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2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 356-357

Dec23

   Day 356-357—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.  NOTE: Sunday’s and Monday’s studies will be posted on MONDAY,

Day 356 – Hebrews 7 – 10 (Melchizedek, Better Covenant, Redemption, Sacrifice, Faith)

Read a quick review of Melchizedek and Abraham in Genesis 14:18-20.

Hebrews 7.

The author discusses Melchizedek, king of Salem (peace), king of righteousness (zedek) and a priest of the Most High God. He tells how Abraham, coming home from rescuing his nephew Lot from an invading army, gave this priestly/kingly man a tithe (10th) of the loot. And Melchizedek blessed Abraham.

This was WAY before Israel’s priesthood was set up on Mt. Sinai, with Aaron, the Levite, as High Priest.  In a way (the author of Hebrews says), Aaron, the High Priest, paid tribute to Melchizedek, “being still in Abraham’s loins.” (He had no children at that point.)

Melchizedek is also said to have had “no beginning of days nor end of life” as a priest forever. He was a priest not based on the law (like Aaron) but on the power of an “indestructible” life. The author compares Jesus to this mysterious man, without beginning or end of days, but HIS ministry is much more excellent.  

The first covenant of law could make nothing perfect, so a new one was needed, allowing us to draw near to God. “Consequently, Jesus can save to the uttermost, those who draw near to God through HIM since He always lives to make intercession for them. 

Jesus is a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.  HE HAS NO NEED TO OFFER SACRIFICES DAILY like other priests, first for their own sins, then the people.  Jesus did this ONCE FOR ALL when he offered up HIMSELF.

Hebrews 8.

Jesus, as High Priest, is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a more excellent ministry than the old one.  He can mediate better because the new covenant has better promises and is faultless. In this new covenant, God says He will put His Law on their hearts and minds, not stone tablets, and His people will know Him.

He will be merciful toward their iniquities and will remember their sins no more!

Hebrews 9.

The author then reminds readers how the old covenant worked, with the Holy and Most Holy places in the “tent of worship.”  Behind the second curtain was the ark of the covenant and God’s presence.  No one could go into this place except for the High Priest, and that only once per year… carrying the blood of the sacrifice. 

But Christ, as high priest, entered ONCE FOR ALL into the most holy place through HIS OWN BLOOD. Doing this, he obtained ETERNAL REDEMPTION.  He appeared ONCE FOR ALL to put away sin by sacrificing himself. 

Hebrews 10.

Under the old covenant, the sacrifices were a reminder of sins every year. “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”  Now, we have been sanctified (made clean, holy) through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL.

When Christ had offered FOR ALL TIME A SINGLE SACRIFICE FOR SINS, He sat down at the right hand of God. “For by A SINGLE OFFERING, He has perfected FOR ALL TIME, those who are being sanctified.”

Jesus. the perfect, sinless High Priest, offered Himself a spotless sacrifice and opened the new and living way for us through the curtain so that we can now “draw near (to God) with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” 

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Day 357 – Hebrews 11 – 13 (the FAITH chapter & heroes of the faith, witnesses for us to endure too, discipline as sons, acceptable worship, final instructions)

Hebrews 11.

Hebrews 11 is called the “Faith Chapter” or the “Saint’s Hall of Fame.” In it, the author defines faith and how it’s to be used. He lists heroes of faith from the Old Testament, sixteen by name (including women), and many others by deeds or means of death. These all have served and glorified God.

DEFINITION: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (verse 1)

WHAT IT INVOLVES: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (verse 6)

From righteous Abel to the prophet Samuel, men and women have lived and died for God, loved and obeyed Him, trusted and spoke for Him without shame or fear, and many paid for it with their lives. 

These heroes “conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong through weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to fight, and some women received back their dead by resurrection!! 

(I can think of some names that come to mind here, can you?”

Others were tortured for their faith, suffered mocking and flogging, even chains and imprisonments, stoning, beheading (killed by the sword), and even being sawn in two!  They were destitute, afflicted, mistreated, and lived in deserts, mountains, dens, and caves.  OF WHOM THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY!

And YET, they did not “see” the promised Messiah they spoke about and waited for like WE HAVE!  (How totally blessed we are!)

Hebrews 12.

“Therefore, SINCE we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (those heroes listed above), let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith.  He, for the JOY that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated now at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus, as God’s Son, endured much hostility against Him. And so we, as God’s children, must endure “discipline” too.  God disciplines us (through suffering/persecution) for OUR GOOD, so we may share His holiness.  It doesn’t seem pleasant at the moment, but later, it “yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” to those trained by it. 

So…. lift your drooping hands….strengthen your weak knees….and make straight paths for your feet.   And “let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken (by persecution or death), and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

Hebrews 13.

The author encourages readers to continue in brotherly love, hospitality to strangers, and prayer and support for those imprisoned for their faith.  They are to be faithful in marriage, not love money but be content with what they have.

They are to “remember their leaders (in prayer and financially), the ones who first spoke the Word of God to them.”  They are to consider the fruit of those men’s ministry and imitate their faith.  They are to pray and support their leaders and also to submit to and obey them (for THOSE MEN will have to give an account one day).

He ends with a doxology. ‘Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant….equip you with everything good, that you may do His will.

To Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen”

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 351

Dec17

   Day 351—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 351 – Philippians 1 – 4 (Greetings & prayer, exhortations, two fellow workers, warnings, two women, encouragement)

Paul writes this letter while still in prison in Rome. It’s towards the end of his two years. He says his case will soon be tried before Caesar, and he hopes to be released.

The Philippian church first began in Lydia’s home. Philippi is where Paul and Silas were imprisoned for releasing a fortunetelling girl from demons. They were singing when an earthquake set them free. The Jailer and his household believed in Christ.

Philippians 1.

Paul and Timothy greet the church, thank God for them, and encourage them by praying for them. He tells them that his time in prison in Rome has “served to advance the Gospel so that Christ has become known throughout the whole imperial guard.” He thanks them for their prayers and offerings.

In all things – life or death – Paul’s only desire is that Christ be honored in his body. “For me to LIVE is Christ, and to DIE is gain.”  “My desire is to DEPART and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to REMAIN in the flesh is more necessary on your account…for your progress and joy in the faith.”

He tells them that persecution is to be expected.  “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ, you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake, engaged in the same conflict you see me in.”

Philippians 2.

He encourages them by setting up Jesus as their example of suffering. “Have this mind in you, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross.

And he, like they, will be rewarded. “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on Him the NAME that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father.”

Paul then tells the church that he hopes to send them his beloved Timothy, who has been genuinely concerned for their welfare. (He hopes to come to them himself soon.)  Paul is also sending back Epaphroditus, a fellow worker and soldier.  This man had brought an offering to Paul from them but had gotten ill and nearly died. But God had mercy on him, and now he was well.

Philippians 3.

Paul exhorts the church members to always REJOICE IN THE LORD.  They are to look out for evil doers and those of the circumcision who put confidence in the flesh.

Paul then tells them that HE – if anyone – has reason to boast in the flesh, having been a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews concerning the  law, a Pharisee, a persecutor of the church, under the law, blameless!  BUT.. “I count it as LOSS for the sake of Christ…because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as trash so that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law but that which comes through faith in Christ. 

“One thing I do is forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Then Paul challenges them to JOIN IN IMITATING HIM in this goal.

Philippians 4.

Paul’s last words are exhortation, encouragement, and prayer for them.  He writes to Syntyche and Euodia to not fight and come to an agreement. 

He tells them to rejoice in the LORD continually, not to be anxious about anything, but to pray about everything so God’s peace will guard their hearts and minds. 

“Finally, brothers, whatever is TRUE, whatever is HONORABLE, whatever is JUST, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is COMMENDABLE, if there is any EXCELLENCE, if there is anything worthy of PRAISE……………..think on these things, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Paul thanks them again for their generous offerings; they are a fragrance, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. He’s learned the secret of being content in every circumstance. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” 

He ends by sending greetings. “All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household!”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 270

Sep26

    Day 270—We are in the NINTH month of Bible reading with more of Israel’s history and the book of NEHEMIAH

    Day 270 – Nehemiah 6 – 7 (Nehemiah threatened, wall finished, genealogies)

Nehemiah 6. Unable to get the building of the wall stopped with military force because the people kept weapons with them as they worked, Sanballat and Tobiah tried a new method.  They sent a letter inviting Nehemiah to come away for a little conference down by the coast. 

He saw through their murderous plot and said, “No thanks. I’m busy right now.”  Not to be discouraged, the conniving group sent four more invitations. (Hey, did it get lost in the mail? Come join us!”)  But Nehemiah’s answer was always the same. Nope.

Next, Sanballat sent him “an open letter.” This suggested that many people had read it and agreed with it.  The letter claimed Nehemiah planned to make himself king, and they were building the wall to revolt against Persia. Artaxerxes will hear about it and send an army.  “So come, let us counsel together.”

But again, Nehemiah saw through their attempt to get him alone to kill him.  He and Artaxerxes had a deal. When the project was done, Nehemiah would return to resume his position as cupbearer. The king trusted him.  Nehemiah knew these were attempts to keep the wall from being finished, and he prayed, “But now, O God, strengthen my hands.”

Finally, Tobiah and Sanballat hired a false prophet (actually a friend of Nehemiah’s) to tempt him, out of fear for his life, to go into the temple to hide because the plot was to kill him that night.  Well, Nehemiah was not afraid except to go into the temple.  “Should a man as I run away?  And what man such as I could go into the temple AND LIVE??” 

And he prayed, “Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things they did, and also the prophets who wanted to make me afraid.”

And so, the wall was finished!! After being in ruins for nearly 100 years, the wall around the holy city was completed in 52 days.  And the enemies around Jerusalem WERE AFRAID.  They knew God had helped them.

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Nehemiah 7.  Then, after Nehemiah had finished all the gates and doors in the wall, he put his brother Hanani in charge of the city, telling him not to open the gates until the sun was well up, and to close and lock them in the evening, and post guards. The city was “wide and large,” and few people lived inside the walls. And their homes were not yet rebuilt. 

Then, Nehemiah found the record of the people who planned to return, written by Ezra in Babylon. Nehemiah updated it to the ones who had actually made it to the land, 42,360 besides servants (7,337). Some people could not trace their lineage, although they considered themselves Jews and they were included. He also listed the many gifts that were given, mainly for the upkeep of the Temple and those employed there. (Worth millions today.)

