November 18

November 18

Prayer

Pray for the fear of the Lord that we may have knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
(Proverbs 1:7)

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Question 65

Question 65 - What is the forbidden in the Fifth Commandment?

The Fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing anything against, the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations.

Reformational Reading

The Westminster Larger Catechism

Question 153

Question 153 - What does God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the law?

That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the law, he requires of us repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, and the diligent use of the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation.

Private Reading

Amos 7

1.  Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me; and, behold, he formed grasshoppers in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and, lo, it was the latter growth after the king's mowings.
2.  And it came to pass, that when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small.
3.  The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD.
4.  Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me: and, behold, the Lord GOD called to contend by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and did eat up a part.
5.  Then said I, O Lord GOD, cease, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small.
6.  The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD.
7.  Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand.
8.  And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:
9.  And the high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.
10.  Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.
11.  For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land.
12.  Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:
13.  But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court.
14.  Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:
15.  And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.
16.  Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.
17.  Therefore thus saith the LORD; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.

Commentary: Amos 7

Vs. 1-9

God bears long, but he will not bear always with a provoking people. The remembrance of the mercies we formerly received, like the produce of the earth of the former growth, should make us submissive to the will of God, when we meet with disappointments in the latter growth. The Lord has many ways of humbling a sinful nation. Whatever trouble we are under, we should be most earnest with God for the forgiveness of sin. Sin will soon make a great people small. What will become of Israel, if the hand that should raise him be stretched out against him? See the power of prayer. See what a blessing praying people are to a land. See how ready, how swift God is to show mercy; how he waits to be gracious. Israel was a wall, a strong wall, which God himself reared as a defense to his sanctuary. The Lord now seems to stand upon this wall. He measures it; it appears to be a bowing, bulging wall. Thus God would bring the people of Israel to the trial, would discover their wickedness; and the time will come, when those who have been spared often, shall be spared no longer. But the Lord still calls Israel his people. The repeated prayer and success of the prophet should lead us to seek the Savior.

Vs. 10-17

It is no new thing for the accusers of the brethren, to misrepresent them as enemies to the king and kingdom, as traitors to their prince, and troublers of the land, when they are the best friends to both. Those who make gain their godliness, and are governed by the hopes of wealth and preferment, are ready to think these the most powerful motives with others also. But those who have a warrant from God, like Amos, ought not to fear the face of man. If God, that sent him, had not strengthened him, he could not thus have set his face as a flint. The Lord often chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise and mighty. But no fervent prayers, or self-denying labors, can bring proud sinners to bear faithful reproofs and warnings. And all who oppose or despise the Divine word, must expect fatal effects to their souls, unless they repent.

Luke 2

1.  And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2.  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3.  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5.  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6.  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8.  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14.  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15.  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16.  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17.  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18.  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19.  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21.  And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22.  And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23.  (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24.  And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25.  And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26.  And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27.  And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28.  Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29.  Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30.  For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31.  Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32.  A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33.  And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34.  And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35.  (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36.  And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37.  And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38.  And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39.  And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40.  And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
41.  Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42.  And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43.  And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44.  But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45.  And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46.  And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47.  And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48.  And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49.  And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
50.  And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51.  And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52.  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Commentary: Luke 2

Vs. 1-7

The fullness of time was now come, when God would send forth his Son, made of a woman, and made under the law. The circumstances of his birth were very mean. Christ was born at an inn; he came into the world to sojourn here for awhile, as at an inn, and to teach us to do likewise. We are become by sin like an outcast infant, helpless and forlorn; and such a one was Christ. He well knew how unwilling we are to be meanly lodged, clothed, or fed; how we desire to have our children decorated and indulged; how apt the poor are to envy the rich, and how prone the rich to disdain the poor. But when we by faith view the Son of God being made man and lying in a manger, our vanity, ambition, and envy are checked. We cannot, with this object rightly before us, seek great things for ourselves or our children.

Vs. 8-20

Angels were heralds of the new-born Savior, but they were only sent to some poor, humble, pious, industrious shepherds, who were in the business of their calling, keeping watch over their flock. We are not out of the way of Divine visits, when we are employed in an honest calling, and abide with God in it. Let God have the honor of this work; Glory to God in the highest. God's goodwill to men, manifested in sending the Messiah, redounds to his praise. Other works of God are for his glory, but the redemption of the world is for his glory in the highest. God's goodwill in sending the Messiah, brought peace into this lower world. Peace is here put for all that good which flows to us from Christ's taking our nature upon him. This is a faithful saying, attested by an innumerable company of angels, and well worthy of all acceptation, That the goodwill of God toward men, is glory to God in the highest, and peace on the earth. The shepherds lost no time, but came with haste to the place. They were satisfied, and made known abroad concerning this child, that he was the Savior, even Christ the Lord. Mary carefully observed and thought upon all these things, which were so suited to enliven her holy affection. We should be more delivered from errors in judgment and practice, did we more fully ponder these things in our hearts. It is still proclaimed in our ears that to us is born a Savior, Christ the Lord. These should be glad tidings to all.

