[Isa. 29:8] It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.
[9] Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.
[10] For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.
[11] And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:
[12] And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.
[13] Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
A unbelievers’ disappointment in the very height of their confident expectation of holding on to what they have, it shall be as great as that of the hungry man who in a dream fancies he eats, but awakes to hunger still (Ps 73:20); their dream shall be dissolute on the fatal morning (37:36).
Unbeliever is astounded; expressing the stupid and amazed incredulity with which the she/he received this announcement, soon you will be amazed at the sight of the actual event.
Be you blinded (since you choose to be so, though the light shines all round you), and soon ye shall be blinded" in good earnest to your sorrow.
You will not be drunk with wine, but with spiritual paralysis!
A deep sleep shall come over you because of the hardness of your heart, and insensibleness of your danger. You have closed your eyes with the veil of ignorance and stupidity. G-d seals up the truth so that even the learned, because they lack believing obedience, cannot discern it.
The unlearned succeed no better than the learned, not from want of human learning, as they fancy, but from not having the teaching of G-d, all need to pick up the Book. If only you would draw near to the Father in your acts of worship with lips of outward devotions, but you do not pay Me that love, and fear, and obedience which I required but according to men’s inventions, preferring the devices and traditions of their false prophets, before My instructions.
Your fear toward Me was taught by the precept of men, instead of the precepts given in My Book. You also worship external, and by rule, not heartfelt as I required. The vision has become thus to you whose minds the idol of this world has blinded; but it is not so in itself, it is not so to all; the same vision which to you is a savor of death unto death to others is and shall be a savor of life unto life. Knowledge is easy to him that understands.
Study to show thyself approved onto G-d; find out the truth for yourself. 2 Tim. 2:15
Life's Storms
[Isa. 25:1] O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.[3] Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.
[4] For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.
[5] Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.
6] And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
[7] And he (Y’Shua) will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.
[8] He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
[9] And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
[26:3] Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
4] Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
[5] For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.
[6] The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.
[7] The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.
[8] Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.
[9] With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
[12] LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.
[13] O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.
[20] Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.
Have you been going through a storm with a mountain to cross?
Look to your Maker to get through the stress that is holding you down.
Y’Shua can create "perfect peace" within your mind, though storms of trial rage.
Life is full of storms one must know to turn to Him to weather through.
Wines of the Ancients
Isa. 25:6 Wines on the lees - Heb. lees; that is, of wines kept long on the lees. The word used to express the lees in the original signifies the preservers; because they preserve the strength and flavor of the wine. "All recent wines, after the fermentation has ceased, ought to be kept on their lees for a certain time, which greatly contributes to increase their strength and flavor. Whenever this first fermentation has been deficient, they will retain a more rich and sweet taste than is natural to them in a recent true vinous state; and unless farther fermentation is promoted by their lying longer on their own lees, they will never attain their genuine strength and flavor, but run into repeated and ineffectual fermentations, and soon degenerate into a liquor of an acetous kind. All wines of a light and austere kind, by a fermentation too great, or too long continued, certainly degenerate into a weak sort of vinegar; while the stronger not only require, but will safely bear a stronger and often-repeated fermentation; and are more apt to degenerate from a defect than excess of fermentation into a vapid, ropy, and at length into a putrescent state.Observations on the Wines of the Ancients, the Shiras wine, that, after it is refined from the lees, it is apt to grow sour.
It has much sediment, and therefore is intoxicating. In order to make it more mellow, they strain it through a hypocrites' sleeve, after which it is very clear and less heady. They lay up this wine in great earthen jars, which hold from ten to fourteen carabas: but when a jar is unstopped, it is necessary to empty it immediately, and put the wine into bottles, or carabas; for if it be left thus in the jar, it will spoil and become acid.
The goat's skin drawn off from the animal, having no apertures but those occasioned by the tail, the feet, and the neck. One opening is left, to pour in and draw off the liquor. This skin goes through a sort of tanning process, and is often beautifully ornamented.
