Rise Up Early - Judges 9:33

In the book of Judges we learned how Gaal said of Israel, “would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase your  army, and come out. And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against you. Now therefore up by night, you and the people that is with you, and lie in wait in the field”, and in chapter nine and verse thirty-three of Judges, we learn how Zebul told Abimelech “in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early" where we read,

And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early, and set upon the city: and, behold, when he and the people that is with him come out against you, then may you do to them as you shall find occasion.

The verse reads, “And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early, and set upon the city:” The writer began with the words, “and it shall be” which means “and the following shall happen and occur”, “that in the morning” which means “that within the early part of the day or at dawn”, “as soon as as the sun is up” or “at the moment the sun in the sky has come up”, “you shall rise early” which means “you, Abimelech, will make an early start”, “and set upon the city” or “and invade, dash upon or raid the habitation, abode and dwelling place”. The writer shared how “Zebul” told “Abimelech” within the start of the day or at sunrise, he was to make an early start and invade the town of “Shechem”.

The verse goes on to say, “and, behold, when he and the people that is with him come out against you, then may you do to them as you shall find occasion.” The writer added the words “and, behold” which means “and lo, look and consider”, “when he and the people that is with him” or “and at the time and moment he, Gaal, and the human beings who are alongside and accompany him, Gaal” “come out against you” which means “exit, go forth and arise in opposition to you, Abimelech”, “then may you do to them” or “at that time shall you, Abimelech, fashion, accomplish and work toward them, Gaal and the human beings with him” “as you shall find occasion” which means “similar and in like manner that you, Abimelech, desire”. The writer shared how “Zebul” told “Abimelech” to consider that at the time and moment the human beings who accompany “Gaal” go forth that he would be able to do whatever he desires with them.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Zebul” gave “Abimelech” a plan for addressing the threat of “Gaal” and the people who accompanied him. This plan involved getting up at sunrise and preparing himself to attack them. God knew these divisive things were going to happen, and although these people believed themselves to be in charge, God was watching all these events. God knows the acts and deeds of mankind, and when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the understanding that He is in control in the spiritual world even though men make their plans and act upon them. (See Ephesians 6:12)

Next time we learn how, “Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night", 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".

Lie in Wait in the Field - Judges 9:32

In the book of Judges we learned how Gaal said of Israel, “would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase your  army, and come out. And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against you”, and in chapter nine and verse thirty-two of Judges, we learn how Zebul told Abimelech “lie in wait in the field" where we read,

Now therefore up by night, you and the people that is with you, and lie in wait in the field:

The verse reads, “Now therefore up by night, you and the people that is with you, …” The writer began with the words, “now therefore up by night” which means “wherefore, then and on this account rise up within the nighttime”, “you and the people” which means “you, Abimelech and the human beings” “that is with you” or “who are alongside and accompanying you, Abimelech”. The writer shared how “Zebul” instructed “Abimelech” and the human beings who accompanied him to do the following. 

The verse continues, “… and lie in wait in the field:” The writer added the words “and lie in wait” which means “and wait or lurk in ambush” “in the field” or “within the land, cultivated ground or countryside”. The writer shared how “Zebul” told “Abimelech” to lurk in an ambush within the territory or cultivated land. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Zebul” devised a plan to rise up against “Gaal” and the people of “Shechem” who were aligned with him. “Zebul” secretly told “Abimelech” about “Gaal and his brothers” rising up against him, and he instructed “Abimelech” to wait in ambush for them when he arrived. God was aware of all these acts and deeds as he sent the “evil spirit” that came between “Abimelech and Shechem” (See Judges 9:23), and He knows what happens in our lives as well,. When we surrender to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and direct us in that which He desires to do among us and other people in the world. (See John 3:16; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how Zebul told Abimelech, “in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early", 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".

Messengers Sent to Abimelech - Judges 9:31

In the book of Judges we learned how Gaal said of Israel, “would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase your  army, and come out. And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled”, and in chapter nine and verse thirty-one of Judges, we learn how Zebul, “sent messengers unto Abimelech privily" where we read,

And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against you.

The verse reads, “And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem;” The writer began with the words, “and he sent messengers” which means “and he, Zebul, dispatched and assigned envoys” “unto Abimelech privily” which means “to Abimelech whose name means ‘Melek is father or my father is king’ secretly”, “saying, Behold” or “uttering, declaring and proclaiming, lo, look and consider”,“Gaal the son of Ebed” which means “Gaal whose name means ‘loathing’ the male offspring and progeny belonging to Ebed whose name means ‘servant’” “and his brethren” or “and his, brothers” “be come to Shechem” which means “have entered and arrived within Shechem whose name means ‘back or shoulder’ and was a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) southeast of Samaria”. The writer shared how “Zebul” dispatched envoys to “Abimelech” secretly and told him “Gaal”, who was “Ebed’s” male offspring, and his brothers had arrived within the city of “Shechem”. 

