This section is not pointing fingers towards you are anyone in particular.
Deuteronomy 7:6-8 is a portion of scripture that has made an envious world hate the Jews and sadly some of the body of Christ has been compromised by this evil.
"For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:
But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt"
Verse 6 is what they take issue with. "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, ABOVE ALL PEOPLE THAT ARE UPON THE FACE OF THE EARTH"
Some would like to have this said about them, so they render this to the Church.
However, be at ease the church was not in the world when this verse was given,
And the Church is never called people of the earth or earth dwellers.
However, If I'm wrong and God chooses them over the Church, he has the right to do so, it's his creation.
Deuteronomy 7:7-8 emphasizes God's elect! He didn't choose them for any particular reason. It is not the Church.
The Church was never redeemed out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Israel is part of God's plan of salvation explained in Romans 11:11-33.
I find it amazing that the same people who say you can't be saved by the law of Moses "and rightfully so"
They acknowledge scriptures like 2 Corinthians 3:6-7Galatians 3:19-25 when defending their own imperfections but say Israel failed because they couldn't.
God is not looking for quantity but quality, the quality of his Son which is obedience. Many are called but few are chosen. So the point is the Son as the way. "and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him." He came to manifest the quality, the doctrine of his Father in his logos aspect. Israel neither had stomach for his deity not for his humanity. In the Gospel of St Matthew this is what we see. In the first part the Sermon on the Mount was his Mission Statement and he demonstrated it in his ministry. In the second half 'the woe to ye' of Matt.23 stand as his indictment of the nation.
I pray that God bless you both with long life evermore. 44years is not something to be sneezed at. He that has begun a good work in your lives shall accomplish it. Trust Him.
I find it interesting how God tells the Israelites that He was going to have the nations in the land conquered gradually vs. 22 "little by little" in order to preserve the land from being overtaken by wild animals and briars and brambles. God wished to preserve the land for habitation by the Israelites so that they can live in safety from wild beasts and find the soil ready to be cultivated to bring forth food for them readily. But God did promise to destroy the peoples utterly, but this did depend on if the Israelites obeyed and did not make any contracts or treaties (covenants) with the peoples or leave any alive or leave any idolatrous items remaining in the land.
Verses 6-9 explains why God has loved and chosen the Israelite nation above any other as a holy and special people for Himself.
It was not because of any redeeming qualities in the Israelites nor that they were so large in numbers compared to other nations. Rather, It was according to His plan for history that He chose the Israelites. It was for His own glory. It was for the love of the world that He sent His Son through the Israelite nation for redemption from sin and salvation leading to eternal life. God chose the Israelites out of faithfulness to the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, of whom they descend. God's purposes will come to pass even if the Israelite nation is as it is said, fewest in number among the nations.
God can do great things through small things and humble persons. He can accomplish His will with a "remnant of faithful believers". As believers, we should not be so caught up in "numbers" saved as much as in discipling those who God brings into our fellowships to help them grow into mature believers. A whole congregation of nominal Christians will not produce as great amount of spiritual fruit towards God as a small congregation of devoted, selfless believers who take God at His Word.
This chapter speaks warning to the Israelites before they enter the land.
They are not to be afraid of the strong nations they will encounter when they go forth to take the lands. God promised to destroy the peoples. So it was not up to the might of the Israelites for the victory to occur, but upon the almighty power and will of God.
The part the Israelites will play in the conquest is to destroy ALL the people, ALL their idols and places of worship. The Israelites responsibility was obedience. God named the 7 nations they were yet to conquer.
He commanded them to not intermarry with members of the nations of this land. They are to be a people separate from the idolaters. They were not to intermix with them in marriage, business, and in everyday life. God knows the power of sin and temptation. He was warning them for their good, not just to put restrictions on their lives. It is wise to follow God in this way, to not be involved with idolaters, those who hate God, those who, in ignorance or rebellion fail to worship and serve Him. These idolaters do not have much to offer us in way of relationships. Their company will usually lead us into sin rather than bring reformation to them. But we still are to be witnesses in and out of season.
God promised to make the Israelites fruitful in every way. Being fruitful is a blessing, being barren is not. We should have this same attitude in our lives. We should greatly desire to be spiritually fruitful, fruitful in our work habits, fruitful in our marriage, fruitful in our relations with other believers as we pray and study the Word together.
I am thankful that I married a believer. This was God's doing. It has led us to have a harmonious marriage. We are coming up on our 44th wedding anniversary in a few weeks. God has blessed us so much. May we show gratitude to each other even more so in the years ahead!
Covenants: Comparing Old and New Testaments; blessings and curses.
