Journal Through the Bible, Week 43 Day 1

II Samuel chapter 8

This chapter gives an account of some of David's successful military campaigns including against the Philistia, Moab, Zobah, and Syria. It also includes a brief listing of the military equipment (horse and chariots) taken for David's army and precious metals (gold and silver) that were dedicated to the LORD for the future temple-building venture. The highlight of the chapter is in verse 14, "And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went."

Does God issue any commands?

• God does not speak in this chapter.

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak in this chapter.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• David was a warrior-king. His descendant, Jesus Christ, conquered sin, death, hell, and the grave. The statement about the LORD preserving David whithersoever he went can also be said about Jesus. God promised the Messiah that He would put all of His enemies under His feet. (See Psalm 110.)

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• Jesus is called the Faithful and True who judges and makes war. He will sit on white horse and is followed by His army. He will kill His enemies with the two-edged sword that proceeds out of His mouth. He will have "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS," inscribed on His clothing. (See Revelation chapter 19.)

Journal Through the Bible, Week 42 Day 6

Psalm 30

Some scholars and pastors, including Charles Spurgeon, believe(d) that David wrote this psalm when he received the word that his son would build the house of the LORD, the Temple, in Jerusalem. It is a reasonable explanation for the prologue of the psalm which says, "A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.


Does God make any commands in this psalm?

• Like all of scripture, this passage was inspired by the Holy Spirit, but even so God does not directly speak to David to command him to do anything in this psalm.

Does God make any promises in this psalm?

• God does not directly speak in this psalm; however, David is praising God for promises that God has made elsewhere in scripture.

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• In verses 1-5 David's words are a picture of the Savior lifted up in death to defeat His foes and yet was brought up from the grave. There was great weeping as darkness fell like night at the crucifixion but also great joy when the resurrected Jesus was revealed as alive to His followers.
• In verse 6 David speaks of never being moved. God's promises are sure and steadfast. Sin has been defeated! Jesus will never suffer again for our sins. They have been put away!
• In verse 7 David speaks of God hiding His face. God did hide His face from Jesus when He was on the cross. God cannot look on sin.
• In verse 8 David speaks of crying out to God. Jesus cried to the Father from the cross.
• In verse 9 David asks what profit there would be of his blood being in the dust. None! But when Jesus shed his blood into the dirt around the cross there was great profit for all who believe! It declared the truth that He is the Savior, the redeemer from sin.
• In Verses 10-12 David speaks of mourning being turned to dancing and sackcloth into gladness. The person whose sorrow is turned to joy will give thanks forever. Even Jesus was sorrowful at the time of the crucifixion but was joyful when death was defeated. He praised His Father.

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• In verse 4 David exhorts all the saints to sing unto the LORD and to give thanks to Him. We will do this together around the Father's throne in eternity.
• In verse 12 David again talks of singing the praises of the Father and giving thanks to Him forever. (We'd better get practicing!)

Journal Through the Bible, Week 42 Day 4

II Samuel 5:13-6:23

Does God make any commands?

•  In response to David's prayer, God told him that he should lead a military campaign against the Philistines and that God would deliver them into his hands.
• The next time David asked God about attacking the Philistines, God told him not to attack at that time but to go around and when he and the army reached the mulberry trees they should wait until the wind blowing in the top of the trees then they could launch their attack. Then God would give David the victory. David obeyed and won a victories from Geba to Gazer.
• God had given commands in the book of Leviticus stating how the Ark of the Covenant was to be moved on the shoulders of the priests and Levites. David didn't do his research the first time they attempted to move it and Uzzah died as a consequence. 

Does God issue any promises?

