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Joshua 2:1
And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s hose, named Rahab, and lodged there.
Hebrew ‘Yerechow or Yerichow,’ from yareach, the moon or new moon.
It was so-called because of the crescent-like plain in which it stood – one formed by an amphitheatre of hills surrounding it.
Some think the name is derived from ‘ruwach’, meaning smell or fragrance, and believe it is appropriate because of many balsam and palm trees in the city [Dt. 34:3].
One of the oldest cities in the Holy Land, it was located about 18 or 20 miles from Jerusalem and about 4 miles from Jordan.
Nothing is said of the city except to mention its existence [west of Jordan] in 12 references up to this point [Num. 22:1; 26:3, 63; 31:12; 33;48, 50; 34;15; 35:1; 36:13; Dt. 32:49; Dt. 34:1-3].
It is named 29 times in Joshua and only 22 other times in all Scripture after this.
Its fall and the curse upon the man who would build it are recorded in 6:1-26; Heb. 11:30.
It was rebuilt by Heil [1 Ki. 16:34].
Elijah and Elisha both passed it when they made Jordan dry [2 Ki. 24:18].
Jedekiah, last king of Judah, was captured there [2 Ki. 25:5; Jer. 39:5; Jer. 52:8].
Several interesting events took place at Jericho during the ministry of Jesus [Matt. 20:29; Mk. 10:46; Lk. 10:30; 18:35; 19:1].
Under the Romans it was a royal residence, Herod the great died there. It was destroyed and rebuilt after this several times.
A small, dirty village of about 200 people is now on the old ruins.
Of all the writings of antiquity, the Pentateuch is the most remarkable.
The various subjects it embraces makes it a necessity in the understanding of God’s plan for man.
It is the foundation of divine revelation to man.
Its explanation of the origin of all things, its codes of laws, geography, chronology, history, and religion prove it to be a divine work worthy of careful study and acceptance by the whole human race.
The Pentateuch is generally called ‘The Law of Moses’, but is really ‘The Law of God’.
Supposing Moses to be the sole author and originator of the civil and religious system, and the many revelations of God regarding His creative and redemptive work would be counting him immortal, for a mere human could not have invented such a work.
1 - Zend-Avesta, by Zoroaster, about 1200 B.C., the sacred book of the Medes and Persians to revive the ancient Magain religion.
2 - The Four Vedas, the four sacred books of the Hindoos, or the ‘Institutes of Menu: written by Menu, son of Brahma and containing the code of civil and religious laws of the Indians, written about 1100 B.C.
3 - Five Kings, the sacred book of the Chinese, written by Confucius about 1100 B.C.
4 - The Pitikes of the Buddhists, written by Gotama, founder of Buddhism about 600 B.C.
5 - The Koran, written by Mohammed about 600 A.D.
6 - The Eddas of Scandinavia, two religious codes containing mythology and traditions, written about 1100 or 1200 A.D.
All of these were written about 500 to 2,400 years after Moses, and some are partly made up of quotations from the Old and New Testaments, the Talmud, which is a Jewish Commentary of the O.T., and the Gospel of Barnabas.
Others contain the best sayings of wise men within the race producing such a work, certain ethical, political, and moral aspirations of those people, besides old traditions, mythological and fantastic tales of gods, their wars etc.
The sacred books of pagans reveal many erroneous and superstitious ideas which could only be the product of the human mind. Their profitable sayings may have helped in the social life of some in the past; nevertheless, there is very little in them to elevate or inspire to righteousness and nothing to bring one a correct understanding of the true and living God.
How different are the Pentateuch and the other sections of the Bible which glow with truth like the sun compared to a candle!
In the Pentateuch God is supreme and the only King; the priest is His servant, even being prevented by the law from having earthly inheritance or secular power; the ruler of Israel is the vice-gerent of God, obligated to rule according to His laws which are not to be changed, added to, or taken from.
Despotism and priestcraft revealed in other so-called sacred writings would be impossible where the laws of the Pentateuch are obeyed. Its rites and ceremonies are dignified, impressive, and free from the mysteries, divination, witchcraft, sorcery, enchantment, omens and cruel, licentious practices which make pagan rites and abomination to God.
The ceremonies of the Pentateuch point out the holiness of God, the sinfulness of man, the necessity of an atonement and the moral state to which the Creator has promised to raise fallen man.
