In Psalms chapter seventy-eight Asaph reminded the people of Israel when they journeyed through the wilderness how they “provoked” God, and “the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouts by reason of wine. And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach”, and in chapter seventy-eight and verse sixty-seven of Psalms Asaph said Jehovah God, “refused the tabernacle of Joseph”, where we read,
Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim:
The verse begins, “Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, ...” Asaph began with the words, “moreover he refused” or “in addition and more so he, Jehovah God, rejected, despised and disdained” “the tabernacle of Joseph” which means “the transient dwelling place, habitation and sacred tent belonging to Joseph whose name means 'Jehovah has added' and was the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel”. Asaph said Jehovah God rejected and disdained the sacred tent of worship belonging to “Joseph”.
The verse continues, “... and chose not the tribe of Ephraim:” Asaph added the words, “and chose not” or “and did not elect, decide for or select” “the tribe of Ephraim” which means “the rod, staff and scepter belonging to Ephraim whose name means double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful and was the second son of Joseph who was blessed by him and given preference over first son Manasseh”. Asaph said Jehovah God did not select the scepter of the people within “Ephraim”.
When we think through the words in this verse, we see through Asaph how Jehovah God rejected the sacred tent of worship located in the area where Joseph's descendants were located. Joseph had two sons – Ephraim and Manasseh, and they were the places where the people of Israel began to worship idols and other gods. God knew the worship of other gods was not only offensive to Him, but it would also be detrimental for them. Jehovah God is for us, and He proved this by sending His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins. When we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and watch over our places of worship because He is first in our lives. (See Matthew 6:33)
Next time Asaph says Jehovah God, “chose the tribe of Judah”, 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".
No comments:
Post a Comment