Category: The Nation Israel

The Lord of Sabaoth

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

“Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth” (James 5:4 KJV).

What does “the Lord of Sabaoth” mean?

The King James Bible twice uses the title “the Lord of Sabaoth.” One instance is today’s Scripture. The other is Romans 9:29: “And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.” Interestingly enough, if we search the Scriptures to find the words of “Esaias” (Greek form of “Isaiah”), we will learn what “the Lord of Sabaoth” means.

When the Apostle Paul penned Romans 9:29, the Holy Spirit led him to quote Isaiah 1:9: “Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.” Notice the accuracy of this divinely-inspired translation! Has anything been “lost in translation” as modern Bible textual critics often claim? No.

The Holy Spirit through Paul took the Hebrew words of the Book of Isaiah and translated them into Koine Greek to form part of the Book of Romans. We find the meaning of “the Lord of sabaoth” by simply reading Isaiah’s original wording: “the LORD of hosts.” Actually, sabaoth is the English transliteration of the Greek word (sabaoth) derived from the Hebrew word tsaba. Tsaba, or “hosts,” is the same word the Prophet Isaiah used.

In summary, the title “the Lord of Sabaoth” means “the Lord of Hosts.” Now, what does that mean? It signifies God’s military might—that is, His strength to fight and win battles. The LORD is commander-in-chief of the angelic soldiers and the human armies of Israel (“the LORD of hosts” is defined in 1 Samuel 17:45 as “the God of the armies of Israel”). Romans 9:25-29 and James 5:4 look forward to the day when the Lord Jesus returns to Earth in wrath—His Second Coming—to conquer Satan and destroy the wicked, Jew and Gentile (non-Jew) alike.

In Caleb’s Heart

Monday, May 8, 2017

“Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart” (Joshua 14:7 KJV).

What was really in Caleb’s heart?

Anyone familiar with Scripture knows of the 12 spies whom Moses sent to scout the Promised Land. The most well-known reconnoiterers were Joshua (Oshea/Jehoshua) and Caleb—the only two with favorable reports. See Numbers chapter 13 for details. Notice the highlights: “[30] And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. [31] But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.”

Originally, God had told Moses in verse 2: “Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel….” Here, and other places, God promised to give Israel the land of Canaan. There was no question that Israel could defeat the gigantic inhabitants: God would give them the victory. Alas, 10 spies discouraged Israel—“Those living in Canaan are just too big for us to overcome!” (In other words, they caused Israel to doubt God’s promise!)

As chapter 14 goes on to say, Israel spent the next 40 years wandering in the wilderness, until that evil, unbelieving generation of Jews died off. All those aged 20 and over perished, never entering the Promised Land (verse 29)—the two exceptions were Joshua and Caleb (verse 30). God comments in verse 24: “But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.”

Today’s Scripture is Caleb speaking, now age 85 (verse 10). What was in Caleb’s heart? Why, compare Scripture with Scripture! It was faith in God’s promise that He would give Israel the Promised Land. Caleb indeed went in, fought for, and received his inheritance in the land he knew God had given him and Israel (verses 11-15)! “…Thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God” (verse 9).

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Was an apostle merely one who had seen Christ’s resurrection?”

When God Sings

Sunday, May 7, 2017

“The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17 KJV).

Behold, God is singing! Why is He so joyful?

We have heard various people sing (some much better than others… hahaha). In Bible days, people heard angels singing—what majestic sounds they must have heard! Still, what would it be like if God Himself sang? Can you imagine how melodious those lyrics would be? Think of His voice thundering, set to music played by angelic beings. Human words would surely fail to describe that experience. One day, God will indeed sing for joy.

Today’s Scripture actually finds Israel in a dilemma. She has broken God’s Covenant of Law—the Mosaic Law—and is thus under divine judgment (the fifth course of judgment identified in Leviticus chapter 26). Sin and Satan have captured her. Gentile nations are still oppressing her. She is void of political and spiritual strength. Her Promised Land abounds with her enemies.

“The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save….” Israel is helpless, but her God is returning to deliver her (prophetically, Christ’s Second Coming). The Lord Jesus Christ will literally and physically present Himself to Israel, to live and reign with the Jews on Earth. They will become His kingdom of priests, as prophesied, to take His Word and salvation to the Gentiles. In light of all this, “[God] will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”

JEHOVAH God is thrilled that Israel, the nation once the object of His wrath and judgment, has now become His people. She has been restored to Him—resurrected, re-gathered, sins forgiven, His laws in her heart, and so on. She is now the chief kingdom/nation in Earth: God’s purpose and plan for her is now fulfilled. “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:7). God is very passionate in accomplishing mighty things with Israel, and He will have every right to sing when He keeps His promises to her!