Deuteronomy 7:7-10 show how God did not choose israel due to its size; but in His love they were called out. They are reminded of being loved and protected coming out of Egypt; but verse 9 shows how the Covenant brings lovingkindness to those who love Him; and judgment is shown in verse 10 to those who hate Him.
The original promises; of course were set forth as far back as Abraham in Genesis 15 and 17 which would continue with his descendants until they finally entered the Promised Land. In actuality; many in Reformed circles think that an informal covenant was involved with God's creation of Adam and Eve (at least in the creation of Eve to be his wife and the consummation of the marriage relationship even without formal ceremony involved). The rainbow was God's original covenant which God promised not to once again flood the entire earth. Interestingly animals are implied as well ( Gen. 9:13
In reality; these were all things instigated by God. Adam was asleep when the rib was taken out of him; and likewise was the situation with Abraham when he was in a deep sleep in Genesis 15:12. God was to use men such as Moses to rescue His people; but He was only using the power of God through the rod; for instance to perform miracles; and God of course drew Pharoah's army to a watery grave in the Red Sea.
The same concept involves many of Israel's conquests; angels would often fight supporting men; or fight alone such as the example of Exodus 14:14 and 2 Kings 19:35 against the Assyrians when 185,000 were destroyed by a single angel in a night.
God also draws all those who will come to Him as the Gospel of John and many other scriptures indicate. God has given the Spirit nowadays to permanently reside in a Christian ( Ephesians 1:13). God's eternal plans in the Godhead allowed for Christ's atonement to be efficacious for all who would believe and be "granted repentance" ( Acts 11:18).
The church beyond five senses: the spiritual realm (cont)
Continuing the thought of the invisible realm (see John 20:29); we begin to understand the promises of God's protection of His saints ( Psalm 91:11; Isaiah 52:12) through the angels; we see how to correctly "bind and loose" ( Matt. 16:19); how to align more closely to what Christ is interceding in our behalf in seeking His will ( Heb. 7:25); and of course see those in bondage loosed from Satan's grip ( Luke 4:18-19) taken from Isaiah 61:1.
Those who love Him keep His commandments ( John 14:21) and originally found in Deuteronomy 7:9. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ( Proverbs 9:10 but found many other places in scripture).
For a case study; let us examine 1 Corinthians 14:22-25 where we have tongues and prophecy as applying to unbelievers in one verse then switch to believers in the next verses. This means that evidence of the power of God needs to be present AND a clear message relatable to the sinner or saint present given. In reality there cannot be a supernatural manifestation of the Spirit WITHOUT a piercing of the soul ( Hebrews 4:12) that is of course accompanied by the Gospel as the rest of the verse indicates. It also shows how a church must be corrected as He chastises all His own (found further on in Hebrews 12 verse 6).
The fact that some spiritual activity is occuring isn't evidence that God is at work; it could be demons. The fact that this was still a place where His Spirit was at work was evident in the fact that Paul's severe discipline had results; and that right quick (as the Brits like to say). This is clear from chapter 7 of 2 Corinthians. As I started off this discourse; I mentioned the Ephesians. They were threatened with total removal of their candlestick in Revelation 2. Therefore; being dead would be worse than immature; even with all the correct doctrines and outer actions; ceremonies; etc.
Psalm 91 Verse 11 of this Psalm was quoted in Matthew 4:6; which is indicative of the promises which the Son of God no doubt had being part of the eternal Godhead with the angels He created for eternal worship in heavenly places.
Looking at the preceding verses; we see promises for those who are God's children to be hidden (compare with Colossians 3:3); and we shouldn't ignore the following statement in verse 2 about those who TRUST God. We also see promises which apply in general to God's covenant people such as Deuteronomy 7:15; and fulfilled by Christ in verses such as Isaiah 53:5. Ultimately; however these promises will be fulfilled in the Millennial Kingdom as may be indicated in verse 7; and in the Tribulation for those dweiling in heaven as indicated from verse 9.
Luke 10:19 shows how Christ fulfills certain promises in freedom from Satan's grip which is similar to what it states in Psalm 91:13.
The remainder of the Psalm could indicate Christ's reward as well as our own during the Millennial period as well. There will also be natural life expectancies (see Isaiah 65:22) that are vastly extended at that time.
As we look at things today; of course we still live with all of creation groaning as it were; such as indicated in Romans 8:22. Satan himself will get his due reward; ending once and for all his usurper role as a pseudo ruler; who ultimately fulfills God's prophetic plan; as it did when he entered Judas Iscariot so that all things could be fulfilled and Christ would die for our atonement ( Heb. 9:28; also read Isaiah 53 in its entirety). We are all in perishable bodies for a brief time; but we certainly can find ways to shorten our lives due to sin adding to our miseries. For now; pestilences and other things can be held back or mitigated; but that will not be helpful during the Tribulation. At that time the 144,000 will be supernaturally protected before God brings judgments upon the earth. May we live soberly in the fear of God
"For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth."
