Vol. 83 No. 984 July 2013 TESTIMONY For the study and defence of the holy Scripture

270 Creation’s power to change us

Also in this issue: – The centurions of the New Testament 278 – Ongoing concern over Syria 268 – Nature’s ugliest creature? 267 – Your letters 276

Contents TESTIMONY

Editors:

DAVID BURGES. 7 Whitehead Drive, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9PW. Tel. 01789 842692; Contents email: [email protected] Science; Archaeology Publishing Editor’s column 249 Bible workshop SHAUN MAHER. 5 Birch Court, Revelation 19 Doune, FK16 6JD. “Humble yourselves Tel. 01786 842996; therefore . . .” E. Marshall & J. Thomas 272 email: [email protected] Stephen Blake 251 Your Letters Watchman The Letter to the Hebrews Deuteronomy 22:5— 3. Hebrews 1:5-14 a well-worn verse 276 ERIC MARSHALL. The Pines, 153 fishes Ling Common Road, Castle Peter Caudery 254 277 Rising, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, The good Samaritan 277 The faithful of old—studied PE31 6AE. Tel. 01553 631279; Good soldiers of email: [email protected] by the young Exposition; Principles, preach- John the Baptist: the friend of Jesus Christ ing and problems (pro tem.) the bridegroom John Mitchell 278 Josh Palmer 257 Israel’s lovers JOHN NICHOLLS. 17 ­Upper Owen Mulcahy 283 Trinity Road, ­Halstead, Essex, CO9 Meditations on the Psalms 1EE. Tel. 01787 473089; email: Psalm 120 Prophecy and the revival [email protected] Mark Vincent 262 of the Hebrew language Reviews Ships and shipping in Bible Geoff Henstock 284 JEREMY THOMAS. 22 times Why I fear Almighty God Kingswood Close, Kings 6. Israel and the sea Adah Jones 286 Norton, Birmingham, B30 Rudolf Rijkeboer 264 3NX. Tel. 0121 444 6810; Reflections email: [email protected] Science snippets Shock Exhortation A wonder from the deep Margaret Bilton 287 David Burges 267 Lebanon scenes GEOFF HENSTOCK. 13 ­Alpha Israel and her neighbours 9. Tyre (1) Crescent, ­Panorama 5041, S. Australia. Tel. 8277-0730; email: Shaun Maher 268 Jeremy Thomas XII [email protected] The moral power of the Australia Editor; Prophecy Genesis creation (Review) Jeremy Thomas 270 Publishing Editor: Testimony books JEREMY THOMAS (see above) 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.

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. XI a “And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Get thee hence, and turn thee TESTIMONY eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook” (1 Kgs. 17:1-6).

Cover picture: “Elijah and the ravens,” Miracles series, Abigail Halstead Publishing Editor’s column HE MAY-JUNE ISSUE of the Testimony, help and encouragement to all readers in their as readers will recall, comprised the 2013 reading of Scripture and their walk towards the TSpecial Issue on the subject “Genesis—the Kingdom of God. seedbed of the Bible.” Each year’s Special Issue is ordinarily double the length of the standard, God as Creator forty-page monthly magazine. On this occasion Although in last month’s issue a discrete article readers were offered somewhat more than this in was devoted to the subject of God as Creator,2 eighty-eight pages of material, the cost of which this by no means exhausts all that Scripture has has been absorbed within each annual subscrip- to say on this topic. It is, of course, the very first tion. In practical terms this amount of material thing that God communicates about Himself in is as much as our printers are able to cope with His Word. God’s testimony of Himself as the One unless the format of the magazine is changed, who “created the heaven and the earth” (Gen. 1:1) something that would impact unrealistically on is a theme repeated regularly and consistently the cost of production (not to mention the work- as the Scriptures unfold. Numerous instances load of our production editor). The opportunity could be cited, “in the law of Moses, and in the is taken to repeat the thanks expressed last time1 prophets, and in the psalms” (Lk. 24:44), to il- to the authors who contributed articles, and to lustrate this fact. record the publishing editor’s gratitude for all It is particularly instructive to note the vari- those who had a part, under the good hand of ous contexts in which such statements occur. God, in bringing the finished product to comple- It is understandable enough that the psalmist tion on schedule. should have recourse to the events of Genesis In the event, the editors of the Testimony feel 1 when praising God and extolling His power blessed to have received considerably more and majesty: material than we were able to offer even in a “By the word of the LORD were the heavens double-length issue. No less than five articles made; and all the host of them by the breath of from the original synopsis of the Special Issue His mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea remain to be published. The plan is for these to together as an heap: He layeth up the depth in be published on a monthly basis during the rest storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD: of the year, God willing, beginning this month. let all the inhabitants of the world stand in We thank the authors concerned for their patience while the fruits of their labours are shared with subscribers, and trust that these supplementary 1. May-Jun. 2013, p. 162. articles, with the Special Issue itself, will be of 2. Ibid., p. 163. The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 249 awe of Him. For He spake, and it was done; familiar with the Old Testament, but to Gentiles He commanded, and it stood fast” (Ps. 33:6-9). more accustomed to worshipping the no-gods Yet our attention is drawn to the same events both of the type dismissed by Jeremiah, the apos- by David when considering deliverance from his tles’ repeated witness was to the role of God as enemies—“Our help is in the name of the LORD, Creator. At Lystra Barnabas and Paul, initially who made heaven and earth” (124:8)—and by worshipped as gods themselves, demanded: another inspired writer when contrasting the “Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men faithfulness of God with the untrustworthiness of like passions with you, and preach unto you of man: “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob that ye should turn from these vanities unto the for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: living God, which made heaven, and earth, and which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all the sea, and all things that are therein: who . . . that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever” left not Himself without witness, in that He did (146:5,6). As far as the Scriptures are concerned, good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful therefore, there is far more entailed with God’s seasons, filling our hearts with food and glad- role as Creator than simply His ability to create. ness” (Acts 14:15-17). The apostles’ position was that the observable Israel’s prophets world speaks eloquently to all men of a God who The prophet Zechariah simultaneously looks has not only made all, but who was and is active in back to creation and forward to the time of the sustaining what He has made. Remarkably, even end when he records “The burden of the word at Athens, the very centre of human learning of of the LORD for Israel . . . which stretcheth forth the day, Paul chose to commence his witness by the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the preaching “the unknown God . . . that made the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. world and all things therein [who] giveth to all Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling life, and breath, and all things; and hath made of unto all the people round about, when they shall one blood all nations of men” (17:23-26). in the siege both against Judah and against Je- Contrary to what the world would have us rusalem” (12:1,2). The connection now may not think, therefore, there is a compelling scriptural be so immediately obvious. Perhaps the prophet case for continued emphasis in our preaching, recognises in the Almighty’s power to create the and in our own thinking, on the absolute need world, and man upon it, the same power to so for belief in God as Creator. Here is divine guid- ordain the nations that His will shall be done, ance that, when speaking to those, like our typical remembering that “When the Most High divided hearer today, with little background of biblical to the nations their inheritance, when He sepa- knowledge, we should appeal to the evidence of rated the sons of Adam, He set the bounds of the the natural world as solid grounds for acknowl- people according to the number of the children edging the Creator. of Israel” (Deut. 32:8). In yet another context, Jeremiah contrasts the Our day Creator-God of Israel with the impotent, man- Might it be, in an age increasingly dismissive made idols of the Gentiles: “The gods that have of the existence of the Creator, let alone of the not made the heavens and the earth, even they need to believe and obey His Word, that there shall perish from the earth, and from under is an especial requirement for us His children these heavens. He hath made the earth by His to follow the apostolic example? In announcing power, He hath established the world by His the vial period of Revelation, the last of the three wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by prophetic sections into which the Lord Jesus’ His discretion” (10:11,12). There is irony here in final message to his servants is divided, and the the fact that, whereas the true God has made one which leads directly to his coming again, man, man has sought recourse to gods whom he the appeal of the angel is to “Fear God, and give has made. Creation, Jeremiah tells us, witnesses glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is to the existence of God. come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea” (14:7). Given the wonders of Apostolic confirmation creation that we are able to appreciate better than Precisely this testimony is taken up by the in- any previous generation, and the nearness of the spired apostles of the Lord in their preaching Lord’s return, surely there is now more reason work in the first century. Speaking not to Jews than ever to heed the angel’s exhortation. The Testimony, July 2013 250 Contents Exhortation “Humble yourselves therefore . . .” Stephen Blake

Developing humility is perhaps one of the hardest things In Jesus’ exhortation to the twelve he uses a word, translated ‘converted,’ we are asked to do as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. that is translated elsewhere ‘turn.’ The teaching of Jesus, and an Old Testament example, The obvious lesson is to turn away supply us with some of the principles involved in from any interest in greatness and developing this essential aspect of our discipleship. to become like a child. This is not necessarily an inherently good thing; ET US BEGIN in Matthew 18:1: “At the same the Apostle Paul exhorts us to “be not children time came the disciples unto Jesus, say- in understanding” (1 Cor. 14:20). In this example, Ling, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of being childlike is not at all a godly characteristic. heaven?” It appears to be all the disciples asking But Jesus is describing one quality possessed by the question. This is surely significant, as we little children that he wants us all to develop: sometimes associate certain individual disciples “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself with boldness, or with being more vocal than the as this little child, the same is greatest in the others; but on this occasion the issue concerned kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:4). We are not asked them all. Each one of the disciples had a desire merely to become like children, then, but to for greatness—something that can affect us all, humble ourselves. given that it satisfies “the lust of the flesh.” Every one of us has, at least at some time, experienced An Old Testament definition a desire for greatness in one area or another of Let us find a scriptural definition of humility, life, be it at work, at home or even in the ecclesia. so that we might learn how God wants us to Just like the disciples were showing themselves cultivate this characteristic in our own lives. “A to be, we are vulnerable to allowing this desire man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall to develp into “the pride of life.” The beginning uphold the humble in spirit” (Prov. 29:23). In this of this passage enables us to identify with the simple contrast we can discern that developing disciples, therefore. Just like them, we too can humility of spirit requires us to cease from human learn from the Master’s response to their ques- pride. As we know from 1 John 2:16, “the pride of tioning. life . . . is not of the Father, but is of the world.” Jesus might have quoted any number of scrip- By turning away from this characteristic of the tural passages concerning greatness—Jeremiah world and seeking instead the things of God, 31:34, for instance, where God says that all His we may humble ourselves and exalt the Father, people shall know Him, “from the least of them acknowledging His superiority, appreciating that unto the greatest of them,” plainly showing the He is the Potter and we are merely the clay. disciples that they should not be concerned with personal greatness. Knowing God should An Old Testament case study be enough for all of us. But, instead, Jesus chose 2 Chronicles 32:22-26 contains the account of a to use a human being to teach the disciples the brother who had to deal with pride and humble spiritual lesson they needed to learn: “And Jesus himself: called a little child unto him, and set him in the “Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Except ye be converted, and become as little Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of hand of all other, and guided them on every heaven” (Mt. 18:2,3). side. And many brought gifts unto the LORD The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 251 to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king glorying in all his possessions, were it not for of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight the intervention of the prophet Isaiah. Here we of all nations from thenceforth. In those days see one method with which God equips us to Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed correct one another in love: by the use of godly unto the LORD: and He spake unto him, and interrogation Isaiah asked Hezekiah questions He gave him a sign. But Hezekiah rendered about his conduct. We are reminded of other not again according to the benefit done unto occasions in Scripture when this occurred; for him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there instance, when God asked Adam, after he had was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Je- sinned, “Where art thou? . . . Who told thee that rusalem. Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the . . . ?” (Gen. 3:9,11)—questions to which God knew inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the answer, as He knows all things; yet questions the LORD came not upon them in the days of He asked to elicit a response from those who had H e z e k i a h .” sinned, in order for them to begin to examine How easy it is for possessions and prosperity to their consciences, and to ask themselves whether promote pride in us, just as the presents given to what they had done was right. In this way Isaiah King Hezekiah caused his heart to become lifted questioned Hezekiah concerning his conduct up to the extent that he “rendered not again,” in order that Hezekiah should ask himself or “gave no return for the benefit he received” whether what he was doing was right in the eyes (NASB). If this was a threat to godly King Heze- of God. kiah, then certainly it is a threat to us. We must remember that any material prosperity we have Taught by the Word of God in this life is of God’s mercy and grace, as it was The next step in Hezekiah’s learning process was for Hezekiah (v. 29). Keeping this in mind will to declare to him the Word of God: help us to avoid our hearts becoming lifted up “Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word with pride. of the LORD of hosts: Behold, the days come, If pride has developed in our life, at times we that all that is in thine house, and that which may be able to identify it ourselves. On most oc- thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, casions, however, it may be necessary for others shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be to help us identify it so that we can turn back to left, saith the LORD. And of thy sons that shall God. This was certainly the case for Hezekiah, as issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall we see from the parallel account in the prophets: they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in “At that time Merodach-baladan, the son of the palace of the king of Babylon” (Isa. 39:5-7). Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a Under inspiration, Isaiah revealed to Hezekiah present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that the consequence of his actions. We too may he had been sick, and was recovered. And use Scripture to explain to our brother why a Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them particular characteristic needs to be changed. In the house of his precious things, the silver, this way it is the Word of God that provides the and the gold, and the spices, and the precious rebuke, not us. ointment, and all the house of his armour, and Finally, the result of Isaiah telling Hezekiah all that was found in his treasures: there was his fault can be seen in Hezekiah’s response in nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, verse 8: “Good is the word of the LORD which that Hezekiah shewed them not. Then came thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and shall be peace and truth in my days.” Having said unto him, What said these men? and from been rebuked by his brother, Hezekiah was now whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah in a position to question his own actions and, said, They are come from a far country unto in the light of this self-examination, to begin to me, even from Babylon. Then said he, What develop the necessary spirit of humility. Despite have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah the terrible message that his sons would be eu- answered, All that is in mine house have they nuchs in the service of Babylon’s king, Hezekiah seen: there is nothing among my treasures that acknowledged that what God had said through I have not shewed them” (Isa. 39:1-4). Isaiah was right, knowing that God disciplines Hezekiah would have continued as he was, proud His children that they might develop characters of his ability to impress the king of Babylon and more like His (see Heb. 12:6,7). The Testimony, July 2013 252 Contents Rebuking one another in love fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and When we are thus rebuked by our brother or sis- became obedient unto death, even the death ter, hard though it may be to hear, we should look of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly to Hezekiah’s example in similar circumstances, exalted him, and given him a name which is being willing to reconsider our actions, to be above every name” (2:5-9). taught by the Word of God, and to acknowledge in Jesus Christ, the Son of Almighty God, “emptied humility that the rebuke is for our good—that we himself” (NASB), accepting the most humiliating have, through brotherly kindness, been provided of deaths to give glory to his Father. Because of with an opportunity to repent. this submission he has been exalted. He has left The exchange between Hezekiah and Isaiah us his example to follow. As he said elsewhere, is a perfect example of the Lord’s teaching later it is “he that shall humble himself [that] shall be on in Matthew 18: “Moreover if thy brother shall exalted” (Mt. 23:12). As Christ did literally, we trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault must “put to death [our] members which are on between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, the earth” (Col. 3:5, NKJV), but at the same time thou hast gained thy brother” (v. 15). Isaiah told we can draw comfort from our belief that our Hezekiah his fault, with the end result that he striving against the pride of life to attain humility gained his brother—Hezekiah turned away from will be acknowledged by our Father, and that by his pride and embraced the necessary spirit of hu- His grace we too may be exalted. mility. We may find it very difficult to be rebuked As part of his exaltation, Jesus has been given a by our brother, or indeed to rebuke our brother, new name, “a name which is above every name” as it requires the application of godly rather than (Phil. 2:9). This is the name that will be borne by human principles. But let us acknowledge that the saints in the Kingdom: it is a teaching of the Word of God that in our “And he shewed me a pure river of water of discipleship we should both help, and be helped life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the by, one another. In the words of Proverbs 27:17, throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the of the street of it, and on either side of the countenance of his friend.” river, was there the tree of life, which bare A vitally important aspect of the process is twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit that of forgiveness. This was a point not lost on every month: and the leaves of the tree were Peter as he asked the Lord in Matthew 18: “Lord, for the healing of the nations. And there shall how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I be no more curse: but the throne of God and forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until shall serve Him: and they shall see His face; seventy times seven” (vv. 21,22). If our brother and His name shall be in their foreheads. And acknowledges his fault and repents, we should there shall be no night there; and they need no forgive, knowing that, if we do not, neither will candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord our Father forgive us our sins (v. 35). God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever” (Rev. 22:1-5). The example of Christ The vision is of our exaltation to immortality in The daily battle to replace human pride with hu- the Kingdom of God, that we might see the face mility was one even our Lord Jesus Christ had to of our God and bear His name on our foreheads, fight. The Apostle Paul exhorted the Philippians: and dwell with Him and our Lord Jesus for ever. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in As we remember, each week at the Lord’s table, Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, how this was made possible—by our Lord’s of- thought it not robbery to be equal with God: fering of his life to God—let us never forget that but made himself of no reputation, and took he, being sinless, humbled himself. How much upon him the form of a servant, and was made more, then, should we, being sinners, humble in the likeness of men: and being found in ourselves after his perfect example.