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 269

Sep25

    Day 269—We are in the NINTH month of Bible reading with more of Israel’s history and the book of NEHEMIAH.

    Day 269 – Nehemiah 1 – 5 (Nehemiah to Jerusalem, rebuilding the wall, opposition)

NOTE: Ezra and Nehemiah were originally one book, with Ezra as the author. Ezra draws from Nehemiah’s personal diaries.

Nehemiah 1. Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes in the capital of Susa. (This king was Esther’s stepson.) As cupbearer, Nehemiah was with the king at meals and tested the drinks for poison. He was a trusted servant.

Nehemiah’s brother, who had been in Judah, arrives and reports that the returned exiles are in trouble. It’s been 13 years since Ezra led the second wave of returnees. The temple is completed but not secure since the city walls are still rubble with the gates charred. 

This distresses Nehemiah, and he weeps. Then, he prays, confessing his and their sin, praises God’s faithfulness to His promises, and asks for mercy. (Nehemiah prayed for four months before finally approaching the King with a request.)

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Nehemiah 2. One day, when serving the king’s wine, Artaxerxes noticed his downcast face. At first, the king thought… EEEK, has the man tested my wine and been poisoned???  “Are you sick??”  And Nehemiah told him about his “heart” sickness concerning Jerusalem, where his ancestors were buried. It was sitting in ruins.  

“What are you requesting?” asked the king.

Before answering, Nehemiah quickly prayed to God in heaven, then said, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, send me to Judah, to Jerusalem, that I may rebuild it.”

The king glances at the queen sitting beside him, then asks, “How long will you be gone?” Nehemiah tells him.

The king agrees to let him go, and also to Nehemiah’s request for letters of passage proving he is on the King’s errand and acquisition papers for supplies to rebuild and repair the Temple courtyard and the city walls.  The king grants it all and includes an armed escort for protection because “the good hand of my God was upon me.”

Four months and three days later, Nehemiah gathered a few men and went out at night to survey the broken-down walls. Then he told the Jews, “Come, let’s build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.”  He told him how King Artaxerxes had approved and that the hand of God was upon him for good. 

“Let us rise up and build!” they said. 

But, opposition arose from 3 men, local district leaders in Samaria, Ammon, and an area south of Jerusalem.  “What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”  (Fortifying a city in a Persian-controlled land could be seen as doing just that.) 

“The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we, His servants, will arise and build,” Nehemiah answered.

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Nehemiah 3. This chapter chronicles the people assigned to each of the areas of the wall and the gates of Jerusalem. They were responsible for building that portion and connecting it to their neighbors.  (If possible, get a map of Jerusalem at the time of Nehemiah that shows all the gates and towers.  It’s fascinating.) 

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Nehemiah 4.  Sanballat, Gov. of Samaria, was enraged and jeered at the Jews, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish and burned ones at that?”    

And Tobiah, the Ammonite, jeered, “Yes, what they are building–if a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall.”

And Nehemiah prayed, “Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives.”  AND THEY CONTINUED TO BUILD THE WALL up to half its height – for the people had a mind to work.

But, now the Arabs and Ashdodites joined Sanballat and Tobiah, and were very angry. They plotted to come and fight against Jerusalem and cause confusion in it.

And Nehemiah prayed to God and set a guard as protection against them day and night.  As the people began to fear, Nehemiah stationed people with swords, spears, and bows.  “Do not be afraid,” he said. “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome. Fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!“

From then on, half the people worked on construction, and half held spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail.  Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other.  And each builder had his sword strapped at his side while he built.

And so they labored from the break of dawn until the stars came out.  And then they stayed inside the walls at night, guarding the work. None of them removed his clothes, and each slept with his weapon at his right hand.

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Nehemiah 5.  As if the threat of battle was not enough, a problem arose from within.  It seems that some wealthier people were hoarding and not helping the poor, especially as there was also a small famine going on.  What???  This was one of the things that the prophet Jeremiah had accused the people of before Jerusalem was destroyed – neglecting the poor by the greedy wealthy.   Would the people always return to former sins? 

This totally angered Nehemiah, and he blasted the nobles and officials.  “How can you exact interest from your “brothers?”  We have brought back our Jewish brothers who were sold to the nations, and now YOU are selling them again!!!  Ought you not to walk in the fear of the LORD? Let us abandon this exacting of interest.  Return to them their fields, vineyards, olive orchards, houses, and percentage of money, grain, wine, etc., you have been extracting from them!!

And…. they said, “We will restore these.  We will require nothing from them.  We will do as you say.” And the people did as they promised. WHOA!

Nehemiah led by example, feeding people with his own money (not the King’s allowance) each day. 

“Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.”

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 266 & 267

Sep23

    Days 266 & 267—We are in the NINETH month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history in ESTHER.

NOTE: Sunday and Monday studies are posted on Monday. These two days’ posts will be longer than usual. 

    Day 266 – Esther 1 – 5 (A fascinating story of God’s providence for His chosen people, the Jews. A plot is hatched to destroy them.) 

