 2:9; Jer 19:11.
V.15 Waiting quietly and confidently for Yahweh is an exhortation for us (Psa 37:7; Psa 46:10).
Vs.20,21 Lord (adonai) is spoken of here, not LORD (Yahweh) as in previous verses. And, a teacher is spoken about: yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher (ESV). This teacher will then give instruction.
Are not Vs.20,21 talking about the remnant of Israel coming into the Kingdom? The remnant has been kept alive through the preceding trouble, though with meagre rations. But, now the remnant of Israel is in the Kingdom with its revealed king Jesus (Zech 12:10). He will teach them of His ways (Isa 2:3).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Michael
When something occurs that takes all our effort to avert disaster; we jump to the challenge and get stuck in. But this is not God's way. In v15 we see the opposite:
"In returning and rest you shall be saved". In other words: Relax. Back down.
"In quietness and confidence shall be your strength". In other words: Stop trying to help yourself. Still your anxiety and trust God. He is stronger than you.
Jesus demonstrated this perfectly in Matt 8:23-26. The question we should for our own benefit is this: If Jesus hadn't have been in that boat, would God have allowed the disciples to perish? Is it any different for us? (John 16:26-27)
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Rob
30:2 The mention of trusting Egypt is echoes in the contemporary prophet – Hos 11:5– speaking primarily in Hosea about the demise of the 10 tribes who had been taken to Assyria.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Peter
30:3 So the people, in Hezekiah’s day, had thought Egypt was their deliverance. However they were to learn that Egypt was no help so they would be ashamed. No weapon formed against God will prosper and as Assyria was the rod of God’s judgement the people could not flee from it.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Peter
30:23 The promise that if Israel are faithful they will be given rain in its season presents the blessing as a fulfilment of Lev 26:4
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Peter
30:2 Against the threat of the Assyrian the people looked to work out their own solution to their problem. So they looked to another super power. Their problem was that they did not enquire of God. Help that can be seen is often more attractive than help that cannot be seen. We are not immune from this kind of thinking and behaviour. Passages like this are written that we might see the folly of seeking to trust in man rather than trust in God.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Peter
30:8 The earlier prophet had spoken similar words to Isaiah – Hab 2:2, drawing on Deut 27:8 to warn of the Assyrian invasion. Now Isaiah uses similar language to encourage his audience to remember that God had already spoken.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
30:14 The way in which Isaiah broke the potter’s vessel to signify the destruction of Israel is a feature of Jeremiah’s actions – Jer 19:10-11 – when speaking of the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Peter
1. Isa 30:1 - "Woe to the rebellious children" who try to cover evidence of their sin (Gen 3:6,7,21); Christ, the bridegroom, covers sin (Matt 22:2,11-14;Rev 19:7-9); "cover<5258>", "covering<4541>".
2. Isa 30:2 - looking to Pharoah (the flesh) not God as their refuge; the way of Egypt (and Babylon) is the way of bondage to sin, death, confusion, apostasy, defeat, etc. (Rev 11:8;Rev 17:1-9,14,15,18;Rev 18:2,5,9,10;2Kin 18:21).
3. Isa 30:31 - the Assyrian of Isaiah's day and of the latter day (Isa 30:8 see KJV margin) when it comes into conflict with one greater than Hezekiah (i.e. Jesus).
4. Isa 30:4 - "Zoan<6814>", "Hanes<2609>" putting the meaning of both names together you have "grace has fled the place of departure".
5. Isa 30:5 - "a people (the Egyptians) that could not profit them, nor be an help".
6. Isa 30:6-7 - princes sending gifts to Egypt but Egypt didn't save them; V7 "Their strength<7293>" in the KJV refers to "Rahab" which is a symbolic name for Egypt (Psa 87:4;Psa 89:10;Isa 51:9).
7. Isa 30:9-10 - a rebellious people not listening to the Lord's instruction or the true prophets visions; the people preferred to hear pleasant (KJV "smooth") deceptive things.
8. Isa 30:12-14 - religious apostasy (Rev 17:14;Psa 2:7-9;Psa 110:4-6); God's Word was despised and would result in the high wall's (i.e. Jerusalem's) destruction; V14 broken pottery sherds were customarily used to take fire from the hearth.
9. Isa 30:15-17 - they didn't want to listen to God's prophets; they had their escape route; Isaiah le tthem know their pursuers would be even swifter and there would be a reverse of Israel chasing an enemy (Lev 26:8;Josh 23:10 vs Lev 26:36-37;Deut 28:25;Deut 32:30).
