This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:28
28 And unto man ['adam] he said ['amar], Behold, the fear [yir'ah] of the Lord ['Adonay], that is wisdom [chokmah]; and to depart [cuwr] from evil [ra`] is understanding [biynah]. KJV-Interlinear
28 'And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.'' NASB
The word for man, 'adam,' refers to something that is common, low, something that has no particular significance in life. That is humanity. That is you. You are common regardless of what you think of yourself.
Of all of the intelligent creatures, man is currently the lowest. Angels are the next form and then there is God.
Behold, means to look up and pay attention. That is something that most of the human race does not do. Job has gone through a dialogue explaining the significance of God, His character, His power and abilities, and so forth, but humanity in general ignores God.
Man usually replaces the true God with some form of substitute from their own invention. Whether philosophies or religions, it makes no difference, any substitute is a false one, and anything other than belief in the one true God, Christ, doctrine, and His plan is a false one. And pursuing anything false is pursuing lies, not wisdom.
Wisdom is truth. Understanding is the application of truth to life.
And there is only one way to gain wisdom, and that is explained very clearly here.
Fear of God means reverence, admiration, deference, value. In other words this means that you believe in God so much that you have no use for any other opinion that exists. This is simply positive volition toward God, Christ, doctrine, and your spiritual life.
Understanding means divorcing yourself from those lies of the world. Understanding means divorcing yourself from the activities of the sin nature. Understanding means that you know that you life is to be lived within the fellowship sphere, and not within the carnal sphere of life. Understanding means selecting a pattern of life, a lifestyle, which conforms to the spiritual life.
In summary these two go together, first you are positive toward your daily study and you do actually pursue a daily study, and second, you live by what you learn - within your spiritual life.
Wisdom is the attitude of wanting to learn and conducting your life accordingly with a daily study, and understanding is the actual living of your spiritual life from moment by moment, day by day, year by year.
Once you begin to learn doctrine, then you become acquainted with life, oriented to life, oriented to God, oriented with people, and especially yourself. You come to know that God can do everything for you, and likewise God can withhold everything from you. That you have no real power or control over your own life, except for your attitude toward God. And that is the very key to your life.
These last few days have been tough ones, weather-wise. All over the country the weather has been having its way with people. Our power went out early Monday, following an uncertain weekend of weather. We are on generator and candlepower for probably a few days. The power company offices and repair trucks are inaccessible because of high water, so repairs in the northwest Oregon area will not come soon.
What can we do about it? Nothing. So we wait. And that is what your spiritual life is all about.
You study and learn, and apply what you learn to your life. You hope and pray, and when it is all said and done, you wait.
God has a plan for your life. God has a plan for the entire human history. Everything that happens in life, drives toward a conclusion of good. Despite the politics of the day, despite the media driven opinions, despite the attitudes of individuals and nations, despite the weather, all things work toward a good ending for you and for history.
God is pretty smart. He invented atoms, and the rules of physics. He invented genetics and cosmic rays. He invented gravity and principles of economics. God invented the human body and the substance of every living thing. God invented you.
At the moment of your birth, God created out of nothing ('bara'), your human life and inserted it into your soul in your human body, and there He maintains it until He calls you home. You don't keep your own life going. You don’t have any control over the beats of your heart. Man cannot sustain biological life, for any time longer than God has decreed for any particular person, let alone maintain the human soul.
We cannot control the weather, and we certainly cannot control the very essence of our own existence.
But, we can have an attitude toward God, and therein lies our future. We can either ignore all of this Bible stuff, and therefore fail in life (you'll get your pass/fail grade after the moment of your death - no do-over's), or you can get wise, and pursue God, Christ, doctrine, and your spiritual life and guarantee success for your life for all of eternity.
The circumstances of your life now are irrelevant. The circumstances of your life in eternity are what are important. Don't mess up your life now, with stubborn opinions which have no basis in fact.
Showing posts with label Job 28. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Job 28. Show all posts
Monday, December 3, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Job 28:26-27
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:26-27
26 When he made [`asah] a decree [choq] for the rain [matar], and a way [derek] for the lightning [chaziyz] of the thunder [qowl]:
27 Then did he see [ra'ah] it, and declare [caphar] it; he prepared [kuwn] it, yea, and searched it out [chaqar]. KJV-Interlinear
26 When He set a limit for the rain, And a course for the thunderbolt, 27 Then He saw it and declared it; He established it and also searched it out. NASB
God weighed out a portion for the winds as a chef would measure out potions in a recipe. God measured out a balance for the oceans.
God established limits and times for the rains. He placed the rains not too much in some places and monsoons in others.
God has even set the course for lightning. Job no doubt watched many storms, and noticed that the lightning crackled across the sky with regularity. But not knowing the positive and negative ion concepts, he surmised that the lightning has its cause and its course predetermined, not by some chance, not by some haphazard methodology, but by the pre-design of God.
But God established these things, after first declaring them, after preparing them, after searching them out.
And so we have the concept of the Devine Decrees.
God in eternity past, considered all aspects of creation. He searched them out, considered them all. God viewed them all in their possible and natural historic settings right down to the last event of a given sequence.
God considered all possible historical sequences, including both the living and the non-living. And then, when He came upon the one best possible sequence for history, for both living and non-living, He selected that one possible historical sequence, and He declared it, and placed it into the reality of its actual occurrence.
All other possibilities were simply considerations foreseen, but never set into motion.
We are now living that selected historical sequence. Job knew and understood the Divine Decrees. Job knew of and understood that all things whether living or not, functioned in accordance with God design and plan.
All things in existence function by laws established by God. All of these laws are a part of truth.
Man can either discover them and learn their functions and relationships and then interpret them correctly, or not.
The same goes with wisdom. God is the source of wisdom. God is the only authority. Man can neither invent anything new, nor declare a new thing into exist.
Prov. 8:27
27 'When He established the heavens, I was there, NASB
When God established the universe, 'I,' wisdom, was there before it, and was a part of its coming into existence.
The word for decree, 'choq,' means a statute, a law, a rule, which cannot be altered.
Just as the laws of physics and such, in this universe cannot be changed, so too, history as decreed by God, cannot be changed.
God looked down through history and established the dispensations. He saw all of your thoughts, decisions and actions, and made provisions accordingly. He did not coerce your thoughts, but left your free will choices alone, but still He saw what you would freely choose to do or not do in life.
God saw all of the possible and actual interactions between man and nature, including the date and moment of your birth insertion into history, and made provisions accordingly.
There is nothing in life nor in history that God did not foresee, nor provide for. Whether the atomic bomb, or global climate changes, things real or things imagined, or mans negative spiritual volition (mans greatest danger) toward Him, makes no difference. Nothing takes God by surprise, and nothing will take the mature believer by surprise.
However, the negative believer or unbeliever will constantly be surprised, perplexed, and frustrated by life and history, because they have no control over anything, while all the while trying to establish their own rules and laws for life and for history. See the 'Winds of History' chart.
And, despite mans innovation, ingenuity, discoveries and inventions in government, technology or philosophy, man will never, on his own, discover wisdom … until the moment of his death.
Don't be like most everyone else - naïve and opinionated to the end of your life.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:26-27
26 When he made [`asah] a decree [choq] for the rain [matar], and a way [derek] for the lightning [chaziyz] of the thunder [qowl]:
27 Then did he see [ra'ah] it, and declare [caphar] it; he prepared [kuwn] it, yea, and searched it out [chaqar]. KJV-Interlinear
26 When He set a limit for the rain, And a course for the thunderbolt, 27 Then He saw it and declared it; He established it and also searched it out. NASB
God weighed out a portion for the winds as a chef would measure out potions in a recipe. God measured out a balance for the oceans.
God established limits and times for the rains. He placed the rains not too much in some places and monsoons in others.
God has even set the course for lightning. Job no doubt watched many storms, and noticed that the lightning crackled across the sky with regularity. But not knowing the positive and negative ion concepts, he surmised that the lightning has its cause and its course predetermined, not by some chance, not by some haphazard methodology, but by the pre-design of God.
But God established these things, after first declaring them, after preparing them, after searching them out.
And so we have the concept of the Devine Decrees.
God in eternity past, considered all aspects of creation. He searched them out, considered them all. God viewed them all in their possible and natural historic settings right down to the last event of a given sequence.
God considered all possible historical sequences, including both the living and the non-living. And then, when He came upon the one best possible sequence for history, for both living and non-living, He selected that one possible historical sequence, and He declared it, and placed it into the reality of its actual occurrence.
All other possibilities were simply considerations foreseen, but never set into motion.
We are now living that selected historical sequence. Job knew and understood the Divine Decrees. Job knew of and understood that all things whether living or not, functioned in accordance with God design and plan.
All things in existence function by laws established by God. All of these laws are a part of truth.
Man can either discover them and learn their functions and relationships and then interpret them correctly, or not.
The same goes with wisdom. God is the source of wisdom. God is the only authority. Man can neither invent anything new, nor declare a new thing into exist.
Prov. 8:27
27 'When He established the heavens, I was there, NASB
When God established the universe, 'I,' wisdom, was there before it, and was a part of its coming into existence.
The word for decree, 'choq,' means a statute, a law, a rule, which cannot be altered.
Just as the laws of physics and such, in this universe cannot be changed, so too, history as decreed by God, cannot be changed.
God looked down through history and established the dispensations. He saw all of your thoughts, decisions and actions, and made provisions accordingly. He did not coerce your thoughts, but left your free will choices alone, but still He saw what you would freely choose to do or not do in life.
God saw all of the possible and actual interactions between man and nature, including the date and moment of your birth insertion into history, and made provisions accordingly.
There is nothing in life nor in history that God did not foresee, nor provide for. Whether the atomic bomb, or global climate changes, things real or things imagined, or mans negative spiritual volition (mans greatest danger) toward Him, makes no difference. Nothing takes God by surprise, and nothing will take the mature believer by surprise.
However, the negative believer or unbeliever will constantly be surprised, perplexed, and frustrated by life and history, because they have no control over anything, while all the while trying to establish their own rules and laws for life and for history. See the 'Winds of History' chart.
And, despite mans innovation, ingenuity, discoveries and inventions in government, technology or philosophy, man will never, on his own, discover wisdom … until the moment of his death.
Don't be like most everyone else - naïve and opinionated to the end of your life.
