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Notes that are not verse specific
The Lord answers Moses' question this way: "I am who I am". French it translates: "I am the one who is". Both languages use the present tense of the infinite of the verb 'to be'. Hebrew translates: "I will be who I will be". Hebrew language uses the future tense of the infinite of verb 'to be'. The infinite of verb 'to be' is: Yahweh, the Jews say it without the vowels 'a' and 'e': YHVH (pronounced short and sharp). There is no present tense in this verb, only past and future, and it is meant to stress the Lord is limitless.
Usually, when 'thou' is used in the AV Bible, the Hebrew version will translate it as 'Yahweh'. Modern versions translate 'thou' as 'you', so we miss this valuable lesson. 'Thou' is an old English word, and during that time, 'thou' was used only when talking to a member of the family, because it implied 'dear' or 'darling'. Some languages like: German, French, Holland etc. Still keep this personal form of address to use within their families. They also have a polite form of address, for use with non-family members, eg: German personal 'du', polite 'zie'; French personal 'tu', polite 'vous'. If you check a German Bible for example, you will see the Lord uses the subject pronoun 'du', when He talks to Israel; sometimes God is angry with Israel, yet He will still uses the pronoun 'du', the implication is, no matter what the Israelites did, God still considered them a part of His family. It is helpful to keep in mind, that we are God's children, and blessed to be so, even though sometimes, we let our feelings get the better of us.
Beryl Butler [London West (Can)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Beryl
ch.3 - The memorial name of God appears to be a parallelism even though it doesn't come across terribly well in the English AV - the Hebrew definitely suggests the following rendering:
'This is my name for ever,
This is my memorial for ever'
which can obviously be paraphrased as:
'This is my memorial name for ever and ever'
I just thought it was interesting since this added emphasis on 'for ever' implies what I believe, that God's name will always be the same and will never change.
Ibrahim David [Cardiff East (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Ibrahim
Moses showed a lack of confidence when Yahweh called him to go back to Egypt. He had run away from there with a price for murder on his head and was scared of retribution. Yahweh assured him that those seeking his head were all dead. Then he doubted whether he could deliver Yahweh's message effectively in Egypt. Yahweh allowed Aaron to accompany him as spokesman. Little by little, Moses confidence grew as he asserted his leadership role. Hopefully, as we grow in Christ, our confidence will also grow.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Michael
in·ad·e·quate
Adjective
1.(of a person) Unable to deal with a situation or with life: "inadequate to the task".
Exo 3:10-12 - Moses made excuses because he felt inadequate for the job GOD had asked him to do. This might be a natural tendency in all of us. Our problem is we all put limitations on ourselves and God! Worry about being inadequate is also a sin because it shows a lack of trust in God. Robert Frost once said, “The reason why worry kills more people than work is that more people worry than work..”
Our Lord Jesus gave us the remedy against worry when he taught us - “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life … But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.”
We should not hide behind our own inadequacies as Moses did, but look beyond ourselves to the greater resources available in Christ. It's only then, that God can use our unique contributions to the furtherment of His grand purpose. Phil 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Peter Dulis [toronto west] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Peter
3:27,32 Pharaoh’s unwillingness to allow Israel to go into the wilderness contrasts with the Pharaoh about 200 years earlier who allows Joseph and his brothers to take their father’s body to Canaan to bury him.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
Hardening Pharoahs heart?
This always puzzled me because it seems God made Pharoah stubborn.
However in Egyptian custom when a pharoah died his heart was rremoved and placed on scales. A list of sins were read out to the dead body, if the heart overcame the scales the Pharoah was said to be innocent and would get eternal life. If the weight overcame the heart (as it most certainly always did) the dead Pharoah would go to destruction.
Perhaps how the churches came up with heaven and hell?
To counteract this confession, upon death the heart would be removed and replaced with a stone scarab enscribed with such things as "bear not witness against me" naturally this "hardened heart" would overcome the scales and make the person innocent his fleshly heart would then be with him in the afterlife.
Such bodies in arhceology have been found with such stones in theri chest cavity!
Here in Exodus Yahweh hardened Pharoahs heart and completley reversed Egyption ideology by making it impossible for Pharoah to resist letting the Jews go, knowing that Pharoah had an impossible task infuriated him and he realised isntead of destroying the Jews he was actually saving them, but in turn Yahweh by hardening Pharoahs heart led to his destruction!
