Comments for May 12

v.6 - There is an interesting reversal here under each covenant. The bread and wine here were denied, that they might know that God was the Lord. He fed them with manna and water - he kept their clothes and shoes from wearing out (v.5) - an amazing miracle - so that they might appreciate his power. In fact their provision was 'higher' than bread and wine, as it was the direct provision of God (angel's food - Ps.78:25). Let us not turn away from the food of our covenant the way that they despised the manna. See also 1Cor.10:4, Eph.5:18 and make your own conclusions!

v.5 - 6 Nehemiah reminds Israel of Yahweh's provision - that should have taught them where to place their reliance, Nehemiah 9:21 Nehemiah draws on Deuteronomy extensively. An area for personal consideration when we read Nehemiah. The time of Nehemiah answers quite markedly with the time of Deuteronomy.

v.7 - We are constantly reminded that God fights for His people - for those that are His. We need to recognise that because of this, we should not be harbouring the fears we have of what man can do to us.

29:1 So Yahweh made two covenants with Israel between Egypt and Canaan. The first at Sinai that second at the border of the land. The first was a series of commands to which the people did indeed say 'all that the Lord has spoken we will do' but the people were commanded to acknowledge 'say amen' the terms of the second.

The second more clearly related to the way that they were to live - not that the first one didn't, but was not presented as being so closely related to everyday life as the second one given here

:5 Israel had been fed in the wilderness for 40 years with Manna. Now Moses reminded Israel that God had also cared for their physical needs in the matter of clothing. So we see that God provided all that they needed. Of course we would say that He has provided everything we need. However Israel' clothes and shoes did not wear out. They were not replaced with the latest fashion items. Now whilst it is not suggested that our clothes should be made to last 40 years we must realise that God provides what is necessary - not the luxuries of this world.

29:13 Notice it is God who is establishing Israel for Himself rather than they who were to establish themselves for him. God calls, God separates and God saves. Our response is to accept His work on our part and behave as if we deserve His favour.

V.4  The Children of Israel have to be one of the most stubborn people in the history of mankind. As Moses says here You have not been given a heart(or mind) to have understanding; eyes to see; ears to hear, but they refuse to see the hand of God in their lives. No wonder Moses calls them a stiff necked people Deut 6:9

V.19  Yahweh knew that there would be a day when His nation would follow its own heart. The nation would declare Him of non-effect, which would rationalise its behaviour as being o.k. (Eze 9:9).  Similarly the God is Dead cry of the 1960's has allowed the world to become more and more wicked.  But just as punishment was levied on wicked Israel, so too will it be on this world.

V.29  We can only know a fraction about Yahweh, and that is limited to His dealings with earth. But there is so much more about Him that we will never know until the Kingdom (Rom 11:33,34).  

It was a wonderful miracle that Israel's clothes and shoes did not wear out for the whole of the 40 years
in the wilderness (Deut 29:5). This meant, among other things, that they did not have to kill their animals. When they had arrived in the Promised Land their animals would become more plentiful, and would become useful again.   I wonder if their tents (probably made out of goat skins) didn't wear out during the 40 years?

29:9       The counsel to keep the covenant that Israel might prosper is given a personal application to Solomon by David 1Kin 2:3.

V.24-28 - How can God, who is love, have such fierce burning anger? The answer is God hates sin/evil. God is pure, He can't be tempted with evil James 1:13. Sin is so repulsive to God He gave his only begotten son to be crucified to atone for sin. As severe as God has been in His efforts to turn people from the way of sin most still choose to not follow His ways which lead to life eternal. How hurtful to God this short sighted rejection must be.

29:4    What an indictment! Israel had not a heart and eyes to see what God had done for them! They had seen the miracle of the provision of food during the wilderness, they had seen the  miracle of God guiding them to the end. They had seen the miracle of the defeat of Og and Sihon. What they had seen was ‘not mixed with faith’. They did not see God at work in their lives. What about us?

t 29:24 God is telling Israel that even the nations round about will understand why God punish Israel for those nations will recognise that Israel is involved in idolatry. But it is evident throughout Israel’s history, that they did not recognise their errors.

First Principles>Kingdom of God>Existed in the past
8. The Wilderness Journey from Egypt to Canaan was 40 years long. Exo 16:35 Num 14:33 Num 32:13 Deut 2:7 Deut 8:2,4 Deut 29:5 Josh 5:6 Neh 9:21 Psa 95:10 Acts 7:36 Acts 13:18 Heb 3:9,17. Go to Gen 12:1-5 for more about First Principles>Kingdom of God>Existed in the past

V.1 beside the Horeb covenant means in addition to the Decalogue (Ten Commandments).  This is the generation that would pass into the Land of Promise.  Yahweh wanted to re-iterate the nature of His relationship with His people; and to remind His people of their responsibility towards Him.