Job 28:25
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:25
25 To make [`asah] the weight [mishqal] for the winds [ruwach]; and he weigheth [takan] the waters [mayim] by measure [middah]. KJV-Interlinear
25 'When He imparted weight to the wind, And meted out the waters by measure, NASB
We need to visit Isaiah in order to get a little more information. And remember that Isaiah lived many centuries, almost two-thousand years, after Job.
Isa. 40:12
2 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, And marked off the heavens by the span, And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, And weighed the mountains in a balance, And the hills in a pair of scales? NASB
God, when He created the universe, and when He restored the earth, measured out everything. From the balance of the atmosphere, to the exact scientific principles which rule all things.
God weighed out the wind. He set the atmosphere in its place in order to support life, both plants and animals. The atmosphere consists of a balance of gases. The atmosphere possesses weight and pressure. None too great, none too small, such that all life can exist and flourish on this planet.
Job lived a very long time. He no doubt traveled to high elevations as well as the lower elevations. He would have noticed the difference in air pressure and even the thinness of air in the upper altitudes.
Presumably he did not know of air pressure, nor even of the components of the air (oxygen, nitrogen, etc.). There would be no way for him to know of them. But here his words emphasize the methodology and preciseness, the planning and the design, which God employed in creating and maintaining the atmosphere.
The wind gives strength to plants by bending them in its breezes. The winds drive the clouds, the rain, storms and such. The wind knocks the leaves out of the trees in the fall, and aids in the pollination of plants in the spring. It provides all living things air to breathe, and carries evaporated waters to the far corners of the globe.
And though the wind cannot be seen, we all know that it exists, and that it possesses great power and purpose.
Likewise, water has been measured out by God. The planet is three-quarters water and only one-fourth dry land. Again, Job could only know what he has observed and discussed with his peers.
He would not know of the recently discovered under ocean conveyor current which circumnavigates the entire planet. The oceans separate the continents. These separations aid in the establishment of weather patterns and trends throughout history. Most of which we are only in the beginning stages of our understanding.
These two things are probably among the most obvious things which all of humanity can view and wonder about.
And yet man did not invent, design, measure or maintain the atmosphere or the oceans of the world. God did this. With this knowledge, ability, and power, shouldn't God be considered as the authority in wisdom?
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:25
25 To make [`asah] the weight [mishqal] for the winds [ruwach]; and he weigheth [takan] the waters [mayim] by measure [middah]. KJV-Interlinear
25 'When He imparted weight to the wind, And meted out the waters by measure, NASB
We need to visit Isaiah in order to get a little more information. And remember that Isaiah lived many centuries, almost two-thousand years, after Job.
Isa. 40:12
2 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, And marked off the heavens by the span, And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, And weighed the mountains in a balance, And the hills in a pair of scales? NASB
God, when He created the universe, and when He restored the earth, measured out everything. From the balance of the atmosphere, to the exact scientific principles which rule all things.
God weighed out the wind. He set the atmosphere in its place in order to support life, both plants and animals. The atmosphere consists of a balance of gases. The atmosphere possesses weight and pressure. None too great, none too small, such that all life can exist and flourish on this planet.
Job lived a very long time. He no doubt traveled to high elevations as well as the lower elevations. He would have noticed the difference in air pressure and even the thinness of air in the upper altitudes.
Presumably he did not know of air pressure, nor even of the components of the air (oxygen, nitrogen, etc.). There would be no way for him to know of them. But here his words emphasize the methodology and preciseness, the planning and the design, which God employed in creating and maintaining the atmosphere.
The wind gives strength to plants by bending them in its breezes. The winds drive the clouds, the rain, storms and such. The wind knocks the leaves out of the trees in the fall, and aids in the pollination of plants in the spring. It provides all living things air to breathe, and carries evaporated waters to the far corners of the globe.
And though the wind cannot be seen, we all know that it exists, and that it possesses great power and purpose.
Likewise, water has been measured out by God. The planet is three-quarters water and only one-fourth dry land. Again, Job could only know what he has observed and discussed with his peers.
He would not know of the recently discovered under ocean conveyor current which circumnavigates the entire planet. The oceans separate the continents. These separations aid in the establishment of weather patterns and trends throughout history. Most of which we are only in the beginning stages of our understanding.
These two things are probably among the most obvious things which all of humanity can view and wonder about.
And yet man did not invent, design, measure or maintain the atmosphere or the oceans of the world. God did this. With this knowledge, ability, and power, shouldn't God be considered as the authority in wisdom?
Friday, November 30, 2007
Job 28:23-24
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:23-24
23 God ['elohiym] understandeth [biyn] the way [derek] thereof, and he knoweth [yada`] the place [maqowm] thereof.
24 For he looketh [nabat] to the ends [qatsah] of the earth ['erets], and seeth [ra'ah] under the whole heaven [shamayim]; KJV-Interlinear
23 'God understands its way; And He knows its place. 24 'For He looks to the ends of the earth, And sees everything under the heavens. NASB
There are always those who will say, 'Given enough time and resources, man can discover everything that exists, and even of how it works.'
But the Bible counters that belief with a simple, 'No, man cannot figure out everything, even if given an infinite lifetime and an infinite amount of resources.'
Man has his limitations. Just as God has limited the planet earth to the boundaries of its upper atmosphere, even the universe to its prescribed boundaries, whatever they may be, just as God has limited mans lifespan to a set number of years, so too is mans knowledge limited. There will be a point beyond which man will never be able to go.
Certainly, man has exceptional abilities. Our knowledge in the sciences has exploded off of the charts just in this past century.
But even so, with all of our knowledge, with all of our technology, man, on his own, has never cracked the wisdom barrier. It cannot be done by means of science, art, philosophy and so forth. Nothing of this physical realm gives man the resources to possess wisdom, let alone discover it.
And no, wisdom is not the content of the encyclopedia, dictionary, or any other library book. Even the Bible as a written or audio publication is not wisdom. If it were, then an unbeliever, even Satan, could read the Bible and possess wisdom. And Satan knows the Bible inside and out, but he lacks wisdom.
Col. 2:2-4
… and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. NASB
Psa. 139:6
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it. NASB
Man has been able to search the seas, the sub-atomic realm, the regions outside of this planet in outer space. But God knows all things in this earth, in this universe, in heaven, and not only the physical but the causes and effects, the principles, the ends and governing laws and so forth. He invented them all.
Mans limits are his IQ, his telescopes. His microscopes, his ingenuity, and all of these and even more, are mere dim views of the near things that we can gain access to.
Man is locked in a shadow of existence. The realities of life are in heaven. We have already studied the shadow concept. But, given the vastness of mans knowledge, and knowing that it is but a mere shadow, then how much more can the full extent of all knowledge be? Beyond anything, we can even begin to comprehend.
But still, knowledge is not wisdom. Knowledge is limited to the lists of details of information that exists. Understanding comes next, and that is where all of this information is compiled into principles, categories, and order and such.
Now, one quick note. The Book of Job is generally the book of the study of suffering. But as you should be able to see, this book gives us phenomenal insight into the spiritual realm.
Job knew these principles and he lived over four-thousand years ago. Why has humanity not been able to advance any further than Job? After all this is the twenty-first century!! We have toasters and mp3 players.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:23-24
23 God ['elohiym] understandeth [biyn] the way [derek] thereof, and he knoweth [yada`] the place [maqowm] thereof.
24 For he looketh [nabat] to the ends [qatsah] of the earth ['erets], and seeth [ra'ah] under the whole heaven [shamayim]; KJV-Interlinear
23 'God understands its way; And He knows its place. 24 'For He looks to the ends of the earth, And sees everything under the heavens. NASB
There are always those who will say, 'Given enough time and resources, man can discover everything that exists, and even of how it works.'
But the Bible counters that belief with a simple, 'No, man cannot figure out everything, even if given an infinite lifetime and an infinite amount of resources.'
Man has his limitations. Just as God has limited the planet earth to the boundaries of its upper atmosphere, even the universe to its prescribed boundaries, whatever they may be, just as God has limited mans lifespan to a set number of years, so too is mans knowledge limited. There will be a point beyond which man will never be able to go.
Certainly, man has exceptional abilities. Our knowledge in the sciences has exploded off of the charts just in this past century.
But even so, with all of our knowledge, with all of our technology, man, on his own, has never cracked the wisdom barrier. It cannot be done by means of science, art, philosophy and so forth. Nothing of this physical realm gives man the resources to possess wisdom, let alone discover it.
And no, wisdom is not the content of the encyclopedia, dictionary, or any other library book. Even the Bible as a written or audio publication is not wisdom. If it were, then an unbeliever, even Satan, could read the Bible and possess wisdom. And Satan knows the Bible inside and out, but he lacks wisdom.
Col. 2:2-4
… and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. NASB
Psa. 139:6
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it. NASB
Man has been able to search the seas, the sub-atomic realm, the regions outside of this planet in outer space. But God knows all things in this earth, in this universe, in heaven, and not only the physical but the causes and effects, the principles, the ends and governing laws and so forth. He invented them all.
Mans limits are his IQ, his telescopes. His microscopes, his ingenuity, and all of these and even more, are mere dim views of the near things that we can gain access to.
Man is locked in a shadow of existence. The realities of life are in heaven. We have already studied the shadow concept. But, given the vastness of mans knowledge, and knowing that it is but a mere shadow, then how much more can the full extent of all knowledge be? Beyond anything, we can even begin to comprehend.
But still, knowledge is not wisdom. Knowledge is limited to the lists of details of information that exists. Understanding comes next, and that is where all of this information is compiled into principles, categories, and order and such.
Now, one quick note. The Book of Job is generally the book of the study of suffering. But as you should be able to see, this book gives us phenomenal insight into the spiritual realm.
Job knew these principles and he lived over four-thousand years ago. Why has humanity not been able to advance any further than Job? After all this is the twenty-first century!! We have toasters and mp3 players.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Job 28:21-22
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:21-22
21 Seeing it is hid [`alam] from the eyes [`ayin] of all living [chay], and kept close [cathar] from the fowls [`owph] of the air [shamayim].
22 Destruction ['abaddown] and death [maveth] say ['amar], We have heard [shama`] the fame [shema`] thereof with our ears ['ozen]. KJV-Interlinear
21 'Thus it is hidden from the eyes of all living, And concealed from the birds of the sky. 22 'Abaddon and Death say, 'With our ears we have heard a report of it.' NASB
The birds that fly high in the air, represent the keenness of sight, the sight that can see great distances, of animals who have an advantage of their position high in the air such that they can see a more overall picture of life and of what is arranged below on the earth.
