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Lamentations 3:39: And What It Means to All People!!

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins August 18, 2020

39. Why Should a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? Allow me to expand on this Bible verse.  Lamentations 3:39 has a whole lot to do with the sins that we commit against God.  When it comes to a man, woman, and child that sins, why shall we complain when we sin against God?

 Why should a living man complain about the punishment of his sins.  Frankly, a man should repent of his sins rather than complain about it.  I mean his sins.

        Micah 7:9 says I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me.  He will bring me forth to the light; I will see His righteousness.  The reason why I wrote this Bible verse is simply because it coincides with Lamentations 3:39. These two Bible verses are alike when it comes to man’s sins.  The Bible verse Micah 7:9 talks about God’s wrath against mankind.  God will execute justice for all of us.  In the previous Bible verse, man complains about his sins.

        I guess whenever man complains to God about his sins, man is trying to question God’s wrath against him.  Man is also questioning his punishment from God to begin with.  Why should a living man complain?  Man is expressing his dissatisfaction about his sins to God.  I understand why Jeremiah wrote it!!  Jeremiah wrote it as a complaint against God.  When it comes to our sins, we do not have any business complaining to God or anyone else!!  I understand what a lament means.  The word lament means to complain or express sorrow.

        I sincerely understand that God is giving all of us a second chance at life.  I know that man is not supposed to quarrel or argue with God in the first place.  Man is very sinful.  Man, questions everything that he does wrong because he is afraid and terrified of God’s wrath.  When it comes to Micah 7:9, it specifically talks about God’s wrath on the wicked.

 In my case, I know that I am a sinful man, who needs God’s grace and mercy upon me.  When it comes to my sins, and iniquities, I have to be transparent and accountable for all of my sins.

        Finally, I have realized that I cannot fight God either way.  I know that God created me for a reason.  I might not know my reason for existing to all of my questions.

 I know that if I see God for myself, I might have to pay the price!! This means that I might perish in the process.  When it comes to my sins, God has the right to judge me according to all of my sins.  Man can only make an opinion about me.  Even though, I have to adhere to Man’s laws and God’s Laws as well.

