#Jehu kills the Priests of Baal

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Massacre of Ahab’s Descendants

1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of the city, to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of Ahab, saying, 2 “Since your master’s sons are with you and you have at your disposal chariots and horses, a fortified city, and weapons, 3 select the son of your master who is the best qualified, set him on his father’s throne, and fight for your master’s house.” 4 But they were utterly terrified and said, “Look, two kings could not withstand him; how then can we stand?” 5 So the steward of the palace and the governor of the city, along with the elders and the guardians, sent word to Jehu, “We are your servants; we will do anything you say. We will not make anyone king; do whatever you think right.” 6 Then he wrote them a second letter, saying, “If you are on my side and if you are ready to obey me, take the heads of your master’s sons and come to me at Jezreel tomorrow at this time.” Now the king’s sons, seventy persons, were with the leaders of the city, who were charged with their upbringing. 7 When the letter reached them, they took the king’s sons and killed them, seventy persons; they put their heads in baskets and sent them to him at Jezreel. 8 When the messenger came and told him, “They have brought the heads of the king’s sons,” he said, “Lay them in two heaps at the entrance of the gate until the morning.” 9 Then in the morning when he went out, he stood and said to all the people, “You are innocent. It was I who conspired against my master and killed him, but who struck down all these? 10 Know, then, that there shall fall to the earth nothing of the word of the Lord that the Lord spoke concerning the house of Ahab, for the Lord has done what he said through his servant Elijah.” 11 So Jehu killed all who were left of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, all his leaders, close friends, and priests, until he left him no survivor.

12 Then he set out and went to Samaria. On the way, when he was at Beth-eked of the Shepherds, 13 Jehu met relatives of King Ahaziah of Judah and said, “Who are you?” They answered, “We are kin of Ahaziah; we have come down to visit the royal princes and the sons of the queen mother.” 14 He said, “Take them alive.” They took them alive and slaughtered them at the pit of Beth-eked, forty-two in all; he spared none of them.

15 When he left there, he met Jehonadab son of Rechab coming to meet him; he greeted him and said to him, “Is your heart as true to mine as mine is to yours?” Jehonadab answered, “It is.” Jehu said, “If it is, give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand. Jehu took him up with him into the chariot. 16 He said, “Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord.” So he had him ride in his chariot. 17 When he came to Samaria, he killed all who were left to Ahab in Samaria, until he had wiped them out according to the word of the Lord that he spoke to Elijah.

Slaughter of Worshipers of Baal

18 Then Jehu assembled all the people and said to them, “Ahab offered Baal small service, but Jehu will offer much more. 19 Now therefore summon to me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be missing, for I have a great sacrifice to offer to Baal; whoever is missing shall not live.” But Jehu was acting with cunning in order to destroy the servants of Baal. 20 Jehu decreed, “Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they proclaimed it. 21 Jehu sent word throughout all Israel; all the servants of Baal came, so that there was no one left who did not come. They entered the temple of Baal until the temple of Baal was filled from wall to wall. 22 He said to the keeper of the wardrobe, “Bring out the vestments for all the servants of Baal.” So he brought out the vestments for them. 23 Then Jehu entered the temple of Baal with Jehonadab son of Rechab; he said to the servants of Baal, “Search and see that there is no servant of the Lord here among you but only servants of Baal.” 24 Then they proceeded to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings.

Now Jehu had stationed eighty men outside, saying, “Whoever allows any of those to escape whom I deliver into your hands shall forfeit his life.” 25 As soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, Jehu said to the guards and to the officers, “Come in and kill them; let no one escape.” So they put them to the sword. The guards and the officers threw them out and then went into the citadel of the temple of Baal. 26 They brought out the pillar that was in the temple of Baal and burned it. 27 Then they demolished the pillar of Baal and destroyed the temple of Baal and made it a latrine to this day.

28 Thus Jehu wiped out Baal from Israel. 29 But Jehu did not turn aside from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat that he caused Israel to commit: the golden calves that were in Bethel and in Dan. 30 The Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what I consider right and in accordance with all that was in my heart have dealt with the house of Ahab, your sons of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.” 31 But Jehu was not careful to follow the law of the Lord the God of Israel with all his heart; he did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam that he caused Israel to commit.

Death of Jehu

32 In those days the Lord began to trim off parts of Israel. Hazael defeated them throughout the territory of Israel: 33 from the Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, which is by the Wadi Arnon, that is, Gilead and Bashan. 34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, all that he did, and all his power, are they not written in the Book of the Annals of the Kings of Israel? 35 So Jehu slept with his ancestors, and they buried him in Samaria. His son Jehoahaz succeeded him. 36 The time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty-eight years. — 2 Kings 10 | New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE) New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. All rights reserved worldwide. Cross References: Exodus 22:20; Exodus 32:4; Leviticus 26:25; Numbers 11:12; Deuteronomy 2:36; Joshua 9:5; Joshua 9:8; Joshua 15:56; 2 Samuel 4:2; 1 Kings 12:28; 1 Kings 14:23; 1 Kings 16:31-32; 1 Kings 18:40; 1 Kings 19:10; 1 Kings 19:17; 1 Kings 21:19; 1 Kings 22:6; 2 Kings 5:6; 2 Kings 8:24; 2 Kings 9:8; 2 Kings 9:14; 2 Kings 9:24; 2 Kings 11:1; Psalm 39:1; Jeremiah 41:5; Matthew 22:11; Galatians 2:9

[dailydemonspotlight]

I’m feeling in a Devil Survivor mood today, care for me to ask for Jezebel?

Jezebel - Day 33 (Request)

Race: Bel

Alignment: Free Palestine! 🇵🇸

May 7th, 2024

Abrahamic faith and SMT go hand-in-hand. There's a reason YHVH is such a recurring figure in the series, and it's not just due to ATLUS wanting to see god be dethroned every entry. Hell, in mainline, a good amount of theming is based around abrahamic religions, such as things like the Law-Chaos dichotomy or literal Lucifer being a major character in almost every game in the series. However, if there's one game in the series famous for its Christian roots, it'd have to be the first Devil Survivor. Whether it be the main character literally being Abel, the demonic invasion having heavy ties to a biblical apocalypse, or many other characters in the story being reincarnations of biblical characters, Devil Survivor is rife with Christian themes. Admittedly, I haven't played it yet, being a mainline and DDS fan first and foremost, but its themes being so explicitly connected to abrahamic faith to the point it makes even mainline blush is notable to me.

Now, what does this have to do with anything? It has to do with our demon of the day! Great segway, I know. Today's demon of the day is the wicked witch and promoter of Baal, Jezebel! Being an infamous figure for good reason, Jezebel was responsible for many things associated with false prophets- whether it be propping up fake gods like Baal and Asherah or slaughtering Yahwist priests, she was responsible for the fall into heresy that the Omride dynasty experienced. In spite of how unpopular the dynasty grew to be to the common israelite who lived under her, Jezebel promoted growth, eventually leading to conflict with her own people. Only being a princess, she could only promote worship of Baal, however she often went out of her way to kill people who worshipped capital-g God, leading to Panic! At Jerusalem.

Eventually, she led to the death of Naboth in an act of greed for a fellow Israeli citizen, executing the man for not wishing to share his prosperous vineyard with her husband, Ahab. Watching this flagrant disregard for his people, though, was God, who was utterly fuming. Seeing the fall into heresy that Jezebel led Israel right into, he gave Elijah a prophecy- one of the eventual death of Jezebel. The man would report that prophecy to King Jehu, who would give a solid order- one to execute the woman. Jezebel then proceeded to be thrown through a window and eaten by dogs. Yes, really. Death by defenestration is a biblical thing.

Ever since that story, Jezebel has become synonymous with false prophets and heresy in abrahamic faiths, with her name typically being referred to as shorthand for any who manipulate others through lies and gaslighting. As unpopular as she was until her death, though, she's still referred to by many in that same context, and you may find people referring to others as 'Lustful Jezebels' if they're lame enough. Her name was also attached, in the Book of Revelations, to a priest who began to spread sexual promiscuity to her people, hence the "lustful" part of that saying.

Now, in SMT, her design is utterly fascinating- appearing as a late-game boss fight in Devil Survivor, the flowers seem to symbolize promiscuity, while the many tendrils emerging from the torso seem to represent all manners of manipulation. Her design is packed with layers of metaphor, and the imagery of flowers can also represent both 'honeyed words,' as well as the spreading of lies, like pollen. Her design also is frankly sick looking- I really gotta play Devil Survivor, huh? Overall, Jezebel is a fantastically designed demon with some serious importance behind her, a representation of sin and manipulation that I adore.

[lennart11412]

18Then Jehu gathered all the people together, and said to them, “Ahab served Baal a little, Jehu will serve him much. 19Now therefore, call to me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests. Let no one be missing, for I have a great sacrifice for Baal. Whoever is missing shall not live.” But Jehu acted deceptively, with the intent of destroying the worshipers of Baal. 20And Jehu said, [h]“Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they proclaimed it. 21Then Jehu sent throughout all Israel; and all the worshipers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left who did not come. So they came into the [i]temple of Baal, and the temple of Baal was full from one end to the other. 22And he said to the one in charge of the wardrobe, “Bring out vestments for all the worshipers of Baal.” So he brought out vestments for them. 23Then Jehu and Jehonadab the son of Rechab went into the temple of Baal, and said to the worshipers of Baal, “Search and see that no servants of the Lord are here with you, but only the worshipers of Baal.” 24So they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had appointed for himself eighty men on the outside, and had said, “If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escapes, whoever lets him escape, it shall be his life for the life of the other.”

25Now it happened, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, “Go in and kill them; let no one come out!” And they killed them with the edge of the sword; then the guards and the officers threw them out, and went into the [j]inner room of the temple of Baal. 26And they brought the sacred pillars out of the temple of Baal and burned them. 27Then they broke down the sacred pillar of Baal, and tore down the [k]temple of Baal and made it a refuse dump to this day. 28Thus Jehu destroyed Baal from Israel.

29However Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin, that is, from the golden calves that were at Bethel and Dan. 30And the Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in doing what is right in My sight, and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, your sons shall sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.” 31But Jehu [l]took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart; for he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam, who had made Israel sin.

