Bible Trekking – Page 12 – Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

The unfaithful wife

July 17, 2020

Hosea is a book of prophecy that seems odd. In chapter one we are introduced to him. He was around during the reigns of Uzziah through Hezekiah in Judah. His ministry was in marrying a woman who would be unfaithful to him. His family situation would point out the adultery that Israel and Judah committed against Jehovah. The children born in this family were given significant names. Jezreel indicates the punishment coming through the city’s destruction. Lo-Ruhamah is their second born and her name means not loved. Lo-Ammi is the third and that name means not my people.

Adultery is the subject of Hosea 2. Humans can cheat on their spouses and Yahweh looks at our failure to be true to Him to be spiritual adultery. The English words idolatry and adultery seem similar in structure. They are identical from God’s point of view. The language that is used here describes the similarity between these two terms. Isn’t it amazing that God loves us despite of sin?

What does it mean in Hosea 3 where Hosea is told by Jehovah to love his wife? In this situation he buys her away from prostitution. He made sure she knew what was expected of this relationship. This is like the life of the Hebrews and God.

Hosea 4 gives us the punishment that will come on Israel and Judah for their failure to honor the agreement they had made with Yahweh. The land will be destroyed, and thousands will die from pestilence, violence, and war. Even the priests will face the wrath of the Lord. Both men and women are being unfaithful to their spouses. They have committed themselves to their shameful ways.

Hosea warns the priests and the Israelites in chapter five. They are involved in prostitution on a spiritual level. He knows adultery on a personal level. They are unfaithful to Jehovah just as his wife was unfaithful to him. They went to Assyria for aid rather than asking their God. This condemnation is for Judah as well as the northern kingdom.

Returning to Yahweh is encouraged in Hosea 6. Mercy not sacrifice is required. He wishes to be acknowledged for who he is. Sacrifices are no longer offered as they were in Israel. The final sacrifice was Jesus on the cross. God promises to restore Judah despite their sin.

Yahweh makes it known in Hosea 7 that He remembers their sin. The sin is a failure to call on God for help He said He would provide.

When was the last time you read from the book of Hezekiah?

July 17, 2020

An old joke that young ministers used to tell among themselves is about asking a congregation if they have recently read the book of Hezekiah. We are reading about this King of Judah. His story is in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. There is no book of Hezekiah in our Bible.

Hezekiah was the King of Judah for six years when Israel fell to the Assyrians according to 2 Kings 18. The reason for the discipline from Jehovah is because the Covenant had been broken. Eight years later Assyria attacked Judah. Hezekiah pays the King, but it does not last. Sennacherib threatens Hezekiah and challenges his loyalty to his God. As with most non-believers, the King of Assyria does not understand the difference between Yahweh and idols. The commander of His forces voices ominous promises to the people of Jerusalem and challenges their King. The Judean officials tear their clothes in mourning before they go to their boss.

In 2 Chronicles 29, Hezekiah, King of Judah is referred to as “doing what is right in the sight of the Lord.” He repaired the Temple and established renewed worship of Jehovah there. His opinion is that the failure to worship has brought the Lord’s displeasure. Purification took sixteen days following Yahweh’s word on how to do it. Tomorrow we continue with more of Hezekiah’s reign.

After the dispersion of the northern kingdom Hezekiah celebrates the Passover in 2 Chronicles 30. They invited all of Israel and scheduled the Holy Day in the second month, not the first as was ordered by Mosaic Law. Some did not make the trip, but many did respond. King Hezekiah prayed for those who had not taken the trouble to become ceremonially clean before sharing in the feast. This type of event had not happened since the time of King David.

The excitement of the worship of Jehovah during the Passover brought destruction of some of the idols that are spoken of in 2 Chronicles 31. Hezekiah the King of Judah assigned the priests and Levites to the worship in the Temple as David had before him. He also ordered the giving of offerings and tithes to support those whose job it was to lead worship. Do you contribute to your local Church for this same purpose?

Jerusalem is on the holy mountain in Psalms 48. Mount Zion is another name for it. The security of this natural fortress intimidates enemies. If it were not for the disobedience of the Israelites and their Kings, the country would not have been defeated. The righteousness of our God is ours for claiming through His Son Jesus. Love is endless because our Father is eternal.

The end of the Earth

July 16, 2020

The maritime city of Tyre is foretold to be destroyed in Isaiah 23. The fortunes made in this port will be sacrificed to the conquerors. Sidon will also fall. The fame and fortune of those who do not follow Jehovah will not rescue them. The Lord’s promise of destruction is certain.

