Category Archives: JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

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

What is a “champaign?”

WHAT IS A “CHAMPAIGN?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

Here is the solitary occasion in which the term appears in the King James Bible: “Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?” (Deuteronomy 11:30). The key is to note the context is geography, and we have here a feature of the landscape of Palestine.

In Hebrew, “champaign” is “’araba,” usually rendered “plain” (42 times), but sometimes translated “desert” (nine times) or “wilderness” (five times), and twice transliterated (“Arabah”) in Joshua 18:18. Basically, “champaign” is an archaic word that means “a plain or field, flat open land.” The word comes to us through the Old French “champagne” (“open country”), related to the Latin “campus” (“level ground”). A similar word is campaign, which, in a military sense, is an army confining its activities to a particular region.

The verse in Deuteronomy refers to two mountains—Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal (verse 29)—west of the Jordan River. (Moses and Israel are standing on the eastern bank of the Jordan.) The Canaanites live in the “champaign,” or “level country,” situated between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.

Also see:
» What does “a land flowing with milk and honey” mean?
» What is “the flood” of Joshua 24:2?
» What is the significance of Lot’s wife being turned into a pillar of salt?
» What is “the potter’s field?”

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

What is “rereward?”

WHAT IS “REREWARD?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Rereward”—found just four times in the King James Bible—has a definition we can probably guess if we just sound out the word and read the pertinent verses. The key is to say it as “rere-ward” instead of “re-reward:”

  • Numbers 10:25: “And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.”
  • Joshua 6:9: “And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.”
  • Joshua 6:13: “And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; but the rereward came after the ark of the LORD, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.”
  • 1 Samuel 29:2: “And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands: but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish.”

It has nothing to do with a reward but everything to do with position within a formation. For a hint, draw your attention to the two Joshua passages above. Notice the “rereward” is that which “came after” the Ark of the Covenant. Do you see its meaning now? It is simply an alternate spelling of “rearward”—something toward the back. All four passages are in the context of military arrangements, with the rear guard taking the position of rereward or hindmost.

Also see:
» What does “in array” mean?
» What does “fetch a compass” mean?
» What does “discomfit” mean?

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

What is “milch?”

WHAT IS “MILCH?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Milch” is thrice used in the Authorized Version:

  • Genesis 32:15: “Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.”
  • 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:….”

Though rare today, “milch” is neither archaic nor obsolete. (Sound it out. It is more familiar than you think!) According to The Oxford English Dictionary, the world’s best-known authority on the English language, “milch” is defined as “denoting a domestic mammal giving or kept for milk.” Both “milch” and “milk” are derived from the Old English “milc, milcian,” from a Germanic term. While “milk” can be either a noun (the liquid itself) or a verb (the act of obtaining milk from the animal), “milch” is an adjective (descriptive of the animal). There is no misspelling.

Also see:
» What are “kine?”
» What is a “sop?”
» What are “cracknels?”

Can you explain “durst?”, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

Can you explain “durst?”

CAN YOU EXPLAIN “DURST?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

The King James Bible features “durst” nine times. It is the simple past tense of a more familiar word—“dare” (as in a risk or venture). Read the following verses and their contexts and apply that definition of “dared:”

  • Esther 7:5: “Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?”
  • Job 32:6: “And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.”
  • Matthew 22:46: “And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.”
  • Mark 12:34: “And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.”
  • Luke 20:40: “And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.”
  • John 21:12: “Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.”
  • Acts 5:13: “And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.”
  • Acts 7:32: “Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.”
  • Jude 9: “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.”

In all the above cases, individuals are hazarding or not hazarding themselves by pursuing a certain course of action. As opposed to complaining about “archaic” words, we have expanded our vocabulary.

Also see:
» Can you explain “inditing?”
» What does “trow” mean?
» Can you explain “bethink?”
» What does “circumspect” mean?

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

What is a “sop?”

WHAT IS A “SOP?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

It is featured thrice in the King James Bible.

John chapter 13: “[18] I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against 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.”