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Charles
10. Isa 30:18 - Some will be saved as God is patient and merciful (2Pet 3:4,8,9); (NIV) "For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"
11. Isa 30:19-21 - Christ will return and the waiting and affliction will be over (Isa 2:1-4); V20 "your 'teachers(RSV "teacher", <3384> living water or living teaching John 7:37-39;John 4:10-14') will be hidden no more"; V21 "This is the way" (John 14:5-6).
12. Isa 30:22 - finishing the job of destroying idols.
13. Isa 30:23-24 - "in that day" God promises a new era of harvest and spiritual richness for His people.
14. Isa 30:25 - the carnage of the latter day Assyrian Gogian host contrasted with rivers and streams.
15. Isa 30:26 - from Joseph's dream (perhaps Israel is connected to the sun and the moon and the stars Gen 37:9-10;Isa 60:20;Joel 2:10,1,12,15;Jer 31:35-36); the light of the sun is perhaps Jesus, while the light of the moon is perhaps the saints (Rev 21:22-25).
16. Isa 30:27-29 - Christ will return from heaven (Dan 12:2-3); V29 "mountain of the Lord" (Isa 2:1-4); V29 "mighty One<6697>" (Dan 2:34-45).
17. Isa 30:30 - the end times; Israel is ungodly and must return to God (Zech 12:10); the Messianic Jubilee.
18. Isa 30:30-33 - destruction against the (latter day) Assyrian/Gogian host (Eze 38:8-12,21-23;Eze 39:1-8), though in Isaiah's/Hezekiah's day the Assyrian army of 185,000 encamped around Jerusalem was slaughtered (Isa 37:36-37); V33 "Tophet<8613>".
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Charles
30:9-10 In stark words Isaiah describes how the people responded to hearing the word of God through the faithful prophets. May it never be that we so despise God’s words that are written in His word.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Peter
30:21 The warning to Israel that they should not turn to the right or left draws on the warning in Deut 28:14
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Peter
Nick Kendall [In Isolation] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Nick
30:4-5 In Hezekiah’s day some sought support from Egypt. The mention of those that could not profit them refers to what Isaiah has already said about the princes of Zoan – Isa 19:11
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2018 Reply to Peter
30:8-9 How would you like it to be written of you that you are rebellious? This is what was to be written about Israel. The writing was, so to speak, for all to see. God knows our hearts and can correct us accordingly but wouldn’t it be terrible if we learnt that he sees us as rebellious because we will not respond to His word?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
30:32 this is rather like the way in which Jehoshaphat was instructed to prepare for battle by getting the singers and those with musical instruments to assemble – 2Chron 20:20-22.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
30:29 The only “feast” that was kept at night was the Passover so here we have a clear indication as to which feast is being spoken of. This is consistent with the way that the chapter uses other language and ideas from the Passover feast.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2021 Reply to Peter
30:33 the judgment on Tophet was brought on the place by Josiah – 2Kin 23:10. Isaiah gives prior warning of what will happen to this place which was given to idol worship within the land of Israel. The continuing way in which God speaks of future events and then brings them about should give us confidence that He will eventually end man’s rule on the earthbecause that is what He has promised to do.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Peter
30:7 The Assyrians told Israel that the Egyptians could not be relied on. However their comment was based on their own perception of their own military might. Judah should have known that Egypt could not be relied on because Yahweh has told them. In fact their seeing help from Egypt was as indication that they had stopped trusting their God, unlike Hezekiah who trusted him completely.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Peter
30:17-18 Isn’t it incredible! The very God who was going to bring punishment on His rebellious people but He is willing to “wait” for repentance so that he can forgive. Whenever we wonder how God will view us at the return of Christ we should appreciate that His desire is not to destroy His children, rather He wants to forgive them.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Peter
30:3 Egypt had been Israel’s prison but God had delivered from bondage there. But now, and not for the first time, they seek to their previous captors for support! Eventually, Egypt would be desolated by the Chaldeans. Do we realise that our captor – sin and death – will eventually overtake us? But do we realise also that it has been vanquished already? So why do we continue to place confidence in those things that we have forsaken?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Peter
v.10 - This refers to Christ, our Passover, of whose remembrance we partake weekly in the emblems of bread and wine by his command, and daily in prayer and in our lives as we try to live them before God. 1Cor.5:7,8, 9:13, 10:17.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
v.2 - the exhortation to 'entertain strangers' would have been very poignant to the brethren and sisters in Jerusalem when individuals were travelling round seeking out the brethren to put them in prison as Paul had done earlier [Acts 8:3]. We do not live in such perilous times but are we hospitable?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
13:5 | will never leave thee | Gen 28:15 |
13:5 | nor forsake thee | Deut 31:6 |
13:6 | The Lord is my helper I will not fear what man can do unto me | Psa 118:6 |
The threefold quotation in this section shows that God does not change. He made the promise to Jacob and then repeated it to all Israel and finally made it to His son in the Psalm. Do we think that our Father has changed? Do we believe that he will keep His word for us also?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
EMPATHY
I once heard a thought about a man who fell into a pit. Being in the pit caused different reactions from different people.
