June 3rd readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
2 Samuel 20:14-21:22 ~ Acts 1:1-26
Psalm 121:1-8 ~ Proverbs 16:18

Old Testament - Well... Sheba's grand rebellion against David doesn't last very long!  And Sheba's own clan doesn't treat him well at all...  Below are 2 images from today's readings.  First image is from a 13th Century Maciejowski Bible showing Joab and his men besieging the city of Abel.  Next image is of Sheba's head being thrown over the wall to Joab.  Rebellion over.

Second Samuel chapter 21 begins 4 chapters that are thought to essentially be an "appendix" to First and Second Samuel.  These 4 chapters contain additional information about David's reign, without regard to chronology of events.  The first event we read about in today's readings about David handing over 7 of Saul's relatives to the Gibeonites is believed to have taken place after David extended his kindness initially to Mephibosheth in chapter 9 and before Absalom's rebellion.  The triumphs over 4 Philistine giants is at unknown times / chronology, although verse 15 seems to indicate to me that these took place perhaps later in David's life when he was older: "And when David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted."  Somehow I can't imagine a young David becoming weak and exhausted in battle...  These 4 episodes are thought to have been included to show the heroics of David's men.  Below is an image of David and his "Mighty Men" at a victory over their enemies:

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "Promise Breakers and Promise Keepers" is at this link.

New Testament - Today we begin the book of Acts! I am sad to be leaving the Gospels behind, but am definitely looking forward to reading Luke’s writings in Acts. (And there is always early next year in 2007 to read the Gospels again! Hint... hint... :) We’ll soon be introduced to Paul in Acts, and his Epistles will be coming up in the weeks ahead. It is always so exciting to read about the early church and its genesis. I hope you are ready for Acts!  Let's go!

Author: Luke
Date: A.D. 65-70
Content: The book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke where Luke intends to show that what Jesus began on earth, he continues to do in the life of the church. The book begins with the apostles being filled with the power of God and preaching to great effect, three thousand being saved in one day (Acts 2:41). The life of the church in Jerusalem, the spread of the gospel to Samaria, the activities of the apostle Peter, and the persecution of the early Christians are then described. The focus then shifts to the apostle Paul and his missionary activity in Gentile territory. His three missionary journeys are treated in some detail, ending with Paul’s trip to Rome where the book ends. Some scholars suggest that Luke intended to write a third volume that would have described Paul’s release, further travels, arrest, and death.
Theme: Acts was written to show the spread of the gospel from Jewish to Gentile territory (Acts 1:8). The good news that Jesus dies and rose again could not be confined to one corner of the world, but was intended by God for all. To that end God empowered his people so that they could accomplish their task. The Holy Spirit is that empowering agent. The sovereign control of God over all things is seen in the triumph of the gospel over paganism and persecution; and although it may cost many their very lives (even Peter and Paul, whose lives are described in Acts), ultimate victory is assured through Jesus our Lord.
(Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 23)  More commentary on Acts is at these 2 links – http://bible.org/page.asp?page_id=2122 & http://bible.org/page.asp?page_id=1793

It's intriguing to note that Luke begins Acts 1:1 with "Dear Theophilus."  You will recall from Luke's Gospel in chapter 1 verses 3 & 4 Luke addresses the Gospel to Theophilus as well: "Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught."  So, just who is Theophilus?  There is a lot of speculation on this question, and not a lot of certainty.  Theophilus' name means "one who loves God."  Not a bad name, eh?  Some speculate that Theolphilus was someone of high position and wealth, and perhaps even a Roman official.  Some speculate Theophilus was actually Luke's publisher, funding his writings distribution!  In whatever case, it appears that both Acts and Luke were written for Theophilus' own instruction, as well as the instruction of those whom these writings would be distributed, which includes you and me!  Let us simply thank God for the unknown man Theophilus to whom Luke felt compelled to write the books of instructions for us in Acts & Luke!  Below is a painting titled "Saint Luke" from the year 1360 by Master Theodoric -

