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Notes that are not verse specific
chs 13 and 14 - TRUST HIM, HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING
Have you ever wondered why God called you to a specific job? You think that someone else you know would do it so much better than you do - if only they were here. Why didn't God get them to do it - they would have done the job with so much less effort and so much better than anything we ever did. Yet God knows what he is doing. I have often wondered why God chose Manoah to be the Father of Samson. Surely there must have been more faithful people in Israel than Manoah and his wife. He didn't seem to trust his wife when she told him that an angel had appeared to her; He had the angel repeat everything he told her; He thought they would be killed when he realised an angel had spoken to them; He gave in what seems like easily when Samson wanted a Philistine wife, and didn't say anything about Samson going through the vineyard when he was a Nazarite. Yet God chose this man to be the father of Samson. He probably had them most influence on Samson's life out of any other person. And Samson became one of the most successful and famous judges Israel ever had. God chose the right man for the job and Samson will be in the kingdom. And God chose you and I for the jobs we do because he knows what he is doing. He has chosen the right man for the job.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
God rules in the lives of men
God created the heavens and the earth and all that are in them.He works in the world whether it knows him or not, to achieve his own wonderful purpose.We see this in the life of Samson. His birth was announced by an angel sent of God. When Israel was crying under the yoke of servitude God was working his porpose in the house of Manoah.
When Samson was of age we find him wanting to marry a Philistine woman. That was contrary to the law but it was of God.This makes me wonder how God works in our lives at times. Was it Samson's own desire that God used to achieve his plan against the Philistines? Whatever our answer may be we find God moving forward with his purpose to destroy the Philistines... the father of Samson's wife gave his wife to another man saying he thought Samson did not love her. This angered Samson who could not be pacified by the offer of a more beautiful girl. Was it God who made Samson's father in-law give out her daughter to another man or it was of his own will which God, out of his foreknowledge and all pervading wisdom, rightly placed in this situation so that Samson would find reason to fight their oppressors?
God is working in your life and mine too. In those times when we are crying under slavery, when the present speaks no good of the future(just as Israel did) God's angel would be at Manoah's place organising something for us. We may not know it and often we will not know it but we need to realise that God is doing something for us in someone somewhere. This should be a humbling thought to all of us that should provoke love and respect to all man for we know not who is being used by God for our ultimate good.
This passage and many other like passages in scripture, makes me wonder how God really works in our lives. It draws me to Paul's conclusion in Romans 8:33-36:
Oh the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor? Who has ever given to God that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen
Archbold Muhle [Bulawayo Zimbabwe] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Archbold
Samson as a type of Christ.
It appears from the record of Samsons birth that an earthly father takes a back seat here, as Bro Charles indicates the woman is at the forefront here this perhaps points towards the nature of Christ.
Just like Samson Christ had no earthly father, yet was born of a woman. Just LIke Samson Christ was to be a redeemer of Israel.
The success of the Lord Jesus Christ lay in his parentage, shown in type here . Christ like Samson was born of a woman, indicating his natural propensities like ours while an earthly father had to take a back seat. (though of course i am sure Joseph would have raised Christ with instruction).
However the implication in Judges is that a reddemer could not have 2 earthly parents he must be Begotten of God and that was the only way a man could be a true redeemer of Israel.
How awful it must have been when the Jews questioned his parentage?
stephen cox [Sedgley UK] Comment added in 2013 Reply to stephen
14:4 While it says that Samson's desire for the Philistine was of the Lord, this does not mean that God caused Samson to desire the Philistine or that he was sanctioning it. Samson's lust for foreign women was in his character, he consorting with harlots and Delilah show this very clearly. God used Samson's character flaw to bring destruction on the Philistines. The fact that Samson broke the law, he did not go unpunished. Consider what happened, his wife betrays him, she is given to another man and in the end he is denied her permanently with her death by fire and Samson spends most of his life on the run.
Alex Browning [Kitchener-Waterloo] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Alex
Judg 13:2 There is much here to learn about raising children in family life.
Notice how Samson asks BOTH his parents for the woman of Timnath.
But also notice Judg 14:3-5 that BOTH parents give instruction to Samson?
How often in family life we see a weak parent and a strong one where a child will seek to undermine the stricter parent with the weaker, but when it comes to the truth both parents stand together here.
stephen cox [Sedgley UK] Comment added in 2020 Reply to stephen
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1. And Samson <8123> went down <3381>(8799) to Timnath <8553>, and saw <7200>(8799) a woman <802> in Timnath <8553> of the daughters <1323> of the Philistines <6430>.
2. And he came up <5927>(8799), and told <5046>(8686) his father <1> and his mother <517>, and said <559>(8799), I have seen <7200>(8804) a woman <802> in Timnath <8553> of the daughters <1323> of the Philistines <6430>: now therefore get <3947>(8798) her for me to wife <802>.
3. Then his father <1> and his mother <517> said <559>(8799) unto him, Is there never <369> a woman <802> among the daughters <1323> of thy brethren <251>, or among all my people <5971>, that thou goest <1980>(8802) to take <3947>(8800) a wife <802> of the uncircumcised <6189> Philistines <6430>? And Samson <8123> said <559>(8799) unto his father <1>, Get <3947>(8798) her for me; for she pleaseth me well <3474>(8804) <5869>.