This is the night of the Last Supper—the final time Christ will eat the Passover with His disciples before His death (Luke 22:13-16). They have assembled in the Upper Room in Jerusalem, and upon revealing the news that someone will betray Him, He is asked to elaborate on that person’s identity. He marks the traitor by handing him a “sop.” As you may have guessed, “sop” is related to “sup” (as in “supper”), “sip,” and “soup.” A “sop” is just a morsel of bread, or even meat, dipped into a soup, broth, or gravy. (Think of something like our chips and dip.) Sop was originally given to an honored guest to signify friendship, and, apparently, Judas Iscariot was Jesus’ best friend (see Psalm 41:9; John 13:18,21). Foods were dipped because our table utensils were unknown to this culture.

Also see:
» Did Judas Iscariot have to betray Christ?
» Where did Matthias go after replacing Judas Iscariot?
» Who is Judas’ replacement—Matthias or Paul?
» Why did Jesus select evil Judas Iscariot to be an apostle?
» Why does the Bible give two accounts of Judas’s death?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, Was Christ’s earthly ministry an “epic failure?”

Was Christ’s earthly ministry an “epic failure?”

WAS CHRIST’S EARTHLY MINISTRY AN “EPIC FAILURE?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

It is extremely easy for some to conclude Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry was an “epic failure.” After all, consider the many awful, adverse incidents that highlight it.

THE TRAGEDY, PART I: ABOUNDING INSULTS

Various and sundry insults were directed toward the Lord Jesus Christ, including the following:

  • DECEIVER: “Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again” (Matthew 27:63). “And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people” (John 7:12).
  • CRAZY: “And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself [insane]” (Mark 3:20-21). “And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad [lunatic]; why hear ye him?” (John 10:20).
  • BLASPHEMER: “And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth” (Matthew 9:3; cf. Mark 2:7; Luke 5:21). “Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy” (Matthew 26:65; cf. Mark 14:64).
  • DEVIL-POSSESSED: “And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub [Satan], and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils…. Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit” (Mark 3:22,30; cf. Matthew 12:24). “But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils” (Luke 11:15). “Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” (John 8:48). “And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?” (John 10:20).
  • BASTARD/ILLEGITIMATE: “…Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God” (John 8:41). These unbelievers insinuated Mary, Jesus’ mother, was a harlot. Here is an outright denial of Christ’s virgin conception and incarnation!
  • SAMARITAN (APOSTATE, DEVIL WORSHIPPER): “Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” (John 8:48).
  • A MAN NOT OF GOD: “Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them” (John 9:16).
  • SINNER: “Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner” (John 9:24).

THE TRAGEDY, PART II: INCREASING OPPOSITION

Antagonism towards the Lord Jesus Christ increased during His earthly ministry, culminating at Calvary’s cross:

  • He was nearly murdered at the beginning of His ministry, Nazareth trying to throw Him headfirst off a cliff (Luke 4:28-30)!
  • He was rejected, unable to find a home where He could settle down: “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20; cf. Luke 9:58).
  • He was almost stoned to death at least three times (John 5:15-18 [cf. John 7:1]; John 8:59; John 10:31).
  • He was asked to leave the area after performing a miracle: “And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts” (Matthew 8:34; cf. Mark 5:17; Luke 8:37).
  • He was laughed at: “He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn” (Matthew 9:24; Mark 5:40; Luke 8:53).
  • He was complained about or unappreciated: “The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?” (John 6:41-42). Here is another blatant denial of His virgin conception and incarnation!
  • Despite His miracles, whole cities did not believe Him (Matthew 11:20-24; Matthew 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-6; Luke 10:13-16).
  • He was abandoned by many of His disciples/students: “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him” (John 6:66).
  • He was conspired against: “Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him” (Matthew 12:14). “And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him” (Mark 3:6). “And they were filled with madness [spiritual lunacy!]; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus” (Luke 6:11). See also the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen (Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19). Also, read John 11:47-53.
  • He was asked three captious or trick questions in unsuccessful attempts to make Him look foolish before the crowds assembled in the Jerusalem Temple (Matthew 22:15-40; Mark 12:13-34; Luke 20:20-40).
  • He was betrayed by His most trusted Apostle, Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:47-50; Mark 14:43-46; Luke 22:47-48).
  • He was illegally (!) tried before High Priest Annas, High Priest Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin (Jewish Supreme Court), Roman Governor of Judaea Pontius Pilate, King Herod of Galilee, and finally Pilate a second time. To say the least, the Lord Jesus Christ was verbally and physically abused and denied a fair trial from start to finish. See Matthew 26:57–27:31, Mark 14:53–15:20, Luke 22:54–23:25, and John 18:12–19:16.
  • He was blasphemed during His trial: “And many other things blasphemously spake they against him” (Luke 22:65).
  • He was denied three times by His chief Apostle of Israel, Peter (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18,25-27).
  • Ultimately, He died by crucifixion on a cruel Roman cross—the mode of execution reserved for the worst criminals! “And they crucified him” (Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:25; Luke 23:33; John 19:18). For more on His sufferings, see also (Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22), (Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:31; Luke 9:43-45), and (Matthew 20:17-19; Mark 10:33-34; Luke 18:31-33).
  • Indeed, Jesus Christ came to be Israel’s Messiah-King-Redeemer, but they wanted no part of Him. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11). “But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15).
  • “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him” (John 12:37-41).

