Where does Israel come in these four beasts? The little horn as signified by Antiochus IV in historical context refers to the 'Abomination of the desolation'(Mt.24.15-16) overarches to the end times. Significance of the fourth beast refers to the unholy alliance of the state religion which was first introduced in the second beast with three ribs. "and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh." (Dan.7.5) State religion and Information or the Press shall morph into the fourth beast as iron teeth. 'it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it.' (v.7) Think of all the bloodletting, religious wars followed with revolutions, For reign of terror came 200 years after the St Bartholomew's day massacre. What havoc has Information technology plays in our time and how history as written by victors have suppressed the truth?
'and it had ten horns' Everyone of them follows the law of sin and death and shall be judged accordingly. Of these the usurpation of the little horn requires another post. At this point consider this line, "and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things." The horn has become a composite body politic as hybrid as in Gen.6.1-3 where man coming to power by alternative truths and disinformation. The mouth speaking great thing can range from reneging on existing pacts and alliances to assassinate characters of opponents. These lawbreakers have come to power using very laws which is as devilishly cunning possible in the Internet Age. In this horn were eyes can mean satellites in the sky monitoring over the peoples and nations. In which ever case the Spirit introduces this son of perdition in place of the serpent, in "dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan.'(Rev.20.2) His authority comes from the dragon
Backdrop for these three verses can be found in Re.12.9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." Compare the verse with reference to Satan in v.2: the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years," Curious construction 'serpent, devil and Satan' touches upon the fall of man, the second with reference to his works and Satan as adversary in heaven. The tail of the dragon causes the angel lose their first state. "And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth"(Rev.12.4) The emergence of mighty men "the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown."(Gen.6.4). Here we see the emergence of the sons of perdition, the beasts in the history of ungodly nations of whom Antiochus IV is preeminent. He is an usurper, historically as well as in spiritual terms. The same 'little horn' reappears in the book of the Revelation. (Rev.11.7 and 13.1)
Revolt of angels we find mentioned in Daniel. Devil loses his place in heavens "the judgment was set, and the books were opened."(Dan.7.10)
The war in heaven has now shifted to the earth. "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."(Rev.12.12)
How short is this short time? "And bound him a thousand years." According to the day seems a thumb rule. "be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."(2 Pet.3.8)
2 Timothy 3:10 - But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
The term fully known means you have closely followed. You've been right there at my side with me. You know, number one, my doctrine. Now all of these words here in Verses 10 and 11 are marked by two things. Number one, each one has the definite article "the". And each one is marked by a personal pronoun "my." So, he has my doctrine, but all of them have "my." Paul is emphasizing the doctrine that belongs to me, the whole scope of all of my doctrine.
My manner of life. It's a Greek word that means to conduct yourself, to be led around running errands and taking care of business for the day. So, you've known my doctrine, you've known my manner of life, you know my whole purpose for living, you know my faith, you know my longsuffering.
Longsuffering, MAKROTHUMIA, means slow in human reaction towards other people. This is different than the word for patience. Patience means to remain under circumstances. Longsuffering applies to people. Sometimes it's both remain under your circumstances and be slow in reaction to other people.
The word charity is the word AGAPE, AGAPE love. You know my love. You know my patience. Here's the word for circumstances, to remain under. That's what patience means.
2 Timothy 3:12 - Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
How do you like that promise to claim? Literally, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. We live in a hostile environment. The worlds system is against those who belong to Christ. Satan, who is the god of this world, is hostile against God's people. So, we can expect that the physical world is not always going to cooperate with us.
So, concerning conduct, it is interesting that Paul wasn't just telling Timothy little bits and pieces of how to live his life. He basically used himself as an example.
