Isaiah 44:5

Isaiah 44:5

One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.

a. NLT: Some will proudly claim, ‘I belong to the LORD.’ Others will say, ‘I am a descendant of Jacob.’ Some will write the LORD’s name on their hands and will take the name of Israel as their own.”

b. NIV: Some will say, ‘I belong to the LORD’; others will call themselves by the name of Jacob; still others will write on their hand, ‘The LORD’s,’ and will take the name Israel.

c. Amplified Bible: One will say, I am the Lord’s; and another will call himself by the name of Jacob; and another will write [even brand or tattoo] upon his hand, I am the Lord’s, and surname himself by the [honorable] name of Israel.

d. Septuagint: One shall say, I am God's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall write with his hand, I am God's, and shall call himself by the name of Israel.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: This one will say: “I am HASHEM’S, and another one will call [himself] by the name of Jacob; this wone will sign his allegiance to HASHEM, and adopt the name of Israel.

1. “One shall say, I am the LORD'S…”

a. say [559 * ‘amar] [Strong:  a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech), utter, X verily, X yet.]

b. LORD’S [3068 * Yehovah] [Strong: (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord.] 

2. “…and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob…”

a. call [7121 * qara’] [Strong: a primitive root (rather identical with 7121 through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications):--bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(- ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.]

b. name [8034 * shem] [Strong: a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; Compare 8064); an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character:--+ base, (in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.]

c. Jacob [3290 * Ya’aqob] [Strong: from 6117; heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch:--Jacob.]

3. “…and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD…”

a. subscribe [3789 * kathab] [Strong: a primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe):--describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten).

b. hand [3027 * yad] [Strong: a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad, (broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, + creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship, force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in, labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine, ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain, power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing, + thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side, where, + wide, X with (him, me, you), work, + yield, X yourselves.]

4. “…and surname himself by the name of Israel.”

a. surname [3655 * kanah] [Strong: a primitive root; to address by an additional name; hence, to eulogize:--give flattering titles, surname (himself).]

b. name [8034 * shem] [Strong: a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; Compare 8064); an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character:--+ base, (in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.]

c. Israel [3478 * Yisra’el] [Strong: from 8280 and 410; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity: --Israel.

Isaiah 44:4

Isaiah 44:4

And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.

a. NLT: They will thrive like watered grass, like willows on a riverbank.

b. NIV: They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.

c. Amplified Bible: And they shall spring up among the grass like willows or poplars by the watercourses.

d. Septuagint: and they shall spring up as grass between brooks, and as willows on [the banks of] running water.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: they will flourish among the grass like willows by streams of water.

1. “And they shall spring up as among the grass…”

a. spring up [6779 * tsamach] [Strong: a primitive root; to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative):--bear, bring forth, (cause to, make to) bud (forth), (cause to, make to) grow (again, up), (cause to) spring (forth, up).]

b. among [996 * beyn] [Strong: (sometimes in the plural masculine or feminine); properly, the constructive form of an otherwise unused noun from 995; a distinction; but used only as a prep, between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or:--among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), + from (the widest), X in, out of, whether (it be...or), within.]

c. grass [2682 * chatsiyr] [Strong: perhaps originally the same as 2681, from the greenness of a courtyard; grass; also a leek (collectively):--grass, hay, herb, leek.

d. I don’t believe this is limited to physical growth. As the next verse, Isaiah 44:5 shows it is obviously referring to persons, particularly the “offspring” of believers (Isaiah 44:3).

2. “…as willows by the water courses.”

a. willows [6155 * ‘arab] [Strong: from 6148; a willow (from the use of osiers as wattles):--willow.]

b. water [4325 * mayim] [Strong: dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen:--+ piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)).]

c. courses [2988 * yabal] [Strong:  from 2986; a stream:--(water-)course, stream.]