4. But his father <1> and his mother <517> knew <3045>(8804) not that it was of the LORD <3068>, that he sought <1245>(8764) an occasion <8385> against the Philistines <6430>: for at that time <6256> the Philistines <6430> had dominion <4910>(8802) over Israel <3478>.
5. Then went <3381> <0> Samson <8123> down <3381>(8799), and his father <1> and his mother <517>, to Timnath <8553>, and came <935>(8799) to the vineyards <3754> of Timnath <8553>: and, behold, a young <3715> lion <738> roared <7580>(8802) against <7125>(8800) him.
6. And the Spirit <7307> of the LORD <3068> came mightily <6743>(8799) upon him, and he rent <8156>(8762) him as he would have rent <8156>(8763) a kid <1423>, and he had nothing <3972> in his hand <3027>: but he told <5046>(8689) not his father <1> or his mother <517> what he had done <6213>(8804).
7. And he went down <3381>(8799), and talked <1696>(8762) with the woman <802>; and she pleased <3474> <0> Samson <8123> well <3474>(8799) <5869>.
8. And after a time <3117> he returned <7725>(8799) to take <3947>(8800) her, and he turned aside <5493>(8799) to see <7200>(8800) the carcase <4658> of the lion <738>: and, behold, there was a swarm <5712> of bees <1682> and honey <1706> in the carcase <1472> of the lion <738>.
9. And he took <7287>(8799) thereof in his hands <3709>, and went on <3212>(8799) eating <398>(8800), and came <1980>(8800) to his father <1> and mother <517>, and he gave <5414>(8799) them, and they did eat <398>(8799): but he told <5046>(8689) not them that he had taken <7287>(8804) the honey <1706> out of the carcase <1472> of the lion <738>.
10. So his father <1> went down <3381>(8799) unto the woman <802>: and Samson <8123> made <6213>(8799) there a feast <4960>; for so used the young men <970> to do <6213>(8799).
11. And it came to pass, when they saw <7200>(8800) him, that they brought <3947>(8799) thirty <7970> companions <4828> to be with him.
12. And Samson <8123> said <559>(8799) unto them, I will now put forth <2330>(8799) a riddle <2420> unto you: if ye can certainly <5046>(8687) declare <5046>(8686) it me within the seven <7651> days <3117> of the feast <4960>, and find it out <4672>(8804), then I will give <5414>(8804) you thirty <7970> sheets <5466> and thirty <7970> change <2487> of garments <899>:
13. But if ye cannot <3201>(8799) declare <5046>(8687) it me, then shall ye give <5414>(8804) me thirty <7970> sheets <5466> and thirty <7970> change <2487> of garments <899>. And they said <559>(8799) unto him, Put forth <2330>(8798) thy riddle <2420>, that we may hear <8085>(8799) it.
14. And he said <559>(8799) unto them, Out of the eater <398>(8802) came forth <3318>(8804) meat <3978>, and out of the strong <5794> came forth <3318>(8804) sweetness <4966>. And they could <3201>(8804) not in three <7969> days <3117> expound <5046>(8687) the riddle <2420>.
15. And it came to pass on the seventh <7637> day <3117>, that they said <559>(8799) unto Samson's <8123> wife <802>, Entice <6601>(8761) thy husband <376>, that he may declare <5046>(8686) unto us the riddle <2420>, lest we burn <8313>(8799) thee and thy father's <1> house <1004> with fire <784>: have ye called <7121>(8804) us to take that we have <3423>(8800)? is it not so?
16. And Samson's <8123> wife <802> wept <1058>(8799) before him, and said <559>(8799), Thou dost but hate <8130>(8804) me, and lovest <157>(8804) me not: thou hast put forth <2330>(8804) a riddle <2420> unto the children <1121> of my people <5971>, and hast not told <5046>(8689) it me. And he said <559>(8799) unto her, Behold, I have not told <5046>(8689) it my father <1> nor my mother <517>, and shall I tell <5046>(8686) it thee?
17. And she wept <1058>(8799) before him the seven <7651> days <3117>, while their feast <4960> lasted <1961>(8804): and it came to pass on the seventh <7637> day <3117>, that he told <5046>(8686) her, because she lay sore <6693>(8689) upon him: and she told <5046>(8686) the riddle <2420> to the children <1121> of her people <5971>.
18. And the men <582> of the city <5892> said <559>(8799) unto him on the seventh <7637> day <3117> before the sun <2775> went down <935>(8799), What is sweeter <4966> than honey <1706>? and what is stronger <5794> than a lion <738>? And he said <559>(8799) unto them, If <3884> ye had not plowed <2790>(8804) with my heifer <5697>, ye had not found out <4672>(8804) my riddle <2420>.
19. And the Spirit <7307> of the LORD <3068> came <6743>(8799) upon him, and he went down <3381>(8799) to Ashkelon <831>, and slew <5221>(8686) thirty <7970> men <376> of them, and took <3947>(8799) their spoil <2488>, and gave <5414>(8799) change <2487> of garments unto them which expounded <5046>(8688) the riddle <2420>. And his anger <639> was kindled <2734>(8799), and he went up <5927>(8799) to his father's <1> house <1004>.