[lordgodjehovahsway]

2 Kings 10: Jehu Tells The Elders And Guardians Of Ahab's Children To Make One Of Them King

1 Now there were in Samaria seventy sons of the house of Ahab. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria: to the officials of Jezreel, to the elders and to the guardians of Ahab’s children. He said, 

2 “You have your master’s sons with you and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city and weapons. Now as soon as this letter reaches you, 

3 choose the best and most worthy of your master’s sons and set him on his father’s throne. Then fight for your master’s house.”

4 But they were terrified and said, “If two kings could not resist him, how can we?”

5 So the palace administrator, the city governor, the elders and the guardians sent this message to Jehu: “We are your servants and we will do anything you say. We will not appoint anyone as king; you do whatever you think best.”

6 Then Jehu wrote them a second letter, saying, “If you are on my side and will obey me, take the heads of your master’s sons and come to me in Jezreel by this time tomorrow.”

Now the royal princes, seventy of them, were with the leading men of the city, who were rearing them. 

7 When the letter arrived, these men took the princes and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu in Jezreel. 

8 When the messenger arrived, he told Jehu, “They have brought the heads of the princes.”

Then Jehu ordered, “Put them in two piles at the entrance of the city gate until morning.”

9 The next morning Jehu went out. He stood before all the people and said, “You are innocent. It was I who conspired against my master and killed him, but who killed all these? 

10 Know, then, that not a word the Lord has spoken against the house of Ahab will fail. The Lord has done what he announced through his servant Elijah.” 

11 So Jehu killed everyone in Jezreel who remained of the house of Ahab, as well as all his chief men, his close friends and his priests, leaving him no survivor.

12 Jehu then set out and went toward Samaria. At Beth Eked of the Shepherds, 

13 he met some relatives of Ahaziah king of Judah and asked, “Who are you?”

They said, “We are relatives of Ahaziah, and we have come down to greet the families of the king and of the queen mother.”

14 “Take them alive!” he ordered. So they took them alive and slaughtered them by the well of Beth Eked—forty-two of them. He left no survivor.

15 After he left there, he came upon Jehonadab son of Rekab, who was on his way to meet him. Jehu greeted him and said, “Are you in accord with me, as I am with you?”

“I am,” Jehonadab answered.

“If so,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he did, and Jehu helped him up into the chariot. 

16 Jehu said, “Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord.” Then he had him ride along in his chariot.

17 When Jehu came to Samaria, he killed all who were left there of Ahab’s family; he destroyed them, according to the word of the Lord spoken to Elijah.

Servants of Baal Killed

18 Then Jehu brought all the people together and said to them, “Ahab served Baal a little; Jehu will serve him much. 

19 Now summon all the prophets of Baal, all his servants and all his priests. See that no one is missing, because I am going to hold a great sacrifice for Baal. Anyone who fails to come will no longer live.” But Jehu was acting deceptively in order to destroy the servants of Baal.

20 Jehu said, “Call an assembly in honor of Baal.” So they proclaimed it. 

21 Then he sent word throughout Israel, and all the servants of Baal came; not one stayed away. They crowded into the temple of Baal until it was full from one end to the other. 

22 And Jehu said to the keeper of the wardrobe, “Bring robes for all the servants of Baal.” So he brought out robes for them.

23 Then Jehu and Jehonadab son of Rekab went into the temple of Baal. Jehu said to the servants of Baal, “Look around and see that no one who serves the Lord is here with you—only servants of Baal.” 

24 So they went in to make sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had posted eighty men outside with this warning: “If one of you lets any of the men I am placing in your hands escape, it will be your life for his life.”

25 As soon as Jehu had finished making the burnt offering, he ordered the guards and officers: “Go in and kill them; let no one escape.” So they cut them down with the sword. The guards and officers threw the bodies out and then entered the inner shrine of the temple of Baal. 

26 They brought the sacred stone out of the temple of Baal and burned it. 

27 They demolished the sacred stone of Baal and tore down the temple of Baal, and people have used it for a latrine to this day.

28 So Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel. 

29 However, he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.

30 The Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all I had in mind to do, your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.” 

31 Yet Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit.

32 In those days the Lord began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael overpowered the Israelites throughout their territory 

33 east of the Jordan in all the land of Gilead (the region of Gad, Reuben and Manasseh), from Aroer by the Arnon Gorge through Gilead to Bashan.

34 As for the other events of Jehu’s reign, all he did, and all his achievements, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel?

35 Jehu rested with his ancestors and was buried in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son succeeded him as king. 

36 The time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty-eight years.

[ancestorsofjudah]

2 Kings 10: 18-24. "The Eighty Men."

King Jehu, a former military commander and Official in the Temple is anointed by Elisha, the prophet to become a king and destroy lock, stock, and barrell all threats to the people of Israel in their vicinity. The former kings, Ahab, his wife Jezebel, and neighbors Joram and Ahaziah, violent and corrupt, idolators and whoremongers to the last moments of their lives wrecked everything, and God decided there was a price to pay for this.

He tells Jehu to kill everyone involved- shepherds, priests, army men, all of them to the last man, and this he does. We have an Ahab and Jezebel of our own- Donald Trump and that dozy cow, Paula White Cain, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are their corrupt shepherds, and certainly Hamas needs no honorable mentions.

The War in Gaza must not end till every last man, woman, child, all of the persons that organized what was meant to be a lethal strike against the people of Israel from Gaza to the West Bank are held accountable.

In America, our government must also be told it has no choice but to respond to the crimes and filth of the Trump era that are lingering to pollute our lives must be dealt with using lethal force. The same sentiment needs to apply in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. You don't watch mechanized terror show up on someone's doorstep one day blow their houses, streets, families, and roads apart and do nothing. That is wrong.

As for things here in DC, how is it the DC City Council and Mayor couldn't find the time to go and close the Family Research Council down after all the evil they have done to the people of this world? The number of their violations of the City Charter would decorate both of one's sleeves. What about all the Pro-Life terrorism and election fraud you have allowed?

What the hell is going on?

The good and gracious people on this world are depending on fierce demonstrations of Justice and their needs must be met, all threats to their happiness must be executed as the Melachim states.

Before we go on, we need to define what Ba'al is. Ba'al is not a tiki god like they show on the Simpsons.

Ba'al means "god on the ground." Anyone can become a Ba'al. Our Ba'als are Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, those giant nacho chili cheese beer farts on Fox News, etc. who you better believe knew Donald Trump cheated in that 2016 election and schcrews little kids for kix.

Ba'als are persons that claim to be in the know but know nothing, are in power because they snuck in and have been chased out again, and exhibit clear contrasts to behaviors prescribed by leaders named in secular and sacred laws.

They must never, ever be allowed to live:

Servants of Baal Killed

18 Then Jehu brought all the people together and said to them, “Ahab served Baal a little; Jehu will serve him much. 

19 Now summon all the prophets of Baal, all his servants and all his priests. See that no one is missing, because I am going to hold a great sacrifice for Baal. Anyone who fails to come will no longer live.” But Jehu was acting deceptively in order to destroy the servants of Baal.

20 Jehu said, “Call an assembly in honor of Baal.” So they proclaimed it.

 21 Then he sent word throughout Israel, and all the servants of Baal came; not one stayed away. They crowded into the temple of Baal until it was full from one end to the other. 

22 And Jehu said to the keeper of the wardrobe, “Bring robes for all the servants of Baal.” So he brought out robes for them.

23 Then Jehu and Jehonadab son of Rekab went into the temple of Baal. Jehu said to the servants of Baal, “Look around and see that no one who serves the Lord is here with you—only servants of Baal.” 

24 So they went in to make sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had posted eighty men outside with this warning: “If one of you lets any of the men I am placing in your hands escape, it will be your life for his life.”

Jehu and his Beau, the chariot driver, Jehonadab of Rekab assign 80 men to kill the priests of Baal, whom he orders to get ready to meet their maker. Why did he do this? Let us find out.

v. 18: the Value in Gematria is 6669, וווט, wot, "a small array of inquisitive particles."

There are four separate roots אוה ('wh), two of which produce words that are spelled אי ('i). One of these roots yields the word או ('aw), meaning desire, which is spelled the same as an unrelated conjunction או ('o), which conveys an alternative or exception. The identical particle אי ('i) describes negation, and so does the possibly related substantive אין ('ayin).

Then there are two more words that are identical to the two previously mentioned: אי ('i). Then there is the similarly spelled interrogative adverb אי ('ay), which spawns a small array of inquisitive particles.

v. 19: the Value in Gematria is 9245, טבדה, tabeda, "to sink into the testimony".

v. 20-21: the Value in Gematria is 11222, יאב‎‎ב‎ב‎, "I love you".

v. 22: the Value in Gematria is 5978, הט‎זח‎ , the tzah, "the Command."

"The two roots צוה (swh) and ציה (syh) are similar in form but their meanings (either to command or to be dry) don't come close. Still, for some reason, the Bible's symbolic structure appears to insist on a relation between the two: One of the two names of the mountain upon which Moses received the Law from God, is Horeb, which means Dry Place. Also note that the word Torah comes from a verb that also yields a word for rain.

Perhaps the notion of a dry place taps into the creation account, and specifically the third day, or into the account of Noah's flood. A dry place is not a place where people die of thirst, but rather a place where the sea is no more, after it has given all her treasures (REVELATION 21:1)."

v. 23: the Value in Gematria is 12878, יבחז‎ח‎, yabzahk, "God's lightning."

The unused Hebrew verb בזק (bazaq) probably meant to scatter (it does so in Aramaic). Noun בזק (bazaq) probably describes a lightning bolt — but this in reference to its zig-zag nature rather than its heat, illumination or thunderous noise.

v. 24: the Value in Gematria is 13264, יגבוד‎‎, "I will be honored."

We are charged by God He and His Torah are to be the only sources of Truth on this world. A government that defies these Orders, that kills, lies, commits adultery, rapes little kids, defies God and cannot be permitted to operate. It must be dressed up in all of its criminal charges and dispatched forthwith without mercy.

[yhwhrulz777]

Wayside Chapwl Daily Devotional 10th July 2023

July 10

2 Kings 11:13-14 13When Athaliah heard the noise made by the guards and the people, she went to the people at the temple of the LORD. 14She looked and there was the king, standing by the pillar, as the custom was. The officers and the trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her robes and called out, "Treason! Treason!"

