The Bible Blog

The Easy Yoke

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Jesus said that his yoke was easy; that his burden was light.

What exactly does that mean?

From a simple perspective, we understand a yoke to be a means to harness a draft animal in order to pull a load. Therefore, an easy yoke, one with a light burden, would be something that was not hard to do. This means that the things Jesus expects from his followers are not difficult or burdensome.

However, we can gain a deeper understanding of his words when we consider it from an historical perspective. Back in Jesus' day, the learned Rabbi's would study the scriptures. They did not see them as a definitive, fixed set of rules, but rather as an open-ended document that needed to be explored and interpreted. A Rabbi's interpretation of what the scriptures said, of what should be allowed and what should be prohibited was called his yoke.

When Jesus made his proclamation about his yoke, his hearers would connect it with the Rabbi's practice (recall that Jesus was often called Rabbi by his followers and admirers). So when Jesus said that his yoke was easy and his burden light, he was letting it be known that he allowed many more things then he prohibited. He didn't want his followers weighed down with a long list of don't, of heavy burdensome requirements, but instead he wanted them to be free to focus on him -- and not a bunch of rules.

Some people read the Bible as an rigid law book of hard laws and unyielding rules. Instead they should be interpreting it as the Rabbis did, making an easy yoke like Jesus advocated.

[Matthew 11:29-30]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Following the Good and Straight Path

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:20:59 GMT

If "wisdom" is the theme of Proverbs, then "path" may be the context. There are good paths and evil paths, straight paths and crooked paths. There are the paths of the righteous and paths of the wicked.

For those who are wise and make good decisions, there is the right path, the path of life, of peace, of justice, of the upright, and that leads to immortality.

Taking a journey -- the journey of life -- implies making decisions. Which paths do you take? This isn't a one-time selection, but a series of choices, of continuing to choose the right path, repeatedly making the good and right decision.

And the best part is that we don't need to travel alone. We have a "spiritual" GPS to guide us, God's spirit. David acknowledged that God had supernaturally revealed the right path to him (Psalm 16:11) and Peter confirmed that many centuries later (Acts 2:28).

We also have the Bible to guide us in selecting the right paths, with over 100 mentions of the word. Proverbs is especially helpful (as are the books of Job and Psalms). Not only does Proverbs mention "path" 28 times, but its sub-contexts point to it as well.

Consider the words that we've highlighted in Proverbs. The sluggard and the simple choose the wrong paths. Folly takes one there, as does being quarrelsome or following the adulteress. However, the prudent, those with wisdom, know which paths to take.

Consider the mentions of "path" in the Bible and then choose the right ones.

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Seeking Wisdom

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:46:00 GMT

Among all the reoccurring words in Proverbs, it is "wisdom" that is the most prominent -- mentioned 54 times. Wisdom, in fact, is the central theme of the book, effectively summarizing its focus and purpose.

The dictionary defines wisdom as "the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight; common sense; good judgment."

Given this definition, it would seem that wisdom is more of an innate characteristic than something that can be learned or acquired. Yet Proverbs continually advises readers to seek wisdom, to obtain wisdom, to get wisdom, to keep wisdom, and to gain wisdom. Not only is wisdom imperative, it is apparently also accessible.

But, how? From God. He gives wisdom. James writes that "if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

This is how we seek wisdom. Proverbs is the primer; God is the source.

[James 1:5]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Beware the Adulteress

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The book of Proverbs contains the majority of the Bible's mentions of the word "adulteress" (seven times in Proverbs compared to five times in the rest of the Bible). An "adulteress" is "a woman who commits adultery," that is, she has sex with someone other than her husband. In today's language, that is referred to as "cheating."

Solomon warns his son -- and all men -- to stay away from the adulteress.

The Law of Moses notes that both the adulterer (the male participant) and the adulteress (the female participant) should be put to death (Leviticus 20:10). That is how serious God views the breaking of marriage vows.

Although the majority of modern society takes a much more casual perspective on lifelong monogamy, God's staunch opposition to adultery hasn't changed. Fortunately, his response has. In the Old Testament (as mentioned above), the prescribed response to adultery is judgment. However, in the New Testament, Jesus -- God's son -- demonstrates a kinder, gentler response: mercy (John 8:1-11).