20. But Samson's <8123> wife <802> was given to his companion <4828>, whom he had used as his friend <7462>(8765).
1. But it came to pass within a while after <3117>, in the time <3117> of wheat <2406> harvest <7105>, that Samson <8123> visited <6485>(8799) his wife <802> with a kid <1423> <5795>; and he said <559>(8799), I will go in <935>(8799) to my wife <802> into the chamber <2315>. But her father <1> would not suffer <5414>(8804) him to go in <935>(8800).
2. And her father <1> said <559>(8799), I verily <559>(8800) thought <559>(8804) that thou hadst utterly <8130>(8800) hated <8130>(8804) her; therefore I gave <5414>(8799) her to thy companion <4828>: is not her younger <6996> sister <269> fairer <2896> than she? take her, I pray thee, instead of her.
3. And Samson <8123> said <559>(8799) concerning them, Now <6471> shall I be more blameless <5352>(8738) than the Philistines <6430>, though I do <6213>(8802) them a displeasure <7451>.
4. And Samson <8123> went <3212>(8799) and caught <3920>(8799) three <7969> hundred <3967> foxes <7776>, and took <3947>(8799) firebrands <3940>, and turned <6437>(8686) tail <2180> to tail <2180>, and put <7760>(8799) a <259> firebrand <3940> in the midst <8432> between two <8147> tails <2180>.
5. And when he had set <1197>(8686) the brands <3940> on fire <784>, he let them go <7971>(8762) into the standing corn <7054> of the Philistines <6430>, and burnt up <1197>(8686) both the shocks <1430>, and also the standing corn <7054>, with the vineyards <3754> and olives <2132>.
6. Then the Philistines <6430> said <559>(8799), Who hath done <6213>(8804) this? And they answered <559>(8799), Samson <8123>, the son in law <2860> of the Timnite <8554>, because he had taken <3947>(8804) his wife <802>, and given <5414>(8799) her to his companion <4828>. And the Philistines <6430> came up <5927>(8799), and burnt <8313>(8799) her and her father <1> with fire <784>.
7. And Samson <8123> said <559>(8799) unto them, Though <518> ye have done <6213>(8799) this <2063>, yet will I be avenged <5358>(8738) of you, and after <310> that I will cease <2308>(8799).
8. And he smote <5221>(8686) them hip <7785> and <5921> thigh <3409> with a great <1419> slaughter <4347>: and he went down <3381>(8799) and dwelt <3427>(8799) in the top <5585> of the rock <5553> Etam <5862>.
9. Then the Philistines <6430> went up <5927>(8799), and pitched <2583>(8799) in Judah <3063>, and spread <5203>(8735) themselves in Lehi <3896>.
10. And the men <376> of Judah <3063> said <559>(8799), Why are ye come up <5927>(8804) against us? And they answered <559>(8799), To bind <631>(8800) Samson <8123> are we come up <5927>(8804), to do <6213>(8800) to him as he hath done <6213>(8804) to us.
11. Then three <7969> thousand <505> men <376> of Judah <3063> went <3381>(8799) to the top <5585> of the rock <5553> Etam <5862>, and said <559>(8799) to Samson <8123>, Knowest <3045>(8804) thou not that the Philistines <6430> are rulers <4910>(8802) over us? what is this that thou hast done <6213>(8804) unto us? And he said <559>(8799) unto them, As they did <6213>(8804) unto me, so have I done <6213>(8804) unto them.
12. And they said <559>(8799) unto him, We are come down <3381>(8804) to bind <631>(8800) thee, that we may deliver <5414>(8800) thee into the hand <3027> of the Philistines <6430>. And Samson <8123> said <559>(8799) unto them, Swear <7650>(8734) unto me, that ye will not fall upon <6293>(8799) me yourselves.
13. And they spake <559>(8799) unto him, saying <559>(8800), No; but we will bind <631>(8799) thee fast <631>(8800), and deliver <5414>(8804) thee into their hand <3027>: but surely <4191>(8687) we will not kill <4191>(8686) thee. And they bound <631>(8799) him with two <8147> new <2319> cords <5688>, and brought him up <5927>(8686) from the rock <5553>.
14. And when he came <935>(8804) unto Lehi <3896>, the Philistines <6430> shouted <7321>(8689) against <7125>(8800) him: and the Spirit <7307> of the LORD <3068> came mightily <6743>(8799) upon him, and the cords <5688> that were upon his arms <2220> became as flax <6593> that was burnt <1197>(8804) with fire <784>, and his bands <612> loosed <4549>(8735) from off his hands <3027>.
15. And he found <4672>(8799) a new <2961> jawbone <3895> of an ass <2543>, and put forth <7971>(8799) his hand <3027>, and took <3947>(8799) it, and slew <5221>(8686) a thousand <505> men <376> therewith.
