Some Key Words (11/15/00)

Rejected (apotheomai [683]):

to thrust away, repel, drive away from oneself, refuse; to push off

Abraham (Abraam [11]):

father of a multitude;

Benjamin (Beniamin [958]):

son of the right hand, son of good fortune;

Foreknew (proginosko [4267]):

to recognize beforehand, to know previously, to know before, to make a previous choice of, to ordain before, a previous uniting of oneself with another; to have knowledge beforehand, to predestinate; to foresee

Elijah (Helias [2243]):

My God is Jehovah;

Pleads (entugchano [1793]):

to fall in with a person, to go to meet for purpose of conversation, consultation, or supplication, to pray, entreat, to make intercession for one; to chance upon, confer with

Prophets (prophetes [4396]):

those who announce beforehand, one who speaks openly before another, one to whom God spoke and revealed His purposes, in close communion with God and declaring His will to His people; one who declares what he has received by the Spirit of God as relates to God's cause and to salvation; an inspired speaker

Altars (thusiasteron [2379]):

an altar of the true God; the altar for slaying and burning, the altar of burnt offerings in the Jerusalem temple, the altar of incense, any other altar; a place of sacrifice

Divine answer (chrematismos [5538]):

an oracle; a divine response; a revelation

Bowed (kampto [2578]):

to bend the knee in honor of one, or in religious veneration, to bow oneself;

Baal (baal [896]):

lord, the supreme male divinity of Phoenicia and Canaan; a symbol of idolatry

Gracious (charis [5485]):

a favor done without expectation of return, absolute freeness of God's lovingkindness, unearned and unmerited favor; that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, and loveliness, good will, favor, God's merciful kindness which turns men to Christ and strengthens their faith and knowledge, the spiritual condition of one governed by divine grace; graciousness of manner or act, the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life

Choice (ekloge [1589]):

election; the act of choosing, the act of God's free will by which He chooses whom He will bless from the beginning, a thing or person chosen, God's elect; divine selection

 

Paraphrase: (11/13/00)

1 Has God rejected His people? Not at all! After all, I myself am an Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 He foreknew His people, and does not reject them. Scripture tells of the day Elijah pleaded against Israel, 3 saying that he alone amongst Israel remained true to God, while the rest violently rejected Him. 4 But God told Elijah that there was a remnant still in Israel, seven thousand who had not gone to other gods. 5 It is the same today, at the present time there remains a remnant chosen by God according to His grace.

Key Verse: (11/15/00)

11:4 - God kept the remnant for Himself. By Him they were chosen, by His power they were kept from falling into sin.

People Mentioned: (11/13/00-11/15/00)

Abraham

Named Father of nations by God; with him, God established His covenant regarding the land of Canaan, of which circumcision was the reminder. (Ge 17:5-9) With Sarah, his wife, he bore Isaac, the child of promise, as well as Ishmael, the child of impatience (Ge 17:18, Ge 21:2-5). Abraham was kept informed of God's plans, and so was able to plead with God for the people. (Ge 18:16-33). Deceived Abimelech concerning his wife, and later prayed for his healing. (Ge 20:1-17). Abraham's faithfulness was tested by God, and found true (Ge 22:1-19). He gave all he had to Isaac, except for the things he had already given to his concubines and their sons (Ge 25:5-6). He obeyed God, and kept His commandments (Ge 26:5), leading to God extending the blessing of covenant to Isaac. For Abraham's sake, the blessing was given to Isaac (Ge 26:24). God appeared to Abraham, but did not reveal His name to him (Ex 6:3). Israel assembled as the people of the God of Abraham (Ps 47:9). God redeemed Abraham (Is 29:22). Servant Israel, descendant of Abraham, is chosen by God, called from the remotest parts of the earth to be chosen and not rejected by God as His servant (Is 41:8-9). Abraham and Sarah are our example and our comfort when the smallness of our number concerns us (Is 51:2). Israel mistakenly believed that in their numbers they were entitled to possess the land that Abraham had gained when he was yet one man, but God's warning and rejection of their idolatry is clear (Eze 33:24-25). God's love towards Abraham is unchanging (Mic 7:20). Abraham's descendants are known by their actions, not by their genealogies (Mt 3:9). Those who will meet Abraham in heaven will be from many nations, but many of Israel's own progeny will be cast away (Mt 8:11-12). Abraham found his justification in that he believed God, his own works left him nothing to boast about (Ro 4:1-3). His belief was reckoned to him as righteousness (Gal 3:6). Those who are his sons are shown as his sons by their faith (Gal 3:7). Abraham heard the gospel message and believed (Gal 3:8-9). Abraham's faith showed in his actions (Heb 11:8, Heb 11:17). His faith was shown true by his works (Jas 2:21-23).