A Prayer According to God’s Will

Thursday, May 4, 2017

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” (1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV).

On this United States’ National Day of Prayer, we pray you pray according to the Lord Jesus Christ’s will for today!

Today, religious people—the general public, clergy, and government officials—will assemble nationwide, like they do every year, and pray for spiritual and moral revival of the “Christian” (?) United States of America. We commend their noble efforts, but God’s Word says there will be no godly revival of any of the world’s Gentile nations until Jesus Christ returns to earth at His Second Coming (Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 59:20–60:3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Revelation 11:15; et cetera).

The LORD’s words to King Solomon are often quoted on this day: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Friends, this is certainly God’s Word, but has nothing to do with Gentiles in the United States in the Dispensation of Grace. This verse has a context often overlooked—the nation Israel under the Mosaic Law, praying in relation to God’s Temple in Jerusalem (verses 15,16). Actually, that Temple was destroyed over 19 centuries ago! Unlike Israel, the United States was never a divinely-founded nation. The American people as a whole are not God’s people like Israel was.

Rather than praying 2 Chronicles 7:14, remember today’s Scripture (God’s Word to us Gentiles). The verse following today’s Scripture says, “[God] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Pray for those in authority, that they would trust Jesus Christ alone as their personal Saviour, and then grow in His Word to them so they can make wise decisions on behalf of the people they govern.

Daniel, His Friends, and Separation #6

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8 KJV).

Every Sunday School child knows about Daniel and his three companions (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). Unfortunately, today, few adults practice what these precious children knew!

The idolatrous system that continually ensnared the nation Israel throughout the “Old Testament” is still with us. Ultimately, beyond our day, it will purge Israel of all unbelievers. Numerous “Old Testament” historical narratives, including today’s Scripture, preview what Israel will experience in the last days. Daniel’s Record will be very profitable to the circumcision (Jewish) saints during Daniel’s 70th Week—or “the seven-year Tribulation.” During that period after our Dispensation of Grace, Israel’s believing remnant is urged to follow Daniel’s example—remain separate from the Antichrist’s false religious system. Those believers in Christ will see themselves pictured in Daniel chapter 1, as well as his other writings (chapters 3 and 6, for example—separating from Satan’s evil system and suffering for it at the hands of wicked men).

Bible Books Hebrews through Revelation delineate the various aspects of Israel bearing the end-times scenario. For example, we see the suffering Jewish saints being encouraged in the Book of 1 Peter. “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen” (1 John 5:21)—the whole Book highlights the stark differences between Jewish saints and Jewish unbelievers. The Revelation underscores Antichrist’s rise and fall, Jesus Christ returning to deliver Israel into her earthly kingdom (exactly like the miraculous deliverances of believing Jews throughout the Book of Daniel).

Complimenting Daniel’s pattern, the Apostle John wrote to Israel in light of the destruction of Antichrist’s political-religious systems: “[4] And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. [5] For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities” (Revelation 18:4-5). God will undoubtedly judge that evil world system, so, brethren, let us remember to also keep separate from it!

Daniel, His Friends, and Separation #5

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8 KJV).

Every Sunday School child knows about Daniel and his three companions (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). Unfortunately, today, few adults practice what these precious children knew!

Rather than “cause trouble” by holding to and defending specific doctrines, many “Christian” people today have chosen to allow anything and everything in their local assemblies. It is said in ecumenical circles, “Doctrine will always divide us. We need to quit focusing on doctrine and just ‘fellowship’ around ‘Jesus Christ.’” Despite good intentions, they are so woefully ignorant of a common Bible theme. From Genesis chapter 3 (Satan and Eve’s perversion of God’s words) until the final chapter of the Revelation (a warning not to add to or take away from the divine words), doctrine is of utmost importance in the mind of Almighty God. Sitting between these two “bookends” are Daniel and his three friends—sound doctrine caused them to believe separation from error was tantamount to serving JEHOVAH God.

Paul the Apostle exhorted us in 2 Corinthians chapter 6: “[14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? [15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

The evil religious system that Satan tried to utilize to defile Daniel and his friends exists even today, and future Israel needs to be warned….

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Daniel, His Friends, and Separation #4

Monday, May 1, 2017

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8 KJV).

Every Sunday School child knows about Daniel and his three companions (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). Unfortunately, today, few adults practice what these precious children knew!