Gigi: I have a monitor to check his sugar and seeing how he was just lying there and full of sweat got me fully concerned. so I grabbed my monitor and could not get any blood the first two trys then the third time I tried and discovered it to be that low. so immediately kept talking to him to see how alert he was if any but no movement, so I called the police, and they had the paramedics come and they inserted the sugar iv and brought his sugar up to 200 or more and I felt so relieved. I was crying but kept with them. kept feeding him turkey sandwich, orange juice, water as well as hugging him with a kiss on his forehead telling him, he scared me. so I cleaned him up after he started feeling better, I put him on the wheelchair and set him in the living room, so I could make the bedding and the sad part of pulling the bed apart was, a drug pipe fell out. so, I finished his bedding, hooked his phone to charge, then went to him and yelled at him. I told him, go ahead and yell at me, cuss at me, call me a b@#$, but I have devoted a lot to you, and you do this to me, why? he did not answer. he put his head down, no one single word. I told him, I told the Doctors and the nurses that his been drug free for a couple of months that I knew and now I do not know what to do? his disappointed me. I told them to allow him into my home, now I might end up losing it because of his addiction, I feel angry presently, forgetting that his almost gone in life. Gigi: now what should I do>?> the demon won this round, but God showed me, and Now I need to pray even harder, but I am losing it deeply. I guess I am not a good mom, I do not know how to give tough love. now what>
The Word of God through Christ shows His perfect life in all the aforementioned aspects regarding individual calling (after ALL night prayer) of the 12 disciples; and then the commission to preach and then warning of initial issues and much more extensive words all the way to the end of the chapter which reminds us of much later prophecies of Matthew 24. These words themselves have allusion to the personal persecution and martyrdom that would come to ALL the disciples (later referred to as the 12 Apostles with the replacement of Judas Iscariot bringing this number back from 11 after his suicide). They also foretell the end times persecution as we recall that Jesus said that all the cities would not be reached until the Lord came back ( Matt. 10:23). This verse could also predict that their current initial evangelism would terminate before that happens also but obviously the 144,000 and the 2 Prophets in Revelation will complete the process but the nation as a whole will not accept Him until He is almost returned as we see from the end of the book of Zechariah. This shows that all of the world and His Body at large has lessons that were to be learned and He prayed for all of us to be as one in John 17.
Going on to chapter 11 verse 2 we read: When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"
I mentioned in an earlier post this situation; it would seem John should know better. The long space until Jesus was 30 and began His miracles may have been absent of miracles but you would expect the interlude until he was in prison would show him there were no doubts not to mention the reports of Christ's miracles. Nonethless Jesus in the next few verses merely gives them a first hand account of what He did but in a sort of third person report as God the Father would have dictated.
Day of regeneration is also given to the Son under the Law. "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."(Mt.19.28) The First fruits have passed from condemnation and they are priests and kings.
The war of Gog and Magog concerns with Israel and left behind church. Mercy of God creates for them a revival beginning with this sign."And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen./ Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him."(Rev.1.6-7)
There is a remnant from them to saved and it is to which Jesus foretold. "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."( Jn 10.16)
What is the significance of seasons? Dan.7.12. It speaks of redemption and Jesus of God has become redemption for whosoever believes. The day of regeneration covers 'the other sheep I have'. This distinction made out in this verse. "till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he (Satan) must be loosed a little season."(20.3) There is no more time as indicated in Dan.7.12, "they(the beasts) had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time."
The Ancient of days where 'now' is the day of salvation and day of generation and any other days is decreed for the Son and he has given his dominion, 'is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.' Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever. (Heb.13.8; Dan.7.14)
"Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins."
The adverb 'thus' refers to the foolish notions of what earthly prosperity means in the foregoing verse. It may loom large like a green bay tree in girth awesome, and for height touching the clouds and its overreaching branches draw great many seeking its shadow like the satellite nations suing for peace under the aegis of King of Babylon. "And, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;/He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches." (Dan.4.13-14) The earth and the fulness thereof belong to God and according to the predetermined counsel of God events shall playout, so one nation flexes its muscles and lays down laws however irrational these be, causes great many upheavals but they shall simply vanish like smoke before a gust of wind, "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.:(Rev.17.17). Man is bewildered because he sees circumstances but fail to understand the one who is in control of them. It is brought out clearly when Peter hazarded to walk on water, Matt.14.28-32
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water./And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus./But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me./And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased."Peter as with the rest were not fully convinced whether it their master or a spirit. "they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear."
"For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."
73.3-4
Jesus declared "I am the way" The writer to the Hebrews speak of Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith. For which we are to earnestly contend instead of looking at such poor specimens that pass for heads of a state. He has his plate full and yet if he were to quibble over trifles, does it not tell you how your envy was out of place? You are foolish as well.
You are called and you are blessed under the everlasting Covenant. It pleased God to entrust you with faith unto salvation and he is the only wise God our Saviour who is able to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. (Jude v.24)
vv.13-15
"Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency./For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning./If I say, I will speak thus;"
"behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children..."