Sourec... The Stones cry out.
stephen cox [Sedgley UK] Comment added in 2014 Reply to stephen
Exo 3:1 At 40years of age Moses fled from the Egyptian court of Pharaoh (Acts 7:23-29) and went to Midian. There he tended the flock of Jethro the priest of Midian who was to become his father in law. This work of shepherding was to occupy Moses for a further 40years (Acts 7:29-30). At 80 years of age Moses left tending flocks of sheep to begin the work of leading God’s people out of Egypt (Exo 7:7). The Lord promised that He would raise up a prophet like unto Moses (Deut.18:15). So we see the LORD working in the life of Moses to bring about the exodus of His people from Egypt to go to “…a land flowing with milk and honey.” (Exo 3:17). The Lord Jesus Christ is that prophet (Acts 3:20-22). Jesus is the good shepherd who was prepared to lay down his life for the sheep (John 10:11).
Peter Moore [Erith, UK] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
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1. Now Moses <4872> kept <1961>(8804) <7462>(8802) the flock <6629> of Jethro <3503> his father in law <2859>(8802), the priest <3548> of Midian <4080>: and he led <5090>(8799) the flock <6629> to the backside <310> of the desert <4057>, and came <935>(8799) to the mountain <2022> of God <430>, even to Horeb <2722>.
2. And the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> appeared <7200>(8735) unto him in a flame <3827> of fire <784> out of the midst <8432> of a bush <5572>: and he looked <7200>(8799), and, behold, the bush <5572> burned <1197>(8802) with fire <784>, and the bush <5572> was not consumed <398>(8794).
3. And Moses <4872> said <559>(8799), I will now turn aside <5493>(8799), and see <7200>(8799) this great <1419> sight <4758>, why <4069> the bush <5572> is not burnt <1197>(8799).
4. And when the LORD <3068> saw <7200>(8799) that he turned aside <5493>(8804) to see <7200>(8800), God <430> called <7121>(8799) unto him out of the midst <8432> of the bush <5572>, and said <559>(8799), Moses <4872>, Moses <4872>. And he said <559>(8799), Here am I.
5. And he said <559>(8799), Draw not nigh <7126>(8799) hither <1988>: put off <5394>(8798) thy shoes <5275> from off thy feet <7272>, for the place <4725> whereon <834> thou standest <5975>(8802) is holy <6944> ground <127>.
6. Moreover he said <559>(8799), I am the God <430> of thy father <1>, the God <430> of Abraham <85>, the God <430> of Isaac <3327>, and the God <430> of Jacob <3290>. And Moses <4872> hid <5641>(8686) his face <6440>; for he was afraid <3372>(8804) to look <5027>(8687) upon God <430>.
7. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799), I have surely <7200>(8800) seen <7200>(8804) the affliction <6040> of my people <5971> which are in Egypt <4714>, and have heard <8085>(8804) their cry <6818> by reason <6440> of their taskmasters <5065>(8802); for I know <3045>(8804) their sorrows <4341>;
8. And I am come down <3381>(8799) to deliver <5337>(8687) them out of the hand <3027> of the Egyptians <4714>, and to bring <5927>(8687) them up out of that land <776> unto a good <2896> land <776> and a large <7342>, unto a land <776> flowing <2100>(8802) with milk <2461> and honey <1706>; unto the place <4725> of the Canaanites <3669>, and the Hittites <2850>, and the Amorites <567>, and the Perizzites <6522>, and the Hivites <2340>, and the Jebusites <2983>.
9. Now therefore, behold, the cry <6818> of the children <1121> of Israel <3478> is come <935>(8804) unto me: and I have also seen <7200>(8804) the oppression <3906> wherewith the Egyptians <4714> oppress <3905>(8801) them.
10. Come <3212>(8798) now therefore, and I will send <7971>(8799) thee unto Pharaoh <6547>, that thou mayest bring forth <3318>(8685) my people <5971> the children <1121> of Israel <3478> out of Egypt <4714>.
11. And Moses <4872> said <559>(8799) unto God <430>, Who am I, that I should go <3212>(8799) unto Pharaoh <6547>, and that I should bring forth <3318>(8686) the children <1121> of Israel <3478> out of Egypt <4714>?
12. And he said <559>(8799), Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token <226> unto thee, that <3588> I have sent <7971>(8804) thee: When thou hast brought forth <3318>(8687) the people <5971> out of Egypt <4714>, ye shall serve <5647>(8799) God <430> upon this mountain <2022>.
13. And Moses <4872> said <559>(8799) unto God <430>, Behold, when I come <935>(8802) unto the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, and shall say <559>(8804) unto them, The God <430> of your fathers <1> hath sent <7971>(8804) me unto you; and they shall say <559>(8804) to me, What is his name <8034>? what shall I say <559>(8799) unto them?
14. And God <430> said <559>(8799) unto Moses <4872>, I AM <1961>(8799) THAT I AM <1961>(8799): and he said <559>(8799), Thus shalt thou say <559>(8799) unto the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, I AM hath sent <7971>(8804) me unto you.