A subjective person came along, saw the man in the pit, and said, "I feel for you down there."
An objective person saw him and said, "It's logical that someone would fall into that pit."
A Christian Scientist said, "You only think you're in that pit."
A Pharisee said, "Only bad people fall into pits."
A mathematician calculated how he fell into the pit.
A realist saw the pit and said, "Now that's a pit!"
An evasive person came along and avoided the subject altogether.
A self pitying person saw him and said, "You haven't seen anything until you've seen my pit."
An optimist said, "Things could be worse."
A pessimist said, "Things will get worse."
Jesus, seeing the man reached down and took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.
We need to be like Jesus. The writer to the Hebrews tells us how. "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourself were suffering." When we have this sort of empathy we will be as qualified as we can be to reach down and lift our neighbour out of the pit.
Let's stop talking and be people of action like Jesus.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
:13 The exhortation to go 'without the camp' and the need to bear 'his reproach' would have been very meaningful to the priest which believed. They would be ostracised by their brethren who did not believe and be persecuted for that belief. They would need to understand that the only way to deal with this would be for them to forsake their old way of life and associate themselves with the believers.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
Heb 13:20. In his final appeal to those in Jerusalem the writer uses the theme of the Great Shepherd. The Great Shepherd is always making reference to Christ. When we consider the role of a shepherd we can certainly see and appreciate the love that he continually shows to the flock. Consider a few of the ways that a shepherd shows that love and in turn what the Great Shepherd has, and is doing for each one of us.
He endures trials, tribulations, and makes sacrifices in readiness for the purchase of his flock. Isa 53:3.
They are his own by purchase, he owns them. Acts 20:28, 1Cor 6:19-20.
They are the object of his affection and care. 1Pet 5:7.
They are precious in his eyes. Isa 43:4.
They are adopted into his family. Rom 9:4-8.
He is a forgiving shepherd. Psa 86:5.
` He is committed even to the laying down of his life for his sheep. John 10:14-16.
He works hard to watch his sheep grow to perfection and for them to be well pleasing in his sight. Heb 13:20-21.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to John
13:17 The word 'grief' 4727 is elsewhere translated, for example
Mark 7:34 sighed
Rom 8:23 groaned
James 5:9 Grudge
These uses are typical of the six times the word occurs in Scripture. So we see that the writer to the Hebrews is counselling us to obey without grudging. It is not good enough to simply give lip service to something. Our heart must be in it as well, even if it is something we would prefer not to do but the Gospel requires us to do it.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Peter
V.2 Perhaps the writer to the Hebrews had Abraham in mind when he spoke of angels here. Abraham showed great hospitality to the three strangers who visited him (Gen 18:2-8). At this point he thought they were just men and not divine agents.
At the judgment would it not be embarrassing to realize that we had refused hospitality to Yahweh's divine agents?
Another possibility exists, though, for angels in v.2. Perhaps they were human agents sent by the Jewish authorities to root out believers to this new Nazarene sect. Giving them hospitality would have the effect of loving one's enemies and perhaps persuading them of the truth (Matt 5:16,44).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Michael
Respecting those who watch over us
Twice in this chapter the Apostle Paul urges the readers to "remember those that have the rule over you" (7,17) and at the end of the chapter "Salute all them that have the rule over you" (v24).
In v17 he says "submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account." This sentiment is echoed in James 3:1 "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation". We should remember that those of our number who teach, lead, or rule us, will be held to account by God for what they say, and so we ought not to provoke them or make their lives difficult. As Paul says, we should submit ourselves unto them, knowing the desired result of their conversation, which is our spiritual benefit (v7). It is more profitable for us if we obey these brothers and sisters and cause them as little grief as possible (v17) because they "watch for our souls".