The punishments of the 5 Books are just and the rewards such as to inspire love of God and consecration to the highest good of all.
- Dake Annotated Reference Bible: page 235
1 Corinthians 14:32-33
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Among people who have inspirational experiences of prophecy, tongues, and interpretation of tongues, it is very easy for one to claim that the Holy Spirit is moving upon him and that he should not quench the Spirit [1 Thes. 5:19].
This attitude of being determined to obey the Spirit leads to abuse of such gifts many times, causing much confusion in the church.
Let no man claim to be moved by the Holy Spirit who acts disorderly and causes confusion, for God is not the author of such [v32-33].
- Dake Annotated Reference Bible: page 187
Proverbs 16:25
25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
This we had before (ch. 14:12), but here it is repeated, as that which is very necessary to be thought of,
1. By way of caution to us all to take heed of deceiving ourselves in the great concerns of our souls by resting in that which seems right and is not really so, and, for the preventing of a self-delusion, to be impartial in self-examination and keep up a jealousy over ourselves.
2. By way of terror to those whose way is not right, is not as it should be, however it may seem to themselves or others; the end of it will certainly be death; to that it has a direct and certain tendency.
- Matthew Henry Commentary
Proverbs 16:26
26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
This is designed to engage us to diligence, and quicken us, what our hand finds to do, to do it with all our might, both in our worldly business and in the work of religion; for in the original it is, The soul that labours labours for itself. It is heart-work which is here intended, the labour of the soul, which is here recommended to us,
1. As that which will be absolutely needful. Our mouth is continually craving it of us; the necessities both of soul and body are pressing, and require constant relief, so that we must either work or starve. Both call for daily bread, and therefore there must be daily labour; for in the sweat of our face we must eat, 2 Thess. 3:10.
2. As that which will be unspeakably gainful. We know on whose errand we go: He that labours shall reap the fruit of his labour; it shall be for himself; he shall rejoice in his own work and eat the labour of his hands. If we make religion our business, God will make it our blessedness.
- Matthew Henry Commentary
“How do you ever get through your work,” one asked of a gentleman, the proprietor of vast enterprises involving millions and employing hundreds.
‘You are a Christian, and can understand me,” was the reply. “I never could get through it all without Christ. I regard myself simply as managing this business for Him as the true proprietor.
I take to Him, therefore, all the embarrassments and perplexities, and He carries the burdens and receives the returns, while I am His steward and servant. – Wayland Hoyt.
The Christian’s life is a partnership with Jesus, and He is the chief partner. It is our privilege not only to consult Him in all the affairs of our life, but to draw on His infinite resources in the assurance that He will supply all our need.
Prayer is having a conference with the chief partner, and should ever be characterized by the greatest freedom and fullest confidence. There must be something wrong when a Christian cannot talk to God about his daily business.
- Daily Meditations for Prayer.
Numbers 7:17
And for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nahshon son of Amminadab.
Verses 12 to 17 give the detailed description of one tribe leader’s offering. Then, instead of saying that all the gifts of the other tribe leaders were exactly like this one and naming the leaders, the record goes on for SEVENTY verses repeating what has already been said, ELEVEN more times!
Why? These things “were written for our learning” [Romans 15:4].
Let us seek the answer.
Other commentators give Matthew Henry credit for giving the correct view.
He says that, both by appointing that each tribal leader was to have a separate day for his gift, and in giving the reports equal space, regardless of the contrast in the tribe’s strength and rank in the camp, God had a definite purpose.
It was “that equal honor might thereby be put on each several tribe…..Thus it was intimated that all the tribes of Israel had an equal share in the altar, and an equal share in the sacrifices that were offered upon it.
Though one tribe was posted more honorably in the camp than another, yet they and their services were all alike acceptable to God…..Rich and poor meet together before God…..He was letting us know that what is given is lent to the Lord, and He carefully records it, with every one’s name prefixed to his gift, because what is so given [as a labor of love, Heb. 6:10] He will repay.
Christ took particular notice of what was cast into the treasury [Mark 12:41].”
Numbers 21:9
And Moses made a serpent of bronze and put it on a pole, and if a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked to the serpent of bronze [attentively, expectantly, with a steady and absorbing gaze], he lived.
