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Notes that are not verse specific
Here we have God's final requirements for perfection surrounding the birth of Isaac. God decided that it had to be a miracle - that is, to be born in circumstances that, humanly speaking, were impossible - just like the greater Son that he foreshadowed. But as well as that, Isaac had to be born from within the recently established covenant relationship with God, which Abraham had only just entered by circumcision. He had to be born of this covenant that would be fulfilled in the only sinless man, so that a new and better covenant (Heb.8:6) could be established for us. This is why Ishmael was not good enough. Gal.4:22-31. We are the free (ie. of Jesus) through Isaac.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
17:18 How the bond must have grown during those 14 years. But the son of the bondmaid had
to go (Galatians 4:22-31)
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to David
At eight days of age, circumcision is an unpleasant but comparatively short-lived experience, and one that is not committed to memory. However, as an adult, the experience is painful and one that is sure to linger in the mind. Recall the soreness of the Hivites who were deceived into being circumcised by Dinah's brothers (Gen 34:24-25). There would have been many young, strong men in that number. And so, when we consider Abraham's being circumcised at ninety-nine years old, we can sympathize with his discomfort, but can also admire his faith.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Michael
Gen 17:1-21 In the 99thyear of Abraham’s life the LORD appeared to him again and expanded on the covenant He made, see Gen 12:7 ; Gen 15:18. The covenant is an everlasting covenant between the LORD and Abraham and his descendants. Gen 17:7-8 provide the title deed to the land. Canaan was to be an everlasting possession. The covenant came with responsibilities. Circumcision was required of all males in the household with new born males circumcised on the 8thday of their life Gen 17:12-13. Four times is the “everlasting” nature of the covenant stated (verses, 7,8,13,19). So today in spite of the opposition of many nations to their presence in the land we see the Jews are a witness to this everlasting covenant made with Abraham. Prophecy out working before our eyes!
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Genesis 17
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Covenant
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v.2
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My covenant between me and thee
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The LORD will multiply thee exceedingly
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v.4
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My covenant is with thee
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Abraham to be a father of many nations
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v.7
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Everlasting covenant
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To be their God to Abraham & his seed
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v.9
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Thou shalt keep my covenant & your seed
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Throughout their generations
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v.10
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My covenant between me & your seed
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Every male child to be circumcised
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v.11
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You shall circumcise every male
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As a token of the covenant between us
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v.13
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Everlasting covenant through circumcision
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Applies to all males in family & servants
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v.14
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The uncircumcised break the covenant
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Penalty is to be cut off from God’s people
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v.19
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The everlasting covenant to be established through Sarah’s son
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The covenant to be with Isaac and his seed.
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v.21
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The covenant to be established with Isaac
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The time of divine appointment, next year
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Peter Moore [Erith, UK] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
20 This Psalm breaks naturally into two parts
:1-4 a call to God
:5-9 A response consequent of God’s blessing
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2021 Reply to Peter
17:10,11 This is my covenant ... Every male among you shall be circumcised ... it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you
Was circumcision a sign of the covenant (17:11), or was circumcision the covenant itself (17:10)?
Answer: Circumcision was "a sign of the covenant" (17:11), shortened to read "[Circumcision] is my covenant" (17:10).
What then was "the covenant"?
Answer:
God agreed to perform the following actions:
1. God would multiply Abraham's offspring (17:2)
2. Abraham would father "a multitude of nations" (17:4,5)
3. Kings shall come from Abraham (17:6)
4. God would be God to Abraham and Abraham's offspring (17:7)
5. God would give Canaan to Abraham and his offspring (17:8)
6. Sarah shall have a son named Isaac (17:16,19)
7. Sarah would be the mother of nations (17:16)
8. Kings shall come from Sarah (17:16)
9. All the nations of the earth shall be blessed in Abraham (18:18)
Man was to perform the following actions:
1. To "walk before God, and be blameless" (17:1)
2. To "keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him" (18:19)
What were the signs of the covenant?
Answer:
1. Circumcision (17:11)
2. Abram's name changed to Abraham (17:5)
3. Sarai's name changed to Sarah (17:15)
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Bruce
18:13,14 The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”
Sarah's words of unbelief in Genesis 18 contrast with her belief in God in Hebrews 11:11 "By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised".
How do we reconcile these opposite statements?
Believers often go back and forth between belief and unbelief - we are sinners and our lives are broken. After her words of unbelief in Genesis 18, she had time for spiritual reflection and "she considered God faithful who had promised". Maybe this is the reason we are exhorted in the Psalms and elsewhere to stop and consider; to reflect and meditate on God's word. It allows us to see God where we would otherwise be unbelieving, indifferent or dismissive.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Bruce
17:20 [Ishmael] shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation.
The twelve princes are given at Genesis 25:12-16. But what is the "great nation" that proceeded from Ishmael? One commentary opines that the Turks represent this one great nation which at its height became the Turkish empire. Maybe there is a future fulfilment of a great nation proceeding from Ishmael, as the Arabs are currently separate warring nations and kingdoms, and the Turkish empire, assuming it ever was the fulfilment of this prophecy, is no more.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Bruce
18:20,21 Then the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me.
Questione One: Who is crying out against the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah?