However, remember that even though Jesus will give both the adulterer and adulteress mercy and forgiveness, the offended spouse may not likely be so understanding.

[Mentions of adulteress in the Bible.]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Quarrelsome

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The word "quarrelsome" is almost exclusive to the book of Proverbs, occurring six times there and only one other time in the rest of the Bible. Quarrelsome means "given to quarreling, contentious, belligerent"; some of its synonyms are argumentative, fractious, and petulant.

Five of the six occurrences relate to a quarrelsome wife -- she is undesirable and to be avoided. Twice she is compared to a constant dripping, which could be a suitable euphemism for nagging. The sixth reference is to a quarrelsome man -- he is one who kindles strife. (The Bible's seventh occurrence of quarrelsome is in 1 Timothy 3:3 where it is listed as an unacceptable characteristic of a church leader.)

Lest the ladies are feeling unfairly chastised, recall that Solomon -- who wrote much of Proverbs -- had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Surely there were a few quarrelsome ones among the group, giving him ample reason to be so sensitive regarding this topic.

Regardless, quarrelsome is most certainly a characteristic to be avoided, both as a personal trait and among those you associate with.

[Occurrences of quarrelsome in the Bible.]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Along Came Folly

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:24:41 GMT

The word "folly" occurs 23 times in Proverbs and only 16 times in the rest of the Bible. The dictionary defines folly as "a lack of good sense, understanding, or foresight; an act of foolishness; or a costly undertaking having an absurd or ruinous outcome." I think that is exactly what Solomon had in mind as he advised against folly.

Over half of Proverbs' verses that include "folly," also pair it with the word "fool." That gives the perspective that folly is foolishness.

Also, just like the word "simple," "folly" is often contrasted with being "prudent." This implies that prudence is the prescription for folly.

Interestingly, in one instance, Solomon personifies "folly" as a woman who is loud, undisciplined, and without knowledge. That is a most effective metaphor, explaining why folly is to be avoided.

Of course, there are the simple who may desire a woman like Folly, but that just wouldn't be prudent -- and Solomon repeated cautions against liaisons of that nature.

[23 occurrences of folly in Proverbs]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Sometimes Simple Isn't Better

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The word "simple" is found 14 times in Proverbs and only six other times in the entire Bible. The dictionary defines a simple person as a "simpleton" or a "fool." However, the way "simple" is used in Proverbs seems to go beyond merely being a fool or a simpleton (that is, lacking common sense), but carries with it a lack of moral and ethical character.

Looking at these 14 occurrences reveals some reoccurring themes as someone who is foolish, who lacks understanding, judgment, knowledge, or wisdom, who is wayward, and who needs to be prudent. In fact, half of the verses in Proverbs that mention "simple," also mention "prudent" or "prudence," presenting it as a contrast to the "simple" or something that the "simple" should seek.

Fortunately, being simple is not an unchangeable condition, but a trait that can -- and should be -- overcome. The adages contained in the book of Proverbs are a good place to start.

[Mentions of "simple" in Proverbs]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Being Prudent

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:00:00 GMT

In contrast to the sluggard, is the prudent person. The word "prudent" also predominates the book of Proverbs with 10 appearances, contrasted to only two in the rest of the Bible.

"Prudent" means "wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgment or common sense; careful in regard to one's own interests or conduct." It seems that in many ways being prudent is the opposite of -- and therefore the desired alternative to -- being a sluggard.

Interestingly, half of the mentions of "prudent" specifically reference the male half of the population ("prudent man"), with only one to the female side ("prudent wife" -- she is a gift from God). The remaining mentions are directed to all people.

Based on this disparity in gender mentions, one might assume that being prudent is a bigger issue for men than women -- but that conclusion might not be prudent! The reality is that most everyone can improve in this area, that is, to be more prudent. Plus, it is easier (albeit shortsighted) to be a sluggard than prudent.

How might one's prudent behavior honor God?

[Mentions of "prudent" in the Bible.]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Are You a Sluggard?

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:00:00 GMT

The word "sluggard" occurs 14 times in Proverbs, but is nowhere to be found in the other 65 books of the Bible. This is curious.

