Author: Charlie Garrett

Acts 13:31

Charlie Garrett Acts (Written)

A quote by Cal. Vermont State Capitol.

Wednesday, 11 January 2023

“He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. Acts 13:31

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The previous verse contained the most wonderful words ever recorded. Paul had told those in the synagogue, “But God raised Him from the dead.” Wonderful words of victory, indeed! Now, he continues with what occurred after that, saying, “He was seen for many days.”

Paul bears conviction in his words. Even though he did not personally share in the events he now conveys to those in the synagogue, he had seen the risen Lord and knew that what he had been told by those who saw Jesus after the resurrection was true. The “many days” Paul refers to is explicitly stated by Luke as he opened the book of Acts –

“The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:1-3

Paul next states who those were who were blessed to share in these post-resurrection events, saying that it was “those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem.”

Paul’s words focus on the apostles. It is true that the women saw Him immediately after the resurrection and many others did as well. In fact, Paul expands on these events in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 –

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.”

As these things are stated as a fact in 1 Corinthians, one might wonder why Paul focuses on “those who came up with Him from Galilee.” The answer is found in this same paragraph –

“Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. 27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 28 And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. 29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.”

The events that occurred in the rejection and crucifixion were led by those in Jerusalem and by the rulers of the nation. But they were the stewards of the law. As they chose to reject the One who had fulfilled their law and enacted a New Covenant, Christ revealed Himself after the resurrection to those who had been appointed to administer this New Covenant. It is the same theme found throughout Scripture: Law vs. Grace.

Jerusalem, emblematic of the law, was now to be replaced by a new form of worship –

“The woman said to Him, ‘Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.’
21 Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.’” John 4:19-24

This new form of worship was to enter not merely as being at a physical location (meaning at a temple in Jerusalem), and yet it was to include a kingdom, nonetheless. In Luke 22, Jesus participated in the Passover. There it notes that His twelve apostles were with Him (Luke 22:14). Later in the chapter, it says –

“But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Luke 22:28-30

It is these (minus Judas who hung himself) that Paul focuses on in his words to those in the synagogue. The apostles had a message to convey. As for the audience now, they were of Israel, and they had a choice to make, just as those in Jerusalem and their rules had. It is these apostles who were appointed to herald this New Covenant, and “who are His witnesses to the people.”

Someone had to tell what Christ Jesus had done. Those in Jerusalem rejected Him, but those who continued with Him in His trials did not. They would be the ones to judge Israel. As for the direction Paul and those with him were set to take, that will be referred to later in this chapter, specifically in verse 13:47.

Life application: There is no contradiction in the idea of those who come to Jesus, who worship in spirit and truth, while at the same time there is a kingdom that will be judged by the twelve apostles that will also be set up. The nation of Israel is not the entirety of what God is doing. The New Covenant allows for the inclusion of Gentiles, but the nation of Israel still has messianic prophecies that are to be fulfilled in the millennium.

As such, there is one New Covenant that is based upon a single gospel. How God structures things within that New Covenant is entirely different than what existed under the Law of Moses. Just because Israel will be at the head of the nations someday, that has no bearing on how the gospel is now received. Any who come to Christ, Jew or Gentile, must do so through faith in what He has done, as is revealed in the gospel mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15 above. As Paul says in that same chapter while speaking of Peter and the others, “Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed” (1 Corinthians 15:11).

Hear the gospel! Accept what it says through faith! Believe and be saved! Call on Jesus today!

Glorious Heavenly Father, how good it is that You have opened the door for the whole world to be saved through the work of Jesus Christ. Those who were never under law are brought into the commonwealth of Israel. And those of Israel who believe are brought out from under the law. All are saved by Your grace through faith in the finished, final, and forever work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank You for the gospel, O God! Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acts 13:30

Charlie Garrett Acts (Written)

Well, at least not when the guy said it. Quote about Vermont at Vermont state capitol.

Tuesday, 10 January 2023

But God raised Him from the dead. Acts 13:30

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

Paul has been speaking on the Sabbath to the Jews in the synagogue of Antioch of Pisidia. He just spoke of the fulfillment of all that was written concerning Jesus, at which time they “took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.” But that is not the end of Paul’s speech. Rather, those words lead to his next thought, the greatest words ever spoken, saying, “But God raised Him from the dead.”

Paul first and foremost proclaims this because of what it signifies about Jesus Christ. The wages of sin is death. Though this is stated by Paul in Romans, it is not something foreign to the Hebrew scriptures. It is implied in the Lord’s words to Adam at the very beginning –

“Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 2:16, 17

God could have just not put the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden. Or He could have allowed the man to eat of it. If there was something inherently wrong with the fruit of the tree that would negatively affect the man, He could have changed either the fruit or the man to make it acceptable to eat.

But these things were not the issue at all. The issue was obedience to the Lord’s command. In other words, the issue was the giving of law. God gave Adam a command. In violating that command, death would result. If the law had not been given, nothing would have happened to the man. The same is true with any other tree. God could have made a list of the trees man could eat and which ones he could not eat.

