Hebrews 1-3 Sharing In Christ, If...

TMS Matthew 6:33 What Are Your Priorities in Life?

Mt 6:33 “31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

33 But seek first the kingdom of God

and His righteousness,

and all these things

shall be added to you.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Observations: Mt 6:33 Instead of worrying about the trivial needs of this temporal existence, we should be trusting God for our daily bread, and be pursuing the eternal rewards God has awaiting believers in the future. The Sermon on the Mount is about how to get blessed in the Millennial Kingdom of the Messiah (see comments on Mt 5-7 if you aren't totally convinced of that). Seeking first the kingdom is to seek our blessing/reward in His kingdom, by embodying His righteousness (which He requires of us). It is not something we automatically get, otherwise we would not be told to seek it. If we focus on pleasing God, by doing what He said (like this verse), He will focus on meeting our needs. He knows that we need the things which we're tempted to get anxious about, and has abundant resources to meet them. There will always be the daily temptation to worry about what has to be done, but God gives daily strength and grace to do all He wants us to do each day. So if we're trusting Him to do that, we can concern ourselves with our Heavenly Father's business.

Application: How are you seeking first (as in top priority) God's kingdom and righteousness? Putting quality time into DailyTruthbase, morning and evening, might be a good start.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You that You know my needs, and can do a far better job of meeting them than I can; thanks that I can trust You to meet them; please guide me in doing what You want me to do with the life You've entrusted to me. Amen.

Hebrews The unnamed author of Hebrews writes to Jewish believers who were being pressured to return to Judaism. He shows them that what they have in Christ is superior to what they had previously, and warns them that they will lose out on blessing if they abandon their hope in the promises of Christ, and fail to progress to maturity. It's not about losing justification/forgiveness but losing out on glory/reward. He builds to a climax in chapter 10 and exhorts them to continue in faith, hope, and love, and then chiastically expands on faith in chapter 11, hope in chapter, 12, and love in chapter 13.

Hebrews 1 Final Revelation and Future Ruler

1:1 God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds. 3 His Son is the radiance of His glory, the very image of His substance, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself made purification for our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they have. 5 For to which of the angels did He say at any time, "You are my Son. Today have I become your father?" and again, "I will be to him a Father, and  He will be to me a Son?" 6 Again, when He brings in the firstborn into the world he says, "Let all the angels of God worship him." 7 Of the angels He says, "Who makes His angels winds, and His servants a flame of fire."

8 But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your fellows."

10 And, "You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of Your hands. 11 They will perish, but You continue. They all will grow old like a garment does. 12 As a mantle,  You will roll them up, and they will be changed; but You are the same. Your years will not fail." 13 But which of the angels has He told at any time, "Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?" 14 Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

Observations: 1:1-3 Unlike Paul's epistles, there is not formal greeting and introduction. The author jumps right into showing that Christ is superior to the OT law, which was given through many prophets, in contrast to Christianity which was communicated through the final revelation of God, His Son Jesus. Jesus is not just a prophet, but as Son, is the heir of all things, and also the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. The world holds together (as in electrons and planets don't spin out of orbit), by the word of His power. He is the radiance and revelation of the very image of God. Not only that, He is the One who alone made purification for our sins, and now is seated at the right hand of God. In an Ancient Near East victory banquet, the position of honor was at the right hand of the Emperor, where the future ruler of the conquered territory sat. Jesus finished His prophetic and priestly work and was now awaiting the timing of His role as King.

1:4-9 Christ is also superior to the angels (the ones the Jews considered mediators of the law) because He inherited a superior name/reputation/glory to them. Not only is He a son (in Suzerain-Vassal treaties, the greater power was called Father, and the one with whom he had a covenantal relationship was called Son), but the angels were to worship Him. Angels are servants before the throne of God, but Jesus sits on the throne, bearing the scepter of righteousness. Verses 8-9 are the chiastic center of the structure that goes to 2:4. Because He loved righteousness and hated iniquity, God anointed Him (“anointed” = “Messiah” in Hebrew; “Christ” in Greek) as King with the oil of joy/gladness (12:2), with/beside His companions (3:1, 14). Both joy and companions (partners/sharers) will be important later in the book. The latter are those who share in His reign, and the joy is that of being King with His faithful companions. Jesus received His Messianic Kingship because of His character, expressed in loving what is good and hating evil (which is similar to the basis of our reward as well).

1:10-14 Jesus' superiority is seen in His role as eternal Creator, who not only created the heavens and earth, but endures beyond them. Angels are not seated at the right hand of God, but are the servants of those who shall be heirs of salvation (a reference to glorification of faithful companions of the Messiah).

Application: Jesus was exalted because He hated wickedness and loved righteousness; we should do the same.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks that You have given Jesus as our Savior, and example, exalting Him to glory; may I never be tempted to abandon Him and go back to the way I was. Amen.

Hebrews 2 Don't Drift Nor Disobey

2:1 Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense; 3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation—which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard; 4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?

5 For he didn’t subject the world to come, of which we speak, to angels. 6 But one has somewhere testified, saying, "What is man, that you think of him? Or the son of man, that you care for him? 7 You made him a little lower than the angels. You crowned him with glory and honor. 8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet." For in that he subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we don’t see all things subjected to him, yet. 9 But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone.

10 For it was fitting for him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many son's to glory, to make the author/captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, "I will declare your name to my brothers. In the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise." 13 Again, "I will put my trust in him." Again, "Behold, here I am with the children whom God has given me."

14 Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For most certainly, he doesn’t give help to angels, but he gives help to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Observations: 2:1-4 In light of the fact that Jesus is the final revelation of God, and the future ruler of the world to come, believers need to give more careful attention to the message they heard regarding Him, lest they drift on by the destination God has planned for the men. This is the first of five warning passages in Hebrews, all addressed to the same audience (Jewish believers in Christ), warning them against failing to continue to follow Christ as revealed. The consequence was not loss of justification/forgiveness The word "drift" is used of a ship going with the flow of the current and missing its port or harbor. Believers who aren't careful to know and do God's revealed will for them, will miss the destination God has planned for them (cf Eph 1 - companionship with the Messiah; clearly conditional in Hebrews 3). The reason the author gives for paying careful attention is that the OT spoken by angels was binding, and every infraction received a just payback (only used in NT in 10:35 and 11:26 of reward), therefore those who would neglect the greater message given by someone greater than the angels would receive a greater punishment. As the author says, how would they escape (used in Rom 2:3 of sinning believers not escaping the judgment of God; and in Lk 21:33-36 of watchful believers escaping judgment) the neglect of such a great salvation (glorification, not justification). The salvation of the Messianic Age (which would reverse the effects of the Fall in returning people to glory) was first spoken of by the Lord (Lk 22-28-30)

Luke 22:28 "But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Then the message was confirmed/authenticated to the audience by those (apostles) who originally heard it, with signs and wonders and the giving of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This would be another argument against Pauline authorship (besides the lack of Paul's typical introduction), since the message was not confirmed to him by the other apostles, but by Jesus Himself.

2:5-9 God didn't subject the world to come, of which the author is speaking, to angels. It should be obvious that this is the Messianic Age, which starts when Christ returns to resurrect His own and reign until all enemies, will be but under His feet. The last enemy is death, so there will be a period of rule between His return and the time death is destroyed. See comments on Ephesians 1:22.

1Corinthians 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.”