Will this planet one day be destroyed? According to Isaiah 24 the violation of Jehovah’s laws will cause the destruction of the Earth. Everything will be desolate. The evil people of the lands are treacherous and betray everyone. The foundations of the earth are shaken, and it is broken up, but it will be renewed.

Yahweh will punish the powers of Heaven and the nations from everywhere. The moon and the sun will also survive. One day Jesus will establish a new Heaven and Earth.

Yahweh’s plans were made years ago as stated in Isaiah 25. The destruction of those who violated His laws and the salvation of the righteous were established before the universe was created. He is a refuge for the poor and a shelter from the storm. Prophecy of a feast of rich foods is made. He will also destroy death. Our trust in Him has brought our salvation.

More prophecy of that future time is given in Isaiah 26. The city will be strong, and salvation, righteousness, and peace will be abundant. Jehovah is described as the rock eternal. Do you have a desire for God? His judgment will bring about a right attitude for the world. People alone cannot change the lives of others. The Earth will give birth to those buried in her.

Have you ever thought about the reference to Leviathan in Isaiah chapter 27? What is the fruitful vineyard that we should sing about? Jacob and Israel have filled the Earth with the fruit of the gospel of Christ. The destruction of Jerusalem and removal of Israel from the promised land have brought about their salvation. Israelites are different from those of the nations that Jehovah will annihilate.

Isaiah predicts the captivity in Babylon

July 14, 2020

Upper Egypt along the Nile river is cursed in Isaiah 18. The symbolic language continues to flow in this book of prophecy. Egypt’s failure to follow Jehovah is the cause of their punishment.

The rest of Egypt does not avoid the displeasure of Yahweh in Isaiah 19. Egypt and her Pharaohs have previously encountered His power and anger. Civil war and outside enemies will bring the worldwide rule of the Nile community to an end. The power of the river to create wealth in the nation will cease. Even the king and his counselors and wise men will be made foolish. A treaty between Egypt, Assyria, and Israel is also predicted.

Cush and Egypt are again mentioned in Isaiah 20 as being captured and crushed. Isaiah’s prophecy covers another three years before these things happen. Those who followed these nations will be brought to shame.

Once again, we are looking at the prophecy against Babylon in Isaiah 21. The vision that comes to the prophet is intense. He suffers personal discomfort because of what he sees and hears. Being the lookout currently is very stressful. The chapter ends with more of what will happen to Edom and Arabia.

The prophecies of Isaiah 22 also are directed at Jerusalem. The leaders of the city will not die there. They will be captured outside the walls that had been built to protect them. Despite this the walls will be breached and torn apart. “Let us eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” comes from this chapter. The captivity of Judah in Babylonia is called for here. The death of the generations in this foreign land is also prophesied. Isaiah also tells us that Eliakim will occupy the throne in Jerusalem. His destruction is also foretold.

The destruction of Babylon

July 13, 2020

As we read Isaiah 13 which was written before Assyria destroyed Israel, we see that Babylon will also suffer destruction because of her involvement in the captivity of the Jews from Judah. The time will come when all the nations that taken to Babylon will be allowed to return to their homelands. The Medes will be part of this as they conquer the Babylonians.

We continue in Isaiah 14 with more assurance that Israel will return to the promised land in Palestine. They are still living in their homes when Isaiah is prophesying. Many do not believe that. They think that these scriptures must have been written years after Judah and the Northern Kingdom have been destroyed.

When King Ahaz died, we have the prophecy of the Philistines. They will also suffer as their enemies the Jews will. No country that had a problem with God’s people will escape His vengeance.

Moab is prophesied about in Isaiah 15. The distress of the country as the cities are laid waste is reported. Moab is just one more of the nations that have caused problems for Israel throughout the years. It is time now for them to pay for it as the others have.

Isaiah 16 continues the prophecy against the Moabites. Remember Ruth and the book of the Bible named for her? She was from Moab. She became David’s Great Grandmother. Moab remained an enemy of Israel for many years.

This Moabite woman is an ancestor of the house of David that verse five says it will have a man on the throne who will judge with justice. No one will be in Moab because of their pride and arrogance. A time frame of three years is given for the humiliation of these enemies of Israel.

Another prophecy against Damascus is included in Isaiah 17. The lands around Israel and Judah will eventually suffer their fate. Jehovah does not promise a remnant for all of them. When the destruction comes to Judah, the people will reject the false gods of Canaan. While desolation surrounds them, they will seek His face and protection.