Vs.14,15 The oath was made with the present generation and those generations to come.

Deut 29:4;Rom 11:8.

29:24-25 The language of these two verses is quoted - 1Kin 9:8-9 – in God's admonition to Solomon after his prayer of dedication of the temple.

29:27 Josiah was presented with the book of the law that was found in the temple during the renovation that he instigated.  He was concerned, on hearing the words of the book, what God would do.  He asked of God and received the answer which is detailed in 2Kin 22:15-17. It is evident that the book that was delivered to Josiah was, in fact, the book of Deuteronomy. In this small section of 2 Kings 22 there are a number of quotations from Deuteronomy 29

29:18   That Israel were to be like bitter herbs – ‘gall and wormwood’ forms the basis for the comment inAmos 6:12 where the prophet reproves the sinful nation in the time of Hezekiah.

29:2-4 Israel are reminded of something that we should be careful to remember all of our lives. We see evidence of God’s care and activity every day. However our natural way of thinking causes us to disregard what we know and continue to sin.

29:18 Whilst the wormwood and the gall are used as evidence of Israel's faithlessness - Lam 3:19 - it has its ultimate fulfilment in the rejection of Jesus as Messiah Heb 12:15

Evil taking root

The phrase "root of bitterness" (v18) is quoted in Hebrews 12:15, and on both occasions refers to a single person whose actions cause many others to become defiled. It's easy to understand this figure -- the whole plant being affected by disease spreading from the root. We use the phrase today when we talk about "the root cause" of a problem, or of "rooting out" something, meaning to destroy it entirely. But what does it mean in the context of this chapter? It means that these terrible curses were given to dissuade the slightest indication of idolatry or disobedience from beginning, like an inoculation shot against disease. As we know, when something has "taken root", it's so much harder to get rid of.

Isaiah 1 tells the rest of this story, because we find that the root has in fact become bitter; disease has spread to the plant, and idolatry has taken hold over the whole nation of Israel.

"The whole head is sick,
And the whole heart faints.
From the sole of the foot even to the head,
There is no soundness in it" (Isa 1:4-7)

There are several specific "roots" we are given in scripture which we can then trace to see the effect on the rest of the nation. They each begin with one person disobeying one or more parts of the law. Look them up if you have some time, and follow through what laws they ignored, and what effect this had on others: Achan, Micah (Judges 17-18), Solomon, Jeroboam.

29:14-15        In the same way that God, here, was concerned for more than just those who were present at the border of the land we see that Jesus had the same focus – John 17:20

29:20     The way in which the man who does not keep the commandments is cursed and his name blotted out draws on the trial of jealousy –Num 5:23

29:13  That God is making a people unto Himself is the basis for Paul’s comments – 1Cor 6:19-20.

29:29   Some things are revealed and some things are not. It is clear that we should not speculate on things we cannot know but should focus our efforts and attention on things we can know. Though human nature being what it is we often prefer to try and know things which are “secret” rather than investigate those things which are revealed.

29:4   The idea of hearing ears is used extensively  by Jesus in his teaching – Matt 13:9,43 and again by Jesus – Rev 2:7 – and in the other letters to the churches

29:9prospering as a consequence of keeping the law of Moses was also a charge given to Joshua  - Josh 1:7-when he was about to start the conquest of the land of Canaan

29:6 we learn, almost incidentally, that whilst Israel were in the wilderness they never had wine or strong drink. When we think about it that should not surprise us given their nomadic way of life in the wilderness.

29:1 We are reminded of the location where the words of the book of Deuteronomy were spoken. It was on the east of Jordan overlooking the land of Canaan.

29:6 the instruction as to what they had not eaten draws on what Moses has already said – Deut 8:3

29:2 Whilst it was the case that the majority of those to whom Moses spoke here had not seen the events in Egypt they were still expected to be fully aware of them. This required two things.

1 That they had been taught by their parents and

2 that they had access to written accounts of the events.

WALKING IN GOD'S PRESENCE

Forty years on, and this is what Moses said: "You have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders. But to this day the Lord has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear." (Deut 29:2-4).

You would have thought that in literally walking with the LORD for forty years, seeing his signs and wonders, hearing his voice, having the amazing example and teaching of Moses on tap, that they would have changed. And maybe they did, but not from their hearts. Moses said later, "For I know how rebellious and stubborn you are. Behold, even today while I am yet alive with you, you have been rebellious against the Lord. How much more after my death!" (Deut 31:27).