When Amaziah died from the wounds inflicted by Jehu, his mother, Athaliah, decided to take over as supreme ruler. This wicked lady killed all but one of her own grandchildren. A sister of Amaziah hid one of her nephews in the temple. When the child, Joash, was barely old enough to reign, Athaliah reaped what she had sown. The priest Jehoida declared Joash king at the tender age of seven. Athaliah heard everyone shouting and clapping, and she yelled, "Treason, treason!" The people could have answered her, "Yes that was your crime." The wicked often accuse others of the things of which they are guilty. They are familiar with the sin because they live it daily, but in their twisted minds they have cleared themselves while accusing everyone else. They are shocked when justice against them prevails.

The people may have wondered what happened to the justice of God. As time passed and Joash was aging, the animosity of the people was growing. The selfish reign of Athaliah and her love for Baal was causing the animosity that would erupt in the justice of God. He has His perfect time for everything.

When we see wickedness prevail and are accused of the very things our adversary is guilty of, remember, Satan is the accuser of the brethren. God will deal with wickedness when the time is right. The people of the land also tore down the temple of Baal in Judah and killed the priest of Baal. Then they made a covenant with God and with their new king.

Consider: God is not looking the other way. He is laying the groundwork for His will to be done in His perfect time.

[revelations77ofthe-lastdays]

Tyrannical Rule of Jezebel When Jezebel married Ahab, she influenced him to worship Baal, a nature god. As a woman seeking more power, she sought to destroy those who questioned her, and most of the prophets of Yahweh were murdered at her request. These evil and tyrannical works motivated the righteous vengeance of Elijah who correctly predicted the encounter of a severe drought as divine retribution against Jezebel. Elijah later had the Baal priests killed after they had failed in a contest with him to see which God would answer their prayers to inflame a bull offering, Baal or Yahweh. When Jezebel learned of the killing, she furiously vowed to have Elijah killed, forcing him to flee for his life (I Kings 18:19–19:3).Her conduct was in many respects very disastrous to the kingdom both of Israel and Judah (21:1-29). At length, she came to an untimely end. As Jehu rode into the gates of Jezreel, she looked out at the window of the palace, and said, "Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?" He looked up and called to her chamberlains, who instantly threw her from the window so that she was dashed in pieces on the street, and his horses trod her under their feet. She was immediately consumed by the dogs of the street (2 Kings 9:7-37), according to the word of Elijah the Tishbite (1 Kings 21:19).Her name afterward came to be used as the synonym for a wicked woman

[timhatchlive]

The Slippery Slope of a Judgmental Spirit

Jehu, king of Israel was a man on fire. The Lord appointed him to wipe out the sin of Israel and he acted with intense zeal in accomplishing that task. At one point he boasted to an associate: “Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD.” 2 Kings 10:16. Yet there is a lesson for the modern church in the life of Jehu. Let us first recount his expedition of vengeance. 

Once anointed Jehu unleashed a torrent of God's wrath on the unfaithful royal families of both southern and northern Israel. Joram (Ahab's son), Jezebel, and all 70 of Ahab's sons were killed. He piled the heads of Ahab's sons at the gate in a proud display of his accomplishment. Ahaziah, the king of Judah and all his relatives were slaughtered at Jehu's command. Finally, Jehu coordinated a fake Baal worship ceremony in order to bring all the Baal worshippers into one place and he commanded his men to slaughter all of them as well. You could say Jehu was the John Wick of the Bible. 

Yet in spite of all his seeming zeal for the Lord, this is the final record of Jehu's reign as king of Israel:

2 Kings 10:28–31 (ESV) Thus Jehu wiped out Baal from Israel. 29 But Jehu did not turn aside from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin—that is, the golden calves that were in Bethel and in Dan. 30 And the LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in my eyes, and have done to the house of Ahab according to all that was in my heart, your sons of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.” 31 But Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel to sin.

What we see of Jehu we see very often in our world. There are many Christians who are fully committed to the judgment of God on others while ignoring their own sin. Jehu was committed to God's wrath poured out on others but failed to see the need for repentance in his own heart. 

It is entirely possible to have a long successful life only ever pointing out the faults of others. We live in a world that almost trains us to do it. Consider how news media polarizes us to see only the faults of the other side. Consider how easy we can watch television shows of other people sinning in disreputable ways in order to feel better about our own lives. Consider the "water cooler" conversation that turns quickly to gossip about some coworker or customer. There is something inherent in the human condition that gives us 20/20 vision for the sins of others and blindness toward our own. 

We must watch out for this spirit in us. For it can get out of control as I believe happened with Jehu. Remember, the Lord commanded Jehu to strike down the house of Ahab back in 2 Kings 9:

2 Kings 9:7–8 (ESV) And you shall strike down the house of Ahab your master, so that I may avenge on Jezebel the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD. 8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel.

But the tally shows us Jehu went much further, striking down friends, priests and chief men among the nation. 

2 Kings 10:11 (ESV) So Jehu struck down all who remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, all his great men and his close friends and his priests, until he left him none remaining.

Not only this, but Jehu struck down all the worshippers of Baal (as noted above) and the Shepherds of Beth-eked who were simply there to visit the queen (see 2 Kings 10:12-14). 

For this, the Lord pronounced judgment on Jehu's house in Hosea:

Hosea 1:4 (ESV) And the LORD said to him, “Call his name Jezreel, for in just a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel.

The lesson of Jehu is a lesson for all of us. Be mindful of your own sins before you spend your life judging the sins of others. A judgmental spirit is a slippery slope that can get out of hand. Take for instance the manner in which the Pharisees looked upon the sinless Christ and condemned Him guilty! They were blinded by their own self-righteousness and missed seeing the righteous one. 

Let us learn from Jehu and take the log out of our own eye first. The Cross stands as a reminder that MY SINS were paid for. MY guilt was atoned for. MY Lord gave HIS LIFE for ME.

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[hosannainthehighest-blog]

King Joash

Passage: 2 Chronicles 22:10- 2 Chronicles 24

 BACKGROUND

 King Ahaziah was assassinated by Jehu for all the evil that he had done. When his mother, Queen Athaliah heard that her son was dead she seized the throne and proceeded to have all the sons of the royal throne slaughtered.

 However, the sister of King Ahaziah, Jehosheba, saved one of the prince from being killed. The name of the prince was Joash / Jehoash. Jehosheba was married to a priest, Jehoaida. Jehoaida the high priest took in Joash and they hid him in the house of God for 6 years til he had grown.

 Despite the political unrest and the impending dangers of staging a coup d‘etat against the evil Queen Athaliah, Jehoiada strengthened himself and got captains of hundreds and the Levites of Judah to join him in protecting and establishing Joash as the rightful king in Judah.

 They succeed with their plan and Queen Athaliah was killed and dethroned and her grandson Joash reigns in her stead. Joash was a very young king for at the age of 7 he led the people of Judah. Jehoida took responsibility of guiding him and making sure that he did all that was in accordance to the will of God.

 Fast forward – Jehoiada was now at a ripe old age of 130 years old and had died. Because of the good he did for the city of Judah he was given the honor of being buried among the kings of Judah. However, his death was also the start of the downfall of Joash.

 Joash then did evil and followed the officials that led him to serve the Asherim and idols. God remained faithful to the line of Judah for the sake of His servant David and would even send prophets to bring Joash back to God. God used Zecharaih, the son of Jehoiada to warn Joash. But rather than listen and repent Joash kills the son of the man who practically raised him!

 Because of his great sin, Aram invades and defeats Judah, Joash becomes very sick and his own servants conspire against him and kill him for what he did to Zechariah. And to top it all off he wasn’t even given the honor of being buried with the kings of Judah.

 What a tragic ending to a story that started off so well.

LESSONS WE CAN LEARN

 IMPORTANCE OF A GODLY SPOUSE

It is important that we pray about marrying a godly man who will help you grow in the Lord. Jehosheba grew up in a family that was evil. Her father Jehoram did evil because he married into an evil family (the daughter of King Ahab of Israel). Her brother who became king also did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. It’s encouraging to note that Jehosheba didn’t become like her father and brother, rather did what was right. She marries a godly man, a high priest at that!

 Jehosheba’s actions of saving her nephew Joash is an instrumental noteworthy moment because she was not just saving a child but helping preserve the Davidic line, which is also the Messianic line to which Christ would eventually be born. (Do note that in the Matthew 1 that records the genealogy of Jesus, it skips kings Ahaziah, Joash and Amaziah and goest straight to Uzziah.)

 It is possible that she did this on her own accord out of compassion for the innocent children being slaughtered, or it is also possible that she knew about God’s word that the Davidic line would be established, and it could also be possible that she knew this because of her husband. Either way, she acted out of righteousness and as a result she had the privilege of being a part of history in preserving the line of David.

***

OBEDIENCE TO GOD IN EVERY ASPECT

Dirty political moves like what Queen Athaliah did is not new news to us. The political situation of Judah must have been utter chaos and the people also must have suffered under her tyranny for we read in 2 Chronicles 23:21 that the land rejoiced and was quiet after Athaliah had been put to death.

 I can imagine she was the tyrant type who would not hesitate to put to death anyone who opposed or spoke out against her. So for Jehoaida the priest to do what he did must have taken a lot of strength and courage to dethrone her and to restore the rightful heir.

 The king’s son shall reign and must reign, this was in accordance to what God had spoken. Jehoiada being a man of God knew the Word of God. He knew that God’s will was for the line of David to be established so he acted out in obedience to God’s word to do what was in his power to make Joash king.

 Also note that it was 6 years long that Jehoiada kept the existence of Joash a secret, so imagine what it must felt like living daily with the threat of the queen finding out. But God was also working to ensure word didn’t get out to the Queen until the appointed time. It was now the 7th year and Jehoiada made strategic plans on how to announce Joash as the rightful king. He was organized and gave specific roles; he asked the help of key people (captains of hundreds, Levites all over Judah); he was a leader and a man of great interest in whom the Levites and all of Judah did as he had commanded; he was patient and waited for the right time before revealing King Joash; he respected God’s law and made specific instructions that only Levites could enter the house of the Lord. “Never let sacred things be profaned, no, not for the support of civil rights.” – Matthew Henry Commentary

 Because Jehoiada knew God and knew the Word of God, he carried out the work in obedience to God.

 Throughout majority of the reign of Joash he provided guidance and godly counsel. He helped reform Judah and renewed the covenant of the people to God. He tore down the Baals. He placed the offices of the house of the Lord under the authority of the Levitical priests as was written in the law of Moses. He stationed gatekeepers of the house of the Lord to ensure no one unclean could enter. He took care to follow that instructions of the Lord and to also pass on the law to Joash.