Hi Robert. Was there a particular verse in Romans chapter 11 that leads you to believe that being a Jew is a matter of choice? We are indeed "all seeds of Noah", but not all of us are descended from one of Noah's sons, Shem then many others through to Jacob.
Here are few Scriptures that tell us of this special people, chosen of God, to be His Own: Deuteronomy 7:6; Deuteronomy 14:2; 1 Chronicles 16:13; Psalm 89:3,4; Psalm 105:6, & many more. So Israel, because of their rejection of their Messiah & depending on the Law (to gain righteousness - Romans 10:3,4) have been rejected (cut out of the olive tree). But those amongst them who believe & also from the Gentiles who have turned to Christ, are God's true Israel ( Romans 9:6,7). Maybe, you're thinking of the true Israel that belongs to God.
I'm not sure if your question was about GOD or man. I will try my best to answer it. Ironically " ambiguous " meaning double meaning._._
I think that GOD's WORD the Bible is clear, when we study, & pray for wisdom. James 1:5,
1st GOD gave people dominion: Genesis 1:26,27,28, = power, dominion ect. Within 2nd Generation & continued; 1st crime: Genesis 4:6-9, & Genesis 4:23, dominion with disregard for others, even anothers very life. Genesis 6:5, Exodus 1:8,13,16,22, even disregard for life of children
Even then though GOD doesn't disregard HE repayed. Exodus 12:29, Exodus 13:15, notice the whole chapter of Exodus 12, points to John 3:15,16,17, Again people with dominion & power disregarding life of innocent: Luke 22:1,2,7,20,54,63,64, continued; Luke 23:1,2,15,21,33,34,
Also: they killed their own children, Leviticus 18:21, Leviticus 20:1-8, that GOD had destroyed nations for that sin! 1Kings 11:7, 2Kings 23:10,
Jeremiah 32:35, ( how? ) it's unimaginable even to GOD ALMIGHTY ! Jeremiah 7:31, Jeremiah 19:5, 2Chronicles 33:9, 1Kings 11:1-12, Deuteronomy 6:14, Deuteronomy 7:1-8, why? Was it because they destroyed the children, had disregard for innocent lives of their own offspring? Images of GOD
Psalms 82:6, in context Psalms 82,
GOD will Judge: Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 18:5,6,10,14, Matthew 19:14, Mark 9:42, Luke 17:2, 2Peter 2:7-9, Psalms 9:7,
If your question is regarding "us" "believers" Luke 12:32, Revelation 21,
There will be suffering here on Earth but promises to those who endure, Matthew 24, Mark 13, Revelation 10, 2Timothy 2:3, Revelation 6:9-11,
Numbers 20:7-12, is a portion of the whole story & reason.
Let's look at the bigger picture:
Numbers 20:12, please note it says "Because you believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore._._" , Please read Exodus, Moses' doubts: Exodus 3:11,13, Exodus 4:1,3,10,14, Exodus 4:24-26, Exodus 5:22, Exodus 6:12, Exodus 6:30, Exodus 14:11-15, Exodus 16:2-28, Exodus 17:2-7, Exodus 32:11-19,30,31,32,33, Exodus 33:1-3, Numbers 11:1-15, mercy ( Numbers 11:16-20,) Numbers 11:21-23, * Numbers 13, Numbers 13:30,31,32, * Numbers 14, very significant I believe, when they were supposed to take the promised land please read Numbers chapters 13 & 14, & notice: Numbers 13:30, Numbers 14:24, Numbers 14:22-23,
As I just read your post I was just reminded 1st time I've ever noticed. 1 Kings 11:1-14, Proverbs 4:7, Ecclesiastes 7:12, 1 Kings 4:34, Deuteronomy 7:3-4,
Did his son lose respect because of what he witnessed his father Solomon doing? Did he think of that generation as hypothetical? Because of action?
Then I just thought of Now generations. I believe the young generation that says "ok, boomer" to the oldest generation has watched the results of Abortion, that started during the Oldest generation's "WATCH" not correcting the next generation.
Then the generation X, (did it derive name because they were 1st legal abortion babies?) were & are treated with scorn, disregard, disrespect & often cruelly from those establishments hypothetically calling themselves "church" even robbed their parenting rights, from those same people who were pushing others even own children to abort living heirs?!!
Now oldest generation telling Millenials & Gen Z's to "work to help pay for their retirements"?/? How can children respect if no one shows them how?
Please pray about how you can heal, help, encourage, uplift those younger Generations because love, examples & truth in real faith will help.
It was most likely because of examples from their fathers. Jacob/Israel even Abraham. May have started with Lamech Genesis 4:19, Genesis 6:2-3, Genesis 1:25, Genesis 25:6, Genesis 31:50,
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise.