Verse 8 from Jesus is basically a Cliff Notes version of the book of Acts:  "But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  In chapters 1 through 7 the apostles will be witnesses in Jerusalem.  Judea & Samarian in chapters 8 & 9.  And then to the ends of the earth in chapters 10 through 28.  Well, ends of the earth in terms of Caesarea, Rome, Greece, Antioch and Asia Minor.  But, they wouldn't begin this witnessing until they are equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit in chapter 2.  Below is a pretty good map of Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria at the time of Acts:

In verse 9 today we read about the ascension of Jesus into heaven! "It was not long after Jesus said this that he was taken up into the sky while they were watching, and he disappeared into a cloud."  Below is Rembrandt's painting of the Ascension from the early 17th century:

Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "Getting Ahead of God" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 121 is the second in this series of 15 Psalms of ascent that were likely written for religious festivals when people were making their pilgrimages to Israel.  I love verses 3 & 4 today - "He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps." How about that!  God does not sleep!  This reminds me of other parts of the Bible where it talks about God being pure light and having no shadows.  God is also so perfect that he does not sleep!  I like that...  Allows me to sleep better at night.   I'll no longer need to count sheep now! :)

And the closing verse 8.... wow.... "The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever."  Do you believe this is true?  Do you believe that God watches over you - always?

Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 121 today titled "Protection for the Pilgrim" is at this link.

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 16 verse 18 we read this convicting proverb – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” I don’t know about you, but I struggle with pride. Honestly, I have a hunch that most of us do to some degree. It is part of our human condition I’m afraid. I do believe that Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God can save us of our pride. But, we have to really be willing to give it up to them – to let it go. I honestly do not think I have let go of my pride. The thing I’ve noticed that I’ve been doing lately – which I think is a symptom of pride – is judging others. I really have been judging others harshly. And it’s a horrible thing to do. I caught myself saying something horrible to a friend recently about another group of acquaintances. And I felt so horrible after saying it – but I realized that indeed what I said is exactly what I had been thinking. I had been judging others! I had been prideful! And that is a scary thing. . . if this proverb is true. And I know that it is true. Pride goes before destruction. A haughty spirit before a fall. I realize I’m on a bad course right now of judging others and being prideful. I am thankful that God has shown to me this is a sin I need to repent of. I am praying constantly now for healing and redemption from it. I am confident it will come. But, I am also wise enough to realize that I will need to be diligent and continually pray for healing in this area in my life – judging others and pride. I am afraid that I will struggle with this my whole life. But, that’s okay. It makes me realize I cannot do this life on my own. I need God. I need Jesus. I need the Holy Spirit. Otherwise – without them – I would be a prideful & judgmental person. And I would surely fall. . . How about you? Do you struggle with pride? Do you judge others? (really, think about this one. . . it was scary for me to realize that not only do I judge others – but I do it constantly. . .) If so, will you join me in repentance and prayer in these areas? Will you give these sins over to Jesus and pray constantly for redemption and healing in these areas? He will heal you. Surely he will. No one else can. We cannot heal ourselves of pride & judging others on our own.

Comments from you & Question of the Day - What are some ways you have dealt with pride in your life in the past?  Have you been able to overcome issues of judging others?  Thinking you are all that?  How did you overcome these pride issues?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Grace,
Mike

Comments

[Anka]