Humility is . . . “the esteeming of ourselves small, inasmuch as we are so; the thinking truly, therefore lowlily, of ourselves.” And that thinking truly in all of us brings a sense of depend- ence, of unworthiness; of the need for mercy and forgiveness, and of God’s grace. John Carter, ‘The humility of Christ,’ Delight in God’s Law, 1964

The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 253 Exposition The Letter to the Hebrews 3. Hebrews 1:5-14

Peter Caudery

“For to which of the angels did God ever say, ‘You are My ideas. Jesus was begotten by Mary in the days of Herod—at a specific Son, today I have begotten you’? Or again, ‘I will be to time. Thus we see the psalm used to him a father, and he shall be to Me a son’?” (Heb. 1:5).1 insist on the correctness of the Gospel record.2 It is interesting that, although HE RECORD in Exodus 23:20,21 tells us of Hebrews contains relatively little teaching about the authority that God gave to the Angel the Kingdom of God, the psalms that the writer Tof the Presence. He was given the respon- quotes from are all Messianic psalms. The main sibility of standing for and on behalf of God to ideas in Hebrews repeatedly teach us about Jesus His people; God’s name was in him. But Jesus as Lord and King. The writer seems to expect had obtained a more excellent name than this that his readers will use his texts in their own by inheritance (Heb. 1:4). There are various ways contexts, which constantly support the concept of understanding this. Philippians 2:9 tells us that Jesus Christ is Lord, both now and especially that God has bestowed on him a name which is in the age to come. above every name. His name is more excellent The latter part of verse 5 reads, “again, I will because it contains the element of sonship. The be to him a father, and he shall be to Me a son.” name Jesus means ‘God saves,’ and Christ means The writer supports the idea that, although this ‘the anointed one,’ so combined they demonstrate promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 applies in the work of the Son of God. part to Solomon, it is principally Messianic. The The writer to the Hebrews is repeatedly asking further promise that David’s throne will be estab- questions of his readers. He sees the quotations he lished for ever emphasises the status of God’s Son. uses as providing the solutions to the questions he poses. It is a striking way of teaching and makes Greater than angels his readers search for answers. “And again, when He brings the firstborn into the world, He says, ‘Let all God’s angels wor- The Son of God ship him’” (Heb. 1:6). The Greek construction of “For unto which of the angels said He at any time, this verse shows a contrast, with the words “and Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee?” again” meaning ‘on the other hand’ or ‘whenever.’ (v. 5, AV). This verse starts with the word “For.” Some modern translations attach ‘again’ to the Jesus had inherited a more excellent name, “For verb, giving the sense ‘when He brings again.’ The . . .” There is an emphasis of contrast here. The description is then not of the birth of Christ but Greek also emphasises the sonship of Christ in of either his resurrection or his second coming. the quotation from Psalm 2:7: ‘My Son you are Jesus is called the first-born or first begotten, a . . .’—the phrase ‘My Son’ comes first. In the next description the New Testament uses in the context section the writer produces texts supporting the of being the first-born from the dead: superiority of Christ over angels and demonstrat- • Romans 8:29 speaks of Christ as “the firstborn ing the work of Christ and the position he has among many brothers,” the ‘beginning’ of the now attained. The texts are interesting in giving people of God. us an insight into how the writer understood these psalms. Psalm 2:7 speaks of the divine begettal of Jesus. 1. All Bible quotations from the ESV unless otherwise In a real and practical sense Jesus Christ was stated. God’s Son. “This day” speaks of a precise time, 2. In Acts 13:33 the same verse is quoted of the resur- which is difficult for Trinitarians to fit into their rection of Christ.—J.D.T. The Testimony, July 2013 254 Contents Hebrews 1:7-14 7 Of the angels He says, “He makes His angels winds, and His ministers a flame of fire.” 8 But of the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever, the sceptre of upright- ness is the sceptre of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” 10 And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, 12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” 13 And to which of the angels has He ever said, “Sit at My right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

• Colossians 1:18 says that Jesus is “the begin- Exalted as King ning, the firstborn from the dead.” By using The writer describes and contrasts the angels this term Paul is saying that, when the time and the Son in verses 7-14 (see box above). He comes that Jesus is the first-born or beginning, quotes from the Psalms again. Psalm 104:1-4 is either at his resurrection or at his return, the a description of God with reference to creation, angels of God worship him. speaking of clouds, light and winds. God uses In context, “the world” (Heb. 1:6) means the in- nature to work out His purpose, the things of habited earth, society or the world of men. The God’s creation being ‘messengers’ to serve His idea of God bringing the first-born into our soci- purpose; the psalm is strongly suggestive of the ety hints specifically at the second coming. One idea that the angels are amongst the things that translation gives “whenever” instead of “when,” God has made. in which case the verse could apply to both the There is a double meaning to this verse from resurrection and the return. In Romans 1:1-4 Paul the psalm, as the writer to the Hebrews would says that God had promised these things before- know. The verse can mean either that the winds hand, as we have seen in 2 Samuel 7. Christ was are God’s messengers and flames of fire are His designated at his resurrection specifically to be ministers, or that God makes His messengers like the Son of God; his resurrection proved it. the wind and His ministers like flames of fire. The quotation “let all the angels of God wor- The word “winds” in this verse could also be ship him” (AV) is from the Septuagint text of translated ‘spirits,’ but in the context of creation Deuteronomy 32:43, where the context is that ‘winds’ is the more likely meaning. God used God will expiate the sins of the people and the rushing winds and flames of fire on the Day of land. There is here the concept of vengeance on Pentecost to demonstrate His bestowal of the the enemies of God and praise from the people Holy Spirit on the apostles, and He has used such and the angels, a context that fits the second ‘natural’ elements in many of His miracles. There coming of Christ. In Deuteronomy we see that is therefore no undue exaltation of the angels in Moses, at the end of his great song, concludes by God’s use of them in this way; they are there to looking forward to the Son, the one whom all the do His will and carry out His purpose, with the angels of God will worship. It is interesting that idioms of spirit and angels often being interwo- angels appear in the story of Jesus at his birth, ven. Psalm 104 is therefore a psalm of natural and his resurrection and his return, emphasising the creative forces, but they are all messengers of God. exalted position of Jesus. After his resurrection With regard to the Son, Hebrews 1:8,9 gives the disciples worshipped him (Mt. 28:9); he is an explicit description of his glory and exalta- to be worshipped, not just by men, but also by tion: “Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever, angels. He has been given the name which is the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of your above every name, that to him every knee should kingdom.” This is a quotation from Psalm 45:6,7, bow (Phil. 2:9,10). a ‘Kingdom’ psalm that describes the position The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 255 and purpose of the Son of God. It is a royal psalm used under inspiration. Psalm 102 is a psalm of addressed to the King, and the concept of an contrasts, beginning: “Hear my prayer, O LORD eternal throne links directly with the promises to . . .” Verses 1-11 describe the position of man David. The phrase concerning the throne of the contrasted with that of God, recording the cry Son may have the sense of ‘God is thy throne’ of the broken-hearted, the one in trouble, whose or ‘thy divine throne.’ The Son’s sceptre is one of years are shortened. The writer to the Hebrews equity or impartiality, showing the way in which clearly intends us to understand these verses as the King will judge. Isaiah 11:3,4 and Psalm 72 applying to Jesus Christ. Verses 12-22 of the psalm confirm and expand this idea. then give the response in a description of God, In fulfilment of verse 7 of the psalm, Jesus before we again hear the cry of Jesus in verses loved righteousness and hated wickedness. This 23,24: “He has broken my strength in midcourse; tremendous idea is what set Jesus apart from all He has shortened my days. ‘O my God,’ I say, others; he delighted to do right, not just because ‘take me not away in the midst of my days—You the Law of Moses required it, but because he whose years endure throughout all generations!” loved righteousness. By contrast, our problem is To the Septuagint of verse 25 the writer to the He- that often we do not really want to do what is brews adds the word “Lord”: “You, Lord, laid the right. Therefore—because of this attitude—God foundation of the earth in the beginning” (Heb. anointed him with the oil of gladness, denoting 1:10). He does so to make his readers understand exaltation and extreme joy: “for the joy that was that this is a passage depicting the Lord Jesus at set before him [Jesus] endured the cross, despis- prayer. The writer is therefore saying that because ing the shame, and is seated at the right hand of of Jesus everything was created. It was all created the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). for him. God anointed him above his “companions” (AV, fellows), or partners. Luke 5:7 uses the Son, Saviour and King same word to describe the disciples, who were Psalm 102:26 states that the heavens and earth are “partners” in fishing. We are partners with the not going to last for ever. This is in sharp contrast Lord Jesus Christ, brethren sharing a heavenly with the general teaching of the psalms that the calling (Heb. 3:1); yet Jesus was anointed beyond heavens and earth are eternal—that they were his partners: “the LORD has anointed me to bring created for ever and will not fail. These heavens good news to the poor; He has sent me to bind up and earth are different, however: they will wear the broken-hearted” (Isa. 61:1). It was through his out and change and perish. Thus they are not the meekness, even unto death, that Christ brought literal heavens and earth, but the ‘ages’ (compare about those things for which he was anointed. Heb. 1:2 and 2 Pet. 3:5-13). We recognise such lan- “Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and guage when we read of the passing away of the be satisfied” (53:11), being appointed “a portion Mosaic order (Heb. 8:13) and of other human ages among the great” (v. 12, NIV). Again the writer (Rev. 6:14). Christ came to create a new covenant is using Old Testament texts to show just how and the old ‘world’ vanished away (Heb. 10:9). great Christ is. Although the angels ministered in the Mosaic constitution of things, the Son is the centre and The focal point of creation purpose of the new covenant, which will stand Verses 10-12 are a quotation from Psalm 102:25-27: for ever and which was ‘created’ in him. The “Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, language used therefore speaks of the order of and the heavens are the work of your hands. things changing. Now that God has brought the They will perish, but you will remain; they first-born into the world, and will bring him will all wear out like a garment. You will again, the order of things will alter as the chang- change them like a robe, and they will pass ing of a coat. But he is the same—Jesus Christ, away, but you are the same, and your years the same yesterday, today and for ever. have no end.” Far from teaching the preexistence of Christ, This is an interesting quotation, one that appears then, here are a series of basic ideas about the at first sight to be teaching that the creation was Lord and his place in the purpose of God. By accomplished by Christ. If we look at it care- using the Old Testament quotations as he does, fully we find that it adds to our understanding the writer emphasises the divine begettal and of the work of Christ, and we can only marvel kingship of the Lord Jesus and his future govern- at the way such Old Testament quotations are ment of the world. The Testimony, July 2013 256 Contents God has said these things about the Son, but immortality given to him, in contrast to the “to which of the angels has He ever said, ‘Sit changeableness and fading of man’s society. In at My right hand until I make your enemies a contrast, the angels are “ministering spirits” (v. footstool for your feet’?” (Heb. 1:13). The quota- 14). The word “ministering” is used only here in tion comes from Psalm 110, which the writer uses the New Testament. In the Septuagint it is used repeatedly in Hebrews. Now he is speaking of of the service of the priests in the temple day by the ascension of Jesus. By the end of Hebrews day. God’s angels or spirits continue to do the 1, therefore, the writer has emphasised Christ’s work of God with His people day by day. They provision of expiation from sin, his character, carry out God’s purpose for the sake of those his loving righteousness, his kingship and his who are to inherit salvation. ascension to God’s right hand and to the eternal (To be continued) Contents

