Category Archives: JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

“Made his arrows bright... consulted with images... looked in the liver?”, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

“Made his arrows bright… consulted with images… looked in the liver?”

“MADE HIS ARROWS BRIGHT… CONSULTED WITH IMAGES… LOOKED IN THE LIVER?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

What is going on in Ezekiel 21:21? “For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: he made his arrows bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the liver.” A strange verse indeed!

This passage features three methods of Babylonian divination, or discerning divine (pagan idol) guidance and foretelling the future. They are as follows:

  1. Making arrows bright — Also known as “belomancy,” it involved shaking marked or painted arrows in a quiver. The arrows were then thrown down. Finally, their pattern was used to determine the deity’s will. It was similar to casting lots. Think of the modern-day “drawing of straws” or the game known as “pick-up sticks.” We see another type of belomancy in 2 Kings 13:15-19, although this is JEHOVAH God’s prophet and not done under pagan/heathen circumstances.
  2. Consulting the images — This was the method of asking teraphim (small, household statues or gods) for advice. According to heathen superstitions, these inanimate (dead) idols were assumed to talk and relay information to their worshippers (Psalm 115:4-8; Psalm 135:15-18; Isaiah 8:19-20; Habakkuk 2:18-19; 1 Corinthians 12:2).
  3. Looking in the liver — Also known as “hepatoscopy,” it was the examination of an animal’s liver, particularly a sheep’s liver, when the carcass was sacrificed in pagan worship services. A special priest inspected the liver’s shape and arrangement, and used a catalog to interpret a certain prediction (thus arriving at the will of the gods).

The King of Babylon (in this context, Nebuchadnezzar) used such practices as ways to know what action his gods would have him to take—mainly, which area to conquer. Regardless of what Nebuchadnezzar would do though, JEHOVAH God would still accomplish His will for the nation Israel. Wicked Jerusalem would be invaded, and the LORD God evidently influenced Nebuchadnezzar’s divination to get him to do what He wanted (attack Jerusalem).

With all that in mind, read Ezekiel 21:18-24 now: “[18] The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying, [19] Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come: both twain shall come forth out of one land: and choose thou a place, choose it at the head of the way to the city. [20] Appoint a way, that the sword may come to Rabbath of the Ammonites, and to Judah in Jerusalem the defenced. [21] For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: he made his arrows bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the liver. [22] At his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to appoint captains, to open the mouth in the slaughter, to lift up the voice with shouting, to appoint battering rams against the gates, to cast a mount, and to build a fort. [23] And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken. [24] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are discovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because, I say, that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand.”

Also see:
» What were “Urim” and “Thummim?”
» Were the 12 Apostles wrong in choosing Matthias?
» What is God’s will for my Christian life?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What are “kine?”

What are “kine?”

WHAT ARE “KINE?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Kine” is an archaic word; that is, it has fallen away from common usage. However, it appears 24 times in the King James Bible. Notice the context is animals:

  • Genesis 32:15: “Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.”
  • Genesis 41:2: “And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow.”
  • Genesis 41:3: “And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river.”
  • Genesis 41:4: “And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.”
  • Genesis 41:18: “And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:….”
  • Genesis 41:19: “And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness:….”
  • Genesis 41:20: “And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:….”
  • Genesis 41:26: “The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.”
  • Genesis 41:27: “And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.”
  • Deuteronomy 7:13: “And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.”
  • Deuteronomy 28:4: “Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.”
  • Deuteronomy 28:18: “Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.”
  • Deuteronomy 28:51: “And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which also shall not leave thee either corn, wine, or oil, or the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.”
  • Deuteronomy 32:14: “Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.”
  • 1 Samuel 6:7: “Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them:…”
  • 1 Samuel 6:10: “And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home:….”
  • 1 Samuel 6:12: “And the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Bethshemesh.”
  • 1 Samuel 6:14: “And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Bethshemite, and stood there, where there was a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart, and offered the kine a burnt offering unto the LORD.”
  • 2 Samuel 17:29: “And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.”
  • Amos 4:1: “Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.” (By the way, this instance of “kine” is God being sarcasm. These are not literal animals. He is actually talking to luxurious women caught up in materialism and idolatry!)

