Thoughts on the readings for May 11th (Deuteronomy 28, Song of Solomon 8, Acts 25, 26)

Deuteronomy 28 verses 1 to 15 speak of the blessings that would accompany obedience to the ways of the LORD. Verses 16 to 68 speak of the punishment (curses) for disobedience – more than a threefold increase over the blessings. This in itself is an indication of the dominant direction that the nation of Israel would follow. Joshua no doubt picks up on this in the 24th chapter which gives his speech after the reading of Deuteronomy 27 and 28. The cursings contain prophecies about the holocaust which overtook the Jewish people in the middle of the twentieth century (particularly note verses 65-67). It is also interesting that there was no requirement for assent with the pronouncement of “Amen” after any of the blessings and cursings of chapter 28. The blessings tell of bountiful harvests, fruitful families and a guarantee of peace when the nation came to Jerusalem for worship. The cursed speak of droughts, adverse weather, poor crops, of being endlessly pursued by their enemies and of an incapacity to stand and fight against their foes.

Song of Solomon 8 concludes the book. In the first 7 verses the bride continues to extol her well loved and highly desired husband. She says their mutual joys are like those of innocent children. These thoughts transport us in mind back to the innocence that was once in Eden before sin entered the world. These conditions will likewise characterise the kingdom age which will be ruled over by our majestic Master and his glorious bride. Verse 6 talks of a seal. Our eternal Father gives us this seal through His beloved Son the Lord Jesus Christ – John 6:26-29; Revelation 14:1-5. In the KJV we find no mention of Yahweh’s name, nor reference to any of His titles. The ESV translation of verse 6, “set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of Yah.” Nothing can, says Solomon, be valued above love. This is true for the love of God and that of His Son – Romans 8:31-39. In verses 8-9 the bride’s companions say that they have a litttle sister. The day when she will be spoken for will be the time when the fulness of the Gentiles will occur in the kingdom when all nations will at the millennium’s end be incorporated into the body of Christ. In verses 10-12 the bride continues with her counting her blessings. In verse 13 the groom tells of his longing to hear the voice of his desirable spouse. The bride finishes the song in verse 14 with an urging of her groom to rush to her side to be with her (evermore). “Even so. Come Lord Jesus.” Read and ponder the culmination of our desires in Revelation 22:20-21.

In Acts 25 tells us that, when Festus was determined to send Paul to Jerusalem, the Apostle had no alternative but to make his appeal to Caesar. After a short period of time Festus conducts another hearing of Paul’s matters. Festus was again seeking the favour of the Jews and at this time Paul announces that he would exercise his right as a Roman Citizen to be judged by Caesar. We then hear of Herod Agrippa and his wife Bernice visiting Caesarea and at this time Festus requests that they hear Paul’s case as Festus was struggling with the wording of the charge to be made against Paul. Festus explains to Agrippa that in his opinion there was no commuting or a capital crime, but simply matters concerning Jewish law. With great pomp and ceremony Agrippa, Bernice and all the other dignitaries enter the judgment hall. Festus seeks Agrippa’s view about the nature of the charge to appear on the letter to be sent to Caesar. Chapter 26 records Paul’s defence and his earnest appeal to Agrippa to embrace the Christian cause. Paul tells his audience of his fervour for the Jewish way and his concerted opposition to Christianity. But when he was confronted by the risen Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus everything changed. He tells the audience of his great commission and then knowing king Agrippa to be a man who read the prophets he appeals to the king to adopt the Christian belief. Festus, being embarrassed by the situation, attempts to finish the hearing immediately by declaring Paul to be mad due to his great learning. Paul was not to be silenced so quickly and continues to ask Agrippa whether he believes the prophets. Paul states plainly I know you believe them king Agrippa. At this point king Agrippa and all the dignitaries rise and leave with the king stating Paul’s innocence.