Judges 11:30-31, 34-35, 39-40
This rendering and this interpretation is warranted by the Levitical Law about vows consisted of two parts.
1. That what person soever met him should be the L-rd's or be dedicated to His service;
2. That what beast soever met him, if clean, should be offered up for a burnt-offering unto the L-rd.
G-d did NOT accept human sacrifice. Jephthah makes a rash vow, I will offer it for a burnt offering; that is, if it is what according to the Law may be offered up, as an ox, sheep, ram, or lamb; some read the words disjunctively. "Or I will offer it"… it shall either be devoted to the L-rd in the manner that persons or things, according to the Law, are directed to be. (Human sacrifice was strictly forbidden by the Mosaic Law in Leviticus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 12:31.) Human sacrifices were ever an abomination to the L-rd; and this was one of the grand reasons why G-d drove out the Canaanites. “I will consecrate it to the L-rd, or I will offer it for a burnt-offering; that is, "If it be a thing fit for a burnt-offering, it shall be made one, if fit for the service of G-d, it shall be consecrated to him."
From Judges 11:39 appears evident that Jephthah's daughter was not SACRIFICED to
G-d, Jephthah set his daughter aside for the Tabernacle service according to the principle of Leviticus 27:2-4, Exodus 38:8; 1 Samuel 2:22 where persons set apart to G-d in a vow are not required to be sacrificed (as animals were), but were "given" to the Tabernacle in monetary value.
His daughters, and her friends, are rightly sorrowful that she would be given to the Tabernacle service before she was ever married; probably, most the women who assembled at the door of the Tabernacle were older widows (however, there would have been much more to bewail if she was killed!)
By sending his unmarried, only daughter to the service of the Tabernacle for the rest of her life, it shows how seriously both Jephthah and his daughter took his promise to G-d.
Her father's extreme grief on the occasion and her requisition of a respite for two months to bewail her virginity, are both perfectly natural. Having no other issue, he could only look forward to the extinction of his name or family. A state of celibacy, which is reproachful among women everywhere, was peculiarly so among the Israelites, and was therefore no ordinary sacrifice on her part, who, though she generously gave up, could not but regret the loss of, becoming ‘the mother of the promised Messiah’ or at least a mother in Israel. And he did with her according to his vow which he had vowed, and she knew no man, or remained a virgin, all her life.
Those who assert that Jephthah did sacrifice his daughter, attempt to justify the opinion from the barbarous usages of those times: but in answer to this it may be justly observed, that Jephthah was now under the influence of the Spirit of G-d, Judges 11:29. That Spirit could not permit him to imbrue his hands in the blood of his own child; and especially under the pretence of offering a pleasing sacrifice to that G-d who is the Father of mankind, and the Fountain of love, mercy, and compassion.
Vows were in common practice also among the Israelites. They were encouraged by the divine approval as emanating from a spirit of piety and gratitude; and rules were laid down in the Law for regulating the performance. But it is difficult to bring Jephthah's vow within the legitimate range (Lev. 27:28).
Whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me-- contemplated a human sacrifice? Bred up as he had been, beyond the Jordan, where the Israelitish tribes, far from the Tabernacle, were looser in their religious sentiments. With him living latterly on the borders of a heathen country where such sacrifices were common, it is not unlikely that he may have been so ignorant as to imagine that a similar immolation would be acceptable to G-d. His mind, engrossed with the prospect of a contest, on the issue of which the fate of his country depended, might, through the influence of superstition, consider the dedication of the object dearest to him the most likely to ensure success.
Shall surely be the L-rd's; and or I will offer it up for a burnt offering-- introduces the important alternative, that if it were a person, the dedication would be made to the service of the Sanctuary; if a proper animal or thing, it would be offered on the altar.
Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances--The return of the victors was hailed, as usual, by the joyous acclaim of a female band (1 Sam. 18:6), the leader of whom was Jephthah's daughter. The vow was full in his mind, and it is evident that it had not been communicated to anyone; otherwise, precautions would doubtless have been taken to place another object at his door. The scream, and other accompaniments of irrepressible grief, seems to indicate that her life was to be forfeited as a sacrifice; the nature of the sacrifice (which was abhorrent to the character of G-d) and distance from the Tabernacle does not suffice to overturn this view, which the language and whole strain of the narrative plainly support. The lapse of two months might be supposed to have afforded time for reflection, and a better sense of his duty, there is but too much reason to conclude that he was driven to the fulfillment by the dictates of a pious but unenlightened conscience.
The Targumist refers here to the Law, Leviticus 27:1-5, where the L-rd prescribes the price at which either males or females, who had been vowed to the L-rd, might be redeemed. "When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons shall be for the L-rd at thy judgment. the male from twenty years old even unto sixty, shall be fifty shekels of silver; and if it be a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels; and from five years old unto twenty years, the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten." This also is an argument that the daughter of Jephthah was not sacrificed; as the father had it in his power, at a very moderate price, to have redeemed her: and surely, the blood of his daughter must have been of more value in his sight than thirty shekels of silver.