The author quotes Psalm 8, applying it to the exalted Son of Man (Dan 7:10-14) who takes up His rule after the Tribulation. Everything is subject to Him, but we don't see it yet. In the USA, a president and other officials are selected in November, when they win the election, but do not actually take office and begin to “rule” until January, to provide for an orderly transfer of power. Christ “won” at the cross, but has not yet begun to reign (1Pt 5:8; Rev 11:15). What we see instead of all things being subjected to Him in glory, is the means by which He gained glory, which is the example for us. He is crowned with glory and honor because He suffered to do the Father's will in dying for the sins of everyone/all (as in the world - Jn 3:16; so much for limited atonement).

2:10-18 It was appropriate/fitting for Jesus to be perfected, brought to the end goal, by suffering. “Perfected” is an important concept in Hebrews (5:9; 7:19, 28; 9:9;10:1, 14; 11:40; 12:23) indicating the end goal of the process of life. Jesus is the Pioneer or Captain of our salvation, who goes before us in the path we must follow. The word can also mean “author” as in Acts 3:14; 5:31; and even Heb 12:2, but the idea of a leader whom we follow fits this context best.

Hebrews 5:8 “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation (glorification) to all who obey Him”

Note that God's purpose, after having Jesus death for all, is to bring many sons to glory. This is the chiastic center of 2:5-16. The path to glory involves suffering. (No pain; no gain.) Jesus who sanctifies (makes holy -Heb 13:12), and those who are sanctified, are ek one Father, therefore Jesus isn't ashamed to call mere but holy mortals His brothers. The author quotes Psalm 22:22 which is just after the hinge verse of the psalm where God saves the sufferer.

Since the children had flesh, Jesus took on flesh to die in their place, and destroy the power of the devil, who through fear of death enslaved people to do his will. Jesus wants to deliver all from bondage to sin and death into the glorious liberty of the sons of God (Rom 8:21). Jesus doesn't give help to angels but those who are the offspring of Abraham (by faith). Jesus was made like His brothers in all things so that He can be a faithful high priest, not only in making atonement, but in helping those who are tempted to be victorious over sin.

Application: Jesus wants to help us win the victory over sin and the devil, and lead us to share in His glory.

Prayer: Oh Captain of my salvation, may I loyally follow You, through whatever pain and suffering You deem best, in faith and faithfulness, to glory. Amen.

Hebrews 3 Sharing is Conditional

3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus; 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house. 3 For he has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who built the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone; but he who built all things is God. 5 Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken, 6 but Christ is faithful as a Son over his house; whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the rejoicing of our hope firm to the end.

7 Therefore, even as the Holy Spirit says, "Today if you will hear his voice, 8 don’t harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, like as in the day of the trial in the wilderness, 9 where your fathers tested me by proving me, and saw my works for forty years. 10 Therefore I was displeased with that generation, and said, ‘They always err in their heart, but they didn’t know my ways’; 11 as I swore in my wrath, ‘They will not enter into my rest.’" 12 Beware, brothers, lest perhaps there be in any one of you an evil heart of unfaithfulness, in falling away from the living God; 13 but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called "today"; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm to the end: 15 while it is said, "Today if you will hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts, as in the rebellion." 16 For who, when they heard, rebelled? No, didn’t all those who came out of Egypt by Moses? 17 With whom was he displeased forty years? Wasn’t it with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 To whom did he swear that they wouldn’t enter into his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 We see that they were not able to enter in because of unfaithfulness.

Observations: 3:1-6 In light of Jesus being the final revelation of God, and the future ruler of the world to come, who leads His faithful brothers to share/partake in His glory, through suffering, the author exhorts his audience to consider Jesus. The specific aspect the holy brothers/sisters are to consider is that His faithfulness resulted in His glory. Contrasted with Moses, Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses, as both the builder and ruler of the house (dynasty). Thus the initial audience shouldn't go back to the law and Moses, but follow Jesus instead. We will share in His house/rule if (conditional) we hold fast our moral confidence and rejoicing sourced in our hope (and consequent faithfulness), firm, without wavering, until the end. This does not mean our sins aren't forgiven, if we waver, but that our glory will be in doubt if we disbelieve. Just like most who were redeemed from Egypt (parallel to justification) didn't make it into the blessings of the Promised Land (parallel to glorification; see comments on 1Cor 10 if you have any doubt of this).

3:7-17 In light of the fact that those who aren't loyal aren't sharers in the rule of Christ, the author exhorts the NT audience to not be like those in the OT, who failed to obey God's revelation, but instead hardened themselves against Him (Psalm 95). See the sermon on Roman 9 (last post and on DailyTruthbase.net) where it is shown that people sin because they harden their own heart against God. He sometimes fixes them in their decision to  display His glory and justice in judging them, but He doesn't force them to sin. The Exodus generation didn't continue to trust and obey God, and therefore missed out on His rest, which was blessing in the Promised Land. Not knowing His ways (law) and erring in their heart (making their decisions according to what pleased their unsanctified desires rather what pleased God) caused God to be displeased with them, and deprive them of the blessings He had planned (land flowing with milk and honey) when He delivered them from Egypt. NT believers are exhorted to watch out for themselves and each other, so no believer develops an evil heart of unfaithfulness (just like the Exodus generation), in departing from following the living God. NT believers should encourage each other daily, so none in their midst will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. It isn't God who makes our hearts hard and insensitive towards doing His will, it is our choice to embrace sin which causes the callus to form over our conscience, to the point where we insanely rebel against God. Those who rebelled against God's word were those who had placed their faith in God and Moses when they were redeemed from Egypt (Ex 14:31) and had been baptized into Christ and partook of Him (1Cor 10). Those who say believers don't or can't sin are deceived and deluded. Forgiven, justified, Spirit “indwelt” believers in Christ will only share in His future Millennial blessings if (conditional) they hold fast their moral confidence without wavering. Those who sinned in the OT were disciplined by loss of inheritance/reward. The disobedient in the NT will face the same discipline. There is no other way to read the verses. The translation of “unbelief” instead of unfaithfulness slightly obscures the meaning in some versions, but the parallel with the nation of Israel makes it clear, unfaithful believers will lose out on God's promised blessings. The Promised Land, where Israel would have enjoyed the earthly blessings of God, is not to be equated with heaven or the eternal state, but rather with the Kingdom the Lord Jesus will set up on earth in fulfillment of God's OT and NT promises.

Application: God designed the fellowship of believers to encourage one another to persevere in holiness for their future rest/reward or glory, especially in keeping each other from being deceived and hardened against God by sin. When was the last time you encouraged someone to not sin?

Prayer: God thanks for the promise of Your blessing, the examples of the OT and the encouragement of faithful saints in NT times; may I be faithful to follow You, and help others do the same. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God communicated through His prophets in the past, but has now finalized His revelation in His Son. He has exalted Christ because of His obedience in loving righteousness and hating wickedness. God has put everything under Christ, but that is not yet seen here on earth.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is superior to anything and everything in Judaism, and therefore should be followed to glory. He was exalted because of His obedience, and shares His glory and reign with companions who are faithful to Him. He not only died for all people but is leading many sons to glory, though the path of suffering. He will return to rule and reward.

Us in a nutshell: We who believe in Christ must faithfully follow Him if we would share in His glory. Those who depart from doing so will suffer disinheritance because of their disobedience and unfaithfulness, just like the Exodus generation did. We have the responsibility to watch out, not only for ourselves, but for each other was well. Our future rest is our reward in heaven, until get there, we should run to win.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Separation and Reconciliation

Separation and Reconciliation © 2012 WF Cobb Truthbase.net DailyTruthbase.Blogspot.com

I. God values our obedience more than the finest temple on earth as the means of displaying His glory. Eph 2:21

2Ch 36:15 God sent warnings to them by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. 16 But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy. 17 Therefore He brought against them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed...had no compassion. 19 They burned the house of God, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, burned all its palaces with fire, and destroyed all its precious possessions.