Acceptable:
Durian
Pomegranate
Apple
Fig (but only June 6th through August 27th)

Unacceptable:
Cherry
Star Fruit
Fig (from August 28th to June 5th)
Jack Fruit

Violating the law, not the nature of the fruit itself, is what brings death. In eating the fruit, which is contrary to the law, the disobedient act calls for the set punishment to be rendered. Jesus was under the Law of Moses, the Lord’s set standard for Israel. In that law, a provision is made for absolute obedience to bring life. That is found in Leviticus 18 –

“You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 18:5

It is said by various scholars that Leviticus 11:44 contains the central theme of the book of Leviticus, “…you shall be holy; for I am holy.” This is an acceptable postulation. With that in mind, Leviticus 18:5 certainly contains the main logical reason for it.

It is such an important verse, that it is what is revealed in the thought of Genesis 2 & 3, and it is substantially repeated several times in both the Old and New Testaments. In Genesis 2, as noted above, the Lord gave a command which promised death if disobeyed. The implication then is that life would result through obedience.

In Genesis 3, because of man’s disobedience to the Lord’s law, access to the tree of life, by which man could live forever, was denied. Death entered the world. In Leviticus 18:5, a promise is made that through obedience to the Law of Moses the man shall live. Many pass this off as meaning “live happily,” have a “higher life,” possess “true life,” etc. This is not at all what is being relayed here. It is a promise that if a man keeps the requirements of the law, he will live and not die. On the flip side, if one does not keep the requirements of the law, he will die and not live.

The Lord dwelt among Israel. Access to Him was restricted because of the sin-nature of man, but also because of the law itself. However, in fulfillment of the law, access would naturally be granted once again. It could not be otherwise. The law is given to give life. If life is promised, then it must be granted.

If one doesn’t die, then he continues to live. If he lives forever, then he has eternal life. This is the implication of the words, and it is solidified by the using of a definite article in front of the word “man.” The text actually doesn’t say “if a man does.” It says, “if the man does.” This verse anticipates Christ. He is the Man who, in fact, did keep the ordinances and judgments of the Lord. Thus, God raised Him from the dead. He now possesses eternal life.

This is because in His fulfillment of the law, the law was made obsolete. It was annulled and set aside. As the law is done away with, there is nothing to ever bring about death again.

This is exactly explained in the book of Romans and elsewhere in the New Testament as well. Christ fulfilled the law, and thus the law is fulfilled. In Him, life is granted. If you are looking for access to restored paradise, and to the Tree of Life, you need to look no further than Jesus Christ. He is “The Man who did.”

Nehemiah 9:29 refers to Leviticus 18:5 after the people’s return from the punishment of exile. Ezekiel 20 repeats it three times showing that failure to keep the Lord’s law is what resulted in that punishment. Paul then cites the same verse twice, in Romans 10:5 and in Galatians 3:12, to show that Christ, who fulfilled the Law of Moses, is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes in Him. It is faith in His completion of this law that grants eternal life. He did the work; we must do the believing.

The second point that Paul is making in his words to the synagogue is the contrast between Israel’s rulers and God. Paul just said in verse 13:27 that “those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, … did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets.” Now, in verse 13:30, Paul says that “God raised Him from the dead.”

The contrast is clear. The stewards of the law did not know their Messiah, but God knew Him. And more, those stewards of the law obviously did not know the law, but Jesus did. And, in turn, they then did not know the Giver of that law, but Jesus did. This is all to be understood from Paul’s words to those at the synagogue, and thus to us who are reading the recorded words.

Life application: It is violating God’s law that brings about death. And the more law that is given, the more burdensome the weight is. Take the example above concerning the list of fruit. That is but a few of the fruits in the world. Suppose the list included every fruit on the planet and it was equally long in what was acceptable and what was unacceptable. Any slip-up would be a violation of the law.

Now suppose that the restrictions for the fig – about certain times of the year making the fruit acceptable or unacceptable – applied to every fruit. And more, each fruit had a different set of days that were ok or that were forbidden. Imagine the weight of the law! And now, let us add in a set time of the day when each fruit cannot be eaten. The burden increases with each law added. This is what Paul is telling the people in Galatians 3:19. The law “was added because of transgressions.” Later, he says that “the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ” (Galatians 3:24).

If all men fell in Adam because of one law, imagine the burden of meeting God’s perfect standard! Now consider the magnitude of what the words “But God raised Him from the dead” mean! Jesus! God’s grace is found in the giving of Jesus for our sins. He prevailed over the huge burden of the law. Why would any person on this planet want to go back under the Law of Moses where only death, condemnation, and eternal separation from God are found? Let us consider carefully where we will hang our hats. Let us come to God through Jesus Christ our Lord because God raised HIM from the dead!

Lord God, thank You for the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! Hallelujah and Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acts 13:29

Charlie Garrett Acts (Written)

Sweet quote at Vermont State Capitol.

Monday, 9 January 2023

“Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. Acts 13:29

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

In the previous verse, Paul noted that the rulers of Israel asked Pilate to have Jesus put to death, even though they found no cause for death in Him. Paul now continues with, “Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him.”

This is an all-encompassing statement of what occurred. It includes Christ’s rejection by the rulers, His being apprehended, tried, beaten, handed over to Pilate, scourged, offered gall, crucified, mocked, given sour wine, and so on. The Jewish Scriptures are filled with hints of these things. And even though some of them were written about the trials or afflictions of others, such as David, they bear a dual fulfillment in anticipation of Christ Jesus.