 Being able to fully obey God means we also need to be fully committed to reading His word to know His will.

***

FINISH WELL

 The story of King Joash is such a tragic one. He started so well and his mere existence was all thanks to the couple who saved him, took care of him, raised him in the ways of the Lord. When his spiritual mentor had passed away he began to do what was evil. We read about how God was still gracious enough to send prophets to call him out however in the hardness of his heart he did not heed their warnings.

 His heart must have been so hard that he even killed the son of the man who looked after him. It is also possible that Zechariah was one of the priests who anointed Joash when he became king (2 Chronicles 23:11). Just as Zechariah was being stoned to death he cried out “May the Lord see and avenge!” It must have been so painful for Zechariah to have seen King Joash turn away! And rather than to repay the kindness and guidance his father gave the king instead he received a death sentence of stoning just because he reproved the king for his sins.

 Just because we are walking with the Lord now doesn’t mean we should be complacent and over-confident that we will automatically finish well. We need to do our part to follow God completely, to growing the knowledge of His Word and will, and to live in obedience to His commands. I think the problem with Joash was he relied too much on Jehoaida for guidance that he never cultivated a deeper relationship personally with God. When his source of guidance was gone he lost direction in life.

 When we fall into the traps of sin God provides many ways out. He uses people to call us back to him just as He sent prophets to Joash. When God sends you people to speak the truth in love and to call you out, do not resent it. Rather listen and obey and come back to God.

 I believe Joash could have finished well if he was humble enough to repent of his sins. What a sad ending it was for him. Despite the good he had done while Jehoiada was alive he was remembered more for the evil he did in the latter part of life. So much so, that the honor of being buried with the king was not even given to him.

[agameforgoodchristians]

"Your god being unable to hear you because he's off taking a shit in the bushes (1 Kings 18:27)": On the Bible's motif of "shit-talking" Baal

Background

Last week on Iron Age Prophet Smackdown!!!…

Ahab became king and pissed off God more than any of the kings who came before him (1 Kings 16:33) by marrying Jezebel and officially establishing worship of Baal in the kingdom. God responds with three years of drought befalling the land (1 Kings chapter 17).

Chapter 18 of 1 Kings begins with the prophet Elijah presenting himself before Ahab, and challenging the prophets of Baal to a spiritual duel. Ahab sends out word across all of Israel to gather at Mount Carmel to see a battle between the prophets of Baal (and Asherah – who are forgotten from the story after vs 19) and Elijah representing YHWH. It’s 450 prophets against 1.

Elijah challenges the assembled masses asking, “How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” (vs 21) But the people remained silent.  So Elijah’s proposed a simple test: Each team would make a stone altar with a pile of wood, just like normal. Each team would also be given a sacrificial bull, which will ceremonially butchered, and placed on the altar, also, just like normal. The twist would be that neither team would light their altar on fire. Instead, Elijah said,“…you call on the name of your god and I will call on the name of the Lord; the god who answers by fire is indeed God” (vs 24). And all the people said, “Bet!”

Elijah let team Baal go first. They took the bull that was given to them, prepared it, and called out to their god from around 6 am until noon, crying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no answer. After six hours of parading around the altar, Elijah participated in a long tradition of prophetic discourse: he became a bit of a dick.

At noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud! Surely he is a god; either he is meditating, or he has wandered away, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” (vs 27)

{For the rest of the story…}

This is the verse our card is based on, and you may be asking, “what does this have to do with ‘shit’?

{Note: Before you read any further and get offended by our repeated use of the word “shit,” we’ve covered how and why we employ “foul language” in our game and in our Card Talks. Maybe you should take a look at those.}

 Elijah’s Shit Talking

Let’s investigate what Elijah actually said to the prophets of Baal:

At noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud! Surely he is a god; either he is meditating, or he has wandered away [וְכִֽי־שִׂיג לֹו], or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” (vs 27)

This is the only place in the Bible where the phrase וְכִֽי־שִׂיג לֹו is used, and as always, we love looking into how some Bibles have translated key words. 

The (ye olde) King James Version translates this phrase “he is pursuing” (which of course leads us to the question pursuing, or chasing, what?).

The Revised Standard Version says that “he is on a journey” (but to where?).

The New Revised Standard Version suggests that “he has wandered away” (because he’s feeble-minded?).

Never content to stick with translations of the Bible, we Bible nerds refer back to lexicons for word meanings.

Brown–Driver–Briggs’ A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament (or BDB to her friends) gives two definitions for כִֽי־שִׂיג לֹו: “Withdrawing to a private place” and “dross,” as in waste product.

Holladay’s A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament is, no surprise, more concise, giving this succinct definition for כִֽי־שִׂיג לֹו: “bowel movement.”

Put them both together,

Baal was looking for a private place to take a shit.

And so you don’t think this is just our wacky, irreverence, consider:

“Starting about noon, Elijah began to tease them: ‘Shout louder! He's a god, so maybe he's busy. Maybe he's relieving himself. Maybe he's busy someplace. Maybe he's taking a nap and somebody needs to wake him up.'‘“ (International Standard Version)

“About noontime Elijah began mocking them. ‘You'll have to shout louder,’ he scoffed, ‘for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is daydreaming, or is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or is asleep and needs to be wakened!’" (New Living Translation)

The New Oxford Annotated Bible (New Revised Standard Version) footnotes the verse saying, “a disrespectful euphemism meaning that Baal has to relieve himself.”  

Everett Fox’s translation renders it “Maybe he is busy—maybe ‘doing his business’…” with an appropriate footnote about “scatological” euphemisms.

Gregory Mobley renders the passage in this alliterated way: “‘Call with a louder voice. Perhaps Elohim is distracted or defecating or detoured. Perhaps he is asleep and will awaken.’”

But Why “Shit”?

In pouring over and translating this passage, one question kept coming to mind: why shit? Seriously: why does Elijah (or the biblical writer of Elijah’s voice) employ scatological humor in the middle of his taunts?

Sure, potty humor is always funny (“…if Baal shits in the forest and no one hears him, is he really a god?”), but is that it? Elijah is just the average bro throwing fecal funnies around? If so, are dick jokes next? (Actually, Paul makes some of those in the New Testament, but that’s a conversation for another Card Talk). We wondered if there was some deeper significance to this specific, shitty shot at Baal. And you know what? There is.

The Hebrew Bible (and later rabbinic source) use the motif of shit to denigrate worship of Baal.

This is not confined to this passage. To that end, allow us to provide two examples from within the context of Kings, and two from without, showing the scope of the biblical tradition of shitting on Baal.

ON BAAL AND SHIT

The Shit-God of 2 Kings Chapter 1

2 Kings begins with a story of Elijah confronting king Ahaziah of Samaria, who has just fallen off his roof (and no we don’t have a card for this story, but we really should). Ahaziah sends messenger to inquire consult the oracles of Baal Zebub, the god of the Philistine city of Ekron. The angel of the LORD tells Elijah to inform Ahaziah that there is only one God he is supposed to be consulting about his health, and that is not the god of his enemies. So now he’s going to die.

What does this have to do with shit? “Baal Zebub” doesn’t pass the linguistic or historical smell test for multiple reasons.

There is no archaeological evidence of a Philistine god named Baal Zebub.

Also, the name doesn’t makes sense. The word/name “Baal” means “lord,” “prince,” “master,” or “husband” (#patriachy). Thus, “Baal Zebub” means “Lord of Zebub,” and since “Zebub” was/is not a place, most scholars believe that the deity’s name was originally Baal Zebul, which means “The mighty Baal/lord” or “The exalted Baal/lord.”

Baal Zebub on the other hand, can be translated one of two ways: in Hebrew, “Lord of the flies,” or in Aramaic— the northwest Semitic language—(wait for it) “Lord of dung.”  

Yes, they changed the god’s name to “shit-god.”

The Shit-Temple of 2 Kings Chapter 10

2 Kings chapter 10 continues the narrative of the king Jeru, who was anointed by Elisha— Elijah’s prophetic successor— and spends most of his time destroying everything and everyone related to worship of Baal.

One specific account records how Jehu called together “all the prophets of Baal, all his worshipers, and all his priests; let none be missing, for I have a great sacrifice to offer to Baal… But Jehu was acting with cunning in order to destroy the worshipers of Baal.” (vs 19) “All the worshipers of Baal came, so that there was no one left who did not come… until the temple of Baal was filled from wall to wall.” (vs 21). Jehu had his men make sure that the only people inside the temple were Baal worshipers. Then he has everyone in the temple killed:

Now Jehu had stationed eighty men outside … As soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, Jehu said to the guards and to the officers, “Come in and kill them; let no one escape.” So they put them to the sword. The guards and the officers threw them out, and then went into the citadel of the temple of Baal. They brought out the pillar that was in the temple of Baal, and burned it. (24b, 25-26).

So where’s the shit?

It’s in what Jehu did next: turning the temple of Baal into the public toilet.

Then they demolished the pillar of Baal, and destroyed the temple of Baal, and made it a latrine to this day. (vs 27)

Yes, he turned the god’s palace into a temple of shit.

{Note: This isn’t just one isolated Bible story. It’s believed that other Jewish kings did the same. Archaeological evidence has been found that King Hezekiah might have followed Jeru’s lead when he enacted his own religious reforms (c.f. 2 Kings 18:1-6), as a site in Lachish was found with altars damaged in ways corresponding to the biblical description, and an ancient toilet was installed in the corner, the ultimate act of desecration.}

The Shit-God of Numbers Chapter 25

Numbers 25:1-15 tells the story of the children of Israel having sexual relationships with the people of Moab. This was a big no-no, because the Israelites were supposed to hate the Moabites for reasons we don’t have time to get into. Needless to say, God is upset by this, not (only) because of all the sex, but because of what the sex brought with it: worship of Baal:

These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. Thus Israel yoked itself to the Baal of Peor, and the Lord’s anger was kindled against Israel. (vs 2-3)

God’s anger was made known to the people:

The Lord said to Moses, “Take all the chiefs of the people, and impale them in the sun before the Lord, in order that the fierce anger of the Lord may turn away from Israel.” And Moses said to the judges of Israel, “Each of you shall kill any of your people who have yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor.” (vs 4-5)

In addition to this death sentence, 24,000 die in a plague (c.f. Psalm 106:28-31), which ended when a guy named Phineas took a spear and ran it through an Israelite and a Midianite woman while they were having sex (of course we have this as a Card in the game!).

