Comments for January 26

There is a picture of salvation in Joseph's work in Egypt - salvation which we (rightly) see as having been organised by God for the sake of his special people, but salvation which was on a much grander scale and incorporated many gentiles. Joseph was truly the 'Saviour of the World' that was then known. Compare this with an early incident of Jesus. John 4:37-42. Look at the way in which the language Jesus uses picks up the idea of 'corn in Egypt' and leads us to Jesus who was 'the Saviour of the World'.

43 v.14 - Jacob surely must have held out hope that Joseph would be found. He knew of the dreams, and the interpretation of them was quite clear. How could they be fulfilled if Joseph were dead? The turn of events here was very odd. Why was this happening? Putting two and two together, surely Jacob must have had an inkling of the truth of this issue?

ch 42 - The brothers now see that their behaviour towards Joseph was wrong and see their turmoil as Divine punishment for that - v21, 28. Later they will realise that in their evil God was working.

43:14 - In appealing to 'God Almighty' Jacob is echoing a phrase rarely used in Scripture. The other occasions are Genesis 17:1 28:3 35:11 48:3. There is value in checking out the circumstances of each use.

THE CHANGE

The last thing Joseph had seen of his brothers was when they ripped his coat off him, threw him into a pit ready to kill him and then sold him as a slave. Even as brothers who were united in their hatred of Joseph, they still could not get on with each other when it came to getting rid of Joseph. One wanted to rescue him, others wanted to kill him and others wanted to sell him. Joseph's ten brothers were far from honest men - they were liars, cheats and almost murderers.

There was a big change in their maturity when Joseph next saw them. When Joseph suggested that they might be spies, his brothers replied, "Your servants are honest men, not spies."

So tests were set to find out if what Joseph's brothers had said was true. Would they measure up to the standard of honest men? This time they showed unity, self sacrifice, repentance, honesty, generosity and humility - qualities that showed that they had changed and had become Honest men.

The test is on for us too. We claim to be honest men, servants of Christ - how do we measure up? Has our life changed since before we became a Christian? Have we matured? Have we developed the Christ-like character he expects from us? One day the judgement will come and may we, like Joseph's brothers, be accepted.

42:6 In the bowing down of the brothers we begin to see the fulfilment of Joseph's dreams (Genesis 37:5-10)

ch 43 - Whilst it may be thought that Joseph was just getting his own back on his brother for the evil that they had done to him that is clearly not so for :30 he was anguished. He was not getting his own back - rather he was seeking their repentance.

ch43:3-5 - Here we begin see the new Judah - a changed man. A man who in the future chapters we will see has learnt the lessons of life (cp Ch 38) and is now willing to stand for truth - this required him to firmly admonish his father, with all the due respect deserved, to help his Syrian-like' father to see truth. Jacob in v2 has just tried to get around the issue facing the sons about Egypt, (even at the expense of his son Simeon) by 'just getting a little food' - Jacob is trying to infer that they might be able to deceitfully get a little without the man knowing. He we see Judah begin to come to the foreground of the story and show a new changed man who can see the issues
in life clearly and wants truth.

And so in v9 a vow is made - not on a whim with no substance like Reuben's 42:38 but a solemn vow to guarantee Benjamin's life by bartering his own.

42:22,37 Reuben wanted to deliver Joseph from the pit (Gen 37:29) and now again he shows remorse. It seems that he was the first amongst the brothers to do so.

43:8 Judah had interceded for Joseph (Gen 37:26) that he might save his life by selling him. Now he intercedes again offering his own son as surety. We are beginning to see the softening of the attitude of the brethren – we saw something similar with Reuben (Genesis 42)

If Benjamin didn't come down to Egypt, then neither would his father. Joseph realised this, and so worked cleverly.
But more than that, Joseph was testing his brothers to see if they were prejudiced against Rachel’s other son, Benjamin, as they had been against him.

Gen 42:6  This must have been an exciting moment for Joseph, as his brethren bowed down before him, his dream of earlier years was fulfilled. The hand of God was evident before his very eyes. How often do we feel the same type of excitement, as we see the Word of God being fulfilled before our eyes.

Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, had been irresponsible in sleeping with Bilhah (Gen 35:22). Although he had shown benevolent intention towards Joseph (Gen 37:21,22), it was Judah who showed leadership in saving Joseph out of the hand of his murderous brothers (Gen 37:26,27).

Jacob rejected the offer of Reuben as guardian for Benjamin (Gen 42:37,38), but accepted Judah's (Gen 43:8-14).

True leadership had emerged with Judah, the fourth son of Jacob. The first, Reuben was unstable (Gen 49:3,4); and the second and third, Simeon and Levi, were self-willed and angry (Gen 49:5-7). But it was from Judah that true leadership would arise. He would be the father of the royal line from which would emerge the leader of the world (Gen 49:8-12).

It is interesting to watch the brothers development of gradually reaching greater truth in their statements. Although they tell no lies here, in places like 42:13 'one is not', through to the detail poured out in 44:20.  Joseph is surely testing them to see if they have changed.

43:23,34 - silver = mercy and redemption. "Simeon" according to The Westminster Dictionary of the Bible means "hearing" and thus Joseph's brethren had hearing given back to them. During the millennium, when Christ returns, people's ears will be receptive to the word of God. The number 5 perhaps suggests grace or mercy.

42:7,8 Notice the three uses of ‘knew’ – Hebrew discerned This contrasts with the brethren who did not recognise him as ‘he made himself strange Gen 42:7. This was a shadow of Jesus’ first appearance. He knew his brethren and their ways but they did not know him as their saviour.

43:23  Whilst Joseph's servant spoke ‘peace’ to the brothers they had been unable to speak peaceably to Joseph 37:4

42:14 One may question the way that Joseph treated his brethren at this time. He accused them of being spies, and demanded that they bring their younger brother, to proof their honesty. They, like us had to be taught to develop humility, to realize the errors of their ways.

42:21 In the comment that the brothers say one to another we begin to see their repentance for the evil that they had done to Joseph.

42:28 Notice that despite their behaviour Joseph’s brother knew that God was at work in their lives. How often we are like this. We recognise God as being all powerful but then we continue to pursue our own objectives.

42:25,27,28,35; 43:12,15,18, 21-23 Silver was the most important metal for most of the Old Testament time period.  Until about 500 BC it was considered the most valuable metal.  And so, it is no wonder that silver was used as currency.  In this chapter, the KJV terms Israel's payment for grain both as money, while the NIV uses the word silver.  The original Hebrew word translated is kesef which means silver, but since it was used as currency, the term money is a legitimate translation.  In Modern Hebrew kesef is the common word for money (cash) and also descriptive of the metal silver.