Ezra 5:12 But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.

2Pt 2:4 Coming to Him...5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;10 not a people...now people of God, not mercy but...

II. Sometimes, severe pain is necessary to sever us from our sin/disobedience (independence is the essence of sin).

Failure to obey in Plan A results in Plan B...C...D... but the glory (manifestation of the power of God) can be greater in Plan B (as is the pain).

Ezra 9:7 we have been very guilty, and for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plunder, and to humiliation 8 And now for a little while grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a stake in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and give us a measure of revival in our bondage. 9 For we were slaves. Yet our God did not forsake us in our bondage; but He extended hesed to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to revive us, to repair the house of our God, to rebuild its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem. 10 And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken Your commandments, 11 which You commanded by Your servants the prophets, saying, 'The land which you are entering to possess is an unclean land, with the uncleanness of the peoples of the lands, with their abominations which have filled it from one end to another with their impurity. 12 Now therefore, do not give your daughters as wives for their sons, nor take their daughters to your sons; and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land, and leave it as an inheritance to your children forever.' 13 And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, since You our God have punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and have given us such deliverance as this, 14 should we again break Your commandments, and join in marriage with the people committing these abominations? Would You not be angry with us until You had consumed us, so that there would be no remnant or survivor? 15 O LORD God of Israel, You are righteous, for we are left as a remnant, as it is this day. Here we are before You, in our guilt, though no one can stand before You because of this!"

Hebrews 12:4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.10 He (disciplines) for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.11 Now no chastening/discipline seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. ' Joy comes from choosing what is best (cf wisdom)

III. Hearts wholly set on knowing and doing God's will have no resources (time/energy) for wandering.

Ezra 7:10 set his heart (secret of successful kings) and ordered his ways to seek, do, teach. Learn Truth, Live It, Love others w/ It.

1Pt 1:22 Since you have purified your souls by obeying the truth through the Spirit for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,23 having been born again...through the word of God which lives and abides forever...(sufferings...glory)

IV. God's will, done God's way will never lack Satan's opposition (intimidation; unholy unions) nor God's provision

Opposition is an opportunity for God to turn problems into prosperity when we depend on His grace and persevere in doing His will.

Nehemiah 1:5 "I pray, LORD God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and hesed with those who love You and observe Your commandments 7 We have acted very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses. 8 Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations; 9 but if you return to Me, and keep My commandments and do them, though some of you were cast out to the farthest part of the heavens, yet I will gather them from there, and bring them to the place which I have chosen as a dwelling for My name.' 10 Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power, and by Your strong hand. (Cf Neh 5 self-centered greed, possessions, power at expense of others)

Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Why would God bring evil enemies to destroy the temple He designed and the people He redeemed and brought into the promised land?

2. What are the links between separation from sin, and reconciliation to God, and other-centered love, and God being glorified?

3. What keeps people from sinning? What keeps them obeying? How many of your decisions/actions are a direct result of God's word?

4. How do NT saints get built into a Body/Temple in which God's glory can dwell (Eph 2:22; 3:21 )? What prevents that from happening?

5. Do you have the best possible relationship you can with God? What makes it good? What could make it better? What will you do this week?

2 Chronicles 17-20 Jumping Jehoshaphat

Psalm 62:8-12 Rewarded Trust

Ps 62:8 “Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us. Selah. 9 Surely men of low degree are just a breath, and men of high degree are a lie. In the balances they will go up. They are together lighter than a breath. 10 Don’t trust in oppression. Don’t become vain in robbery. If riches increase, don’t set your heart on them. 11 God has spoken once; twice I have heard this, that power belongs to God. 12 Also to you, Lord, belongs hesed/loyal covenantal love` for you reward every man according to his work."

Observations: 62:1-7 See post of Joshua 22 for vv 1-7, where God requires an exclusive relationship with us.

62:8-12 We should trust in God because any other alternative is nothing. If you put men of high or low degree (important or unsavory) in a scale they are nothing. True power belongs to God, not in oppression nor wealth (which also flies up and away). God is not only the source of true power, but of hesed, the covenantal loyalty to those who are in an exclusive relationship with Him. He demonstrates loyalty to His promises by rewarding each according to his/her work.

Application: Trust in God rather than man, and expect Him to loyally reward your loyalty to Him.

Prayer: God, thanks that You never fail Your people who look to You in faith, rather than human power. Amen.

Proverbs 16:14-15 Managing Your Boss

Pr 16:14 “(13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth.) 14 The king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king’s face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.“

Observations: 16:14-15 Kings are like lions: they're great to have on your side if they like you; but if they don't, you're dead. You probably don't have a king to manage, but a boss. A wise person learns how to manage and fulfill the expectations of their boss. The wise work objective is to work heartily, serving the needs of their boss and company, to please them and God (Colossians 3:22-25). Honesty is the best policy, although truth-speaking might get you in trouble if not combined with discretion (“Why are you saying what you're saying; what objective will it accomplish?”). The fool who only works to boost their sagging self-esteem at the expense of others, will soon find themselves to be cat-food.

Application: Humility, admitting wrong-doing and promising to do better will go a long way toward pacifying wrath.

Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom to know what I should do and say in responding to pointy-haired bosses, and trying times at work. Grant me favor in the sight of my superiors. Thanks. Amen.

2 Chronicles 17-20 Great King Jehoshaphat follows in the good footsteps of his father Asa and extends Yahweh worship in Judah. God responds with riches, and honor and peace. Unfortunately, Jehoshaphat gets himself involved in a couple of unholy relationships, and suffers loss, but God delivers when he calls out to Him. Chapter 20 is one of the highlights of God's salvation in the OT, where He turns a huge problem into profit, and Judah's only problem is, where are they going to put all the blessing! See 2 Chronicles Survey Part I: The Amazin' Asa and Jump'n Jehosaphat for more.

2 Chronicles 17 Physical and Spiritual Strength

17:1 Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. 3 Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and didn’t seek the Baals, 4 but sought to the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 5 Therefore Yahweh established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat tribute; and he had riches and honor in abundance. 6 His heart was lifted up in the ways of Yahweh: and furthermore he took away the high places and the Asherim out of Judah. 7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes...to teach in the cities of Judah; 8 and with them the Levites...9 They taught in Judah, having the book of the law of Yahweh with them; and they went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught among the people.

10 The fear of Yahweh fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 11 Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and silver for tribute; the Arabians also brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred male goats. 12 Jehoshaphat grew great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles and cities of store. 13 He had many works in the cities of Judah; and men of war, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem. 14 This was the numbering of them...

Observations: 17:1-5 Asa's son, Jehoshaphat, became exceedingly great, and had riches and honor in abundance. His secret? God was with him. Why was God with him? Because he obeyed God and did what God wanted. Not just once, but Jehoshaphat walked (as in every day) in the commandments of God. He learned them, and obeyed them, and then helped others do the same. As king, he strengthened the nation militarily by building physical defenses, and built them up spiritually as well, so the people wouldn't do the things that brought God's wrath upon them.

17:6-9 Jehoshaphat not only removed the high places and idols, but revived the people by sending out teachers of the law, both princes and priests, to teach them. No revival can be sustained that isn't based upon an accurate understanding of and commitment to God's word.

17:10-19 God responds with not only peace, but tribute form former enemies.

Application: Walking every day according to God's word and not according to the world's way is the path to peace and prosperity. What more do you want?

Prayer: God, please keep in front of me the simple truth, that You want and bless my everyday obedience. Thanks. Amen.

2 Chronicles 18 Duped but Delivered

18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance; and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage. 3 Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, "Will you go with me to Ramoth Gilead?" He answered him, "I am as you are, and my people as your people. We will be with you in the war."