First, what is a sluggard? A sluggard is "a slothful person; an idler; a person who is habitually indolent [lazy]" Consider then, Proverbs' 14 mentions of a sluggard:

How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?
As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is a sluggard to those who send him.
The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!
A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
The sluggard’s craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.
The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!” or, “I will be murdered in the streets!”
I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;
The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!”
As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.

It is clear that Solomon does not think much of sluggards, of lazy, idle, slothful people. According to his proverbs, sluggards do not plan or take initiative; they procrastinate and delude themselves about their own wisdom.

While few would consider themselves a sluggard, the preceding sluggardly characteristics are something that most of us struggle with upon occasion.

What steps do you take to avoid acting like a sluggard?

[Mentions of sluggard in the Bible.]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Recurring Words from Proverbs

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:11:25 GMT

There are several words that appear with disproportionate frequency in the book of Proverbs -- and with minimal representation in the rest of the Bible. They are:

Sluggard occurs 14 times in Proverbs and nowhere else in the Bible.
Prudent occurs 10 times in Proverbs and only twice elsewhere.
Simple is found 14 times in Proverbs and only six other times in the entire Bible.
Folly occurs 23 times in Proverbs and 16 times in the rest of the Bible.
Quarrelsome occurs 6 times in Proverbs and only one other time in the rest of the Bible.
Adulteress is mentioned 7 times in Proverbs and only 5 times elsewhere in the Bible.

Plus, there are some additional words that appear with surprising regularity in Proverbs:

Wisdom occurs 54 times in proverbs.
Path and paths are mentioned 29 times in Proverbs.

In upcoming posts, we will look at each of these words.

[The 1984 NIV version of the Bible was used in determining the number of occurrences.]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Proverbs

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:57:00 GMT

The book of Proverbs in the Bible has 31 chapters. I see them organized as follows:

Chapters 1 to 9: Solomon's personal instructions to his son (or sons). [Proverbs 1:8]
Chapters 10 to 24: More wise sayings (proverbs) of Solomon. [Proverbs 10:1]
Chapter 24:23-34: A brief collection of proverbs from other sources. [Proverbs 24:23]
Chapter 25-29: An apparent addendum, added by King Hezekiah's men, but understood to have been from Solomon. [Proverbs 25:1]
Chapter 30 and 31: Two appendices by other people that fit the book's overall theme: the sayings of Agur [Proverbs 30:1] and the sayings of King Lemuel [Proverbs 31:1], followed by an epilogue, about the wife of noble character [Proverbs 31:10], which is perhaps the most familiar passage in the entire book.

So there are essentially three segments to Proverbs:

1) Solomon teaching his son
2) More wise teachings from Solomon
3) More wise teaching from other people

In the next few weeks, we will look at the book of Proverbs in greater detail.

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

...and the Rest

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:52:00 GMT

So far, we have covered seven of the 15 judges mentioned in the book of Judges. They are the more commonly known judges, merely because there is more written about them. That leaves eight remaining judges, for whom very little is known. Often their entire life is summarized in just a couple of verses. They are:

Othneil (Judges 3:7-11) overpowered foreign oppression, resulting in 40 years of peace -- until he died. (Trivia: He was Caleb's nephew.)

Ehud (Judges 3:12-3:30) posed as a peaceful envoy with a private message for the king. The message was thrusting a sword into the king's fat belly. Ehud then escaped, rallied the troops, and routed the enemy army. Then there was 80 years of peace. (Trivia: he was left-handed.)

Shamgar (Judges 3:31) killed 600 Philistines. (Trivia: he used an oxgoad -- "a sharp wooden stick")

Tola (Judges 10:1-2) led Israel for 23 years; then he died.

Jair (Judges 10:3-5) led Israel for 22 years; then he died. (Trivia: he had 30 sons, who rode 30 donkeys, and controlled 30 towns.)

Ibzan (Judges 12:8-10) led Israel for seven years; then he died. (Trivia: he intermarried his 60 childrento people from other tribes.)

Elon (Judges 12:11-12) led Israel for ten years; then he died.

Abdon (Judges 12:13-15) led Israel for eight years; then he died. (Trivia: his 40 sons and 30 grandsons rode 70 donkeys.)