Let us make sure that our journey though life is a journey of transformation. Let's make sure that the presence of God in our lives is not wasted, but that it changes our hearts and minds so that our eyes and ears are open to come to know and honour him.

v. 3 - The analogy is beautiful here - we (using Israel's sin as an example of what to avoid) need to have the sort of dependence on God that an animal has on its master. Desiring to be in his presence at all times and having wholehearted faith in his perfection - developing, as it were, almost an animal instinct about our ways before our Master. Jer.8:7.

v.1 in the days of Uzziah Isaiah 1:1 Hosea 1:1 Amos 1:1 Micah 1:1

Relating the prophets to each other and the kings in whose reigns they spoke enhances our understanding of the message of each prophet.

v.4 - It is clear that the prophets were sent by God at times when the people needed guidance because of their wrongdoing - to bring them back to Him. We have the God's word constantly with us - let us not ignore it - let us be chastened and exhorted by its words just as the people of old should have been by the prophets in their midst.

1:7 Burned with fire, in quoting Psalm 80:16, is the first indication that Israel is a vineyard which has been destroyed as is developed in Chapter 5. The use of Deut 28:35 'from the sole of thy feet here (1:6) and Leviticus 26:25 'devoured with the sword' (1:20) show that these events are a consequence of Israel not listening to the blessing and curses that their fathers assented to at the border of the land under Moses.

ch. 1 "THOUGH YOUR SINS ARE LIKE SCARLET"
Israel were in a very sinful state. The beginning of Isaiah opens with an expression of God's wrath for all the terrible things that Israel had done. But it is a chapter that can be every encouraging for us when we get discouraged because of our sins. Israel had done just about all the wicked things that we could ever think of doing. They forsook the LORD, rebelled against him, offered meaningless sacrifices - going through the form of religion without the heart, and even their gatherings were offensive to God. Their prayers were not worth God listening to, they did evil deeds, did wrong, were unjust, had blood on their hands and did not look after the poor of the land. They were thieves, murderers, harlots, rebels and even accepted bribes. God likened them to Sodom and Gomorrah which were totally destroyed because of their wickedness. Yet he offered to forgive them, to return to them and to bless them if they would just change their ways.
The same offer is open to us. No matter how bad we have been we can be forgiven when we make a move toward God.
"Though your sins are as scarlet they shall be white as snow."

This chapter speaks of the uncleanness of the nation in the days of Uzziah, because of his unfaithful kingship :6 'from … head' quotes Deuteronomy 28:35 - one of the curses that would come upon Israel if they were unfaithful.

V.11-15  They knew the law, they could answer all the questions, but it was all meaningless.

Isaiah, using the blessings of Deuteronomy 28, paints what could have been a lovely picture of Israel. It was soured by Israel's sins.

As a prophet, Isaiah's prime job was to exhort the nation to turn from its wickedness, seek  Yahweh's forgiveness, and be healed (forth-tell).  His secondary function was to foretell the coming of the Messiah who will heal Israel (and the Gentiles) permanently. Isaiah means Salvation of Yah  which is entirely appropriate given the messianic prophecies which he delivers.

V.8 The simile presented here shows Israel as a cottage (hut) exposed in an open field subject to being buffeted about by a storm (see also Isa 24:20). Abandoning their protector, Yahweh, has placed them in this vulnerable position.  Similarly, they are likened to a besieged city under constant barrage.

DONKEYS
 
It's a bit of an insult, but it is worth examining ourselves to be sure we do not have the same problem.  "The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner's manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand." (Isa 1:3)  Oxen, and particularly donkeys, have never been noted to be one of the world's most intelligent creatures.  In fact, to call someone a donkey is to call them a stubborn fool!  Yet even a donkey knows who his owner is.  Even a donkey knows where he is at home.  They know their masters voice and are familiar enough with their surroundings to make them their home and to feel secure there. 
 
But Israel were worse than oxen and donkeys.  They refused to recognise their own master - the one who gave them their food.  They refused to acknowledge the one who provided them with a home, and to serve the one who owned them.  In many cases they didn't even recognise his voice when they heard it.  What a dreadful lot of people Israel were in the days of Isaiah!  But is there also a message in here for us?  How well do we know our master?  Do we recognise his voice when we hear it?  Do we feel at home and secure with him?  Do we give thanks for his provision for us? 
 
We must be those who regularly come into God's presence in prayer, praise and in reading the Bible, who are willing and eager to serve him, and to love to feel at home with God's people in our church. 
 
Let us never need to be compared to a donkey.

V.18 The Lord in His grace is willing to bestow favour and forgiveness if His people will but reason concerning the matter of their failures. But, tragically, sin robs men of reason, making them unreasoning fools.

Tradition has Isaiah killed by Manasseh by having him sawn in two in a hollow log. Could this be the reference to that it in Heb 11:37?