Our envy at the apparent good fortune of the ungodly is an offense against our Saviour Lord Jesus Christ. The tag 'Behold' provides the context. Jesus Christ is the word become flesh. He is the same yesterday, today and forever'. The Law sees the wicked flourish as a bay tree and also how its end shall be. "I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree./Yet he passed away, and, lo, hewasnot: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found."(Ps.37.35-36)
vv.17-19
"Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end./Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction./How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors."
"As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image."( v. 20)
A parallel idea in the matter of our lives being like a dream within a dream is here:"Consider and hear me, OLordmy God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;"(13.3) This sleep is like sitting down to a feast and waking up hungry as ever. Thus nation wicked ones every one of them to divide the spoils the heritage of the saints redeemed from the earth and of his Son. "and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion." (Isa.29.8). This Zion is his holy habitation. If these ungodly nations were allowed they might even plunder the moon, and galaxies wherever they might reach. Greed of man as we see now require some two or more earths but when Satan has taken over the mind of a man his dependence on what he craves trebles while his happiness factor nosedives inversely. Opioid crisis in affluent societies showed us this much.
"And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches."(vv.11-12)
Coming back to v. 20 As a dream our earthly lives end and St Paul says,"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."(1 Cor.15.52) it is in context of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. David refers to it,'O Lord when thou awakest', and do the wicked get privileges they rapaciously claimed for themselves?
I'm perplexed, I'm trying to find out what the numbers 6 & 8 signify regarding annotations for marginal notes. They never have a coordinating verse to refer too?
Is there a resource explaining how to read marginal notes?
"Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches."
The Spirit uses 'behold' exclusively in terms of the Word addressing man with regards to the will of God. Ahaz was one such who was foolish. He sees the prosperity of the wicked like Rezin the king of Damascus. Despite of best counsel of servants of God he is embarking on a disastrous course. And it is to him the prophet Isaiah is sent to preach the word. "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."(Isa.7.14) The word is a sound as well as a sign. This sign of the Word was with God is what soul of man, and the name aptly means 'God among us.' Gospel of St Matthew gives us this verse,"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. The Gospel begins with this 'The book of the generation of Jesus Christ." (Mt.1.1, 23). David's soul illustrates and he says,"until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come." (Ps.71.18) It is thus with generations after generation and what does Jesus call his generation? 'A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign.(Mt.16.4)
Coming back to Ahaz he went ahead by seeking an unholy alliance with Tiglath-pileser, the king of Assyria, to the great injury of his kingdom and his own humiliating subjection to the Assyrians.(2 Kgs.16.7,9)
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Their prosperity is corrupt as we learn from the history of Israel. In our times do nations prosper by making common cause with dictators without being swallowed. "They speak loftily./They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth." They set their sights to mine minerals from deep space but proves in effect as 'wormwood' to their own hurt.
Where does Israel come in these four beasts? The little horn as signified by Antiochus IV in historical context refers to the 'Abomination of the desolation'(Mt.24.15-16) overarches to the end times. Significance of the fourth beast refers to the unholy alliance of the state religion which was first introduced in the second beast with three ribs. "and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh." (Dan.7.5) State religion and Information or the Press shall morph into the fourth beast as iron teeth. 'it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it.' (v.7) Think of all the bloodletting, religious wars followed with revolutions, For reign of terror came 200 years after the St Bartholomew's day massacre. What havoc has Information technology plays in our time and how history as written by victors have suppressed the truth?
'and it had ten horns' Everyone of them follows the law of sin and death and shall be judged accordingly. Of these the usurpation of the little horn requires another post. At this point consider this line, "and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things." The horn has become a composite body politic as hybrid as in Gen.6.1-3 where man coming to power by alternative truths and disinformation. The mouth speaking great thing can range from reneging on existing pacts and alliances to assassinate characters of opponents. These lawbreakers have come to power using very laws which is as devilishly cunning possible in the Internet Age. In this horn were eyes can mean satellites in the sky monitoring over the peoples and nations. In which ever case the Spirit introduces this son of perdition in place of the serpent, in "dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan.'(Rev.20.2) His authority comes from the dragon
20.1-3 Dragon is overthrown.