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Matthew 24:3 ◄ What Does Matthew 24:3 Mean? ► As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3(NASB) –– ADVERTISEMENT –– Picture courtesy of Sweet Publishing/FreeBibleimages Verse Thoughts Jesus knew the time of His departing was near and wept over Jerusalem because the people were so deceived by the enemy’s lies and blinded to the truth of the glorious Gospel of God. He rebuked the blind, hypocritical leaders of Israel, who refused to acknowledge His message and His ministry, for He knew the terrible consequences of rejecting their Messiah. Jesus had wanted to gather His people together, as a mother hen safely gathers her chicks under her wings, but they were unwilling. These blind leaders had hidden the truth from the gullible people of Israel, and so He delivered a blistering prophecy to them, “Behold, your House – the Temple of God, is being left to you desolate! For I say to you, from now on, you will not see Me, until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'” Earlier, as He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds appeared to fulfil a prophecy by shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!” But they expected to be saved from their physical, earthly rulers, who dominated them from Rome, and not to be offered salvation from their spiritual enslavement to sin and Satan, death, and hell. The disciples continued to trust confidently, that Jesus was the promised Messiah. They were looking forward to receiving important positions in His coming kingdom, while Jesus knew that the kingdom He came to establish would have to be postponed, until His second advent. It was as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, that the disciples came to Him privately, and asked about His prophetic world. “Tell us,” they said, “when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” They asked some specific questions. One was to do with the Temple and the others were connected with the return of Christ, to set up His Messianic kingdom. The first question was about the destruction of the Temple. They had been admiring its magnificent architecture and were shocked to hear that the rebuilt Temple was to be utterly destroyed. “When will these things happen?” they asked. “When will the Temple be destroyed,” was the thing they desperately wanted to know? The second questions were to do with Christ’s return to earth, to set up His Millennial kingdom. He had already told them He was going away to prepare a place for them, but that He would return… and they eagerly expected Him to come back soon – VERY soon. They did not expect a 2000 year gap between the destruction of the Temple and His second advent. They did not expect there to be a new, Christian dispensation, nestled between Christ’s first coming and His return to earth. Even in the book of Acts, as Christ was ascending into heaven, they continued to anticipate His any-day return. “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at THIS time?” they asked! But it was not for them, nor is it for us, to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. There are two questions they asked about Christ’s second advent. They were not questions about the Rapture of the Church, for this truth had yet to be revealed to them… after the Spirit was sent at Pentecost. This was a future revelation that would be given through the New Testament writers. But the disciples were curious… “what will be the sign of Your coming, AND what will be the sign of the end of the age?” Two questions were asked about Christ’s return. 1) the sign of His return to earth, and 2) the sign of the end of the age. These are questions that specifically relate to Israel, who will have to go through the time of Jacob’s Trouble. But, as prophesied, it is a time when Israel, as a nation, will REPENT of their sin, and call on the name of the Lord, by crying, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!”  While Christ’s Olivet discourse relates to Israel and His Second Coming there is so much that is relevant to the Church, for we have been given a great commission to preach the good news of the gospel of the GRACE of God. We have been made ministers of reconciliation and are to tell the world that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Today we are His representatives on earth and are to act as salt and light in a corrupt and darkened world. We are to be used by God to restrain the evil of this world through prayer and praise – in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. But after the Church has been removed in the Rapture, Israel will once again be God’s representatives on earth, and their great commission is to finish the work that God gave them to do and to, once again, preach the good news of the gospel of the KINGDOM of God. You believe in GOD? was Christ’s question to Israel – believe also in ME. They are to believe that Jesus is the Messiah of Israel and call on His name. While the Church will be raptured BEFORE the Great Tribulation, unbelieving Israel will have to go THROUGH this terrible time, but like Old Testament saints and Church age believers, they will be justified by faith in Jesus.  