You are an eagle and eagles fly alone.
The power of the Lord will be upon you in a new Way! You are to bear the vessels of the Lord! You are not to touch the unclean, but to keep pure as you go forth from here. For I will march before you, and I the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
I have appointed you before you were born and made your mouth like a sharpened blade, hiding you in the shadow of My hand. Bring back Jacob to Me!
I will make you a light unto the Gentiles. Say to the prisoners: GO FREE, to those
Who are in darkness: SHOW YOURSELVES, FOR He who loves them, will Lead them.
Pass through the gates! Clear the road for the people. Announce to Zion that
Their Deliver is coming. You will not side with people anymore but will side with Me. You are to do and to speak for Me, don’t wait for a position and don’t wait for a title – just do it! Allow Me to flow through you. For I will remind you, that My Word shall not return onto Me void, sayith the Lord your God! And I sent it into your life, My Word and it shall accomplish and you shall go forth in the name of the Lord. You shall be strong in My name sayith the Lord your God! And you shall not be lacking, you shall not be wanting, and you shall not be wavering. You shall be aware of the calling into the ministry that is given unto you. You shall be bold in your God. You shall say yes and thus and thus sayith the Lord. You shall indeed lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.
Amen and Amen and many shall be the trophies that you shall bring before your God in the coming day. For as the Priest of God, you were given a claw shape fork to stick into the meat on the alter, so the Lord your God has dealt into your life. You will sup with Me daily and I will come into your life in a wonderful way. I came in never the less looking for a sacrifice. And as your realized what I wanted, you stiffen and the Lord Your God seen your stiffen scared face. So I have turned the tables on you, and not only are you a sacrifice but you are called to be a priest, the charnels of sacrifice.
You must learn the prong rules and deliver on to your God. You shall stand before the alter and you shall deliver to your God. And I have called you to understand these things and I have Called you to be trained in these things. And you say the end is not yet, for the Lord of Israel has been reviled onto you, little by little and piece by piece.
You are My pearl of great price in whom I have sent My anointing. I have placed you
on a solid foundation of faith. Feed My sheep and love My lambs.
In His service,
Jim Partington
Joy in Affliction
Joy in the midst of affliction
[Isa. 9:2-7] The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. We need to remember the birth, person, office, and kingdom of Messiah, during times of affliction. We sometimes may walk in darkness before we see the great light. During that time we look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and much affliction. When we keep our eyes upward the glom will not be upon us who may be distressed.
We will rejoice according to the time of harvest, the time when the hard work has paid off and the bounty comes off. And the victory is complete. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. The reference to every warrior's sandal . . . garments rolled in blood, will be used for burning and fuel of fire means that the battle is over. This is what you did when the battle was finished and you had won!
Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
Each of these promises - the reference to great joy, the breaking of the yoke of our burden and the rod of our oppressor, and the complete victory over all enemies has spiritual application to Y’Shua' work in our lives. These things are ours in Y’Shua!
When is Y’Shua sad or worried or afraid? When does Y’Shua groan under the yoke of His burden? When does Y’Shua feel the sting of the rod of His oppressor? When is Y’Shua' victory incomplete? The risen, glorified, ascended Y’Shua experiences none of these things, and He has raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Y’Shua (Ephesians 2:6). As we are in Y’Shua, we share in His victory! We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).
At the same time, we recognize the hand of the Holy Spirit in the specific wording.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty G-d, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.This glorious prophecy of the birth of the Messiah reminds Israel that the victory-bringing the Messiah would be a man.
What amazing mystery! There is nothing weaker, more helpless, and more dependent than a child. Theoretically, the Messiah could have come as a fully grown man, created as an adult even as Adam was created. But for Y’Shua to fully identify with humanity, and to display in His life the servant nature that is in G-d, made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:7).
What glorious truth! We needed a perfect, infinite Being to offer a perfect, infinite atonement for our sins. We needed Immanuel, G-d is with us (Isaiah 7:14).
The Son had to be given, because the Second Person of the Trinity is eternal, and existed forever as the Son, even before adding humanity to His deity. We rejoice in the Holy Spirit's guidance in every word! Y’Shua, the Messiah, is fully G-d and fully man. There was a time when the eternal Son of G-d, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, added humanity to His deity. He never became less G-d, but He added a human nature to His divine nature, and so became one person with two distinct natures, functioning together in perfect harmony.
That Y’Shua is both G-d and man tells us that man really is made in the image of G-d (Genesis 1:26) and that perfect humanity is more compatible with deity than we imagine. It says that our problems is not our humanity, but our fallenness. To say "I'm only human" is wrong, because Y’Shua was fully human yet perfect. It is more accurate to say, "I'm only fallen." But remember that the humanity that Y’Shua added to His Divine nature is not the sinful humanity we commonly know, but the perfect humanity of Adam and Eve before the fall.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
And the government will be upon His shoulder: Ultimately, this will be fulfilled in the Millennium, when Y’Shua Christ will rule the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 20:4-6, Psalm 72, Isaiah 2:1-4, Isaiah 11, Isaiah 65:17-25, Zechariah 14:6-21).
This ultimate fulfillment of this promise is still waiting. But we can still see the government, upon His shoulder in many ways.
Leaders of this day surround themselves with servants. Y’Shua surrounds us with His servant hood.
Leaders of this day use their power to build their empire. Y’Shua uses his power to wash our feet and make us clean and comfortable.
Leaders of this day trade their influence for money. G-d so loved that He gave His Son.
Generals of this day need regular wars to keep their weapons and skills up to date and insure their own advancement. Y’Shua brings peace and rest to hearts.
The higher the plane of importance one reaches in this world, the more inaccessible he becomes. Y’Shua was Emanuel, "G-d with us."
Leaders of this day are desperate to be seen and heard. Y’Shua sought anonymity so He could be useful.
The Father’s government is alive and working often silently, mostly unseen. We can be and are, by choice, governed by G-d. Hope and joy and peace and rest cover its subjects. Justice, mercy and grace, amazingly coexist.
Y’Shua is the One fit to guide our lives, and should be the Beliversn's immediate resource as a counselor. Y’Shua can help you with your problems. He may use the presence and the words of another Believers to do it, but Y’Shua is our Counselor.