Isaiah 44:3

Isaiah 44:3-5 is a passage filled with promises concerning our children. It was passed along to me by Victoria Bowling.

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

a. NLT: For I will pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields. And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children.

b. NIV: For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

c. Amplified Bible:  For I will pour water upon him who is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground. I will pour My Spirit upon your offspring, and My blessing upon your descendants.

d. Septuagint: For I will give water to the thirsty that walk in a dry land: I will put my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessings upon thy children.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: Just as I pour water upon the thirsty [land] and flowing water upon the dry ground, so shall I pour out My spirit upon your offspring and My blessing upon your progeny.

1. “For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty…”

a. pour [3332 * yatsaq] [Strong: a primitive root; properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard:--cast, cleave fast, be (as) firm, grow, be hard, lay out, molten, overflow, pour (out), run out, set down, stedfast.]

b. water [4325 * mayim] [Strong: dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen:--+ piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)).]

c. thirsty [6771 * tsame’] [Strong: thirsty (literally or figuratively):--(that) thirst(-eth, -y).]

d. Commentary:

1). Albert Barnes: Floods, rivers, streams, and waters, are often used in the Scriptures, and especially in Isaiah, to denote plenteous divine blessings, particularly the abundant influences of the Holy Spirit. That it here refers to the Holy Spirit and his influences, is proved by the parallel expressions in the subsequent part of the verse.

2). Don Costello: There is no Hebrew for “him” in the text, but there is no doubt this promise is referring primarily to people and secondly to creation is shown by the sections that mention our “seed” and our “offspring”. The words “dry ground” are used as a metaphor to describe the human condition.

a). Psalm 63:1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

2. “…and floods upon the dry ground…”

a. floods [5140 * nazal] [Strong:  a primitive root; to drip, or shed by trickling:--distil, drop, flood, (cause to) flow(-ing), gush out, melt, pour (down), running water, stream.]

b. dry ground [3004 * yabbashah] [Strong: from 3001; dry ground:--dry (ground, land).]

1). The LORD can rain down upon us in a number of ways.

a). Psalm 72:6 He shall come  down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.

b). Deuteronomy 32:1, 2 Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

32:2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

3. “…I will pour my spirit upon thy seed…”

a. pour [3332 * yatsaq] [Strong: a primitive root; properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard:--cast, cleave fast, be (as) firm, grow, be hard, lay out, molten, overflow, pour (out), run out, set down, stedfast.]

b. spirit [7307 * ruwach] [Strong: from 7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions):--air, anger, blast, breath, X cool, courage, mind, X quarter, X side, spirit((-ual)), tempest, X vain, ((whirl-))wind(-y).]

1). John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

2). Isaiah 12:2, 3 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

c. seed [2233 * zera’] [Strong: from 2233; seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity:--X carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing- time.]

1). Acts 2;16-18 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

4. “…and my blessing upon thine offspring:”

a. blessing [1293 * Berakah] [Strong: from 1288; benediction; by implication prosperity:--blessing, liberal, pool, present.]

1). Notice in the following verse the use of the Hebrew word “blessings”. The Hebrew word for blessing encompasses spiritual, physical, and financial blessings.

a). Genesis 49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:

b). “Blessings of heaven above”: spiritual. “Blessings of the deep that lieth under”: natural resources. “Blessings of the breasts and of the womb”: children.

b. offspring [6631 * tse’etsa] [Strong: from 3318; issue, i.e. produce, children:--that which cometh forth (out), offspring.]

Jeremiah 20:8

Jeremiah 20:8

For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the Lord was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.

a. NLT: When I speak, the words burst out. “Violence and destruction!” I shout. So these messages from the LORD have made me a household joke.

b. NIV: Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day long.

c. Amplified Bible: For whenever I speak, I must cry out and complain; I shout, Violence and destruction! For the word of the Lord has become to me a reproach and a derision and has brought me insult all day long.

d. Septuagint: For I will laugh with my bitter speech, I will call upon rebellion and misery: for the word of the Lord is become a reproach to me and a mockery all my days.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: Whenever I speak [to them], I shout; “Corruption! Robbery! Do I proclaim, for the word of HASHEM has become a source of shame and derision to me all day long.