Exposition The faithful of old— studied by the young John the Baptist: the friend of the bridegroom Josh Palmer OHN’S NAME MEANS ‘Yah is gracious,’ that it was answered by the same angel who had and so He was—to the people of Jerusalem prophesied about “Messiah the Prince” (Dan. Jin John’s day, who had not heard the Word 9:25), of whom John was to be forerunner, and of their God for over 400 years. No Scripture was who would “cause the sacrifice and the oblation written in that time, when it would seem that to cease” (v. 27)! Amos’ words came into effect: “Behold, the days When Zacharias was told that he would have come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine a son, his reply seems less faithful than we may in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst have thought: “Whereby shall I know this? for for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD” I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in (8:11). With hindsight it seems that the prophetic years” (Lk. 1:18). A similar response is recorded time frame of the day could have been deduced of Abram: “And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall by the Jews from the Seventy Weeks Prophecy I know that I shall inherit it?” (Gen. 15:8). The given to Daniel, indicating to them the closeness promises God made to Abram were confirmed of its fulfilment now that they were living in the to him by signs as well. In the case of Zacharias, sixty-second week. he was made dumb until the will of God was fulfilled when Zacharias named his son John. The John’s youth angel’s news of a coming son was a joyful answer John the Baptist’s parents are described as “both to prayer for the previously barren Elizabeth, too, righteous before God, walking in all the com- and she herself received a sign when “the babe mandments and ordinances of the Lord blame- leaped in her womb” (Lk. 1:41). less” (Lk. 1:6)—though the Law of Moses itself John’s parents brought him up in the fear was not ‘blameless’ (see Heb. 8:7, where the same of Yahweh. They were both descendants from word is translated “faultless”). But they were Aaron, and his father served as a priest in the without child, and, like Abram and Sarai in the temple. They were surely godly examples to their same circumstances, “well stricken in years” (Lk. God-given child. 1:7). But this did not stop God from blessing them. Who was John? Some words from the pen of Gabriel was the angel who came to Zacharias brother Robert Roberts provide a helpful answer when his prayer was heard; and how appropriate­ to this question. The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 257 “Christ settles the matter for us. John was John proclaimed that the kingdom of heaven ‘much more than a prophet’—even the mes- was “at hand,” close by. Jesus expounded more senger of the Lord of Hosts. This was a high concerning this close-at-hand kingdom when rank for a young man whose career was over the Pharisees requested a sign from him. Jesus before he was 32. Christ went further and iden- responded, “can ye not discern the signs of the tified him with Elijah, the promise of whom times? A wicked and adulterous generation bulks more largely in the Jewish eye than even seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be the promise of the Messiah. ‘If ye will receive given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas” it,’ said Christ, ‘this is Elias, which was for to (Mt. 16:3,4). come’ (Matt. xi. 14). Jesus did not mean by How did the sign of Jonah help the generation this that John the Baptist was a substitute for of the scribes and Pharisees? Through the striking the real Elijah, and that the real Elijah would types of Jesus in the record of Jonah’s life. Jonah consequently not come. He fenced off this was a prophet from Galilee (2 Kgs. 14:25; cf. Jno. interpretation by saying, ‘Elias truly shall first 7:52); he was in the fish’s belly for three days and come and restore all things’ (Matt. xvii. 11). He three nights (and came out again); he went to a meant to say that the promise of Elijah had “great city” (Jonah 1:2) and proclaimed judge- received an incipient fulfilment in John, which ments upon it if its people did not repent. All appears a perfectly natural intimation in view these things were alluded to by Jesus during his of what Gabriel said to his father, Zacharias, ministry, echoing and re-enforcing the message at the announcement of his birth: ‘He (John) of John. “From that time Jesus began to preach, shall go before the Lord IN THE SPIRIT AND and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven POWER OF ELIAS’ (Luke i. 17). Elias was the is at hand” (Mt. 4:17). Specifically, in the Olivet promised forerunner of the Messiah when Prophecy, recorded in Matthew 24, he spoke of he should appear to Israel in power; and here God’s judgements being brought upon the house was one to act the Elias part at his coming in of Israel unless they repented. weakness to suffer. It was appropriate; it was beautiful. It gave John the highest position it 2. John told the Jews not to put their trust in was possible to assign him in the estimation their heritage (“We be Abraham’s seed, and were of a Jewish congregation.”1 never in bondage to any man”—Jno. 8:33)—he knew that “God is able of these stones to raise John’s message up children unto Abraham” (Mt. 3:9), perhaps an It is interesting to note that “the word of God came allusion to the bringing in of the Gentiles. Before unto John . . . in the wilderness” (Lk. 3:2)—not then, “the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: to the high priest, nor to the rulers arrayed in therefore every tree which bringeth not forth fine clothing, but to the one who was “The voice good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the (v. 10). Here there are echoes of the judgement way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (v. 4). on King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:14 (“Hew John’s was a simple, crisp message that had been down the tree . . .”) and of Ezekiel’s prophecy of spoken many times before through the prophets: the vine tree: “Behold, it is cast into the fire for ‘Repent!’ But this time “the kingdom of heaven fuel . . . because they have committed a trespass, [was] at hand” (Mt. 3:2), and with it a day of saith the Lord GOD” (15:4,8). John’s message is judgement as Old Testament prophecies moved therefore clear: repent or be judged! Here is a stark towards their fulfilment, as we shall see. contrast with those in the days of Malachi who John’s message consisted of the following were asking, “Where is the God of judgment?” aspects: (2:17)—and even with those who were still asking the same question in Peter’s day: “Where is the 1. “The kingdom of heaven is at hand”—a promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell theme that has fascinating connections with asleep, all things continue as they were from the many things spoken of by Jesus. “The kingdom beginning of the creation” (2 Pet. 3:4). But both of heaven is like unto” treasure; a mustard seed; Malachi and Peter confirmed that the judgements a householder; a merchant man; a certain king; of God were coming. ten virgins. The phrase is used in our Lord’s teaching so frequently that it must surely be one of the most significant phrases in the Gospels. 1. Nazareth Revisited, 1890, p. 25. The Testimony, July 2013 258 Contents John told the Jews not to put their trust in ­occasion there is no mention of fire, but certainly a clear demonstration their heritage . . . of the pouring out of the Spirit. What, then, of the fire? In what sense did Jesus baptise with fire as well as with the Holy Spirit? There are many examples of God’s glory and His Spirit being manifested by fire: “the pillar of fire by night” (Ex. 13:22) in the wilderness; the burning bush (3:2); the “burning fire shut up in [the prophet’s] bones” (Jer. 20:9); and the Apostle Paul’s words to the Thessaloni- ans, “Quench [extinguish] not the Spirit” (1 Thess. 5:19). In Acts 2 spirit and fire were combined when “cloven tongues like as of fire” (v. 3) came upon the apostles as “they were all filled with the Holy [Spirit]” (v. 4). Surely this was a ‘baptism’ by fire. But there was another baptism by fire of which John prophesied: “[His] fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Mt. 3:12). On some of those to whom John was preaching, the judgements of God were to be poured out. Israel had been “brought . . . forth out of the iron furnace” of Egypt to purify Picture: Mark Pennington them as “a people of inheritance” “God is able of these stones to raise up to God (Deut. 4:20). Perhaps many of the Jews were now thinking that children unto Abraham,” he said. the time was ripe for God to thresh 3. Baptism and coming judgement—“I indeed the nations using Israel, as prophesied by Micah: baptize you with water unto repentance: but he “Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: you with the Holy [Spirit], and with fire” (Mt. and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, 3:11). John bore witness to the special one who and their substance unto the Lord of the whole was to come. Jesus fulfilled the first of the two earth” (4:13). But no—not yet. First, we see with requirements of John’s prophecy when he gave hindsight, judgement would come on Israel in AD the Holy Spirit to both Jewish and Gentile believ- 70, as confirmed by some of the parables (such ers, as recounted by Peter: “And as I began to as those in Matthew 13) and the Olivet Prophecy. speak, the Holy [Spirit] fell on them, as on us at God’s judgements on His own nation would be the beginning. Then remembered I the word of horrific indeed; yet we remember that He “will the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized not make a full end” of Israel (Jer. 46:28; see also with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Isa. 43:2; Mal. 3:6). [Spirit]” (Acts 11:15,16). Peter’s quotation is from How difficult it must have been for the nation the words of Jesus in Acts 1:5. On the second of Israel, who thought that they really had the The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 259 Truth ‘on the nail,’ to believe a man John declared his joy at being “the friend of the dressed in a leather girdle, and who ate locusts and wild honey bridegroom.” in the desert (a Nazarite, Lk. 1:15), and who proclaimed both a king- dom requiring repentance and coming judgement. And did not the two prophets, John and Jesus, seem to contradict each other? For one spoke of “[turning] the hearts of the fathers to the children” (Lk. 1:17), and the other of “[setting] a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother” (Mt. 10:35). We must remember how hard it must have been for those listening, who had been without the Word of God for so long, to distinguish between truth and lie, fallacy and prophecy. The people would have been able to discern that both these state- ments were God’s Word only by applying diligent listening and hearing. How much more does God expect of people with easy access to Young’s Concordance and e-Sword, and with so much more so-called ‘free time’ at their disposal? John the Baptist himself “was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light” (Jno. 1:8). Further:

“John bare record, saying, Picture: Mark Pennington I saw the Spirit descending “This then is my joy, and it is complete.” from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but paved the way for questions and great pondering He that sent me to baptize with water, the among his disciples how his work and the work same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt of this “Lamb of God” might fit together, and see the Spirit descending, and remaining on whether now was the time for which they were him, the same is he which baptizeth with the hoping, the time when the Lord would “restore Holy [Spirit]. And I saw, and bare record that again the kingdom to Israel” (Acts 1:6). this is the Son of God” (vv. 32-34). It is curious if, as boys, John and Jesus had not Friend of the bridegroom known each other. Nevertheless, in John’s greet- In John 3:29 John declares his joy at being “the ing of Jesus he now expressed, without reser- friend of the bridegroom.” As the NET renders vation, his recognition of the one before him: it, “The friend of the bridegroom, who stands by “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the and listens for him, rejoices greatly when he hears sin of the world” (v. 29). How amazing for John’s the bridegroom’s voice. This then is my joy, and it disciples to have heard this! How many of them is complete.” The time of waiting was over. John understood? How many would have forsaken knew that the bridegroom had come, and that he Jesus in disbelief and without understanding, was also ‘the Son,’ and acknowledged that it was thinking, ‘Only God can forgive sins’? Truly John time for he himself to “decrease” (v. 30). The utter

The Testimony, July 2013 260 Contents humility of John’s attitude must have fascinated there because of his scriptural reproof of the his followers. Jesus speaks of himself on a number relationship between Herod and Herodias—a of occasions as ‘the bridegroom.’ In Matthew 9:15 relationship hated by the God of Israel—because Jesus refers to the importance of his presence Herod had taken his brother’s wife. And yet, even amongst his disciples: “Jesus said unto them, Can while John was imprisoned, “Herod feared John the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long . . . and observed him; and . . . heard him” (Mk. as the bridegroom is with them?” There is also 6:20). The time John spent in prison may well the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25. Of have changed Herod’s perspective on things, for course, no marriage has yet taken place between he “did many things, and heard [John] gladly.” this bridegroom and his bride. That awaits the There is no doubt, therefore, that John was still fulfilment of Revelation 19. having an influence on Herod at this stage; but it Meanwhile, the problem for the first-century was too little to prevent Herod’s rash oath, and he Jews was that they had misunderstood what it beheaded John. Although Herod “would have put was that God wanted of them. What they thought [John] to death” (Mt. 14:5) some time earlier, he they were offering to Yahweh in obedience was refrained for fear of the multitude. Ironically, two not enough, and the principles of the Law of Mo- years later “the king was exceeding sorry” (Mk. ses had been bulldozed away by their “teaching 6:26); but it was too late. Each of us is given only for doctrines the commandments of men” (Mk. a limited time span in which to work things out. 7:7). From this they needed to repent—a central theme, as we have seen, of John’s preaching—and Spiritual model to respond, as the people of Nineveh had done Ultimately, we must acknowledge that John, like when Jonah’s condemnation of the Assyrian city’s all God’s prophets, has given us a great spiritual habits bore fruit, so that they were spared and model of ‘change of state’ living. John sought to not destroyed. But by Jesus’ day the guilt of Israel prepare the nation of Israel for the things that had been filled to the full: “The men of Nineveh were coming, warning them of the sudden de- shall rise in judgment with this generation, and struction spoken of in the prophets: “But who may shall condemn it: because they repented at the abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, Jonas is here” (Mt. 12:41). John’s initial message and like fullers’ soap” (Mal. 3:2). We know who was the same as the opening message of Jesus, did “stand” on that day—the faithful remnant in being “unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” Judea who heeded the Lord’s words (Lk. 21:21) (15:24). There were many who followed John—not and fled to the mountains, remembering the many of the scribes and Pharisees, but certainly warning: “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, from the general population. Otherwise why was that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all it that the Jewish leaders “feared the people” (Mk. these things that shall come to pass, and to stand 11:32) when Jesus questioned them as to whether before the Son of man” (v. 36). John’s authority to baptise came from heaven In the end, of course, repentance was not found or from men? But “the Pharisees and lawyers with Israel. We recall the words of the Apostle rejected the counsel of God against themselves, Paul in Romans 11:22,23: “Behold therefore the being not baptized of [John]” (Lk. 7:30). goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou John’s death continue in His goodness: otherwise thou also John died, as secular history also records, at the shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not instigation of Herodias and her daughter (said still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able by some to be called Salome), who played on the to graff them in again.” In AD 70 much severity vanity of the drunken Herod Antipas in order to came. Let us therefore learn from their mistakes, gain John’s severed head. John was imprisoned not boasting, but humbly seeking to search out the by Herod in the fortress of Machaerus, where Truth, and then to live it, proclaiming the faith, as he had been detained for two years. He was John did through his ministry, even unto death.

John’s . . . confinement for denouncing an adulterous union, followed by a period in which there was no visible progress towards the establishment of the powerful kingdom of David, must have preyed heavily on his mind and faith . . . Alfred Norris, The Gospel of Mark, 1977

The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 261 Exposition Meditations on the Psalms Psalm 120 Mark Vincent

N A BYGONE AGE it was the habit to refer to perspective on the world and his goals within unbelievers as ‘aliens,’ a term that might con- it are the antithesis of those around him. In a Ijure a wry smile today, but that nevertheless world whose movies and TV dramas are often captures the extraordinary difference in world emblazoned with disclaimers like ‘Warning: con- view—the supreme ‘otherness’—of the way a tains strong bloody violence, language and sex’ believer sees things compared with those who do (some adding ‘gore’ or ‘strong drug use’ into the not share the faith. This is the dislocation explored mix), we may well be inclined to feel similarly. in Psalm 120. Are people really “for war”? Apparently so in A Song of degrees. Incompatibility the psalmist’s day; appar- The psalm opens with 1 In my distress I cried unto the LORD, ently so today, with mod- “distress” and ends with and He heard me. ern society’s appetite for “war,” a bleak context 2 Deliver my soul, O LORD, a constant bombardment bracketing the psalm and From lying lips, and from a deceitful of that which is displeas- against which the psalm- tongue. ing to God suggesting ist ‘cries’ (v. 1) and ‘speaks’ that things haven’t much (v. 7). At times he may 3 What shall be given unto thee? changed. Over time this well wonder if anyone Or what shall be done unto thee, thou difference in outlook can around him is listening, if false tongue? wear one down, this chal- there is anyone out there 4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals lenge of one way of life (save his Lord) who has of juniper. versus another; it can be the same outlook as he. 5 Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, exhausting, debilitating. For citizens of a heav- That I dwell in the tents of Kedar! enly city, living every day 6 A long way from home amongst foreigners, it is My soul hath long dwelt with him that The psalm captures this not surprising that there hateth peace. difference, the clash be- 7 are constant tensions. I am for peace: but when I speak, tween his own world and This psalm, written by a they are for war. the world he must inhabit, Jew sharing the hope of in verse 5: Israel but living in exile, evokes the frustrations “Woe is me, that I and challenges of this situation, frustrations that sojourn in Mesech, are still felt by disciples today living in an alien That I dwell in the world. “My soul hath long dwelt with him that tents of Kedar!” hateth peace,” the psalm hyperbolises in verse 6 Mesech is a long way from home in Jerusalem, (observe the polar opposites ‘hate’ and ‘peace,’ in the steppe country of the north (with pos- not to mention that use of the term ‘long,’ which sible connections, according to a popular line of captures the wear and tear dealt by the constant interpretation, to the modern Moscow). Kedar, friction of one world view sitting awkwardly by contrast, lies amongst Arab neighbours to the against another); “I am for peace: but when I speak, southeast. There are two points of contrast, then, they are for war” (v. 7)—polar opposites again. in the two lines (north versus south, distance ver- The writer seems to have nothing in common sus proximity), but either way this is not home. By with those amongst whom he must live; his the geographic sweep, the psalmist (who clearly The Testimony, July 2013 262 Contents cannot live in both places at once!) speaks for Tongues as arrows everyone who is away from home, whether they We’ve considered the idea of dwelling and dislo- live to the north or south, far or near. None of us cation in the psalm, a challenge that can be met or is at home in this world and we all seek another at least lessened through connection, pilgrimage city which is to come. and fellowship. A third major theme of the psalm, The literary technique of scanning the ex- and one vividly explored, is that of the words of tremes and including everything in between (‘east those amongst whom one lives. In discussing this to west,’ ‘heaven and earth’) is called merism. By the writer refers to: deploying it twice in this verse the psalmist is • lying lips doubly comprehending all of us. None of us is • the deceitful tongue yet where we want to be—with our Lord—and • the false tongue.1 therefore in the interim we do everything we The tongue can be a fearsome weapon, firing can to stay connected with him and with each off volleys of arrows towards any who have the other. misfortune to get in its way. There are several psalms that target the tongue and its power, Connection and pilgrimage and this is one of them, standing alongside (and Living, then—living here as opposed to living perhaps providing the foundation for) the justly there—is one of the big metaphors of the psalm, famed words of James. captured in the use of the words “sojourn,” What is particularly striking about the treat- “dwell” and “dwelt” in verses 5 and 6. Liv- ment here is not what is said about the havoc the ing in a truly foreign country, with different tongue can cause (its fake and deceitful words, customs, different food, different values and a its lies), but the strength of language reserved different language, is a very telling experience for the fate in store for such a tongue. The psalm in this regard. Hardly anything seems the same takes the extravagant but devastatingly effective in a foreign country, and when you do find a measure of personifying the tongue and address- point of connection (perhaps through meeting ing it as if it were human! someone who is from the same culture as you, “What shall be given unto thee? or someone who shares an interest or sense of Or what shall be done unto thee, thou false humour) it is immensely gratifying: a true oasis tongue?” (v. 3). in a strange world. It is a useful parallel to the Like a recalcitrant criminal who will not repent or way in which we ought to value fellowship with even recognise his crimes, no matter how many those who share our faith in a world of faithless- rehabilitation programmes or punishments he ness. passes through, this tongue is beyond help. The As the first psalm of the fifteen-psalm Songs only remedy that can be applied, the only pos- of Ascents sequence, one context from which to sible answer to the question, comes as follows: interpret Psalm 120 is that of pilgrimage. It is “Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of often suggested that these psalms were used as juniper” (v. 4). psalms to celebrate the pilgrimage to Jerusalem The tongue, easily conceived of as a dispatcher to worship (whether understood in a literal of arrows, is now their target, shot down mid- or a metaphorical sense). Although the psalm sentence. The tongue, styled as a fire in James’ doesn’t mention that context specifically, its epistle, now itself suffers the judgement of fire acknowledgement of the challenges of living as kindled by coals of juniper, the roots of the broom a stranger in a foreign land fits the background tree which produce an excellent charcoal. Both rather well. What better way to put you in the of these metaphors of judgement—arrows and frame of mind for going up to Jerusalem to coals—are comforting from the perspective of worship than to think about the implications one who is the victim of evil words, but they are of having been away, the trials of living in a also, in a different context, more aligned with that strange land? To do so sets the context for the of James, a repellent to evil and an incentive to significance of the journey you are making to the work harder to control our own tongues. house of the Lord. It presents the motivation for pilgrimage, and, in a less centralised context, for meeting together with likeminded believers for 1. Note also the more implicit references to the tongue fellowship and worship wherever we are in the in verse 1 and verse 7 through the use of ‘cry’ and world. ‘speak’—this is what tongues enable us to do. The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 263 History Ships and shipping in Bible times 6. Israel and the sea Rudolf Rijkeboer

