Comments for May 26

v.1 - There are many verses that express this idea of the Israelites conquering, but this is relatively unusual in not directly giving the credit for that action to God, though of course many other passages do, leaving us in no doubt that the promised land is only obtainable by God's grace. Josh.1:15, 22:4.

v.24 - Those who know me will know I am quite a sceptic regarding the great significance some people place on numbers in the Bible. I have read round the subject lately to try to understand their point of view and I do see some quite remarkable things, but am put off again when passages like this state a number which has no significance and is not even a multiple of other numbers. Having said that, 31 kings conquered by one nation is greatly impressive. The nations who were overcome would surely recognise that these folk had no (human) king. One wonders what effect that had on them!

This chapter, at the end of the campaign of the first eleven chapters, summarises the conquest of the land. Vs 1-6 summarises the work under Moses on the East of Jordan Vs 7-24 focuses on the work of Joshua in the land of Canaan

This list of kings of cities confirms what we have been seeing - that the land of Canaan was made up of a number of city states. When Israel entered the land this fragmentation continued through the period of the Judges and only changed when David became king.

:3 Just a little point about Biblical language. The Dead Sea is called 'the Salt Sea'. That body of water is never called the Dead Sea in Scripture.

12:1-6 Amidst all the details of the conquest of the land under Joshua we are reminded that Moses was the one who conquered the territory to the east of Jordan.

12:7-24 We now read a summary of the work Joshua had conducted so far in conquering the land of Canaan.

12:1   So it is the ‘kings’ of the land which Israel smote. Of course they smote more than the kings but the kings headed up the cities. It is a parable of our struggle against sin. Each king, so to speak, is a sin that besets us. We must systematically resist them. Of course we cannot do it – just as the conquest was of God so it is in us. But we have to do the work also.

12:3 ‘Chinnereth’ <03672> is the old name for the Sea of Galilee. It means ‘harp’ and maybe was given this name because of the shape of the lake looking like a harp.

12:1 That Israel saw ‘kings’ in the land that they were possessing may well have encouraged them to ask Samuel for a king 1Sam 8:5

12:2 Whilst we are now reading of the conquests of Joshua we should not forget that the smiting of Sihon took place under the command of Moses before Israel actually crossed Jordan. Here we are being given a summary of the conquest, not just what Joshua had achieved.

12:9-24        The repeated ‘one’ at the end of each verse means that we are reading a list. Now that is obvious! The point is that the cataloguing of the defeated kings forms a legal document of possession. 

12:2,4 We know that Sihon and Og had been overthrown by Moses. However the inclusion here is a reminder of the sterling work of Moses and the reason why the 2 ½ tribes have been able to settle on the east of Jordan already.

12:1    The simple fact that the land spoken of is on “the other side of Jordan” helps us to realise that these words were spoken and written from within the land of Canaan.

12:1-6  We will realise that Joshua is recounting the conquest of the land on the east of the Jordan river here.

12:4    the “giants” spoken of very specifically are the “Rephaim” <7497>> who first appear in Gen 14:5. We last hear of them in the days of David.

12:1-24  If we cannot visualise where the places mentioned dare in the land of Canaan it would be beneficial to look at a map of the land in the days of Joshua. Whilst it might not be possible to locate all the places named it will be possible to locate most of them, thus giving us a picture of the extent of the campaign so far.

12:9-24 the repeated counting … one seems to have been a way that places are listed in early history of Israel. We see similar notation when speaking of the cities of the Philistines – 1Sam 6:17

12:6 In reading of Moses smiting some of the kings we are being taken back to events that took place before Israel crossed the river Jordan under the leadership of Joshua. So land on the east of Jordan is counted as part of the possession

12 At this point Joshua and the nation had not conquered the whole of the land promised to them. There was still much to take control of. However here we see that Joshua was inspire to take stock of what had been achieved so far. So we have a summary of what has been taken control of on the east and west of the river Jordan.

From time to time the task in front of us might seem overwhelming. When we feel overwhelmed it is valuable to look back and see what we have achieved so far in our journey to the kingdom.

Taking stock can put current difficulties into a more sensible perspective.