42:18 In bringing the brothers out of the prison on ‘the third day’ the brothers, who were as good as dead, experienced a resurrection because of the saving work of Joseph – a pattern of Jesus saving the Jews – Rom 11:26

43:32 The Hebrews were held in low esteem because they were shepherds.  One opinion says that for 259 years, the Nile Delta and Middle Egypt were held in subjection by the Hyksos, who were shepherd kings.  They rendered terrible cruelty on the Egyptians.  It was Ahmose I who, finally, expelled the Hyksos.  The Egyptians linked sheep with cruelty, and so, one can understand their discomfort with the Hebrews. 

Another opinion suggests that the Egyptians of this time were the Hyksos - nomads who immigrated to Egypt from southern Canaan. Both they and the Hebrews were Semitic peoples.  Sesostris III (1878-1843 BC) was the Pharaoh when Jacob came down to Egypt. The Egyptians who deposed the Hyksos, however, had no ethnic kinship with the Hebrews. Thus, they were not kindly disposed to the Hebrews as the Hyksos had been.

Gen 42:18 I wonder if Joseph was giving his brothers a clue by saying 'for I fear God'? With an interpreter being used (v23) it is difficult to know if Joseph used the Hebrew word for God as we find in Gen 1:1, but if he did this should have given his brothers hope.  The lesson for us, as we can see throughout this whole record, is that God is always there for help even if we do not appreciate it at the time.

Gen 42:38 - Jacob's reference to his going to the "grave" ["grave" from the Heb. "sheol" (7585) which means "grave, hell, pit"]. Note Jacob was a righteous man of faith (Heb 11:20,21,39,40) and all who die (righteous and unrighteous) go to "hell" i.e. the "grave".

42:28In receiving their money back the brothers had obtained corn which had not cost them anything. It was ‘without money – Isa 55:1– a pattern of the way in which Jesus will save Israel.

The anguish of Israel is understandable but in this state we see him too ready to blame his sons for things that are not their fault.  For example he attributes the problem of Benjamin having to go because his other sons were careless in the information they gave to 'the man'.  Blame was not appropriate because it was 'the man' who had asked about a brother (Gen 43v6,7),  However ultimately, once Israel had once more worked through the various difficulties he realise that the only thing he could do was put his trust in God Gen 43:14  Our challenge is to learn from this narrative to put our trust in God, sooner rather than later, when we are faced with difficulties in life.  What a reward Israel received on this occasion for trusting in God!

EVERYTHING IS AGAINST ME

The biggest best moments of Jacob's life was about to be sprung upon him. He had no idea. But in order for him to receive the blessing he was about to get, Jacob had to go through what seemed like some of the most distressing times of his life. Not only was the family suffering famine in Canaan, but having already lost one son, Joseph, for whom he was still grieving, he had now also lost another son who had been kept prisoner in Egypt. Further than that, the sons that were left insisted on taking Benjamin, the last son of his love down to Egypt with them, with no guarantee of his return. It is no wonder Jacob cried out, "Everything is against me!" (Gen 42:36)

In hindsight we are clearly able to see that all these events were leading up to the reconciliation and salvation of Jacob and all his family. It was to be the best thing that ever happened to him. But Jacob couldn't see it.

Do we think we can see more of our lives than Jacob could see of his? Sooner or later almost all of us find ourselves crying out, "Everything is against me!" But like Jacob, we may find that all the things that went against us were actually working for our good.

 "In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28)

43:8   In speaking to Jacob Judah uses the same argument that Jacob had used to the brothers – 42:2 ‘that we may live’

Unstable as water

Reuben was Jacob's oldest son. He should have been the one to safeguard Benjamin. But Jacob doesn't listen to Reuben (see Gen 42:37-38). Later Jacob says of his eldest son, "you are as unstable as water" (49:4). He felt he couldn't entrust the life of his youngest son to him. After all, Joseph had been lost during his watch, and he didn't even know about it. Where was he when it happened? (37:29). Yet when later Judah steps forward and makes effectively the same offer, Jacob listens (43:8-11). Judah has the authority to back up his word, whereas Reuben doesn't. Jacob says of Judah "your father's children shall bow down to you" (49:8), the words of the dream that started this whole sad story off in the first place. Are we worthy to be trusted, or as unstable as water?

42:4 Benjamin was no little boy. Doubtless he was used to being out in the field tending the flock. So maybe in Jacob’s words we see a hint of his feeling that the brothers had been involved in the ‘death’ of Joseph.

Gen 42:1-7 - Joseph offered bread for those who came to him thus echoing Christ who offers the bread of life to those who come to him.

43:3    God is always looking for repentance so that he can show mercy. Joseph now sees the beginning of repentance in Judah.  Joseph must have been encouraged at the beginning of the change in the brothers. However their true colours had not yet been seen so their trial continues.

We can identify the spirit of Christ in the life of Joseph. Jesus read of God’s faithful servant Joseph and would have seen the path his Father had mapped out for him and the glory that was promised.

Joseph was one of those who – “…testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow” (1Pet 1:11).

Genesis chapter 42

42:22 Reuben now reminds his brothers what he had said to his them earlier – Gen 37:22 – as if his pleadings made what they had done right!

43:15 the seeming casual way in which the preparation of the sons and the taking of Benjamin is recorded hides the anguish that must have been in Jacob’s mind. One wonders what the 10 brothers thought remembering that they had sold Benjamin’s son into Egypt some 10-11 years earlier. Actions always have consequences. The sons of Jacob are bow learning that consequences follow on from their actions towards Joseph so long ago.

42:35  The way in which the money that Jacob’s sons money was returned to them meant that they received food “without price”. A foretaste of the free salvation in Christ which was spoken of by the prophet – Isa 55:1

THREE STEP PROBLEM SOLVER

As Jacob reluctantly sent his sons back to Egypt to buy more food, he gave them this advice: "Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift - a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds. Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. Take your brother also, and go back to the man at once. And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you." (Gen 43:11-14).

His advice took three parts.
Firstly he told his boys to take a gift, something that would soften Joseph up, and make him more likely to receive them with favour.
Secondly, he told them to make right anything that was wrong - the repayment of the silver that was returned.
And lastly, Jacob urged them to fall back on the grace of God.

When we have problems and tensions arise in relationships, whether they are our doing or not, the same formula may help. Take a gift, humbly ask forgiveness for past sins, and do what you can to make it right. Above all, pray about it, and rely on the grace and mercy of God.