This clearly explains the very elegant comparison, or rather allegory, of Jeremiah, 48:11; where the reader will find a remarkable example of the mixture of the proper with the allegorical, not uncommon with the Hebrew poets:
Moab hath been at ease from his youth, And he hath settled upon his lees; Nor hath he been drawn off from vessel to vessel, Neither hath he gone into captivity: Wherefore his taste remained in him, And his flavor is not changed. They change the wine from vessel to vessel in the east; and when they unstop a large one, it is necessary to empty it into small vessels, as otherwise it will grow sour.
Watchman Watchman
I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at My mouth, and give them warning from Me.Watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise and anoint the shield.
Make ready for defense.
For thus hath the L-rd said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he sees.
The sight needed to be announced to the prophet by the watchman, unless the watchman is on watch.
A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:
A lion - rather, "(The watchman) cried, I am as a lion"; so as is understood (62:5; Ps 11:1). The point of comparison to "a lion" is in Rev. 10:3, the loudness of the cry. But here it is rather his vigilance. The lion's eyelids are short, so that, even when asleep, he seems to be on the watch, awake; hence he was painted on doors of Temples as the symbol of watchfulness, guarding the place.
Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?
He is to announces future events which he sees in prophetic vision.
The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if Ye will inquire, inquire Ye: return, come.
Reply of the prophet, the morning (prosperity) cometh, and (soon after follows) the night (adversity).
Speak to the children of your people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:
If the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.
Night watches:
Six to nine p.m.
Nine p.m. to midnight.
Midnight to three a.m.
Three a.m. to six a.m.
Will you be His watchman?
Thanksgiving hymn
Isa. 12:1] And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
In that day - When this great work of the reduction of Israel and conversion of the Gentiles is fulfilled.
Though thou wast angry - "For though thou hast been angry but thanks be to G-d, that ye were the slaves of sin; but have obeyed from the heart. But there is also a sense in which we receive chastening or discipline from G-d, which certainly feels like His anger. This chastening feels unpleasant (Hebrews 11:11), but it really shows the fatherly love of G-d instead of His hatred.
In the sense of G-d's chastening or discipline in our lives, how wonderful it is when His anger is turned away, and "spanking" stops!
G-d disciplines us as a perfect parent, knowing perfectly how to comfort us after we have been chastened. Sometimes, like rebellious children, we refuse the comfort of
G-d after discipline, but that is always our fault, not His.
Satan also tempts us by all methods, and employs every expedient to compel us to despair. We ought, therefore, to be fortified by this doctrine, that, though we feel the anger of the G-d, we may know that it is of short duration, and that we shall be comforted as soon as He has chastened us.
[2] Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
The worshipper wants others to see what He says is true. He is excited about what
G-d has done in his life, and invites all to behold the work of the Father.
The talk about trying to believe and trust is a mere pretence. But whether pretence or no, let me remind you that there is no text in the Bible which says, 'Try to trust and believe’.
This peace and security comes from knowing that G-d is my salvation. When we are our own salvation, it is hard to trust and not be afraid in ourselves.
But when G-d is our salvation, we can trust and not be afraid.
This is a confident statement reflecting the will of the worshipper. He is deciding to trust and not be afraid. There are feelings of trust, but that is different than the decision to trust. We can say to our will, "I will trust and not be afraid."
When the G-d is our strength, it means that He is our resource, He is our refuge.
We look to Him for our needs, and are never unsatisfied. Nor is He here called a part or an aid of our strength, but our complete strength; for we are strong, so far as He supplies us with strength.
This chapter is a Thanksgiving hymn of the restored and converted Jews. Just as Miriam, after the deliverance of the Red Sea (11:16), celebrated it with an ode of praise (Ex 15:1-19).
When G-d is our song, it means that He is our joy, He is our happiness. We find our purpose and life in Him, and He never disappoints.
Many don't ever feel the need for salvation. Instead, they think their lives are fine, and come to G-d for a little help when they feel they need it. But they never see themselves as drowning men in need of rescue, or see themselves as hell-destined sinners in need of salvation.
The worshipper is so immersed in this idea that he repeats it in the same verse:
G-d is my salvation . . . He also has become my salvation.