And though many will be killed – He will bring them through. They will overcome evil by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony. We don’t know when Christ will come for the Church, but in the time we have left, may we rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all things and tell out to good news of the gospel of the Grace of God to those that are lost – for the time is short. My Prayer Thank You, Father, that in Your grace You chose to reveal Your plan to redeem the lost race of sinful men, through the sacrificial offering of Your dear Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Thank You for revealing to Your people things that are to happen in the future, and what will be the signs of Your return to earth at the end of the Great Tribulation, when You come in power and great glory to rule and reign in righteousness. Thank You that as a member of the Body of Christ, I will not go through the great and terrible Day of the Lord, but for those who have to face Your wrath, I pray that many would recognise the signs of the time in which we live today, and believe on Christ for the forgiveness of sin and life everlasting. Thank You that I am not appointed to wrath, but am saved by grace through faith in Jesus. But look down in pity I pray, on this lost world and bring many into Your kingdom before it is too late. This I ask in Jesus’ name, AMEN. Picture courtesy of Sweet Publishing/FreeBibleimages ◄ Previous: Matthew 22:37 Next: Matthew 24:14 ► Choose a Verse from Matthew 24 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051 Revelation 22:16 Judges 2:3 Revelation 2:7 Genesis 1:4 Follow us Matthew 24:3 Further Study Matthew 24:3 in the Parallel Bible Matthew 24:3 in the Thematic Bible Matthew 24:3 Cross References Matthew 24:3 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Matthew 24:3 Sermons Matthew 24:3 Prayers Matthew 24:3 Images Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Knowing God in Christ Deuteronomy 3:24 1 Corinthians 1:31 Another, Altogether Expressionless With Sorrow God’s Eternal Gift – Perfect MAN Eternal SON (1) The Mysteries of God Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Proverbs 3:5 ◄ What Does Proverbs 3:5 Mean? ► Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5(NASB) Sponsored by Verizon Wireless Get the most advanced iPhone. Save $350 on iPhone 11 Pro Max with a triple-camera system and long-lasting battery life. Online only. With select Unlimited. Add’l terms apply. SEE MORE Verse Thoughts Trusting God in all things is a foundational precept.. for faith in the Word of God is His will for each of our lives. Trusting God unreservedly is the centre and circumference of all wisdom because He is the beginning and the end of all knowledge. It is marrow to the bones, honey to the taste, the wellspring of light, life, love, and hope. Having faith in God is the fountain-head of all that is good – and it pleases our heavenly Father, for without faith it is impossible to please Him. Trusting the Lord with all of our heart is not only a positive and beneficial duty, but it negates the elements of fear and doubt, it holds us firm in life’s storms and stresses, and it replaces self-confidence with a trusting ‘God-confidence.’  Trusting the Lord with all our heart is to set aside one’s own desires and imaginings to do His will. It is to die to all that is of self – self-image, self-reliance, self-importance, self-centeredness. Trusting the Lord is to believe His Word and to live by the knowledge that His Word is true and altogether perfect. God has outlined His plans and purposes to humanity and communicated them to us through His Word, and God expects an intelligent response to the promises He has given us. He expects us to display a whole-hearted, conscious dependence upon all He has said – without doubt or distrust, without fear or misgivings. The wisest man who ever lived advised his sons to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding,” and his prudent advice is something we should all seek to consciously follow, today, as a matter of will. Solomon listed many reasons that we should believe God’s Word, for the one who trusts in the Lord is happy and protected. He does not need to fear a bad report, for his heart will remain unshaken. The one who places their faith in the Lord does not seek help from those that are proud and deceitful, because the faithful love of the Lord surrounds them, protects them, and underpins their lives. Our commitment to the Lord must incorporate our whole spirit, soul, and body. Our trust in Him should be reflected in our lifestyle, our outlook, our attitude, our conversation, our character, and our world-view. When we place our trust in Him, with unwavering, child-like confidence, He fills our heart with His own perfect peace that passes understanding. He gives grace to the humble and rejoices over us with singing. Our trust in the Lord should not only be in connection with the salvation of our soul, but should become the driving force of our entire being, influencing the direction of our lives, for He knows what is best for each one of us, and is working in each of our lives from an eternal perspective. The plans He has for each one of His own, reach beyond our knowledge or understanding. How foolish to drink from the brackish waters of this world’s broken cisterns when He floods our hearts and lives with the sparkling river of life. His ways and thoughts, wisdom, and knowledge are so far above our little ways, limited thoughts, and foolish imaginings, and yet so often we choose our own fleshly wisdom and scant understanding to direct our path. We are not to prop ourselves up with our own ill-advised understandings but rather, we should take Him at His Word and trust in the Lord with all our hearts – even on those occasions when we don’t understand. Sponsored by Verizon Wireless New Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G. Buy one, get one on us. Select devices. With select Unlimited. Plus, get 5G UW access on us. $10/mo value. Restrictions apply. SEE MORE My Prayer Thank You Father that You know all things and that I can trust myself, my family, my friends, my work, my home, my finances, my relationships, my need and necessities into Your hands. I trust You Father. Keep me trusting. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Proverbs 2:6 Next: Proverbs 3:6 ► Choose a Verse from Proverbs 3 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435 Zephaniah 3:5 Galatians 6:6 Mark 11:9 Psalm 34:4 Follow us Proverbs 3:5 Further Study Proverbs 3:5 in the Parallel Bible Proverbs 3:5 in the Thematic Bible Proverbs 3:5 Cross References Proverbs 3:5 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Proverbs 3:5 Sermons Proverbs 3:5 Prayers Proverbs 3:5 Images Proverbs 3:5 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals The Power of His Resurrection James 5:16 Psalm 103:15 Lifeless Law Are You Discouraged In Devotion? God’s Perfect Peace The Choice of Faith Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