The High Counsel of the G-dhead guides our lives. "Remember, there is nothing that happens in your daily life, but what was first of all devised in eternity, and counseled by Y’Shua the Messiah for your good and in your behalf, that all things might work together for your lasting benefit and profit.
Beliver, do you know what sweet counsel is? You have gone to your Master in the day of trouble, and in the secret of your chamber you have poured out your heart before Him. You have laid your case before Him, with all its difficulties remember that the Messiah is The Prince of Peace, and that it is easy for Him quickly to allay all our uneasy feelings. These titles confirm us more and more in the faith of the Messiah, and fortify us against Satan and against hell itself!"
[Isa. 9:2-7] The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. We need to remember the birth, person, office, and kingdom of Messiah, during times of affliction. We sometimes may walk in darkness before we see the great light. During that time we look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and much affliction. When we keep our eyes upward the glom will not be upon us who may be distressed.
We will rejoice according to the time of harvest, the time when the hard work has paid off and the bounty comes off. And the victory is complete. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. The reference to every warrior's sandal . . . garments rolled in blood, will be used for burning and fuel of fire means that the battle is over. This is what you did when the battle was finished and you had won!
Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
Each of these promises - the reference to great joy, the breaking of the yoke of our burden and the rod of our oppressor, and the complete victory over all enemies has spiritual application to Y’Shua' work in our lives. These things are ours in Y’Shua!
When is Y’Shua sad or worried or afraid? When does Y’Shua groan under the yoke of His burden? When does Y’Shua feel the sting of the rod of His oppressor? When is Y’Shua' victory incomplete? The risen, glorified, ascended Y’Shua experiences none of these things, and He has raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Y’Shua (Ephesians 2:6). As we are in Y’Shua, we share in His victory! We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).
At the same time, we recognize the hand of the Holy Spirit in the specific wording.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty G-d, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.This glorious prophecy of the birth of the Messiah reminds Israel that the victory-bringing the Messiah would be a man.
What amazing mystery! There is nothing weaker, more helpless, and more dependent than a child. Theoretically, the Messiah could have come as a fully grown man, created as an adult even as Adam was created. But for Y’Shua to fully identify with humanity, and to display in His life the servant nature that is in G-d, made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:7).
What glorious truth! We needed a perfect, infinite Being to offer a perfect, infinite atonement for our sins. We needed Immanuel, G-d is with us (Isaiah 7:14).
The Son had to be given, because the Second Person of the Trinity is eternal, and existed forever as the Son, even before adding humanity to His deity. We rejoice in the Holy Spirit's guidance in every word! Y’Shua, the Messiah, is fully G-d and fully man. There was a time when the eternal Son of G-d, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, added humanity to His deity. He never became less G-d, but He added a human nature to His divine nature, and so became one person with two distinct natures, functioning together in perfect harmony.
That Y’Shua is both G-d and man tells us that man really is made in the image of G-d (Genesis 1:26) and that perfect humanity is more compatible with deity than we imagine. It says that our problems is not our humanity, but our fallenness. To say "I'm only human" is wrong, because Y’Shua was fully human yet perfect. It is more accurate to say, "I'm only fallen." But remember that the humanity that Y’Shua added to His Divine nature is not the sinful humanity we commonly know, but the perfect humanity of Adam and Eve before the fall.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
And the government will be upon His shoulder: Ultimately, this will be fulfilled in the Millennium, when Y’Shua Christ will rule the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 20:4-6, Psalm 72, Isaiah 2:1-4, Isaiah 11, Isaiah 65:17-25, Zechariah 14:6-21).
This ultimate fulfillment of this promise is still waiting. But we can still see the government, upon His shoulder in many ways.
Leaders of this day surround themselves with servants. Y’Shua surrounds us with His servant hood.
Leaders of this day use their power to build their empire. Y’Shua uses his power to wash our feet and make us clean and comfortable.
Leaders of this day trade their influence for money. G-d so loved that He gave His Son.
Generals of this day need regular wars to keep their weapons and skills up to date and insure their own advancement. Y’Shua brings peace and rest to hearts.
The higher the plane of importance one reaches in this world, the more inaccessible he becomes. Y’Shua was Emanuel, "G-d with us."
Leaders of this day are desperate to be seen and heard. Y’Shua sought anonymity so He could be useful.
The Father’s government is alive and working often silently, mostly unseen. We can be and are, by choice, governed by G-d. Hope and joy and peace and rest cover its subjects. Justice, mercy and grace, amazingly coexist.
Y’Shua is the One fit to guide our lives, and should be the Beliversn's immediate resource as a counselor. Y’Shua can help you with your problems. He may use the presence and the words of another Believers to do it, but Y’Shua is our Counselor.
The High Counsel of the G-dhead guides our lives. "Remember, there is nothing that happens in your daily life, but what was first of all devised in eternity, and counseled by Y’Shua the Messiah for your good and in your behalf, that all things might work together for your lasting benefit and profit.
Beliver, do you know what sweet counsel is? You have gone to your Master in the day of trouble, and in the secret of your chamber you have poured out your heart before Him. You have laid your case before Him, with all its difficulties remember that the Messiah is The Prince of Peace, and that it is easy for Him quickly to allay all our uneasy feelings. These titles confirm us more and more in the faith of the Messiah, and fortify us against Satan and against hell itself!"
Stumbling Stones
An overall view of Isa. 8.The small and gentle stones should be more highly valued by us than the large and rapid rocks of all the nations, and we ought not to envy the great power of the ungodly.
This could be the just punishment of peoples’ distrust and lack of obedience; and we see in it a striking instance of the wicked greediness of men, who cannot be satisfied with the promise and assistance of G-d. One can be broken in pieces if you are thrown into dismay, not watching were you walk and whom you hang out with.
Our nation may throw us into war but G-d's will is going to be done, despite all the plans and preparations. We are tempted to give away to fear and panic in the midst of our troubles, it would be easy to let our heart or mind settle on conspiracies and threats but G-d says “do not fear for He is in control!”