And she said unto him--what a pattern of filial piety and obedience! She was at once obedient, pious, and patriotic. A woman to have no offspring was considered to be in a state of the utmost degradation among the Hebrews; but she is regardless of all this, seeing her father is in safety, and her country delivered. And her going up and down upon the mountains may signify no more than her paying each of them a visit at their own houses, previously to her being shut up at the Tabernacle; and this visiting of each at their own home might require the space of two months.
To lament the daughter of Jephthah--but this custom prevailed in Israel that the virgins of Israel went at different times, four days in the year, to the daughter of Jephthah, that they might comfort her. This verse also gives evidence that the daughter of Jephthah was not sacrificed: nor does it appear that the custom or statute referred to here lasted after the death of Jephthah's daughter.
The neder, or vow, in general, included either persons, beasts, or things dedicated to the L-rd for pious uses; which, if it was a simple vow, was redeemable at certain prices. If the person repented of his vow, and wished to commute it for money, according to the age or sex of the person, Leviticus 27:1-8: this was a wise regulation to remedy rash vows. But if the vow was accompanied with cherem, devotement, it was irredeemable, as in the following case, Leviticus 27:28.
"Notwithstanding, no devotement which a man shall devote unto the L-rd, (either) of man, or beast, or of land of his own property, shall be sold or redeemed. Every thing devoted is most holy to the L-rd.”
The Mischna, or traditional Law of the Jews is pointedly against it; 'If a Jew should devote his son or daughter, his man or maid servant, who are Hebrews, the devotement would be void, because no man can devote what is not his own, or whose life he has not the absolute disposal of.' These arguments appear to be decisive against the sacrifice. Jephthah could not have devoted his daughter to celibacy against her will is evident from the history and from the high estimation in which she was always held by the daughters of Israel for her filial duty and her hapless fate, which they celebrated by a regular anniversary commemoration four days in the year.
Several of the rabbis, and many very learned Christian expositors, believe that Jephthah's daughter was not really sacrificed, but that her virginity was consecrated to G-d, and that she separated from all connection with the world, she knew no man. This was a kind of mysterious death, because it caused her to lose all hope of the glory of a posterity from which the Messiah might descend. From this originated the custom, observed afterwards in Israel, that on a certain season in the year the virgins assembled themselves on the mountains to bewail the daughter of Jephthah for the space of four days.
Yet, we can't deny that this vow is foolish nonetheless; the important thing is to be in the will of G-d yourself, not to make vows to try to get G-d "on your side."
Economy Laundry Soap
Slash your laundry supply bills and extend the life of your clothes by making your own laundry soap. One starter supply includes everything you need to make several batches - enough to wash more than 800 loads at less than 6¢ per load. Soap can be used in HE washing machines, gel-like soap. Use approx. 1/2 cup per load.
2 Gallon Bucket
Cost of making the laundry soap was .71 cents and from the 2 gallon size you can do 64 laundry loads. That translates to about .01 cent per load.
1/3 bar Fels Naptha grated and put it in a sauce pan.
Add 6 c. H20 and heat it until the soap melts.
Add: ½ c. washing soda power and ½ c. borax powder stir until it dissolved.
Remove from heat.
Pour 4 cups hot H20 into a 2 gallon plastic bucket.
Now add your soap mixture and stir.
Add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of H20 and stir.
Let the soap sit for about 24 hours and it will liquid gel.
If it does not gel up for you, you can still use it. Next time add a little more soap (like half the bar of Fels Naptha) and see if that helps.
If you want, your soap to have some sort of scent you can add ½ to 1 oz. of essential oil or fragrance oil of your choice. My favorite scent is orange essential oil.
5 Gallon Bucket
One bar of Fels Naptha bar soap, shredded with a grater (small pieces) to melt down.
In a separate dish, 1 cup of Arms & Hammer Powder washing soda and one cup of borax, set aside.
6 qt. pan, put in 6 cups of H20 and the shredded bar soap, to melt down
Add Soda and Borax to the melted bar soap; simmer until it all dissolves.
5 gal. Plastic bucket, 4 cups hot H20.
Add the 6 qt. pan of soap mixture into the bucket and mix up good.
Add 2 gallons plus 6 cups H20 (looks like curdled milk)
Let it all sit for 24 hours, then mix up with a pant stick and pour into containers you want, leaving space at the top so you can shake it up before you use it. (It will separate)
Or you can leave it in the 5 gal. bucket, but then you stir the whole bucket before using each time.
Does not suds up much, but softens and cleans the clothes.
http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/laundrysoap2.htm
2 Gallon Bucket
Cost of making the laundry soap was .71 cents and from the 2 gallon size you can do 64 laundry loads. That translates to about .01 cent per load.
1/3 bar Fels Naptha grated and put it in a sauce pan.
Add 6 c. H20 and heat it until the soap melts.
Add: ½ c. washing soda power and ½ c. borax powder stir until it dissolved.