Hoshea, the last king of Israel

July 12, 2020

Due to the disobedience of Ahaz of Judah in 2 Chronicles 28 many of the Judeans are taken prisoner to Damascus and Pekah of Israel also defeated them. Obed, a prophet, announced punishment for Israel if they took slaves from Judah. Israel returned all of them to their land.

As we read yesterday, Ahaz joined with Assyria to fight against his enemies. Before his death, he continued to reject the Lord.

Ahaz King of Judah did not follow David’s example and follow Jehovah in 2 Kings 16. He made an agreement with the Assyrian King for protection. He sacrificed to other gods and even removed items from the Temple for this worship. Hezekiah was his son and became King on his death.

Hoshea becomes King of Israel in 2 Kings 17. Assyria conquers them. Samaria falls. The siege took three years. The Israelites were moved to the towns of the Medes in Assyria. Judah was not taken at this time. People from five other nations were resettled in the land of Israel. These new residents do not know Yahweh and what He requires. Lions kill many of them before a priest is brought to instruct them. They were no better or worse than the previous occupants. Tomorrow we look at the period leading to Judah’s destruction.

Theft from the Lord?

July 11, 2020

Micah 1 tells us that he prophesied in the time of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The first words from Jehovah are against both Samaria and Jerusalem. The sins of both nations are their downfall, just as our transgressions will result in our end.

Micah will mourn the people of Israel and Judah. Weeping, wailing, moaning, and shaving the head are methods that the Jews still use to show sadness. The sin is attributed to Samaria and spreading to Jerusalem. We often want to blame others for our faults. We have a choice to follow those that work evil or the ones that treat people fairly. We need to accept the punishment of our own decisions.

Do you know of someone who spends their time planning how to cheat, swindle, and steal? Micah 2 pronounces a curse on these people. This was what the well to do in Israel were doing.

False prophets are another problem. They say things that have not been told to them by Jehovah. This is still a problem. Many in our day speak messages they claim come from the Lord. As ministers, we must be very careful to only communicate what comes from God through the Bible. When we step out and add to the Word, claiming that we have been given special insight, we may fall into the role of false prophet.

Justice is a recurring theme in Micah and the third chapter is no exception. This prophet, like most of the others, reminds his listeners that their actions will determine their own fate. Micah reminds his hearers that while others have not followed Jehovah, he has felt the spirit’s impact on his life.

Christians, Muslims, and Jews view the Temple mount mentioned in Micah 4 as a holy site. The Word of Jehovah continues to be preached from the city of Jerusalem. Weapons have not become farming implements yet, but they will be. We will ultimately be led by our Lord. That prophecy is still to be fulfilled.

Continuing messianic prophecy in Micah 5 we read that Yahweh’s ruler will be beaten. Bethlehem is given as the place where He will be born. He will be a type of shepherd. He will be our peace. The Jews are predicted to be scattered throughout the world. The final predictions of destruction of the places of idol worship have already been completed.

Yahweh has a case against Israel in Micah 6. He asks what He has done to them. He then recounts the events of the exodus from Egypt and the travel to the promised land. What does He really want us to do as sacrifices? The question is, should the first born be sacrifice? This was a rhetorical question. We know that Jehovah in fact did that. Jesus was His son. For us our sacrifice should be to act justly and walk humbly with God. Violence, theft, and falsehood are the antithesis of what the Lord wants.

The misery of Israel as mentioned in Micah 7 is like our own. We bring it upon ourselves as they brought their own downfall. The strife and discord that is evident today and was at the time of the Kingdom of Israel.

They were waiting for the Savior whom we know as Jesus Christ. This chapter prophecies that He will come one day when Israel has regained their land. Jehovah is no other entity.

The King in the lineage of David

July 10, 2020

When Jotham becomes King of Judah in 2 Chronicles 27 he followed his father’s example but did not lead the Judeans back to Yahweh. Jotham was able to conquer the Ammonites and became powerful because of his commitment to the Lord. His son, Ahaz followed him as King of Judah.

I am sure that Isaiah’s reference to Galilee being honored surprised his contemporaries in chapter nine. We know it as an area where Jesus spent a great deal of time. Light and darkness are also mentioned here. Verse six begins the scripture about a child being born and the government being on His shoulders. He is our wonderful counselor, our mighty God, or everlasting father, and our prince of peace. Israel will be destroyed, but a descendant of David will on day rule forever.

Do some of our current laws or court rulings seem to be oppressive to people? Isaiah 10 begins with this type of situation. Many laws that fit in this category have been removed from the books. They were designed to keep former slaves in subjugation, or certain nationalities from becoming Americans.