The Father you shall hallow; let Him be your fear. Don't see yourself at the mercy of opposing armies; you are in G-d's hands. Worry about your place with the L-RD instead of your enemies!
Let G-d, and not the problem of the world be the object of your fear. The L-RD will be your sacred place, and your place of protection. He will keep you safe from your enemies, lest you provoke His wrath by your fear of man and distrust of Him.
A stone of stumbling is but an occasion for those who trust Him, the L-RD will be as a resting place. But for those who don't, He will be a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. Instead of finding protection from the L-RD, they will "trip" over Him, falling to destruction. Indeed, many among us shall stumble; they shall fall and be broken of sin and ruin, at whom they will take offence and stumble, so as to fall and be broken.
We know that Y’Shua is this stone of stumbling and a rock of offense (1 Peter 2:6-8). This is a strong statement of the deity of Y’Shua, because clearly in Isaiah 8:13-14, the L-RD of hosts is the stone, and clearly in 1 Peter 2:6-8, Y’Shua HaMashiach is the stone.
Waiting on the L-rd is not passive inactivity. It means to wait on the L-rd as a waiter would wait on a table. It means to be totally attentive to the L-rd, focused on His every move, and responsive to His every desire. At times it means inactivity, but even that is an "active inactivity," where we stand before the L-rd, totally focused on Him, waiting for what He wants next. We can battle against stumbling stones by setting your focus on the L-rd. Prepare for the coming attack from the world by waiting on the L-rd instead of your enemies. Waiting on the L-rd is connected with His word. We can wait on the L-rd by waiting on His word.
When you are in trouble, shouldn't you seek your G-d? If you can't rely on your G-d when you are in trouble, then what good is your G-d?
Go to G-d's Word! Law and testimony each refer to G-d's Word. We might say that law refers to God's holy commands, and testimony refers to His Glory. How it needs to be proclaimed to our pulpits today: To the law and to the testimony! Enough with your over-use of anecdotes and jokes! Enough with your emphasis on entertainment and sappy stories! Enough with your catering to itching ears! Enough with your hobbyhorses and pet peeves! To the law and to the testimony!
Let us remember, as ministers of the Gospel, what M'Cheyne beautifully said; 'Depend upon it,' said G-d, 'it is G-d's Word not man's comment upon G-d's Word, that saves souls;' and I have marked, that if ever we have a conversion at any time, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, the conversion is rather traceable to the text, or to some Scripture quoted in the sermon, than to any trite or original saying by the preacher. It is G-d's Word that breaks the fetters and sets the prisoner free, it is
G-d's Word instrumentally that saves souls, and therefore let us brings everything to the touchstone.
If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them: If there is a disagreement between G-d's word and the word of the messenger, it isn't hard to figure out who is wrong. The messenger is wrong. The word judges the messenger; the messenger doesn't judge the word.
The nations will be driven into darkness: When they forsake G-d's word and trust in mediums and wizards and the dead, they are courting darkness, not light!
Beware of stumbling stones weather they be personal or national.
The Name
[Isa. 7:14] Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
This is one of the most famous prophecies regarding the birth of Y’Shua the Messiah in the Bible. It also illustrates a principle of prophecy, that prophecy may have both a near fulfillment and a far fulfillment, G-d and man meeting in one person, and being a mediator between G-d and men.
It is characteristic of predictive prophecy that it often mingles different times together in one composite picture.
A sign - Of your deliverance. But how was this birth, which was not to happen 'till many ages after, a sign of their deliverance from present danger? This promised birth supposed the preservation of that city, and nation and tribe, in and of which the Messiah was to be born; and therefore there was no cause to fear that ruin which their enemies now threatened.
Notice in Isaiah the Messiah was to be named Immanuel.
The name Jesus in the KJV is not mentioned until the N.C. written by Jews living in Atlantic under Greek rule.
'Jesus' is a Greek Name.
Changed to English would have been 'Joshua'.
Changed to Hebrew would be 'Y'Shua'.
We have adopt to the Greek, not only in His name, but in their calendar and name of week-days.
But His name was to be Immanuel.
What else has satan mislead us to?
This is one of the most famous prophecies regarding the birth of Y’Shua the Messiah in the Bible. It also illustrates a principle of prophecy, that prophecy may have both a near fulfillment and a far fulfillment, G-d and man meeting in one person, and being a mediator between G-d and men.
It is characteristic of predictive prophecy that it often mingles different times together in one composite picture.
A sign - Of your deliverance. But how was this birth, which was not to happen 'till many ages after, a sign of their deliverance from present danger? This promised birth supposed the preservation of that city, and nation and tribe, in and of which the Messiah was to be born; and therefore there was no cause to fear that ruin which their enemies now threatened.
Notice in Isaiah the Messiah was to be named Immanuel.
The name Jesus in the KJV is not mentioned until the N.C. written by Jews living in Atlantic under Greek rule.
'Jesus' is a Greek Name.
Changed to English would have been 'Joshua'.
Changed to Hebrew would be 'Y'Shua'.
We have adopt to the Greek, not only in His name, but in their calendar and name of week-days.
But His name was to be Immanuel.
What else has satan mislead us to?
Whom Shall I Send?
[Isa. 6:8-13] Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Whom shall I send is spoken after the manner of men; otherwise the L-rd knew whom to send, and whom He would send; and could easily qualify anyone He pleased, and send with such a message.
G-d wants to reach the world, and He wants to reach it through willing people. It isn't that G-d doesn't know who these people are. It is that G-d is waiting for ready hearts to reveal themselves.
Those that would assist others in their correspondence with G-d must not themselves be strangers to it; for how can we expect that G-d should speak by us if we never heard Him speaking to us, or that we should be accepted as the mouth of others to G-d if we never spoke to Him heartily for ourselves?
Have you been waiting for G-d to force you to serve Him? He looks for volunteers!
Who, implying that few would be willing to bear the self-denial which the delivering of such an unwelcome message to the Jews would require on the part of the messenger (compare 1 Chron. 29:5).
The Targum says: ``whom shall I send to prophesy? And who will go to teach?''
For us shows the change of the number, I and us, is very remarkable; and both being meant of one and the same L-rd, do sufficiently intimate a plurality of the persons in the Godhead.