• God did not speak in this passage.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• The Ark of the Covenant with its Mercy Seat is a picture of the propitiation for sins. achieved through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
• There was only one way that the Ark was to be moved. God's instructions were to be followed or a breach would occur. There is only one to be moved from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Eternal Light. Jesus said that He is the Way, not a way, to the Father. Without Jesus, the breach between the sinner and God remains. (John 14:6)
• David is a picture of Jesus Christ when he blessed the people, fed them, gave them gifts, and sent them in peace to their dwellings after he had installed the ark in the place that he had prepared. Jesus told His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them and us who believe (John 14:2). John chapters 14-17 are Jesus' words to His disciples detailing the blessings that He was giving to them and the peace that would be theirs.
• At the completion of his celebration one of David's wives, Michal, met him with disdain and cursing. After Jesus completed His blessing upon His disciples, one disciple, Judas, met Him with a betraying kiss.

Does this passage teach anything about future events?

• The celebration that followed the successful moving of the Ark of the Covenant is a picture of the celebrations of the redeemed in Heaven. (see Revelation chapters 4-5; 19-22).

Journal Through the Bible, Week 42, Day 3

I did not complete the online Bible Journal that I began in 2013. There were parts of II Samuel and some of the psalms that were not covered. Beginning today - and depending on the amount of time the Lord gives me to work on this project - I will complete as many of the entries as I can.

I also hope to update the Bible Journal Index tab above as I have opportunity.

II Samuel 4:1 - 5:12

Does God issue any commands?

•  God did not speak, but He had already had Samuel anoint David as king years before so when the people came to Hebron in chapter 5 to confirm David as king they were fulfilling a command that God had already issued. They alluded to this command in 5:2 when they said, "and the LORD said to thee, 'Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.'"
  

Does God make any promises?

•  The people confirmed the promise that God had made to David when He had Samuel anoint him to be king over Israel. They anointed David the second time. (5:3)

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

•  Rechab and Baanah thought that killing Saul's son, Ishbosheth, would endear them to king David. It did not. David called Ishbosheth a righteous person who was slain in his own house and upon his own bed. Like David, Jesus is not pleased with our works which are as filthy rags even though we think they are pleasing to Him. Jesus told His disciples in John 16:2 "the time comes that whosoever kills you will think that he does God service." Obviously, they are not doing God any service.
• David commanded his servants to put Rechab and Baanah to death for the murder of Ishbosheth. Jesus will tell those who think they are doing His will but are not, "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:23)
• The Jebusites mocked David by saying that the lame and the blind could defeat him, yet David defeated them. Although the men who had followed David through all his years of running from Saul and fighting with Ishbosheth's kingdom were mighty, they were also a rag-tag group of outcasts. We are also introduced to Jonathan's lame son, Mephibosheth, in chapter 4 verse 4. We know the story. And before we get to that passage, we already know that David had nothing but compassion for the lame and the blind, the outcasts of society. David said whoever won over the city, whether lame or blind or not, he would be a chief and captain in David's kingdom. Jesus' kingdom is made up of broken people also. It is those that the world mocks as being foolish upon whom Jesus shows compassion. This can be seen by the men He chose as His disciples. It can be seen in the beggars, lepers, and Gentiles that He healed during His earthly ministry. It can be seen in the lives of many of us also. We are the lame and blind. Many say that its the foolish and mentally weak who believe in God and that Christianity is a crutch. And yet, we know we are the exalted in Christ's Kingdom.
•  5:10 says that David "grew great, and the LORD GOD of hosts was with him." Luke 2:40 says of Jesus that "the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him."
•  5:12 says that David realized that the LORD had exalted him for his people Israel's sake. Jesus is the Exalted for God's people's sake also.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

•  Revelation 6:9-11 says that the martyred cry out to the Lord and ask when they will be avenged. They are given white robes and told that they must wait for a little season for all things to be fulfilled, including waiting for those among the believers who are yet to be martyred. Jesus doesn't tell them that they will never be avenged. He tells them that they must wait awhile longer. Like David, Jesus will avenge the martyred. That day is coming!
• Jesus is already the Anointed of God. One day He will claim His throne and rule over Heaven and Earth.
• David took the stronghold of Zion even though the inhabitants mocked him and said it couldn't be done. Jesus will one day take the stronghold of Zion, the City of David, even though the world's inhabitants mock and say that it isn't going to happen.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 106 Wednesday

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Psalms 11 and 12


Psalm 11

Does God issue any commands?