Jeremiah 30:17
For I will restore health to you And heal you of your wounds,' says the LORD, ' Because they called you an outcast saying: " This is Zion; No one seeks her."'
Hosea 6:1
Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.
Hosea 14:4
I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him.
Malachi 4:2
But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
Psalm 30:2-3
LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me.
O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
Exodus 15:26
and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you."
Deuteronomy 7:15
And the LORD will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt (sin) which you have known, but will lay them on all those who hate you.
Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
Without delving too deep in theology, Divine Election is essentially God choosing who are to belong to Him.
We have the Old Testament references to God's choosing Israel: Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 45:4; Isaiah 65:9; Matthew 24:22 (Matthew is still OT in this respect). Israel wasn't a nation at the time of God's choosing nor did its forefathers deserve anything for God choosing them, but that He wanted a "special people, to set His Love upon them, & to keep His Oath made to their forefathers" ( Deuteronomy 7:6-8).
In the New Testament (post Cross), the Apostle Paul speaks of God's Elect as being from both Israel & the Gentiles: under "the election of Grace" (Romans chapter 11) and Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 1:2.
So we understand from Scripture, that God chooses whomever He desires to be His very Own. Yet, after the advent of Jesus Christ & His Sacrifice for all (Jew & Gentile), God's choosing is based on the Cross & yet the remnant of disbelieving Israel will still figure at the end times.
Then maybe your question is in respect of how that Divine Election affects sinful mankind now: are some forever lost without hope, or are some dragged kicking & screaming into the Kingdom, none having any choice because of Divine Election? To answer this, God's choosing of those to be saved is entirely because of His Determination & His Plans. Since we know that God is an Omniscient God (He knows all things from eternity to eternity), His Plans must include those who come into the world, the life path they take, their hearing of the Gospel & their response to it.
Acts 13:48: "And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed." "Ordained to eternal life". This is election, showing that God, Who had appointed some to eternal life, followed through with believing on His Son. In other words, whom God chooses will be saved - those who refuse His Son are not part of the elect or chosen of God.
Just to expand a little more to the truth S Spencer shared with you. As recently someone had a question similar to yours. The Love of God, Jesus Christ, is beyond what we can imagine. What I perceive as more important to ask is "do I love Jesus Christ"?
God is Holy and hates sin. To repent from the sins of this world, giving your life to Him, and live to do His Will is very important. I will just leave a couple Scriptures for you showing how important it is for us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. Our love for Him shall not be forgotten.
Hello, we're all a part of the one human race and God doesn't distinguish between race and doesn't have any laws about the skin tone or pigment to marry. Moses married and Ethiopian and I'm sure there's many other mixed It's very unfortunate you heard this false teaching from this person. Often times false info comes from a source that is misinterpreted. For example when God led Israelites out of Egypt they passed through a land of 7 nations and Israelites were commanded not to marry them: Deuteronomy 7:3-4. It probably had less to do with their skin color and more to do with them being corrupt idol worshippers. False attribution is a common logical fallacy, but it's often done unevenly. Like, someone may ignore the verses in Leviticus about wearing adornments, fine clothes, gold, hair length, but then tell someone else they can't intermarry. All these laws were for the Israelites- which went beyond moral law, but civil, and ceremonial law. God asks us to avoid sin and keep moral law, not the laws specific to the Israelites for a limited time.
The Bible also warns to not be unequally yoked- meaning an believer with an unbeliever. But Paul in the Bible said it's better to remain single. So, one must read in context to understand what is a suggestion and what is a moral law God wants us to follow. When in doubt we should pray.
We should ignore flawed man's opinions and just go with what the Bible says. The Bible doesn't say anything against mixed race marriages. And most importantly pray to God and ask Him for confirmation and to release your heart of any doubts that have been instilled by others. God bless...
I looked into this for you. The word "corn" in Deuteronomy 7:13 is the Hebrew word transliterated "dagan". The BDB definition is "wheat, cereal, grain, corn". With a Strongs number of H1715 "properly grain".
And further to your question about 'race mixing', have a look at the following that was prescribed by God to His people, Israel: Exodus 34:12-16; Deuteronomy 7:1-4; Joshua 23:11-13; 1 Kings 11:1-4 (where Solomon disobeyed the Lord in this matter); Ezra 9:10-14 & many more. It wasn't anything about race or culture, but that Israel's heart would be turned to worship the idols that their wives followed, forgetting the Lord Who set them apart as His Own.