1. “For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil…”

a. For since [1767 * day] [Strong: of uncertain derivation; enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases:--able, according to, after (ability), among, as (oft as), (more than) enough, from, in, since, (much as is) sufficient(-ly), too much, very, when.]

b. spake [1696 * dabar] [Strong: a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue:--answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, X well, X work.]

c. cried out [2199 * za’aq] [Strong: a primitive root; to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly:-- assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed.]

d. I cried [7121 * qara’] [Strong: a primitive root (rather identical with 7122 through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications):--bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(- ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.]

e. violence [2555 * chamac] [Strong: from 2554; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust gain:--cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, X oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong.]

f. spoil [7701 * shod] [Strong: from 7736; violence, ravage:--desolation, destruction, oppression, robbery, spoil(-ed, -er, - ing), wasting.]

2. “…because the word of the Lord was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.”

a. word [1697 * dabar] [Strong: a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause:--act, advice, affair, answer, X any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, + chronicles, commandment, X commune(-ication), + concern(-ing), + confer, counsel, + dearth, decree, deed, X disease, due, duty, effect, + eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-)ness, + glory, + harm, hurt, + iniquity, + judgment, language, + lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, X ought, X parts, + pertaining, + please, portion, + power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, X (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, + sign, + so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, + song, speech, X spoken, talk, task, + that, X there done, thing (concerning), thought, + thus, tidings, what(-soever), + wherewith, which, word, work.]

b. of the LORD [3068 * Yehovah] [Strong: (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord]

c. reproach [2781 * cherpah] [Strong: contumely, disgrace, the pudenda:--rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame.]

d. derision [7047 * qelec] [Strong: from 7046; a laughing-stock:--derision.]

e. daily [3117 * yowm] [Strong: from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverb):--age, + always, + chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), + elder, X end, + evening, + (for) ever(-lasting, -more), X full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, + old, + outlived, + perpetually, presently, + remaineth, X required, season, X since, space, then, (process of) time, + as at other times, + in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), X whole (+ age), (full) year(-ly), + younger.]

f. Commentary:

1). Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsh: I am become a laughter the whole day long, every one mocketh at me. Jeremiah 20:8. For as often as I speak, I must call out and cry violence and spoil, for the word of Jahveh is made a reproach and a derision to me all the day.

2).  John Gill: I am in derision daily, everyone mocketh me; he was the laughing stock of everyone of the people of Israel, from the highest to the lowest; princes, priests, and people, all derided him and his prophecies, and that continually, every day, and all the day long, and especially when he was in the stocks; though it was not only his person they mocked, but the word of the Lord by him, as appears from Jeremiah 20:8.

3). Geneva Bible Notes: He shows that he did his office in that he reproved the people of their vices and threatened them with God's judgments: but because he was derided and persecuted for this, he was discouraged, and would have stopped preaching, except that God's spirit forced him to it.

Jeremiah 20:9

Jeremiah 20:9

Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

a. NLT: But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!

b. NIV: But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

c. Amplified Bible:  If I say, I will not make mention of [the Lord] or speak any more in His name, in my mind and heart it is as if there were a burning fire shut up in my bones. And I am weary of enduring and holding it in; I cannot [contain it any longer].

d. Septuagint: Then I said, I will by no means name the name of the Lord, and I will no more at all speak in his name. But it was a burning fire flaming in my bones, and I am utterly weakened on all sides, and cannot bear [up].

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: Yet if I would say, “I will not mention Him and not speak in His Name any more—[His word] would be like a burning fire in my heart, stored in my bones, and though I might struggle to contain it, I could not.

