Where Are These Nations?

Monday, January 31, 2011: Jeremiah 46:28 (NKJV)

Do not fear, O Jacob My servant,” says the Lord,

“For I am with you;

For I will make a complete end of all the nations

To which I have driven you,

But I will not make a complete end of you.

I will rightly correct you,

For I will not leave you wholly unpunished.”

Will the nation of Israel exist because it is good? No, their continued existence is based on the promise of God to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob because of Abraham’s faith.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011: Ezekiel 25:2 – 3, 7 (NKJV)

“Son of man, set your face against the Ammonites, and prophesy against them. Say to the Ammonites, ‘Hear the word of the Lord GOD! Thus says the Lord GOD: “Because you said, ‘Aha!’ against My sanctuary when it was profaned, and against the land of Israel when it was desolate, and against the house of Judah when they went into captivity, indeed, therefore, I will stretch out My hand against you, and give you as plunder to the nations; I will cut you off from the peoples, and I will cause you to perish from the countries; I will destroy you, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

Why is the nation of Ammon not in existence anymore? The Ammonites applauded and commended the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and found celebration in the captivity of the Jews.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011: Ezekiel 25:8 – 10 (NKJV)

‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Because Moab and Seir say, ‘Look! The house of Judah is like all the nations,’ therefore, behold, I will clear the territory of Moab of cities, of the cities on its frontier, the glory of the country, Beth Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kirjathaim. To the men of the East I will give it as a possession, together with the Ammonites, that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations.

Why is the nation of Moab not in existence anymore? The Moabites did not recognize God’s punishment of the Jews but equated Israel to nations that worshipped idols.

Thursday, February 3, 2011: Ezekiel 25:12 – 13, 15 – 16 (NKJV)

‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Because of what Edom did against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended by avenging itself on them,” therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “I will also stretch out My hand against Edom, cut off man and beast from it, and make it desolate from Teman; Dedan shall fall by the sword.

‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Because the Philistines dealt vengefully and took vengeance with a spiteful heart, to destroy because of the old hatred,” therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant of the seacoast.

Why are the nations of Edom and the Philistines not in existence anymore? The Edomites and the Philistines took personal vengeance against Israel when they were down because of old hatreds.

Friday, February 4, 2011: Ezekiel 26:2 – 4 (NKJV)

“Son of man, because Tyre has said against Jerusalem, ‘Aha! She is broken who was the gateway of the peoples; now she is turned over to me; I shall be filled; she is laid waste.’

“Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will cause many nations to come up against you, as the sea causes its waves to come up. And they shall destroy the walls of Tyre and break down her towers; I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock.

By DONNA CASSATA, Associated Press – Fri Jan 28, 1:54 pm ET

WASHINGTON – Tea party-backed Republican Sen. Rand Paul favors cutting U.S. aid to Israel as part of a deficit-driven effort to slash government spending by $500 billion this year, drawing criticism from Democrats and Republicans who argue the U.S. must be unwavering in its support for the longtime Mideast ally.

What comparison is there between Tyre and the USA? Tyre looked at Israel’s punishment as their profit and is no longer a nation. You make the call about the USA.

Who Imprisoned Jeremiah: Who Set Him Free?

Monday, January 24, 2011: Jeremiah 38:1 – 4 (NKJV)

Now Shephatiah the son of Mattan, Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchiah heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken to all the people, saying,

“Thus says the Lord: ‘He who remains in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence; but he who goes over to the Chaldeans shall live; his life shall be as a prize to him, and he shall live.’ Thus says the Lord: ‘This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army, which shall take it.’”

What was the Jewish leaders reaction to Jeremiah’s prophecy? They did not listen and wanted Jeremiah killed.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011: Jeremiah 38:11 – 13 (NKJV)

So Ebed-Melech took the men with him and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took from there old clothes and old rags, and let them down by ropes into the dungeon to Jeremiah. Then Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Please put these old clothes and rags under your armpits, under the ropes.” And Jeremiah did so. So they pulled Jeremiah up with ropes and lifted him out of the dungeon. And Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.

What did the Ethiopian foreigner do? He believed that Jeremiah spoke God’s word and rescued him.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011: Jeremiah 38:17 – 18 (NKJV)

Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘If you surely surrender to the king of Babylon’s princes, then your soul shall live; this city shall not be burned with fire, and you and your house shall live. But if you do not surrender to the king of Babylon’s princes, then this city shall be given into the hand of the Chaldeans; they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape from their hand.’”

