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Job 1,2,13,19 The Righteous Suffer

Job 1,2,13,19 The Righteous Suffer

Bill Blurb: Now that we've finished the Historical books of the OT, we come upon the five books of Poetry, which will be followed by the Major, then Minor Prophets. Since we've been slicing and dicing Psalms and Proverbs, we won't be covering them in the sequential text portion of the blog (like Genesis to Esther). The hallmark of Hebrew poetry is not rhyming like a Hallmark card, but repetition and parallelism of ideas and concepts, expressed in scintillating symbolism. Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon will be given a brief overview in the next posts, and then we will savor them a sip at a time in future posts, after we exhaust Psalms and Proverbs. We'll also portion out Psalm 119 in more bite sized (ok, meal sized) portions so we can appreciate the unique flavor of each taste, rather than choke on the huge amount of Truth in the psalm. Bon Appétit!

For those of you who like categorization (and alliteration):

Job teaches how to have the our (w)right place in life;
Psalms teach how to have worshipful praise in our life;
Proverbs teach how to have wise practices in our life;
Ecclesiastes teaches how to have worthwhile purpose in our life;
Song of Songs teaches how to have wondrous passion in our life.

OK, I'll stop now.

Psalm 69:16-36 Praise is More Pleasing

Ps 69:22 “(13 But as for me, my prayer is to you, Yahweh, in an acceptable time. God, in the abundance of your hesed/loyal love, answer me in the faithfulness of your salvation.) Let their table before them become a snare. May it become a retribution and a trap. 23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they can’t see. Let their backs be continually bent. 24 Pour out your indignation on them. Let the fierceness of your anger overtake them. 25 Let their habitation be desolate. Let no one dwell in their tents. 26 For they persecute him whom you have wounded. They tell of the sorrow of those whom you have hurt. 27 Charge them with crime upon crime. Don’t let them come into your righteousness. 28 Let them be blotted out of the book of life, and not be written with the righteous. 29 But I am in pain and distress. Let your salvation, God, protect me.

30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. 31 It will please Yahweh better than an ox, or a bull that has horns and hoofs. 32 The humble have seen it, and are glad. You who seek after God, let your heart live. 33 For Yahweh hears the needy, and doesn’t despise his captive people. 34 Let heaven and earth praise him; the seas, and everything that moves therein! 35 For God will save Zion, and build the cities of Judah. They shall settle there, and own it. 36 The children also of his servants shall inherit it. Those who love his name shall dwell therein."

Observations: 69:1-21 See post on Judges 19 for vv 1-21, in which David asks God for deliverance from his enemies, and acknowledges that he isn't entirely blameless (69:5). However, his persecution isn't because of his sin, but his zeal for God.

69:22-36 In the last half of the psalm David expresses confidence in God's hesed to not only deliver him, but pay back his enemies. His calling down curses upon them might look a little severe, but then he is only asking God to act justly. Blotting out their name from the book of life might be a reference to the removal of them from the register of those who participation in the rule or blessings of the kingdom. The wicked will not inherit blessing.

David vows to praise God with thanksgiving, which He likes more than burnt offerings. The humble who depend on God will rejoice in the testimony of God's deliverance of His people. David looks forward to God saving Zion, regathering the people and fulfilling His promises in the Kingdom.

Application: Trust and resultant praise to God for deliverance is more pleasing to Him than a bunch of burnt animals, or any material thing we could give Him.

Prayer: God, thanks that You are the God who saves, and sets things right; I will be faithful to trust and praise You so You can be exalted in the eyes of others. Amen.

Proverbs 18:9 Sluggards Are Sinners

Pr 18:9 “One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction.“

Observations: 18:9 Sluggards are lower life forms that cause damage and destruction by not doing what should be done, when it should be done. It sounds like they lack wisdom (choosing the right objectives and the means of attaining them), and thus fear of the Lord. That would pretty much put them in the fool category. They waste the hours of their days by not heartily using them for the Lord's purposes, failing to build a legacy or a witness. They waste the precious minutes of others by being unfaithful and unreliable, contributing to nothing except the selfish pursuit of their temporal ease. Time is the interval during which we get blessed or cursed. Guess the destiny of the sluggard as a result of how they used their allotment of time. See Faithfulness with our Time. to get a grip on stewardship of the 10080 minutes God entrust to you each week. The outline is also at the end of the TOYL Booklet.

Application: If you happen to catch sight of a sluggard in the mirror, spend a little time cleansing yourself from the deadly sin of sloth by studying the Saga of the Sorry Sluggard.

Prayer: Lord, help me invest every precious minute You've given me for Your purposes, be it work or play, so You'll be glorified. Amen.

Job 1,2,13,19 This is considered the oldest book of the Bible, almost a prelude or “porch” to the “temple” of Genesis to Deuteronomy. It describes life in patriarchal times, before the Law was given. The postscript of the Septuagint version is worth noting (under Digging Deeper). There are some plausible arguments for Mosaic authorship there as well. In this and the next post, we'll look at some key chapters from the beginning, middle, and end of Job, and then explore the individual chapters as “Psalms” later in the blog.

A frequent hang-up to a correct understanding of God as revealed in the Scriptures is: “Why do the righteous suffer if God is all loving and powerful? He should be willing and able to do something about the evil we see and experience in our world." This is answered under the 7QUESTIONS and in sermons on suffering on Truthbase.net, but for now, the Book of Job shows us that we don't have the entire story, just like the main character and his “friends.”

Job 1 God Gives and Takes Away, Blessed Be His Name

1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God, and turned away from/eschewed evil. 2 There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. 3 His possessions also were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the children of the east. 4 His sons went and held a feast in the house of each one on his birthday; and they sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 It was so, when the days of their feasting had run their course, that Job sent and sanctified/purified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned, and renounced God in their hearts." Job did so continually.

6 Now it happened on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan also came among them. 7 Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." 8 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant, Job? For there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from/eschews evil." 9 Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Haven’t you made a hedge around him, and around his house, and around all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will renounce you to your face." 12 Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power. Only on himself don’t put forth your hand." So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh.

13 It fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house, 14 that there came a messenger to Job, and said, "The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 and the Sabeans attacked, and took them away. Yes, they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you." 16 While he was still speaking, there also came another, and said, "The fire of God has fallen from the sky, and has burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you." 17 While he was still speaking, there came also another, and said, "The Chaldeans made three bands, and swept down on the camels, and have taken them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you." 18 While he was still speaking, there came also another, and said, "Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house, 19 and behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young men, and they are dead. I alone have escaped to tell you."

20 Then Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down on the ground, and worshiped. 21 He said, "Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. Yahweh gave, and Yahweh has taken away. Blessed be the name of Yahweh." 22 In all this, Job did not sin, nor charge God with wrongdoing.

Observations: 1:1-5 Job is described as blameless, upright, fearing God and eschewing evil, by both the author and God himself. To deny this was true is to follow Satan's tactic of denying truth. Job is great, and blessed, and scrupulous in even offering sacrifices for his children, so they don't come under God's wrath. A real God-fearer.

1:6-12 Satan stops by to have tea with God (so much for the idea that God can't look upon evil, a total perversion of Hab 1:13 perpetrated by those oblivious to context). Only a divinely inspired author could have insight into this heavenly conversation (just like divine inspiration was necessary to listen in on Genesis 1). God brags to Satan about His super servant Job. Satan says Job only serves for the benefits, making God look like a bribing parent who can only get their kids to behave by buying them a candy bar or a BMW. God gives Satan permission to take all that God had given Job.

