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Notes that are not verse specific
At this time, Israel was armed only with slings and clubs while the Philistines had long two-edged iron swords - prohibited weapons to the Israelites. It is curious, though, that Saul did not avail himself of the Ammonite arms after his defeat of Nahash (1 Sam 11). Perhaps this is one more example of Saul's poor leadership qualities.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Michael
As we read this chapter, along with others, we are continually amazed as to how Israel fought the Philistines, when they would have had so few weapons of war. Even the weapons that they had, had to be maintained by the Philistines, and then it would have only been when they saw fit to do so. The only tools that the Israelites had we are told were files.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to John
GOD OR COMMON SENSE
Things were not looking good. Saul and his army were outnumbered and out manoeuvred. They had no weapons and Saul was sure that God was not with them because Samuel had not turned up to seek the LORD's favour. Not only that, but Saul's 3000 men, plus those he had called from all Israel, had consistently dwindled down to around 600 men (without weapons, of course). The Philistines, on the other hand were like angry wasps. They had 3000 chariots, 6000 charioteers and a numerous army. None on their men went to hide.
The one thing Saul knew he should do was to wait for Samuel to arrive. Waiting for Samuel was the one instruction he was given before this situation panned out. But Saul felt the pressure burning into his opportunities and resources. There were two options left to him. He could obey God, trusting him, and go against his own better judgement; or he could trust in his own common sense, give up on God and make the most of what he had left.
Saul chose to take things into his own hands and disobeyed the LORD to save himself. It didn't work. Because of his disobedience Saul not only went into battle under resourced, but also with the worry of losing the kingship of Israel. Obedience to God would have provided the resources and peace Saul needed.
Let's learn never to turn to sin when we feel there is no where to go. Instead let's put even more trust in God.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Robert
13:4. It was actually Jonathan, aided by God, who had overthrown this garrison. So why did people assume it had been Saul? Maybe it was because this is why they had asked for a king in the first place - to fight their battles - and their misplaced hope that Saul would be a good king overruled the facts of what they heard. Sometimes we hope for something so badly that it blinds us to the facts.
Questions: Can you find the chapter where Israel asks for a king? What were their reasons for doing so? Do you think Saul measured up to this, or that perhaps Jonathan was a better fit?
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Rob
13:15 Saul and Jonathan had 3,000 at the start of their rebellion against the Philistines, but only 600 when Samuel came. This testifies to Saul's fear when he told Samuel the people were scattering from him, 1,400 at least or 2,400 at most had deserted him. But this did not justify his rebellion against the Lord's commands. This is where faith is suppose to support us. When things look the worse, (only 600 men and no swords or spears) comes in we can either rely on the Lord or we can abandon him. Saul did not choose the right path. It is interesting this is a great sequeway into the next reading in Isa 56:1-3
Alex Browning [Kitchener-Waterloo] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Alex
THE FOLLY OF SAUL
First impressions can be very misleading, because people tend to pay a lot of attention to the way we look, instead of what's inside. So it was with Saul. He stood tall, with a striking appearance, the kind of king the people wanted, and yet the image he created was contradicted by his actions. Saul presented the ideal visual image of a king, but the tendencies of his character often went contrary to God's commands for a king. During his reign, Saul had many successes when he obeyed God, yet he was his own worst enemy when he acted on his own. Saul had the potential to be a good leader if only he had "Let go & let GOD" take control in his weakness. His own choices cut him off from God and eventually alienated him from his own people.
From the life of Saul we learn that while our strengths and abilities could make us useful to God, it is in our weaknesses that God can make us strong. Our skills and talents make us tools in the hands of the creator, but yet our failures and shortcomings should remind us that we need God in our lives. Today is the day we need to "Let go & let God" into our lives.
alienated him from his own people.
attention to the way we look, instead of what's inside. So it was with Saul.
He stood tall, with a striking appearance, the kind of king the people wanted,
and yet the image he created was contradicted by his inner quality and his
ability. Saul presented the ideal visual image of a king, but the tendencies
of his character often went contrary to God's commands for a king. During his
reign, Saul had many successes when he obeyed God, yet he was his own worst
enemy when he acted on his own. Saul had the potential to be a good leader -
his appearance, courage, and action were admirable and even in his own
weakness, God could had used him if only he had recognized that weakness and
let God work in him. His own choices cut him off from God and eventually
alienated him from his own people.
Peter Dulis [toronto west] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Peter
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1. Saul <7586> reigned <4427>(8800) one year <1121> <8141>; and when he had reigned <4427>(8804) two <8147> years <8141> over Israel <3478>,
2. Saul <7586> chose <977>(8799) him three <7969> thousand <505> men of Israel <3478>; whereof two thousand <505> were with Saul <7586> in Michmash <4363> and in mount <2022> Bethel <1008>, and a thousand <505> were with Jonathan <3129> in Gibeah <1390> of Benjamin <1144>: and the rest <3499> of the people <5971> he sent <7971>(8765) every man <376> to his tent <168>.
3. And Jonathan <3129> smote <5221>(8686) the garrison <5333> of the Philistines <6430> that was in Geba <1387>, and the Philistines <6430> heard <8085>(8799) of it. And Saul <7586> blew <8628>(8804) the trumpet <7782> throughout all the land <776>, saying <559>(8800), Let the Hebrews <5680> hear <8085>(8799).