42:37  Reuben here show similar characteristics to how we see him in Gen 37:25 where he tried to deliver Joseph from the intent of his brothers to kill him.

42:1   The phrase here is quoted exactly by Stephen – Acts 7:12 – highlighting that we are not just being presented with an historical detail about Jacob here. We are learning what God wants us to understand about the background where salvation is the object of the activities, as it is in Acts 7

43:26 The behaviour of his brothers is a partial fulfilment of Joseph’s dream – Gen 37:7

Gen 43:11 Jacob prepared a present for “the man” (Joseph) in Egypt. It included “a little honey”. This is the first reference in scripture to “honey”. This also suggests that Jacob was a bee keeper!  The gift of honey was coming from the land God had promised (21 times) was a land flowing "with milk and honey". 

A question for us, How sweet is the Word of God to our taste?

The sweet Psalmist of Israel was able to answer this question. “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psa 119:103).  

42:38 Benjamin did not go to Egypt the first time that the brothers went to buy corn. And now Jacob refuses to let him go even though his presence was a condition on which food would be sold. We are left wondering whether Jacob has his suspicions about the brothers’ treatment of Joseph and that they might behave similarly towards Benjamin.

43:9 One might wonder how Judah thought he could be “surety” for Benjamin. I suppose he is assuring Jacob that he will guarantee that he and his brothers will not do any harm to Benjamin. At this time Judah knew exactly what they had done to Joseph and that was colouring his words even though Jacob was unaware of what had happened.

Joseph's action in verse 24 of binding Simeon in front of his brothers raises the question as to why choose Simeon and not say Dan or Zebulun? Perhaps the answer can be found in Gen 49:5: "Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations." I would suggest from both Joseph binding and incarcerating Simeon and from Jacob's declaration of his character, that Simeon was the ringleader in plotting Joseph's death in Gen 37:20.

By contrast, in his actions with his brothers, Joseph showed just what a deep understanding he had of human nature and a compassion for others. Everything Joseph did with his brothers was designed to get them to think about what they had done to their long-lost brother and to think of others instead of being purely selfish as they had been all their lives to date.

Joseph's policy worked perfectly - as evidenced particularly by Judah's altruistic behaviour before Joseph as he pleaded for Benjamin - a remarkable change from his earlier behaviour recorded in Gen 38. Small wonder that under Divine guidance, Jacob blesses Judah as he does in Gen 49:8-10.
 

In a very real sense, Joseph was the redeemer of his brethren, just as the Greater Joseph (the Lord Jesus Christ) will be Israel's ultimate saviour and will own the sceptre (the symbol of kingship) of Israel, through the blessing given to his ancestor Judah.

How wonderful and powerful are Yahweh and His Word, to give us such wonderful examples as Joseph the redeemer of his brothers, along with such hope that through the Greater Joseph, though our sins be as scarlet, (Gen 38) if we follow Judah's example and change our ways, our sins will be made white as snow and we shall be redeemed and united with the Greater Joseph - "he who is not ashamed to call us his brethren" (Heb 2:11)

42:21   Here we learn about Joseph’s feelings when he was put in the pit, though the narrative at the time  - Gen 37:22 -  is silent on that aspect of the events

42:23 Joseph was skilful in matters of Egypt. It would not have been so out of place if he had spoken to his brothers in Hebrew. But just in case he was recognised too early in the process he spoke through an interpreter – but was still able to understand their words.

43:3,8 Judah, now, appears to be a changed man. The escapade with the women of the land – 38 – has passed and Judah is concerned for his father.

People can, and do, change. We must be alert to this. The change is seen in sincere and faithful behaviour that is not looking for reward.

FAITHFUL STEWARD

In Matthew 24 verses 45 to 51, Jesus told a parable about faithful and wise servants doing what they should be doing. The lesson from that parable is that we should be faithful and wise servants for him.

A good example of this sort of faithfulness is found in Joseph's steward. 

• He stood at the door to welcome his master, his guests, and to prevent unwelcome visitors coming in. (Gen 43:19).
• When Joseph's brothers came to him with problems, he was the one that put their minds at rest, pointing the brothers to put their trust in the God of their fathers. (v.23).
• The steward was the one who reunited the family with Simeon. (v.23). As stewards over God's household, we should also be people who reunite family who have been bound in the prison of guilt and sin.
• Joseph's steward welcomed the brothers, "gave them water to wash their feet and provided fodder for their donkeys." (v.24). He met their needs and provided comfort for them all.

Let's be the stewards of God's house we were meant to be, showing love, care and compassion, and pointing each other toward God.

46v.4 - We can't help but be drawn to that wonderful picture of New Jerusalem - truly the city of God - and the pure river of water of life - Rev.22:1-3, though the Psalmist is almost certainly referring back to the Exodus and the crossing of the Red Sea - compare v.10,11 of our Psalm with Exo.14:13,14.

47v.9 - In the phrase 'the people of the God of Abraham' is encapsulated the whole of the children of promise, as amplified to Moses, when God revealed His name at the burning bush - Exo.3:15. See also Isa.41:8-10, Matt.22:32, Rom.4:11,12, Gal.3:29

46:9 God will make wars to cease when Jesus rules from Jerusalem - Isaiah 2:4

47:6-7 The call to sing praises with understanding shows us that we must think carefully about the words we sing in our hymns and the words we utter in our prayers.

48:2 the joyful description of Jerusalem is contrasted by Jeremiah [Lam 2:15] with how he saw it after the Babylonians had taken Judah captive. However its fortunes will be restored when the lord Jesus returns.

Psalm 48:2 - "Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King" - But not yet! Only the eye of faith can see this huge mountain. Mt Zion at this point is an insignificant little rise just to the north of the old city of Jerusalem. But the day comes soon, when it will be the Joy of the whole earth, and all people from every nation will go against their nature, and willingly flow [as water] up to the City of the Great King - Isaiah 2:1-4

46:1 That God is the refuge of the Psalmist is a recurring theme in Scripture. However it is so hard, in times of trouble, to realise that God is our refuge. It is so easy to try to rely on our own strength. The situations where we have to rely on God are part of His training plan that we might learn that we cannot rely on ourselves but must rely on Him.

47:1-4 The Psalmist sings of the victory that God has provided, hence (v5) God has gone up with a shout – language quoted by Paul (1Thess 4:16) to speak of the victory we shall gain at the return of Christ.

48:14 ‘unto death’ is better rendered ‘through death’ – whilst we are in the sleep of death, unconscious knowing nothing, God and His son Jesus are awake and aware of us.