4 Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, "Please inquire first for the word of Yahweh." 5 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, four hundred men, and said to them, "Shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?" They said, "Go up; for God will deliver it into the hand of the king." 6 But Jehoshaphat said, "Isn’t there here a prophet of Yahweh besides, that we may inquire of him?" 7 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of Yahweh; but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil. He is Micaiah the son of Imla." 13 Micaiah said, "As Yahweh lives, what my God says, that will I speak." 16 He said, "I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. Yahweh said, ‘These have no master. Let them return every man to his house in peace.’" 17 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "Didn’t I tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?"... 22 "Now therefore, behold, Yahweh has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these your prophets; and Yahweh has spoken evil concerning you." 26 and say, ‘Thus says the king, "Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace."’" 27 Micaiah said, "If you return at all in peace, Yahweh has not spoken by me." He said, "Listen, you peoples, all of you!"

28 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead. 29 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "I will disguise myself, and go into the battle; but you put on your robes." So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went into the battle. 30 Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, "Fight neither with small nor great, except only with the king of Israel." 31 It happened, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, "It is the king of Israel!" Therefore they turned around to fight against him. But Jehoshaphat cried out, and Yahweh helped him; and God moved them to depart from him. 32 When the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him. 33 A certain man drew his bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of the armor. Therefore he said to the driver of the chariot, "Turn your hand, and carry me out of the army; for I am severely wounded." 34 The battle increased that day. However the king of Israel propped himself up in his chariot against the Syrians until the evening; and about the time of the going down of the sun, he died.

Observations: 18:1-27 This chapter is very similar to 1Kg 22, see more observations there. Jehoshaphat's son married the daughter of Ahab, one of the most evil kings of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. There should have been no alliance between them. Perhaps Jehoshaphat started desiring the acceptance and honor of men, more than that of Yahweh. Jehoshaphat ignores the warning of the one true prophet of Yahweh, and follows the 400 lying prophets instead. If someone inquires of Yahweh, they should obey what He reveals.

18:28-34 Jehoshaphat foolishly follows Ahab's scheme of disguise, but God rescues Jehoshaphat when he calls out to Him. 1Kg 22 doesn't mention that when Jehoshaphat cried out, “Yahweh helped him; and God moved them to depart from him” (18:31). However, there were still negative consequences for his folly (next chapter).

Application: God protects those who are seeking to follow Him, even when they aren't that wise.

Prayer: Lord, may I be so sensitive to Your will every day, that I avoid entanglements and relationships which hinder Your ability to bless me. Amen.

2 Chronicles 19 Fearfully, Faithfully, and Wholeheartedly

19:1 Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. 2 Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, "Should you help the wicked, and love those who hate Yahweh? Because of this, wrath is on you from before Yahweh. 3 Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have put away the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God."

4 Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem: and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to Yahweh, the God of their fathers. 5 He set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, 6 and said to the judges, "Consider what you do: for you don’t judge for man, but for Yahweh; and he is with you in the judgment. 7 Now therefore let the fear of Yahweh be on you. Take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with Yahweh our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes." 8 Moreover in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed Levites and priests, and of the heads of the fathers’ households of Israel, for the judgment of Yahweh, and for controversies. They returned to Jerusalem. 9 He commanded them, saying, "Thus you shall do in the fear of Yahweh, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. 10 Whenever any controversy shall come to you from your brothers who dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you shall warn them, that they not be guilty towards Yahweh, and so wrath come on you and on your brothers. Do this, and you shall not be guilty. 11 Behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of Yahweh; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and may Yahweh be with the good."

Observations:19:1-3 Jehoshaphat gets his life spared after his folly with Ahab in the previous chapter, but gets met by a prophet with a message of wrath from Yahweh for helping the wicked. Apparently, random acts of kindness don't please God; discernment is always needed. If the individual is forsaking God, then God has forsaken them. It's their choice, and God's sovereign consequence attached to the choice. God's displeasure was tempered by Jehoshaphat's monotheistic devotion to Him.

19:4-11 Jehoshaphat seeks to reinstate Yahweh worship and the rule of Yahweh's law, even from Beersheba in the south, to the hill country of Ephraim in the north. He sets up judges to manifest God's justice, warning them to warn the people to live justly so God's wrath would not come upon the nation.

Application: If we want God to be with us, we need to be doing His will, fearfully, faithfully, and wholeheartedly.

Prayer: Lord, I will serve You fearfully, faithfully and wholeheartedly, so that Your ways are known to those around me. Amen.

2 Chronicles 20 Problems Become Profit Following the Prophet

20:1 It happened after this, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, came against Jehoshaphat to battle. 2 Then some came who told Jehoshaphat, saying, "A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea from Syria. Behold, they are in Hazazon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi). 3 Jehoshaphat was alarmed, and set himself to seek to Yahweh. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 Judah gathered themselves together, to seek help from Yahweh. They came out of all the cities of Judah to seek Yahweh.

5 Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of Yahweh, before the new court; 6 and he said, "Yahweh, the God of our fathers, aren’t you God in heaven? Aren’t you ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in your hand, so that no one is able to withstand you. 7 Didn’t you, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it to the seed of Abraham your friend forever? 8 They lived in it, and have built you a sanctuary in it for your name, saying, 9 ‘If evil comes on us—the sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this house, and before you, (for your name is in this house), and cry to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’ 10 Now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned aside from them, and didn’t destroy them; 11 behold, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. 12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us; neither do we know what to do, but our eyes are on you." 13 All Judah stood before Yahweh, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.

14 Then the Spirit of Yahweh came on Jahaziel...in the midst of the assembly; 15 and he said, "Listen, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you king Jehoshaphat. Thus says Yahweh to you, ‘Don’t be afraid, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they are coming up by the ascent of Ziz. You shall find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight this battle. Set yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of Yahweh with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed. Go out against them tomorrow, for Yahweh is with you.’"

18 Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before Yahweh, worshiping Yahweh. 19 The Levites...stood up to praise Yahweh, the God of Israel, with an exceeding loud voice. 20 They rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in Yahweh your God, so you shall be established! Believe his prophets, so you shall prosper." 21 When he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who should sing to Yahweh, and give praise in holy array, as they went out before the army, and say, Give thanks to Yahweh; for his hesed/loyal covenantal love endures forever. 22 When they began to sing and to praise, Yahweh set ambushers against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were struck. 23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, utterly to kill and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, everyone helped to destroy another.

24 When Judah came to the place overlooking the wilderness, they looked at the multitude; and behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and there were none who escaped. 25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found among them in abundance both riches and dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much. 26 On the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Beracah; for there they blessed Yahweh: therefore the name of that place was called The valley of Beracah to this day. 27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in their forefront, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for Yahweh had made them to rejoice over their enemies. 28 They came to Jerusalem with stringed instruments and harps and trumpets to the house of Yahweh. 29 The fear of God was on all the kingdoms of the countries, when they heard that Yahweh fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet; for his God gave him rest all around.

31 Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 32 He walked in the way of Asa his father, and didn’t turn aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh. 33 However the high places were not taken away; neither as yet had the people set their hearts to the God of their fathers. 34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the history of Jehu the son of Hanani, which is inserted in the book of the kings of Israel. 35 After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah joined himself with Ahaziah king of Israel. The same did very wickedly: 36 and he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish; and they made the ships in Ezion Geber. 37 Then Eliezer prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, Yahweh has destroyed your works." The ships were broken, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

Observations: 20:1-4 Faced with an insurmountable problem of imminent destruction, Jehoshaphat and the people fast and seek Yahweh.

