Category: Hebrews

Judges and Prophets – Part 4

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Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets

‘Jephthae’ Jephthah – faith’s boldness (Judges 11:1-12:7). Facts concerning Jephthah: He was born in Gilead by his father, Gilead, and a harlot. He was a mighty man of valour. His father’s sons cast him out and refused to give him an inheritance because he was illegitimate. He fled from his brethren and dwelled in the land of Tob. He became the leader of a band of worthless men who followed him on various adventures, during which he learned and perfected the art of war. When war with Ammon was imminent the elders of Israel in Gilead sent for him to be captain of the army. He reproved them for casting him out and then seeking his help when they were in distress. He refused to return home to head the army in war if he could not be the head in time of peace. He was promised headship of all Gilead if he would come and be captain of the army in the war with Ammon. He was made head over all Gilead by the people in Mizpeh. He sent messengers to the king of Ammon to avoid war if possible. His people, Israel, were accused by the Ammonites’ king of taking their land when coming up out of Egypt about 350 years before; Jephthah was told the land should be restored. Jephthah denied the charge, stating the historical facts – that Israel did not take the land of Ammon or Moab, and they even went around Edom and Moab to avoid war. He explained that Israel did not even intend to take the land of the Amorites, but were forced to fight them because they would not let the nation pass through to Canaan. He informed the king of Ammon that the land Israel possessed did not belong to his people and they would not give it to them. He told the king that Ammon should be satisfied with their possession as Moab had been with theirs, stating that Israel had not tried to enlarge their borders at the expense of Edom, Moab, or Ammon, and declaring that the Lord should judge between them if he was determined to make war. His appeal had no effect. The Spirit of God came upon Jephthah and he swiftly moved to fight Ammon. He made a rash vow that God would only give him victory. He defeated Ammon. He fulfilled his vow. He defeated Ephraim in a civil war and killed 42,000 men. He judged Israel for six years, then died and was buried in Gilead.

To be continued…

Judges and Prophets – Part 3

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Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets

‘Samson’ – faith’s physical strength (Judges 13:1-16:31). His strength was not in his hair or his muscles, but in the Holy Spirit (Jdg. 13:25; 14:6, 19; 15:14) and his faith in God (Heb. 11:32-40). His hair was a token of his vow to God. After he was enslaved and blinded because of his backslidden state, he renewed his Nazarite vow and asked God to come back into his life as his hair began to grow again (Jdg. 16:22, 28). An example of praying to God while in disgrace and humiliation, and being heard by Him. The result was a great deliverance for Israel (Jdg. 16:28-30).

Twelve exploits are noted of Samson: He ripped a lion apart bare-handed (Jdg. 14:6). He killed 30 men (Jdg. 14:19). He caught 300 foxes (Jdg. 15:4-5). He slaughtered the Philistines (Jdg. 15:8). He broke two new ropes that bound him (Jdg. 15:14). He killed 1,000 armed men with the jawbone of an ass (Jdg. 15:15-17). He brought water miraculously out of the jawbone (Jdg. 15:16-20). He tore away from the city wall the doors of the gate of the city with the two posts and bar, carrying them to the top of the hill before Hebron (Jdg. 16:1-3). He broke seven green cords of braided wood that bound him (Jdg. 16:6-9). He broke new ropes that bound him (Jdg. 16:10-12). He broke the pin that bound his seven locks of hair to the wall and carried the pin and web with him (Jdg. 16:13-15). He killed 3,000 men and women by pulling down the great pillars that held up the house (Jdg. 16:23-31). Samson died with the Philistines (Jdg. 16:30).

To be continued…

Judges and Prophets – Part 2

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Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets

‘Barak’ – faith’s triumph (Judges 4-5). Israel sinned again and again, before Barak’s time and afterwards (Jdg. 3:12; 4:1; 8:33; 10:6). Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, judged Israel at that time. Here was one man who admitted his dependence on a woman (cp. 2Cor. 11:7-12). The Septuagint adds at the end of Judges 4:8, “for I do not know the day when the Lord would prosper the angel with me,” meaning that Barak depended on Deborah’s contact with God to tell him when to attack, as in Judges 4:14. Deborah commanded Barak to take This was the exact number she commanded him to take ten thousand men (Jdg. 4:6, 10) and she went along as well.

