1 Timothy 6:3-21
Godliness with contentment is great gain. If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
Man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time.
The subject of false teaching comes up yet again. a one-too-happy picture of what Timothy had to contend with in the church: questions, arguments and endless disputes. The superior 'konwledge' claimed by these people soon grew into the full-scale heresy of 'Gnosticism', whose initiates felt free to discard some of the cardinal(根本) Christian truths, including the fact that Christ was truly human.
Why?
Some see religion as a road to riches. And Christians are rich - though not in money. Money is not wrong in itself, but the craving for money leads to all kinds of evil.
'Rich Christian' count their wealth in terms of generous sharing, and good done to others.
As someone 'dedicated to God', Timothy will steer(引導) clear to the pitfalls(陷阱) of money. Faith, love, perseverance and gentleness are his goals in the 'good fight of faith'. One day Jesus will return in glory: life is to be lived in the light of that fact.
How?
Christian are rich in faith, love perseverance and gentleness. but not in money. Godliness with contentment is great gain.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands
1 Timothy 5:17-6:2
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
Keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others.
The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
Respect each other between master and slaves.
Elder must be carefully chosen, treated with respect and paid for their work. They are especially open to false charges against them.
Timothy must take care to deal fairly in such cases.
V 23 is in parenthesis, a personal note. Timothy is clearly not strong. He needs to take care of himself.
As Christians, slaves are free people - but they are not to drag Christ's name in the mud by turning on their masters
Lay hands on: commission for Christian service.
Why?
Work for the church service like elder should have paid, like the bible says.
Do not hasty in the laying on of hands, sin may transfer to others, so keep us clear and made service to others carefully.
Good things and sins of some are obvious, good deeds cannot remain hidden forever. Do not worry about it and God knows everything.
How?
Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, take care of myself is more important.
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
Keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others.
The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
Respect each other between master and slaves.
Elder must be carefully chosen, treated with respect and paid for their work. They are especially open to false charges against them.
Timothy must take care to deal fairly in such cases.
V 23 is in parenthesis, a personal note. Timothy is clearly not strong. He needs to take care of himself.
As Christians, slaves are free people - but they are not to drag Christ's name in the mud by turning on their masters
Lay hands on: commission for Christian service.
Why?
Work for the church service like elder should have paid, like the bible says.
Do not hasty in the laying on of hands, sin may transfer to others, so keep us clear and made service to others carefully.
Good things and sins of some are obvious, good deeds cannot remain hidden forever. Do not worry about it and God knows everything.
How?
Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, take care of myself is more important.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Treat other people as if they were your own family.
1Timothy 5:1-16
If a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Give people these instructions, too so that no one may be open to blame.
Younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.
If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.
Paul's advice is sound. Treat other people as if they were your own family.
Windows who have no means of support deserve special consideration. Their lot was unenviable. There was a grain dole(救濟金) in Rome and some other places, but no other state welfare in Paul's day.
The church was quick to realize and accept its responsibility to help. It soon had a sizable problem, and not all of the cases were equally deserving.
Paul's rule is that the church should reserve its help for those who are really destitute(貧困). It should take on to its books only older widows of good Christian character, and committed to Christian work.And wherever possible widows should be cared for by their own relatives. In the city where the goddess Diana was served by a host of prostitutes the reputation of those who serve Christ must be beyond reproach(責備).
Why?
Serving people is serving the God, but practice it by caring for his own family.
Church should help those who are really in need, takes the responsibility.
Serve Christ must be beyond reproach.
How?
Do what must be beyond reproach.
If a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Give people these instructions, too so that no one may be open to blame.
Younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.
If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.
Paul's advice is sound. Treat other people as if they were your own family.
Windows who have no means of support deserve special consideration. Their lot was unenviable. There was a grain dole(救濟金) in Rome and some other places, but no other state welfare in Paul's day.
The church was quick to realize and accept its responsibility to help. It soon had a sizable problem, and not all of the cases were equally deserving.
Paul's rule is that the church should reserve its help for those who are really destitute(貧困). It should take on to its books only older widows of good Christian character, and committed to Christian work.And wherever possible widows should be cared for by their own relatives. In the city where the goddess Diana was served by a host of prostitutes the reputation of those who serve Christ must be beyond reproach(責備).
Why?
Serving people is serving the God, but practice it by caring for his own family.
Church should help those who are really in need, takes the responsibility.
Serve Christ must be beyond reproach.
How?
Do what must be beyond reproach.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Set an example for the believers
1 Timothy 4:6-16
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Why?
Timothy, as a true teacher, has to make this clear. And this does not stop at words. His whole life must bear out what he teaches others. So he has to let the truth mould his own life; he has to keep spiritually fit.
He has always to watch himself, and watch his teaching. Those who are older will not recognize his authority because he is young.
Christian character commands authority at any age.
How?
Set an example for the believers, and watch my life and doctrine closely.
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Why?
Timothy, as a true teacher, has to make this clear. And this does not stop at words. His whole life must bear out what he teaches others. So he has to let the truth mould his own life; he has to keep spiritually fit.
He has always to watch himself, and watch his teaching. Those who are older will not recognize his authority because he is young.
Christian character commands authority at any age.
How?
Set an example for the believers, and watch my life and doctrine closely.
Sunday, December 27, 2015
For everything God created is good
1 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Why?
Church is the home of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
The ultimate source of false teaching is Satan, the Enemy, himself. It is promoted by those who are dead to conscience. They ban marriage and lay down rigid rules about diet - things God has designed for our good. They claim that their thinking is super-Christian. In fact it is sub-Christian.
How?
Follow the word of the Bible, do not listen to some teaching against God's word!
For everything God created is good.
Which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Why?
Church is the home of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
The ultimate source of false teaching is Satan, the Enemy, himself. It is promoted by those who are dead to conscience. They ban marriage and lay down rigid rules about diet - things God has designed for our good. They claim that their thinking is super-Christian. In fact it is sub-Christian.
How?
Follow the word of the Bible, do not listen to some teaching against God's word!
For everything God created is good.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Deacon has similar requirement like Bishop.
1. a man worthy of respect, 2. sincere, 3. not indulging in much wine, 4. not pursuing dishonest gain. 5. keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience 6. their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious(惡毒) talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 7. be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.