The verse goes on to say, “and, behold, they fortify the city against you.” The writer continued with the words “and, behold” which means “and lo, look and consider”, “they fortify the city” or “they, Gaal and his brothers, distress, besiege and confine the habitation, abode, dwelling place and town” “against you” which means “in opposition to you, Abimelech”. The writer shared how “Zebul” told “Abimelech” through his envoys that “Gaal and his brothers” besieged the town of Shechem in opposition to him. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Zebul” assigned envoys to secretly tell “Abimelech” that “Gaal and his brothers” had not only arrived within the town of “Shechem”, but they had distressed the city to be in opposition to him. We shall see how they respond to this attack in our next verses, but for now let us be mindful that Jehovah God sent the “evil spirit” between “Abimelech” and “Shechem” because of their deceit and treachery against the people of Israel and the seventy sons of “Gideon”. (See Judges 9:23) God was working His plan through all these men, and because He loves us, He will dispatch people and circumstances in our lives to draw us into a personal relationship with Him. He sent His 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 so 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 empower us to live according to that truth so we have confidence that He is working all things for good according to His perfect plan and will. (See Romans 8:28)

Next time we learn how Zebul told Abimelech, “lie in wait in the field", 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 Zebul Heard - Judges 9:30

In the book of Judges we learned how Gaal said to the men of Shechem, “would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase your  army, and come out”, and in chapter nine and verse thirty of Judges, we learn what happened, “when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal" where we read,

And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, 

his anger was kindled.

The verse reads, “And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, …” The writer began with the words, “and when Zebul” which means “and at the time and moment Zebul whose name means ‘exalted’ and was the chief man of the city of Shechem at the time of the contest between Abimelech and the native Canaanites” “the ruler of the city” which means “the prince, leader, chief, chieftain and official belonging to the habitation, abode and dwelling place” “heard the words of Gaal” or “was given the faculty for hearing, perceiving and understanding the spoken speech and utterance belonging to Gaal” “the son of Ebed” which means “the male offspring of Ebed whose name means ‘servant’ and was father of Gaal in the time of the judges” the following occurred. The writer shared how “Zebul” was given the faculty for hearing and perceiving that which “Ebed’s male offspring” “Gaal” declared and the following happened. 

The verse continues, “… his anger was kindled.” The writer added the words “his anger” which means “his, Zebul’s, wrath and ire that wrinkles the nostrils and nose” “was kindled” or “existed as furious, burning and incensed”. The writer shared how “Zebul’s” ire was burning hot after hearing what “Gaal” declared. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Gaal’s” words were perceived by “Zebul” who was the chief leader within the dwelling place of “Shechem”, and those declarations made him furious. We shall see what “Zebul” does about this in our next verses, but for now let us consider that Jehovah God sent the “evil spirit” among them to cause all this turmoil to exist. (See Judges 9:23) God knows what is best for mankind, and when we make His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and rose from the grave after three days our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to keep Him as the ruler of our lives that never needs to be ruled by foolish people. (See John 3:16; Jeremiah 5:21-26)

Next time we learn how Zebul, “sent messengers unto Abimelech privily", 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".

Under My Hand - Judges 9:29

In the book of Judges we learned how concerning Abimelech that, “the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him. And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech. And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him?”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-nine of Judges, we learn how Gaal said, “would to God this people were under my hand" where we read,

And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech.

 And he said to Abimelech, Increase your  army, and come out.

The verse reads, “And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech.” The writer began with the words, “and would to God” which means “and Oh to the Supreme Deity that” “this people were under my hand” which means “these human beings existed beneath my, Gaal’s, power, might, strength and authority”! “Then would I remove Abimelech” or “at that time I, Gaal, would with certainty turn aside, depose and put away Abimelech whose name means ‘Melek is father or my father is king’ and was the son of Gideon by a concubine”. The writer shared how “Gaal” passionately desired to rule over the people of “Shechem” because he said he would certainly depose “Abimelech” from his position as king. 

The verse goes on to say, “And he said to Abimelech, Increase your army, and come out.” The writer continued with the words “and he said to Abimelech” which means “and he, Gaal, declared and proclaimed to Abimelech whose name means ‘Melek is father or my father is king’”, “increase your army” or “make numerous, abundant and multiplied your, Abimelech’s, host of battling and wartime men”, “and come out” which means “and go forth, depart and exit”. The writer shared how “Gaal” challenged “Abimelech” to multiply the warriors in his battle host and proceed toward him to fight. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how “Gaal” desired to be the leader over the “men of Shechem”, and he vowed to rid the men of “Shechem” of “Abimelech” if he ruled over them by challenging “Abimelech” to make more numerous his “army” and to proceed toward him to fight. What desperation this was. God was aware of all these plans of men, and because He knows what is in everyone’s heart and mind, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When He raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and given His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and equip us to live with Him as our Ultimate authority regardless of who rules among men. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Isaiah 45:5; Romans 13:1)

Next time we learn what happened, “when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal", 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". 