• No.

Does God make any promises?

• Upon the wicked God will rain snares, fire and brimstone, and a horrible tempest. He promises that this shall be the portion of their cup.

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• The LORD is in His holy temple in heaven beholding the children of men. (Jesus is at His right hand.)

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• God will behold the countenance of the upright. And conversely the upright shall behold His countenance, too.

Psalm 12

Does God issue any commands?

• No.

Does God make any promises?

• The LORD will cut off those with flattering lips and tongues that speak proud things.
• The LORD promises to arise for the oppression of the poor and for the sighing of the needy.
• The LORD will set the oppressed in a safe place.
• The LORD will preserve His words.

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• The LORD will preserve his words. Jesus is the eternal word of God. 

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• God watches and waits in patience but the day will come when He will arise and rescue His oppressed.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 106 Tuesday

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Psalm 10

Have you ever wondered why God does not immediately act when the wicked terrify the righteous? So did the psalmist. The answer to the psalmist's question comes in verses 16-18.


Does God make any commands?

• No

Does God issue any promises?

• God promises to hear and answer the prayers of His people. 

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the King forever and ever. The heathen will ultimately answer to Him.
• Jesus is the judge.

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• Chaos seems to be in control now but this psalm says that while the wicked think God is not watching He actually is and will one day answer the prayers of those whom the wicked afflict.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 106 Monday

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Psalm 9

Does God issue any commands?

• Verse 11 - We are told to sing praises to the LORD.

Does God make any promises?

• Verse 18 - The needy shall not be forgotten forever.

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• The early part of the psalm reminds me of the triumph of the resurrected Christ. The Son praised the Father continually.
• Verse 5 reminds me of the description in Revelation of the destruction of Jesus' enemies.
• Verse 8 - Jesus shall judge the world in righteousness and minister judgment ot the people in righteousness.
• Verse 9 - Jesus will be a refuge for the oppressed in times of trouble.
• Verse 11 - The Messiah will dwell in Zion.
• Verse 13 - The Father raised the Son after He suffered death.

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• This psalm describes the future triumph of Jesus as judge of the earth.
• This psalm also testifies of the future eternal damnation of the wicked.

TAKE TIME: Week 106 Assignment

Introduction:  We continue this week with more psalms. The book is divided into 5 parts, much like the Pentateuch, and the psalms we are reading now are from the first book.
 Assignment:

• Monday - Psalm 9
• Tuesday - Psalm 10
• Wednesday - Psalms 11 and 12
• Thursday - Psalms 13 and 14
• Friday - Psalms 15 and 16
• Saturday - Psalm 17

Memory Verse

 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. Psalm 14:1


Prayer Journal (ACTS)

• Adoration - Praise God for the refuge for the oppressed.
• Confession - Ask God to reveal hidden sin in your life and then confess it.
• Thanksgiving - Thank God for any answers to your prayers.
• Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.

Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:

• Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
• References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
• What does this passage teach about Jesus?
• Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?

Putting the Word into Action
Several of the psalms we will be reading this week have questions in them including the question, "Why?" because the writer did not understand why certain things were happening. The psalmists often asked, "When?" or "Who?" or "How long?" It is not wrong to seek God for answers. Do you find yourself in a season of waiting? Or are there difficulties in your life that you do not understand? Try pouring your heart to the LORD in a psalm of petition bathed in praise like the psalmists did.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 105 Saturday

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Psalms 7 and 8

Psalm 7

Does God issue any commands?

• David requested that the LORD arise in His anger and lift up Himself because of the rage of David's enemies and awake for him to the judgment that God had commanded. (Verse 6.) David was seeking the help in fulfilling a commandment God had made.

Does God make any promises?

• David said in verse 8 that the LORD shall judge the people. 

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• David was falsely accused of some imagined slander. This is a foreshadowing of the treatment Christ received.

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• The judgment of God is prophesied, including the whetting of His sword and the bending of His bow.

Psalm 8

Does God issue any commands?

• The psalmist quotes God's creation mandate to His creation.
• The psalmist quotes God's mandate to man to have dominion over His creation.