Wise women...the woman who spoke to Joab seemed to have some degree of authority...don't think all the city would be taking orders from a young woman but that's just speculation.In days when women didn't really have that much of a say,one wise woman saved a city.
Another woman through her love for her sons moved the kings heart to give not only her sons but Saul and Jonathan's bones a proper burial...Love and wisdom are pretty powerful!I pray for more of both in my life.
I am doing a study of the Holy Spirit currently on www.blbi.org and I really find a lot of sense in their commentary on the last chapter in John vs acts.When we as unbelievers come to Christ,the Holy spirit come to dwell in us.When Jesus said receive ye the Holy Spirit...they received an "indwelling of the Holy Spirit"...the Holy Spirit which dwells in us works to confrom us into the image of Christ.
In acts the disciples were given the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit"which gave them power for service.That's when they began preach and had signs and wonders accompany them.Jesus was said by John to be the one who will baptise with the Holy Spirit.I think it's safe to say that many believers are not baptised with the Holy Spirit but have an indwelling of the Holy Spirit.It was after Peter was baptised with the Holy Spirit that he spoke and the Holy Spirit convicted 3000.
On pride..Mike,I know just what you mean because I'm going through it myself.Unfortunately sometimes getting all the knowledge from God can lead to "puffing up" and trying to show others they are wrong..A few months,I had a less hectic schedule at work so I dived into the word.I got alot of knowledge and began to find fault in everything others tried to teach me back in church.I realised wrong doctrines are rampant mostly due to ignorance and I wanted to avoid that...but I got to an extreme where I became really judgemental.I recently read a book called pain,perplexity and promotion by Bob Sorge.It showed me what it meant to hear the word...and what it meant to know the word.How we can get so puffed and the quickly be deflated when trials come.I sure will join you in repentance and pray God helps me be more like Jesus.
God bless you all
PS.sorry for the long post,this month I may be entering a hectic phase in at work so I'm making up for that now:)

[SissySue]

John: Thank you for those insights yesterday; very helpful.

Andrew: Yes, I had considered Jesus' tortured body, and John pretty graphically supported that, and I do appreciate you both. Thanks.

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Giants!!!

"16 And Ishbi-Benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, whose bronze spearhead weighed three hundred shekels [b] and who was armed with a new sword , said he would kill David. 17 But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David's rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. Then David's men swore to him, saying, "Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished."
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"A Philistine, one of the four champions of the race of Rapha ("giant") who was slain by Sibbecai."
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"In another battle with the Philistines at Gob, Elhanan son of Jaare-Oregim [c] the Bethlehemite killed Goliath [d] the Gittite, who had a spear with a shaft like a weaver's rod."

W A I T ! ! !

I thought
D a v i d
killed Goliath!

He did. I checked the Nelson's Quick Reference: Bible People and Places and learned that Elhanan is credited with having killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath (I Chronicles 20:5, II Samuel 21:19).

Anyone know why he is credited with having killed Goliath in our text today? Was Goliath a "family name?"

I know, I know,--I question everything.

Let me make this clear; I believe the Word of God (the Bible) and I believe EVERY word is true; I just do not understand everything I read, and I seek to know the truth of Scripture, so when I throw these things out, I am not "doubting" the veracity of the word. I feel many of you have insights that I have not considered.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Interesting information on Palestine/Philistine and Giants (Rapha) from these web sites ~

http://www.stevequayle.com/Giants/Mid.East/Giants.Mid.East8.html#Anchor-Ishbi-benob-41681

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:6GW5W9sbhrEJ:www.ortzion.org/Amalek_3.html+Philistines+%2B+Palestinians&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1

"The Palestinians are, therefore, in dispute with the Almighty Himself --- not just with a nation of mere men, because this nation, and these men are “the armies of the Living G-d, which the Philistines/Palestinians are defying39.

There never has been, in the entire history of this area, an independent sovereign state called Palestine. The Philistines themselves were a remnant from Caphtor40 known as Caphtorim, Cherethites or Casluhim (descended from Egypt, son of Ham) who invaded the coastal strip of Gaza, killed the Avvim living there and settled in their stead41. Therefore the neighboring peoples called them “plishtim,” which means “invaders.” They lived in the region from Gaza to Ekron, from Lachish to Ziklak, calling it “Philistia.” Philistia extended along the short coastal strip from today's Raphla to Joppa/Jaffa, into the northen region of the Negev toward Beer-Sheva. This was the largest area of all of “Philistia/Palestine” the “plishtim/invaders/Philistines/Palestinians” ever held. By the time of the Roman Empire, they had long ceased to be a distinct national entity, having been destroyed and assimilated into other peoples."