15. And God <430> said <559>(8799) moreover <5750> unto Moses <4872>, Thus shalt thou say <559>(8799) unto the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, The LORD <3068> God <430> of your fathers <1>, the God <430> of Abraham <85>, the God <430> of Isaac <3327>, and the God <430> of Jacob <3290>, hath sent <7971>(8804) me unto you: this is my name <8034> for ever <5769>, and this is my memorial <2143> unto all <1755> generations <1755>.
16. Go <3212>(8798), and gather <622> <0> the elders <2205> of Israel <3478> together <622>(8804), and say <559>(8804) unto them, The LORD <3068> God <430> of your fathers <1>, the God <430> of Abraham <85>, of Isaac <3327>, and of Jacob <3290>, appeared <7200>(8738) unto me, saying <559>(8800), I have surely <6485>(8800) visited <6485>(8804) you, and seen that which is done <6213>(8803) to you in Egypt <4714>:
17. And I have said <559>(8799), I will bring <5927>(8686) you up out of the affliction <6040> of Egypt <4714> unto the land <776> of the Canaanites <3669>, and the Hittites <2850>, and the Amorites <567>, and the Perizzites <6522>, and the Hivites <2340>, and the Jebusites <2983>, unto a land <776> flowing <2100>(8802) with milk <2461> and honey <1706>.
18. And they shall hearken <8085>(8804) to thy voice <6963>: and thou shalt come <935>(8804), thou and the elders <2205> of Israel <3478>, unto the king <4428> of Egypt <4714>, and ye shall say <559>(8804) unto him, The LORD <3068> God <430> of the Hebrews <5680> hath met <7136>(8738) with us: and now let us go <3212>(8799), we beseech thee, three <7969> days <3117>' journey <1870> into the wilderness <4057>, that we may sacrifice <2076>(8799) to the LORD <3068> our God <430>.
19. And I am sure <3045>(8804) that the king <4428> of Egypt <4714> will not let <5414>(8799) you go <1980>(8800), no, not by a mighty <2389> hand <3027>.
20. And I will stretch out <7971>(8804) my hand <3027>, and smite <5221>(8689) Egypt <4714> with all my wonders <6381>(8737) which I will do <6213>(8799) in the midst <7130> thereof: and after <310> that he will let you go <7971>(8762).
21. And I will give <5414>(8804) this people <5971> favour <2580> in the sight <5869> of the Egyptians <4714>: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go <3212>(8799), ye shall not go <3212>(8799) empty <7387>:
22. But every woman <802> shall borrow <7592>(8804) of her neighbour <7934>, and of her that sojourneth <1481>(8802) in her house <1004>, jewels <3627> of silver <3701>, and jewels <3627> of gold <2091>, and raiment <8071>: and ye shall put <7760>(8804) them upon your sons <1121>, and upon your daughters <1323>; and ye shall spoil <5337>(8765) the Egyptians <4714>.
1. And Moses <4872> answered <6030>(8799) and said <559>(8799), But, behold, they will not believe <539>(8686) me, nor hearken <8085>(8799) unto my voice <6963>: for they will say <559>(8799), The LORD <3068> hath not appeared <7200>(8738) unto thee.
2. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto him, What is that in thine hand <3027>? And he said <559>(8799), A rod <4294>.
3. And he said <559>(8799), Cast <7993>(8685) it on the ground <776>. And he cast <7993>(8686) it on the ground <776>, and it became a serpent <5175>; and Moses <4872> fled <5127>(8799) from before <6440> it.
4. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto Moses <4872>, Put forth <7971>(8798) thine hand <3027>, and take <270>(8798) it by the tail <2180>. And he put forth <7971>(8799) his hand <3027>, and caught <2388>(8686) it, and it became a rod <4294> in his hand <3709>:
5. That they may believe <539>(8686) that the LORD <3068> God <430> of their fathers <1>, the God <430> of Abraham <85>, the God <430> of Isaac <3327>, and the God <430> of Jacob <3290>, hath appeared <7200>(8738) unto thee.
6. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) furthermore <5750> unto him, Put <935>(8685) now thine hand <3027> into thy bosom <2436>. And he put <935>(8686) his hand <3027> into his bosom <2436>: and when he took <3318>(8686) it out, behold, his hand <3027> was leprous <6879>(8794) as snow <7950>.
7. And he said <559>(8799), Put <7725> <0> thine hand <3027> into thy bosom <2436> again <7725>(8685). And he put <7725> <0> his hand <3027> into his bosom <2436> again <7725>(8686); and plucked <3318>(8686) it out of his bosom <2436>, and, behold, it was turned again <7725>(8804) as his other flesh <1320>.