Lamentations 3:39: And What it means to all People. By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins August 15, 2020 39. Why should a living Man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? Allow me to expand on this Bible verse. Lamentations 3:39 has a whole lot to do with the sins that we commit against God. When it comes to a man, woman, and child that sins; Why shall we complain when we sin against God? Why should a living Man complain about the punishment of his sins. Frankly, a man should repent of his sins rather than complain about it. I mean his sins. Micah 7:9 says: I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me forth to the light; I will see His righteousness. The reason why I wrote this Bible verse is simply because it coincide with Lamentations 3:39.

Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Search The Bible Find it! Why Does Paul Say “to Live Is Christ, to Die Is Gain”? Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies Clarence L. Haynes Jr. | Contributing Writer Saturday, August 15, 2020 Share Tweet Save For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. These are powerful words, spoken by the Apostle Paul choosing to live for Christ’s glory. He explains that is great, and dying in Christ is even better. I know on the surface it may not make sense, but that’s why some things require you to look beneath the surface. You may have considered the concept of living for Christ, but what about this whole idea of dying for gain? Actually, there is great benefit in both of these and that is what we want to explore a little deeper today. What is the real meaning and context of Phil. 1:21 “to live is Christ, to die is gain?” Before we get to the answer let’s look at a little background into the book of Philippians. What Happens in the Book of Philippians? Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul most likely around 62 AD and most likely while he was a prisoner in Rome. The overall theme of the book is one of joy and encouragement to the church in Philippi. Paul continually expresses his thankfulness and heartfelt appreciation for this church all throughout the book. Philippians is unique in that Paul is not addressing any real pressing issues or problems in the church except for a disagreement between Euodia and Syntyche – two people who worked with Paul in the spreading of the gospel and helping build the church in Philippi. What Is the Context of Philippians 1? In Philippians 1, Paul opens with a standard greeting that he typically used. It included grace and peace and identified who he is and the audience to whom he is writing. In chapter 1, he expresses how he really feels about this church and you can hear his emotion coming forth throughout this chapter. It is this emotion that really helps to understand the meaning and context of Phil. 1:21, to live is Christ, to die is gain. Consider Phil. 1:20: “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” There are two words I want to highlight in this verse: ashamed and exalted. Paul’s concern was that he would live in such a way that would not bring shame to the gospel and the cause of Christ. He wanted to live a life that would exalt Christ in every phase of life, regardless if it meant living or if it meant dying. This leads us into the meaning and context of Phil. 1:21, to live is Christ to die is gain. Let’s look at both parts. What Does It Mean “to Live Is Christ, to Die Is Gain?” To live is Christ – This simply means that everything you do in this life should be for Christ. If you go to school, it’s for Christ. If you work, it’s for Christ. If you get married and have a family, it’s for Christ. If you serve in ministry, play on a team, whatever you do, you do it with the mindset that it is for Christ. You want him to be exalted in every aspect of your life. The reason this matters is because by exalting him, you can potentially create an opportunity for the gospel to go forward. When Christ is exalted in your life it can open the door for you to share him with others. This gives you the chance to win them over not just by what you say, but by also how you live. To die is gain – What could be better than living for Christ, shining light and winning people to the kingdom of God? As crazy as it sounds, death is better. Look how Paul states it in verse 22-24: “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” If you can really grasp what Paul is saying here, then you will truly understand the meaning and context of Phil 1:21. For Paul to keep living would be beneficial for the church in Philippi and everyone else he was ministering to. He could keep serving them and be a blessing to the body of Christ. (That’s to live is Christ).  However, understanding the sufferings of this life (remember Paul was in prison when writing this letter), and all of the challenges he faced, he understood that as great as it is to serve Christ in this life, it was better to die and go be with Christ forever. This does not mean you should want to die, it just means that you understand that death for a Christian is not the ending, but just the beginning. In death, you lay down your struggle. You complete your race and you enter into the presence of God for all eternity. That’s the experience for every believer and truly that is better. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Scyther5 What Do We Gain Through Life? I want you to consider another thought for a moment. If to live is Christ, how then should you live? How do you in fact actually live for Christ? I mentioned earlier that everything you do in this life should be for Christ, but in reality, that is a theoretical statement. Let’s make it more practical. I am going to use the four areas I mentioned prior which are school, work, family, and ministry. I am not going to give you answers, I am going to ask you four questions for each section. They should help you think about how you are living and if changes need to be made then let God show you how he wants you to change. Living for Christ in School Are you achieving at the highest level you possibly can? What are the activities you are engaged in? How do you respond to your teachers and those in authority? How would your friends respond if you told them you were a Christian? Living for Christ at Work Are you punctual and show up to work on time? Can you be trusted to get the job done or do you have to be constantly reminded what you must do? Are you easy to work with or do co-workers dread working with you? Are you usually the person creating a healthy work environment or are you always stirring the pot? Living for Christ in Your Family Do you spend time with your wife, kids, etc. (if you have a wife or kids)? Do you prioritize