THE TRIUMPH, PART I: HE GAVE HIS FATHER’S WORD, FORMING A BELIEVING REMNANT

Overall, here is what we must understand about the Lord Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry:

  • HE WAS A LIGHT, A FULFILLMENT OF BIBLE PROPHECY, TO WHICH SOME RESPONDED IN FAITH: “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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:….” (John 1:9-12). Also see Matthew 4:12-17, which is a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in chapter 9.
  • HE TAUGHT THE HEBREW BIBLE, PREACHED THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM, AND HEALED EVERY SICKNESS AND EVERY DISEASE TO CONFIRM THE GOOD NEWS OF THAT KINGDOM: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” (Matthew 4:23). “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people” (Matthew 9:35). Other references are Mark 1:22, Mark 6:34, Luke 4:15-21, Luke 4:43-44, Luke 8:1, and Luke 9:6. Also see Isaiah 35:3-5 and Isaiah 61:1-2.
  • HIS PREACHING AND MIRACLE-WORKING FORMED A BELIEVING REMNANT: “And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?” (John 7:31). “As he spake these words, many believed on him” (John 8:30). “And many believed on him there” (John 10:42). “Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him” (John 11:45). “Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus…. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:…” (John 12:11,42). See also Peter’s profession of faith in Matthew 16:13-16, Mark 8:27-29, Luke 9:18-20, and John 6:68-69.
  • HE GAVE HIS FATHER’S WORDS TO A BELIEVING REMNANT IN ISRAEL: “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do…. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word…. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me…. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them” (John 17:4,6,8,26). See also Matthew 11:25-27 and Luke 10:21-22.
  • HE WAS FATHER GOD’S REPRESENTATIVE TO ISRAEL, SLAIN BUT RESURRECTED: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it” (Acts 2:22-24). Also see Acts 10:37-40.

THE TRIUMPH, PART II: HE GAVE HIS OWN LIFE, REDEEMING A BELIEVING REMNANT

Overall, here is what we must also understand about the Lord Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry:

  • HE BECAME A MAN TO DIE AND SHED HIS BLOOD IN ACCORDANCE WITH HIS HEAVENLY FATHER’S PLAN, ALLOWING THE RATIFICATION OF THE NEW COVENANT: “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first [covenant], that he may establish the second [covenant]” (Hebrews 10:5-9; cf. Psalm 40:6-8). See Hebrews 8–10 in entirety.
  • HIS DEATH WAS FULFILLMENT OF BIBLE PROPHECY, AS WAS HIS RESURRECTION: “The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.  And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled” (Acts 3:13-18). Also see Luke 24:44-47.
  • HE SHED HIS SINLESS BLOOD TO PAY FOR ISRAEL’S SINS: “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). “And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many” (Mark 14:24). “Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:20).
  • HE SHED HIS SINLESS BLOOD TO PAY FOR OUR SINS TOO: “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:.…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). “In whom [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;…” (Ephesians 1:7). “In whom [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:…” (Colossians 1:14). “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time [Paul’s ministry]. Whereunto I [Paul] am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not; ) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity” (1 Timothy 2:5-7).
  • HIS MINISTRY MAKES EVERYONE WITHOUT EXCUSE: “Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak” (John 12:44-50).