Isaiah emphatically answered G-d's call. He did not hesitate.
He didn't even say, "Here I am, I will go." Isaiah would not go at all unless he knew he was sent by the L-RD. Many are quick to say, "Here I am, I will go" but never wait for the L-RD to send them.
Send me, for he who before thought himself undone, and unworthy to be employed in the service of G-d, now having a discovery and application of pardoning grace, freely offers himself to G-d: this shows the true nature and effect of an application of pardon; it gives a man freedom and boldness in the presence of G-d, and stimulates to a ready and cheerful obedience to His will, and engages him with the utmost alacrity in His service; so far is the doctrine of free and full pardon by the blood of the Messiah from being a licentious doctrine.
What created this kind of heart in Isaiah? First, he had a heart that had been in the presence of G-d. He had a heart that knew its own sinfulness. He had a heart that knew the need among the people, the need for G-d's word. He had a heart that had been touched by G-d's cleansing fire. And he had a heart that heard G-d's heart to reach the nations.
G-d takes Isaiah at his word, and here sends him on a strange errand--to foretell the ruin of his people and even to ripen them for that ruin--to preach that which, by their abuse of it, would be to them a savor of death unto death. And this was to be a type and figure of the state of the Jewish Believers in the days of the Messiah. These verses are quoted in part, or referred to, six times, in the New Testament, which intimates that in gospel time these spiritual judgments would be most frequently inflicted; and though they make the least noise, and come not with observation, yet they are of all judgments the most dreadful.
What preacher could be satisfied with a ministry that made the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes? Isaiah might not be satisfied with it. The people might not be satisfied with it. But G-d would be satisfied with it!
Tell by which is declared that for the malice of man G-d will not immediately take away His word, but He will cause it to be preached to their condemnation, when as they will not learn by it to obey His will, and be saved: by this He exhorts the ministers to do their duty, and answers to the wicked murmurers, that through their own malice their heart is hardened, (Acts 28:26; Romans 11:8).
The Hebrew idiom: "You certainly hear, but do not understand; you certainly see, but do not acknowledge." Seeing this is the case, make the heart of this people fat-declare it to be stupid and senseless; and remove from them the means of salvation, which they have so long abused.
Render them the more hardened by your warnings. The words are quoted in the indicative, "is waxed gross, not the imperative, "make fat"; G-d's word as to the future is as certain as if it were already fulfilled. To see with one's eyes will not convince a will that is opposed to the truth (compare John 11:45, 46; 12:10, 11). One must love divine things in order to understand them!
"Lo! I have given thee a charge this day over the nations, and over the kingdoms; to pluck up, and to pull down; to destroy, and to demolish; to build, and to plant." Jeremiah 1:10
The word of G-d can accomplish when it is received with open eyes, ears, and heart. It brings understanding to our heart, it makes us return, and it brings healing to our lives. If you are under the word of G-d and these things aren't happening to you, ask G-d to work with your eyes, ears, and heart!
Do you ever get tired and ask “how long? We are told only to preach the positive, but some people are assigned to tell the truth, which could be negative. So this is a logical question from anyone who is given such a difficult commission. "I have to preach to those who won't hear, and their rejection of my message will ultimately seal their doom? How long will I have to serve in that kind of ministry?"
G-d’s message is more important than the messenger’s comfort.
G-d always shows unchangeable severity towards sin, but covenant faithfulness in preserving a remnant.
Even the word of G-d oftentimes proves a means of hardening sinners. The prophet makes the heart of people fat, not only as he/she foretells it, passing this sentence upon them in G-d's name, and seals them under it, but as their preaching had a tendency to it, rocking some asleep in security (to whom it was a lovely song), and making others more outrageous, to whom it was such a reproach that they were not able to bear it. Some looked upon the word as a privilege, and their convictions were smothered by it (Jeremiah 7:4); others looked upon it as a aggravation, and their corruptions were exasperated by it.
When the word of G-d, especially the word of the gospel, had been thus abused by them, they shall be un-churched, and consequently undone. Spiritual judgments often bring temporal judgments along with them upon persons and places.
Are you willing to pay the price to say “Send me?” Willing to go where He says go? Do what He says do? Say what He says say?
We are to do as we are told and leave the results in His hands!
Whom shall I send is spoken after the manner of men; otherwise the L-rd knew whom to send, and whom He would send; and could easily qualify anyone He pleased, and send with such a message.
G-d wants to reach the world, and He wants to reach it through willing people. It isn't that G-d doesn't know who these people are. It is that G-d is waiting for ready hearts to reveal themselves.
Those that would assist others in their correspondence with G-d must not themselves be strangers to it; for how can we expect that G-d should speak by us if we never heard Him speaking to us, or that we should be accepted as the mouth of others to G-d if we never spoke to Him heartily for ourselves?
Have you been waiting for G-d to force you to serve Him? He looks for volunteers!
Who, implying that few would be willing to bear the self-denial which the delivering of such an unwelcome message to the Jews would require on the part of the messenger (compare 1 Chron. 29:5).
The Targum says: ``whom shall I send to prophesy? And who will go to teach?''
For us shows the change of the number, I and us, is very remarkable; and both being meant of one and the same L-rd, do sufficiently intimate a plurality of the persons in the Godhead.
Isaiah emphatically answered G-d's call. He did not hesitate.
He didn't even say, "Here I am, I will go." Isaiah would not go at all unless he knew he was sent by the L-RD. Many are quick to say, "Here I am, I will go" but never wait for the L-RD to send them.
Send me, for he who before thought himself undone, and unworthy to be employed in the service of G-d, now having a discovery and application of pardoning grace, freely offers himself to G-d: this shows the true nature and effect of an application of pardon; it gives a man freedom and boldness in the presence of G-d, and stimulates to a ready and cheerful obedience to His will, and engages him with the utmost alacrity in His service; so far is the doctrine of free and full pardon by the blood of the Messiah from being a licentious doctrine.
What created this kind of heart in Isaiah? First, he had a heart that had been in the presence of G-d. He had a heart that knew its own sinfulness. He had a heart that knew the need among the people, the need for G-d's word. He had a heart that had been touched by G-d's cleansing fire. And he had a heart that heard G-d's heart to reach the nations.