12:3 The “Sea of Galilee” as we know it from the gospel records is “Chinneroth” in the book of Joshua both here and Josh 11:2. The name reflects, roughly, the shape of the lake. The word has the sense of “harp”.

12  This chapter brings together the success that the nation of Israel had both under the leadership of Moses on the east side of Jordan and in the land under the leadership of Joshua.

So we see that the land on the east of Jordan was dominated by two kings, Og and Sihon. There were many more “kings” in the land of Canaan indicating that the land that we know of as Israel had many city kingdoms. This helps to explain why cities joined together to resist the advances of the nation of Israel in the land of Canaan.

It is notable that Sihon appears as the first in the list here as having been conquered. Numbers 21 reads like a story of a local warlord oppressing his neighbouring chieftans. Num 21:21-34 tells us that Israel asks to pass by him; that they were refused and that he then attacked them; that he took the "former" king of Moab; that there were proverbs written about his oppression and prowess; that Yahweh tells Israel not to fear him and that they then consign him to defeat. He was an oppressor and he was then oppressed by Israel. So his own rules applied in his own defeat. Biut more especially, in defeating him, Moses demonstrated that God ruled in the kingdoms of men and set up whosoever he willed. Presumably, if he defeated the "former" king of Moab, then the present one was one of whom he may have approved. That would mean that they would have been allies and would have acted with his approval. Therefore he is at the head of the list of defeated kings. Also he is the first of the big kings who Israel defeated, so increasing the witness to Israel's God over Chemosh and the rest.  

V.4 Og, King of Bashan was a giant (one of the Rephaim who were related to other giants, the Emim and Anakim (Deut 2:10,11)). His bed measured thirteen-and-a-half feet by six feet (Deut 3:11). It is easy to be intimidated by powerful men (whether physically or otherwise). David was not intimidated by Og’s relative Goliath and neither should we be. David put his trust in Yahweh who is more powerful than anything we can conceive. Let us display the same sort of faith when challenged.

V.1 The territory being spoken about lay on the east side of the River Jordan, between Moab in the south and Mt. Hermon in the north.

V.24 Thirty-one kings were conquered (thirty-three counting Sihon and Og).  That means thirty-three cities were conquered.  All the booty from these cities was making the Israelites richer.  Also, the reputation of the Israelites would certainly be broadcast by travellers in the relatively small region.   As national gods were important for protection, the Canaanite tribes in that area would be curious about the powerful God of Israel.

This chapter is a summary of the conquest of the Promised Land. Moses had led the people on the east of Jordan, and Joshua fought the battles on the west, in Canaan.

The number 3 takes us to the tomb where the King of Kings rested. The number 1 takes us to the 1 GOD we worship and serve.31 Kings conquered.An exhortation to look forward to the day The King of Kings and the 1 true GOD will reign not just in our HEARTS but over ALL the EARTH.Josh 12:24

33 Kings, when you count Og (v.4) and Sihon (v.2); which brings the number of kings up to 33 - the number of years our Lord Jesus unrelentingly fought his warfare against King Sin, and won.

V.1-2 The river Arnon on the south, and Mount Hermon on the north were the respective boundaries of the land given Israel beyond Jordon. Deut 2:24; 36,  Deut 3:3-16

This chapter contains a summary of the conquests made by the Children of Israel after entering the promised land. We have recorded for us, some places not noted previously. The boundaries of the land acquired beyond Jordon are also provided for us.

v.14 - The three years was associated with Moab in ch.15:5 as well - in the 3year-old heifer. See also 23:9 (Tyre)

v.13 - We are constantly reminded by reading prophecy that God knows the future - God is from the beginning to the end - this means that he exists in all time and does not have wait and see what happens next - as if all time is one and can be seen simultaneously. A careful consideration of this situation, even from the point of view of our finite minds, brings us to realise that God can lead us in the way of right. He can keep us from the temptations that only He knows are coming our way. It gives us all the more reason to rely entirely on Him at all times.

v.6 Moab's pride was the reason for her downfall. A theme that Jeremiah returns to. [Jeremiah 48:29]

16:5 The mention of the 'tabernacle of David' picks up the promise (Isaiah 9:7) of the rulership of Messiah. Amos (9:11) a contemporary prophet develops the theme and speaks of the call of the gentiles - (Acts 15:16) thus linking both Isaiah and Amos into the theme of the call of the gentiles.