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Rob
13:7,17 Those who have ‘rule over you’ must be believers because they ‘have spoken unto you the word of God’. This is made more sure by the fact that the word used here is not the normal word for secular rulers.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Peter
13:3 ‘as bound with them’ is telling the brethren that they should identify with those in prison,. It is not simply a matter of acknowledging that some brethren were suffering but they were to have feelings for them also. This could be achieved by visiting them as Paul was visited 2Tim 1:16-17
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Peter
V.14 Are we embroiled in the present, or do we look to the future in hope and expectation (Matt 6:21).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Michael
13:6 The use of Psa 118:6 the Lord is my helper ...’ which idea is also found in Psa 118:13 is powerful when we realise how this Psalm was used repeatedly in the last of Jesus’ life – at the entry on the ass, Matt 21:9, in questioning the Jewish leaders – Matt 21:42 and at the end of his condemnation of those same leaders, Matt 23:39 - and then in preaching by Peter – Acts 4:11
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Peter
In Heb 13:16 the word “communicate” is used in the AV. In the NIV this reads “to share with others”. In the New Testament this Greek word is translated as communication, communion, contribution, distribution and fellowship. In a different usage it is also to be made partaker of. It’s a lovely word. I once heard a brother refer to fellowship as “fellows in a ship”. That’s just what it entails. It means putting in and taking out. If all the fellows row in coordination with each other, then the boat moves ahead well, and all the rowers benefit. But if one fellow is out of time with the others, little progress is made. It’s the same in the Truth.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to David
V.5 Let your conversation be without covetousness (KJV) is more accurately translated Keep your life free from love of money (ESV).
Vs.5,6 These verses remind us that gambling is not acceptable to a servant of Yahweh. Putting a dollar on a lotto ticket is not a spiritually harmless act. It is a breach of trust. It says that Yahweh cannot be trusted to provide. Also, wanting something for nothing is unhealthy and certainly unscriptural.
V.17 Ecclesial leaders must exhibit joy and not complain. They are responsible for the community they lead and will have to give account at the judgment.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Michael
13:13 The exhortation to the believers to go ‘without the camp; has a twofold application. One being that the sacrifice of Christ is outside the scope of the law of Moses and the second being a warning to flee Jerusalem at the appropriate time when the Romans surrounded the city as Jesus had predicted. Luke 21:21
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Peter
13:14 The city that we are looking for is the ‘heavenly Jerusalem’ that has already been spoken off in Heb 12:22
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Peter
13:9 The word translated “established” <950> is the same word which is found in Heb 2:3 translated “confirmed”.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Peter
13:2 I suppose that Abraham – Gen 18:2 - did not have any idea that he was entertaining angels, nor would he have any idea of what their visit would reveal to him. However this in no way diminished his hospitality. This is an example that could be behind what the writer to the Hebrews is using.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Peter
Wes Booker [South Austin Texas USA] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Wes
13:22 We might think that the letter to the Hebrews is rather more than a ‘few words’ however the letter can be read through in one sitting in just over an hour. Hardly a lot of time to expound the ‘mysteries’ of God in Christ. Jesus spent far more time that this with his disciples telling them about the way in which Scripture spoke of him and the things that he would achieve by his death and resurrection.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
“... I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.”
There is no deeper sadness than the thought that we are alone in this world, that we do not have a friend; that no one cares for us; that no one is concerned about anything that might happen to us; that no one would even care if we died and never shed a tear over our grave. The Psalmist, David felt this kind of loneliness very keenly (Psa 25:16-21).
We all experience loneliness from time to time – the kind of loneliness of feeling disconnected with others. It is a challenge we all face to some extent, with some having experienced deeper and more painful loneliness. It can be long or short-lived depending on our response to it. Being alone and being lonely are two different things. One can be alone without being lonely, and one can feel lonely even in a crowd. Loneliness is, therefore, a state of mind, an emotion brought on by feelings of separation from others in one form or other.
When loneliness creeps in on us, there is a way out. We need to turn to God who is always with us and we are never truly alone, hopeless and helpless (cf. Deut 31:6). Whatever the cause, the cure is always the same and that is to turn to God and Christ. Christ is a friend who sticks closer to us than any family or friend (cf. Prov 18:24). We can take comfort in his promise never to leave us or forsake us (Matt 28:20). We can take comfort in the fact that while friends may fail us and foes assail us, our Saviour will always be with us. Christ was left alone, yet he was not alone because the Father was always with him (John 16:32-33). God wants to be our best friend. He wants us to talk to Him about everything, and as we do, our relationship with God becomes stronger and more intimate and we will feel less lonely.