The idea of salvation was peculiarly associated with the Feast of Tabernacles
(verse 3). Hence the cry "Hosanna," "Save, we beseech thee," that accompanied Y’Shuas’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on that day (the fifteenth of the seventh month) (Matt 21:9; compare with Ps 118:25, 26); the earnest of the perfected "salvation" which He shall bring to His people at His glorious second appearance at Jerusalem (Heb. 9:28). "He shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Compare Rev. 21:3, "The Tabernacle of G-d is with men." Compare Lk. 9:33, "three tabernacles: one for thee". (the transfiguration being a pledge of the future kingdom), (Ps 118:15; Zec. 14:16). As the Jew was reminded by the
Feast of Tabernacles of his wanderings in tents in the wilderness, so the Jew-Gentile Church to come shall call to mind, with thanksgiving, the various past ways whereby G-d has at last brought them to the heavenly "city of habitation" (Ps 107:7).
[3] Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Your thirsty souls shall be filled with Divine graces and comforts, which you may draw from G-d, in the use of gospel-ordinances.
Be of good courage, you very, very timid ones, and alter your tone. Try to put a 'Selah' into your life, as David often did in his Psalms. Frequently, he put in a 'Selah,' and then he changed the key directly. In like manner, change the key of your singing; you are a great deal too low. Let the harp-strings be screwed up a bit, and let us have no more of this fiat, mournful notes.
Draw water out of the wells of salvation is an expressive image in a hot country.
On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles the Jews used to bring water in a golden pitcher from the fountain of Siloam, and pour it, mingled with wine, on the sacrifice on the altar, with great rejoicing. This is the allusion in Y’Shuas' words on "the last day of the feast" (John 7:2, 37-39). The pouring out of water indicated repentance (1 Sam. 7:6; compare, as to the Jews' repentance hereafter, Zec. 12:10). There shall be a latter outpouring of the Spirit like the former one on what we call Pentecost (Joe 2:23).
Wells not mere streams, which may run dry, but ever-flowing fountains (John 4:14; 7:38), "Out of his belly (that is, in and from Himself) - living water" (42:18; Ps 84:6; Zec. 13:1; Re 7:17).
When we remember the semi-arid climate of Israel, we see what a beautiful picture the wells of salvation paint. When water is rare, a well is life. To have a place where you can continually come and draw forth to meet your need is a precious gift.
This means there is something for us to do: You will draw water. G-d's doesn't meet our needs as we sit in passive inactivity. We must reach out and draw forth what He has provided. At the same time, it is His water, His well, His rope, and His bucket that we draw with!
The water is Divine knowledge and the wells the teachers of righteousness. The Targum renders this in a very remarkable manner: "Ye shall receive with joy.”
[4] And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
Make him your Mediator, or call the people in His name. Preach Him who is the Root of Jesse, and who stands as an ensign for the nations. Call on the people to believe in Him; as in Him alone salvation is to be found.
Make mention in Hebrew, "cause it to be remembered."
[5] Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
Sing is alluding to Ex 15:21.
[6] Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst: This gives two reasons for great praise. First, because of who G-d is: the Holy One of Israel. Second, because of where G-d is: in your midst.
Each of these gives everyone reason to praise G-d!
Hebrew, "inhabitress"; so "daughter of Zion," that is, Zion and its people. Not only the Jewish people, to whom His word of salvation was to be sent first; but also all believers of the Messianic Church: as in them the Holy One of Israel dwells. Paul, speaking of the mystery which had been proclaimed among the Gentiles, sums it up in these words: "which is the Messiah in you, the hope of glory; whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Y’Shua HaMashiach;" Col. 1:27,28. Well, therefore, may the inhabitant of Zion cry oat and shout, and proclaim the greatness of her Redeemer.
In the midst of Jerusalem literally (Jer. 3:17; Ezek. 48:35; Zep. 3:15, 17; Zec. 2:10).
The last three verses here carry repeated instructions to God's people of all ages:
1. Give thanks to Jehovah;
2. Call upon His name;
3. Declare His doings among the people;
4. Make mention that His name is exalted;
5. Sing unto Jehovah;
6. G-d hath done excellent things; let this be known in all the earth;
7. Cry aloud and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great in the midst of thee is the Holy One of Israel.