N GENESIS we read how God made a division of rocks that could act as a breakwater, offering between the habitable land, called earth, and the some protection to ships sheltering behind (see Igathered waters, called sea. For early human- illustrations). It was not until Roman times that ity the sea was simply the borderline where the the technology became available to build artificial habitable land stopped; at that sea they had no breakwaters, leading to the harbours of Joppa (the business. Yet there originated, as we saw, a form of current Jaffa, a quarter of Tel Aviv) and Caesarea. shipping or boating, although originally only on inland waters. Early seafaring will have consisted The northern tribes of transport along the coast, and subsequently, So Israel had little affinity with the sea. Never- probably, of fishery. theless the patriarch Jacob refers to a maritime When Israel settled in Canaan they were a aspect to Zebulun in the blessings on his sons: people of cattle-keepers and, once settled, land- “Zebulun will live by the seashore and become farmers. As long as a country can feed its residents a haven for ships” (Gen. 49:13).1 there is absolutely no reason to go to sea, with Zebulun lived just north of Mount Carmel (Fig. all the risks involved. Added to that was the fact 3) and may have used the bay that the western that south of Mount Carmel Israel was separated end of Mount Carmel forms with the mouth of from the sea by the Philistines and the Canaan- the River Kishon, which flows into the sea at ites in the fertile coastal plain. All that changes, that point. But if those ‘ships’ belonged to Zebu- however, when there is too little arable land area lun itself they are likely to have been not more to feed the population. That condition did exist than fishing boats. Then we read in the book of for the Phoenicians, who lived at the foot of the Judges of the war in the northern part of Israel Lebanon. Their situation forced them to head between Barak, in command of Zebulun and for the sea, and Tyre and Sidon developed into Naphtali, and the Canaanite King Jabin and his important harbour cities. army commander Sisera. In her song of victory, Of harbours in those days we must not have Deborah mentions the neighbouring tribes that overly exaggerated ideas. Usually they consisted did not come to help them, saying, “Gilead stayed of a natural bay or river mouth. But there were beyond the Jordan. And Dan, why did he linger few of these along the Canaanite coast. South by the ships? Asher remained on the sea-coast of Mount Carmel the coast consisted of a single and stayed in his coves” (Judg. 5:17). unbroken strip of narrow beach in front of a The tribes of Dan and Asher lived at that time rocky land. With westerly winds the waves have north of Mount Carmel and the plain of Jezreel. an unrestricted opportunity to develop before So this confirms the description of Genesis 49. they crash onto that coast. That is not a situa- tion that begs for ships to be stationed there. For Phoenicia similar reasons the Dutch North Sea coast in the At the time of the Old Testament, Phoenicia (the past did not have harbours between the estuary territory of Tyre and Sidon) played an important south of Hook of Holland and the Frisian Islands role in the history of Israel. In the days of Solo- in the north; the harbours were on the east side mon they were allowed to assist in the building of the ‘county of the Holland’ peninsula. North of the temple and Solomon’s palace. After the of Mount Carmel there are some places for a harbour: a natural bay, or a little island or group 1. All Scripture quotations are from the NIV. The Testimony, July 2013 264 Contents Fig. 1 Fig. 2

Figs. 1 and 2. Sidon was situated at a natural bay. Tyre originally lay at a protruding piece of coast, in the lee of a little island. After the destruction by Nebuchadnezzar it was rebuilt on that island, as we will see in a later article.

Fig. 3. The bay north of Mount Carmel, where the city of Haifa is now situated. Zebulun Fig. 4. The tribes of Israel north of Mount seems to have used this bay, with the mouth of Carmel. the river Kishon, to operate fishing boats.

The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 265 exile, Phoenicia was the only non-Jewish nation “There are three things that are too amazing that was allowed to assist in the rebuilding of for me, four that I do not understand: the way the temple (compare Ezra 4:1-3 with 3:6,7). And of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on they organised Solomon’s expedition to the south a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, coast of the Arabian Peninsula from the Gulf of and the way of a man with a maiden” (Prov Aqaba at the northern end of the Red Sea, and 30:18,19). allowed Solomon’s servants to participate in their The Hebrew word derek, translated ‘way,’ in fact journeys along the north coast of Africa (we will describes the direction in which you move. So the come back to that in the next article). The Phoeni- subject that is raised here is that of navigation on cians developed into the seafarers of the world the high seas (out of sight of land). Seafaring in of antiquity. As indicated above, the reason was the early days was coastal sailing, with land con- that their hinterland provided insufficient pos- tinuously in sight. They rarely sailed overnight; if sibilities to feed their population; elsewhere in possible the ship was set somewhere on the beach the world this has similarly been the stimulus for the night and launched again the following to take to the sea. morning. But the Phoenicians began to sail out Biblical indications for that situation are: of sight of land. What Agur is asking is, How do • Solomon ‘pays’ for the help of the Tyrian King you know your way, in that case? The answer to Hiram in his building activities with a large that question we will consider in a later article, piece of land and cities (1 Kgs. 9:10,11). but our question here is, That was, of course, a • Solomon supplies him with grain and olive oil: problem for the seaman, but did it trouble the “twenty thousand cors [approx. 3,500 tonnes!] average Israelite? of wheat as food for his household, in addi- The other proverb, this time by Solomon tion to twenty thousand baths [approx. 4,500 himself, confronts us even more with that co- litres] of pressed olive oil” (5:11). 2 Chronicles nundrum. The words describe the sensations of 2:15 mentions barley and wine as well. a drunken man: • In the first century that was still the case. We “Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when read, “[Herod] had been quarrelling with the it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake together and sought an audience with him and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see . . . they asked for peace, because they de- strange sights and your mind imagine con- pended on the king’s country for their food fusing things. You will be like one sleeping supply” (Acts 12:20). on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging” We will come back to this in the next article, (23:31-34). God willing. Which Israelite would recognise that description? To recognise it you must have sailed. Or would Seafaring in Proverbs Solomon and Agur have ‘found’ these proverbs There are also two relevant verses in the book of elsewhere and only have added them to their Proverbs. The second of them, by Agur, is quite collection? comprehensible as such: (To be continued) On new translations of the Bible into English in the twentieth century Most [translations] later in the century . . . were grand American productions, the salaried work of big, well-funded comfortable committees with full secretarial support, massive pub- licity and marketing organisations and claims of gigantic print-runs and sales. It is all a long way from Tyndale, hungry, cold and alone in his Antwerp room . . . The drive for these changes comes, even more than from better understanding of the original textual bases (by 1990, less of a consideration), from commercial ambition, from sectarian interests, and from social and linguistic fashions. The Good News Bible (1994) is not alone in adopting ‘inclusive language.’ Moreover, for some large groups of consumers, the Bible, it seems, must not be found disturbing, whether by calling God (in Jesus’ words) ‘Father’ (which is ‘patriarchy’), or, as with The Message, jettisoning theology altogether to suggest that it may just be possible that you may not at all times feel totally good about yourself. That is an ever longer way from Tyndale. David Daniell, The Bible in English, 2003

The Testimony, July 2013 266 Contents Science Science snippets A wonder from the deep David Burges

OT ALL OF the Creator’s works fall within a possible replacement for synthetic fibres for use the category of ‘All things bright and beau- in clothing. How remarkable that such a ‘primi- Ntiful’! A curious and recurrent problem tive’ creature is capable of instantly producing facing deep-sea fishermen is the fouling of their such a sophisticated material at the slightest nets with a glutinous slime that is difficult to touch! remove. The source of this mysterious substance Because the hagfish is supposed to have sur- turns out to be an extraordinary creature, the vived virtually unchanged for 300 million years hagfish Myxine( glutinosa), that inhabits the floor and has no close relatives, scientists applaud its of all the world’s oceans, scavenging on rotting ‘evolutionary success’ but do not explain how carcases. It has been labelled one of nature’s ugli- the complex biochemistry to produce its unique est creatures. The hagfish is unique in having a defence blanket could arise simply by chance skull but no vertebrae; it has poor eyesight and mutations. But, on the contrary, as Scripture re- depends on sensitive structures around its mouth cords: “Those who go down to the sea in ships, to find its food. who do business on great waters, they see the But the most remarkable feature of the hagfish works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep” is its unique defence mechanism. When attacked (Ps. 107:23,24, NKJV). by a predator it releases a protein material from glands along its body which combines with the water to form large volumes of thick slime. This 1. Informative videos of hagfish and slime can be found blocks the gills of attackers such as sharks and at www.youtube.com large fish, and can even suffo- cate them.1 Researchers in New Zealand using remote cameras filmed more than a dozen - at tacks on a single hagfish: none was successful. In every case the attacker retreated with a mouthful of slime! Amazingly, when the hagfish itself becomes coated in slime, it can curl into a knot and force its head through the loop, wiping itself clean. So far, so repulsive. But this is not all. Scientists have discov- ered that the slime is reinforced with thousands of silk strands, a hundred times thinner than a human hair but with ten times the strength of nylon. They are made of a protein material which is now being studied as

Hagfish Myxine( glutinosa). © Arnstein Rønning/Wikimedia Commons

The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 267 Watchman Israel and her neighbours Shaun Maher

As the unrest in Syria continues, we consider whether this viewed this as a strategic move to en- might be the trigger to bring Russia to Israel’s border. sure safe passage for the consignment of S-300 missiles due for delivery in HE CIVIL WAR in Syria has rumbled on Syria early in the summer. and continues to escalate steadily. Over recent weeks evidence has emerged of both Who will blink first? T 1 sides using chemical weapons, and hundreds of Israel has already conducted sorties inside Syr- Hizbullah fighters from Lebanon are now overtly ian territory, bombing a weapons convoy and a involved in helping Syrian government forces,2 transit store for weapons believed to be intended seen in the strategically important town of Qusair for Lebanon and Hizbullah. Both Syria and Iran being recaptured from rebels in early June. The are determined to maintain supply lines to the conflict has again spilled over the border into Lebanese militia to enhance their capability to Turkey, where, at the time of writing, we are strike at Israel when the time comes. Israel has also seeing seeds of civil unrest on the streets stated that it will not tolerate these strategically of Istanbul. significant ‘game-changing’ weapons falling into Hizbullah are linked ideologically to President the hands of Hizbullah, and if this looks likely a Assad’s ruling Alawite sect and the Shiite régime devastating pre-emptive strike on Damascus and in Iran, both of which have a vested interest in wider Syrian targets is anticipated.4,5,6 supporting the Assad régime to maintain their Hizbullah has been instrumental in assist- axis of power to the north of Israel. Iran is keen ing Syrian government forces to recapture the to prop up Assad as a key ally against Israel, Golan Heights from rebel forces, which in turn and Hizbullah needs him to survive in order to has ratcheted up the tension further as Israel has maintain their weapons supply-route from Iran. bolstered its defences in preparation for hostilities Iran and Syria are keen to bolster Hizbullah’s if Hizbullah moves into the area. missile arsenal to deter Israel from attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities. A wolf in sheep’s clothing In addition to all this, the Russian bear still As order has broken down in the Golan, and over- looms large over the region. We have commented spill fighting from the conflict has led to casualties previously on Russia’s determination to protect and the kidnapping of UN peacekeepers, Austria Assad’s government from UN Security Council has announced it will no longer contribute to the sanctions, but there is also a more sinister side force and has begun withdrawing its 300 troops to Russian involvement. Syria has a substantial from the area.7 The Philippines has intimated arsenal of Russian cruise missiles, recently bol- stered by deliveries of new and more accurate weapons capable of striking targets at a distance 1. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/04/syria-un- of 300 kilometres, and of S-300 ground-to-air investigators-chemical-weapons missiles. Add these weapons to the stockpiles of 2. http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/11/us-syria- chemical weapons Syria is known to hold, and hezbollah-conflict-analysis-idUSBRE95A0XS20130611 we begin to realise just how high the stakes are 3. http://jn1.tv/breaking-news/russia-naval-presence-off- in this conflict. syria-to-be-permanent.html 4. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4381060,00 The Russian navy has its only base outside .html Russia at the port of Tartus on Syria’s Mediter- 5. http://news.yahoo.com/israel-fears-end-40-peace- ranean coast, and has recently increased its naval syrian-front-201258998.html presence in the Eastern Mediterranean to sixteen 6. http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Analysis-Hezbollah- vessels, announcing that they will be a permanent willing-to-join-fight-for-Golan-315314 7. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/ feature in the region—a situation last seen at the austria-begins-withdrawing-peacekeepers-from-go height of the Cold War.3 Some commentators­ have lan-1.529175 The Testimony, July 2013 268 Contents A view of the United Nations conference room in New York as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses force commanders of UN peacekeeping missions (27 June 2013). © UN Photo/Rick Bajornas that it may withdraw its 300-strong contingent Meanwhile the USA firms up support for the also, leaving the UN peacekeeping mission in rebels in Syria. Further to the south it deployed disarray. Interestingly, Vladimir Putin leapt to the in Jordan in early June a thousand marines along rescue, offering to send Russian troops to fill the with Patriot missile batteries and F-16 fighter jets. vacuum. His offer was politely declined by the Both of these interventions are attempts to push UN on the grounds that no permanent member back at the Russian influence in the region. of the Security Council is permitted to carry out this role.8 Despite UN objections, the Russians Look up! have continued to form up a Golan ‘peacekeep- The peoples and nations of the Middle East in ing’ brigade and are considering its deployment particular are churning and roaring like a stormy under the Russo-Asian CSTO pact on terrorism, sea, and the political earthquakes and tremors thereby bypassing the UN.9 rumble on relentlessly. When we see these things This move reveals a desire on Mr Putin’s part happening, the message from our Master is sim- to reap the fruits of his support for Syria and to ple: “look up and lift up your heads, because your play a more prominent on-the-ground role in the redemption draws near” (Lk. 21:28, NKJV). As conflict and in the wider region. His intentions we reflect on these momentous events, let us re- are being held in abeyance for now. However, member to raise our hearts and minds to heaven, might we envisage the development of a sce- where “[our] life is hidden with Christ in God” nario in which Russian forces enter Syria with (Col. 3:3, NKJV), rejoicing in anticipation of the apparently noble intentions, as peacekeepers, or glory that will be revealed in us when he comes. perhaps to fill the void left by a state which has collapsed, either from the continued civil war 8. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/ or from a pre-emptive strike by Israel to protect putin-offers-russian-troops-as-golan-heights-peace keepers-to-replace-austrian-forces-8649706.html its security? Any such move would soon bring 9. Debka, 10 Jun. 2013: MLE-RU-IS:130610: (14-JUN-13 D): Russian troops face to face with Israeli forces “Moscow sets up Russian Golan brigade, warns Israel across the border. against Syrian Sunnis.”