Life brings with it many challenges, and the Bible is God’s instruction manual for life. It provides the answers we need and gives us comfort, peace and hope for a brighter tomorrow. Our God is a Father of the fatherless, an advocate of widows (Psa 68:5-6), but sometimes God‘s intervention in our lives requires we build character in ways we would not have chosen for ourselves. But through it all, God tells us not to be afraid or dismayed because He will hold us up (Isa 41:10).
The key then to overcoming loneliness is a total and complete trust in God – it is turning to God even in our darkest times and trusting Him to make things right. This comes from knowing God and knowing that He loves us, understands us, and like a Father wants the best for us. Awareness of His presence of Him walking with us, being with us, loving us, caring for us, and is our Friend, will lift us out of loneliness.
Valerie Mello [in isolation, TN, USA] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Valerie
13:17 The word translated “grief” <4727> is translated “sighed” in Mark 7:34 and gives an insight into the way that our rebellious behaviour can, at t times, impact on the ones in the church charged with caring for us.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Peter
13:19 In speaking of being ‘restored’ to them it is evident that the author was known to the brethren and sister to whom he wrote. So the authorship is only a mystery to us. However maybe we should be asking why did the writer not mention his name? The answer may well be that he wanted to demonstrate from the Old Testament the truth of his message and so avoided identifying himself lest some might think that it was only his reasoning that drew the conclusion that are presented rather than the conclusion being the reasoning and revelation of God .
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Peter
OVERFLOW
We made Ginger Beer the other day. In a jar we fed a plant for a couple of weeks and then had to make up the beverage and bottle it. I got out our biggest pot and started to fill it with the water, culture and sugar that was required. I had only got part way when I realised that we had so much in the pot that it would overflow if we put any more into it.
In the same way that our Ginger Beer was about to overflow, we need to overflow in our love for God. The Hebrew writer tells us what that would look like. "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." (Heb 13:15-16).
We learn four ways to overflow with love for God from this.
1. Praise. Overflow with praise. Sing, shout, boast about God all the time and any time.
2. Confess his name. Tell others about your great, big, wonderful God. Encourage each other in his strength.
3. Do good. God does good to us, and it is what he asks us to do for others.
4. Share what you have with other people. God gave it to you. Share those gifts.
Back to the Ginger Beer. Once it has been bottled for a couple of weeks the effervescence inside begins to want to burst out. As soon as the lid is off, it does! Let us overflow with the love of God shown in our words and actions.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Robert
Nick Kendall [In Isolation] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Nick
13:16 “communicate” has the sense of “fellowship. The way in which we interact with our fellow believers is as aspect of our service to God.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Peter
Nick Kendall [In Isolation] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Nick
13:5 After all the technical matters relating to the Law of Moses and the sacrifice of Jesus the writer turns to the practical aspects of being “in Christ”. Your way of life matters, he says. It is of no value just having correct doctrine if it does not affect that way we live.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2018 Reply to Peter
13:5 How hard it is! Having seen things that we lust after we are then inclined to talk about those things – rather than discussing scripture. How often is it that we hear a good Bible talk only, when we talk with each other, talk about the things that we are planning to do rather than discuss what we have just heard!
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
13:24 it must be that those who “have the rule over you” speaks of the elders – possibly the apostles – in Jerusalem. This might have been difficult for the Levites who, doubtless, were better educated in the Law of Moses than any of the apostles who were all untrained in the law of Moses. A lesson for us. Those in positions of responsibility deserve our respect even if we think we are better qualified than they.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
13:5 The Greek translated “without covetousness” <866> in the first part of the verse translates aphilarguros, which has the sense of ‘not loving silver’, or ‘not loving money’. A source for the quotation in the second part is the promise to Joshua: “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Josh. 1:5). Achan links the two parts of the verse for he took “two hundred shekels of silver” (Josh. 7:21) and so loved silver more than, and was not content with, the promise recently given by God to Joshua, that God would never leave him or forsake him.