4. And all Israel <3478> heard <8085>(8804) say <559>(8800) that Saul <7586> had smitten <5221>(8689) a garrison <5333> of the Philistines <6430>, and that Israel <3478> also was had in abomination <887>(8738) with the Philistines <6430>. And the people <5971> were called together <6817>(8735) after <310> Saul <7586> to Gilgal <1537>.
5. And the Philistines <6430> gathered themselves together <622>(8738) to fight <3898>(8736) with Israel <3478>, thirty <7970> thousand <505> chariots <7393>, and six <8337> thousand <505> horsemen <6571>, and people <5971> as the sand <2344> which is on the sea <3220> shore <8193> in multitude <7230>: and they came up <5927>(8799), and pitched <2583>(8799) in Michmash <4363>, eastward <6926> from Bethaven <1007>.
6. When the men <376> of Israel <3478> saw <7200>(8804) that they were in a strait <6887>(8804), (for the people <5971> were distressed <5065>(8738),) then the people <5971> did hide <2244>(8691) themselves in caves <4631>, and in thickets <2337>, and in rocks <5553>, and in high places <6877>, and in pits <953>.
7. And some of the Hebrews <5680> went over <5674>(8804) Jordan <3383> to the land <776> of Gad <1410> and Gilead <1568>. As for Saul <7586>, he was yet in Gilgal <1537>, and all the people <5971> followed <310> him trembling <2729>(8804).
8. And he tarried <3176>(8686)(8675) <3176>(8735) seven <7651> days <3117>, according to the set time <4150> that Samuel <8050> had appointed: but Samuel <8050> came <935>(8804) not to Gilgal <1537>; and the people <5971> were scattered <6327>(8686) from him.
9. And Saul <7586> said <559>(8799), Bring hither <5066>(8685) a burnt offering <5930> to me, and peace offerings <8002>. And he offered <5927>(8686) the burnt offering <5930>.
10. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end <3615>(8763) of offering <5927>(8687) the burnt offering <5930>, behold, Samuel <8050> came <935>(8802); and Saul <7586> went out <3318>(8799) to meet <7125>(8800) him, that he might salute <1288>(8800) him.
11. And Samuel <8050> said <559>(8799), What hast thou done <6213>(8804)? And Saul <7586> said <559>(8799), Because I saw <7200>(8804) that the people <5971> were scattered <5310>(8804) from me, and that thou camest <935>(8804) not within the days <3117> appointed <4150>, and that the Philistines <6430> gathered themselves together <622>(8737) at Michmash <4363>;
12. Therefore said <559>(8799) I, The Philistines <6430> will come down <3381>(8799) now upon me to Gilgal <1537>, and I have not made supplication <2470>(8765) unto <6440> the LORD <3068>: I forced <662>(8691) myself therefore, and offered <5927>(8686) a burnt offering <5930>.
13. And Samuel <8050> said <559>(8799) to Saul <7586>, Thou hast done foolishly <5528>(8738): thou hast not kept <8104>(8804) the commandment <4687> of the LORD <3068> thy God <430>, which he commanded <6680>(8765) thee: for now would the LORD <3068> have established <3559>(8689) thy kingdom <4467> upon Israel <3478> for <5704> ever <5769>.
14. But now thy kingdom <4467> shall not continue <6965>(8799): the LORD <3068> hath sought <1245>(8765) him a man <376> after his own heart <3824>, and the LORD <3068> hath commanded <6680>(8762) him to be captain <5057> over his people <5971>, because thou hast not kept <8104>(8804) that which the LORD <3068> commanded <6680>(8765) thee.
15. And Samuel <8050> arose <6965>(8799), and gat him up <5927>(8799) from Gilgal <1537> unto Gibeah <1390> of Benjamin <1144>. And Saul <7586> numbered <6485>(8799) the people <5971> that were present <4672>(8737) with him, about six <8337> hundred <3967> men <376>.
16. And Saul <7586>, and Jonathan <3129> his son <1121>, and the people <5971> that were present <4672>(8737) with them, abode <3427>(8802) in Gibeah <1387> of Benjamin <1144>: but the Philistines <6430> encamped <2583>(8804) in Michmash <4363>.
17. And the spoilers <7843>(8688) came out <3318>(8799) of the camp <4264> of the Philistines <6430> in three <7969> companies <7218>: one <259> company <7218> turned <6437>(8799) unto the way <1870> that leadeth to Ophrah <6084>, unto the land <776> of Shual <7777>:
18. And another <259> company <7218> turned <6437>(8799) the way <1870> to Bethhoron <1032>: and another <259> company <7218> turned <6437>(8799) to the way <1870> of the border <1366> that looketh <8259>(8737) to the valley <1516> of Zeboim <6650> toward the wilderness <4057>.
19. Now there was no smith <2796> found <4672>(8735) throughout all the land <776> of Israel <3478>: for the Philistines <6430> said <559>(8804), Lest the Hebrews <5680> make <6213>(8799) them swords <2719> or spears <2595>:
20. But all the Israelites <3478> went down <3381>(8799) to the Philistines <6430>, to sharpen <3913>(8800) every man <376> his share <4282>, and his coulter <855>, and his axe <7134>, and his mattock <4281>.