Who is Abimelech and Shechem? - Judges 9:28

In the book of Judges we learned about Abimelech that, “the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him. And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-eight of Judges, we learn how “Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem?” where we read,

And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him?

The verse reads, “And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal?” The writer began with the words, “and Gaal” whose name means “loathing” and was “the son of Eved or Ebed who aided the Shechemites in their rebellion against Abimelech” “the son of Ebed” which means “the male offspring of Ebed whose name means ‘servant’” “said” or “uttered, declared, proclaimed and asked”, “who is Abimelech” which means “what person exist Abimelech whose name means “Melek is father or my father is king’ and was the male offspring of Gideon by a concubine”, “and who is Shechem” or “and what person exists Shechem whose name means ‘back or shoulder’ and was a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) southeast of Samaria”, “that we should serve him” which means “so that we, the men of Shechem, out to him, Abimelech”? “Is not he the son of Jerubbaal” or “doesn’t he, Abimelech, exist as the male offspring belonging to Jerubbaal whose name means ‘let Baal contend’ and was the name given to Gideon by his father when he destroyed the altar of Baal”? The writer shared how “Gaal” led the revolt of the “men of Shechem” in opposition to “Abimelech” by questioning what person “Abimelech” and the “men of Shechem” were that they ought to be slaves and bondmen to him.

The verse continues, “and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him?” The writer added the words “and Zebul his officer” which means “and Zebul whose name means ‘exalted’ and was the chief man of the city of Shechem at the time of the contest between Abimelech and the native Canaanites”? “Serve the men of Hamor” or “work and labor for the male human beings belonging to Hamor whose name means ‘He-ass’ and was the Hivite prince of the city of Shechem when Jacob entered Palestine”, “the father of Shechem” which means “the immediate male progenitor and ancestor belonging to Shechem whose name means ‘back or shoulder’”: “for why should we serve him” or “because, since and on what account ought we, Gaal and the men of Shechem, to labor and work for him, Zebul”? The writer shared how “Gaal” questioned the reasons he and the men of “Shechem” ought to labor and work for “Zebul” who was “Abimelech’s” chief man. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover more drama to this story concerning the “men of Shechem” and “Abimelech”. Although they thought this relationship would be beneficial to both of them, now “Gaal” and “Abimelech’s” chief man were involved. What a tangled web of subterfuge and deceit this was, and yet, Jehovah God was overseeing all of it. (We should be reminded that He sent the “evil spirit” to be among them. See Judges 9:23) This is the way it usually turns out when people forsake Jehovah God and 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 empower us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him and puts full confidence in Him regardless of the circumstances that surround us. (See Proverbs 3:5-6)

Next time we learn how Gaal says, “would to God this people were under my hand", 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".

Into the Fields and Gathering Vineyards - Judges 9:27

In the book of Judges we learned, “When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel, Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech. That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them; and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren. And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-seven of Judges, we learn how “they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards” where we read,

And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.

The verse reads, “And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, …” The writer began with the words, “and they went out” which means “and they, the men of Shechem alongside Gaal, left and departed” “into the fields” which means “to the cultivated land or country”, “and gathered their vineyards” or “and collected and assembled their, the men of Shechem’s, fields for grapevines”, “and trode the grapes” which means “and treaded, marched and pressed upon and the fruit known as grapes”, “and made merry” or “and fashioned, accomplished and produced rejoicing, praise and celebration for harvest”. The writer shared how “Gaal” and the “men of Shechem” departed to their “grape vineyards” and collected “fruit known as grapes, pressed them and produced rejoicing within themselves”. 

The verse continues, “… and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.” The writer added the words “and went into the house” which means “and left and departed into the habitation, abode and dwelling place” “of their god” or “belonging to their, the men of Shechem’s, deity”, “and did eat and drink” which means “and devoured and consumed food and imbibed banqueting beverages”, “and cursed Abimelech” or “and trifled, slighted and made little account of Abimelech whose name means ‘Melek is father or my father is king’ and was Gideon’s son by a concubine”. The writer shared how the “men of Shechem” departed to the dwelling place of their deity, ate food and drank as they trifled “Abimelech”. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Gaal” influenced the “men of Shechem” as they proceeded forth to their grapevine “fields”, collect fruit from them, pressed the grapes and rejoiced and were glad. They also departed into the dwelling place belonging to their “deity”, ate, drank and slighted “Abimelech”. We can see how there is a plan with the “men of Shechem” which included feasting and celebrating their denouncing of “Abimelech”. Jehovah God observed all these things, and we shall see how this works out for them. God had a plan to rescue Israel from “Abimelech”, and each of these details were known by Him. God wants us to have full confidence and trust in Him, and when we receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all ruth and empower us to live according to that truth so we have full confidence and trust in Him regardless of the people and circumstances who are employed to perform His perfect plan. (See John 3:16; Proverbs 19:21)

Next time we learn how, “Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem", 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".