G-d takes Isaiah at his word, and here sends him on a strange errand--to foretell the ruin of his people and even to ripen them for that ruin--to preach that which, by their abuse of it, would be to them a savor of death unto death. And this was to be a type and figure of the state of the Jewish Believers in the days of the Messiah. These verses are quoted in part, or referred to, six times, in the New Testament, which intimates that in gospel time these spiritual judgments would be most frequently inflicted; and though they make the least noise, and come not with observation, yet they are of all judgments the most dreadful.
What preacher could be satisfied with a ministry that made the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes? Isaiah might not be satisfied with it. The people might not be satisfied with it. But G-d would be satisfied with it!
Tell by which is declared that for the malice of man G-d will not immediately take away His word, but He will cause it to be preached to their condemnation, when as they will not learn by it to obey His will, and be saved: by this He exhorts the ministers to do their duty, and answers to the wicked murmurers, that through their own malice their heart is hardened, (Acts 28:26; Romans 11:8).
The Hebrew idiom: "You certainly hear, but do not understand; you certainly see, but do not acknowledge." Seeing this is the case, make the heart of this people fat-declare it to be stupid and senseless; and remove from them the means of salvation, which they have so long abused.
Render them the more hardened by your warnings. The words are quoted in the indicative, "is waxed gross, not the imperative, "make fat"; G-d's word as to the future is as certain as if it were already fulfilled. To see with one's eyes will not convince a will that is opposed to the truth (compare John 11:45, 46; 12:10, 11). One must love divine things in order to understand them!
"Lo! I have given thee a charge this day over the nations, and over the kingdoms; to pluck up, and to pull down; to destroy, and to demolish; to build, and to plant." Jeremiah 1:10
The word of G-d can accomplish when it is received with open eyes, ears, and heart. It brings understanding to our heart, it makes us return, and it brings healing to our lives. If you are under the word of G-d and these things aren't happening to you, ask G-d to work with your eyes, ears, and heart!
Do you ever get tired and ask “how long? We are told only to preach the positive, but some people are assigned to tell the truth, which could be negative. So this is a logical question from anyone who is given such a difficult commission. "I have to preach to those who won't hear, and their rejection of my message will ultimately seal their doom? How long will I have to serve in that kind of ministry?"
G-d’s message is more important than the messenger’s comfort.
G-d always shows unchangeable severity towards sin, but covenant faithfulness in preserving a remnant.
Even the word of G-d oftentimes proves a means of hardening sinners. The prophet makes the heart of people fat, not only as he/she foretells it, passing this sentence upon them in G-d's name, and seals them under it, but as their preaching had a tendency to it, rocking some asleep in security (to whom it was a lovely song), and making others more outrageous, to whom it was such a reproach that they were not able to bear it. Some looked upon the word as a privilege, and their convictions were smothered by it (Jeremiah 7:4); others looked upon it as a aggravation, and their corruptions were exasperated by it.
When the word of G-d, especially the word of the gospel, had been thus abused by them, they shall be un-churched, and consequently undone. Spiritual judgments often bring temporal judgments along with them upon persons and places.
Are you willing to pay the price to say “Send me?” Willing to go where He says go? Do what He says do? Say what He says say?
We are to do as we are told and leave the results in His hands!
Seraphims
G-d sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple.
The train was His royal and judicial robe; for He is represented as a judge and which the train of divine perfections fill. The train, the skirts of His robes, filled the Temple, the whole world (for it is all
G-d's Temple, and, as the heaven is His throne, so the earth is His footstool), it was filled with the manifestations of His glory. Shekinah Glory which is filled enriched, and beautified with the tokens of G-d's special presence.
Isa.6:2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
Seraphim - This word is nowhere else in the Bible applied to G-d's attendant majestic beings with 6 wings, human hands or voices in attendance upon G-d. Thus called from fire and burning, which this word properly signifies; to represent either their nature, which is bright and glorious, and pure; or their property, of fervent zeal for G-d's service and glory. The beings as flames of fire, that the immorality of that generation might be exhibited, which worthy of being was totally burnt up.
Wings - The three pairs of wings on each of the seraphim are believed to stand for reverence, humility, and speedy obedience to G-d's will. With two he cover his face (to show they are too lowly to look upon G-d), two wings to cover his feet (to hide this "humble" area of the body, so nothing even possibly deficient is seen in the Father’s presence). Two were made use of for flight; when they are sent on G-d's errands they fly swiftly (Daniel 9:21), more swiftly with their own wings than if they flew on the wings of the wind. This teaches us to do the work of God with cheerfulness and expedition.
The seraphim used four of their wings to express their humility, and used two of their wings to express their willingness and ability to serve G-d. This is the proper balance.
Thus they have four wings for adoration and two for active energy; four to conceal themselves, and two with which to occupy themselves in service; and we may learn from them that we shall serve G-d best when we are most deeply reverend and humbled in His presence. Worship must be in larger proportion than energy, adoration must exceed activity. As Mary at Y’Shua's feet was preferred to Martha and her much serving, so must sacred reverence take the first place, and energetic service follow in due course.
With Twain – in Strongs it means a combination (two, both, double, twice).
[3] And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
One - Father, Son, and Spirit, for all the three Persons appear in this vision V. 8.
They cried unto another - This denotes the publicness of their ministry, and their harmony and unity in it with zeal and fervency they cried aloud; and with unanimity they cried to another. They sang alternately, but in concert, and without the least jarring voice to interrupt the harmony. The formed upon the practice of alternate singing, which prevailed in the Jewish Church from the time of Moses, whose ode at the Red Sea was thus performed, (see Exodus 15:20,21) to that of Ezra, under whom the priests and Levites sung alternately. It was the same with that which is sung by the four living creatures, Revelation 4:8. Praising G-d always was, and will be to eternity, the work of heaven, and the constant employment of blessed spirits above, Psalms 84:4.
Two things the seraphim here give G-d the praise of:
1. His infinite perfections in Himself. G-d's power was spoken twice (Psalms 62:11), but His holiness thrice, Holy, holy, holy. They say it three times because there are Three Persons in the One G-d.