family over career or career over family? Do they see Christ in you on Monday – Saturday, or does he only come out on Sunday morning? Do you embrace family members who don’t know Jesus or reject and shun them because they don’t know Christ? Living for Christ in Ministry Do you put more emphasis on the work of the ministry over the time spent with your family? Do you run yourself ragged serving, doing the Lord’s work, that you forget to spend time with the Lord? Do you make ministry about the people and not about your personal gain or reputation? Do you talk about the people in the church and the ones you serve more than you pray for them? Granted this is not an all-inclusive list of questions, but hopefully they will cause you to think. Living for Christ is not something that happens by accident; you must be intentional about doing it. As you are intentional about it you can say like Paul that Christ will be exalted in your body (your living) whether you live or die. As you can see there is a lot to the meaning of this verse. However, if I were to give you one final thought it would be this – live as great a life for Christ as you can now, don’t delay it. Make every day count and every moment count. When you are done living and the day comes where you breathe your last breath on this earth, know that it was all worth it. However, as good as it has been in this life the best is yet to come. It only gets better from here. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/ipopba Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, author and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. He has spent more than 30 years serving the body of Christ in various capacities and has just released his first book, The Pursuit of Purpose. If you have ever struggled trying to find God’s will, this book will help you discover the different ways God leads you into his perfect will. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com.  Promoted Stories Ads by Revcontent Doing This Melts Belly Fat So Crazily That Doctors Are Stunned! USA Healthy News What is Multiple Myeloma? 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Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Philippians 1:9 ◄ What Does Philippians 1:9 Mean? ► And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, Philippians 1:9(NASB) Verse Thoughts Paul’s love for the body of Christ was a deep love that reflected the love he had for His Saviour and Lord. He grieved when they were slow of heart to learn, reprimanded them when they fell into sin, corrected them when they were lured into error, rejoiced with them as they grew in grace, and instructed them so they would become increasingly mature in the faith. Paul’s great desire for the saints at Philippi was that they become rooted and grounded in the Word of truth, so that their love for God and their love for one another would continue to grow and multiply. His prayer for these brothers and sisters in Christ was that they would increase in knowledge and all discernment, as they became increasingly conformed into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus. “And this I pray,” he wrote in the opening section of his epistle, “I pray that your love may abound still more and more, in real knowledge and in all discernment.” The love of God is as unfathomable as it is eternal, and yet the Lord Jesus commanded us to love as He loved, and Paul prayed that love would overflow in our hearts. His difficult trials and the chains of tribulation that constrained him did not cause Paul to become bitter in his attitude towards God. Rather, he recognised that in all things, God, in His gracious-love and tender-mercy, was using them for good. God’s love is everlasting and indestructible. His love is infinite and without measure, and however much love has been poured into our hearts from above, there is always more room for His over-abounding love. His love flows from His well-spring of life and is a never-ending source and supply of all that is needed for life and godliness. But it was not simply an abundance of love for which Paul prayed, but that their love would abound more and more in real knowledge and discernment. He prayed that the love in their hearts would be endowed with godly wisdom, and a knowledge of the holy that is able to approve things that are excellent, so that they may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. And so Paul was enabled to pen godly insights and instructions as to the true meaning of abounding love. Paul knew that godly wisdom and spiritual understanding have their root in the love of God and his prayer is as much for us today as it was for the Christians at Philippi. Indeed, this should also be our continuous prayer for our brothers and sisters in Christ – that our love increases and abounds, as we worship our heavenly King, grow in grace, and develop a more intimate knowledge of God. O worship the King, all glorious above. O gratefully sing His wonderful love. Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, pavilioned in splendour, and girded with praise. O measureless might, ineffable love, while angels delight to worship above. Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend. My Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of prayer and for placing me in Your family as Your child. How blessed I am to be a member of the body of Christ, and I thank You for the example that Paul the apostle set, as he lifted up the body of Christ in prayer. I pray also for my brothers and sisters in Christ, that their love may increase and multiply and that they too grow in grace and in a knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. In His name I pray, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Philippians 1:8 Next: Philippians 1:10 ► Sponsored by Workday Four Lessons Learned on a Journey to Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Four powerful lessons learned when achieving net-zero carbon emissions and powering a business with 100 percent renewable electricity. SEE MORE Choose a Verse from Philippians 1 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930 Colossians 3:22 Proverbs 23:7 Colossians 2:12 John 4:10 Follow us Philippians 1:9 Further Study Philippians 1:9 in the Parallel Bible Philippians 1:9 in the Thematic Bible Philippians 1:9 Cross References Philippians 1:9 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Philippians 1:9 Sermons Philippians 1:9 Prayers Philippians 1:9 Images Philippians 1:9 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Called Unto the Fellowship of His Son Hebrews 13:20 Hosea 2:14 My Father’s Choice Signs Of The New Birth God’s Eternal Purpose Alive Unto God Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