Backdrop for these three verses can be found in Re.12.9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." Compare the verse with reference to Satan in v.2: the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years," Curious construction 'serpent, devil and Satan' touches upon the fall of man, the second with reference to his works and Satan as adversary in heaven. The tail of the dragon causes the angel lose their first state. "And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth"(Rev.12.4) The emergence of mighty men "the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown."(Gen.6.4). Here we see the emergence of the sons of perdition, the beasts in the history of ungodly nations of whom Antiochus IV is preeminent. He is an usurper, historically as well as in spiritual terms. The same 'little horn' reappears in the book of the Revelation. (Rev.11.7 and 13.1)
Revolt of angels we find mentioned in Daniel. Devil loses his place in heavens "the judgment was set, and the books were opened."(Dan.7.10)
The war in heaven has now shifted to the earth. "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."(Rev.12.12)
How short is this short time? "And bound him a thousand years." According to the day seems a thumb rule. "be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."(2 Pet.3.8)
2 Timothy 3:10 - But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
The term fully known means you have closely followed. You've been right there at my side with me. You know, number one, my doctrine. Now all of these words here in Verses 10 and 11 are marked by two things. Number one, each one has the definite article "the". And each one is marked by a personal pronoun "my." So, he has my doctrine, but all of them have "my." Paul is emphasizing the doctrine that belongs to me, the whole scope of all of my doctrine.
My manner of life. It's a Greek word that means to conduct yourself, to be led around running errands and taking care of business for the day. So, you've known my doctrine, you've known my manner of life, you know my whole purpose for living, you know my faith, you know my longsuffering.
Longsuffering, MAKROTHUMIA, means slow in human reaction towards other people. This is different than the word for patience. Patience means to remain under circumstances. Longsuffering applies to people. Sometimes it's both remain under your circumstances and be slow in reaction to other people.
The word charity is the word AGAPE, AGAPE love. You know my love. You know my patience. Here's the word for circumstances, to remain under. That's what patience means.
2 Timothy 3:12 - Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
How do you like that promise to claim? Literally, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. We live in a hostile environment. The worlds system is against those who belong to Christ. Satan, who is the god of this world, is hostile against God's people. So, we can expect that the physical world is not always going to cooperate with us.
So, concerning conduct, it is interesting that Paul wasn't just telling Timothy little bits and pieces of how to live his life. He basically used himself as an example.
The Word of God through Christ shows His perfect life in all the aforementioned aspects regarding individual calling (after ALL night prayer) of the 12 disciples; and then the commission to preach and then warning of initial issues and much more extensive words all the way to the end of the chapter which reminds us of much later prophecies of Matthew 24. These words themselves have allusion to the personal persecution and martyrdom that would come to ALL the disciples (later referred to as the 12 Apostles with the replacement of Judas Iscariot bringing this number back from 11 after his suicide). They also foretell the end times persecution as we recall that Jesus said that all the cities would not be reached until the Lord came back ( Matt. 10:23). This verse could also predict that their current initial evangelism would terminate before that happens also but obviously the 144,000 and the 2 Prophets in Revelation will complete the process but the nation as a whole will not accept Him until He is almost returned as we see from the end of the book of Zechariah. This shows that all of the world and His Body at large has lessons that were to be learned and He prayed for all of us to be as one in John 17.
Going on to chapter 11 verse 2 we read: When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"
I mentioned in an earlier post this situation; it would seem John should know better. The long space until Jesus was 30 and began His miracles may have been absent of miracles but you would expect the interlude until he was in prison would show him there were no doubts not to mention the reports of Christ's miracles. Nonethless Jesus in the next few verses merely gives them a first hand account of what He did but in a sort of third person report as God the Father would have dictated.
Day of regeneration is also given to the Son under the Law. "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."(Mt.19.28) The First fruits have passed from condemnation and they are priests and kings.
The war of Gog and Magog concerns with Israel and left behind church. Mercy of God creates for them a revival beginning with this sign."And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen./ Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him."(Rev.1.6-7)
There is a remnant from them to saved and it is to which Jesus foretold. "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."( Jn 10.16)
What is the significance of seasons? Dan.7.12. It speaks of redemption and Jesus of God has become redemption for whosoever believes. The day of regeneration covers 'the other sheep I have'. This distinction made out in this verse. "till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he (Satan) must be loosed a little season."(20.3) There is no more time as indicated in Dan.7.12, "they(the beasts) had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time."