21. Yet they had a file <6477> <6310> for the mattocks <4281>, and for the coulters <855>, and for the forks <7969> <7053>, and for the axes <7134>, and to sharpen <5324>(8687) the goads <1861>.
22. So it came to pass in the day <3117> of battle <4421>, that there was neither sword <2719> nor spear <2595> found <4672>(8738) in the hand <3027> of any of the people <5971> that were with Saul <7586> and Jonathan <3129>: but with Saul <7586> and with Jonathan <3129> his son <1121> was there found <4672>(8735).
23. And the garrison <4673> of the Philistines <6430> went out <3318>(8799) to the passage <4569> of Michmash <4363>.
Notes that are not verse specific
WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS DIE We all ask "Why?" when we hear of good people, believers, whose life is suddenly taken before we consider that their time is up. The mother of four who was killed in a car crash, the enthusiastic young brother with so much potential killed in a tragic accident, a devoted father of three and follower of Christ suddenly taken by cancer. It doesn't seem right. There was so much more for them to do. It makes us all ask why.
But God never makes mistakes. He has planned the day of our birth and the day of death. God knows best. One of the answers may be found in the first two verses of this chapter. "The righteous perish, and no-one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those that walk uprightly enter into peace; They find rest as they lie in death." Those devout, righteous and Godly people are sleeping and resting until that glorious day when Jesus returns to usher them into his kingdom. No longer are they burdened by sin, they can not be disturbed by wicked people, they have completed their time of testing.
May he return for all of us soon.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
56:3 The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8) was both a foreigner and a eunuch. How exciting for him that he may have ventured into Isaiah 56 and seen a vision specific to himself.
57:15 There is a contrast in this verse:
God:
* is high and elevated
* inhabits eternity
* has a name that is Holy
* has a dwelling in the heights where things are pure
The believer:
* is crushed and dispirited
* is low because of his sinfulness (v16)
* is in need of revival (or else he might perish)
YET God who dwells in the high and holy place also dwells alongside the crushed believer and even knows the very number of hairs on his or her head.
We have a great God both in might and character!
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
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1. Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068>, Keep <8104>(8798) ye judgment <4941>, and do <6213>(8798) justice <6666>: for my salvation <3444> is near <7138> to come <935>(8800), and my righteousness <6666> to be revealed <1540>(8736).
2. Blessed <835> is the man <582> that doeth <6213>(8799) this, and the son <1121> of man <120> that layeth hold <2388>(8686) on it; that keepeth <8104>(8802) the sabbath <7676> from polluting <2490>(8763) it, and keepeth <8104>(8802) his hand <3027> from doing <6213>(8800) any evil <7451>.
3. Neither let the son <1121> of the stranger <5236>, that hath joined <3867>(8738) himself to the LORD <3068>, speak <559>(8799), saying <559>(8800), The LORD <3068> hath utterly <914>(8687) separated <914>(8686) me from his people <5971>: neither let the eunuch <5631> say <559>(8799), Behold, I am a dry <3002> tree <6086>.
4. For thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068> unto the eunuchs <5631> that keep <8104>(8799) my sabbaths <7676>, and choose <977>(8804) the things that please <2654>(8804) me, and take hold <2388>(8688) of my covenant <1285>;
5. Even unto them will I give <5414>(8804) in mine house <1004> and within my walls <2346> a place <3027> and a name <8034> better <2896> than of sons <1121> and of daughters <1323>: I will give <5414>(8799) them an everlasting <5769> name <8034>, that shall not be cut off <3772>(8735).
6. Also the sons <1121> of the stranger <5236>, that join <3867>(8737) themselves to the LORD <3068>, to serve <8334>(8763) him, and to love <157>(8800) the name <8034> of the LORD <3068>, to be his servants <5650>, every one that keepeth <8104>(8802) the sabbath <7676> from polluting <2490>(8763) it, and taketh hold <2388>(8688) of my covenant <1285>;
7. Even them will I bring <935>(8689) to my holy <6944> mountain <2022>, and make them joyful <8055>(8765) in my house <1004> of prayer <8605>: their burnt offerings <5930> and their sacrifices <2077> shall be accepted <7522> upon mine altar <4196>; for mine house <1004> shall be called <7121>(8735) an house <1004> of prayer <8605> for all people <5971>.
8. The Lord <136> GOD <3069> which gathereth <6908>(8764) the outcasts <1760>(8737) of Israel <3478> saith <5002>(8803), Yet will I gather <6908>(8762) others to him, beside those that are gathered <6908>(8737) unto him.
9. All ye beasts <2416> of the field <7704>, come <857>(8798) to devour <398>(8800), yea, all ye beasts <2416> in the forest <3293>.
10. His watchmen <6822>(8802) are blind <5787>: they are all ignorant <3045>(8804), they are all dumb <483> dogs <3611>, they cannot <3201>(8799) bark <5024>(8800); sleeping <1957>(8802), lying down <7901>(8802), loving <157>(8802) to slumber <5123>(8800).
