COVETOUSNESS: Lesson 11–Eli and Samuel’s Sons

Posted on by BETH

“Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord. And the priests’ custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand; And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither. Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw. And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force. Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord: for men abhorred the offering of the Lord” (1 Sam 2:12-17). “Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation” (1 Sam. 2:22).

“And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment” (1 Sam. 8:1-3).

The quality of heart that causes men to turn aside to lucre, take bribes and to pervert judgment is pure covetousness. They wish for more and more, and so stoop to devious, sinful means to satisfy their greed. Why did God condemn Eli for the behavior of his sons but count Samuel righteous when his sons were also wicked?

First, Eli was a high priest while Samuel was only a judge. Eli knew that his sons coveted other men’s wives and committed adultery with the women at the temple itself. Today, the church has the responsibility of putting adulterers and covetous men out of the assembly (1 Cor 5:10-12). Similarly, Eli had both the responsibility and the authority to remove adulterers and thieves from the temple, but he did not fulfill his responsibility. He may have rebuked the adulterer and covetous man, but those in authority have the responsibility to get that kind of person out of the assembly. A little leaven leavens the whole lump whether in Israel or in the church (1 Cor 5:7-8). Eli was the ultimate authority over the nation of Israel, his own sons included. Eli’s sons had left home many years before, and as a father he could chide but not physically restrain them; however, as high priest he had the responsibility to use force to stop their wickedness according to the Law of Moses whether that behavior was criminal or immoral. God condemned and cursed Eli because “his sons made themselves vile and he restrained them not.” (1 Sam. 3:13-14).

Secondly, Eli not only did not restrain his sons, but he also accepted the stolen goods, (illegal booty), and honored his sons above God Himself (1 Sam. 2:29). Samuel did neither of those things. The high priest at the time Samuel was judge could have restrained Samuel’s sons as God expected Eli to do when he was high priest, but apparently no one was able to restrain them. Eli obviously loved or feared his children more than he loved or feared God.

In contrast to Eli, as a father after his sons became of age and left home, Samuel could only chide his son’s disobedience. Eli’s sons, as priests who offered God’s worship, had a far greater responsibility to be an example of holiness, purity and honesty. Instead of being good examples, their covetous hearts caused them to steal from God. Eli recognized this and chided them, saying: Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress. If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him (1 Sam. 2:24-25a)?

When people are covetous, they become God’s enemy. Eli’s sons not only destroyed their own souls by their greed but the souls of the family—even the High Priest. Samuel was not covetous and spoke freely of never taking a bribe: “…of whose hand have I received any bribe [kopher, “covering”] to blind mine eyes therewith?” (1 Sam. 12:3). Samuel waited until he was old before he appointed his sons as judges in the city of Beer-sheba; however, they could not handle the position with its great responsibilities and temptations and fell to some the sins of Eli’s sons.

Israel immediately pointed to the sins of Samuel’s sons as an excuse to ask for the object of their own covetousness. “Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Sam. 8:4-5). Covetousness seemed to destroy the entire nation in that time, which makes Samuel’s faithfulness all the more apparent. He was able to withstand the temptation to live for this life and lived for God and the next life.

“And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you. And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day. Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man’s hand” (1 Sam. 12:1-4).

What a wonderful commendation for Samuel. We know that no one, except a criminal wants a covetous ruler who accepts bribes. Why then would any man do what he hates in others? Even today, every man or woman who is known for covetousness is despised. We see by Samuel’s example that we should turn from such things because we belong to God who has promised to supply all our needs.

