Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 6, Jeremiah 11 and Matthew 22) for July 21st

2 Samuel 6 contains two tragic incidents and one of exceptional joy. Having taken Jebus David has now made it his capital and is intent on bringing the ark of the covenant to "Jerusalem" as the centrepiece of the LORD's worship. The nation is to be united through the praise and understanding of their Almighty Sovereign. In his enthusiasm for the bringing of the ark David has omitted to find out the proper way to transport the ark. Verses 1-4 describe the pomp that was to accompany the journey of the ark. A new cart had been made and two priests were given the responsibility for transporting the ark. Verses 5-11 tell of the failed attempt to bring it to Jerusalem. Uzzah and Ahio were driving the cart accompanied by great festivity when it came to the threshingfloor of Nashon and the oxen stumbled. Uzzah put out his hand to steady the ark and the LORD immediately struck him dead. David was devastated and the journey came to a standstill. The ark was taken aside into the field of Obed-Edom where it remained for three months. David was fearful to have stirred up Yahweh's anger and brought about Uzzah's death. However the Gentile house where the ark stayed was blessed by Almighty God. Verses 12-15 describe the final journey of the ark to its resting place in Jerusalem - this time being carried on the priests' shoulders. Its voyage was with burnt offerings and priests trumpeting its progress. Psalm 132 was written by David telling us what was in his mind at this time. Read and ponder how this occasion was typical of the righteousness and peace that will come with Messiah's kingdom. David also composed a Psalm of thanksgiving - look at the words of 1 Chronicles 16:8-37. The ark was placed in a tent that David had erected for it: Amos 9:11-15 talk of the restoration when our Lord Jesus will rule from Jerusalem. Sadly Michal, Saul's daughter, was ashamed of her husband and poured scorn on David for throwing himself wholeheartedly into the praise of his God. For this David no longer treated Michal as a wife. Michal remained childless for her pride. Notice that David gave gifts to the people of that which represented "bread and wine". The king was enacting the part of a king-priest after the order of Melchizedek as this chapter and the next two chapters will reveal. 

Jeremiah 11 verses 1-5 speak of the Almighty cursing Judah for their failure to keep the covenant that He made with the forefathers of the nation - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The words of Yahweh take the form of oath and the prophet shows his agreement with God's curse by saying "Amen" at the close of the LORD's words. Verses 6-8 sees the prophet denouncing his nation as he walks through the streets of Jerusalem. Verses 9-13 tell of Judah returning to the sins of many of their predecessors in the worshipping of the baals. There were, says God, as many of the these as there were cities in Judah. Verses 14-20 say how the leaders had made a conspiracy against Jeremiah to eliminate him. The word picture deliberately chosen shows how their attitude defied the Law of the LORD God Almighty. These leaders sought to destroy both the tree and its fruit. Israel were forbidden to do this. And so their Omnipotent Creator had determined to bring disaster to Judah. Jeremiah acknowledges that Yahweh is true and righteous and therefore Judah's punishment is deserved and measured. Verses 21-23 reveal that the chief plotters against the prophet were the men of Anathoth - Jeremiah's hometown. Anathoth was a town of priests of whom Jeremiah was one.

In Matthew 22 verses 1-14 we have the parable of the wedding feast of the Kingdom, to which we all have been invited through the Gospel. Our Omnipotent King has provided the only garment needed for admission; the sin covering raiment of His ever glorious and pre-eminent Son. We put this garment on when we believe the gospel, repent and are baptised. The disciple must then live a life of faithfulness for our Father to graciously give us a place in His kingdom. A sobering note concludes this parable: "Many are called, but few are chosen". Then follow four questions, each one from each of the three main political parties in Israel and then unanswered question from the Lord to each of these groups. These answers provided incontrovertible proof from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Promised Messiah. Verses 15-22 addresses the unpopular subject of taxation. The tax here was the Roman tax which was even more hated because it maintained Roman armies in Judah's land. The Land that had been given to them by the Almighty. Jesus was asked: "Should we pay this tax? Or, should we not pay it?" If our Lord said - yes - then he lost popularity with his people. If he said - no - then he could be accused of treason against Rome. His enemies were sure Jesus was trapped. However he completely turned the table on his adversaries. He masterfully not only answered the question but also used the occasion to direct all the hearers to their responsibilities to their God. Our Lord asked for a denarius. Whose image and superscription is on this coin? Caesar's they replied. Then give to Caesar what is his and to God what belongs to Him. We have been made in the image and likeness of God. So our lives, minds and actions belong to Him. Verses 23-33 say that the Sadducees came to Jesus with a trick question relating to resurrection. This sect accepted only the first five books of the Old Testament - called the Book of Moses. They mistakenly believed that resurrection was not supported by these Scriptures. However Jesus proves from Exodus 3 verses 15-17 that the raising of the dead is proven by Yahweh saying that He is the God of Abraham, and God is the God of the living, for all live unto Him - not He was - therefore Abraham has a future after his being restored to life in the future. Their failure, Jesus declared , was in not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God (verse 29). Verses 34-38 Jesus is asked by Pharisee lawyer which is the greatest commandment in the Law of Moses. This topic was hotly debated among the religious leaders. Our Lord's answer is that it is very clear: You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and mind and strength - Deuteronomy 6 verses 4-5. Jesus says that the second is like unto it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself: Leviticus 19:18; 1 John 4:7-13. The chapter concludes proving Jesus himself to be the divine son of David (after the flesh), but God's Son of the Father's right hand, as attested. In verses 39-46 Jesus asks his critics whose son is Messiah, his Lord? Easy they thought! The Old Testament tells us that Messiah is the son of David. If so, says Jesus, why then does David in Psalm 110 call Messiah his Lord? This was an impossibility in Jewish reckoning for a son to be superior to his father. The only way for this to be true is for Jesus to be the Son of God as well as being the son of David: Psalm 110 verses -2; 2 Samuel 7 verses 2-16,  2 Samuel 23 verses 1-7; Micah 5 verses 2-5. His opponents were left dumbfounded.