I just want to warn you to stay away from writings from Bullinger and other ultra-dispensationalists as they teach boat loads of error that contradict and do not align with Scripture although they claim to be the ones who truly rightly divide Scripture. Beware of such cultic groups.
That's a good question Wayne, as some might understand it as, David not having enough faith that only one stone would kill Goliath, therefore he needed extras.
When I read the whole passage in 1 Samuel chapter 17, I try to understand it according to what was normal practise using the skills developed for accurate use of the sling. David probably hunted quite often using such a method (or, to protect his flock) & would be normal for him to have more projectiles in his bag. He probably looked at this 'beast' confronting the army of Israel & cursing the God of Israel, with the same view. In fact, in verses 49 to 51, we read that in spite of David's accuracy in reaching his target, that single stone didn't kill Goliath, but certainly would have given him a severe head/brain trauma that dropped him to the ground. And since this was a duel to the death, & Goliath had not died, David proceeded to remove Goliath's sword & then use it to kill him & to decapitate him. Generally, we understand that it was the stone killed Goliath (v50), but verse 51 seems to suggest that Goliath met his death by his own sword in David's hand. Either could be correct, but only one stone was needed to fell the enemy.
Jesus' first coming gave hope, and his second coming will bring a joy that will last forever for those who are following him. We live in the messy middle between these two points. We look back and praise God that Christ has come. And we look forward and trust God that Christ will come again. By balancing our lives between these two comings, we find perspective for this momentary existence we find ourselves in, and we find ourselves moved to pray, "Come, Lord Jesus!" and feel glorious anticipation with each beat of our hearts that gets us closer to the day that "we shall see [him] face to face" ( 1 Corinthians 13:12).
Contact ACLJ dot com if you have trouble starting your church. They're Christian attorneys.
Here we see the separation of Lot from Abraham. There was nothing wrong; technically as to the decision to separate to have enough room for their flocks and such; but clearly Lot focused on the lush land and not the "exceedingly" wicked men in Sodom which he somehow myopically neglected in his decision. Abraham now was able to see in the barren land he lived in as basically a nomad in tents with the full picture of God's promises for the future. We are reminded how the unseen is more important than the seen. Temporary pleasures in Lot were enough to cost Lot's wife her life and likely she was unsaved (I suggest a piece of literature from Chapel Library entitled "Lot's wife" for a very convicting look at this woman who despite having all the privileges of truth in a pagan society looked back at the world against God's directive). Lot himself; although decreed as a believer typifies those who "escape as through the fire" which could also be an allegory of those who at the last minute escape God's wrath. Nonetheless; Abram (to become Abraham) would inquire of God on Sodom and no doubt was able to intercede as he and the rest of his small group were the only ones to escape. Abraham asked God to spare the city even if 10 righteous existed; clearly Lot was on his mind. God obviously communed closely with Abraham; in many ways like He did with Moses; telling Him of great promises.
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
I have read all of the comments in this section and found the ones concerning Lot interesting. I have always thought that Lot went with Abraham perhaps because as Lot's uncle, Abraham may have had an obligation, by custom, to take in his nephew and raise him in his household. I do not know how old Lot was when his father, Haran, died, but I have always thought that he was very young and needed a guardian and, by custom, stayed in the household of his guardian even into adulthood. Also, being new to the land, they may have not known of the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah at that time, especially if they kept apart from the other Canaanite tribes around them. Does anyone know about the possibility of such customary obligations?
Genesis 13:8:"And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren."
The word 'brethren' has a wider meaning than just 'brothers'. The Hebrew allows for it to mean, 'countrymen, kinsmen, relatives, etc." As well, Abram included not only himself but his herdsmen in this plea for peace. So by using the word 'brethren', Abram seems to come as a peacemaker to show Lot that "we're all here & in this together as one big family, so why should this matter cause us strife & division & pull us apart". As it happened, they did go their separate ways but hopefully, any anger felt earlier would have subsided.
Abraham as far as i am concerned, is an epitome of contentment, humility,peace and a man of exemplary lifestyle characterized by a great measure of unselfishness. He would do and give anything up even his life, for the peace of those he loves and are under his care.
"Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD."