Abaddon means destruction and is a reference to death as well as a commander of demons. But here it represents the dead who lie in the deepest of depths of all of existence. Nothing is lower than the land of the dead. Nothing is more distant from life than the realm of the dead. That is the intent here.
Wisdom is still the subject. Where is it? How can it be found?
Job has already indicated that wisdom cannot be purchased, wisdom cannot be discovered, and wisdom cannot be invented by anything which man engages in within the realm of the living.
So here, mans eyes are blinded with reference to wisdom. Man cannot see it, cannot find it, cannot imagine it on his own.
Man cannot look to the animals of the planet, nor can man look to his ancestors who lie dead in their graves.
Animals have long since been an object of worship. Even back in Jobs days and as in our present day, animals, the eagle, the crow, the cow, the wolf, the bear, the lion, and so forth, all may have certain characteristics that man can be impressed with, but they are animals and nothing more.
Animals, birds and so forth, cannot discover or possess wisdom, and neither can they communicate it to man.
The dead have departed from this life. Back in Jobs day, the believers went to Paradise and the unbelievers went to Torments. These are two of the four compartments of Hades, which is the name of the underworld or the land of the dead.
Today, unbelievers still got to Torments, but believers go directly to Heaven. Paradise is no longer in use, having been evacuated by Jesus immediately after the events of the Cross. Those folks are now in Heaven.
Death is a separation from something. Physical death is a separation from life on this earth. Whether a believer or unbeliever, whether one died in Jobs day or in our current day, all who have died are absent from this world, absent from this life.
The living, do not have access to the dead. None of the mechanisms for communicating with the dead, are legitimate, and even if that were possible, what could the dead teach us? Nothing.
All wisdom comes from the Living God, from Bible doctrine. The dead have heard of wisdom, no one has any excuse for not having heard truth at some point in their life, but they do not possess it such that they can simply give or transfer it to the living.
Man does not gain wisdom from the dead. Man does not gain wisdom from animals. Man does not gain wisdom from his own imagination. Man does not gain wisdom from his own efforts. Man does not gain wisdom from his invention. Man does not gain wisdom from his beliefs, philosophies, or anything else that is convenient to how he wants life to be.
There is only one source of wisdom and that is the subject, which Job will address next.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:21-22
21 Seeing it is hid [`alam] from the eyes [`ayin] of all living [chay], and kept close [cathar] from the fowls [`owph] of the air [shamayim].
22 Destruction ['abaddown] and death [maveth] say ['amar], We have heard [shama`] the fame [shema`] thereof with our ears ['ozen]. KJV-Interlinear
21 'Thus it is hidden from the eyes of all living, And concealed from the birds of the sky. 22 'Abaddon and Death say, 'With our ears we have heard a report of it.' NASB
The birds that fly high in the air, represent the keenness of sight, the sight that can see great distances, of animals who have an advantage of their position high in the air such that they can see a more overall picture of life and of what is arranged below on the earth.
Abaddon means destruction and is a reference to death as well as a commander of demons. But here it represents the dead who lie in the deepest of depths of all of existence. Nothing is lower than the land of the dead. Nothing is more distant from life than the realm of the dead. That is the intent here.
Wisdom is still the subject. Where is it? How can it be found?
Job has already indicated that wisdom cannot be purchased, wisdom cannot be discovered, and wisdom cannot be invented by anything which man engages in within the realm of the living.
So here, mans eyes are blinded with reference to wisdom. Man cannot see it, cannot find it, cannot imagine it on his own.
Man cannot look to the animals of the planet, nor can man look to his ancestors who lie dead in their graves.
Animals have long since been an object of worship. Even back in Jobs days and as in our present day, animals, the eagle, the crow, the cow, the wolf, the bear, the lion, and so forth, all may have certain characteristics that man can be impressed with, but they are animals and nothing more.
Animals, birds and so forth, cannot discover or possess wisdom, and neither can they communicate it to man.
The dead have departed from this life. Back in Jobs day, the believers went to Paradise and the unbelievers went to Torments. These are two of the four compartments of Hades, which is the name of the underworld or the land of the dead.
Today, unbelievers still got to Torments, but believers go directly to Heaven. Paradise is no longer in use, having been evacuated by Jesus immediately after the events of the Cross. Those folks are now in Heaven.
Death is a separation from something. Physical death is a separation from life on this earth. Whether a believer or unbeliever, whether one died in Jobs day or in our current day, all who have died are absent from this world, absent from this life.
The living, do not have access to the dead. None of the mechanisms for communicating with the dead, are legitimate, and even if that were possible, what could the dead teach us? Nothing.
All wisdom comes from the Living God, from Bible doctrine. The dead have heard of wisdom, no one has any excuse for not having heard truth at some point in their life, but they do not possess it such that they can simply give or transfer it to the living.
Man does not gain wisdom from the dead. Man does not gain wisdom from animals. Man does not gain wisdom from his own imagination. Man does not gain wisdom from his own efforts. Man does not gain wisdom from his invention. Man does not gain wisdom from his beliefs, philosophies, or anything else that is convenient to how he wants life to be.
There is only one source of wisdom and that is the subject, which Job will address next.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Job 28:20
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:20
20 Whence ['aiyn] then cometh [bow'] wisdom [chokmah]? and where is the place [maqowm] of understanding [biynah]? KJV-Interlinear
20 'Where then does wisdom come from? And where is the place of understanding? NASB
Wisdom is more valuable than any natural thing in this world. Wisdom is more valuable than any imagined thing in this world. Wisdom is more valuable than any desired thing in this world. Wisdom is more valuable than any made thing in this world.
And yet wisdom cannot be purchased, cannot be identified as a commodity, wherein a person can go look at it, evaluate it, compare it, want it, and then simply purchase it (leather bound, gold trim, beautifully embossed initials), to take home, presumably to sit on a prominent shelf for all to see and admire … right next to their Bible. 'Look, see, there is my wisdom!'
If wisdom cannot be purchased, and yet it exists such that it can be owned, and it is more valuable than anything else that exists, then why do people not pursue it with a passion, as they would other earthly things?
Where is wisdom? Where does it come from?
Where is understanding? Understanding is the compilation of details into some semblance of order such that a person can comprehend their meaning and purpose.
The world is not lacking in information. It is however, lacking in the interpretation and comprehension of that information.
And so Job asks the question. 'Why, does man, with so much information, information which is certainly not hidden from anyone, with so much intellect, with so much drive, with so much ingenuity, with so much imagination, with so much innovation, why does man misunderstand life, and therefore misunderstand wisdom?'
Where does wisdom come from? From the Bible. From truth. From the scriptures. And yet all of that is somehow not impressive enough. Not as impressive as building a skyscraper. Not as impressive as digging a long canal. Not as impressive as diamonds on a finger. Not as impressive as the skyline of a city. Not as impressive as ones own opinion.
People are more into their ego efforts to do things, for self, for others, for humanity, for the world, while they ignore the truths of life, namely Bible doctrine. People are driven by ego, by lusts, by emotions, and none of those things serve anything good in life.
Wisdom comes from only one source - Bible doctrine. Doctrine has to, while in fellowship, be learned, used, understood, and then wisdom develops within the soul out of all of that.
This is the circle of wisdom which is the ultimate path for attaining completeness in ones life.
Easy to discover, easy to attain, easy to comprehend, easy to possess. Wisdom is the easiest acquisition in existence, and yet most folks do not own it. They prefer a less valuable substitute.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:20
20 Whence ['aiyn] then cometh [bow'] wisdom [chokmah]? and where is the place [maqowm] of understanding [biynah]? KJV-Interlinear
20 'Where then does wisdom come from? And where is the place of understanding? NASB
Wisdom is more valuable than any natural thing in this world. Wisdom is more valuable than any imagined thing in this world. Wisdom is more valuable than any desired thing in this world. Wisdom is more valuable than any made thing in this world.
And yet wisdom cannot be purchased, cannot be identified as a commodity, wherein a person can go look at it, evaluate it, compare it, want it, and then simply purchase it (leather bound, gold trim, beautifully embossed initials), to take home, presumably to sit on a prominent shelf for all to see and admire … right next to their Bible. 'Look, see, there is my wisdom!'
If wisdom cannot be purchased, and yet it exists such that it can be owned, and it is more valuable than anything else that exists, then why do people not pursue it with a passion, as they would other earthly things?
Where is wisdom? Where does it come from?
Where is understanding? Understanding is the compilation of details into some semblance of order such that a person can comprehend their meaning and purpose.
The world is not lacking in information. It is however, lacking in the interpretation and comprehension of that information.
And so Job asks the question. 'Why, does man, with so much information, information which is certainly not hidden from anyone, with so much intellect, with so much drive, with so much ingenuity, with so much imagination, with so much innovation, why does man misunderstand life, and therefore misunderstand wisdom?'
Where does wisdom come from? From the Bible. From truth. From the scriptures. And yet all of that is somehow not impressive enough. Not as impressive as building a skyscraper. Not as impressive as digging a long canal. Not as impressive as diamonds on a finger. Not as impressive as the skyline of a city. Not as impressive as ones own opinion.
People are more into their ego efforts to do things, for self, for others, for humanity, for the world, while they ignore the truths of life, namely Bible doctrine. People are driven by ego, by lusts, by emotions, and none of those things serve anything good in life.
Wisdom comes from only one source - Bible doctrine. Doctrine has to, while in fellowship, be learned, used, understood, and then wisdom develops within the soul out of all of that.
This is the circle of wisdom which is the ultimate path for attaining completeness in ones life.
Easy to discover, easy to attain, easy to comprehend, easy to possess. Wisdom is the easiest acquisition in existence, and yet most folks do not own it. They prefer a less valuable substitute.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Job 28:15-19
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:15-19
15 It cannot be gotten [nathan] for gold [cagowr], neither shall silver [keceph] be weighed [shaqal] for the price [machiyr] thereof.
16 It cannot be valued [calah] with the gold [kethem] of Ophir ['Owphiyr], with the precious [yaqar] onyx [shoham], or the sapphire [cappiyr].
17 The gold [zahab] and the crystal [zakuwkiyth] cannot equal [`arak] it: and the exchange [tamuwrah] of it shall not be for jewels [kaliy] of fine gold [paz].