Okay, cool story, but where’s the shit? (This is a longer one…)

The word “Peor” means “open the mouth” (c.f. Isaiah 5:14). However, the rabbinic tradition has associated Baal Peor with ritual defecation. And they are VERY GRAPHIC when talking about it. Three examples:

1. Discussing this passage, and the worship of Baal Peor, Rashi wrote: “accounting for the name, they would open the ‘mouth’ of the rectum before him and bring forth excrement” (Source).

2. The Talmud says

“The Gemara relates another incident with regard to Ba’al-Peor. The Sages taught: There was an incident involving a Jew named Sabbeta ben Alas, who rented out his donkey and his services to a certain gentile woman. He was driving his donkey behind her, and when she arrived at Peor, she said to him: Wait here until I go in and come out. After she came out, he said to her: You too wait for me until I go in and come out. She said to him: Aren’t you Jewish? Why, then, are you worshipping idols? He said to her: And what do you care? He entered and defecated before the idol, and wiped himself with its nostril, as he wanted to demean the idol as much as possible. But he was unsuccessful, as the priests of Peor were praising him and saying: No person has ever worshipped it before with this excellent form of worship. Although he intended to demean Ba’al-Peor, he actually worshipped it.” (b. Sanh. 64a)

3. The Talmud also records

Rav Yehuda says that Rav says: An incident occurred involving a certain gentile woman who was very ill. She said: If that woman, referring to herself, recovers from her illness, she will go and worship every object of idol worship in the world. She recovered from her illness and subsequently worshipped every object of idol worship in the world. When she arrived at Peor she asked the priests: How does one worship this idol? They said to her: One eats spinach, which causes diarrhea, and drinks beer, which also causes diarrhea, and defecates before it. The woman said: Better for that woman, referring to herself, to return to her illness, and not worship an idol in such a manner. (b. Sanh. 64a)

Yes, to worship Ba’al means that you like kinky shit-play in many aspects of your life.

Shit-Stomping in Isaiah Chapter 25 

Isaiah chapter 25 describes God coming to the aid of His oppressed people. Verse 7-8 describe God “swallowing” the threat of death. In the Hebrew, “swallow” is an anagram for “Baal,” and in Canaanite mythology, Baal was a god who swallowed Death.

But where is the shit?

Notice the result of the enemies who rise against God’s people in this passage:

For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain.

The Moabites shall be trodden down in their place

as straw is trodden down in a dung-pit. (Isaiah 25:10) 

Yes, they get stepped on and squashed like the straw used to create manure (shit) in the Ancient Near East.

The Lesson

While there was more than one Baal worshiped in the Ancient Near East, the Bible largely conflates them into one being [and if you want to completely nerd out on this topic we highly recommend Mark S Smith’s The Early History of God: Yahweh and the Other Deities in Ancient Israel and And Frank Moore Cross’s classic Canaanite Myth and Hebrew Epic: Essays in the History of the Religion of Israel.].

However, it doesn’t matter which Baal we’re talking about: the Bible and later rabbinic literature uses a motif of shit to denigrate the worship of Baal.

Why? Because, in the Hebrew mindset:

Baal ain’t shit compared to God.

And what more is there to say?

But what do we know: we made this game and you probably think we’re going to Hell.

  The End of the Duel

After Elijah’s holy shit talking, the prophets of Baal cried even louder. And “they cut themselves with swords and lances until the blood gushed out over them.” (vs 28). But as midday began to turn into evening, and their bloody cries went unanswered, and Elijah continued to slice away at their morale, they gave up.

Then it was Elijah’s turn. He rebuilt the altar of the Lord that had been torn down under Ahab and Jezebel’s reign, using twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. He made a huge trench, a moat, around the altar, and after placing the wood and his butchered bull on it, he had the people fill four jars with water, and had them poured on the burnt offering and on the wood. He had this repeated three time, twelve in total. So much water that the moat he had dug was filled with water also. Elijah prayed to his God and

 “Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and even licked up the water that was in the trench.” When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord indeed is God; the Lord indeed is God.” (vs 38-39)

After the battle of divine wills was over, Elijah said to the people, “Seize the prophets of Baal; do not let one of them escape.” Then they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the Wadi Kishon, and killed them there. (vs 40)

Team Baal: 0 / Team YHWH: 1 

[yhwhrulz]

Wayside Chapel Daily Devotional 10th July 2022

Morning July 10

2 Kings 11:13-14 13When Athaliah heard the noise made by the guards and the people, she went to the people at the temple of the LORD. 14She looked and there was the king, standing by the pillar, as the custom was. The officers and the trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her robes and called out, "Treason! Treason!"

When Amaziah died from the wounds inflicted by Jehu, his mother, Athaliah, decided to take over as supreme ruler. This wicked lady killed all but one of her own grandchildren. A sister of Amaziah hid one of her nephews in the temple. When the child, Joash, was barely old enough to reign, Athaliah reaped what she had sown. The priest Jehoida declared Joash king at the tender age of seven. Athaliah heard everyone shouting and clapping, and she yelled, "Treason, treason!" The people could have answered her, "Yes that was your crime." The wicked often accuse others of the things of which they are guilty. They are familiar with the sin because they live it daily, but in their twisted minds they have cleared themselves while accusing everyone else. They are shocked when justice against them prevails.

The people may have wondered what happened to the justice of God. As time passed and Joash was aging, the animosity of the people was growing. The selfish reign of Athaliah and her love for Baal was causing the animosity that would erupt in the justice of God. He has His perfect time for everything.

When we see wickedness prevail and are accused of the very things our adversary is guilty of, remember, Satan is the accuser of the brethren. God will deal with wickedness when the time is right. The people of the land also tore down the temple of Baal in Judah and killed the priest of Baal. Then they made a covenant with God and with their new king.

Consider: God is not looking the other way. He is laying the groundwork for His will to be done in His perfect time.

[walkthroughtheword]

Reading for February 17th           2 Chronicles 22-23 Do you remember Ahaziah from yesterday? Not King Ahaziah from Israel (also bad), but King Jehoram’s only living son. Please also recall Ahaziah’s mom was the evil queen Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Well, Ahaziah is the new king of Judah starting in Chapter 22 of the Chronicler. He was 22 years old and reigned over Judah in Jerusalem for only one year. I only regret I’m not writing this entry for Tuesday, 2/22/22. Let’s see how his reign goes, shall we? King Ahaziah grew up in a very dysfunctional home and had witnessed lots of death and destruction by the time he took the throne. He also “did what was evil in the LORD’s sight.” Ahaziah’s advisors included his mother, Athaliah, and the advisors from the house of Ahab in Israel including Ahab’s son, King Joram of Israel. I hope you are seeing a pattern develop here. Things don’t go very well when the Kings of Judah and the Kings of Israel get together. We read that “Ahaziah’s downfall came from God when he went to Joram.” (2 Chr 22:7) The two of them, Ahaziah and Joram, encounter the prophet Jehu “whom the LORD had anointed to destroy the house of Ahab.” (2 Chr 22:7) Uh oh… Jehu executes the LORDs will and kills the rulers of Judah, all the sons of Ahaziah’s brothers, and finally Ahaziah himself. The only goodness identified with Ahaziah was revealed at his funeral from the soldiers who buried him and proclaimed, “he is the grandson of Jehoshaphat who sought the LORD with all his heart.” (2 Chr 22:9) Ahaziah did have an heir, a baby boy, at the time of his death. The baby’s name was Joash. In the absence of a royal heir old enough to lead the Kingdom of Judah, evil queen Athaliah takes control and begins to assassinate all male boys in the house of Judah who might challenge her authority. Little Joash would be rescued by Jehoshabeath, King Jehoram’s daughter and Ahaziah’s sister, who nursed Joash and hid him from Athaliah for six years in God’s temple to save his life. Conveniently (or perhaps ordained by God…wink, wink), Jehoshabeath’s husband, Jehoiada, was the Temple High Priest who knew that Joash was the king’s son who “must reign just as the LORD promised concerning David’s sons.” (2 Chr 23:3) High Priest Jehoiada calls together all the Temple priests, Levites, gatekeepers, courtyard troops, and Commanders with a task to protect this newborn king and stations troops with weapons to kill anyone who is a threat. When Joash is seven years old, he is anointed King of Judah and all the people rejoiced, “Long live the King!” (2 Chr 23:11). All people except evil queen Athaliah, that is. She screams, “Treason, Treason!” and Jehoiada orders her to be taken out of the Temple and to be put to death at the entrance to the Horses Gate in the King’s Palace. I can’t make this stuff up…it’s too good. Now, with Queen Athaliah out of the picture, and with young King Joash who has a good High Priest as his advisor, reform of Judah can begin and they would be the LORD’s people once again. High Priest Jehoiada and King Joash would tear down the temple of Baal, execute the priests of Baal, and “follow the laws of Moses…ordained by David” (2 Chr 23:18) The new, boy-king is seated on the throne, all the people of the land rejoice, and the city was quiet “for they had put Athaliah to death by the sword.” (2 Chr 23:21) Joash is going to be a great King…at least for a while! Tune in tomorrow, same bat time, same bat channel… Note: the Hebrew word “bat” as in “bat mitzvah” means daughter coming of age. I could have called for the same “bar” time, same “bar” channel as in “bar mitzvah” for the young son Joash coming of age, but Bruce Wayne would have disapproved.

[quranreadalong]

A TALE OF TWO CITIES KINGDOMS, PT 2/4

We’re in the 900s BC, headed into the late 800s. There’s no sign of David and Solomon’s gigantic, prosperous united Kingdom of Israel, but there is a Kingdom of Israel shaping up to be a fairly major regional player. The Bible gives the northern kingdom’s backstory as the following: Solomon’s son Rehoboam callously ignored the demands of workers in the north, causing them to break away from the united kingdom (and inexplicably they took the “Kingdom of Israel” title with them). Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained in Rehoboam’s kingdom. All of this was YHWH’s way of punishing Solomon for taking foreign wives and allowing them to influence his beliefs.

But the Judean authors of the Biblical books of Kings make it clear that the Kingdom of Israel was an aberration, ruled by sinful and idolatrous men. Immediately upon declaring independence, the first king Jeroboam commits the worst possible crime:

Jeroboam thought to himself, “The kingdom will now likely revert to the house of David. If these people go up to offer sacrifices at the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, they will again give their allegiance to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. They will kill me and return to King Rehoboam.” After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” One he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. And this thing became a sin; the people came to worship the one at Bethel and went as far as Dan to worship the other.