In refusing to partake of the pagan ways, Daniel and his friends, by faith, have established a good testimony in Babylon. JEHOVAH God can use them for His purposes even in the midst of rank heathenism! Verse 17 tells us: “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”

Verse 18 occurs three years after the opening verses of Daniel: “[18] Now at the end of the days [or three years, verse 5] that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. [19] And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. [20] And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.”

Whether Nebuchadnezzar ever learned about Daniel and his friends’ special diet, we do not know because the Bible never says. Nevertheless, the King of Babylon recognized that they were somehow special. He used them in his government. They had a supernatural power on their side that his religious leaders never even came close to matching. It would be years later, but Nebuchadnezzar would come to realize, looking with spiritual eyes, that these four Hebrew men served the one true God, “the King of Heaven” (Daniel 4:37).

Daniel chapter 1 closes: “And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus” (verse 21)—Daniel served some 70 years in these pagan Gentile courts! His three friends went on in their own separation (see chapter 3). Let us see what lessons they can teach us….

Special-edition Bible Q&A #375: “Does Scripture teach a flat Earth or a spherical Earth?” (A 37-page PDF to be read in your leisure.)

Daniel, His Friends, and Separation #3

Sunday, April 30, 2017

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8 KJV).

Every Sunday School child knows about Daniel and his three companions (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). Unfortunately, today, few adults practice what these precious children knew!

Verses 11-16 continue: “[11] Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, [12] Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. [13] Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. [14] So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. [15] And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat. [16] Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.”

The prince of the eunuchs, verse 11 says, appointed Melzar to supervise Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (notice their Hebrew names). Daniel, the spokesman of the group, “beseeches”/begs/asks (not demands or violently protests, remember!) if they can be given vegetables to eat and water to drink instead of the king’s meat and wine (verses 11,12). This routine, Daniel suggests, is to continue for 10 days, after which Melzar can see how the four boys compare to those following the king’s defiled diet (verses 13,14). After the trial, Melzar sees that Daniel and his three friends are actually healthier looking and appear more nourished than those eating and drinking according to Nebuchadnezzar’s specifications (verse 15). Melzar decides to allow Daniel and his three companions to eat their special diet for the three years (verse 16).

Let us see what happens when King Nebuchadnezzar meets these four Hebrew children, who will now probably be young adults….

Daniel, His Friends, and Separation #2

Saturday, April 29, 2017

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8 KJV).

Every Sunday School child knows about Daniel and his three companions (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). Unfortunately, today, few adults practice what these precious children knew!

During the first invasion of the Babylonians into Judaea and Jerusalem, circa 606 B.C., King Nebuchadnezzar ordered one of his servants to gather some of the best, learned Jewish children living in Judah. These kids, probably in their early to mid-teens, were to be trained and fed for three years, before being promoted in Nebuchadnezzar’s court.

Today’s Scripture says: “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Notice how Daniel did not pick a fight, throw a tantrum, shout, or make demands. Instead, he “requested” (as in asked politely) that he and his three companions be exempt from following pagan ways. They, good Law-keeping Jews, obey the kosher food rules in Leviticus chapter 11 and Deuteronomy chapter 14. Furthermore, they do not eat or drink things offered to idols. Moreover, in such Gentile lands, blood may not have been drained from animal flesh—the Mosaic Law forbad Israel from consuming blood (Leviticus 19:26; Deuteronomy 12:16).

Daniel chapter 1 continues: “[9] Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. [10] And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.” The prince of the eunuchs is worried. If he allows Daniel and his friends to have a special diet, and it harms them, Nebuchadnezzar will be wroth—probably issuing a death sentence for them all!

Let us see what happens….

Daniel, His Friends, and Separation #1

Friday, April 28, 2017

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8 KJV).

Every Sunday School child knows about Daniel and his three companions (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). Unfortunately, today, few adults practice what these precious children knew!

The Book of Daniel begins: “[1] In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. [2] And the LORD gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.” After centuries of persistent unbelief and pagan idolatry, JEHOVAH God finally judged the Jews as promised (cf. Leviticus 26:14-46; Deuteronomy 28:15-68). He recruited Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, to attack and eventually deport Israelites from Judaea (southern Israel) to Babylon (modern Iraq).

Daniel continues: “[3] And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; [4] Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. [5] And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.”

“[6] Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: [7] Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.” Today’s Scripture says that Daniel, living in heathen surroundings, has already made up his mind to remain separate….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Is the Ephesian church of the Revelation the same group as those in the Book of Ephesians?”