Of the words “all that was written,” Bengel rightly says, “They could do no more (nothing beyond what was written). In Jesus all things that were written were fulfilled.” All that was done to Jesus is just what was prophesied about Him. Without leaving anything out, and without their adding anything not recorded, what happened to Christ Jesus is the exacting fulfillment of what was written beforehand. After that, Paul says, “they took Him down from the tree.”

This was approved by Pilate once it was confirmed that Jesus was dead. The body was taken down by Joseph of Arimathea (Mark 15:46). Nicodemus joined him (John 19:39) and together they prepared the body for burial according to the custom of the Jews. After this, Paul says, “and laid Him in a tomb.”

This was also accomplished by Joseph and Nicodemus –

“Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.” John 19:41, 42

Even these actions were prophesied in advance. These things, recorded in the four gospels, exactly fulfill a vast array of prophecies found in Scripture. Paul carefully detailed all of this to ensure that those who heard it would be fully aware of things they may not have heard before. From there, it would be their responsibility to check out what was said. If they simply dismissed his words, or if they were just too lazy to determine if what he said was true, the responsibility for their failure would rest solely with them.

Life application: There are many who dismiss the things written about Jesus as fables, but it is beyond credulity to think that the Scriptures that were maintained and built upon for well over a thousand years were somehow not speaking of what the gospels later detail. Everything was written precisely and with the minutest detail to let Israel, and now us, know that Jesus Christ is the exacting fulfillment of everything that was written.

Each person is expected to check these things out. In accepting the word is what it claims to be, we should then be prepared to defend it and explain what we have learned. There are many who will simply refuse to believe. There are also people who have been told the stories aren’t true, but who are curious to check them out anyway. It might be you who they come to who will start that process, so be ready! Let us share all we can about this wonderful story concerning what God has done in the sending of Jesus to bring us back to Himself.

Thank You, Lord God, for the precision of Your word. It is so carefully structured and meticulously detailed that we have every assurance that Jesus is truly the Christ. And through tears of joy in our confidence of this fact, help us to share the good news with others as well. Jesus! Jesus has come! Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Joshua 12:7-24 (An Inheritance Seward)

Charlie Garrett Joshua (Written)

Joshua 12:7-24
An Inheritance Seaward

At times, the typology in the book of Joshua can be rather hard to pin down. The more names of people and locations there are, the more difficult it can become to decipher the typology. And there are a lot of parts of Joshua that heap on the names.

As you saw last week, and as we will see again this week, that is certainly the case with chapter 12. I will be honest, I am not even going to attempt to try to give you the meaning of every name given.

I will give enough info to demonstrate what this account is telling us about the work of Christ, but I am not going to start making unfounded conclusions just to tickle your ears. It is easy to make anything say anything. That does not interest me at all.

However, I do believe every word that is given, including every name, has a purpose. By contrast, Jamieson-Faucet-Brown comes to a different conclusion. For example, from their commentary on verse 7 –

“Baal-gad … even unto … Halak—(See on [188]Jos 11:17). A list of thirty-one chief towns is here given; and, as the whole land contained a superficial extent of only fifteen miles in length by fifty in breadth, it is evident that these capital cities belonged to petty and insignificant kingdoms. With a few exceptions, they were not the scenes of any important events recorded in the sacred history, and therefore do not require a particular notice.” JFB

Text Verse: “Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
6 Do not add to His words,
Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5, 6

It should be noted that the distance concerning the length of Israel that was given by Jamieson-Faucet-Brown is about one hundred and fifteen miles, not fifteen. Also, to say that these locations “do not require a particular notice” when that is exactly why God has included them in His word is a bit troubling to me.

There may not be a lot of commentary that can be derived from these names, but they are there for a reason and so they should be given particular notice. Many of the names will be mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, so it is good to understand how these locations fit into the overall layout of the land.

And more, like all things in Scripture, the names are given to alert us to other truths that God has tucked away in the word. Despite that, it is complicated to sit down and derive everything one can about such a passage. Rather, it is the kind of thing that someone might do after pondering the passage over months or years.

I have a bit more than 10 hours on any given Monday to research the contents of a passage for a sermon. It can be tiring, even mentally debilitating, but it is also amazingly joyous to do. Today’s passage is not unimportant, except in how we may treat it. Let us not have that attitude toward God’s word.

Let us do our best to draw out what the word is telling us. I hope and pray what is presented here today accomplishes that end, even if it does not fully answer the meaning of what every name given is intended to reveal.

Great things such as marvelous hidden types and pictures of Christ are to be found in His superior word. And so, let us turn to that precious word once again, and… May God speak to us through His word today, and may His glorious name ever be praised.