16. And Samson <8123> said <559>(8799), With the jawbone <3895> of an ass <2543>, heaps <2565> upon heaps <2565>, with the jaw <3895> of an ass <2543> have I slain <5221>(8689) a thousand <505> men <376>.
17. And it came to pass, when he had made an end <3615>(8763) of speaking <1696>(8763), that he cast away <7993>(8686) the jawbone <3895> out of his hand <3027>, and called <7121>(8799) that place <4725> Ramathlehi <7437>.
18. And he was sore <3966> athirst <6770>(8799), and called <7121>(8799) on the LORD <3068>, and said <559>(8799), Thou hast given <5414>(8804) this great <1419> deliverance <8668> into the hand <3027> of thy servant <5650>: and now shall I die <4191>(8799) for thirst <6772>, and fall <5307>(8804) into the hand <3027> of the uncircumcised <6189>?
19. But God <430> clave <1234>(8799) an hollow place <4388> that was in the jaw <3895>, and there came <3318>(8799) water <4325> thereout; and when he had drunk <8354>(8799), his spirit <7307> came again <7725>(8799), and he revived <2421>(8799): wherefore he called <7121>(8802) the name <8034> thereof Enhakkore <5875>, which is in Lehi <3896> unto this day <3117>.
20. And he judged <8199>(8799) Israel <3478> in the days <3117> of the Philistines <6430> twenty <6242> years <8141>.
Notes that are not verse specific
This chapter is a lovely “Thank You” prayer. Let’s never forget to thank the Lord when our prayers are answered.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to David
Hezekiah means the might of Yah. It was Yahweh's might that turned death into life for Hezekiah. It will be the same power that will give eternal life to the faithful followers of the Lord Jesus.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Michael
Set your house in order
Hezekiah was a man of considerable power, wealth and authority. A king. But that didn't bring immunity. Now we see him in private, weeping bitterly. Isaiah's words had broken him.
Sometimes we hold our tears back for days, months, or even years. Hezekiah had been ill for some time as his condition and the condition of his besieged city worsened. The reality of the seriousness of the situation had been dawning on him but he hadn't allowed it to surface.
All too often we hide our sorrow because of an attitude of "it will be ok". But sometimes this just isn't true. Everyone loses loved ones. In those occasions despite our prayers things won't be ok. And because we are programmed by our society to believe always in happy endings, when reality strikes it can be a devastating blow.
We ought not to take from this passage the lesson that God heals our illnesses. He does, but plainly this is not the lesson here, because Hezekiah was only given an extension to life, not complete healing. The lesson instead is that there comes a time in everyone's life when there's no more to do but weep bitterly and put ones house in order. Maybe God will heal for a time, or maybe that's not His plan. Isaiah's words to Hezekiah suggest that he hadn't done that, and his 15 years life extension was so that he could complete his work of bringing his house, Israel, back to God. In comparison we have Jesus who prepared meticulously for his own death, making sure that the disciples would be cared for (John 17). He then wept bitterly just as Hezekiah did, and faced it by faith in God.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Rob
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1. In those days <3117> was Hezekiah <2396> sick <2470>(8804) unto death <4191>(8800). And Isaiah <3470> the prophet <5030> the son <1121> of Amoz <531> came <935>(8799) unto him, and said <559>(8799) unto him, Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068>, Set thine house <1004> in order <6680>(8761): for thou shalt die <4191>(8801), and not live <2421>(8799).
2. Then Hezekiah <2396> turned <5437>(8686) his face <6440> toward the wall <7023>, and prayed <6419>(8691) unto the LORD <3068>,
3. And said <559>(8799), Remember <2142>(8798) now, O LORD <3068>, I beseech <577> thee, how I have walked <1980>(8694) before <6440> thee in truth <571> and with a perfect <8003> heart <3820>, and have done <6213>(8804) that which is good <2896> in thy sight <5869>. And Hezekiah <2396> wept <1058>(8799) <1065> sore <1419>.
4. Then came the word <1697> of the LORD <3068> to Isaiah <3470>, saying <559>(8800),
5. Go <1980>(8800), and say <559>(8804) to Hezekiah <2396>, Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068>, the God <430> of David <1732> thy father <1>, I have heard <8085>(8804) thy prayer <8605>, I have seen <7200>(8804) thy tears <1832>: behold, I will add <3254>(8802) unto thy days <3117> fifteen <2568> <6240> years <8141>.
6. And I will deliver <5337>(8686) thee and this city <5892> out of the hand <3709> of the king <4428> of Assyria <804>: and I will defend <1598>(8804) this city <5892>.
7. And this shall be a sign <226> unto thee from the LORD <3068>, that the LORD <3068> will do <6213>(8799) this thing <1697> that he hath spoken <1696>(8765);
8. Behold, I will bring again <7725>(8688) the shadow <6738> of the degrees <4609>, which is gone down <3381>(8804) in the sun <8121> dial <4609> of Ahaz <271>, ten <6235> degrees <4609> backward <322>. So the sun <8121> returned <7725>(8799) ten <6235> degrees <4609>, by which degrees <4609> it was gone down <3381>(8804).