18 No mention [zakar] shall be made of coral [ra'mah], or of pearls [gabiysh]: for the price [meshek] of wisdom [chokmah] is above rubies [paniyn].
19 The topaz [pitdah] of Ethiopia [Kuwsh] shall not equal [`arak] it, neither shall it be valued [calah] with pure [tahowr] gold [kethem]. KJV-Interlinear
15 'Pure gold cannot be given in exchange for it, Nor can silver be weighed as its price. 16 'It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, In precious onyx, or sapphire. 17 'Gold or glass cannot equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold. 18 'Coral and crystal are not to be mentioned; And the acquisition of wisdom is above that of pearls. 19 'The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, Nor can it be valued in pure gold. NASB
Nothing can compare to wisdom. No amount of money, no amount of wealth, nothing that you care about in this life, certainly nothing that you have made important to you.
Job uses various resources, or things made out of them, to describe things of value, and then to compare them to wisdom. Nothing imaginable in this world can be compared to the value of wisdom.
From the topaz of Ethiopia to the coral off the southern tip of India, in order to designate a broad region from which man has gone and discovered things of value. From the mines of Africa, to the under sea discoveries of coral, to mountain emeralds, there is no region, no place too far nor too difficult to get to, in which man has obtained the riches that this world has to offer.
Gold is mentioned in this passage, using four different words.
The first, designates something of value which is hidden, or better stated, something of extreme value to you, which you have, and because of its value or importance to you, you hide it away so that no one else can take it from your possession. It could be something from a family member, a keepsake of some kind, a memory or an heirloom. But regardless of what it is, it is important to you and you take great care in guarding it.
The second, is the gold of Ophir, which suggests that this gold was refined with very little impurities. Back in those ancient days, refining techniques would have been substandard in most places, but out of Ophir, the quantities of gold, as well as the quality of the gold was apparently unmatched. Many centuries later, Solomon will receive barges of gold shipments annually, from Ophir. Ophir was probably in the southeast region of Arabia.
But anyway, out of Ophir came vast quantities of gold, and for many centuries. So quantity and qualty is in view here.
The third and fourth words for gold, mentioned with crystal and jewels, refer to articles made out of gold. The third word refers to the color, and the fourth word refers to the actual raw gold itself.
So beautiful things can be made out of gold, and when combined with jewels or other ornaments, many things of beauty and value can be made. People look on these things with awe. Their eyes pop at the shimmer of color and beauty. The idea here is the visual lust, of looking at something and wanting it soooo bad, that its possession become extremely important to you. You want, you yearn, you wish, you hope, you just dream of having it.
Silver was a common medium of exchange, or money. Onyx or diamonds, crystals or clear or transparent minerals, sapphires, emeralds or rubies, or anything made with, or out of, these things, and therefore had value that has been desired throughout history.
Not like something like a clay pot, or an item which deteriorates over time, but these items possess intrinsic value. Their value continues throughout the passage of time. They are something which everyone throughout history, would desire, regardless of when or where they live in this world, regardless of the circumstances of their upbringing.
Such is the nature of Bible doctrine and the ultimate goal of wisdom, which comes only from the scriptures.
Do not limit your thinking to the specific words contained within the Bible, but view the Bible as the window though which you can view and see everything in life and beyond.
Bible doctrine is also that doorway through which you can pass, and live that life of truth. Something which you cannot gain from any other aspect of human life.
More valuable than any gold mine, diamond mine, jewel mine, any natural resource, or any manufacturing process. Wisdom transcends everything imaginable and beyond imagination.
Your spiritual life is the single most valuable possession that you can possibly have. Everything in this world is not yours for the taking. When you die, it all vanishes from your possession. But Bible doctrine in your soul, is Gods gift to you for a permanent owned possession, forever.
Bible doctrine translates into understanding, and then into wisdom, and builds up a fortification within your soul, which cannot be breached or removed.
Bible doctrine is the building block of wisdom, the target of Gods blessing. Gods blessing is infinite, therefore wisdom's value is infinite. Nothing in this world can approach that kind of value.
God gave you two assets with which to make investments - time and volition. What should your investment strategies be?
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:15-19
15 It cannot be gotten [nathan] for gold [cagowr], neither shall silver [keceph] be weighed [shaqal] for the price [machiyr] thereof.
16 It cannot be valued [calah] with the gold [kethem] of Ophir ['Owphiyr], with the precious [yaqar] onyx [shoham], or the sapphire [cappiyr].
17 The gold [zahab] and the crystal [zakuwkiyth] cannot equal [`arak] it: and the exchange [tamuwrah] of it shall not be for jewels [kaliy] of fine gold [paz].
18 No mention [zakar] shall be made of coral [ra'mah], or of pearls [gabiysh]: for the price [meshek] of wisdom [chokmah] is above rubies [paniyn].
19 The topaz [pitdah] of Ethiopia [Kuwsh] shall not equal [`arak] it, neither shall it be valued [calah] with pure [tahowr] gold [kethem]. KJV-Interlinear
15 'Pure gold cannot be given in exchange for it, Nor can silver be weighed as its price. 16 'It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, In precious onyx, or sapphire. 17 'Gold or glass cannot equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold. 18 'Coral and crystal are not to be mentioned; And the acquisition of wisdom is above that of pearls. 19 'The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, Nor can it be valued in pure gold. NASB
Nothing can compare to wisdom. No amount of money, no amount of wealth, nothing that you care about in this life, certainly nothing that you have made important to you.
Job uses various resources, or things made out of them, to describe things of value, and then to compare them to wisdom. Nothing imaginable in this world can be compared to the value of wisdom.
From the topaz of Ethiopia to the coral off the southern tip of India, in order to designate a broad region from which man has gone and discovered things of value. From the mines of Africa, to the under sea discoveries of coral, to mountain emeralds, there is no region, no place too far nor too difficult to get to, in which man has obtained the riches that this world has to offer.
Gold is mentioned in this passage, using four different words.
The first, designates something of value which is hidden, or better stated, something of extreme value to you, which you have, and because of its value or importance to you, you hide it away so that no one else can take it from your possession. It could be something from a family member, a keepsake of some kind, a memory or an heirloom. But regardless of what it is, it is important to you and you take great care in guarding it.
The second, is the gold of Ophir, which suggests that this gold was refined with very little impurities. Back in those ancient days, refining techniques would have been substandard in most places, but out of Ophir, the quantities of gold, as well as the quality of the gold was apparently unmatched. Many centuries later, Solomon will receive barges of gold shipments annually, from Ophir. Ophir was probably in the southeast region of Arabia.
But anyway, out of Ophir came vast quantities of gold, and for many centuries. So quantity and qualty is in view here.
The third and fourth words for gold, mentioned with crystal and jewels, refer to articles made out of gold. The third word refers to the color, and the fourth word refers to the actual raw gold itself.
So beautiful things can be made out of gold, and when combined with jewels or other ornaments, many things of beauty and value can be made. People look on these things with awe. Their eyes pop at the shimmer of color and beauty. The idea here is the visual lust, of looking at something and wanting it soooo bad, that its possession become extremely important to you. You want, you yearn, you wish, you hope, you just dream of having it.
Silver was a common medium of exchange, or money. Onyx or diamonds, crystals or clear or transparent minerals, sapphires, emeralds or rubies, or anything made with, or out of, these things, and therefore had value that has been desired throughout history.
Not like something like a clay pot, or an item which deteriorates over time, but these items possess intrinsic value. Their value continues throughout the passage of time. They are something which everyone throughout history, would desire, regardless of when or where they live in this world, regardless of the circumstances of their upbringing.
Such is the nature of Bible doctrine and the ultimate goal of wisdom, which comes only from the scriptures.
Do not limit your thinking to the specific words contained within the Bible, but view the Bible as the window though which you can view and see everything in life and beyond.
Bible doctrine is also that doorway through which you can pass, and live that life of truth. Something which you cannot gain from any other aspect of human life.
More valuable than any gold mine, diamond mine, jewel mine, any natural resource, or any manufacturing process. Wisdom transcends everything imaginable and beyond imagination.
Your spiritual life is the single most valuable possession that you can possibly have. Everything in this world is not yours for the taking. When you die, it all vanishes from your possession. But Bible doctrine in your soul, is Gods gift to you for a permanent owned possession, forever.
Bible doctrine translates into understanding, and then into wisdom, and builds up a fortification within your soul, which cannot be breached or removed.
Bible doctrine is the building block of wisdom, the target of Gods blessing. Gods blessing is infinite, therefore wisdom's value is infinite. Nothing in this world can approach that kind of value.
God gave you two assets with which to make investments - time and volition. What should your investment strategies be?
Monday, November 26, 2007
Job 28:13-14
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:13-14
13 Man ['enowsh] knoweth [yada`] not the price [`erek] thereof; neither is it found [matsa'] in the land ['erets] of the living [chay].
14 The depth [tahowm] saith ['amar], It is not in me: and the sea [yam] saith ['amar], It is not with me. KJV-Interlinear
13 'Man does not know its value, Nor is it found in the land of the living. 14 'The deep says, 'It is not in me'; And the sea says, 'It is not with me.' NASB
The word for value or price, is 'erek,' which means to set something in its order, to arrange, to understand its perspective relative to some other thing.
Here it means to understand the purpose, meaning, and ultimately the value, of wisdom.
Most folks think they know what wisdom is, but in fact very few in this world do know or understand what wisdom really is.
Often times talent, ability, wit, humor, ridicule, and other similar attitudes or human gifts, are interpreted as wisdom. Even success or older age, are often viewed as attributes of wisdom.
The word for man, 'enowsh,' refers to mortal man, with emphasis on human frailties, deficiencies, melancholy, desperate, woeful, sick and so forth.
Man thinks of himself as being something more than what he actually is. Thinking himself as being smarter, brighter, more intuitive than life gives him credit for.
But Job places these attitudes in perspective with a little very subtle humor.
Man believes that he is capable to doing most anything he puts his mind to. It is not unusual to hear the clever remarks, 'You can do anything you put your mind to.' 'You can be anything you want to be.' You can achieve anything you want in life.'
But of course it is those who actually achieve something in life, that say these things. Perhaps a few thousand or a few million people will achieve some worldly 'dream' in life, but that leaves billions who do not.
But that again is the typical view of people who lack wisdom. They will take a very narrow view of life, and extrapolate it such that their belief will magically apply to everyone, even to the unknown. As though their view or platitude (a meaningless saying or overused cliché), suddenly carries the weight of wisdom, which it does not.