Remove from heat.
Pour 4 cups hot H20 into a 2 gallon plastic bucket.
Now add your soap mixture and stir.
Add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of H20 and stir.
Let the soap sit for about 24 hours and it will liquid gel.
If it does not gel up for you, you can still use it. Next time add a little more soap (like half the bar of Fels Naptha) and see if that helps.
If you want, your soap to have some sort of scent you can add ½ to 1 oz. of essential oil or fragrance oil of your choice. My favorite scent is orange essential oil.
5 Gallon Bucket
One bar of Fels Naptha bar soap, shredded with a grater (small pieces) to melt down.
In a separate dish, 1 cup of Arms & Hammer Powder washing soda and one cup of borax, set aside.
6 qt. pan, put in 6 cups of H20 and the shredded bar soap, to melt down
Add Soda and Borax to the melted bar soap; simmer until it all dissolves.
5 gal. Plastic bucket, 4 cups hot H20.
Add the 6 qt. pan of soap mixture into the bucket and mix up good.
Add 2 gallons plus 6 cups H20 (looks like curdled milk)
Let it all sit for 24 hours, then mix up with a pant stick and pour into containers you want, leaving space at the top so you can shake it up before you use it. (It will separate)
Or you can leave it in the 5 gal. bucket, but then you stir the whole bucket before using each time.
Does not suds up much, but softens and cleans the clothes.
http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/laundrysoap2.htm
H2O
Water - Who Knew?
Did you ever wonder why people urinate so much at night time?
Here is one answer from a Cardiac Doctor.
Gravity holds water in the lower part of your body when you are upright.
When you lie down and the lower body (legs and other things) seeks level
with the kidneys, it is then the kidneys remove the water because it is
easier. This then ties in with the last statement!
You need your minimum water to help flush the toxins out of your body, but
the above was new news.
Correct time to drink water:
(Very Important ... from A Cardiac Specialist!)
Drinking water at a certain time maximizes its effectiveness on the body:
2 glasses of water after waking up - helps activate internal organs
1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - helps digestion
1 glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure
1 glass of water before going to bed - avoids stroke or heart attack
One last note:
Water at bed time will also help prevent night time leg cramps.
Your leg muscles are seeking hydration when they cramp and wake you up
with a Charlie Horse.
Did you ever wonder why people urinate so much at night time?
Here is one answer from a Cardiac Doctor.
Gravity holds water in the lower part of your body when you are upright.
When you lie down and the lower body (legs and other things) seeks level
with the kidneys, it is then the kidneys remove the water because it is
easier. This then ties in with the last statement!
You need your minimum water to help flush the toxins out of your body, but
the above was new news.
Correct time to drink water:
(Very Important ... from A Cardiac Specialist!)
Drinking water at a certain time maximizes its effectiveness on the body:
2 glasses of water after waking up - helps activate internal organs
1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - helps digestion
1 glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure
1 glass of water before going to bed - avoids stroke or heart attack
One last note:
Water at bed time will also help prevent night time leg cramps.
Your leg muscles are seeking hydration when they cramp and wake you up
with a Charlie Horse.
False Prophets and Teachers
[2 Peter 2:1] But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privacy shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the L-d that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Peter notices some of their characteristics, or some of the doctrines which they would hold.
They would deny the L-rd that bought them.
They would be influenced by covetousness, and their object in their attempting to seduce others from the faith, and to induce them to become followers of themselves, would be to make money.
They would be corrupt, beastly, and licentious in their conduct. It would be one design of their teaching to show that the indulgence of gross passions was not inconsistent with religion. That walks after the flesh, in the lust of uncleanness; as natural brute beasts; shall perish in their own corruption; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; the dog has returned to his own vomit again.
They would be proud, arrogant, and self-willed; men who would despise all proper government, and who would be thoroughly radical in their views; and despise government; presumptuous are they and self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities; and they speak great swelling words of vanity.
They were persons who had been formerly of corrupt lives, but who had become professing Believers. But as having turned again to their former corrupt practices and lusts; it has happened to them according to the true proverb, etc. There were various classes of persons in primitive times, coming under the general appellation of the term Gnostic, to whom this description would apply, and it is probable that they had begun to broach their doctrines in the times of the apostles. Among those persons were the Ebionites, Corinthians, Nicolaitanes, etc. We have such teaching still existing today.
They would certainly be punished. A large part of the chapter is taken up in proving this point and especially in showing from the examples of others who had erred in a similar manner, that they could not escape destruction.
1. The case of the angels that sinned, and that were cast down to hell. If G-d brought such dreadful punishment on those who were once before His throne, wicked men could have no hope of escape.
2. The case of the wicked in the time of Noah, who were cut off by the flood.
3. The case of Sodom and Gomorrah.
4. The character of the persons referred to was such that they could have no hope of escape.
a. They were corrupt, sensual, presumptuous, and self-willed, and were even worse than the rebel angels had been--men that seemed to be made to be taken and destroyed.