9. The writing <4385> of Hezekiah <2396> king <4428> of Judah <3063>, when he had been sick <2470>(8800), and was recovered <2421>(8799) of his sickness <2483>:
10. I said <559>(8804) in the cutting off <1824> of my days <3117>, I shall go <3212>(8799) to the gates <8179> of the grave <7585>: I am deprived <6485>(8795) of the residue <3499> of my years <8141>.
11. I said <559>(8804), I shall not see <7200>(8799) the LORD <3050>, even the LORD <3050>, in the land <776> of the living <2416>: I shall behold <5027>(8686) man <120> no more with the inhabitants <3427>(8802) of the world <2309>.
12. Mine age <1755> is departed <5265>(8738), and is removed <1540>(8738) from me as a shepherd's <7473> tent <168>: I have cut off <7088>(8765) like a weaver <707>(8802) my life <2416>: he will cut me off <1214>(8762) with pining sickness <1803>: from day <3117> even to night <3915> wilt thou make an end <7999>(8686) of me.
13. I reckoned <7737>(8765) till morning <1242>, that, as a lion <738>, so will he break <7665>(8762) all my bones <6106>: from day <3117> even to night <3915> wilt thou make an end <7999>(8686) of me.
14. Like a crane <5483> or a swallow <5693>, so did I chatter <6850>(8770): I did mourn <1897>(8799) as a dove <3123>: mine eyes <5869> fail <1809>(8804) with looking upward <4791>: O LORD <3068>, I am oppressed <6234>; undertake <6148>(8798) for me.
15. What shall I say <1696>(8762)? he hath both spoken <559>(8804) unto me, and himself hath done <6213>(8804) it: I shall go softly <1718>(8691) all my years <8141> in the bitterness <4751> of my soul <5315>.
16. O Lord <136>, by these things men live <2421>(8799), and in all these things is the life <2416> of my spirit <7307>: so wilt thou recover <2492>(8686) me, and make me to live <2421>(8685).
17. Behold, for peace <7965> I had great bitterness <4751> <4843>(8804): but thou hast in love <2836>(8804) to my soul <5315> delivered it from the pit <7845> of corruption <1097>: for thou hast cast <7993>(8689) all my sins <2399> behind <310> thy back <1460>.
18. For the grave <7585> cannot praise <3034>(8686) thee, death <4194> can not celebrate <1984>(8762) thee: they that go down <3381>(8802) into the pit <953> cannot hope <7663>(8762) for thy truth <571>.
19. The living <2416>, the living <2416>, he shall praise <3034>(8686) thee, as I do this day <3117>: the father <1> to the children <1121> shall make known <3045>(8686) thy truth <571>.
20. The LORD <3068> was ready to save <3467>(8687) me: therefore we will sing my songs <5058> to the stringed instruments <5059>(8762) all the days <3117> of our life <2416> in the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>.
21. For Isaiah <3470> had said <559>(8799), Let them take <5375>(8799) a lump <1690> of figs <8384>, and lay it for a plaister <4799>(8799) upon the boil <7822>, and he shall recover <2421>(8799).
22. Hezekiah <2396> also had said <559>(8799), What is the sign <226> that I shall go up <5927>(8799) to the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>?
Notes that are not verse specific
1:19 day star is a translation of the Geek word phosphoros and this is the only time it occurs in Scripture. Phosphorus is a substance which ignites spontaneously when it comes into contact with the air. What's more it cannot be extinguished by conventional fire fighting means. Similarly, when Jesus returns, he will burn brightly and man will be powerless to "extinguish" him.
Ken Trelfer [Rockingham Forest, UK] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Ken
https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/
Stuart-Caleb Art Courtonel [Rugby] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Stuart-Caleb Art
Today's readings.. (Judges 14,15), (Isaiah 38), (2 Peter 1,2)
Peter's 2nd Epistle, of which we read the first 2 chapters, is extremely challenging because it relates in several ways to the excessively ungodly atmosphere in which we live. But first, we were fascinated by lessons in our O T readings. Samson upset his parents because he “saw one of the daughters of the Philistines” and said to them” get her for me as my wife.” His parents objected, but he insisted; then comes the comment, “His father and mother did not know it was from the LORD, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines” [Judges 14 v.1-4]
We perceive from this that God does not overrule human freewill; what he does is to weave it into his ongoing purpose in his oversight of human affairs especially those of his chosen people. We perceive the same principle in the life of Hezekiah that Isaiah writes about [ch.38]. The LORD told him to “set your house in order, for you shall die ... Hezekiah wept bitterly” [v.1,2] and the LORD heeded his prayers, but the son that succeeded him, born during the 15 years added to his life, was a disaster, but the nation had not appreciated the blessings of Hezekiah's reign and the deliverance we read about yesterday, they 'deserved' a bad king..
In 2nd Peter we see that those in special service before God can, on occasion, be described as “angels” In Matt. 11 v.10, John the Baptist is described as a “messenger” but in Gk the word is 'aggelos'. This word is used by Peter (2 v.4) saying “for if God did not spare the angels that sinned” referring, we conclude to some of the Levites who had the privilege of serving in the Tabernacle, see Numbers 16.