Having a talent, or having great wealth, having some great position, or having been born into some high state of life, are not prerequisites, nor attributes of wisdom.
Job states here clearly, wisdom is not from this world. Wisdom cannot be found in this world. Wisdom cannot be purchased, nor can it be discovered by some pioneer risk taker.
Man can go to the bottom of the sea, or to the moon and beyond, but wisdom is in neither of those places.
Discovering the secrets of the universe, of quantum physics, of any science or technology that you can imagine, are mere discoveries of the nuts and bolts, and order or design, of creation. That knowledge (the details of life) does not constitute wisdom.
Socrates said that wisdom begins with the definition of terms. Some look for wisdom in simplicity, or in how we ourselves view the world, or in how we ourselves view ourselves, or in how we view others, or with the concept of wonder and imagination.
But as far as the Bible is concerned, all of these views are nothing more than views of the nuts and bolts of life's components, or just invented philosophies.
Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.
From Gods perspective, there are only two things we need be concerned about. First, what God can do for us, and second, what God can withhold from us. Both of these are phenomenal and beyond our comprehension.
Since man does not live or exist in this universe as an autonomous creature, we must look to the one to whom we owe our existence and continued support. Without God, we would not exist. Without God, we would not have any resources with which to survive on. Without God, we wouldn't even have anything that we could call valuable.
Without God, there is only one destiny for man - the Lake of Fire, a region in which God lets loose all of the controls, and order, and rules, which sustain existence. Since man cannot even control the beat of his own heart, then controlling an environment that is completely out of control, will be totally impossible.
But try as they may, most folks continue to go their own course through life, conveniently disregarding the Bible, content to be satisfied with their own views of life.
And, most folks will live their entire life with that attitude. They are too stubborn to see the truth, so God allows them to fill out there years on this earth, all the while believing that they have discovered truth, but really haven't a clue.
Man does not know the value of truth, unless man knows the attributes of his relationship, or lack of one, with God.
And, man will never know the value of truth, unless he gets with a daily study of the scriptures.
We can all see the difference in value between fine china and paper plates. Is it so difficult to see the difference in value between Bible doctrine and all of the other philosophies out there in the world?
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:13-14
13 Man ['enowsh] knoweth [yada`] not the price [`erek] thereof; neither is it found [matsa'] in the land ['erets] of the living [chay].
14 The depth [tahowm] saith ['amar], It is not in me: and the sea [yam] saith ['amar], It is not with me. KJV-Interlinear
13 'Man does not know its value, Nor is it found in the land of the living. 14 'The deep says, 'It is not in me'; And the sea says, 'It is not with me.' NASB
The word for value or price, is 'erek,' which means to set something in its order, to arrange, to understand its perspective relative to some other thing.
Here it means to understand the purpose, meaning, and ultimately the value, of wisdom.
Most folks think they know what wisdom is, but in fact very few in this world do know or understand what wisdom really is.
Often times talent, ability, wit, humor, ridicule, and other similar attitudes or human gifts, are interpreted as wisdom. Even success or older age, are often viewed as attributes of wisdom.
The word for man, 'enowsh,' refers to mortal man, with emphasis on human frailties, deficiencies, melancholy, desperate, woeful, sick and so forth.
Man thinks of himself as being something more than what he actually is. Thinking himself as being smarter, brighter, more intuitive than life gives him credit for.
But Job places these attitudes in perspective with a little very subtle humor.
Man believes that he is capable to doing most anything he puts his mind to. It is not unusual to hear the clever remarks, 'You can do anything you put your mind to.' 'You can be anything you want to be.' You can achieve anything you want in life.'
But of course it is those who actually achieve something in life, that say these things. Perhaps a few thousand or a few million people will achieve some worldly 'dream' in life, but that leaves billions who do not.
But that again is the typical view of people who lack wisdom. They will take a very narrow view of life, and extrapolate it such that their belief will magically apply to everyone, even to the unknown. As though their view or platitude (a meaningless saying or overused cliché), suddenly carries the weight of wisdom, which it does not.
Having a talent, or having great wealth, having some great position, or having been born into some high state of life, are not prerequisites, nor attributes of wisdom.
Job states here clearly, wisdom is not from this world. Wisdom cannot be found in this world. Wisdom cannot be purchased, nor can it be discovered by some pioneer risk taker.
Man can go to the bottom of the sea, or to the moon and beyond, but wisdom is in neither of those places.
Discovering the secrets of the universe, of quantum physics, of any science or technology that you can imagine, are mere discoveries of the nuts and bolts, and order or design, of creation. That knowledge (the details of life) does not constitute wisdom.
Socrates said that wisdom begins with the definition of terms. Some look for wisdom in simplicity, or in how we ourselves view the world, or in how we ourselves view ourselves, or in how we view others, or with the concept of wonder and imagination.
But as far as the Bible is concerned, all of these views are nothing more than views of the nuts and bolts of life's components, or just invented philosophies.
Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.
From Gods perspective, there are only two things we need be concerned about. First, what God can do for us, and second, what God can withhold from us. Both of these are phenomenal and beyond our comprehension.
Since man does not live or exist in this universe as an autonomous creature, we must look to the one to whom we owe our existence and continued support. Without God, we would not exist. Without God, we would not have any resources with which to survive on. Without God, we wouldn't even have anything that we could call valuable.
Without God, there is only one destiny for man - the Lake of Fire, a region in which God lets loose all of the controls, and order, and rules, which sustain existence. Since man cannot even control the beat of his own heart, then controlling an environment that is completely out of control, will be totally impossible.
But try as they may, most folks continue to go their own course through life, conveniently disregarding the Bible, content to be satisfied with their own views of life.
And, most folks will live their entire life with that attitude. They are too stubborn to see the truth, so God allows them to fill out there years on this earth, all the while believing that they have discovered truth, but really haven't a clue.
Man does not know the value of truth, unless man knows the attributes of his relationship, or lack of one, with God.
And, man will never know the value of truth, unless he gets with a daily study of the scriptures.
We can all see the difference in value between fine china and paper plates. Is it so difficult to see the difference in value between Bible doctrine and all of the other philosophies out there in the world?
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Job 28:12
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:12
12 But where ['aiyn] shall wisdom [chokmah] be found [matsa']? and where is the place [maqowm] of understanding [biynah]? KJV-Interlinear
12 'But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? NASB
The world is full of knowledge. Knowledge is nothing more than all of the little details of life. Bits and pieces of information here and there. Like the minerals and jewels and resources of this world.
Man can dig out knowledge bit by bit, or is masses of information bursts. But, like pieces of a puzzle, information means nothing unless it can be assembled into something useful. And, information or knowledge, has to be assembled into a correct order, otherwise it remains useless. In a wrong order, wrong conclusions are reached and wrong decisions are made based on that incorrect interpretation.
Job will begin explaining that wisdom does not come from this world, but from God.
The knowledge of this world has to be assembled into some semblance of order. That order brings understanding. Understanding is nothing more than recognizing principles that rule life.
Again understanding, if not correct, will lead to wrong principles that one presumes to guide life. And wrong principles again lead to wrong priorities and wrong decisions.
Good decisions provide an abundance of opportunities. Bad decisions limit ones opportunities.
Being able to collect the details of life, and then being able to categorize them into correct guiding principles of life, will ultimately lead you to wisdom. And from wisdom come the decisions that will shape your life, and determine your destiny.
Progressing through life, man can utilize his intelligence and cleverness and ingenuity in order to discover the secrets of this universe, and then transform that information or raw materials into useful or valuable things.
But these 'things' are not wisdom. They are at best, temporary in nature and provide only certain conveniences to human physical life. Which life, is also temporary.
When the things of this world are viewed as a means to an end. That end being happiness. Then the pursuit, of things from his world, is no different than subscribing to philosophies, which are also inventions of this world.
Pursuing karma, or some religious, political or ideological idea is no different than pursuing gold or iron-ore.
When the spiritual side of life is ignored or re-defined, then it is impossible to gain a clear picture of truth, and therefore ones whole future is placed in jeopardy. Your destiny lies in eternity, not after graduation, or after a promotion, or after retirement.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:12
12 But where ['aiyn] shall wisdom [chokmah] be found [matsa']? and where is the place [maqowm] of understanding [biynah]? KJV-Interlinear
12 'But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? NASB
The world is full of knowledge. Knowledge is nothing more than all of the little details of life. Bits and pieces of information here and there. Like the minerals and jewels and resources of this world.
Man can dig out knowledge bit by bit, or is masses of information bursts. But, like pieces of a puzzle, information means nothing unless it can be assembled into something useful. And, information or knowledge, has to be assembled into a correct order, otherwise it remains useless. In a wrong order, wrong conclusions are reached and wrong decisions are made based on that incorrect interpretation.
Job will begin explaining that wisdom does not come from this world, but from God.
The knowledge of this world has to be assembled into some semblance of order. That order brings understanding. Understanding is nothing more than recognizing principles that rule life.
Again understanding, if not correct, will lead to wrong principles that one presumes to guide life. And wrong principles again lead to wrong priorities and wrong decisions.
Good decisions provide an abundance of opportunities. Bad decisions limit ones opportunities.
Being able to collect the details of life, and then being able to categorize them into correct guiding principles of life, will ultimately lead you to wisdom. And from wisdom come the decisions that will shape your life, and determine your destiny.
Progressing through life, man can utilize his intelligence and cleverness and ingenuity in order to discover the secrets of this universe, and then transform that information or raw materials into useful or valuable things.
But these 'things' are not wisdom. They are at best, temporary in nature and provide only certain conveniences to human physical life. Which life, is also temporary.
When the things of this world are viewed as a means to an end. That end being happiness. Then the pursuit, of things from his world, is no different than subscribing to philosophies, which are also inventions of this world.
Pursuing karma, or some religious, political or ideological idea is no different than pursuing gold or iron-ore.
When the spiritual side of life is ignored or re-defined, then it is impossible to gain a clear picture of truth, and therefore ones whole future is placed in jeopardy. Your destiny lies in eternity, not after graduation, or after a promotion, or after retirement.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Job 28:9-11
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:9-11
9 He putteth forth [shalach] his hand [yad] upon the rock [challamiysh]; he overturneth [haphak] the mountains [har] by the roots [sheresh].