In Syria, following the 1967 defeat of the Syrian forces and the loss of the Golan Heights to Israel, new regulations were imposed on the country’s 3,500 Jews . . . “Jews are forbidden to move more than twelve kilometres from their place of residence . . . Jews are barred from jobs in the public service . . . Government officials and military personnel are forbidden to buy in Jewish shops . . . Jews are forbidden to own radios or telephones, or to maintain postal contact with the outside world . . . Martin Gilbert, In Ishmael’s House, 2010

The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 269 Review The moral power of the Genesis creation Jeremy Thomas

Create in Me. matter, for he is exploring the opening chapters Daniel Weatherall. of the Bible having discerned the very reason for their being written as they are. 113 pages, paperback. Create in Me, we read from its preface, is the Price: £3.15 plus result of a study of Genesis 1:1–2:3 that has been postage. undertaken over some years. Its aim is not a com- Available from http:// prehensive exposition of this opening section of www.lulu.com Scripture, but to draw out some of its main themes so as to help the disciple of Christ in his or her walk to the Kingdom of God. In this it succeeds admirably. Perceiving that a scientific approach to Genesis is at risk of missing the valuable lessons E LIVE in an age when a straightforward which have been built into its pages by God, for acceptance of the Genesis account of all generations of believers, the author resolves Wcreation is widely discredited and even to concentrate on the invaluable moral force of its ridiculed. That this is so in a ‘scientific’ world message—hence the book’s subtitle, “The Power does not surprise us. What is more disturbing is of the Genesis Creation.” By giving God’s Word that views of the creation record which impact on priority in this way, and allowing it to speak for fundamental doctrine are now being promoted itself without the need for recourse to human within the Brotherhood—such as the claim that learning, Brother Weatherall is able to build on Adam was not the first man. Such theories are a solid expositional basis. unsafe if they insist that an understanding of modern science is necessary for us to come to Structure a proper understanding of Scripture—as if “ac- The book consists of sixteen short chapters. The curately handling the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15, written style is easy to follow, yet never shallow. NASB) requires us to subordinate the work of the Indeed, one of the book’s strengths is its ability Holy Spirit to the opinions of those who may not to convey weighty scriptural principles using even believe in God. These theories make human accessible, straightforward language. The main learning, not God’s Word, the ultimate authority. argument is advanced step by step, in ‘bite-sized’ chunks, allowing the reader to keep up, yet at the Encouraging material same time (in this reviewer’s experience) leaving Against this background of unwelcome trends, us wanting more; by the end of each chapter my it is a genuine pleasure to come across a book appetite was always whetted for whatever was which, at a stroke, cuts through the debate con- coming next. cerning what science has to say about Genesis, and even renders it, to an extent, irrelevant to the Why recorded so? enlightened believer. As the author of Create in Chapter 1 begins by asking why the Bible’s ac- Me, Brother Daniel Weatherall, says: “This book is count of creation is recorded as it is. The answer not about HOW God created. This book is about ‘So that we know how God did it’ is quickly WHY God created.” What is so powerful about dismissed, by means of a comparison between this simple statement is that it could readily be days one and four of the creation week, which said about Genesis itself. Herein is the strength record, respectively, the creation of light and the of Brother Weatherall’s approach to his subject creation of sun, moon and stars. The decision to The Testimony, July 2013 270 Contents avoid any digression into how this contrast might are the first hints in Scripture, then, of the key be explained in scientific terms is refreshing, biblical doctrine of God-manifestation. even liberating. The reason for this approach is From here it is a relatively easy step to begin set out on page 16: to see another creation, namely the new creation “Matters such as Theistic Evolution, Young in Jesus Christ. Chapter 6, by the end of which Earth Creationism, dinosaurs, the fossil re- the ‘big picture’ of God’s purpose in creation has cord, the vapour canopy theory, a global or been set out, concludes as follows: local flood,ad infinitum, are at this junction left “Having identified the primary function and by the wayside in the confidence that they are purpose of creation as creating godly people, not the prime message of Genesis 1. Whatever we want to start applying some of the creative we believe on these things, we should all, as principles to ourselves and our personal lives. honest Bible students, be able to unite around We will forget science. We will leave behind a study of the deeper significance of creation.” theory. We will not attempt to mix science Such an attitude to God’s Word is to be applauded. with the text, neither will we try and defend Quite some time is spent in expounding the a particular interpretation of the six days. structure of the Genesis record, because from this We will not interest ourselves in the natural, some important principles will emerge. Brother but let God’s fingers focus our lens on the Weatherall notices the occurrence of the word spiritual. We will maintain a clear focus on ‘generations’ (for example, 2:4), used thirteen what God is creating; people. People formed times in Genesis to divide it into sections. But with the moral capability to fill his earth with in so doing he also identifies that Genesis 1:1–2:3 godliness, goodness and great glory.” is therefore outside the main structure of the book, constituting a section of its own. This he First the natural, then the spiritual calls God’s “executive summary,” the ‘mission Greater emphasis is placed on the exhortational statement,’ so to speak, of the book—indeed, of lessons of God’s creation from chapter 7 onwards. the whole Bible. Within this executive summary God’s Word, it is shown, must be used to ‘form’ is found another structure, that of the six days and ‘fill’ us in a spiritual sense, just as it literally of creation; but this too means that the first two filled the heavens and the earth “In the begin- verses of chapter 1 fall outside the six-day pat- ning” (Gen. 1:1). If we understand the Genesis tern and cannot, therefore, be part of day one. record properly, it will become imperative to us Such careful reading of the text of Scripture is that the Word effects a change in us, helping us commendable. to maintain the divinely appointed separation Having spotted the correspondences between between light and darkness (cf. v. 4) in our own consecutive pairs of days in the creation week lives. Then, with a stable foundation on “dry land” (days one and four; two and five; three and six), (v. 9), likened to life in Christ’s ecclesia, we will the author shows how Genesis 1 is concerned be in a position to “bring forth . . . fruit” (v. 11) first with the forming of certain environments to God’s glory, away from the “waters” of the (heavens, waters and earth) and then with fill- nations from which we have been “gathered” (v. ing each of them. He is not the only author to do 9; cf. Isa. 57:20). Such helpful expositional points this, but the connection with verse 2, when the are well supported by reference to many other earth was “without form [formless], and void scriptures, demonstrating the author’s familiarity [unfilled]” is striking. with the Word of God. Coupling this point with the observation that One particularly valuable feature of the book is the creation of man in verse 27 is the only aspect the author’s habit of providing a brief summary at of the record to receive a threefold emphasis, we the end of each chapter. In this way he assists the are well on our way to appreciating what the fo- reader in consolidating his or her understanding cus is to be: namely, the filling of the earth with of the material that has been covered, so guiding people who are (in the words of the Almighty) us steadily as the argument is progressed. Exhor- “in our image, and after our likeness” (v. 26). tational points—of which there are many—are Thus we confirm the claim that Numbers 14:21, similarly expressed with ease yet with conviction. Isaiah 11:9 and Habakkuk 2:14 are key verses for Space forbids to list all the many valuable understanding God’s purpose with the world. spiritual lessons that Brother Weatherall succeeds At the centre of God’s creation are going to be in bringing out, but among my own favourites people—yet people who reflect God’s glory. Here is his demonstration that the frequent use of the The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 271 word ‘every’ in Genesis 1:20-31 becomes the basis his life experiences and fellowshipping his of David’s statement “Thou hast put all things sufferings, we feel the overarching power of under his feet” in Psalm 8:6. The full significance God’s word on our lives, transforming us from of this becomes apparent when we recall that wretched men and women, to images of the Psalm 8 is itself quoted in Hebrews 2:6-8, where majestic God of heaven and earth!” it is applied to the promise of dominion to the The summary in the closing chapter of the Lord Jesus Christ. Careful observations like this practical implications for our lives of a proper reinforce the importance of our acceptance of understanding of the Genesis record of creation is the inspiration of the Genesis text. Truly, “Every one which every Bible believer will both endorse word of God is pure” (Prov. 30:5). and aspire to. In chapter 13 there is an apparent digression into the identity of Job’s leviathan. This is un- Conclusions expected, and therefore all the more arresting, Scripture states that we ought reasonably to be though I do not enlarge here upon the nature able to explain why we believe the things that of the digression in the hope of avoiding a ‘plot- we do. The Apostle Peter exhorts us to “be ready spoiler’! Suffice to say, this chapter becomes a always to give an answer to every man that ask- springboard for seeing in the Lord Jesus Christ eth you a reason of the hope that is in you with the solution to the problem of how to ‘tame the meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15). This includes to untameable,’ and the fulfilment of Hebrews 2. those who approach life from the point of view of By aspiring to mortify our natural tendencies, as modern science. That we are required to immerse Jesus did, the hope of participating fully in God’s ourselves in their understanding of the world new creation and sharing in His Sabbath of rest to be able to do so, however, is altogether more are opened up to us. God’s creation is incomplete questionable. Create in Me provides ample proof unless the power of His Word transforms us into that hours devoted to such activities might well the “image” and “likeness” of His Son. As page be far better spent in application to the Scriptures 101 puts it: of truth. Readers are encouraged to acquire this “The power of the creation for us is in a moral valuable addition to the Brotherhood’s writings dimension. By following Jesus as our repre- on Genesis, which is wholeheartedly recom- sentative man, joining his body, partaking in mended. Contents Bible Workshop: Revelation 19

S WE NOTED in an earlier article in this the faithful, as if God’s destruction of the woman series,1 chapter 19 is the third chapter in Babylon has been necessary before John’s focus A Revelation that covers the fall of “the great could be directed instead to the other woman whore” (v. 2) Babylon. This time the prophecy of the prophecy, the wife of the Lamb (v. 7). In concentrates, not on the political aspects of this this we may also see further evidence that God’s fall (ch. 17), nor on its economic impact (ch. 18), judgements on the Babylon system take place be- but on the viewpoint of those in heaven, in the fore the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, temple in which the faithful from the various as was suggested back in chapter 17. 2 prophetic sections of the book (seals, trumpets Strictly speaking, there is no indication in and vials) have been accumulating as each group the opening section of chapter 19 that John sees has faithfully served out its discipleship—in the the great multitude in heaven. Rather, the text picture-language of the vision, ‘going to heaven’ to symbolise their approbation by God. The first nine verses of the chapter are now concerned 1. Mar. 2013, p. 92. entirely with the experiences and opinions of 2. Ibid. The Testimony, July 2013 272 Contents refers to what John “heard” (vv. 1,6), a detail that may rejoice, not only at the prospect of their own matches his experience when he was introduced salvation in His mercy, but also at His righteous- to the faithful of the trumpet period (7:4). ness in dealing with human wickedness—not It has rightly been observed by Bible students that the saints derive satisfaction from the death of many generations that the Apocalypse fulfils of those who reject the grace of God any more a role similar to the Old Testament prophecy of than He does: “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I Daniel, in that it provides a broad outline of the have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but principal events of history (according to God’s that the wicked turn from his way and live” perspective) during a period in which there (Ezek. 33:11). Nevertheless, when we pray for the was no open revelation from God. One differ- Kingdom to come and for God’s will to be done ence between the two prophecies, generally on earth as it is done in heaven, implicit within speaking, is that, while Daniel concentrates on in our prayers is an acknowledgement that only events relating to natural Israel (God’s people by the removal of sin and unrepentant sinners under the old covenant), Revelation fulfils this can God’s will truly be done. purpose in Gentile times for the benefit of the Such an attitude is expressed in many of the servants of Jesus Christ (1:1). This being so, we psalms of David. For instance: “Oh let the wicked- should not be surprised that, unlike many Old ness of the wicked come to an end; but establish Testament prophecies, Revelation concentrates the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts on Gentile powers and proceedings rather than and reins” (Ps. 7:9). In this spirit the saints may on the nation of Israel. Nevertheless, a possible justly rejoice that “true and righteous are His reminder of last-days events that will take place judgments” (Rev. 19:2), never more so than at the in the Land of Israel is provided by the use of a return of His Son from heaven and the establish- Hebrew word, Alleluia, which occurs four times ment of the Lord’s reign on earth. “Alleluia: for in this chapter (vv. 1,3,4,6) and nowhere else in the Lord God omnipotent reigneth” (v. 6). the New Testament.3 More than this, however; for, surpassing all previous occasions on which God’s righteous Judgements and blessings judgements have brought deliverance for His Verse 2 introduces us to the important twofold people, now their rejoicing is without precedent: nature of the chapter: “[God] hath judged the “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to great whore . . . and hath avenged the blood of Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come” (v. 7). His servants at her hand.” There are both negative Here is the fulfilment of their own hope of being and positive aspects to the events that will take united with the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a union place at the time of the Lord’s return. In our own that has been eagerly expected by the faithful discipleship and in our preaching we should en- throughout the long ages of the prophecy, for deavour to keep in mind that God’s judgements on the Lamb’s wife “hath made herself ready.” Her the unrighteous and His rewarding of the faithful righteousness, symbolised by “fine linen, clean often go hand in hand (see Task 1). We should and white” (v. 8), has been reckoned to her on not expect that the return of the Master will see account of her faith in the Word of God, and is the world being transformed instantly into a a gift from Him. Yet she has had her own criti- paradise. Dealing with sin and unrighteousness cal part to play in preparation for this glorious will be a prerequisite to the ushering in of many day. Even on a human level, diligent preparation of the benefits of the Kingdom age. The work in should be carefully made by those contemplating store for Christ and the saints thus mirrors the marriage. How much more so by this Bride, when work of Joshua and the children of Israel when her Bridegroom is the Son of God, and the mar- they reached the Promised Land, which had to be riage one that will last forever? The effects of her emptied of the ungodly Canaanites before God’s preparation on her character will be symbolised people could take possession and begin to enjoy in greater detail in chapter 21. the blessings of their inheritance. This time the At the prospect of this marvellous event, John judgements and the blessings will last “for ever himself falls down in adoration before the angel and ever” (v. 3). (v. 10) who has revealed it to him, a reminder The response of all those in heaven to this twofold work of God is to honour Him: “Praise our God, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, 3. See also “Prophecy and the revival of the Hebrew both small and great” (v. 5). The people of God language” (p. 284). The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 273 that this heavenly messenger has been accom- Christ and the saints panying John throughout the prophecy. We were The Lord is not alone as he comes to deal with his introduced to him, we suggested,4 in chapter 1 enemies, for “the armies which were in heaven (remembering that it was “by his angel” that followed him upon white horses” (v. 14). That the Lord Jesus Christ “signified” the prophecy these armies are “clothed in fine linen, white and to John—1:1); and we shall meet him again in clean” (cf. v. 8) makes it more likely, we believe, chapter 22. that they symbolise the saints, rather than hosts of angels. If this is so, it is not the last occasion The Lord returns on which we will see the saints ‘coming down’ The second coming of Christ is the key event of from heaven with the Lord (see 21:2). But here history, it can reasonably be said, to which events their role is to take part in the defeat of the forces in the book of Revelation have been leading, ever of the beast. Interestingly, details of the judge- since the Lamb began to break the seals on the ment of the saints themselves is passed over in scroll back in chapter 6. It is an interesting feature Revelation, and left to other apostolic writings. of the prophecy, therefore, that the exact moment Evidently this is something on which the Spirit of the Lord’s return to the earth is not pinpointed does not wish us to focus at this point. precisely in chapter 19. Rather, we may discern There is an appropriateness that those who that this occurs in chapter 19 from the combina- “had gotten the victory over the beast” (15:2), tion of events that are described: by their faithfulness to the Lord despite great • the acclamation of God’s rulership (v. 6) tribulation and persecution, should now partici- • the announcement of the marriage of the Lamb pate in the overthrow of the beast and the false (v. 7) prophet, who are “cast alive into a lake of fire • the ‘opening’ of heaven (v. 11) that the one burning with brimstone” (19:20), never to threaten named “The Word of God” (v. 13) may ride them again. The fulfilment of the promises to forth the fathers, when at last the covenanted Land is • his portrayal as a king (v. 12) ruled over by Abraham’s seed, will see the active • his readiness to judge and administer justice participation of the saints in the implementation to the nations (v. 15) of God’s judgements: • the gathering of the armies of the beast and “Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing the kings of the earth in battle against him (v. aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of 19). God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword The Lord Jesus now rides forth as a king, with in their hand; to execute vengeance upon the “many crowns [diadems, NASB]” on his head (v. heathen, and punishments upon the people; to 12). Yet he is “clothed with a vesture dipped in bind their kings with chains, and their nobles blood” (v. 13), a reminder to us that his kingship with fetters of iron; to execute upon them the was won only through his victory over sin and judgment written: this honour have all His death in his sacrifice and resurrection to eternal saints. Praise ye the LORD” (Ps. 149:5-9). life. In the Kingdom age, although the Lord will Eric Marshall & Jeremy Thomas reign as “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (v. 16), his sacrifice will not be forgotten. Revelation continues to describe him as “the Lamb.” 4. Mar. 2012, p. 89.