Vs. 21-24

Our Lord Jesus was not born in sin, and did not need that mortification of a corrupt nature, or that renewal unto holiness, which were signified by circumcision. This ordinance was, in his case, a pledge of his future perfect obedience to the whole law, in the midst of sufferings and temptations, even unto death for us. At the end of forty days, Mary went up to the temple to offer the appointed sacrifices for her purification. Joseph also presented the holy child Jesus, because, as a first-born son, he was to be presented to the Lord, and redeemed according to the law. Let us present our children to the Lord who gave them to us, beseeching him to redeem them from sin and death, and make them holy to himself.

Vs. 25-35

The same Spirit that provided for the support of Simeon's hope, provided for his joy. Those who would see Christ must go to his temple. Here is a confession of his faith, that this Child in his arms was the Savior, the salvation itself, the salvation of God's appointing. He bids farewell to this world. How poor does this world look to one that has Christ in his arms, and salvation in his view! See here, how comfortable is the death of a good man; he departs in peace with God, peace with his own conscience, in peace with death. Those that have welcomed Christ, may welcome death. Joseph and Mary marveled at the things which were spoken of this Child. Simeon shows them likewise, what reason they had to rejoice with trembling. And Jesus, his doctrine, and people, are still spoken against; his truth and holiness are still denied and blasphemed; his preached word is still the touchstone of men's characters. The secret good affection in the minds of some, will be revealed by their embracing Christ; the secret corruptions of others will be revealed by their enmity to Christ. Men will be judged by the thoughts of their hearts concerning Christ. He shall be a suffering Jesus; his mother shall suffer with him, because of the nearness of her relation and affection.

Vs. 36-40

There was much evil then in the church, yet God left not himself without witness. Anna always dwelt in, or at least attended at, the temple. She was always in a praying spirit; gave herself to prayer, and in all things she served God. Those to whom Christ is made known, have great reason to thank the Lord. She taught others concerning him. Let the example of the venerable saints, Simeon and Anna, give courage to those whose hoary heads are, like theirs, a crown of glory, being found in the way of righteousness. The lips soon to be silent in the grave, should be showing forth the praises of the Redeemer. In all things it became Christ to be made like unto his brethren, therefore he passed through infancy and childhood as other children, yet without sin, and with manifest proofs of the Divine nature in him. By the Spirit of God all his faculties performed their offices in a manner not seen in any one else. Other children have foolishness bound in their hearts, which appears in what they say or do, but he was filled with wisdom, by the influence of the Holy Ghost; every thing he said and did, was wisely said and wisely done, above his years. Other children show the corruption of their nature; nothing but the grace of God was upon him.

Vs. 41-52

It is for the honor of Christ that children should attend on public worship. His parents did not return till they had stayed all the seven days of the feast. It is well to stay to the end of an ordinance, as becomes those who say, It is good to be here. Those that have lost their comforts in Christ, and the evidences of their having a part in him, must bethink themselves where, and when, and how they lost them, and must turn back again. Those that would recover their lost acquaintance with Christ, must go to the place in which he has put his name; there they may hope to meet him. They found him in some part of the temple, where the doctors of the law kept their schools; he was sitting there, hearkening to their instructions, proposing questions, and answering inquiries, with such wisdom, that those who heard were delighted with him. Young persons should seek the knowledge of Divine truth, attend the ministry of the gospel, and ask such questions of their elders and teachers as may tend to increase their knowledge. Those who seek Christ in sorrow, shall find him with the greater joy. Know ye not that I ought to be in my Father's house; at my Father's work; I must be about my Father's business. Herein is an example; for it becomes the children of God, in conformity to Christ, to attend their heavenly Father's business, and make all other concerns give way to it. Though he was the Son of God, yet he was subject to his earthly parents; how then will the foolish and weak sons of men answer it, who are disobedient to their parents? However we may neglect men's sayings, because they are obscure, yet we must not think so of God's sayings. That which at first is dark, may afterwards become plain and easy. The greatest and wisest, those most eminent, may learn of this admirable and Divine Child, that it is the truest greatness of soul to know our own place and office; to deny ourselves amusements and pleasures not consistent with our state and calling.