10 He cutteth out [baqa`] rivers [ya`or] among the rocks [tsuwr]; and his eye [`ayin] seeth [ra'ah] every precious thing [yaqar].
11 He bindeth [chabash] the floods [nahar] from overflowing [Bakiy]; and the thing that is hid [ta`alummah] bringeth he forth [yatsa'] to light ['owr]. KJV-Interlinear
9 'He puts his hand on the flint; He overturns the mountains at the base. 10 'He hews out channels through the rocks; And his eye sees anything precious. 11 'He dams up the streams from flowing; And what is hidden he brings out to the light. NASB
You should realize that all of these activities in which humanity is engaged, are legitimate activities. There is nothing wrong with hunting for gold, harvesting the resources of the world, innovating in technology, manufacturing things, changing diapers, having a social life, doing whatever it is that you do in life.
The error comes in the setting of priorities, making Bible study and the advancement in ones spiritual life, secondary to any activity in this world.
There are two pursuits in existence - ones spiritual life and ones temporal life.
Since the life of anyone extends into the next life, then preparing for that longer next life should be our chief concern.
God gave humanity innumerable resources on this planet in order to have educations, jobs, economies, entertainment and so forth, even a spiritual life.
God set out all of the worlds resources in layers both geologically and chronologically, such that man would have access to resources throughout history and not in just one or two generations. Even mans discovery and invention is layered in history.
The ancients have demonstrated knowledge in many advanced scientific areas, yet most discoveries and advancements in knowledge did not happen until this past century. Man has been here for some six-thousand years. So for less than two percent of mans history, has technology and scientific knowledge exploded.
But despite that small percentage, man has demonstrated the same tendencies that were demonstrated way back then and throughout history.
Job states that mining was an advanced enterprise. Man chiseled through the hardest of rock, (flint). Man had to deal with phenomenal problems in mining, (water). All mines were not abandoned when the underground waters flooded the mines. Man overcame those obstacles by either sealing off or channeling away, the water flows that would otherwise shut down and mine. And back then, they did it without the aid of our modern pumps.
They figured out how to seal off water, or how to sink another lower shaft to capture the water so that the area where they were working would remain dry.
Man went to great efforts and to extreme dangers in order to discover and bring to the surface (into the light), the treasures which the earth possessed. Be it coal or diamonds, made no difference. Man has sought after the earths resources since the beginning.
God provided sufficient resources on this planet, to sustain humanity for its continued existence. Revelation describes the difficulties which man will have during the Tribulation, demonstrating mans inability to sustain himself. But then, when Christ returns, He will sustain an even larger population of people for a thousand years, before the Millennium comes to an end.
So there will never really be a shortage or resources. There will never really be a global climate change which will end human history. There will never really be a time when solutions are not available for all of mans problems.
The real and biggest question is, 'What does man think of Christ?' And then that question is followed by the second biggest question, which applies to believers only, 'What do you think of doctrine?'
Jesus Christ controls history.
Bible doctrine is the written 'Christ.'
With doctrine in your soul, then Christ controls your life, which makes success for your life, guaranteed.
Without doctrine, you control your own life. That means that failure in your life is certain despite any and all obstacles you might overcome in your life. We are always hearing or reading of people who overcome great difficulties in their life. But without doctrine in their soul, those achievements are meaningless.
History is full of examples of mans great achievements, but what still remains is his incompetence in controlling anything. You will be no different unless you get with a genuine spiritual growth program and decide to become obedient to all of Gods mandates for your life, not just the things you decide to accept, or invent for yourself.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:9-11
9 He putteth forth [shalach] his hand [yad] upon the rock [challamiysh]; he overturneth [haphak] the mountains [har] by the roots [sheresh].
10 He cutteth out [baqa`] rivers [ya`or] among the rocks [tsuwr]; and his eye [`ayin] seeth [ra'ah] every precious thing [yaqar].
11 He bindeth [chabash] the floods [nahar] from overflowing [Bakiy]; and the thing that is hid [ta`alummah] bringeth he forth [yatsa'] to light ['owr]. KJV-Interlinear
9 'He puts his hand on the flint; He overturns the mountains at the base. 10 'He hews out channels through the rocks; And his eye sees anything precious. 11 'He dams up the streams from flowing; And what is hidden he brings out to the light. NASB
You should realize that all of these activities in which humanity is engaged, are legitimate activities. There is nothing wrong with hunting for gold, harvesting the resources of the world, innovating in technology, manufacturing things, changing diapers, having a social life, doing whatever it is that you do in life.
The error comes in the setting of priorities, making Bible study and the advancement in ones spiritual life, secondary to any activity in this world.
There are two pursuits in existence - ones spiritual life and ones temporal life.
Since the life of anyone extends into the next life, then preparing for that longer next life should be our chief concern.
God gave humanity innumerable resources on this planet in order to have educations, jobs, economies, entertainment and so forth, even a spiritual life.
God set out all of the worlds resources in layers both geologically and chronologically, such that man would have access to resources throughout history and not in just one or two generations. Even mans discovery and invention is layered in history.
The ancients have demonstrated knowledge in many advanced scientific areas, yet most discoveries and advancements in knowledge did not happen until this past century. Man has been here for some six-thousand years. So for less than two percent of mans history, has technology and scientific knowledge exploded.
But despite that small percentage, man has demonstrated the same tendencies that were demonstrated way back then and throughout history.
Job states that mining was an advanced enterprise. Man chiseled through the hardest of rock, (flint). Man had to deal with phenomenal problems in mining, (water). All mines were not abandoned when the underground waters flooded the mines. Man overcame those obstacles by either sealing off or channeling away, the water flows that would otherwise shut down and mine. And back then, they did it without the aid of our modern pumps.
They figured out how to seal off water, or how to sink another lower shaft to capture the water so that the area where they were working would remain dry.
Man went to great efforts and to extreme dangers in order to discover and bring to the surface (into the light), the treasures which the earth possessed. Be it coal or diamonds, made no difference. Man has sought after the earths resources since the beginning.
God provided sufficient resources on this planet, to sustain humanity for its continued existence. Revelation describes the difficulties which man will have during the Tribulation, demonstrating mans inability to sustain himself. But then, when Christ returns, He will sustain an even larger population of people for a thousand years, before the Millennium comes to an end.
So there will never really be a shortage or resources. There will never really be a global climate change which will end human history. There will never really be a time when solutions are not available for all of mans problems.
The real and biggest question is, 'What does man think of Christ?' And then that question is followed by the second biggest question, which applies to believers only, 'What do you think of doctrine?'
Jesus Christ controls history.
Bible doctrine is the written 'Christ.'
With doctrine in your soul, then Christ controls your life, which makes success for your life, guaranteed.
Without doctrine, you control your own life. That means that failure in your life is certain despite any and all obstacles you might overcome in your life. We are always hearing or reading of people who overcome great difficulties in their life. But without doctrine in their soul, those achievements are meaningless.
History is full of examples of mans great achievements, but what still remains is his incompetence in controlling anything. You will be no different unless you get with a genuine spiritual growth program and decide to become obedient to all of Gods mandates for your life, not just the things you decide to accept, or invent for yourself.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Job 28:7-8
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:7-8
7 There is a path [nathiyb] which no fowl [`ayit] knoweth [yada`], and which the vulture's ['ayah] eye [`ayin] hath not seen [shazaph]:
8 The lion's [shachats] whelps [ben] have not trodden [darak] it, nor the fierce lion [shachal] passed [`adah] by it. KJV-Interlinear
7 'The path no bird of prey knows, Nor has the falcon's eye caught sight of it. 8 'The proud beasts have not trodden it, Nor has the fierce lion passed over it. NASB
The Bible discerns between precious things and non-precious things. Typically, wood, hay, and stubble are viewed as useless and with little if any value. They deteriorate quickly and are thrown out or trampled over.
On the other hand, gold, silver, and precious stones are things of great value. Their value is intrinsic and they are never thrown out.
In life there are things of value and things of no value. Using these same examples, the wood, hay, and stubble of life are the representations of everything in this world. Anything and everything in this world is nothing more than a shadow, vanity, emptiness, nothingness. Everything lies either on or beneath the earth, and man has to expend great effort in order to acquire or manufacture it.
Unlike the foods which come from the earth, gold and such things are sought after despite their being hidden.
Food grows on the surface. Food utilizes the light and is relatively easy to tend. Man does not have to place himself in danger in order to plant, grow and harvest corn for example.
Food sustains life, while jewels serve only to accessorize life.
In the spiritual realm, gold, silver, and precious stones represent the intrinsic value of infinite treasure. Treasure which lasts forever and is of such value as to far surpass the collective total of everything on this earth which has ever existed.
Man looks at doctrine, and looks at the possibilities of hunting for gold, building buildings, getting involved in any worldly function, and the Bible is left behind.
But here we have the birds who have such keen eyesight, that they can see something of value from great distances. Lions, or predatory and fierce animals, know danger even for them, and they are smart enough to avoid danger, and they are but animals.
But man will dig tunnels, shafts, and go into the most extreme places, dangerous places, in order to obtain something which they believe is valuable, but in the big picture, is not.
Birds will not venture into the dug out shafts. Wild and fierce beasts will not venture into, but will avoid the dug out shafts, and they again, are but animals. Animals exercise common sense even though they lack the superior intellect of humanity.
Man has the scriptures right in front of his eyes, in his ears, within his thinking mind, but tends to ignore them. The scriptures are the most valuable thing in existence, and are ignored. Even with mans superior intellect, common sense seems to be lacking as far as setting up ones priorities in life.
Man will pursue with great vigor, the hidden, imperceptible and inaccessible treasures of the earth. Man will busy himself with the various forms of human activity which are common to humanity. But when doctrine is given, doctrine whose value far exceeds all of the gold, silver, and precious stones that exist on the planet, then it is rejected, tossed aside as garbage.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:7-8
7 There is a path [nathiyb] which no fowl [`ayit] knoweth [yada`], and which the vulture's ['ayah] eye [`ayin] hath not seen [shazaph]:
8 The lion's [shachats] whelps [ben] have not trodden [darak] it, nor the fierce lion [shachal] passed [`adah] by it. KJV-Interlinear
7 'The path no bird of prey knows, Nor has the falcon's eye caught sight of it. 8 'The proud beasts have not trodden it, Nor has the fierce lion passed over it. NASB
The Bible discerns between precious things and non-precious things. Typically, wood, hay, and stubble are viewed as useless and with little if any value. They deteriorate quickly and are thrown out or trampled over.