QUESTIONS:
1. Were Eli’s sons faithful to God (1 Sam. 2:12-17; 1 Sam. 8:3)?
2. Give at least two reasons why Eli was held responsible for the behavior of his sons?
3. How had Eli participated in the evil his sons were doing?
4. As a result of Eli’s evil actions, what did God tell young Samuel to say to him (1 Sam. 3:11-14)?
5. During his youth, Samuel was an assistant to Eli, the high priest. What was the designated lineage of the priests assistants (Num. 3:5-9, 12, 17, 32; Num. 4:46-47)?
6. Give the names of Samuel’s two sons. Be sure to include the scripture references.
7. In what city did they do their work? Give a scripture reference.
8. What were Samuel’s sons accused of doing? Include a scripture reference with your answer.
9. Did Samuel participate in the evil his sons were doing? Give a reference to prove your answer.
10. How might Samuel’s sons have kept themselves from such wickedness (Luke 12:15; 1 Cor. 5:11)?
11. DISCUSSION QUESTION: Besides Samuel, there were other righteous fathers who had bad sons. Name as many as you can remember and tell what they did wrong.
12. RESEARCH QUESTION: Samuel was known both as a prophet and as a judge of Israel. Explain the difference between the two types of work.

COVETOUSNESS: Lesson 6 Ahab

Posted on by BETH

(1 Kings 21:1-29; 2 Kings 9:25-26)

Ahab was the son of Omri and the seventh king of Israel (1 Kings 16:30), who cemented a political friendship between Israel and Phoenicia with his marriage to Jezebel.  Jezebel was the nefariously wicked daughter of Ethbaal (worshipper of Baal), king of the Sidonians (1 Kings 16:31).  Ahab’s conversion to his wife’s false religion soon led to many immoral acts in every facet of his life.

From the window of his summer palace, Ahab could see a lovely vineyard as he viewed the landscape.  He pondered how convenient it would be to turn that into a vegetable garden next door to his palace and decided to purchase it.  To this point, Ahab’s covetousness did not pass the normal boundaries accepted by most men; however, when his offer was rejected his covetousness took full control of him.  Imagine a king pouting and refusing to eat because he could not have his heart’s desire.  Even yet, his covetousness appeared harmless enough to outsiders.  When Jezebel promised to procure the vineyard for him and took his ring, he was passively in agreement to whatever method she might use to get the land.  After she had finished her job, instead of taking action against her for dishonesty and murder, he resolutely went to put his name on the stolen property.  It appears that he had absolutely no remorse for the corrupt judgment or the murders he caused as long as he could possess what his avarice demanded.  When it came to dealing with Naboth, Ahab’s covetousness sprang from a greedy self-centeredness and an arrogant disregard of God’s law. Truly greed can make a very hard heart.

On the other hand, Jezebel had neither religious scruples nor any regard for the established government of Israel (Lev 25:23-34).  She had Naboth tried unjustly and killed so that Ahab could take over his property (1 Kings 21:1-16). Jezebel bribed two mercenaries to bear false witness against Naboth and testify they heard him blaspheme God and the king. As a result of their lies, Naboth was found guilty; and both he and his sons were stoned to death (2 Kings 9:26). Elijah the prophet pronounced God’s judgment against Ahab and his house for this horrible act of false witness and murder (1 Kings 21; 2 Kings 9:21-26).

Naboth, the object of the crime, was an Israelite of Jezreel who owned a vineyard next to the summer palace of Ahab, king of Samaria (1 Kings 21:1). Ahab offered Naboth the worth of his vineyard in money or a better vineyard, but Naboth refused to part with his property, explaining that it was a family inheritance to be passed on to his descendants.  Had Naboth deeply considered the laws regarding property, he might have understood that the land would be returned to him or to his heirs in the year of Jubilee. The concept of the sacred birthright probably accounted for Naboth’s refusal to sell his vineyard to King Ahab. He answered, “The Lord forbid that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!” (1 Kings 21:3).

QUESTIONS:

1.Ahab was king and Naboth was his subject.  What kind of strain would that put on Naboth when Ahab demanded his vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-3)?

2.Ahab had an intense desire to possess something that belonged to another man.  The Law of Moses prohibited that attitude (Exod. 20:17; Deut. 5:21). What did Ahab reason in his heart about the imagined need for such a garden?

3.Why did he desire (covet) Naboth’s property (1 Kings 21:1-2)?

4.Did Ahab’s offer to buy or trade seem reasonable if there had been no law against it?

5.What was Ahab’s reaction to the answer Naboth gave him (1 Kings 21:3-4)?