11. Yea, they are greedy <5794> <5315> dogs <3611> which can <3045>(8804) never have <3045>(8804) enough <7654>, and they are shepherds <7462>(8802) that cannot understand <995>(8687): they all look <6437>(8804) to their own way <1870>, every one <376> for his gain <1215>, from his quarter <7097>.
12. Come <857>(8798) ye, say they, I will fetch <3947>(8799) wine <3196>, and we will fill <5433>(8799) ourselves with strong drink <7941>; and to morrow <4279> shall be as this day <3117>, and much <3966> more <3499> abundant <1419>.
1. The righteous <6662> perisheth <6>(8804), and no man <376> layeth <7760>(8802) it to heart <3820>: and merciful <2617> men <582> are taken away <622>(8737), none considering <995>(8688) that the righteous <6662> is taken away <622>(8738) from <6440> the evil <7451> to come.
2. He shall enter <935>(8799) into peace <7965>: they shall rest <5117>(8799) in their beds <4904>, each one walking <1980>(8802) in his uprightness <5228>.
3. But draw near <7126>(8798) hither, ye sons <1121> of the sorceress <6049>(8781), the seed <2233> of the adulterer <5003>(8764) and the whore <2181>(8799).
4. Against whom do ye sport <6026>(8691) yourselves? against whom make ye a wide <7337>(8686) mouth <6310>, and draw out <748>(8686) the tongue <3956>? are ye not children <3206> of transgression <6588>, a seed <2233> of falsehood <8267>,
5. Enflaming <2552>(8737) yourselves with idols <410> under every green <7488> tree <6086>, slaying <7819>(8802) the children <3206> in the valleys <5158> under the clifts <5585> of the rocks <5553>?
6. Among the smooth <2511> stones of the stream <5158> is thy portion <2506>; they, they are thy lot <1486>: even to them hast thou poured <8210>(8804) a drink offering <5262>, thou hast offered <5927>(8689) a meat offering <4503>. Should I receive comfort <5162>(8735) in these?
7. Upon a lofty <1364> and high <5375>(8737) mountain <2022> hast thou set <7760>(8804) thy bed <4904>: even thither wentest thou up <5927>(8804) to offer <2076>(8800) sacrifice <2077>.
8. Behind <310> the doors <1817> also and the posts <4201> hast thou set up <7760>(8804) thy remembrance <2146>: for thou hast discovered <1540>(8765) thyself to another than me, and art gone up <5927>(8799); thou hast enlarged <7337>(8689) thy bed <4904>, and made <3772>(8799) thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst <157>(8804) their bed <4904> where <3027> thou sawest <2372>(8804) it.
9. And thou wentest <7788>(8799) to the king <4428> with ointment <8081>, and didst increase <7235>(8686) thy perfumes <7547>, and didst send <7971>(8762) thy messengers <6735> far off <7350>, and didst debase <8213>(8686) thyself even unto hell <7585>.
10. Thou art wearied <3021>(8804) in the greatness <7230> of thy way <1870>; yet saidst <559>(8804) thou not, There is no hope <2976>(8737): thou hast found <4672>(8804) the life <2416> of thine hand <3027>; therefore thou wast not grieved <2470>(8804).
11. And of whom hast thou been afraid <1672>(8804) or feared <3372>(8799), that thou hast lied <3576>(8762), and hast not remembered <2142>(8804) me, nor laid <7760>(8804) it to thy heart <3820>? have not I held my peace <2814>(8688) even of old <5769>, and thou fearest <3372>(8799) me not?
12. I will declare <5046>(8686) thy righteousness <6666>, and thy works <4639>; for they shall not profit <3276>(8686) thee.
13. When thou criest <2199>(8800), let thy companies <6899> deliver <5337>(8686) thee; but the wind <7307> shall carry them all away <5375>(8799); vanity <1892> shall take <3947>(8799) them: but he that putteth his trust <2620>(8802) in me shall possess <5157>(8799) the land <776>, and shall inherit <3423>(8799) my holy <6944> mountain <2022>;
14. And shall say <559>(8804), Cast ye up <5549>(8798), cast ye up <5549>(8798), prepare <6437>(8761) the way <1870>, take up <7311>(8685) the stumblingblock <4383> out of the way <1870> of my people <5971>.
15. For thus saith <559>(8804) the high <7311>(8802) and lofty One <5375>(8737) that inhabiteth <7931>(8802) eternity <5703>, whose name <8034> is Holy <6918>; I dwell <7931>(8799) in the high <4791> and holy <6918> place, with him also that is of a contrite <1793> and humble <8217> spirit <7307>, to revive <2421>(8687) the spirit <7307> of the humble <8217>, and to revive <2421>(8687) the heart <3820> of the contrite ones <1792>(8737).
16. For I will not contend <7378>(8799) for ever <5769>, neither will I be always <5331> wroth <7107>(8799): for the spirit <7307> should fail <5848>(8799) before <6440> me, and the souls <5397> which I have made <6213>(8804).
17. For the iniquity <5771> of his covetousness <1215> was I wroth <7107>(8804), and smote <5221>(8686) him: I hid <5641>(8687) me, and was wroth <7107>(8799), and he went on <3212>(8799) frowardly <7726> in the way <1870> of his heart <3820>.