(b.) They were spots, blemishes, sensual, and adulterers, emulating the example of Balaam, who was rebuked by even a dumb ass for his iniquity.
(c.) They allured others to sin under the specious promise of liberty, while they were themselves the slaves of debased appetites, and gross and sensual passions. From the entire description in this chapter, it is clear that the persons referred to, though once professors of religion, had become eminently abandoned, and corrupt.
This chapter, therefore, possesses great value as containing important warnings against the arts of false teachers, and the danger of being seduced by them from the truth. The fact that false teachers would arise in the body is often adverted to in the New Testament. Matthew 24:5, 24; Acts 20:29, 30.
Beware whom you study under or listen too!
Peter notices some of their characteristics, or some of the doctrines which they would hold.
They would deny the L-rd that bought them.
They would be influenced by covetousness, and their object in their attempting to seduce others from the faith, and to induce them to become followers of themselves, would be to make money.
They would be corrupt, beastly, and licentious in their conduct. It would be one design of their teaching to show that the indulgence of gross passions was not inconsistent with religion. That walks after the flesh, in the lust of uncleanness; as natural brute beasts; shall perish in their own corruption; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; the dog has returned to his own vomit again.
They would be proud, arrogant, and self-willed; men who would despise all proper government, and who would be thoroughly radical in their views; and despise government; presumptuous are they and self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities; and they speak great swelling words of vanity.
They were persons who had been formerly of corrupt lives, but who had become professing Believers. But as having turned again to their former corrupt practices and lusts; it has happened to them according to the true proverb, etc. There were various classes of persons in primitive times, coming under the general appellation of the term Gnostic, to whom this description would apply, and it is probable that they had begun to broach their doctrines in the times of the apostles. Among those persons were the Ebionites, Corinthians, Nicolaitanes, etc. We have such teaching still existing today.
They would certainly be punished. A large part of the chapter is taken up in proving this point and especially in showing from the examples of others who had erred in a similar manner, that they could not escape destruction.
1. The case of the angels that sinned, and that were cast down to hell. If G-d brought such dreadful punishment on those who were once before His throne, wicked men could have no hope of escape.
2. The case of the wicked in the time of Noah, who were cut off by the flood.
3. The case of Sodom and Gomorrah.
4. The character of the persons referred to was such that they could have no hope of escape.
a. They were corrupt, sensual, presumptuous, and self-willed, and were even worse than the rebel angels had been--men that seemed to be made to be taken and destroyed.
(b.) They were spots, blemishes, sensual, and adulterers, emulating the example of Balaam, who was rebuked by even a dumb ass for his iniquity.
(c.) They allured others to sin under the specious promise of liberty, while they were themselves the slaves of debased appetites, and gross and sensual passions. From the entire description in this chapter, it is clear that the persons referred to, though once professors of religion, had become eminently abandoned, and corrupt.
This chapter, therefore, possesses great value as containing important warnings against the arts of false teachers, and the danger of being seduced by them from the truth. The fact that false teachers would arise in the body is often adverted to in the New Testament. Matthew 24:5, 24; Acts 20:29, 30.
Beware whom you study under or listen too!
Daily Morning Blessing
Speak into your life:
I am blessed in the city and I am blessed in the field.
I am blessed in my coming in and in my going out.
I am blessed socially, physically, mentally and spiritually.
I am blessed in all my relationships.
I am blessed that my body functions per Your design.
I am blessed in every part of my life!
I speak to my day and I down load prosperity and success into it.
I speak over those I love, and call prosperity, and success into their lives.
I speak to my government to come into Divine alignment.
I speak that they will lead morally and ethically.
I speak into my affairs to be successful to increase and show no decrease.
I speak into my home, that it is a haven of peace.
I speak into my loved ones that their lives will be in alignment with G-d.
I declare and decree that wealth and riches are in our homes.
I speak to my mind to have peace, and courage.
I speak to my hair, to grow, for it is my glorious covering.
I speak to my mouth, to speak only Your Oracles.
I speak to my tongue, to speak only in alignment with Your Word.
I speak to my heart, to shine forth Your love.
I speak to my hands, to be productive.
I speak to my feet, that they follow the paths You have ordained.
I speak to my spirit, to align with Your Spirit.
I speak to my soul, that I can overcome every obstacle and habit.
No weapon formed against me will prosper.
I will be a lender not a borrower.
I am the head and not the tail.
I am first and not last.
I am above and not beneath.
I declare and decree I will come into the full maturity of my calling.
I am loved by G-d,
I am chosen by G-d,
I am protected by G-d.
All my days will come into alignment with the plans and purpose of G-d.
Every good and every perfect gift comes from G-d!
Today is a gift; therefore, it will end well, in alignment with Your will.
In Y’Shua’s name, I speak and stand on Your Word, Father.
I am blessed in the city and I am blessed in the field.
I am blessed in my coming in and in my going out.
I am blessed socially, physically, mentally and spiritually.
