With Cattle and Tents - Judges 6:5

In the book of Judges we learned, “when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them. And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till you come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass”, and in chapter six and verse five of Judges, we learn, “they came up with their cattle and their tents”, where we read,

For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.

The verse reads, “For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude;” The writer began with the words, “for they” which means “because, since and on account that they, the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east” “came up with their cattle” or “arose and proceeded forward alongside and accompanied by their, the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east’s, livestock” “and their tents” which means “and their the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east’s, transient and temporary dwelling places”, “and they came as grasshoppers” or “and they, the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east, arose and proceeded forward in likeness and similar to a swarm of locusts “for multitude” which means “because, since and on account of an abundant, great and numerous amount of people”. The writer shared how “the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east” arrived accompanied by their livestock and temporary dwelling places as they proceeded forward like a swarm of locusts which were abundant and great in number. 

The verse goes on to say, “for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.” The writer continued with the words, “for both they” which means “because, since and on account that they, the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east” “and their camels” or “and their, the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east’s, beasts of burden and riding camels” “were without number” which means “existed not having an amount that could be counted”: “and they entered into the land” or “and they, the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east, entered and arrived within the territory, region and district” “to destroy it” which means “to corrupt, ruin and pervert it, the land”. The writer shared how “the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east” were numerous, and their riding “camels” could not be numbered, and at the time and moment the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east entered, there was a great number of them and their riding “camels” for the purpose of ruining and corrupting the “land”. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east” entered the territory of the Israelites with a large number of people, livestock and temporary dwelling places, and there were so many of them that they were similar to a swarm of locusts that could not be counted. Their purpose was to corrupt and ruin the crops, livestock and ground of “Israel”. “Israel” has always had it’s hating adversaries, and whenever the people of Israel were disobedient to Jehovah God by forsaking Him and His ways, they suffered from various ones. God wants an intimate personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who was crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the confidence to know He will protect us when the onslaught of our enemies rise against us. (See Deuteronomy 28:7; Psalm 44:5; John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “Israel was greatly impoverished”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Encamped Against Israel - Judges 6:4

In the book of Judges we learned, “when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them”, and in chapter six and verse four of Judges, we learn, “they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth” where we read,

And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, 

till you come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.

The verse reads, “And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, …” The writer began with the words, “and they encamped against them” which means “and they, “the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east” lay siege, pitch their tents and dwelt in opposition to them, the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel”, “and destroyed” or “and corrupted, ruined and spoiled” “the increase of the earth” which means “the produce, fruit and crop belonging to the cultivated land, ground and territory”. The writer shared how the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east” set up tents in opposition to the offspring of “Israel” and spoiled and ruined the crops of their grounds. 

The verse continues, “… till you come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.” The writer added the words, “till you come unto Gaza” which means “until such time that you, the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east, arrive and enter into Gaza or Azzah whose name means ‘the strong’ and was another name for 'Gaza', a city of the Philistines located in the extreme southwest of Palestine close to the Mediterranean”, “and left no sustenance” or “and allowed to remain not any preservation of life, live flesh or victuals” “for Israel” which means “on behalf of Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”, “neither sheep” or “no and not in any way small cattle such as sheep”, “nor ox” which means “no and not in any way bulls, head of cattle, cows or oxen” “nor ass” or “no and not in any manner male donkeys”. The writer shared how “the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east” did not leave anything to suspend the lives of “Israel” included their “sheep, cattle and donkeys”. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how the people of “Israel” lost their crops and livestock to “the Midianites, Amelekites and the people of the east”. This was a direct result of the people of “Israel” defying God and His ways. God did not want it to be this way, but because they abandoned God and violated His ways, they suffered great loss. God knew this, and He was to soon send a rescuer their way. He knows our conditions as well, and because we have sin in our lives, He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we surrender our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to remain in fellowship with Him to avoid massive suffering and loss because we have abandoned Him and His ways. (See John 3:16:16:13; Acts 1:8; Philippians 3:8)

Next time we learn how, “they came up with their cattle and their tents”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

When Israel had Sown - Judges 6:3

In the book of Judges we learned, “And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds”, and in chapter six and verse three of Judges, we learn, “when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up” where we read,

And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, 

and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;

The verse reads, “And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, …” The writer began with the words, “and so it was” which means “and the following happened and occurred”, “when Israel had sown” or “at the time and moment Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob, scattered yield producing seed”, “that the Midianites came up” which means “that the Midianites whose name means ‘strife’ and was a son of Abraham by Keturah and progenitor of the tribe of the Midianites or Arabians, ascended, rose and extended themselves”. The writer shared at the time “Israel” planted “seed” for crops, the “Midianites” arose.