Esther 1. Background. King Ahasuerus (or Xerxes, in Greek) is king of Persia, and his winter capital is Susa. He reigns from India to Ethiopia!! He was so rich that he gave a feast for all his servants and officials, governors and nobles, and the army of Persia and Media FOR 180 DAYS!! (6 months)

He added a special feast at the end for ALL the citizens of Susa. And any man could drink as much or as little as they liked.  On the seventh day, probably drunk, he called for his Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown (nothing else??), to show her beauty to the people and princes. 

She refused.

What an uproar this caused. The king has been affronted.  All the men in the kingdom are now afraid THEIR wives will refuse to obey them.  Stamp out this trend RIGHT NOW!  The king listens. He fires Vashti and sends out notices of his decision (so all those wives and women will take note and give honor to their husbands.)  But then, the King got lonely for her.

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Esther 2.  But never fear. The king’s young men come up with a new plan.  Call for all the beautiful young virgins from all 127 of your providences to “audition” for Vashti’s place. This pleased the king, and he did so.

Now….. There was a Jew in Susa, a Benjaminite, descended from King Saul’s line, named Mordecai. He had been brought as a captive to Babylon in Nebuchadnezzar’s second wave of captives, along with King Jeconiah (Jehoiachin).  His uncle was taken, too. When his uncle and aunt died, Mordecai raised their young daughter Hadassah/Esther as his own.  And this beautiful young (12-14 year old) girl was taken in the “beauty contest” of Ahasuerus.

The head eunuch, Hegai, liked Esther and quickly gave her all the cosmetics, treatments, foods, etc., that she would need to “win.”   And sure enough, when it was her time to “go into the king,” he delighted in her and chose Esther as his new queen. Big celebration.

Now….. It just so happened that one day, Mordecai was sitting by the king’s gate when he overheard two guards trash-talking the king and planning to assassinate him.  He told that to Queen Esther who told the king about it in the name of Mordecai.  The guards were investigated and hanged, and the incident was recorded in the book of the chronicles of the king. 

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Esther 3. Now….. There was another man in Susa, whom the king promoted above all the other officials.  All the king’s servants bowed down and paid homage to him…. except Mordecai. This infuriated Haman.

(A little history here:  Haman was an Agagite, a descendent of King Agag, the Amalekite, whom King Saul (Mordecai’s ancestor) was supposed to have killed. Ages before, God had decreed that all the Amalekites should be annihilated for their harsh treatment of their distant kinsmen (the Jews) as they wandered in the wilderness.  Amalek was the grandson of Esau, the twin brother to Jacob/Israel.  They had attacked the unprepared Israelites from behind.) 

Because of this history, Haman had a deep hatred of the Jews, personified in Mordecai. (Esther had not made her heritage known as Mordecai had instructed.)

Passing by Mordecai’s indifference every day infuriated Haman so much that he asked King Ahasuerus (in a roundabout manner) to write an edict that all the Jews in his kingdom be killed on a specific day. They were, after all, troublemakers who disobeyed the king’s laws.  “Okay, sure, do as you wish, Haman.”  Pandemonium broke out in the capital and spread throughout the kingdom.  (Haman was like modern-day Hitler & Hamas)

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Esther 4.  When Mordecai heard about the edict, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes as a sign of deep mourning, as did the whole city and land. Weeping and lamenting could be heard everywhere.  Esther heard about it and sent a message to her “cousin/uncle” to learn the reason. Then, using Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to her, she and Mordecai had this conversation.

“Esther, Haman is planning to destroy all the Jews. Here is the letter he sent out.  Go to the king and plead on behalf of your people.”

“Mordecai, everyone knows that any man or woman who goes to the king without being summoned and he doesn’t hold out his golden scepter to… will be killed!  The king has not called for me in 30 days!!”

“Esther, do not think you will escape in the king’s palace. For if you keep silent at this time, deliverance WILL COME for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish.  And… who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this.”

“Okay, Mordecai.  Go gather all the Jews to be found in Susa and hold a fast on my behalf for three days. My maids and I will do the same. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

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Esther 5. On the third day, Esther puts on her royal robes and stands at the King’s throne room entrance. He is in there.  He sees his queen…. and smiles.  He holds out the golden scepter that is in his hand. 

“Ah, Queen Esther, What is your request? To half of my kingdom, I will give you.”  WOW!!!

Esther sweetly requests his (and Haman’s) presence at a banquet she is preparing.  He accepts, and the top two men in Persia come to dine in her palace.  Again, the king asks what her request is – to half his kingdom.  

Esther demurs again, saying she will tell him at another banquet for them the following night. Well-fed and maybe a little tipsy, they leave.

Haman is on top of the world, having feasted and been invited to feast again with the King and Queen.  That is, until he sees Mordecai at the gate, neither bowing nor trembling before him.  At home, he rants and raves and tells his wife and relatives about his hatred.  They say, “Build a gallows, tell the king to hang the man, then go joyfully to your banquet.”

The idea pleased Haman and he had the gallows made. He’ll see the king in the morning.

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    Day 267 – Esther 6 – 10 (The conclusion of the story, a new holiday, Mordecai’s rise to power)

Esther 6. Maybe Esther’s banquet was a bit too rich for the King. Or perhaps he just over-indulged. Regardless, he couldn’t sleep and called for some bedtime reading. They “just happen” to bring him the Book of Memorable Deeds, the chronicles, and read about how Mordecai saved his life in the incident of the two guards planning his assassination. 