18. I have seen <7200>(8804) his ways <1870>, and will heal <7495>(8799) him: I will lead <5148>(8686) him also, and restore <7999>(8762) comforts <5150> unto him and to his mourners <57>.
19. I create <1254>(8802) the fruit <5108> of the lips <8193>; Peace <7965>, peace <7965> to him that is far off <7350>, and to him that is near <7138>, saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068>; and I will heal <7495>(8804) him.
20. But the wicked <7563> are like the troubled <1644>(8737) sea <3220>, when it cannot <3201>(8799) rest <8252>(8687), whose waters <4325> cast up <1644>(8799) mire <7516> and dirt <2916>.
21. There is no peace <7965>, saith <559>(8804) my God <430>, to the wicked <7563>.
Notes that are not verse specific
THE OLD ORDER OF THINGS HAS PASSED AWAY
These last two chapters of the Bible tell us about the very last things that will happen in the world as we know it. For those of us who believe it will not be the end, but the beginning of a whole new and exciting time, at one with God, sharing a peace that will last throughout eternity. Part of the description is of a bride prepared for her husband, pure and white, ready for the wedding. In the same way we will be entering a new life - no longer distant from our husband not having known him intimately, but joined together in an intimate relationship, sharing a new life just as a bride and her husband do. It is like leaving home for the first time and going to a new and secure life - on an exciting new adventure with the perfect spouse. We cannot imagine what God has in store for us because our minds are so limited now. But what we do know is that he loves us and that the future - this new door of eternity that opens - will be more than we could ever expect and better than we could hope for. Now is your chance to head for eternity because it will be too late to decide at the time.
Out with the old … in with the new!
I'll see you there!
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
LIVING WITH GOD
He is the one who created the universe, who holds the key to the unlimited secrets of nature and who can control he earth's most powerful forces with a word from his mouth. He is the artist who paints sunrises, sunsets and rainbows, who hung the stars in the sky and keeps everything running in perfect order. He is also the one who loves us, knows us and all we do, who cares for us, and who wants us to be his. He is the God who wrote us such a fantastic love letter - his word, the Bible, inviting us to share in the glory he will reveal, offering to forgive our sins and giving us the hope of everlasting life.
We have such an awesome God and in all that, the best is yet to come. God will dwell with us!
"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
He will live with us in person! The thought of living with God (or having God live with us) is the ultimate in things to look forward to. May we all be at one with him and there to share in that ultimate experience.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Robert
New heaven and a new earth
The new heaven and the new earth are introduced in the old testament after the deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian invader (Isa 65:16-19, 66:18-22). It is therefore in this context that we should discover what Revelation means by it.
Israel had been carried away by Assyria and scattered throughout its empire. Judah also had largely been conquered except for Jerusalem. This city came through a trial of fire, and through the ministrations and fervent prayers of Isaiah and Hezekiah, were saved from the day of God's judgement (2Chron 32:19-21). This day of salvation brought about a new dawn for the city of Jerusalem, God's people in captivity, and indeed all the Gentile nations who had likewise been under the yoke of Assyria.
Into this new age stepped Hezekiah as God's representative, King and saviour of the people. All nations came to him to bring tribute (2Chron 32:22-23), and whilst visiting Jerusalem looked upon the corpses of those who had dared to defy God's power (Isa 66:22-24) lying outside the city. This new government, and newly saved people, are called by God the new heavens and earth. For them there was no more slavery to Assyria and its false gods, but only the prospect of open worship of the God who had saved them.
So it is with this history in mind that we think of the final fulfilment of this phrase. The new heavens will be a rulership of Jesus and his saints after he has destroyed all armies who come against Jerusalem. The new earth will be a people who are no longer subject to an Assyria-like power who imposes its own morality and economic rule, but are free to worship and serve the true God who saved them. Studying the account in Kings, Chronicles and Isaiah alongside Revelation will reveal to us the pattern of how it will happen again in the last days.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Rob
21:6 How fitting that Revelation borrows images from Genesis - the Beginning (Genesis) and the End (Revelation). For example:
* v1 new heaven and new earth and the sea was no more. Compare Genesis 1:1,2 where God created the heavens and the earth and darkness was upon the face of the deep
* v4 death and pain shall be no more. Compare the curse of death placed upon Adam and Eve and all of creation accompanied by pain in childbirth
* v8 Evil will be abolished including murder. Compare the death of Abel and the violent evil that followed in Genesis
* vv23, 25 No need for the sun and moon to shine any more (also 22:5). Compare Genesis 1:16 where the sun and moon were created to rule over the day and the night.
* v25 Jerusalem's gates will never be shut and the tree of life will become accessible (22:2). Compare the cherubim barring entry into the garden to obtain access to the tree of life after Adam's sin
* 22v3 Curse lifted. Compare Genesis 3:17 where the creation is cursed.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
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1. And <2532> I saw <1492>(5627) a new <2537> heaven <3772> and <2532> a new <2537> earth <1093>: for <1063> the first <4413> heaven <3772> and <2532> the first <4413> earth <1093> were passed away <3928>(5627); and <2532> there was <2076>(5748) no <3756> more <2089> sea <2281>.