20:5-13 Jehoshaphat provides a model prayer based upon God's revelation and promises, echoing Solomon's dedication of the temple. He reminds himself who God is, and what He's done, and promised. Then he casually mentions that their problem exists because God didn't allow them to invade Ammon and Moab, and that it is unjust to be attacked by them. It's always good to give God reasons to answer a plea for help, especially noting that He is the only hope of salvation, and they are trusting in Him to come through for them.

20:14-17 God answers the battle isn't theirs, but His. All they have to do is set, stand, and see the salvation of Yahweh, which required faithfully trusting God.

20:18-30 In response to God's revelation, everyone worships, and praises God. In faithful obedience, they rose early and went out, as God said. Jehoshaphat reminds them that belief in God establishes them, and belief in His prophetic word prospers them. They again praise God for His hesed. When they began to sing and praise, an act of faith, God acted in setting the enemy against each other. They all died. It took Judah three days to carry away all the spoil. Now wasn't it nice of God to bring it all to their doorstep?

20:31-37 Despite Jehoshaphat's example, efforts and victories, the people didn't set their hearts after God, and apparently rebuilt the high places he had destroyed earlier in his reign. Jehoshaphat didn't depart from orthodox worship, but did repeat his folly of aligning himself with apostate Israel, this time in a business venture. God sends a prophet to make it clear that He was destroying the works which weren't His will. Sigh.

Application: Insurmountable problems are the pathway to incredible prosperity for those who walk in God's ways, both trusting and obeying His word.

Prayer: God, You are the same, yesterday, today, and forever, seeking to bless those whose heart is fixed on trusting and obeying You; here I am; spare me the folly of unholy unions. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God will bless those who seek to please Him by doing what He commanded, and seeking to do what is right in His sight. He will destroy those who oppose Him, and foil the works of His servants that aren't done in holiness. God uses godly leadership to set His people's hearts in the right direction, but they won't stay on course unless each individual embraces God's will for themselves. God specializes in bringing delight out of disaster for those whose hearts are His.

Us in a nutshell: We can have a heart set on pleasing God, and be doing the right things, but still make stupid mistakes if we don't daily seek God's will. If we're not careful, we can wind up getting entangled in bad relationships. Even in the midst of mistakes, we can call out to God and He will answer. When facing problems, we should not fear but call out to God, and trust what He has revealed. Following good leadership is no substitute for faithfully following God according to His word.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

2 Chronicles Survey Part I: The Amazin' Asa and Jump'n Jehosaphat

2Chronicles complete text

2 Chronicles 17

17:1 Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. 3 Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and didn’t seek the Baals, 4 but sought to the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 5 Therefore Yahweh established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat tribute; and he had riches and honour in abundance. 6 His heart was lifted up in the ways of Yahweh: and furthermore he took away the high places and the Asherim out of Judah. 7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben Hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; 8 and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests. 9 They taught in Judah, having the book of the law of Yahweh with them; and they went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught among the people.

10 The fear of Yahweh fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 11 Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and silver for tribute; the Arabians also brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred male goats. 12 Jehoshaphat grew great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles and cities of store. 13 He had many works in the cities of Judah; and men of war, mighty men of valour, in Jerusalem. 14 This was the numbering of them according to their fathers’ houses: Of Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand; 15 and next to him Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred eighty thousand; 16 and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to Yahweh; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour. 17 Of Benjamin: Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield; 18 and next to him Jehozabad and with him one hundred eighty thousand ready prepared for war. 19 These were those who waited on the king, besides those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.

2 Chronicles 18

18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance; and he joined affinity with Ahab. 2 After certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. Ahab killed sheep and cattle for him in abundance, and for the people who were with him, and moved him to go up with him to Ramoth Gilead. 3 Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, "Will you go with me to Ramoth Gilead?" He answered him, "I am as you are, and my people as your people. We will be with you in the war."

4 Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, "Please inquire first for the word of Yahweh." 5 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, four hundred men, and said to them, "Shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?" They said, "Go up; for God will deliver it into the hand of the king." 6 But Jehoshaphat said, "Isn’t there here a prophet of Yahweh besides, that we may inquire of him?" 7 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of Yahweh; but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil. He is Micaiah the son of Imla." Jehoshaphat said, "Don’t let the king say so." 8 Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, "Get Micaiah the son of Imla quickly." 9 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, arrayed in their robes, and they were sitting in an open place at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets were prophesying before them. 10 Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron, and said, "Thus says Yahweh, ‘With these you shall push the Syrians, until they are consumed.’" 11 All the prophets prophesied so, saying, "Go up to Ramoth Gilead, and prosper; for Yahweh will deliver it into the hand of the king." 12 The messenger who went to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, "Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one mouth. Let your word therefore, please be like one of theirs, and speak good." 13 Micaiah said, "As Yahweh lives, what my God says, that will I speak." 14 When he had come to the king, the king said to him, "Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?" He said, "Go up, and prosper. They shall be delivered into your hand." 15 The king said to him, "How many times shall I adjure you that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of Yahweh?" 16 He said, "I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. Yahweh said, ‘These have no master. Let them return every man to his house in peace.’" 17 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "Didn’t I tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?" 18 Micaiah said, "Therefore hear the word of Yahweh: I saw Yahweh sitting on his throne, and all the army of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. 19 Yahweh said, ‘Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead?’ One spoke saying in this way, and another saying in that way. 20 A spirit came out, stood before Yahweh, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ "Yahweh said to him, ‘How?’ 21 "He said, ‘I will go forth, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ "He said, ‘You will entice him, and will prevail also. Go forth, and do so.’ 22 "Now therefore, behold, Yahweh has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these your prophets; and Yahweh has spoken evil concerning you." 23 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, "Which way did the Spirit of Yahweh go from me to speak to you?" 24 Micaiah said, "Behold, you shall see on that day, when you shall go into an inner room to hide yourself." 25 The king of Israel said, "Take Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king’s son; 26 and say, ‘Thus says the king, "Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace."’" 27 Micaiah said, "If you return at all in peace, Yahweh has not spoken by me." He said, "Listen, you peoples, all of you!"

28 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead. 29 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "I will disguise myself, and go into the battle; but you put on your robes." So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went into the battle. 30 Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, "Fight neither with small nor great, except only with the king of Israel." 31 It happened, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, "It is the king of Israel!" Therefore they turned around to fight against him. But Jehoshaphat cried out, and Yahweh helped him; and God moved them to depart from him. 32 It happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him. 33 A certain man drew his bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of the armour. Therefore he said to the driver of the chariot, "Turn your hand, and carry me out of the army; for I am severely wounded." 34 The battle increased that day. However the king of Israel propped himself up in his chariot against the Syrians until the evening; and about the time of the going down of the sun, he died.

2 Chronicles 19

19:1 Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. 2 Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, "Should you help the wicked, and love those who hate Yahweh? Because of this, wrath is on you from before Yahweh. 3 Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have put away the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God." 4 Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem: and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to Yahweh, the God of their fathers.

5 He set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, 6 and said to the judges, "Consider what you do: for you don’t judge for man, but for Yahweh; and he is with you in the judgment. 7 Now therefore let the fear of Yahweh be on you. Take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with Yahweh our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes." 8 Moreover in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed Levites and priests, and of the heads of the fathers’ households of Israel, for the judgment of Yahweh, and for controversies. They returned to Jerusalem. 9 He commanded them, saying, "Thus you shall do in the fear of Yahweh, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. 10 Whenever any controversy shall come to you from your brothers who dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you shall warn them, that they not be guilty towards Yahweh, and so wrath come on you and on your brothers. Do this, and you shall not be guilty. 11 Behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of Yahweh; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and may Yahweh be with the good."

