Comments for January 13

v.12-14 - Abraham's servant - not one of the family but under the covenant of circumcision (recently - ch.17:27) which almost makes him a 'gentile' if such a thing could exist so early - makes a prayer of an unusual sort - a sort of bargain with God. He sets the parameters of his requirements himself - and God accepts them and responds accordingly. What faith it took to make a prayer like this and believe in the outcome. The only other example I can think of of this type of request giving God conditions was Gideon - Jud.6:36-40. Are there more?

On the matter of making a bargain with God - I cannot think of any others who did so in prayer.  However Abram bargains with the angels [the Lord] over Sodom. Moses, in a rather extreme way - [Exodus 32:32] bargains with God, laying his own life on the line.  And thinking about this Jesus in the garden 'if it be possible ...' [Matthew 26:39].  The example above and these others raise an fundamental question.  Is it possible to change God's mind by praying to Him?  The answer has to be 'yes' else there is no point praying!  Though we tend not to think that He will change his mind in response to what man says unto Him.

v.2 - There are two striking similarities between Abraham's servant (was it Eliezer? We are not told - we are here 60 years on from when he was mentioned back in ch.15:2) and Joseph. One was that both are described as being in charge of their master's (in Joseph's case, Potiphar) entire possessions (Gen 39:4). The second is that they are the only two people who are recorded as having been asked to make this particular type of oath (Joseph's was with Jacob - Gen.47:29).

The behaviour of Elieazar - Abraham's servant - shows his total confidence in the providence of God.

:15 In that Rebekah came even before Elieazar had finished praying shows that his prayer (:12-14) was 'according to His will …'
:63 This is the first time we see Isaac since Abraham offered him as a sacrifice - and he is here meeting his bride! A wonderful parable to the return of Christ and the marriage to his bride

Gen 24:9 - "And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning that matter" - Our cultural ideas of delicacy may revolt from the rite used on this occasion; but, when the nature of the covenant is considered, of which circumcision was the sign, we are able to perceive that this rite could not be used without producing sentiments of reverence and godly fear, as the contracting party must know that the God of this covenant was a consuming fire.

Gen 24:45 - "... behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder" - What are we carrying on our shoulders? A chip? Or a pitcher of water, ready to share the exciting news of the Gospel with any, and all whom we meet.

Gen 24:67 - "And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death" - Observe what an affectionate son Isaac was: it was about three years since his mother died, and yet he was not, till now, comforted. See also what an affectionate husband he was to his wife. Dutiful sons promise fair to be affectionate husbands; he that fills up his first station in life with honour, is likely to do the same in those that follow - Luke 16:10.

24:27 That the servant knew Abraham’s God was a god of ‘mercy and truth’ marks the point that God does not change. When he revealed himself to Moses in this way (Exo 34:6) he was showing Moses aspects of His character which had always been there.

Rebekah had left home before the servant had even started his prayer (v15).   God is perfectly able to
answer our prayers even before we have said them.  Never underestimate the value of prayer.

Gen 24:56-58  Two points are worth noting from these few verses. (1) It was Rebekah's decision to go with Abraham's servant to become the bride of Isaac.(The bride of the seed of Abraham) (2) Rebekah choose to go immediately, not wait a few days as some of her family suggested. This reminds us of the instance with Christ, when one said he would follow Him, but first he wanted to bury his father. Luke 9:59-62  Our commitment to serve the Lord begins to-day.

V.2 The ancient custom of placing a hand under the thigh of another gave witness to an oath performed. The hand was placed near the groin, the area of reproduction, giving symbolic witness by the descendants of the oath giver. See Gen 47:29 for another example of this kind of oath. The word translated thigh comes from the Hebrew word yarek. In other places, it is translated loins (e.g. Gen 46:26; Exo 1:5). In English, there is a judicial construction that reflects the oath described above.  When one testifies in a court of law, s/he makes a declaration or gives evidence under oath.  Interestingly, the word testify is derived from the Latin testis (pl. testes) which means witness.

v.24 - Bethuel, like Bethel, means House of God (or, being a person, could also be Man of God), so Abraham's servant has gone to the very best place to find Isaac's wife.

24:7 Abraham speaks of the promise that God had made to him about the land when sending his servant to get a wife for Isaac because he wishes to impress upon his servant that it is vital that Isaac does not marry a Canaanite.

It is interesting to note that Isaac took but one wife. None of the other patriarchs had only one wife. Isaac and Rebekah are, therefore, types of the one bride that Christ takes to himself.

V.65 - Rebekah wore a veil in Isaac's presence demonstrating humility and modesty. Isaac was a type of Christ and now similarly, women baptised in the name of Christ, who are in part the bride of Christ, wear veils over their heads when they are gathered in Christ's presence 1Cor 11:5-10; John 3:28-30; Mark 2:19-20; Matt 18:20; 1Tim 2:5

24:67 Isaac is the only person (I think) who Scripture says, was ‘comforted’ after the death of a close family member. This gives us an insight into the compassion of Isaac.

Abraham's servant gave Rebekah a gold ring and two bracelets (v.22).  It is not clear what exactly the ring was.  The Hebrew word used, nezem, can either mean a nose ring or an earring.  Both were worn in the Ancient Near East.  The ring weighed a beka (half a shekel), approximately 5 gm. or 0.25 oz.  Each bracelet weighed five shekels, approximately 50 gm. or 2.5 oz.

24:1    Isn’t it interesting that the idea of Abraham being old and blessed are found together.  There are a number of occasions when age brings a realisation that God has provided for a person even though their lives have not been smooth and trouble free.

Jacob   Gen 48:15

David  Psa 37:25

Being two such examples

:30  'When he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister's hands'
This speaks volumes about the sort of man Laban was.

:50-55  Laban told the servant to take Rebekah, but then once the servant had bestowed riches on her he changed his mind and suggested she should stay (v55). He had seen some of Isaac's wealth and so was perhaps plotting to get his hands on the rest. If she remained (for 10 months? see margin) Isaac might eventually have to come in person. Then Laban would have his chance.