1:13-22 Note the forces that Satan commands, lightning, wind, and the usual bad guy.

Job responds blamelessly, mourning the loss of his children, but recognizing that all he had was the blessing of God, on loan to Him.

Application: Do you view your possessions and relationships as a blessing entrusted to you by God as a stewardship? Or do you think it's your stuff to do with as you please? If the former, you can bless God when you no longer have it.

Prayer: God, thanks that You bless your servants who fear and obey You; may I hold all Your blessings with an open hand, knowing You may require them back at any moment. Amen.

Job 2 Blameless and Upright, Fearing God, Eschewing Evil

2:1 Again it happened on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan came also among them to present himself before Yahweh. 2 Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." 3 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? For there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from/eschews evil. He still maintains his integrity, although you incited me against him, to ruin him without cause." 4 Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Skin for skin. Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But put forth your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce you to your face." 6 Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand. Only spare his life."

7 So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh, and struck Job with painful sores from the sole of his foot to his head. 8 He took for himself a potsherd to scrape himself with, and he sat among the ashes. 9 Then his wife said to him, "Do you still maintain your integrity? Renounce God, and die." 10 But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" In all this Job didn’t sin with his lips.

11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him, they each came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him. 12 When they lifted up their eyes from a distance, and didn’t recognize him, they raised their voices, and wept; and they each tore his robe, and sprinkled dust on their heads toward the sky. 13 So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.

Observations: 2:1-6 Satan loses round one, and comes back for more. This time God allows him to physically afflict Job, noting again, that there is no cause in Job for the evil that befalls him.

2:7-10 Job lost power, pleasure, and possessions, now the physical pain starts. Never helpful nagging wife was not killed in chapter one so she could add to his affliction here. Job maintains his blamelessness by recognizing God is in the heavens and can do as He pleases, sending good to evil guys or evil to good guys, according to His purposes.

2:11-13 Job's “friends” come on the scene, sitting with him to share his grief. They will be used in the rest of the book to make arguments that Job's afflictions are consequences of his sinful actions. In doing so, they say much that is generally true, but not the truth about Job's situation. In responding to them, Job maintains his innocence and gives a great picture of blameless righteousness.

Application: If we know we're walking righteously, we can trust that the hand of God is upon us for good, even when bad things happen.

Prayer: God, may my response to the “bad” things in my life be a reaffirmation of Your infinite goodness, justice, and sovereignty. Amen.

Job 13 If God Slays Me, I'll Still Trust Him

13:1 "Behold, my eye has seen all this. My ear has heard and understood it. 2 What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you. 3 "Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God. 4 But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value. 5 Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise. 6 Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips. 7 Will you speak unrighteously for God, and talk deceitfully for him? 12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, your defenses are defenses of clay. 13 "Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will.

14 Why should I take my life in my teeth, and put my life in my hand? 15 Though, he slay me, even so, I will trust Him (KJV) Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him. 16 This also shall be my salvation, that a godless man shall not come before him. 17 Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears. 18 See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous. 19 Who is he who will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit.

20 "Only don’t do two things to me; then I will not hide myself from your face: 21 withdraw your hand far from me; and don’t let your terror make me afraid. 22 Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you answer me. 23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin. 24 Why hide you your face, and hold me for your enemy? 25 Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble? 26 For you write bitter things against me, and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth: 27 You also put my feet in the stocks, and mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet, 28 though I am decaying like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.

Observations: 13:1-13 Job berates his “friends” for their foolish and irrelevant “insights.” Those who understand the parallelism of Hebrew poetry will appreciate the humor of verse 4 (unless you're a doctor). He asks them to keep silent, and then asks God to speak in the last section (13:20-27).

13:14-19 Job laments the extreme deprivation to which he has been brought, and then makes the martyr's confession: Even if God kills me, I will trust Him. This affirmation of the goodness and trustworthiness of God is the ultimate answer to Satan's provocation of 2:5. Then Job rightfully maintains his innocence of wrongdoing, knowing that it will turn out for his salvation and vindication, because he is indeed, innocent.

13:20-27 It's a good idea to ask God to reveal our sin if we want to get rid of it. Job asks God to tell him what He wants him to do, and he'll do it; or to answer Job's request and tell him what he's doing wrong. The silent treatment is torment.

Application: If God allows us to live or die, we can always trust in His goodness, righteous, and justice. He will make it up to us.

Matthew 5:11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Prayer: God, You have revealed Yourself to be infinitely good and just and powerful, so I can always trust that You are doing what is in my best interest, even if I'm martyred. Amen.

Job 19 I Know That My Redeemer Lives

19:1 Then Job answered, 2 "How long will you torment me, and crush me with words? 3 You have reproached me ten times. You aren’t ashamed that you attack me. 4 If it is true that I have erred, my error remains with myself. 5 If indeed you will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach; 6 know now that God has subverted me, and has surrounded me with his net. 7 "Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard. I cry for help, but there is no justice.

8 He has walled up my way so that I can’t pass, and has set darkness in my paths. 9 He has stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head. 10 He has broken me down on every side, and I am gone. My hope he has plucked up like a tree. 11 He has also kindled his wrath against me. He counts me among his adversaries. 12 His troops come on together, build a siege ramp against me, and encamp around my tent. 13 "He has put my brothers far from me. My acquaintances are wholly estranged from me. 14 My relatives have gone away. My familiar friends have forgotten me. 15 Those who dwell in my house, and my maids, count me for a stranger. I am an alien in their sight. 16 I call to my servant, and he gives me no answer. I beg him with my mouth. 17 My breath is offensive to my wife. I am loathsome to the children of my own mother. 18 Even young children despise me. If I arise, they speak against me. 19 All my familiar friends abhor me. They whom I loved have turned against me. 20 My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh. I have escaped by the skin of my teeth. 21 "Have pity on me, have pity on me, you my friends; for the hand of God has touched me. 22 Why do you persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?

23 "Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! 24 That with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! 25 But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end, he will stand upon the earth. 26 After my skin is destroyed, then in my flesh shall I see God, 27 Whom I, even I, shall see on my side. My eyes shall see, and not as a stranger. "My heart yearns within me. 28 If you say, ‘How we will persecute him!’ because the root of the matter is found in me, 29 be afraid of the sword, for wrath brings the punishments of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment."

Observations: 19:1-7 Job tries to shame his “friends” for they attack him unjustly. The consequences he's experiencing are not his own doing, they are God's doing (good insight Job!).

19:8-22 These are some of the most pitiful verses of anguish in the Bible, which make Job's following confident expression of faith astonishing.

19:23-29 Job wishes his words could be recorded so every matter could be established (they were). He then makes one of the greatest confessions of the Bible, especially in light of 19:8-22; He knows that his redeemer/rescuer live/exists, and will vindicate him, upon the earth, which implies Job is around, on the earth for a final vindication. Job makes the case for life/resurrection after death in verses 26-27; after his skin is destroyed, he will, in his flesh, see God, who will be on his side. Job warns his “friends” that while he will do well in the judgment, they might not.

Application: Know that God will vindicate the righteousness of His servants and cause them to stand in triumph on the earth. It's not over, until the day after the last trumpet sounds.