Continuing the theme from yesterday' chapter we now see a specific appeal being made to the rulers of Moab. It is given against the background of the supremacy of Israel (:5). Moab, being a descendant of Lot, (Genesis 19:36-37) should see themselves correctly with respect to the promises of God - however Edom, Moab and Ammon all thought too highly of themselves on a number of occasions when, rather than helping Israel actually opposed them and rejoiced at their downfall.

16:1 The reference to sending the lamb harks back to the days of Ahab (2Kin 3:4) where Moab was tribute to Israel. But now they have rebelled. Isaiah is seeking to get Moab to return to the agreement she made with Israel in the days of Ahab.

16:14  In making a very specific timed dated prophecy Isaiah is laying himself open to the charge of being a false prophet. If his words did not come to pass in a very short time – 3 years – he would lose all credibility. So what was to happen to Moab would be the guarantee that Isaiah was indeed a true prophet of God.

16:4 The ‘outcasts’ are those that remain of Judah seeking refuge with their kinsmen – being the son of Lot – Gen 19:37.

16:2 The river Arnon is the border between Moab and Amon and discharges into the Dead Sea about half way up its East side.

16:8    The ‘vine of Sibmah’ is mentioned in a later prophet when speaking of God’s judgements upon Moab – Jer 48:32

16:13   A number of times Isaiah speaks of mourning and sadness over the fall of Moab. Maybe the reason is that Moab had been good to David when he was fleeing from Saul and was the physical home of David’s ancestor Ruth.

16:4    There has already been a time when Israel’s outcasts were sheltered in Moab. It was David’s family when he was fleeing from king Saul. 1Sam 22:3-4

16:4    So when Judah are being threatened by their enemies God looks to Moab as a place where Israel’s fleeing people could lodge.

16:2   We have read before about a wandering bird – Prov 27:8. It is a picture of abject hopelessness. A young bird, deprived of the comfort of its nest, is lost.

 16:6      It seems that the pride of Moab is the reason why she has to be asked to take care of the outcasts of Israel – :4 – because it would appear that they would not do under normal circumstances.

16:9  Jazer and Sibmah were town on the southern border of the tribes who inherited the land east of Jordan. They are on the northern order of Moab and this verse indicates the direction that the Assyrians came against Moab – from the north

16:2 In likening the daughters of Moab to a wandering bird we see the ideas of Prov 27:8 are drawn on. Moab, placing Godly instruction is lost.

16:8-10 The way Isaiah writes speaks of devastation of the agriculture of the land of Moab. So the people remain but suffer a lack of food. And so experience the judgments of God rather than simply being killed.

16:9 as we saw in the previous chapter there are many connections with what Jeremiah said about Moab. The weeping of Jazer is one which is seen inJer 48:32

16:4-8 Judah was under threat and needed a resting place for her outcasts. Moab was appealed to for help. But they clearly refused. Their refusal was due to their pride. Consequently Moab suffered a similar fate to Judah. We might question whether our pride gets in the way of our helping those in need.

16:5 Notice the prophet is not simply speaking of any king sitting on the throne of David. He is a king who will rule in “judgment” and “righteousness” so we must have here a prophecy looking forward to Messiah – Jesus.

16:11  In the midst of all the sorrow there was going to being Moab we learn that their suffering impacted on Yahweh. Sadly the nation of Israel did not seem to show the same compassion that Yahweh had for anyone else other than themselves. Whilst judgment was to come Yahweh was still distressed. His kindness does not extend only to His covenant people. He provides for all, but seeks all to worship Him on His terms.

Jesus will sit on King David's throne in Jerusalem - Isa 16:5;Luke 1:31-33;Isa 2:3.

1. Isa 16:1 - though Moab will be punished first as a result of pride (Isa 16:6-7;Jer 48:1-47), Moab's tribute will come in with others in the day of Zion's glory (Isa 60:1-7, 14;Isa 11:12-14).