Benjamin

Rachel wanted to declare him 'son of sorrow', but Jacob named him 'son of the right hand' (Ge 35:18). Jacob feared to send Benjamin to Egypt, lest he lose both sons of his beloved Rachel (Ge 42:4, Ge 42:36). Benjamin was specially blessed by Joseph when he was finally sent to Egypt (Ge 45:22). Declared the wolf, devouring prey and dividing the spoil, in Jacob's prophetic blessing (Ge 49:27). The warriors of the tribe of Benjamin numbered 35,400 at the beginning of the Exodus (Nu 1:37). Camped on the north-west side of the tabernacle when Israel was not on the move, positioned between Manasseh and Dan (Nu 2:22). Made their offering on the ninth day of consecration for the tabernacle (Nu 7:60). Marched as the 3rd tribe behind the tabernacle when Israel was moving (Nu 10:24). After the plague in Midian, the warriors of Benjamin's tribe numbered 45,600 (Nu 26:41). Benjamin's tribe stood on Mount Gerizim, the mount of blessing when Moses declared the rule of God to Israel (Dt 27:12). Declared the beloved of the LORD in Moses' blessing, which also said that God was his shield, as Benjamin dwelt between God's shoulders (Dt 33:12). Bethel was amongst their allotted towns (Josh 18:21-22). They contributed four cities to the priests (Josh 21:17-18). They failed to drive the Jebusites out of Jerusalem (Ju 1:21). When the rest of Israel came out to punish Benjamin for their misdeeds, there were 26,000 men, including 700 sling experts (Ju 20:15-16). These stood in opposition to 400,000 men from the rest of Israel (Ju 20:17). On the third day, Israel destroyed Benjamin, killing 25,100 of their men (Ju 20:35). But a remnant of 600 fled to the wilderness (Ju 20:47). The rest of Israel turned to the LORD in prayer for Benjamin, recognizing that one of the tribes was essentially gone (Ju 21:3-7). Benjamin was required to capture their wives in Shiloh (Ju 21:20-21). A man of Benjamin brought news of the battle to Eli in Shiloh, along with news of his sons' deaths (1Sa 4:12). Saul was of Benjamin (1Sa 9:1-2). Benjamin's men wound up fighting against David's men (2Sa 2:15), but they lost 360 men doing so (2Sa 2:31). Abner later advised the tribe of Benjamin to go over to David, as well as the rest of Israel (2Sa 3:19). Shimei led the men of Benjamin down to the Jordan to help King David's household cross over (2Sa 19:17). Benjamin stood with Judah to restore Israel to Solomon (1Ki 12:21), but God said not to (1Ki 12:24). There were some from Benjamin who stood with David (1Ch 12:2), and they, too, were skilled with the sling. In the time of King Asa, there were 280,000 warriors in Benjamin (2Ch 14:8). Azariah speaks to Benjamin amongst others, saying that the LORD will allow Himself to be found by them if they seek Him, but will forsake them if they forsake Him (2Ch 15:2). By Amaziah's time, Benjamin numbered 300,000 warriors (2Ch 25:5). The sons of Benjamin and Judah joined the Levites in going to rebuild Jerusalem (Ezra 1:5). In Benjamin, the youngest became the ruler of Israel (Ps 68:27). God is asked to stir up His saving power before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh [the west side of the tabernacle] (Ps 80:2). Jeremiah was of the priests who lived in Benjamin's lands (Jer 1:1). God promises to restore David's throne in Jerusalem and the lands of Benjamin, if they will keep His Sabbath holy (Jer 17:24-26). The Benjamin Gate in Jerusalem was near the temple (Jer 20:2). God will restore Benjamin (Jer 32:44). Benjamin's position is moved to the east, next to Simeon (Eze 48:23-24). Benjamin's gate in the new Jerusalem stands on the east, between that of Joseph, and that of Dan (Eze 48:32). Benjamin will possess Gilead (Ob 19). Saul of Benjamin reigned for forty years (Ac 13:21).