“Has this man ever been rewarded for this?” he asks.

“No, nothing has been done for him,” they answer.

“Who is in the court right now?” he asks.

And, it just so happens that Haman is coming to the king right then to ask that Mordecai be hanged.”  OOPS!

“Hey, Haman, what should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” says Ahasuerus. 

“It’s me! It’s ME!!” Haman thinks to himself. “Well… let your royal robes be brought, the horse the king rides, and a crown the king has worn. Dress him in these and let one of the court’s most noble officials lead him around the city, proclaiming that THIS is the one the king wants to honor.”

“Great idea, Haman.” says the king. “Hurry, take the robes and the horse as you have said, and do so to Mordecai, the Jew, who sits at my gate. Leave nothing out that you have mentioned.”

Could Haman even move??  

Yes, and he obeyed the king, mortified!  And afterward, he went home with his head covered, mourning.  This time, his wife and relatives said,  “Well, if Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.” 

And while they were speaking, the king’s eunuch arrived to take him to Esther’s banquet.

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Esther 7.  So the two men feast and drink wine at Esther’s table, and the king again asks her what she would like – even to half of his kingdom.  Then, she discloses the plot against HERSELF and HER PEOPLE to be destroyed, killed, and annihilated (words of Haman’s edict).  

“Who? WHO would dare to do this??” the king screams.

“A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!!” she cries. 

The king is so upset that he gets up and goes out to the terrace. 

Haman, however, stays to plead his case.  He means to fall at her feet to beg but is drunk and lands on top of her instead.  Just then, the king returns and sees what he thinks is Haman assaulting his Queen in his presence, in his own house! 

A eunuch in attendance says calmly,  “Haman has also prepared gallows to hang Mordecai, whom the king has honored for saving his life.  It’s standing at his house, 75 feet tall……”  Just saying.

“HANG HIM ON THAT!” the king commands.

They do. Haman is “hoisted upon his own petard,” and the king’s wrath subsides.

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Esther 8.  Mordecai is honored and elevated to Haman’s place. But the queen’s work is not done.  The edict to kill all the Jews on Adar 13. (end of February) still stands. Esther again attempts an audience with the king, and he agrees. At her request, he okays a second letter to be sent to all his provinces from India to Ethiopia, telling the Jews that they can fight back and plunder all the goods of their enemies on Adar 13. It is signed, sealed, and delivered to the 50 million people under his rule.

Then, the Jews had “light and gladness and joy and honor,” a feast, and a holiday.

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Esther 9. So, on that fateful day, the Jews in his kingdom gathered and gained mastery over those who hated them. They killed any who sought to harm them. Everyone was afraid of them!  The governors and royal agents even HELPED them for fear of Mordecai. In the melee in Susa, all 10 of Haman’s sons were killed.  The king even granted another day (Adar 14) to “clean up the enemies” of the Jews in Susa.

But the Jews did not plunder their enemies.

Curious.  Why didn’t they?  The king gave them permission.

(Go back to Deut. 25:17-19 — “Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary and cut off those who were lagging and did not fear God.  Therefore, when the LORD your God has given you rest from all your enemies around you in the land…you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven; you shall not forget.) 

(Later, King Saul was instructed to kill ALL the Amalekites and take no plunder. But he disobeyed God and kept the prize sheep and King Agag alive. Samuel had to kill the king for him. See 1 Samuel 15:3, 9.  Because of this, Haman, the Agagite, hated the Jews. And because of God’s instructions to the disobedient Saul, the people did as he was supposed to do and TOOK NO PLUNDER.)

Afterward, Mordecai recorded the numbers and sent letters to the Jews in all the provinces.  From then on, they were to keep the 14th day of Adar every year as a day of rest and remembrance of when they got relief from their enemies, turning it from a day of sorrow to a day of gladness and holiday.  There should be feasting and sending gifts to one another and the poor.

The day would be called Purim (lots or dice) because Haman had cast lots for the day of the holocaust. Queen Esther’s command confirmed these practices of Purim, and it was recorded in writing. 

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Esther 10. The last chapter confirms King Ahasuerus elevating Mordecai to second-in-command in the land.  It also states that Mordecai was popular among the Jews for “he sought the welfare of all his people and spoke peace to all his people.”   

A good old man, that Mordecai. And “Bravo!” Queen Esther.

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 261

Sep17

    Day 261—We are in the NINETH month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history.

    Day 261 – Ezra 4 – 6, Psalm 137  (Lots of push-back from the residents about the temple building.  a wistful song remembering Jerusalem)

Ezra 4. The temple foundation is finished, sacrifices have been started, the people are rejoicing (or weeping).  Then, all of a sudden, opposition to the Temple building project arises from the locals. They have been living in the area for over 70 years…it’s THEIR property now….who are these Jews from Babylon who are taking over “their” land?

It begins with an offer to “help” them build. At first this seems nice. But the Jews remember what happened with they let “non-Jews” invade their plans before.  Nope, no more being “unequally yoked!” We’ve learned our lesson!  But they allowed the opposition discourage them and made them fearful of continuing the building.

The people of the land wrote letters to Ahasuerus and Artaxerxes (rulers after King Cyrus who had originally given the Jews the permission) complaining about them, saying the Jews were rebels and once the building was finished they wouldn’t pay the king tribute or toll. 