2. And <2532> I <1473> John <2491> saw <1492>(5627) the holy <40> city <4172>, new <2537> Jerusalem <2419>, coming down <2597>(5723) from <575> God <2316> out of <1537> heaven <3772>, prepared <2090>(5772) as <5613> a bride <3565> adorned <2885>(5772) for her <848> husband <435>.
3. And <2532> I heard <191>(5656) a great <3173> voice <5456> out of <1537> heaven <3772> saying <3004>(5723), Behold <2400>(5628), the tabernacle <4633> of God <2316> is with <3326> men <444>, and <2532> he will dwell <4637>(5692) with <3326> them <846>, and <2532> they shall be <2071>(5704) his <846> people <2992>, and <2532> God <2316> himself <846> shall be <2071>(5704) with <3326> them <846>, and be their <846> God <2316>.
4. And <2532> God <2316> shall wipe away <1813>(5692) all <3956> tears <1144> from <575> their <846> eyes <3788>; and <2532> there shall be <2071>(5704) no <3756> more <2089> death <2288>, neither <3777> sorrow <3997>, nor <3777> crying <2906>, neither <3777> <3756> shall there be <2071>(5704) any more <2089> pain <4192>: for <3754> the former things <4413> are passed away <565>(5627).
5. And <2532> he that sat <2521>(5740) upon <1909> the throne <2362> said <2036>(5627), Behold <2400>(5628), I make <4160>(5719) all things <3956> new <2537>. And <2532> he said <3004>(5719) unto me <3427>, Write <1125>(5657): for <3754> these <3778> words <3056> are <1526>(5748) true <228> and <2532> faithful <4103>.
6. And <2532> he said <2036>(5627) unto me <3427>, It is done <1096>(5754). I <1473> am <1510>(5748) Alpha <1> and <2532> Omega <5598>, the beginning <746> and <2532> the end <5056>. I <1473> will give <1325>(5692) unto him that is athirst <1372>(5723) of <1537> the fountain <4077> of the water <5204> of life <2222> freely <1432>.
7. He that overcometh <3528>(5723) shall inherit <2816>(5692) all things <3956>; and <2532> I will be <2071>(5704) his <846> God <2316>, and <2532> he shall be <2071>(5704) my <3427> son <5207>.
8. But <1161> the fearful <1169>, and <2532> unbelieving <571>, and <2532> the abominable <948>(5772), and <2532> murderers <5406>, and <2532> whoremongers <4205>, and <2532> sorcerers <5332>, and <2532> idolaters <1496>, and <2532> all <3956> liars <5571>, shall have their <846> part <3313> in <1722> the lake <3041> which <3739> burneth <2545>(5746) with fire <4442> and <2532> brimstone <2303>: which <3588> is <2076>(5748) <3603> the second <1208> death <2288>.
9. And <2532> there came <2064>(5627) unto <4314> me <3165> one of <1520> the seven <2033> angels <32> which <3588> had <2192>(5723) the seven <2033> vials <5357> full <1073>(5723) of the seven <2033> last <2078> plagues <4127>, and <2532> talked <2980>(5656) with <3326> me <1700>, saying <3004>(5723), Come hither <1204>(5773), I will shew <1166>(5692) thee <4671> the bride <3565>, the Lamb's <721> wife <1135>.
10. And <2532> he carried <667> <0> me <3165> away <667>(5656) in <1722> the spirit <4151> to <1909> a great <3173> and <2532> high <5308> mountain <3735>, and <2532> shewed <1166>(5656) me <3427> that great <3173> city <4172>, the holy <40> Jerusalem <2419>, descending <2597>(5723) out of <1537> heaven <3772> from <575> God <2316>,
11. Having <2192>(5723) the glory <1391> of God <2316>: and <2532> her <846> light <5458> was like <3664> unto a stone <3037> most precious <5093>, even like <5613> a jasper <2393> stone <3037>, clear as crystal <2929>(5723);
12. And <5037> had <2192>(5723) a wall <5038> great <3173> and <2532> high <5308>, and had <2192>(5723) twelve <1427> gates <4440>, and <2532> at <1909> the gates <4440> twelve <1427> angels <32>, and <2532> names <3686> written thereon <1924>(5772), which <3739> are <2076>(5748) the names of the twelve <1427> tribes <5443> of the children <5207> of Israel <2474>:
13. On <575> the east <395> three <5140> gates <4440>; on <575> the north <1005> three <5140> gates <4440>; on <575> the south <3558> three <5140> gates <4440>; and <2532> on <575> the west <1424> three <5140> gates <4440>.
14. And <2532> the wall <5038> of the city <4172> had <2192>(5723) twelve <1427> foundations <2310>, and <2532> in <1722> them <846> the names <3686> of the twelve <1427> apostles <652> of the Lamb <721>.
15. And <2532> he that talked <2980>(5723) with <3326> me <1700> had <2192>(5707) a golden <5552> reed <2563> to <2443> measure <3354>(5661) the city <4172>, and <2532> the gates <4440> thereof <846>, and <2532> the wall <5038> thereof <846>.