Elijah

Settled in Gilead in Ahab's day (1Ki 17:1). Caused the widow in Sidon to have an abundance of oil and flour throughout the days of famine (1Ki 17:1-13), as well as later raising her son from death (1Ki 17:14-24). God used him to confront Ahab's wickedness (1Ki 18:1-19), and to show the Baals to be false gods (1Ki 18:20-40). He repaired the altar of God, with twelve stones to represent Israel (1Ki 18:30-31). Having purified the altar, he declared that the drought was at an end, and it was (1Ki 18:41-45). Outran a chariot (1Ki 18:46). Became fearful at Jezebel's threat, and hid in the wilderness of Judah (1Ki 19:1-4). Fed by an angel in preparation for his next journey, proceeding on that food alone for forty days and nights (1Ki 19:5-8). Met with God on Mount Horeb, learning that the Lord was not showing Himself in the mighty displays of wind, earthquake and fire, but rather in the gentle voice (1Ki 19:9-13). He was sent to anoint three successors - Hazael over Aram, Jehu over Israel, and Elisha in his own place, that between them they would cleanse the land, leaving 7000 who remain true to God (1Ki 19:15-18). He was sent again to confront Ahab, and declare his end to him (1Ki 21:17-24), which Ahab took to heart (1Ki 21:27). After Ahab, he was sent to declare Ahaziah's death, because he sought other gods (2Ki 1:3-4). Ahaziah tried to demand Elijah's presence, leading to the death of 102 soldiers (2Ki 1:8-12), but the third commander knew better than to demand. In the end, Ahaziah received Elijah, but with the message unchanged (2Ki 1:13-17). Knowing that the Lord was coming to take him away, he passed his mantle on to Elisha, who had been with him (2Ki 2:1-10). And so, he was taken away in chariots of fire (2Ki 2:11-12). Jehu fulfilled Elijah's prophecy regarding the house of Ahab (2Ki 10:10-16). Jehoram was also warned by Elijah that he would lose all because of his evil ways (2Ch 21:12-14). Elijah returns before the day of judgement (Mal 4:5). This came to pass in John the Baptist (Mt 11:14, Lk 1:17), although John denied it (Jn 1:21-27). Some thought that Jesus was the reappearance of Elijah (Mt 16:14, Mk 6:15, Mk 8:28, Lk 9:8, Lk 9:19). Elijah appeared along with Moses at Jesus' transfiguration (Mt 17:3-4, Mk 9:4-5, Lk 9:30-33). Elijah's return was in order to restore things in preparation, which has occurred in John the Baptist (Mt 17:10-13, Mk 9:11-13). Some thought Jesus called on Elijah from the cross (Mt 27:47-49, Mk 15:35-36). Elijah was sent to the widow in Sidon in spite of all the widows in need in Israel (Lk 4:25-26). Elijah demonstrates how effective prayer is, in that his prayers brought drought on Israel for three and a half years (Jas 5:17).

 

Some Parallel Verses (11/15/00)

11:1

1Sa 12:22 - God will not abandon His people for His own name's sake. Jer 31:37 - It is as unlikely that Israel will be cast off as it is that the full expanse of heaven shall ever be measured. Jer 33:24-26 - The security of the house of Jacob, and of David, is as certain as the continuation of day and night. 2Co 11:22 - Paul is a Hebrew, and a descendant of Abraham, Php 3:5 - fully in compliance with their ordinances, and trained in one of their strictest sects.

