Reuben's Sin Caused A Great Loss

     For our teaching today notice the picture above of Leah holding the white blossoms from the mandrakes that her son Reuben gave her to make her appear beautiful and attract her husband Jacob. Rachel in the background is asking Leah to give her Reuben's mandrakes to become attractive to Jacob. Rachel and Leah were in a competition to have the most children for Jacob. Leah denied Rachel's request and because of Reuben's mandrakes, Leah appeared beautiful to Jacob, and as a result Leah had more children than Rachel. Leah's children were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and one daughter named Dinah. Rachel only had two children named Joseph and Benjamin.

     The lesson I want you to see from this bible study is how Reuben's use of mandrakes with his mother Leah caused Reuben to sin and commit incest (forbidden relations between close family members) with his own stepmother Bilhah. Bilhah was Rachel's handmaid and mother to Dan and Naphtali. Reuben thought his sin of making older women like his mother Leah attractive by mandrakes was fun, and as a result Reuben himself became attracted to Bilhah from mandrakes and lost many blessings by committing incest with his own stepmother Bilhah.

     The story about the picture above is at Genesis 30:14 and says And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes (love apples) in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of thy son's mandrakes. And she (Leah) said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son's mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son's mandrakes. And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, Thou must come in unto me; for surely I have hired thee with my son's mandrakes. And he lay with her that night.

     Jesus showed Brother Bob that Reuben's handling of mandrakes was like a little sip of beer or wine, or a little pleasure from a joint of marijuana that caused great sin where Reuben committed incest with his stepmother Bilhah and lost many blessings. Reuben's sin reminds Brother Bob of James 1:13 that says Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth for sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

     Unlike Reuben, deny sin daily by looking with your hearts to the Lord Jesus and avoid death. Jesus said at Luke 9:23 If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again. 

     Reuben's loss of blessing is recorded at Genesis 49:3 where Jacob tells Reuben, Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch. Reuben's sin is recorded at Genesis 35:22. And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Reuben lost so many blessings for just one sexual sin of incest with his stepmother Bilhah. Reuben lost the priesthood blessing to Levi, the blessing of being Jesus' great grandfather to Judah, and the double portion blessing to Joseph.

     The reason Joseph received Jacob's double portion blessing instead of Reuben was because Joseph unlike Reuben denied having an affair with an older woman pictured above who was Potiphar's wife. Let's all be like Joseph pictured above and flee from the sexual sins of adultery, incest, and fornication that usually are the worst sins that appear first in bible lists of sins. I'll prove this to you while I quote several scriptures where adultery and fornication appear first in bible lists of sins that we all must avoid in order to be blessed and live with Jesus. 

     1 Corinthians 6:9 says Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Galatians 5:19 says Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness. Fornication and adultery usually top bible lists of sins and we should all daily deny these sins and look to the Lord Jesus in order to live with peace.

     1 Corinthians 6:18 warns us all to Flee fornication (any illicit sex including incest with close relatives, adultery,  homosexuality, and lesbianism). Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. And notice how the will of God is defined at 1 Thessalonians 4:3 that says For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.

     If Reuben had avoided incest and not touched mandrakes, he would have received so many blessings as the firstborn son of Jacob. If you are tempted to sin, learn to look to the Lord Jesus and deny any small little sin that will eventually get worse and cause death. To avoid sin, daily study the Word of God and listen to anointed praise and worship music. Ephesians 5:19 says Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. 

     If in the past you have been guilty of any sin don't be discouraged because you can be forgiven and the blood of Jesus can remove all your sins and make you clean. The Lord Jesus would say to you, Live, and go, and sin no more. 1 John 1:7 says But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.

     Note the following scriptures that encourage us to deny the smallest sins to live a blessed life and avoid problems and death. Song Of Solomon 2:15 says Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. Ecclesiastes 10:1 says Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. 1 Corinthains 5:6 says Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Ephesians 4:27 says Neither give place to the devil.

     Pictured above we see how blessed it is for a man and a woman (not a man and a man or a woman and a woman) to be married in the sight of God. It's wrong when any country approves and supports same sex marriage. The bible defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Mark 10:7 says For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife (called a woman bride). 

     Brother Bob tells everyone that same sex marriage is wrong and that God declares that marriage between a man and a woman is a blessing. Jesus wants a man and a woman to be married and have children trained up in the goodness of our Lord Jesus. Hebrews 13:4 says Marriage is honourable (called precious) in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. 

    Jesus showed Brother Bob that when Reuben committed incest with his stepmother Bilhah, the prophet Amos said that Reuben profaned the name of God. Amos 2:7 says And a man and his father will go in unto the same maid, to profane my holy name. Just the thought of a child committing incest with his parent is wicked. It's like a man that I heard about who divorced his wife and married his mother in law. Deuteronomy 27:20 says Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 22:30 says A man shall not take his father's wife, nor discover his father's skirt. 

     Reuben's sin of incest with his stepmother was worse than anything that a heathen Gentile could do. The sin of incest was not even named or mentioned among the Gentiles. 1 Corinthians 5:1 says It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 

     This scripture reminds Brother Bob of modern day America where homosexuals and lesbians are puffed up and rejoice in laws approving same sex marriage. Like Paul, Brother Bob mourns about these ungodly laws approved by America and prays that America's leaders will repent and reinstate the sanctified definition of a marriage to be the union of a man and a woman. 