CONCLUSION

No, absolutely not! Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry was not an “epic failure.” It was not a “failure” at all. Yes, He was rejected, and, yes, He was murdered. However, Bible prophecy was fulfilled, and He preached His Father’s words and thus formed a believing remnant in Israel. In God’s infinite wisdom, Christ’s sinless blood shed on Calvary’s cross is the means whereby Israel will be redeemed and we the Church the Body of Christ are redeemed, these two agencies thus qualified to serve in the offices of government in Earth (Israel) and Heaven (Body of Christ) throughout the endless ages to come.

“[Father God] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:…” (Ephesians 1:9-10).

“For by him [the Son, Jesus Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:16-20).

Just remember, fellow saints: the Lord Jesus Christ is alive and will reign as King one day, when the prophetic program resumes after our mystery program has finished. One more thing: If it is truly sound Bible doctrine working in us, if it is really the Lord Jesus Christ living in us via the indwelling Holy Spirit, no matter how “rough” or “hopeless” it seems (remember the aforementioned tragedies), neither will our ministry be an “epic failure!”

Saints, please remember us in your monthly giving—these websites do cost money to run! 🙂 You can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux, or email me at arcministries@gmail.com. Do not forget about Bible Q&A booklets for sale at https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! By the way, ministry emails have really been backed up this year. I am handling them as much as humanly possible. Thanks for your patience. 🙂

Also see:
» How long was Christ’s earthly ministry?
» If they were fulfilling Bible prophecy, how are Christ’s murderers culpable of wrongdoing?
» Was Jesus Christ a dispensationalist during His earthly ministry?
» Who was more responsible for Jesus’ death—the Jews or the Romans?
» How could Israel welcome Messiah on Palm Sunday but then demand His death later that week?
» How is Jesus Christ Prophet, Priest, and King?

Can you explain “bethink?”, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

Can you explain “bethink?”

CAN YOU EXPLAIN “BETHINK?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

We spot “bethink” on just two occasions in the King James Bible, both of which are companion passages that record King Solomon’s lengthy dedicatory prayer regarding the Jerusalem Temple:

  • 1 Kings 8:47: “Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness;….”
  • 2 Chronicles 6:37: “Yet if they bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn and pray unto thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done amiss, and have dealt wickedly;….”

“Bethink” is a formal word, sounding more majestic than “to think” or “come to think” (its meaning). Another definition is “consider, come to one’s senses, bring back to mind.” The Jerusalem Temple was where the LORD God manifested His presence or glory in and to Old Testament Israel. Since the Law of Moses was in effect, Solomon knew the high probability of his Jewish people sinning against God and thus being driven from the Promised Land via Gentile captivities (see Leviticus 26:27-46—see excerpt below). Israel could be recovered from those courses of chastisement by confessing their sins of breaking the Old Covenant. Whereas they had been spiritually insane (idolatrous) in the land of Palestine, once they would be deported to foreign terrains and realize just how sinful and foolish they had been, they would consider the LORD they had forgotten, think like His people (repent), and He would regather them into their land once more. See the prayers of Nehemiah 1:4-11, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Ezra 9:5–10:3, Daniel 9:3-20; also, read Matthew 3:6, Mark 1:5, and 1 John 1:9.

Leviticus 26:33,38-46: “And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste…. And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up. And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies’ lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them. If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land. The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes. And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God. But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD. These are the statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.”

Also see:
» Must I confess my sins?
» What about repentance?
» Can you explain “cogitations?”
» Does God see us Christians as sinners?
» “If God peradventure will give them repentance…?”

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

What is a “sherd?”

WHAT IS A “SHERD?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Sherd” is discovered twice in the King James text:

  • Isaiah 30:14: “And he shall break it as the breaking of the potter’s vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit.”
  • Ezekiel 23:34: “Thou shalt even drink it and suck it out, and thou shalt break the sherds thereof, and pluck off thine own breasts: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.”

One indication that can unravel the sense of this obscure expression is found in the Isaiah verse. A “sherd” is connected to a “potter.” More specifically, a “potter’s vessel” is under consideration. In fact, a potter’s broken vessel is even more precise. When a clay pot is smashed to bits, what results? Why, now there are shards (fragments). Another term would be potsherds (see Job 2:8, Psalm 22:15, Proverbs 26:23, and Isaiah 45:9). The two verses with which we opened describe the thoroughness or extensiveness of Divine judgment or wrath on apostate (idolatrous) Israel and Jerusalem.