Prayer: My Redeemer and Sustainer of my soul, I know that You live, and will act in my best interest at the time that best suits Your purposes, whenever that may be. (It's OK with me.) Amen.

Digging Deeper:

The Septuagint Ending Of The Book Of Job.

Appendix 62 Bullinger's Companion Bible

In the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament into Greek, there is a long subscription. A similar subscription is found in the Arabic Version. It professes to be taken out of "the Syriac book"; but there is nothing to be found of it in the Syriac Version as published in Walton's Polyglot. It was doubtless written B.C. It is interesting, especially when compared with the notes on p. 666/7 (in the Companion Bible, where you'll find a decent case for Mosaic authorship), but what authority there is for it is not stated.

The last verse of Job (42:17), "And Job died, an old man, and full of days," reads on as follows:

"And it is written that he will rise up again with those whom the Lord raises up.

"This man is described in the Syriac book as dwelling in the land of Ausis, on the borders of Idumea and Arabia; and his name before was Jobab; and having taken an Arabian wife, he begat a son whose name was Ennon. He himself was the son of his father Zara, a son of the sons of Esau, and of his mother Bosorrha, so that he was the fifth from Abraham. And these were the kings who reigned in Edom, which country he also ruled over. First Balak the son of Beor, and the name of his city was Dennaba. After Balak, Jobab, who is called Job: and after him, Asom, who was governor out of the country of Thaeman; and after him Adad, the son of Barad, that destroyed Madiam in the plain of Moab; and the name of his city was Gethaim. And the friends that came to him were Eliphaz of the sons of Esau, king of the Thaemanites, Baldad sovereign of the Sauchaens, Sophar, king of the Minaeans".

God in a nutshell: God is working out a bigger purpose on earth than our comfort and salvation. Creation and the human race exist for His glory. God is infinite, with purposes which are beyond our cursory understanding, but are revealed in Scripture if we seek for them. He is worthy of our trust regardless of our circumstances because His character is totally trustworthy. He lets His servants suffer, using them for His glory, in ways they don't always initially comprehend. He can look upon evil, and has tea with Satan on Monday and Wednesday afternoon. They play bridge on Friday :)

Point to Ponder: Satan fell because he underestimated the infinite nature of God. A third of the angels, who are pretty smart critters, placed their bets on Satan, because, as far as they could see, Satan, the highest created being, looked like he could defeat God. Satan and the angels grasped at the glory and lost, because there was more to God than met their eyes.

Us in a nutshell: Sin always results in suffering, but suffering is not always a result of sin, but is used by God to purify and reward us, and glorify Himself. It's not about us. We're just pawns, but richly rewarded pawns, in the chess match between God and Satan, to teach Satan that he should have obeyed (more in next post; Ephesians 3:8-11). We need to respond to the difficulties of our existence with the awareness that all we have is a gift of God, entrusted into our stewardship, which can be recalled without warning. It is possible to live a blameless and upright life in the sight of God if we fear Him and eschew (a great word to know and do) evil.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Job complete text

Job 1

4 His sons went and held a feast in the house of each one on his birthday; and they sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 It was so, when the days of their feasting had run their course, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned, and renounced God in their hearts." Job did so continually.

6 Now it happened on the day when God’s sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan also came among them. 7 Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." 8 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant, Job? For there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil." 9 Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Haven’t you made a hedge around him, and around his house, and around all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will renounce you to your face." 12 Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power. Only on himself don’t put forth your hand." So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh.

20 Then Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down on the ground, and worshipped. 21 He said, "Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. Yahweh gave, and Yahweh has taken away. Blessed be the name of Yahweh." 22 In all this, Job did not sin, nor charge God with wrongdoing.

Job 2

2:1 Again it happened on the day when the God’s sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan came also among them to present himself before Yahweh. 2 Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." 3 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? For there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil. He still maintains his integrity, although you incited me against him, to ruin him without cause." 4 Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Skin for skin. Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But put forth your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce you to your face." 6 Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand. Only spare his life."

Job 13

13:1 "Behold, my eye has seen all this. My ear has heard and understood it. 2 What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you. 3 "Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God. 4 But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value. 5 Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise. 6 Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips. 7 Will you speak unrighteously for God, and talk deceitfully for him? 8 Will you show partiality to him? Will you contend for God? 9 Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceives a man, will you deceive him? 10 He will surely reprove you if you secretly show partiality. 11 Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall on you? 12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, your defences are defences of clay.

13 "Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will. 14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand? 15 Behold, he will kill me. I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him. 16 This also shall be my salvation, that a godless man shall not come before him. 17 Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears. 18 See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous. 19 Who is he who will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit. 20 "Only don’t do two things to me; then I will not hide myself from your face: 21 withdraw your hand far from me; and don’t let your terror make me afraid. 22 Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you answer me.

23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin. 24 Why hide you your face, and hold me for your enemy? 25 Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble? 26 For you write bitter things against me, and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth: 27 You also put my feet in the stocks, and mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet, 28 though I am decaying like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.

Job 19

23 "Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! 24 That with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! 25 But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end, he will stand upon the earth. 26 After my skin is destroyed, then in my flesh shall I see God, 27 Whom I, even I, shall see on my side. My eyes shall see, and not as a stranger. "My heart is consumed within me. 28 If you say, ‘How we will persecute him!’ because the root of the matter is found in me, 29 be afraid of the sword, for wrath brings the punishments of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment."

2 Samuel 15-17 Absalom Rebels and David Runs

Psalm 47:5-9 The King is Exalted

Psalm 47:5 (2 For Yahweh Most High is awesome. He is a great King over all the earth. 3 He subdues nations under us, and peoples under our feet. 4 He chooses our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacob whom He loved. Selah.)

5 God has gone up with a shout, Yahweh with the sound of a trumpet. 6 Sing praise to God, sing praises. Sing praises to our King, sing praises. 7 For God is the King of all the earth. Sing praises with understanding. 8 God reigns over the nations. God sits on His holy throne. 9 The princes of the peoples are gathered together, the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God. He is greatly exalted!"

Observations: 47:1-4 See this post for vv 1-4, on exalting Yahweh the King who has prospered Jacob's descendants.

47:5-9 The psalmist praises God for His ascent as King over all the earth. In the first half of the psalm He is seen as the one who subdues their enemies under them. In the second half He is envisioned as reigning over the nations from His holy throne, in Jerusalem, in fulfillment of the promises to Abraham (Gen 12). The rulers of the nations/peoples will be the people of the God of Abraham. His rule will bless the entire earth in the future, and at that time He will be greatly exalted, which is His purpose in creation. God will be exalted and seen as ruler over all; we don't yet see this (Hebrews 2:8) but we will.

Application: Just because we don't see the immediate fulfillment of God's promises doesn't mean they won't happen; trust the God who will do what He's promised.

Prayer: My God, thanks for the victories You've brought about in my life, may I never doubt the total and complete fulfillment of all You've promised. Amen.

Proverbs 13:10 Path to Peace and Intimacy

Pr 13:10 “ Pride only breeds quarrels, but with the well-advised is wisdom.“

Observations: 13:10 The proud sinner has to have things their way, and they fight until they get it, doing the devil's will. The humble seeks advice in the fear of God, gaining wisdom (the right, God-glorifying objectives) and a lower blood pressure. James elaborates on this theme of how prideful desires are demonic and alienate us from both God and others.

James 3:13 Who is wise...show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition...15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive/willing to yield...4:1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 6 “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. (NIV)

Application: Humbly seeking God's will rather than our own results in doing the right thing and peace.