From this, I have two general observations:

1) For many, there is seemingly strange trivial information provided. While it may seem nonsensical to us now, it may have had important meaning back then. If we can ascertain it, additional insight could be gained.

2) More importantly, the recorded impact of these judges was largely limited to their lifetime; no mention is made of them setting up a successor or influencing others to lead after their death.

Contemplation: What are you doing to extend your influence beyond your life?

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Abimelech -- A Failure

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:00:00 GMT

One of Gideon's sons was Abimelech. It is arguable if Abimelech should be counted as a judge. If so, he would be classified as a failure, for he violently seized power, did not fight for or liberate his people from foreign powers, but instead fought internally, with much loss of life as a result -- including his own.

Abimelech was the son of a concubine (or slave). Interestingly, another judge, Jephthah, was a son of the prostitute. Jephthah, however, unlike Abimelech, was a successful judge, who liberated his people, whereas Abimelech killed -- or caused the death -- of his people.

Both Abimelech and Jephthah had a less than ideal start in life, but what they did with it was opposite from each other. Jephthah became a hero; Abimelech, a tyrant.

[Judges 9 and 10:6-12:7]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

The Victory and Despair of Jephthah

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:25:00 GMT

Another judge, who is prominently noted in the book of Judges is Jephthah. Jephthah, the son of a prostitute -- which doesn't say much for his dad -- was exiled from his people. However, when they became oppressed by a foreign power, they turned to him, asking for his help.

Eventually he agreed to their petition, doing exactly what they asked.

In his zeal for victory, however, he made an ill-advised vow to God. He promised God that if he were granted success, he would sacrifice the first thing he saw when he returned home. Tragically, it was his daughter -- his only child -- who first greeted him upon his victorious homecoming.

Distraught over his rash promise, his daughter urged him to do exactly as he had pledged.

It is unclear to me if this was to be a literal sacrifice, as Abram almost did with Isaac, or a figurative sacrifice of giving her over to God's service, as Samuel's mother did with him.

Regardless, Jephthah's reckless pledge resulted in a painful and regrettable loss for the otherwise victorious Jephthah.

We can learn from Jephthah's foolhardy words, guarding carefully what we say and promise.

[Judges 10:6-12:7]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

An Unnamed Levite

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:59:00 GMT

If judge Deborah is the reluctant hero and Micah is the anti-hero, then the final character listed in the book of Judges might be viewed as a questionable hero. This judge, a Levite whose name is not given, has a dubious set of morals and a morose method of getting attention. Consider:

The Levite had a concubine who ran away from him. He waited four months, before looking for her.
Upon their trip home, the men of Gibeah, with their unrestrained sexual appetites, desire the Levite. His response is to offer them his concubine as an alternative.
After abusing and misusing her all night, she crawls to the house and dies.
The Levite then cuts her body up and sends the pieces around the country.

His countrymen, sufficiently riled up, go on a rampage against the men of Gibeah, who are aided by surrounding cites from the tribe of Benjamen. This effective "civil" war results in tens of thousands of people being killed and the tribe of Benjamin being essentially annihilated.

While all the other judges in the book of Judges went after other nations, this quasi judge went after his own people. Yes, evil was confronted, but at a high cost and over an event that could have been avoided.

[Judges 19:1 to 21:48]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Micah, the Anti-Hero

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:56:00 GMT

A curious fellow in the book of Judges is Micah (not to be confused with the prophet Micah who lived many centuries later and has a book of the Bible named after him). Micah, with two chapters surrounding him, was not listed as a judge and did not lead the people to overthrow their oppressors. If anything, Micah was an anti-hero or anti-judge, and there is nothing positive in his story:

He stole silver from his mom.
When he later confessed this to her, she blessed him! Then she told him to keep the silver and make an idol.
Micah used the silver to cast an idol and carve an image; he also made a shrine and fabricated an ephod.
A wayward Levite happened by and Micah hired him to be his priest. (Although all priests were Levites, most Levites were not priests; this was determined by ancestry. This Levite was likely not meant to be a priest, yet he jumped at the chance, even though -- according to the Law of Moses -- he was in the wrong place and doing the wrong thing.)
Since Micah now had a priest, he concluded that God would bless him, (which doesn't seem to be the case.)