The following are possibilities:
1. Lot "and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard)" (2 Peter 2:7-8)
2. Ecclesial members who left the Sodom ecclesia, disgusted by the surrounding culture. (Abraham first suggested that there might be 50 righteous persons in Sodom (Genesis 18:24) but was unaware of the true, much lower, figure. Many ecclesial members may have left Sodom disgusted by the culture, and other members would have left having become part of the surrounding culture (Genesis 19:14)).
3. Travellers and visitors who were mugged and sexually abused by drugged gangs (Genesis 19:4-11)
4. The poor and needy of Sodom who lacked the basic essentials of life and may have been mugged and sexually abused and exploited for sensual pleasure (Ezekiel 16:49)
Question Two: Why did God declare that He needed to visit Sodom to see whether the reports He had heard about Sodom were true? Surely God, who sees all things, would know that already.
Answer:
1. God does know all things but sometimes chooses to obtain tangible, objective, verifiable proof for His decisions. For example, Genesis 22:12 shows that even though God knew the outcome of Abraham's test of faith, He nonetheless sought verifiable proof "Now I know that you fear God"
2. God wanted to save Lot which was only possible through a visit.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Bruce
18:32 For the sake of ten I will not destroy Sodom
How large was the ecclesia in Sodom? Abraham felt safe in starting at 50 members (Genesis 18:24) as a first approximation. It may have been more than ten members BUT of those, Lot thought he could escape Sodom with 6 people: himself, his wife, his two daughters and their fiancés (Genesis 19:14). Of those, only 4 fled Sodom (the fiancés stayed behind), and of those only 3 survived (Lot's wife died), and of those, 2 acted immorally (Lot's daughters). And Lot doesn't come out of this event in an upright way (Genesis 19:36).
But the ecclesia seems to have had some degree of morality since, though betrothed, Lot's daughters were virgins (Genesis 19:8). So their fiancés respected the need for purity prior to marriage, suggesting that they had been brought up in a moral environment, probably in the ecclesia. If true, this suggests that there were others in the ecclesia - the fiancés parents (possibly another 4 people) and other influencers within the ecclesial community. So, if 10 is the lower threshold for preventing the destruction of Sodom, why was it destroyed when the ecclesia probably numbered at least 10 members and possibly up to 50, or more, members? Answer: Because it was dead spiritually (like Sardis Revelation 3:1), and lukewarm (like Laodicea Revelation 3:15,16). Ecclesial membership size may have been at least 10, ecclesial spiritual membership size was less than 10.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Bruce
18:10 The LORD said,"I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son"
These words are similar to 17:21 "I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year". This means that the events of Genesis 18 happened no more than 3 months after the events of Genesis 17.
So why, if she had been recently informed from Genesis 17 that she would be a mother, did Sarah laugh in Genesis 18 as though the promise of motherhood in Genesis 18 was a new and unbelievable promise?
Possible answers:
1. Abraham did not inform her of the events in Genesis 17 (not likely though as Abraham would hardly keep such information to himself)
2. No rejuvenation of Abraham's body or Sarah's body had occurred since the events of Genesis 17 (cp Genesis 18:11,12) suggesting that the promise of Genesis 17 was somehow misunderstood by them or could be spiritualised away.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Bruce
18:12,13 So Sarah laughed to herself ... The LORD said to Abraham , "Why did Sarah laugh"
Sarah laughed to herself yet God heard her laugh. This shows that nothing that we think is concealed from God.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Bruce
18:1,2 And the LORD appeared to him ... behold three men were standing in front of him
Commentators assert that whilst two of these men were angels (cp Genesis 19:1) the third man was in fact God through a preincarnate Jesus showing himself as an angel. Their argument is that this third man speaks as though he is God eg vv10, 13, and so must be God Himself. But this argument is unfounded given that, on a similar occasion, we know that the man in Genesis 32:24 was an angel who represented and spoke as God (Hosea 12:4). Unmoved by Hosea's testimony, commentators of Genesis 32:24 continue to assert that this man was Jesus in some preincarnate form. This speculation seems to me to be an attempt at avoiding the clear statement of Scripture that angels, in representing God, can be called "God". All we know about Jesus is that he was made a little lower than angels (Hebrews 2:7), that is, he was human. To embroider some other story about Jesus having been at times an angel prior to his birth is an argument from silence.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Bruce
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1. And when Abram <87> was ninety <8673> <8141> years <8141> old <1121> and nine <8672>, the LORD <3068> appeared <7200>(8735) to Abram <87>, and said <559>(8799) unto him, I am the Almighty <7706> God <410>; walk <1980>(8690) before me <6440>, and be thou perfect <8549>.
2. And I will make <5414>(8799) my covenant <1285> between me and thee, and will multiply <7235>(8686) thee exceedingly <3966> <3966>.
3. And Abram <87> fell <5307>(8799) on his face <6440>: and God <430> talked <1696>(8762) with him, saying <559>(8800),
4. As for me <589>, behold, my covenant <1285> is with thee, and thou shalt be a father <1> of many <1995> nations <1471>.
5. Neither shall thy name <8034> any more be called <7121>(8735) Abram <87>, but thy name <8034> shall be Abraham <85>; for a father <1> of many <1995> nations <1471> have I made thee <5414>(8804).