V11 Wives or women - the Greek word can mean either, depending on the context. Here it is not clear if Paul means women helpers or deacon's wives.
Why?
Everything can be tested from outside but a clear conscience is most important. It is the inside heart only the Lord knows it. The consequence could be known.
Keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience: faith with clear conscience.
From his home we will know how a man is and his faith. There is not secret in home, children will response the situation of their home clearly.
How?
With these qualifications check myself, does I meet these items?
Deacon has similar requirement like Bishop.
1. a man worthy of respect, 2. sincere, 3. not indulging in much wine, 4. not pursuing dishonest gain. 5. keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience 6. their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious(惡毒) talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 7. be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.
V11 Wives or women - the Greek word can mean either, depending on the context. Here it is not clear if Paul means women helpers or deacon's wives.
Why?
Everything can be tested from outside but a clear conscience is most important. It is the inside heart only the Lord knows it. The consequence could be known.
Keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience: faith with clear conscience.
From his home we will know how a man is and his faith. There is not secret in home, children will response the situation of their home clearly.
How?
With these qualifications check myself, does I meet these items?
Friday, December 25, 2015
Church leader
1 Timothy 3:1-7
Being an overseer( traditionally bishop) who must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
Who must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.
Who must have good reputation with outsiders. Total is 12 items.
Paul's list of qualifications for these leaders makes sound sense. They must be men who can control themselves and their families, who have the respect of the outside world.
Why?
To be a leader or servant of God's home, should be have good reputation in church and outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
It was Paul's practice to appoint several elders to take charge of each church.
'Overseein' what went on was one of the functions of the elder's role. These in turn were assisted by 'helpers'
God's revealed secret in Jesus Christ faith is God-given, not made by people.
How?
Follow the list of qualifications for church and serve the Lord, Jesus Christ. The most difficult to me is above reproach.
Being an overseer( traditionally bishop) who must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
Who must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.
Who must have good reputation with outsiders. Total is 12 items.
Paul's list of qualifications for these leaders makes sound sense. They must be men who can control themselves and their families, who have the respect of the outside world.
Why?
To be a leader or servant of God's home, should be have good reputation in church and outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
It was Paul's practice to appoint several elders to take charge of each church.
'Overseein' what went on was one of the functions of the elder's role. These in turn were assisted by 'helpers'
God's revealed secret in Jesus Christ faith is God-given, not made by people.
How?
Follow the list of qualifications for church and serve the Lord, Jesus Christ. The most difficult to me is above reproach.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Lift up holy hands in prayer
1 Timothy 2:1-15
First of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.
God who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men.
Men: everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
Woman: dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. A women should learn in quietness and full submission.
Paul would never have made childbirth the means of a woman's salvation. Paul clearly expects that Christian women will marry and have children.
Why?
Prayer is of prime importance. That means prayer for the authorities, if Christians are to lead the kind of peaceable lives which allow them to concentrate on making the Good News known to everyone, as God intends.
In the assembly, the men are to pray without anger or argument. Christian women are to be conduct-conscious, not clothes-mad, and must not lord it over men. The Christian message upgraded the status of women. But God did not intend them to take over.
Men and women are equal in his sight, but their roles are not identical, Paul is not singling(定苗) women out for special censure(譴責)here. He is evenhanded(不偏不倚), correcting abuses in worship, both by grumbling men and usurping(篡奪) and untrained women.
Good teaching to all Christian.
How?
Men and women are equal in his sight, but their roles are not identical. God is love so prayer is most important to Christian. Lift up holy hands in prayer!
First of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.
God who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men.
Men: everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
Woman: dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. A women should learn in quietness and full submission.
Paul would never have made childbirth the means of a woman's salvation. Paul clearly expects that Christian women will marry and have children.
Why?
Prayer is of prime importance. That means prayer for the authorities, if Christians are to lead the kind of peaceable lives which allow them to concentrate on making the Good News known to everyone, as God intends.
In the assembly, the men are to pray without anger or argument. Christian women are to be conduct-conscious, not clothes-mad, and must not lord it over men. The Christian message upgraded the status of women. But God did not intend them to take over.
Men and women are equal in his sight, but their roles are not identical, Paul is not singling(定苗) women out for special censure(譴責)here. He is evenhanded(不偏不倚), correcting abuses in worship, both by grumbling men and usurping(篡奪) and untrained women.
Good teaching to all Christian.
How?
Men and women are equal in his sight, but their roles are not identical. God is love so prayer is most important to Christian. Lift up holy hands in prayer!
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Holding on to faith and a good conscience; 1 Timothy
1 Timothy 1:12-20
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.
Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.
Why?
The Christian message should result in faith and love and a clear conscience - not idle speculation. It has always seemed more exciting to argue over abstruse topics than to live the Christian life.
Paul had been a Christian for over 30 years. He had been on the road with the gospel message for 20. Yet he never forgot that he had once gone all out to destroy this sect. He never ceased to be amazed that God should have taken a man like him into his service. Paul's directive is a good one: 'Hold to your faith: obey your Christian conscience'.
Words of prophecy: The indication to Paul, or at Timothy's commissioning) that God had chosen Timothy for this work.
Handed over to Satan: We do not know exactly what this means - but see on 1 Corinthians 5:5
Keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well: Do not forget the words of prophecy, which is the way of the Lord has given to me. recalling them so that I may fight the battle well, the battle of Spiritual in this world.
Only the Lord who knows what I am thinking about, but what my conscience is will be the consequence of my life.
How?
Remember I was a sinner God had saved me and holding on to faith and a good conscience.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.
Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.
Why?
The Christian message should result in faith and love and a clear conscience - not idle speculation. It has always seemed more exciting to argue over abstruse topics than to live the Christian life.
Paul had been a Christian for over 30 years. He had been on the road with the gospel message for 20. Yet he never forgot that he had once gone all out to destroy this sect. He never ceased to be amazed that God should have taken a man like him into his service. Paul's directive is a good one: 'Hold to your faith: obey your Christian conscience'.
Words of prophecy: The indication to Paul, or at Timothy's commissioning) that God had chosen Timothy for this work.
Handed over to Satan: We do not know exactly what this means - but see on 1 Corinthians 5:5
Keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well: Do not forget the words of prophecy, which is the way of the Lord has given to me. recalling them so that I may fight the battle well, the battle of Spiritual in this world.