8. And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe <539>(8686) thee, neither hearken <8085>(8799) to the voice <6963> of the first <7223> sign <226>, that they will believe <539>(8689) the voice <6963> of the latter <314> sign <226>.
9. And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe <539>(8686) also these two <8147> signs <226>, neither hearken <8085>(8799) unto thy voice <6963>, that thou shalt take <3947>(8804) of the water <4325> of the river <2975>, and pour <8210>(8804) it upon the dry <3004> land: and the water <4325> which thou takest <3947>(8799) out of the river <2975> shall become blood <1818> upon the dry <3006> land.
10. And Moses <4872> said <559>(8799) unto the LORD <3068>, O <994> my Lord <136>, I <376> am not eloquent <1697>, neither heretofore <8032> <8543>, nor since <227> thou hast spoken <1696>(8763) unto thy servant <5650>: but I am slow <3515> of speech <6310>, and of a slow <3515> tongue <3956>.
11. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto him, Who hath made <7760>(8804) man's <120> mouth <6310>? or who maketh <7760>(8799) the dumb <483>, or deaf <2795>, or the seeing <6493>, or the blind <5787>? have not I the LORD <3068>?
12. Now therefore go <3212>(8798), and I will be with thy mouth <6310>, and teach <3384>(8689) thee what thou shalt say <1696>(8762).
13. And he said <559>(8799), O <994> my Lord <136>, send <7971>(8798), I pray thee, by the hand <3027> of him whom thou wilt send <7971>(8799).
14. And the anger <639> of the LORD <3068> was kindled <2734>(8799) against Moses <4872>, and he said <559>(8799), Is not Aaron <175> the Levite <3881> thy brother <251>? I know <3045>(8804) that he can speak <1696>(8762) well <1696>(8763). And also, behold, he cometh forth <3318>(8802) to meet <7125>(8800) thee: and when he seeth <7200>(8804) thee, he will be glad <8055>(8804) in his heart <3820>.
15. And thou shalt speak <1696>(8765) unto him, and put <7760>(8804) words <1697> in his mouth <6310>: and I will be with thy mouth <6310>, and with his mouth <6310>, and will teach <3384>(8689) you what ye shall do <6213>(8799).
16. And he shall be thy spokesman <1696>(8765) unto the people <5971>: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth <6310>, and thou shalt be to him instead of God <430>.
17. And thou shalt take <3947>(8799) this rod <4294> in thine hand <3027>, wherewith thou shalt do <6213>(8799) signs <226>.
18. And Moses <4872> went <3212>(8799) and returned <7725>(8799) to Jethro <3500> his father in law <2859>(8802), and said <559>(8799) unto him, Let me go <3212>(8799), I pray thee, and return <7725>(8799) unto my brethren <251> which are in Egypt <4714>, and see <7200>(8799) whether they be yet <5750> alive <2416>. And Jethro <3503> said <559>(8799) to Moses <4872>, Go <3212>(8798) in peace <7965>.
19. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto Moses <4872> in Midian <4080>, Go <3212>(8798), return <7725>(8798) into Egypt <4714>: for all the men <582> are dead <4191>(8804) which sought <1245>(8764) thy life <5315>.
20. And Moses <4872> took <3947>(8799) his wife <802> and his sons <1121>, and set <7392>(8686) them upon an ass <2543>, and he returned <7725>(8799) to the land <776> of Egypt <4714>: and Moses <4872> took <3947>(8799) the rod <4294> of God <430> in his hand <3027>.
21. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto Moses <4872>, When thou goest <3212>(8800) to return <7725>(8800) into Egypt <4714>, see <7200>(8798) that thou do <6213>(8804) all those wonders <4159> before <6440> Pharaoh <6547>, which I have put <7760>(8804) in thine hand <3027>: but I will harden <2388>(8762) his heart <3820>, that he shall not let the people <5971> go <7971>(8762).
22. And thou shalt say <559>(8804) unto Pharaoh <6547>, Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068>, Israel <3478> is my son <1121>, even my firstborn <1060>:
23. And I say <559>(8799) unto thee, Let my son <1121> go <7971>(8761), that he may serve <5647>(8799) me: and if thou refuse <3985>(8762) to let him go <7971>(8763), behold, I will slay <2026>(8802) thy son <1121>, even thy firstborn <1060>.
24. And it came to pass by the way <1870> in the inn <4411>, that the LORD <3068> met <6298>(8799) him, and sought <1245>(8762) to kill <4191>(8687) him.
25. Then Zipporah <6855> took <3947>(8799) a sharp stone <6864>, and cut off <3772>(8799) the foreskin <6190> of her son <1121>, and cast <5060>(8686) it at his feet <7272>, and said <559>(8799), Surely a bloody <1818> husband <2860> art thou to me.