The Canaanites dwelled from Harosheth near the Sea of Merom (modern Lake Huleh) on the Jordan to the river Kishon which flows into the Mediterranean near Mount Carmel. The Kishon rises at the foot of Mount Tabor, winding southerly through the plain of Jezreel about 48 kilometres to the Mediterranean (Jdg. 4:7, 13; 5:21). It is called the waters of Megiddo (Jdg. 5:19). On this river the famous battle between Barak and Sisera was fought (Jdg. 4:13-22), and it was the place of the destruction of the prophets of Baal by Elijah (1Kin. 18:40).

God put it into the hearts of 10,000 unarmed men to have faith to overcome a greater, well-armed company. Barak retired to Mount Tabor with the 10,000 men, and they were attacked by Sisera’s well-armed men. Suddenly Barak and his men rushed upon them and God began to act, causing terror and confusion throughout the Canaanite army who threw down their arms to flee. The routing was instantaneous and complete, the Israelites picking up the arms of their enemies and slaying them as they ran away. Even Sisera, no longer safe in a chariot, fled on foot. The entire army was slain by men and the captain by a woman. Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite, where he was murdered in his sleep by her putting a tent peg through his eye (Jdg. 4:21).

To be continued…

Judges and Prophets – Part 1

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Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets

‘Gedeon’ – named Gideon – faith’s miraculous victory (Judges 6:1-8:35). He was the son of Joash the Abiezrite. God came from heaven to earth and sat under an oak tree (Jdg. 6:11). He appeared to Gideon and spoke to him (Jdg. 6:12). He looked upon him and prophesied to him that he was to deliver Israel (Jdg. 6:14).

The Midianites were the leaders of the combined forces of Midian, Amalek, and other tribes of the East who defeated Israel, robbed them of new crops, took their stock, and caused them to hide in dens and caves (Jdg. 6:3-6), some of which were capable of holding as many as 4,000 people. This oppression was quite general, for it reached even to Philistia. If it had continued the Israelites would have been destroyed by starvation and war, but as usual, they cried to God in their distress and He was compassionate and merciful again, saving them by raising Gideon up (Judges 6:4-7:25).

Though the Lord was no longer physically visible as the angel of the Lord of Judges 6:11-21, He was still talking to Gideon and directing all preparations for battle (Judges 6:22-7:11). The Lord saw the pride of the men of Israel, despite being so oppressed and humbled in their circumstances. If He let 32,000 men fight the Midianites, He knew they would take the credit for the victory and not acknowledge Him as their Helper. So, He told Gideon to thin out his army by telling all who were fearful to go home (Jdg. 7:3). This cut the number down to 10,000. The army was still too large, however, so these were told to come down to drink. All who did not lap water like a dog had to go home (Jdg. 7:4-5).

God promised He would defeat the enemy’s vast army with only 300 men – 31,700 of the original 32,000 who had gathered at the call. To the natural man, this would seem foolish and impossible, but with God all things are possible. The Christian is also told that all things are possible and nothing shall be impossible for him who has faith (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26).