Does God make any promises?

• Babes and sucklings are ordained to have strength that God might still the enemy and the avenger. (verse 2)

Does this psalm teach anythings about Jesus?

• Jesus quoted verse 2 when cleansing the temple. (See Matthew 21:16)
• Jesus is the One that visited man. (verse 4)

Does this psalm teach anythings about yet-future events?
Not that I identified.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 105 Friday

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Psalms 5 and 6

Both of these psalms are prayers.


Psalm 5

This is the first of the imprecatory psalms.

Does God make any commands?

• No

Does God make any promises?

• Not specifically, although the psalmist says that the LORD will bless the righteous and will surround him as with a shield. (verse 12)

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the King to whom the psalmist is praying.

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• Not that I identified.

Psalm 6

This time the psalmist is asking for mercy.

Does God make any commands?

• No

Does God make any promises?

• No

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus quoted the first half of verse 8.

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• When Jesus quoted the first part of verse 8 it was in the context of everlasting damnation following judgment.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 105 Thursday

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Psalms 3 and 4

Psalm 3

Does God issue any commands?
No

Does God make any promises?
No

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• The psalmists experiences with his many enemies is a type of the hatred the world has for Jesus. (verses 1 and 2)
• Jesus was shielded by the Father often in His early life. For instance, Joseph was told to take Him to Egypt for His protection as a small child. (verse 3)
• Jesus cried to the LORD from the holy hill and God heard Him. (verse 4)
• Jesus laid Himself down and slept. Then He awaked. No man took the life of Jesus. He laid it down. Then He took it up again 3 days later. (verse 5)

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• God will arise and even though ten thousands come out against Him they will be defeated. The blessing that is upon God's people because salvation belongs to the LORD will ultimately be fulfilled when all the enemies are smitten. (verses 6, 7, and 8)

Psalm 4

Does God issue any commands?

• Through the psalmist we are told to stand in awe, sin not, commune with our own hearts upon our beds, and be still. (verse 4)
• We are also told to offer the sacrifices of righteousness and put our trust in the LORD. (verse 5)

Does God make any promises?

• God gives gladness, peace, and safety so that the believer can rest. (verses 7 and 8)

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• "God of my righteousness" is the same as Jesus, our righteousness. (verse 1)
• Jesus' glory was turned to shame. He left Heaven and took on the form of human flesh. Then He suffered, bled, and died for us. (verse 2)

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• God has set apart him that is godly for himself. In this verse the LORD heard when the believer prays. One day those "set apart" ones will talk with Him face to face. (verse 3)

Journal Through the Bible: Week 105 Wednesday

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Psalms 1 and 2


Psalm 1

Does God issue any commands?

No, not specifically.

Does God make any promises?

• Although written by the psalmist, because of Divine inspiration God promises that the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful will be blessed.
• The Divine promise of blessing continues in verse 3. The godly person will be like a tree planted by rivers of water that brigns forth fruit in his season, his leaf will not wither, and whatever he does prospers.

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• When Jesus walked the earth he did not walk in ungodly counsel, nor stand idly around with sinners, nor sit around scorning God. (verse 1)
• Jesus delighted in the law of the LORD and meditated on it day and night. He made this clear when He told His disciples that it was His meat to do the will of His Father.

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• Not only does the righteous person receive a measure of God's blessing upon this earth there is an implication of eternal blessing in this psalm. (Verses 1 and 3)
• The ungodly will not be able to stand in the judgment (remember that every knee shall bow); sinners will not stand in the congregation of the righteous (remember that the judgment of the righteous and the judgment of the wicked are separate events). The ungodly shall perish, which means eternally. (verses 4-6)

Psalm 2

Does God issue any commands?

• God commands the kings to be wise and the judges of the earth to be instructed.
• God commands everyone to serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.
• God commands all to kiss the Son.

Does God make any promises?

• Those who "kiss the Son," which means submit to His sovereignty, will be blessed. Those who do not make Him angry and they will perish when His wrath is kindled.