The Oxford English Dictionary says of “kine:” “(archaic) cows collectively.”

Strong’s has the following: “H6510 פָּרָה pârâh, paw-raw’; feminine of H6499; a heifer:—cow, heifer, kine.” Our 1611 translators rendered it as follows: “kine” (18 times), “heifer” (6 times), “cow” (2 times). This Hebrew word appears 26 times in the Hebrew text of the King James Bible. Two other Hebrew terms are translated “kine” as well: they are ‘eleph (H504 אֶלֶף) and baqar (H1241 בָּקָר). For simplicity’s sake, we will not discuss them. If you want to see how else baqar can be used, see our “beeves” study linked below.

Also see:
» What are “beeves?”
» What is the “caul?”
» What is a “wen?”

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What are “beeves?”

What are “beeves?”

WHAT ARE “BEEVES?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

While appearing to be an archaic word, you will be surprised to learn that “beeves” is actually the plural form of a noun we use quite often. Have you guess it yet? (Hint: Think “beef!”)

It appears seven times in the King James Bible:

  • Leviticus 22:19: “Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.”
  • Leviticus 22:21: “And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.”
  • Numbers 31:28: “And levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war which went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep:….”
  • Numbers 31:30: “And of the children of Israel’s half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.”
  • Numbers 31:33: “And threescore and twelve thousand beeves,….”
  • Numbers 31:38: “And the beeves were thirty and six thousand; of which the LORD’S tribute was threescore and twelve.”
  • Numbers 31:44: “And thirty and six thousand beeves,….”

Strong’s has the following: “H1241 בָּקָר bâqâr, baw-kawr’; from H1239; a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd:—beeve, bull (+ -ock), + calf, + cow, great (cattle), + heifer, herd, kine, ox.”

This Hebrew word appears 182 times in the Hebrew text of the King James Bible. Our 1611 translators handled it as follows: “ox” (78 times), “herd” (44 times), “beeves” (7 times), “young” (18 times), “young” (with H1121—ben) (17 times), “bullock” (6 times), “bullock” (with H1121—ben) (2 times), “calf” (with H1121—ben) (2 times), “heifer” (2 times), “kine” (2 times), “bulls” (1 time), “cattle” (1 time), “cow’s” (1 time), “great” (1 time).

Also see:
» What are “kine?”
» What is the “purtenance?”
» What is “scurvy?”

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What is “scurvy?”

What is “scurvy?”

WHAT IS “SCURVY?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

Leviticus 22:22 says: “Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto the LORD, nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto the LORD.” Just what exactly is “scurvy?”

We can look in The Oxford English Dictionary to discover the following: “a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by swollen bleeding gums and the opening of previously healed wounds, which particularly affected poorly nourished sailors until the end of the 18th century.” The word originated from “the late Middle English (as an adjective meaning ‘scurfy’): from scurf + -y. [This] noun use (mid 16th century) is by association with French scorbut (see scorbutic).” “Scurf” is defined as “flakes on the surface of the skin that form as fresh skin develops below, occurring especially as dandruff.”

The underlying Hebrew word, (Strong’s H1618) garab, is found two other times in the Bible text:

  • Leviticus 21:20: “Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy [garab], or scabbed, or hath his stones broken;….” (These outlined some of the traits Aaron’s sons needed to lack in order to serve as Israeli priests—see verses 16-24. They, being without blemish, pictured Jesus Christ in His flawless state as the ultimate High Priest. See Hebrews 7:26 at the end of this article.)
  • Deuteronomy 28:27: “The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab [garab], and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.” (This was God’s warning to Israel if she failed to keep all His commandments. The “botch” here was a boil; the “emerods” were tumors—namely, hemorrhoids.)