I. A Possession According to Their Divisions (verses 7, 8)

7 And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel conquered

The narrative details all of the kings conquered in the campaign to take Canaan. The words of this verse are in accord with what has already been recorded in chapters 10 and 11 –

“So Joshua conquered all the land: the mountain country and the South and the lowland and the wilderness slopes, and all their kings; he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the Lord God of Israel had commanded. 41 And Joshua conquered them from Kadesh Barnea as far as Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even as far as Gibeon. 42 All these kings and their land Joshua took at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel.” Joshua 10:40-42

&

“Thus Joshua took all this land: the mountain country, all the South, all the land of Goshen, the lowland, and the Jordan plain—the mountains of Israel and its lowlands, 17 from Mount Halak and the ascent to Seir, even as far as Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon below Mount Hermon. He captured all their kings, and struck them down and killed them.” Joshua 11:16, 17

Those are the areas and even specific locations taken by Joshua. The kings who were taken are to be named now. They are those…

7 (con’t) on this side of the Jordan, on the west,

More literally, it reads: b’ever ha’yarden yamah – “in side the Jordan, seaward.” It is on a particular side of the Jordan and that is the westward, or seaward, side, as it is looking toward the Mediterranean Sea. The word yam signifies both “sea” and “west.” The extent of the area goes…

7 (con’t) from Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon as far as Mount Halak and the ascent to Seir,

It is the same locations noted in Joshua 11:17, but they are listed from north to south here instead of south to north: mibaal gad b’biqat ha’l’vanon v’ad ha’har he’khalaq ha’oleh seirah – “from Baal Gad in valley the Lebanon and unto the mount, the Smooth, the ascender Seir.”

As was noted then, the name Baal Gad means “Lord of Fortune” with a secondary meaning of “Lord of the Invasion.” This is because Gad (Fortune) comes from gadad meaning to cut or invade. Baal simply means “master.” Hence it is one with authority.

Lebanon means White One or even Mountain of Snow. However, it is derived from lavan, meaning white. This is identical to lavan, or brick, because bricks turn white when fired. That word carries the connotation of works because bricks imply the work of man as opposed to stone which is fashioned by God.

The type of valley here, biqat, comes from baqa, meaning to cleave, rend, or rip open. Hence, it is a valley that is a split between mountains. That is the northern demarcation. It then goes to the south, to the mount, the Smooth.” This is the second and last time this is mentioned. As seen in chapter 11, the name comes from khalaq, meaning “smooth.” For example, it was used in Genesis 27:11, saying –

“And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, ‘Look, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth-skinned [khalaq] man.’”

The word is used figuratively in Proverbs and Ezekiel when speaking in a flattering manner because of the smooth tongue that is so employed.

This mount is described next as “the ascender Seir.” As was noted, Seir means hairy, coming from sa’iyr, hairy. For example, it was used in Genesis 27:11, saying –

“And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, ‘Look, Esau my brother is a hairy [sa’iyr] man, and I am a smooth-skinned man.’”

By analogy, it also speaks of a he-goat because the he-goat is a hairy animal. That is the animal used as a sin offering, such as on the Day of Atonement and elsewhere. These borders then are named in order to define all of the area…

7 (con’t) which Joshua gave to the tribes of Israel as a possession according to their divisions,

The words are similar to those of Joshua 11:23, with a few differences. Also, they are actually their own clause in the Hebrew: v’yitenah Yehoshua l’shivte Yisrael yerushah k’makh’l’qotam – “and gave Joshua to tribes Israel inheritance according to their divisions.”

This anticipates the actual description of the division of the land coming up in Joshua 13. The kings are disinherited in order for Israel to then inherit the land. The rule of these kings is next noted by the various topographical indicators, saying…

8 in the mountain country,

As in Joshua 11, the land is next divided into seven divisions. Six are by location. The seventh division is for the six named people groups. This is the first division: ba’har – “in the mountain.” It means in the mountainous areas.

8 (con’t) in the lowlands,

The second division: u-ba’sh’phelah – and in the Shephelah, meaning the transitional region of soft-sloping rolling hills in south-central Israel stretching about 6 to 9 miles in length. The word comes from shaphel, to become low or abased. It is the lowland.

8 (con’t) in the Jordan plain,

The third division: u-ba’aravah – “and in the Aravah.” This is the plain that extends about one hundred miles south from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba forming a border between Israel and Jordan. The word comes from arav, to grow dark or become evening.

This is because of the darkness of the terrain. However, that is identical to arav, meaning to take or give in pledge.

8 (con’t) in the slopes,

The fourth division: u-ba’ashedoth – “and in the slopes.” The word ashedah comes from eshed, meaning a foundation, bottom, or lower part. That comes from a root signifying to pour. As such, some translations say “springs.” But this is more likely the slopes of the mountains. Cities built on them would be fortified and thus ideally located.

8 (con’t) in the wilderness,

The fifth division: u-ba’midbar – “and in the wilderness.” It signifies an area that is very dry and barren and thus sparsely inhabited. In Scripture, the wilderness is equated to a place of testing and trial. This would predominantly be in the areas of Judah and Benjamin. It is an area noted in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:1 and elsewhere.

8 (con’t) and in the South—

The sixth division: u-ba’negev – “and in the Negev.” Negev means “south,” but it is also the designation of a specific location and is thus a proper noun – “the South.” It comes from an unused root meaning to be parched, and the Negev is a very parched land. All of this is the land of…

8 (con’t) the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites:

The seventh division, which is naming the people groups rather than a location: Each of these names is stated in the singular, not the plural. The names mean: Hittite – Terror, Terrible, Fearsome; Amorite – Talkers (active) or Renown (passive); Canaanite – Humiliated, Humbled, or even Subdued; Perizzite – Villager or Dweller in an Open Country; Hivite – Villagers, or maybe more specifically, Tent Villagers; Jebusite – Treading Down (active) or Trodden Underfoot (passive).