Prayer: Lord, may my worth and value come from seeking and doing Your will, and not from arrogantly insisting upon my own way. Amen.

2 Samuel 15-17 David fails to faithfully exercise the authority God gave him to judge Israel. As a result, a vacuum was created into which Absalom stepped, and he stole the hearts of Israel. David reaps the promised consequences of his sins, yet God still watches out for him. Friends and foes combine to work out God's plan to judge evil behavior and bless righteous behavior.

2 Samuel 15 Absalom Absconds with the Hearts of Israel

15:1 It happened after this, that Absalom prepared a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate. It was so, that when any man had a suit which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called to him, and said, "What city are you from?" He said, "Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel." 3 Absalom said to him, "Behold, your matters are good and right; but there is no man deputized by the king to hear you." 4 Absalom said moreover, "Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!" 5 It was so, that when any man came near to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took hold of him, and kissed him. 6 Absalom did this sort of thing to all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

7 It happened at the end of four years, that Absalom said to the king, "Please let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to Yahweh, in Hebron. 8 For your servant vowed a vow while I stayed at Geshur in Syria, saying, ‘If Yahweh shall indeed bring me again to Jerusalem, then I will serve Yahweh.’" 9 The king said to him, "Go in peace." So he arose, and went to Hebron. 10 But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron!’" 11 Two hundred men went with Absalom out of Jerusalem, who were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they didn’t know anything. 12 Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. The conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

13 A messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom." 14 David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, "Arise, and let us flee; for else none of us shall escape from Absalom. Make speed to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword." 15 The king’s servants said to the king, "Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king chooses." 16 The king went forth, and all his household after him. The king left ten women, who were concubines, to keep the house. 17 The king went forth, and all the people after him; and they stayed in Beth Merhak. 18 All his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men who came after him from Gath, passed on before the king. 19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why do you also go with us? Return, and stay with the king; for you are a foreigner, and also an exile. Return to your own place. 20 Whereas you came but yesterday, should I this day make you go up and down with us, since I go where I may? Return, and take back your brothers. Hesed/covenantal loyalty and faithfulness be with you." 21 Ittai answered the king, and said, "As Yahweh lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in what place my lord the king shall is, whether for death or for life, even there also will your servant be." 22 David said to Ittai, "Go and pass over." Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones who were with him. 23 All the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

24 Behold, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God; and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people finished passing out of the city. 25 The king said to Zadok, "Carry back the ark of God into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of Yahweh, he will bring me again, and show me both it, and his habitation; 26 but if he say thus, ‘I have no delight in you’; behold, here am I. Let him do to me as seems good to him." 27 The king said also to Zadok the priest, "Aren’t you a seer? Return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 28 Behold, I will stay at the fords of the wilderness, until word comes from you to inform me." 29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem; and they stayed there. 30 David went up by the ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered, and went barefoot: and all the people who were with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

31 Someone told David, saying, "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." David said, "Yahweh, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness." 32 It happened that when David had come to the top, where God was worshiped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn, and earth on his head. 33 David said to him, "If you pass on with me, then you will be a burden to me; 34 but if you return to the city, and tell Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king. As I have been your father’s servant in time past, so will I now be your servant; then will you defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel.’ 35 Don’t you have Zadok and Abiathar the priests there with you? Therefore it shall be, that whatever thing you shall hear out of the king’s house, you shall tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son, and Jonathan, Abiathar’s son; and by them you shall send to me everything that you shall hear." 37 So Hushai, David’s friend, came into the city; and Absalom came into Jerusalem.

Observations: 15:1-6 David didn't do a good job of exercising oversight and executing judgment as shown in the years he neglected bringing Absalom back into relationship, and way in which Absalom was able to sway the heart of the Israelites. To steal their affection from David, who had made their survival and prosperity possible says much about both the fickleness of Israel and the failure of David. He was occupying his lazy-boy recliner, and not the throne. Just as David failed to carry out his kingly responsibility to lead the army and fell with Bathsheba, so now, he reaps the consequences of failing to be the shepherd and judge of Israel.

15:7-12 Deceit is a hoofmark of the devil, as is rebellion. Absalom is guilty of both in usurping the throne.

15:13-23 David, the slayer of Goliath and subduer of the Philistines, flees, rather than rely on God to protect and deliver him as he had in the past. The moral compromise with Bathsheba undermined his confidence in God. In contrast, Ittai, a foreigner like Ruth, demonstrates the kind of trust and commintment that David used to have. He will eventually reap the reward of faithfulness (18:2).

15:24-37 David sends Zadok and the ark back into the city in the hopes that God will look with favor upon him. On the Mount of Olives, David prays specifically that God will bring the counsel of his former adviser, Ahithophel, to naught. He sends Hushai as an undercover spy to undermine the counsel of Ahithophel.

Application: Neglecting God given responsibility, especially on the home front, results in ruin.

Prayer: All-wise God, show me where I might not be fulfilling the responsibilities You've entrusted to me, so I may repent and reform. Thanks. Amen.

2 Samuel 16 Friends and Foes

16:1 When David was a little past the top, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of donkeys saddled, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, and one hundred clusters of raisins, and one hundred summer fruits, and a bottle of wine. 2 The king said to Ziba, What do you mean by these? Ziba said, The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as are faint in the wilderness may drink. 3 The king said, "Where is your master’s son?" Ziba said to the king, "Behold, he is staying in Jerusalem; for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will restore me the kingdom of my father.’" 4 Then the king said to Ziba, "Behold, all that pertains to Mephibosheth is yours." Ziba said, "I do obeisance. Let me find favor in your sight, my lord, O king."

5 When king David came to Bahurim, behold, a man of the family of the house of Saul came out, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera. He came out, and cursed still as he came. 6 He cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. 7 Shimei said when he cursed, "Be gone, be gone, you man of blood, and base fellow! 8 Yahweh has returned on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned! Yahweh has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son! Behold, you are caught by your own mischief, because you are a man of blood!" 9 Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please let me go over and take off his head." 10 The king said, "What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? Because he curses, and because Yahweh has said to him, ‘Curse David’; who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’" 11 David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, "Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeks my life. How much more this Benjamite, now? Leave him alone, and let him curse; for Yahweh has invited him. 12 It may be that Yahweh will look on the wrong done to me, and that Yahweh will repay me good for the cursing of me today." 13 So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him, and cursed as he went, threw stones at him, and threw dust. 14 The king, and all the people who were with him, came weary; and he refreshed himself there.

15 Absalom, and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. 16 It happened, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, had come to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, "Long live the king! Long live the king!" 17 Absalom said to Hushai, "Is this your kindness to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?" 18 Hushai said to Absalom, "No; but whomever Yahweh, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him I will stay. 19 Again, whom should I serve? Shouldn’t I serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father’s presence, so will I be in your presence." 20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give your counsel what we shall do." 21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Go in to your father’s concubines, that he has left to keep the house. Then all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father. Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong." 22 So they spread Absalom a tent on the top of the house; and Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. 23 The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

Observations: 16:1-5 David meets Ziba who demonstrates hesed, and when asked, tells David how Mephibosheth is disloyal. David gives all that Mephibosheth has to Ziba. 2Sam 19:24-30 tells another story about Mephibosheth's loyalty, the true one. David was too quick to believe the bad report and act on it, perhaps influenced by kindness in his time of distress.