2. Isa 16:3-4 - do both verses refer to the fugitives/refugees of Moab seeking Zion (some feel it is fugitives/refugees of Zion seeking Moab) for shelter from the destroyer and oppressor who will come to an end (given the mention of three years would this destroyer and oppressor who comes to an end be the Assyrian? Isa 15:5;Isa 16:13-14 ?); V4 - well beyond the three years is there also an echo here of a latter day 'Assyrian' destroyer, spoiler and oppressor who meets his end while coming to take a spoil though some including Moab escape according to Daniel (Eze 38:1-17;Dan 11:40-41)?

3. Isa 16:5 - perhaps has some application to Hezekiah but even more so to Christ and the re-establishment of David's throne (2Sam 7:12-16). What is the modern day equivalent of Moab (Jordan? The refugees in Jordan? Palestinians on the West Bank?)?

4. Isa 16:6 - Moab's pride.

5. Isa 16:7 - the Moabites will wail for Moab.

6. Isa 16:7,11 - "Kirhareseth"<7025> and "Kirharesh"<7025> are the same and refer to one of two chief strongholds of Moab.

7. Isa 16:14 - after the 3 years there will still be a small remnant of Moabites.

The refugees from Moab were holed up in Edom. Their request for resettlement in Judah was denied because of their pride. Furthermore, it was prophesied that within three years, (sooner rather than later), Moab would be decimated. This was carried out in part by the Assyrians, but more thoroughly by the Babylonians.

This chapter carries on without a break from Chapter 15.

V.1 Moab formerly paid tribute to Israel but then reneged (2Kin 3:4,5).  Yahweh urges Moab to start sending tribute again. This is because Moab will need the help of the Jews when it is attacked. It is like the time Jacob wanted to find peace and safety with his brother Esau.  Jacob sent presents ahead of him (Gen 32:13-16).

V.2 When Moab is ransacked, people will try to escape.  They will try to escape across the River Jordan to the west.  But will the pride of Moab prevent them from sending the tribute? Will that in turn prevent any escape route across the Jordan (Isa 16:6)?

Vs.3,4 Yahweh urges His people to shelter the refugees. When Gog and his confederates devastate Israel in the end times, Jews will try to escape to Moab (part of Modern Jordan), as it will be untouched by Gog's invasion  (Dan 11:41).

V.14 Shalmaneser rifled some towns in Moab, as was mentioned in yesterday’s notes.  But, the degree of devastation mentioned here came later at the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. After he had taken Jerusalem in 587 BC Nebuchadnezzar left Moab desolate and completed this prophecy against it. This took place in about 582 BC.

Today, more about Moab. Moab and Ammon were the children of Lot (Gen 19:30-38). But they were not included in God’s promises to Abraham.  It’s interesting to note that Moab was a thorn in the side of Israel and Judah, as part of God’s promised punishments (in Deut 28 and other places), but they were not a part of the blessings.  Nearness to God’s promises count for nothing.  It’s inclusion in them that counts  -  and note Ruth (the Moabite’s) confession of “Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

V.4-5 This is another of Isaiah's pictures of the age to come which combines the role of King and Priest. "in mercy shall the throne be established" 2Sam 7:13 "He shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David" 2Sam 7:18

The coming woe upon Moab (Chapter15) could be avoided if the proud country (V.6) would humble itself and be under the supremacy of Zion, for that very name tells of the grace that Moab so desperately needed. 

16:7 The foundations here we would think would be the ruins, because, when houses are pulled down, only the foundations are left,(Isa 58:12)

v.3,4 - In the context of this 'war' as a soldier of Christ, we must endure hardness,on the one hand, but on the other, we should not get entangled with the affairs of this life. It is important to tread exactly that line. v.10, 1:8, 3:11, 4:5.

2:20-21 The cleansing of the temple by Hezekiah provides some background to these verses. Just as a “great house” has “vessels” which a man is to “purge (or cleanse) himself from” to be “sanctified, and … prepared”, so the priests could say: “We have cleansed all the house of Yahweh …  Moreover all the vessels, which king Ahaz in his reign did cast away in his transgression, have we prepared and sanctified …” (2 Chron. 29:18-19).

2Tim 2:3-7.

How does Paul's example of the "hardworking farmer" (v. 6) fit in with his other examples of the soldier and athlete and into the overall context here?

It seems to me that the key element tying the 3 analogous people together is what Paul says in v. 3 - all must "endure hardship". The good soldier must endure many hardships in his effort to do what his commanding officer requires of him and therefore be that good soldier.