24:3 Whilst it might have been inconvenient Abraham did not want his son marrying a Canaanite woman. So he makes plans to ensure that it does not happen. Are we so careful in our lives to plan to avoid compromise? Not necessarily to do only with marriage but in all aspects.

V.1 Abraham was 140 years old at this time, which would make Isaac 40 years of age.

V.2 Abraham's chief servant was Eliezer the Syrian (Gen 15:2).  He would be familiar with the kind of oath asked of him by Abraham because it was widely employed by the inhabitants of the Ancient Near East.

V.62 Isaac was living at Beer-Lahai-Roi which was about 50 miles (80 km) south of Beersheba.  It seems that he was on his way back to his parent's place.  Perhaps this was in anticipation of a successful return of Eliezer and marriage.

Gen 24:60;Gen 24:7;Gen 22:17-18;Isa 9:6;Gal 3:16;Judg 16:3 - reference is to Christ but with Samson echoing Christ.

24:15 This immediate answer to the prayer of the servant must have been a great encouragement, much like Hezekiah’s experience much later -2Kin 20:3-6

24:4   If we are not careful we presume that only Abraham was a believer in the true God. However that certainly was not the case. When he arrived in Canaan Melchisedec was already there officiating as a priest Maybe the requirement that the servant was to return to the family home country as the behest of Abraham indicates that there were more faithful believers in Ur than there were in Canaan.

Abraham and Isaac's long wait

At any time Isaac could have taken a wife from the Canaanite families whom Abraham was in league with. Yet he waited until he was 40 years old for a wife that Abraham, and by implication, God, would provide. Why didn't Abraham find a wife for his son earlier? Maybe he could see his son's single minded dedication to God and didn't want to side-track him too early. Or perhaps there's a clue in Gen 22:20-23 that Abraham knew of Rebekah's birth, and was waiting until she would be old enough to marry his son. What is clear is that careful, prayerful, God directed choice in marriage is a precedent in scripture going right back to Abraham, no matter how long we have to wait.

24:30   ‘and when he saw ...’ gives the clearest indication of Laban’s motivation. We see this motivation again when Jacob comes to serve for a wife.

Gen 24:67  Isaac bought Rebekah ”into his mother Sarah’s tent”.  In fact Sarah had been dead about three years.  We can prove this from the Genesis account.  Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90 years old when Isaac was born (Gen 17:17; Gen 21:5).  Isaac was 40 years old when he married Rebekah (Gen 25:20).  Therefore at the time of Isaac’s marriage Abraham would have been 140 years old and Sarah 130 years old.  However, Sarah did not reach that age, she died when she was 127 years old (Gen 23:1).   Sarah’s empty tent appears to have been maintained within the camp of Abraham ready for Isaac’s bride to come. Isaac grieving must have lasted up to three years after the death of his mother.  While he was praying in the evening in a field he looked up and saw his bride arrive.  Exhortation indeed for us!  Do we pray each evening for the time when we will be united with our Lord at the marriage supper of the lamb? 

24:1-67     The marriage of Isaac is a pattern of the marriage of Christ and his bride. The bride is chosen by the father of the groom just as we are “chosen in him” Eph 1:4 but we, like Rebecca, must respond to that choosing.

Gen 24:12-14.

The servant's type of prayer is sometimes referred to as "casting the fleece" after the manner of Gideon's similar prayers pertaining to the sheep's fleece in Judg 6:36-40. Is this a good kind of prayer for brothers and sisters in Christ to offer today? Why or why not?

I have personally known a couple of very spiritual sisters in Christ who confided to me that at times they did make this sort of prayer. Personally, I've never felt comfortable enough to use it. But here is a fact concerning its usage: when it is used as described in Scripture, as in this situation and with Gideon, God listens to it and responds positively without rebuking the individual who is making it.

I would say, though, that there needs to be a great deal of care and thought taken before praying in this way. If we are setting up situations and saying that if "thus and so" does happen, then we will do this, but if "thus and so" does not happen, then we will not - if we decide to create the criteria for deciding, we then must be 100% committed to following the conditions no matter what. I can't imagine that God would look highly upon the brother or sister who casually goes about praying in such a way, and then, if the sign is not to his or her liking, does instead what he or she wanted to in the first place. I would think that the principle under the law of "it is better not to vow at all, than to vow and not pay" (Ecc 5:4,5,) applies here. Practically I suppose it would work along these lines: a difficulty emerges with 2 possible ways to handle it without a clear advantage to either being seen. Prayer is made and this method is taken. A coin is flipped with the understanding that heads means course A is taken and tails means course B is taken.

24:33 It might seem to be a trivial thing to notice. However the record is clear. Abraham’s servant put doing his master’s will before even his own bodily needs by declining food until he had  told the reason for his journey. Are so committed to doing God’s will that it comes before everything else – even our own needs?

v.6 Why would the servant ask this question? If he came back to take Isaac Abraham would be there to stop him so why would Abraham have to give his this command. Could it possibly be based on 1. 1, that Abraham's advanced years and possibly failing health, Abraham had an expectation that he could die before his servant's return so he wanted to make sure his wishes were understood.  

24:67 This verse contains the first used of the word “loved” when used of a man’s feelings towards a woman.

1. Gen 24:12-24,42-51;John 4:6-14 - Abraham somewhat echoes God, while the chief servant and Isaac echo Christ, and we have Rebekah who echoes the bride of Christ (faithful believers, the faithful ecclesia). As pointed out in a Bible study by Jan O'Hara, Moorestown, USA.

2. Gen 24:10,22,55 - "10" may refer to perfection of divine order, it may imply that nothing is wanting and that the whole cycle is complete, or it may refer to judgment.

3.Gen 24:37,38,47 - we should seek to marry people of the one faith; "Bethuel"(<1328> can mean "dwelling in God, man of God, God destroys") seemed to be feeble and retiring at the time. God made a way to destroy sin and death.