In our three Psalms for to day we see that they go together and they are an expression of God's deliverance.

Psalm 46 An expression of confidence in God, He is their refuge and strength.

Psalm 47 God is recognised as the Deliverer,

Psalm 48  Zion is identified as the city of the Lord of Hosts.

These psalms show the awesome power and protection of our God.  If we put our trust in Him (Prov 3:5,6) we shall be brought through our trials to safety - through this life to the Kingdom.  The friends of His Son are secure (John 15:14), while His enemies will bite the dust (Psa 72:9). Contrast the true excellency of Jacob (47:4), which is Christ (through Judah), to the failed excellency of Jacob's firstborn Reuben (Gen 49:3,4).

48:7 This verse certainly shows without reservation that the Almighty not only has control over man, but, He also has full control over every part of His mighty creation. We have witnessed this in the Tsunami disaster in the past month. As we read in the Olivet prophecy, we know that the time of the end is near. Luke 21:11;25-26 Men's hearts failing them for fear; then, they shall see the son coming in a cloud. V.27

Considering 48:2 and 50:2, both of which talk of the beauty of Zion, and realising that Zion is the place that God has chosen to place his name there (Psa 132:13), and recognising that spiritually that place is Jesus, we have much to meditate upon in this thought.

What a blessing it is sometimes, to just to stand "still, and know that I am God" (Psa 46:10). Even in the rush of our modern life, it is quite possible for us to be still. No worries, no TV, no screaming humans. Just be still. And think about the Lord God.

46:7,11 The Lord of hosts being ‘with us’ is rather like ‘Emmanuel’ – God with us Isa 7:14 God’s deliverance was not just from human armies, it extended to ultimate deliverance from death.

47:5     The way in which God was gone up with the sound of a trumpet is echoed in 1Thess 4:16

48:2      In speaking of Jerusalem as ‘the city of the great king’ we see language which Jesus used – Matt 5:35 – to counsel Israel on oaths.

In Mark 11:22-24 Jesus quotes Psa 46:2. He explains that by prayer we can move mountains. So we can also see that the refuge spoken of in verses 1,7,11 is obtainable by prayer.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE LAST DAYS

We may not notice it at first glance, but Psalm 46 is a prophecy about the time when Jesus returns to reign as king over the earth. Throughout the psalm there are constant allusions to other prophecies that speak of the same thing.

The psalmist speaks of a "river whose streams make glad the city of God." (Psa 46:4) this links us to Zechariah 4 v 8, Ezekiel 47 and Revelation 22.

He tells us that "Nations are in an uproar, kingdoms fall." (v.6) This links us with Dan 2:1, Luke 21:25-28.

He says that God "makes wars to cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire." (v.9) this verse links us with the prophecies in Mic 4:3, Isa 2:4.

And when God says, "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth," (v.10) he reminds us of the prophecies such as Isa 2:1-3,11, Zech 14:9.

The important thing is not how the prophecies link up but the encouragement we are given to see us through this time. The time of change between the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God is described as intensely terrifying. But there is encouragement. "God is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear through the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." (Psa 46:1-3)

46:6 The raging heathen and kingdoms moved explains verse :2-3. The Psalm, when speaking of the elements is using them as metaphors for the nations.

46:1 Alamoth refers to girls (virgins). The singers of this psalm were probably sopranos.

47:2 This psalm recognizes Yahweh as the king over all the earth, which includes the nation of Israel. Contrast this recognition with the denial of Israel when they lusted after a human king (1Sam 8:6,7).

48:2 ...the sides of the north is a phrase which denotes the highest point, in this case Mount Zion is elevated above all the land in importance and stature (see also Isa 14:13).

Psa 48:2 First Principles>Sure Mercies of David>Capital City>Jerusalem Glorified
Jerusalem, rebuilt and glorified, will become the metropolis of God's Kingdom which will embrace all nations. Psa 48:2, Isa 52:1, Isa 60:14, Jer 3:17, Zech 14:16, Matt 5:34-35
First Principles>Sure Mercies of David> For more details go to Isa 55:1-3.

46:8 The ‘desolations’ do not refer to physical ruin of the earth. Rather it is the effect of the Judgements of God upon the nations who have already been likened to the waters and mountains – verse :2-3

48:2       In describing the beautiful situation of Zion ‘on the sides of the north’ we are given God’s view of the city which provides an explanation for the words of the prophet – Isa 14:13 – where the king of Babylon is seen as trying to usurp God’s throne.

48:1-2 The ideas of these verses are used in Heb 12:22 and applied to the kingdom age when Christ will be back in the earth. So we can appreciate, from the New Testament use of the Psalm, that it is looking beyond even Solomon’s temple and kingdom.

Psa 46:1 - "refuge" <4268>; Psa 46:7,11 - "refuge" <4869>.

Psa 46:2-3 - this suggests literal and/or figurative earthquakes which make me think of the parents of the sons of Korah swallowed up and the tumult of the last days (Num 16:25-35;Luke 21:25-28).

Psa 46:4 - "river" <5104> perhaps this relates to Hezekiah's conduit or living water (2Kin 20:20;2Chron 32:2,3,4,30;Rev 22:1-3;John 7:38;4:13-15). 

Psa 46:5 - helping Jerusalem at the break of day may refer to relief from the Assyrians in Hezekiah's day and perhaps relief from a latter day Assyrian in the last days (2Kin 19:32-36;Isa 37:36).

Psa 46:6 - "The heathen raged, kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted" - perhaps this has application to Hezekiah's day and perhaps the last days (2Chron 32:9-19;Isa 2:19;Joel 3:14-16;Zech 14:1-4).

Psa 46:7 - "The Lord of hosts is with us..." though using different words in Hebrew this is similar to the "Immanuel" of Isa 7:14 which likely refers to Hezekiah and Christ.

Psa 46:8 - "desolations he hath made in the earth" - perhaps this refers to the slaying of 185,000 Assyrians in Hezekiah's day or a slaying of a latter day Assyrian in the last days (Isa 37:36;Eze 39:1-4,11-13).

Psa 46:9 - "wars to cease" (Isa 2:4).

Psa 46:10 - God to be exalted among the nations (Eze 38:19-23;Luke 21:26-27).

Psa 47:1,5,6,7,8,9 - eight mentions of "God" [<430> the Heb. word "elohim" meaning God, gods, mighty men, magistrates, angels, divine ones, godlike one, can refer to Jesus and God manifestation].

Psa 47:3 - "He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet" (1Cor 15:23-25).