1^st Samuel 23:16-18: And What it Means to All People

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins August 14, 2020

16. Then Jonathan Saul’s son arose and went to David in the woods and strengthen his hand in God.
17. And he said to him, do not fear, for the hand of Saul, my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.
18. So the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. And David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his own house.

This is a story about two good friends, King Saul son Jonathan and the anointed king David son of Jesse.  I am going to place emphasis on the 16^th verse of 1^st Samuel 23.  It specifically states that Jonathan arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.  Jonathan was a very loyal friend to David.  Even though, Saul his father tried to kill David because David was anointed King over Israel.

David was only 12 years old when he was anointed King over Israel by Samuel.  The word strengthen means to give strength to or nourishment to another person.  Jonathan appeared to David inside of the woods, and he strengthened his hand in God.  This means that he encouraged David at his time of need.  This is simply because David was in danger at the hand of Saul; Jonathan’s father.  Therefore, Jonathan indicated to David do not fear.  For the hand of his father Saul will not find him.

Therefore, Jonathan and David were very good friends toward each other.  Jonathan encouraged David to be strong, and do not fear.  Eventually, the two of them made a covenant with each other.  The covenant was made in blood from each other.  This was made by using a knife to cut into their flesh, and the two of them were friends until Jonathan and his father were killed in battle.  However, Saul committed suicide by falling on his own knife.  Jonathan showed compassion toward David.  Frankly, I have shown all of my enemies’ compassion from 1972 to 1990.  I did not like fighting my friends, even though they were fair weather friends.

Both of my grandmothers told me not to fight any of my friends.  My fair-weather friends had beaten me up for 18 years.  Even though I did not like fighting anyone.  I prefer playing football and basketball with my fair-weather friends.  I will admit that I was all by myself as a child growing up because of my aggressive friends.  I remember attending church with my grandmothers.  I remember the Beatitudes that are located inside of the New Testament in the Book of Matthew the 5^th Chapter.  When it pertains to the story of Jonathan and David, it was Jonathan and David who had compassion towards each other. 

I was filled with compassion as a child.  Do you agree?  I will admit that I used to get beaten up as a child by my fair-weather friends considered me as a very weak person.  I was not a weak person.  I suffered from depression all of my entire life.  I was abused as a child by my stepfather and my friends. 

I did not consider my friends as fair-weather.  My fair-weather friends used to oppress me for 18 years.  They used to intimidate me and take my lunch money from me.  Currently, I suffer from depression for the past 23 years.  From July 15, 1997 to the present day, I have consulted with therapists and psychiatrists on a regular basis.

In order to strengthen someone, you will have to show compassion for the next person.  You need to become transparent.  You need to become honest, truthful, and respectful toward other people.  This is my personal interpretation of 1^st Samuel 23:16-18, and what it means to all people.  My name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins, and I love all of you very much.  Please take care of yourselves.

Sincerely,

Anthony Joseph Hopkins

1^st Samuel 23:16-18: And What it Means to All People

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins August 14, 2020

16. Then Jonathan Saul’s son arose and went to David in the woods and strengthen his hand in God.

And Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went [into the woods] to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God. He said to him, “Do not be afraid; the hand of my father Saul will not find you. You will be king over Israel and I will be second in command to you; my father Saul knows this too.” So, the two of them made a covenant before the LORD; and David stayed [in the woods] at Horesh and Jonathan went to his house.

17. And he said to him, do not fear, for the hand of Saul, my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.
18. So the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. And David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his own house.

This is a story about two good friends, King Saul son Jonathan and the anointed king David son of Jesse.  I am going to place emphasis on the 16^th verse of 1^st Samuel 23.  It specifically states that Jonathan arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.  Jonathan was a very loyal friend to David.  Even though, Saul his father tried to kill David because David was anointed King over Israel.

David was only 12 years old when he was anointed King over Israel by Samuel.  The word strengthen means to give strength to or nourishment to another person.  Jonathan appeared to David inside of the woods, and he strengthened his hand in God.  This means that he encouraged David at his time of need.  This is simply because David was in danger at the hand of Saul; Jonathan’s father.  Therefore, Jonathan indicated to David do not fear.  For the hand of his father Saul will not find him.