24:12  We can imagine that Abraham had prayed about what he was planning to  I order to get a wife or Isaac. But now we see Eleazar praying also for God’s blessing on his adventure. His is one example which shows that Abraham did indeed instruct his household in the things of God – Gen 18:19

Abraham's servant would recognize the future wife of Isaac, if she would give him a drink and water his camels. This may seem to have been an easy undertaking until you understand the man was not alone. In v. 32 it says that there were men with him so there were at least several camels, so the amount of effort to water these camels would have been fairly great and may have been a deterrant to a less compassionate or less hospitable more selfish young girl. A good test of Rebekah's character. 

24:5-8 It seems that Abraham because of his understanding of the promises that God had made to him, did not consider that the servant would not find a wife for Isaac.

Verse 30 speaks volumes about the sort of man Laban was. He had a mind like a cash till! Scripture records that the first thing Laban noticed was the earrings and the bracelets given to his sister by Abraham's servant. Thus Scripture presents Laban as being very much motivated by money & possessions - to such an extent that it turned him into a greedy, miserly, cheating skinflint who cheated and deceived his own nephew many times over many years - not only in wages & possessions but also cheated Jacob in love as well.

How true are the words of Paul in 1Tim 6:10 who states that the LOVE of money is the root of ALL evil!

24:18-20      the record is wishing to stress that Rebekah was enthusiastic to meet the needs of Abraham’s servant. Notice that twice she “hasted” and once we are told that she “ran”. Those words are unnecessary in describing her actions unless we are expected to see her commitments to service.

Gen 24:12  We see in this chapter a theme for exhortation in the faithfulness of Abraham’s servant to his master.  Abraham’s trusted servant (Eliezer? Gen 15:2) faithfully obeyed his master’s instructions in seeking a wife for Isaac. Through prayer he showed his complete trust and faith the “LORD God of my master Abraham”(Gen 24:12). His prayer was immediately answer with the appearance of Rebekah at the well accompanied by the signs he prayed to see, (Gen 24:13-14). He acknowledged that “LORD God of my master Abraham”was working in the life of Abraham, (see, Gen 24:27,42,48) and had answered his prayer. He understood that the LORD (Yahweh) had begun to bless his master Abraham as promised (Gen 12:2).  Are we faithful and diligent in our service to our master the Lord Jesus Christ?  Having been freed from the bondage of sin and death are we now determined to be servants of righteousness? (Rom 6:17-18).

24:3 Notice how Abraham described God. He is Lord of heaven and earth This is how God spoke earlier –  14:22. His understanding of the scope of Yahweh’s rulership and authority had not changed over time. This was even though he had bene living in a country where Yahweh was not correctly worshipped by many. He had not modified his views to accommodate the views of those around him. Can we say the same of ourselves? We might say that we have not. However if we give credence to notions such as Theistic Evolution we have, in fact, changed our understanding of what out God and Father is like.

Gen 24:2-3 - hand under the thigh and swearing by the Lord refers to reproduction of a future seed (V7 - to your offspring) and the oath was related to the continuation of Abraham's line (Gal 3:26-29).

Gen 24:3,7,9,37 - "swear<7650>", "sware<7650>"; James 5:12 - "swear<3660>", "oath<3727>".

Gen 24:7-8 - God's angel guided, the bride of Christ has freewill, and the servant leads and prepares the journey like John the Baptist.

Gen 24:10 - we servants are custodians of material blessings that come from God and should use them in His service to develop the Bride of Christ.

Gen 24:14 - compare with living water (John 4:6-14); Rebekah (i.e. the ecclesia) was prepared to help.

Gen 24:15 - "Rebekah<7259>", "Milcah<4435>" was perhaps the dominant partner; "Nahor<5152>" Nahor worshipped other Gods (Josh 24:2), Nahor "snorer" figuratively may refer to those who are spiritually asleep.

Gen 24:29 - "Laban<3837>" - means "white" but he wasn't pure on the inside, he was deceptive, more like the white of leprosy.

Gen 24:32 - washing feet like Jesus and the disciples (John 13:5).

Gen 24:42 - "well<5869>" means eye, spring, fountain.

Gen 24:53 - Rebekah (i.e. the ecclesia and bride of Christ) was bought with a price, just as Christ paid the full price.

Gen 24:62 - "Beer Lahai Roi<883>" - suggests the promise of the Gospel.

Gen 24:65 - humility like we show when we/women (the bride of Christ) remember Christ.

24:3 So Abraham, being old and thinking he would soon die, charges his servant. The charge is so strong. Marrying a Canaanite was so abhorrent to Abraham. Why? It was because those surrounding Abraham did not share his belief in the God who had made promises to him. We should take this to our hearts when making friendships.

24:1We probably tend to think of Abraham being blessed with wealth as this is how he is described earlier –  13:2. However by this point in Abraham’s life he had greater wealth than all his material possessions. He was heir of the world – Rom 4:13 – and this was guaranteed by the birth of the son of promise. This should cause us to reflect on what we think are blessings from God – our possessions or that which we have in prospect.

24:3-6  We have to conclude that Abraham anticipated a more spiritually minded mind in a woman from his home country than from the Canaanites amongst whom he dwelt.

He had doubtless got first-hand knowledge of the godlessness of the Canaanites and we must conclude that even though many were idol worshippers in his own country he knew that there were others who had a knowledge of Yahweh, his God.

24:24 The way in which Rebekah describes her family explains why we were given the descendants listed in 22:20-24

THE IDEAL SERVANT

Abraham’s servant was a pretty amazing sort of guy. It is worth us noting his character and doing our best to be like him in our lives as a servant of Christ.

• The servant is not named. His job was to serve and honour Abraham, not make a name for himself.
• He was the servant in charge of all Abraham had. To reach a position like this takes dedication, hard work, patience and diligence.
• He followed instructions. If Abraham said it, he did it and gave it all he had.
• He was a man of prayer and faith, trusting in the guidance of God and believing that God would answer his prayer.
• He did what he needed to do without procrastinating. He would not eat before he passed on his message. And when the answer came, he was ready to action it straight away.