What did the King of Judah hear but not heed? Jeremiah told him to surrender to the Chaldeans.

Thursday, January 27, 2011: Jeremiah 39:1 – 5 (NKJV)

In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army came against Jerusalem, and besieged it. In the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, on the ninth day of the month, the city was penetrated.

So it was, when Zedekiah the king of Judah and all the men of war saw them, that they fled and went out of the city by night, by way of the king’s garden, by the gate between the two walls. And he went out by way of the plain. But the Chaldean army pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. And when they had captured him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him.

Was Jeremiah’s prophecy was fulfilled? Yes, Jerusalem was burned and the King escaped but was caught.

Friday, January 28, 2011: Jeremiah 40:1 – 4a (NKJV)

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord after Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him bound in chains among all who were carried away captive from Jerusalem and Judah, who were carried away captive to Babylon.

And the captain of the guard took Jeremiah and said to him: “The Lord your God has pronounced this doom on this place. Now the Lord has brought it, and has done just as He said. Because you people have sinned against the Lord, and not obeyed His voice, therefore this thing has come upon you. And now look, I free you this day from the chains that were on your hand.

What did Nebuzaradan do to his chained prisoner? He set Jeremiah free, recognizing his God.

Feasts of Jehovah, Part 2

Tuesday, January 18, 2011: Leviticus 23:26 – 28 (NKJV)

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

“Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God.

What used to take place this day in the Temple? The high priest would enter the holiest of holies to make atonement for the nation.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011: Leviticus 23:34 – 36 (NKJV)

“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the Lord. On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it.

Why do many of other faiths still gather in Israel to celebrate this feast? It involves camping out, and is joyful, not solemn.

Thursday, January 20, 2011: Esther 9:26, 28 (NKJV)

So they called these days Purim, after the name Pur. Therefore, because of all the words of this letter, what they had seen concerning this matter, and what had happened to them, … that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city, that these days of Purim should not fail to be observed among the Jews, and that the memory of them should not perish among their descendants.

What is the significance of Purim? The Lord’s protection over the Jews does not allow them to be wiped out: twice they have returned.

Friday, January 21, 2011: John 10:22 – 25 (NKJV)

Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me.”

What is the feast of Dedication? It is Hanukah, celebrating the cleansing of the Temple after it was desecrated. A miracle occurred: 1 day’s oil burned in the candelabrum for 8 days.

Feasts of Jehovah (A)

Monday, January 10, 2011: Leviticus 23:4 – 5 (NKJV)

‘These are the feasts of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times. On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the Lord’s Passover.

How was the blood of the Passover lamb to be used? A sign of the cross on each door: Christ’s death.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011: Leviticus 23:6 – 8 (NKJV)

And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord; seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it. But you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord for seven days. The seventh day shall be a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it.’”

What does leaven speak of in the Bible? The analogy is always sin. This proclaims our sinless state.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011: Leviticus 23:10 – 11 (NKJV)

“Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you come into the land which I give to you, and reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. He shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted on your behalf; on the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it.

What does wave offering mean? Barley was cut down, tied into a bundle, and offered. The priest would wave it before the Lord and keep it. Christ’s resurrection is here portrayed.

Thursday, January 13, 2011: Leviticus 23:15 – 17 (NKJV)

‘And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord. You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the Lord.

What is the Greek word for the 50th day? Pentecost. It represented the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Friday, January 14, 2011: Leviticus 23:23 – 24 (NKJV)

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,

“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.

What do trumpets signify? The future gathering of the Diaspora: the start of the Millennium.

Holy and profane: a comparison.

The base of the Greek word for profane is common ground, like a town square.

Monday, January 3, 2011: Exodus 3:5-6

And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

Why were two instructions given to Moses? It was God who gave the instructions: the ground is holy because of His presence. Shoes carry in dirt from unholy areas.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011: Joshua 5:13-15

And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

If Joshua’s worship was accepted, why was there further instruction? One comes before God on God’s terms, not one’s own merit.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011: 1 Timothy 1:8-10

But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine

Why is the law for the profane and unholy? Such are those who ignore their conscience: the teaching (doctrine) of law clarifies their profane state.

Thursday, January 6, 2011: 1 Timothy 4:6-8

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Is ‘a bird in hand worth two in the bush’ a profane fable? Yes, and like many others, it is ungodly and untrue.

Friday, January 7, 2011: 2 Timothy 2:15-16

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

How can one shun profane babblings? One must recognize them as fables opposed to godliness first.