Hello William. If Matthew 21:16 is taken on its own without using its context, one could use Jesus' Words for the spiritual babe in Christ voicing praise in a simple or unlearned tongue. However, for an exegetical understanding, the meaning & intent of the verse is quite the opposite.
Jesus was clearly referencing Psalm 8:2: "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger." In this Psalm of praise, David likens the defeat of his powerful enemies as coming mysteriously from the simple & weak (babes & sucklings). Even with their fewer numbers & feeble shouts when engaging in battle, it is the LORD Who has gained the victory - and no doubt 'stilling' the enemy & avenger (Heb: shabath, to cease, to draw back). This is reminiscent of Jahaziel's great assurance in 2 Chronicles 20:15: "Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."
When Jesus uses this Psalm 8:2 to highlight the chief priests & scribes ignorance of the Scriptures & animosity against Him, He asks them, 'aren't your ears open to what these young ones are shouting about, even as you saw the mighty things that were done in the Power of God? Even these little ones have joined the others to shout praises to God's Messiah (the Son of David).' As the shout of victory went out by Israel's 'feeble' army against the enemy, so now the shouts of praise from the 'simple & unlearned' uttered to praise this Jesus, God's Messiah. But this would have been too much for the religious leaders who refused to accept Jesus & to have their 'great' knowledge of the Scriptures questioned.
Verse 12-Sometimes we will come to a fork in the road in our lives and we won't know which way to take. When this happens, we need to look to Jehovah God for direction.
1. Yes I believe in some ways our faith may be considered more complicated because they being with Jesus " physically " John 3:12, John 14:11, yet scripture says : 2 Chronicles 20:20, we have so many accumulated testimonies, prophecy fulfilled, the written WORD of GOD from many generations past in many ways we have all that to help build upon our faith. Then we have personal experiences & witness of miraculous events in our present days & years. I believe it's powerful to see the biblical text, New & Old Tstm & imagine the future with the stacked testimonies & understanding time accumulates more information. When the days of tribulation come the stacked accounts with all scripture will be that much bigger. GOD is amazing. I realized the other day the wealth of faith building information at our reach. I told a young man, "Yes, these days are difficult but we have so much to draw from". & GOD in HIS infinite wisdom gives each generation what they need. Romans 10:17, John 20:29,
2. Luke 23:43, I guess it applies to today to yes prove "nothing is impossible with GOD" Luke 1:37, & possibly to encourage us that it's not too late to repent, in dying moment.
Next. (?) Interesting observation. Matthew 4:12, Matthew 23:37, GOD gives people many chances to do good. Mark 6:20, Mark 6:19-31, read though, Mark 6:32-46, did Jesus even take time to mourn? It seems HE went to take a moment, yet compassion moved HIM to minister.
At 1st read I had thought you asked about Peter & Paul comparison of Peter released & Paul was not, also same "(charges) Acts 12:5-17, Acts 21:30-40, - Acts 22, - Acts 23, - Acts 24, - Acts 25, - Acts 26, - Acts 27,-, Acts 28,
My emotion would want to say "all chains are evil" however Mark 5:3-20, Jude 1:6, 2 Peter 2:4,
GOD uses all for good , Psalms 105:17-25, Romans 8:28-30, while Paul was in prison he wrote letters that became an important part of our HOLY Bible today.
Fasting has to be a personal decision. Isaiah 58, Matthew 6:16-23, some fast from television, social media, movies
Some would recommend only a Daniel type fast where he refrained from sweet breads, like cakes, pies, cookies, meats but had rich protiens, Pulse like black eyed peas, lintils, humus, vegetables. Daniel 1:12, Daniel 10:2-3,
2 Chronicles 20:5-30, 2 Chronicles 20:13, Jonah 3:5, Joel 2:15-18,
Chris as I've been studying prophecy I've realized it was given in times when it was needed, either for correction or for hope, direction, protection. If things were obvious it wouldn't be needed. I am referring to all prophetic here. Matthew 2:12,13, Matthew 16:22-27, Luke 13:33,34, Luke 2:26, Daniel 10:1-3, 1 Samuel 3-1,9,10,11,12,13,14, it's also for revelation, exposure: when a person thinks they've hidden something from others or GOD= 1 Samuel 15:10-29, 2 Samuel 11 & 12, 2 Chronicles 20:20, There are many examples in scripture.