If only we could be that sort of person for our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s be the servant who honours Jesus more than we care about ourselves; the diligent servant who obeys in everything; the servant that is full of prayer and faith; and the servant who gets on with what we should be doing when we should be doing it.

SURE FAITH

Abraham's faith is well documented when it comes to believing in God's promises and trusting God when it came to sacrificing Isaac. The occasion of finding a wife for Isaac is another occasion when his faith shines as a bright example for us all.

As Abraham told his servant Eleazar to go and find a wife for Isaac, Eleazar put in a word of doubt. “Perhaps the woman may not be willing to follow me to this land" (Gen 24:5). Abraham's reply was this: "The Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father's house and from the land of my kindred, and who spoke to me and swore to me, ‘To your offspring I will give this land,’ he will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there." (v.7). To put Eleazar's mind at rest, Abraham continued his chat with Eleazar, saying that if she wouldn't come, Eleazar would be free of his oath.

Let us have the same faith as Abraham and be sure, not just about the big things in life, but that God is in control of everything and that his will will be done.

24:4 go to my country and my kindred and take a wife for my son Isaac

Abraham was insistent that Isaac obtain a wife from his family in Haran. This seems a strange request given that there were two other possibilities for obtaining a wife from a faithful community : Salem, where Melchisedec had been a king priest over a community; and Abraham's own faithful household which was quite sizeable (cp Genesis 14:14). It may be that Abraham's third wife, Keturah, was someone he knew from within his own household (How else would he have met her?).

So why was Abraham so insistent?  Two possibilities emerge:

1. He  was so annoyed by the wickedness of the surrounding Canaanites (24:3) that he wanted to play it safe by having Isaac's wife come from a community not near, or immersed in, wickedness.

2. God may have given Abraham some undisclosed instructions.

Either way, this is a warning to us all in seeking a marriage partner from within the household of faith.

29 v.10,11. This is the only reference to flood, using the Hebrew mabbuw, outside the story of Noah. It occurs 12 times in Gen.6-9 and here - the 13th and last time. This is then a reference back to the covenant made with Noah - projecting it forward to the future kingdom. Gen.9:11-17, 2Pet.3:5-13.

30:3 - Here we see words that allude to Jesus, as in Psa.16:10

Psa 29 - Notice the emphasis upon the 'voice' of the Lord. We know that 'By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.' [Psalms 33:6] But notice that God expects His creation - us - to use our voices also. So just as the 'heavens declare the glory of God' [Psalm 19:1] so do our voices.

30:9 - Whilst we might think this verse is a useful proof that man does not have an immortal soul David is actually expressing a great truth. He realises that when he is dead he will not be able to praise God - so he has a great desire to remain alive - just so he can praise his God. This contrasts with those who want to be alive just to pursue their own objectives.

Psalm 29 - Do we have revealed here, albeit in a veiled way, a description of what John was prevented from describing in Rev 10:4  - "And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not."  Psalm 29 describes a number of Heavenly proclamations, reminiscent of thunder as the voice of God, which proclamations culminate in God being all and in all - 1Cor 15:24-28. 

Psalm 30:5 - Sometimes under trial, we may ask God, even challenging heaven with the question, "How long are you going to try me?" In all our trials we do well to reflect upon the fact that the longest our trials can last is the sum of our mortal probation, "the night" spoken of in this verse. "The Morning" of God's Kingdom comes soon, and in our new found immortal state, we shall forever be standing at "the morning" of our lives, as eternity stretches out for ever and ever and ever before us - 2Sam 23:4.

29:6 ‘Sirion’ is the name given to Hermon by the Zidonians (Deut 3:9). These are the only two places in Scripture where ‘Sirion’ is found. We must, therefore, see a link between this Psalm and the involvement of Zidon in the topic of the Psalm. We saw last year that the Psalm was prompted by the bringing of the ark to Zion – but I cannot see what it is. Maybe some of you ‘out there’ can. If so let me know your thoughts.

Psa 30 - Last year’s comment is reinforced by the title of this Psalm. ‘at the dedication of the house of David'.

Psalm 29  This Psalm provides a description of the hand of God in the works of creation. "and God said"  Gen 1  "the voice of the LORD"  in this Psalm. It is also a plea to recognize the Power of God.

Psalm 30   A prayer of thankfulness for either David being allowed to bring up the Ark to Jerusalem, or a prayer of thanksgiving for the restoration of his health, and the preservation of his life.   

Psalm 29 gives expression to the power and might of the Lord's voice as focused through natural elements.  He has used, and will use again, the ferocity of natural elements to destroy His enemies.
We, as God's children, should not be afraid of His angry voice.  Rather, like Elijah (1Kin 19:11,12), we should be listening for the still small voice of instruction, guidance, and comfort.

CRY FOR MERCY
 
There could be many times throughout our life that we cry for mercy to the LORD our God, and they could be for a huge variety of reasons.  David, for instance, cried for mercy during famine, when the LORD sent plague on Israel and when he was surrounded by enemies.  But his most heartfelt prayers for mercy were when he had sinned and needed God's forgiveness.  Forgiveness is the most important reason we should cry to God for mercy.  The other events in our lives will all take their toll, but sin brings with it its wages - death and eternal separation from our Creator.  Mercy and forgiveness, on the other hand, will be some of the biggest factors in our receiving eternal life.
 
When David penned his cry for mercy, he added this: "What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit?  Will the dust praise you?  Will it proclaim your faithfulness?" (Psa 30:9)  God answered David's prayer in a way that gives hope to us all.  "You (God) turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.  O LORD my God I will give you thanks for ever." (v.11-12)
 
God's mercy demands our response.  He has been merciful.  He has promised us eternal life in the kingdom of his Son.  Let's begin now what we will be able to do for eternity then.  "I will give you thanks for ever." (v.12)

Psa 29 - This whole Psalm is of praise to God and a graphic recognition of His power.  May we remember the importance of praise and worship in our everyday lives, as it breeds humility.

30:12 "healed me" Affliction is often described as disease, (Psa 6:2; , Psa 41:4,;, Psa 107:20), and so relief by healing.