11:2

Ps 94:14 - God will not abandon His people, nor lose His inheritance, Ro 8:29 - because those He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to His Son's image. Ro 6:16 - You are the slave of the one whom you obey, either of sin or of righteousness.

11:3

1Ki 19:10,14 - Elijah feels he is alone in remaining true to God, as he has seen prophets slain and altars destroyed.

11:4

1Ki 19:18 - But God promises to keep 7000 true to Himself, even as He takes His vengeance on those who turned aside.

11:5

2Ki 19:4 - Hezekiah urges prayer that God would preserve the remnant against the Assyrian attack. Ro 9:27 - In spite of Israel's great numbers, it is only the remnant that will be saved.

 

New Thoughts (11/16/00-11/18/00)

Seven thousand remained true. How big was Israel at the time? We can get a feel for it from what we saw looking at Benjamin. In King Asa's time, Benjamin alone numbered 280,000, increasing to 300,000 by the time of Amaziah. And this was the least of the tribes of Israel, the one which had been all but wiped out in the period of the judges. Even if we were to assume that all tribes were about even in number at that time, that would make for a truly miniscule remnant! 7000 out of 3.6 million. Do we have any reason to think the ratio is any better today? Even as Israel before us, we like to boast of the Christian majority in our country, the great numbers of believers around the world, but how great is that number in God's eyes? Revelation speaks of 144,000 being saved in the end. If one were to presume the same ratio of true to false, that would indicate about 74 million professing Christians as the visible pool from which God would declare His final remnant. Don't be impressed by big numbers or big churches. Don't be impressed by the size of your own congregation. Before you start to get excited, divide what you see by 500 or so. Then decide if you're still so very proud of how many you are. God, we get so excited by the modern arena events, and Washington marches, and these other events where we see huge masses of Christians standing together. But how many are we in Your eyes? Forgive us for being thrilled by the physical, and neglecting the truth.

We're pretty good at avoiding judgement within our own local body, but what of our view of other denominations? Where is the line? While Scripture warns us repeatedly of the dangers of trying to judge who is true, we are also warned to be discerning. Certainly, there are 'churches' today that declare themselves Christian without lining up with Christ. I think of this small group that's been on the news recently - in court for murdering their own child by slow starvation. Why did they do this thing? According to their testimony, it was done at God's command! How dare they! Truly, there are cults that masquerade as Christian, and deceive many. These, we ought rightly to stand against, declaring the truth of God in opposition to their foolishness. We don't particularly care to pursue the charge of heresy today, we've been too conditioned to accept, to value our differences. We live in the ecumenical age, where we are called to pretend there's not a difference between us. There is a degree to which this is right and proper. Many of the denominational differences are indeed small and of less than eternal consequence. But, before we declare this, we ought to know what those differences are. We ought to know from Scripture and from the Holy Spirit whether or not those things are indeed insignificant. When those differences try to make God less than God, when they declare God to be other than He has declared Himself to be, it's time to make a stand. When doctrine stands in clear opposition to God's revealed Word, it's time to make a stand. When, on the other hand, the issues are a matter of how Scripture is understood, it's time to try and understand the opposing viewpoint, to recognize that from both sides, the sincere desire is to worship God as He truly desires, to serve Him as He has truly commanded. Yes, one of us must in the end be wrong, but it may be beyond us to determine without doubt which one of us that is. Study to show yourselves approved. The better we, as His people, know and understand His Word, the better prepared we will be to know the dangerously wrong from the debatable.