Those two examples you've given wouldn't seem to me prophetic but foresight if it didn't edify the Church, encouraged, give direction, revelation etc., In line with GOD & HIS Words we could reflect on. Ezekiel is an example of very strange exhibited behavior probably to get the attention of "a stubborn people" so even if someone seems weird that might not be a reason not to listen. So, in the examples you gave on the surface it seems irrelevant to us.
Let me give an example. Yesterday we were discussing Australia. Amanda Grace has given prophetic 'Words' regarding Australia saying things like "GOD hasn't forgotten you Australia" she said several things about leadership & GOD knowing the wrong that some leadership were doing. I think she said an earthquake would be a sign, there was a large earthquake very soon after then a few political things happened with people stepping down. Then just recently a Pro.Life Premier was elected. Looks to reflect in line with GOD's will. Her blog has her written prophectic Words Amanda Grace Ark of Grace.
Even with accurate 'Words' 1 Kings 13:11-34, Deuteronomy 13:1-5, serve GOD only. Hopefully this helps
In verse 12, Jehoshaphat is pouring out his heart to Jehovah God and he even admitted that he did not know what to do. God answered his prayer because Jehoshaphat had complete trust and faith in God.
When we find ourselves in a situation where we kan't go forward or bakkwards with absolutely no hope in sight we should just kast it all on God.bekause as long as we do, God will definitely do something as loss we believe.
2 Chronicles 20:20
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
King James Version (KJV)
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I am blessed by the Word of God daily as it is the way by which we are established in Christ Jesus as his Disciples, searching and being lead to the Bread of Life that sustains us during these trying times when the enemy surrounds us on every side, attacking our homes, our finances the very foundation the church. We stand strong in the Lord and the power of His might for the battle is not ours
Verse 12~Jehoshaphat humbly admitted in prayer that he did not know what to do. We see that Jehovah God valued his humility and he blessed him for coming to him in prayer and seeking guidance.
Verses 22,23~The Israelites did not even have to fight because God caused their enemies to turn on one another. We can put confidence in Jehovah God that he will give salvation to his people as long as they stay faithful.
Today, as in every age, we are surrounded by the ungodly near and far. In Col. 3: 2, we are exhorted to mind the things that are above, not the things that are on earth. Also, Proverbs 16:18 encourages us with knowing that pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. Keep our eyes focused on God, praying with thanksgiving to Him, knowing that He overcomes all evil.
"And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the Lord. And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the Lord fought against the enemies of Israel." There have been very grave warnings from God at certain times, that are for signs and instruction for all ages: God will avenge His People and WILL subdue the heathen!
"It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle." 2 Chronicles 20:1 It should not surprise us how good is always and so immediately rewarded by evil from the world. Here was a good king who feared God and sought Him with a perfect heart; and is hated by the International community!
Peter; Amen But which are our battles, and what are the LORD's, is something that needs to be taught! We have been given every provision of His grace, and the authority of His name, and a Sacred Charge to be His Representatives, His Servants, His Disciples, His Friends, in the sight of the men of this world: this means being a Worker and a Soldier who must become expert in his business! And TRIAL!
2 Chr. 20:22 - "And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab and Mt. Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten." Heb. 10:25
We must be careful who we associate with. For God has warned us not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. If Jehoshaphat had not joined himself to Ahaziah, he would not have suffered any loss.
17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. AMEN
@ Chr. 20:22 - One of the greatest battles that Judah ever won was won , not with a sword, but with a song, because someone realized how to help Him. When we hear Him at work, when we see Him behind enemy lines, get up out of your despair and worship Him, praise Him, love Him!! Lift your hands, worship, praise - He has ALREADY won for us!!
Yahuah Elohim of the Hebrews is a man of War, Yahuah is his name. Yahushua is his son's name. He is that word that became flesh. He is the lamb of Yah. The wicked will perish. The racist will perish. The proud will perish. All praise to the Most High Yah. Shout out to all the Hebrews scattered worldwide and those scattered by slave ships ( Deuteronomy 28). HalleluYah!!
2 Chronicles 20:29
God Bless YOU!
Jesus was clearly referencing Psalm 8:2: "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger." In this Psalm of praise, David likens the defeat of his powerful enemies as coming mysteriously from the simple & weak (babes & sucklings). Even with their fewer numbers & feeble shouts when engaging in battle, it is the LORD Who has gained the victory - and no doubt 'stilling' the enemy & avenger (Heb: shabath, to cease, to draw back). This is reminiscent of Jahaziel's great assurance in 2 Chronicles 20:15: "Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."