Therefore, Jonathan and David were very good friends toward each other.  Jonathan encouraged David to be strong, and do not fear.  Eventually, the two of them made a covenant with each other.  The covenant was made in blood from each other.  This was made by using a knife to cut into their flesh, and the two of them were friends until Jonathan and his father were killed in battle.  However, Saul committed suicide by falling on his own knife.  Jonathan showed compassion toward David.  Frankly, I have shown all of my enemies’ compassion from 1972 to 1990.  I did not like fighting my friends, even though they were fair weather friends.

Both of my grandmothers told me not to fight any of my friends.  My fair-weather friends had beaten me up for 18 years.  Even though I did not like fighting anyone.  I prefer playing football and basketball with my fair-weather friends.  I will admit that I was all by myself as a child growing up because of my aggressive friends.  I remember attending church with my grandmothers.  I remember the Beatitudes that are located inside of the New Testament in the Book of Matthew the 5^th Chapter.  When it pertains to the story of Jonathan and David, it was Jonathan and David who had compassion towards each other. 

I was filled with compassion as a child.  Do you agree?  I will admit that I used to get beaten up as a child by my fair-weather friends considered me as a very weak person.  I was not a weak person.  I suffered from depression all of my entire life.  I was abused as a child by my stepfather and my friends. 

I did not consider my friends as fair-weather.  My fair-weather friends used to oppress me for 18 years.  They used to intimidate me and take my lunch money from me.  Currently, I suffer from depression for the past 23 years.  From July 15, 1997 to the present day, I have consulted with therapists and psychiatrists on a regular basis.

In order to strengthen someone, you will have to show compassion for the next person.  You need to become transparent.  You need to become honest, truthful, and respectful toward other people.  This is my personal interpretation of 1^st Samuel 23:16-18, and what it means to all people.  My name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins, and I love all of you very much.  Please take care of yourselves.