16:6-14 David responds well to another member of Saul's house, Shimei, who curses him for being a man of blood, and destroying Saul's house (not exactly the facts, another hoofprint of the devil). David knows the cursing is unjust, yet doesn't retaliate, hoping that God will notice and bless him instead.

16:15-23 Ahithophel's counsel to sleep with David's remaining concubines fulfills one of the judgments of God against David for sinning with Bathsheba in secret. God is using the rebellion of Absalom, the ingratitude and faithlessness of Israel, and the schemes of Satan to bring about His purposes, and fulfill His promise to judge David for His sin.

Application: There is no limit to what God can do, or whom He can use to bring about His purposes. People can bless or curse, but God orchestrates everything to give us the consequences we've earned.

Prayer: God, let me not put undue confidence in friends, nor fail to learn the lessons You intend from my enemies; in all, may I recognize Your hand at work. Amen.

2 Samuel 17 Conflicting Counsel

17:1 Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me now choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David tonight. 2 I will come on him while he is weary and exhausted, and will make him afraid. All the people who are with him shall flee. I will strike the king only; 3 and I will bring back all the people to you. The man whom you seek is as if all returned. All the people shall be in peace." 4 The saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. 5 Then Absalom said, "Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he says." 6 When Hushai had come to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, "Ahithophel has spoken like this. Shall we do what he says? If not, speak up." 7 Hushai said to Absalom, "The counsel that Ahithophel has given this time is not good." 8 Hushai said moreover, "You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are fierce in their minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. Your father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. 9 Behold, he is now hidden in some pit, or in some other place. It will happen, when some of them have fallen at the first, that whoever hears it will say, ‘There is a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom!’ 10 Even he who is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, will utterly melt; for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and those who are with him are valiant men. 11 But I counsel that all Israel be gathered together to you, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that you go to battle in your own person. 12 So shall we come on him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light on him as the dew falls on the ground; and of him and of all the men who are with him we will not leave so much as one. 13 Moreover, if he be gone into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there isn’t one small stone found there." 14 Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel." For Yahweh had purposed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that Yahweh might bring evil on Absalom.

15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, "Ahithophel counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way; and I have counseled this way. 16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, ‘Don’t lodge this night at the fords of the wilderness, but by all means pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people who are with him.’" 17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying by En Rogel; and a female servant used to go and tell them; and they went and told king David. For they might not be seen to come into the city. 18 But a boy saw them, and told Absalom. Then they both went away quickly, and came to the house of a man in Bahurim, who had a well in his court; and they went down there. 19 The woman took and spread the covering over the well’s mouth, and spread out bruised grain on it; and nothing was known. 20 Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house; and they said, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" The woman said to them, "They have gone over the brook of water." When they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. 21 It happened, after they had departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David; and they said to David, "Arise and pass quickly over the water; for thus has Ahithophel counseled against you." 22 Then David arose, and all the people who were with him, and they passed over the Jordan. By the morning light there lacked not one of them who had not gone over the Jordan.

23 When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey, and arose, and went home, to his city, and set his house in order, and hanged himself; and he died, and was buried in the tomb of his father. 24 Then David came to Mahanaim. Absalom passed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. 25 Absalom set Amasa over the army instead of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab’s mother. 26 Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead. 27 It happened, when David had come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, 28 brought beds, basins, earthen vessels, wheat, barley, meal, parched grain, beans, lentils, roasted grain, 29 honey, butter, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David, and for the people who were with him, to eat: for they said, "The people are hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness."

Observations: 17:1-14 Despite the fact that Ahithophel's counsel was like “an oracle of God” (16:24), Hushai is able to overturn it as David prayed. This was because God was working out His plan to bring judgment upon Absalom, who didn't bother to inquire of God.

17:15-22 Reminiscent of Rahab's hiding of the spies, David's spies get protection as well, and so do David and his men.

17:23 Ahithophel probably foresaw that since his counsel was not followed, Absalom would be defeated, and those who deserted David to aid him were as good as dead.

17:24 Absalom and all Israel went after David, according to Hushai's “bad” counsel. David gets blessed in finding loyal support from Machir and others who had sheltered Mephibosheth when David showed hesed to him for Jonathan's sake (9:4).

Application: God is able to overturn the wise plans of men to bring about His purposes, so it makes sense to seek His counsel first and foremost.

Prayer: God, thanks that You can guide me toward what's best, and thwart the plans of the wicked. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God can and does use multiple means to carry out His purposes to bless righteous behavior and punish wrongdoers, even though they may be His most choice servants. In the midst of judgment, He shows mercy, and raises up faithful people to bless and unfaithful people to curse. He orchestrates the free will choices of people to bring about His promised consequences. He overturns the counsel of the wise and adds persuasiveness to the lips of His servants to move people toward His desired ends.

Us in a nutshell: We reap what we sow; we lose when we fail to obediently do God's will, and we win when we obediently trust Him, even when reaping judgment for past sin. Failing to take proper action is as bad as actively doing what's wrong (sins of omission and commission). If we deceive and rebel against God's authority, we're doing Satan's will, and we can't possibly win in the long run, although in the short term appearances can be deceiving.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

2 Samuel 15-17 complete text

2 Samuel 15

15:1 It happened after this, that Absalom prepared him a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate. It was so, that when any man had a suit which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called to him, and said, "What city are you from?" He said, "Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel." 3 Absalom said to him, "Behold, your matters are good and right; but there is no man deputized by the king to hear you." 4 Absalom said moreover, "Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!" 5 It was so, that when any man came near to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took hold of him, and kissed him. 6 Absalom did this sort of thing to all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

7 It happened at the end of forty years, that Absalom said to the king, "Please let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to Yahweh, in Hebron. 8 For your servant vowed a vow while I stayed at Geshur in Syria, saying, ‘If Yahweh shall indeed bring me again to Jerusalem, then I will serve Yahweh.’" 9 The king said to him, "Go in peace." So he arose, and went to Hebron. 10 But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron!’" 11 Two hundred men went with Absalom out of Jerusalem, who were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they didn’t know anything. 12 Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. The conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

13 A messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom." 14 David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, "Arise, and let us flee; for else none of us shall escape from Absalom. Make speed to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword." 15 The king’s servants said to the king, "Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king chooses." 16 The king went forth, and all his household after him. The king left ten women, who were concubines, to keep the house. 17 The king went forth, and all the people after him; and they stayed in Beth Merhak. 18 All his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men who came after him from Gath, passed on before the king. 19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why do you also go with us? Return, and stay with the king; for you are a foreigner, and also an exile. Return to your own place. 20 Whereas you came but yesterday, should I this day make you go up and down with us, since I go where I may? Return, and take back your brothers. Mercy and truth be with you." 21 Ittai answered the king, and said, "As Yahweh lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in what place my lord the king shall is, whether for death or for life, even there also will your servant be." 22 David said to Ittai, "Go and pass over." Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones who were with him. 23 All the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

24 Behold, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God; and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people finished passing out of the city. 25 The king said to Zadok, "Carry back the ark of God into the city. If I find favour in the eyes of Yahweh, he will bring me again, and show me both it, and his habitation; 26 but if he say thus, ‘I have no delight in you’; behold, here am I. Let him do to me as seems good to him." 27 The king said also to Zadok the priest, "Aren’t you a seer? Return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 28 Behold, I will stay at the fords of the wilderness, until word comes from you to inform me." 29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem; and they stayed there. 30 David went up by the ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered, and went barefoot: and all the people who were with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