The athlete knows that in the games he's participating in, there are rules that must be kept - i.e. no shortcuts are involved if he wants to secure the victor's crown. The athlete who doesn't do well with hardship simply will not win if he's competing against worthy opponents.

The hardship for the hardworking farmer would appear to fall in the realm of all that he knows he must do to keep the pests away and make his crops amenable to the sun and rain that God provides. But the key may be his patience. In the same basic analogy James says (Jam. 5:7,8) -

    " Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near."

While endurance is a key element in the lives of the soldier and athlete, patience is the key for the farmer. In the Greek, there are two separate word that express these similar godly qualities. But the acceptance and dealing with hardships is common to both qualities.

The Lord knows those who are His

I've always loved this little verse and it brings great comfort to my heart.

Many people oftentimes claim to be experts on who is a part of the Body of Christ.
The truth is that everyone will ultimately be known by his fruit.
Matthew 7:20 - "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
John 6:44 - "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:"
John 10:2, 11, 14 - Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of the sheep. The sheep follow His voice (verses 3-4).
1 Corinthians 15:23 - Jesus Christ knows those who are His at His coming

After Paul wrote that the Lord knows those who are His, he wrote: (v.19) “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
When we let God and His Son do Their job, it helps us to have a clearer focus on our own behaviour.
He who has ears to hear let him hear.

Links Between 2 Timothy 2 & Numbers

The use of Numbers 12:3 in which, in the context of dealing with rebellion, Moses is presented as the meekest man demonstrates that meekness should not be confused with acquiescence in the behaviour of others. A meek man is not a 'door mat'. Moses knew what was correct and the Lord executed the judgment because He was the one being undermined by the actions of Aaron and Miriam.

2:8 'Of the seed of David' echoing Romans 1:3 highlights the importance of David to the things of the gospel in Christ.

:23 'Foolish … questions' relate to issues which cannot be answered. In the time of Timothy they often related to matters of the Law of Moses. We must realise we are often involved in discussions about things to which we can have no answer. It seems as if human nature would prefer to discuss this sort of thing rather than focus on discussing what we can know and be edified by. We should be warned by this.

2:13 This verse is an expansion of the word which Paul spoke to the Romans (Rom 3:3)

2:1  In the use of the affectionate ‘my son’ Paul emphasises Timothy’s responsibilities in a lovely gentle way.

2:15 ‘approved’ <1384> is a term which speaks of the integrity of the money merchant. This type of merchant only dealt with true and unadulterated coins.

2:5   How is it that the idea of ‘lawful striving is introduced? It is possible for us to strive unlawfully in our struggle to be like Christ? Well actually it is if our focus is on our own status and position rather than being driven to be like Christ for the glory of God. So when we do things for the glory of men we are striving unlawfully.

2:3 The word translated ‘hardness’ <2553> is translated affliction – 2Tim 4:5 - showing that Paul is reminding Timothy yet again that he should expect persecution – something he experienced from the brethren in Ephesus!

2:14 The word 'charging’ <1263> carries the sense of ‘testify – Acts 2:40– and not the sense of commanding that we might imagine from ‘charge’. The way to deal with those whose practise is astray from the gospel is by instruction not simply command.

2:3     A soldier expects that at times in his military career he may suffer physically. He may even be killed. He knows this and makes it his way of thinking to accept this as part of the requirements of his job when serving for his country.  Likewise we should, as soldiers  of our heavenly king expect difficulties and develop a mind which sees these things as part of the job, not as something that we can avoid by selective service to our king.

2:9   Paul’s comment about being ‘in bonds’ and ‘the word of God’ not being bound is a powerful comment upon accepting the circumstances of life. Paul had gone about as an active preacher. Now imprisoned and unable to move around at his own pleasure preaching he, under the power of inspiration, turned his hand to letter writing. God can and does use our personal circumstances to further His will. He is not constrained by things that we might view as hindrances.

2:5      I suppose that Paul is saying what we, in modern terms might say when we say that the end does not justify the means.

2:13   ‘The Lord knoweth them that are his’ quotes Num 16:5 and the call to ‘depart from iniquity’ quotes Num 16:26 The rebellion of Korah Dathan and Abiram is the basis for Paul’s warning. Consider the situation in Num 16. Moses looked as if his authority was going to be overthrown by a multitude but God intervened to restore stability. A great encouragement to Timothy. 