Also in Heb. 2 v.2, “the message declared by angels ('aggelos')” is most likely a way of describing human prophets such as Isaiah, who declared God's message.
Peter contrasts the judgement on “the angels that sinned” with the deliverance of Noah and Lot because of their righteousness (v.5-8) He then makes the point that there will be no sparing by God of believers who become sinful in Peter's day. “There will be false teachers among you ... and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed” [2 v.1,2] Peter is very blunt about those who “have hearts trained in greed ... forsaking the right way.” [v.14,15] Let us hold fast to the right way - so that God will spare us from his judgements that will surely come on this godless world (see ch. 3) Let us live “lives of holiness and godliness” [3 v.11]
Stuart-Caleb Art Courtonel [Rugby] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Stuart-Caleb Art
2 Peter 2 contains several references to the Enochite fall of the angels myth popular in Judaism at the this period, and documented in various fictions found among the Dead Sea Scrolls and other late Second Temple period sources.
These are commented on under the readings for 20 December on Jude, since Jude contains a more focussed rebuttal of the myth, knowingly citing words of Moses originally from De 33:2 which appear in distorted midrash form in 1 Enoch 1:9 as "Enoch". Please see comment there.
The two key things to note about 2 Peter 2 are firstly in verse four were Peter uses an "if" to introduce the legend of 200 angels being imprisoned in Tartarus. Peter uses the verb form tartaro - throw down the titans, found in Greek pagan mythology, a deliberate signal that this is unbiblical myth of exactly the sort he has been condemning. The Greek word Tartaros actually appears in the Jewish Greek version of 1 Enoch as the prison where Uriel and Raphael keep the 200 angels chained. Since 2 Peter is written in Greek to Greek speaking Diaspore Jewish Christians it seems reasonable to make a connection with the Greek text of 1 Enoch.
The second key thing to note about 2 Peter 2 in relation to the Enoch myths is in verses 10-12 which is a blistering attack on those who teach that angels sinned. This comment makes no sense at all and is out of the blue if Peter has not already introduced exactly such teachers in verse 4. If verse 4 were about Korah, Dathan and Abiran being sent to Tartaros (who were not angels in any sense, and tartaro is a verb specifically and only used in Greek for the fall of the Titans) then why would Peter suddenly introduce teachers teaching that celestial beings had sinned in verse 10?
2 Peter 3:19 is third key contact point with Enoch, though in that reference to 'spirits in prison' Peter is referring his readers away from dangerous Jewish myths and back to safer Old Testament uses of prison to describe the prison of sin. That verse is Peter's exit point from dealing with a distasteful false teaching.
Steven Cox [Leicester Westleigh] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Steven
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1. Simon <4826> Peter <4074>, a servant <1401> and <2532> an apostle <652> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, to them that have obtained <2975>(5631) like precious <2472> faith <4102> with us <2254> through <1722> the righteousness <1343> of God <2316> and <2532> our <2257> Saviour <4990> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>:
2. Grace <5485> and <2532> peace <1515> be multiplied <4129>(5684) unto you <5213> through <1722> the knowledge <1922> of God <2316>, and <2532> of Jesus <2424> our <2257> Lord <2962>,
3. According as <5613> his <846> divine <2304> power <1411> hath given <1433>(5772) unto us <2254> all things <3956> that pertain unto <4314> life <2222> and <2532> godliness <2150>, through <1223> the knowledge <1922> of him that hath called <2564>(5660) us <2248> to <1223> glory <1391> and <2532> virtue <703>:
4. Whereby <1223> <3739> are given <1433>(5769) unto us <2254> exceeding great <3176> and <2532> precious <5093> promises <1862>: that <2443> by <1223> these <5130> ye might be <1096>(5638) partakers <2844> of the divine <2304> nature <5449>, having escaped <668>(5631) the corruption <5356> that is in <1722> the world <2889> through <1722> lust <1939>.
5. And <2532> <1161> beside <846> this <5124>, giving <3923>(5660) all <3956> diligence <4710>, add <2023>(5657) to <1722> your <5216> faith <4102> virtue <703>; and <1161> to <1722> virtue <703> knowledge <1108>;
6. And <1161> to <1722> knowledge <1108> temperance <1466>; and <1161> to <1722> temperance <1466> patience <5281>; and <1161> to <1722> patience <5281> godliness <2150>;
7. And <1161> to <1722> godliness <2150> brotherly kindness <5360>; and <1161> to <1722> brotherly kindness <5360> charity <26>.
8. For <1063> if these things <5023> be <5225>(5723) in you <5213>, and <2532> abound <4121>(5723), they make <2525>(5719) you that ye shall neither <3756> be barren <692> nor <3761> unfruitful <175> in <1519> the knowledge <1922> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>.
9. But <1063> he that <3739> lacketh <3361> <3918>(5748) these things <5023> is <2076>(5748) blind <5185>, and cannot see afar off <3467>(5723), and hath forgotten <3024> <2983>(5631) that he was purged from <2512> his <848> old <3819> sins <266>.