And the same applies for the Christian today. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, where the Apostle Paul warns us about entering into any union with unbelievers, whether in business or marriage. Idolatry may not be involved here for us, but the values, ethics & constraints that are upon us as Christian may not always be the same as these others & this is where problems arise & much heartache. However, there is no requirement that a Christian marriage cannot be had with someone from another culture, as long it is with one who is "in the Lord", a believer. Such a union can only receive the blessing of the Lord.
Part 2.
This section is not pointing fingers towards you are anyone in particular.
Deuteronomy 7:6-8 is a portion of scripture that has made an envious world hate the Jews and sadly some of the body of Christ has been compromised by this evil.
"For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:
But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt"
Verse 6 is what they take issue with. "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, ABOVE ALL PEOPLE THAT ARE UPON THE FACE OF THE EARTH"
Some would like to have this said about them, so they render this to the Church.
However, be at ease the church was not in the world when this verse was given,
And the Church is never called people of the earth or earth dwellers.
However, If I'm wrong and God chooses them over the Church, he has the right to do so, it's his creation.
Deuteronomy 7:7-8 emphasizes God's elect! He didn't choose them for any particular reason. It is not the Church.
The Church was never redeemed out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Israel is part of God's plan of salvation explained in Romans 11:11-33.
I find it amazing that the same people who say you can't be saved by the law of Moses "and rightfully so"
They acknowledge scriptures like 2 Corinthians 3:6-7 Galatians 3:19-25 when defending their own imperfections but say Israel failed because they couldn't.
God bless.
He has blessed us in so many different ways.
I pray that God bless you both with long life evermore. 44years is not something to be sneezed at. He that has begun a good work in your lives shall accomplish it. Trust Him.
I find it interesting how God tells the Israelites that He was going to have the nations in the land conquered gradually vs. 22 "little by little" in order to preserve the land from being overtaken by wild animals and briars and brambles. God wished to preserve the land for habitation by the Israelites so that they can live in safety from wild beasts and find the soil ready to be cultivated to bring forth food for them readily. But God did promise to destroy the peoples utterly, but this did depend on if the Israelites obeyed and did not make any contracts or treaties (covenants) with the peoples or leave any alive or leave any idolatrous items remaining in the land.
Verses 6-9 explains why God has loved and chosen the Israelite nation above any other as a holy and special people for Himself.
It was not because of any redeeming qualities in the Israelites nor that they were so large in numbers compared to other nations. Rather, It was according to His plan for history that He chose the Israelites. It was for His own glory. It was for the love of the world that He sent His Son through the Israelite nation for redemption from sin and salvation leading to eternal life. God chose the Israelites out of faithfulness to the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, of whom they descend. God's purposes will come to pass even if the Israelite nation is as it is said, fewest in number among the nations.
God can do great things through small things and humble persons. He can accomplish His will with a "remnant of faithful believers". As believers, we should not be so caught up in "numbers" saved as much as in discipling those who God brings into our fellowships to help them grow into mature believers. A whole congregation of nominal Christians will not produce as great amount of spiritual fruit towards God as a small congregation of devoted, selfless believers who take God at His Word.
They are not to be afraid of the strong nations they will encounter when they go forth to take the lands. God promised to destroy the peoples. So it was not up to the might of the Israelites for the victory to occur, but upon the almighty power and will of God.
The part the Israelites will play in the conquest is to destroy ALL the people, ALL their idols and places of worship. The Israelites responsibility was obedience. God named the 7 nations they were yet to conquer.
He commanded them to not intermarry with members of the nations of this land. They are to be a people separate from the idolaters. They were not to intermix with them in marriage, business, and in everyday life. God knows the power of sin and temptation. He was warning them for their good, not just to put restrictions on their lives. It is wise to follow God in this way, to not be involved with idolaters, those who hate God, those who, in ignorance or rebellion fail to worship and serve Him. These idolaters do not have much to offer us in way of relationships. Their company will usually lead us into sin rather than bring reformation to them. But we still are to be witnesses in and out of season.
God promised to make the Israelites fruitful in every way. Being fruitful is a blessing, being barren is not. We should have this same attitude in our lives. We should greatly desire to be spiritually fruitful, fruitful in our work habits, fruitful in our marriage, fruitful in our relations with other believers as we pray and study the Word together.
I am thankful that I married a believer. This was God's doing. It has led us to have a harmonious marriage. We are coming up on our 44th wedding anniversary in a few weeks. God has blessed us so much. May we show gratitude to each other even more so in the years ahead!
Deuteronomy 7:7-10 show how God did not choose israel due to its size; but in His love they were called out. They are reminded of being loved and protected coming out of Egypt; but verse 9 shows how the Covenant brings lovingkindness to those who love Him; and judgment is shown in verse 10 to those who hate Him.