31 Someone told David, saying, "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." David said, "Yahweh, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness." 32 It happened that when David had come to the top, where God was worshipped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn, and earth on his head. 33 David said to him, "If you pass on with me, then you will be a burden to me; 34 but if you return to the city, and tell Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king. As I have been your father’s servant in time past, so will I now be your servant; then will you defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel.’ 35 Don’t you have Zadok and Abiathar the priests there with you? Therefore it shall be, that whatever thing you shall hear out of the king’s house, you shall tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son, and Jonathan, Abiathar’s son; and by them you shall send to me everything that you shall hear." 37 So Hushai, David’s friend, came into the city; and Absalom came into Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 16

2 Samuel 17

17:1 Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me now choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David tonight. 2 I will come on him while he is weary and exhausted, and will make him afraid. All the people who are with him shall flee. I will strike the king only; 3 and I will bring back all the people to you. The man whom you seek is as if all returned. All the people shall be in peace." 4 The saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. 5 Then Absalom said, "Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he says." 6 When Hushai had come to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, "Ahithophel has spoken like this. Shall we do what he says? If not, speak up." 7 Hushai said to Absalom, "The counsel that Ahithophel has given this time is not good." 8 Hushai said moreover, "You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are fierce in their minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. Your father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. 9 Behold, he is now hidden in some pit, or in some other place. It will happen, when some of them have fallen at the first, that whoever hears it will say, ‘There is a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom!’ 10 Even he who is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, will utterly melt; for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and those who are with him are valiant men. 11 But I counsel that all Israel be gathered together to you, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that you go to battle in your own person. 12 So shall we come on him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light on him as the dew falls on the ground; and of him and of all the men who are with him we will not leave so much as one. 13 Moreover, if he be gone into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there isn’t one small stone found there." 14 Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel." For Yahweh had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that Yahweh might bring evil on Absalom.

15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, "Ahithophel counselled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way; and I have counselled this way. 16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, ‘Don’t lodge this night at the fords of the wilderness, but by all means pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people who are with him.’" 17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying by En Rogel; and a female servant used to go and tell them; and they went and told king David. For they might not be seen to come into the city. 18 But a boy saw them, and told Absalom. Then they both went away quickly, and came to the house of a man in Bahurim, who had a well in his court; and they went down there. 19 The woman took and spread the covering over the well’s mouth, and spread out bruised grain on it; and nothing was known. 20 Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house; and they said, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" The woman said to them, "They have gone over the brook of water." When they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. 21 It happened, after they had departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David; and they said to David, "Arise and pass quickly over the water; for thus has Ahithophel counselled against you."

22 Then David arose, and all the people who were with him, and they passed over the Jordan. By the morning light there lacked not one of them who had not gone over the Jordan. 23 When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey, and arose, and went home, to his city, and set his house in order, and hanged himself; and he died, and was buried in the tomb of his father. 24 Then David came to Mahanaim. Absalom passed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. 25 Absalom set Amasa over the army instead of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab’s mother. 26 Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead. 27 It happened, when David had come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, 28 brought beds, basins, earthen vessels, wheat, barley, meal, parched grain, beans, lentils, roasted grain, 29 honey, butter, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David, and for the people who were with him, to eat: for they said, "The people are hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness."

Deuteronomy 30-31 Choose Life Or Die

Deuteronomy 30-31 Choose Life or Die

Psalm 31:15-24 Refuge and Reward

Ps 31:15 “(14 But I trust in you, Yahweh. I said, "You are my God.") 15 My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. 16 Make your face to shine on your servant. Save me in your hesed/loyal covenantal love. 17 Let me not be disappointed, Yahweh, for I have called on you. Let the wicked be disappointed. Let them be silent in Sheol. 18 Let the lying lips be mute, which speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and contempt.

19 Oh how great is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, which you have worked for those who take refuge in you, before the sons of men! 20 In the shelter of your presence you will hide them from the plotting of man. You will keep them secretly in a dwelling away from the strife of tongues. 21 Praise be to Yahweh, for he has shown me his marvelous hesed/loyal covenantal love in a strong city. 22 As for me, I said in my haste, "I am cut off from before your eyes." Nevertheless you heard the voice of my petitions when I cried to you. 23 Oh love Yahweh, all you his saints! Yahweh preserves the faithful, and fully recompenses him who behaves arrogantly. 24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh."

Observations: 31:1-14 See post on Leviticus 11 for vv 1-14, for how to confess and trust when you've caused your own trouble.

31:15-24 David calls upon God to save him from the oppression of his enemies, because they look like they will do him in. He appeals on the basis of God's hesed and his fear and trust of God. He praises God for the goodness He has stored up to pour out upon those who are faithful to Him, at just the right time.

Application: Take refuge in God, and trust in His goodness; He will not disappoint those who are loyal to Him.

Prayer: Great God, I praise You for being my refuge and help; for being loyal to Your promises; for providing what is good, so I can trust You completely. Thanks. Amen.

Proverbs 8:20-21 Wealth of Wisdom

Pr 8:20 “(18 With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity. 19 My fruit is better than fine gold...) I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice; 21 That I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.“

Observations: 8:20-21 Wisdom not only leads to temporal wealth but also eternal righteousness. Wisdom promises to fill the treasuries of those who love her and walk with her. What's not to like? So often people forsake the ways of wisdom and righteousness in the pursuit of temporal honor and gain, winding up with neither, nor enduring righteousness. Silly people; who told you to do that?

Application: Walk in the paths of wisdom, righteousness, and justice, and they'll lead to your pot of gold.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to love your ways and walk in them, so that I may receive all the blessings You have planned for me. Thanks. Amen.

Deuteronomy 30-31 There are just two chapters today to give you time to focus and digest. They are the climax of the book, the last words of Moses. (Musical types might argue for the Song of Moses in the next chapter.) There is an extended section on getting a new heart under Digging Deeper. Be asking yourself: “What did God want and expect the people to do?”

Deuteronomy 30 Change of Heart

30:1 When all these things have come on you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations, where Yahweh your God has driven you, 2 and shall return to Yahweh your God, and shall obey his voice according to all that I command you this day, you and your children, with all your heart, and with all your soul; 3 that then Yahweh your God will turn your captivity, and have compassion on you, and will return and gather you from all the peoples, where Yahweh your God has scattered you. 4 If your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of the heavens, from there will Yahweh your God gather you, and from there he will bring you back: 5 and Yahweh your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and he will do you good, and multiply you above your fathers. 6 Yahweh your God will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your seed, to love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, that you may live. 7 Yahweh your God will put all these curses on your enemies, and on those who hate you, who persecuted you. 8 You shall return and obey the voice of Yahweh, and do all his commandments which I command you this day. 9 Yahweh your God will make you abundant/plenteous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground, for good: for Yahweh will again rejoice over you for good, as he rejoiced over your fathers; 10 if you shall obey the voice of Yahweh your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law; if you turn to Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul.

11 For this commandment which I command you this day, it is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, "Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, and make us to hear it, that we may do it?" 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, "Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it to us, and make us to hear it, that we may do it?" 14 But the word is very near to you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it.