This brings us to the conclusion of the first great division of Isaiah's prophecy; and in these brief chapters there has emerged the great majority of the themes that Isaiah will discuss throughout the book, "line upon line, here a little and there a little". Such things as ruin and captivity of Israel, the return of a remnant,
G-d's judgments upon wicked nations, the salvation of an obedient remnant, the accomplishment of that redemption by the hand of Immanuel (the Messiah), the coming of the Messiah through the Davidic line, the virgin birth of Messiah, the Messiah's character, His endowment, His ability, the nature of G-d's kingdom, the calling of the Gentiles and their reception into G-d's fellowship and kingdom along with a remnant of the Jews.
In that day - When this great work of the reduction of Israel and conversion of the Gentiles is fulfilled.
Though thou wast angry - "For though thou hast been angry but thanks be to G-d, that ye were the slaves of sin; but have obeyed from the heart. But there is also a sense in which we receive chastening or discipline from G-d, which certainly feels like His anger. This chastening feels unpleasant (Hebrews 11:11), but it really shows the fatherly love of G-d instead of His hatred.
In the sense of G-d's chastening or discipline in our lives, how wonderful it is when His anger is turned away, and "spanking" stops!
G-d disciplines us as a perfect parent, knowing perfectly how to comfort us after we have been chastened. Sometimes, like rebellious children, we refuse the comfort of
G-d after discipline, but that is always our fault, not His.
Satan also tempts us by all methods, and employs every expedient to compel us to despair. We ought, therefore, to be fortified by this doctrine, that, though we feel the anger of the G-d, we may know that it is of short duration, and that we shall be comforted as soon as He has chastened us.
[2] Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
The worshipper wants others to see what He says is true. He is excited about what
G-d has done in his life, and invites all to behold the work of the Father.
The talk about trying to believe and trust is a mere pretence. But whether pretence or no, let me remind you that there is no text in the Bible which says, 'Try to trust and believe’.
This peace and security comes from knowing that G-d is my salvation. When we are our own salvation, it is hard to trust and not be afraid in ourselves.
But when G-d is our salvation, we can trust and not be afraid.
This is a confident statement reflecting the will of the worshipper. He is deciding to trust and not be afraid. There are feelings of trust, but that is different than the decision to trust. We can say to our will, "I will trust and not be afraid."
When the G-d is our strength, it means that He is our resource, He is our refuge.
We look to Him for our needs, and are never unsatisfied. Nor is He here called a part or an aid of our strength, but our complete strength; for we are strong, so far as He supplies us with strength.
This chapter is a Thanksgiving hymn of the restored and converted Jews. Just as Miriam, after the deliverance of the Red Sea (11:16), celebrated it with an ode of praise (Ex 15:1-19).
When G-d is our song, it means that He is our joy, He is our happiness. We find our purpose and life in Him, and He never disappoints.
Many don't ever feel the need for salvation. Instead, they think their lives are fine, and come to G-d for a little help when they feel they need it. But they never see themselves as drowning men in need of rescue, or see themselves as hell-destined sinners in need of salvation.
The worshipper is so immersed in this idea that he repeats it in the same verse:
G-d is my salvation . . . He also has become my salvation.
The idea of salvation was peculiarly associated with the Feast of Tabernacles
(verse 3). Hence the cry "Hosanna," "Save, we beseech thee," that accompanied Y’Shuas’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on that day (the fifteenth of the seventh month) (Matt 21:9; compare with Ps 118:25, 26); the earnest of the perfected "salvation" which He shall bring to His people at His glorious second appearance at Jerusalem (Heb. 9:28). "He shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Compare Rev. 21:3, "The Tabernacle of G-d is with men." Compare Lk. 9:33, "three tabernacles: one for thee". (the transfiguration being a pledge of the future kingdom), (Ps 118:15; Zec. 14:16). As the Jew was reminded by the
Feast of Tabernacles of his wanderings in tents in the wilderness, so the Jew-Gentile Church to come shall call to mind, with thanksgiving, the various past ways whereby G-d has at last brought them to the heavenly "city of habitation" (Ps 107:7).
[3] Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Your thirsty souls shall be filled with Divine graces and comforts, which you may draw from G-d, in the use of gospel-ordinances.
Be of good courage, you very, very timid ones, and alter your tone. Try to put a 'Selah' into your life, as David often did in his Psalms. Frequently, he put in a 'Selah,' and then he changed the key directly. In like manner, change the key of your singing; you are a great deal too low. Let the harp-strings be screwed up a bit, and let us have no more of this fiat, mournful notes.