When Jesus uses this Psalm 8:2 to highlight the chief priests & scribes ignorance of the Scriptures & animosity against Him, He asks them, 'aren't your ears open to what these young ones are shouting about, even as you saw the mighty things that were done in the Power of God? Even these little ones have joined the others to shout praises to God's Messiah (the Son of David).' As the shout of victory went out by Israel's 'feeble' army against the enemy, so now the shouts of praise from the 'simple & unlearned' uttered to praise this Jesus, God's Messiah. But this would have been too much for the religious leaders who refused to accept Jesus & to have their 'great' knowledge of the Scriptures questioned.
1. Yes I believe in some ways our faith may be considered more complicated because they being with Jesus " physically " John 3:12, John 14:11, yet scripture says : 2 Chronicles 20:20, we have so many accumulated testimonies, prophecy fulfilled, the written WORD of GOD from many generations past in many ways we have all that to help build upon our faith. Then we have personal experiences & witness of miraculous events in our present days & years. I believe it's powerful to see the biblical text, New & Old Tstm & imagine the future with the stacked testimonies & understanding time accumulates more information. When the days of tribulation come the stacked accounts with all scripture will be that much bigger. GOD is amazing. I realized the other day the wealth of faith building information at our reach. I told a young man, "Yes, these days are difficult but we have so much to draw from". & GOD in HIS infinite wisdom gives each generation what they need. Romans 10:17, John 20:29,
2. Luke 23:43, I guess it applies to today to yes prove "nothing is impossible with GOD" Luke 1:37, & possibly to encourage us that it's not too late to repent, in dying moment.
Next. (?) Interesting observation. Matthew 4:12, Matthew 23:37, GOD gives people many chances to do good. Mark 6:20, Mark 6:19-31, read though, Mark 6:32-46, did Jesus even take time to mourn? It seems HE went to take a moment, yet compassion moved HIM to minister.
At 1st read I had thought you asked about Peter & Paul comparison of Peter released & Paul was not, also same "(charges) Acts 12:5-17, Acts 21:30-40, - Acts 22, - Acts 23, - Acts 24, - Acts 25, - Acts 26, - Acts 27,-, Acts 28,
My emotion would want to say "all chains are evil" however Mark 5:3-20, Jude 1:6, 2 Peter 2:4,
GOD uses all for good , Psalms 105:17-25, Romans 8:28-30, while Paul was in prison he wrote letters that became an important part of our HOLY Bible today.
3. James 1:5-8,
Hope this helps
Some would recommend only a Daniel type fast where he refrained from sweet breads, like cakes, pies, cookies, meats but had rich protiens, Pulse like black eyed peas, lintils, humus, vegetables. Daniel 1:12, Daniel 10:2-3,
2 Chronicles 20:5-30, 2 Chronicles 20:13, Jonah 3:5, Joel 2:15-18,
Hopefully these are helpful
2 Chronicles 20:1-4, Ezra 8:21-22, Esther 3: , Esther 4:1,3,7,8,11,14,16, Isaiah 58:6-14, Jeremiah 36:7-10, Joel 1:12-15, Joel 2:15,
Jonah 3:3-6,
Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Mark 2:18-20, Luke 5:33-35,
Those two examples you've given wouldn't seem to me prophetic but foresight if it didn't edify the Church, encouraged, give direction, revelation etc., In line with GOD & HIS Words we could reflect on. Ezekiel is an example of very strange exhibited behavior probably to get the attention of "a stubborn people" so even if someone seems weird that might not be a reason not to listen. So, in the examples you gave on the surface it seems irrelevant to us.
Let me give an example. Yesterday we were discussing Australia. Amanda Grace has given prophetic 'Words' regarding Australia saying things like "GOD hasn't forgotten you Australia" she said several things about leadership & GOD knowing the wrong that some leadership were doing. I think she said an earthquake would be a sign, there was a large earthquake very soon after then a few political things happened with people stepping down. Then just recently a Pro.Life Premier was elected. Looks to reflect in line with GOD's will. Her blog has her written prophectic Words Amanda Grace Ark of Grace.
Even with accurate 'Words' 1 Kings 13:11-34, Deuteronomy 13:1-5, serve GOD only. Hopefully this helps
2 Chronicles 20:23
Deuteronomy 1:2
Ezekiel 35:2
Ezekiel 35:7 *
Idumea
Isaiah 34:5
Ezekiel 35:15 *
Hopefully these scriptures are helpful.
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
King James Version (KJV)
< Previous VerseNext Verse > View Chapter