I am blessed in all my relationships.
I am blessed that my body functions per Your design.
I am blessed in every part of my life!
I speak to my day and I down load prosperity and success into it.
I speak over those I love, and call prosperity, and success into their lives.
I speak to my government to come into Divine alignment.
I speak that they will lead morally and ethically.
I speak into my affairs to be successful to increase and show no decrease.
I speak into my home, that it is a haven of peace.
I speak into my loved ones that their lives will be in alignment with G-d.
I declare and decree that wealth and riches are in our homes.
I speak to my mind to have peace, and courage.
I speak to my hair, to grow, for it is my glorious covering.
I speak to my mouth, to speak only Your Oracles.
I speak to my tongue, to speak only in alignment with Your Word.
I speak to my heart, to shine forth Your love.
I speak to my hands, to be productive.
I speak to my feet, that they follow the paths You have ordained.
I speak to my spirit, to align with Your Spirit.
I speak to my soul, that I can overcome every obstacle and habit.
No weapon formed against me will prosper.
I will be a lender not a borrower.
I am the head and not the tail.
I am first and not last.
I am above and not beneath.
I declare and decree I will come into the full maturity of my calling.
I am loved by G-d,
I am chosen by G-d,
I am protected by G-d.
All my days will come into alignment with the plans and purpose of G-d.
Every good and every perfect gift comes from G-d!
Today is a gift; therefore, it will end well, in alignment with Your will.
In Y’Shua’s name, I speak and stand on Your Word, Father.
Private Interpretation
[2 Peter 1:20] Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
[21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of G-d spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation: Even in Peter's day, enemies of Y’Shua were twisting the prophecies, giving them personal and bizarre meanings so as to exclude Y’Shua from their fulfillment. But Peter says that prophecy is not of any private interpretation, but its meaning is evident and can be confirmed by others.
The same principle is true for the gift of prophecy today; there must be sober confirmation of any prophetic word, and that not through another prophetic word, but through the Scriptures. In the gift of prophecy, G-d never speaks to only one person, and always provides confirmation.
Prophecy never came by the will of man: It is wrong and invalid to twist prophecy to our own personal meaning, because prophecy does not come from man, but from G-d, though it comes through holy men of G-d - but only as they are moved by the Holy Spirit.
The ancient prophets did not even know the meaning of what themselves wrote. They were carried beyond themselves by the influence of the Divine Spirit, and after ages were alone to discover the object of the prophecy. The fulfillment was to be the absolute proof that the prediction was of G-d, and that it was of no private invention-no discovery made by human sagacity and wisdom, but by the especial revelation of the all-wise G-d. This is sufficiently evident in all the prophecies which have been already fulfilled, and will be equally so in those yet to be fulfilled: the events will point out the prophecy, and the prophecy will be seen to be fulfilled in that event.
All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all: yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them.
We all bring a certain amount of baggage to the text. But that does not mean that biblical interpretation is doomed to reader response bias. No interpretation of Scripture will ever exhaust the meaning of the text. But it is possible for the believer to achieve a grasp of the Bible's teaching that is sufficient to equip him to live the Believers life for the glory of G-d, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto G-d, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. That means to study yourself, not lesson to the preachers, but you yourself. With the aid of a good commentary, you can draw out the meaning and find the golden nuggets.
[21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of G-d spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation: Even in Peter's day, enemies of Y’Shua were twisting the prophecies, giving them personal and bizarre meanings so as to exclude Y’Shua from their fulfillment. But Peter says that prophecy is not of any private interpretation, but its meaning is evident and can be confirmed by others.
The same principle is true for the gift of prophecy today; there must be sober confirmation of any prophetic word, and that not through another prophetic word, but through the Scriptures. In the gift of prophecy, G-d never speaks to only one person, and always provides confirmation.
Prophecy never came by the will of man: It is wrong and invalid to twist prophecy to our own personal meaning, because prophecy does not come from man, but from G-d, though it comes through holy men of G-d - but only as they are moved by the Holy Spirit.
The ancient prophets did not even know the meaning of what themselves wrote. They were carried beyond themselves by the influence of the Divine Spirit, and after ages were alone to discover the object of the prophecy. The fulfillment was to be the absolute proof that the prediction was of G-d, and that it was of no private invention-no discovery made by human sagacity and wisdom, but by the especial revelation of the all-wise G-d. This is sufficiently evident in all the prophecies which have been already fulfilled, and will be equally so in those yet to be fulfilled: the events will point out the prophecy, and the prophecy will be seen to be fulfilled in that event.
All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all: yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them.
We all bring a certain amount of baggage to the text. But that does not mean that biblical interpretation is doomed to reader response bias. No interpretation of Scripture will ever exhaust the meaning of the text. But it is possible for the believer to achieve a grasp of the Bible's teaching that is sufficient to equip him to live the Believers life for the glory of G-d, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto G-d, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. That means to study yourself, not lesson to the preachers, but you yourself. With the aid of a good commentary, you can draw out the meaning and find the golden nuggets.