Outline Discussion points

19:1-5 Those in heaven praise God at Babylon’s 1 As part of the Bride of Revelation 19, in fall prospect, in what ways should we be endeav- 19:6-10 Announcement of the marriage of the ouring to ‘make ourselves ready,’ both in our Lamb individual discipleship and in ecclesial life, to 19:11-16 Heaven opened; the Word of God and meet our heavenly Bridegroom? his armies ride forth 19:17,18 Birds called to the supper of God 2 “In righteousness he doth judge and make 19:19-21 The beast, the false prophet and their war” (v. 11). Consider in what way God might armies make war with Christ and are consider a war ‘righteous.’ What might be the defeated criteria in question? The Testimony, July 2013 274 Contents 3 Verses 11-13 list some of the characteristics Information and attributes of our Lord Jesus Christ. They are not identical to those in the vision of the Jesus’ angel declines John’s worship with the risen Lord in 1:13-16. What are the similarities words, “worship God: for the testimony of Jesus and differences in these two visions, and how is the spirit of prophecy” (v. 10). This helpful do you account for them? statement reminds us that God has a purpose. He intends to fill the earth with His glory with those 4 Why are the Lord’s titles, “KING OF KINGS, AND who are patterned on His Son. Consequently LORD OF LORDS,” written “on his vesture and the Scriptures are interwoven with references to on his thigh” (v. 16)? this one who would come. We have noticed this 5 The language of verses 17 and 18 is derived in the numerous references made both to Old from an Old Testament prophecy. Once you and to New Testament prophecy in the book have found this prophecy, decide whether it of Revelation. Other smaller cycles of prophecy is describing the same events as Revelation and fulfilment show that, not only does God 19, giving reasons for your answer. declare His intentions, “declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall Tasks stand, and I will do all My pleasure,” but He also does them: “yea, I have spoken it, I will also 1 Find in Scripture as many occasions as you bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do can when God’s judgements on the wicked it” (Isa. 46:10,11). In Revelation 19 we are shown simultaneously brought deliverance to the the coming of our Lord in power and great righteous. glory to move this purpose forward. Like many 2 “And her smoke rose up for ever and ever” before us, we may wonder, “How long?” The (v. 3). There are other occasions in Scripture delay is part of the longsuffering of God that has when the effects of God’s judgements are stretched to our day and given us opportunity described as being ‘everlasting’ in nature. while the iniquity of this world comes to the Find as many as you can, and consider why full. this type of language should be used of them. Take-home point 3 There are a number of instances in the New It is clear from the description of the Bride’s Testament in which the believers’ relationship preparedness to meet her heavenly Bridegroom with our Saviour is described in terms of a that considerable effort has gone into ‘making marriage, including at least two of the Lord’s herself ready’ (v. 7). We have seen some of the parables. This is itself based on the relation- ways in which she has done this, by noting in ship between God and His people in Old Revelation the faithfulness of the saints no matter Testament times. There was a marriage what they have been asked to endure for the in the Garden of Eden at the beginning sake of the gospel. There is much exhortation to (Gen. 2:21-24), and now there is a marriage be gained in simply tracing the word translated at the start of the Kingdom age. Consider ‘made ready’ through the New Testament. It may why there should be this emphasis in Scrip- surprise us to see just how much preparation ture. has been undertaken, and by whom, so that we might have a place in the Kingdom to come. 4 Begin to compile a list of the contrasts be- With this exhortation before us, we may then be tween the two women of Revelation. You will better equipped for the preparations we need to need to go back to descriptions of the harlot make, which nobody else but we ourselves can Babylon earlier in the book to commence this commit to. list. There will be opportunity to expand on it as we proceed to chapter 21. Comments are welcome and will be consid- 5 All the details of verse 15 have already ap- ered for publication. Please send them to the peared earlier in the book, or elsewhere in Publishing Editor or the Exposition Editor— Scripture. Find these other instances, noting addresses inside front cover. any differences as you do so.

The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 275 Your Letters

Deuteronomy 22:5—a well-worn body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 7:1, ESV). verse Trevor J. Hughes I would like to comment on the exposition of Amersham this verse in the February issue of the Testimony (p. 72). I agree with the writer’s view that “It can Reply be shown that the scriptures teach timeless and I would like to thank Brother Trevor for taking universal truths unbound by any of the world’s the time to comment on this exposition. Since we cultures.” We do this by seeking the principles of agree that the second prohibition in Deuteronomy Scripture and applying them within the culture 22:5 relates to some kind of clothing, and in the in which we live, and not by using the Bible as interests of brevity, I shall restrict myself in this a rule book, which can lead to the wholly inap- reply to the first prohibition about women. And propriate religious impositions evident within in the interests of enabling any reader to check some communities. my conclusions, I shall also endeavour to exclude However, I was left feeling uncomfortable with any prior knowledge of Hebrew from my reply. I the suggested interpretation of the verse, because shall do this by referring to Young’s Concordance. it seemed to avoid the obvious meaning arising I can understand the hesitation about the alter- from a straightforward reading of the passage and native translation I offered, given the reasonably by which it is usually understood. The concept consistent renderings of most English language advanced seemed to rest on semantics that have translations, which portray the scripture in ques- not been adopted by translators of the accepted tion as speaking about the clothing of both men English versions. Instead, a parabolic significance and women. But I caution that we all need to be is advanced on a somewhat strained view, which alert to the potential for cultural, theological or in my opinion can only be read into the verse. other influences on the translators in their work. My understanding of the key words is as Scripture is unbounded by culture, as Brother follows: Trevor concurs, but translators are not. • “Man” (geber): the usual Hebrew word for I suggest that even a quick analysis of the ‘man’ with particular regard to his strength. Hebrew word keli (Young’s transliteration cor- • “Woman” (ishah): the word used in Genesis responding to my kly) should be sufficient to 2:22; the female of mankind. dispel any reservations. Of the 283 instances of • “Wear” and “put on” (labesh): to clothe. keli, seventy per cent of them are rendered in the • “Pertaineth” (kali): instrument, vessel, article, AV by an expression that refers to a utensil (bag, armour; wide-ranging according to context. furniture, instrument, pot, sack, tool, vessel). • “Woman’s garment” (AV); “woman’s cloak” Another ten per cent of instances are rendered (ESV) (simlah): an outer garment—hence by with an expression that refers more specifically observation and context unmistakably female; to weapons (armour, artillery, weapon). It is clear the same word is used in Genesis 9:23; 35:2; from this that keli is a flexible term whose un- Judges 8:25; Proverbs 30:4; Isaiah 9:5. derlying meaning is some kind of implement, I can therefore see no reason to find an alterna- the kind of implement being determined by the tive meaning to this verse. The principle, surely, context. But it is also noteworthy that not once is is that God finds it an abomination for a woman keli rendered ‘clothing’ or ‘garment.’ Even in the to ape a man in her dress and to present herself AV of Deuteronomy 22:5 it is rendered “that which as masculine in appearance. Conversely, it is pertaineth,” a unique rendering of keli in the AV. also an abomination for a man to cross-dress to Given the above, I suggest that there are strong present himself in effeminate fashion. reasons for caution in accepting any of the Eng- The same principles apply to us living under lish translations of the first prohibition in Deu- the New Covenant, with the further spiritual les- teronomy 22:5. Further analysis reinforces this. son to “cleanse ourselves from every defilement of Reading “that which pertaineth” as a reference The Testimony, July 2013 276 Contents to clothing depends on the rendering ‘wear’ in The name of the Almighty Creator, Yahweh, the phrase “the woman shall not wear.” But when contains His purpose, which is to be manifest we search for ‘wear’ in Young’s Concordance we and dwell in a family of sons drawn out from the look in vain for an entry against Deuteronomy human race—as He stated in Exodus 3:14: ‘I will 22:5; this concordance ignores the “wear” in the be Who I will be.’ The first one through whom He AV of this verse altogether. The reason for this, manifested Himself was His beloved Son, who, as I mention in my exposition, is that, unlike the when requested by one of his disciples, “Lord, second prohibition, there is no Hebrew word in shew us the Father” (Jno. 14:8), replied, “he that the first prohibition corresponding to “wear.” The hath seen me hath seen the Father” (v. 9). Hebrew is, as I rendered it, ‘there shall not be It is well known that every letter of the Hebrew . . . upon.’ It is unclear from what source Brother and Greek alphabets has a numerical value. The Trevor’s list of words comes, but the statement Hebrew for “sons of God” (Gen. 6:2; see also Jno. that “wear” renders labesh is wrong. 1:12; 1 Jno. 3:1,2), beni haElohim, has a value of 153. Thus we see that there are no linguistic In John 21, which records the miracle of the 153 grounds at all in the first prohibition for any fishes, Jesus appears to his disciples (whom he had semantics for ‘clothing.’ On the other hand, there said he would make “fishers of men”) just when is overwhelming evidence that the first prohibi- they had decided to go back fishing: “Simon Peter tion speaks of a man’s implement. The original saith unto [the other disciples], I go a fishing. They exposition therefore provides good grounds for say unto him, We also go with thee. They went the contextual interpretation that the kind of forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and implement prohibited from being upon a woman that night they caught nothing” (v. 3). Evidently is a weapon. Jesus made sure that they caught no fish that Peter Heavyside night, and, to show them that he was in control, Hong Kong told them to cast the net on the right side (v. 6). As a result they were overwhelmed with fish, and the net was not broken—miracle after miracle! 153 fishes In this chapter of threes, this was Jesus’ third Further to the recent article “153 fishes” (Mar. appearance to his disciples after his resurrec- 2013, p. 98), in Hebrew and Greek every letter of tion (v. 14); only three of the disciples present .and α = 1, are named (v. 2); there are three miracles (vv א .the alphabet has a numerical value and γ = 3, and so on. This charac- 3,6,11); three items are mentioned in verse 9; three ג ,and β = 2 ב teristic is known as gematria. Thus in Genesis times Peter is given the command to “Feed” (vv. 6:2, “. . . that the sons of God saw the daughters 15,16,17); three times he is asked whether he loves of men that they were fair; and they took them the Lord; and Peter is named nine times (3 × 3). wives of all which they chose,” the Hebrew phrase How wonderful is the Word of the Almighty! translated “sons of God” has a numerical value Ted Bailey of 153, as follows (an English transliteration is Bristol used in this example): BeNI-HaELoHIM B (2) + N (50) + I (10) + H (5) + E (1) + L (30) + H The good Samaritan (5) + I (10) + M (40) = 153 Further to the article “The greatest command- This is the number recorded in John 21:11 of the ment” (Mar. 2013, p. 114), the phrases “went down” miraculous catch of fish: “Simon Peter went up, (Lk. 10:30) and “came down” (v. 31) suggest that and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an the “certain man,” the priest and the Levite were hundred and fifty and three: and for all there all travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho. Conse- were so many, yet was not the net broken.” The quently the priest and the Levite were ‘off-duty’ disciples, being familiar with the Hebrew, may and not about to serve in the temple, but in the have been able to relate this number to that of community at home. Any inconvenience from the “sons of God” in Genesis, reinforcing in their being unclean by association with the wounded minds the commandment for them to be “fishers man would therefore affect their home life rather of men” (Mt. 4:19) in taking the gospel message than service in the temple. to the whole world. Eric Marshall Peter Cox King’s Lynn The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 277 Exposition Good soldiers of Jesus Christ John Mitchell

The fact that we as Christadelphians do not enter into Then Paul lowered his gaze to the conflicts of this world may have made us somewhat the sandals the soldier was wearing. They were not like sandals as we reluctant to recognise the significant part that soldiers and know them today. Stoutly crafted in militarism have played in the New Testament story. leather, they were heavily studded underneath for marching along rough HAT FINER EXAMPLE, what finer roads, and the feet were also protected with thick appeal to timorous Timothy could the woollen socks knitted to a prescribed pattern by WApostle Paul have made than that he wives or camp followers.1 Militarily speaking should “endure hardness, as a good soldier of the result was footwear, lighter than boots, that Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3)? And what a wealth of military metaphor Paul derived from examining, 1. In a letter to the Telegraph newspaper in 2010, a cor- at close quarters, the armoury of the soldier to respondent wrote that she remembered seeing an whom he was chained while under house arrest ancient bronze razor handle in the shape of a leg in Rome! The Roman soldier represented the most complete with sandal and sock in a herringbone efficient fighting machine of his day, occasionally style. It had been found in the River Tees at Pierce­ beaten in battle, but always victorious in war bridge, County Durham. “I wonder if the mothers of the Roman soldiers knitted them for their sons,” because of the armour he was provided with she said. See too http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2005/ and the tactics he was trained to use alongside it. may/20/highereducation.artsandhumanities and http:// So Paul, in Ephesians 6:11-17, begins his meta- rogueclassicism.com/2010/08/26/ phors with an appreciation of the protective metal encasing the soldier: “Put on,” he says, “the whole armour of God [every bit of it!], that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood [as the soldier does], but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”—in other words, against the total powers of sin that constantly work “in the children of disobedience” (2:2), and never more so than in the ‘Twittering’ times in which we live.