16. And <2532> the city <4172> lieth <2749>(5736) foursquare <5068>, and <2532> the length <3372> <846> is <2076>(5748) as large <5118> as <3745> <2532> the breadth <4114>: and <2532> he measured <3354>(5656) the city <4172> with the reed <2563> <1909>, twelve <1427> thousand <5505> furlongs <4712>. The length <3372> and <2532> the breadth <4114> and <2532> the height <5311> of it <846> are <2076>(5748) equal <2470>.
17. And <2532> he measured <3354>(5656) the wall <5038> thereof <846>, an hundred <1540> and forty <5062> and four <5064> cubits <4083>, according to the measure <3358> of a man <444>, that <3739> is <2076>(5748) <3603>, of the angel <32>.
18. And <2532> the building <1739> of the wall <5038> of it <846> was <2258>(5713) of jasper <2393>: and <2532> the city <4172> was pure <2513> gold <5553>, like <3664> unto clear <2513> glass <5194>.
19. And <2532> the foundations <2310> of the wall <5038> of the city <4172> were garnished with <2885>(5772) all manner of <3956> precious <5093> stones <3037>. The first <4413> foundation <2310> was jasper <2393>; the second <1208>, sapphire <4552>; the third <5154>, a chalcedony <5472>; the fourth <5067>, an emerald <4665>;
20. The fifth <3991>, sardonyx <4557>; the sixth <1623>, sardius <4556>; the seventh <1442>, chrysolite <5555>; the eighth <3590>, beryl <969>; the ninth <1766>, a topaz <5116>; the tenth <1182>, a chrysoprasus <5556>; the eleventh <1734>, a jacinth <5192>; the twelfth <1428>, an amethyst <271>.
21. And <2532> the twelve <1427> gates <4440> were twelve <1427> pearls <3135>; every <1538> <303> several <1520> gate <4440> was <2258>(5713) of <1537> one <1520> pearl <3135>: and <2532> the street <4113> of the city <4172> was pure <2513> gold <5553>, as it were <5613> transparent <1307> glass <5194>.
22. And <2532> I saw <1492>(5627) no <3756> temple <3485> therein <1722> <846>: for <1063> the Lord <2962> God <2316> Almighty <3841> and <2532> the Lamb <721> are <2076>(5748) the temple <3485> of it <846>.
23. And <2532> the city <4172> had <2192>(5719) no <3756> need <5532> of the sun <2246>, neither <3761> of the moon <4582>, to <2443> shine <5316>(5725) in <1722> it <846>: for <1063> the glory <1391> of God <2316> did lighten <5461>(5656) it <846>, and <2532> the Lamb <721> is the light <3088> thereof <846>.
24. And <2532> the nations <1484> of them which are saved <4982>(5746) shall walk <4043>(5692) in <1722> the light <5457> of it <846>: and <2532> the kings <935> of the earth <1093> do bring <5342>(5719) their <848> glory <1391> and <2532> honour <5092> into <1519> it <846>.
25. And <2532> the gates <4440> of it <846> shall <2808> <0> not <3364> <0> be shut <2808>(5686) at all <3364> by day <2250>: for <1063> there shall be <2071>(5704) no <3756> night <3571> there <1563>.
26. And <2532> they shall bring <5342>(5692) the glory <1391> and <2532> honour <5092> of the nations <1484> into <1519> it <846>.
27. And <2532> there shall <1525> <0> in no wise <3364> enter <1525>(5632) into <1519> it <846> any thing <3956> that defileth <2840>(5723), neither <2532> whatsoever worketh <4160>(5723) abomination <946>, or <2532> maketh a lie <5579>: but <1508> they which are written <1125>(5772) in <1722> the Lamb's <721> book <975> of life <2222>.
1. And <2532> he shewed <1166>(5656) me <3427> a pure <2513> river <4215> of water <5204> of life <2222>, clear <2986> as <5613> crystal <2930>, proceeding <1607>(5740) out of <1537> the throne <2362> of God <2316> and <2532> of the Lamb <721>.
2. In <1722> the midst <3319> of the street <4113> of it <846>, and <2532> on either <2532> side <1782> <1782> of the river <4215>, was there the tree <3586> of life <2222>, which bare <4160>(5723) twelve <1427> manner of fruits <2590>, and yielded <591>(5723) her <848> fruit <2590> every <2596> <1538> <1520> month <3376>: and <2532> the leaves <5444> of the tree <3586> were for <1519> the healing <2322> of the nations <1484>.
3. And <2532> there shall be <2071>(5704) no <3756> more <2089> <3956> curse <2652>: but <2532> the throne <2362> of God <2316> and <2532> of the Lamb <721> shall be <2071>(5704) in <1722> it <846>; and <2532> his <846> servants <1401> shall serve <3000>(5692) him <846>:
4. And <2532> they shall see <3700>(5695) his <846> face <4383>; and <2532> his <846> name <3686> shall be in <1909> their <846> foreheads <3359>.
5. And <2532> there shall be <2071>(5704) no <3756> night <3571> there <1563>; and <2532> they need <5532> no <3756> candle <3088> <2192>(5719), neither <2532> light <5457> of the sun <2246>; for <3754> the Lord <2962> God <2316> giveth <5461> <0> them <846> light <5461>(5719): and <2532> they shall reign <936>(5692) for <1519> ever <165> and ever <165>.