The verse goes on to say, “… and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;” The writer continued with the words, “and the Amalekites” which means “and the Amalekites whose name means ‘dweller in the valley’ and was the son of Eliphaz by his concubine Timnah, grandson of Esau, and progenitor of a tribe of people in southern Canaan”, “and the children of the east” or “and the offspring and progeny belonging to the people in the eastern direction”, “even they came up against them” which means “also and indeed they, the Amalekites and children of the east, arose in opposition to Israel”. The writer shared how the “Amalekites” and offspring belonging to the people in the eastern direction also rose up against “Israel”. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how there were groups of people who rose up in opposition to “Israel”, and their timing was after the people of Israel planted their seeds. We shall see what they do in our next verses, but for now, let us be reminded that all this happened because the people of Israel “did evil in the sight” of Jehovah God. God wants us to be holy even as He is holy, (See 1 Peter 1:15,16) and this is made possible when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and equip us to live according to that truth so we are prepared for every foe who rises up against us. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:37)

Next time we learn how, “they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Midian Prevailed Against Israel - Judges 6:2

In the book of Judges we learned, “And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years”, and in chapter six and verse two of Judges, we learn how “the hand of Midian prevailed again Israel”, where we read,

And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.

The verse reads, “And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel:” The writer began with the words, “and the hand of Midian” which means “and the power, might and authority belonging to Midian or Midianite whose name means ‘strife’ and was son of Abraham by Keturah and progenitor of the tribe of Midianites or Arabian” “prevailed against Israel” or “was made firm and strong in opposition to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”. The writer shared how the power and might belonging to “Midian” became firm in opposition to the people of “Israel”. 

The verse continues, “and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.” The writer added the words, “and because of the Midianites” which means “and since and on account of the Midianites whose name means ‘strife’” “the children of Israel” or “the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “made them the dens” which means “fashioned and produced crevices, ravines, mountain clefts and dugout holes” “which are in the mountains” or “that existed within the risings above the plain”, “and caves” which means “and holes or dens”, “and strong holds” or “and forts, castles coverts of ambush”. The writer shared how the offspring belonging to “Israel” fashioned crevices and ravines within the holes or dens within the risings above the plain on account of the power and might of the “Midianites”.

When we meditate the words in this verse, we learn how the power and might of the people of “Midian” was so strong that the offspring belonging to “Israel” had to hide within the clefts and ravines within the risings above the plain. Can we imagine how difficult this must have been especially after having peace and tranquility for “forty years” (See Judges 5:31) Now rather than being in their comfortable homes, they were hiding in “caves”. God did not want it this way, but the people of Israel forsook Him, ad now the consequences were adverse and lengthy. God wants to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we submit to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to continue walking with Him to avoid adverse consequences that cause us to hide in “caves”. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Psalm 121:7; 2 Thessalonians 5:22)

Next time we learn, “when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up”, again, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Israel Doing Evil in God’s Sight Again - Judges 6:1

In the book of Judges we learned, “Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, praise you the LORD for the avenging of Israel,  …  So let all your enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goes forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years”, and in chapter six and verse one of Judges, we learn how “the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD”, again, where we read,

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: 

and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.

The verse reads, “And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD:” The writer began with the words, “and the children of Israel” which means “and the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “did evil” or “performed bad, malignancy, disagreeableness and wickedness” “in the sight of the LORD” which means “within the vision and presence belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and is the proper name of the One True God”. The writer shared how the offspring belonging to “Israel” once again performed wickedness and malignancy within the presence of Jehovah God. 

The verse goes on to say, “and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.” The writer continued with the words, “and the LORD delivered them” which means “and Jehovah who is the existing One, the offspring of Israel, put, set, bestowed, granted and gave them, the offspring of Israel” “into the hand of Midian” or “to be under the power, might and authority belonging to Midian or Midianite whose name means ‘strife’ and was son of Abraham by Keturah and progenitor of the tribe of Midianites or Arabians” “seven years” which means “for the length of seven annual sets of days”. The writer shared how Jehovah God gave over the offspring belonging to “Israel” to the power and might of “Midian” for the length of “seven” annual sets of days. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how the offspring of “Israel” once again performed wicked acts and deeds within the presence of Jehovah God, and for this reason, He turned them over to the people of “Midian”. We might ask, why didn’t the people of Isreal learn? God knows that sin against Him and His ways has consequences, and when we sin, the final result is death. (See Romans 3:23; 6:23) For this reason God sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and keep from the adverse consequences for committing “evil” in His presence. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:3)

Next time we learn how, “the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel”, again, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Let All Your Enemies Perish, O LORD - Judges 5:31

In the book of Judges we learned, “Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, praise you the LORD for the avenging of Israel,  … Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent. He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish. She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples. At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead. The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots? Her wise ladies answered her, yes, she returned answer to herself, have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colors, a prey of divers colors of needlework, of divers colors of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil?”, and in chapter five and verse thirty-one of Judges, we learn how Deborah and Barak sung,“So let all your enemies perish, O LORD” where we read,

So let all your enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goes forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.