Spiritual armour Paul examined, in turn, all the component parts of the soldier’s armour, and suggested what they stood for metaphorically. He began with the girdle that encircled the loins below the breastplate, serving to keep the armour in place, and scabbarded the sword. This Paul likened to the Word of truth. The breastplate, he observed, covered vital parts, which, if penetrated by ar- row, javelin or dart, could result in a fatal wound. If the believer’s girdle was the Truth, then his metaphorical breastplate was righteousness, and together the two equipped him for service in spreading the gospel of peace. The Testimony, July 2013 278 Contents enabled the soldier to cover the ground with minimum effort and still have strength to fight after a long march. The shield was cleverly designed for maximum protection and for tactical manoeuvring. It was four feet in height and two feet wide, and made of laminates fastened together with bull’s-hide glue, faced with calf leather, and bound at the edges with a metal strip. The curvature of the shield, which was carried on the left side, was intended to lock the shield onto that of the next soldier on the right to create a wall of shields ready for the whole unit to advance in unbro- ken line after the enemy’s initial onslaught had been restrained. The Roman soldier was never expected to fight alone. To protect his head he had a helmet of bronze, fitted with extra pieces to cover the neck and ears. His sword, or gladius, was two feet long and two inches wide, with a point at the end. It was double- edged, and the blade was kept extremely sharp by honing it on hard rock. Used in the right hand, the sword was not for wielding, brandishing or swathing, but for thrusting with deadly effect into the enemy as he fell before the advancing wall of shields. But, of course, “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing Roman centurion asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and from a high-class Roman family,3 who served intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). in a crack regiment known as the Italian band, Three times, in surveying a soldier’s duty had already turned his back on Graeco-Roman metaphorically in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul idolatry and its mythical gods, to worship the urged them to “stand”—a point perhaps best il- God of Israel even before Simon Peter came to lustrated by an experience the present writer had him to use the second of the two keys to the as a soldier on coastal defence in 1940, when the Kingdom of God the Lord Jesus had vouchsafed commanding officer gathered the whole battery to him. One single verse of introduction in Acts around him and said quietly, and without drama, suffices to show the calibre of Cornelius. He was “I want you all to know that, if the Germans do “a devout man, and one that feared God with all come, there will be no retreat; we fight to the last.” 2 his house, which gave much alms to the people, Even so, for the good soldier of Jesus Christ, says and prayed to God alway” (10:2). Would that all the Apostle Paul, there can be no retreat before of us in the Gentile line that Cornelius began had sin in its manifold forms. maintained his standard! He was a rich man, either from private means Centurions or from the high rate of pay an outstanding 1. Cornelius In the New Testament, centurions provided much more than material for Pauline metaphors. Cen- 2. Further information on the author’s experiences in the turions were notable for their faith, good works army, the time in his life when he learned the Truth, and extraordinary perception. The first Gentile can be found in his book One Man’s Pilgrimage, avail- able from the Testimony (see back cover for contact upon whom the Holy Spirit descended to signify details). approval of a new generation of believers in ac- 3. Cornelius was “a member of the aristocratic gens cordance with God’s blessing of Abraham (Gen. Cornelia, a noble and distinguished family of Rome” 12:3) was Cornelius, a Roman centurion. This man (C. Geikie, Saint Paul: his life and epistles, vol. 1, p. 74). The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 279 centurion could earn, and well able to select “for he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a three from among the servants who waited on synagogue.” Fine men, these centurions! him continually to go to Joppa and fetch Peter. He was not only liberal, but also catholic in 3. A centurion who glorified God his bounty, not just a Roman for the Romans, Pontius Pilate had performed a paradox. He had but a Roman for all “the people,” including the washed his hands of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I Jews. It was, first, his prayers and, secondly, his am innocent of the blood of this just person” alms that had “come up for a memorial before (Mt. 27:24)—and then had delivered him up to God” (v. 4), and set in train his conversion to be crucified! His hypocrisy lay in the fact that Christ. only the Romans could inflict capital punishment, What happened to Cornelius in later life is not and whatever might have been the greater guilt revealed. He is presented to believers as an exem- of the Jews in delivering Jesus up for trial, it was plar to encourage them also to be good soldiers the soldiery of Rome who would have to carry of Jesus Christ, secure in the knowledge that all out the execution. things will “work together for good to them that Therefore Pilate decided to use the crucifixion love God, to them who are the called according for his own ends. The leaders of the Jews had to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). humiliated him; now he would humiliate them in bringing home to the people of Jerusalem in 2. A centurion of faith a public spectacle what had been done in their There are, of course, other notable centurions in name. Accordingly he organised two detach- the New Testament besides Cornelius: men of ments of soldiers. The first and larger of the two faith, discernment and courage. One such, who was to escort Jesus safely through the streets of caused Jesus to marvel because of his faith, came the city to the hill of Calvary; and the second, to Capernaum looking for the Master to plead for under an experienced centurion, was to prepare the life of his servant who was paralysed and the ground at Golgotha (‘the place of the skull,’ “grievously tormented” (Mt. 8:6). Jesus said, “I will perhaps where Goliath’s head was buried) as the come and heal him” (v. 7). But no! The centurion site of the crucifixion. insisted there was no need. He was not worthy However, when the procession set off from the to have the Lord Jesus under his roof. Such was courtyard of Pilate’s palace (which included the Jesus’ authority, he had only to speak the word soldiers’ quarters) it became evident that there and the servant would be healed, for he was a was to be not just one crucifixion but three, and man under authority from his superiors to issue that two hapless robbers, who perhaps had been orders to those below him, just as Jesus exercised confederate with Barabbas in the recent insurrec- power from God for the healing of others. tion in the city, were to be included. But it was, of “When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said course, the Lord Jesus who was to be the centre to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I of attraction. have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Deathly pale, his visage marred more than any And I say unto you, That many shall come man’s, he emerged from the courtyard carrying from the east and west, and shall sit down the lateral beam of his cross, which, after all he with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the had already endured, was obviously too heavy kingdom of heaven. But the children of the for him. So, looking around, his escort happened kingdom shall be cast out into outer dark- to see a strong looking young man, named Simon ness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of Cyrene, fresh from the country, whom they of teeth” (vv. 10-12). commandeered to carry the beam behind Jesus. But to the centurion standing before him Jesus As Pilate had anticipated, a great multitude said, “Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so of the citizens of Jerusalem and visitors for the be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed Feast of the Passover had already crowded onto in the selfsame hour” (v. 13). The account from the route, and all eyes were on the Prophet from Matthew’s Gospel is not the whole story, how- Nazareth. So whatever their attitude towards him, ever. From the parallel account in Luke’s Gospel they could not but be moved by what they saw. (7:1-10) we learn that the centurion had already The women in the crowd immediately began to enlisted the support of the elders of the Jews in weep and lament him, but Jesus, turning to them, beseeching the help of Jesus, and they had come said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, instantly, saying that the centurion was worthy, but weep for yourselves, and for your children The Testimony, July 2013 280 Contents . . . For if they do these things in a green tree men to hoist Paul above the frantic crowd and [himself], what shall be done in the dry [the na- carry him into the fortress. tion of Israel]?” (Lk. 23:28,31). Having got him there, Lysias allowed Paul to The reaction of the men came later at the address the mob, but when they again began to cross, when many from the multitude recoiled riot he instructed instead that Paul be flogged. from what they saw Jesus suffer, and then went When Paul challenged the right of the centurion away beating their breasts. But the centurion in who was ordered to flog him to do so, since Paul charge, standing hard by the cross, witnessed was a Roman and uncondemned, this sagacious it all, heard it all—the scoffings, mockings and centurion lost no time in telling Lysias that Paul, railings against Jesus by the chief priests, the el- besides being “a citizen of no mean city” (v. 39), ders and the scribes; the gathering darkness that was a freeman of Rome itself. covered the whole land for three hours; the voice The news brought the commander quickly of the Lord Jesus crying out to his Father, “Eloi, back to speak to Paul again, only to be the more Eloi, lama sabachthani?” (Mk. 15:34), and again impressed when, having told Paul that he himself as he surrendered his spirit. Then, hardened man had purchased this honour with a great amount though he was, the centurion was overwhelmed: of money, Paul replied that he was a free-born “Certainly this was a righteous man” (Lk. 23:47), Roman. Just what great service a forefather of he said; “Truly this man was the Son of God” Paul’s had done for Rome to achieve that status (Mk. 15:39). And he glorified God. for his posterity no-one knows, but the possession of Roman citizenship became, as it were, a trump 4. Lysias and others card that Paul used to further his preaching of The Apostle Paul, having brought to Jerusalem the gospel to the Gentiles almost to the end. More the collections from the Gentile ecclesias to re- immediately, it made Lysias, learning of the Jews’ lieve the poor believers in Judea, was afterwards intention to assassinate Paul, organise a protect- persuaded to enter upon a venture into the tem- ing force of two hundred spearmen and seventy ple in Jerusalem which, had it not been for the cavalry, under two centurions, to escort Paul out timely protection of the Roman military, would of Jerusalem at dead of night and take him to the have cost him his life. The elders of the Jerusalem safety of the garrison headquarters in Caesarea ecclesia felt that it would mollify the feelings of under the care of Felix the governor there. the “many thousands of Jews . . . which believe” The details of the hearings of the case between (Acts 21:20), all of whom were zealous upholders the Jews and Paul, first under Felix and then of the Law of Moses, if Paul would take part in the under Festus, over a period of two years, dur- purification rituals connected with the Nazarite ing which Paul was supervised by yet another vows of four men whom the elders had to hand. centurion, who gave him complete freedom to The danger was, however, that Paul’s participa- receive his friends, is not germane to this arti- tions in the Court of Israel for seven days would cle. The climax came when Festus, “wishing to expose him to the scrutiny of some of his bitter- do the Jews a favour” (25:9, NIV), asked Paul if est enemies, who would stop at nothing in their he would be prepared to go back to Jerusalem desire to kill him. Nevertheless, Paul agreed to it and there be judged before him. Paul, however, and had almost completed the supervision of the refused, saying, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment sixteen obligatory sacrifices when some Jews from seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I Asia caught up with him and, alleging that Paul have done no wrong, as you very well know. For had brought a Gentile into the forbidden Court if I am an offender, or have committed anything of Israel, started a riot that engulfed the whole deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but city, and they dragged Paul through the Nicanor if there is nothing in these things of which these Gate into the Court of the Women, where they men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I began to beat him. appeal to Caesar” (vv. 10,11, NKJV). Roman sentries, however, on the ramparts of So Festus, when he had conferred with the the Tower of Antonia overlooking the temple, council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? called out the guard; and the garrison commander To Caesar you shall go!” (v. 12, NKJV). But what Claudius Lysias, backed by a considerable force of Paul’s decision to appeal to Rome amounted to, centurions and infantry, ran down to intervene. besides being a way of escape from the Jews, was Unable to establish from the crowd who Paul was an opportunity to fulfil the inspired intervention and the reason for their attack, he ordered his he had expressed to the Ephesian ecclesia over The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 281 two years previously that, after he had been Throughout that storm it was Paul who ef- to Jerusalem, he must also see Rome (19:21). fectually commanded the ship, and gave comfort Festus had given him just the opportunity he to every soul when he said, “there stood by me wanted. this night the angel of God, Whose I am, and Whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must 5. A considerate centurion be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given Among all the centurions mentioned in the New thee all them that sail with thee” (vv. 23,24). In all Testament, not one is spoken of disparagingly. So this Julius heartily concurred, he being also re- it comes as no surprise that the centurion Festus sponsible for all his charges to the same imperial engaged to escort and be responsible for the Apos- lord in Rome as Paul. It was because he trusted tle Paul on his voyage to Rome was a considerate in the word spoken by Paul that Julius ensured man. His name was Julius and he belonged to the the safety of everyone on board, by preventing Augustan Regiment. Whether that meant that he the sailors from deserting the ship, and the sol- belonged to an elite unit is uncertain, but, if not, diers from killing all prisoners lest they should he might certainly have graced one. escape. The ship Julius chose to begin the voyage from Caesarea was a merchantman whose owner was Discipline and discipleship plying his trade northward along the coast before The correlation between discipline and disciple- striking out for home at Adramyttium in Asia ship is often misunderstood—as though the one Minor. He had just one more port of call, at Sidon, has to do simply with rigour, and the other with and it was there that Julius’ kindly disposition fellowship. The Lord Jesus clearly made the point first revealed itself in that he allowed Paul, ac- when he said to his apostles, “Ye are my friends, companied by Luke and Aristarchus, who were if ye do whatsoever I command you” (Jno. 15:14). travelling with him as his servants, to go ashore Those who hear the Word as if it were a lovely in Sidon to visit the brethren and sisters there song, but fail to obey it (Ezek. 33:32), cannot be and “refresh” themselves (27:3)—and possibly to Christ’s disciples. equip themselves for the voyage ahead. The training needed to turn the natural man It was already late in the season, and the mer- into a disciple requires both rigour and time— chantman had to battle hard against headwinds, hence the aptness of Paul’s admonition to Timothy so much so that when Julius found a much larger that he must “endure hardness, as a good soldier vessel at Myra he switched boats to one of the of Jesus Christ.” Humanity’s wars are never won huge grain ships from Alexandria that were by soldiers who are untrained both physically used to transport Egyptian wheat grown in the and mentally. Even amidst the pressures of two Nile delta to Italy to keep the restless population great wars, recruits in all three British services of Rome happy with ‘bread and circuses.’ An spent at least a month ‘square-bashing’ with estimate of the size of the ship can be gleaned the intention of turning even the most ragtag- from the fact that, in addition to its great cargo, and-bobtail among them into soldiers instantly it accommodated 276 passengers and crew when responsive to the word of command, and proud it set sail from Myra. Luke’s description of the of their appearance. vessel, its mast, tackling and furniture, and how At first, to be marched up and down the bar- the mariners handled it during a great storm that racks square in stiff new boots by a seemingly lasted many days and ended in total shipwreck heartless sergeant whose traditional motto was, on the island of Malta, is a classic in itself. ‘If you broke your mother’s heart, you won’t break More to the point in our present consideration, mine,’ was tough. But gradually, as the march- however, is the way in which Julius, although ing and rifle drills became precise, and sloppy admonished by Paul, along with the ship’s owner, appearances were corrected, pride grew in what for a reckless decision not to stay in shelter at The had been achieved. Moreover, Paul extended his Fair Havens on the south coast of Crete, neverthe- advice to Timothy when he made a parallel be- less swung totally behind Paul in accepting the tween a soldier’s exclusion from present society angelic answer to Paul’s prayer for the safety of and that of a believer in Christ: “No man that every soul on board, as the tempest-tossed ship warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this drifted helplessly for fourteen days towards dan- life; that he may please him who hath chosen him gerous shores, and finally ended in shipwreck in to be a soldier” (2 Tim. 2:4). A serving soldier is a sandy creek on Malta. never allowed to appear on a political platform. The Testimony, July 2013 282 Contents His first loyalty is to his commanders. Likewise been hypocrisy indeed to have claimed exemp- the first loyalty of a soldier of Christ is to his Lord. tion from military service on grounds of belief Again, he is advised to stay in the camp of if their conduct was indistinguishable from that Christ, choosing others like him as his compan- of the world around them. ions and friends. And whenever he goes abroad But there are contrasts as well as parallels be- he wears Christ’s uniform, which is the way he tween the army of Christ and the armies of men. behaves and speaks, in line with the Apostle Paul, In the army of Christ there are no hierarchies; the who said, “For me to live is Christ” (Phil. 1:21). chiefest among them is the servant of all, after the When brethren came before tribunals as con- pattern of the Lord Jesus himself. A raw recruit scientious objectors during the Second World War in the armies of men may rise through the ranks they made a great point of their allegiance. It was to be granted a field marshal’s baton that he is to Christ first, and only then to king and country. privileged to carry for the rest of his life. But, for They never said they had no allegiance to the state, faithful service to Christ, every brother and sister but that, in obedience to Christ, they must not kill, will receive a crown of righteousness that will be nor put on the uniform of the state. It would have theirs for ever and ever. Amen. Contents

Prophecy Israel’s lovers Owen Mulcahy

LL THY LOVERS have forgotten thee; a nation that was isolated and friendless before they seek thee not” (Jer. 30:14). Accord- the invasion. “A ing to this prophecy of Jeremiah, should Going by verse 13 of the same chapter, Israel we be looking for all Israel’s supporters desert- will still have the support of Britain and her al- ing her soon, as a notable sign of the times? The lies up to the time when the Gogian confederacy short answer to this question is, No. When read invades the Land: “Sheba, and Dedan, and the in context, this passage of Jeremiah appears merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions definitely to be referring to Israel’s state after thereof, shall say unto thee [Gog], Art thou come they have been overthrown by Gog, the prince to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company of Rosh (Russia). For verse 14 continues: “I have to take a prey? [past tense] wounded thee with the wound of an Britain and her allies will evidently be no enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one [Gog], match for the advancing Russian forces. As Psalm for the multitude of thine iniquity; because thy 48:7 has it: “Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish sins were increased.” with an east wind” (a wind symbolically denotes We expect to see Catholic Europe becoming an army on the march in Jeremiah 4:11-13). See more anti-Semitic as we see “that great day of also Isaiah 2:16,17. At this stage Britain and her God Almighty” approaching; although, as his- allies will have more than enough troubles of their tory amply attests, this is nothing new. Russia own to be of any help to Israel. As Jeremiah 30 may feign friendship with Israel while ever they says again: “There is none to plead thy cause, that have their greedy eyes focused on sharing in thou mayest be bound up: thou hast no healing Israel’s huge oil and gas reserves, but, as Daniel medicines” (v. 13). So in desperation the remnant 8:25 says, “by peace [he] shall destroy many.” As of the Jews will be forced to turn to Yahweh, their Rotherham’s has it: “by their careless security will only source of help, and He will hear them (Zech. he destroy many.” 13:8,9). That will be “after that they have borne Ezekiel 38:11,12 also speaks of this time: “. . . their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they and thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of un- have trespassed against Me, when they dwelt walled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, safely in their land, and none made them afraid” that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without (Ezek. 39:26). “Then shall the LORD go forth, and walls, and having neither bars nor gates, to take fight against those nations, as when he fought in a spoil, and to take a prey.” This hardly describes the day of battle” (Zech. 14:3). This is the battle

The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 283 of Armageddon, when “they that spoil thee shall and punishments upon the people; to bind their be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters for a prey” (Jer. 30:16). of iron; to execute upon them the judgment writ- May we all be accounted worthy to be there in ten: this honour have all His saints. Praise ye the that day, “to execute vengeance upon the heathen, LORD” (Ps. 149:7-9). Contents