With the borders defined, the areas identified, and the people groups named, the listing next details the kings of the individual cities that were disinherited…

There is a land to be subdued, ruled by many kings
But just one Leader will defeat them all
Because of His victories, my heart sings
Yes, the enemies have all seen their downfall

Our Leader gained the victory because He is great
None can stand against Him; not now, not ever
What was their land, now belongs to His estate
And He offers it to “whosoever”

If you will believe in Him, accepting His victory
You too can share in the inheritance of the saints
By faith alone it comes, works would be contradictory
So be sure to cast off the law’s restraints

II. Thirty-one Kings (verses 9-24)

9 the king of Jericho, one;

The listing is generally given in the order of the battles. The first location was Jericho, meaning Place of Fragrance. It has a secondary meaning of Place of the Moon.

9 (con’t) the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one;

melekh ha’ay asher mi’tsad beit el ekhad – “king the Ai which from side Bethel, one.” The Ai means The Ruins. It is said to be located from the side of Bethel, meaning House of God.

10 the king of Jerusalem, one;  the king of Hebron, one;

Of these kings, Albert Barnes notes, “Those enumerated in Joshua 12:10-18 either belonged to the league of the southern Canaanites (Joshua 10:1 ff), the power of which was broken in the battle of Beth-horon, or were at any rate conquered in the campaign following that battle.”

The name Jerusalem has many possible meanings. For simplicity, it is Foundation of Peace. Hebron means Alliance.

11 the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one;

Jarmuth means Elevation. Lachish means Obstinate.

12 the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;

Eglon means Heifer-like. Gezer means Part or Portion.

13 the king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one;

Debir means Place of the Word. Geder is found only here in Scripture. It comes from gadar, meaning to wall up or around. Hence, it means Wall.

14 the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;

Hormah is a name given in Numbers 21:3. It means Anathema. Arad is mentioned in Numbers 21:1, in the same account as Hormah. Arad comes from either an unused root meaning to sequester, and thus a fugitive, or from a root which signifies untamed, such as the wild donkey. Either way, the result is the same – it carries the sense of One who is Unrestrained.

To understand the significance of these locations, a review of the Numbers 21 sermon would be a good thing to do in your free time.

15 the king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;

Libnah means Whiteness. However, that comes from lavan, a verb meaning to make whiter or make bricks because bricks whiten when they are made. Adullam is first seen here. It means Refuge or The Justice of the People.

16 the king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one;

Makkedah means Place of Shepherds. Bethel means House of God.

17 the king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one;

Tapuakh is introduced here and will be seen six times. It comes from naphakh, signifying to breathe or blow. It means Love Apple, being identical to tapuakh found in Proverbs 25:11 and several times in the Song of Solomon. Its name is derived from its fragrance. Khepher means either Well (from dig) or Shame. It could be a combination of the two – Well of Shame.

18 the king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one;

melekh aphek ekhad melekh la’sharon ekhad – “King Aphek, one; king to the Sharon, one.” The words “to the Sharon” would indicate the district of Sharon. Aphek is first seen here. It comes from aphaq, meaning to contain, refrain, or be strong. Hence, it is Fortress. Sharon is also introduced here. It signifies Great Plain, but also Body Armor.

19 the king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one;

Of the rest of the verses, Albert Barnes notes, “Those mentioned in Joshua 12:19-24 were in like manner connected with the northern confederates (Joshua 11:1 ff), who were defeated at the Waters of Merom.” Madon means Contention or Strife.

Khatsor has various meanings based on its root that signifies “to begin to cluster or gather.” It may mean Village, Trumpet, Leek, Enclosure, etc.

20 the king of Shimron Meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;

Shimron Meron was mentioned in Joshua 11:1 simply as Shimron. Shimron means Watching or Vigilant Guardian. The word Meron comes from a word signifying well fed or fat. Hence, this would mean Vigilance and Prosperity. Achshaph signifies Fascination or Bewitched.

21 the king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one;

Both locations are introduced here. The meaning of Taanakh is completely uncertain. Some think it is derived from an Egyptian word; others from an Arabic word. There is no corresponding root word found in Scripture. Megiddo comes from gadad, to penetrate or cut. Hence it signifies Invading or Intruding.

22 the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one;

melekh qedesh ekhad melekh yaq’noam la’karmel ekhad – “king Kadesh one; king Jokneam to the Carmel, one.” Kedesh means Sanctuary or Sacred Place, coming from qodesh, meaning holy.

Jokneam is first found here and then only twice more in Joshua. It means either People will be Lamented or Let the People Acquire. It is said to be “to the Carmel,” meaning in the district of Carmel. That means Plantation or Orchard.

23 the king of Dor in the heights of Dor, one;

The “heights of Dor” is literally “the sieves of Dor.” The meaning is that as a sieve is raised, it pours out. Hence it can signify heights or borders of an area. Dor means To Dwell, but it is identical to the word translated as generation, as in the time period of one’s dwelling.