You will notice that "the voice" is repeated seven times in Psa 29.  It was the voice of God that was used in the creation; and Adam and Eve heard God's voice, as the angel walked in the garden in the cool of the day (Gen 3:8).  No wonder David says that the voice of the Lord is powerful (Psa 29:4).

30:3 - As Peter Cresswell noted this appears to be about Christ. Also of significance is "my soul" KJV is translated "me" in the NIV. Thus we have one of many passages that a "soul" Heb. "nephesh"<5315> can be the entirety of the person. The word for "grave" is Heb. "sheol"<7585> and means "grave, hell, pit". Was Christ brought up from a fiery hell alive or was it merely the cave in which he was buried from which he was resurrected?

29:2      This verse echoes the language of 1Chron 16:29 possibly indicating that this Psalm was written about David bringing the ark to Zion.

30:9-11 David had mourned as he fled from Saul. Now, when he brought the ark to Zion he ‘danced before the Lord’ 2Sam 6:21. Reflecting on his deliverance from Saul he sees life as an opportunity to praise his God.

29:3 ‘The voice of the Lord’ here and in the subsequent verses is seen to be the motivator in much of creation. We might have thought that God’s creative work finished at the end of day 6 of creation. During creation he spoke and it was done – Gen 1 – we are caused to see in this Psalm that God’s work never ceases in keeping His creation working. We do well to think about this when contrasted with the way man looks at the universe and sees it decaying. And from that makes assertions about global warming etc:.

Psa 30 From the subtitle there can be no doubt that this Psalm was used at the dedication of the house of David. Even though David was not there to witness the Temple's dedication, at least one of his Psalms was used on the occasion. It is interesting to note the Temple was not built until after the death of David, we normally identify it as Solomon's Temple, the house is still called "the house of David"

30      The title, when talking about ‘the house of David’ is clearly talking about the tent that David had pitched in Jerusalem. The use of the words ‘house of David reminds us that David was caused to realise that the place of worship was not to be restricted to a physical building but was to extend to a group of people – those who are called and chosen by God.

Psalm 30 does not give any indication as to which house the dedication applied.  If it is to the temple, then which one: Zerubbabel's; Solomon's; or the temple to come in the Kingdom.  Consider another suggestion, that this is a dedication to the altar which was built on Araunah's threshing floor (2Sam 24:20-24).  The reason for the altar was to appeal to Yahweh to stop the plague that was devastating the people.  Yahweh was pleased with the sacrifices and did stop the plague (2Sam 24:25).  The psalm speaks to death; a plea for mercy; and rejoicing after deliverance.  All the elements of the plague; the appeal; and the cessation of the plague are incorporated in this psalm.

29:3 The ‘many waters’ refers to the nations of the world. So the Psalmist recognised that God is not just concerned for Israel. His eyes are upon all the earth and its inhabitants.

David and Job: brothers in affliction

Psalm 30 echoes the message of the book of Job. Here David praised God after God allowed him to be afflicted for a time, then saved him. David called out to God and He listened. He then likens his affliction to a single night after which the morning comes. You can see further similarities between Job and the Psalm here: 

29:10   David was king as we have seen from the way that this Psalm was written when David brought the ark to Zion. However he is not exalted in his own mind. He still recognises that God is king – something that neither the people nor Saul recognised when a king was desired.

30:1      Does our worship of God stem from a deep seated recognition of the deliverance from sin and death that we have benefitted from? The contrast of our position before and after accepting Jesus is emphasised in Rom 3:23-24. Until we appreciate what sinfulness does to our relationship with God we cannot appreciate the joy of forgiveness.

Psa 29:3,4,5,7,8,9 - "The voice of the Lord" is mentioned 7 times in Psalm 29 and perhaps there is a connection to the 7 thunders (Rev 10:1-4). Psa 29:3,10 - perhaps in mentioning "the flood" this may echo God's future judgments at the last day (1Cor 15:52;1Thess 4:16).

Some feel this is a Psalm that was used for the Feast of Trumpets and repeated on the Day of Atonement

The allusion in the title (of Psalm 30) to the dedication of the temple may refer to the circumstances of Ornan's threshing floor (1Chron 21:18-27).

Psa 30:1,3,5 may refer to the pestilence which approached Jerusalem (1Chron 21:6-15).

Psa 30:1 - could this have application to Christ's being resurrected?

Psa 30:4 - could this have application to the joy of believers, esp. at the news of Christ's resurrection?

Psa 30:5 - "rejoicing comes in the morning" - could this have application to Christ's resurrection?

Psa 30:6 - NIV "When I felt secure, I said, 'I will never be shaken'" - this fits neatly with David but could it also refer to a security, prosperity or understanding leading to other than temporal wealth (Matt 6:19-21;Isa 7:14-15)?

Psa 30:7 - could this refer to Mount Zion and the coming kingdom (Isa 2:2-3)?

Psa 30:8-9 - this reminds me of how Jesus wanted the cup to pass from him but yielded to his Father's will (Matt 26:39).

Psa 30:11 - "mourning into dancing" - could this have application to the joy of believers upon Christ's resurrection?

Psa 30:11 - "sackcloth" - David wore sackcloth (1Chron 21:16) and in a figurative sense the clothing left in the tomb by Jesus might be considered sackcloth (sackcloth can be used for mourning) also (John 20:5-7).

Psa 30:11 - NIV "...clothed me with joy" - could this refer to Christ's clothing during his ministry or post resurrection (Psa 22:18;Isa 61:10;Rev 1:13)?

Psa 30:12 - "I will give you thanks forever" - could this have a dual application to David and Christ, each granted eterrnal life, and giving thanks to God forever?

30:5     The “anger” of which David seems to speak here is the anger at the carrying of the ark on a cart – 2Sam 6:7 – which anger was replaced in David with “dancing” – Verse 5 reflecting  what happened when David eventually brought the ark to Zion – 1Chron 15:29.