26. So he let him go <7503>(8799): then she said <559>(8804), A bloody <1818> husband <2860> thou art, because of the circumcision <4139>.
27. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) to Aaron <175>, Go <3212>(8798) into the wilderness <4057> to meet <7125>(8800) Moses <4872>. And he went <3212>(8799), and met <6298>(8799) him in the mount <2022> of God <430>, and kissed <5401>(8799) him.
28. And Moses <4872> told <5046>(8686) Aaron <175> all the words <1697> of the LORD <3068> who had sent <7971>(8804) him, and all the signs <226> which he had commanded <6680>(8765) him.
29. And Moses <4872> and Aaron <175> went <3212>(8799) and gathered together <622>(8799) all the elders <2205> of the children <1121> of Israel <3478>:
30. And Aaron <175> spake <1696>(8762) all the words <1697> which the LORD <3068> had spoken <1696>(8765) unto Moses <4872>, and did <6213>(8799) the signs <226> in the sight <5869> of the people <5971>.
31. And the people <5971> believed <539>(8686): and when they heard <8085>(8799) that the LORD <3068> had visited <6485>(8804) the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, and that he had looked <7200>(8804) upon their affliction <6040>, then they bowed their heads <6915>(8799) and worshipped <7812>(8691).
Notes that are not verse specific
The two Psalms that we read today once again go together as is so often the case.
Psalm 56 This Psalm was written when David first went to Gash. 1Sam 21:10
Psalm 57 Written when David is in fear of his life in the presence of the servants of Achish. 1Sam 21:11
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
These psalms are messianic, and give us an idea of the thinking of Jesus & of his communication with his Father when he was beset by his enemies. He never gives in to despair, but rejoices in the care of God. This is a wonderful example for us.
Wendy Johnsen [Nanaimo, BC, Canada] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Wendy
56 Title. This Psalm is to be seen as complementing Psalm 34. David was going to Gath when, as this Psalm title says, David was captured by the Philistines. David is then arrayed before Achish. Psa 34 talks of that incident.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
56 Title From the historical account in1Sam 21 we might conclude that David simply went to the Philistines in Gath. But the use of the phrase “took him” would imply that he had no choice in his fate.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Peter
Life is not Always Plain Sailing
Moses’ request of Pharaoh, initially, increased the difficulties that the Israelites experienced. Those Israelites charged with making the Israelites work harder complained to Moses that their task had been made more difficult. We should understand that doing God’s will is not necessarily something that is easy.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
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1. To the chief Musician <5329>(8764) upon Jonathelemrechokim <3128>, Michtam <4387> of David <1732>, when the Philistines <6430> took <270>(8800) him in Gath <1661>. Be merciful <2603>(8798) unto me, O God <430>: for man <582> would swallow me up <7602>(8804); he fighting <3898>(8802) daily <3117> oppresseth <3905>(8799) me.
2. Mine enemies <8324>(8802) would daily <3117> swallow <7602>(8804) me up: for they be many <7227> that fight <3898>(8802) against me, O thou most High <4791>.
3. What time <3117> I am afraid <3372>(8799), I will trust <982>(8799) in thee.
4. In God <430> I will praise <1984>(8762) his word <1697>, in God <430> I have put my trust <982>(8804); I will not fear <3372>(8799) what flesh <1320> can do <6213>(8799) unto me.
5. Every day <3117> they wrest <6087>(8762) my words <1697>: all their thoughts <4284> are against me for evil <7451>.
6. They gather themselves together <1481>(8799), they hide <6845>(8799)(8675) <6845>(8686) themselves, they mark <8104>(8799) my steps <6119>, when they wait <6960>(8765) for my soul <5315>.
7. Shall they escape <6405> by iniquity <205>? in thine anger <639> cast down <3381>(8685) the people <5971>, O God <430>.
8. Thou tellest <5608>(8804) my wanderings <5112>: put <7760>(8798) thou my tears <1832> into thy bottle <4997>: are they not in thy book <5612>?
9. When <3117> I cry <7121>(8799) unto thee, then shall mine enemies <341>(8802) turn <7725>(8799) back <268>: this I know <3045>(8804); for God <430> is for me.
10. In God <430> will I praise <1984>(8762) his word <1697>: in the LORD <3068> will I praise <1984>(8762) his word <1697>.
11. In God <430> have I put my trust <982>(8804): I will not be afraid <3372>(8799) what man <120> can do <6213>(8799) unto me.