6. And <2532> he said <2036>(5627) unto me <3427>, These <3778> sayings <3056> are faithful <4103> and <2532> true <228>: and <2532> the Lord <2962> God <2316> of the holy <40> prophets <4396> sent <649>(5656) his <848> angel <32> to shew <1166>(5658) unto his <848> servants <1401> the things which <3739> must <1163>(5748) shortly <1722> <5034> be done <1096>(5635).
7. Behold <2400>(5628), I come <2064>(5736) quickly <5035>: blessed <3107> is he that keepeth <5083>(5723) the sayings <3056> of the prophecy <4394> of this <5127> book <975>.
8. And <2532> I <1473> John <2491> saw <991>(5723) these things <5023>, and <2532> heard <191>(5723) them. And <2532> when <3753> I had heard <191>(5656) and <2532> seen <991>(5656), I fell down <4098>(5627) to worship <4352>(5658) before <1715> the feet <4228> of the angel <32> which <3588> shewed <1166>(5723) me <3427> these things <5023>.
9. Then <2532> saith he <3004>(5719) unto me <3427>, See <3708>(5720) thou do it not <3361>: for <1063> I am <1510>(5748) thy <4675> fellowservant <4889>, and <2532> of thy <4675> brethren <80> the prophets <4396>, and <2532> of them which keep <5083>(5723) the sayings <3056> of this <5127> book <975>: worship <4352>(5657) God <2316>.
10. And <2532> he saith <3004>(5719) unto me <3427>, Seal <4972>(5661) not <3361> the sayings <3056> of the prophecy <4394> of this <5127> book <975>: for <3754> the time <2540> is <2076>(5748) at hand <1451>.
11. He that is unjust <91>(5723), let him be unjust <91>(5657) still <2089>: and <2532> he which is filthy <4510>(5723), let him be filthy <4510>(5657) still <2089>: and <2532> he that is righteous <1342>, let him be righteous <1344>(5682) still <2089>: and <2532> he that is holy <40>, let him be holy <37>(5682) still <2089>.
12. And <2532>, behold <2400>(5628), I come <2064>(5736) quickly <5035>; and <2532> my <3450> reward <3408> is with <3326> me <1700>, to give <591>(5629) every man <1538> according as <5613> his <846> work <2041> shall be <2071>(5704).
13. I <1473> am <1510>(5748) Alpha <1> and <2532> Omega <5598>, the beginning <746> and <2532> the end <5056>, the first <4413> and <2532> the last <2078>.
14. Blessed <3107> are they that do <4160>(5723) his <846> commandments <1785>, that <2443> they <846> may have <2071>(5704) right <1849> to <1909> the tree <3586> of life <2222>, and <2532> may enter <1525>(5632) in through the gates <4440> into <1519> the city <4172>.
15. For <1161> without <1854> are dogs <2965>, and <2532> sorcerers <5333>, and <2532> whoremongers <4205>, and <2532> murderers <5406>, and <2532> idolaters <1496>, and <2532> whosoever <3956> loveth <5368>(5723) and <2532> maketh <4160>(5723) a lie <5579>.
16. I <1473> Jesus <2424> have sent <3992>(5656) mine <3450> angel <32> to testify <3140>(5658) unto you <5213> these things <5023> in <1909> the churches <1577>. I <1473> am <1510>(5748) the root <4491> and <2532> the offspring <1085> of David <1138>, and the bright <2986> and <2532> morning <3720> star <792>.
17. And <2532> the Spirit <4151> and <2532> the bride <3565> say <3004>(5719), Come <2064>(5628). And <2532> let him that heareth <191>(5723) say <2036>(5628), Come <2064>(5628). And <2532> let him that is athirst <1372>(5723) come <2064>(5628). And <2532> whosoever will <2309>(5723), let him take <2983>(5720) the water <5204> of life <2222> freely <1432>.
18. For <1063> I testify <4828>(5736) unto every man <3956> that heareth <191>(5723) the words <3056> of the prophecy <4394> of this <5127> book <975>, If <1437> any man <5100> shall add <2007>(5725) unto <4314> these things <5023>, God <2316> shall add <2007>(5692) unto <1909> him <846> the plagues <4127> that are written <1125>(5772) in <1722> this <5129> book <975>:
19. And <2532> if <1437> any man <5100> shall take away <851>(5725) from <575> the words <3056> of the book <976> of this <5129> prophecy <4394>, God <2316> shall take away <851>(5692) his <846> part <3313> out of <575> the book <976> of life <2222>, and <2532> out of <1537> the holy <40> city <4172>, and <2532> from the things which are written <1125>(5772) in <1722> this <5026> book <975>.
20. He which testifieth <3140>(5723) these things <5023> saith <3004>(5719), Surely <3483> I come <2064>(5736) quickly <5035>. Amen <281>. Even so <3483>, come <2064>(5736), Lord <2962> Jesus <2424>.
21. The grace <5485> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> be with <3326> you <5216> all <3956>. Amen <281>.