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the anointed of verse 2.
• Jesus is the king upon the holy hill of Zion that is "set" or offered there as the atonement. He will finally be "set" there as the ruler.
• Jesus is the speaker of verses 7-9. He is the Son, begotten of the Father of verse 7. (Which means the firstborn of the dead. He held the keys to death so He was resurrected three days after His death.)
• The son is the heir of verse 8.
• Jesus is the Son of verse 12.

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• The heathen have always raged against God but the time is coming when verses 1-3 will be fulfilled. Nations and armies led by Satan will assemble against Christ and His army at the end of the Millennium. Then the events of verses 4-6 will happen (as a parallel event; Christ has already been set upon Mount Zion once as an offering for the debt of sin). Jesus will defeat them with nothing more than a word. He then will reign forever on Mount Zion.
• It is Jesus that will rule with a rod of iron. Verse 9

Journal Through the Bible: Week 105 Tuesday

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Nehemiah chapter 13

Just as Nehemiah promised the king, he returned to Babylon at the time appointed. Nehemiah then obtained permission of the king to return again to Jerusalem. During his absence from Jerusalem Eliashib the priest had allied himself to Tobiah and had even given him one of the large temple storerooms for his headquarters. Nehemiah quickly dispatched Tobiah's belongings and returned the temple vessels to their proper location in that room.

Another thing that Nehemiah needed to set right upon his return was the peoples' apparent neglect of the Levites. Not only was the temple being used inappropriately but its ministers were also being ignored. Nehemiah instituted the temple tithe once more.

The next thing that Nehemiah set right was the observance of the Sabbath. The gates were shut in order to keep the vendors outside on the seventh day. Eventually the Levites were given the task of keeping the gates so that no one would profane the holy day.

Finally, the people and the priests were rebuked for marrying Ammonite and Moabite wives. Even Eliashib's grandson had married the daughter of Sanballat, the leader of the opposition against Nehemiah and the builders of the wall.

Does God issue any commands?

• God does not speak, but this chapter is full of incidents describing how the law of God was being broken.

Does God make any promises?

• Nehemiah described the promised curse of God upon their fathers that they were in danger of experiencing for themselves because of their disregard for God's law, including ignoring the Sabbath.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Nehemiah is a type of Christ. He set out to purify Jerusalem, the priesthood, and the inhabitants of the land.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• At the end of the book (verse 30) Nehemiah said, "Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business." Jesus cleanses those that are His from all strangers and one day He will appoint the ward, or assign the inheritance, of each one of us, the believer-priests. This summary comes at the end of the book of Nehemiah. Likewise, the summary of all history is contained at the end of the Bible in the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 105 Monday

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Nehemiah chapter 12

This chapter begins with a list of the priests that traveled with Zerubbabel and Jeshua to Jerusalem. This is an expanded list from that given in Ezra 2:36-39. Ezra's list gives the names of 4 priests and numbers that came with each priest. Nehemiah lists 22 names within the priests' families. The sons of the 4 priests would also be priests and Levites. The names of Levites follow the names of the priests. Some of the Levitical assignments are listed as well as family information and the names of the chief priests, Levites, and chiefs of the tribe.

The Levites were called up to Jerusalem at the time of the wall dedication ceremonies. Some blew trumpets, some played  musical instruments, some offered prayers of thanksgiving, some sang psalms, and some offered sacrifices. All rejoiced!

At this time some were appointed to care for specific needs in the temple. This included keeping the treasures, offerings, firstfruits, tithes, and making sure the priests and Levites, including the musicians, received the portions set aside for them. The framework originally fine-tuned by David and Solomon during their reigns was again implemented.

Does God issue any commands?

• God did not speak.

Does God make any promises?

• God did not speak.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• The high priests were types of Christ.
• The first fruit offerings were types of Christ.
• The walls of Jerusalem themselves were a type of Christ.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• There was great rejoicing at the dedication ceremonies when the people dedicated the wall of Jerusalem. The women and children shouted so loudly that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off. This is only a foretaste of the coming celebratory shouting when the New Jerusalem is dedicated!
• The singers sang the psalms of David and Asaph at the dedication. Since these are scripture, and we are told that scripture abides forever, we will most likely sing the same songs of praise and rejoicing at the New Jerusalem's unveiling.