1. “Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name…”

a. said [559 * ‘amar] [Strong: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech), utter, X verily, X yet.]

b. make mention [2142 * zakar] [Strong: a primitive root; properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention; also (as denominative from 2145) to be male:--X burn (incense), X earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, X still, think on, X well.]

c. speak [1696 * dabar] [Strong: a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue:--answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, X well, X work.]

d. name [8034 * shem] [Strong: a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; Compare 8064); an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character:--+ base, (in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.]

e. Jeremiah became bitter toward God because as he obeyed God and gave the word he received nothing but persecution. As a result in Jeremiah 20:9, Jeremiah made the decision not to speak the word of God because declaring God’s word meant only pain for him, so he decided not to speak any more.

1). Jeremiah 20:7, 8 O Lord, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived; thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.

20:8 For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the Lord was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.

2. “…But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones…”

a. mine heart [3820 * leb] [Strong: a form of 3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything:--+ care for, comfortably, consent, X considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart((-ed)), X heed, X I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), X regard((-ed)), X themselves, X unawares, understanding, X well, willingly, wisdom.] [Condensed Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon: inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding, inner part, midst, midst (of things), heart (of man), soul, heart (of man), mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory, inclination, resolution, determination (of will), conscience, heart (of moral character), as seat of appetites, as seat of emotions and passions, as seat of courage.]

b. burning fire [1197 * ba’ar] [Strong: a primitive root; to kindle, i.e. consume (by fire or by eating); also (as denominative from 1198) to be(-come) brutish:--be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set ((on fire)), waste.]

1). Jeremiah 23:29 Is not my word like a fire? Saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

2). Perhaps similar to what any prophet felt. The Spirit of Christ was in them, urging them, inspiring them to speak.

a). 1 Peter 1:10-12 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

3). The Spirit of Christ filled Micah with power, judgment, and might to speak the word of the LORD.

a). Micah 3:8 But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and of Israel his sin.

c. shut up [6113 * ‘atsar] [Strong: a primitive root; to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble:--X be able, close up, detain, fast, keep (self close, still), prevail, recover, refrain, X reign, restrain, retain, shut (up), slack, stay, stop, withhold (self).]

d. my bones [6106 * ‘etsem] [Strong: from 6105; a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. (as pron.) selfsame:--body, bone, X life, (self-)same, strength, X very.]

3. “…and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.”

a. I was weary [3811 * la’ah] [Strong: a primitive root; to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted:--faint, grieve, lothe, (be, make) weary (selves).]

b. forbearing [3557 * kuwl] [Strong: a primitive root; properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses):--(be able to, can) abide, bear, comprehend, contain, feed, forbearing, guide, hold(-ing in), nourish(-er), be present, make provision, receive, sustain, provide sustenance (victuals).]

c. could [3201 * yakol] [Strong: a primitive root; to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might):--be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer.]

1). In spite of his decision not to speak God’s word any more, Jeremiah’s fight to not speak was a losing battle. The Apostle Paul knew also deep in his heart it is worse with us if we are not obedient to the gospel.

a). 1 Corinthians 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

2). Notice the similar descriptions of other men of God concerning the word in their heart.

a). Luke 24:27-32  And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

24:29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

24:30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Jeremiah 17:8

Jeremiah 17:8

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

a. NLT: They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

b. NIV: They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

c. Amplified Bible:  For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit.

d. Septuagint: And he shall be as a thriving tree by the waters, and he shall cast forth his root toward a moist place: he shall not fear when heat comes, and there shall be upon him shady branches: he shall not fear in a year of drought, and he shall not fail to bear fruit.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: He will be like a tree planted near water, which spreads out its roots along a brook and does not see when heat comes, whose foliage is ever fresh; it will not worry in a year of drought and will not stop producing fruit.

1. “For he shall be…” 

a. [For he shall] be [Strong: 1961 hayah haw-yaw a primitive root (Compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit (one-)self, require, X use.]