You will probably have noticed that the 1st chapter and 1st verse of most of the Prophets tell us the time in which the prophet spoke.  Isaiah’s early chapters are very interesting, because he prophesied while Uzziah had leprosy (see 2Chron 26We therefore find several allusions to leprosy, and Uzziah particularly, in chapters 1-5. Then, in Isa 6:1 Uzziah died.  For some of the mentions of leprosy see:
Is1:5,6  wounds and putrefying sores
Is2:12-17 the loftiness of man shall be bowed down
Is3:24   instead of sweet smell there shall be a stink

1:12  ‘Tread my courts’ (RV ‘trample’ quotes 1Sam 2:29 . Isaiah is reproving Israel for being like the people and priests were like in the days of Eli.

Most if not all of Isaiah was found in the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in 1947-56 from manuscripts written 150 BC to 70 AD. One author feels Isaiah ch 1-39 has a different subject matter and style from ch 40-66. We have prophetic reference to Cyrus the Persian king who defeated Babylon in Isa 44:28; 45:1 and perhaps there is also an echo here to a future "Cyrus" (i.e. the 2nd coming of Jesus) versus the "Babylon" of the last days. According to The Antiquities of the Jews by Josephus book XI, Ch 1.1,2  Cyrus had read Isaiah where 140 years earlier it was prophesied  he would fulfil God's purpose and this suggests the entire book of Isaiah ch 1-66 was quite old (circa 700 BC) and not written by "recent" authors.  V.11,12,13,15,20,21,23,25,29 - we have people outwardly pure but inwardly corrupt with v29 referring to sacred oak trees where idolatrous worship took place underneath. God pleads with his people to do what is right and indicates future forgiveness, judgment and redemption where there will be Godly behaviour although the wicked will perish v.16,17,18,19,26,27,28.

1:9-10 The likening of Israel to Sodom and Gomorrah highlights the depths to which the nation had sunk.

1:2 The call to the earth and heavens to ‘hear’ draws on Moses’ last charge to Israel – Deut 32:1 – where, at the border of the land, Moses is encouraging the people to faithfulness. Here in Isaiah the prophet is reproving the people because they have not heeded the words of Moses.

The name Isaiah in Hebrew is Yeshyahu which means Salvation of Yahweh.  Isaiah is the same name as Joshua and Jesus (its Greek form). Thus, we can see that those who carried this name were either writing about salvation or performing acts of salvation. 

Joshua was a Christ-type as he led the people of Yahweh into the Promised Land. Isaiah wrote about the salvation of Israel through the coming Messiah Jesus. Jesus will gather His people into the Promised Land when He returns to earth to rule the world from Jerusalem.

1:15 In saying that He ‘will hide mine eyes ...’ the prophet, speaking on God’s behalf is stating He will do what David was concerned that he would not do – Psa 102:2

v 4 First Principles>Kingdom of God>Was overturned>History of fulfilment
Go to Deut 28:49 to see more details of the history of Israel and its overturning.

Isaiah (740-680 BC) spent most of his time in Jerusalem. He was born to a high ranking family to whom royalty was familiar. He preached to Judah and used the lesson of the decadent Northern Kingdom (Israel) to persuade Judah to turn to Yahweh. 

However, Ahaz decided to turn to the Assyrians for help even though Isaiah foretold the capture of Israel by Assyria (realized in 722 BC) (Isa 8:3,4 cp. 2Kin 15:29).  Ahaz’s son Hezekiah did turn to Yahweh who saved them from the Assyrians.  We will soon read of their exploits.

Isa 1:9;Rom 9:29.

1:4 The phrase ‘laden with iniquity’ is quoted by Paul – 2Tim 3:6 – to speak of sisters who have gone astray (and by implication brethren) thus likening wayward brethren and sisters to idolatrous Israel.

1:19   ‘If ye be willing  ...  eat the good of the land’ is made up of two of the elements of the promise for faithfulness Moses spoke in Deut 28:1,3

                                                   Stop bringing meaningless offerings

Isa 1:13 reads "Stop bringing meaningless offerings ..." its very easy in our lives to do everything that a certain set of rules require.Here we find Israel of old having rejected her God. But how did they reject him. Did they stop bringing offerings and sacrifices? No. All this they did but one thing was lacking in all their offerings--- they had no meaning! What a wake up call to Israel of today. We may pride ourselves of doing almost everything we are required to do by the law of Christ--- be it fellowship with others in the breaking of bread,daily readings and bible study,preaching,visiting the elderly and sick, helping out on ecclessial activities etc but is there meaning in what we do? Are our hearts attuned to our actions, do we see the meaning in our offerings or we are far divorced from them? What matters to God is not the "fatness" of the bull we bring as an offering but what that "fatness" means and how it should mould our characters to be more like the Offering that had meaning;even Jesus our Lord and Saviour.