2 Chronicles 20

20:1 It happened after this, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them some of the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle. 2 Then some came who told Jehoshaphat, saying, "A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea from Syria. Behold, they are in Hazazon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi). 3 Jehoshaphat was alarmed, and set himself to seek to Yahweh. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 Judah gathered themselves together, to seek help from Yahweh. They came out of all the cities of Judah to seek Yahweh. 5 Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of Yahweh, before the new court; 6 and he said, "Yahweh, the God of our fathers, aren’t you God in heaven? Aren’t you ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in your hand, so that no one is able to withstand you. 7 Didn’t you, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it to the seed of Abraham your friend forever? 8 They lived in it, and have built you a sanctuary in it for your name, saying, 9 ‘If evil comes on us—the sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this house, and before you, (for your name is in this house), and cry to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’ 10 Now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned aside from them, and didn’t destroy them; 11 behold, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. 12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us; neither know we what to do, but our eyes are on you." 13 All Judah stood before Yahweh, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.

14 Then the Spirit of Yahweh came on Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite, of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly; 15 and he said, "Listen, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you king Jehoshaphat. Thus says Yahweh to you, ‘Don’t be afraid, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they are coming up by the ascent of Ziz. You shall find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight this battle. Set yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of Yahweh with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed. Go out against them tomorrow, for Yahweh is with you.’" 18 Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before Yahweh, worshipping Yahweh. 19 The Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise Yahweh, the God of Israel, with an exceeding loud voice.

20 They rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in Yahweh your God, so you shall be established! Believe his prophets, so you shall prosper." 21 When he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who should sing to Yahweh, and give praise in holy array, as they went out before the army, and say, Give thanks to Yahweh; for his loving kindness endures forever. 22 When they began to sing and to praise, Yahweh set ambushers against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were struck. 23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, utterly to kill and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, everyone helped to destroy another. 24 When Judah came to the place overlooking the wilderness, they looked at the multitude; and behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and there were none who escaped. 25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found among them in abundance both riches and dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much. 26 On the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Beracah; for there they blessed Yahweh: therefore the name of that place was called The valley of Beracah to this day. 27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in their forefront, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for Yahweh had made them to rejoice over their enemies. 28 They came to Jerusalem with stringed instruments and harps and trumpets to the house of Yahweh. 29 The fear of God was on all the kingdoms of the countries, when they heard that Yahweh fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet; for his God gave him rest all around.

31 ehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 32 He walked in the way of Asa his father, and didn’t turn aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh. 33 However the high places were not taken away; neither as yet had the people set their hearts to the God of their fathers. 34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the history of Jehu the son of Hanani, which is inserted in the book of the kings of Israel. 35 After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah joined himself with Ahaziah king of Israel. The same did very wickedly: 36 and he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish; and they made the ships in Ezion Geber. 37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, Yahweh has destroyed your works." The ships were broken, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

Judges 1-3 Vicious Sin Cycle

Psalm 35:11-28 Rescued from Unrighteous Enemies

Ps 35:11 “Unrighteous witnesses rise up. They ask me about things that I don’t know about. 12 They reward me evil for good, to the bereaving of my soul. 13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth. I afflicted my soul with fasting. My prayer returned into my own bosom. 14 I behaved myself as though it had been my friend or my brother. I bowed down mourning, as one who mourns his mother. 15 But in my adversity, they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together. The attackers gathered themselves together against me, and I didn’t know it. They tore at me, and didn’t cease.

17 Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue my soul from their destruction, my precious life from the lions. 18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly. I will praise you among many people. 19 Don’t let those who are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me; neither let those who hate me without a cause wink their eyes. 20 For they don’t speak peace, but they devise deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land. 21 Yes, they opened their mouth wide against me. They said, "Aha! Aha! Our eye has seen it!" 22 You have seen it, Yahweh. Don’t keep silent. Lord, don’t be far from me. 23 Wake up! Rise up to defend me, my God! My Lord, contend for me! 24 Vindicate me, Yahweh my God, according to your righteousness. Don’t let them gloat over me. 25 Don’t let them say in their heart, "Aha! That’s the way we want it!" Don’t let them say, "We have swallowed him up!" 

26 Let them be disappointed and confounded together who rejoice at my calamity. Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me. 

27 Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause. Yes, let them say continually, "Yahweh be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of his servant!" 28 My tongue shall talk about your righteousness and about your praise all day long."

Observations: 35:1-10 See post on Leviticus 24 for vv 1-10, The psalm opens with David asking God to come to his aid and fight his battles.

35:11-28 David describes the unrighteous ways of his adversaries and appeals to the righteousness of God to fight them and vindicate him. He asks God to see and act, and put his enemies to shame. Then those who favor his righteous cause will rejoice and praise the God who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant. David will also praise God for His righteousness, all day long.

Application: Be righteous, ask God to deal righteously on your behalf, and get ready to praise Him for His help.

Prayer: God, thanks that I can trust Your righteousness to rescue me from the unrighteous. Thanks too, that You have pleasure in the prosperity of Your servants. Amen.

Proverbs 10:12-14 Words that Help

Pr 10:12 “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs. 13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment, but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding.14 Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.”

Observations: 10:12 Love wants what's best for others and doesn't magnify nor incite their wrongdoings, but intentionally (Piel stem) seeks to minimize them in an effort to protect the other person. It's not about sweeping everything under the carpet, but lovingly dealing with difficulties. See Fervent Love on Truthbase for how to cover a multitude of sins.

10:13-14 Components of wisdom: discernment, understanding and knowledge are all really useful in speaking the truth in love.

Application: Do your words wisely help and heal or cause pain and destruction?

Prayer: Lord, guide my speech with wisdom and love, so that others are benefited by it, and can experience Your blessings. Amen.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I embrace Your wisdom and eschew sin. Amen.

Judges 1-3 The books spans about 300 years, from the death of Joshua to Israel's first king. God did not have Joshua appoint a successor, but instead raised up individuals (judges) to provide leadership and deliverance in times of need. From fully obeying God and conquering their enemies, Israel disobeys and gets repeatedly defeated; but when they repent and call out to God, He raises up a deliverer. Judges 2:10-19 (see below) details the cycle of sin.

The last verse of the book summarizes the sad state of affairs of a people who used to do what was right in God's eyes. Judges 21:25 “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”

Judges 1 Incomplete Obedience Leads to Compromise

1:1 It happened after the death of Joshua, the children of Israel asked of Yahweh, saying, "Who should go up for us first against the Canaanites, to fight against them?" 2 Yahweh said, "Judah shall go up. Behold, I have delivered the land into his hand." 3 Judah said to Simeon his brother, "Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with you into your lot." So Simeon went with him. 4 Judah went up; and Yahweh delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they struck in Bezek ten thousand men. 5 They found Adoni-Bezek in Bezek; and they fought against him, 6 But Adoni-Bezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes. 7 Adoni-Bezek said, "Seventy kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, scavenged under my table: as I have done, so God has requited me." They brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there. 8 The children of Judah fought against Jerusalem, and took it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.

19 Yahweh was with Judah; and drove out the inhabitants of the hill country; but they could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. 20 They gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses had spoken: and he drove out there the three sons of Anak.

21 The children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day. 22 The house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel; and Yahweh was with them...27 Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants...but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. 28 It happened, when Israel had grown strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, and did not utterly drive them out. 29 Ephraim didn’t drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer; but the Canaanites lived in Gezer among them. 30 Zebulun didn’t drive out the inhabitants...but the Canaanites lived among them, and became subject to forced labor. 31 Asher didn’t drive out the inhabitants of Acco, nor the inhabitants of Sidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob; 32 but the Asherites lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land; for they did not drive them out. 33 Naphtali didn’t drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, nor the inhabitants of Beth Anath; but he lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh and of Beth Anath became subject to forced labour. 34 The Amorites forced the children of Dan into the hill country; for they would not allow them to come down to the valley; 35 but the Amorites would dwell in Mount Heres, in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became subject to forced labor. 36 The border of the Amorites was from the ascent of Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.