6.Pouting, sullenness and depression seem to be childish behaviors.  Was it a harmless matter for Ahab to dwell on his disappointment and become depressed and morose about not getting what he wanted (1 Tim. 4:7; 2 Pet. 2:14-15; Matt. 6:21; Luke 12:34)?

7.Who came to Ahab’s “rescue” (1 Kings 21:5-7)?

8.What was Jezebel’s plan for taking the vineyard by force (1 Kings 21:8-10)?

9.Relate the events of Naboth’s unjust judgment (1 Kings 21:11-13).

10.Was Naboth the only one who died that day (2 Kings 9:25-26)?

11.Why would it be necessary (in Ahab’s eyes) to kill the sons of Naboth?  This answer is partly based on the research in question #18.

12.After Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, what did he do (1 Kings 21:14-16)?

13.Which prophet went to meet Ahab there (1 Kings 21:17-18)?

14.What was the message God had told the prophet to give Ahab (1 Kings 21:19, 21-24)?

15.What was Ahab’s temporary reaction to this message (1 Kings 21:27)?

16.As a result, what was God’s reaction to Ahab (1 Kings 21:28-29)?

17.In spite of the apparent repentance, what does God say about Ahab’s character (1 Kings 21:25-26)?

18.RESEARCH QUESTION: 

The following ideas have to do with possession of property under the Law of Moses.  This is pertinent for understanding Naboth’s answer to Ahab and for understanding what happened to Naboth’s sons at the same time (2 Kings 9:26).

•Why might Naboth not want to sell his vineyard (Num. 36:7; Ezek. 46:18)?

•Using Leviticus 25:1-55, answer the following questions:

     * How do you know that fields could be redeemed by the original owner within a year or, if not then, in the year of Jubilee?

     * Who could the Israelites NOT sell their lands to?  Why?

•In the account found in Numbers 27 and Numbers 36, who received the inheritance of their father?  What would happen if they married within another tribe (Num. 27:7; Num. 36)?

•By implication, who usually received the inheritance (You may also search keywords birthright or firstborn.)?

•When there was no heir, who inherited?  Give the line of succession.

•Who were daughters to marry (Num. 36:3-13; Deut. 7:1-4)?

•By implication, who would sons of the tribes marry?

•What was to be the inheritance of the tribe of Levi (Num. 18; Num. 35; Deut. 10:9; 18:1)?

•What was the situation surrounding Ruth’s inheritance and why the nearest of kin could not take possession of it when Boaz gave him the chance (Ruth 4:5)?

COVETOUSNESS: Lesson 4-Esau Coveted Food

Posted on by BETH

COVETOUSNESS

Lesson 4: Esau Coveted Food

 

“Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.  For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears” (Heb. 12:16-17).

 

The son of Isaac and Rebekah, Esau was also the twin brother of Jacob. In later life, he was known as Edom, the ancestor of the Edomites (Gen. 25:24-28; Deut. 2:4-8).  His name was given because of the hairy covering on his body at birth: “all over like a hairy garment” (Gen. 25:25). The relationship Esau’s descendants had to those of Jacob was prophesied before the twins were born (Gen. 25:23). Even the moment of Esau’s birth signaled the same destiny (Gen. 25:26).

Scriptural accounts of Esau draw a great contrast between him and his brother Jacob. Esau was a rough, hairy man and a cunning hunter favored by Isaac, while Jacob was a plain man dwelling in tents and favored by Rebekah (Gen. 25:27-28).  Even though he was a twin, Esau was considered to be the eldest son because he was born first. The firstborn was expected to become head of the family, and take charge of the family property.  Naturally he was responsible for the maintenance of the younger sons, the widows, and the unmarried daughters not only as their provider and overseer, but also as their spiritual leader. Furthermore, he generally received the blessing, which placed him in a favored position with the Heavenly Father.