On the other hand, gold, silver, and precious stones are things of great value. Their value is intrinsic and they are never thrown out.
In life there are things of value and things of no value. Using these same examples, the wood, hay, and stubble of life are the representations of everything in this world. Anything and everything in this world is nothing more than a shadow, vanity, emptiness, nothingness. Everything lies either on or beneath the earth, and man has to expend great effort in order to acquire or manufacture it.
Unlike the foods which come from the earth, gold and such things are sought after despite their being hidden.
Food grows on the surface. Food utilizes the light and is relatively easy to tend. Man does not have to place himself in danger in order to plant, grow and harvest corn for example.
Food sustains life, while jewels serve only to accessorize life.
In the spiritual realm, gold, silver, and precious stones represent the intrinsic value of infinite treasure. Treasure which lasts forever and is of such value as to far surpass the collective total of everything on this earth which has ever existed.
Man looks at doctrine, and looks at the possibilities of hunting for gold, building buildings, getting involved in any worldly function, and the Bible is left behind.
But here we have the birds who have such keen eyesight, that they can see something of value from great distances. Lions, or predatory and fierce animals, know danger even for them, and they are smart enough to avoid danger, and they are but animals.
But man will dig tunnels, shafts, and go into the most extreme places, dangerous places, in order to obtain something which they believe is valuable, but in the big picture, is not.
Birds will not venture into the dug out shafts. Wild and fierce beasts will not venture into, but will avoid the dug out shafts, and they again, are but animals. Animals exercise common sense even though they lack the superior intellect of humanity.
Man has the scriptures right in front of his eyes, in his ears, within his thinking mind, but tends to ignore them. The scriptures are the most valuable thing in existence, and are ignored. Even with mans superior intellect, common sense seems to be lacking as far as setting up ones priorities in life.
Man will pursue with great vigor, the hidden, imperceptible and inaccessible treasures of the earth. Man will busy himself with the various forms of human activity which are common to humanity. But when doctrine is given, doctrine whose value far exceeds all of the gold, silver, and precious stones that exist on the planet, then it is rejected, tossed aside as garbage.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Job 28:5-6
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:5-6
5 As for the earth ['erets], out of it cometh [yatsa'] bread [lechem]: and under it is turned up [haphak] as it were fire ['esh].
6 The stones ['eben] of it are the place [maqowm] of sapphires [cappiyr]: and it hath dust [`aphar] of gold [zahab]. KJV-Interlinear
5 'The earth, from it comes food, And underneath it is turned up as fire. 6 'Its rocks are the source of sapphires, And its dust contains gold. NASB
Now that we have all survived the Thanksgiving holiday with its food, football, and family, we can wonder if we know what it is all about.
And these verses are the perfect verses to remind us of the abundance which comes from this earth, and certainly the earth is capable of providing abundances which exceed the imagination. After all, we have been taking from the earth for the entire history of the human race, many thousands of years. And before us were the dinosaurs who ate off the lands for who knows how long, before us.
All of which exists courtesy of the grace of God.
Job uses the mining and productive attributes of the earth to make his points of doctrine.
Here, he refers to the food production of the planet, which by the way, was not invented by man. And even though man has improved on his farming techniques, making the lands more and more productive, man has never originated one animal, one kernel, one grain, one fruit, or nut, or whatever.
All these resources existed prior to mans advent into existence. And, man despite all of his intelligence, is totally dependent on the production of the earth in order to survive. Not one of us can cut ourselves off from this world and live.
And beneath the ground are the hidden treasures. The emeralds and the sapphires and diamonds that sparkle and burn like fire. Riches beyond ones dreams, are hidden out of sight, inside of the earth.
But in order to have them we have to hunt for them, find them, dig for them and keep on doing this because whatever we find or have, will never be enough.
Such is the treasure of the world.
It is on or under the ground. It is on the place where we walk, beneath our feet, under and mixed with the dust. Dust, from which we ourselves came from. Our physical selves that is.
And though there are vast quantities of wealth and food beneath our feet, overhead in heaven is an infinite and endless treasure. Treasures that will be there forever and of which we can have, if only we do some hunting and digging in the scriptures. A work which requires far less work and effort on our part, and which comes to us with far greater certainty and success.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:5-6
5 As for the earth ['erets], out of it cometh [yatsa'] bread [lechem]: and under it is turned up [haphak] as it were fire ['esh].
6 The stones ['eben] of it are the place [maqowm] of sapphires [cappiyr]: and it hath dust [`aphar] of gold [zahab]. KJV-Interlinear
5 'The earth, from it comes food, And underneath it is turned up as fire. 6 'Its rocks are the source of sapphires, And its dust contains gold. NASB
Now that we have all survived the Thanksgiving holiday with its food, football, and family, we can wonder if we know what it is all about.
And these verses are the perfect verses to remind us of the abundance which comes from this earth, and certainly the earth is capable of providing abundances which exceed the imagination. After all, we have been taking from the earth for the entire history of the human race, many thousands of years. And before us were the dinosaurs who ate off the lands for who knows how long, before us.
All of which exists courtesy of the grace of God.
Job uses the mining and productive attributes of the earth to make his points of doctrine.
Here, he refers to the food production of the planet, which by the way, was not invented by man. And even though man has improved on his farming techniques, making the lands more and more productive, man has never originated one animal, one kernel, one grain, one fruit, or nut, or whatever.
All these resources existed prior to mans advent into existence. And, man despite all of his intelligence, is totally dependent on the production of the earth in order to survive. Not one of us can cut ourselves off from this world and live.
And beneath the ground are the hidden treasures. The emeralds and the sapphires and diamonds that sparkle and burn like fire. Riches beyond ones dreams, are hidden out of sight, inside of the earth.
But in order to have them we have to hunt for them, find them, dig for them and keep on doing this because whatever we find or have, will never be enough.
Such is the treasure of the world.
It is on or under the ground. It is on the place where we walk, beneath our feet, under and mixed with the dust. Dust, from which we ourselves came from. Our physical selves that is.
And though there are vast quantities of wealth and food beneath our feet, overhead in heaven is an infinite and endless treasure. Treasures that will be there forever and of which we can have, if only we do some hunting and digging in the scriptures. A work which requires far less work and effort on our part, and which comes to us with far greater certainty and success.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Job 28:4
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:4
4 The flood [nachal] breaketh out [parats] from the inhabitant [guwr]; even the waters forgotten [shakach] of the foot [regel]: they are dried up [dalal], they are gone away [nuwa`] from men ['enowsh]. KJV-Interlinear
4 'He sinks a shaft far from habitation, Forgotten by the foot; They hang and swing to and fro far from men. NASB
Though man loves gold, he is not satisfied with gold. Though man loves silver, he is not satisfied with silver.
Though man loves what he has, whatever it may be, he is never satisfied with what he has, but is driven for more and more, even driven to the most isolated and remote places on the earth.
Man will find ore on the surface and though it is easy to obtain, it still requires lots of work to refine it. Man will still dig and dig into the earth, sinking a hole, a shaft, as far as is humanly possible.
Man encounters water and can go no further, then abandons his mine never to return to it.
Man goes to isolated places. Places where man does not usually travel. Out of the way places, places far from normal habitation. Places that will be soon be forgotten once they are abandoned.
Man will live in his sunken mines. He will hang from suspended ropes rather than supporting himself with his feet.
God presents the situation filled with increasing burdens, to see just how far man will go, in order to gather his precious treasure from the earth.
And man places himself in extreme situations, unnatural situations, dangerous situations, in places that no normal person would travel to or live.
And in contrast there is Bible doctrine, something that is far superior in value, and permanent, and of which is as close to your possession as your positive attitude toward learning it.
Learning Bible doctrine is virtually effortless, painless, and safe.
People will expend great quantities of effort in order to obtain their desires the 'easy' way.
People will avoid learning Bible doctrine, because … well, there just doesn't seem to be enough work in it.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:4
4 The flood [nachal] breaketh out [parats] from the inhabitant [guwr]; even the waters forgotten [shakach] of the foot [regel]: they are dried up [dalal], they are gone away [nuwa`] from men ['enowsh]. KJV-Interlinear
4 'He sinks a shaft far from habitation, Forgotten by the foot; They hang and swing to and fro far from men. NASB
Though man loves gold, he is not satisfied with gold. Though man loves silver, he is not satisfied with silver.
Though man loves what he has, whatever it may be, he is never satisfied with what he has, but is driven for more and more, even driven to the most isolated and remote places on the earth.
Man will find ore on the surface and though it is easy to obtain, it still requires lots of work to refine it. Man will still dig and dig into the earth, sinking a hole, a shaft, as far as is humanly possible.
Man encounters water and can go no further, then abandons his mine never to return to it.
Man goes to isolated places. Places where man does not usually travel. Out of the way places, places far from normal habitation. Places that will be soon be forgotten once they are abandoned.
Man will live in his sunken mines. He will hang from suspended ropes rather than supporting himself with his feet.
God presents the situation filled with increasing burdens, to see just how far man will go, in order to gather his precious treasure from the earth.
And man places himself in extreme situations, unnatural situations, dangerous situations, in places that no normal person would travel to or live.
And in contrast there is Bible doctrine, something that is far superior in value, and permanent, and of which is as close to your possession as your positive attitude toward learning it.
Learning Bible doctrine is virtually effortless, painless, and safe.
People will expend great quantities of effort in order to obtain their desires the 'easy' way.
People will avoid learning Bible doctrine, because … well, there just doesn't seem to be enough work in it.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Job 28:2-3
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:2-3
2 Iron [barzel] is taken [laqach] out of the earth [`aphar], and brass [nachuwshah] is molten [tsuwq] out of the stone ['eben].
3 He setteth [suwm] an end [qets] to darkness [choshek], and searcheth out [chaqar] all perfection [takliyth]: the stones ['eben] of darkness ['ophel], and the shadow of death [tsalmaveth]. KJV-Interlinear
2 'Iron is taken from the dust, And from rock copper is smelted. 3 'Man puts an end to darkness, And to the farthest limit he searches out The rock in gloom and deep shadow. NASB
As gold and silver might be more obvious and valuable, people kept on looking to less expensive and more abundant materials to work with.
