Don Costello: Joshua 1:8

Joshua 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

a. NLT: Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

b. NIV: Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. [THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.]

c. YLT: The book of this law doth not depart out of thy mouth, and thou hast meditated in it by day and by night, so that thou dost observe to do according to all that is written in it, for then thou dost cause thy way to prosper, and then thou dost act wisely. [The Young's Literal Translation was translated by Robert Young, who believed in a strictly literal translation of God's word. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.]

d. Amplified Bible Classic: This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

e. Septuagint: And the book of this law shall not depart out of thy mouth, and thou shalt meditate in it day and night, that thou mayest know how to do all the things that are written [in it]; then shalt thou prosper, and make thy ways prosperous, and then shalt thou be wise.

f. Rubin Edition: The Early Prophets: Joshua & Judges: This Book of the Torah shall not depart from your mouth; rather you should contemplate it day and night in order that you observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful, and then you will act wisely. Rubin Edition: The Early Prophets: Joshua & Judges: [THE ARTSCROLL SERIES ®️ /RUBIN EDITION THE PROPHETS: JOSHUA/ JUDGES ⓒ Copyright 2000 by MESORAH PUBLICATIONS, Ltd.]

1). In this verse one thought builds upon another. Speak the word, meditate the word in order to observe to do everything written, the result will be spiritual growth, the moving of the Spirit of God in our lives and have divine understanding in many things.

1. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth…”

a. This [Strong: 2088 * zeh zeh a primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that:--he, X hence, X here, it(-self), X now, X of him, the one...the other, X than the other, (X out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, X thus, very, which.]

b. book [Strong: 5612 * cepher say'-fer or (feminine) ciphrah (Psa. 56:8 (9)) {sif-raw'}; from 5608; properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book:--bill, book, evidence, X learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll.]

c. of the law [Strong: 8451 * towrah to-raw' or torah {to-raw'}; from 3384; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch:--law.]

d. [shall] not [Strong: 3808 * lo' lo or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, + of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.]

e. depart [4185 * muush] [Strongs: The idea of receding by contact; to withdraw: lit. and fig., cease, depart, go back, remove, take away. {D.C. Note: Compare Hebrews 10:38, draw back.}

f. out of thy mouth [Strong: 6310 * peh peh from 6284; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to:--accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), X eat, edge, end, entry, + file, hole, X in, mind, mouth, part, portion, X (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, X spoken, talk, tenor, X to, + two-edged, wish, word.]

1). All through the Scriptures, God commands and encourages his people to talk the word and talk about the word.

a). Deuteronomy 6:6, 7 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

b). Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

2). As we shall see, the Hebrew word for meditate means two specific meanings.

2. “…but thou shalt meditate therein day and night…”

a. [but thou shalt] meditate [Strong: 1897 * hagah daw-gaw' a primitive root (Compare 1901); to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder:--imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, X sore, speak, study, talk, utter.] [Outline of Biblical Usage: to moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak] [Gesenius: to murmur, to mutter, to growl, to speak, to meditate.]

1). Mark Brazee, WOC 9/27/11 “The word meditate means “to read, to study, to think about, to mutter.” Notice the final word in that list of definitions is to mutter—or in other words, to keep God’s Word coming out of our mouths. It’s ironic when you stop to think about it. The enemy has propagated a theory in this world that people who talk to themselves are going crazy. But we Christians ought to be speaking the Word to ourselves all the time. We ought to be meditating on the Word of God continually—reading it, studying it, thinking about it, “chewing on it,” and saying it to ourselves.”

2). The word meditate means two clear things, it means to speak or mutter and it also means to ponder, imagine, meditate in the sense of concentrated thinking about a matter.

Again, this is consistent with what Deuteronomy 6 says, put the word of God in our heart and teach them to our children. Talk about the word when you’re laying down, when you get up, when you’re walking in your house or outside, talk the word. The purpose is revealed in the rest of the sentence.

b. [therein] day [Strong: 3119 * yowmam yo-mawm' from 3117; daily:--daily, (by, in the) day(-time).]

c. [and] night [Strong: 3915 * layil lah'-yil or (Isa. 21:11) leyl {lale}; also laylah {lah'- yel-aw}; from the same as 3883; properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity:--((mid-))night (season).]

1). Our souls, of which our mind and intellect are part, are truly wonderful creations of God. The abilities to think, to imagine, to picture, to remember are so amazing. When these awesome abilities are joined with God in Covenant, the possibilities are endless. When we meditate the Scriptures we are using the ability God has given us to see God’s will for our lives through the “eyes of our understanding”, that is, revelation in our spirits through meditation.

2). When we speak the word we are just saying about ourselves and our circumstances what God says about us and our circumstances. We are setting our selves in agreement with God.

a). 2 Corinthians 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore I have spoken: we also believe and therefore speak;

3). Part of fighting the good fight of faith is saying the same things about ourselves that God says about us. We are commanded to do it.

a). 1 Timothy 6:12-14 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

(1) The Greek word for “profession” in verse 12 and the Greek word for confession in verse 14 is the same word. [3671 * homologia; from homologeo-to say the same, to agree, confess] [Zodhiates: A confession, profession, or recognition.]. [Vines: Denotes confession, by acknowledgment of the truth.]