Psa 47:5 - "trumpet" [<7782> Heb. "shofar"] used on the day of Jubilee and connected with the resurrection and liberty to the captives (1Thess 4:16;1Cor 15:51-52;Rev 8:6-7;11:15,18;Lev 25:9-13,39-42,47-55).

Psa 47:7 - ""King of all the earth" (Zech 14:9 - we have a manifestation of God in His Son).

Psa 47:9 - "princes" [<5081> means "voluntary, willing, noble, etc." - the same Hebrew word is translated "willing" in Psa 110:3]...gathered together...the people of the God of Abraham" (Gal 3:27-29).

Psalm 48 - seems to be about the glory of Zion saved by her God from the Assyrian and latter day Assyrian.

Psa 48:2 - "city of the great king" (Matt 5:35).

Psa 48:3-5 - perhaps has application to the last days assault on on God's people and the Messiah coming to rescue (Zech 14:1-11).

Psa 48:7 - the ships of Tarshish (Gen 10:4) broken - perhaps connects to the Phoenicians, Tyre and latter day merchant powers. Psa 48:7 - "wind" [Hebrew "ruach" <7307>].

Psa 48:8 - "establish it for ever"

Psa 48:9 - "We" - this would seem to refer to the Lord's redeemed.

Psa 48:14 - "for ever and ever"..."unto" [Hebrew "al" <5921> and according to Brown-Driver-Briggs can mean "beyond"] "death".

47:4  The phrase “excellency of Jacob” occurs a number of times in Scripture  here, Amos 6:8, Amos 8:7, Nah 2:2. What does it mean?  Jacob changed from being a deceiver to being a faithful servant of God. God describes him as “plain” (Perfect) Gen 25:27. It is his faithfulness that is being spoken of in that statement.

TRYING TIMES

Here is a verse that will be well worth committing to memory: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psa 46:1) The rest of this psalm has significant links to prophecies that speak of the last days throughout the rest of the Bible. They will be terrifying times. It may even be that we will be tempted to believe that God is no longer in control because things will get so bad. But once they begin in earnest, they will also come to an end.

During the time of the end it may seem that God is not listening to our prayers; it may feel like everything is out of control; we may not even recognise some of the prophecies in the Bible that are fulfilled right in front of our eyes. People will pretend to be prophets and to act on the authority of God and will even try to convince believers. And the terror of war, destruction and famine will be all around.

Where will we turn? Turn to God. Remember these words and remind yourself of them, even when things look black: "God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble." Keep it in mind. Make him your refuge and strength. Ask and allow him to be your help. Don't give up - no matter how bad it gets. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

What are you thinking about? I don't know where you are at the moment or what sort of day you have had, or how your current circumstances are affecting your thoughts. But whatever the case, we all have a choice about what we allow our minds to think.

The son's of Korah sang, "Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love." (Psa 48:9) Whether the Son's of Korah meditated on God's unfailing love outside of the temple, we don't know, but when we consider that our bodies are the temple of the Living God, we realise that we should always be meditating on the unfailing love of the LORD.

God's unfailing love. What a wonderful thing to meditate on! His love for his people Israel and the ways he has shown it over the centuries, his love for the people God has called, including you and me, and his work in our lives; his love for the world in giving his one and only Son to die for our sins; his love in forgiveness, even when we fail again and again; his love in providing us with a hope that stretches into eternity; his love that never fails. Let's think about it. Let's meditate on God's unfailing love while we live in this body - the temple of the Living God.

48:5     The way in which the kings respond to God echoes Psa 72:10-11

GOD IS AWESOME!

There are stacks of reasons God is awesome, and the psalmist gives us two of them in particular to think about. He says, "How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved." (Psa 47:2-4).

As far as the people of Israel go, these are two very nationalistic reasons God is awesome. He subdued their enemies, and he chose a beautiful inheritance for them.

We might not have seen foreign armies fall under our feet, and we might not even have any land to call our own, but God is awesome to us for very similar reasons. Firstly, our greatest enemy, sin, has been subdued and crushed from our lives. Through the death of Christ and the forgiveness of our sins, it no longer has a hold on us to keep us in its bondage. And secondly, God has promised us a place in his kingdom - a place where we can have fellowship with him, an inheritance that will never spoil and that we can enjoy for ever.

Our God is truly an awesome God!

Psa 46:10

“Be still, and know that I am God…”

We live in a very carnal Age. Society is conflicting, confusing, and disorderly. The environment in which we live puts a lot of demands and expectations on us. This creates tension physically and mentally and robs us of our peace, joy and contentment, living in continuous reactions to our circumstances. The tragedy in all this is there is no place to run and hide from these stresses. This begs the question, “Can we rise above our circumstances?” We can rise above our circumstances by not giving in to them, and this is the power of being “still” - the power of solitude with God.

Solitude is not synonymous with loneliness. Loneliness is separation anxiety, a feeling of being disconnected. Solitude is being alone without feeling alone and disconnected. It is a time of refreshing and renewing. To hear God we need still times to listen and learn, to pray and be alone with God as He teaches us. This will build character that pleases God. Still time is quiet time; it is about what we can do for God, and not about busying ourselves with what He can do for us. God wants us to listen to Him and enjoy our fellowship with Him.

Solitude prepares us to face life’s challenges, discouragements, and rejections knowing that everything is under God’s control. Solitude is not just about Bible study and prayers; it is about being alone with God, communicating with Him, opening our hearts and minds to Him, having a personal relationship with Him, and trusting Him because He cares. In the middle of a storm, God wants us to feel peace within, be confident and give us a sense of His presence undisturbed by the clamour and noise of the world around us. It gives us a feeling of contentment, safety and security that no circumstance in life can rob us of. This is God's purpose for us when He commands "Be still and know that I am God."

Being still delivers us from shallowness. There are many that pray in the name of Jesus who are very shallow in character. They compromise their convictions, ethics, and morals. They break God’s commandments and justify it. No, God wants us to surrender ourselves to Him, to be separate and holy before Him, and trust Him even despite appearances because He loves us and wants the best for us. If we live His way, others will notice the difference in us and wonder why we are different, though they may never express it.

48:4-6   This Psalm  speaks of the kingdom when Christ is ruling from Jerusalem. These verses speak of how the kings of the earth will respond to his authority.

Psalm 47

What do you think v7 is teaching us when it says:

"sing ye praises with understanding"?

Psalm 48

The Psalm is about the City of David, Zion, so why does v suddenly mention ships of Tarshish? Zion is not on the coast.