30:12     David’s enthusiasm to give God glory “for ever” may look to his expectation of the kingdom. However it was a true statement about his joy when he had brought the ark to Zion. His heart’s desire as described in Psa 132:2-5  was being fulfilled. 

30:1      David was “lifted up”, not by any personal achievement. Rather he was lifted up by God through the doing of God’s will. He had brought the ark to Zion and so fulfilled God’s desire.

Psalm 29

"The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters" v3

There are two specific occasions where the voice of the LORD was upon the waters, firstly when He created the world the Bible says this:

"the earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light" Gen 1:2-3

And secondly, when He brought Israel out of Egypt there is a comment in the Psalms about the red sea crossing:

"The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled... The voice of thy thunder [was] in the heaven... Thy way [is] in the sea, and thy path in the great waters" see Psa 77:14-20

So the Psalmist may have been calling to mind these two acts of God, both of which showed His great power and glory. His conclusion and advice to all of us is:

"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name" v2

29:10 the word “flood” <3999> here is the word that is used of the flood in the days of Noah so the Psalm is clearly referring to that event rather than some general comment about a flood.

Ps. 29 The voice of the Lord is might and in it you can see the wind, fire and earthquake yet in 1 Kings 19:12 we know also know that the voice of the Lord can be a gentle blowing. I wonder if Ps. 29 was in the mind of Elijah he had to learn that the Lord also works in less visibile ways.   

29:3      There are 7 times in the Psalm when we read of “the voice of the Lord” which answer to the seven time in Genesis that we are told of God speaking to Noah.Gen 6:13,22, 7:5,9, 8:15,9:8,17 Which, along with the only use of the word “flood” outside Gen in verse:10, helps us to understand that the Psalm is focussing on the flood in the days of Noah.

29:3       the phrase “the God of Gory” is quoted – Acts 7:2– by Stephen because the theme of the Psalm is God speaking – see an earlier entry on verse 3 which shows how often that idea is presented in the Psalm. Stephen was God’s mouthpiece speaking God’s words as does the Psalm.

30:1 When David says he will “extol” God he is saying that he will elevate him in his own mind as a consequence of being elevated – different word – himself. Do we think similarly of God because of the salvation that he has extended to us?

Psa 29:6 - is this a reference to possible earthquakes (Psa 114:4)?

Psa 29:11 - is this a reference to the millennium when Christ returns?

Psa 30:3 - Jesus was saved from a corrupoting death.

Psa 30:5 - "life" i.e. eternal life.

29:3      The recurring actions consequent on God speaking is echoes in another Psalm  -  33:9

30:3So despondent was David and fearful when Uzza was struck dead that David saw himself as a dead man before God. Such was David’s realisation of the serious consequences of disregarding God’s instructions. So his rejoicing is truly great – having been restored he was able to finish the task ad bring the ark to Zion. David, despite the serious setback, continued to seek to fulfil God’s will. This is a great example to us when life and our errors throw up challenges to us.

29:2   In what way is “holiness” beautiful? To the world holiness is no such thing. It is seen often as an aloof attitude. To the faithful, however, it should be a great joy that our lives are “separate” – the meaning of “holy” from the world around us. But is this how we think? Or do we have one foot in the world, maintain association with those who are enemies of God? Are we compromised into habits and activities that are godless in their focus?

30:7 It is reasonable to conclude that when  God struck Uzza dead for touching he ark David felt desolate and estranged from God. As this is the context of the Psalm we see the reason why David said that God had hidden Himself.

29:10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever

The flood could refer to the people ruled over by God from the millenium onwards. It follows on from verse 3 where "the voice of the LORD is over the waters ... over many waters", a reference to the nations.

This reminds us of  the Spirit of God hovering over the face of the waters prior to God's voice speaking (Genesis 1:2,3). So God was enthroned over a literal flood in Genesis 1 and will sit enthroned over a flood of people in the kingdom and beyond. God's plan for the earth will finally be fulfilled in this second flood.

v.5,6 - The scribes and Pharisees here had invented their own rule to allow the buying of freedom from their parents' authority with a gift - what an attractive idea - maybe this was the way that they encouraged young people to join their beliefs! Maybe the idea came from an out of context understanding of passages like these - Prov.18:16, 21:14, but they certainly had to ignore this advice from the law to which they claimed such pure application in their lives - Exo.23:8, Deut 16:19, and of course, as Jesus refers them - Exo.20:12 - where the promise of long life makes it stand out from the others.

:1-10 Whilst the scribes and Pharisees' questioning was directed specifically to Jesus the whole multitude who were around are called together to hear Jesus' response. Whilst the leaders were trying to fault Jesus he was concerned that everyone knew their hypocrisy.

After the death of Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:15) the people turned to idol worship. So Zechariah reproved them (2 Chronicles 24:20). Jesus uses the words of his reproof when speaking with the scribes and Pharisees (15:3). Whilst they thought they were upholding the law they were, in fact no better than those rebels who forsook the Lord after the death of Jehoiada. We must take care that the rules we make for life do not violate the principles of God's grace.

Matthew 15:6 - An ever present danger for all who follow God, is this danger of replacing God's ways with men's traditions.

Matthew 15:14 - Jesus only ever referred to Pharisaical attitudes as blindness. Their blindness lay in the fact that, though exposed to the ways of God through His Word, they had added to or subtracted from, the power of His word, setting up their own piety as the benchmark of acceptable worship. As such they were busy leading men and women away from God and into oblivion. The fact that Jesus refers to the Laodiceans as blind in Revelation 3:17-18, is a revelation as to what was happening in that Ecclesia. Our Lord cannot tolerate hypocrisy - and His approbation is especially reserved for Institutionalised Hypocrisy - Rev 17, Rev 18.

Matthew 15:38 - A second mighty miracle in feeding a multitude, this time mostly Gentiles it would seem. Though generally described as the feeding of the 4,000 - a careful reading reveals perhaps 16,000 mouths were fed again by miracle. How does Christ do these mighty works? Being a "Creator," Jesus 'merely' takes the already common 'miracle' of multiplying grain into a harvest, which takes place over a period of time, and speeds the process up, so that it takes place in an instant. And the same with the fishes. Who better to rule this starving world in righteousness? May He return soon, to take up the reigns of the Government that is His by right - Ezekiel 21:27.

