Thoughts on the Bible Readings November 30th (Esther 7, 8; Obadiah; Hebrews 3, 4, 5)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]At Esther's banquet in chapter 7 she reveals the enemy and adversary as the wicked Haman (7verses6). The word translated as adversary is the Hebrew word "Satan", and is here, and in the greater majority of cases where it occurs in the Bible, a common noun. Nearly all instances in the Old Testament "Satan" should be translated in the lower case and usually refer to an opponent, mostly a fellow human being (note Jesus' reference in the New Testament to Peter in Matthew 16verses23). Upon his being exposed Haman pleads without avail to Queen Esther for his life to be spared. Verses 7-10 tell of Haman being hung upon his own gallows, which had been constructed for the hanging of Mordecai, the Jew. The authority, rulership and riches of Haman's household, in chapter 8, are transferred by king Ahasuerus to Mordecai. Esther asks the king to revoke the king's own edict, but by the laws of the Medes and the Persians this cannot happen. So, another law containing pre-emptive measures is devised, allowing the Jewish subjects of the realm to strike down their enemies prior to the edict Haman had secured from the king coming into effect. There is great rejoicing in the royal palace of Shushan (Ecbatana) at the promotion of Mordecai to the Persian nobility. And wherever the posts bring the king's command and edict there is gladness, joy, a feast and a holiday among the Jews, who prepare themselves for retribution upon their foes. The prophecy of Obadiah is given around 586 BC. The prophecy pronounces a doom upon Edom (Hebrew word "dm" and depending on the vowel pointings the word may be for Adam, for red or for blood - as well as Edom). And conjures within our minds all sorts of interesting images. All of these terms in some way speak of rebellion against God. Verses 1-9 reveal that Edom will be humbled. Yahweh had a controversy against Edom for the pride of their hearts - they would be humbled and brought low by battle. Verse 3 speaks of their dwellings being in the top of the cliffs (at Petra was their capital city with all houses and buildings carved out of the rocks). Access was through a narrow, easily defended, pass which made the city almost impregnable. Their city, says verse 4, was like an eagle's eerie. But, nevertheless, the Almighty will rob this nest and thrust them down. The Edomites have other names in the Bible - Mount Seir; Horites; Esau. The last historical mention of the Edomites is in 70 AD, when during the Roman siege of Judea, they seek safety within Jerusalem's walls. But once inside they slaughtered nearly as many people as died from the siege, its plagues which occur in the city and the internal fighting among the Jews (further reading of Josephus' "Thrones of Blood" verifies this). Thieves and grape gatherers would only plunder what they could carry. This judgment, declared our Sovereign, would not suffice for what He had devised for Edom. Teman, in the south, would be the scene of slaughter. Verses 10-14 tell us why the LORD had determined such wrath upon Edom. It was because of their perpetual and implacable hatred against Israel - that hatred had been evident in the parable of the two brothers, sons of Isaac and Rebekah, as they grew up together; and found in detail in the Genesis account (see also Ezekiel 35; and Malachi 1verses2-5). Verse 11 reveals the absolute joy of the Edomites at the sacking of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 587 BC. Verses 13-14 describe how the Edomites waited at the crossroads to kill and plunder any of the escapees. Furthermore, history tells us that at this time the Edomites became the slave brokers, of the Jews, for Babylon. Verses 15-18 tell us that "the day of Yahweh" was near and would bring doom to Edom. Verses 15-16 say that "As they had sown, so would they reap" - a divine principle for all time (and a lesson for us to remember Galatians 6verses7-9). But, by contrast, Israel (the house of Jacob) are to be triumphantly restored (Vv17-18). Verses 19-21 tell us of victories that will be Israel's in the latter days, when Yahweh's kingdom is established by the Lord Jesus Christ, who together with his faithful believers (the saints) will be the Saviours that will come upon Mount Zion and bring doom for the "reds" (Russia and her confederates see Ezekiel 38). Hebrews 3 and 4 bring us to the next section of the book. Christ is greater than Moses, and greater than Joshua. Neither of these great, divinely appointed men could bring faithful believers into the Promised Land; neither of them could bring them into the rest promised in Messiah's kingdom. Verses 1-5 of chapter 3 say that, despite Moses' greatness (he was the greatest man living in his era - Numbers 12verses1-7) he was, still after all, only "a servant in God's house". What a contrast to our Lord Jesus Christ, who is as God's Son the builder of the house (indeed, the builder of ALL things) and the heir, therefore, of the universe. And we, as part of that house, have an eternal inheritance providing we are, like Moses, faithful servants on that house. Chapter 3verses7-4verses13 explain that "there is a rest that remains for the people of God". Chapter 3verses7-11 are a word for word quotation from Psalm 95verses8-11. The incident being referred to is found in Exodus 17verses1-7 at a place called both Massah and Meribah. It was the place where Israel strove contentiously with God. The place where Moses strikes the rock upon God's command and out gushed water, as a river that follows Israel during their wandering in the wilderness for the greater part of 40 years. Then the water stops and Israel again grumble and ask if God is among them. Moses, out of frustration, for the second time strikes the rock i.e. almost 40 years after the first time. Moses claims glory for bringing water from the rock (1 Corinthians 10 tells us that rock was Christ). The place is renamed "temptation" - or in the Hebrew "Meribah" hence the references in Exodus 17; Psalm 95; Psalm 78verses20-22, 41; Hebrews 10verses26-29. The two incidents 40 years apart serve as a summary of the nation's attitude during their wanderings. The great lesson for Israel, and for us, is that, although God showed patience, it is limited to while "Today" still exists. Indeed, even after Joshua (Greek "Jesus") brings the nation into the Promised Land, i.e. the very Land that Moses is forbidden entry, because he struck the rock on the 2nd occasion; neither Moses, or Joshua could give them the kingdom rest. That task remains for a greater "Joshua", i.e. Jesus (the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua) who will give faithful believers a thousand years (Millennial) rest (Greek "the keeping of a sabbath rest" i.e. on the Biblical principle of a day for a thousand years see 2 Peter 3verses8-9). The writer says we need to keep working now that God may grant you that rest. How powerful and inspiring are the words from verse 12, "God's Word is living and energetic; and is discerning of our thoughts and intentions". It can, if we let it, separate us from what is sensual and fleshly; and it can direct us into the paths of God. Chapter 4verses16 to chapter 5verses10 introduces us to our great High Priest - the Lord Jesus Christ. In chapter 4verses16-18 Jesus, because of his righteous life, has passed through the heavens. And like us, Jesus has been tested in all respects just as we have been (1 John 2verses15-17). Yet unlike us he has never sinned. But in his suffering through trials, he understands and sympathises with our temptations; and is able to aid us (as our intercessor) in the needy times of our lives. Chapter 5verses1-10 both compares our Lord Jesus Christ with Aaron; and also shows Christ to be superior to Aaron in every respect of his priesthood. Chapter 5verses11 to chapter 6verses12 warns against apostasy. Chapter 5verses11-14 makes an appeal for the Hebrew readers to open their dull ears, so that they might respond to God's Word. These readers who have been in the Truth for many years were as though they needed the milk of God's Word once more; and had failed to progress to meat (which should happen naturally as we grow). The listeners needed to be strengthened to practise righteousness (Greek word for "exercised" AV is "to train in the gymnasium". Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here... [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-bible-readings-november-30th-esther-7-8-obadiah-hebrews-3-4-5/?feed_id=106344&_unique_id=692a9a6c52673