1:10    In speaking of Sodom and Gomorrah Isaiah is using similar language to the contemporary prophet – Amos 4:11 –which must have come as quite a shock to the inhabitants of the land who herd these words from two prophets.

Isa 1:13

"...the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with..."

The LORD is no longer able to endure their hypocritical worship. See Jer 44:22.

1:29    In telling Israel that they will be ‘ashamed’ of their false worship we see language similar to that found in the contemporary prophet – Hos 4:19

1:7    The priest’s daughter who played the harlot was to be burned with fire – Lev 21:9. The way in which Isaiah is moved to use these words indicates the problem with the nation of Israel. The worshipped false gods – spiritual adultery. 

See also the comment Evil taking root for the Deuteronomy 29 reading today, as these chapters are closely related.

"Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.
Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint." Isa 1:4-5
 

Israel had reached a point where there was no point punishing them anymore because they had ceased understanding that God punished them for a reason.

1:22        The way that Isaiah speaks of Israel as dross rather than silver is echoed in Jer 6:30 when this later prophet continues to reprove Israel in the same way as Isaiah.

1. Isaiah had an active ministry circa 745 to 698 BC. Isaiah has been variously translated to mean "Yah (is) salvation" or "salvation of Yah" or "Yah has saved". Isaiah in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah saw a vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem (Isa 1:1). Isaiah chapters 1-35 and 40-66 seem to focus mainly on prophecy while 36-39 seem to focus more on history. The Northern part of Israel fell in 734 BC while the rest of 10 tribes of Israel including the capital Samaria fell in 721 BC to Assyria. The prophets who succeeded Moses were not particularly listened to (Jer 7:25-28). God sent the prophets because He had compassion on His people (2Chron 36:15-16). Jesus authenticated Moses and the prophets (Luke 16:29;Matt 5:17;Luke 24:27,44). Isaiah spoke the words of God (Isa 1:2 similar to Deut 32:1,15), not his own. 

2. God's children rebelled (Isa 1:2-4) which results in (Isa 1:7;Jer 29:18;Rom 11:11-15;Jer 30:3;Eze 39:23-27;Eph 3:6). Even the animals know their owner but Israel doesn't seek or know her owner (Isa 1:3). Israel is a sinful nation but had previously been designated to be a holy nation (Isa 1:4;Exo 19:6). Uzziah wanted to be a king-priest like Melchizedek and the future Christ but was struck in the head with leprosy (2Chron 26:16-21;Deut 28:22,27) as his thoughts were sinful as were the thoughts of the nation (Isa 1:5-6), in contrast Hezekiah somewhat figuratively and Christ literally bore the burdens/sins of others (2Kin 20:1-11;Isa 38:21;Isa 53:4-5).

3. Isa 1:7-8 - The area around Jerusalem was taken (2Kin 18:13 - the Taylor Prism records 46 walled cities, numerous villages, and 200,000 people were taken into captivity by the Assyrians), but the daughter of Zion (i.e. Jerusalem) was besieged by the Assyrians but spared as a result of divine intervention (Christ and the saints will intervene against a latter day Assyrian). The cottage shelters or huts (V.8) were flimsy and made of brushwood.

4. Isa 1:8-14 - the reason there is an apparent repudiation of the Law of Moses is in the following verses (Prov 15:8-9;Isa 1:15,23;Prov 28:9); God wanted Israel to be repentant, obedient, and righteous (Isa 1:16-19;Isa 55:7).

5. Isa 1:9 - "remnant"<8300> (Isa 7:3 "Shear-Jashub"<7610> means "a remnant will return"; Isa 10:21-23;Isa 28:5). Isa 1:9,20-25 - God foresaw His appeals to Israel would apply only to a very small faithful remnant and that the sinful majority of Israel's population would be removed over the course of centuries of affliction brought on by God's judgments as a result of their sinfulness.

6. Isa 1:10-13 - they were no better than Sodom and Gomorrah; outwardly pure but inwardly corrupt; their hearts were the same in Christ's day.

7. Isa 1:14-17 - they were offering prayers but their hands were full of blood and other wrong doings; V.16 they were a spiritually leprous people (Lev 14:4,7-9); V.16-17 God pleads for them to act righteous.

8. Isa 1:18-20 - the divine appeal (President Lyndon Baines Johnson's favorite Bible quote) "Come now, and let us reason together" (Rev 7:9,14;Psa 51:7); freewill and the consequences of "if".

9. Isa 1:21 - the faithful city (i.e. Jerusalem) has become a harlot. Isa 1:21-23 - literal and spiritual adultery, murder, indifference to the plight of orphans and widows. Isa 1:22,25 - silver has become dross that will be purged. 