The Ancient of days where 'now' is the day of salvation and day of generation and any other days is decreed for the Son and he has given his dominion, 'is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.' Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever. (Heb.13.8; Dan.7.14)
"Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins."
The adverb 'thus' refers to the foolish notions of what earthly prosperity means in the foregoing verse. It may loom large like a green bay tree in girth awesome, and for height touching the clouds and its overreaching branches draw great many seeking its shadow like the satellite nations suing for peace under the aegis of King of Babylon. "And, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;/He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches." (Dan.4.13-14) The earth and the fulness thereof belong to God and according to the predetermined counsel of God events shall playout, so one nation flexes its muscles and lays down laws however irrational these be, causes great many upheavals but they shall simply vanish like smoke before a gust of wind, "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.:(Rev.17.17). Man is bewildered because he sees circumstances but fail to understand the one who is in control of them. It is brought out clearly when Peter hazarded to walk on water, Matt.14.28-32
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water./And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus./But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me./And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased."Peter as with the rest were not fully convinced whether it their master or a spirit. "they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear."
"For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."
73.3-4
Jesus declared "I am the way" The writer to the Hebrews speak of Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith. For which we are to earnestly contend instead of looking at such poor specimens that pass for heads of a state. He has his plate full and yet if he were to quibble over trifles, does it not tell you how your envy was out of place? You are foolish as well.
You are called and you are blessed under the everlasting Covenant. It pleased God to entrust you with faith unto salvation and he is the only wise God our Saviour who is able to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. (Jude v.24)
vv.13-15
"Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency./For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning./If I say, I will speak thus;"
"behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children..."
Our envy at the apparent good fortune of the ungodly is an offense against our Saviour Lord Jesus Christ. The tag 'Behold' provides the context. Jesus Christ is the word become flesh. He is the same yesterday, today and forever'. The Law sees the wicked flourish as a bay tree and also how its end shall be. "I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree./Yet he passed away, and, lo, hewasnot: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found."(Ps.37.35-36)
vv.17-19
"Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end./Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction./How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors."
"As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image."( v. 20)
A parallel idea in the matter of our lives being like a dream within a dream is here:"Consider and hear me, OLordmy God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;"(13.3) This sleep is like sitting down to a feast and waking up hungry as ever. Thus nation wicked ones every one of them to divide the spoils the heritage of the saints redeemed from the earth and of his Son. "and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion." (Isa.29.8). This Zion is his holy habitation. If these ungodly nations were allowed they might even plunder the moon, and galaxies wherever they might reach. Greed of man as we see now require some two or more earths but when Satan has taken over the mind of a man his dependence on what he craves trebles while his happiness factor nosedives inversely. Opioid crisis in affluent societies showed us this much.
"And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches."(vv.11-12)
Coming back to v. 20 As a dream our earthly lives end and St Paul says,"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."(1 Cor.15.52) it is in context of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. David refers to it,'O Lord when thou awakest', and do the wicked get privileges they rapaciously claimed for themselves?
Is there a resource explaining how to read marginal notes?
I'm using a local bible church publishers kjv.
Thank you.
"Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches."
The Spirit uses 'behold' exclusively in terms of the Word addressing man with regards to the will of God. Ahaz was one such who was foolish. He sees the prosperity of the wicked like Rezin the king of Damascus. Despite of best counsel of servants of God he is embarking on a disastrous course. And it is to him the prophet Isaiah is sent to preach the word. "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."(Isa.7.14) The word is a sound as well as a sign. This sign of the Word was with God is what soul of man, and the name aptly means 'God among us.' Gospel of St Matthew gives us this verse,"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. The Gospel begins with this 'The book of the generation of Jesus Christ." (Mt.1.1, 23). David's soul illustrates and he says,"until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come." (Ps.71.18) It is thus with generations after generation and what does Jesus call his generation? 'A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign.(Mt.16.4)
Coming back to Ahaz he went ahead by seeking an unholy alliance with Tiglath-pileser, the king of Assyria, to the great injury of his kingdom and his own humiliating subjection to the Assyrians.(2 Kgs.16.7,9)
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Their prosperity is corrupt as we learn from the history of Israel. In our times do nations prosper by making common cause with dictators without being swallowed. "They speak loftily./They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth." They set their sights to mine minerals from deep space but proves in effect as 'wormwood' to their own hurt.
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