23 (con’t) the king of the people of Gilgal, one;

melekh goyim l’gilgal ekhad – “king nations to Gilgal, one.” This is not the Gilgal where Joshua and Israel encamped. There is a lot of speculation where this was or what the real meaning of the words is. Gilgal means Rolling Away, a Wheel, or Circle of Stones. Metaphorically, it means Liberty.

24 the king of Tirzah, one—

Tirtsah means Delight or Pleasantness.

*24 (fin) all the kings, thirty-one.

This is the total number of kings subdued on the west side of the Jordan River. Bullinger uses Hebrew gematria to define the meaning of the number. The number comes from the letters aleph/1 and lamed/30. It is the number of El or God. Hence, he defines it as Deity.

Combining them with the two from the east side, and the total number of kings is thirty-three. The number is derived from 3, signifying “that which is solid, real, substantial, complete, and entire,” and 11, which “is the number that marks disorder, disorganization, imperfection, and disintegration.” Hence, 3 and 11 are two seemingly contradictory numbers.

Thirty-one kings met their end in the war
Because God Himself fought for us
This is the victory of which He swore
And it has come about through the giving of Jesus

Thirty-one kings; all have met their end
And the inheritance is now offered to us
To our helpless state He did attend
God heard our voice and sent the Lord Jesus

Great is God to His people Israel
And we have come to know what He has done for us
Of His great deeds, we shall all the world tell
Because we now have come to know the Lord Jesus

III. Pictures of Christ

There are obviously a lot of names of both people and places in this section. Hence, to fit everything in typology correctly may be beyond what is possible, but I will give my best analysis. We have to look at things from the perspective that the book of Joshua is given to highlight the victories of the Lord.

The first half of the chapter was a picture of those who had come to Christ prior to national Israel’s salvation. Hence, it would logically follow that this is picturing the same for Israel as a nation now. That is seen with the words “in side the Jordan seaward.” It is that area west of the Jordan.

The sea is the place furthest west. In Revelation 4, we see the throne of God and before Him is a sea of glass. Hence, John would have been east of both the sea and the throne. I note this so you can get the sense. The Biblical idea is that man approaches God from the east and always anticipates Him as he moves west. This is seen, for example, in the layout of the tabernacle and the temple.

With this understanding, the borders of the land here in Joshua 12 are defined as those on the north and the south. The meaning would be the same as was previously given in the Joshua 11 sermon. Therefore, the words “from Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon” would typologically mean “from Lord of the Invasion in the cleaving of the works.”

In other words, Christ came as a Man aware of the consequences of sin. He accomplished all that was necessary under the law to bring man to God. It is His works that make it possible. All other works are insufficient to accomplish the purpose.

The words “as far as Mount Halak and the ascent to Seir,” look to the sinless Jesus who came in the appearance of sinful man. Mount Halak is the smooth mountain, representing a sinless nature. Hair in Scripture speaks of awareness, especially awareness of sin.

Jesus came knowing no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), pictured by the smooth mountain. But He came in the likeness of sinful man (Hebrews 2:17), pictured by the hairy mountain, in order to accomplish His work. Hence, these borders define His nature and the scope of his work.

This is highlighted by the words of verse 7 noting Joshua gave this land to the tribes of Israel. Simply change Joshua (The Lord is Salvation) in the earthly sense to Jesus (the Lord who is “Salvation”) in the spiritual sense.

From there, the six types of land divisions were named. In chapter 11, these six divisions are each referring to Christ. They are the mountain, the lowland,  the Aravah, the slopes, the wilderness, and the South (negev).

He is 1) the gatherer of God’s people; 2) the One who abased Himself in order to bring the humbled to God; 3) the One through whom the pledge, meaning the Holy Spirit, is given; 4) the Foundation upon which all else is built (1 Corinthians 3:11); 5) the One who was tested and tried and yet who prevailed; and 6) the Giver of water (life through the word) in the otherwise parched world.

The seventh division, that of the six people groups, anticipates Christ’s victory over those who each group represents. They are the same listing of people mentioned in Joshua 3:10, 9:1, & 11:3.

With that noted, the account then turned to the defeat of the thirty-one kings, naming their locations. As the kings are unnamed but the locations are named, it would indicate the land which is inherited by Israel.

It is certain that each location tells its own story, and every location is a part of the whole. However, were I to attempt to define each, I would have to make things up as I went – something I refuse to do. This is especially so when the meaning of one of the locations, Taanach, is wholly unknown. The names that can be found for it in various references are simply best guesses.

I will give you the best meaning I can from my studies in one quick list:

Place of Fragrance
The Ruins (from side of Bethel)
Foundation of Peace
Alliance
Elevation
Obstinate
Heifer-like
Portion
Place of the Word
Wall
Anathema
Untamed
Whiteness (works)
Refuge (or Justice of the People)
Place of Shepherds
House of God
Love Apple
Well (or Shame)
Fortress
To the Great Plain (or Body Armor)
Contention
To Begin to Cluster or Gather
Vigilance and Prosperity
Fascination
?
Invading
Sacred Place
Let the People Acquire (in) Orchard
Generation in the Sieves (heights) of Generation
Nations of Liberty
Delight

Some of the meanings are obvious. We know from previous sermons in Deuteronomy and Joshua that Jericho, the Place of Fragrance, anticipates Christ’s restoration of us to paradise, meaning access to heaven. Ai, the Ruins, represented Christ’s victory over the law.