10. Isa 1:24-27 - threat of divine action though a reassuring outcome (Psa 2:1-6) with the Messiah on the hill of Zion and in Hezekiah's day there was an echo of this with Jerusalem protected and the remnant captives of Assyria returning home. Isa 1:26-27 - Jerusalem/Zion to be restored physically and spiritually. 

11. Isa 1:28-31 - drastic action against religious apostasy. The leaf of their tree of life fades away and their garden withers as it has no river or water of life (Gen 2:6,10;John 4:13-14;John 7:37-38;Rev 22:1-3).

1:6     The description of the nation of Israel as sick from head to foot quotes the warning that God made through Moses at the end of the wilderness journey –Deut 28:35

1:13,15  The way in which the prophet is moved to say that incense is an abomination and prayers will not be heard draws on the language of Prov 28:9

CUT OFF (v.4-9)

When Israel sinned and continued to sin, they in essence cut themselves off from GOD and His helping hand. If sin has ever made us feel lonely and isolated (like David felt in Psa 142:1-7) - we need to remember that God does not abandon us - it is our sin that cuts us off from God and there is a cure for this kind of loneliness. We need to remember Prov 28:13- "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." 

If we seek the Lord and forsake our sinfulness to the best of our ability ... God will never leave us lonely or abandoned.

1:2      The call to the earth and heavens to hear is seen also in the contemporary prophet – Mic 1:2. Tow prophets giving the same message at the same time highlights the certainty of God’s words at this time.

1:24  The phrase “the Lord, the LORD of hosts” is only found in Isaiah’s prophecy – 1:24, 3:1,10:16,23, 19:4

1:30    The oak tree is a solid tree that is almost ageless. However it sheds its leaves annually. So the description of Israel here as an oak tree that is even more resilient than a natural oak tree.

1:3 The four cherubim in Ezekiel had “the face of an ox” (Ezek. 1:10). The cherubim represent the saints in immortal glory and so an attribute of a saint is that, like the ox, he “knoweth his owner”, that is, who has bought him. The four living creatures sing of this in Revelation 5:9: “for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed (bought) us to God by thy blood …”.

1:4 When Isaiah was inspired to use the word “laden” <3515> there is more to the word than just being weighed down. The word is often translated “grievous” – Gen 12:10 is the first occurrence of the word. God, though the prophet is conveying His displeasure with the sins of the people.

1:6 We read – 2Sam 14:25 – a description of Absalom which is reflected in the description of Israel here. Whilst Absalom’s description is presented in contrast to what we see here actually Absalom, inwardly was just like Israel are described here. We need to take care that we do not judge on “outward appearance”

1:3Israel had been called by God and instructed by Him. However, unlike even the animal kingdom, the nation did not even recognise how they had been cared for. Animal, instinctively respond to the care shown to them. By contrast the nation of Israel did not.

Do we take God’s care for us for granted?

1:6 The description of Israel in all its terribleness is of someone severely afflicted with boils and sores but, apparently, unaware of them! Otherwise they would have been treated.  Are we truly aware of how God views us? Do we have “sores” that we do not recognise?

v. 21 - 37 - This is a wonderful example of preaching which we do well to take on board. Seize the opportunity! Ps.40:9, Jonah 3:2, Rom.10:15, 2Tim.4:2.

ch.27 The shipwreck in the chapter is a most vivid account of a shipwreck. However this was not the only time that Paul was shipwrecked for he told the Corinthians [2Cor 11:23] that he had been shipwrecked three times. From this comment in Corinthians we realise that, despite all the detail Acts contains, it is but a summary of some of the events in the life of Paul and others. It is God’s record of the growth of the first century ecclesia and as such presented data which He wants us to reflect on.

27:6 The journey that Paul was on using more than one ship indicates that there was a very effective communication network across the Mediterranean during the Roman Empire.

:1-5 The repeated use of 'we' shows that Luke was with Paul on the journey to Rome.

Acts 27:10. Paul was wrong here, there was no loss of life.(v.22,44) (In this he was not inspired) But, in so far as he states that there is a risk to the cargo, the ship, and the lives, he was quite right. It is in this sense that the passage was written. After noting this we went to “A Translation of the New Testament” which we have found a great help in our studies. From which we quote. ”Sirs, I perceive that this voyage is likely to be a dangerous one” We could have translation error in most translations.

27:6 Blunt (Undesigned Scriptural Coincidences) when speaking of this event observes that the mention of 'Alexandria' and later 'wheat'(:38) fits with the facts of the day. Egypt was the grain basket of the Roman world and so it would be natural that a ship sailing from Alexandria would be carrying wheat. Blunt observes the casual way in which this data is presented in this chapter is an indication of the veracity of the narrative.