The original promises; of course were set forth as far back as Abraham in Genesis 15 and 17 which would continue with his descendants until they finally entered the Promised Land. In actuality; many in Reformed circles think that an informal covenant was involved with God's creation of Adam and Eve (at least in the creation of Eve to be his wife and the consummation of the marriage relationship even without formal ceremony involved). The rainbow was God's original covenant which God promised not to once again flood the entire earth. Interestingly animals are implied as well ( Gen. 9:13
In reality; these were all things instigated by God. Adam was asleep when the rib was taken out of him; and likewise was the situation with Abraham when he was in a deep sleep in Genesis 15:12. God was to use men such as Moses to rescue His people; but He was only using the power of God through the rod; for instance to perform miracles; and God of course drew Pharoah's army to a watery grave in the Red Sea.
The same concept involves many of Israel's conquests; angels would often fight supporting men; or fight alone such as the example of Exodus 14:14 and 2 Kings 19:35 against the Assyrians when 185,000 were destroyed by a single angel in a night.
God also draws all those who will come to Him as the Gospel of John and many other scriptures indicate. God has given the Spirit nowadays to permanently reside in a Christian ( Ephesians 1:13). God's eternal plans in the Godhead allowed for Christ's atonement to be efficacious for all who would believe and be "granted repentance" ( Acts 11:18).
Continuing the thought of the invisible realm (see John 20:29); we begin to understand the promises of God's protection of His saints ( Psalm 91:11; Isaiah 52:12) through the angels; we see how to correctly "bind and loose" ( Matt. 16:19); how to align more closely to what Christ is interceding in our behalf in seeking His will ( Heb. 7:25); and of course see those in bondage loosed from Satan's grip ( Luke 4:18-19) taken from Isaiah 61:1.
Those who love Him keep His commandments ( John 14:21) and originally found in Deuteronomy 7:9. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ( Proverbs 9:10 but found many other places in scripture).
For a case study; let us examine 1 Corinthians 14:22-25 where we have tongues and prophecy as applying to unbelievers in one verse then switch to believers in the next verses. This means that evidence of the power of God needs to be present AND a clear message relatable to the sinner or saint present given. In reality there cannot be a supernatural manifestation of the Spirit WITHOUT a piercing of the soul ( Hebrews 4:12) that is of course accompanied by the Gospel as the rest of the verse indicates. It also shows how a church must be corrected as He chastises all His own (found further on in Hebrews 12 verse 6).
The fact that some spiritual activity is occuring isn't evidence that God is at work; it could be demons. The fact that this was still a place where His Spirit was at work was evident in the fact that Paul's severe discipline had results; and that right quick (as the Brits like to say). This is clear from chapter 7 of 2 Corinthians. As I started off this discourse; I mentioned the Ephesians. They were threatened with total removal of their candlestick in Revelation 2. Therefore; being dead would be worse than immature; even with all the correct doctrines and outer actions; ceremonies; etc.
John 16:8 shows how the true Spirit of God works.
Looking at the preceding verses; we see promises for those who are God's children to be hidden (compare with Colossians 3:3); and we shouldn't ignore the following statement in verse 2 about those who TRUST God. We also see promises which apply in general to God's covenant people such as Deuteronomy 7:15; and fulfilled by Christ in verses such as Isaiah 53:5. Ultimately; however these promises will be fulfilled in the Millennial Kingdom as may be indicated in verse 7; and in the Tribulation for those dweiling in heaven as indicated from verse 9.
Luke 10:19 shows how Christ fulfills certain promises in freedom from Satan's grip which is similar to what it states in Psalm 91:13.
The remainder of the Psalm could indicate Christ's reward as well as our own during the Millennial period as well. There will also be natural life expectancies (see Isaiah 65:22) that are vastly extended at that time.
As we look at things today; of course we still live with all of creation groaning as it were; such as indicated in Romans 8:22. Satan himself will get his due reward; ending once and for all his usurper role as a pseudo ruler; who ultimately fulfills God's prophetic plan; as it did when he entered Judas Iscariot so that all things could be fulfilled and Christ would die for our atonement ( Heb. 9:28; also read Isaiah 53 in its entirety). We are all in perishable bodies for a brief time; but we certainly can find ways to shorten our lives due to sin adding to our miseries. For now; pestilences and other things can be held back or mitigated; but that will not be helpful during the Tribulation. At that time the 144,000 will be supernaturally protected before God brings judgments upon the earth. May we live soberly in the fear of God
"For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth."