Jerusalem, or Foundation of Peace, seems obvious as anticipating the peace offered through Jesus. That can be more fully seen in New Testament references, such as Galatians 4 and Hebrews 12. We might be able to equate Sharon (Body Armor) with Paul’s words concerning putting on the whole armor of God which is given by Christ. And so on.

But there is a point where we can make anything say anything. I don’t desire to do that. We can be satisfied that God knows exactly why each location is listed and that each has its own typological anticipation of Christ.

Someone may be able to do a more thorough job on a listing than me, and that would be great. But I would recommend anyone making such a list to provide the references for each name and how they came to their conclusions. Otherwise, such a list would be pick and choose. We should not go there.

As for the final words of the chapter, Bullinger approached the meaning of the number 31 in a different manner than he normally does by defining it based on gematria. That is a valid science, but it can be easily manipulated as well.

His conclusion of the meaning of 31 beautifully matches the domain conquered by Joshua. As he anticipates Christ Jesus, and as Christ is El, God, Canaan anticipates the victory of God in Christ over all His foes and the granting of the full inheritance to His people.

Finally, and because there are those of the inheritance on both sides of the Jordan, the total number of defeated kings, 33, would presumably have meaning as well. As I noted, the number is derived from 3, signifying “that which is solid, real, substantial, complete, and entire,” and 11, which “is the number which marks disorder, disorganization, imperfection, and disintegration.”

Together, these two seemingly contradictory numbers would appear to look to the state of the world, even during the millennium after Israel has come to Christ, as still lacking its final restoration. Hence, the need for a new heaven and a new earth as promised in Revelation.

This can be seen in the words of Hebrews 2 –

“For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. 6 But one testified in a certain place, saying:
‘What is man that You are mindful of him,
Or the son of man that You take care of him?
7 You have made him a little lower than the angels;
You have crowned him with glory and honor,
And set him over the works of Your hands.
8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.’
For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:5-9

What Christ has done is solid, real, substantial, complete, and entire, and yet, there will remain a mark of disorder, disorganization, imperfection, and disintegration on this earth until it finds its final and forever renewal.

There is no reason to dismiss this as either speculation or stretching the meaning to fit a hoped-for outcome. The definitions provided by Bullinger beautifully match the state of things in the world as they are and as they will be until the final consummation of the redemptive scenario laid out in Scripture.

The chapter has concluded logically with what has come before it in the winning of the battles, the marking out of the territory, and how all of it anticipates the victories of the Lord on behalf of His people.

It is also a chapter of assurance for each of us in our own battles. Consider that God was so attentive to the needs of Israel that He watched over them and gave them victory after victory. As these victories anticipate the victories of Christ Jesus to secure our salvation and that of Israel as a nation, then we can be assured that He is watching over us just as closely when we belong to Him.

It would be contradictory and perverse to think that God saved us through all of the trials and troubles that Christ faced, for Him to then say, “Ok, you’re on your own in this life.” Rather, in reading Joshua, and indeed all of Scripture, we can be even more assured that God has the best plan for us in the lives we lead.

So hold on to that thought and be reassured by it. When we are in Christ, we are God’s children. As He is the perfect Father, we can know that He is perfectly attentive to us from moment to moment. Thank God for Jesus Christ who made this possible.

Closing Verse: “He gave them the lands of the Gentiles,
And they inherited the labor of the nations,
45 That they might observe His statutes
And keep His laws.” Psalm 105:44, 45

Next Week: Joshua 13:1-14 Getting one’s inheritance sure is grand… (Now Therefore, Divide This Land) (27th Joshua Sermon)

The Lord has you exactly where He wants you. He has a good plan and purpose for you. It is He who has defeated the enemy and who now offers His people rest. So, follow Him and trust Him and He will do marvelous things for you and through you.

An Inheritance Seaward

And these are the kings of the country
Which conquered Joshua and the children of Israel
On this side of the Jordan, on the west
From Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon, as the record does tell

As far as Mount Halak
And the ascent to Seir without any noted revisions
Which Joshua gave to the tribes of Israel as a possession
According to their divisions

In the mountain country, in the lowlands, in the Jordan plain
In the slopes, in the wilderness, and in the South, yes those sites
The Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites
The Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites:

The king of Jericho, one
The king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one
The king of Jerusalem, one
The king of Hebron, one – isn’t this fun!

The king of Jarmuth, one
The king of Lachish, one
The king of Eglon, one
The king of Gezer, one – we’ll make it rhyme with the word pun

The king of Debir, one
The king of Geder, one
The king of Hormah, one
The king of Arad, one – we’ll be done before the setting of the sun

The king of Libnah, one
The king of Adullam, one
The king of Makkedah, one
The king of Bethel, one – a few more before the list is done

The king of Tappuah, one
The king of Hepher, one
The king of Aphek, one
The king of Lasharon, one – this is a ton of fun!