19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse: therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that you may live, you and your seed; 20 to love Yahweh your God, to obey his voice, and to cling to him; for he is your life, and the length of your days; that you may dwell in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

Observations: 30:1 Note that God expected Israel to reap both the blessings and curses based upon their obedience. When they chose to obey, they'd be blessed. When they chose to disobey, they'd be cursed. When in the process of being cursed/disciplined, they recalled what God had promised, and returned to Him, He would graciously return to them. (Read Romans 11 if you don't know it.)

30:6 After they recall these words and return to God, then He will circumcise (make sensitive) their hearts. In Dt 10:16 “Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked.” the people had the responsibility to do this. Ditto in Jer 4:4. However in Jer 32:39, again after they repent and return, He will regather and give them a new heart. See New Covenant under Digging Deeper (below).

30:10 Just like these were the conditions for blessing before Israel was disciplined, so they are the conditions after they return from being disciplined.

30:11-14 Anyone who says God gave the law to show people they couldn't keep it must not have these verses in their Bible.

30:15-20 It should be clear to all but the most hardened of heart, that God gives people a choice, and implores them to choose correctly. Their consequences are dependent upon their actions. I implore you to understand these two chapters, the climax of the law, especially this paragraph. Life and death are covenantal terms. In covenantal terminology, “to live” is to exercise dominion under the terms of a covenant; “to die” is to be deprived of dominion under the terms of a covenant. An Ancient Near East text reads something like: “...he was an unfaithful vassal so I 'put him to death' and led him captive in chains to my capital city, where he served out the rest of his days in my dungeon.” A suzerain (greater power) deposed a vassal (lesser power) of a position or rulership, and the term used was “to slay, or put to death,” yet the guy is still alive in the dungeon. This is similar to Adam and Eve being told they would die in the day they ate the forbidden fruit, yet they are still living and playing hide 'n seek with God. What Adam and Eve and the unfaithful vassal lost was dominion, or the right to rule. Adam and Eve were deprived of glory/rulership (discovered they were naked because their glory departed. See Genesis 3 post). The unfaithful vassal was also “killed” under the terms of the covenant. Israel would not be top nation (deposed) if they were unfaithful. Unfaithful servants in the NT don't rule with Christ either. Way before Spock said “Live long and prosper” God gave Israel the choice to experience that blessing through faithful obedience.

Heaven and earth are the witnesses of God giving Israel the choice, because they would be around a long time, to testify to the words God spoke to the nation.

Question: Are the choices you're making going to result in God's blessing or discipline?

Application: In the words of God though Moses: 14 But the word is very near to you, and in your heart, that you may do it. 19 therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that you may live, 20 to love Yahweh your God, to obey his voice, and to cling to him; for he is your life,

Prayer: God, I accept your offer of life; may I live it abundantly as a result of Your blessings; may I also be careful to love, obey, and cling to You all my days. Thanks for making this possible. Amen.

Deuteronomy 31 Be Strong and Courageous

31:1 Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel. 2 He said to them, "I am one hundred twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: and Yahweh has said to me, ‘You shall not go over this Jordan.’ 3 Yahweh your God, he will go over before you; he will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua shall go over before you, as Yahweh has spoken. 4 Yahweh will do to them as he did to Sihon and to Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land; whom he destroyed. 5 Yahweh will deliver them up before you, and you shall do to them according to all the commandment which I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous, don’t be afraid, nor be scared of them: for Yahweh your God, he it is who does go with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you." 7 Moses called to Joshua, and said to him in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous: for you shall go with this people into the land which Yahweh has sworn to their fathers to give them; and you shall cause them to inherit it. 8 Yahweh, he it is who does go before you; he will be with you, he will not fail you, neither forsake you: don’t be afraid, neither be dismayed."

9 Moses wrote this law, and delivered it to the priests the sons of Levi, who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, and to all the elders of Israel. 10 Moses commanded them, saying, "At the end of every seven years, in the set time of the year of release, in the feast of tents, 11 when all Israel has come to appear before Yahweh your God in the place which he shall choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones, and your foreigner who is within your gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear Yahweh your God, and observe to do all the words of this law; 13 and that their children, who have not known, may hear, and learn to fear Yahweh your God, as long as you live in the land where you go over the Jordan to possess it."

14 Yahweh said to Moses, "Behold, your days approach that you must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the Tent of Meeting, that I may commission him." Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the Tent of Meeting. 15 Yahweh appeared in the Tent in a pillar of cloud: and the pillar of cloud stood over the door of the Tent. 16 Yahweh said to Moses, "Behold, you shall sleep with your fathers; and this people will rise up, and play the prostitute after the strange gods of the land, where they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them. 17 Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall come on them; so that they will say in that day, ‘Haven’t these evils come on us because our God is not among us?’ 18 I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evil which they shall have worked, in that they are turned to other gods. 19 "Now therefore write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. 20 For when I shall have brought them into the land which I swore to their fathers, flowing with milk and honey, and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and grown fat; then will they turn to other gods, and serve them, and despise me, and break my covenant. 21 It shall happen, when many evils and troubles have come on them, that this song shall testify before them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their intentions which they frame this day, before I have brought them into the land which I swore."

22 So Moses wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel. 23 He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, "Be strong and courageous; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them: and I will be with you." 24 It happened, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished, 25 that Moses commanded the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, saying, 26 "Take this book of the law, and put it by the side of the ark of the covenant of Yahweh your God, that it may be there for a witness against you. 27 For I know your rebellion, and your stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, you have been rebellious against Yahweh; and how much more after my death? 28 Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to witness against them. 29 For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will happen to you in the latter days; because you will do that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands." 30 Moses spoke in the ears of all the assembly of Israel the words of this song, until they were finished.

Observations: 31:1-8 Note the emphasis on God, as the basis of not fearing. God would not forsake them if they wouldn't forsake Him. However, if they forsook God (31:16-17), He would forsake them. Although God would deliver the nations to Israel, He still had a job for them to do (31:5)

31:10, 19-26 God's major means to bring about blessing (Plan A) in the lives of His people is His word. They were to read/hear it, sing it, keep in their lives and in the Ark. Plan B is disastrous consequences, evils and troubles for forsaking Him, to help folks come to the awareness that God was not in their midst. In their sin, God appeals to their reason: If God seems far away, guess who moved?

31:16-21 God's grace is so obvious in giving Israel the land and blessing them in it as a result of their initial obedience, even though He knew they would forsake Him as soon as life got comfy. His same grace disciplines them so they might turn back.

31:29 Moses is getting a little curmudgeonly in his old age. In order for someone to be blessed they had to follow and obey God. In order to rebel and corrupt themselves, and turn aside, they had to have been first following God. The evil will happen to them because of their choice to do wrong. God did not ordain their obedience nor disobedience, just the consequences that would come from exercising their will correctly or incorrectly.

Application: The key to exercising one's will correctly in choosing obedience is to simply follow what God said in 31:12 - “hear, that they may learn, and fear the LORD God, and observe to do all the words of this law.” If you don't feed on the word every day, you'll fail to walk in way of life.

Prayer: Lord of my life, keep my head and heart in Your words, and my feet on the path to life. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

Getting a New Heart

30:6 After God's chosen yet cursed/disciplined people (who had experienced blessing as a group and were now experiencing cursing as a group - 30:1) recall His promises and return to God, and obey wholeheartedly (30:2) then He will circumcise their hearts. That's after they decide to do things God's way, and actually do it wholeheartedly.