Draw water out of the wells of salvation is an expressive image in a hot country.
On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles the Jews used to bring water in a golden pitcher from the fountain of Siloam, and pour it, mingled with wine, on the sacrifice on the altar, with great rejoicing. This is the allusion in Y’Shuas' words on "the last day of the feast" (John 7:2, 37-39). The pouring out of water indicated repentance (1 Sam. 7:6; compare, as to the Jews' repentance hereafter, Zec. 12:10). There shall be a latter outpouring of the Spirit like the former one on what we call Pentecost (Joe 2:23).
Wells not mere streams, which may run dry, but ever-flowing fountains (John 4:14; 7:38), "Out of his belly (that is, in and from Himself) - living water" (42:18; Ps 84:6; Zec. 13:1; Re 7:17).
When we remember the semi-arid climate of Israel, we see what a beautiful picture the wells of salvation paint. When water is rare, a well is life. To have a place where you can continually come and draw forth to meet your need is a precious gift.
This means there is something for us to do: You will draw water. G-d's doesn't meet our needs as we sit in passive inactivity. We must reach out and draw forth what He has provided. At the same time, it is His water, His well, His rope, and His bucket that we draw with!
The water is Divine knowledge and the wells the teachers of righteousness. The Targum renders this in a very remarkable manner: "Ye shall receive with joy.”
[4] And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
Make him your Mediator, or call the people in His name. Preach Him who is the Root of Jesse, and who stands as an ensign for the nations. Call on the people to believe in Him; as in Him alone salvation is to be found.
Make mention in Hebrew, "cause it to be remembered."
[5] Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
Sing is alluding to Ex 15:21.
[6] Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst: This gives two reasons for great praise. First, because of who G-d is: the Holy One of Israel. Second, because of where G-d is: in your midst.
Each of these gives everyone reason to praise G-d!
Hebrew, "inhabitress"; so "daughter of Zion," that is, Zion and its people. Not only the Jewish people, to whom His word of salvation was to be sent first; but also all believers of the Messianic Church: as in them the Holy One of Israel dwells. Paul, speaking of the mystery which had been proclaimed among the Gentiles, sums it up in these words: "which is the Messiah in you, the hope of glory; whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Y’Shua HaMashiach;" Col. 1:27,28. Well, therefore, may the inhabitant of Zion cry oat and shout, and proclaim the greatness of her Redeemer.
In the midst of Jerusalem literally (Jer. 3:17; Ezek. 48:35; Zep. 3:15, 17; Zec. 2:10).
The last three verses here carry repeated instructions to God's people of all ages:
1. Give thanks to Jehovah;
2. Call upon His name;
3. Declare His doings among the people;
4. Make mention that His name is exalted;
5. Sing unto Jehovah;
6. G-d hath done excellent things; let this be known in all the earth;
7. Cry aloud and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great in the midst of thee is the Holy One of Israel.
This brings us to the conclusion of the first great division of Isaiah's prophecy; and in these brief chapters there has emerged the great majority of the themes that Isaiah will discuss throughout the book, "line upon line, here a little and there a little". Such things as ruin and captivity of Israel, the return of a remnant,
G-d's judgments upon wicked nations, the salvation of an obedient remnant, the accomplishment of that redemption by the hand of Immanuel (the Messiah), the coming of the Messiah through the Davidic line, the virgin birth of Messiah, the Messiah's character, His endowment, His ability, the nature of G-d's kingdom, the calling of the Gentiles and their reception into G-d's fellowship and kingdom along with a remnant of the Jews.
Cockatrice
[Isa. 11:8] And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.
Cockatrice - A legendary creature about the size and shape of a dragon or wyvern, but in appearance resembling a giant rooster, with some lizard-like characteristics. The cockatrice is a mythological creature with the body of a dragon or serpent, and the head and legs of a rooster. According to myth, they are the product of a rooster egg (a rare thing indeed!) hatched by a serpent or toad. A magical creature, it can kill with a glance, and its breath is poisonous. The terms "cockatrice" and "basilisk" are usually used interchangeably.