6. And I will make <6509> <0> thee exceeding <3966> <3966> fruitful <6509>(8689), and I will make <5414>(8804) nations <1471> of thee, and kings <4428> shall come out <3318>(8799) of thee.
7. And I will establish <6965>(8689) my covenant <1285> between me and thee and thy seed <2233> after thee <310> in their generations <1755> for an everlasting <5769> covenant <1285>, to be a God <430> unto thee, and to thy seed <2233> after thee <310>.
8. And I will give <5414>(8804) unto thee, and to thy seed <2233> after thee <310>, the land <776> wherein thou art a stranger <4033>, all the land <776> of Canaan <3667>, for an everlasting <5769> possession <272>; and I will be their God <430>.
9. And God <430> said <559>(8799) unto Abraham <85>, Thou shalt keep <8104>(8799) my covenant <1285> therefore, thou, and thy seed <2233> after thee <310> in their generations <1755>.
10. This is my covenant <1285>, which ye shall keep <8104>(8799), between me and you and thy seed <2233> after thee <310>; Every man child <2145> among you shall be circumcised <4135>(8736).
11. And ye shall circumcise <5243>(8804) the flesh <1320> of your foreskin <6190>; and it shall be a token <226> of the covenant <1285> betwixt me and you.
12. And he that is eight <8083> days <3117> old <1121> shall be circumcised <4135>(8735) among you, every man child <2145> in your generations <1755>, he that is born <3211> in the house <1004>, or bought <4736> with money <3701> of any stranger <1121> <5236>, which is not of thy seed <2233>.
13. He that is born <3211> in thy house <1004>, and he that is bought <4736> with thy money <3701>, must needs <4135>(8736) be circumcised <4135>(8735): and my covenant <1285> shall be in your flesh <1320> for an everlasting <5769> covenant <1285>.
14. And the uncircumcised <6189> man child <2145> whose <834> flesh <1320> of his foreskin <6190> is not circumcised <4135>(8735), that soul <5315> shall be cut off <3772>(8738) from his people <5971>; he hath broken <6565>(8689) my covenant <1285>.
15. And God <430> said <559>(8799) unto Abraham <85>, As for Sarai <8297> thy wife <802>, thou shalt not call <7121>(8799) her name <8034> Sarai <8297>, but <3588> Sarah <8283> shall her name <8034> be.
16. And I will bless <1288>(8765) her, and give <5414>(8804) thee a son <1121> also of her: yea, I will bless <1288>(8765) her, and she shall be a mother of nations <1471>; kings <4428> of people <5971> shall be of her.
17. Then Abraham <85> fell <5307>(8799) upon his face <6440>, and laughed <6711>(8799), and said <559>(8799) in his heart <3820>, Shall a child be born <3205>(8735) unto him that is an hundred <3967> years <8141> old <1121>? and shall Sarah <8283>, that is ninety <8673> years <8141> old <1323>, bear <3205>(8799)?
18. And Abraham <85> said <559>(8799) unto God <430>, O that <3863> Ishmael <3458> might live <2421>(8799) before thee <6440>!
19. And God <430> said <559>(8799), Sarah <8283> thy wife <802> shall bear <3205>(8802) thee a son <1121> indeed <61>; and thou shalt call <7121>(8804) his name <8034> Isaac <3327>: and I will establish <6965>(8689) my covenant <1285> with him for an everlasting <5769> covenant <1285>, and with his seed <2233> after him <310>.
20. And as for Ishmael <3458>, I have heard thee <8085>(8804): Behold, I have blessed <1288>(8765) him, and will make him fruitful <6509>(8689), and will multiply <7235>(8689) him exceedingly <3966> <3966>; twelve <6240> <8147> princes <5387> shall he beget <3205>(8686), and I will make him <5414>(8804) a great <1419> nation <1471>.
21. But my covenant <1285> will I establish <6965>(8686) with Isaac <3327>, which Sarah <8283> shall bear <3205>(8799) unto thee at this set time <4150> in the next <312> year <8141>.
22. And he left off <3615>(8762) talking <1696>(8763) with him, and God <430> went up <5927>(8799) from Abraham <85>.
23. And Abraham <85> took <3947>(8799) Ishmael <3458> his son <1121>, and all that were born <3211> in his house <1004>, and all that were bought <4736> with his money <3701>, every male <2145> among the men <582> of Abraham's <85> house <1004>; and circumcised <4135>(8799) the flesh <1320> of their foreskin <6190> in the selfsame <6106> day <3117>, as God <430> had said <1696>(8765) unto him.
24. And Abraham <85> was ninety <8673> years <8141> old <1121> and nine <8672>, when he was circumcised <4135>(8736) in the flesh <1320> of his foreskin <6190>.
25. And Ishmael <3458> his son <1121> was thirteen <6240> <7969> years <8141> old <1121>, when he was circumcised <4135>(8736) in the flesh <1320> of his foreskin <6190>.
26. In the selfsame <6106> day <3117> was Abraham <85> circumcised <4135>(8738), and Ishmael <3458> his son <1121>.
27. And all the men <582> of his house <1004>, born <3211> in the house <1004>, and bought <4736> with money <3701> of the stranger <1121> <5236>, were circumcised <4135>(8738) with him.