The verse appears to refer to two events in the Old Testament. First, Solomon had built ships to sail to Tarshish, and it was from there that he appears to have gained a lot of his wealth:

"For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks." 1Kin 10:22

Notice that Solomon was King in Jerusalem at the time, so we could surmise that the king in v refers to him. The second occasion, King Jehoshaphat made ships to try to repeat Solomon's achievement:

"And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Eziongeber. Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish." 2Chron 20:36-37

So the Psalm is obviously a commentary on that particular event. We learn from the Psalm how God achieved the destruction of those ships (with an East wind), and we learn from 2Chronicles when and where the event took place. Most events in the Psalms can be linked in that way.

Also the lesson of the Psalm is hidden until we discovered this link. The lesson of the Psalm is that Zion, the city of God, is beautiful and sufficient in itself. Jehoshaphat should not have tried to ally himself with another King, especially not one that had rejected God. The lesson for us is that we are to learn of and embrace the holiness of God while rejecting all outside wisdom. The Psalm directs us to mark well what we have been given, to delight in it, rather than seeking to gain enlightenment elsewhere. Ironically, Jehoshaphat learned his lesson and remained faithful, whereas Solomon did not.

46:2      I suppose it is relatively easy to say we trust God when things are going well with us. However the Psalmist says that even when things go terribly wrong that He will still trust in God.

48:2      Zion has never been “the joy of the whole earth” yet. A clear indication that the Psalmist was inspired to talk of the future time when God will reign over the earth.

47:8   If we truly believe that it is God that reigns over everyone then we will have confidence that he will work out everything according to His purpose. We will not be troubled when world events seem to be deteriorating. It is difficult to appreciate the distress felt by those who do not have this assurance.

48:8 In this turbulent world where change is all around us. When the future in the Middle East looks so uncertain  it is most reassuring to know that God has a plan for Jerusalem which no man can change.

48:3 The call to “tell it to the generation following” echoes the sentiments of Deut 6:7.

48:5     the Psalm, in talking about the kings marvelling at the city of the great king, is like the way the Queen of Sheba is described – 1Kin 10:6-7

46:2-3Such was the Psalmist’s confidence that it could not be shaken even by the possibility of the earth being removed and there being another flood as devastating as the one in Noah’s day! The Psalmist also recognises that there would be a time when the nations of the world would be overthrown (moved) ( 46:6), His confidence was based on the fact that the Creator was present (46:5) We should be able to share the Psalmist’s confidence even when we see nations at war with each other and the future looking uncertain.

48:9 We might ask how could God’s loving kindness be seen in the temple? One aspect would be the realisation that he ark of the covenant was covered with the mercy seat and the two cherubims – an evidence that God was ailing to meet with men and women despite their sinfulness.

48:4-5 In essence this was seen when the queen of Sheba visited Solomon  - 1Kin 10 - but will be seen in it its fulness when all nations submit themselves to the kingship of Jesus in the coming kingdom of God on earth.

v.20 - A great teaching to bear in mind. Whatever happens - and plenty of persecution lay ahead for these men - Jesus has said this to us too. May we be exhorted to greater following: Matt.7:24-27, Ps.46:11 (above) Isa.41:10, 2Tim.4:17, Matt.6:13, Ps.72:19, Rev.22:20

Matthew's account of the events of the resurrection day are only a very brief summary. We should not assume that :16 the departure of the disciples to Galilee occurred on this day, From John 20:19-29 we conclude that the disciples were in Jerusalem for at least a week after the resurrection.

:20 In saying 'I am with you' Jesus is reminding the disciples of what he had said to them on the last night of his life (John 14:2, 18). Whilst we might - correctly - see these passages in John speaking about Jesus' return they also had this application for the disciples when they met the risen Lord Jesus.

28:10,16 The instruction that was to be given to the disciples that they should go to Galilee where they would see Jesus was not followed immediately. The disciples stayed in Jerusalem for at least 8 days. As mentioned before Matthew provides a very contracted record of the events of the days after the resurrection.

v.2 - This is the second earthquake.  There was one at the moment of his death in ch. 27:51 and now one that coincided with his release from the tomb in this verse.  There will be another to coincide with his return. Zech 14:4

Matt 28:2  Why was the stone rolled back? It certainly was not rolled back to let Christ be removed, or to let Him out. It was rolled back to let the Marys look inside.

Matthew 28:19:
Some have taken this verse to be a corrupt translation, lending to a trinitarian bias. A lengthy discourse on Matthew 28:19 can be found here with such reasoning. This article is by a non-Christadelphian(I think) named A.Plowman and you will see that his reasoning was faulty as explained in the link. There is no reason that we should be afraid of the KJV translation of this verse in giving a trinitarian bias.
A read of interest having a similar conclusion can be found by John Thomas  in the article "Baptism Into the name of God Manifestation" from the Herald of the Kingdom, March 29, 1854.

v.6 - The simple phrase - he is risen - spoken here for the first time to these women - says it all.  Our entire faith and hope rests on this phrase.  He is risen.

V.19  does not admit a triune God.  Name (Gr. onoma) is synonymous with authority.  Authority is the domain of Yahweh, the creator and sustainer of all things.  Yet, He has placed it in the hands of His Son (v.18). 

Therefore, humankind is obligated to listen to and to obey the commandments of Jesus (Psa 2:12; Matt 17:5).  Obedience will bring salvation while disobedience will bring destruction (Heb 5:9; 2Thess 1:8). 

Jesus is the only means of salvation (Acts 4:10,12).  Baptism is essential for salvation (Mark 16:16).  Baptism represents a symbolic burial with Jesus of the old carnal man, so that the new spiritual man might emerge (Rom 6:3-5). 

Hence, we can see the necessity of being baptised into Jesus (Gal 3:27).  That is how the apostles baptised.  However, it should be understood that Jesus is the express image of His Father (Heb 1:3) and was given the Holy Spirit without measure (John 3:34). 

Thus the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are expressions of God manifestation and not three elements of a triune god.

28:1    We might wonder why there were so many women with the name 'Mary'. When we realise it is the same as the Hebrew name Miriam we maybe can understand why so many mothers called their daughters Mary.

V.19 Trinitarians use this verse as one of their pet quotes.  For this reason, some are uncomfortable having this verse read at baptisms.  Correctly understood there should be no problem. This verse, in no way, agrees with the Trinity. 

Baptising in is better understood as baptising into (See 1Cor 10:2).  Jesus was given all authority in heaven and earth (v.18).  Jesus is now manifest with His Father, and so all things that apply to the Father apply to Him, in the Deity.   