12. Thy vows <5088> are upon me, O God <430>: I will render <7999>(8762) praises <8426> unto thee.
13. For thou hast delivered <5337>(8689) my soul <5315> from death <4194>: wilt not thou deliver my feet <7272> from falling <1762>, that I may walk <1980>(8692) before <6440> God <430> in the light <216> of the living <2416>?
1. To the chief Musician <5329>(8764), Altaschith <516>(8686), Michtam <4387> of David <1732>, when he fled <1272>(8800) from <6440> Saul <7586> in the cave <4631>. Be merciful <2603>(8798) unto me, O God <430>, be merciful <2603>(8798) unto me: for my soul <5315> trusteth <2620>(8804) in thee: yea, in the shadow <6738> of thy wings <3671> will I make my refuge <2620>(8799), until these calamities <1942> be overpast <5674>(8799).
2. I will cry <7121>(8799) unto God <430> most high <5945>; unto God <410> that performeth <1584>(8802) all things for me.
3. He shall send <7971>(8799) from heaven <8064>, and save <3467>(8686) me from the reproach <2778>(8765) of him that would swallow me up <7602>(8802). Selah <5542>. God <430> shall send forth <7971>(8799) his mercy <2617> and his truth <571>.
4. My soul <5315> is among <8432> lions <3833>: and I lie <7901>(8799) even among them that are set on fire <3857>(8802), even the sons <1121> of men <120>, whose teeth <8127> are spears <2595> and arrows <2671>, and their tongue <3956> a sharp <2299> sword <2719>.
5. Be thou exalted <7311>(8798), O God <430>, above the heavens <8064>; let thy glory <3519> be above all the earth <776>.
6. They have prepared <3559>(8689) a net <7568> for my steps <6471>; my soul <5315> is bowed down <3721>(8804): they have digged <3738>(8804) a pit <7882> before <6440> me, into the midst <8432> whereof they are fallen <5307>(8804) themselves. Selah <5542>.
7. My heart <3820> is fixed <3559>(8737), O God <430>, my heart <3820> is fixed <3559>(8737): I will sing <7891>(8799) and give praise <2167>(8762).
8. Awake up <5782>(8798), my glory <3519>; awake <5782>(8798), psaltery <5035> and harp <3658>: I myself will awake <5782>(8686) early <7837>.
9. I will praise <3034>(8686) thee, O Lord <136>, among the people <5971>: I will sing <2167>(8762) unto thee among the nations <3816>.
10. For thy mercy <2617> is great <1419> unto the heavens <8064>, and thy truth <571> unto the clouds <7834>.
11. Be thou exalted <7311>(8798), O God <430>, above the heavens <8064>: let thy glory <3519> be above all the earth <776>.
Notes that are not verse specific
Rom. 9:5.
"Theirs (Israel's) are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, for ever praised. Amen."
How are we to understand what Paul is saying here in light of the falseness of the trinity doctrine?
My brother George wrote in with a pretty detailed response, giving several different possible ways of reading this passage. Here it is -
WHO IS GOD OVER ALL, FOREVER PRAISED: However, the KJV has: "Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever." This makes "who is over all" refer to Christ, which is quite reasonable, because the Father has committed all power and authority to His Son (
Matt 28:18;
John 17:6). But the question remains: Who, if anyone, is the antecedent of the phrase "God (is, be) blessed for ever" refer? In other words, is Christ being called "God"?
According to the NET Notes, "The translational difficulty here is not text-critical in nature, but is a problem of punctuation."
In his Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, the preeminent textual scholar Bruce Metzger writes: "Since the earliest manuscripts of the New Testament are without systematic punctuation, editors and translators of the text must insert such marks of punctuation as seem to be appropriate to the syntax and meaning." Metzger also points out that "nowhere else in his genuine epistles does Paul ever designate 'ho Christos' as 'Theos'. In fact, on the general tenor of his theology it is considered tantamount to impossible that Paul would have expressed Christ's greatness by calling him 'God blessed for ever'."
The NIV margin renders this with a period, i.e., "…who is over all. God be forever praised!" Compare the NEB: "May God, supreme above all, be blessed for ever." By making a separate sentence of the phrase "God… be blessed for ever", these translators turn the phrase into a very reasonable and defensible statement: 'God is, and will be, blessed for ever.'
Also, there is another possibility: "An alternative wording has been favored by a few scholars, arrived at by emendation of the text... yielding the following: 'whose is the God over all, blessed for ever.' This would make Israel's possession of the true God her climactic blessing, and it would be a fitting close to the paragraph" (Edward F. Harrison, Expositors Bible Commentary).
As stated above, the NIV "who is over all", by itself, testifies that the Father had committed all power and authority to His Son, now and in the age to come.