1. And the LORD <3068> appeared <7200>(8735) unto him in the plains <436> of Mamre <4471>: and he sat <3427>(8802) in the tent <168> door <6607> in the heat <2527> of the day <3117>;
2. And he lift up <5375>(8799) his eyes <5869> and looked <7200>(8799), and, lo, three <7969> men <582> stood <5324>(8737) by him: and when he saw <7200>(8799) them, he ran <7323>(8799) to meet <7125>(8800) them from the tent <168> door <6607>, and bowed <7812>(8691) himself toward the ground <776>,
3. And said <559>(8799), My Lord <136>, if now I have found <4672>(8804) favour <2580> in thy sight <5869>, pass not away <5674>(8799), I pray thee, from thy servant <5650>:
4. Let a little <4592> water <4325>, I pray you <4994>, be fetched <3947>(8714), and wash <7364>(8798) your feet <7272>, and rest yourselves <8172>(8734) under the tree <6086>:
5. And I will fetch <3947>(8799) a morsel <6595> of bread <3899>, and comfort ye <5582>(8798) your hearts <3820>; after that <310> ye shall pass on <5674>(8799): for therefore are ye come <5674>(8804) to <5921> your servant <5650>. And they said <1696>(8765), So do <6213>(8799), as thou hast said <559>(8799).
6. And Abraham <85> hastened <4116>(8762) into the tent <168> unto Sarah <8283>, and said <559>(8799), Make ready quickly <4116>(8761) three <7969> measures <5429> of fine <5560> meal <7058>, knead <3888>(8798) it, and make <6213> <0> cakes <5692> upon the hearth <6213>(8798).
7. And Abraham <85> ran <7323>(8804) unto the herd <1241>, and fetcht <3947>(8799) a calf <1121> <1241> tender <7390> and good <2896>, and gave <5414>(8799) it unto a young man <5288>; and he hasted <4116>(8762) to dress <6213>(8800) it.
8. And he took <3947>(8799) butter <2529>, and milk <2461>, and the calf <1121> <1241> which he had dressed <6213>(8804), and set <5414>(8799) it before them <6440>; and he stood <5975>(8802) by them under the tree <6086>, and they did eat <398>(8799).
9. And they said <559>(8799) unto him, Where <346> is Sarah <8283> thy wife <802>? And he said <559>(8799), Behold, in the tent <168>.
10. And he said <559>(8799), I will certainly <7725>(8800) return <7725>(8799) unto thee according to the time <6256> of life <2416>; and, lo, Sarah <8283> thy wife <802> shall have a son <1121>. And Sarah <8283> heard <8085>(8802) it in the tent <168> door <6607>, which was behind him <310>.
11. Now Abraham <85> and Sarah <8283> were old <2205> and well stricken <935>(8802) in age <3117>; and it ceased <2308>(8804) to be with Sarah <8283> after the manner <734> of women <802>.
12. Therefore Sarah <8283> laughed <6711>(8799) within herself <7130>, saying <559>(8800), After <310> I am waxed old <1086>(8800) shall I have pleasure <5730>, my lord <113> being old also <2204>(8804)?
13. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto Abraham <85>, Wherefore <4100> did Sarah <8283> laugh <6711>(8804), saying <559>(8800), Shall I of a surety <552> bear <3205>(8799) a child, which <589> am old <2204>(8804)?
14. Is <6381> <0> any thing <1697> too hard <6381>(8735) for the LORD <3068>? At the time appointed <4150> I will return <7725>(8799) unto thee, according to the time <6256> of life <2416>, and Sarah <8283> shall have a son <1121>.
15. Then Sarah <8283> denied <3584>(8762), saying <559>(8800), I laughed <6711>(8804) not; for she was afraid <3372>(8804). And he said <559>(8799), Nay <3808>; but thou didst laugh <6711>(8804).
16. And the men <582> rose up <6965>(8799) from thence, and looked <8259>(8686) toward <6440> Sodom <5467>: and Abraham <85> went <1980>(8802) with them to bring them on the way <7971>(8763).
17. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8804), Shall I hide <3680>(8764) from Abraham <85> that thing which <834> I do <6213>(8802);
18. Seeing that Abraham <85> shall surely become a great <1419> and mighty <6099> nation <1471>, and all the nations <1471> of the earth <776> shall be blessed <1288>(8738) in him?
19. For I know <3045>(8804) him, that <834> he will command <6680>(8762) his children <1121> and his household <1004> after him <310>, and they shall keep <8104>(8804) the way <1870> of the LORD <3068>, to do <6213>(8800) justice <6666> and judgment <4941>; that the LORD <3068> may bring <935>(8687) upon Abraham <85> that which he hath spoken <1696>(8765) of him.
20. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799), Because the cry <2201> of Sodom <5467> and Gomorrah <6017> is great <7227>, and because their sin <2403> is very <3966> grievous <3513>(8804);
21. I will go down <3381>(8799) now, and see <7200>(8799) whether they have done <6213>(8804) altogether <3617> according to the cry <6818> of it, which is come <935>(8802) unto me; and if not, I will know <3045>(8799).