Only the Lord who knows what I am thinking about, but what my conscience is will be the consequence of my life.
How?
Remember I was a sinner God had saved me and holding on to faith and a good conscience.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
The goal of this command is love
1 Timothy 1:1-11
Not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.
The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
The law is good if one uses it properly.
We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels.
Why?
Paul was quick to realize how vulnerable they were to wrong teaching.Ten years later his fears had materialized(物化). Apocryphal(杜撰) Jewish legends and family trees were being made the basis of strange teaching. This was wrong approach to the Old Testament law, and Timothy must stop it spreading. The Christian message should result in faith and love and a clear conscience - not idle speculation(推測).
Be careful about false teaching.
How?
The goal of this command is love, love is the basic to Christian. I received the love from Jesus Christ so I have to love others.
Not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.
The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
The law is good if one uses it properly.
We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels.
Why?
Paul was quick to realize how vulnerable they were to wrong teaching.Ten years later his fears had materialized(物化). Apocryphal(杜撰) Jewish legends and family trees were being made the basis of strange teaching. This was wrong approach to the Old Testament law, and Timothy must stop it spreading. The Christian message should result in faith and love and a clear conscience - not idle speculation(推測).
Be careful about false teaching.
How?
The goal of this command is love, love is the basic to Christian. I received the love from Jesus Christ so I have to love others.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Everyone did as they saw fit.
Judges 21:15-25
So that is what the Benjamites did. While the young women were dancing,each man caught one and carried her off to be his wife. Then they returned to their inheritance and rebuilt the towns and settled in them.
In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.
Why?
The writer has no need to point a moral. The simple statement of verse 25 is sufficient. The whole book makes plain the disastrous(慘重) consequences of breakdown of authority, when people become a law unto themselves, setting their own standards of perissiveness.
How?
There is disastrous consequences of breakdown of authority of the Lord. To be a good servant of the Lord.
So that is what the Benjamites did. While the young women were dancing,each man caught one and carried her off to be his wife. Then they returned to their inheritance and rebuilt the towns and settled in them.
In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.
Why?
The writer has no need to point a moral. The simple statement of verse 25 is sufficient. The whole book makes plain the disastrous(慘重) consequences of breakdown of authority, when people become a law unto themselves, setting their own standards of perissiveness.
How?
There is disastrous consequences of breakdown of authority of the Lord. To be a good servant of the Lord.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
God’s people live together in unity
Judges 21:1-14
Now the Israelites grieved for the tribe of Benjamin, their fellow Israelites. “Today one tribe is cut off from Israel,” they said.
So the Benjamites returned at that time and were given the women of Jabesh Gilead who had been spared. But there were not enough for all of them.
Relates the lengths to which the tribes go to circumvent(規避) the rash oath made at Mizpah.
Why?
The reason of this events is the sins among Israelites, especially among Benjamin.
How?
Love each other among brothers.
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Now the Israelites grieved for the tribe of Benjamin, their fellow Israelites. “Today one tribe is cut off from Israel,” they said.
So the Benjamites returned at that time and were given the women of Jabesh Gilead who had been spared. But there were not enough for all of them.
Relates the lengths to which the tribes go to circumvent(規避) the rash oath made at Mizpah.
Why?
The reason of this events is the sins among Israelites, especially among Benjamin.
How?
Love each other among brothers.
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Banjamin be punished
Judges 20:27-49
Third time the Lord answered "Go, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands." These is different with last two, "Go up against them","Hudah shall go first"
On that day twenty-five thousand Benjamite swordsmen fell, all of them valiant fighters. But six hundred of them turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months.
When the Benjamites refuse to hand over their fellow tribesmen civil war results. The outcome is the near-extinction of Benjamin, and great national grief.
Why?
Rape at Gibeah: Banjamin be punished.
God's word sometimes are test the heart of our, we may face the fail and struggle, but continue rely on the Lord with faith is more important, the victory belongs to the Lord, not our.
How?
Fear the Lord and give honor to the Lord Almighty.
Third time the Lord answered "Go, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands." These is different with last two, "Go up against them","Hudah shall go first"
On that day twenty-five thousand Benjamite swordsmen fell, all of them valiant fighters. But six hundred of them turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months.
When the Benjamites refuse to hand over their fellow tribesmen civil war results. The outcome is the near-extinction of Benjamin, and great national grief.
Why?
Rape at Gibeah: Banjamin be punished.
God's word sometimes are test the heart of our, we may face the fail and struggle, but continue rely on the Lord with faith is more important, the victory belongs to the Lord, not our.
How?
Fear the Lord and give honor to the Lord Almighty.
Friday, December 18, 2015
The heart to the Lord
Judges 20:1-26
"Speak up and give your verdict", the Levite said to all Israelites.
The Israelites went up and wept before the Lord until evening, and they inquired of the Lord first time defeated. Second times, all the people, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the Lord. they fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord.
The details of the battle recall the strategy at Ai.
Why?
The Levite asked for the justice and verdict for this events from whole Israelites. Basically there is justice among Israelites in stead of Benjamin.
Before the war under the name of the Lord, it have to scarify themselves and pray to the Lord, devote the burnt offering and fellowship offering. Fasting is needed either.
How?
Keep clean heart and humble myself before the Lord. But the Lord like the man who confess his sins and return to God.
"Speak up and give your verdict", the Levite said to all Israelites.
The Israelites went up and wept before the Lord until evening, and they inquired of the Lord first time defeated. Second times, all the people, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the Lord. they fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord.
The details of the battle recall the strategy at Ai.
Why?
The Levite asked for the justice and verdict for this events from whole Israelites. Basically there is justice among Israelites in stead of Benjamin.
Before the war under the name of the Lord, it have to scarify themselves and pray to the Lord, devote the burnt offering and fellowship offering. Fasting is needed either.
How?
Keep clean heart and humble myself before the Lord. But the Lord like the man who confess his sins and return to God.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
When people has not God, there are the wicked men
Judges 19:16-30
The eventual kindness of the old man and what follows is very like the story of Lot and the men of Sodom.
There too, weighted against duty to an honoured guest, a woman counted for little. But in this case no angelic presence saves the concubine from horrible gang rape. So, in a second terrible atrocity(暴行), her husband uses the pieces of her body to summon the 12 tribes to avenge her.