Verse KJV 1885 RV NIV NASB NKJV RSV
Proverbs 23:32 adder (margin: cockatrice) adder (margin: basilisk) viper viper viper adder
Isaiah 11:8 cockatrice (margin: adders) basilisk (margin: adder) viper viper viper adder
Isaiah 14:29 cockatrice (margin: adder) basilisk (margin: adder) viper viper viper adder
Isaiah 59:5 cockatrice (margin: adders) basilisks (margin: adders) vipers adders vipers adders
Jeremiah 8:17 cockatrices basilisks (margin: serpents) vipers adders vipers adders
In the 15th century manuscript of a cockatrice being attacked by a weasel,
the only animal believed to be able to kill a cockatrice.
Blind Indifference
When cruelty comes with blind indifference my humanity becomes my best defense.
But if you consider the alternative I really didn't have that much to give.
A tragic victim of my circumstance ‘old age’ has set in with all its finance.
Never give the devil a second chance. If you do you know that you never will advance.
I believe that this subject is very close to the heart of G-d, but sadly many preachers stay away from this subject because they are desperate to hold on to the money coming into their church for operating expenses and building costs. If they could only understand that G-d's abundance is released into our personal lives and into our ministries when we believe and obey the L-rd concerning the care of orphans & widows. I firmly believe that it is vitally important to our financial lives both personally and corporately, because after all, G-d is our provider and it is His command to care for those who can't take care of themselves. So when we obey Him by releasing our finances and possessions, our Provider takes care of us.
Importance in scripture:
Caring for the orphans, widows, & poor - over 118 times, 44 for orphans
I don’t think most of us realize how important caring for orphans and widows is to the Father.
The USA does not have orphans because we have group homes and foster homes.
Do you even know of any church or ministry that helps the widows in the USA? The church has left that responsibility to the government. Now I am taking about true widows, not ones that have a savings account or stocks, but the ones that are in the need of help.
To whom will you flee for help? The idea is, "When you have forsaken others in their time of need, who will you go to for help when you are in need?"
Psalms 68:5 – G-d is to be a Father to the fatherless; & a Defender of widows this very nature of Him has been imparted to the church and is a very vital part of our responsibility as children of G-d.
What is He telling that we are to do to tap into this amazing abundance of His’s blessings?
Share your bread with the hungry.
Don’t hide from your own flesh – deal with its issues.
Don’t avoid caring for those in your own household of faith.
House the poor - the orphans & widows who have no home.
Clothe the naked
Take away the yoke from your midst’s - relieve oppression wherever you find it
Stop pointing your finger in scorn at those who are oppressed or in sin
Stop gossiping and slandering your brothers and sisters
Care for those that are afflicted or sick.
Visit the ‘shut ins’.
It’s not a hard thing to do to fulfill these commands of G-d in order to receive the promises of G-d. If you have unanswered prayers in your life, check this short list to see if you are complying with these things that G-d desires of you.
Recap with the promises in Isaiah 58:
This is the way to get everything in this life that you need from G-d.
It guarantees that your prayers will be answered.
It guarantees that your healing will come quickly.
It guarantees that the glory of the L-rd & the Holy Spirit will be your rear guard
It guarantees that when you call, He will answer “here am I”
It guarantees that your light - your joy, peace happiness - will break forth in the middle of crisis and problems -no darkness can overcome you.
It guarantees that the L-rd will guide you continually.
It guarantees that even in drought - even if all the financial kingdoms of the earth are failing, you will be satisfied - you will not be brought to ruin.
It guarantees that your body will be strengthened, to give you the best quality of life.
It guarantees that you life will be an ever-flowing spring of life that never fails.
If you are sowing into God’s kingdom, He will see to it that your house is cared for.
Don’t go through life with blind indifference to His wishes.
But if you consider the alternative I really didn't have that much to give.
A tragic victim of my circumstance ‘old age’ has set in with all its finance.
Never give the devil a second chance. If you do you know that you never will advance.
I believe that this subject is very close to the heart of G-d, but sadly many preachers stay away from this subject because they are desperate to hold on to the money coming into their church for operating expenses and building costs. If they could only understand that G-d's abundance is released into our personal lives and into our ministries when we believe and obey the L-rd concerning the care of orphans & widows. I firmly believe that it is vitally important to our financial lives both personally and corporately, because after all, G-d is our provider and it is His command to care for those who can't take care of themselves. So when we obey Him by releasing our finances and possessions, our Provider takes care of us.