Esau sinned greatly by treating his birthright so casually and selling it for a meal.  In a foolish, impulsive moment, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob in exchange for “bread and pottage of lentils” (Gen. 25:29-34). Later we see he also lost the benefit of his father’s blessing (Gen. 27:36) —two things virtually guaranteed the first born son in ancient oriental culture as well as in the Old Testament scriptures.

After Israel (Jacob’s descendants) became a nation, we see the birthright included a double portion of the father’s assets upon his death (Deut. 21:17).  The inheritance rights of the firstborn were protected by law, so the father could not give his benefits to a younger son (Deut. 21:15-17).  Birthrights and blessings were not the same.  The birthright carried with it the inheritance of property, while the blessing was an additional benefit which the patriarchs usually bestowed upon their children just before their own deaths (Gen. 49:1-28). Even if they spoke by mistake, once a blessing was given it could not be taken back (Gen. 27). 

PONDER THESE THOUGHTS:

Esau basically had his priorities wrong. Like the majority of the world’s population, he was simply living for the moment (1 Cor. 15:32). Unlike Moses who was willing to forsake the temporary pleasures of Egypt for a far greater eternal reward (Heb. 11:24-27), Esau wanted the temporary pleasure of a satisfied appetite.

Esau said, “Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me” (Gen. 25:32)?  He gave no thought to the consequences of his actions. His decision was illogical, foolish and wicked. The scriptures describe him as being a godless (profane) man (Heb. 12:16-17). We need to learn from him and think very carefully about the consequences of our own choices and decisions. “When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite” (Prov. 23:1-2).  “For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags” (Prov. 23:21).

The temporary pleasure of a satisfied appetite has brought many a person to ruin (Prov. 5:3-6). The will of the Father in Heaven; spiritual desires (not the fleshly), the Lord’s church; the righteous commandments of God must come first (Matt. 6:33; Gal. 5:16-24; Psa. 119:172). Esau learned this lesson too late—which is also another lesson for us (Heb. 12:17).  Sometimes the damage can’t be undone. 

The birthright for the oldest child was a special gift from God that he did not give to any but the firstborn. In relation to Christ, God’s firstborn, He showed man that He valued the firstborn above the others. We know how we respond when we offer a very special gift to someone, and they treat it like trash. God offered a very special gift to Esau, but he did not respect nor value God’s special gift—he treated it as if it were less value than a meal. God did not respond positively to Esau’s scorning His special offering.

Figuratively speaking, the term firstborn stands for what is most excellent. This expression is applied to Jesus in several New Testament passages. All of them point to Jesus’ relationship to His Father and to the Church.  Showing that Christ existed before creation and actually participated in the creation process (John 1:3), He is described as the “firstborn over all creation” (Col. 1:15). His virgin birth is depicted by the expression, “brought forth her firstborn son” (Matt 1:25). The phrase, “firstborn from the dead” (Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5), refers to Jesus’ resurrection, which assures every Christian they also will have the same resurrection if they obey Him faithfully, even unto death.

QUESTIONS:

1. By inspiration, the Hebrew writer tells what God thought of Esau for selling his birthright.  Give the phrase used and the scripture reference.

2. How often do we covet food to the detriment of our souls and our health too?

3. What was prophesied to be the relationship between Esau’s descendants had to those of his younger brother (Gen. 25:23)?

4. What sign was given as the twins were born that signaled that relationship (Gen. 25:26)?

5. RESEARCH QUESTION: Notice a strong comparison between the two brothers: “And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents” (Gen. 25:27).  What is the meaning of the word “plain” (Strong’s number 8535)?  How does this word affect our understanding of the character of Jacob when compared to that of his elder brother Esau?

6. Gen 25:28 says, “And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.”  Consider the prophecy given to Rachel (Gen. 25:22-23; along with Rom. 9:10-14) and tell which parent might have had some justification for showing favoritism?