To be continued…

Rahab Part 2

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Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

The contract between Rahab and the spies was agreed upon as follows (continues): [2] The twofold pledge of spies: Our life for yours, if you do not reveal our business (Jos. 2:14). When God has given us the land, we will deal kindly and truly with you. [3] Carrying out the contract by Rahab: She let them down by a cord through a window to the ground (Jos. 2:15). She instructed them to escape pursuers by hiding in the mountain for three days, allowing men to return before going on the way (Jos. 2:16). [4] The fourfold pledge of the spies: We will be blameless of the oath if you do not have the scarlet cord in the window by which you let us down (Jos. 2:17-18). Be sure your father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all their households are in your house when we overthrow the city (Jos. 2:18). If one goes out of the house and is killed, we shall not be responsible, but if one who stays in is killed we shall be responsible (Jos. 2:19). If you reveal our business, then we are free from our oath to you (Jos. 2:20). [5] Rahab’s acceptance of the contract: As you have said, so be it (Jos. 2:21). She sent them away to make good their escape (Jos. 2:21-24). She bound the scarlet cord in the window (Jos. 2:21). [6] Carrying out the contract by Israel: Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father’s house, and all that she had (Jos. 6:25). She dwelled in Israel to that day, because she hid the spies (Jos. 6:25; Heb. 11:31; Jas. 2:25).  

Rahab Part 1

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Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. 

‘Harlot’ [Greek: porne] Translated as “harlot” (11:31; Matt. 21:31-32; Luke 15:30; 1Cor. 6:15-16; Jas. 2:25; Rev, 17:5) and “whore” (Rev, 17:1, 15-16; 19:2).

‘Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.’ Rahab – faith’s deliverance (Jos. 2:1, 9, 11; 6:23; Matt. 1:5; Jas. 2:25). This was the Rahab in Christ’s genealogy (spelt “Rachab” in Matt. 1:5; cp. Heb. 11:31; Jas. 2:25). Rahab may have been an innkeeper. She brought the spies to the roof of her house, hiding them among the stalks of flax. She told the king that they had already fled the city, so he sent men to overtake them before they could cross Jordan, which at this time was overflowing its banks (Jos. 2:4-7; 3:15).

The contract between Rahab and the spies was agreed upon as follows: [1] The eightfold plea of Rahab: I know the Lord has given you the land (Jos. 2:9). Your terror has fallen upon us. All Canaanites faint because of fear of you. They have heard how the Lord dried up the Red Sea for you when you left Egypt (Jos. 2:10; Exo. 14-15). They have heard what you did to the kings of the Amorites, Sihon and Og (Jos. 2:10; Num. 21:21-35). As soon as we heard those things, our hearts melted and there was no more courage in any man (Jos. 2:11). We recognized that the Lord your ’Elohiym is ’Elohiym in heaven above and in earth beneath. Swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you will show kindness to my father’s house and will protect my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all that they have, and deliver us from death (Jos. 2:12-13).

To be continued…

The Walls of Jericho – Part 2

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Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

The city was accursed including the people and many things inside the city, except when stated otherwise. Two commands were given on the accursed things: Keep yourselves from the accursed thing. All the silver, gold, and vessels of brass and iron shall come into the treasury of the Lord (Jos. 6:19). Anyone who broke the law of accursed things would not only be punished, he would bring a curse upon Israel (Jos. 7:1-26).

Joshua pronounced this ban on Jericho, a great and wealthy city, evidently by divine decree, and the severity of the doom that came to all violaters is illustrated in the punishment of Achan in Joshua 7:1-26. This curse was justified, not only because its inhabitants were part of a people who had filled up their cup of iniquity (Gen. 15:16), but by the fact that fighting men from many surrounding peoples were in Jericho helping to defend it against Israel (Jos. 24:11). Its destruction would serve to paralyze further resistance to Israel on the part of other Canaanite cities when they saw the mighty power of God in the miracle of the walls falling flat.

We see from Joshua 6:21 the utter destruction of all that was in the city. Such total destruction was unique, as firstfruits to God. It was also an example of His wrath on the depravity of Canaanites. In all other places, the laws of conquest were carried out, meaning that the stock and the spoils (including virgin women) belonged to Israel (Jos. 11:11-14; Num. 31:9-35; Deut. 20:14).

The Walls of Jericho – Part 1

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Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

‘By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.’ Israel – faith’s miracle (Jos. 6:1-27).