The assumption is that the concubine was dead, though the story does not say so (an addition makes this clear in the Greek Septuagint text)
Why?
The situation of Benjamin is like the ancient Canaan men in Sodom.
When people has not God, there are the wicked men. There is not justice and they fear nothing.
Don't ask God the wrong question, such as why there is war if God exist, it is because they refused the Lord so the darkness came over them.
How?
Fear the Lord is the key to have peace!
The eventual kindness of the old man and what follows is very like the story of Lot and the men of Sodom.
There too, weighted against duty to an honoured guest, a woman counted for little. But in this case no angelic presence saves the concubine from horrible gang rape. So, in a second terrible atrocity(暴行), her husband uses the pieces of her body to summon the 12 tribes to avenge her.
The assumption is that the concubine was dead, though the story does not say so (an addition makes this clear in the Greek Septuagint text)
Why?
The situation of Benjamin is like the ancient Canaan men in Sodom.
When people has not God, there are the wicked men. There is not justice and they fear nothing.
Don't ask God the wrong question, such as why there is war if God exist, it is because they refused the Lord so the darkness came over them.
How?
Fear the Lord is the key to have peace!
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Warm hospitality
Judges 19:1-15
Levits had concubine in the hill country of Ephraim.
The Levites and his concubine and his servant traveled to Israelite city Gibeah in Benjamin, but no one took them into his home for the night.
Why?
Levite has concubine shows they live in lawless country.
People are not care about the foreigner against the word of the Lord.
The warm traditional hospitality of the concubine's father contrasts with the lack of it at Gibeah.
Warm hospitality is needed to me to welcome everyone come to my home.
How?
Have mercy to the others because I am a traveler in this world either.
Levits had concubine in the hill country of Ephraim.
The Levites and his concubine and his servant traveled to Israelite city Gibeah in Benjamin, but no one took them into his home for the night.
Why?
Levite has concubine shows they live in lawless country.
People are not care about the foreigner against the word of the Lord.
The warm traditional hospitality of the concubine's father contrasts with the lack of it at Gibeah.
Warm hospitality is needed to me to welcome everyone come to my home.
How?
Have mercy to the others because I am a traveler in this world either.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Danger : no relationship with anyone else
Judges 18:13-31
There was no one to rescue them because they lived a long way from Sidon and had no relationship with anyone else. The city was in a valley near Beth Rehob.
The Danites rebuilt the city and settled there. They named it Dan after their ancestor Dan, who was born to Israel—though the city used to be called Laish.
They continued to use the idol Micah had made, all the time the house of God was in Shiloh.
The Levites were given cities to live in, yet here is one 'lookig fr somewhere to ive'. He sells his services to Micah, then robs him of his sacred objects and transfers to the bribe of Dan, who set up a new shrine in the north, to rival Shiloh, the true religious centre of Israel at this time.
Why?
People did what they saw fit. So even the Levites sold himself for living instead of the Lord.
Keep communication with others may take care of our security.
How?
We are live in the world to preach Gospel and touch people, let people knows Jesus.
There was no one to rescue them because they lived a long way from Sidon and had no relationship with anyone else. The city was in a valley near Beth Rehob.
The Danites rebuilt the city and settled there. They named it Dan after their ancestor Dan, who was born to Israel—though the city used to be called Laish.
They continued to use the idol Micah had made, all the time the house of God was in Shiloh.
The Levites were given cities to live in, yet here is one 'lookig fr somewhere to ive'. He sells his services to Micah, then robs him of his sacred objects and transfers to the bribe of Dan, who set up a new shrine in the north, to rival Shiloh, the true religious centre of Israel at this time.
Why?
People did what they saw fit. So even the Levites sold himself for living instead of the Lord.
Keep communication with others may take care of our security.
How?
We are live in the world to preach Gospel and touch people, let people knows Jesus.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Show Jesus to others in Christmas
Judges 18:1-12
And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking a place of their own where they might settle, because they had not yet come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.
When you get there, you will find an unsuspecting people and a spacious land that God has put into your hands, a land that lacks nothingwhatever.
Mahaneh Dan means Dam's camp.
Why?
This story, and the one that follows show that the Levites, specially chosen to serve God, has become as lawless and self-serving as the rest. They too did as they pleased.
People do as they pleased is a lawless country, like most of the countries in this world now.
How?
Pray to the Lord and follow God's way to show our light from Jesus to the world. This month is Christmas show Jesus to others.
And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking a place of their own where they might settle, because they had not yet come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.
When you get there, you will find an unsuspecting people and a spacious land that God has put into your hands, a land that lacks nothingwhatever.
Mahaneh Dan means Dam's camp.
Why?
This story, and the one that follows show that the Levites, specially chosen to serve God, has become as lawless and self-serving as the rest. They too did as they pleased.
People do as they pleased is a lawless country, like most of the countries in this world now.
How?
Pray to the Lord and follow God's way to show our light from Jesus to the world. This month is Christmas show Jesus to others.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Love the Lord and support the servant of the Lord
Judges 17:1-13
In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
A young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, who had been living within the clan of Judah left that town in search of some other place to stay.
This closing section differs from the rest of Judges. The writer turns from Israel's heroes to two incidents which illustrate the low state of religion and morality in the lawless days when Israel had no central government and everyone 'did as they saw fit.'
Why?
To use an 'ephod' and 'teraphim' for divination, was equally strictly prohibited. Nor has Micah any right to appoint the young Levites as priest.
Levites were went out to search some other place to stay means no thing supported from Israel to the Temple and Levites. People forgot the Lord their God.
How?
Focus on the Lord, He is my God, my fortress and my hope! Support the servant of the Lord!
In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
A young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, who had been living within the clan of Judah left that town in search of some other place to stay.
This closing section differs from the rest of Judges. The writer turns from Israel's heroes to two incidents which illustrate the low state of religion and morality in the lawless days when Israel had no central government and everyone 'did as they saw fit.'
Why?
To use an 'ephod' and 'teraphim' for divination, was equally strictly prohibited. Nor has Micah any right to appoint the young Levites as priest.
Levites were went out to search some other place to stay means no thing supported from Israel to the Temple and Levites. People forgot the Lord their God.