The particular pleasure they take in contemplating the holiness of G-d; this is a subject they love to dwell upon, to harp upon, and are loath to leave. Holiness, at its root, has the idea of apartness. It describes someone, or something, which is set apart from other people or things. An object can be holy if it is set apart for sacred service. A person is holy if they are set apart for G-d's will and purpose.
3. The superlative excellence of G-d's holiness, above that of the purest creatures. He is holy, thrice holy, infinitely holy, originally, perfectly, and eternally so. G-d's holiness is a part of everything He is and does. G-d's power is a holy power. G-d's love is a holy love. G-d's wisdom is a holy wisdom. Holiness is not an aspect of G-d's personality; it is one characteristic of His entire Being.
4. It may refer to the three person in the G-dhead, Holy Father, Holy Son, and Holy Spirit (for it follows, verse 8, Who will go for us? Herein he was, and is, and will be, holy; his ways are equal.
This often repetition signifies that the angels cannot satisfy themselves in praising G-d, to teach us that in all our lives we should give ourselves to the continual praise of G-d.
His glory not only appears in the heavens but through all the world, and therefore all creatures are bound to praise Him.
The whole earth is full of his glory - the Hebrew more emphatically, the fullness of the whole earth is His glory (Ps 24:1; 72:19). The seraphim surrounding the throne of G-d could see this probably more clearly than Isaiah could. We are often blind to the obvious glory of G-d all around us.
[4] And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
Post of the door - rather, foundations of the thresholds.
Voice of him - The seraphim are majestic beings, and their voice carries weight. When they speak, the door posts of G-d's throne room shake! The idea may be that Isaiah was watching from the door way, and when the seraphim cried out, he could feel the door posts shake.
The seraphim have one occupation: Their existence is given over to the praise and worship and honor of the L-RD G-d who is enthroned in heaven. What could we possibly do that is a higher calling than that? They sang so powerfully, the door posts were shaken! Shouldn't we sing with the same passion, the same heart, the same intensity? Do those angels have more to thank and praise
G-d for than we do?
Cried - There are voices in heaven sufficient to drown all the noises of the many waters in this lower world, Psalms 93:3,4. This violent concussion of the Temple was an indication of G-d's wrath and displeasure against the people for their sins; it was an earnest of the destruction of it and the city by the Babylonians first, and afterwards by the Romans; and it was designed to strike an awe upon us. Shall walls and posts tremble before G-d, and shall we not tremble?
House – Temple
Filled with smoke - This smoke reminds us of the pillar of cloud that represented the presence of G-d (Exodus 13:21-22), the smoke on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18), and the cloud of G-d's Shekinah glory that filled the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-12). A cloud of glory often marks the presence of the L-RD.
[5] Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
Woe –What made Isaiah feel like he was coming apart? Two things. First, the sight and sound of the seraphim. Second, the vision of the L-rd G-D.
I am undone – to be silent because he was a man of polluted lips, and dwelt among a people of polluted lips, and was unworthy, either to join the seraphim in singing praises to G-d, or to be the messenger of G-d to His people.
All men, in the presence of G-d, must inevitably be overcome with a sense of wickedness and unworthiness; but that is a different thing altogether from being as wicked as are those in full rebellion against G-d. Confession of sin here as a conscious realization of the wickedness of all flesh in the sight of G-d, and not as an admission that he was just as wicked as the people generally were in that rebellious era.
G-d will never do anything with us till He has first of all undone us.
Unclean lips – instead of boasting of your excellence, and trusting in your might, or comforting yourself in your comparative innocence, you will also be dumb before Him, because you have been a man of unclean lips, and because you hast still an unclean heart.
By nature, our lips are full of flattery and false intent: With flattering lips and a double heart they speak (Psalm 12:2). By nature, our lips lie and are proud: Let the lying lips be put to silence, which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous (Psalm 31:18). By nature, our lips deceive: Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit (Psalm 34:13). By nature, our lips are violent: Swords are in their lips (Psalm 59:7). By nature, our lips bring death to others: The poison of asps is under their lips (Psalm 140:3).
I have seen the King - not strictly Jehovah Himself (John 1:18; 1 Tim. 6:16), but the symbol of His presence. Isaiah was a righteous, godly man by all outward appearance. Yet when he saw the enthroned King, the L-rd of hosts, he saw how sinful he was in comparison. Isaiah's life may have been as brilliant as a diamond. But when you lay a diamond against a perfectly black background, and have the right light upon it, you can see every flaw and imperfection - flaws that were invisible before. Even so, when Isaiah's righteous life lay against the background of G-d's perfection, it looked different.
L-rd - Hebrew, "JEHOVAH."
[6] Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
Flew - By G-d's command.
Unto me - The seraphim had been in the temple, Isaiah outside of it.
A coal - literally, "a hot stone," used, as in some countries in our days, to roast meat with, for example, the meat of the sacrifices. Fire was a symbol of purification, as it takes the dross out of metals (Mal. 3:2, 3). Both a token and an instrument of purification.
The tongs - These majestic beings, surrounding the throne of G-d, ministered to Isaiah. One flew to Isaiah with a live coal - which means the coal was still hot and burning. It was so hot that even an angel had to use the tongs from the altar.
The altar - Of burnt-offering, in the court of the priests before the temple. The fire on it was at first kindled by G-d (Lev. 9:24), and was kept continually burning.
[7] And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
Laid it - So as only to touch my lips, and not to burn them; which G-d could easily effect.
Mouth . . . lips - The mouth was touched because it was the part to be used by the prophet when inaugurated. So "tongues of fire" rested on the disciples (Acts 2:3, 4) when they were being set apart to speak in various languages of Jesus.
Lo - This is a sign that I have pardoned and purged the uncleanness of thy lips.
Iniquity - conscious unworthiness of acting as G-d's messenger.
Purged - literally, "covered," that is, expiated, not by any physical effect of fire to cleanse from sin, but in relation to the altar sacrifices, of which Messiah, who here commissions Isaiah, was in His death to be the antitype: it is implied hereby that it is only by sacrifice sin can be pardoned.
This declares that man cannot render due obedience to G-d, till He has purged us.