The people of Israel fall into idolatry right away, worshiping golden calves representing YHWH. (The final version of the Exodus story obviously has a clear connection to this--it’s possible the the golden calf incident there was meant to demonize a real practice of the actual Israelites.) This sin remains part of their national character for generations, and it leads inevitably to the tragic destruction of the kingdom at the hands of the Assyrians. The entire saga was clearly written long after the events it describes.

Despite the Bible’s rants against their northern neighbors, the Israelites and Judeans seem to have largely had the same religious practices in this era. The Book of Kings blames this on Rehoboam again, doomed from birth because his mother was a foreign woman: “They also set up for themselves high places, sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree”. The “high places” were places for sacrificing animals and generally worshiping gods (including but not limited to YHWH) scattered throughout the countryside; the Biblical authors saw this as idolatry, as the only proper place for such things was the temple of Jerusalem in their mind--and YHWH was the only god worth worshiping. His unique connection to the House of David and the city of Jerusalem, the Bible tells us, saved Judah from the total obliteration that he allowed to be inflicted upon Israel.

But the archeological record shows that Israel was not doomed because of its idolatry and sinfulness. It was doomed because it became too successful. And Judah was spared for the moment because it was not important enough to destroy.

The archaeologist Israel Finkelstein writes:

Israel was well on the way to fully developed statehood within a few decades of … 900 BC. … a territory governed by bureaucratic machinery … [It had] the distribution of luxury items, large building projects, prospering economic activity, including trade … a fully developed settlement system

There were large settlements in cities like Jezreel, Samaria, and Megiddo at the time, over a century before Jerusalem was even a fully urban settlement. Samaria was the kingdom’s capital, a 5-acre territory built on a hill. Its creation was sophisticated for the time, as it required moving tons upon tons of earth to create a suitable platform for the city, and a huge wall was built around the whole complex. Other archaeological finds, like a system for delivering fresh water through tunnels, shows that Israel in this era was no longer a half-rural pastoral land. It was a full-fledged kingdom. Boosted by new trade routes and advances in technology, like the ability to cut olive presses into the bedrock of the rocky, hilly part of Israel ideal for growing olive trees, the kingdom became prosperous.

It’s probably for this reason that the kings of Israel, despite being the historical Bad Guys, get the spotlight in the books of Kings and Chronicles. The adventures of their contemporary Judean kings are far less exciting and detailed. Often, they are described in relation to Israel itself. Rehoboam's grandson Asa is described in glowing terms, and in his time YHWH saves Judah from a southern expansion by Israel by providing them with an ally in the form of Syrians; several generations later, a Judean king marries one of Ahab and Jezebel's daughters and is punished for it via the Edomites taking part of Judah's land. Even ignoring the dubious historicity of all of this, Judah was clearly the lesser Jewish kingdom prior to the fall of the north. Israel was where the action was.

While the process had been ongoing for quite some time, the Bible glosses over Israel’s economic development in favor of showing all their rulers to be fuckups. It states that Israel fell into civil war almost immediately: Jeroboam’s entire family was killed by the third king, named Baasha. Baasha’s own son was then killed, and his murder triggered a conflict that resulted in a military commander named Omri claiming the throne. Omri is notable because he is the first King of Israel mentioned in historical sources--in fact, he is the first one associated with any “Kingdom of Israel” at all--and because Israel became a large, prosperous nation under his family’s rule.

The Mesha stele was written (the brown part is the original stuff) around 850 BC to commemorate the triumphs of King Mesha of Moab, a kingdom in Jordan. Part of it describes an era during which Moab was subjugated by “Omri of Israel”, who occupied part of that kingdom’s land.

Both the Bible and historical records state that the Omride dynasty built Israel into a powerful state and expanded Israel’s territory to a very large extent. Finkelstein:

The kingdom of Israel stretched from the vicinity of Damascus throughout the central highlands and valleys of Israel, all the way to the southern territory of Moab, ruling over considerable populations of non-Israelites.

Omri built two cities in Moab, Ataroth and Jahaz. With the destruction of the Canaanite centers in the lowlands, possibly during the raid of Shishak at the end of the 10th century BC, any potential northern strongman would have been able to gain control of the fertile valleys… into the territories of southern Syria and [Jordan], the Omrides … [established] a vast and diverse territorial state controlling rich agricultural lands and bustling international trade routes. It was also, of necessity, a multi-ethnic society.

That last fact is one remarked upon by Biblical authors with great disapproval--the presence of foreigners within the kingdom is a mark of shame against it. But Israel’s pluralistic society of Arameans, Phoenicians, etc is what turned it into a powerhouse in the first place. The city of Jezreel was the center of Israel’s Canaanite population, and at the height of the Omrides’ power, there were over 300,000 people in the territory, compared to less than a third of that in Judah, making it one of the largest kingdoms in the Levant. Even worse, from the perspective of the Biblical authors, Israel was not only inhabited by foreigners, it was influenced by foreigners.

Its rise to power coincided with the revival of the eastern Mediterranean trade and the harbor cities … were once again strongly involved in maritime commerce. Israel was an active participant in this economic revival as a supplier of valuable agricultural products and a master over … trade routes of the Levant

The coastal cities that had been destroyed in the previous Egyptian-inflicted disasters were slowly coming back to life, and various city-states in that region seem to have maintained close ties to Israel. Those included states like the Phoenician territory of Tyre, home of the princess Jezebel, who was married to Omri’s son Ahab--to the great displeasure of Biblical authors.

Ahab himself is presented as a lunatic under the sway of his evil foreign wife in the Bible, but historical sources present him as a successful king. Assyrian sources state that he brought Israel into an alliance against the aggressive Assyrian empire, and his contribution was not shabby: thousands of chariots and ten thousand footsoldiers from the kingdom joined the alliance. The coalition stopped Assyria’s advances for a generation, and brought together regional foes, including Arameans and Egyptians. (Judah is not mentioned as contributing anything to this effort, again indicating it was too rural and insignificant to do so.)

The House of Omri evidently began its downfall in the time of Ahab and Jezebel’s son Jehoram. What exactly happened is unclear. The Bible claims that he (along with his entire family) was assassinated by a military captain named Jehu, fulfilling a prophecy by the prophet Elijah. Jehu then killed all priests devoted to the Phoenician god Baal, which the Biblical authors approve of--but, they note, he failed to destroy those damn golden calves, and so he wasn’t good enough. And so YHWH was still displeased, and punished Israel with an invasion by the neighboring kingdom of Aram-Damascus (Syria).

Israel lost land to the invaders; they were taken back and then lost again over the next generations. Then things get really crazy. Jehu’s great-grandson was assassinated, then his assassin was assassinated. The Assyrians showed up and wrecked shit and Israel had to pay them a huge tribute. The second assassin’s son was also assassinated, by a military officer named Pekah, and it was in Pekah’s reign that Assyria came back and wiped out Israel for good.

The idea that Israel fell into civil strife and a string of assassinations before its destruction makes a lot of sense. But there is a slight problem here. If you remember the Tel Dan stele in the previous section, it states (with reconstructed text in brackets)...:

I killed Jeho]ram son [of Ahab] king of Israel, and [I] killed [Ahaz]iahu son of [Jehoram kin]g of the House of David, and I set [their towns into ruins and turned] their land into [desolation]

...that Hazael of Aram-Damascus is the one who killed Jehoram, along with the Judean king at the time (whose father was named Jehoram--they were two different Jehorams). Aramean records show that this invasion was serious: Aram-Damascus gained control of parts of northern Israel, including the city of Jezreel, and so Israel lost some of its fertile land. The territory was reclaimed only once Aramean strength collapsed with the new rise of Assyria, which attacked Damascus; the Arameans had to pay Assyrians tribute and neglected their territories in Israel. It was in this period that the king Joash took the territories back. The kingdom itself appears to have gone on chugging in prosperity in this era, though the Biblical authors continue to whine about their idolatry.

Whatever happened to Jehoram, it seems like the kingdom recovered from the earlier Aramean invasion quickly enough. Shit only really started hitting the fan around 750 BC, beginning the string of assassinations that ended with Pekah being the king. The Bible says he joined a regional alliance against Assyria, like Ahab had once done, but this time it was too late. Assyria under its leader Tiglath-pileser III had grown into a hugely developed, intimidating state intent on dominating the entire region. People were now afraid of stepping on Assyria’s toes, and the “coalition” essentially boiled down to Israel and the kingdom of Damascus. They were easily defeated. Israel’s cities were utterly destroyed as punishment, and Assyrian records state that around 15,000 prisoners were carried off into slavery, never to be seen again.

Pekah was assassinated during the disastrous Assyrian invasion by an understandably upset officer named Hoshea, who would unfortunately prove to be just as much of a noble failure as his predecessor:

The Assyrian noose was tightening with the accession of Shalmaneser V, an aggressive new Assyrian king. Hoshea proclaimed himself to be a loyal vassal … [but] secretly sought an alliance with the king of Egypt … [Shalmaneser] took Hoshea captive and invaded what was left of the kingdom … For three years the Assyrian king laid siege to [Samaria], eventually capturing it in 720 BC, “and he carried the Israelites away to Assyria…”

An additional fifth of Israel’s population, mostly middle and upper class people, were carried away. With the kingdom’s leaders dead, its major cities destroyed, and new settlers brought in from other Assyrian provinces, Israel as an independent entity ceased to exist. It was fully absorbed into the Assyrian empire, and its prized military institutions, including a chariot division, became part of the Assyrian army.

The great misfortune of Israel was a tragedy for its people. But it is more important because of what it resulted in, which was the growth of the Kingdom of Judah from a backwater into an important regional player.

⇚ previous day | next day ⇛

[dfroza]

will you take the message to heart?

not just as words, but as the very presence of the Spirit of our Creator who inspires your own?

(inside, Anew)

Today’s reading of the Scriptures is the start of another Letter

[First Thessalonians]

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church gathering in Thessalonica, those living in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus the Anointed.

May grace and peace be yours [from God our Father and the Lord Jesus the Anointed].