Did he burn more animals on this altar? Why don't these people just pray to God?
reminds me also that Paul counted all as loss in Phil 3:8. Lot believed he had the best pick but God was going to bless Abraham either way, His exceeding great reward was Jehovah God.
Here in 13 this shows how blessings is ours if we only be obedient and follow GODS direction. Sometime certain situations calls for extreme measures. also lets us know that family will hold you from blessing that are yours if you allow them. It tells us also keep the faith and keep going on knowing that God is on our side.
The secret to Abram success was that he could built an altar wherever he settled and call on the name of the lord as described in verse 4 and18. This made all his to be directed by the lord and this is cordinated with jeremiah 33:3 " call unto me and i will answer you..........."
AMB.IFEOMA MARY EJIOGU on Genesis 13 - 7 years ago
To be effective in serving God,we should discard all forms of self and wholly follow God by constantly seek His will in every thing we do.Abraham has no other person or power other than God.He so much made God his defense city ,strength. We need to be content with God,trust him and accept his plans for us
V. 4 - " ..... and there Abraham called on the Name of the Lord." Abraham reiterated his first oath to God and not actually KNOWING his oath, I can well imagine it entailed Micah 6:8. He reaffirmed his standing with God. Everyday we need to do this, as we wake up, before starting in on OUR business.
I just want to warn you to stay away from writings from Bullinger and other ultra-dispensationalists as they teach boat loads of error that contradict and do not align with Scripture although they claim to be the ones who truly rightly divide Scripture. Beware of such cultic groups.
When I read the whole passage in 1 Samuel chapter 17, I try to understand it according to what was normal practise using the skills developed for accurate use of the sling. David probably hunted quite often using such a method (or, to protect his flock) & would be normal for him to have more projectiles in his bag. He probably looked at this 'beast' confronting the army of Israel & cursing the God of Israel, with the same view. In fact, in verses 49 to 51, we read that in spite of David's accuracy in reaching his target, that single stone didn't kill Goliath, but certainly would have given him a severe head/brain trauma that dropped him to the ground. And since this was a duel to the death, & Goliath had not died, David proceeded to remove Goliath's sword & then use it to kill him & to decapitate him. Generally, we understand that it was the stone killed Goliath (v50), but verse 51 seems to suggest that Goliath met his death by his own sword in David's hand. Either could be correct, but only one stone was needed to fell the enemy.
Jesus' first coming gave hope, and his second coming will bring a joy that will last forever for those who are following him. We live in the messy middle between these two points. We look back and praise God that Christ has come. And we look forward and trust God that Christ will come again. By balancing our lives between these two comings, we find perspective for this momentary existence we find ourselves in, and we find ourselves moved to pray, "Come, Lord Jesus!" and feel glorious anticipation with each beat of our hearts that gets us closer to the day that "we shall see [him] face to face" ( 1 Corinthians 13:12).
Contact ACLJ dot com if you have trouble starting your church. They're Christian attorneys.
I have read all of the comments in this section and found the ones concerning Lot interesting. I have always thought that Lot went with Abraham perhaps because as Lot's uncle, Abraham may have had an obligation, by custom, to take in his nephew and raise him in his household. I do not know how old Lot was when his father, Haran, died, but I have always thought that he was very young and needed a guardian and, by custom, stayed in the household of his guardian even into adulthood. Also, being new to the land, they may have not known of the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah at that time, especially if they kept apart from the other Canaanite tribes around them. Does anyone know about the possibility of such customary obligations?
The word 'brethren' has a wider meaning than just 'brothers'. The Hebrew allows for it to mean, 'countrymen, kinsmen, relatives, etc." As well, Abram included not only himself but his herdsmen in this plea for peace. So by using the word 'brethren', Abram seems to come as a peacemaker to show Lot that "we're all here & in this together as one big family, so why should this matter cause us strife & division & pull us apart". As it happened, they did go their separate ways but hopefully, any anger felt earlier would have subsided.
To God Almighty in prayer & HIS Word.
For encouragement 2 Samuel 23:3,
Direction & wisdom : Proverbs
Understanding who Jesus is Mathew, Mark, Luke &/or John
Hope that's helpful
Did he burn more animals on this altar? Why don't these people just pray to God?