Apparently, “scurvy” and “scab” are synonyms—they are used interchangeably. In summary, “scurvy” is a skin disease we cannot positively identify (scab, rash, itch of some type). As Leviticus 22:22 says, God did not want the animal to be sacrificed to Him if it had any blemishes or flaws (injuries, disabilities, sicknesses, et cetera). Why? These animals were types, or previews, of Jesus Christ, who would be the lamb “without blemish and without spot.” They had to be perfect in order to predict Him as the sinless blood sacrifice (only a sinless sacrifice could cover and cleanse sinners). Notice:

  • First Peter 1:18-21: “[18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: [20] Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, [21] Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.”
  • Second Corinthians 5:21: “For he [Father God] hath made him [Christ Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
  • Hebrews 4:15: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
  • Hebrews 7:26: “For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;….”
  • First Peter 2:22: “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:….”

Also see:
» What is a “wen?”
» Why did God demand blood sacrifices?
» Why did God reject Cain’s offering?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What is a “wen?”

What is a “wen?”

WHAT IS A “WEN?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

Leviticus 22:22 says: “Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto the LORD, nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto the LORD.” What exactly is a “wen?”

We can consult The Oxford English Dictionary: “a boil or other swelling or growth on the skin, especially a sebaceous [oily-secretions] cyst.” The Old English word was wen(n), from unknown origin. Although, interestingly enough, the Low German term wehne means “tumor, wart.” They may be related.

The English and underlying Hebrew words are found this one time in the Bible text, so we have no other verses for comparison. Hebrew can help us here. The word is Strong’s H2990—yabbel. Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon defines it as: “flowing out, sc. [that is to say] with matter, suffering from ulcers.”

Tying this all together, a “wen” is some sort of lump on the skin—an oozing or festering sore, swelling, ulcer, blister, or wart. As Leviticus 22:22 says, God did not want the animal to be sacrificed to Him if it had any blemishes or flaws (injuries, disabilities, sicknesses, et cetera). Why? These animals were types, or previews, of Jesus Christ, who would be the lamb “without blemish and without spot.” They had to be perfect in order to predict Him as the sinless blood sacrifice (only a sinless sacrifice could cover and cleanse sinners). Notice:

  • First Peter 1:18-21: “[18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: [20] Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, [21] Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.”
  • Second Corinthians 5:21: “For he [Father God] hath made him [Christ Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
  • Hebrews 4:15: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
  • Hebrews 7:26: “For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;….”
  • First Peter 2:22: “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:….”

Also see:
» What is “scurvy?”
» Why did God demand blood sacrifices?
» Why did God reject Cain’s offering?

CALVINISM, Did Judas Iscariot have to betray Christ?, Did Judas Iscariot have to betray Christ?, Did Judas Iscariot have to betray Christ?, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, THE NATION ISRAEL

Did Judas Iscariot have to betray Christ?

DID JUDAS ISCARIOT HAVE TO BETRAY CHRIST?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Was Judas Iscariot treated fairly in the whole “betrayal matter?” Did he have a choice in it at all? Or had God already specifically selected him to betray the Lord Jesus Christ? As we will see, it is an interesting combination of free will and God’s foreknowledge.

If we consider the Holy Bible in totality, we see that the Creator God is very generous. He is more than willing to be merciful and forgive, more than eager to be gracious, ready to be kind and longsuffering. Exodus chapter 34 testifies: “[6] And the LORD passed by before him [Moses], and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, [7] Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.” (The close of verse 7 shows that God also does not take sin lightly. Yes, He is loving, but He is righteous too. He will enforce a punishment when that righteous standard is not met.)

When we find someone in the Bible facing the wrath of a just God, or meeting some dire fate at the hands of a righteous God, we can be sure there was ample warning issued prior. God’s judgment does not simply fall on someone without notice. A clear Divine commandment was broken first: God’s Word was ignored and sin was pursued. When people die and go to Hell today, never can it be said that “they did not know” or that “they did not have a chance.” The Bible could not be clearer about the eternal death (Hell and the Lake of Fire) awaiting all sinners who do not trust Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. All have been warned; it is not God’s fault if they refuse to hear His innumerable forewarnings! (This will be important later in our discussion.)

Returning to the issue of Judas Iscariot, let us consider the following. On the night of His betrayal, Jesus Christ quoted an Old Testament verse that predicted that betrayal. Read John chapter 13, noting especially verses 18 and 21-27:

“[18] I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture [Psalm 41:9] may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. [19] Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. [20] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. [21] When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. [22] Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. [23] Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. [24] Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. [25] He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? [26] Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. [27] And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. [28] Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. [29] For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. [30] He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.”

