Testimony Magazine December 2012
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Vol. 82 No. 978 December 2012 TESTIMONY For the study and defence of the Holy Scripture 454 New series Ships and shipping Also in this issue: – Bible workshop—the sea and earth beasts 449 – New discoveries in creation 463 – True fellowship (review) 476 – Mary’s humility 457 Contents “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” TESTIMONY Editors: DAVID BURGES. 7 Whitehead Drive, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9PW. Tel. 01789 842692; Contents email: [email protected] Science; Archaeology Publishing Editor’s column World watchman 5 Birch Court, 445 SHAUN MAHER. Shaun Maher Doune, FK16 6JD. David—the man after God’s 466 Tel. 01786 842996; own heart Principles of prophecy email: [email protected] 38. Joab intervenes again The king of the north and Watchman 39. David’s folly the king of the south John Mitchell Andrew White ERIC MARSHALL. The Pines, 446 468 Ling Common Road, Castle Bible workshop Clippings—religion and Rising, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, Revelation 13 society 473 PE31 6AE. Tel. 01553 631279; E. Marshall & J. Thomas email: [email protected] 449 Your Letters Exposition; Principles, preach- The faithful of old—studied The Johannine comma 475 ing, problems (pro tem.) by the young “Come out of her, My Progress report people” 475 JOHN NICHOLLS. 17 Upper Trin- S. Whitehouse & S. Hole The false prophet ity Road, Halstead, Essex, CO9 452 475 1EE. Tel. 01787 473089; email: Ships and shipping in Bible “Perfectly joined together . .” [email protected] times (Review) Reviews 1. Noah’s Ark John Nicholls 476 Rudolf Rijkeboer 454 JEREMY THOMAS. 22 Kingswood Reflections Close, Kings Norton, Birmingham, Humble yourselves Riot B30 3NX. Tel. 0121 444 6810; John Mitchell 457 Margaret Bilton 480 email: [email protected] Assistant Editor; Exhortation Arm of the Lord God’s delight Geoff Henstock 459 Liz Robinson 481 GEOFF HENSTOCK. 13 Alpha Help with the daily Index of titles 2012 482 Crescent, Panorama 5041, readings S. Australia. Tel. 8277-0730; email: 462 Lebanon scenes [email protected] Science update 4. Sidon Australia Editor; Prophecy Recent news from the world (2) The Sea Castle of science Jeremy Thomas XXII Publishing Editor: David Burges 463 ERIC MARSHALL (see above) Testimony books Articles for publication Articles to be considered for publication are welcome and should be Testimony website: forwarded to the Publishing Editor (in Australia, the local editor) in the www.testimony-magazine.org first instance. Cover design: Rachel Otter Publication of articles in the Testimony does not presume editorial endorsement except on matters of fundamental doctrine, as defined in the Birmingham Amended Statement of Faith. XXI Publishing Editor’s column HIS IS THE final issue for 2012. Another the Lord was predicted, “the day of the LORD’S year comes to its close. It is a God-given vengeance, and the year of recompences for the Tcycle, which He has promised will continue: controversy of Zion” (Isa. 34:8). It came upon “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and har- Idumea. But the world is still involved in the vest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, controversy of Zion. Israel becomes increasingly and day and night shall not cease” (Gen. 8:22). isolated and the Middle East continues in turmoil, However, though the years continue to come but God’s promise remains sure: “though I make round, that is not true of individuals; we have a a full end of all nations whither I have scattered limited time span which, however long it proves thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee” (Jer. in practice, will end unless our Lord returns to 30:11). Their existence through the ages despite change our nature. Indeed, many of us will have persecution, as predicted by the prophets, gives attended the laying to rest this year of beloved us assurance that our God is in control. Their brethren and sisters, reminding us of both the regathering and growth as a nation in the Land inexorable march of time and, thankfully, the of Israel has provoked opposition and armed hope of life to be brought at Jesus’ coming. aggression. Rarely a week goes by without Israel The transience of life is often implied in the being in the news; it is not difficult to see that Latin phrase sometimes found on clocks, tempus the final scenario, when “. the day of the LORD fugit, translated literally into English as ‘time flees’ cometh, and . I will gather all nations against or, more usually, ‘time flies.’ One writer rightly Jerusalem to battle . .” (Zech. 14:1,2), could come says, “It is a proverbial expression of concern that about very soon and dramatically quickly. Their one’s limited time is being consumed by nothing rescue in extremity will bring the coming of the in particular or by something which may have Lord, for which we need to be ready. little intrinsic substance, importance, or urgency.” We also see a world in crisis. Financial trou- This ought not to be so for the disciple of Christ. bles, corruption and scandal in high places, war, Our calling is one of purpose and destiny. Our civil unrest and damage from natural disasters Lord has called us to activity: “seek ye first the are evident. These pressures will undoubtedly kingdom of God, and His righteousness . .” The move the nations into place for “that great day of Apostle Paul encouraged appropriate use of our God Almighty.” In a number of countries there time: “Walk in wisdom toward them that are is a growing tendency to limit the freedom of without, redeeming the time” (Col. 4:5). He also dissent from the philosophies of the rulers. It is counselled, “And that, knowing the time, that not difficult to see the development of Babylon now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now the Great from such pressures and tendencies. In is our salvation nearer than when we believed. such a context the call to “Come out of her, My The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us people” would have urgent relevance. Hearts therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us filled with the Word of God and determination put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, to remain faithful will be essential. We need to as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, prepare now. not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife The passage of time also means that those and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, who grow old must pass on the duties that they and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the have undertaken to the next generation. This is lusts thereof” (Rom. 13:11-14). true for the publishing of the Testimony. From The end of a year is a good time to take stock the beginning of next year the role of Publish- of our spiritual position. Are we allowing our ing Editor will be taken up by Brother Jeremy limited time to be consumed with nothing in Thomas. This editor is confident that the duty particular, or by things which have no intrinsic will be discharged faithfully and effectively, value? This is the time to refocus our intentions and we pray that under his ministry the Testi- and practice for the coming year as we look ear- mony will continue to flourish, to bring spiritual nestly for the day of the Lord. benefit to readers and honour to our Father in Our contemporary world is sadly ignorant of heaven. the day of the Lord. In Isaiah’s time the day of Eric Marshall The Testimony, December 2012 Contents 445 Exhortation David—the man after God’s own heart John Mitchell 38. Joab intervenes again1 HEBA, SON of Bichri, who blew a trumpet to kiss him. Amasa, caught completely off guard and caused the defection from David of the regarding the dagger in Joab’s left hand, was wide Sremnants of Abishai’s army, was himself open to the thrust that killed him on the spot. bent on kingship. He had therefore to be dealt It was as shocking an assassination as could be with quickly, so David summoned Amasa, his imagined, and it brought to a halt Amasa’s troops newly-appointed commander-in-chief, and said when they saw their leader lying in the middle of to him, “Summon the men of Judah to come to the road. Callously, Joab and Abishai then moved me within three days, and be here yourself.” on with their men, leaving behind one of Joab’s For some reason, however, Amasa, in travel- servants to handle the situation. He stood beside ling north from Jerusalem, exceeded both the the body and announced, “Whoever favours Joab, boundaries and the time David had intended. and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab!” Various reasons have been suggested for Amasa’s Still Amasa’s men held back until the servant delay, including that he was not really up to his dragged the body away from the highway into a command, and that he did not really want it. Be field and threw a garment over it. Only then did that as it may, the unwanted delay left David in they join Joab in the pursuit of Sheba. a quandary. Someone had to lead his own tried Concerning this unsavoury incident, some and trusted forces, and he could not very well commentators, taking into account a later state- reappoint Joab. He had to compromise, which he ment, twice emphasised by Joab, that it was never did by making a stop-gap appointment as leader his intention “to swallow up or destroy,” have felt of Joab’s brother, Abishai, thus keeping the post that Joab’s sole purpose in killing Amasa was in the family, so to speak.