It is clear that all brothers and sisters of Jesus are baptised into Jesus (Gal 3:27).  But, by extension, Jesus' brothers and sisters come into covenant relationship with Yahweh.  In the Kingdom, and beyond, Yahweh, Jesus, and the Redeemed will be truly manifest (1Cor 15:27,28).

It is well worth noting that Christ said that all power was given to Him, therefore the disciples should go and preach to all nations, (Matt 28:18,19, when the 2 verses are read together.) They were to preach about the all-powerful risen Lord. Christianity was therefore as much from God as the Law of Moses had been. Can I suggest that the new Christian ecclesia started at the death of Jesus, when the veil was torn? (Matt 27:51). I think it was Brother John Carter who wrote that when the veil was torn, there could be no more priests, or Levites, or Law of Moses, because the servers in the temple would have been able to see right through to the Most Holy Place.

28:4 The ‘fear’ of the guard matches and yet contrasts with the fear of the shepherds at the time of the birth of Jesus – Luke 2:9.

20 "I am with you always" This is both a fact and a promise. It is recorded in a manner that we can easily add to it an introduction such as: "Remember"  "Look"  "Take note" This promise is to each one of us (Matt 18:20)

28:5    In saying ‘fear not’ the angel is repeating what was said by the angel to Mary in Luke 2:10. So we have gone full circle. From the promise of the birth to the actual resurrection.

28:2 The appearance of the ‘angel of the Lord’ to announce the resurrection of Jesus mirrors the appearance of the angel at the announcement of the birth of Jesus – Luke 2:9

In v18 Jesus says that all authority has been given to him. The last time the disciples had heard this was at the last supper (John 17:1-3). Here the focus of Jesus' prayer had been on glorifying God by manifesting Him to his disciples (John 17:4,6). And now that he had overcome death, the first thing he wished to do with his power and authority was to widen that scope to the whole earth, and over all time:

"All authority has been given me... make disciples of ALL NATIONS.. teaching them.. I am with you ALWAYS" (Matt 28:18-20).

We can learn a great deal from this about our nature in the resurrection. Our focus, intentions, and mindset will not change, but our ability to implement what we desire will be enhanced.

Matt 28:19-20 First Principles>Baptism
The way to God's Kingdom and eternal life is by accepting God's gracious invitation, believing His word and obeying His will.
1. The steps involved - go to John 6:40
2. Occasions when people were baptised as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles - go to Acts 2:22-36
3. The New Birth - go to John 3:1-6
First Principles> For more first principle topics, go to Acts 8:12.

THE GREAT COMMISSION

I thought I knew all that Jesus said when he gave the great commission. But having re-read it carefully, I discovered that there is a lot more to it than what I remembered.

Jesus said, "All authority is heaven and earth has been given to me." (Matt 28:18) In this opening statement of Jesus, we learn that he is in control and that nothing is too hard for him. We must obey him because now he has all authority.

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations." (v.19) It is our job to "go" and do as he says. "Make disciples" means to teach and train people to follow Jesus, to be disciplined in following the Master. "Of all nations" means that we cannot leave people out but we must be inclusive of everyone, no matter what colour, race, language, culture or personality type. Jesus wants all men to be saved.

"Baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (v.19) Baptism seals our commitment to being a disciple and washes away our sin to make us pure and at one with God. Baptism is the first step in following the example of Jesus and becoming his disciple.

"And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (v.20) It is our job to teach others to obey all Jesus' commandments. We need to know them and to obey them ourselves before we can teach them to others. Obeying Jesus is what being a disciple is all about. We need to live his way.

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (v.20) As his disciples who do what he commands, he will be with us and will never let us down.

The great commission might sometimes seem a bit scary to do - especially when it comes to making disciples and teaching, but when Jesus is with us, we can do it and we can do it well!

28:9  In holding Jesus by the feet we are being reminded of 2Kin 4:27 when the ‘great woman’ fell at Elisha’s feet.

28:15  So the bribe did not work. Hardly surprising really. The guard had experienced a unique event. Bribery will not silence a man in such circumstances specially when their experience is confirmed by the boldness of the preaching of the apostles

28:8    ‘fear and great joy’ is an odd mixture of emotions. However they had experienced a unique event. The joy would be that Jesus was alive. The fear relating to their uncertainty as to what it all meant.

28:2    It might seem a trivial thing to tell us that the angel rolled back the stone. However in that simple statement we are seeing  God’s involvement in opening the tomb. The grave could not hold him. Not because of his own power but because God’s righteousness required that the tomb be opened. A point which Peter makes a few weeks alter – Acts 2:24

SPREAD BY LOVE

Two lots of preachers went out that day. It was the day of the resurrection. Jesus had risen from the dead, just as he said he would do.

Some heard the story of the empty tomb, and, whether they believed or not (it seems they did), they refused to submit. People were paid to spread lies about the resurrection of Jesus, saying that his body had been stolen. The soldiers could have gotten quite rich through their lying. The story they spread was motivated by money.

But at about the same time, the resurrected Jesus was sending his disciples out to preach the resurrection and the way of salvation. There was no money involved because the disciples did it for love, and because they were so convicted of the resurrected Lord they had seen. They couldn't help but speak the truth.

The same two messages have been preached since that time, but it is the preaching of the resurrection of Jesus that has changed the world. We have competition if we want to preach the truth, but ours is a message of love and truth, as opposed to one of greed and lies. Truth will win.

Let's be as excited by the truth of Jesus as his disciples were when he sent them out to preach.

28:18-19       Notice that the disciples were to preach because Jesus had all power. This is the force of Jesus’ use of the word “therefore”. The command is a logical consequence of Jesus having all power.

DO NOT BE AFRAID

It was so out of the ordinary. An earthquake, angels who were as bright as lightening, an open tomb, Roman guards who were trembling with fear, an announcement of the resurrection. No wonder they were afraid!

We feel secure and safe when things are 'normal', but when they change we can easily become afraid. But this was the message the woman received from the angel: "Do not be afraid." (Matt 28:5).

The guards were so afraid that they shook and became like dead men (v.4), but the woman, even after seeing the terrified guards were told, "Do not be afraid." It must have been only minutes later that they met the risen Jesus. His first words to them were: "Do not be afraid." (v.10). Strange and unusual things were happening, but the women, witnesses  of the risen Lord, were told not to be afraid.

One day soon, similar things are going to happen. An earthquake, the sign of the Son of Man like lightening, the raising of the dead, the bravest men creeping into caves and wishing them to fall in on them. But when it all happens, remember the women at the tomb 2000 years ago, and take to heart the message that was given to them as faithful believers:"Do not be afraid."