One letter was very insistent, urging King Artaxerxes to search the records to see how the Jews resisted and fought them.  It’s why the city was destroyed in the first place.  The king read the letter and started a search of the records, but meanwhile, he sent a decree to Jerusalem that the work cease immediately.  And work on the Temple stopped.

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Ezra 5. Then God sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. And with their support, Zerubbabel started up the building project again. The locals protested. “Who said you could build again?”  And they sent another letter to the new King Darius.  “This house of God is being built with huge stones and timber and is prospering.  We asked the names of the builders, but all they said was that they are “the servants of the God of heaven and earth.” They say they got permission from Cyrus to build. Please check this out to see IF they really did.”

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Ezra 6.  It was King Darius who made a thorough search of the stored documents in the house of archives and the scroll WAS found from the first year of Cyrus.  And the good King Darius wrote a biting letter back to the local protestors.

“Keep away.  Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the Jews rebuild it on its site.  MOREOVER… I decree that you shall do everything to assist them.  YOU pay the workers in full and without delay.  And whatever is needed for their offerings, YOU supply… day by day, with out fail.   And….. if you alter this letter in any way, a beam shall be pulled out of your house and impale you on it, and your house shall be made a dunghill.  I, Darius, make a decree; let it be done with all diligence.“

(WHOA!! Yay Darius. Halleluia to the God of heaven and earth. )

And so… the governor and his associates did with all diligence what Darius the king had ordered.  And the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah.  They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. 

And the returned people of Israel, the priests and Levites celebrated the dedication of the house of God with JOY.  Then they celebrated the Passover for the first time back in their land.

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Psalm 137:1-6
"By the waters of Babylon,
there we sat down and wept,
when we remembered Zion.
On the willows there
we hung up our lyres.
For there our captors
required of us songs,
and our tormentors, mirth, saying,
"Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"

How shall we sing the LORD's song
in a foreign land?
If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
let my right hand forget its skill!
Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth,
if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem
above my highest joy!"

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 259 & 260

Sep16

    Days 259 & 260—We are in the NINETH month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history, DANIEL’s prophecy, and beginning of EZRA.

NOTE: Sunday and Monday studies are posted on Monday.

    Day 259 – Daniel 10 – 12 (more prophecy of Daniel’s and our future)

The visions, with the angels, battles, the rise & fall of kings & kingdoms, and the final time of the end, are very hard to understand, even for Daniel, who had angels to help him. Several times, he had to be strengthened by the messengers. He says, “I heard, but I did not understand.”  Me too, Daniel!

Daniel 10. Daniel is still staggering from the first set of visions. He is mourning and eating minimally when he sees another angel described with a face like lightning, eyes like flaming torches, arms and legs gleaming like polished bronze, and a voice like the sounds of multitudes. Without strength, Daniel falls to the ground, face down, in deep sleep. Then, a hand touches him and sets him on his hands and knees.  “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you and stand upright, for I have been sent to you.”

The angel continues that from the first day (21 days earlier) that Daniel humbled himself before God, he was heard, and the angel was sent. However, spiritual warfare hindered him until the archangel Michael came to help, and he was released to go to Daniel. 

Again, Daniel became weak, and the angel had to strengthen him.  “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.”  The angel then says he will tell Daniel “what is inscribed in the book of truth,” but then he must return to fight that spiritual battle with Michael (assuring that the king fulfills his purpose in decreeing Israel’s return.)

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Daniel 11.  This prophecy goes from the history of spiritual conflict in Israel to the tribulation when Michael aids in fully delivering Israel (12:1) and looks ahead to the final Antichrist. (whew!)   

Verses 2-35 show the fulfillment of the Persian kingdom (the fourth king is Xerxes or Ahasuerus from the book of Esther) and the reign of Greece (Alexander the Great and 4 generals) through Antiochus Epiphanes. 

The king of the south (the Ptolemies of Egypt) and the king of the north (the Seleucids of Syria) fought for almost 200 years.  Antiochus IV’s armies crisscrossed the holy land in battle with Egypt several times and, on the way murdered Jews, took slaves, and desecrated the temple at one point by sacrificing a pig. (verses 28, 31)  Some Jews who “know their God” (verse 32) stood against him and took action, prevailed for a while, with some help from Rome, and then suffered intense persecution (verses 33-35). 

Verses 36-45 show the fulfillment of God’s prophetic plan of “Daniel’s 70th week” and the transition from Antiochus to Antichrist.  These verses show the character and activities of the Antichrist in the future time of the end.  Verse 45 says, “he shall come to his end, with none to help him” (Rev. 19:20).  (See all of this in Revelation 12, 13, 17, 20, and 21)

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Daniel 12.   Verse 1 flashes back to when the Antichrist rages during the Tribulation years. Again, the Archangel Michael protects Israel.  And there will be deliverance for Daniel’s people, “whose name is written down in the book (of the saved). Of those who have died, some will wake to everlasting life and shine like the brightness of the sky, and some will awake to shame and everlasting contempt.

At that point, Daniel is instructed to “seal the book until the time of the end.”  Then, Daniel saw another vision where a man asked how long it would be until the end. And the angel said that it would be for a time, times, and half a time. (the final 3.5 years of Daniel’s 70th week)

When Daniel asks what the outcome will be, he is told to “Go your way, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.”  But he IS told that MANY will be purified.  