Observations: 1:1-8 Things start well enough with Israel inquiring of the Lord and carrying out His will. God had redeemed and given them the land (like Justification/forgiveness), but their responsibility was to draw on His strength to eradicate sin (like Sanctification/holiness); only then could they enjoy peace and rest (like Glorification). Judah, the lead tribe (Gen 49) joins with Simeon, who dwelt next to and within them, to destroy Bezek and humiliate their king as he had done to others. The chapter has flashbacks to events in Joshua that deal with conquest of the same territory.

1:19 Hinge passage. God was with them and they won; then they don't succeed in driving out the Canaanites as God instructed. When they encountered chariots of iron, they balked. (cf Josh 17:16).

1:21-36 This section records the general failure of Israel to fully obey God and drive out the pagans. As a result, Israel lived among the pagans and eventually became like them, incurring God's wrath.

Application: If we don't fully obey God in drawing on His strength to eradicate sin and its sources, we will succumb to it, and experience discipline. (Common theme in the book and our lives.)

Prayer: God who is with me, help me obey and win the fight against influences that would draw me away from You and Your blessings. Amen.

Judges 2 Vicious Cycle of Sin

2:1 The angel of Yahweh came up from Gilgal to Bochim. He said, "I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you to the land which I swore to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you: 2 and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars.’ But you have not listened to my voice: why have you done this? 3 Therefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you." 4 It happened, when the angel of Yahweh spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. 5 They called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there to Yahweh.

7 The people served Yahweh all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work of Yahweh that he had worked for Israel. 10 Also all that generation were gathered to their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, who didn’t know Yahweh, nor yet the work which he had worked for Israel. 11 The children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served the Baals; 12 and they forsook Yahweh, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed themselves down to them: and they provoked Yahweh to anger. 13 They forsook Yahweh, and served Baal and the Ashtaroth. 14 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers who despoiled them; and he sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. 15 Wherever they went out, the hand of Yahweh was against them for evil, as Yahweh had spoken, and as Yahweh had sworn to them: and they were very distressed.

16 Yahweh raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who despoiled them. 17 Yet they didn’t listen to their judges; for they played the prostitute after other gods, and bowed themselves down to them: they turned aside quickly out of the way in which their fathers walked, obeying the commandments of Yahweh. They didn’t do so. 18 When Yahweh raised them up judges, then Yahweh was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it grieved Yahweh because of their groaning by reason of those who oppressed them and troubled them. 19 But it happened, when the judge was dead, that they turned back, and dealt more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down to them; they didn’t cease from their doings, nor from their stubborn way. 20 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel; and he said, "Because this nation have transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not listened to my voice; 21 I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations that Joshua left when he died; 22 that by them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of Yahweh to walk therein, as their fathers kept it, or not." 23 So Yahweh left those nations, without driving them out hastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua.

Observations: 2:2-4 Since they didn't listen to God and obey them, He will no longer help them.

2:7-15 The older generation succeeded in following God but failed to prepare the next generation to do so, in spite of God's commands to teach their kids (Dt 6), and all the ritualistic reminders.

2:16-21 These verses describe the vicious cycle of sin that plagued Israel for 300 years (and many believers today).

2:22-23 God left pagans in the land as a test of Israel's obedience. They flunked.

Application: If we're actively involved in reproducing the Biblical lifestyle in others, we'll benefit them, and keep ourselves on the right path.

Prayer: Lord who is for me and with me, but against me when I sin, don't let me lose sight of the consequences of forgetting rather than following You. May I fear You all my days. Amen.

Judges 3 Intermarriage Into Enslaved Idolatry

3:1 Now these are the nations which Yahweh left, to prove Israel by them, even as many as had not known all the wars of Canaan; 2 to teach them war...4 They were left to test Israel by them, to know whether they would listen to the commandments of Yahweh, which he commanded their fathers by Moses. 5 The children of Israel lived among the Canaanites, the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites: 6 and they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their own daughters to their sons and served their gods. 7 The children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and forgot Yahweh their God, and served the Baals and the Asheroth.

8 Therefore the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served him eight years. 9 When the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a savior to the children of Israel, who saved them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. 10 The Spirit of Yahweh came on him, and he judged Israel; and he went out to war, and Yahweh delivered Cushan Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand 11 The land had rest forty years. Othniel the son of Kenaz died.

12 The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: and Yahweh strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh. 14 The children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years. 15 But when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised them up a savior, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a man left-handed. The children of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. 16 Ehud made him a sword which had two edges, a cubit in length; and he wore it under his clothing on his right thigh. 17 He offered the tribute to Eglon king of Moab: now Eglon was a very fat man. 18 When he had made an end of offering the tribute, he sent away the people who bore the tribute. 19 But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret errand to you, king." The king said, "Keep silence!" All who stood by him went out from him. 20 Ehud came to him; and he was sitting by himself alone in the cool upper room. Ehud said, "I have a message from God to you." He arose out of his seat. 21 Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his body: 22 and the handle also went in after the blade; and the fat closed on the blade, for he didn’t draw the sword out of his body; and it came out behind. 26 Ehud escaped 27...he blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim; and the children of Israel went down with him from the hill country, and he before them. 28 He said to them, "Follow me; for Yahweh has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand." They followed him, and took the fords of the Jordan against the Moabites, and didn’t allow any man to pass over. 29 They struck of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, every lusty man, and every man of valor; and there escaped not a man. 30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. The land had rest eighty years.

31 After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck of the Philistines six hundred men with an oxgoad: and he also saved Israel.

Observations: 3:2 War against stronger opponents strengthens reliance upon God.

3:6-7 Intermarriage leads to idolatry. Sin is more contagious than holiness. Recall the sensual base of pagan worship to understand its attraction. (See end of post on Lev 1-7).

3:8 Since they didn't serve Him, God “sold” His people to a Mesopotamian king whose name means “Double wicked blackness,” and Israel served him eight years. A high price to pay for compromise.

3:9-11 When Israel repented and cried out to God, He raised up the first judge, Othneil, Caleb's son in law who had killed the giant librarians (three posts ago). The Spirit of God came upon him, enabling him to defeat the enemy, and give Israel forty years of peace, one generation.

3:12 Guess what? After getting comfortable, the next generation did evil and got eighteen years of serving fat Eglon, whom Ehud the lefty craftily killed. All Israel responds to the trumpet call and they wipe out ten thousand Moabites, yielding eighty years of peace, two generations.

3:31 Shamgar only appears here and is referenced in 5:6.

Application: It's much better to call out to God in thanksgiving for His blessing, than to cry for Him to deliver us from slavery for our stupidity.

Prayer: God thanks that You do eventually relent from Your discipline when I repent from my independence and disobedience. Better yet, may I never forget what You've done for me, so that I only serve You all my days. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God tests His people, the ones He's redeemed, guided, preserved, protected and prospered. If they keep loyal to Him, He continues to bless them. If not, He aids their opponents in making their life miserable until they repent. He takes His time in answering their cries so they will learn to remember and do what He's said.

Us in a nutshell: We are not very good students of what God has done for us, frequently failing to remember His blessings. We tend to compromise our holiness and obedience by gravitating toward those taking the low road to sensual gratification rather than spiritual growth. If we don't serve God, we will serve sin, a mean master. When we are disciplined and in pain, we can call out to God, who eventually responds after we've reaped sufficient consequences (which can go on for decades).