2:5     Striving for mastery is good but maybe the inspired writer is reminding Timothy of Exo 32:18.

2:2    Doubtless there was someone or some people who greatly influenced us at the time that we began to appreciate the value of the gospel. Do we still seek the opinions of such people or do we think we have grown up and no longer need their guidance?

2:11-13 The way in which Paul’s faithful sayings both here and elsewhere help us to understand what New Testament documents were available before AD 70. There would be little pint quoting earlier New Testament writings if they were not available for Timothy to reflect upon.

2:24   The phrase “pure heart” is quoted from Psa 24:4

2:15 the word “dividing” carries the sense of making a straight line. There is no value in just talking about scripture and making connections and drawing conclusion that, whilst seeming to be appealing, do violence to the text of scripture. When we talk about what scripture is saying we must not let our own private views colour how we explain what we are readings.

2:14 the commandments that Timothy gave could easily have been dismissed by his opponents as just Timothies words. However in saying “before the lord” is a clear indication that God see everything. This realisation should cause us to respect His teaching more fully as we would if He was actually present as we were looking at His word.

2:4  The idea of going to war maybe fits uneasily with those who would never join the military in the country they reside. However the warfare Paul writes about is not about war against others. It is a war against Adam’s tendencies within our own natures. And it is a war and we should not forget this. Adam’s tendencies are always fighting against the mind of the spirit – the mind educated by the word of God.

2:24  Having instructed Timothy to oppose error he is now encouraged not to “strive”. It is so easy, when opposing error, to get into an unedifying argument. Paul’s counsel to Timothy is good for us also. After all if we are in the right there is no need to raise our voices!

2:15  Notice the one who wants to be “approved” must have a correct attitude to scripture. Careless reading of the bible is obviously totally unacceptable

v15 "approved" is Strong's 1384 and is often used of money which is the correct weight (referring to the habit at that time of shaving metal off the rims of the coins). The same word is used in James 1:12 when it is translated "test" in the NIV.

v13 faithfulness is an attribute of God Exo 34:6 & also of the Lord Jesus Isa 11:5

v17 "gangrene" NIV is translated from a Greek word, Strong's 1044 , which comes from a word meaning "to gnaw", and is also translated "canker".  The spread of infection/putrefaction from gangrene eventually overwhelms the body and may cause it to die, & the spread of cancer although locally obvious ( we see the lump growing, for example), is insidious in its spread to affect the rest of the body. Microscopically small particles spread/metastasise, and at the time one is not aware of the spread of the destructive force, but later it becomes obvious. So it is with those who spread falsehood in the Body. It is important to catch the infection/cancer early if the effects are not to be devastating.

2Tim 2:14,15

“Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The requirement to diligently study is grounded on the fact that it is “the word of truth.” This fact is so stated as to imply that unless the Word is rightly divided, we shall not get the “truth.” We shall understand its “truth” only in proportion to the measure in which we rightly divide it.

We are not to diminish from the Word (Deut 4:2; Deut 12:32; Rev 22:19), we are not to add to the Word (Deut 4:2; Deut 12:32; Prov 30:5,6; Rev 22:18), we are not to wrongly divide the Word of God. For example, did Jesus please God (cf. Prov 16:7; cp. with John 19:1-3)? Was Job a wicked man (cf. Prov 10:24 cp. with Job 3:25)?

Adding, diminishing, or denying certain passages even exist are the most common errors we make while ignoring numerous other Scriptural passages that supply the answers. Rightly dividing the Word of Truth takes time and a lot of diligent studying and reading. It doesn’t just happen (cf. Deut 32:2; Isa 28:9,10).

I can point out many Scriptures that appear to be contrary, but with the correct understanding there is no contradiction anywhere. If we take one Scripture which we think is contrary to another, we have not reached a full understanding of what is being taught. There are those who wrongly add, diminish, or deny passages altogether from the Word because it does not fit with what they believe. We see it in Christendom, and we see it in the Household of Christ. They cherry pick rather than study the issue in its entirety. We are to study; to be a workman, and rightly divide the words in the Bible is what Scripture commands us to do. The Bible was written for us, but all the Bible was not written to us!