10. Wherefore <1352> the rather <3123>, brethren <80>, give diligence <4704>(5657) to make <4160>(5733) your <5216> calling <2821> and <2532> election <1589> sure <949>: for <1063> if ye do <4160>(5723) these things <5023>, ye shall <4218> <0> <4417> <0> never <3364> fall <4218> <4417>(5661):
11. For <1063> so <3779> an entrance <1529> shall be ministered <2023>(5701) unto you <5213> abundantly <4146> into <1519> the everlasting <166> kingdom <932> of our <2257> Lord <2962> and <2532> Saviour <4990> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>.
12. Wherefore <1352> I will <272> <0> not <3756> be negligent <272>(5692) to put <5279> <0> you <5209> always <104> in remembrance <5279>(5721) of <4012> these things <5130>, though <2539> ye know <1492>(5761) them, and <2532> be established <4741>(5772) in <1722> the present <3918>(5752) truth <225>.
13. Yea <1161>, I think it <2233>(5736) meet <1342>, as long as <1909> <3745> I am <1510>(5748) in <1722> this <5129> tabernacle <4638>, to stir <1326> <0> you <5209> up <1326>(5721) by <1722> putting you in remembrance <5280>;
14. Knowing <1492>(5761) that <3754> shortly <5031> I must <2076>(5748) put off <595> this my <3450> tabernacle <4638>, even <2532> as <2531> our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> hath shewed <1213>(5656) me <3427>.
15. Moreover <1161> <2532> I will endeavour <4704>(5692) that ye <5209> may be able <2192>(5721) after <3326> my <1699> decease <1841> to have <4160>(5733) these things <5130> always <1539> in remembrance <3420>.
16. For <1063> we have <1811> <0> not <3756> followed <1811>(5660) cunningly devised <4679>(5772) fables <3454>, when we made known <1107>(5656) unto you <5213> the power <1411> and <2532> coming <3952> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, but <235> were <1096>(5679) eyewitnesses <2030> of his <1565> majesty <3168>.
17. For <1063> he received <2983>(5631) from <3844> God <2316> the Father <3962> honour <5092> and <2532> glory <1391>, when there came <5342>(5685) such <5107> a voice <5456> to him <846> from <5259> the excellent <3169> glory <1391>, This <3778> is <2076>(5748) my <3450> beloved <27> Son <5207>, in <1519> whom <3739> I <1473> am well pleased <2106>(5656).
18. And <2532> this <5026> voice <5456> which came <5342>(5685) from <1537> heaven <3772> we <2249> heard <191>(5656), when we were <5607>(5752) with <4862> him <846> in <1722> the holy <40> mount <3735>.
19. We have <2192>(5719) also <2532> a more sure <949> word <3056> of prophecy <4397>; whereunto <3739> ye do <4160>(5719) well <2573> that ye take heed <4337>(5723), as <5613> unto a light <3088> that shineth <5316>(5730) in <1722> a dark <850> place <5117>, until <2193> the day <2250> dawn <1306>(5661), and <2532> the day star <5459> arise <393>(5661) in <1722> your <5216> hearts <2588>:
20. Knowing <1097>(5723) this <5124> first <4412>, that <3754> no <3756> <3956> prophecy <4394> of the scripture <1124> is <1096>(5736) of any private <2398> interpretation <1955>.
21. For <1063> the prophecy <4394> came <5342>(5681) not <3756> in old time <4218> by the will <2307> of man <444>: but <235> holy <40> men <444> of God <2316> spake <2980>(5656) as they were moved <5342>(5746) by <5259> the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>.
1. But <1161> there were <1096>(5633) false prophets <5578> also <2532> among <1722> the people <2992>, even <2532> as <5613> there shall be <2071>(5704) false teachers <5572> among <1722> you <5213>, who <3748> privily shall bring in <3919>(5692) damnable <684> heresies <139>, even <2532> denying <720>(5740) the Lord <1203> that bought <59>(5660) them <846>, and bring <1863>(5723) upon themselves <1438> swift <5031> destruction <684>.
2. And <2532> many <4183> shall follow <1811>(5692) their <846> pernicious ways <684>; by reason of <1223> whom <3739> the way <3598> of truth <225> shall be evil spoken of <987>(5701).
3. And <2532> through <1722> covetousness <4124> shall they with feigned <4112> words <3056> make merchandise <1710>(5695) of you <5209>: whose <3739> judgment <2917> now of a long time <1597> lingereth <691>(5719) not <3756>, and <2532> their <846> damnation <684> slumbereth <3573>(5719) not <3756>.