27:6 In saying ‘the centurion found a ship …’ we learn something about the way that prisoners were transported around the Roman empire. It seems that authority was given to the centurions to commandeer ships as and when necessary – rather like the way in which a Roman soldier could command anyone to carry their weapons and goods for a mile Matt 5:41

V.34 The Greek word translated "health" is  SOTERIA (4991)  Luke uses it in Acts 4:12 where it is translated "salvation" The Greek word means to rescue, safety, or preservation from destruction. Luke uses the word on at least three other occasions while recording the events that the Apostles were involved with.( 13:26, 13:47, 16:17) 

ALL WE TRUST IN
 
As they were about to set sail from Fair Havens, Paul warned the centurion not to leave. He said, "Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also." (Acts 27:10) Paul's advice was God's advice, that the centurion, knowing Paul, should have heeded. But all the signs pointed to a safe and happy trip to Phoenix. So trusting in their own knowledge, the weather, the boat, and the opinions of the majority, they left. As they cast off from Fair Havens they were confident in their own strength and wisdom as to the success of their journey.
 
It was then that one by one, God took away the things they had put their trust in. They had been given the choice of trusting God or trusting in their own strength and wisdom. They chose the latter. The gentle south wind became a hurricane force north-easter. The strength of the ship became doubtful as it battled the strength of the sea. They threw their cargo overboard releasing their hope of profit. And they threw out the ships tackle, and in doing so were no longer able to put their trust in the boats equipment. In the end they gave up all hope of being saved.
 
But they forgot one thing: To trust in God. So Paul encouraged them all to eat and to have faith in God, and God saved them. Let's put all our faith in God before he needs to take away everything else we trust in, in order to turn us back to him

27:11  The centurion had to make a choice. Did he believe the ship’s captain who ought to have known what was best or should he believe Paul. Whilst the centurion may not have witnessed Paul’s miracles or heard his preaching he would doubtless have known about it and the reason for his imprisonment. So he was being challenged about his belief in the status and authority of Paul.

I really admire Paul for speaking out so boldly to the occupants of the ship. “Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer; for I believe God” (Acts 27:25). To state one’s belief in the God few of them knew about or trusted, needed a great inner belief. If they saw his faith really motivated and modified his life, then they would be more persuaded. And he DID persuade them. Acts 27:35-38 tells us that all 276 people were comforted, and took some food.

27:31 The centurion was the most important person aboard the ship, and would be the one who would provide the direction to the sailors. The soldiers would make sure that his direction and instruction was carried out. The reason for preventing the sailors from deserting the others was really due to the fact that God had told Paul that all would be saved. This is how the saving of the crew came about.

Paul's complete journey from Caesarea to Rome would have taken 7- 8 months. The longest and most tempestuous stretch, at sea, was from Fair Havens, in Crete, to Malta. The storm and the fear of the sailors, as well as the guiding hand of Yahweh, are echoed in Psa 107:23-30.

27:3    The centurion who had the charge of Paul is now named – ‘Julius’ implying that he was known to some, at least, of those who read Acts in the first century. An indication, possibly, that he responded to the gospel, possibly at the preaching of Paul, and became known to the brethren.

27:10 I suppose that whatever the centurion had heard about Paul he would be far more likely to listen to the master of the ship. However Paul’s protestations would prove later that he had some credibility which maybe was why the centurion wanted to preserve Paul’s life – Acts 27:42

V.1 Julius was of Augustus’ band.  That meant that he was an honoured cohort of the emperor, probably one of his bodyguards. It has been suggested that Julius was present at Paul’s defence before King Agrippa and took a liking to Paul.  In any event, Julius did treat Paul with kindness and courtesy throughout the voyage (vs.3,43; Acts 28:16).

27:22-25 Even in the dire situation of a ship being tossed about in the storm and the sailors fearing for their lives Paul takes an opportunity to speak of his hope. He does not simply say that they will not perish but explains his confidence is based upon his belief in God and the work of His angels.

Have you ever cut yourself loose from help just so you could trust instead in God's help? The Centurion believed Paul's words so strongly that he was prepared to cut the lifeboat (skiff) loose on Paul's word (v30-32). That lifeboat was his only other means of safety. Sometimes we come across such choices in our lives, and it is then that we gain an indication of our own faith. Do we really trust God?

In Psalm 107 we have the explanation of why this disaster happened to Paul and the other passengers (see Psa 107:23-32) and it's well worth reading both passages side by side. Then, whenever you are at your wits end, you can bring these passages to mind and pray like Paul did (Psa 107:27-28, Acts 27:21 (fasting implies prayer)).