The verse reads, “So let all your enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goes forth in his might.” The writer began with the words, “So let all your enemies perish” which means “wherefore, therefore, on this account and then allow and permit each, the whole and everyone of your, Jehovah God’s, hating foes and adversaries, vanish, go astray, be destroyed and exterminated”, “O LORD” or “O Jehovah who is the existing One and is the proper name of the One True God”: “but let them that love him” which means “however, notwithstanding, nevertheless and moreover allow and permit them, the people who have fondness and affection toward him, Jehovah God” “be as the sun” or “exist like and similar to the sun in the sky” “when he goes forth in his might” which means “at the time and moment he, the sun in the sky, exits, proceeds and departs within his, the sun’s, power and strength”. The writer shared how “Deborah and Barak” began to conclude their song with a charge to allow every one of Jehovah God’s hating foes to be destroyed, and to allow everyone who is affectionate toward Him to exist like the proceeding of the sun in the sky at the time they depart in their power and might. 

The verse continues, “And the land had rest forty years.” The writer added the words, “and the land” which means “and the ground, territory, region and district” “had rest forty years” or “possessed quiet and tranquility for forty annual sets of days”. The writer shared how the region had quiet and tranquility for the length of forty annual sets of days after “Sisera, Jabin and their armies” were destroyed. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Deborah and Barak” concluded their song by desiring that every hating foe of Jehovah God be destroyed like “Jabin” and his armies, and that they may depart in a powerful way like the sun that goes forth mightily in it’s course. This caused Israel to have peace and quiet within their territory for the length of “forty” annual sets of days. God gave them rest, and because they yielded themselves to His way, they were blessed. God wants to give us a similar “rest” when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days. As we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and give us the knowledge that He is able to defeat all our enemies and give us rest and peace in our lives. (See Matthew 11:28; John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:37)

Next time we begin a new chapter and learn how, “the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD”, again, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Have They Not Sped? - Judges 5:30

In the book of Judges we learned, “Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, praise you the LORD for the avenging of Israel,  … Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent. He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish. She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples.  At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead. The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots? Her wise ladies answered her, yes, she returned answer to herself, …”, and in chapter five and verse thirty of Judges, we learn how Deborah and Barak sung the words of the wise ladies,“Have they not sped?” where we read,

Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colors, a prey of divers colors of needlework, of divers colors of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil?

The verse reads, “Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two;” The writer began with the words, “have they not sped” which means “have they, the army of Sisera, in no way or manner hurried”? “Have they not divided the prey” or “have they, the the army of Sisera, in no way or manner found and separated the plunder, spoil and booty”; “to every man a damsel or two” which means “to each, the whole and everyone of the male human beings a compassionate maiden or tender love or two of them”. The writer shared how “Deborah and Barak” included the “wise ladies” question about the army of Sisera hurrying to find and separate the plunder among the people of Israel, and all of Sisera’s men would obtain a compassionate maiden or two among them. 

The verse goes on to say, “to Sisera a prey of divers colors, a prey of divers colors of needlework, of divers colors of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil?” The writer continued with the words, “to Sisera” which means “toward Sisera whose name means ‘battle array’ and was the conquering general under king Jabin of Hazor and slain by Jael” “a prey of divers colors” or “a plunder, spoil and booty with dyed stuff and clothes”, “a prey of divers colors of needlework” which means “a plunder, spoil and booty with dyed stuff and clothes made with variegated stuff and embroidery”, “of diverse colors of needlework on both sides” or “pertaining dyed stuff made with variegated stuff and embroidery upon each of the sides of the material”, “meet for the necks of them” which means “appropriate and fitting on behalf of the physical necks belonging to them, Sisera’s army” “that take the spoil” or “who capture, seize and lay hold of the plunder, booty and gain”? The writer shared how “Deborah and Barak” sung of the plunder fashioned with various dyed things and clothing that would be obtained by Sisera and which were fitting for the physical necks of his army who seized them.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Deborah and Barak” sung of the “wise ladies” saying the plunder was to be obtained by Sisera and his army. Tapestries, clothing and textiles made with fine embroidery were among the spoils that were to be gained by Sisera and his men, and all of them were available for the taking by his army. How wrong these “wise ladies” were. God not only gave Israel the victory, but He also gave them great gain among their hating foes. God loves to bless people, and when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raise Him from the dead after three days, He made the way for all who believe in Jesus to be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit so we will not only be conquerers in this world but also to be “more than conquerers” even when our enemies believe they have won. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:37)

Next time we learn how Deborah and Barak sing, “So let all your enemies perish, O LORD”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".