4. For <1063> if <1487> God <2316> spared <5339>(5662) not <3756> the angels <32> that sinned <264>(5660), but <235> cast them down to hell <5020>(5660), and delivered <3860>(5656) them into chains <4577> of darkness <2217>, to be reserved <5083>(5772) unto <1519> judgment <2920>;
5. And <2532> spared <5339>(5662) not <3756> the old <744> world <2889>, but <235> saved <5442>(5656) Noah <3575> the eighth <3590> person, a preacher <2783> of righteousness <1343>, bringing in <1863>(5660) the flood <2627> upon the world <2889> of the ungodly <765>;
6. And <2532> turning <5077> <0> the cities <4172> of Sodom <4670> and <2532> Gomorrha <1116> into ashes <5077>(5660) condemned <2632>(5656) them with an overthrow <2692>, making <5087>(5761) them an ensample <5262> unto those that after should <3195>(5723) live ungodly <764>(5721);
7. And <2532> delivered <4506>(5673) just <1342> Lot <3091>, vexed <2669>(5746) with <5259> the filthy <766> conversation <391> of the wicked <113>:
8. (For <1063> that righteous man <1342> dwelling <1460>(5723) among <1722> them <846>, in seeing <990> and <2532> hearing <189>, vexed <928>(5707) his righteous <1342> soul <5590> from day <2250> to <1537> day <2250> with their unlawful <459> deeds <2041>;)
9. The Lord <2962> knoweth <1492>(5758) how to deliver <4506>(5738) the godly <2152> out of <1537> temptations <3986>, and <1161> to reserve <5083>(5721) the unjust <94> unto <1519> the day <2250> of judgment <2920> to be punished <2849>(5746):
10. But <1161> chiefly <3122> them that walk <4198>(5740) after <3694> the flesh <4561> in <1722> the lust <1939> of uncleanness <3394>, and <2532> despise <2706>(5723) government <2963>. Presumptuous <5113> are they, selfwilled <829>, they are not <3756> afraid <5141>(5719) to speak evil <987>(5723) of dignities <1391>.
11. Whereas <3699> angels <32>, which are <5607>(5752) greater in <3187> power <2479> and <2532> might <1411>, bring <5342>(5719) not <3756> railing <989> accusation <2920> against <2596> them <846> before <3844> the Lord <2962>.
12. But <1161> these <3778>, as <5613> natural <5446> brute <249> beasts <2226>, made <1080>(5772) to <1519> be taken <259> and <2532> destroyed <5356>, speak evil <987>(5723) of <1722> the things that <3739> they understand not <50>(5719); and shall utterly perish <2704>(5691) in <1722> their own <848> corruption <5356>;
13. And shall receive <2865>(5697) the reward <3408> of unrighteousness <93>, as they that count <2233>(5740) it pleasure <2237> to riot <5172> in <1722> the day time <2250>. Spots <4696> they are and <2532> blemishes <3470>, sporting themselves <1792>(5723) with <1722> their own <848> deceivings <539> while they feast <4910>(5740) with you <5213>;
14. Having <2192>(5723) eyes <3788> full <3324> of adultery <3428>, and <2532> that cannot cease from <180> sin <266>; beguiling <1185>(5723) unstable <793> souls <5590>: an heart <2588> they have <2192>(5723) exercised <1128>(5772) with covetous practices <4124>; cursed <2671> children <5043>:
15. Which have forsaken <2641>(5631) the right <2117> way <3598>, and are gone astray <4105>(5681), following <1811>(5660) the way <3598> of Balaam <903> the son of Bosor <1007>, who <3739> loved <25>(5656) the wages <3408> of unrighteousness <93>;
16. But <1161> was <2192>(5627) rebuked <1649> for his <2398> iniquity <3892>: the dumb <880> ass <5268> speaking <5350>(5674) with <1722> man's <444> voice <5456> forbad <2967>(5656) the madness <3913> of the prophet <4396>.
17. These <3778> are <1526>(5748) wells <4077> without water <504>, clouds <3507> that are carried <1643>(5746) with <5259> a tempest <2978>; to whom <3739> the mist <2217> of darkness <4655> is reserved <5083>(5769) for <1519> ever <165>.
18. For <1063> when they speak <5350>(5726) great swelling <5246> words of vanity <3153>, they allure <1185>(5719) through <1722> the lusts <1939> of the flesh <4561>, through much wantonness <766>, those that were clean <3689> escaped <668>(5631) from them who live <390>(5746) in <1722> error <4106>.
19. While they promise <1861>(5740) them <846> liberty <1657>, they themselves <846> are <5225>(5723) the servants <1401> of corruption <5356>: for <1063> of whom <3739> a man <5100> is overcome <2274>(5766), <2532> of the same <5129> is he brought in bondage <1402>(5769).
20. For <1063> if <1487> after they have escaped <668>(5631) the pollutions <3393> of the world <2889> through <1722> the knowledge <1922> of the Lord <2962> and <2532> Saviour <4990> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, they are <1707> <0> again <3825> entangled <1707>(5651) therein <5125>, and <1161> overcome <1096>(5754) <2274>(5736), the latter end <2078> is worse <5501> with them <846> than the beginning <4413>.
21. For <1063> it had been <2258>(5713) better <2909> for them <846> not <3361> to have known <1921>(5760) the way <3598> of righteousness <1343>, than <2228>, after they have known <1921>(5631) it, to turn <1994>(5658) from <1537> the holy <40> commandment <1785> delivered <3860>(5685) unto them <846>.
22. But <1161> it is happened <4819>(5758) unto them <846> according to <3588> the true <227> proverb <3942>, The dog <2965> is turned <1994> <0> to <1909> his own <2398> vomit <1829> again <1994>(5660); and <2532> the sow <5300> that was washed <3068>(5671) to <1519> her wallowing <2946> in the mire <1004>.