Prophecy Prophecy and the revival of the Hebrew language Geoff Henstock

VEN PRIOR to the birth of Jesus, Hebrew franca for the proposed Jewish state. Theodor was dropping out of use by Jews for every­ Herzl assumed that Jews who migrated to the new Eday purposes. While some continued to state would speak the languages of the countries use Hebrew for daily converse, for most of the from which they came, ignoring the practical Jews among whom our Lord lived Aramaic was challenges this would create. There were others the language of commerce and social activity. who, while perhaps no more practical in their All Jewish boys were taught to read and speak outlook than Herzl, had visions of their own. In Hebrew; but, for many, Hebrew was reserved for the late nineteenth century Eliezer Ben-Yehuda1 religious purposes. (1858–1922), against considerable opposition, After the dispersion of the Jews from their revived the Hebrew language as a language for homeland, Hebrew remained largely confined to daily use. Ben-Yehuda’s efforts led to Hebrew use in religious ceremonies. An exception to this becoming a language suitable for commerce and was the use of Hebrew to bridge the linguistic gap social life. So successful was he that Hebrew was between Jews from different societies who did not recognised by the British, along with Arabic and share another common language. For example, English, as one of the official languages of Manda- Jews in the Middle East tended to adopt Arabic tory Palestine. This arrangement continued after for daily use, while Jews in Eastern Europe (the Israel was established, with all three languages largest single concentration of Jews in the world being recognised for official purposes. at the time) used Yiddish or other languages or All nations with a high proportion of immi- dialects for daily business. Yiddish is a mixture of grants have residents fluent in a wide variety of German, rabbinical Hebrew and at least six other languages. Israel is no exception. But its contin- modern languages. It has no fixed grammar, syn- ued use of Hebrew sets Israel apart from other tax or vocabulary. Its disparate sources mirror the nations like Australia, Canada and the United fact that it was the language of a people in exile. States which, while welcoming large numbers of A few idealistic Jews sought to keep Hebrew migrants, have retained widely spoken tongues alive, just as there were those who sought to pre- as their primary languages. serve Latin. Hebrew was used in Europe among In addition to being unique to Israel, Hebrew the more educated classes, but the vast majority uses an alphabet and script that no other language of Jews in Europe in this period were poor and uses. In the early decades of the twentieth century ill educated. In 1856 a Hebrew newspaper was Vladimir Jabotinsky lobbied for the adoption of launched, but it struggled to gain support. The a Latinized script. He was supported by others broader Jewish community showed little interest such as Ben-Yehuda’s own son, who for a short in Hebrew, regarding its use for everyday activi- ties as a quaint eccentricity. 1. The fascinating and inspiring story of Eliezer Ben- When the Zionist movement was in its infancy Yehuda is told in Robert St. John’s book Tongue of the little thought was given to the question of a lingua Prophets. The Testimony, July 2013 284 Contents period published a Hebrew newspa- per in Latin characters, but they were unable to budge the traditionalists. Social commentators have ob- served that Israel’s use of Hebrew serves to amplify the nation’s isola- tion, and even its chauvinism, in an increasingly globalised world. In this respect Ben-Yehuda’s dogged work and the persistence of Israel in maintaining its commitment to He- brew may be one of the factors which ensures that most of the nations of the world keep their distance from Israel, as Jeremiah 30:14 suggests they will at the time of the end. Eliezer Ben-Yehuda at his desk in Jerusalem c. 1912.

Babel undone (14:13). Thus, as Zephaniah implies, the institution Some students have seen in the revival of the He- of a “pure speech” or “one religious language” brew language a possible fulfilment of Zephaniah would seem to be linked to the undoing of that 3:9: “For at that time I will change the speech of which was done at Babel and the fulfilment of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them the promises to Abraham. may call upon the name of the LORD and serve In this regard, the prophecy of Isaiah 33 may Him with one accord” (ESV). The context of this be significant. In describing the great day when prophecy, however, suggests that it has more to do the Lord redeems his people and Messiah rules with acceptable worship than with the language from Zion, the prophet says that at that time used to express that worship. In its immediate “You will see no more the insolent people, the context it would appear to be the reversal of the people of an obscure speech that you cannot circumstances mentioned in 1:5, where men in comprehend, stammering in a tongue that you Judah and Jerusalem were swearing by Malcham. cannot understand” (v. 19, ESV). The reference Brother John Thomas probably captures the sig- to “insolent people” may allude to the attitudes nificance of the passage when he suggests that at work at Babel. In that age such people will no the pure language describes the “one religious longer prevail, nor will their languages, with language”2 that will be employed in the Kingdom which the saints are unfamiliar. Commenting age. There would be an appropriateness in that on this passage, Brother C. C. Walker observed: language being Hebrew, but that probably is not “God who confounded tongues at Babel of old, the point being made by Zephaniah. and bestowed the gift of tongues on the day The use of “one religious language” in the of Pentecost, has decreed that tongues ‘shall Kingdom suggests the reversal of the curse of cease’ (1 Cor. xiii. 8) through the operations Babel when God confounded the languages of of His providence in a Hebrew kingdom. the people to frustrate the effectiveness of their And the preservation, and rise of the Hebrew co-operative efforts (Gen. 11:7-9). Immediately tongue . . . is an earnest that His promises following this story of the confounding of the will be fulfilled. Zion’s times will bring Zion’s languages, Genesis records the genealogy of language, which the Lord Jesus spoke to Paul Shem as far as Abram. This genealogy concludes on the plain near Damascus (Acts xxvi. 14), at the end of Genesis 11; chapter 12 opens with and which is referred to more than once in the call of Abram and the first great promise to the book of Revelation (ix. 11: xvi. 16).”3 him, which concludes with the inclusive hope that “in thee shall all families of the earth be Apocalyptic Hebrew blessed” (v. 3). Thus the “generations of Shem” are Brother Walker refers to two references to Hebrew bookended by the curse of Babel, which separated in the book of Revelation. The first of these­occurs the “children of men” from their fellows, and the blessing of “all families” through the covenant 2. John Thomas, Elpis Israel, p. 454 (14th edition). with Abraham, the first and prototype Hebrew 3. C. C. Walker, The Ministry of the Prophets: Isaiah, p. 493. The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 285 in the context of the first woe trumpet: “And they was Aramaic. The fact that the prophecy specifies had a king over them, which is the angel of the a meaning in Hebrew suggests, at least, that the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue events associated with Armageddon take place in is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his Israel. The inclusion of this detail in the context name Apollyon” (9:11). of the sixth vial also may indicate that Hebrew is Both Abaddon and Apollyon mean ‘destroyer.’ the language in use in that area at the time when The fact that this force is given names in both the prophecy is fulfilled. Hebrew and Greek implies that it has an impact Reference to Armageddon is connected by over a wide area. The passage refers to the devas- context with the drying up of the Euphrates (v. tating impact of the Moslem hordes that erupted 12), a symbol that describes the evaporation of the from Arabia in the seventh century. That force Ottoman Empire, which paved the way for the was felt first in the Holy Land, hence the first re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in Israel. name given is in Hebrew, but it did not confine The frog-like spirits (v. 13) also played a part in the hostilities to that area. From the Holy Land these return of the Jews to their ancient homeland, the forces attacked the Greek Catholic power based spirit of national self-determination unleashed by in Constantinople, hence the name being given the French Revolution being a major influence, also in Greek. So we conclude that the use of a both generally, on the forces that caused the Ot- Hebrew name in this book written in Greek is toman Empire to ‘dry up,’ and particularly, on intended to point us towards the land that was those who created the Zionist movement. Thus promised to the Hebrews. the sixth vial can be seen as closely connected to The second use of Hebrew in Revelation sug- the revival of a Jewish state in Israel. How appro- gests that the revival of Hebrew as the day-to-day priate, then, that the nations should be gathered language of Israel may be significant. Revelation to a place with a Hebrew name! 16 says that the place where “the battle of that The revival of Hebrew as a language for daily great day of God Almighty” (v. 14) takes place is use is an amazing story. There is good reason to “called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon” (v. believe that it was a work overseen by Almighty 16). Revelation was written in Greek, and at the God to further the divine purpose as revealed in time this occurred the language in use in Israel the prophets.

Why I fear Almighty God We have the biblical record of our present creation. However, although we view it in terms of time, we know that God has always existed. Therefore, what God has done before man was created we have no idea; only a glimpse is given us in the evidence of the rock structure and fossils. God is immortal, therefore He will continue for ever. Moses recognised the eternal presence of God when he said in Psalm 90:2, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.” Paul, in his Epistle to the Romans, wrote, “now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” (6:22). We are also promised that if we conform to certain conditions we will be made im- mortal and continue for ever. How we shall then live our lives I cannot visualise; I can only accept that it is a true and a wonderful promise. Thus, I cannot comprehend infinity of time, either past or future; I can only accept that it is true. Therefore I fear a God who is so mighty and so different from us human beings. Adah Jones

The Testimony, July 2013 286 Contents Reflections Shock

HAT IS SHOCK? Shock can mean any- not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. thing from a minor surprise to a fatal Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; Wcollapse of the body’s systems. The most as it is written, The people sat down to eat important distinction to make amongst different and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let forms of shock is between psychological or men- us commit fornication, as some of them com- tal shock and physiological or circulatory shock. mitted, and fell in one day three and twenty Psychological shock can occur after a physically thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some or emotionally traumatic experience, affecting of them also tempted, and were destroyed your state of mind. Although this can give you of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of symptoms like palpitations and feeling faint, it them also murmured, and were destroyed of doesn’t usually lead to serious physical collapse. the destroyer. Now all these things happened On any first-aid course, shock comes high on unto them for ensamples: and they are written the list of priorities to be dealt with. It can be for our admonition, upon whom the ends of life-threatening. Calling the emergency services the world are come. Wherefore let him that on 999 (here in the UK) and letting the experts thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. take over is a matter of urgency. “Men’s hearts There hath no temptation taken you but such failing them for fear” would mean a 999 call, but as is common to man: but God is faithful, Who what of the pressure of mortality when it comes will not suffer you to be tempted above that to psychological shock in the last days? Is our ye are able; but will with the temptation also community’s ‘first-aid certificate’ current? Do we make a way to escape, that ye may be able to shy away from mental trauma in ecclesial life? bear it” (1 Cor. 10:1-13). Job was psychologically shocked by the reports How shocking was Israel’s behaviour in the he heard of his children. These reports debilitated wilderness, on the verge of their inheritance? him physically, even though he had considered I’ve never heard anything that has shocked me such ‘what if’ scenarios (Job 3:25,26); yet he did more. How could they? They should have known not “curse God, and die” (2:9) but recovered. better than to do as they did. How true that “It is David’s servants, on the death of his infant son, better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence feared a psychological shock that would debilitate in man” (Ps. 118:8)! him physically (2 Sam. 12:18), yet he recovered. What shocks us to cause us to let go of the Allowing shock to affect us in the long term hand of God? What shocks us such that we are can be life-threatening. Ahithophel remained so weary with welldoing that we wander from so damaged by his experiences that he hanged the steps of the Master? What separates us from himself, and so did Judas. How shocked was the love of God so that we can’t function? If ever Peter when the cock crowed? But he recovered, a man was ‘entitled’ to be in shock, that man was as did Thomas, when the Lord appeared to each the Lord Jesus our Saviour, who, for the joy that of them to reassure them. was set before him, endured the cross and de- “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye spised the shame. He was tempted in all points as should be ignorant, how that all our fathers we are—all points. But “Father, forgive them; for were under the cloud, and all passed through they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34), he said. the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in The shocks our brain reacts to are valid and the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the real, and our in-built defences were designed same spiritual meat; and did all drink the by God. But unless we do keep hold of God’s same spiritual drink: for they drank of that hand, walk in the Master’s footsteps, learn from spiritual Rock that followed them: and that the examples in Scripture and seek first the Rock was Christ. But with many of them God Kingdom, we will separate ourselves from the was not well pleased: for they were over- love of Christ—and that would indeed be a life- thrown in the wilderness. Now these things threatening shock. were our examples, to the intent we should Margaret Bilton The Testimony, July 2013 Contents 287 SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS for 2013 Subscriptions Secretary: SOUTH AFRICA Mrs Thelma Marshall, The Pines, Ling Please apply for rates and method of Common Road, Castle Rising, King’s Lynn, payment to Anthony Oosthuizen, Calssa, Norfolk PE31 6AE. Tel. 01553 631279 PO Box 50357, Musgrave Road, Durban 4062. email: [email protected]. 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FAIRHURST NEW ZEALAND BINDERS Surface mail subscription or e-magazine These hold two years’ magazines, and cost NZ $59 (Student rate $35; Airmail $116). £4.25 + postage. Apply to Peter and Norma Philip Walker, “Christadelphians”, Forbes (see back cover). PO Box 458, Palmerston North 4440. Tel. (6) 354 0396; Fax (6) 354 0395 OTHER PUBLICATIONS email: [email protected] For a list of previous years’ Special Issues Remittances payable to available, please apply to the Subscriptions TESTIMONY MAGAZINE Secretary, to whom all orders should be sent. Published on behalf of The Testimony Committee (Christadelphian) by Jeremy Thomas, 22 Kingswood Close, Kings Norton, Birmingham, B30 3NX, UK • Printed by Reflex Litho Ltd., Thetford, Norfolk. Registered Charity No. 225908. The Testimony, July 2013 288 Contents Pictures: Jeremy Thomas Pictures:

Lebanon scenes 9. Tyre (1)

Another Lebanese city with an exceptionally long Tyre’s trading capabilities made it the major track record in Scripture is the city of Tyre, which economic power of the region for a considerable we shall investigate at three separate points in period. As such it posed a threat to God’s people, its history: Phoenician, Greek and Roman. Tyre not only in its system of religion but also in the was visited by the historian Herodotus, who was materialism it promoted. In this context Tyre was told that the city was founded c. 2750 BC. It was the subject of predictions by a number of Israel’s probably first settled via colonisation from the prophets, especially Isaiah (ch. 23) and Ezekiel older Sidon, forty miles along the coast. Its name (chs. 26–29). The latter foretold the coming of means ‘rock.’ The city fell under Egyptian influ- King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (29:17-21), who ence from about the sixteenth century BC, and is failed to capture the city despite a siege lasting no mentioned in Egyptian and Assyrian documents less than thirteen years. Some of the language of from this time onwards. the prophets is reapplied to “Babylon the great,” a similar materialistic threat to God’s people in Its first mention in the Bible is in Joshua 19:29, at the last days, in Revelation 18. the time of the dividing of the Land amongst the twelve tribes of Israel, where it is described as Articles in the Testimony in July and October a “fortified city” (NASB). In subsequent centuries, 2007 demonstrate convincingly that the original as Tyre increased in economic influence, eclipsing city of ancient Tyre was located not on the fa- its neighbour cities on the Phoenician coast, it mous offshore island but on the mainland. The was able to establish its own colonies as far west photographs show this site (which has never been as Gades (Cadiz) in southern Spain. It enjoyed a excavated), now buried beneath the sand dunes ‘golden age’ during the tenth century BC, a period at Ras al-Ayn, just south of the modern city, and of prosperity which is believed to have reached its the nearby wells of the city that are mentioned peak during the reign of King Hiram, with whom by Josephus.1—Jeremy Thomas both David (2 Sam. 5:11) and Solomon (1 Kgs. 5:1) enjoyed friendly relations. In Solomon’s reign another Hiram, a Tyrian craftsman, contributed to the furnishings of the temple in Jerusalem (7:13ff). 1. Antiquities of the Jews 9.14.2.

Contents XII TESTIMONY BOOKS

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Testimony Handbook of Bible Principles. 197 pages. £5.50. Moses: Earth’s Meekest Man. 172 pages. £5.50. The Pen of a Ready Writer. 272 pages. £6.99. Which Translation? 124 pages. £3.50. A Goodly Heritage. 210 pages. £5.50. Man and Woman. 122 pages. £3.80. God’s Purpose with Israel. 112 pages. £3.80. ‘Spirit’ in the New Testament. 185 pages. £4.00. Creation, Evolution and Science. 140 pages. £3.80. The Exodus – A Commentary on Exodus 1–15. 237 pages. £5.99. For the Study and Defence of the Holy Scripture. 236 pages. £5.00.

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