27:13    One presumes that the sailors knew the weather patterns in this area of the Mediterranean. So a fair wind at that time should not have been assumed meant all was well.  We are given this factual details. How does it help us in our walk towards the kingdom?  Well, we may know what is a good idea at a certain time and be inclined to do it but then something comes along, out of character with the circumstances, and we use that as a basis for not doing what we know is wise.

TRUST IN GOD

It is amazing how quickly a storm can build. As the ship carrying Paul left Fair Havens in a "gentle south wind," it was quickly swallowed up by a "wind of hurricane force, called the 'northeaster'." (Acts 27:13-14) The sailors, soldiers and prisoners on the ship were completely unprepared for it. They did all they could to save themselves.

First they made the lifeboat secure. Next they bound the ship with ropes to stop it breaking up. Having done the little they could do to make themselves secure in a little boat on the storm, they began to let go of the things that they trusted in. They started with the cargo, and threw it overboard. Then they threw the ship's tackle overboard, trying to lighten the ship to stop her sinking. When the sailors were about to escape in the lifeboat, the soldiers cut the ropes and let the lifeboat fall away. Once they had eaten, they threw out all the food that was left into the sea.

Everything that they had trusted in had been cast off as a hindrance - the cargo, the tackle, the lifeboat, the food - and now the ship was about to break up. But Paul gave them hope in something else. An angel of God told him that everyone would survive. He gave them trust in God.

When storms race through our lives and everything we thought we could trust in is swept away - our finances, houses, health, family, friends, income, church and strength, trust in God is the only thing that will see us through. Let's hold on to him above all else.

27:20  It is only when we realise that we have no hope that the gospel message seems to be relevant. If we do not realise we are dying because of sin then we cannot appreciate the salvation that God is offering. The way that the record of the storm at sea is presented shows the principle in the lives of the people on the stricken ship.

27:3       Here and Acts 24:23 we see that Paul was, even though a prisoner, allowed a degree of freedom not normally allowed to prisoners. Maybe an indication that the Roman authorities realised that Paul should not really have been imprisoned. Indeed – Acts 26:32 –Agrippa had said as much.

Acts 27:23,24.

27:12 Maybe the shipmaster was unwilling to challenge the sailors fearing a mutiny if he had accepted Paul’s suggestions. So maybe against his own better judgment he was willing to listen to the majority of the sailors who wanted to move on to another port which suited them better. 

27:17   What is being described here is the way I which the ship was strengthened against the storm. The violence of the storm was likely to tear the planks of the hull apart. To help against this men would dive overboard, carrying a rope, and swim under the ship and get back onto the ship on the other side from which they had jumped off. The rope would then be tightened round the hull to protect it.

27:21   The “long abstinence” we conclude was both prayer and fasting. It is clear that the others on the ship were distressed and hardly ate. But Paul’s not eating food was not out of fear but was for a purpose.

27:36    Paul’s words and demeanour clearly impacted on the state of mind of the rest of those on the ship. Our faith should affect the way we appear to others also.

27:35   From a human perspective there seems to have been an irony in what Paul did. They, humanly speaking, were in danger of death from drowning and yet Paul thanks God for their food – an acknowledgement that God provides. But giving thanks was not a formality for Paul. It showed his utter confidence in his God. His confidence was independent of short term problems.

27:11  given that the record says that the centurion believed the shipmaster rather than believing Paul we should conclude that the centurion had some say in the matter of whether the journey should be undertaken or not at that time.

27:44 In the dead of night one would have expected the other prisoners to slink off into the dark in the hope of avoiding being taken to Rome where, doubtless, an unpleasant fate awaited them. However, it seems, that no such attempt was made by any of the prisoners. We must, therefore, conclude that Paul’s words and demeanour had some effect on these men.

27:44 In the dead of night one would have expected the other prisoners to slink off into the dark in the hope of avoiding being taken to Rome where, doubtless, an unpleasant fate awaited them. However, it seems, that no such attempt was made by any of the prisoners. We must, therefore, conclude that Paul’s words and demeanour had some effect on these men.

27:43 It is evident that the centurion had developed a regard for Paul whilst he was in his charge. He had seen Paul’s demeanour and his confidence in the God he worshipped. Consequently he took care of Paul even though it would have been easier to just have all the prisoners killed. Is our life such an example of faithfulness to our Father that others notice and make provision for our conscience? Or is our life so similar to those around us that no one would even know of our faith?

27:20 the mention of not seeing the sun or stars would lead us to conclude that the weather was very stormy with heavy cloud cover. However we learn something about navigation methods in that statement. It is clear from what is recorded that the mariners navigated using the heavenly bodies.

27:31 Was it a common occurrence for a prisoner of Rome to have direct access to a centurion, especially in the time of the great danger of possible shipwreck and death? Maybe this is one of the details scattered through the latter chapters of Acts which show Paul receive special treatment by the Romans.