This is all backstory. Men from the tribe of Dan were looking for some land and come upon a "peaceful and unsuspecting people" -- not an oppressing people, which the other Judges fought against, but a peaceful people.

The men from Dan, bent on conquering, stole Micah's idol, image, and ephod, as well as enticing away his "priest." They went into battle and won. They then worshiped Micah's idol for several centuries.

Seemingly, everything Micah did was wrong.

[Judges 17 and 18]

A Reluctant Hero

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:06:52 GMT

Judge Deborah was a reluctant hero.

Deborah, also a prophetess, received instructions from God to relay to Barak. His mission was to lead a battle against their oppressors. When she shared this with Barak, he balked (as did Moses, Jonah, Gideon, and many others when God called them to a task). Barak did not want to go alone and requested that Deborah accompany him. Deborah agreed, but predicted that if she did, she would be the one credited with the victory and not Barak.

Apparently emboldened by her presence, Barak then did as instructed and led the army to victory. There is no mention of Deborah actually doing anything to ensure victory, except merely going with Barak. Yet, she is indeed the one who received the accolades.

I'm not sure if Barak lacked confidence in himself or in God, but either way, he wavered and did not obey God without question. Still, God was able to accomplish his purpose, albeit through Deborah.

It is always easier to serve God with a friend, but sometimes what God asks for is a solo effort.

[Judges 4:1 to 5:31]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Bible Reading Plans for 2012

Peter DeHaan — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:43:00 GMT

I encourage you to make a "New Year's Resolution" to methodically read your Bible in 2012. Here are some reading plans to help aid you in that effort:

Read the New Testament in a year (only 3 to 4 minutes a day, Monday - Friday only)

Read the Old Testament in a year (about 10 to 12 minutes a day)

Read the Entire Bible in a year (about 12 to 15 minutes a day)

Monthly reading plans (only 3 to 4 minutes a day)

The least effective way to read the Bible is to start on page 1 and read straight through to the end. The different sections, or "books," of the Bible are grouped by category and not so much in chronological order, so a sequential reading does not make much sense.

If this is your first time reading the Bible, we recommend starting with the New Testament. If that seems a bit overwhelming, check out the monthly reading plans. (Save the Old Testament and entire Bible plans for later.)

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Judge Deborah

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:00:00 GMT

Deborah is another familiar judge, with two chapters in the book of Judges devoted to her. There are some noteworthy facts about her:

1) She is the only female judge in the entire book. This was very counter-cultural for the day -- and very cool!

2) She was the only judge who actually "held court" -- which would be consistent with our modern understanding of what a judge does.

3) She was also a prophetess. Although there are many prophets listed in the Bible, there are only seven prophetesses (a female prophet). They are:

Miriam (Moses and Aaron's sister), Exodus 15:20
Deborah, Judges 4:4
Huldah, 2 Kings 22:14 and 2 Chronicles 34:22
Noadiah (a bad prophetess), Nehemiah 6:14
Isaiah's wife, whose name is not given, Isaiah 8:3
Anna, the prophetess in the temple who was waiting for Jesus, Luke 2:36
Jezebel, the evil prophetess mentioned in the Revelation 2:20.

Deborah was also a reluctant hero. She didn't want notoriety, but that is exactly what she received.

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Do As I Do

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMT

Just before Gideon goes to battle, he tells his men to "watch me," "follow my lead," and "do exactly what I do." His men did and God used their collective actions to throw the enemy into complete confusion. As a result, a great victory was won. Gideon's actions were worthy of emulation.

From a spiritual perspective, Paul said the same thing. He says what you have seen me do, you should do, too.

Frankly, I'm not sure I would want anyone to do everything I did. Yes, I do believe that I have some worthy qualities, but certainly there are a few areas that are not worthy of emulation, at least not all the time.

You may be familiar with the saying, "Do as I say, not as I do." Well, Gideon and Paul are bold enough to effectively say, "Do as I do."

Would you be confident enough in your actions to tell someone to "Do everything you see me doing"?

[Judges 7:17, Philippians 4:9]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.