15:1 The seeming casual comment ‘which were of Jerusalem’ is telling. These Pharisees had made the long journey from Jerusalem to Galilee simply to confront Jesus!

:18-20 - the conclusion of this argument is so poignant for all in every age.  God looks on the heart.  None of us can claim that we have hearts which have all our lifetimes been free of thoughts of murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness or blasphemies - so we are all defiled.  Without the grace of God we have nothing.

Matt 15:2  The purpose in the washing of hands was not one for cleanliness, it would have been a religious procedure. The Greek word "wash" is NIPTO 3538 which is washing as a religious ceremony. A good  example of this is found in John 13:5 "Wash" is NIPTO and the word "bason" is NIPTER 3537 we can clearly see the connection between the two Greek words. It was a ceremony done with a special bason or bowl.

Vs.32-38 The feeding of the 4000+, like the feeding of the 5000+ (Matt 14:15-21), was a miracle.  Such a large group of people, in each case, was fed by such a small amount of food.  Moreover there was more food collected as fragments than the original amount of food.  In the case of the 5000+ twelve full baskets were collected, and with the 4000+ seven full baskets were collected.  It must be pointed out that the baskets (Gr. kophinos) in the 4000+ example were smaller than the baskets (Gr. spuris) in the 5000+ situation.  Interestingly, the larger basket (spuris) is the same kind of basket that was used by Paul to escape (Acts 9:24,25).
The fact that more food was returned than given out is a reminder that whatever is given out by the Lord returns to Him as increase (Isa 55:10,11).  The Lord expects the same principle to apply to our efforts.  Consider the parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30).

v.1 - There would not normally be Scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem in Galilee.  This was an organised deputation of the 'big-wigs' and the issue at stake concerned the feeding of the 5000 in the previous chapter, at which Jesus ate without first washing his hands ritually as they determined was required of God.  Scribes and Pharisees and those like them the world over will continue to insist on the keeping of unnecessary rules, and while doing so will miss the power of God.  Let us take heed.

PERSISTENT WOMAN
 
One of the great qualities a women, and mothers in particular, is their ability to be persistent. This is especially so when it comes to getting the best for their children. Mothers will stop at nothing to makes sure their children are getting the very best for their lives.
 
The Canaanite woman was an amazing example of the dedication and persistence that a mother can have. As she followed Jesus, she kept crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon possession." (Matt 15:22)
 
Many people would have given up when Jesus paid no attention to her cries. But she knew Jesus could heal her daughter, so she carried on.
Then the disciples told Jesus to send her away. We can almost see their threatening advances and nasty looks toward her as they tried to convince Jesus to get rid of her. But even in the face of opposition, she persisted.
When Jesus finally answered, it was to say that she was not entitled to Jewish privileges. For many that would have been the last straw - but not for this woman.
She persisted further, begging and arguing her case, and was at last rewarded for her great faith by the healing of her daughter.

15:8      Notice that there are two parts of the human anatomy highlighted in this quotation from Isa 29:13. It is the 'mouth' and 'heart'. It is all too easy for our mouths to say the right things even if we are not thinking correctly

Jesus did not at first heal the Gentile woman’s daughter because He had come primarily to Israel, Matt 15:21-29.  But His Power was as good for Gentiles as Jews. He really tested her faith, but when she had had an opportunity to display her faith, and her humility, He readily effected the cure she craved.

15:2 In asking Jesus the question the leaders show exactly where their emphasis lies – ‘the traditions …’. We must beware lest we fall into the same trap of elevating the things we do to the status of Divine principles.

15:24   Jesus’ words to the woman echo what he had told his disciples in Matt 10:5-6about restricting their preaching to Jews.

15:5The whole law of ‘Corban’ as it was called by the Jews was simply a method whereby a Jew could escape from the obligations of caring for his parents in fulfilment of the law of Moses. Instead of counting his possessions and wealth as his own he says he has dedicated it to the temple. So even though it is still in his own possession and able to be used by himself, it is not his own – according to the rule that the Jews made – rather it belonged to the temple and so could not be used for the purpose of maintaining one’s parents.

V.21 Jesus went to Tyre and Sidon which were on the Phoenician coast.  There he met a woman who is described as a Canaanite (v.22).  Mark describes the same woman as a Syrophenician (Mark 7:26).  She was, of course a gentile (Greek = gentile).  A Syrophoenician was a person from the Phoenician part of Syria.  It would not be uncommon for Phoenicians from Syria to live among other Phoenicians on the Mediterranean coast.  Mark is being accurate.  Matthew is probably appealing to a Jewish audience when he described the woman as a Canaanite.  Canaanites had dwelt among the Jews in all tribal regions because they were not driven out as commanded (Josh 17:12,13; Judg 1:29-33).  And so, the Jews commonly considered non-Jews in the land as Canaanites.

15:12 It is as if the disciples did not realise that Jesus knew the effect his words would have on the Pharisees. Jesus words were spoken without Favour to anyone. He was not a respecter of persons.

Notice here that the Scribes and Pharisees have come from Jerusalem (15:1) - a special journey of 65 miles or so, just to tell Jesus that he has broken the law by not making the 5000 people he just fed wash their hands.  Oblivious to the miracle, here are the Pharisees at their worst!  May we learn the lesson Jesus taught them in v.18

15:7 In saying that Isaiah ‘prophesied’ of the leaders of his day Jesus is making the powerful point that God knew what they would be like, therefore he sent His son.  Jesus is not saying that the leaders of his day simply aped what Isaiah had said.

15:17  So encumbered by Jewish understanding of the laws of uncleanness Peter did not appreciate that the food eaten, of itself, does no harm.

15:8  In speaking of a mouth that says the right things and a heart that does not obey Jesus is reminding the Jewish leaders that they were like the elders that came to Ezekiel in Babylon –Eze 33:31 – A nation who were in captivity because of precisely that attitude.