We always thank God for all of you in our prayers. Your actions on behalf of the true faith, your tireless toil of love, and your unfailing, unwavering, unending hope in our Lord Jesus the Anointed before God our Father have put you consistently at the forefront of our thoughts. O brothers and sisters loved by God, we know He has chosen you. And here is why: what you experienced in the good news we brought you was more than words channeling down your ears; it came to you as a life-empowering, Spirit-infused message that offers complete hope and assurance! We lived transparently before you so that you would know what sort of people we truly are. We did it for your sake, and you have modeled your lives after ours just as we are modeling ours after the Lord. You took to heart the word we taught with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, even in the face of trouble. As a result, you have turned into a model of faith yourselves for all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. In fact, not only has the message of our Lord thundered from your gathering into Macedonia and Achaia, but everywhere we go, your faith in God is talked about so we don’t even have to say a thing! You see, they go on and on telling us the story of how you welcomed us when we were introduced to you; how you turned toward God and realigned your life to serve the one true living God—leaving your idols to crumble in the dust—and how you now await the return from heaven of His Son, whom He raised from the dead—namely, Jesus—our rescuer from the wrath to come.

The Letter of 1st Thessalonians, Chapter 1 (The Voice)

Today’s paired chapter of the Testaments is the 10th chapter of 2nd Kings that continues with Jehu’s reign:

Ahab had seventy sons still living in Samaria. Jehu wrote letters addressed to the officers of Jezreel, the city elders, and those in charge of Ahab’s sons, and posted them to Samaria. The letters read:

This letter is fair warning. You’re in charge of your master’s children, chariots, horses, fortifications, and weapons. Pick the best and most capable of your master’s sons and put him on the throne. Prepare to fight for your master’s position.

They were absolutely terrified at the letter. They said, “Two kings have already been wiped out by him; what hope do we have?”

So they sent the warden of the palace, the mayor of the city, the elders, and the guardians to Jehu with this message: “We are your servants. Whatever you say, we’ll do. We’re not making anyone king here. You’re in charge—do what you think best.”

Then Jehu wrote a second letter:

If you are on my side and are willing to follow my orders, here’s what you do: Decapitate the sons of your master and bring the heads to me by this time tomorrow in Jezreel.

The king’s sons numbered seventy. The leaders of the city had taken responsibility for them. When they got the letter, they took the king’s sons and killed all seventy. Then they put the heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu in Jezreel.

A messenger reported to Jehu: “They’ve delivered the heads of the king’s sons.”

He said, “Stack them in two piles at the city gate until morning.”

In the morning Jehu came out, stood before the people, and addressed them formally: “Do you realize that this very day you are participants in God’s righteous workings? True, I am the one who conspired against my master and assassinated him. But who, do you suppose, is responsible for this pile of skulls? Know this for certain: Not a single syllable that God spoke in judgment on the family of Ahab is canceled; you’re seeing it with your own eyes—God doing what, through Elijah, he said he’d do.”

Then Jehu proceeded to kill everyone who had anything to do with Ahab’s family in Jezreel—leaders, friends, priests. He wiped out the entire lot.

That done, he brushed himself off and set out for Samaria. Along the way, at Beth Eked (Binding House) of the Shepherds, he met up with some relatives of Ahaziah king of Judah.

Jehu said, “Who are you?”

They said, “We’re relatives of Ahaziah and we’ve come down to a reunion of the royal family.”

“Grab them!” ordered Jehu. They were taken and then massacred at the well of Beth Eked. Forty-two of them—no survivors.

He went on from there and came upon Jehonadab the Recabite who was on his way to meet him. Greeting him, he said, “Are we together and of one mind in this?”

Jehonadab said, “We are—count on me.”

“Then give me your hand,” said Jehu.

They shook hands on it and Jehonadab stepped up into the chariot with Jehu.

“Come along with me,” said Jehu, “and witness my zeal for God.”Together they proceeded in the chariot.

When they arrived in Samaria, Jehu massacred everyone left in Samaria who was in any way connected with Ahab—a mass execution, just as God had told Elijah.

Next, Jehu got all the people together and addressed them:

Ahab served Baal small-time;

Jehu will serve him big-time.

“Get all the prophets of Baal here—everyone who served him, all his priests. Get everyone here; don’t leave anyone out. I have a great sacrifice to offer Baal. If you don’t show up, you won’t live to tell about it.” (Jehu was lying, of course. He planned to destroy all the worshipers of Baal.)

Jehu ordered, “Make preparation for a holy convocation for Baal.” They did and posted the date.

Jehu then summoned everyone in Israel. They came in droves—every worshiper of Baal in the country. Nobody stayed home. They came and packed the temple of Baal to capacity.

Jehu directed the keeper of the wardrobe, “Get robes for all the servants of Baal.” He brought out their robes.

Jehu and Jehonadab the Recabite now entered the temple of Baal and said, “Double-check and make sure that there are no worshipers of God in here; only Baal-worshipers are allowed.” Then they launched the worship, making the sacrifices and burnt offerings.

Meanwhile, Jehu had stationed eighty men outside with orders: “Don’t let a single person escape; if you do, it’s your life for his life.”

When Jehu had finished with the sacrificial solemnities, he signaled to the officers and guards, “Enter and kill! No survivors!”

And the bloody slaughter began. The officers and guards threw the corpses outside and cleared the way to enter the inner shrine of Baal. They hauled out the sacred phallic stone from the temple of Baal and pulverized it. They smashed the Baal altars and tore down the Baal temple. It’s been a public toilet ever since.

And that’s the story of Jehu’s wasting of Baal in Israel.

But for all that, Jehu didn’t turn back from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, the sins that had dragged Israel into a life of sin—the golden calves in Bethel and Dan stayed.

God commended Jehu: “You did well to do what I saw was best. You did what I ordered against the family of Ahab. As reward, your sons will occupy the throne of Israel for four generations.”

Even then, though, Jehu wasn’t careful to walk in God’s ways and honor the God of Israel from an undivided heart. He didn’t turn back from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who led Israel into a life of sin.

It was about this time that God began to shrink Israel. Hazael hacked away at the borders of Israel from the Jordan to the east—all the territory of Gilead, Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh from Aroer near the Brook Arnon. In effect, all Gilead and Bashan.

The rest of the life and times of Jehu, his accomplishments and fame, are written in The Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. Jehu died and was buried in the family plot in Samaria. His son Jehoahaz was the next king. Jehu ruled Israel from Samaria for twenty-eight years.

The Book of 2nd Kings, Chapter 10 (The Message)

my personal reading of the Scriptures for Tuesday, december 15 of 2020 with a paired chapter from each Testament of the Bible, along with Today’s Psalms and Proverbs

A set of posts by John Parsons about the nature of truth and Light:

Happy Chanukah, friends! In the Gospel of John it is recorded that Yeshua said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (i.e., ᾽Εγώ εἰμι ἡ ὁδὸς καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια καὶ ἡ ζωή; John 14:6). The Greek word translated “truth” in this verse is aletheia (ἀλήθεια), a compound word formed from an alpha prefix (α-) meaning “not,” and lethei (λήθη), meaning “forgetfulness.” (In Greek mythology, the “waters of Lethe” induced a state of oblivion or forgetfulness.) Truth is therefore a kind of “remembering” something forgotten, or a recollecting of what is essentially real. Etymologically, the word aletheia suggests that truth is also “unforgettable” (i.e., not lethei), that is, it has its own inherent and irresistible “witness” to reality. In that sense light is a metaphor for truth: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). People may lie to themselves, but ultimately truth has the final word.

Greek scholars note that the word lethei is derived from the verb lanthano (λανθάνω), which means “to be hidden,” so the general idea is that a-letheia (i.e., truth) is non-concealment, non-hiddenness, or (put positively) revelation or disclosure. Thus the word of Yeshua - His message, logos (λόγος), revelation, and presence - is both “unforgettable” and irrepressible. Yeshua is the Unforgettable One that has been manifest as the Word of God (דְּבַר הָאֱלהִים). He is the Light of the world (אוֹר הָעוֹלָם) and the one who gives us the “light of life” (John 8:12). Though God’s message can be suppressed by evil and darkened thinking, the truth is regarded as self-evident and full of intuitive validation (see Rom. 1:18-21).

The Hebrew word for truth (i.e., emet: אֱמֶת) comes from a verb (aman) that means to “support” or “make firm.” There are a number of derived nouns that connote the sense of reliability or assurance (e.g., pillars of support). The noun emunah (i.e, אֱמוּנָה, “faithfulness” or “trustworthiness”) comes from this root, as does the word for the “faithful ones” (אֱמוּנִים) who are “established” in God’s way (Psalm 12:1). A play on words regarding truth occurs in the prophet Isaiah: אִם לא תַאֲמִינוּ כִּי לא תֵאָמֵנוּ / im lo ta’aminu, ki lo tei’amenu: “If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all” (Isa. 7:9; see Faith Establishes the Sign). Without trust in the LORD, there is no stability... Truth is something trustworthy, reliable, firm, or sure. In colloquial English, for example, this idea is conveyed when we say, “He’s a true friend...”, indicating that the loyalty and love of the person is certain. The familiar word “amen” likewise comes from this root. Speaking the truth (dibbur emet) is considered foundational to moral life: “Speak the truth (דַּבְּרוּ אֱמֶת) to one another; render true and perfect justice in your gates” (Zech. 8:16). Yeshua repeatedly said, “Amen, Amen I say to you....” throughout his teaching ministry to stress the reliability and certainty of God’s truth (Matt. 5:18, 26, etc.). Indeed, Yeshua is called “the Amen, the faithful and true witness” (Rev. 3:14).

The relationship between the Hebrew and the Greek ideas seems to be that the revelation of God - the aletheia - is reliable and strong. The source for all truth in the universe is found in the Person and character of the God of Israel, blessed be He... The self-disclosure of the LORD is both unforgettable - both in the factual and moral sense - as well as entirely trustworthy. Aletheia implies that truth is something that should never be forgotten, and therefore we are regularly admonished not to “forget” the LORD (Deut. 8:11, Psalm 103:2), to “remember” his covenants, to “keep” his ways, to “guard” His precepts, and so on.

The Scriptures attest that Yeshua is the true Light (אוֹר אֱמֶת) that comes from eternity to give light and revelation for all mankind:

הָאוֹר הָאֲמִתִּי

הַמֵּאִיר לְכָל אָדָם

בָּא אֶל הָעוֹלָם

.

“The true light,

the One who shines to all mankind,

has come into the world." (John 1:9; see audio link below)

.