22. And the men <582> turned their faces <6437>(8799) from thence, and went <3212>(8799) toward Sodom <5467>: but Abraham <85> stood <5975>(8802) yet <5750> before <6440> the LORD <3068>.
23. And Abraham <85> drew near <5066>(8799), and said <559>(8799), Wilt thou also destroy <5595>(8799) the righteous <6662> with <5973> the wicked <7563>?
24. Peradventure there be <3426> fifty <2572> righteous <6662> within <8432> the city <5892>: wilt thou also destroy <5595>(8799) and not spare <5375>(8799) the place <4725> for <4616> the fifty <2572> righteous <6662> that are therein <7130>?
25. That be far <2486> from thee to do <6213>(8800) after this manner <1697>, to slay <4191>(8687) the righteous <6662> with the wicked <7563>: and that the righteous <6662> should be as the wicked <7563>, that be far <2486> from thee: Shall not the Judge <8199>(8802) of all the earth <776> do <6213>(8799) right <4941>?
26. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799), If I find <4672>(8799) in Sodom <5467> fifty <2572> righteous <6662> within <8432> the city <5892>, then I will spare <5375>(8804) all the place <4725> for their sakes.
27. And Abraham <85> answered <6030>(8799) and said <559>(8799), Behold now, I have taken upon me <2974>(8689) to speak <1696>(8763) unto the Lord <136>, which <595> am but dust <6083> and ashes <665>:
28. Peradventure there shall lack <2637>(8799) five <2568> of the fifty <2572> righteous <6662>: wilt thou destroy <7843>(8686) all the city <5892> for lack of five <2568>? And he said <559>(8799), If I find <4672>(8799) there forty <705> and five <2568>, I will not destroy <7843>(8686) it.
29. And he spake <1696>(8763) unto him yet again <3254>(8686), and said <559>(8799), Peradventure there shall be forty <705> found <4672>(8735) there. And he said <559>(8799), I will not do <6213>(8799) it for forty's <705> sake.
30. And he said <559>(8799) unto him, Oh <4994> let not the Lord <136> be angry <2734>(8799), and I will speak <1696>(8762): Peradventure there shall thirty <7970> be found <4672>(8735) there. And he said <559>(8799), I will not do <6213>(8799) it, if I find <4672>(8799) thirty <7970> there.
31. And he said <559>(8799), Behold now, I have taken upon me <2974>(8689) to speak <1696>(8763) unto the Lord <136>: Peradventure there shall be twenty <6242> found <4672>(8735) there. And he said <559>(8799), I will not destroy <7843>(8686) it for twenty's <6242> sake.
32. And he said <559>(8799), Oh let not the Lord <136> be angry <2734>(8799), and I will speak <1696>(8762) yet <389> but this once <6471>: Peradventure ten <6235> shall be found <4672>(8735) there. And he said <559>(8799), I will not destroy <7843>(8686) it for ten's <6235> sake.
33. And the LORD <3068> went his way <3212>(8799), as soon as <834> he had left <3615>(8765) communing <1696>(8763) with Abraham <85>: and Abraham <85> returned <7725>(8804) unto his place <4725>.
Notes that are not verse specific
Psa 19 The heavens glorify God because they obey His law which He has set in place. God also gave His law to men, but because of pride men do not obey, and therefore do not glorify God. David's prayer at the end of the psalm is that he (and others) may do so.
Wendy Johnsen [Nanaimo, BC, Canada] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Wendy
Psa 19 In this Psalm we have many allusions to Gen. 3. Each one of these allusions drives home the meaning, as we read of the fall of Adam and Eve, we are reminded that each time we ignore the Word, we sin. They thought that by disobeying God's commands they would be better off, only to find the opposite was the case. This is what each one of us does when we go our way instead of our Heavenly Father's way. The lesson is so simple, that if we are not careful, we will make the same error as was made in Eden. It is only by the keeping of God's Word to the best of our ability that there can be, by God's grace, an inheritance of the promises made to Abraham.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to John
Psalm 19 addresses a large "global" focus in the beginning (beginning with "the heavens"), then moves on to the part that God's word play in the life of a believer. It finishes with an acknowledgement of one's faults and a prayer for forgiveness. This is a clear demonstration of the fact that God's creative power is revealed in creation Rom 1:20, but also that simple reliance on this will not teach truth. The word must be implanted as well as a recognition of the simple truths of creation. Thus the Psalm is discussing exactly that process.
Ross Melles [Waitakere, Auckland (NZ)] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Ross
Psa 21
REJOICING IN GOD
“It is the mission of Christ, through the Gospel, to teach men to rejoice in God. And an unfailing source of joy is God, when once the mind opens to the great fact of His existence, excellence and power; for is not He beyond all minor causes of joy? Those minor causes fail; He, never. He is from everlasting. With Him is strength; not the strength that belongs to man: man owes his strength to the bread he eats; and the bread he eats with man himself is a perishable thing. Man dieth and wasteth away. But when we turn our eyes to God, we see the full meaning of the words: ‘Be thou exalted in Thine own strength: so we will sing and praise Thy power.’’’