28:1   We may conclude the “other Mary” is the Mary referred to in Matt 27:56 -  Mary the mother of James

Matt 28:19

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”
We are commanded by Christ to be baptized in the name that fully reveals God in His redemptive manifestation and work. The apostles understood that redemptive name to be Jesus or Yahoshua (Luke 24:47; Acts 4:12; 10:43; Heb 1).

When we were born, we took on our father’s name; at baptism we were immersed into God’s family and now bear God’s name. We have both a natural and spiritual name.

Prov 22:1 says, "A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." One's good name might be considered a person's most valuable asset. How much more then in taking on the name of our Heavenly Father! The third of the 10 Commandments reads: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” (Exo 20:7). While none of us would think of taking Yahweh’s name in vain verbally, we may well take His name in vain by walking in disobedience to His Word. This commandment requires a lot more from us than not uttering God’s name disrespectfully. Failing to recognize this, we tend to dismiss its significance!

Our words reflect the condition of our heart, and our actions are the outward manifestation of it (cf. Prov 27:19; Luke 6:45). If we truly want an honest glimpse into our heart, we need to listen to what we say. It is out of the abundance of the heart that we speak. The fruit of our lives is the fruit of our lips.

We were taught to pray, “… Hallowed be thy name…” (Matt 6:9). That sense of veneration in connection with God’s name is what characterizes a life of holiness and a worship that is genuine. Both in our service and in our worship, we are to think on the things of God with love and reverence, knowing that the fact that Yahweh has revealed Himself to us by His name is itself a great act of grace.

28:8   Even though the women had not seen Jesus they were overjoyed at the words of the angel. They clearly believed Jesus had been raised form the dead even though they had not seen him.

Matt 28:19

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

“It is not wrong to use ‘the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit’ in the ceremony of baptism, notwithstanding that baptism is baptism into Christ, because Christ is the form of the three as the Father manifested in the Son by the Holy Spirit. Where this is understood, the name of Christ might be all-sufficient; but there would be a liability in the understanding to grow dim if the formula prescribed by Christ himself were dropped out of use.”

Robert Roberts

28:16 This is the first time that the disciples have been called “THE ELEVEN” Judas is now gone. The others are Mark 16:14, Luke 24:9,33, Acts 1:26, 2:14

28:14    Whilst Pilate had told the Jews to make the tomb secure saying “ye have a watch” – 27:65 – we might safely conclude that the guard used consisted of Roman soldiers. Hence the promise that if Pilate (the governor) heard they would sort matters out with him

28:15 the way in which the soldiers were bribed became common knowledge throughout the city of Jerusalem. Doubtless the religious leaders were aware of this. However they, like many politicians today, continued to assert what they wanted the people to believe.

As the New Covenant came into force, at the resurrection on the third day the events as recorded by Matthew draw on Exodus 19 when the Old Covenant was declared, and God manifested His power at Mount Sinai on the third day.

28:6 we are so familiar with the words “He is not here; he is risen” it is easy to fail to be filled with awe at those words. Jesus was the first ever to rise from the dead to eternal life. Doubtless the implications of the words of the angels did not register immediately – probably took quite some time to be fully understood. However we are wonderfully blessed to now understand the whole narrative. Jesus shared God’s nature and as a consequence this is our hope.2Pet 1:4 – we are looking forward to sharing the Divine nature. Reflecting on the transformation of Jesus’ worn out body should encourage us to hold fast to the “precious promises” made to us.

28:9 try to get the sense of joy and wonderment that the women experience. As far as they were concerned Jesus was dead. Try to imagine what it must have been like to have one’s sorrow turned into Joy. Doubtless the implications did not sink in for quite some time. But as realisation slowly grew their joy would increase. This, doubtless, was our feelings at the time we understood that Jesus had died for our sins. However with the passing of time it is easy for such wonderment to become dim.

John 19:31 - With the understanding that the Jewish "day" begins at sundown (Gen 1:5), Jesus would have been sacrificed on the day of preparation and around 6 pm would have been buried during the high sabbath (which differs from the normal weekly day of rest sabbath) and according to W. Brown in "Antiquities of the Jews" Vol. 2, p. 404 instructions were laid down by the Jewish Rabbis that "the Passover should not be observed Monday, Wednesday, or Friday." If the high day sabbath Passover (1Cor 5:7) was on a Thursday (beginning approx 6 pm Wed) it fits if Christ was resurrected from the tomb 72 hours later it would have been Saturday about 6 pm, just after the weekly sabbath. We read in Matt 28:1-6;Luke 24:1-11;Matt 13:55 that Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus and his brothers came Sunday at dawn to the tomb but Jesus had ALREADY risen; so Jesus rose as early as Saturday 6 pm. Mark 16:9 does not say Jesus rose early the first day of the week, rather, it says "Now when Jesus WAS RISEN early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene...".

There were two earthquakes, one when Jesus died, and one when the stone was rolled away (Matt 27:50-59;Matt 28:1-2).

Matt 28:2-6,11-15 - the high priests and many of the Sanhedrin were sadducees who didn't believe in the resurrection and chose a lie instead (Matt 22:23-32;2Thess 2:10-11) and bribed the guarding soldiers to say the body of Jesus was stolen while they slept. The soldiers were bribed with a large sum of money with the assurance they would even bribe the governor if necessary to protect the soldiers (and the lie). But this obvious lie raises more questions than it answers - how would the Roman soldiers (a typical guard detachment would number about 60) know the body of Jesus was stolen if they were sleeping and if they were awake why would they risk death and allow the body of Jesus to be stolen unless it happened just as the Bible records?

Matt 10:5-6;Matt 28:19 - initially preaching was to the lost sheep of Israel, but now preaching is to all nations.

Matt 28:19-20 - Matthew 28:19 is not some vague support for a triune baptism or a belief in a trinitarian creed, rather, it is conveying baptism is the seal of a salvation which the Father has wrought for mankind through the death and resurrection of His only-begotten Son, a salvation which has been brought near to the believer through the power of the Holy Spirit in the message preached and passed on in inspired Holy Scripture; Matthew 28:20 once baptism was administered, there was still the need for "teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I command you."

28:19 To the Jew their God was their own God and they were the special people. Gentiles did not figure in the mind of a Jew. Jesus’ message to take the gospel to “all nations” did not, in fact, occur until the persecution by Saul of Tarsus caused the disciples to scatter from Jerusalem – Acts 1

Matt 28:7 Piecing together the events immediately subsequent to the resurrection of Jesus we can see that it is probably that the disciples remained in Jerusalem for at least a week before going to Galilee. That is inferred from a reading of John 20:1-26.