On the other hand, "God over all", if accepted as a correct rendering (and punctuation), testifies that Jesus is the fullest manifestation of Almighty God -- the express image of the Father's person in human flesh (cp Col 1:15; Heb 1:2; Phil 2:9). Compare the ideas in Matt 23:39; Zech 14:9: Jesus of Nazareth is the one who comes in the "name" of the Lord. Also compare Psa 45:6,7(cited in Heb 1:8,9): Jesus is addressed as "God", but only because he has been "blessed" by his God forever. Compare also Psa 45:2, which has the very phrase of Romans 9:5: "God has blessed you forever."
Wes Booker [South Austin Texas USA] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Wes
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1. I say <3004>(5719) the truth <225> in <1722> Christ <5547>, I lie <5574>(5736) not <3756>, my <3450> conscience <4893> also bearing <4828> <0> me <3427> witness <4828>(5723) in <1722> the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>,
2. That <3754> I <3427> have <2076>(5748) great <3173> heaviness <3077> and <2532> continual <88> sorrow in <3601> my <3450> heart <2588>.
3. For <1063> I <1473> could wish <2172>(5711) that myself <846> were <1511>(5750) accursed <331> from <575> Christ <5547> for <5228> my <3450> brethren <80>, my <3450> kinsmen <4773> according <2596> to the flesh <4561>:
4. Who <3748> are <1526>(5748) Israelites <2475>; to whom <3739> pertaineth the adoption <5206>, and <2532> the glory <1391>, and <2532> the covenants <1242>, and <2532> the giving of the law <3548>, and <2532> the service <2999> of God, and <2532> the promises <1860>;
5. Whose <3739> are the fathers <3962>, and <2532> of <1537> whom <3739> as concerning <2596> the flesh <4561> Christ <5547> came, who <5607>(5752) is over <1909> all <3956>, God <2316> blessed <2128> for <1519> ever <165>. Amen <281>.
6. Not <3756> as <3634> though <1161> <3754> the word <3056> of God <2316> hath taken none effect <1601>(5758). For <1063> they are not <3756> all <3956> <1537> Israel <2474>, which <3588> <3778> are of Israel <2474>:
7. Neither <3761>, because <3754> they are <1526>(5748) the seed <4690> of Abraham <11>, are they all <3956> children <5043>: but <235>, In <1722> Isaac <2464> shall <2564> <0> thy <4671> seed <4690> be called <2564>(5701).
8. That <5123>(5748) is, They which are the children <5043> of the flesh <4561>, these <5023> are not <3756> the children <5043> of God <2316>: but <235> the children <5043> of the promise <1860> are counted <3049>(5736) for <1519> the seed <4690>.
9. For <1063> this <3778> is the word <3056> of promise <1860>, At <2596> this <5126> time <2540> will I come <2064>(5695), and <2532> Sara <4564> shall have <2071>(5704) a son <5207>.
10. And <1161> not <3756> only <3440> this; but <235> when Rebecca <4479> also <2532> had conceived <2845> by <1537> one <1520> <2192>(5723), even by our <2257> father <3962> Isaac <2464>;
11. (For <1063> the children being <1080> <0> not yet <3380> born <1080>(5685), neither <3366> having done <4238>(5660) any <5100> good <18> or <2228> evil <2556>, that <2443> the purpose <4286> of God <2316> according <2596> to election <1589> might stand <3306>(5725), not <3756> of <1537> works <2041>, but <235> of <1537> him that calleth <2564>(5723);)
12. <3754> It was said <4483>(5681) unto her <846>, The elder <3187> shall serve <1398>(5692) the younger <1640>.
13. As <2531> it is written <1125>(5769), Jacob <2384> have I loved <25>(5656), but <1161> Esau <2269> have I hated <3404>(5656).
14. What <5101> shall we say <2046>(5692) then <3767>? <3361> Is there unrighteousness <93> with <3844> God <2316>? God forbid <3361> <1096>(5636).
15. For <1063> he saith <3004>(5719) to Moses <3475>, I will have mercy on <1653>(5692) whom <3739> <302> I will have mercy <1653>(5725), and <2532> I will have compassion <3627>(5692) on whom <3739> <302> I will have compassion <3627>(5725).
16. So <686> then <3767> it is not <3756> of him that willeth <2309>(5723), nor <3761> of him that runneth <5143>(5723), but <235> of God <2316> that sheweth mercy <1653>(5723).
17. For <1063> the scripture <1124> saith <3004>(5719) unto Pharaoh <5328>, Even for <3754> <1519> this <5124> same purpose <846> have I raised <1825> <0> thee <4571> up <1825>(5656), that <3704> I might shew <1731>(5672) my <3450> power <1411> in <1722> thee <4671>, and <2532> that <3704> my <3450> name <3686> might be declared <1229>(5652) throughout <1722> all <3956> the earth <1093>.