It's interesting to note that both Saul, son of Kish, and Saul of Tarsus, were descended from the tribe of Benjamin. Both came from the youngest tribe, the least of the tribes of Israel. Both shared the name 'desired.' Both shared in being anointed of God for a great purpose amongst His people. Saul, son of Kish, failed to recognize his true state, and became proud. He became his own desire, and God became a secondary concern to him. So, God rejected him in favor of another. Saul of Tarsus, once he had met the real Jesus, hearing of God's choice of him to be His witness, did not walk away in prideful self-congratulations, but rather changed his name. No longer willing to be known as 'desired', he declared himself 'small.' As John the Baptist before him, he recognized that he must decrease in importance, so that God and Christ could increase in importance. He must, as it were, get out of the way of the message he was to deliver. Father, how often do I stand in need of that same lesson? How often do I foolishly take my own considerations into account rather than Yours? Forgive me, Lord, for I know it's all too often. I can get so full of myself, proudly declaring my own worth, when, truth be told, I am worthy of little more then condemnation. But You, Lord, have declared my debt paid. You have clothed me with a righteousness I could never otherwise attain. You have made of me more than I am. Oh, remind me often, my Father, that it's not my ability that's done it, it's Your gift to me. Remind me not to fear to do what I cannot do, for without You I can do nothing, anyway. Rather, let me remember that to You, all things are possible, and that as I submit myself to Your leading, You will empower me to complete the task You set for me to do. Fear not, oh soul, for the Lord, thy God is with you. Oh heart, be not afraid, the Spirit of the Lord is thy constant companion. Oh mind, be at peace, for your Brother has prepared for you a place to rest, and He has secured your inheritance where nothing can disturb it. Go forth, child, and do those things God has prepared for you to do. Shrink not from the task, for He will do it.

Significance of the tribes (11/17/00-11/18/00)