1). What follows are the characteristics of a man or woman who trusts the Lord. “he shall be”. The interesting thing is the characteristics are identical as those who meditate the word, which means that the individual who truly “trusts” God will meditate the Scriptures also, the  individual verses that apply to what he is trusting God for.

2. “…as a tree planted by the waters…” 

a. [as a] tree [Strong: 6086 * ‘ets] [Strong: a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks):--+ carpenter, gallows, helve, + pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood.]

b. planted [8362 * shathal] [Strong: a primitive root; to transplant:--plant.]

c. by [Strong: 5921 `al al properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications (as follow):--above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, X with.]

d. [the] waters [4325 * mayim] [Strong: dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen:--+ piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)).]

3. “…and that spreadeth out her roots by the river…” 

a. spreadeth [7971 * shalach] [Strong: a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications):--X any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, X earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out).]

b. roots [8328 * sheresh] [Strong: a root (literally or figuratively):--bottom, deep, heel, root.]

c. river [3105 * yuwbal] [Strong: a stream:--river.]

4. “…and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green…” 

a. [and 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.]

b. see [7200 * ra’ah] [Strong: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve, behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X surely, X think, view, visions.]

1). Some translations have “fear” because the text they translate from have the Hebrew word for “fear”. Other translations have the wording with “see” because the text they translate from have the Hebrew word for “see”. 

b. when [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.]

c. heat [2527 * chom] [Strong: heat:--heat, to be hot (warm).]

d. cometh [935 * bow] [Strong:   a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications):--abide, apply, attain, X be, befall, + besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, X certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, X doubtless again, + eat, + employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, + follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, + have, X indeed, (in-)vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, X (well) stricken (in age), X surely, take (in), way.]

e. [but her]leaf [5929 * ‘aleh] [Strong: a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage:--branch, leaf.]

e. [shall] be [Strong: 1961 hayah haw-yaw a primitive root (Compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit (one-)self, require, X use.]

f. green [7488 * ra’anan] [Strong: from an unused root meaning to be green; verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous:--green, flourishing.]

5. “…and shall not be careful in the year of drought…” 

a. [and 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.]

b. [be] careful [1672 * da’ag] [Strong: a primitive root; be anxious:--be afraid (careful, sorry), sorrow, take thought.]

b. [in the] year [8141 * shaneh ] [Strong:  (in plura or (feminine) shanah {shaw-naw'}; from 8138; a year (as a revolution of time):--+ whole age, X long, + old, year(X -ly).]

c. [of] drought [1226 * batstsoreth] [Strong: feminine intensive from 1219; restraint (of rain), i.e. drought:--dearth, drought.]

6. “…neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”

a. neither [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.]

b. [shall] cease [4185 * muwsh] [Strong: a primitive root (perhaps rather the same as 4184 through the idea of receding by contact); to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive):--cease, depart, go back, remove, take away.

Notice the similarities with Psalm 1.]

b. yielding [6213 * ‘asah] [Strong:  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. fruit [6529 * periy] [Strong: fruit (literally or figuratively):--bough, ((first-)) fruit((-ful)), reward.]

1). The conclusion is inescapable, that the individual who truly trusts God will also be one who meditates God’s word, meditating on the promises of God rather than on the outward circumstances.

a). Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

1:2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

b). Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

2). He will not see when heat cometh because he walks by faith and not by sight. The heat comes because the drought comes but because he walks by faith they do not determine his actions.

Isaiah 49:25

Isaiah 49:25

But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

a. NLT: But the LORD says, “The captives of warriors will be released, and the plunder of tyrants will be retrieved. For I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children.

b. NIV: But this is what the LORD says: “Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.

c. For thus says the Lord: Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away, and the prey of the terrible will be delivered; for I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will give safety to your children and ease them.

d. Septuagint: For thus saith the Lord, If one should take a giant captive, he shall take spoils, and he who takes [them] from a mighty [man] shall be delivered: for I will plead thy cause, and I will deliver thy children.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: Yet thus saith HASHEM: Even the captives of a warrior can be retrieved, and the booty of fierce men can escape: I myself will take up your cause, and I myself will save your children. 