18. Therefore <686> <3767> hath he mercy <1653>(5719) on whom <3739> he will <2309>(5719) have mercy, and <1161> whom <3739> he will <2309>(5719) he hardeneth <4645>(5719).
19. Thou wilt say <2046>(5692) then <3767> unto me <3427>, Why <5101> doth he yet <2089> find fault <3201>(5736)? For <1063> who <5101> hath resisted <436>(5758) his <846> will <1013>?
20. Nay but <3304>, O <5599> man <444>, who <5101> art <1488>(5748) thou <4771> that repliest against <470>(5740) God <2316>? <3361> Shall <2046> <0> the thing formed <4110> say <2046>(5692) to him that formed <4111>(5660) it, Why <5101> hast thou made <4160>(5656) me <3165> thus <3779>?
21. <2228> Hath <2192>(5719) not <3756> the potter <2763> power <1849> over the clay <4081>, of <1537> the same <846> lump <5445> to <3739> <3303> make <4160>(5658) one vessel <4632> unto <1519> honour <5092>, and <1161> another <3739> unto <1519> dishonour <819>?
22. What if <1487> <1161> God <2316>, willing <2309>(5723) to shew <1731>(5670) his wrath <3709>, and <2532> to make <1107> <0> his <848> power <1415> known <1107>(5658), endured <5342>(5656) with <1722> much <4183> longsuffering <3115> the vessels <4632> of wrath <3709> fitted <2675>(5772) to <1519> destruction <684>:
23. And <2532> that <2443> he might make known <1107>(5661) the riches <4149> of his <848> glory <1391> on <1909> the vessels <4632> of mercy <1656>, which <3739> he had afore prepared <4282>(5656) unto <1519> glory <1391>,
24. Even <2532> us <2248>, whom <3739> he hath called <2564>(5656), not <3756> <3739> of <1537> the Jews <2453> only <3440>, but <235> also <2532> of <1537> the Gentiles <1484>?
25. As he saith <3004>(5719) also <2532> in <1722> Osee <5617>, I will call <2564>(5692) them my <3450> people <2992>, which were not <3756> my <3450> people <2992>; and <2532> her beloved <25>(5772), which was <25> <0> not <3756> beloved <25>(5772).
26. And <2532> it shall come to pass <2071>(5704), that in <1722> the place <5117> where <3757> it was said <4483>(5681) unto them <846>, Ye <5210> are not <3756> my <3450> people <2992>; there <1563> shall they be called <2564>(5701) the children <5207> of the living <2198>(5723) God <2316>.
27. Esaias <2268> also <1161> crieth <2896>(5719) concerning <5228> Israel <2474>, Though <1437> the number <706> of the children <5207> of Israel <2474> be <5600>(5753) as <5613> the sand <285> of the sea <2281>, a remnant <2640> shall be saved <4982>(5701):
28. For <1063> he will finish <4931>(5723) the work <3056>, and <2532> cut it short <4932>(5723) in <1722> righteousness <1343>: because <3754> a short <4932>(5772) work <3056> will <4160> <0> the Lord <2962> make <4160>(5692) upon <1909> the earth <1093>.
29. And <2532> as <2531> Esaias <2268> said before <4280>(5758), Except <1508> the Lord <2962> of Sabaoth <4519> had left <1459>(5627) us <2254> a seed <4690>, we had been <302> <1096>(5675) as <5613> Sodoma <4670>, and <2532> been made like <302> <3666>(5681) unto <5613> Gomorrha <1116>.
30. What <5101> shall we say <2046>(5692) then <3767>? That <3754> the Gentiles <1484>, which <3588> followed <1377>(5723) not <3361> after righteousness <1343>, have attained <2638>(5627) to righteousness <1343>, even <1161> the righteousness <1343> which <3588> is of <1537> faith <4102>.
31. But <1161> Israel <2474>, which followed <1377>(5723) after the law <3551> of righteousness <1343>, hath <5348> <0> not <3756> attained <5348>(5656) to <1519> the law <3551> of righteousness <1343>.
32. Wherefore <1302>? Because <3754> they sought it not <3756> by <1537> faith <4102>, but <235> as <5613> it were by <1537> the works <2041> of the law <3551>. For <1063> they stumbled <4350>(5656) at that stumblingstone <3037> <4348>;
33. As <2531> it is written <1125>(5769), Behold <2400>(5628), I lay <5087>(5719) in <1722> Sion <4622> a stumblingstone <3037> <4348> and <2532> rock <4073> of offence <4625>: and <2532> whosoever <3956> believeth <4100>(5723) on <1909> him <846> shall <2617> <0> not <3756> be ashamed <2617>(5701).