Robert Roberts, Seasons of Comfort, p. 90
Valerie Mello [in isolation, TN, USA] Comment added in 2025 Reply to Valerie
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1. To the chief Musician <5329>(8764), A Psalm <4210> of David <1732>. The heavens <8064> declare <5608>(8764) the glory <3519> of God <410>; and the firmament <7549> sheweth his <5046>(8688) handywork <4639> <3027>.
2. Day <3117> unto day <3117> uttereth <5042>(8686) speech <562>, and night <3915> unto night <3915> sheweth <2331>(8762) knowledge <1847>.
3. There is no speech <562> nor language <1697>, where their voice <6963> is not heard <8085>(8738).
4. Their line <6957> is gone out <3318>(8804) through all the earth <776>, and their words <4405> to the end <7097> of the world <8398>. In them hath he set <7760>(8804) a tabernacle <168> for the sun <8121>,
5. Which is as a bridegroom <2860> coming out <3318>(8802) of his chamber <2646>, and rejoiceth <7797>(8799) as a strong man <1368> to run <7323>(8800) a race <734>.
6. His going forth <4161> is from the end <7097> of the heaven <8064>, and his circuit <8622> unto the ends <7098> of it: and there is nothing hid <5641>(8737) from the heat <2535> thereof.
7. The law <8451> of the LORD <3068> is perfect <8549>, converting <7725>(8688) the soul <5315>: the testimony <5715> of the LORD <3068> is sure <539>(8737), making wise <2449>(8688) the simple <6612>.
8. The statutes <6490> of the LORD <3068> are right <3477>, rejoicing <8055>(8764) the heart <3820>: the commandment <4687> of the LORD <3068> is pure <1249>, enlightening <215>(8688) the eyes <5869>.
9. The fear <3374> of the LORD <3068> is clean <2889>, enduring <5975>(8802) for ever <5703>: the judgments <4941> of the LORD <3068> are true <571> and righteous <6663>(8804) altogether <3162>.
10. More to be desired <2530>(8737) are they than gold <2091>, yea, than much <7227> fine gold <6337>: sweeter <4966> also than honey <1706> and the honeycomb <5317> <6688>.
11. Moreover by them is thy servant <5650> warned <2094>(8737): and in keeping <8104>(8800) of them there is great <7227> reward <6118>.
12. Who can understand <995>(8799) his errors <7691>? cleanse <5352>(8761) thou me from secret <5641>(8737) faults.
13. Keep back <2820>(8798) thy servant <5650> also from presumptuous <2086> sins; let them not have dominion <4910>(8799) over me: then shall I be upright <8552>(8799), and I shall be innocent <5352>(8738) from the great <7227> transgression <6588>.
14. Let the words <561> of my mouth <6310>, and the meditation <1902> of my heart <3820>, be acceptable <7522> in thy sight <6440>, O LORD <3068>, my strength <6697>, and my redeemer <1350>(8802).
1. To the chief Musician <5329>(8764), A Psalm <4210> of David <1732>. The LORD <3068> hear <6030>(8799) thee in the day <3117> of trouble <6869>; the name <8034> of the God <430> of Jacob <3290> defend <7682>(8762) thee;
2. Send <7971>(8799) thee help <5828> from the sanctuary <6944>, and strengthen <5582>(8799) thee out of Zion <6726>;
3. Remember <2142>(8799) all thy offerings <4503>, and accept <1878>(8762) thy burnt sacrifice <5930>; Selah <5542>.
4. Grant <5414>(8799) thee according to thine own heart <3824>, and fulfil <4390>(8762) all thy counsel <6098>.
5. We will rejoice <7442>(8762) in thy salvation <3444>, and in the name <8034> of our God <430> we will set up our banners <1713>(8799): the LORD <3068> fulfil <4390>(8762) all thy petitions <4862>.
6. Now know <3045>(8804) I that the LORD <3068> saveth <3467>(8689) his anointed <4899>; he will hear <6030>(8799) him from his holy <6944> heaven <8064> with the saving <3468> strength <1369> of his right hand <3225>.
7. Some trust in chariots <7393>, and some in horses <5483>: but we will remember <2142>(8686) the name <8034> of the LORD <3068> our God <430>.
8. They are brought down <3766>(8804) and fallen <5307>(8804): but we are risen <6965>(8804), and stand upright <5749>(8696).
9. Save <3467>(8685), LORD <3068>: let the king <4428> hear <6030>(8799) us when <3117> we call <7121>(8800).
1. To the chief Musician <5329>(8764), A Psalm <4210> of David <1732>. The king <4428> shall joy <8055>(8799) in thy strength <5797>, O LORD <3068>; and in thy salvation <3444> how greatly <3966> shall he rejoice <1523>(8799)!
2. Thou hast given <5414>(8804) him his heart's <3820> desire <8378>, and hast not withholden <4513>(8804) the request <782> of his lips <8193>. Selah <5542>.
3. For thou preventest <6923>(8762) him with the blessings <1293> of goodness <2896>: thou settest <7896>(8799) a crown <5850> of pure gold <6337> on his head <7218>.
4. He asked <7592>(8804) life <2416> of thee, and thou gavest <5414>(8804) it him, even length <753> of days <3117> for ever <5769> and ever <5703>.