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Get off the Golden Calf Roller Coaster

Magic Lamp of Self Esteem

Judges complete text

Judges 1

1:1 It happened after the death of Joshua, the children of Israel asked of Yahweh, saying, "Who should go up for us first against the Canaanites, to fight against them?" 2 Yahweh said, "Judah shall go up. Behold, I have delivered the land into his hand." 3 Judah said to Simeon his brother, "Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with you into your lot." So Simeon went with him. 4 Judah went up; and Yahweh delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they struck of them in Bezek ten thousand men. 5 They found Adoni-Bezek in Bezek; and they fought against him, and they struck the Canaanites and the Perizzites. 6 But Adoni-Bezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes. 7 Adoni-Bezek said, "Seventy kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, scavenged under my table: as I have done, so God has requited me." They brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there. 8 The children of Judah fought against Jerusalem, and took it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.

9 Afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites who lived in the hill country, and in the South, and in the lowland. 10 Judah went against the Canaanites who lived in Hebron (now the name of Hebron before was Kiriath Arba); and they struck Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai. 11 From there he went against the inhabitants of Debir. (Now the name of Debir before was Kiriath Sepher.) 12 Caleb said, "He who strikes Kiriath Sepher, and takes it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter as wife." 13 Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife. 14 It happened, when she came, that she got him to ask her father for a field: and she alighted from off her donkey; and Caleb said to her, "What would you like?" 15 She said to him, "Give me a blessing; for that you have set me in the land of the South, give me also springs of water." Then Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. 16 The children of the Kenite, Moses’ brother-in-law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which is in the south of Arad; and they went and lived with the people. 17 Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they struck the Canaanites who inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. The name of the city was called Hormah. 18 Also Judah took Gaza with its border, and Ashkelon with its border, and Ekron with its border. 19 Yahweh was with Judah; and drove out the inhabitants of the hill country; for he could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. 20 They gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses had spoken: and he drove out there the three sons of Anak.

21 The children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day. 22 The house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel; and Yahweh was with them. 23 The house of Joseph sent to spy out Bethel. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.) 24 The watchers saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said to him, "Please show us the entrance into the city, and we will deal kindly with you." 25 He showed them the entrance into the city; and they struck the city with the edge of the sword; but they let the man go and all his family. 26 The man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called its name Luz, which is its name to this day. 27 Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shean and its towns, nor Taanach and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. 28 It happened, when Israel had grown strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labour, and did not utterly drive them out. 29 Ephraim didn’t drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer; but the Canaanites lived in Gezer among them. 30 Zebulun didn’t drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites lived among them, and became subject to forced labour. 31 Asher didn’t drive out the inhabitants of Acco, nor the inhabitants of Sidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob; 32 but the Asherites lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land; for they did not drive them out. 33 Naphtali didn’t drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, nor the inhabitants of Beth Anath; but he lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh and of Beth Anath became subject to forced labour. 34 The Amorites forced the children of Dan into the hill country; for they would not allow them to come down to the valley; 35 but the Amorites would dwell in Mount Heres, in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became subject to forced labour. 36 The border of the Amorites was from the ascent of Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.

Judges 2

2:1 The angel of Yahweh came up from Gilgal to Bochim. He said, "I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you to the land which I swore to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you: 2 and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars.’ But you have not listened to my voice: why have you done this? 3 Therefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you." 4 It happened, when the angel of Yahweh spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. 5 They called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there to Yahweh.

6 Now when Joshua had sent the people away, the children of Israel went every man to his inheritance to possess the land. 7 The people served Yahweh all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work of Yahweh that he had worked for Israel. 8 Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Yahweh, died, being one hundred ten years old. 9 They buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath Heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, on the north of the mountain of Gaash. 10 Also all that generation were gathered to their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, who didn’t know Yahweh, nor yet the work which he had worked for Israel. 11 The children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served the Baals; 12 and they forsook Yahweh, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed themselves down to them: and they provoked Yahweh to anger. 13 They forsook Yahweh, and served Baal and the Ashtaroth. 14 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers who despoiled them; and he sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. 15 Wherever they went out, the hand of Yahweh was against them for evil, as Yahweh had spoken, and as Yahweh had sworn to them: and they were very distressed. 16 Yahweh raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who despoiled them. 17 Yet they didn’t listen to their judges; for they played the prostitute after other gods, and bowed themselves down to them: they turned aside quickly out of the way in which their fathers walked, obeying the commandments of Yahweh. They didn’t do so. 18 When Yahweh raised them up judges, then Yahweh was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it grieved Yahweh because of their groaning by reason of those who oppressed them and troubled them. 19 But it happened, when the judge was dead, that they turned back, and dealt more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down to them; they didn’t cease from their doings, nor from their stubborn way. 20 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel; and he said, "Because this nation have transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not listened to my voice; 21 I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations that Joshua left when he died; 22 that by them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of Yahweh to walk therein, as their fathers kept it, or not." 23 So Yahweh left those nations, without driving them out hastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua.

Judges 3

3:1 Now these are the nations which Yahweh left, to prove Israel by them, even as many as had not known all the wars of Canaan; 2 only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing of it: 3 the five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal Hermon to the entrance of Hamath. 4 They were left to test Israel by them, to know whether they would listen to the commandments of Yahweh, which he commanded their fathers by Moses. 5 The children of Israel lived among the Canaanites, the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites: 6 and they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their own daughters to their sons and served their gods. 7 The children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and forgot Yahweh their God, and served the Baals and the Asheroth.

8 Therefore the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Cushan Rishathaim eight years. 9 When the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a saviour to the children of Israel, who saved them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. 10 The Spirit of Yahweh came on him, and he judged Israel; and he went out to war, and Yahweh delivered Cushan Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand: and his hand prevailed against Cushan Rishathaim. 11 The land had rest forty years. Othniel the son of Kenaz died.

12 The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: and Yahweh strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh. 13 He gathered to him the children of Ammon and Amalek; and he went and struck Israel, and they possessed the city of palm trees. 14 The children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years. 15 But when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised them up a saviour, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a man left-handed. The children of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. 16 Ehud made him a sword which had two edges, a cubit in length; and he wore it under his clothing on his right thigh. 17 He offered the tribute to Eglon king of Moab: now Eglon was a very fat man. 18 When he had made an end of offering the tribute, he sent away the people who bore the tribute. 19 But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret errand to you, king." The king said, "Keep silence!" All who stood by him went out from him. 20 Ehud came to him; and he was sitting by himself alone in the cool upper room. Ehud said, "I have a message from God to you." He arose out of his seat. 21 Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his body: 22 and the handle also went in after the blade; and the fat closed on the blade, for he didn’t draw the sword out of his body; and it came out behind. 23 Then Ehud went forth into the porch, and shut the doors of the upper room on him, and locked them. 24 Now when he was gone out, his servants came; and they saw, and behold, the doors of the upper room were locked; and they said, "Surely he is covering his feet in the upper room." 25 They waited until they were ashamed; and behold, he didn’t open the doors of the upper room: therefore they took the key, and opened them, and behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth. 26 Ehud escaped while they waited, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped to Seirah. 27 It happened, when he had come, that he blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim; and the children of Israel went down with him from the hill country, and he before them. 28 He said to them, "Follow me; for Yahweh has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand." They followed him, and took the fords of the Jordan against the Moabites, and didn’t allow any man to pass over. 29 They struck of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, every lusty man, and every man of valour; and there escaped not a man. 30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. The land had rest eighty years.

31 After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck of the Philistines six hundred men with an oxgoad: and he also saved Israel.