Jesus said that as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, “that everyone who believes in Him – who cleaves to Him, trusts and relies on Him – may not perish, but have eternal life and [actually] live for ever! [John 3:14, 15].
Obviously this implies that the look that caused the victim of a fiery serpent to be healed was something far more than a casual glance.
A “look” would save, but what kind of a look?
The Hebrew text here means “look attentively, expectantly, with a steady and absorbing gaze.”
Or, as Jesus said in the last verse of the chapter quoted above, “He who believes on – has faith in, clings to, relies on – the Son has [now possesses] eternal life.”
But whoever does not so believe in, cling to, and rely on the Son, “will never see…..life.”
THE LOOK THAT SAVES is not just a fleeting glance; it is a God-honoring, God-answered, fixed and absorbing gaze!
- The Amplified Bible: page 191
“We continue to judge that Iran’s nuclear decision-making is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which offers the international community opportunities to influence Iran.” Dennis Blair, chief of U.S. intelligence in his annual threat assessment report for 2010.
Forget about Nazi analogies or even Stalinist ones. Let’s just use some Middle East parallels, formulated fictionally as if they’d come from the Dennis Blair school of thought:
We continue to judge that the Arab world’s pursuit of its conflict with Israel is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which offers the international community opportunities to bring it to an end in the near future.” Annual threat assessment report for 1950.
We continue to judge that Egypt’s foreign policy-making is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which offers the United States a chane to turn it into an ally.” Annual threat assessment report for 1952.
We continue to judge that Syrian and Iraqi decision-making is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which means these countries will see that friendship with the West has more to offer them than alliance with the USSR, especially given the fact that Communism is in conflict with their religion and way of life.” Annual threat assessment report for 1960.
We continue to judge that Egyptian and Syrian decision-making is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which means they will not create a crisis leading to war with Israel.” Annual threat assessment report for 1967.
We continue to judge that Egyptian and Syrian decision-making is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which means they will not create a crisis leading to war with Israel.” Annual threat assessment report for 1973.
We continue to judge that Arab states’ decision-making is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which means they will quickly join in to the Camp David process and support the Egypt-Israel peace agreement.” Annual threat assessment report for 1979.
We continue to judge that Iranian decision-making is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which means they will not create a crisis leading to a long-term conflict with the United States. Annual threat assessment report for 1979.
We continue to judge that Iraqi decision-making is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which means they will not go to war with Iran, a country that has a much larger population, and suffer huge damage as a result. Annual threat assessment report for 1980.
We continue to judge that Iraqi decision-making is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which offers the international community opportunities to influence Iraq into not escalating the conflict by offering it concessions over Kuwait. Annual threat assessment for 1990.
“We continue to judge that Iraq’s decision-making is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which suggests that Saddam Hussein will cooperate fully with the international order to get the sanctions removed from his country. Annual threat assessment report for 1995.
We continue to judge that Palestinian decision-making is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which offers the international community opportunities to influence the PLO into making coprehensive peace with Israel. Annual threat assessment report for 1999.”
We continue to judge that the decision-making of Iraq’s elite and people is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which offers the international community opportunities to turn Iraq into a stable democracy once Saddam Hussein is overthrown. Annual threat assessment report for 2003.
We continue to judge that the decision-making of Iran’s regime is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which ensures that Iran will become more moderate and not take on the risks and high expenditure of resources required by a drive to get nuclear weapons. Annual threat assessment report for 2006.
Ok, enough examples. Some–actually many–of these kinds of statements were made at the time by mainstream experts including many of those in government. Today, we have lots of equivalents, not only concerning Iran’s nuclear program but also including: Syria in maintaining its close alliance with Iran; radical Islamist groups remaining moderate; the Palestinians seeking the quickest deal possible to get a state.
The mistake here is not in thinking that Middle Eastern decisionmakers are rational–that is, use a cost-benefit approach–but in not understanding how they define costs and benefits. Example. Hamas attacks Israel and loses miserably. Did they make a mistake about costs and benefits? No, because they are still in power and–with considerable help from the West–have turned a military disaster into a political success by persuading the world that Israel is the bad guy. Moreover, for them the greatest benefit is to be able to continue the struggle for decades more. From a U.S. standpoint their calculation was irrational and wrong, with the cost seeming to outweigh any conceivable benefit. From their own standpoint the benefits did exceed the cost.