Leviticus 18, note the whole chapter, ending with Leviticus 18:30, Leviticus 20, Deuteronomy 7:25-26, please read in context Deuteronomy 7, Deuteronomy 12:28-32, Deuteronomy 13, Deuteronomy 18:9-22, Deuteronomy 22:5, Deuteronomy 23:17,18, Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Deuteronomy 27:15, Deuteronomy 25,
Leviticus 11, Proverbs 3:32, Proverbs 11:20,
1Kings 11:1-14, 2Kings 23:13, Proverbs 16:12, Proverbs 28:9,
Proverbs 12:22, Proverbs 15:8,9,26, Proverbs 17:15,
Hopefully these are helpful
Deuteronomy 24:1-5, Matthew 5:27-32, Matthew 19:3-12, Mark 10:2-12, Romans 7:1-4, Malachi 2:11-17,
Deuteronomy 7:3-16, Nehemiah 13:23-29, 1Corinthians 7,
1Timothy 4:1-10, 1Timothy 5:14, Hebrews 13:4,
James 1:5
Here are few Scriptures that tell us of this special people, chosen of God, to be His Own: Deuteronomy 7:6; Deuteronomy 14:2; 1 Chronicles 16:13; Psalm 89:3,4; Psalm 105:6, & many more. So Israel, because of their rejection of their Messiah & depending on the Law (to gain righteousness - Romans 10:3,4) have been rejected (cut out of the olive tree). But those amongst them who believe & also from the Gentiles who have turned to Christ, are God's true Israel ( Romans 9:6,7). Maybe, you're thinking of the true Israel that belongs to God.
I'm not sure if your question was about GOD or man. I will try my best to answer it. Ironically " ambiguous " meaning double meaning._._
I think that GOD's WORD the Bible is clear, when we study, & pray for wisdom. James 1:5,
1st GOD gave people dominion: Genesis 1:26,27,28, = power, dominion ect. Within 2nd Generation & continued; 1st crime: Genesis 4:6-9, & Genesis 4:23, dominion with disregard for others, even anothers very life. Genesis 6:5, Exodus 1:8,13,16,22, even disregard for life of children
Even then though GOD doesn't disregard HE repayed. Exodus 12:29, Exodus 13:15, notice the whole chapter of Exodus 12, points to John 3:15,16,17, Again people with dominion & power disregarding life of innocent: Luke 22:1,2,7,20,54,63,64, continued; Luke 23:1,2,15,21,33,34,
Also: they killed their own children, Leviticus 18:21, Leviticus 20:1-8, that GOD had destroyed nations for that sin! 1Kings 11:7, 2Kings 23:10,
Jeremiah 32:35, ( how? ) it's unimaginable even to GOD ALMIGHTY ! Jeremiah 7:31, Jeremiah 19:5, 2Chronicles 33:9, 1Kings 11:1-12, Deuteronomy 6:14, Deuteronomy 7:1-8, why? Was it because they destroyed the children, had disregard for innocent lives of their own offspring? Images of GOD
Psalms 82:6, in context Psalms 82,
GOD will Judge: Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 18:5,6,10,14, Matthew 19:14, Mark 9:42, Luke 17:2, 2Peter 2:7-9, Psalms 9:7,
If your question is regarding "us" "believers" Luke 12:32, Revelation 21,
There will be suffering here on Earth but promises to those who endure, Matthew 24, Mark 13, Revelation 10, 2Timothy 2:3, Revelation 6:9-11,
Hopefully these are helpful
Numbers 20:7-12, is a portion of the whole story & reason.
Let's look at the bigger picture:
Numbers 20:12, please note it says "Because you believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore._._" , Please read Exodus, Moses' doubts: Exodus 3:11,13, Exodus 4:1,3,10,14, Exodus 4:24-26, Exodus 5:22, Exodus 6:12, Exodus 6:30, Exodus 14:11-15, Exodus 16:2-28, Exodus 17:2-7, Exodus 32:11-19,30,31,32,33, Exodus 33:1-3, Numbers 11:1-15, mercy ( Numbers 11:16-20,) Numbers 11:21-23, * Numbers 13, Numbers 13:30,31,32, * Numbers 14, very significant I believe, when they were supposed to take the promised land please read Numbers chapters 13 & 14, & notice: Numbers 13:30, Numbers 14:24, Numbers 14:22-23,
Psalms 95:6-11, note Psalms 95:10-11,
Hebrews 3:5-19, Luke 13:24, Mark 10:15,
Hopefully this is helpful
1Corinthians 11:30,
1Corinthians 11:18-34, James 5,
1 Corinthians 14, Leviticus 19:18,34, Deuteronomy 6:5, Deuteronomy 7:7,9,13, Matthew 5:44,46,
Did his son lose respect because of what he witnessed his father Solomon doing? Did he think of that generation as hypothetical? Because of action?
Then I just thought of Now generations. I believe the young generation that says "ok, boomer" to the oldest generation has watched the results of Abortion, that started during the Oldest generation's "WATCH" not correcting the next generation.