How?
Focus on the Lord, He is my God, my fortress and my hope! Support the servant of the Lord!
Saturday, December 12, 2015
The death of Samson
Judges 16:15-31
With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death. Samson told her everything.
The death of Samson, he killed many more when he died than while he lived.
Why?
Samson was dead by his own mistake and loved the Philistine woman.
Strong man can not pass over the famme fatale.
God listened the last prayer of Samson before his dead.
How?
God is love, who listen to our prayer when we pray with out truth and focus on God.
With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death. Samson told her everything.
The death of Samson, he killed many more when he died than while he lived.
Why?
Samson was dead by his own mistake and loved the Philistine woman.
Strong man can not pass over the famme fatale.
God listened the last prayer of Samson before his dead.
How?
God is love, who listen to our prayer when we pray with out truth and focus on God.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Femme fatale
Judges 16:1-14
Samson fell in love in with a woman in Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. She accepted the bride from rulers of Philistines.
Delilah asked Samson three times about the secret of his great strength and how could be tied up and subdue.
Samson didn't aware that he is under the danger of these woman.
Deliah: Like Samson's other loves, Delilah was probably a Philistine. Fairly or unfairly, just as 'Samson' has come to stand for a 'strong man', so 'Delilah' has given her name to the femme fatale(蛇蠍美人). Both are equally unscrupulous(不擇手段) in the way they use others.
Why?
One is a feminist approach, which does not share in, or condone(縱容), the events described and the ideologies transmitted. For example, the character of Delilah lives on in the cultural imagination as a femme fatale. The story carries the message that the sexually independent, foreign woman is a snare to good men.
As Cherly Exum has pointed out, the paintings of Moreau, Rubens and Solomon have built on this shared prejudice against the temptress(風月) figure by adding to the biblical narrative(敘述) such details as Delilah's fleshy seductiveness(誘惑), her prostitute status, her feelings of triumph when Samson is captured. So the negative message of the story itself is continued and strengthened. The feminist view resists the tendency to 'agree with' the text and opens other questions, other possibilities for the reader.
How?
Be aware of the evil mind, keep my heart clean and close to the Lord!
Samson fell in love in with a woman in Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. She accepted the bride from rulers of Philistines.
Delilah asked Samson three times about the secret of his great strength and how could be tied up and subdue.
Samson didn't aware that he is under the danger of these woman.
Deliah: Like Samson's other loves, Delilah was probably a Philistine. Fairly or unfairly, just as 'Samson' has come to stand for a 'strong man', so 'Delilah' has given her name to the femme fatale(蛇蠍美人). Both are equally unscrupulous(不擇手段) in the way they use others.
Why?
One is a feminist approach, which does not share in, or condone(縱容), the events described and the ideologies transmitted. For example, the character of Delilah lives on in the cultural imagination as a femme fatale. The story carries the message that the sexually independent, foreign woman is a snare to good men.
As Cherly Exum has pointed out, the paintings of Moreau, Rubens and Solomon have built on this shared prejudice against the temptress(風月) figure by adding to the biblical narrative(敘述) such details as Delilah's fleshy seductiveness(誘惑), her prostitute status, her feelings of triumph when Samson is captured. So the negative message of the story itself is continued and strengthened. The feminist view resists the tendency to 'agree with' the text and opens other questions, other possibilities for the reader.
How?
Be aware of the evil mind, keep my heart clean and close to the Lord!
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Victory belongs to the Lord
Judges 15:9-20
Samson led Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines.
Because the Philistines rules over them, so they tie Samson and hand him over to the Philistines.
Samson killed a thousand men with a donkey's jawbone.
Why?
Even his own people sided against him.But the Philistines were pushing inland (they would be a major threat to Israel until David finally dealt with them.
It is the Lord gives power to Samson so he can do it.
How?
Victory belongs to the Lord! Focus on the Lord, He is my God and my fortress.
Samson led Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines.
Because the Philistines rules over them, so they tie Samson and hand him over to the Philistines.
Samson killed a thousand men with a donkey's jawbone.
Why?
Even his own people sided against him.But the Philistines were pushing inland (they would be a major threat to Israel until David finally dealt with them.
It is the Lord gives power to Samson so he can do it.
How?
Victory belongs to the Lord! Focus on the Lord, He is my God and my fortress.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Vengeance on the Philistines
Judges 15:1-8
Samson’s Vengeance on the Philistines
Samson's wife was given to his companion after previous event.
Samson said to them, “This time I have a right to get even with the Philistines; I will really harm them.” So Samson burned up the shocks and standing grain, together with the vineyards and olive groves.
So the Philistines went up and burned his wife and her father to death. Samson said to them, “Since you’ve acted like this, I swear that I won’t stop until I get my revenge on you.” He attacked them viciously and slaughtered many of them.
Three hundred foxes: Jackals(狐狼), who hunt in packs and would be easier to catch in large numbers, are more likely than the solitary fox.
Why?
Samson's was a one-man war.
All these are the revenge to the Philistines by the Lord through Samson.
How?
Vengeance is the right of the Lord, not me.
Samson’s Vengeance on the Philistines
Samson's wife was given to his companion after previous event.
Samson said to them, “This time I have a right to get even with the Philistines; I will really harm them.” So Samson burned up the shocks and standing grain, together with the vineyards and olive groves.
So the Philistines went up and burned his wife and her father to death. Samson said to them, “Since you’ve acted like this, I swear that I won’t stop until I get my revenge on you.” He attacked them viciously and slaughtered many of them.
Three hundred foxes: Jackals(狐狼), who hunt in packs and would be easier to catch in large numbers, are more likely than the solitary fox.
Why?
Samson's was a one-man war.
All these are the revenge to the Philistines by the Lord through Samson.
How?
Vengeance is the right of the Lord, not me.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Riddle
Judges 14:10-20
Samson gave riddle to her wife's 30 friends, but they could not answer within seven days, they warning Samon's wife to burn her and her father's house if she does not ask Samson the answer.
Finally Samson told her the answer on the seven day, and she told them, for she cried the whole seven days of the feast.
The riddle is "Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet."
The answer is "What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?"
Samson said to them, “If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle.”
He went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, stripped them of everything and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle.
Why?