TAKE TIME: Week 105 Assignment

Introduction:  This week we conclude the major portion of the Old Testament chronology and segue into reading any poetical literature not previously covered. This includes most of the Psalms and all chapters of Proverbs. There were a few psalms that were covered in their chronological context and those will not be repeated. (Check the index.) I do not consider it improper to study a psalm or proverb outside of the original chronology since these were used by the Hebrew people very much like Christians sing "Amazing Grace" now, a hymn penned by John Newton in approximately 1779. Can you imagine how fervently the post-exilic Hebrews sang the Psalms of Degrees written many years prior by David as they traveled to Jerusalem? Having the opportunity to attend feasts and holy days once more must have been a poignant experience indeed for those who had returned to the land after 70 years of captivity!

 Assignment:

• Monday - Nehemiah chapter 12
• Tuesday - Nehemiah chapter 13
• Wednesday - Psalms 1 and 2
• Thursday - Psalms 3 and 4
• Friday - Psalms 5 and 6
• Saturday - Psalms 7 and 8

Memory Verse

 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:1


Prayer Journal (ACTS)

• Adoration - Praise God for being the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Even the psalms declare the distinctions of this awesome 3-in-1!
• Confession - Ask God to reveal hidden sin in your life and then confess it.
• Thanksgiving - Thank God for any answers to your prayers.
• Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.

Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:

• Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
• References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
• What does this passage teach about Jesus?
• Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?

Putting the Word into Action
The psalms open with the word "blessed" or happy. Specifically, a man is blessed if he does not walk after ungodly counsel or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful. (See the progression? First we walk in the way of bad counsel. The next thing we know we're standing with the rebellious know-it-all crowd and finally we find ourselves sitting there with our arms folded across our chests looking down our noses at all those "ignorant people who don't know any better.") This week's assignment is a "spiritual map-check."  Have you taken ungodly counsel and have found yourself walking in it? (Usually you'll find yourself trying to justify something the Bible clearly says is wrong.) Are you finding comfort in the company you keep? (We tend to want to find others to help us justify our sinful behaviors or beliefs) Or have you already firmly planted yourself upon a seat where your opinions determine your attitude and actions? (We tend to argue incessantly for our "right" to do, think, believe something, etc. etc. etc. even if it specifically goes against the Word of God.

Check your map. Then change course if necessary.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 104 Saturday

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Nehemiah chapter 11

A plan to resettle Jerusalem began to be revealed in chapter 7 when we were told that the walls were completed. It was then that it was noted that the houses were not yet built and the inhabitants were few. This led to the searching of the genealogy records for those living in the surrounding area.

In this chapter we are told that the rulers were offered permanent housing within the city. Some families volunteered to move there. The remaining homes were filled by drawing lots. Ten percent of the area population was then able to move within the confines of the walls. Evidently it was not something that everyone desired to do since the people thanked those who voluntarily made the move. We are given the names of certain men of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi that moved into Jerusalem.

The Nethinims and the musicians such as the sons of Asaph returned to the ceremonial duties of their ancestors as originally appointed under the kings of Judah beginning with King David. Many of them dwelt at Jerusalem with the priests and Levites since they were involved in Temple service. The rest lived upon their family inheritances in the outlying towns.

Does God issue any commands?

• God does not speak.

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• A portion of all inhabitants of the earth will inherit the New Jerusalem because Jesus has made provision for them. We do not know what percentage of all humans will ultimately be there, but it is sure to be a small percentage such as happened in the time of Nehemiah.
• The Nethinims and sons of Asaph continued their appointed positions as assigned by the king. Jesus is our King and He has assigned His followers a work to be done. That assignment has not been revoked even though 2000 years have passed since Jesus gave the Great Commission.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• Many of the Hebrews returned to the lands of their ancestors, lands passed down through generations since the time of the conquest of Joshua following the Exodus. Although it seems hard to believe, Revelation tells us that God has not forgotten the 12 tribes nor their possessions and inheritance. They will one day inherit all that God promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We may not be able to trace the tribal lineages but God's records are perfect!