Five commands or conquest of Jericho: Circle the city with the men of war once each day for six days (Jos. 6:2). Seven priests with seven rams’ horns shall go before the ark each day around the city (Jos. 6:4). On the seventh day, circle the city seven times. At the end of the seventh time the priests shall blow a long blast on the rams’ horns and the people shall shout with a great shout (Jos. 6:5). Every man shall go straight forward to take the city.

The Canaanites must have laughed at the sight of armed men marching day after day in silence except for blowing trumpets. There was no effort to scale the wall, no weapons were used, no siege engines were brought up, and no other ordinary means of warfare were used. They had never seen or heard of such a foolish thing. Neither had the Israelites, but they obeyed the One who takes the “foolish” things to confound the wise and the weak things to destroy the mighty (1Cor. 1:18-31).

Jericho was accursed [Hebrew: cherem] “devoted to destruction”. It was the devotion of any idolatrous object – person, city, or thing – to utter destruction. When such a curse was pronounced on a city, it meant that all the people, animals, and treasures that would ordinarily be taken were to be completely burned in the fire or consecrated to the sanctuary (Jos. 6:19, 24).

To be continued…

Moses Leaving Egypt – Part 2

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Hebrews 11:27-29 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 

We see in Exodus 14:15-31 and 15:1-27 that Moses believed God and crossed the Red Sea on dry ground. “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.” God used created things to perform His will. This was a miracle, not something accomplished by nature itself. Not only was this done suddenly by divine power, but it was likewise undone suddenly by the same power (Exo. 14:21, 26-31). A wind strong enough to make a 19-kilometre path through the sea and hold the waters up like a wall would have been strong enough to blow all the Israelites and Egyptians away. The waters were frozen solid on both sides of the people as they went through the sea (Exo. 15:8). The waters were frozen solid 23 to 30 meters high – the depth of the sea at the point of crossing. At dawn, the Egyptian army came to the sea in their pursuit of the Jews and the icy walls of the sea were suddenly melted and the Egyptians were all drowned (Exo. 14:26-31; 15:8). Not even Pharaoh escaped, fulfilling the prophecies of Exodus 14:3-4, 17, 26.

Six outstanding facts: The Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians (Exo. 14:30). Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the shore of the Red Sea. Israel saw the great miracle of making the path through the sea and of closing it again after they were safe (Exo. 14:31). Israel feared the Lord. Israel believed in the Lord. Israel believed in Moses as the servant of the Lord.

Moses Leaving Egypt – Part 1

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Hebrews 11:27-29 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 

‘He forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.’ Moses – faith’s fearlessness: this refers to his contest with Pharaoh and the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 5:1-14:31). He feared not the visible king because he saw the Invisible One.

‘He kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.’ Moses – faith’s protection (Exo. 12:1-51). The lamb was a type of Christ the Lamb of God (John 1:29; Rev. 5:6-10) who was without blemish (Exo. 12:5; 1Pet. 1:19). They dipped a bunch of hyssop in the blood and struck both side posts and the upper post (lintel) of the door (Exo. 12:7, 22-23). It typified the blood of Christ sprinkled for believers (Matt. 26:28; 1Pet. 1:2, 18-19; Heb. 9:13-14, 22; 10:19; 13:20). No blood was to be sprinkled on the threshold where the feet would trample on it (Heb. 10:29). The Jews were to roast the lamb and not eat any of it raw, as Egyptians who ate raw flesh in honour of Osiris. God was seeking every way to free Israel from idolatry. They also ate unleavened bread – bread without yeast – which is a form of ferment and typifies sin (2Cor. 5:6-8). The bitter herbs (perhaps it was chicory, wild lettuce, and horehound) were to be used with the meal. They were to remind Israel of their bitter slavery in Egypt from which God was now ready to deliver them (Exodus 12:29-14:31).

‘They passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.’ Israel – faith’s preservation: We see in Exodus 14:15-31 and 15:1-27 that Moses believed God and crossed the Red Sea on dry ground. “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.”

To be continued…