Samson's marriage is formally arranged by his parents, but instead of the bride returning to Samson's home, as she would normally do, she stays with her family and her husband visits her, bringing gifts. Because of the deceit over the riddle there is no consummation at the end of the seven day feast. A hasty second marriage to the best man is an attempt to lessen(減少) the brides' disgrace.
How?
No matter good or bed things happened, God is the sovereign Lord!
Samson gave riddle to her wife's 30 friends, but they could not answer within seven days, they warning Samon's wife to burn her and her father's house if she does not ask Samson the answer.
Finally Samson told her the answer on the seven day, and she told them, for she cried the whole seven days of the feast.
The riddle is "Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet."
The answer is "What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?"
Samson said to them, “If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle.”
He went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, stripped them of everything and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle.
Why?
Samson's marriage is formally arranged by his parents, but instead of the bride returning to Samson's home, as she would normally do, she stays with her family and her husband visits her, bringing gifts. Because of the deceit over the riddle there is no consummation at the end of the seven day feast. A hasty second marriage to the best man is an attempt to lessen(減少) the brides' disgrace.
How?
No matter good or bed things happened, God is the sovereign Lord!
Monday, December 7, 2015
God is sovereign
Judges 14:1-9
Samson tore the lion apart with his bare hands for the Spirit of the Lord came upon him in power so he can do it.
Samson ate honey from the lions carcass, it is against the rule of Nazirite.
The Philistines were the only ones among Israel's neighbours not to practise circumcision.
The editor's comment makes God responsible, since God is sovereign. But this does not make it right for Samson to break God's law and marry someone who worships other gods or to be disrespectful to his parents. God did not take away his freedom of choice.
Why?
God give us the freedom of choice, but it does not mean God agree what we choose. We have to take the responsibility of the choice.
How?
Gifts are coming from the Lord, give honor to the Lord.
Samson tore the lion apart with his bare hands for the Spirit of the Lord came upon him in power so he can do it.
Samson ate honey from the lions carcass, it is against the rule of Nazirite.
The Philistines were the only ones among Israel's neighbours not to practise circumcision.
The editor's comment makes God responsible, since God is sovereign. But this does not make it right for Samson to break God's law and marry someone who worships other gods or to be disrespectful to his parents. God did not take away his freedom of choice.
Why?
God give us the freedom of choice, but it does not mean God agree what we choose. We have to take the responsibility of the choice.
How?
Gifts are coming from the Lord, give honor to the Lord.
Sunday, December 6, 2015
God's name is beyond understanding
Judges 13:15-25
Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding.
The angel of the Lord replied, “Even though you detain me, I will not eat any of your food. But if you prepare a burnt offering, offer it to the Lord.”
Manoah's wife was more clear mind and understood the meaning of the Lord, so she did not afraid or worry too much.
The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him.
Why?
God's name is the Almighty God, his name is I am who I am, it is beyond understanding to man.
Angel of the Lord is angel so he can not take the honor of the Lord, his mission is to deliver the message of the Lord to people.
How?
God's name is beyond understanding.
Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding.
The angel of the Lord replied, “Even though you detain me, I will not eat any of your food. But if you prepare a burnt offering, offer it to the Lord.”
Manoah's wife was more clear mind and understood the meaning of the Lord, so she did not afraid or worry too much.
The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him.
Why?
God's name is the Almighty God, his name is I am who I am, it is beyond understanding to man.
Angel of the Lord is angel so he can not take the honor of the Lord, his mission is to deliver the message of the Lord to people.
How?
God's name is beyond understanding.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
To be a Nazirite
Judges 13:1-14
The boy is to be a Nazirite, set apart to God from birth.
The angel of the Lord appeared to her, wife of Manoah who was sterile(not able to produce children or young) and remained childless.
Angel said to her you will conceive and give birth to a son.
The champion against the enemy in the west is set apart for the task from the moment of his conception.
For Samson the Nazirite vow was lifelong.
Why?
God show up to the humble and helpless man and woman.
Wife of Manoah was sterile and remained childless, they are hoping have a son.
Nazirite is set apart to God, living in holy life, follow the command of the Lord. No wine, no razor on his head and no eat anything unclean.
How about us to set apart to God from the world.
How?
Christian is new Nazirite in this generation, be clean for God is holy.
The boy is to be a Nazirite, set apart to God from birth.
The angel of the Lord appeared to her, wife of Manoah who was sterile(not able to produce children or young) and remained childless.
Angel said to her you will conceive and give birth to a son.
The champion against the enemy in the west is set apart for the task from the moment of his conception.
For Samson the Nazirite vow was lifelong.
Why?
God show up to the humble and helpless man and woman.
Wife of Manoah was sterile and remained childless, they are hoping have a son.
Nazirite is set apart to God, living in holy life, follow the command of the Lord. No wine, no razor on his head and no eat anything unclean.
How about us to set apart to God from the world.
How?
Christian is new Nazirite in this generation, be clean for God is holy.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Consequence of these touchy tribemen
Judges 12:1-15
Where Gideon used soft words to placate these touchy(易怒的) tribesmen, Jephthah takes up the sword. At the fords the men's dialect pronunciation of 'shibboleth' gives them away.
The Gileadites struck them down because the Ephraimites had said, “You Gileadites are renegades(叛徒) from Ephraim and Manasseh.
Forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed at that time.
42000: There is a question over the meaning of the Hebrew for 'thousand' which my account for the abnormally high figures we find in parts of the Old Testament.
Two of these judges are remarkable for their families, but there is little else to note. They serve as n interlude before the next big story.
Tribal disunity is thereby identified as an integral feature of this period's failure.
How?
Two consequence of these touchy tribesmen. Peace is the best one, only God has peace.
Where Gideon used soft words to placate these touchy(易怒的) tribesmen, Jephthah takes up the sword. At the fords the men's dialect pronunciation of 'shibboleth' gives them away.
The Gileadites struck them down because the Ephraimites had said, “You Gileadites are renegades(叛徒) from Ephraim and Manasseh.
Forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed at that time.
42000: There is a question over the meaning of the Hebrew for 'thousand' which my account for the abnormally high figures we find in parts of the Old Testament.
Two of these judges are remarkable for their families, but there is little else to note. They serve as n interlude before the next big story.
Tribal disunity is thereby identified as an integral feature of this period's failure.
How?