5. His glory <3519> is great <1419> in thy salvation <3444>: honour <1935> and majesty <1926> hast thou laid <7737>(8762) upon him.
6. For thou hast made <7896>(8799) him most blessed <1293> for ever <5703>: thou hast made <2302>(8762) him exceeding glad <8057> with thy countenance <6440>.
7. For the king <4428> trusteth <982>(8802) in the LORD <3068>, and through the mercy <2617> of the most High <5945> he shall not be moved <4131>(8735).
8. Thine hand <3027> shall find out <4672>(8799) all thine enemies <341>(8802): thy right hand <3225> shall find out <4672>(8799) those that hate <8130>(8802) thee.
9. Thou shalt make <7896>(8799) them as a fiery <784> oven <8574> in the time <6256> of thine anger <6440>: the LORD <3068> shall swallow them up <1104>(8762) in his wrath <639>, and the fire <784> shall devour <398>(8799) them.
10. Their fruit <6529> shalt thou destroy <6>(8762) from the earth <776>, and their seed <2233> from among the children <1121> of men <120>.
11. For they intended <5186>(8804) evil <7451> against thee: they imagined <2803>(8804) a mischievous device <4209>, which they are not able <3201>(8799) to perform.
12. Therefore shalt thou make <7896>(8799) them turn their back <7926>, when thou shalt make ready <3559>(8787) thine arrows upon thy strings <4340> against the face <6440> of them.
13. Be thou exalted <7311>(8798), LORD <3068>, in thine own strength <5797>: so will we sing <7891>(8799) and praise <2167>(8762) thy power <1369>.
Notes that are not verse specific
I think it is possible for John's faith to waver while in prison as happened to Elijah. However, it was necessary that John's disciples deal with the question as well. Note that Jesus leaves off any comment (from Isaiah) about people being "set free from the prison house", I suggest so as not to raise false hope for John. Jesus immediately dispels any suggestion of weakness on the part of John. He points out that as the King's herald he has started a storm of enthusiasm for the kingdom of God. The role of Jesus and the disciples is now to 'invade' the towns and villages, binding those who do not believe, and setting free those who hear the message.
Paul Manning [Wanganui NZ] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Paul
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1. And <2532> it came to pass <1096>(5633), when <3753> Jesus <2424> had made an end <5055>(5656) of commanding <1299>(5723) his <848> twelve <1427> disciples <3101>, he departed <3327>(5627) thence <1564> to teach <1321>(5721) and <2532> to preach <2784>(5721) in <1722> their <846> cities <4172>.
2. Now <1161> when John <2491> had heard <191>(5660) in <1722> the prison <1201> the works <2041> of Christ <5547>, he sent <3992>(5660) two <1417> of his <848> disciples <3101>,
3. And said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Art <1488>(5748) thou <4771> he that should come <2064>(5740), or <2228> do we look <4328>(5719) for another <2087>?
4. Jesus <2424> answered <611>(5679) and <2532> said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, Go <4198>(5679) and shew <518> <0> John <2491> again <518>(5657) those things which <3739> ye do hear <191>(5719) and <2532> see <991>(5719):
5. The blind <5185> receive their sight <308>(5719), and <2532> the lame <5560> walk <4043>(5719), the lepers <3015> are cleansed <2511>(5743), and <2532> the deaf <2974> hear <191>(5719), the dead <3498> are raised up <1453>(5743), and <2532> the poor <4434> have the gospel preached to them <2097>(5743).
6. And <2532> blessed <3107> is <2076>(5748) he, whosoever <3739> shall <4624> <0> not <3362> be offended <4624>(5686) in <1722> me <1698>.
7. And <1161> as <5130> they departed <4198>(5740), Jesus <2424> began <756>(5662) to say <3004>(5721) unto the multitudes <3793> concerning <4012> John <2491>, What <5101> went ye <1831>(5627) out into <1519> the wilderness <2048> to see <2300>(5664)? A reed <2563> shaken <4531>(5746) with <5259> the wind <417>?
8. But <235> what <5101> went ye out <1831>(5627) for to see <1492>(5629)? A man <444> clothed <294>(5772) in <1722> soft <3120> raiment <2440>? behold <2400>(5628), they that wear <5409>(5723) soft <3120> clothing are <1526>(5748) in <1722> kings <935>' houses <3624>.
9. But <235> what <5101> went ye out <1831>(5627) for to see <1492>(5629)? A prophet <4396>? yea <3483>, I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, and <2532> more <4055> than a prophet <4396>.
10. For <1063> this <3778> is <2076>(5748) he, of <4012> whom <3739> it is written <1125>(5769), Behold <2400>(5628), I <1473> send <649>(5719) my <3450> messenger <32> before <4253> thy <4675> face <4383>, which <3739> shall prepare <2680>(5692) thy <4675> way <3598> before <1715> thee <4675>.
11. Verily <281> I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, Among <1722> them that are born <1084> of women <1135> there hath <1453> <0> not <3756> risen <1453>(5769) a greater than <3187> John <2491> the Baptist <910>: notwithstanding <1161> he that is least <3398> in <1722> the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is <2076>(5748) greater than <3187> he <846>.