It is interesting that while the Lord Jesus referred to His betrayer, He never actually named him. Rather, He just said “one of you” (verse 21) would be the betrayer. He never commanded Judas, “You are the one whom God has chosen to betray Me.” Now, someone may say that Jesus giving Judas the sop (or moistened bread) influenced Judas to fulfill the prophecy. This argument is invalid, for Judas at this point had already contracted with the chief priests to betray Christ. Judas had already made up his mind.

John 13:18-30 parallels Matthew 26:20-25, which means that Matthew 26:14-16 preceded, came before, the Upper Room Passover we just read about in John. Notice Matthew 26:14-16: “[14] Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, [15] And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. [16] And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.” Jesus never told anyone about His betrayer until later (that is, the passage we just read from John), so Jesus’ words on the subject in no way influenced Judas to betray Him. Judas had always been an idolater: he never had an interest in serving the one true God and His Son Jesus Christ. For three years, Judas Iscariot had played the hypocrite. He had pretended to be a disciple, and while he had fooled all the others, Jesus Christ was never deceived (check John 6:70-71, for example). From the time of Matthew 26:14-16, Judas began to try to find a convenient time to betray Christ. There was to be no uproar or commotion. It was to be done as clandestinely as possible.

As per Acts chapter 1, the Old Testament prophets predicted the fall of one of Jesus’ disciples. With Jesus post-resurrection explaining the Old Testament Messianic verses to His disciples (Luke 24:44-48; Acts 1:1-4), they could interpret those ancient Scriptures once He ascended and return to Heaven. They gained information about Judas Iscariot.

Now we understand how the Apostle Peter had such tremendous Scriptural insight in Acts chapter 1: “[16] Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. [17] For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. [18] Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. [19] And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. [20] For it is written in the book of Psalms [Psalm 69:25], Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and [Psalm 109:8] his bishoprick let another take.”

Take a few moments to read the original quotes in Psalms. “Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents” (Psalm 69:25). “Let his days be few; and let another take his office” (Psalm 109:8). Did you read here, or anywhere else in the Psalms, about a Judas Iscariot? There is nothing. The prophecy was specific in that Jesus’ betrayer would be His friend: “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9; cf. John 13:18). Yet, it was also general in that the betrayer is unknown. By concealing the person’s identity, God the Holy Spirit was affording Judas Iscariot the opportunity to avoid it being true of him. God in His foreknew saw into the future. He knew it would ultimately be Judas, but He let Judas decide if he wanted to betray Christ. That is, God’s Word had not already selected Judas Iscariot to commit that dastardly deed. Judas had already determined to do it, and Jesus simply let him do it.

Yet, as that time of evil approaches, we can God’s grace being offered to Judas time and time again. If you search the Four Gospel Records—especially Matthew, Luke, and John—you will discover that Judas had many opportunities to turn around, to not go through with the betrayal. He refused them all because he was never a believer in Christ. Even though he had already made the decision, and had already accepted the 30 pieces of silver, God was still willing to be friendly toward His betrayer. Watch carefully.

Matthew 26:21-25: “[21] And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. [22] And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? [23] And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. [24] The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. [25] Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.” (Judas had plenty of opportunity here to back out of the betrayal, as it had not yet occurred. He asked a rhetorical question in verse 25. He knew he had already promised to betray Christ—see verses 14-16 again! Jesus let Judas admit it.)

John 18:4-9 is another interesting passage on the subject: “[4] Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? [5] They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. [6] As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. [7] Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. [8] Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: [9] That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.” (Judas could have turned back in these verses as well. He did not; he carried on through with the betrayal.)

Now, Luke 22:48: “But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” (Here, during the betrayal, Jesus is asking a rhetorical question, prompting Judas to think about what he was doing. “Judas, are you really going to betray the Son of Man with a kiss? Is this how it is going to turn out?” Judas could have backed out again, the opportunity was there, but he was not about to take it.)