Two consequence of these touchy tribesmen. Peace is the best one, only God has peace.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Jephthah's vow
Judges 11:29-40
After the victory and its tragic aftermath.
Jephthah's vow is an indication of how little the Israelites understood God at this time. Human sacrifice might please the heathen(異教徒) gods, but never the God of Israel (Abraham had learnt this long before, and God's law forbade it, Deuteronomy 12:31).
Yet, though ignorant and mistaken, the vow was made in good faith: Jephthah would forfeit(喪失) ' whatever' (person or animal ) came out of the house first. And he kept his word, though it cost him his only child, and his daughter her life.
Why?
Since Jephthah comes onto the scene as an illegitimate (非法的) outcast(棄兒), he is not one to take home or family for granted. His heartbreak is genuine(真誠). And his daughter's response is astonishing: she will not have him break faith with God on her account.
But how can a moral God associate himself with actions like this - with people like Jephthah, Samson and the rest?
We certainly cannot discount the fact that the 'heros' of Judges are people of their age - an age which the bible plainly shows was one of religious decline, failing far short of the standards set out in God's law. God acts through men and women, by definition imperfect.
These people are not set up as models: their failures, weaknesses and immorality are simply recorded, not glorified, condoned(縱容) or glossed over(輕輕带过). Only their faith and courage are commended. God does not remove himself or turn a deaf ear to a cry for help, even in an age of seemingly hopeless decadence(衰落). He acts, despite the lack of 'suitable' people. And because he acts, a 'drk age' like that of the Judges may be followed by a time of real spiritual advance.
How?
Do not make a vow before the Lord, say the truth.
After the victory and its tragic aftermath.
Jephthah's vow is an indication of how little the Israelites understood God at this time. Human sacrifice might please the heathen(異教徒) gods, but never the God of Israel (Abraham had learnt this long before, and God's law forbade it, Deuteronomy 12:31).
Yet, though ignorant and mistaken, the vow was made in good faith: Jephthah would forfeit(喪失) ' whatever' (person or animal ) came out of the house first. And he kept his word, though it cost him his only child, and his daughter her life.
Why?
Since Jephthah comes onto the scene as an illegitimate (非法的) outcast(棄兒), he is not one to take home or family for granted. His heartbreak is genuine(真誠). And his daughter's response is astonishing: she will not have him break faith with God on her account.
But how can a moral God associate himself with actions like this - with people like Jephthah, Samson and the rest?
We certainly cannot discount the fact that the 'heros' of Judges are people of their age - an age which the bible plainly shows was one of religious decline, failing far short of the standards set out in God's law. God acts through men and women, by definition imperfect.
These people are not set up as models: their failures, weaknesses and immorality are simply recorded, not glorified, condoned(縱容) or glossed over(輕輕带过). Only their faith and courage are commended. God does not remove himself or turn a deaf ear to a cry for help, even in an age of seemingly hopeless decadence(衰落). He acts, despite the lack of 'suitable' people. And because he acts, a 'drk age' like that of the Judges may be followed by a time of real spiritual advance.
How?
Do not make a vow before the Lord, say the truth.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Walk with the Lord
Judges 11:1-28
Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. His father was Gilead.
Jephthah answered, Suppose you take me back to fight the Ammonites and the Lord gives them to me—will I really be your head? The elders of Gilead replied, “The Lord is our witness; we will certainly do as you say.”
Now since the Lord, the God of Israel, has driven the Amorites out before his people Israel, what right have you to take it over?
I have not wronged you, but you are doing me wrong by waging war against me. Let the Lord, the Judge, decide the dispute this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites. The king of Ammon, however, paid no attention to the message Jephthah sent him.
Against Ammon, the new champion is the brigand-chief(強盜首領), Jephthah.
Maob in fact had the better claim to the land, as part of it had been theirs until Sihon dispossessed them.
Three hundred year: It was now the 3rd century since the events described (in fact about 160 years)
Why?
Jephthan was driven out from his brothers, so he was the brigand-chief. He is care about the way of the Lord, he confirmed called him back is they really wanted.
Jephthan is very understand the history of Israel when they went out from Egypt. He knows that is the Lord with Israelites.
Before the war Jephthan sent a message to king Ammonite is a wise decision, make clear why and how to face it.
How?
Past experience and poor is not important, but now how is the life goes with the Lord.
Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. His father was Gilead.
Jephthah answered, Suppose you take me back to fight the Ammonites and the Lord gives them to me—will I really be your head? The elders of Gilead replied, “The Lord is our witness; we will certainly do as you say.”
Now since the Lord, the God of Israel, has driven the Amorites out before his people Israel, what right have you to take it over?
I have not wronged you, but you are doing me wrong by waging war against me. Let the Lord, the Judge, decide the dispute this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites. The king of Ammon, however, paid no attention to the message Jephthah sent him.
Against Ammon, the new champion is the brigand-chief(強盜首領), Jephthah.
Maob in fact had the better claim to the land, as part of it had been theirs until Sihon dispossessed them.
Three hundred year: It was now the 3rd century since the events described (in fact about 160 years)
Why?
Jephthan was driven out from his brothers, so he was the brigand-chief. He is care about the way of the Lord, he confirmed called him back is they really wanted.
Jephthan is very understand the history of Israel when they went out from Egypt. He knows that is the Lord with Israelites.
Before the war Jephthan sent a message to king Ammonite is a wise decision, make clear why and how to face it.
How?
Past experience and poor is not important, but now how is the life goes with the Lord.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
God is Love!
Judges 10:9-18
God replied to Israelites,"But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!"
The Israelites said to the Lord, “We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.” Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord.
Why?
Once again Israelite cried to the Lord, but this time God did not listen to them, let them asked help from their gods. This is the angry of the Lord.
This time Israelites got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord, this is the action of their repent to sins.
How?
God is the Lord, full of grace and mercy, God loves everyone who repent his sins and turn to Him.
God replied to Israelites,"But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!"
The Israelites said to the Lord, “We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.” Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord.
Why?
Once again Israelite cried to the Lord, but this time God did not listen to them, let them asked help from their gods. This is the angry of the Lord.
This time Israelites got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord, this is the action of their repent to sins.
How?