15:3-4  I suppose we, like the Jewish leaders, complicate our motives and actions in order to justify them. We are really good at developing complex arguments to justify our behaviour. Jesus’ response is simple. He appeals to two Old Testament passages to outline the way that we should think.

15:10 “Hear and understand” seems an obvious thing for Jesus to say. However there are many times when we hear what it being said but our understanding is rather lacking. It is all too easy to hear words which we find uncomfortable and fail to understand because we do not like the implications of what we have heard so ignore what we hear.

15:9  The phrase “commandments of man” should cause us to see the contrast with verse :3“commandments of God”

15:1-2           Jesus was in Galilee –14:34 – so those who came to speak with him had travelled quite some distance. And their sole purpose was to trap Jesus in his words and behaviour. Their whole focus was wrong.  Do we ever go about to entrap a brother or sister in their words? One would hope not but the example here shows what human nature is like – a nature we share.

Matt 15:14

“Let them alone; they be blind leaders of the blind…”

A brother wrote the following: “But what of the reaction of this atmosphere upon the brotherhood? It is one of the greatest dangers—a desire to so accommodate the Truth to influence and scholarly attainment that it may receive the world’s patronage. This evil is already at work.”

And so it is! This reminds me of what Brother John Thomas once wrote, that though a brother may speak Greek, make a speech on every line of Homer in Greek, and yet is ignorant if he fails to properly interpret Scripture. Like the Scribes and Pharisees, they are blind leaders of the blind, wishing only to impress on others their intelligence. However, they can only impress the unlearned of the Word. All the more reason why we should be studying, studying, studying the Word and not take anything for granted.

15:7    The teaching in the Laws of Moses about honouring father and mother was to teach. It was to teach how God cares for His children. The law of Corban, in circumventing the teaching of the Law of Moses prevented those who subscribed to the Corban law from learning form God’s law. That is why they made the law “of none effect”. In like manner whenever we make rules, decisions and plans which remove the need to think of and apply Bible principles, we prevent the word of God moulding our characters.

15:32 Compassion was a quality that the Pharisees and other religious leaders did not share.

15:39 It is difficult to image that sending  the multitude away was an easy task. When Jesu fed the 5,000 they wanted to make him king – John 6:15. It is difficult the think that idea had gone from the minds of the people.

Matt 15:3-6 - traditions of men nullifying the word of God.

Matt 15:7-9 - hypocrisy, far away hearts, false godliness (Isa 29:13).

Matt 15:14 - spiritual blindness.

Matt 15:19-20 - unwashed evil hearts (Jer 17:9); sin comes from within, not from external supernatural evil forces.

Matt 15:22-28 - a Gentile calling Jesus "Son of David" and her persistence in seeking a crumb of favor demonstrates her great faith.

Matt 15:26-27 - "dogs<2952>" means puppies; the Gentiles were called dogs and a crumb of a miracle to what was being offered to the master nation Israel was being asked for by a humble Gentile who had great faith.

Matt 15:31 - "they glorified the God of Israel" suggests they were mostly Gentiles.

Matt 15:32 - food provided after 3 days suggests that the sacrifice of Jesus would also feed the Gentiles.

Matt 15:34 - the 7 loaves of "bread" (Christ's offered flesh) points to the millennial 7th day of rest when Jesus returns to earth bringing/establishing his Father's kingdom, spiritual perfection, fullness and satisfaction, etc.

Matt 15:37 - the "baskets<4711>" were of the larger type used by the Gentiles; Christ still feeds his followers.

Matt 15:38 - 4000 men were fed; the "4" could refer to the complete earth, the creative works of God (that created on the 4th day), the world number (going beyond Israel and the Jews), the number of organization, etc.

Matt 15:39 - "Magdala<3093>" means the tower; Magdala was the home of Mary Magdalene.

THREE DAY DEVOTION TEST

I am impressed with the dedication the crowd had to following Jesus. If you listen to the words of Jesus, you can start to understand how devoted they were. Jesus said, "I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way." (Matt 15:32).

These people had been with Jesus for three days. Yes, sure, they had seen their friends healed from all sorts of problems, and they had heard some amazing teaching, but they had been with him three days. They were not in a five-star hotel and I suspect they hadn't even brought tents or pillows. I am sorry to say, but I think I probably would have been a day visitor!

But there is more to the dedication of this crowd following Jesus. They hadn't eaten in three days. If it had been me, I would have been out of there by dinner time!

We say we follow Jesus, but how devoted are we really? Are we devoted enough to spend three days in the open without food because we want to be with him so much? Are we devoted enough to test our faith in his provision because we have given up everything for him?
 

15:8-9 As well as quoting Isa 28:13 we see the ideas found in Eze 33:31 are also seen here.

13:44,46            Jesus repeats the lesson from these parables later –Luke 12:33 – when talking to the disciples. Good teaching needs to be repeated simply because we are inclined to forget it. Or even if we remember it are inclined not to put it into practice.

15:16-20 Following rules, especially ones we have made for ourselves, is far easier than speaking godly words. Rules that are God ordained is essential and it is only from understanding His rules that we will be able to always ensure the quality of that which comes out of our mouths

15:5-6One wonders how the Jews justified their man made workaround so they did not have to honour their parents which the Law of Moses required.

But before we condemn them for the way that they organised their worship and practices we should reflect carefully on how committed we are to doing His will when it is not convenient. It is all too easy to make “justified excuses to avoid our obligations.

15:10 Why did Jesus ask the multitudes who came to listen to him to “hear and understand”? The answer is that the scribes and Pharisees were generally listened to by the common people. Their words, therefore, could easily be seen as undermining Jesus’ teaching.

15:22 Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David

Despite being rebuffed by the disciples, and apparently even by Jesus, the Canaanite woman retains her absolute respect  for Jesus, calling him "Lord" three times and "Son of David" once. Yet she was a gentile! She knew who Jesus was, and acted upon it.  Jesus was impressed with her faith (15:28)