The train was His royal and judicial robe; for He is represented as a judge and which the train of divine perfections fill. The train, the skirts of His robes, filled the Temple, the whole world (for it is all
G-d's Temple, and, as the heaven is His throne, so the earth is His footstool), it was filled with the manifestations of His glory. Shekinah Glory which is filled enriched, and beautified with the tokens of G-d's special presence.
Isa.6:2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
Seraphim - This word is nowhere else in the Bible applied to G-d's attendant majestic beings with 6 wings, human hands or voices in attendance upon G-d. Thus called from fire and burning, which this word properly signifies; to represent either their nature, which is bright and glorious, and pure; or their property, of fervent zeal for G-d's service and glory. The beings as flames of fire, that the immorality of that generation might be exhibited, which worthy of being was totally burnt up.
Wings - The three pairs of wings on each of the seraphim are believed to stand for reverence, humility, and speedy obedience to G-d's will. With two he cover his face (to show they are too lowly to look upon G-d), two wings to cover his feet (to hide this "humble" area of the body, so nothing even possibly deficient is seen in the Father’s presence). Two were made use of for flight; when they are sent on G-d's errands they fly swiftly (Daniel 9:21), more swiftly with their own wings than if they flew on the wings of the wind. This teaches us to do the work of God with cheerfulness and expedition.
The seraphim used four of their wings to express their humility, and used two of their wings to express their willingness and ability to serve G-d. This is the proper balance.
Thus they have four wings for adoration and two for active energy; four to conceal themselves, and two with which to occupy themselves in service; and we may learn from them that we shall serve G-d best when we are most deeply reverend and humbled in His presence. Worship must be in larger proportion than energy, adoration must exceed activity. As Mary at Y’Shua's feet was preferred to Martha and her much serving, so must sacred reverence take the first place, and energetic service follow in due course.
With Twain – in Strongs it means a combination (two, both, double, twice).
[3] And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
One - Father, Son, and Spirit, for all the three Persons appear in this vision V. 8.
They cried unto another - This denotes the publicness of their ministry, and their harmony and unity in it with zeal and fervency they cried aloud; and with unanimity they cried to another. They sang alternately, but in concert, and without the least jarring voice to interrupt the harmony. The formed upon the practice of alternate singing, which prevailed in the Jewish Church from the time of Moses, whose ode at the Red Sea was thus performed, (see Exodus 15:20,21) to that of Ezra, under whom the priests and Levites sung alternately. It was the same with that which is sung by the four living creatures, Revelation 4:8. Praising G-d always was, and will be to eternity, the work of heaven, and the constant employment of blessed spirits above, Psalms 84:4.
Two things the seraphim here give G-d the praise of:
1. His infinite perfections in Himself. G-d's power was spoken twice (Psalms 62:11), but His holiness thrice, Holy, holy, holy. They say it three times because there are Three Persons in the One G-d.
The particular pleasure they take in contemplating the holiness of G-d; this is a subject they love to dwell upon, to harp upon, and are loath to leave. Holiness, at its root, has the idea of apartness. It describes someone, or something, which is set apart from other people or things. An object can be holy if it is set apart for sacred service. A person is holy if they are set apart for G-d's will and purpose.
3. The superlative excellence of G-d's holiness, above that of the purest creatures. He is holy, thrice holy, infinitely holy, originally, perfectly, and eternally so. G-d's holiness is a part of everything He is and does. G-d's power is a holy power. G-d's love is a holy love. G-d's wisdom is a holy wisdom. Holiness is not an aspect of G-d's personality; it is one characteristic of His entire Being.
4. It may refer to the three person in the G-dhead, Holy Father, Holy Son, and Holy Spirit (for it follows, verse 8, Who will go for us? Herein he was, and is, and will be, holy; his ways are equal.
This often repetition signifies that the angels cannot satisfy themselves in praising G-d, to teach us that in all our lives we should give ourselves to the continual praise of G-d.
His glory not only appears in the heavens but through all the world, and therefore all creatures are bound to praise Him.
The whole earth is full of his glory - the Hebrew more emphatically, the fullness of the whole earth is His glory (Ps 24:1; 72:19). The seraphim surrounding the throne of G-d could see this probably more clearly than Isaiah could. We are often blind to the obvious glory of G-d all around us.
[4] And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
Post of the door - rather, foundations of the thresholds.
Voice of him - The seraphim are majestic beings, and their voice carries weight. When they speak, the door posts of G-d's throne room shake! The idea may be that Isaiah was watching from the door way, and when the seraphim cried out, he could feel the door posts shake.
The seraphim have one occupation: Their existence is given over to the praise and worship and honor of the L-RD G-d who is enthroned in heaven. What could we possibly do that is a higher calling than that? They sang so powerfully, the door posts were shaken! Shouldn't we sing with the same passion, the same heart, the same intensity? Do those angels have more to thank and praise
G-d for than we do?
Cried - There are voices in heaven sufficient to drown all the noises of the many waters in this lower world, Psalms 93:3,4. This violent concussion of the Temple was an indication of G-d's wrath and displeasure against the people for their sins; it was an earnest of the destruction of it and the city by the Babylonians first, and afterwards by the Romans; and it was designed to strike an awe upon us. Shall walls and posts tremble before G-d, and shall we not tremble?
House – Temple
Filled with smoke - This smoke reminds us of the pillar of cloud that represented the presence of G-d (Exodus 13:21-22), the smoke on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18), and the cloud of G-d's Shekinah glory that filled the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-12). A cloud of glory often marks the presence of the L-RD.
[5] Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
Woe –What made Isaiah feel like he was coming apart? Two things. First, the sight and sound of the seraphim. Second, the vision of the L-rd G-D.
I am undone – to be silent because he was a man of polluted lips, and dwelt among a people of polluted lips, and was unworthy, either to join the seraphim in singing praises to G-d, or to be the messenger of G-d to His people.
All men, in the presence of G-d, must inevitably be overcome with a sense of wickedness and unworthiness; but that is a different thing altogether from being as wicked as are those in full rebellion against G-d. Confession of sin here as a conscious realization of the wickedness of all flesh in the sight of G-d, and not as an admission that he was just as wicked as the people generally were in that rebellious era.