[SissySue]

"12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk[b] from the city."

Curious to me that the law had been broken down to just about how many "paces" one could walk without breaking the "rest" of the Sabbath. Jesus was so right when he talked about straining at a gnat, eh?

"Mt:23:24: Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel."

"The distance which one was allowed to walk on the Sabbath was called "a Sabbath day's journey," and amounted to a distance of some three-fifths of one mile (originally 2,000 cubits, which is some 3,000 feet)."
http://www.holyorderofmans.org/Jesus-of-Galilee/12-Sabbeth.htm
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It is interesting that Matthias (the one whom they chose to replace Judas Iscariot) was never mentioned in Scripture again.

[Romayne]

SO glad to hear others suffer from pride (and arrogance its sister!), as well, as I actually (like Mike) had a shock the day I came face to face with that as one of my sins too. I've suffered most as Anka pointed out, since I've learnt the most - and ended up constantly feeling like I know better than most other Christians around me, because I sometimes spend 5-8 hours a day listening to sermons and the spoken Word etc, as well as to various expositions and radio shows, so I figure I'm learning a LOT. But my bigger pride issue came when I started questioning whether or not I had sin to confess in any given day - as I was then told, that in itself is a sin as Paul pointed out too, and it was really only after that, that I truly repented and sat down to analyse my problems in this area. I've repented daily since of both those sins, as I now see myself often committing both in any given day BUT bit by bit, I know I'm also now being made aware BEFORE I say something that I may be about to commit one or other, esp in the area of Christian doctrine. I consider myself fairly fundamental now in my beliefs and 'proud' of it but have slowly recognised that regardless of whether I believe my views are right, it doesn't give me the right to not be humble in allowing others to equally stand on theirs. Although that in turn then makes me think that if everyone was like me, nobody would EVER become a Christian, because we'd all be too busy capitulating to the views of others :(. Think I need to do a lot of reading yet and being cautious and discerning as well as more intuitive about when to stand, and when to walk away. I actually feel a bit like Sissy Sue - I question everything too, and sometimes end up going round in circles, trying to determine the right course or viewpoint, but that's the best way I feel, as at least ultimately whichever one you stick with, will be the one you've really had to work to find - make sense?

[Romayne]

Sissy Sue - in answer to your question: "Anyone know why he is credited with having killed Goliath in our text today? Was Goliath a "family name?"

Have a look at this link - maybe what you're looking for, although I'm not the happiest with that explanation given how absolutely strict the copyists (if true scribes) were about never allowing errors to creep in to the texts, but one possible answer nonetheless maybe.

http://www.carm.org/diff/1Sam17_50.htm

[SissySue]

Very good, Romayne, and I think you just may be "right on" in both respects; check this out:

http://www.baptistpillar.com/bd0298.htm

RV: "Elhanan...slew Goliath the Gittite."

ASV: "Elhanan...slew Goliath the Gittite."

RSV: "Elhanan...slew Goliath the Gittite."

NWT: "Elhanan...got to strike down Goliath."

NASV: "Elhanan...killed Goliath of Gath."

NEB: "Elhanan...killed Goliath of Gath."

LB: "Elhanan...killed the brother of Goliath."

GNB: "Elhanan...killed Goliath from Gath."

NIV: "Elhanan...killed Goliath the Gittite."

KJV: "Elhanan...slew the brother of Goliath."

As you see from this simple test, only two Bibles tell the truth about Goliath and Elhanan. David killed Goliath as we all know (I Sam. 17). The Holy Spirit tells us plainly that Elhanan, one of David's chosen men, killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath (I Chron. 20:5).