7. After Esau realized he had lost both the birthright and the blessing, what did he determine to do (Gen. 27:41)?

8. How did Rebekah determine to save the life of Jacob (Gen. 27:42-45)?

9. What other foolish thing did Esau do to displease God and his parents (Gen. 28:6, 8-9).)?

10. After the meeting between Jacob and Esau more than 20 years later, where did Esau go to live (Gen. 33:12-17)?

11. Jacob and Esau met again (Gen. 35:29)?  What was the occasion?

12. How could a firstborn son lose his birthright (Gen. 25:29-34; Heb. 12:16; Gen. 35:22; 1 Chron. 5:1-2; 1 Chron. 26:10)?

13. Under the Law of Moses, if a man had two wives, and one was favored, could he give the birthright to the elder son of the favored wife (Deut. 21:15-17)?  Why would such a law have been necessary?

14. Give the account of when a different patriarch gave the blessing to a younger son (Gen. 48:13-14, 17-19)?

15. Name the ways Christ was firstborn (Luke 2:7; Rom. 8:29; Col. 1:15; Col. 1:18; Heb. 12:23), and tell how God should respond to those who love (covet) and serve mammon and reject the gift of his Son (Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:13)?

COVETOUSNESS–Introduction

Posted on by BETH

We all know that discipline of unrighteous members should be carried out within the body of Christ. There are certain things that a man may do which not only make him repugnant to God but which also would corrupt the body of Christ, the church. We will often hear of members being “disfellowshipped for bringing reproach on the church” (covers all, huh?), teaching false doctrine or for such things as unscriptural marriages, but how many do you know of that have ever been disciplined for covetousness? Would any of us recognize a covetous person if we saw one?

“Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (1 Cor. 5:10-13).

“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (Eph. 5:3-5).

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Tim. 3:1-5).

During this course, we will consider several examples from scripture which show how covetousness affected the work and ultimately the destiny of specific men and women. We will study these accounts to find out how we compare and how we can avoid being caught up in the same traps. Take a quick look at the various names to see how many you recognize from your previous studies.

EXAMPLES OF COVETOUSNESS

1.Eve, in desiring the forbidden fruit
2.Lot, in choosing the plain of the Jordan

3.Laban
a.In giving Rebekah to be Isaac’s wife
b.In deceiving Jacob when he served him seven years for Rachel
c.In deceiving Jacob in wages

4.Esau
a.Coveted food
b.Gave away his birthright
5.Pharaoh and the Egyptians
a.Coveted slaves (human bodies to serve them)
b.Coveted their property during the famine

6. Ahab coveted the vineyard that belonged to Naboth

7.Gehazi, the servant of Elisha coveted clothing and money (2 Kings 5)

8.Ahaz in coveting an altar of a heathen (conquered) nation (2 Kings 16:9-20)
a.Required Urijah to build one like it before the temple in Jerusalem
b.Worshipped at the new altar every evening

9. Balaam, in loving the wages of unrighteousness

10.Achan, in hiding the treasure

11.Eli’s sons, in taking the flesh of the sacrifice

12.Samuel’s sons, in taking bribes

13.Saul, in sparing, Agag and the booty

14.David coveted Bathsheba

15.Solomon (Deut. 17:15-17)
a.Brought 666 talents of gold to Jerusalem each year
b.Married 700 wives
c.Brought horses from Egypt

16.Romans coveted land and nations
a.Harsh treatment of those they conquered
b.Required service from Jews and others

17.The man whose brother would not divide the inheritance (Luke 12:13-15)

18.Judas
a.Coveted the money in the bag (treasury)
b.Coveted the price of the alabaster box of ointment
c.Coveted bribe money to betray Jesus

19.Rich fool (Luke 12: )

20.Pharisees (Luke 16:14)
a.Coveted the people’s allegiance
b.Coveted the money disciples gave to Jesus
c.Coveted power over the crowds that followed Jesus
d.Coveted the material Jesus said was mammon

21.Paul died spiritually because of covetousness (Rom. 7:7 [Strong’s to set the heart upon; as in Acts 20:23])

22.Simon the sorcerer coveted the power to give the gifts

23.Ananias and Sapphira ().

24.False teachers (2 Cor.  ;2 Pet. 2:3)
a.Coveted the money from the churches
b.Coveted the praise of men
c.Coveted the power over souls

Some obviously coveted money, while others coveted food, clothing, treasures, idols or simply the praise of men.