(2) Verse 13 says “…who quickeneth all things…” which means God will quicken the words we speak.

(3) John 6:63 It is the word that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

3. “…that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein;”

a. [that thou mayest] observe [8104 * shamar] [Strongs: To hedge about, (as with thorns), guard, to protect, attend to, beware, be circumspect, take heed, keep, mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, watch.]

1). Observation to be obedient to the word of God is the goal. I will observe to do God’s word because as I meditate and confess his word, the Lord will generate in me the desire and ability to do his word.

a). Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

b.) Philippians 2:13 For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

2). The same Hebrew word translated observe is translated differently in the following verses.

a). Deuteronomy 8:11 Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day.

b). Genesis 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

c). Proverbs 4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep the in the midst of thine heart.

3). Understanding and wisdom are results of meditation, utilizing “the eyes of our understanding”, by thinking, pondering, considering.

a). Psalm 119:97-100, 104 O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.

Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than my enemies: for they are ever with me.

I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

119:100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts,

119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

b). 2 Timothy 2:7 “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.”

(1) consider [Strong: 3539 noieo noy-eh'-o from 3563; to exercise the mind (observe), i.e. (figuratively) to comprehend, heed:--consider, perceive, think, understand.] [Zodhiates: To perceive, observe. To perceive with thought coming into consciousness as distinct from the perceptions of senses…With the meaning to have in mind, think about, consider, used in an absolute sense.]

c). Psalm 63:5, 6 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

d). David wrote that he received counsel from the LORD while meditating. In the following verse we see how that the Holy Ghost will use our minds, our souls to drop wisdom and instruction into our hearts

(1) Psalm 16:7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

4). There are two incidents in the life of Christ that demonstrates these verses perfectly.

a). Luke 2:46, 47 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.”

b). Matthew 22:15-46 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.

22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Ceasar, or not?

22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

22:19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

22:20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?

22:21 They say unto him, Ceasar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Ceasar the things which are Ceasar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

22:22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

22:23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

22:24 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

22:25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:

22:26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.

22:27 And last of all the woman died also.

22:28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? For they all had her?

22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels in heaven.

22:31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,

22:32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Issac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

22:33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.

22:34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.

22:35 Then one of them, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

22:38 This is the first and great commandment.

22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

22:40 On these hang all the law and the prophets.

22:41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,

22:42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.

22:43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call mim Lord, saying,

22:44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?

22:45 If David then call him Lord, how is he is son?

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.

c). Other examples are Matthew 7:28, 29 and John 7:45, 46.

b. to do [Strong: 6213 `asah aw-saw' a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application (as follows):--accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, X certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, + displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, + feast, (fight-)ing man, + finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, + hinder, hold ((a feast)), X indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, + officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, X sacrifice, serve, set, shew, X sin, spend, X surely, take, X thoroughly, trim, X very, + vex, be (warr-)ior, work(-man), yield, use.]

c. according to all [Strong: 3605 kol kole or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever).]

d. that is written [therein] [Strong: 3789 kathab kaw-thab' a primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe):--describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten).]

4. “…for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success.”

a. for [Strong: 3588 kiy kee a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet.]

b. then [Strong: 227 'az awz a demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore:--beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet.]

c. thou shalt make…prosperous [6743 * tsaleach] [Strongs:to push forward, in various senses (literally or figuratively), to break out, come mightily, go over, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to) prosper, (to go on well, to succeed, to make successful, to accomplish prosperously, to finish well].

1). [The Complete Word Study Dictionary of the Old Testament, Baker & Carpenter: A verb meaning to rush, to break forth, to come mightily. It describes the Holy Spirit’s effect on persons, making them powerful] Judges 14:6; 1 Samuel 16:13.

a). Judges 14:6 “And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.”

b). 1 Samuel 16:13 “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.”

2). Meditating the word of God will not only prepare our heart for the Spirit, it is also a channel for the Spirit of God to come mightily upon us, to rise up in us more frequently on a daily basis and for longer periods of time during the day and evening. Nothing on earth can compare with His presence, when He speaks to our heart giving us wisdom, revelation and understanding.

3). The New Testament equivalent to Joshua 1:8 is 1 Timothy 4:15.

a). 1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

b). The profit of Timothy and part of the prosperity of Joshua are the same in that they are referring to spiritual growth.

c). profit [Strong: 4297 prokope prok-op-ay' from 4298; progress, i.e. advancement (subjectively or objectively):--furtherance, profit.] [Thayer: progress, advancement. (Philippians 1:12;25).

d. thy way [Strong: 1870 derek deh'-rek from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side), whither(-soever).]

e. and then [Strong: 227 'az awz a demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore:--beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet.]

f. [thou shalt have good success [Strong: 7919 sakal saw-kal' a primitive root; to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent:--consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(- ly), guide wittingly.] [Gesenius: to look at, to be prudent, to attend, to turn the mind to, to be or become understanding, prudent, to be successful.]