Journal Through the Bible: Week 104 Friday

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Nehemiah chapter 10

Does God issue any commands?

• God did not give new commandments here but the people had recently heard those that were given in the law of Moses. Many of the leading men signed a covenant promising to keep God's commandments. As governor, Nehemiah's signature was first.  
• The people specifically mentioned the laws that God had given Moses concerning the Sabbath day, the Sabbath year, not intermarrying with their neighbors, the Temple upkeep, and the system of sacrifices and offerings.

Does God make any promises?

• Not specifically but the implication is that if the people kept the covenant, which their ancestors had not done, they would not suffer punishment such as had befallen the generation before them.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath.
• Jesus sets us free (as illustrated by the Sabbath year).
• Jesus is God and He and as Light He has no fellowship with darkness (as per not intermarrying; He remained pure in spite of living among men).
• Jesus is our Temple.
• Jesus is our sacrifice, our offering, and the first-fruits.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• God is the great covenant-keeper. One day the testament signed in the blood of His Son will be ratified and those under the covenant will inherit the land that has been promised to them. Not only does this mean that the Jewish nation will be given all that has been promised to them (it does mean that, too) but as the Apostle Paul told the Gentile believers, we also will inherit as the people of God based upon the merits of Jesus Christ and His righteousness.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 104 Thursday

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Nehemiah chapter 9

Following the reading of the Word, the time of repentance, and the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles that we read about in the previous chapter we find that they spent 1/4 of each day in the book of the law and 1/4 in confessing their sins and worshiping God. Now that was quite a revival!

It should be noted in this passage that the Jews affirmed their belief in the literal creation of the world by the Creator as well as all the events of the Exodus, including the drowning of their enemies in the "deeps" (verse 11) which had to have been the Red Sea and not the shallow Reed Sea. As a matter of fact, they affirmed all of the Biblical events that many say just could not have happened in the way the Bible said they did.

One event mentioned in this account was the inheritance of the land of Canaan. It was a poignant reminder to the people that their ancestors had taken over a land bursting with food. It was ready and waiting for them! Then many years later their ancestors gave over this land and its food to the invading Assyrians and Babylonians. Only when they were obedient to God did they dwell in safety. It was a lesson for them all. They were now basically sharecroppers.

Does God issue any commands?

• The people read the Law of the Lord. The law is not spelled out in this chapter but since we have access to the same Old Testament we know what they read and what the commands are within the law given to Moses.

Does God make any promises?

• The sermon preached by the Levites included a recitation of the blessings of God upon the nation throughout their history beginning from the time of creation. These were promises fulfilled.
• One of the promises mentioned as being fulfilled is that they would be multiplied like the stars of heaven. (verse 23)
• Another promise fulfilled is that God gave them the land He promised Abraham.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the fulfillment of the Covenant between God and man.
• Jesus is the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire that led the people by day and night because He is the light. (verse 12)
• Jesus is the bread from heaven. (verse 15)
• Jesus is the rock. (verse 15)

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• God is said to be forbearing, gracious, and merciful while His people turned their backs on Him. Then when their iniquity was full God judged the people and their land. The same God is forbearing, gracious, and merciful today even as His people turn away from Him. One day the world's iniquity will be full and God will judge it.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 104 Wednesday

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Nehemiah chapter 8

Picture the scene described here. The people had completed the arduous task of clearing the rubble, rebuilding the walls, and setting up the city gates all while standing guard duty against the enemies that wanted to stop them from completing their mission. Then it had been determined that there were not enough people living in the city so a census of the local populace had been taken. The implication is that those from the surrounding area were offered refuge within the now-completed walls.