Then the generation X, (did it derive name because they were 1st legal abortion babies?) were & are treated with scorn, disregard, disrespect & often cruelly from those establishments hypothetically calling themselves "church" even robbed their parenting rights, from those same people who were pushing others even own children to abort living heirs?!!
Now oldest generation telling Millenials & Gen Z's to "work to help pay for their retirements"?/? How can children respect if no one shows them how?
Please pray about how you can heal, help, encourage, uplift those younger Generations because love, examples & truth in real faith will help.
With love my brother, in CHRIST
Proverbs 11:13, Micah 7:5,
Deuteronomy 7:3-6,
Yet GOD was doing a work Judges 14:4, Judges 15:20,
New Testament Ephesians 5:25,28,33, 1Peter 1:22, Colossians 3:19, 1 Corinthians 7:14,
Hopefully these are helpful in your search
Deuteronomy 7:2-4, 1 Kings 11:1-11,
John 8:31, Matthew 27:11, John 18:33, Revelation 7:5
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise.
Jeremiah 30:17
For I will restore health to you And heal you of your wounds,' says the LORD, ' Because they called you an outcast saying: " This is Zion; No one seeks her."'
Hosea 6:1
Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.
Hosea 14:4
I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him.
Malachi 4:2
But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
Psalm 30:2-3
LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me.
O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
Exodus 15:26
and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you."
Deuteronomy 7:15
And the LORD will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt (sin) which you have known, but will lay them on all those who hate you.
Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
We have the Old Testament references to God's choosing Israel: Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 45:4; Isaiah 65:9; Matthew 24:22 (Matthew is still OT in this respect). Israel wasn't a nation at the time of God's choosing nor did its forefathers deserve anything for God choosing them, but that He wanted a "special people, to set His Love upon them, & to keep His Oath made to their forefathers" ( Deuteronomy 7:6-8).
In the New Testament (post Cross), the Apostle Paul speaks of God's Elect as being from both Israel & the Gentiles: under "the election of Grace" (Romans chapter 11) and Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 1:2.
So we understand from Scripture, that God chooses whomever He desires to be His very Own. Yet, after the advent of Jesus Christ & His Sacrifice for all (Jew & Gentile), God's choosing is based on the Cross & yet the remnant of disbelieving Israel will still figure at the end times.
Then maybe your question is in respect of how that Divine Election affects sinful mankind now: are some forever lost without hope, or are some dragged kicking & screaming into the Kingdom, none having any choice because of Divine Election? To answer this, God's choosing of those to be saved is entirely because of His Determination & His Plans. Since we know that God is an Omniscient God (He knows all things from eternity to eternity), His Plans must include those who come into the world, the life path they take, their hearing of the Gospel & their response to it.
Acts 13:48: "And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed." "Ordained to eternal life". This is election, showing that God, Who had appointed some to eternal life, followed through with believing on His Son. In other words, whom God chooses will be saved - those who refuse His Son are not part of the elect or chosen of God.
Just to expand a little more to the truth S Spencer shared with you. As recently someone had a question similar to yours. The Love of God, Jesus Christ, is beyond what we can imagine. What I perceive as more important to ask is "do I love Jesus Christ"?
God is Holy and hates sin. To repent from the sins of this world, giving your life to Him, and live to do His Will is very important. I will just leave a couple Scriptures for you showing how important it is for us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. Our love for Him shall not be forgotten.
Deuteronomy 7:9, Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Psalms 31:23, Psalms 97:10, Psalms 145:20, Proverbs 8:17, John 14:21,
James 1:12, James 2:5,
God Bless.
The Bible also warns to not be unequally yoked- meaning an believer with an unbeliever. But Paul in the Bible said it's better to remain single. So, one must read in context to understand what is a suggestion and what is a moral law God wants us to follow. When in doubt we should pray.
We should ignore flawed man's opinions and just go with what the Bible says. The Bible doesn't say anything against mixed race marriages. And most importantly pray to God and ask Him for confirmation and to release your heart of any doubts that have been instilled by others. God bless...
Romans 10:12
I looked into this for you. The word "corn" in Deuteronomy 7:13 is the Hebrew word transliterated "dagan". The BDB definition is "wheat, cereal, grain, corn". With a Strongs number of H1715 "properly grain".
Hope that helps. God Bless.
The Hebrew word here translated as corn, is done so 37 times in the KJV.
That's what the word meant in 1611.
I wouldn't loose any sleep over that.
And the same applies for the Christian today. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, where the Apostle Paul warns us about entering into any union with unbelievers, whether in business or marriage. Idolatry may not be involved here for us, but the values, ethics & constraints that are upon us as Christian may not always be the same as these others & this is where problems arise & much heartache. However, there is no requirement that a Christian marriage cannot be had with someone from another culture, as long it is with one who is "in the Lord", a believer. Such a union can only receive the blessing of the Lord.