God is the Lord, full of grace and mercy, God loves everyone who repent his sins and turn to Him.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Trust in the Lord
Judges 10:1-8
After the time of Abimelek, a man of Issachar named Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose to save Israel. He led Israel twenty-three years.
He was followed by Jair of Gilead, who led Israel twenty-two years.
Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines.
For eighteen years they oppressed all the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites.
The two were not military leaders. They 'judged' Israel, respectively, for 23 and 22 uneventful(波瀾不驚) years.
Southern Israel is now caught in a vice between the Philistines on the west and the Ammonites on the east.
Why?
Once again the Israelite did evil in the eyes of the Lord, they forsake the God Almighty, they pursued the gods around their countries. So the enemies arose and oppressed all the Israelites.
Under the peace, they were forgot the grace of the Lord and be attracted by the world, God's chosen men are less than whole population.
How?
Trust in the God, do not forget His Grace and love, only the Lord is my God.
After the time of Abimelek, a man of Issachar named Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose to save Israel. He led Israel twenty-three years.
He was followed by Jair of Gilead, who led Israel twenty-two years.
Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines.
For eighteen years they oppressed all the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites.
The two were not military leaders. They 'judged' Israel, respectively, for 23 and 22 uneventful(波瀾不驚) years.
Southern Israel is now caught in a vice between the Philistines on the west and the Ammonites on the east.
Why?
Once again the Israelite did evil in the eyes of the Lord, they forsake the God Almighty, they pursued the gods around their countries. So the enemies arose and oppressed all the Israelites.
Under the peace, they were forgot the grace of the Lord and be attracted by the world, God's chosen men are less than whole population.
How?
Trust in the God, do not forget His Grace and love, only the Lord is my God.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
God's righteousness endure forever
Judges 9:22-57
God made revenge to Abimelech and Shechem for the shedding of their blood, Jerub-Baal's 70 sons.
God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers.
God also made the men of Shechem pay for all their wickedness.
God - and justice - has the last word, even if it is presented in a rather tit-for-tat(針鋒相對) fashion.
Symbolically consigning the city to permanent desolation. It was in fact rebuilt 150 years later in the time of Jeroboam I.
Upper millstone: 45cm/18 inches across.
How?
God is righteousness, not wickedness can live long in the world. Fear the Lord for He is God. His righteousness endure forever.
God made revenge to Abimelech and Shechem for the shedding of their blood, Jerub-Baal's 70 sons.
God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers.
God also made the men of Shechem pay for all their wickedness.
God - and justice - has the last word, even if it is presented in a rather tit-for-tat(針鋒相對) fashion.
Symbolically consigning the city to permanent desolation. It was in fact rebuilt 150 years later in the time of Jeroboam I.
Upper millstone: 45cm/18 inches across.
How?
God is righteousness, not wickedness can live long in the world. Fear the Lord for He is God. His righteousness endure forever.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Story-with-a-point
Judges 9:1-21
Gideon, with some claim to kingship, firmly rejected it. Abimelech, his brutal and ambitious son, shows no such scruples(顧忌). But Abimelech is not Gods choice as his father was, and the writer plainly sees the dangers of inherited (dynastic) leadership.
Shechem : was the central sanctuary of Israel in Joshua's day. But now it has a temple/house to Baal. The city's history goes back a very long way to Jacob and earlier.
This is an early example of a parable or story-with-a-point. Compare Nathan's parable in 2 Samuel 12:1-4.
story-with-a-point: make a point - tell a story. point out the danger of leadership.
How?
Dangers of inherited leadership, God's choice better than man's idea.
Gideon, with some claim to kingship, firmly rejected it. Abimelech, his brutal and ambitious son, shows no such scruples(顧忌). But Abimelech is not Gods choice as his father was, and the writer plainly sees the dangers of inherited (dynastic) leadership.
Shechem : was the central sanctuary of Israel in Joshua's day. But now it has a temple/house to Baal. The city's history goes back a very long way to Jacob and earlier.
This is an early example of a parable or story-with-a-point. Compare Nathan's parable in 2 Samuel 12:1-4.
story-with-a-point: make a point - tell a story. point out the danger of leadership.
How?
Dangers of inherited leadership, God's choice better than man's idea.
Friday, November 27, 2015
Image of God is forbade
Judges 8:22-35
It is good that Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.”
It is wrong that Gideon told them "each of you give me an earring from your share of the plunder." Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.
Ephod: In the Old Testament, the ephod has two meanings. In one group of passages, it signifies a garment; in another, very probably an image. As a garment the ephod is referred to in the priestly ordinances as a part of the official dress of the high priest.
The word ephod has an entirely different meaning in the second group of passages. The most natural inference from all these passages is that “ephod” here signifies an image that was set up in the sanctuary, especially since the word is cited with teraphim, which undoubtedly refers to graven(雕像) images. ephod, in these cases, refers to a portable idol.
On the death of Gideon, the Israelite once again began to worship the Baals. God was fine in a crisis, but when that was forgotten the pull of gods who would bind Israel to their neighbours and give good crops was too strong.
Why?
Probably an image of God, which the law forbade, though Good News Bible translates 'idol'. The place then became a rival to Israels official sanctuary.
People always easy to forget the sad consequence for their sins after they have peace.
How?
Carefully to follow God's word and commandment, even Gideon took great things but he failed in his way at last.
It is good that Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.”
It is wrong that Gideon told them "each of you give me an earring from your share of the plunder." Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.
Ephod: In the Old Testament, the ephod has two meanings. In one group of passages, it signifies a garment; in another, very probably an image. As a garment the ephod is referred to in the priestly ordinances as a part of the official dress of the high priest.
The word ephod has an entirely different meaning in the second group of passages. The most natural inference from all these passages is that “ephod” here signifies an image that was set up in the sanctuary, especially since the word is cited with teraphim, which undoubtedly refers to graven(雕像) images. ephod, in these cases, refers to a portable idol.
On the death of Gideon, the Israelite once again began to worship the Baals. God was fine in a crisis, but when that was forgotten the pull of gods who would bind Israel to their neighbours and give good crops was too strong.
Why?
Probably an image of God, which the law forbade, though Good News Bible translates 'idol'. The place then became a rival to Israels official sanctuary.
People always easy to forget the sad consequence for their sins after they have peace.
How?
Carefully to follow God's word and commandment, even Gideon took great things but he failed in his way at last.
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