During this Chanukah Season -- and always -- may the LORD God of Israel help us walk in the unforgettable and irrepressible radiance of His glory. May God help us shine with good works that glorify God’s Name (Matt. 5:16). "For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’ (יְהִי אוֹר וַיְהִי־אוֹר), has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Yeshua the Messiah” (2 Cor. 4:6). Amen. [Hebrew for Christians]

https://hebrew4christians.com/

12.14.20 • Facebook

Has "the Glory of God in the face of Yeshua the Messiah" been revealed to you? Have you seen the great light? In your "land of deep darkness" has his light shined? If so, what does it mean to you to "walk in the light"? How is Yeshua the "light of the world" for you? [Hebrew for Christians]

12.14.20 • Facebook

The essence of Chanukah is simply to receive the light, to bear witness of the radiance of God's victory. We celebrate the work of God, his salvation (יְשׁוּעָה), and the triumph of his love. Therefore its message is "wake up, open your eyes, and believe" the good news: darkness and despair will not prevail; your mourning will find comfort, your grief its solace. Your heart's deepest longing shines brightly, even now, if you will but believe... With God’s help, we will overcome the darkness of fear... [Hebrew for Christians]

12.14.20 • Facebook

The ultimate fulfillment of Chanuakah is drawing near. The LORD promises to shine His glorious light upon the Jewish people and to reveal His glory, despite the hour of darkness and tribulation that will come upon the earth, as it is written:

"Arise and shine (קוּמִי אוֹרִי) for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD (כְּבוֹד יהוה) has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will shine upon you (וְעָלַיִךְ יִזְרַח יהוה), and his glory will be seen upon you (וּכְבוֹדוֹ עָלַיִךְ יֵרָאֶה). And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip" (Isa. 60:1-4).

Sometime during the “plague of darkness” that represents the time of the Great Tribulation (i.e., the Day of the LORD and the judgment of the world, or Yom Adonai ha’gadol), Israel will finally turn to the LORD and receive Yeshua as their long-lost Messiah (Zech. 12:10). The veil will finally be taken away, and all Israel will be saved. The Light of Salvation (i.e., ohr ha’yeshuah: אור הישועה) will be revealed and the glory of the LORD (כְּבוֹד יהוה) will radiantly shine (זָרָח) upon the Jewish people. The land of Israel will be like Goshen during the times of the plagues of Egypt as the world powers are all judged and destroyed. Then the survivors of the nations will understand that the LORD is indeed with Israel and will turn to Him in surrender as well. "And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken" (Isa. 40:5). Yeshua will return to Zion to establish the Kingdom of God upon the earth (Zech. 2:10-13). - jjp

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Our Torah portion for Chanukah week is called ”Miketz” (מקץ), a word that means "at the end," and therefore it points to the prophetic future (i.e., the "end of days" or acharit ha-yamim). Just as Joseph was a "dreamer" who was betrayed by his brothers but was promoted to a place of glory by the hidden hand of God, so Yeshua was betrayed by his people yet was exalted over all the nations (מֶלֶךְ הַגּוֹיִם). And just as Joseph later disguised himself as a "stranger" and an "Egyptian" to his brothers but was finally revealed to be their savior, so will the Jewish people eventually come to see that Yeshua is the true Savior of Israel. Then will come true the hope of Rav Sha’ul (the Apostle Paul) who wrote, "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, ‘There shall come out of Zion the Redeemer (גּוֹאֵל) who shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob’" (Rom. 11:26). [Hebrew for Christians]

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Today’s message from the Institute for Creation Research

December 15, 2020

The Urgency of Salvation

“For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Perhaps the most deadly sin of the unbeliever is that of procrastination. Satisfied with his current life, he neglects his spiritual need. Even if he understands the gospel and realizes his need of salvation, he still puts off a decision.

But it is always dangerous to count too strongly on tomorrow. “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). The sin of procrastination may easily become the sin of negligence, then of indifference, and finally the unforgivable sin of irrevocable rejection and unbelief. “My spirit shall not always strive with man” (Genesis 6:3). This warning was true in the antediluvian world and it is certainly as true today, when we have far more knowledge and evidence of God’s truth and His will than people did in the days of Noah.

“To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart” (Psalm 95:7-8). This warning of the psalmist was considered so important that the writer of Hebrews quoted it three times (Hebrews 3:7-8, 15; 4:7). Such an emphasis suggests there is indeed great danger in resisting God’s call to salvation. There may be another opportunity, but it is presumptuous and dangerous to impose too long on God’s patient mercy.

Today is the day of salvation. The accepted time is now! “Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?...It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:29, 31). HMM

[zapierrss]

2 Kings 10

Jehu kills Ahab’s sons

Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria, so Jehu wrote them letters and sent them to the city rulers, city representatives, and Ahab's sons' guardians. The letters said, "Because your superior's sons are with you and you have plenty of battle gear, as soon as you read this, choose the best and fittest of your superior's sons to to fight me for the throne." That left them terrified, and they said, "What? If the two kings couldn't defeat you, then we won't even stand a chance." So the palace manager, city governor, city representatives, and guardians all wrote back, saying, "We are your subordinates, and we'll do anything you ask, but we don't want to nominate any of the sons. Do whatever you see fit." Then he sent them a second letter, saying, "If you really are on my side and want to obey me, then take the sons' heads and bring them to me at Jezreel this time tomorrow." Now all seventy of the king's sons were being raised by some of the city's strongest men, and as soon as they got this letter, they took the king's sons and slaughtered them, putting their heads in baskets and sending them to Jezreel. When the messenger told Jehu about the delivery, he said, "Put them in two piles near the city gates and leave them there till morning." Then in the morning he went and stood in front of everyone and said, "You all are innocent. I was the one who conspired against my superior and killed him, but who was the one who killed all of these? Let it be known that the Existing One's message has been fulfilled concerning Ahab's lineage. The Existing One has done what he told us through his servant Elijah." So Jehu struck down everyone who remained of Ahab's lineage in Jezreel: all his strong men, his close friends, and his priests, until none of them were left.

Jehu kills Ahaziah’s supporters 

Then he left and traveled to Samaria. On his way, he stopped at Beth-eked of the Shepherds where he met the relatives of Judah's King Ahaziah. He asked them, "Who are you?" and they answered, "We are Ahaziah's relatives, and we came to visit the royal princes and the queen's sons." He ordered his servants, "Take them alive," and they were taken and slaughtered all forty-two of them in the pit of Beth-eked.

Jehu kills Ahab’s supporters

When he left there, Jehonadab (Rechab's son) came up to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, "Is your heart aligned with my heart like mine is to yours?" And Jehonadab answered, "It is." Jehu said, "If it really is, then give me your hand," so he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him up into the chariot. He said, "Come with me and see my passion for the Existing One." So he had him ride along in his chariot, and when they got to Samaria, he struck down everyone there who remained loyal to Ahab till they had all been wiped out, just how the Existing One's message had said through Elijah.

Jehu kills Baal worshipers

Then Jehu gathered everyone together and said, "Ahab served Baal only a little bit, but Jehu will serve him much. So bring me all of Baal's prophets, his worshipers, and his priests. Make sure all of them are there, because I have a huge sacrifice to offer up to Baal. Whoever can't make it to this will be put to death." But Jehu said this craftily in order to get rid of all the Baal worshipers. Jehu ordered, "Make the preparations to host a Solemn assembly for Baal," so they announced it all throughout Israel, and every single Baal worshiper showed up, so that not a single one was missing. They all walked into Baal's temple, and filled it from one end to the other. He told the wardrobe manager, "Give ceremonial robes to every Baal worshiper here," so robes were provided for all of them. Then Jehu went into Baal's temple with Jehonadab (Rechab's son) and said to all of Baal's worshipers "Look around and make sure that no one who worships the Existing One is here, but only Baal worshipers." Then they went in to offer sacrifices and burt offerings.

Now Jehu had stationed eighty men outside and told them, "If you let anyone escape, it will cost you your life." So as soon as the burnt offering had been made, Jehu told the officers, "Go in and kill them; don't let a single person get away." So when they finished killing them, they brought the bodies outside. Then they went to the most sacred room in the temple and took the sacred pillar and burned it. They destroyed the pillar, and they destroyed the temple, converting it into the toilet that still remains to this day.

So that's how Jehu wiped out Baal from Israel, but he didn't turn away from the golden calves that were in Bethel and Dan, which led Israel to offend God. These were the same ways that Jeroboam (Nebat's son) offended God. And the Existing One told Jehu, "Because you have done what is right in my eyes and have carried out everything that was in my heart towards Ahab's lineage, your sons will sit on Israel's throne for four generations." But Jehu wasn't careful to follow the Existing One's law with his whole heart. He never turned from the offenses of Jeroboam, which caused Israel to offend God.

Jehoahaz becomes Israel’s king

In those days the Existing One began to sever parts of Israel. Hazael conquered several parts of the country east of the Jordan River, including Gilead, Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh. He conquered the area from the town of Aroer by the Arnon Gorge all the way north to Gilead and Bashan. Now the rest of Jehu's history including everything he did and all his victories are recorded in the book the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. So Jehu slept with his fathers in the ground, and they buried him in Samaria. His son Jehoahaz reigned in his place. Jehu had reigned over Israel from Samaria for a total of twenty-eight years.

[mariateachesthings-blog]

SAINTHOOD 101 CRUCIFIXION! Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? {If GOD really did forsake Jesus Christ, it would have made Jesus Christ a liar, then he couldn't redeem us. What did he say about himself and the father?} { Some teach that GOD cannot be around sin, so he had to walk away from his obedient son. What a puny GOD!!! Have these people not read how Cain after killing his brother, and going over to the dark side had a good chat with GOD. Have they not read the first written book of the Bible, Job, where GOD talks with Satan? Who can be more sin--- than Satan?} John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. John 10:30 I and my Father are one (in purpose). Matthew 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? {So what is the problem? In Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34 we have some foreign words. The Greek translators were not sure how to translate these misspelled Aramaic words. Lama is really lmma=for this purpose or this reason. The other words root is shbq=spare, to leave, to reserve, or to keep.} Romans 11:4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved (shbq) to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left (Hebrew.. shaar) me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. 2 Kings 10:11 So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining (shbq). {A better translation would be "my GOD my GOD, for this purpose was I spared". "My GOD my GOD, for this purpose was I reserved". GOD must have shown Jesus Christ more details of what he was doing, and why he had not died sooner, or even came to be. For soon after he said, it is finished.} GOD BLESS!!!