“Go your way till the end. And you shall rest (soon die) and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of days.” (The Resurrection)

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(What a faithful, well-loved servant of God, taken as a young teen from his country to live and serve many pagan kings, speaking for God, never wavering, interceding for his people, and finally writing this end times prophecy that rivals The Revelation by John.)

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    Day 260 – Ezra 1 – 3 (The first of 3 waves of exiles returning, genealogies to prove their places and the priesthood)

As there were three waves of deportation FROM Israel, so there are three waves of return TO Jerusalem.  The book of Ezra chronicles the first (with Zerubbabel) and second (with Ezra himself). (Nehemiah later leads the third wave.)

Ezra 1.  In confirmation of Jeremiah’s prophecy and with the LORD stirring his spirit, King Cyrus of Persia proclaimed throughout his kingdom (even put it into writing) that the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem was to be rebuilt.  And whoever of the people of Israel who wanted to should go to rebuild it. He also told the neighbors around the returnees to assist them with silver, gold, goods, beasts, and freewill offerings.  (This kind of reminds me of when the Jews left Egypt.)

So, God stirred up the people, including the heads of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and Levites, to go “up” to Jerusalem to rebuild the house of the LORD, aided by all the goods their neighbors gave them. King Cyrus also brought out all the vessels from the Temple that King Nebuchadnezzar had stolen to be returned, putting the treasurer and the prince of Judah in charge of them.

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Ezra 2. And so Zerubbabel led out the exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried captive to Babylon. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town. The whole three-wave assembly, including the priests and Levites, as well as servants, singers, and those from Ezra’s and Nehemiah’s time and other tribes of Israel (10,777) who also returned (counted from the lists in Ezra 8 and Nehemiah 6), amounted to 50,000. 

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Ezra 3. After the people arrived, they were occupied with their own dwellings.  After that, they turned to build the altar of burnt offerings as per the Law of Moses. They offered burnt offerings to the LORD morning and evening “for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands.”  They kept the Feast of Booths and offered monthly and daily (morning and evening) offerings to the Lord. 

Then they paid masons and carpenters and sent goods to the people of Tyre and Sidon to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea and to Joppa (according to the grant they had from King Cyrus).  The Levites who had returned supervised the work.  And they laid the foundation of the Temple. 

And they sang the songs of Thanksgiving ordered by King David and written by Asaph.  “For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel.”

The people sang and praised the LORD loudly because the foundation was built, but the old timers who remembered the glory of Solomon’s temple wept in equally loud voices, so no one could distinguish the sounds of joyful shouts from the people’s loud weeping.  “And the sound was heard far away.”

 

 

 

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2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 244

Aug31

Day 244—We are in the eighth month (AND 2/3 THE WAY THROUGH) of our Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history and prophecy from Ezekiel.

    Day 244 – Ezekiel 18 – 20 (sin=death, lament of 3 kings, survey of Israel’s sin)

Ezekiel 18, This chapter is about the stated truth: “The soul who sins, it shall die.”  verses 4, 20

A proverb was repeated in Israel that children will pay for their father’s sins. “If the fathers have eaten sour grapes, the children’s teeth are set on edge.”

God says that is not true.  The one who sins is the one who will pay for his sin with death.  (Romans 6:23a) 

Example 1. If a person is righteous and does what is just and proper, walks in God’s statutes, and keeps His rules faithfully….he is righteous and shall live.

Example 2. If a son of a righteous man is violent, oppresses the poor, robs, worships idols, commits adultery….he will surely die, and his blood is on HIMSELF.

Example 3. If a sinful man fathers a son who is righteous and walks in God’s ways….he shall not die for his father’s iniquity. He shall surely live.

Example 4. If a wicked person turns away (repents) from all his sins and keeps God’s statutes and what is just and right, he shall live and not die. None of his transgressions will be remembered against him.

Example 5. If a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does abominations that the wicked person does, he shall die.  None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he’s committed.

God’s final call through Ezekiel on this matter is, “Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!**  Why will you die, O house of Israel?  For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so TURN and LIVE.”

** See Psalm 51:10

Ezekiel 19  is a poetic lament for the last three kings of Judah – Jehoahaz, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah.  

Judah is the lioness (vs. 2) with her cubs (kings), as well as the vine (vs. 10) with its fruit (kings).

Verses 3-4 talk about Jehoahaz, who ruled and was then taken to Egypt.

Verse 9 speaks of Jehoiachin, who was carried to Babylon, kept in prison for 37 years, then released at age 55 to sit at the king’s table. 

The fate of the “vine” in 10-14 tells of the strength of Judah’s ruling scepters, but then their being plucked up as a vine, cast down, withering, and consumed by fire, so there is no scepter ruling left.

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Ezekiel 20 tells about the elders of Israel coming to Ezekiel and asking him to “inquire of the LORD” for them. The LORD basically says, “no” because when they inquired of Me in the past, and I told them truth, they did not listen to me and turned away.  So I will not answer them now.

Then God gives a historical survey of Israel’s past, about their sin, His mercy, their further sin, His grace, their greater and abominable sins, and the end of His patience.  “O house of Israel, as I live, declares the Lord God, I will not be inquired by you.”