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

  1. Looking at the list of names we plan to study, see if you can add any other accounts of men or women who lost their souls because of the covetousness.
  2. Where does any form of the word covet first appear in scripture, either Old Testament or New? To do a search, type the word covet with a star after it (e.g. covet*) so all forms of the word will show in the search. WORD STUDY: COVET, COVETOUS, COVETOUSNESS, COVETED, etc. ***See also GREED, GREEDY, GREEDILY, etc.
    Online sources for word studies:

  3. Is there ever a good kind of covetousness (1 Cor. 12:31; 1 Cor. 14:39; 1 Tim. 3:1)?
  4. What sin caused Paul to die spiritually (Rom. 7:7)?
  5. Is it right to delight in increase (Job 31:25; Eccl. 5:10-11)?
  6. Why could the Pharisees not accept Jesus’ teaching about not loving the world (Luke 16:14)?
  7. With what does God equate covetousness (Col. 3:5)?
  8. What is a primary motive of false teachers for making converts (2 Pet. 2:3)?
  9. What does God think of those who give their hearts to coveting (2 Pet. 2:14)?
  10. Would Judas have done all the evil he did if he had not been covetous (John 12:6)?
  11. Why do young children often quarrel with each other? Do they understand what they are doing when they wish for something someone else has? How should parents handle those situations?
  12. What is a major reason people charge too much on a credit card?

IT SHALL ACCOMPLISH WHAT I PLEASE

Posted on by BETH

“For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isa. 55:10-11).

Our Heavenly Father says that His word is like the snow and rain from heaven which makes the earth to bud and give seed to the sower and bread to the eater. Like the moisture from the sky, His word will not return to Him void, but it will accomplish the purpose for which it has been sent. The comparison here is between the earth receiving the snow and rain and being nourished or watered by it and His word (both Old Testament and New) being sent into the hearts of the people. Sometimes the earth is rocky and hard; likewise the hearts of the people may not be receptive. Yet the gospel has a way of softening or watering those stony hearts to make them grow into what God wants them to be.

When we have studied and worked with an individual or a group of people who seem not to understand or respond, we need to remember this passage and know that God’s word will not return to Him empty. It will accomplish His will even if it only serves to put Jesus enemies under His feet (1 Cor. 15:24-26). Our Father is fair and will give these people every possible chance to repent (2 Pet. 3:9).

God has ordained that He will accomplish His will through His word. Man’s ways and thoughts are not the same as God’s ways and thoughts (Isa. 55:8-9). The only way we can know God’s thoughts is for Him to reveal them to us, for only the Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God (1 Cor. 2:11). God’s prophets and apostles were inspired to write the word of God in the scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17). All truth is in the scriptures (John 16:13). We can build in wood, hay and stubble, but the only thing that will endure the test of the fire is gold (1 Cor. 2:12-13). God’s word is pure gold, and we must use that to build in the hearts of the people. The Lord commanded Timothy to preach what he heard from the inspired apostle (2 Tim. 2:2), and was told to preach God’s word (2 Tim. 4:4). He commands us to preach the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11). If we trust Him, and preach His word, it will not return to Him void.

QUESTIONS:

  1. What two things are being compared to God’s word (Isa. 55:10-11)?
  2. For what purpose does God ‘send’ his word?
  3. What did God promise and how did his word come to pass when the children of Israel were grumbling about the manna (Num. 11:23)?
  4. How did the Israelites rebel at God’s word at the waters of Meriba (Num. 20:24)? What happened as a result?
  5. What kind of a man does God favor (Isa 66:2)?
  6. What should the man of God do who has His word (Jer 23:28)?
  7. To what is God’s word also compared (Jer. 23:29)?
  8. He that heareth ______ ___________ and believeth on _________________ hath __________________ (John 5:24).
  9. Jesus said, “If you continue in ________ _________ you are my disciples indeed (John 8:31).
  10. Why could the Pharisees not “hear” Jesus word (John 8:43)?