Try Matthew 26:49-50, the most startling of all: “[49] And forthwith he [Judas] came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. [50] And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him.” (Here, after the kiss of betrayal, Jesus still addressed Judas as “friend!!” Jesus was reminding Judas he was one of them, one of His most trusted Apostles. Even after it occurred, the Lord Jesus was willing to forgive and restore Judas to fellowship. “Friend, why are you come?” Can you hear the tenderness here? Using his free will, Judas bypasses this as well; he refuses to accept God’s invitation to friendship.)

CONCLUSION

Judas Iscariot did what he did because: (1) he was a sinner, (2) he was an idolater, (3) he was never a true follower of Christ, (4) he coveted 30 pieces of silver, and (5) he was a willing participant of Satan’s policy of evil. God is not to be blamed; He saw all outcomes but He never forced any one outcome! The Bible had already predicted a close friend of Jesus would betray Him, but God never singled out Judas until Judas had already covenanted for the 30 pieces of silver. Jesus did not reveal him until he had already determined what he was going to do. Judas alone made the choice—it was his wrong choice, yes, but it was his choice. God gave Judas plenty of opportunity to turn around, to not betray Christ, but the Bible never says Judas took advantage of any of those chances.

Also see:
» Why did Jesus select evil Judas Iscariot to be an apostle?
» Was Judas forgiven?
» Why does the Bible give two accounts of Judas’s death?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What did Jesus mean “Take up your cross?”

What did Jesus mean, “Take up your cross?”

WHAT DID JESUS MEAN, “TAKE UP YOUR CROSS?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

We find the expression four times in the text of the King James Bible. What is being communicated?

  • Matthew 16:24: “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
  • Mark 8:34: “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
  • Mark 10:21: “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.”
  • Luke 9:23: “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

You may recall that we have a similar expression in the English language. “That is his cross to bear” is used to describe someone enduring a trial, difficulty, burden, or misfortune. However, this is not what the Bible means when speaking of taking up a cross. A cross does not symbolize a burden or trouble per se; rather it is an emblem of rejection and its accompanying shame.

The stage was already set for Matthew 16:24 in verse 21: “[21] From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day…. [24] Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Did you notice the connection? While subtle here, the parallel verses make it clearer.

Before we get to Mark 8:34, we read in verse 31: “[31] And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again…. [34] And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Did you catch how Mark’s account emphasized the rejection of Christ? Jesus going to Calvary is the result of Israel refusing Him, saying they have no king but Caesar (cf. John 19:15).

Read Luke 9:23 with verse 22: “[22] [Jesus Christ was] Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. [23] And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Like Mark’s version, the context is Jesus Christ being disallowed, spurned, rejected.

Not only did Jesus Christ’s own people reject Him and then demand His death by crucifixion, He actually carried His cross for a time. The Book of John, chapter 19, verse 17: “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha.” For all the crowds to see, the Son of God—beaten, bruised, and bloody—literally carries the symbol of His rejection. That wooden structure on His shoulders, and His subsequent nailing to it, is the monument to the fact that God’s special people, the nation Israel, want absolutely nothing to do with their long-promised Messiah, His only begotten Son. It is in light of all that that Jesus Christ spoke of His disciples as bearing their cross behind Him.

With all of this said, we can read the verses that follow the taking up of the cross:

  • Matthew 16:25-27: “[25] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. [26] For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? [27] For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”
  • Mark 8:35-38: “[35] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. [36] For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? [37] Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? [38] Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
  • Luke 9:24-26: “[24] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. [25] For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? [26] For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.”

The idea of taking up the cross means a follower of Jesus Christ is prepared to be rejected of men for His sake. Since Christ is in them, and this present world is under Satan’s control, the two are incompatible. This world system does not want to glorify Jesus Christ, and Christ’s followers do. There is an inherent controversy, contention, conflict, or battle. The Lord Jesus was telling His Jewish followers quite a mouthful when He instructed them to take up their cross and follow Him. If they truly followed Him, suffering was sure to come their way. They would be refused and hated too.