Then God reveals to Ezekiel further judgments on the rebellious Israel because “they determine to keep on in their wicked ways.”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 243

Aug30

Day 243—We are in the eighth month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history and prophecy from Ezekiel.

    Day 243 – Ezekiel 16 – 17 (Metaphors/parables about God and Israel)

Ezekiel 16. The longest chapter in Ezekiel is a sad metaphor for God’s love for Israel, her horrible abuse of that love, the consequences of her sin, and God’s eventual restoration… “that you shall know that I am the LORD.”

Again, Ezekiel is to speak to the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Judah) about her “abominations.”  She is seen as an abandoned child God finds, rescues, loves, and showers with good things. In the metaphor of a loved child and woman, the chapter covers the history of Israel from her conception, the time of the Exodus, to David’s time and the glories of Solomon’s reign. (through verse 14)

The following section pictures Israel in spiritual harlotry, copying increasingly the pagan religious practices of the Canaanites.  All God gives her, she uses to worship idols, even to sacrifice the children God gives her. The pagan countries around Israel influence her to more and more sin.  Unlike the regular payments prostitutes were paid, Israel solicits and pays for her idol “lovers.” (through verse 34)

Then comes the public shame of God’s beloved…at His own hands. Their defeat by Assyria earlier and now the coming of the Babylonian destruction reveals God’s wrath. God compares Judah to the wicked cities of Samaria and Sodom, whose judgment was great.  Judah, He says, is more corrupt than they! Now Judah and Jerusalem will “bear the penalty of her lewdness and abominations.” (through verse 59)

Verse 60 begins the glorious hope of God’s restoration, His remembering the oath/covenant he made with them. (How gracious is our God!)  He will restore Israel, not because of the good things they do, but because of His grace alone. The New Covenant is unconditional, saving, and everlasting. When He establishes this covenant with them, they will “know that I am the LORD.”  And the fact that God will “atone for you for all that you have done” speaks of the coming Messiah, and His work on the cross, by which God’s wrath on sin is satisfied.  

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Ezekiel 17. This chapter speaks about the time two years before the destruction of Jerusalem.  We’ve studied it more in detail in 2 Kings 24, 2 Chronicles 36, and Jeremiah 36, 37, and 52.  It’s a parable about the final kings who rule in Jerusalem.

The “great eagle with great wings and long pinions, rich in plumage of many colors” in verse 3 is Babylon, who will take royal captives and others, “the topmost of the cedar’s young twigs,” and carry them to a land of trade and a city of merchants.”  Some “the seed of the land” (Zedekiah etc.) he left there to be a tributary (pay tribute to Babylon).

Egypt is the other “great eagle with great wings and much plumage” who flew by.  Zedekiah turned to Egypt to help him revolt against Babylon. But it didn’t work, and the king of Babylon came and took him away. (and defeated Egypt too)

Then, the LORD Himself promises to “take a spring from the lofty top of the cedar and plant it on a high and lofty mountain of Israel.”  It will bear branches, produce fruit, and become a noble cedar.  “Under it will dwell every kind of bird. In the shade of its branches, birds of every sort will nest.” 

Here, God is speaking of the Messiah and His eventual Messianic Kingdom, where even Gentiles will live.

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 242

Aug29

Day 242—We are in the eighth month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history and prophecy from Ezekiel.

    Day 242 – Ezekiel 13 – 15 (false prophets, evil elders, divining women, a doomed Jerusalem)

Ezekiel 13.  The LORD tells Ezekiel to prophesy against the false prophets, who SAY “Thus declares the LORD” when He has not sent or spoken to them.  They are seeing FALSE visions and LYING divinations.

They prophesy “Peace!” when there is no peace, deceiving the people that God’s wrath is not coming on Jerusalem.  “They shall not be in the council of my people, nor be enrolled in the register of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel is also to “set his face against” the women who prophesy ‘out of their own thoughts.”  Woe to the women who sew magic bands upon all wrists (as talismans)… in the hunt for souls.”     “I am against your magic bands with which you hunt souls like birds, and I will tear them from your arms…”     “And you will know that I am the LORD.”

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Ezekiel 14. God instructs Ezekiel on how to deal with the elders of Israel, “who take idols into their hearts and set out stumbling blocks.”  He is to say that God tells them to “Repent and turn away from your idols and turn away your faces from all your abominations…. or I will set my face against him… and cut him off from the midst of my people.”

Then God tells Ezekiel that the judgment and destruction of Jerusalem is sure. “EVEN if these three men,  Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they would deliver ONLY THEIR OWN LIVES by their righteousness.  Even if these three men were in the city, they could “neither deliver son or daughter, but their OWN LIVES ONLY.”

And yet, God encourages Ezekiel by telling him that amidst “the four disastrous acts of judgment (sword, famine, wild beasts, pestilence) He will leave some survivors…a remnant, brought as captives to join him in Babylon.”

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Ezekiel 15. Jerusalem is compared to the wood of a vine.  Is a branch from it useful?  Can you make anything from it? Can people make a “peg” from it to hang a vessel on? The vine is useful only as fuel in a fire.  So, the inhabitants of Jerusalem. The fire of judgment will consume them.