Family Reading

1 Chronicles 11-12

1.  Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.
2.  And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.
3.  Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.
4.  And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.
5.  And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David.
6.  And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.
7.  And David dwelt in the castle; therefore they called it the city of David.
8.  And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.
9.  So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him.
10.  These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.
11.  And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain by him at one time.
12.  And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties.
13.  He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.
14.  And they set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great deliverance.
15.  Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.
16.  And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Bethlehem.
17.  And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate!
18.  And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,
19.  And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.
20.  And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the three.
21.  Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three.
22.  Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.
23.  And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.
24.  These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among the three mighties.
25.  Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.
26.  Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
27.  Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
28.  Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite,
29.  Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,
30.  Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite,
31.  Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,
32.  Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,
33.  Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,
34.  The sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite,
35.  Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur,
36.  Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,
37.  Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai,
38.  Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri,
39.  Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armourbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah,
40.  Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,
41.  Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai,
42.  Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,
43.  Hanan the son of Maachah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite,
44.  Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel the sons of Hothan the Aroerite,
45.  Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite,
46.  Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,
47.  Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite.

1.  Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war.
2.  They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.
3.  The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite,
4.  And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite,
5.  Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite,
6.  Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites,
7.  And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.
8.  And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains;
9.  Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,
10.  Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,
11.  Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,
12.  Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,
13.  Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh.
14.  These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand.
15.  These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.
16.  And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David.
17.  And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.
18.  Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
19.  And there fell some of Manasseh to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them not: for the lords of the Philistines upon advisement sent him away, saying, He will fall to his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heads.
20.  As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh.
21.  And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host.
22.  For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God.
23.  And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.
24.  The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war.
25.  Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valour for the war, seven thousand and one hundred.
26.  Of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred.
27.  And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him were three thousand and seven hundred;
28.  And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's house twenty and two captains.
29.  And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.
30.  And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valour, famous throughout the house of their fathers.
31.  And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.
32.  And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
33.  Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.
34.  And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand.
35.  And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.
36.  And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty thousand.
37.  And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, an hundred and twenty thousand.
38.  All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.
39.  And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them.
40.  Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.

Commentary: 1 Chronicles 11-12

Vs. 1-9

David was brought to possess the throne of Israel after he had reigned seven years in Hebron, over Judah only. God's counsels will be fulfilled at last, whatever difficulties lie in the way. The way to be truly great, is to be really useful, to devote all our talents to the Lord.

Vs. 10-47

An account is given of David's worthies, the great men who served him. Yet David reckoned his success, not as from the mighty men that were with him, but from the mighty God, whose presence is all in all. In strengthening him, they strengthened themselves and their own interest, for his advancement was theirs. We shall gain by what we do in our places for the support of the kingdom of the Son of David; and those that are faithful to Him, shall find their names registered much more to their honor, than these are in the records of fame.

Vs. 1-22

Here is an account of those who appeared and acted as David's friends, while he was persecuted. No difficulties or dangers should keep the sinner from coming to the Savior, nor drive the believer from the path of duty. Those who break through, and overcome in these attempts, will find abundant recompense. From the words of Amasai we may learn how to testify our affection and allegiance to the Lord Jesus; his we must be thoroughly; on his side we must be forward to appear and act. If we are under the influence of the Spirit, we shall desire to have our lot among them, and to declare ourselves on their side; if in faith and love we embrace the cause of Christ, he will receive, employ, and advance us.

Vs. 23-40

When the throne of Christ is set up in a soul, there is, or ought to be, great joy in that soul; and provision is made, not as here, for a few days, but for the whole life, and for eternity. Happy are those who wisely perceive it to be their duty and interest, to submit to the Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of David; who renounce for his sake all that is not consistent; whose earnest endeavors to do good are directed by the wisdom that God giveth, through acquaintance with his word, experience, and observation. If any man lack this wisdom, let him ask it of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.

Hebrews 13

1.  Let brotherly love continue.
2.  Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
3.  Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
4.  Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
5.  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6.  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
7.  Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
8.  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
9.  Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
10.  We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
11.  For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
12.  Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
13.  Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
14.  For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
15.  By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
16.  But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17.  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
18.  Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
19.  But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
20.  Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21.  Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
22.  And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
23.  Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
24.  Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
25.  Grace be with you all. Amen.