First John chapter 3 was written along those very lines: “[11] For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. [12] Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. [13] Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” James 4:4 is an interesting little bit of commentary here: “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

When Jesus spoke to the Little Flock about taking up their cross and following Him, He was speaking of the rejection and shame they would experience for aligning themselves with Him. As their Jewish brethren (unbelievers) refused to have anything to do with Him, their rightful King, the fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant, so they would have nothing to do with His followers. Families would be divided and believers in Jesus would be ridiculed and mistreated. The Jewish believers, the kingdom saints, the Little Flock, Israel’s believing remnant, would be unpopular with the rest of the nation. Notice the Lord Jesus Christ’s words:

  • John 15:18,24-25: “[18] If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you…. [24] If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. [25] But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law [Psalm 69:4], They hated me without a cause.”
  • Matthew 10:22: “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”
  • Mark 13:13: “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
  • Luke 21:17: “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.”

The Little Flock would have to not be attached to this evil world system: Jesus warned that whoever would gain the whole world, that person would lose his soul (Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:36; cf. Luke 9:25). He also promised that whoever would lose their life for His sake, they would find their life. They would be hated for His sake, but it would be worth it. He would reward them at His return (Matthew 16:27). Luke adds the little qualifier of taking up the cross “every day” (Luke 9:23). There is a daily rejection to be experienced, and shame to go with it.

To deny himself means to put his own desires aside. We naturally want to be accepted, but Jesus told His disciples to “deny [themselves] and take up [their] cross.” In other words, “I am being rejected, and if you want to come after Me—to be My follower—you will have to be rejected of men too. Take up your cross every day, and share in My shame!” For those Jews who do not want to suffer shame for Him, He warned His Jewish audience, “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:26). “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38).

Luke 9:57-62 is a good summary of the issue of taking up the cross: “[57] And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. [58] And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” This man wanted to “follow” Jesus wherever He went. Ultimately, Jesus said (paraphrased), “Israel does not want Me, and if you truly follow Me, they will not want you either!”

While the Apostle Paul never said anything along these lines of taking up a cross, we Christians in the Dispensation of Grace still face similar rejection and shame. Whether the Jewish kingdom saints or us in the Body of Christ, there is a common enemy. Satan’s goal is to silence us, discredit us, intimidate us however he can. There is a common sin nature working in all people as well: that wicked nature rebels against the works of God. These facts converge to cause the world to hate all those who follow the God of the Bible, regardless of the dispensation or time in human history.

SUPPLEMENTAL: DID JESUS CHRIST’S REJECTION SHOCK FATHER GOD?

Father God was not caught by surprise when Israel rejected His Son. Many centuries earlier, it was prophesied in the Psalms: “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner” (118:22). The Lord Jesus quoted this very passage when predicting His rejection.

Matthew 21:42: “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?” Mark 12:10: “And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:….” Luke 20:17: “And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?” First Peter 2:4-7, also quoting the Psalms, says of Jesus Christ: “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed [rejected] indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,… Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed [rejected], the same is made the head of the corner,….”

You may also see Luke 17:25, which speaks of Christ’s suffering before His glorious Second Coming: “But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.” John 1:11-12 is a fitting summary, highlighting both Jewish believers and Jewish unbelievers: “[11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not. [12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:….”

“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me”
(Philippians 1:29-30).

Also see:
» “The Son of man hath not where to lay his head?”
» Can we witness “too much” to family members?
» If suffering is sure to follow, why serve Jesus Christ?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What is the “caul?”

What is the “caul?”

WHAT IS THE “CAUL?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

It depends on the context, as there are three types of “caul” in the Authorized Version King James Bible.

Firstly, as appearing in Hosea 13:8: “I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them.” This, of course, is figurative, but it has a literal truth associated with it. God’s judgment is coming upon the wicked Jews. Just as a wild animal would attack its prey, so JEHOVAH God will soon bring the captivities (Assyrian and Babylonian) on Israel (10 northern tribes) and Judah (two southern tribes) respectively. This happened in the centuries before Jesus Christ. “Caul” here is symbolic, remember, but it still refers to the breast, membrane, or some covering of the heart meant to protect it. This is the Hebrew word סְגוֹר, cĕgowr. (Strangely, it is rendered “gold” in Job 28:15, as gold is carefully stored or safely secured, covered and protected.)