Copper and iron are among the earliest of metals used in ancient history. Tubal-Cain in Gen. 4, is mentioned as being an instructor or teacher in the art of making brass (copper), and iron. He was the eighth generation after Adam, through Cain. Probably comparable to the time frame of Methuselah, living in the latter half of the pre-flood era, just a couple of generations prior to and concurrent with, Noah.
Being an instructor does not mean that he was the original discoverer of the refining process, but it implies that he had enough intelligence to improve on the process of refining iron ore and copper ore, into various things.
Iron ore and copper ore are mineral components of rocks and dust. They have to be discovered, found, dug up from an open pit or extracted from a tunnel, and hauled to a place for refining. In the refining process a hot fire is required. Wood does not burn hot enough, so coal and then forced air are needed in order to heat the raw ore and purge the oxygen and other impurities out of it. The metal can be beaten and heated again and again, then cooled in cold water in order to shape it into some usable object. Then you sell it to make your money.
In the entire process you either do all of the work yourself, hire others to do it for you, or force others into slavery in order to get the raw material from the ground to the finished product.
Unlike gold, iron and copper objects are less valuable and require much more work in order to get anything out of them.
Man has to carry torches or lanterns into caverns or other dark places, man has to search far and wide in order to discover the hidden treasures of the world. And, man has to figure out a way to use or convert the worlds raw materials into something useful and valuable.
Man did this from the earliest generations, and man is still pursuing this process in our modern era of high tech toys. Everything we have today, whether food, plastic, metal, clothing, electronic, or whatever, has an origin in some earthly resource. Everything has to come through a manufacturing process of some kind, all of which requires work and effort before the end product becomes a reality. And all end products which man makes, are temporary.
They are either temporary to your own personal lifespan, or temporary to this world.
Man works hard for the finer things of life - gold. Man works even harder for the useful products of this world - iron. And though both have value and usefulness, neither are as valuable or intrinsically valuable as Bible doctrine.
Remember that everything in this world is no better than a shadow. We have already studied the characteristics of the shadow, which is basically nothing, and we have compared it to the reality of Bible doctrine, which is infinitely greater than a shadow.
Bible doctrine comes to us through the scriptures. Bible doctrine is relatively easy to obtain. Certainly far easier than mining and refining ore.
Bible doctrine is the gift of God, courtesy of the work of Christ. The mining process is the product of mans efforts based on mans work.
Through spiritual growth, God provides for all of our needs, both worldly and spiritually.
Through carnal pursuits, man goes to great efforts in his attempts to obtain the same objectives of prosperity, security and happiness, but ultimately always ends up with greater problems, greater insecurities, greater unhappiness and so forth, and finally losing everything when he dies.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:2-3
2 Iron [barzel] is taken [laqach] out of the earth [`aphar], and brass [nachuwshah] is molten [tsuwq] out of the stone ['eben].
3 He setteth [suwm] an end [qets] to darkness [choshek], and searcheth out [chaqar] all perfection [takliyth]: the stones ['eben] of darkness ['ophel], and the shadow of death [tsalmaveth]. KJV-Interlinear
2 'Iron is taken from the dust, And from rock copper is smelted. 3 'Man puts an end to darkness, And to the farthest limit he searches out The rock in gloom and deep shadow. NASB
As gold and silver might be more obvious and valuable, people kept on looking to less expensive and more abundant materials to work with.
Copper and iron are among the earliest of metals used in ancient history. Tubal-Cain in Gen. 4, is mentioned as being an instructor or teacher in the art of making brass (copper), and iron. He was the eighth generation after Adam, through Cain. Probably comparable to the time frame of Methuselah, living in the latter half of the pre-flood era, just a couple of generations prior to and concurrent with, Noah.
Being an instructor does not mean that he was the original discoverer of the refining process, but it implies that he had enough intelligence to improve on the process of refining iron ore and copper ore, into various things.
Iron ore and copper ore are mineral components of rocks and dust. They have to be discovered, found, dug up from an open pit or extracted from a tunnel, and hauled to a place for refining. In the refining process a hot fire is required. Wood does not burn hot enough, so coal and then forced air are needed in order to heat the raw ore and purge the oxygen and other impurities out of it. The metal can be beaten and heated again and again, then cooled in cold water in order to shape it into some usable object. Then you sell it to make your money.
In the entire process you either do all of the work yourself, hire others to do it for you, or force others into slavery in order to get the raw material from the ground to the finished product.
Unlike gold, iron and copper objects are less valuable and require much more work in order to get anything out of them.
Man has to carry torches or lanterns into caverns or other dark places, man has to search far and wide in order to discover the hidden treasures of the world. And, man has to figure out a way to use or convert the worlds raw materials into something useful and valuable.
Man did this from the earliest generations, and man is still pursuing this process in our modern era of high tech toys. Everything we have today, whether food, plastic, metal, clothing, electronic, or whatever, has an origin in some earthly resource. Everything has to come through a manufacturing process of some kind, all of which requires work and effort before the end product becomes a reality. And all end products which man makes, are temporary.
They are either temporary to your own personal lifespan, or temporary to this world.
Man works hard for the finer things of life - gold. Man works even harder for the useful products of this world - iron. And though both have value and usefulness, neither are as valuable or intrinsically valuable as Bible doctrine.
Remember that everything in this world is no better than a shadow. We have already studied the characteristics of the shadow, which is basically nothing, and we have compared it to the reality of Bible doctrine, which is infinitely greater than a shadow.
Bible doctrine comes to us through the scriptures. Bible doctrine is relatively easy to obtain. Certainly far easier than mining and refining ore.
Bible doctrine is the gift of God, courtesy of the work of Christ. The mining process is the product of mans efforts based on mans work.
Through spiritual growth, God provides for all of our needs, both worldly and spiritually.
Through carnal pursuits, man goes to great efforts in his attempts to obtain the same objectives of prosperity, security and happiness, but ultimately always ends up with greater problems, greater insecurities, greater unhappiness and so forth, and finally losing everything when he dies.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Job 28:1
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:1
1 Surely [yesh] there is a vein [mowtsa'] for the silver [keceph], and a place [maqowm] for gold [zahab] where they fine [zaqaq] it. KJV-Interlinear
1 'Surely there is a mine for silver, And a place where they refine gold. NASB
Throughout ones life, a person searches for value and meaning and purpose. Man will go to great lengths to search out the hidden secrets of the earth around him. Man will go to great lengths to innovate, to design, to invent, to manufacture, to build a world of value around himself.
People will work long and hard hours. People will dedicate their entire lives pursuing goals they extract from out of this world. And of course there are those who work all of their lives trying to get out of work, and still expecting everything that everyone else has.
Look to Adam as an example. God created an entire garden, in which there was everything given and nothing expected in return. Yet Adam through his desire for Eve, and Eve through her indifference toward doctrine, were both fooled into losing everything thay had.
Man continues to pursue the things of this world, the elusive fountain of youth, the elusive tree of knowledge, the elusive search for happiness, meaning, purpose, wealth, fulfillment and so forth.
And so Job will now explain how man, even back in his early days of history, will go to great efforts to dig in the ground, search the land all over, bleed and sweat, steal and even die in pursuit of worldly wealth.
There is gold in the ground. There's silver in them thar' hills. But the gold and the silver though sometimes obvious, is mostly hidden in the ground and has to be found, dug for, and even when found is mixed up with dirt and dross and has to be refined before a pure form is possessed.
And even then, nuggets and chunks, though they might be pretty, aren't enough. Man hammers out jewelry and other objects in order to enhance its value.
And then again, mans goes to great lengths to create combinations of gold and silver objects in order to create even more value.
But one nugget is never enough. Man has to gather mountains of silver, as the dust, as Job said earlier, and vaults of gold, in order to satisfy his desires for wealth, security, and happiness. But it still, is never enough.
With great care and pain, men search out the caverns of the earth in order to discover its riches. Riches that are temporary, riches that are totally lost when one dies, and riches that will dissolve into nothing when God destroys this universe. They have done this since day one in human history following Adam's fall.
But when it comes to things of true value, such as the wisdom of God, something which comes from God as a gift, requiring no work whatsoever, only a positive attitude toward its learning, then man looks the other way, preferring the sweat or indifference, rather than the gift.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 28:1
1 Surely [yesh] there is a vein [mowtsa'] for the silver [keceph], and a place [maqowm] for gold [zahab] where they fine [zaqaq] it. KJV-Interlinear
1 'Surely there is a mine for silver, And a place where they refine gold. NASB
Throughout ones life, a person searches for value and meaning and purpose. Man will go to great lengths to search out the hidden secrets of the earth around him. Man will go to great lengths to innovate, to design, to invent, to manufacture, to build a world of value around himself.
People will work long and hard hours. People will dedicate their entire lives pursuing goals they extract from out of this world. And of course there are those who work all of their lives trying to get out of work, and still expecting everything that everyone else has.
Look to Adam as an example. God created an entire garden, in which there was everything given and nothing expected in return. Yet Adam through his desire for Eve, and Eve through her indifference toward doctrine, were both fooled into losing everything thay had.
Man continues to pursue the things of this world, the elusive fountain of youth, the elusive tree of knowledge, the elusive search for happiness, meaning, purpose, wealth, fulfillment and so forth.
And so Job will now explain how man, even back in his early days of history, will go to great efforts to dig in the ground, search the land all over, bleed and sweat, steal and even die in pursuit of worldly wealth.
There is gold in the ground. There's silver in them thar' hills. But the gold and the silver though sometimes obvious, is mostly hidden in the ground and has to be found, dug for, and even when found is mixed up with dirt and dross and has to be refined before a pure form is possessed.
And even then, nuggets and chunks, though they might be pretty, aren't enough. Man hammers out jewelry and other objects in order to enhance its value.
And then again, mans goes to great lengths to create combinations of gold and silver objects in order to create even more value.
But one nugget is never enough. Man has to gather mountains of silver, as the dust, as Job said earlier, and vaults of gold, in order to satisfy his desires for wealth, security, and happiness. But it still, is never enough.
With great care and pain, men search out the caverns of the earth in order to discover its riches. Riches that are temporary, riches that are totally lost when one dies, and riches that will dissolve into nothing when God destroys this universe. They have done this since day one in human history following Adam's fall.
But when it comes to things of true value, such as the wisdom of God, something which comes from God as a gift, requiring no work whatsoever, only a positive attitude toward its learning, then man looks the other way, preferring the sweat or indifference, rather than the gift.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)