1. “But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away…”

a. captives [7628 * shebiy] [Strong: exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty:--captive(-ity), prisoners, X take away, that was taken.]

b. mighty [1368 * gibbowr] [Strong: intensive from the same as 1397; powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant:-- champion, chief, X excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man.]

c. taken away [3947 * laqach] []Strong: a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications):--accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, in fold, X many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win.]

1). Commentary

a). Albert Barnes Notes: Margin, as Hebrew, 'The captivity of the mighty.' That which could not have been rescued by any ordinary means. The language here refers undoubtedly to Babylon, and to the captivity of the Jews there.

2). Don Costello Notes: In light of the context of the verse, I have to say one of the definitions of the Hebrew word lacking here is “rescued”. These captives were rescued from their captivity. The primary meaning refers of course to Israel, but there can also be a spiritual New Covenant application to us. The captives of the mighty have been taken away, have been rescued by Christ Jesus and what he did for us. In each of the following passages, the captives are released and rescued by our Savior Christ Jesus.

a). Psalm 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

b). Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

c). Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

2. “…and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered…”

a. prey [4455 * malqowach] [Strong:  transitively (in dual) the jaws (as taking food); intransitively, spoil (and captives) (as taken):--booty, jaws, prey.]

b. terrible [6184 * ‘ariyts] [Strong: from 6206; fearful, i.e. powerful or tyrannical:--mighty, oppressor, in great power, strong, terrible, violent.]

c. delivered [4422 * malat] [Strong: a primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks:--deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, X speedily, X surely.]

1). The spiritual New Covenant application: In Christ Jesus we have been delivered from our enemy.

a). Colossians 1:9-14  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

b). 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10  For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

3. “…for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee…”

a. contend [7378 * riyb] [Strong: a primitive root; properly, to toss, i.e. grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend:--adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, X ever, X lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, X thoroughly.

1). New Covenant application: In light of what God has done for us through Christ Jesus we must contend in faith for what Christ Jesus has won for us.

a). 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

b. with him that contendeth [3401 * yariyb] [Strong: literally, he will contend; properly, adjective, contentious; used as noun, an adversary:--that content(-eth), that strive.

4. “…and I will save thy children.”

a. save [3467 * yasha] [Strong: a primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor:--X at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory.]

b. children [1121 * ben] [Strong: from 1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like 1, 251, etc.)):--+ afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-)ite, (anoint-)ed one, appointed to, (+) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-)ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, + kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+) people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, + spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous one, + valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.]

c. New Covenant application: The salvation of our children. I want to reflect a little on what he has already said in this verse, he is speaking of the salvation of our children.

1). Those of our children who are “captives of the mighty shall be taken away” or seized and taken away from the mighty. Those of our children who are “the prey of the terrible shall be delivered”, Glory to God! The LORD goes on to say that He, God, will contend with those who contend with us and He, God, will “save our children.” Along those same lines is a passage from Jeremiah 31.

a). Jeremiah 31:16, 17  Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.

31:17 And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border.

2). I don’t care what kind of bondage the children are in. If they are not dead, believe God for their divine protection. Believe and confess these promises concerning your children. It is God’s will that they be saved, He has given us His will concerning it. In light of that we can apply the following words of Jesus to us.

a). Mark 11:22-24  And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

3). God created the family unit, so it is His will that whole families be saved and in relationship with Him.

a). Acts 16:30-34 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

10:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

10:32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

10:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

16:34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

d. Another New Covenant application: Salvation is open to all, to all in our own houses, our families.

1). Romans 10:9-13 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

2). John 3:16, 17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

            3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world                         through him might be saved.