[SissySue]

A little more clarification (at least it was more clear to me) about how the error could have occurred.

http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/566

"Second, the phrase “Lahmi the brother of” is absent in 2 Samuel 21:19. The King James Version inserts the phrase “the brother of” between “Bethlehemite” and “ Goliath.” Furthermore, in the Hebrew, eth Lachmi (a combination of “Lahmi” and the term “brother”) appears to have been changed into beith hallachmi (Beth- lehemite). With this simple correction, the two texts would be in clear agreement (Clarke, n.d., p. 369). In other words, “the brother of” and the name “Lahmi” likely were combined by a copyist to form what is translated in English as “Beth-lehemite” in 2 Samuel 21:19. This, however, caused the difficulty when the passage was paralleled with 1 Chronicles 20:5."

[Marilyn C]

Oops! I posted my comment under June 1 by mistake. So here it is again:
I was under the impression somehow, I don't remember how, that since the name "Theophilus" is Greek for "Lover of God", that Luke could have been addressing all his readers, including us, with that title.

[Ramona]

Proverbs 16:18

Mike, you ask us to consider “pride” in our lives and how it relates to Proverbs 16:18. The problems in discussing a word like “pride,” at least in English, specifically American English is that there are many shades to this one word. Pride can be a good thing and it can be destructive. Pride, self-pride, can keep one from falling into sin and yet, pride can push you over the cliff into a sea of sin.

The American Heritage Dictionary describes the historically usage of the word Pride as:

1) A sense of one's own proper dignity or value; self-respect.
2) Pleasure or satisfaction taken in an achievement, possession, or association: parental pride.
3) Arrogant or disdainful conduct or treatment; haughtiness.
4)
a. A cause or source of pleasure or satisfaction; the best of a group or class: These soldiers were their country's pride.
b. The most successful or thriving condition; prime: the pride of youth.
5) An excessively high opinion of oneself; conceit.

There is a problem when we discuss the usage of a word if not everyone is on the same footing of how it is being used.

I went looking for the intent of the writer of this passage in Proverbs by going to the Hebrew to find what was meant or intended—to the best of my ability.

According to Strong’s dictionary the Hebrew word used is:
גּאוה
ga'ăvâh (gah-av-aw')
; arrogance or majesty; by implication (concretely) ornament: - excellency, haughtiness, highness, pride, proudly, swelling.

Now this word has a root and it is, גּאה gâ'âh (gaw-aw'), which means to mount up; to rise.

The following passage is from the Book of Ezekiel and there is a consensus amounts many scholars and theologians that this “King of Tyre” is the one we oft call, Satan, the devil—the accuser of the brethren and in reading this we can cleary see how this “King” mounted up.

Ezekiel 28:

12"Son of man, weep for the king of Tyre. Give him this message from the Sovereign LORD: You were the perfection of wisdom and beauty. 13You were in Eden, the garden of God. Your clothing was adorned with every precious stone[a]--red carnelian, chrysolite, white moonstone, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald--all beautifully crafted for you and set in the finest gold. They were given to you on the day you were created. 14I ordained and anointed you as the mighty angelic guardian.[b] You had access to the holy mountain of God and walked among the stones of fire.

15"You were blameless in all you did from the day you were created until the day evil was found in you. 16Your great wealth filled you with violence, and you sinned. So I banished you from the mountain of God. I expelled you, O mighty guardian, from your place among the stones of fire. 17Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty. You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth and exposed you to the curious gaze of kings. 18You defiled your sanctuaries with your many sins and your dishonest trade. So I brought fire from within you, and it consumed you. I let it burn you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. 19All who knew you are appalled at your fate. You have come to a terrible end, and you are no more."

I believe the Pride that is talked about in Proverbs 16:18 is the pride that is seen in this description of the “King of Tyre” and his fall. This is the standard we need to measure ourselves by to determine if “pride” has entered our hearts.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

[Jan]

Anka, I'm just not starting on the book you commented on...all the others have been so excellent, they have ministered to me greatly in the season I'm in now. Much much needed revelation.

jan