Commentary: Hebrews 13

Vs. 1-6

The design of Christ in giving himself for us, is, that he may purchase to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works; and true religion is the strongest bond of friendship. Here are earnest exhortations to several Christian duties, especially contentment. The sin opposed to this grace and duty is covetousness, an over-eager desire for the wealth of this world, with envy of those who have more than ourselves. Having treasures in heaven, we may be content with mean things here. Those who cannot be so, would not be content though God raised their condition. Adam was in paradise, yet not contented; some angels in heaven were not contented; but the apostle Paul, though abased and empty, had learned in every state, in any state, to be content. Christians have reason to be contented with their present lot. This promise contains the sum and substance of all the promises; "I will never, no, never leave thee, no, never forsake thee." In the original there are no less than five negatives put together, to confirm the promise: the true believer shall have the gracious presence of God with him, in life, at death, and for ever. Men can do nothing against God, and God can make all that men do against his people, to turn to their good.

Vs. 7-15

The instructions and examples of ministers, who honorably and comfortably closed their testimony, should be particularly remembered by survivors. And though their ministers were some dead, others dying, yet the great Head and High Priest of the church, the Bishop of their souls, ever lives, and is ever the same. Christ is the same in the Old Testament day, as in the gospel day, and will be so to his people for ever, equally merciful, powerful, and all-sufficient. Still he fills the hungry, encourages the trembling, and welcomes repenting sinners: still he rejects the proud and self-righteous, abhors mere profession, and teaches all whom he saves, to love righteousness, and to hate iniquity. Believers should seek to have their hearts established in simple dependence on free grace, by the Holy Spirit, which would comfort their hearts, and render them proof against delusion. Christ is both our Altar and our Sacrifice; he sanctifies the gift. The Lord's supper is the feast of the gospel passover. Having showed that keeping to the Levitical law would, according to its own rules, keep men from the Christian altar, the apostle adds, Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp; go forth from the ceremonial law, from sin, from the world, and from ourselves. Living by faith in Christ, set apart to God through his blood, let us willingly separate from this evil world. Sin, sinners, nor death, will not suffer us to continue long here; therefore let us go forth now by faith and seek in Christ the rest and peace which this world cannot afford us. Let us bring our sacrifices to this altar, and to this our High Priest, and offer them up by him. The sacrifice of praise to God, we should offer always. In this are worship and prayer, as well as thanksgiving.

Vs. 16-21

We must, according to our power, give to the necessities of the souls and bodies of men: God will accept these offerings with pleasure, and will accept and bless the offerers through Christ. The apostle then states what is their duty to living ministers; to obey and submit to them, so far as is agreeable to the mind and will of God, made known in his word. Christians must not think themselves too wise, too good, or too great, to learn. The people must search the Scriptures, and so far as the ministers teach according to that rule, they ought to receive their instructions as the word of God, which works in those that believe. It is the interest of hearers, that the account their ministers give of them may be with joy, and not with grief. Faithful ministers deliver their own souls, but the ruin of a fruitless and faithless people will be upon their own heads. The more earnestly the people pray for their ministers, the more benefit they may expect from their ministry. A good conscience has respect to all God's commands, and all our duty. Those who have this good conscience, yet need the prayers of others. When ministers come to a people who pray for them, they come with greater satisfaction to themselves, and success to the people. We should seek all our mercies by prayer. God is the God of peace, fully reconciled to believers; who has made a way for peace and reconciliation between himself and sinners, and who loves peace on earth, especially in his churches. He is the Author of spiritual peace in the hearts and consciences of his people. How firm a covenant is that which has its foundation in the blood of the Son of God! The perfecting of the saints in every good work, is the great thing desired by them, and for them; and that they may at length be fitted for the employment and happiness of heaven. There is no good thing wrought in us, but it is the work of God. And no good thing is wrought in us by God, but through Christ, for his sake and by his Spirit.

Vs. 22-25

So bad are men, and even believers, through the remainders of their corruption, that when the most important, comfortable doctrine is delivered to them for their own good, and that with the most convincing evidence, there is need of earnest entreaty and exhortation that they would bear it, and not fall out with it, neglect it, or reject it. It is good to have the law of holy love and kindness written in the hearts of Christians, one towards another. Religion teaches men true civility and good breeding. It is not ill-tempered or uncourteous. Let the favor of God be toward you, and his grace continually working in you, and with you, bringing forth the fruits of holiness, as the first-fruits of glory.

Prayer

Lord's Prayer

Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Apostle's Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.

Amen.