Mutiplied Unto You
[2 Peter 1:2] Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of G-d, and of Y’Shua our L-d,
[5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
[6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience
godliness;
[7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of G-d and of Y’Shua our L-rd, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises. Through these, you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world.
Why are we are willing to try almost anything except the knowledge of Him. We will trust in the schemes and plans of men instead of the knowledge of Him. We will try knowing ourselves instead of the knowledge of Him.
The Greek word knowledge doesn't refer to a casual acquaintance. It means an exact, complete, and thorough knowledge. How do we come to knowledge of Him? It comes as we learn of Him through His Word, through prayer, G-d does not meet us only in our "aloneness" but also in the fellowship of people of like mind. It is knowledge, but it is not mere intellectual understanding or perception. It is the knowledge that comes by experience - the experience G-d's people have of G-d Himself, as they communicate with Him in their own words, building intimacy.
For those who acknowledge Him in all their ways, He will direct their steps, His power, which no power can resist, because it is Divine-that which properly belongs to the infinite Godhead.
G-d by His own power hath bestowed on us every thing necessary for a happy life and godliness, having called us to the knowledge of Himself, by His own infinite goodness.
We are partakers of the divine nature, but once we are made spiritual sons and daughters, growth in the Believer’s life doesn't just happen to us. We are supposed to give all diligence to our walk with the L-rd and grow daily.
Each grace being assumed becomes the stepping-stone to the succeeding grace: and the latter in turn qualifies and completes the former. Faith leads the band; love brings up the rear and the fruits of faith specified are seven, the perfect number. The scope of the list demonstrates that G-d wants us to have a well-rounded Believers life, complete in every fashion. We can't be content with an incomplete Believers life.
Temperance - A proper and limited use of all earthly enjoyments, keeping every sense under proper restraints, and never permitting the animal part to subjugate the rational.
Patience - Bearing all trials and difficulties with an even mind, enduring in all, and persevering through all.
Godliness - Piety towards G-d; a deep, reverential, religious fear; not only worshipping G-d with every becoming outward act, but adoring, loving, and magnifying Him in the heart: a disposition indispensably necessary to salvation, but exceedingly rare among professors.
[Love of the brotherhood-the strongest attachment to Messiah's flock; accepting each one during the process of their growth. Religion is neither selfish nor insulated; where the love of G-d is, bigotry cannot exist. Narrow, selfish people, and people of a party, who scarcely have any hope of the salvation of those who do not believe as they believe, and who do not follow with them, have scarcely any religion; though in their own apprehension none is so truly orthodox or religious as themselves.
So charity completes the choir of graces in Col 3:14. In a traditional order, he who has love will exercise brotherly kindness; he who has brotherly kindness will feel godliness needful; the godly will mix nothing uncomplaining with his patience; to the patient, temperance is easy; the temperate weighs things well, and so has knowledge; knowledge guards against sudden impulse carrying away its virtue.
These beautiful qualities are not things that the L-rd simply pours into us as we passively receive. Instead, we are called to give all diligence to these things, working in partnership with G-d to add them.
[10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
[5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
[6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience
godliness;
[7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of G-d and of Y’Shua our L-rd, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises. Through these, you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world.
Why are we are willing to try almost anything except the knowledge of Him. We will trust in the schemes and plans of men instead of the knowledge of Him. We will try knowing ourselves instead of the knowledge of Him.
The Greek word knowledge doesn't refer to a casual acquaintance. It means an exact, complete, and thorough knowledge. How do we come to knowledge of Him? It comes as we learn of Him through His Word, through prayer, G-d does not meet us only in our "aloneness" but also in the fellowship of people of like mind. It is knowledge, but it is not mere intellectual understanding or perception. It is the knowledge that comes by experience - the experience G-d's people have of G-d Himself, as they communicate with Him in their own words, building intimacy.
For those who acknowledge Him in all their ways, He will direct their steps, His power, which no power can resist, because it is Divine-that which properly belongs to the infinite Godhead.
G-d by His own power hath bestowed on us every thing necessary for a happy life and godliness, having called us to the knowledge of Himself, by His own infinite goodness.
We are partakers of the divine nature, but once we are made spiritual sons and daughters, growth in the Believer’s life doesn't just happen to us. We are supposed to give all diligence to our walk with the L-rd and grow daily.
Each grace being assumed becomes the stepping-stone to the succeeding grace: and the latter in turn qualifies and completes the former. Faith leads the band; love brings up the rear and the fruits of faith specified are seven, the perfect number. The scope of the list demonstrates that G-d wants us to have a well-rounded Believers life, complete in every fashion. We can't be content with an incomplete Believers life.
Temperance - A proper and limited use of all earthly enjoyments, keeping every sense under proper restraints, and never permitting the animal part to subjugate the rational.
Patience - Bearing all trials and difficulties with an even mind, enduring in all, and persevering through all.