Assyria is the country that will destroy the northern kingdom, but despite their use to Jehovah as a tool of discipline, they will come under judgment as all who oppose the Lord will. Pride will lead to their fall.

Isaiah 11 tells us there will be a new ruler of the renewed Israel. We know this is a prophecy of what Jesus will ultimately mean to the Jews. Peace will reign when this happens and that is why we know it has not happened yet. We all look to this future time, not just the Hebrews.

Yahweh’s anger will turn from us if we follow what Isaiah 12 tells us. We must trust Him and make Him our salvation through Jesus. This song of praise tells us to worship our Lord as the Israelites worshiped under King David. Not with sacrifices, but with correct living.

Complacence and prayer

July 10, 2020

Complacency is discussed in Amos 6. What does it mean? Apathy is a synonym. When we stand by and allow those in power to continue their abuse of the innocent, we are not following the Lord. Will we be punished for our lack of concern? Often, we are more concerned about ourselves than others. Even Christians can become proud and focus on us. We may want to say that we would never forsake justice and what is correct, but none of us are immune.

Do your prayers have any effect on what Yahweh will do? Amos 7 tells us that they do. The Lord’s plans are revealed to the Prophet. He pleads for Him to relent in the method of judgment on Judah. The next vision is of a plumb line. This is a carpenter’s tool that dates to ancient peoples even before recorded history. A weight hangs from a cord and helps one to determine if a wall is straight. The country of Israel is judged to be severely deformed and must be destroyed.

Amos’ words from Jehovah are not pleasing to the priest, Amaziah. Once again, we are shown that those who should be listening to our creator often do not. By challenging a true prophet, he suffers God’s wrath in a personal way.

Another image is presented to Amos in the eighth chapter. The basket of ripe fruit signifies that the time has come for the destruction of Israel as a nation. The sins of the people begin with the oppression of the poor. Those of us who believe that our integrity in business is not important can see its importance here. These sins will be punished by the total removal of the Northern Kingdom. Famine and thirst will take over Samaria and the entire land. This is the vengeance of God.

One last time Amos tells us that Israel will be destroyed in chapter 9. There will not be any place that we can hide from the wrath of Jehovah. He is watching the Israelites, not to keep them safe, but to bring them to destruction. There will be a remnant left to carry on the plan that was set from the beginning of the universe. The Jews are not the only ones that God has directed. Even those who reject Him cannot avoid His will. Those that will be destroyed are being punished for their personal sins.

Restoration of the Kingdom will come. The birth of God’s son will be dependent on the restoration of His people to their land. His ultimate will must be done.

Condemnations from Yahweh

July 8, 2020

Amos began his prophecy during the reigns of Uzziah of Judah and Jehoash of Israel. Chapter one begins his vision from Jehovah with condemnation of some of their enemies. Damascus, the Philistines, Tyre, Edom, and Ammon will all suffer His wrath because of the ways they have treated others. This should serve as an example for us. As Jesus has taught us, we are to be servants of others, not of ourselves.

Moab is condemned in Amos 2. Judah is also falling under the wrath of the Lord. Rejecting the law and serving other gods are two of the crimes. Israel will also be destroyed for their many sins. Sexual sin and idolatry are just two types of offenses of which they are guilty. The strength they think they have will not protect them from Jehovah’s punishment.

Israel was the chosen children of Yahweh as is repeated in Amos 3. He has been warning them through many prophets and messengers, and He will not change His mind. Another accusation is that they refuse to do right. Many people today fall into the same trap. They know what should be done for others and they will not follow what they know is the Lord’s will.

The country will be devastated as they destroyed the lives of the innocent. Time is running out and there will be no more forgiveness. We should learn from the children of Israel. Eventually we must be punished unless we accept the redemption of Jesus Christ.

Jehovah’s fury will fall on those that were once saved from Egyptian domination told in Amos chapter four. Even though they perform meaningless worship, it means nothing. Famine and drought are used to draw the attention of God’s people, without any result. All the evil that is present in our day is ignored. We have been told what to look for. It is happening, but most people see it as of no consequence. Others blame the corruption in their world on Yahweh. Our judgment will be on an individual basis.

Israel’s fall is prophesied in Amos 5. For this destruction to be avoided, Jehovah’s chosen people must turn from following other gods and choose to worship the true God. Justice and righteousness must be sought. The one who demands this is the creator of the universe.
Yahweh knows our sins and will punish us for them. The day of judgment will come, and the Jews will not receive what they believe they will. The only way to avoid this is to forsake sacrifices that mean nothing. Justice and righteousness must be sought. That is true today as it was in Israel.

Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Walk With a Servant

Category: Bible Trekking