Sincerely,

Anthony Joseph Hopkins

Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Search The Bible Find it! What Are the Seven Trumpets in Revelation? Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies Clarence L. Haynes Jr. | Contributing Writer Thursday, August 13, 2020 Share Tweet Save As you live and prepare for the eventual return of Jesus, there is a period of time that will happen on the earth which is known as the Great Tribulation. This will be a time of horror and judgment upon the earth that will be unmatched by any other time in human history. The book of Revelation describes the events that will take place during this time. Granted there are some symbolisms within Revelation, but once you understand them, the picture of what will take place during this time becomes a lot clearer. One of the things mentioned are the seven trumpets. What we want to look at today is what are the seven trumpets in Revelation? It is probably not possible to give you a full, in-depth, detailed analysis of all the seven trumpets in one article. However, it is possible to give you enough information to encourage you to want to study further. Let’s begin. Where Does the Bible Discuss the Seven Trumpets? For deeper study and to understand what the seven trumpets in Revelation are, you will need to spend some time in Revelation chapters 8–11. When you think of a trumpeter, one of the things that comes to mind is that they are used to make a grand pronouncement, like the entrance of royalty for example. These trumpets are no different – it’s just that the pronouncements are of a different type. Each one pronounces a different judgment upon the earth during the Great Tribulation.  When Are the Seven Trumpets Blown? The trumpets are revealed after John sees a vision of the great crowd from every tribe and nation standing around the throne offering worship to the lamb of God. Here is what happens next. “When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them” (Revelation 8:1-2). The contrast of the silence in heaven compared to the great roar that was just heard must have really been deafening to John. As you see within the seventh seal there are seven trumpets which were to be blown. Each one will pronounce a type of judgment on the earth, and they will intensify as each subsequent trumpet is blown.  When you look a little closer at these opening verses in chapter 8, it seems the blowing of these trumpets is a response to the saints offering prayers to God. Consider Revelation 6:9-11: “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’ Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.” God, in response to the prayers of the martyrs who were killed during the Great Tribulation, vindicates his people with the blowing of the trumpets. God is judging the people of the earth and bringing vindication for his people all in one. By the way, the prayers of God’s people were referred to as incense, which is a reminder that God loves when his people cry out to him in prayer. So don’t ever stop doing that! Photo credit: Unsplash/Jack Sharp The Trumpets and the Judgments  At the heart of the seven trumpets in Revelation are the judgments that come with the blowing of each one. Each trumpet will be blown by a different angel, but the angels are not named. Let’s consider each judgment. The first trumpet brings devastation to the earth itself. “The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up” (Revelation 8:7). The second trumpet is targeted towards the seas. “The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed” (Revelation 8:8-9). The third trumpet affects the water supply which brings death to many people. “The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water —  the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter” (Revelation 8:10-11). The fourth trumpet attacks the sky affecting the sun, moon, and stars “The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night” (Revelation 8:12). The earth, seas, water and sky are all affected by these first four judgments. These are all the things required for life, and God is affecting these things as judgment for those who have rejected him. After blowing the fourth trumpet, there is a brief pause before the last three trumpets are blown. Revelation 8:13 – “As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: ‘Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!’” In the middle of judgment God pauses. He decides to give additional warning of what is to come and at the same time give people an opportunity to repent. I think sometimes people believe God brings judgment because he likes to judge. He brings judgment because he is a just God. In order for God to be who he is, he must judge sin. Yet even in the judging process, God offers opportunity for repentance because that is his heart. The Last Three Trumpets As you can see with the first four of the seven trumpets in Revelation, things are getting pretty bad. But it’s about to get worse.  The fifth trumpet (Rev. 9:1-12) This trumpet releases Satan with power to use demonic influence, described as locusts, to torment those who have rejected God. Surprisingly, they are allowed to torment but those who they torment won’t die. What an incredible time of torture and pain. Ironically the ones who are protected are those who had the seal of God on their foreheads.   The sixth trumpet (Rev. 9:13-21) This trumpet brings an astonishing amount of death and an absolutely incredible response to it. With the sixth trumpet, four angels are released along with an army of 200 million which is probably a demonic army. They proceed to kill one third of all the people on the earth. Again, a time unlike any we have ever witnessed in human history. What is fascinating however, is the response of the people who survive this period: “The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts” (Rev. 9:20-21). Instead of turning to God in repentance, they dig in with their defiance even more. The heart of man has grown so hard that even among great tragedy and death they refuse to turn from sin and turn towards God. They continue to reject his love and compassion. This shows you the danger and power of a hardened heart. That’s why the Bible warns against hardening your heart – there are dangerous consequences associated with it. Photo credit: Unsplash/Chris Bair The Last Trumpet Before the blowing of the seventh and final trumpet there are a series of events that take place. I encourage you to read through Revelation 10 and 11 to get the full picture. In Scripture seven is the number of completion, so the announcement associated with this trumpet falls right in line. Here is what happens when the seventh trumpet is blown: “The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). With this trumpet the announcement of Christ’s reign is made as we move to the completion of this period. While the tribulation doesn’t end right when this trumpet is blown, it is getting close. There are some major events left to play out but we know this trumpet is blown closer to the end of the Great Tribulation. When you consider what the seven trumpets in Revelation are you see there is a lot to digest. If I have succeeded, you now have a slightly better picture of what they are and hopefully you will use this as a starting point to more study. I didn’t write this article as a final analysis, I would probably need a whole book for that, I simply wanted to get the ball rolling. Hopefully this will challenge and encourage you to look into Bible prophecy and the end times without fear, but with open eyes. In all honesty if you are in Christ there is nothing for you to be afraid of. If for some reason, you should ever get fearful, always remember whose side you are on and know that when it is all said and done, we win. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/mstroz Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, author and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. He has spent more than 30 years serving the body of Christ in various capacities and has just released his first book, The Pursuit of Purpose. If you have ever struggled trying to find God’s will, this book will help you discover the different ways God leads you into his perfect will. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com.  Promoted Stories Ads by Revcontent How Dogs Cry For Help: 3 Warning Signs Your Dog Is Crying For Help Dr. Marty Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis Your Doctor Might Not Have Mentioned Arthritis | Search Ads Type 2 Diabetes Signs Some May Wish They Saw Earlier Diabetes | Sponsored Links Lung Cancer Signs Some May Wish They Saw Earlier Cancer | Sponsored Links Doctors Stunned: This Melts Belly Fat Like Crazy! (Try Tonight) Health Relife Chiropractors Baffled: “30 Second” Stretch Relieves Years Of Back Pain (Watch) WeeklyPenny.com What is Multiple Myeloma? 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