Also see:
» What does “pernicious” mean?
» What does “bray a fool” mean?
» What does “had in abomination” mean?

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What does “circumspect” mean?

What does “circumspect” mean?

WHAT DOES “CIRCUMSPECT” MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Our Authorized Version twice makes use of this term.

  • Exodus 23:13: “And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.”
  • Ephesians 5:15: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,….”

Looking closely at the word itself, and breaking it down into its individual components, there are clues as to its definition. Think of circle, circumference, spectacular, spectacle(s). “Circle,” “circumference,” and “circumspect” are partly derived from the Latin word “circum” meaning “around.” “Spectacular,” “spectacle,” and “circumspect” are based on the Latin term “specere” meaning “look.” Combining this information, to be “circumspect” carries the literal definition of “looking around.” In other words, we are aware of our surroundings and where we are going—the exact opposite of carelessness or foolishness (see Ephesians 5:15 above).

With regards to Exodus and the Mosaic Law, the nation Israel was to pay attention to all the commandments of God as they related to their daily life. To not be mindful of God’s revelation to them meant they were walking contrary to the Creator’s will, how He designed life to function. They were to take notice of all that He said to them through Moses, for it was literally the difference between obedience (blessing) and disobedience (curse).

Concerning us the Church the Body of Christ, Ephesians 5:14-17 exhorts: “[14] Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. [15] See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, [16] Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. [17] Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” It is so sad that believers today often have no idea what God’s will is for them—and this should not be so. As the nation Israel was to be cognizant of God’s words to them through Moses, so we are to be aware of God’s words to us through the Apostle Paul. The Pauline epistles, Romans through Philemon, will impart to us Divine wisdom needed for victorious Christian living today. If we are not walking by faith in an intelligent understanding of God’s words to us, we have deviated or drifted away from the path He has laid out for us in this the Dispensation of Grace—and it should not surprise us that disaster is certain.

Also see:
» What does “sottish” mean?
» What does “brutish” mean?
» What does “gainsaying” mean?
» What does “amiss” mean?
» What does “cumbered” mean?

Can you explain “holden?”, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

Can you explain “holden?”

CAN YOU EXPLAIN “HOLDEN?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

Believe it or not, “holden” is a rather easy word. Think of “hand!” The dozen times the King James Bible uses “holden,” the sense is usually figurative instead of literal holding—but a literal truth is still conveyed in all situations.

  • 2 Kings 23:22-23: “Surely there was not holden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah; But in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, wherein this passover was holden to the LORD in Jerusalem.” Obviously, no one is holding Passover in their hand—an impossibility. “Hold” can be used in the sense of participating in a meeting or gathering (as in religious assembly).
  • Job 36:8: “And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction;….” These are people (sinners) trapped in the clutches of trouble! See Proverbs 5:22 below.
  • Psalm 18:35: “Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.” Here is the LORD’S hand imparting strength to the believer.
  • Psalm 71:6: “By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.” Again, the LORD’S hand gives power to the saint.
  • Psalm 73:23: “Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.” Once more, the LORD’S hand provides believers with might, guiding them into the truth.
  • Proverbs 5:22: “His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.” These are people (sinners) enslaved in sin’s heavy chains, like a hand enclosed upon them! See Job 36:8 above.
  • Isaiah 42:14: “I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.” Almighty God has kept His mouth shut for long enough. Now, He returns to Earth in judgment against sin, thundering forth from Heaven at Christ’s Second Coming!
  • Isaiah 45:1: “Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;….” Cyrus, King of Persia, has received might from the LORD’S hand to destroy Babylon (which he did in Daniel 5:30-31—there, Cyrus is known as Darius the Median)!
  • Luke 24:16: “But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.” This is in the sense of God preventing their spiritual eyes from recognizing resurrected Jesus. Think of His hands covering their eyes.
  • Acts 2:24: “Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.” This is like Job 36:8 or Proverbs 5:22—except the trap here is physical death, which Christ escaped at His resurrection. Christ broke the grip of death’s hand!
  • Romans 14:4: “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” This passage is about immature believers walking in the spiritual light that they do have—God’s hand thereby supporting them with the sound Bible doctrine they know.

Also see:
» What does “had in abomination” mean?
» “Give strength to the LORD?”
» How did Satan “take” the Lord Jesus during His temptations?