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Thoughts on the readings for June 3rd (Joshua 20, 21, Isaiah 26, 27, Hebrews 10)
Episode 913
Joshua 20 speaks of the cities of refuge where the person who had accidentally killed another person is provided asylum until guilt, or innocence is determined. The process of determining innocence, or guilt, is outlined in verses 4-6. Verses 7-8 name the six cities of refuge, three on the western side of Jordan in Canaan and three east of Jordan. The three Western cities are Kedesh, Shechem and Hebron. The three cities to the east are Bezer, Ramoth and Golan. Although not officially a city of refuge Jerusalem was another. Verse 9 restates the purpose of these cities. In the days of Solomon when he gave charge to Shimei we find Solomon treating Jerusalem as a city when Solomon told Shimei that leaving that city would mean Shimei’s life would be forfeited.
Joshua 21 describes the 48 cities of the Levites who were distributed throughout the land to provide access for every Israelite to the teaching of God. The cities are named and their locations given. These cities were surrounded by fields to assist in the support of the Levites..
Verses 43-45 tell us that these cities were established after the Word of the LORD had been fulfilled, after Israel possessed the Promised Land and God’s people had entered their rest. This rest is symbolic of the kingdom rest when all will truly have rest from the effects of sin. The writer to the Hebrews speaks of this in Hebrews 4 verses 9-11. Read slowly, pause and ponder.
Picking up our train of thought from yesterday: why did God allow Isaiah these visions of hope such as those in chapters 2, 6, 25-27, 40 etc? We are told the reason in
1 Peter 1 verses 7-12 read carefully and contemplate. The prophet is given a glimpse of the peace and faithfulness that will be evident when Messiah’s kingdom comes.
Chapters 26-27 speak of redemption and the singing of the song of redemption in the land of Judah when Christ’s kingdom is established in the land. Chapter 26 speaks of the song and of those who will sing it from experience and with understanding. The song is told to us in verses 1-19. The place of the singing of the song is Jerusalem. In the history of this city, whose name means “vision of peace”, 27 major wars have been waged. Note from the song’s beginning the focus is on salvation and peace. Verse 1 says that the strength of the city’s defence – its walls and bulwarks – were in trusting of Yahweh Elohim of Israel. Verse 2 explains the requirements of a citizen who can dwell there – righteousness and truth – Psalms 15 and 24 elaborate. The result of trusting in the LORD will be perfect peace: Hebrew Shalom Shalom – peace peace ie absolute peace. For Israel’s Omnipotent Sovereign is,
verse 4, “the Rock of Ages” – the source of immovable and eternal security. Verses 5-6 tell us God’s mighty acts at both the international and personal level. In verses 7-9 tell of the prophet’s own yearnings for this time. Verses 10-11 tell of the anguish of the righteous for the contempt the wicked have for the Almighty. Verse 12 confesses Isaiah’s confidence that the righteous will not act in that way. Verses 13-19 contrast the fate of the ignorant and wicked with that of the understanding and faithful. The wicked will perish the righteous will be preserved. The wicked will sleep perpetually – Jeremiah 51:39, 57; but the righteous will be raised from the dead and live forever- Isaiah 26:19: clearly teaching resurrection. Verses 20-23 are a call for the righteous to hide while the LORD protects them until the time of judgment passes.
Isaiah 27 describes Israel’s redemption from all oppression and the Almighty’s hand being upon her foes to punish them for their evils. The enemies of Israel are poetically portrayed as a crocodile in verse 1. In verses 2-5 the Jewish nation is described as Yahweh’s vineyard. The same metaphor is used by the Lord Jesus Christ in several parables. Verses 6-11 speak of the attitude of restored Israel following God’s disciplining of them. Verse 12-13 descr
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