Importance in scripture:
Caring for the orphans, widows, & poor - over 118 times, 44 for orphans
I don’t think most of us realize how important caring for orphans and widows is to the Father.
The USA does not have orphans because we have group homes and foster homes.
Do you even know of any church or ministry that helps the widows in the USA? The church has left that responsibility to the government. Now I am taking about true widows, not ones that have a savings account or stocks, but the ones that are in the need of help.
To whom will you flee for help? The idea is, "When you have forsaken others in their time of need, who will you go to for help when you are in need?"
Psalms 68:5 – G-d is to be a Father to the fatherless; & a Defender of widows this very nature of Him has been imparted to the church and is a very vital part of our responsibility as children of G-d.
What is He telling that we are to do to tap into this amazing abundance of His’s blessings?
Share your bread with the hungry.
Don’t hide from your own flesh – deal with its issues.
Don’t avoid caring for those in your own household of faith.
House the poor - the orphans & widows who have no home.
Clothe the naked
Take away the yoke from your midst’s - relieve oppression wherever you find it
Stop pointing your finger in scorn at those who are oppressed or in sin
Stop gossiping and slandering your brothers and sisters
Care for those that are afflicted or sick.
Visit the ‘shut ins’.
It’s not a hard thing to do to fulfill these commands of G-d in order to receive the promises of G-d. If you have unanswered prayers in your life, check this short list to see if you are complying with these things that G-d desires of you.
Recap with the promises in Isaiah 58:
This is the way to get everything in this life that you need from G-d.
It guarantees that your prayers will be answered.
It guarantees that your healing will come quickly.
It guarantees that the glory of the L-rd & the Holy Spirit will be your rear guard
It guarantees that when you call, He will answer “here am I”
It guarantees that your light - your joy, peace happiness - will break forth in the middle of crisis and problems -no darkness can overcome you.
It guarantees that the L-rd will guide you continually.
It guarantees that even in drought - even if all the financial kingdoms of the earth are failing, you will be satisfied - you will not be brought to ruin.
It guarantees that your body will be strengthened, to give you the best quality of life.
It guarantees that you life will be an ever-flowing spring of life that never fails.
If you are sowing into God’s kingdom, He will see to it that your house is cared for.
Don’t go through life with blind indifference to His wishes.
Symphony
I went with a dear friend to the Milwaukee symphony Orchestra and as they played so beautifully G-d started downs loading these thoughts:I was to notice that each individual that was playing was gifted in his or her own right. Each one could have preformed individually and been great, but coming together in unity they made one sound and one voice.
They could carry you upward into the heavenly, creating a whole different atmosphere.
Some sat eagerly and ready to go forward, advancing into the next victory.
All they needed was one director to point the way. One that will carry them higher and higher, the director was encouraging each and everyone to reach their full prudential. By doing so he was drawing others into the fold to experience the joy of working as one, and he was looking at the faces that were watching, waiting for the next move that is to be taken, the next note to be played, waiting and anticipating with eager excitement.
Only he could bring in the harmony and send you on the right path.
We could learn from this by choosing to work together in unison instead of marching to our own beat. When coming together we join all our individual gifting into one body, creating a stronger magnitude of G-d’s presents and power.
Are you tired of being a loner?
Are you ready to march to a different drummer?
Are you ready to join forces in His surroundings?
Individuality is maintain when we dedicating ourselves to His cause to bring more glory to His kingdom.
The Father is our director and He sent His Holy Spirit to us to help point the way. We are to keep our eyes on Him continually; well He takes us to the next level as we climb the heavenly staircase doing His will and His bid.
In eagerness watch, wait, observe and listen for your Commander to speak and guide you.
Belonging to His orchestra and playing with other members is our goal to making a greater impact. Did He not say if one could chase 10,000 to flight what a greater victory we would have in being of one accord.
Little Match Girl
Written in 1846It was biting cold, and the falling snow, which filled a poor little match girl's heart with woe, who was bareheaded and barefooted, as she went along the street, Crying, "Who'll buy my matches? For I want pennies to buy some meat!"