1). This Hebrew word is used 63 times in Hebrew text of the Old Testament. In the KJ translation this same word is only translated “success” one time and that is here in Joshua 1:8. In other verses it is translated understand 12 times, wise 12 times, prosper 8 times, wisely 6 times, understanding 5 times, consider 4 times, instruct 3 times, prudent 2 times, skill 2 times, teach 2 times, and it is translated 7 other times in miscellaneous uses.

a). 1 Chronicles 28:19 All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.

b). Psalm 119:99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

c). Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

d). Proverbs 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

e). Joshua 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

f). 1 Kings 2:3 And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

g). Psalm 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

h). Psalm 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Meditation in the Life of Christ

1. When the second person of the triune Godhead [the LORD, the Word] became man in Christ Jesus he emptied himself of all His abilities as God. He emptied himself of his omniscience, his all-knowing ability, his omnipotence, his being all powerful, and his omnipresence, his ability to be everywhere at once. He also emptied Himself of the glory He had as God. He was still God, but he was also man.

a. Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.

1). made…of no reputation (2758 * keno) to empty, make empty. (Romans 4:14, “make void”; 1 Corinthians 1:17, “make of none effect”; 1 Corinthians 9:15, “make void”; 2 Corinthians 9:3, “be in vain”.)

b. [NIV] “But made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.”

c. Amplified Bible: “But stripped Himself of all privileges and rightful dignity…”

1). Dake: “The true Biblical teaching of the kenosis of Christ is that in taking human form He divested Himself of His Divine attributes…[he] laid aside His God form and voluntarily gave up his glory which he had with the Father before the world was and became limited in knowledge, wisdom, power, glory in every way that man is and yet retained His Deity, His Divine nature. [D.C.: He was still God but clothed in a human body.]

d. As Jesus grew up physically, from infancy on, he increased in natural and spiritual wisdom.

1). Luke 2:40 “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, full with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.”

e. From at least at the age of 12 Jesus knew that God was his Father. This is established by looking at what occurred during that particular visit to Jerusalem at the Passover Feast.

1). Luke 2:41-49 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.

2:42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

2:45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

2:48 And when they saw him they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business.

2). [NIV] “…Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

a). Scripture declares that from age twelve onward up to thirty, Jesus continued to increase in wisdom, clearly establishing that when the LORD God became man in Christ Jesus he emptied himself of his omniscience.

b). Luke 2:51, 52 “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

c). [NIV] “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

d). Institute Of Creation Research Daily Devotional 6/4/14 “…First of all, His working knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures was encyclopedic, acquired in the same way any other student of the Word can acquire it—by diligent and prayerful personal study thereof. He had done this all His life from the time He was a small boy. Remember how He had “asked questions” of the astonished doctors in the temple, and then how He was “subject unto” His parents, and how He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:46; 51-52). In all of this, He is a perfect human example to us as we also seek to learn the Scriptures and to grow in wisdom and in favor with God…”

3). Jesus had more understanding than his teachers because he meditated the word of God, not because he was God manifested in the flesh.

a). Psalm 119:99, 100 “I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.”

4). Jesus said that His Father taught him. Although this statement was said during his ministry years, some of it applies to the years he was growing up.

a). John 8:28 “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.”

f. Jesus lived his whole live as the Second Adam [i.e., before Adam sinned], and the first thirty of those years before he was filled with the Holy Ghost, and during that time Jesus never sinned. How did Jesus accomplish not sinning against his Father? By meditating the word of God!

1). Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

2). The same is provided for us in the New Covenant

a). 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

3). Jesus was wiser than all his enemies, angelic and human.

2. Psalm 119:97, 98 “O how Love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.

Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.”

a. Because the plan of the redemption of man depended on the success of his life and death, Jesus had to be wiser than all his enemies. Jesus gained the wisdom to be wiser than his enemies by meditating the word of God.

b. The plan of redemption was planned before the earth was created.

1). 1 Peter 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conservation received by tradition from your fathers;

1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

c. The plan of man’s redemption was a body of wisdom, that God had hidden from all of creation, not even the angels knew about it. Only the three Persons of the Godhead knew about it for they only had planned it out.

d. 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

1). The enemies in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 are fallen angelic hosts. They include the devil, and other angels that in some cases rule or influence geographical areas and nations.

a). John 12:31 “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”

b). John 14:30 “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.”

c). Daniel 10:20, 21 “Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? And now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

But I will shew thee that which is noted in the Scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.”

2). The outsmarting of demonic powers, spirit beings who would prevent the redemption of man depended on Jesus meditating the word of God. We can read through the Gospels and see the times when Jesus foretold of his death, his resurrection, the redemption of man, his coming back in glory, but the devil never connected the dots, if he would have, he would never have crucified Jesus. They were completely outsmarted by the wisdom of God.

3. There are examples in the life of Christ were he outsmarted his human enemies also.

a. Matthew 22:15-46 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.

22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Ceasar, or not?

22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

22:19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

22:20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?

22:21 They say unto him, Ceasar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Ceasar the things which are Ceasar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

22:22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left him, and went their way.