12. And <1161> from <575> the days <2250> of John <2491> the Baptist <910> until <2193> now <737> the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> suffereth violence <971>(5731)(5743), and <2532> the violent <973> take <726> <0> it <846> by force <726>(5719).
13. For <1063> all <3956> the prophets <4396> and <2532> the law <3551> prophesied <4395>(5656) until <2193> John <2491>.
14. And <2532> if <1487> ye will <2309>(5719) receive <1209>(5664) it, this <846> is <2076>(5748) Elias <2243>, which <3588> was for <3195>(5723) to come <2064>(5738).
15. He that hath <2192>(5723) ears <3775> to hear <191>(5721), let him hear <191>(5720).
16. But <1161> whereunto <5101> shall I liken <3666>(5692) this <5026> generation <1074>? It is <2076>(5748) like <3664> unto children <3808> sitting <2521>(5740) in <1722> the markets <58>, and <2532> calling <4377>(5723) unto their <848> fellows <2083>,
17. And <2532> saying <3004>(5723), We have piped <832>(5656) unto you <5213>, and <2532> ye have <3738> <0> not <3756> danced <3738>(5662); we have mourned <2354>(5656) unto you <5213>, and <2532> ye have <2875> <0> not <3756> lamented <2875>(5668).
18. For <1063> John <2491> came <2064>(5627) neither <3383> eating <2068>(5723) nor <3383> drinking <4095>(5723), and <2532> they say <3004>(5719), He hath <2192>(5719) a devil <1140>.
19. The Son <5207> of man <444> came <2064>(5627) eating <2068>(5723) and <2532> drinking <4095>(5723), and <2532> they say <3004>(5719), Behold <2400>(5628) a man <444> gluttonous <5314>, and <2532> a winebibber <3630>, a friend <5384> of publicans <5057> and <2532> sinners <268>. But <2532> wisdom <4678> is justified <1344>(5681) of <575> her <848> children <5043>.
20. Then <5119> began he <756>(5662) to upbraid <3679>(5721) the cities <4172> wherein <1722> <3739> most <4118> of his <846> mighty works <1411> were done <1096>(5633), because <3754> they repented <3340>(5656) not <3756>:
21. Woe <3759> unto thee <4671>, Chorazin <5523>! woe <3759> unto thee <4671>, Bethsaida <966>! for <3754> if <1487> the mighty works <1411>, which <3588> were done <1096>(5637) in <1722> you <5213>, had been done <1096>(5633) in <1722> Tyre <5184> and <2532> Sidon <4605>, they would have repented <3340>(5656) long ago <302> <3819> in <1722> sackcloth <4526> and <2532> ashes <4700>.
22. But <4133> I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, It shall be <2071>(5704) more tolerable <414> for Tyre <5184> and <2532> Sidon <4605> at <1722> the day <2250> of judgment <2920>, than <2228> for you <5213>.
23. And <2532> thou <4771>, Capernaum <2584>, which <3588> art exalted <5312>(5685) unto <2193> heaven <3772>, shalt be brought down <2601>(5701) to <2193> hell <86>: for <3754> if <1487> the mighty works <1411>, which <3588> have been done <1096>(5637) in <1722> thee <4671>, had been done <1096>(5633) in <1722> Sodom <4670>, it would have remained <302> <3306>(5656) until <3360> this day <4594>.
24. But <4133> I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, That <3754> it shall be <2071>(5704) more tolerable <414> for the land <1093> of Sodom <4670> in <1722> the day <2250> of judgment <2920>, than <2228> for thee <4671>.
25. At <1722> that <1565> time <2540> Jesus <2424> answered <611>(5679) and said <2036>(5627), I thank <1843>(5731) thee <4671>, O Father <3962>, Lord <2962> of heaven <3772> and <2532> earth <1093>, because <3754> thou hast hid <613>(5656) these things <5023> from <575> the wise <4680> and <2532> prudent <4908>, and <2532> hast revealed <601>(5656) them <846> unto babes <3516>.
26. Even so <3483>, Father <3962>: for <3754> so <3779> it seemed <1096>(5633) good <2107> in thy <4675> sight <1715>.
27. All things <3956> are delivered <3860>(5681) unto me <3427> of <5259> my <3450> Father <3962>: and <2532> no man <3762> knoweth <1921>(5719) the Son <5207>, but <1508> the Father <3962>; neither <3761> knoweth <1921>(5719) any man <5100> the Father <3962>, save <1508> the Son <5207>, and he <2532> to <3739> whomsoever <1437> the Son <5207> will <1014>(5741) reveal <601>(5658) him.
28. Come <1205>(5773) unto <4314> me <3165>, all <3956> ye that labour <2872>(5723) and <2532> are heavy laden <5412>(5772), and <2532> I <2504> will give <373> <0> you <5209> rest <373>(5692).
29. Take <142>(5657) my <3450> yoke <2218> upon <1909> you <5209>, and <2532> learn <3129>(5628) of <575> me <1700>; for <3754> I am <1510>(5748) meek <4235> and <2532> lowly <5011> in heart <2588>: and <2532> ye shall find <2147>(5692) rest <372> unto your <5216> souls <5590>.
30. For <1063> my <3450> yoke <2218> is easy <5543>, and <2532> my <3450> burden <5413> is <2076>(5748) light <1645>.
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