A circumcised heart is one that is sensitive to God. Remember that the heart is where values reside and decisions are made. The fool has no room for God's law in the decision-making process, preferring to live independently of His revelation (independence is the essence of sin).

God's people are given the responsibility to circumcise their own hearts.

Earlier in the book they were given this command: Dt 10:12 “Now, Israel, what does Yahweh your God require of you, but to fear Yahweh your God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 to keep the commandments of Yahweh, and his statutes, which I command you this day for your good?

16 “Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked.” The people had the responsibility to do this.

Later in their history, in Jeremiah 4:4, they are told to return to God and circumcise themselves, in order to avoid God's wrath and exile: “Circumcise yourselves to Yahweh, and take away the foreskins of your heart, you men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn so that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.”

So how does one circumcise their heart and make it tender towards God? Keep reading.

However, in the future, according to Jeremiah 31:33, again after they repent and return, He will regather and put His law in their hearts. This is part of the New Covenant that God will make with the regathered Israel.

Jer 31:31 31 "Indeed, a time is coming," says the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. 32 It will not be like the old covenant that I made with their ancestors when I delivered them from Egypt. For they violated that covenant, even though I was like a faithful husband to them," says the LORD. 33 "But I will make a new covenant with the whole nation of Israel after I plant them back in the land," says the LORD. "I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts and minds. I will be their God and they will be my people. 34 "People will no longer need to teach their neighbors and relatives to know me. For all of them, from the least important to the most important, will know me," says the LORD. "For I will forgive their sin and will no longer call to mind the wrong they have done."(NET)

Jeremiah 32 goes on to indicate that when the law is in their hearts there is no room for competing values (v39), and it results in fearing God so they won't sin (cf. Proverbs on fearing God and wisdom).

Jer 32:37 I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. 38 They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. 40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me.(NIV)

The Prophet Ezekiel also speaks of the reversal of the earned curses and return to the land, with promise of a different heart. The new heart is tender toward God, rather than stony, with single intent, resulting in the kind of obedience that allows God to have an intimate relationship with them. Note the addition of a different spirit as well. Both Ezek 11:18 and 11:19 start with a “waw consecutive” in Hebrew, indicating a sequence of events, correctly translated as “and” or “then”. Some translations obscure it or omit it. After they repent (Dt 30:1) and God regathers and they remove the idols THEN God will give a new heart. God will destroy those whose hearts are devoted to the idols and who don't remove them (11:21). So God doesn't give the blessing of the covenant to everyone, only those who obey. So not every returning Israelite would have the right heart. Notice also that the giving of a new heart is dependent upon obedience, not the other way around. Again, the hallmark of having a circumcised/sensitive heart with the law written on it, is obedience.

Ezek 11:12 Then (after being judged) you will know that I am the LORD, whose statutes you have not followed and whose regulations you have not carried out. Instead you have behaved according to the standards/customs of the nations around you!'"

18 “And they will return to it (the land) and remove all its vile images and detestable idols. 19 And I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God. 21 But as for those whose hearts are devoted to their vile images and detestable idols, I will bring down on their own heads what they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD.” (NIV)

Ezek 36:26 I will also give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my ordinances, and do them.

So how do you get a new heart? You don't have to wait for God to regather Israel in the land. Write the law on it yourself, by purposefully obeying it, and ingraining it in your value system. Check out the following verses to see the do-ability of the task. See Joshua 1:7-8 (in a couple of posts) for more.

Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments: 3 Let not hesed/loyal love and truth/faithfulness forsake you: bind them around your neck; write them upon the table of your heart:

Proverbs 4:1 My son, keep my words. Store up my commandments within you. 2 Keep my commandments and live! Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye. 3 Bind them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Psalm 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart. None of his steps shall slide.

Psalm 40:8 I delight to do your will, my God. Yes, your law is within my heart."

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Isaiah 51:7 "Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; don’t fear the reproach of men, neither be dismayed at their insults.

Romans 7:22 For I delight in God’s law after the inward man,

2 Corinthians 3:3 being revealed that you are a letter of Christ, served by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tablets of stone, but in tablets that are hearts of flesh.

God in a nutshell: God wants an intimate relationship with people so He can bless them and be praised and glorified. He gives them a choice to get blessed or cursed. He graciously gives good things to His people, knowing that some will choose to forsake Him. He graciously gives bad things to His disobedient people knowing that some will choose to repent and return. In the process He displays His multifaceted character. He gives His word, and incentives to keep in guiding the wills and actions of His people.

Us in a nutshell: We receive blessing or cursing entirely dependent upon our response to Truth (God's word). If we obey (good choice), life gets good, and we are tempted to ease up on our pursuit of God (bad choice). God appeals to our mind/reason through the word (30:1) to get us to repent (change mind) when sinning. If we are reaping negative consequences, we can choose to reverse them by our obedience (but scars will remain).

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Deuteronomy complete text

Deuteronomy 30

30:1 It shall happen, when all these things have come on you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations, where Yahweh your God has driven you, 2 and shall return to Yahweh your God, and shall obey his voice according to all that I command you this day, you and your children, with all your heart, and with all your soul; 3 that then Yahweh your God will turn your captivity, and have compassion on you, and will return and gather you from all the peoples, where Yahweh your God has scattered you. 4 If your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of the heavens, from there will Yahweh your God gather you, and from there he will bring you back: 5 and Yahweh your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and he will do you good, and multiply you above your fathers. 6 Yahweh your God will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your seed, to love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, that you may live. 7 Yahweh your God will put all these curses on your enemies, and on those who hate you, who persecuted you. 8 You shall return and obey the voice of Yahweh, and do all his commandments which I command you this day. 9 Yahweh your God will make you plenteous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground, for good: for Yahweh will again rejoice over you for good, as he rejoiced over your fathers; 10 if you shall obey the voice of Yahweh your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law; if you turn to Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul.

15 Behold, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil; 16 in that I command you this day to love Yahweh your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his ordinances, that you may live and multiply, and that Yahweh your God may bless you in the land where you go in to possess it. 17 But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but shall be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; 18 I denounce to you this day, that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land, where you pass over the Jordan to go in to possess it. 19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse: therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your seed; 20 to love Yahweh your God, to obey his voice, and to cling to him; for he is your life, and the length of your days; that you may dwell in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

Deuteronomy 31

14 Yahweh said to Moses, "Behold, your days approach that you must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the Tent of Meeting, that I may commission him." Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the Tent of Meeting. 15 Yahweh appeared in the Tent in a pillar of cloud: and the pillar of cloud stood over the door of the Tent. 16 Yahweh said to Moses, "Behold, you shall sleep with your fathers; and this people will rise up, and play the prostitute after the strange gods of the land, where they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them. 17 Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall come on them; so that they will say in that day, ‘Haven’t these evils come on us because our God is not among us?’ 18 I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evil which they shall have worked, in that they are turned to other gods. 19 "Now therefore write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. 20 For when I shall have brought them into the land which I swore to their fathers, flowing with milk and honey, and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and grown fat; then will they turn to other gods, and serve them, and despise me, and break my covenant. 21 It shall happen, when many evils and troubles have come on them, that this song shall testify before them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they frame this day, before I have brought them into the land which I swore."

Job 1,2,13,19 The Righteous Suffer

2 Samuel 15-17 Absalom Rebels and David Runs

Deuteronomy 30-31 Choose Life Or Die

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