Imagine a jigsaw puzzle wherein all the pieces are the same shape so that every piece fits perfectly, even though the picture does not match. What confusion! We are, therefore, not able to discern the picture having no original picture to look at. By analogy, the whole Bible is like a jigsaw puzzle; the whole truth is the picture, the pieces are the individual Scriptures, which rightly divided or placed presents a beautiful picture. This is the principle for rightly dividing the word of Truth.

We are to properly dissect and arrange the Word of God as the Old Covenant priests did when they divided and arranged the animals for sacrifice (Gen 15:9,10; Exo 29:16,17). We have a lot to lose when we take our focus off rightly dividing the Word, and give heed to human opinions, biases, and endless debates, which will only lead to ruin.

2Tim 2:15

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The definition of study is, “application of the mind to the acquisition of knowledge, as by reading, investigation, or reflection: a personal effort to gain knowledge.” www.dictionary.com/ It is # <4704>. spoudazo, “to make effort, be earnest, diligent, labour.” A casual daily reading of the Word does not come under the definition of “study.” God expects us to apply ourselves studiously to His Word. There must be digging and searching, a thorough and comprehensive acquaintance with the Scriptures which will enable us to rightly divide the word of truth, which is the whole counsel of God (Rom 15:4), and it must be retained (Rom 1:28). Human memory is but a leaking vessel (cf. Jer 2:13; Heb 2:1).

The Bible is our manual for moral laws. All of Scripture is given by inspiration of God. To neglect them seals our fate. Those who sinned through ignorance under the Mosaic Law were held guilty (Lev 4:13,22,27; Lev 5:18), and it is the same under the law of Christ, as God’s moral laws do not change. The Divine testimony as to the truth of Moses’ laws stated by Christ is, “If ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” (John 5:47). And, of course, there are those who don’t.

The Word does not leave us to assume or presume on anything. God has declared it! “Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but transgressors shall fall therein” (Psa 107:43; Hos 14:9).

2Tim 2:15

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

James Anthony Froude (1818-1894), British Historian, wrote the following: “It often seems to me as if History was like a child’s box of letters, with which we can spell any word we please. We have only to pick out such letters as we want, arrange them as we like, and say nothing about those which do not suit our purpose.”

In THE CHRISTADELPHIAN FAMILY JOURNAL, A LEAF FROM A DIARY—NO. 61, it states the following: “Historians must be left to their own methods, but when such methods are applied to bible history and teaching the disciple of Christ has to beware. Many treat the Bible in this way and then complain, or boast, according to their mood, that the Bible can be made to teach anything. Illustrations of this method abound in current ‘Christadelphian’ literature.” (1932)

From 1932 to the present, we still face this same danger all because the word of truth is not being rightly divided. “Rightly dividing” simply means “accurately teaching” God’s Word. It does not mean to “cut and divide” between the Old and New Testaments, thus, diminishing from it (cf. Deut 4:2; 12:32; Rev 22:19). This is one of the most common errors!  Adding is also reproved by God (Deut 4:2; 12:32; Rev 22:18) because “every word of God is pure” (Psa 12:6; Prov 30:5,6).

Here is an example: “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me” (Job 3:25). “The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him; but the desire of the righteous shall be granted” (Prov 10:24). By comparing these two Scriptures, Scripture with Scripture, would we conclude that Job was a wicked man? Hardly (cf. Job 1:8; 2:3), because there are other Scriptures that say otherwise! We must put all the Scriptures together on any given issue in order to come to the right conclusion. This example shows how easy it is to wrongly divide Scripture and how diligent we must be in searching truth (cf. Psa 119:4,10,13,16)!

We won’t get it right the very first time, though we may think we are right simply because God has decreed that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding will come to us gradually by diligent study of His Word (Deut 32:2; Isa 28:9,10; cf. Prov 4:5; Heb 11:6). The Bible is not a book full of words we can arrange to fit our purpose. In being able to rightly divide the Scripture is a process and takes time; it is to remove error and replace any carnal interpretation with a spiritual one regardless of any previous indoctrination.

2Tim 2:17

“And their word will eat like doth a canker; of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus.”