When she left home she had slippers on; But, alas! poor child, now they were gone. For she lost both of them while hurrying across the street, out of the way of two carriages which were near by her feet.
So the little girl went on, while the snow fell thick and fast; and the child's heart felt cold and downcast, for nobody had bought any matches that day, which filled her little mind with grief and dismay.
Alas! She was hungry and shivering with cold; so in a corner between two houses she made bold to take shelter from the violent storm. Peeking into the windows of those with plenty, while they open their gifts and filled their stomach she watching the fire aglow.
Poor little waif! Wishing to herself she'd never been born.
And she grew colder and colder, and feared to go home for fear of her father beating her; and she felt woe-begone because she could carry home no pennies to buy bread,and to go home without pennies she was in dread.
The large flakes of snow covered her ringlets of fair hair; while the passers-by for her had no care, as they hurried along to their homes at a quick pace, while the cold wind blew in the match girl's face.
As night wore on her hands were numb with cold, and no longer her strength could her uphold, when an idea into her little head came: She'd strike a match and warm her hands at the flame.
And she lighted the match, and it burned brightly, and it helped to fill her heart with glee; and she thought she was sitting at a stove very grand; But, alas! She was found dead, with a match in her hand!
Her body was found half-covered with snow, and as the people gazed thereon their hearts were full of woe; and many present let fall a burning tear because she was found dead on the last night of the year,
In that mighty city of London, wherein is plenty of gold - But, alas! Their charity towards street waifs is rather cold.
But I hope the match girl's in Heaven, beside her Saviour dear, a bright reward for all the hardships she suffered here.
{She had been wearing slippers, but they were too big. Why? The answer is immediate—they were her mother's. As little kids we donned our parent's shoes and hobbled about in them, doubling over in giggles by the very immensity of them, our miniature feet lost in the cavernous depths.
Relating something commonplace to the external world, Andersen opens the door for us to enter into a different world of poverty. We are not the onlookers peering in through the windows but involved directly. We feel the cold, hear the mumbled words of the little girl and feel numbness overtaking our minds as the snow falls in flurries about the child in the thin clothes.
Andersen increases the tension by contrasting the season of generosity with that of utter poverty. She hadn't sold a match all day. The repetition of the thought identifies the child's despair and fear of returning home, the utter hopelessness of her life. The fear of being beaten is softened by the repetition of the unsold matches. The lines dull the pain as she loses consciousness. Reality and hallucination mix as her mind wanders into a different world where food is readily available. Only the very hungry dream of apples and roast goose in technicolor.
We understand and see the misery and beauty surrounding the child as she leaves this world. Her vision gives us hope for the next and peace in this as we return back into the bothersome, bustling season of Christmas when greedy shoppers trample each other in the stores, trying to nab the last bargain of the day.
The portrait haunts us a day later as we pass the beggars on the streets or avoid the homeless people in the metros and train stations, but Andersen had the courage to look within the soul and see that underneath the poverty and hunger, they were people, too, needing as much love and attention as you or I.
Instead of calculating your Christmas presents or Christmas budget to spend on friends; make a commitment of time to care about those whose lives are hard. Dedicate a portion of your time to a community project or involve yourself in establishing a new one. It doesn't have to be a major investment, but only a matter of a few hours per month—visiting the ill or shut-in in the local nursing-home or collecting old magazines to create a magazine exchange in the hospital or library for those who cannot afford to pay
subscriptions.
America is the great wasteland of wealth. So many things could be recycled, but are not. So much can be given directly to those in need. Volunteer at a local youth group; work on a crisis line; help develop resources for a website; organize kids to clean trash off the streets—there's a million things possible. Read stories to kids—do something to make this world a better place. Think how different Malvo's life could have been had someone cared for her and showed her the meaning of love. Inside, she's human, too; but she grew up in a brutal world shaped by blind indifference. What can be expected when kids are taught from very young age to play computer games with the major objective is ultimate destruction and televisions are saturated with violence? Save a life by reaching out to someone in need. Carry an apple in the pocket to give to someone in need of food. It's not the biggest sacrifice you'll make in life, but it might warm someone's heart and offer hope to live.}
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