Regarding Iran, Western leaders simply fail to understand that Iran’s sole reason for seeking nuclear weapons is not just to fire them at Israel and that if the United States prevents them from doing so that will be a great American victory. On the contrary, the Iranian regime’s assessment of costs and benefits is totally different and involves lots of factors that would benefit the country even if it never shoots off any nuclear weapons. Once Iran has nuclear weapons, the rulers know they will:
–Increase domestic support through demagogic appeals to Iran’s greatness and Islam’s triumph.
–Intimidate Arab states and Europe into giving them lots of things they want, including reducing cooperation with the United States, running away even faster from peace with Israel, accepting Tehran’s desires on oil prices, and lots more.
–Shifting the strategic power balance greatly against the United States and its allies, also by exposing them as weak and in retreat.
–Mobilize massive support among Muslims elsewhere both for Iran as leader of the Muslims and for radical Islamism as an ideology that is winning.
So let’s consider what Iran’s annual threat assessment report for 2010 should look like:
“We continue to judge that the U.S. decision-making is guided by a cost-benefit approach in which confrontation is feared, the process of decadence continues, and almost anything is preferable to taking leadership and working hard to block our getting nuclear weapons. This offers us tremendous opportunities to seize leadership of the Muslims and of the Middle East. Since the world will do nothing that will materially hurt us the prospects are good for our obtaining Weapons of Mass Destruction and thus influencing everyone to retreat as we advance.”
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By Barry Rubin
Remarkable statements have just been made by Europe’s two highest leaders which reveal a lot about what’s really going on right now.
First, EU Council President Miguel Angel Moratinos, who is also Spain’s foreign minister, showed that while President Barack Obama and his many American supporters think that by bending over backward he has done a great job making Europe happy with the United States again that hasn’t happened. “Europe needs to show Washington it exists, and not fear being marginalized on the world stage,” Moratinos complained.
Europe today is always on the defensive, he continued, but should stop fearing the United States, and China, too, for that matter. He was angry because Obama said he would not attend a U.S.-EU summit in May.
Meanwhile, the EU’s own foreign minister provides another example of lack of cooperation with Washington and, if one knows the background, a sign of how ridiculous much Western policy on the Middle East is. Consider this bland item:
“EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has cautioned against any hasty European move to slap new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, while announcing she is assuming the role of international intermediary on the issue.
“In an interview with AFP Ashton distanced herself from the position of some EU nations, such as France, which are pushing for extra sanctions to be imposed on Tehran….`We’re not moving quickly on anything….’”
Now if you don’t know the background this story is serious in its own right. The EU is in no hurry to put sanctions on Iran; the U.S. government is in no hurry to put sanctions on Iran. But Iran is in a hurry to get nuclear weapons.
That’s bad enough. But there’s another dimension. For many years, Ashton was a leader of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. During the height of the Cold War she advocated Western unilateral disarmament in the face of the Soviet threat. From her standpoint, the United States and United Kingdom couldn’t get rid of nuclear weapons fast enough. Ashton wanted to ban the bomb when it came to the United States or Great Britain, Iran is apparently more trustworthy.
Now she favors real caution when it comes to the radical, aggressive Islamist dictatorship in Iran getting nuclear weapons. No hurry here; let’s not exaggerate the threat, she says.
In each case, she has favored energetic activism against Western power to weaken it, coupled with giving every benefit to its enemies.
I don’t want to imply she is saying she opposes sanctions forever. The United States is also ready to go to the UN for a resolution. But she does want to go real slow and is very unenthusiastic about doing anything, sounding like the Russians and Chinese.
In contrast, the British, French, German, and Italian governments seem more willing to move faster and do more than does Obama. But since the U.S. government wants to have the entire EU on board for the sanctions, her stance creates problems as it means almost any small European country can sabotage the process.
Barry Rubin is director of the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center and editor of the Middle East Review of International Affairs (MERIA) Journal. His latest books are The Israel-Arab Reader (seventh edition), The Long War for Freedom: The Arab Struggle for Democracy in the Middle East (Wiley), and The Truth About Syria (Palgrave-Macmillan). To read and subscribe to MERIA, GLORIA articles, or to order books.To see or subscribe to his blog, Rubin Reports.
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