G-d will never do anything with us till He has first of all undone us.
Unclean lips – instead of boasting of your excellence, and trusting in your might, or comforting yourself in your comparative innocence, you will also be dumb before Him, because you have been a man of unclean lips, and because you hast still an unclean heart.
By nature, our lips are full of flattery and false intent: With flattering lips and a double heart they speak (Psalm 12:2). By nature, our lips lie and are proud: Let the lying lips be put to silence, which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous (Psalm 31:18). By nature, our lips deceive: Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit (Psalm 34:13). By nature, our lips are violent: Swords are in their lips (Psalm 59:7). By nature, our lips bring death to others: The poison of asps is under their lips (Psalm 140:3).
I have seen the King - not strictly Jehovah Himself (John 1:18; 1 Tim. 6:16), but the symbol of His presence. Isaiah was a righteous, godly man by all outward appearance. Yet when he saw the enthroned King, the L-rd of hosts, he saw how sinful he was in comparison. Isaiah's life may have been as brilliant as a diamond. But when you lay a diamond against a perfectly black background, and have the right light upon it, you can see every flaw and imperfection - flaws that were invisible before. Even so, when Isaiah's righteous life lay against the background of G-d's perfection, it looked different.
L-rd - Hebrew, "JEHOVAH."
[6] Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
Flew - By G-d's command.
Unto me - The seraphim had been in the temple, Isaiah outside of it.
A coal - literally, "a hot stone," used, as in some countries in our days, to roast meat with, for example, the meat of the sacrifices. Fire was a symbol of purification, as it takes the dross out of metals (Mal. 3:2, 3). Both a token and an instrument of purification.
The tongs - These majestic beings, surrounding the throne of G-d, ministered to Isaiah. One flew to Isaiah with a live coal - which means the coal was still hot and burning. It was so hot that even an angel had to use the tongs from the altar.
The altar - Of burnt-offering, in the court of the priests before the temple. The fire on it was at first kindled by G-d (Lev. 9:24), and was kept continually burning.
[7] And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
Laid it - So as only to touch my lips, and not to burn them; which G-d could easily effect.
Mouth . . . lips - The mouth was touched because it was the part to be used by the prophet when inaugurated. So "tongues of fire" rested on the disciples (Acts 2:3, 4) when they were being set apart to speak in various languages of Jesus.
Lo - This is a sign that I have pardoned and purged the uncleanness of thy lips.
Iniquity - conscious unworthiness of acting as G-d's messenger.
Purged - literally, "covered," that is, expiated, not by any physical effect of fire to cleanse from sin, but in relation to the altar sacrifices, of which Messiah, who here commissions Isaiah, was in His death to be the antitype: it is implied hereby that it is only by sacrifice sin can be pardoned.
This declares that man cannot render due obedience to G-d, till He has purged us.
Dietary Laws Barnabas
From Barnabas chapter 9 tells us how all were designed for a spiritual signification. 1. But why did Moses say ‘you shall not eat of the swine, neither the eagle nor the hawk; not the crow; nor any fish that has not a scale upon him? The answer, that in the spiritual sense, he comprehended three doctrines, that were to be gathered from thence.
3. Now the sow he forbade them to eat; meaning thus much; you shall not join yourself to such persons as are like unto swine; who whilst they live in pleasure, forget their G-d; but when any want pinches them, then they know the L-rd; as the sow when she is full knows not her master; but when she is hungry she makes a noise; and being again fed, is silent.
4. Neither, says, he shall you not eat the eagle, nor the hawk, nor the kite, nor the crow; that is you shall not keep company with such kind of men as know not how by their labor and sweat to get themselves food: but injuriously ravish away the things of others; and watch how to lay snares for them; when at the same time they appear to live in perfect innocence.
5. So these birds alone seek not food for themselves, but sitting idle seek how they may eat of the flesh others have provide; being destructive through their wickedness.
6. You shall eat the lamprey, nor the polypus, nor the cuttle fish; that is, you shall not be such men, by using to converse with them; who are altogether wicked and adjudged to death. For so those fishes are alone accursed, and wallow in the mire, nor swim as other fishes, but tumble in the dirt at the bottom of the deep.
7. Neither shall you eat of the hare. To what end? To signify this to us; You shall not be an adulterer; nor liken yourself to such persons. For the hare every year multiplies the places of its conception; and so many years as it lives, so many it has.
8. Neither shall you eat of the hyena; that is, again, be not an adultery, nor a corruptor of others; neither be like to such. Because that creature every year changes its kind, and it sometimes male and sometimes female.
9. For which cause also he justly hated the weasel; to the end that they should not be like such persons who with their mouths commit wickedness by reason of their uncleanness; nor join themselves with those impure women, who with their mouths commit wickedness. Because the animal conceives with its mouth.
10. Moses, therefore, speaking as concerning meats, delivered indeed three great precepts to them in the spiritual signification of those commands. But they according to the desires of the flesh, understood him as if he had only meant it of meats.
11, And therefore David took aright the knowledge of his three-fold command, saying in like manner.
12. Blessed is the man that has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly; as the fishes before mentioned in the bottom of the deep in darkness.
13. Nor stood in the way of sinners, as they who seem to fear the L-rd, but yet sin, as the sow.
14. And hath not sat in the seat of the scorners; as those birds who sit and watch that they may devour.
15. Here you have the Law concerning meat perfectly set forth, and according to the true knowledge of it.
18. In short, with those who know that to meditate is a work of pleasure, and therefore exercise themselves in the word of the L-rd.
19. But why might they eat those that clave the hoof? Because the righteous lives in this present world; but his expectation is fixed upon the other. See, brethren, how admirably Moses commanded these things.
20. But how should we thus know all this, and understand it? We, therefore, understanding alright Commandments, speak as the L-rd would have us. Wherefore he has circumcised our ears and our hearts, that we might know these things.
The signification of which is this: that we go down into the water (baptism) full of sin and pollutions; but come up again, bringing forth fruit; having in our hearts the fear and hope which is in Y’Suha, by the spirit. And whosoever shall eat of them shall live forever.
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