Godliness - Piety towards G-d; a deep, reverential, religious fear; not only worshipping G-d with every becoming outward act, but adoring, loving, and magnifying Him in the heart: a disposition indispensably necessary to salvation, but exceedingly rare among professors.
[Love of the brotherhood-the strongest attachment to Messiah's flock; accepting each one during the process of their growth. Religion is neither selfish nor insulated; where the love of G-d is, bigotry cannot exist. Narrow, selfish people, and people of a party, who scarcely have any hope of the salvation of those who do not believe as they believe, and who do not follow with them, have scarcely any religion; though in their own apprehension none is so truly orthodox or religious as themselves.
So charity completes the choir of graces in Col 3:14. In a traditional order, he who has love will exercise brotherly kindness; he who has brotherly kindness will feel godliness needful; the godly will mix nothing uncomplaining with his patience; to the patient, temperance is easy; the temperate weighs things well, and so has knowledge; knowledge guards against sudden impulse carrying away its virtue.
These beautiful qualities are not things that the L-rd simply pours into us as we passively receive. Instead, we are called to give all diligence to these things, working in partnership with G-d to add them.
[10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
Blessings of the Obedient
Deut. 28
[1] And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
[2] And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
[3] Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.
[4] Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
[5] Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.
[6] Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
[7] The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
[Flee before thee seven ways - that is, in various directions, as always happens in a rout.]
[8] The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
[9] The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. (611 oral Law)
[10] And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.
[11] And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
[12] The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
[13] And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be
above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:
[14] And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.
G-d shall pour out His blessing from heaven upon you. If you run in the way of
G-d's testimonies, you shall have an abundance of blessing. Blessings shall come upon you, and blessings shall overtake you-in every part of your march through life. You shall continue to receive the fulfillment of the various promises of G-d which relate to all circumstances, vicissitudes, trials, stages of life, overtaking you in the time and place where most needed.
1. In all civil employments, in the field-in all agricultural pursuits.
2. All your children, increase of your kine, every animal employed in domestic and agricultural purposes shall be under the especial protection of Divine Providence.
3. Your vintage, as the basket was employed to collect those fruits, all that is laid up for future use, as well as what is prepared for present consumption.
4. Personal safety in your going out and in your return from your employment, you shall find that no evil has happened to the family or dwelling in your absence. You way shall be made prosperous before you, and you shall have the Divine blessing in all your labors.
5. A promise of security from foreign invasion, or total discomfiture of the invaders, should they enter the land. They shall come against you one-way-in the firmest and most united manner. And flee seven ways-shall be utterly broken, confounded, and finally routed.
6. Every thing that you have shall come by Divine appointment; you shall have nothing casually, but every thing, both spiritual and temporal, shall come by the immediate command of G-d.
7. This is the sum of all blessings, to be made holy, and be preserved in holiness. Here is the solemn condition; if you did not keep G-d's testimonies, taking them for the regulators of your life, and according to their direction walking in His ways, under the influence and aids of His grace, then the curses, and not the blessings, must be your portion.
The way of obedience is a straight way; it goes right forward; if you step either to right or left from this path you will not miss heaven!
[1] And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
[2] And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
[3] Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.
[4] Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
[5] Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.
[6] Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
[7] The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
[Flee before thee seven ways - that is, in various directions, as always happens in a rout.]
[8] The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
[9] The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. (611 oral Law)
[10] And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.
[11] And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
[12] The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
[13] And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be
above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:
[14] And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.
G-d shall pour out His blessing from heaven upon you. If you run in the way of
G-d's testimonies, you shall have an abundance of blessing. Blessings shall come upon you, and blessings shall overtake you-in every part of your march through life. You shall continue to receive the fulfillment of the various promises of G-d which relate to all circumstances, vicissitudes, trials, stages of life, overtaking you in the time and place where most needed.
1. In all civil employments, in the field-in all agricultural pursuits.
2. All your children, increase of your kine, every animal employed in domestic and agricultural purposes shall be under the especial protection of Divine Providence.
3. Your vintage, as the basket was employed to collect those fruits, all that is laid up for future use, as well as what is prepared for present consumption.
4. Personal safety in your going out and in your return from your employment, you shall find that no evil has happened to the family or dwelling in your absence. You way shall be made prosperous before you, and you shall have the Divine blessing in all your labors.
5. A promise of security from foreign invasion, or total discomfiture of the invaders, should they enter the land. They shall come against you one-way-in the firmest and most united manner. And flee seven ways-shall be utterly broken, confounded, and finally routed.
6. Every thing that you have shall come by Divine appointment; you shall have nothing casually, but every thing, both spiritual and temporal, shall come by the immediate command of G-d.
7. This is the sum of all blessings, to be made holy, and be preserved in holiness. Here is the solemn condition; if you did not keep G-d's testimonies, taking them for the regulators of your life, and according to their direction walking in His ways, under the influence and aids of His grace, then the curses, and not the blessings, must be your portion.
The way of obedience is a straight way; it goes right forward; if you step either to right or left from this path you will not miss heaven!