Secondly, there is the “caul” of Isaiah 3:18: “In that day the LORD will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon,….” In this context, it means a woman’s headband, head ornament, or hair-netting of some kind. One Bible dictionary says, “A head-dress, made in checker-work; long, like a scarf; worn by women for ornament.” The Hebrew here is שְׁבִיס, shabiyc.

Lastly, we have the “caul” most often found in the Bible. It is always applied to the sacrificial animals in Judaism. In Hebrew, the word is יֹתֶרֶת, yothereth. This is where the bulk of our study will focus.

Notice, for example, the first appearance of this third sense of “caul:” “And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar” (Exodus 29:13). Context clues allow us to make an informed decision that “caul” is an animal’s body part; moreover, “caul” is associated with the liver. In fact, the liver itself can be divided into various lobes or parts. The “caul” may be one of these lobes, an overhanging flap, an appendage resembling a duplicate liver rather than the extension of a single liver. One source suggests that the “caul” is really the “caudate lobe” of the liver. Whatever the “caul” was, the Jewish priests recognized it, and it was to be offered in sacrifice to JEHOVAH God as we see in the following verses:

  • Exodus 29:13: “And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.”
  • Exodus 29:22: “Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right shoulder; for it is a ram of consecration:….”
  • Leviticus 3:4: “And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.
  • Leviticus 3:10: “And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.”
  • Leviticus 3:15: “And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.”
  • Leviticus 4:9: “And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away,….”
  • Leviticus 7:4: “And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul that is above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away:….”
  • Leviticus 8:16: “And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned it upon the altar.”
  • Leviticus 8:25: “And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right shoulder:….”
  • Leviticus 9:10: “But the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt upon the altar; as the LORD commanded Moses.”
  • Leviticus 9:19: “And the fat of the bullock and of the ram, the rump, and that which covereth the inwards, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver:….”

Also see:
» What is the “purtenance?”
» Why did God demand the blood sacrifices?
» Why did God reject Cain’s offering?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What is the “purtenance?”

What is the “purtenance?”

WHAT IS THE “PURTENANCE?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

The word appears only once in the King James Bible. It is found specifically in Exodus 12:9: “Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.” What is the “purtenance” though?

Our English term “purtenance” has the following etymology: “Middle English portenaunce, literally, appurtenance, from Anglo-French partenance, from partenir “to belong.” (The word “pertain” also originated from here.) Using this information, and the surrounding words in the verse, we can get a general sense of “purtenance” as pertaining to the body of an animal (especially the Passover lamb, or goat—see verse 5). Notice the references to the head and legs of the creature.

The underlying Hebrew word (Strong’s #H7130, קֶרֶב, qereb) was rendered in the Authorized Version as follows: “among” (76 times), “midst” (73 times), “within” (24 times), “inwards” (22 times), “in” (6 times), and 26 miscellaneous occurrences. For example, Sarah laughed “within” herself (Genesis 18:12), Abraham dwelt “among” the Canaanites (Genesis 24:3), Rebekah’s twins struggled “within” her womb (Genesis 25:22), and so on. So, we get the general idea of something internal.

In the case of Exodus 12:9, “purtenance” is really the entrails or guts of the Passover animal. Again, this is the only time the word is used. However, the idea is frequent in Scripture. Our 1611 translators usually employed the word “inwards”—not “purtenance” —when referring to sacrificial animals. Notice:

  • Exodus 29:13: “And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”], and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.”
  • Exodus 29:17: “And thou shalt cut the ram in pieces, and wash the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”] of him, and his legs, and put them unto his pieces, and unto his head.”
  • Exodus 29:22: “Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”], and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right shoulder; for it is a ram of consecration:….”
  • Leviticus 1:13: “But he shall wash the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”] and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring it all, and burn it upon the altar: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.”
  • Leviticus 3:3: “And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”], and all the fat that is upon the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”],….”
  • Leviticus 3:9: “And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”], and all the fat that is upon the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”],….”
  • Leviticus 3:14: “And he shall offer thereof his offering, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”], and all the fat that is upon the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”],….”
  • Leviticus 4:8: “And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”], and all the fat that is upon the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”],….”
  • Leviticus 4:11: “And the skin of the bullock, and all his flesh, with his head, and with his legs, and his inwards [qereb, “purtenance”], and his dung,….”
  • Leviticus 7:3: “And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”],….”
  • Leviticus 8:16: “And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”], and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned it upon the altar.”
  • Leviticus 8:21: “And he washed the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”] and the legs in water; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar: it was a burnt sacrifice for a sweet savour, and an offering made by fire unto the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.”
  • Leviticus 8:25: “And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that was upon the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”], and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right shoulder:….”
  • Leviticus 9:14: “And he did wash the inwards [qereb, “purtenance”] and the legs, and burnt them upon the burnt offering on the altar.”

Also see:
» What is the “caul?”
» Why did God demand the blood sacrifices?
» Why did God reject Cain’s offering?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What are the “posts” in the Book of Esther?

What are the “posts” in the Book of Esther?

WHAT ARE THE “POSTS” IN THE BOOK OF ESTHER?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Notice the following four verses:

  • Esther 3:13: “And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.”
  • Esther 3:15: “The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.”
  • Esther 8:10: “And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus’ name, and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:”
  • Esther 8:14: “So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.”

According to Dr. Strong, the Hebrew word and definition is: “rûwts, roots; a primitive root; to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush):—break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post.”

Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon says: “(a) the horsemen, warriors of the Persian kings, whose business it was to carry the royal mandates to the provinces, Est. 3:13, 15; 8:14.—(b) the guard, and royal messengers of the Hebrews in the time of Saul, 1 Sa. 22:17; and of the kings after David, 2 Ki. 10:25; 11:6, seq.;… Compare 1 Ki. 1:5; 14:27; 2 Sa. 15:1.”

According to The Oxford English Dictionary, “post” in the historical sense refers to: “each of a series of couriers who carried mail on horseback between fixed stages.” In an archaic sense: “a person or vehicle that carries mail.” What Esther is actually highlighting is a primitive postal system. In America, we would call it an Eastern “Pony Express.”

Encyclopedia Britannica says in its “Postal system” article:

“Since good communications were clearly essential for governing the extensive empires of the ancient world, it is not surprising that among the earliest historical references to postal systems were those concerning Egypt about 2000 BC and China under the Chou dynasty 1,000 years later. It was probably in China that a posthouse relay system was first developed and was brought to a high state of development under the Mongol emperors. The great Persian Empire of Cyrus in the 6th century BC also employed relays of mounted messengers, served by posthouses. The system was favourably described by the Greek historians Herodotus and Xenophon. The admiration of the Greeks was natural since their political divisions inhibited the growth of a coherent postal system, although each city-state possessed its corps of messengers.” (Bold emphasis mine.)

The Persian reference ties in with what we just read from the Book of Esther. In fact, Dr. Scofield estimates the time span covered in Esther is 520-510 B.C., or late 6th century B.C. (as Encyclopedia Britannica reports). That is to say, Esther demonstrates the Bible’s historicity. According to world historians, there really was an elaborate postal system operating in Persia (modern Iran) some 500 years before Christ. How sophisticated was it though?

King Ahasuerus sent “posts” with letters into all his provinces. These men (or armed couriers, if you like) rode horses, mules, camels, and dromedaries (one-humped camels) to reach their destinations and deliver the message as soon as possible. The scale of this system is not appreciated though until Esther 1:1 is consulted: “Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)….” Overall, these “posts” had to traverse the whole Middle East—no small feat! Of course, there were no computers, cell phones, fax machines, televisions, and so on. Communication was ever so slow in those days. How we have come such a long way!

It just goes to show us that the Bible is indeed a historical Book: when it speaks of history, it speaks accurately. For someone to dismiss it as “fairytales” means they really have not read it and thus have no qualifications to speak about it.

Also see:
» What are phylacteries?
» Why does “overturn” appear thrice in Ezekiel 21:27?
» Did Goliath suffer from a brain tumor?