Nigel Bernard [Pembroke Dock UK] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Nigel
A reader writes: “The expression ‘uncharted waters’ is often heard these days of the coronavirus pandemic. It is ‘water’ and ‘sea’ that is used by the sword of the spirit to signify ‘people’, particularly people who are troubled like the waves of the restless sea (Luke 21:25 and frequently in The Revelation to John)…
The authorities tell us to be prepared for a long haul. What should be the measures taken by the Body of Christ? Certainly we should be a model of restraint ourselves. Panic buying must not be seen among us for He said I will not leave you or forsake you and the last few verses of Matthew 6 come to mind. We must trust the assurance of Christ or we betray him. Secondly, we must follow government advice whether we think it correct or not and whether we like it or not. We recall God’s advice through the writer of the Book of Hebrews:
Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Also Rom 13:1 and 1Pet 2:13-17…"
My reply: It is important to stock up on some things while we are under a government mandated “stay at home order.” The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends having at least two weeks supply of food. Hoarding, on the other hand, is panic buying depleting the supplies for others who are in the same position as we are. This is not loving our neighbour as ourselves. The story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath comes to mind. What an example of grace through faith (1Kin 17:9-16).
Under the Coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Government classed religious services as “non-essential,” and with the exception of two States, the Governors declared it to be so, and, therefore, no public gatherings including spiritual services were allowed! But, liquor stores and abortion clinics were classed as essential!
In the Jewish New Testament translation, by David H. Stern, we read: “… not neglecting our own congregational meetings, as some have made a practice of doing so, but, rather, encouraging each other…” “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” 1611 KJV. While, we are to be obedient to the rules and regulations of the rulers over us, do we obey God or do we obey men when their rules for us contradict the Bible? The answer may be read in Acts 5:29. Yet, how many of us failed in this during the pandemic fearing men more than God?
Heb 13:17 is in reference to the spiritual leaders, not civil or federal governments who do not look after our spiritual well-being, and do not have to give to God an account for it! You will note in verse 7 it states: “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God; whose faith follow…” Verse 17 is in context with Heb 13:7.
Despite the majority of the translations referring them to government leaders/rulers, even STRONG’s missed it in translating “rule,” # <2233>, hegeomai, with words like, “lead, command (with official authority), chief, governor, judge…” which are all misleading and not in context. The New Living Translation reads: “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”
Valerie Mello [in isolation, TN, USA] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Valerie
13:24 it must be that those who “have the rule over you” speaks of the elders – possibly the apostles – in Jerusalem. This might have been difficult for the Levites who, doubtless, were better educated in the Law of Moses than any of the apostles who were all untrained in the law of Moses. A lesson for us. Those in positions of responsibility deserve our respect even if we think we are better qualified than they.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2021 Reply to Peter
13:23 Assuming that Paul was the human penman of the letter to the Hebrews we should consider Timothy’s involvement with letters written whilst Paul was in prison. The letter to Philemon may well fall into the category – Philem 1:1 -
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Peter
Stuart-Caleb Art Courtonel [Rugby] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Stuart-Caleb Art
13:10 the fellowship between believers is exclusive. Society would teach us to be “inclusive” but scripture teaches otherwise as far as fellowship amongst believers. Fellowship can only exist between those who share the same beliefs and values. The “apostles doctrine” – Acts 2:42 – is based on scripture, not on some attempt to blur the differences between those who profess that they believe in Jesus but do not appreciate aspects of the gospel.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Peter
A PRAYER FOR EQUIPPING
Often I get stuck in a rut of praying for people and the needs they have that are pressing right here and now. My rut also includes prayers for the general turning to God of those people. The prayer prayed for the Hebrews says so much more than our general prayers, so it would be worth us using this example as we pray for each other. Listen:
"Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Heb 13:20-22).
I love the way the writer asks God to provide us with the best tools to please him and to do his will. Really, what more could we ask for? This request takes us from the here and how into eternity. It helps us to live right now for the things that will last for ever. And the one we are asking this blessing from is the God of peace, the God with the power to raise the dead, the God who, through Jesus, made a covenant of love with us. He has all he needs - the resources, the power and the love to answer this prayer in ways beyond anything we could ever imagine.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Robert
13:14 Historically Jews living in Jerusalem in times of crisis felt that as Jerusalem was God’s chosen city they would be safe there. In the days of Zedekiah, when surrounded by the Chaldeans, people still felt that they were safe. Archaeological evidence in Jerusalem shows that even when the Roam surrounded the city prior to AD 70 members of the ruling classes were embellishing and decorating their houses!
The believers had to separate themselves from that sort of thinking and be aware of the upcoming destruction of the city as foretold by Jesus.
We likewise need to remember that however secure our environment looks it will all pass away one day.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Peter
13:3 “as bound with them” takes our response to those suffering to new heights. It is not good enough just to say that we feel for those in that position. We are to really experience their feelings. In doing so this is true fellowship.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Peter