Traditional Wedding
A new beginning when two become one:
Jewish Law requires little in the way of official ceremonies, and doesn't even require the presence of a rabbi or other clergyman at a wedding. Rather Jewish Law requires only that two witnesses who meet certain criteria be present.
The wedding ceremony itself often takes places outdoors under a chuppah (bridal canopy), usually a cloth covering held aloft by four poles, which symbolizes the home the couple builds together. The tradition of being married under the open sky says that "our home is subject to nature" and stresses the couple's faith in G-d's protection.
The bride is the last to join the wedding party under the chuppah. As she does, she walks in a circle around the groom seven times (G-d’s perfect number).
The groom is now the center of her world and she is the center of his.
If they choose to have a rabbi there, the rabbi then recites the blessing over the wine and a (prenuptial blessing), after which the bride and groom drink from the wine.
There is no actual exchange of vows in a traditional Jewish ceremony; the covenant is said to be implicit in the ritual. Only the groom speaks his vows, the marriage vow is customarily sealed when the groom places a ring on his bride's finger and says:
"Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the Laws of Moses.
With this ring, you are made holy to me, for I love you as my soul. You are now my wife.” The groom opens his prayer shawl by extending his arm around his wife, letting her know he is her covering, provider, and protector.
She is now set aside for him, and he for her.
Variations may now apply like doing the Salt Covent.
If not the Rabbi, or seven people present, says the seven blessings over them:
The seven wedding blessings
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, creator of the fruit of the grapevine.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who created all things for His glory.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who created humanity.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who created man in His image, in the image set forth by His plan, and who prepared from Himself a helpmeet to last for all time. Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, Creator of humanity.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, who rejoices in His children.
May You grant great joy to these dearly beloved, just as You granted happiness to the work of Your hands long ago in the Garden of Eden. Blessed art thou, L-rd our
G-d, who grants joy to the bridegroom and bride.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who created bridegroom and bride, rejoicing in song, love and harmony, peace and fellowship. Soon, O L-rd our
G-d, may there be heard in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, a sound of gladness, a sound of joy, as the sound of the Bridegroom coming for His own bride. Blessed are You, O G-d, who grants joy to this bridegroom with his bride.
Following the reading, the couple drinks a second cup of wine. The groom then smashes a glass, wrapped in a cloth, signifying the convent between them is completed.
They are greeted by a chorus of "Mazel Tovs" (Congratulations’!)
Tradition states that the bride and groom are to be alone for seven days; to become one before the man has to return to his trade.
Jewish Law requires little in the way of official ceremonies, and doesn't even require the presence of a rabbi or other clergyman at a wedding. Rather Jewish Law requires only that two witnesses who meet certain criteria be present.
The wedding ceremony itself often takes places outdoors under a chuppah (bridal canopy), usually a cloth covering held aloft by four poles, which symbolizes the home the couple builds together. The tradition of being married under the open sky says that "our home is subject to nature" and stresses the couple's faith in G-d's protection.
The bride is the last to join the wedding party under the chuppah. As she does, she walks in a circle around the groom seven times (G-d’s perfect number).
The groom is now the center of her world and she is the center of his.
If they choose to have a rabbi there, the rabbi then recites the blessing over the wine and a (prenuptial blessing), after which the bride and groom drink from the wine.
There is no actual exchange of vows in a traditional Jewish ceremony; the covenant is said to be implicit in the ritual. Only the groom speaks his vows, the marriage vow is customarily sealed when the groom places a ring on his bride's finger and says:
"Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the Laws of Moses.
With this ring, you are made holy to me, for I love you as my soul. You are now my wife.” The groom opens his prayer shawl by extending his arm around his wife, letting her know he is her covering, provider, and protector.
She is now set aside for him, and he for her.
Variations may now apply like doing the Salt Covent.
If not the Rabbi, or seven people present, says the seven blessings over them:
The seven wedding blessings
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, creator of the fruit of the grapevine.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who created all things for His glory.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who created humanity.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who created man in His image, in the image set forth by His plan, and who prepared from Himself a helpmeet to last for all time. Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, Creator of humanity.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, who rejoices in His children.
May You grant great joy to these dearly beloved, just as You granted happiness to the work of Your hands long ago in the Garden of Eden. Blessed art thou, L-rd our
G-d, who grants joy to the bridegroom and bride.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who created bridegroom and bride, rejoicing in song, love and harmony, peace and fellowship. Soon, O L-rd our
G-d, may there be heard in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, a sound of gladness, a sound of joy, as the sound of the Bridegroom coming for His own bride. Blessed are You, O G-d, who grants joy to this bridegroom with his bride.
Following the reading, the couple drinks a second cup of wine. The groom then smashes a glass, wrapped in a cloth, signifying the convent between them is completed.
They are greeted by a chorus of "Mazel Tovs" (Congratulations’!)
Tradition states that the bride and groom are to be alone for seven days; to become one before the man has to return to his trade.
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