The king of Madon, one
The king of Hazor, one
The king of Shimron Meron, one
The king of Achshaph, one – one is more than none

The king of Taanach, one
The king of Megiddo, one
The king of Kedesh, one
The king of Jokneam in Carmel, one – his city got overrun

The king of Dor in the heights of Dor, one
The king of the people of Gilgal, one
The king of Tirzah, one
All the kings, thirty-one – and now we’re done

Lord God, turn our hearts to be obedient to Your word
Give us wisdom to be ever faithful to You
May we carefully heed each thing we have heard
Yes, Lord God may our hearts be faithful and true

And we shall be content and satisfied in You alone
We will follow You as we sing our songs of praise
Hallelujah to You; to us Your path You have shown
Hallelujah we shall sing to You for all of our days

Hallelujah and Amen…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel conquered on this side of the Jordan, on the west, from Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon as far as Mount Halak and the ascent to Seir, which Joshua gave to the tribes of Israel as a possession according to their divisions, 8 in the mountain country, in the lowlands, in the Jordan plain, in the slopes, in the wilderness, and in the South—the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: 9 the king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one; 10 the king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one; 11 the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one; 12 the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one; 13 the king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one; 14 the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one; 15 the king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one; 16 the king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one; 17 the king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one; 18 the king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one; 19 the king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one; 20 the king of Shimron Meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one; 21 the king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one; 22 the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one; 23 the king of Dor in the heights of Dor, one; the king of the people of Gilgal, one; 24 the king of Tirzah, one—all the kings, thirty-one.

 

Acts 13:28

Charlie Garrett Acts (Written)

Teddy Roosevelt comments about Vermont, Vermont State Capitol.

Sunday, 8 January 2023

“And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. Acts 13:28

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The previous verse contained Paul’s continuing words concerning Jesus, noting that those in Jerusalem and their rulers fulfilled Scripture in condemning Jesus. With that, Paul continues, saying, “And though they found no cause for death in Him.”

The verb is an aorist participle, and the word “though” is not in the Greek. The words are more closely rendered, “And having found no cause of death.” Jesus was put on trial in a manner that was in violation of the Law of Moses as well as the later codes of the Jewish people. In fact, it has been noted that as many as eighteen violations of law occurred during His trial. Despite even having false witnesses presented, there was nothing found in Him that was worthy of condemning Him. Even a charge that He committed blasphemy was completely subjective and could not in any way align with the Law of Moses’ statutes and judgments.

Further, this charge of blasphemy could not stand the scrutiny of Pilate. Therefore, they went to him with a different charge, pitting Jesus against the Roman authority and claiming His actions were seditious, something the gospel records completely refute. Despite all of this, Paul simply states that “they asked Pilate that He should be put to death.”

Jesus was a threat to the leadership of Israel. It was quite apparent that He was approved of God, and they knew He was who He claimed to be. This is not explicitly stated in the gospels, but it is perfectly evident at every turn of a page. They, however, were not looking to cede their power, status, and authority to anyone. Also, they did everything in their power to frustrate Jesus’ work every step of the way.

Eventually, Jesus became such a threat to their positions within the nation that they illegally set about to have Him done away with. In this, they had no authority to put Him to death and so they appealed to Pilate to do so. Despite Pilate not desiring to be a part of the matter, the rulers of Israel manipulated him to the point that he conceded to allow the execution of Jesus.

Of the words of this verse, Charles Ellicott does a magnificent job of tying the entire scenario of what Paul says together with references from the gospels –

“And though they found no cause of death in him.—Technically, the Sanhedrin had condemned our Lord on the charge of blasphemy (Matthew 26:66), but they had been unable to prove the charge by any adequate evidence (Matthew 26:60), and finally condemned him by extorting words from His own lips. When they came before Pilate they shrank at first from urging that accusation, and contented themselves with stating in general terms that they had condemned Him as a malefactor (John 18:30); though afterwards, as if seeking to terrify the wavering governor, they added that by their law He ought to die because He made Himself the Son of God (John 19:7), and that by making Himself a king He spake against the emperor (John 19:12).”

Life application: Despite all that occurred in the illegal trial of Jesus, the death of Jesus was preordained by God. And more, John confirms that even the high priest of Israel prophesied of this fact –

And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.” John 11:49-52

The death of Jesus was necessary for the people of the world to be reconciled to God. However, this does not in any way mitigate the crimes committed by the Jewish leaders. They were responsible for their actions which were contrary to the law of God, despite the overall matter being in accord with the will of God.

This should give us comfort when we see wrongs committed against Christians, or even if they are committed against us because we are Christians. God’s ultimate purposes are being met, even through our trials, whether the events are contrary to God’s law or not.

As an example, a missionary may be martyred for his faith by a bunch of Hindus. This is against the law of God and those Hindus will be punished for what they have done if they fail to come to Christ. However, many may see the death of this missionary and convert to Christianity, maybe even one of the perpetrators. The expansion of God’s kingdom has occurred, and His ultimate will for this to come about has been met, even though the details were contrary to His law.

This is what happened with Joseph when he was sold by his brothers to Egypt, and it is something that occurs elsewhere in the Bible. God takes the wrongdoings of man, and He turns them into wonderful things that ultimately bring Him great glory. So, when evil comes upon you or others, trust that God is in control, and He is working out something far greater than any of us could ever imagine.

Lord God, how grateful we are to know that You are in total control of all things. We need not worry one iota about what lies ahead because we know that through good or bad or life or death, our salvation and eternal destiny are set because of what Jesus has done for us. Thank You, O God, for Your kind hand upon our eternal destiny. Amen.