The names (11/17/00)
Reuben - "Behold a son" - the first born, son of Leah
Simeon - "Heard" - the second born, son of Leah
Levi - "Joined to" - the third born, son of Leah
Judah - "Praised" - the forth born, son of Leah
Dan - "A Judge" - the fifth born, son of Rachel's maid Bilhah
Naphtali - "Wrestling" - the sixth born, son of Rachel's maid Bilhah
Gad - "Troop" - the seventh born, son of Leah's maid Zilpah
Asher - "Happy" - the eighth born, son of Leah's maid Zilpah
Issachar - "There is recompense" - the ninth born, son of Leah
Zebulun - "Exalted" - the tenth born, son of Leah
Joseph - "Jehovah has added" - the eleventh born, son of Rachel
Benjamin - "Son of good fortune" - the twelfth born, son of Rachel
Israel's blessing (11/17/00)
Reuben - The might and strength of Israel, first in dignity and power, but not first among the tribes, because of his defiling of his father's bed.
Simeon & Levi - Implements of violence, they will not be joined with his glory. Their fierce anger, and cruel wrath is a curse, and they will be scattered in Israel.
Judah - The praise of his brothers, to whom they will bow down. A victorious lion at rest, from whom the scepter of rule will not depart "until Shiloh comes." The best of the land is his.
Zebulun - (no longer in order of birth.) Will dwell on the coast next to Sidon. [Note: this did not occur at the allotment of Israel, they were landlocked.]
Issachar - a strong laborer, he went to his rest early when he saw that the land was good, and so became a slave doing forced labor.
Dan - the judge of Israel. A biting snake, causing riders to fall backwards. He awaits God's salvation.
Gad - will be raided, but will return the raids. [Possessed the border of Israel, against Ammon.]
Asher - Producer of fine foods fit for royalty.
Naphtali - A gentle doe, of fine speech. The poet of Israel?
Joseph - A well watered and fruitful branch. Remained firm in the face of fierce attack. The Shepherd of Israel is from there. Blessed with all the blessings of heaven and earth, inheritor of all the blessings of Jacob.
Benjamin - The ravenous wolf, devouring his prey and dividing the spoils.
Moses' blessing (11/17/00)
Reuben - to live and be numerous.
Judah - contended for his people, to be helped by God against his adversaries.
Levi - possessors of the Urim and Thummim, they cast of family ties to observe God's word and keep His covenant. The teachers of Israel, and servers at the altars of sacrifice. God will shatter those who hate him.
Benjamin - dwells in security between the shoulders of God, who is his shield.
Joseph - blessed with all blessings, the choice goods of the earth, and the favor of heaven. Jacob's words are echoed here: the one distinguished among his brothers. Possessed of majesty, he will push back all peoples to the ends of the earth.
Zebulun - will rejoice in going forth. Will call the people to the mountain, offering righteous sacrifices. They will gain the treasures of the sea and coast.
Issachar - will rejoice in his tents. Will call the people to the mountain, offering righteous sacrifices. They will gain the treasures of the sea and coast. [shared with Zebulun.]
Gad - will be enlarged. Will tear the enemy as a lion, taking the first, ruler's portion for himself. He executes the LORD's justice in Israel.
Dan - the young lion, leaping from Bashan.
Naphtali - full of the LORD's blessing, will take possession of the sea and the south [again, not seen in the settling of Israel.]
Asher - more blessed than sons, favored by his brothers. His feet are anointed with oil, and his hair shows strength. His walk is leisurely all his days.
Simeon - not mentioned.
Conclusions (11/18/00)
I had thought to find great insight in looking at the places where the twelve tribes are mentioned. I had thought to find great significance in where they camped, how they marched, where they dwelt, and such like; but any significance in that escaped me, so I'm deleting that part. Having stepped away, and asked my Lord what it was I was supposed to see in this, I am led to simply compare the nature of the blessings given to the tribes. Not so much the blessings themselves, but simply the nature of them. There are essentially three sets: the blessing bestowed by their mothers at their birth, the blessing bestowed by their father at his death, and the blessing upon their descendants as pronounced by Moses. The mothers' blessings largely described the situation of the moment, the immediate fruit of their birth. As such, it appears to have more to do with the mother than the child. They don't immediately jump out as saying anything about the child's life to come, there's no particular prediction of good or woe. There's nothing in the naming that seems designed to shape the child. More, it was a reflection of the constant battling between two wives of one man. Jacob's blessings also seem to hold on to too much of the past in showing forth the future. He sees an inability to change in all his sons. This seems to fly in the face of his own experience - he whose name and nature had been changed by God Himself. Yet, just about every word he has for his children is critical in nature, predicting the worst for them. Moses, on the other hand, has nothing but praise and encouragement for all the tribes. In some cases, Jacob and Moses seem to have seen exactly the opposite outcomes. Did Moses have less reason to think the worst? Not really. He'd traveled with the tribes for forty years, seen them in seemingly constant rebellion and dissatisfaction with God's plans. He'd experienced them turning on his own leadership, and yet had defended them with God over and over again. No, his treatment had been no less bitter than Jacob's. Had any of these spoken less for God than the others? I don't really think so. So, had God's plans for the tribes changed? No, God doesn't change. Rather, I think the three prophecies somehow reflect three sides of God. Each name was given to reflect the goodness of God in some fashion. Each child entered into life as a cause of celebration. And indeed, I'm sure God celebrates the arrival of each new life into His creation. For each new life is a potential yet to be realized. Each is the unfolding of a piece of His plan, known yet not known. Jacob, though a rather poor disciplinarian in his life, yet spoke the disciplinarian's message over his sons at his death. Few of his sons escape without a word of correction. His words are sharp, and seemingly bitter. Yet it appears they were effective. Like Jonah, he delivered words of warning that appear to have been heeded. His words were words of love, but they were the love that speaks truth and seeks change, so that greater harm won't come. In predicting the worst for them, he awoke them to realization of their situation. The change this brought about is evident in the blessings Moses was able to give. His words displayed the greater love of God, the greater vision of the One who sees the end from the beginning. Yes, they were still imperfect. Yes, they were still troublesome children. But God holds out only the best for them. He's speaks to them of victory, joy, and blessing. In some ways, this reflects the blessing and the curse that Moses delivered to Israel as they arrived at the Jordan River. Both futures presented are possible. It is in our nature to choose the path that leads to cursing, but it is in our inherited power to choose the path that leads to blessing.

As a father, I need to learn to balance the futures I present to my daughter. There is a time for honest and earnest criticism of failings, but there is also a time for praises. To deliver one without the other is to leave the message half-spoken. God, prevent me from bitterness. Prevent me from provoking bitterness by unbalanced words. Teach me, oh Lord, how to both praise and correct. Take the poison from beneath my tongue, that I might deliver Your words in my parenting. Teach me to correct as You correct, Lord; gently yet firmly - never going beyond the necessary.