It had been hard work! And a month after it was completed the people gathered to hear Ezra, the priest and scribe, read the book of the Law. Most of those people had been born during the 70 years of captivity and were children or young adults. Perhaps some had wondered why all that work of rebuilding had been necessary in the first place. The reading of the Law answered that question unequivocally. Situated among the people were Levites who explained the law as Ezra was reading it. This may have included translating the text if any of the foreign-born Jews were not fluent in Hebrew!

Can you imagine the conviction of the people coupled with thanksgiving as they heard the ancient words that had determined both their punishment and subsequent restoration? This passage says they wept openly.

Notice how the worship of the people progressed. They stood respectfully when Ezra opened the scroll and read the scripture. After he finished reading, Ezra prayed. The people responded by saying, "Amen! Amen!" in unison while lifting up their hands toward heaven. Then they bowed their heads and the next thing mentioned is that they have their faces on the ground, presumably kneeling.  When one becomes convicted by the Word of the LORD it automatically humbles him. A person can find himself kneeling or prostrate before the God of the universe in repentance and praise.

I suggest becoming familiar with this attitude and posture. It is something we God-worshipers will be doing throughout eternity so why not get in practice now?

Does God issue any commands?

• Generally, the law that Ezra read contained the commands of God.
• Specifically, they found written in the law that the LORD commanded Moses that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the Feast of Tabernacles during the seventh month. (It was in the seventh month that they read this passage in the Law. See verse 2.)  The people gladly followed this observance that both commemorated their Exodus and the Messiah that would one day come to "tabernacle" with them.

Does God make any promises?

• The law that Ezra read contained the promises of God, too, including the promise of restoration such as the people were experiencing at that time. They were witnesses of God's promises being fulfilled.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• The Feast of Tabernacles as observed by the people in the latter part of the chapter was a portrayal of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He "tabernacled" (took on our humanity) when He became man and dwelt among us.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• The people wept when they considered the results of sin but the Levites told them the time for weeping was over. Now was a time of celebration because the joy of the Lord was their strength! They shared gifts of food with each other as they celebrated. This is a foreshadowing of that great day when all God's people will gather together. All earthly struggles will be over. There will be no more crying. All will share the goodness of the Lord together. The joy of the Lord is our strength!

Journal Through the Bible: Week 104 Tuesday

Nehemiah 7:39-73

A detail of the priestly garments infographic
provided via Faithlife Network.
Lexham Press. Logos Bible Software Infographics.
Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2009. Print.

This is a continuation of the list of people that returned from captivity. We are given the names of the priests, specifically 4 of them. (These later divided into courses of service again as was shown when Zechariah was serving in the Temple when he had his meeting with the angel concerning the birth of John the Baptist.)

The Levites are also mentioned here as are the Temple servants (Nethinims) of Solomon. These were probably originally conquered Gentiles who assimilated into the Jewish culture by intermarrying with the Jews. After all, they could prove their genealogy whereas certain supposed men of the tribe of Levi could not and were therefore removed by the governor as priests until they had access to Urim and Thummin.

Does God issue any commands?

• No, God does not speak, however this is a continuation of the leading of God to Nehemiah that was mentioned earlier in the chapter. (verse 5)

Does God make any promises?

• No, God does not speak.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• The Urim and Thummin was a tool  that pertained to the priest and was used for judgment and discerning God's will. No one today seems to know exactly what it was or how it worked but it was one of the means by which God communicated with His people before the law and prophets were complete. Jesus is our High Priest. He is also the Perfect Judge. Therefore, the Urim and Thummin is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, the One Who always did the Father's will and made it known to us.
• There are some similarities between the people who had assumed a right to be in certain positions without proper verifying documents and the parable that Jesus told about the wedding where people presumed to participate without proper wedding garments. Proper accreditation is necessary in the kingdom of God.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Only those with proper credentials (robes of righteousness as supplied through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ) will be priests in God's future kingdom and Jesus will be the judge of who that is. Only those who are His can be priests in His Kingdom. (Priesthood of believers is one of the positions a person obtains when he or she trusts Christ. This means Christians have direct access to God. One day that access will be face-to-face communication while now it is by prayer through the Lord Jesus Christ, our mediator through Whom we have access to the very Throne of God the Father.)