     Because of Reuben's sin of incest, his children made wrong decisions and also lost blessings because of their father's sins. I pray that parents in any country reading this can unlike Reuben, be like the parents pictured above and daily train their kids to pray and learn about the Lord Jesus and the bible. Our kids today need to learn about Jesus and the truths from the bible. What a precious picture above of the little girl praying and learning about our Lord Jesus.

     Reuben's sons also sinned and tried to undo what daddy had lost when they along with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against Moses to obtain the priesthood that Reuben had lost to Levi. Reuben's sons should have said God forgive us and let's do whatever you command, realizing that they can't go back and undo daddy's prior sins. Numbers 16:1 says Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, 250 princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord? 

     Because Reuben's sons sinned trying to become priests, Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and Reuben's sons all went down quickly into the the pit of hell as the earth opened up and swallowed them alive. Also the 250 famous princes that unlawfully tried to be priests by offering incense were burned to death as the fire of God consumed them. This story is also found at Numbers 16. What's amazing is that after the earth swallowed up all these people, many people kept complaining to Moses that it was wrong for God to kill these sons of Reuben. As a result, a plague afflicted the people because of their murmurings and Aaron as the high priest had to pray to stop the plague. Aaron was like the Lord Jesus who constantly prays for us to repent to avoid plagues. This is proven by Hebrews 7:25 that says Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.

     Just a couple of more notes on how Reuben's one sin of incest caused the tribe of Reuben to suffer a great loss. Reuben was the first tribe taken as slaves to be captives to the Syrian enemy. This is proven by 1 Chronicles 5:25 that says And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them. And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.   

     You might say after reading about all of Reuben's losses for his tribe and children, is there any hope for Reuben? Brother Bob says yes there is a light at the end of a dark tunnel for Reuben and that light is the Lord Jesus. The bible proves that the Lord Jesus forgave Reuben of his sin of incest because Reuben's name is on one of the twelve gates in the kingdom of God. The story about Reuben has a happy ending because a blessing was proclaimed for Reuben by Moses at Deuteronomy 33:6 that says Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few. 

     If Reuben can be forgiven for his wicked sin of incest, right now receive forgiveness for any past sin you ever did and get saved. The blood of Jesus will cleanse you from any sin. Reuben was blessed to be listed as one of 12 tribes at Revelation 7:5, but because of his sin of incest with Bilhah, Judah was listed as the first tribe before firstborn Reuben, who is listed as the second tribe at Revelation 7:5 

     Another thing I learned this week was that Abraham also committed more sexual sins after Sarah died that caused the birth of many Arab Muslims that to this day persecute Israel and the people of God. After Sarah died, Abraham sinned and married another wife named Keturah who had five children that started Arab Muslim nations that to this day are the enemies of Israel. This was a sin because the promised blessing was already given to Isaac, the son of Sarah, and Abraham knew that the promised blessing would not be given to any of Keturah's sons. 

     Genesis 25:1 says Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah. And she bare him Zimran (musician), and Jokshan (snarer), and Medan (contention),and Midian (strife), and Ishbak (he releases), and Shuah (wealth). Genesis 25:5 says And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac. But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country (modern day Iraq and Iran). Keturah's children became the modern day Arab Muslims in Iraq and Iran.

     Remember though, if you are reading this book about the Lord Jesus in a Muslim Arab nation that is an enemy to Israel, you can be saved with the Lord Jesus today. Lord Jesus bless anyone that reads this bible study in any Muslim Arab nation, and I pray in Jesus name that these Muslims get saved and believe that Jesus is God.

     Revelation 22:17 says And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Jesus said at John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Jesus receives anyone in any nation from any background that repents, confesses that Jesus is God, and believes the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for them, was buried, and rose again.

     Ruth, who lived in Moab, a country that was an enemy to Israel, was blessed when she got saved and decided to leave Moab and become a citizen of Israel. Ruth told Naomi at Ruth 1:16 Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Manasseh and Ephraim were two half Egyptians that were blessed to be named among the twelve tribes of Israel. Cornelius, a Gentile who was a Roman centurion was blessed when he got saved and received the Holy Ghost from Peter, even though Rome was an enemy to Israel.

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name. 

The Blessing Of Grace Given To The Youngest Sons Abel, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Ephraim, And David; Learn Why Palestinians Will Never Destroy Joseph's Bones Buried Below A Cenotaph And God's Promises

According To The Letter The Oldest Firstborn Son Received The Blessing

According To Grace The Youngest Son Received The Blessing

1) By Grace The Youngest Son Abel Received The Blessing

     Cain and Abel both presented offerings to God. Cain offered the fruit of the ground (works) saying "All the labor of my hands can fulfill thy laws demands." Abel offered the firstlings of his flock (the blood of the Lamb Jesus) saying "Nothing in my hands I bring; Simply to the cross I cling." God accepted the youngest son Abel's offering and refused the oldest son Cain's offering. Genesis 4:3 says And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering. But unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 

     After God saw Cain's angry attitude toward his brother Abel, God told Cain at Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. In other words God gave Cain a chance to change his angry attitude by doing well with a blessed offering of the blood of the Lamb Jesus. Notice that Abel brought firstlings (more than one Lamb) showing kindness to Cain where Cain could offer the extra firstling Lamb for an acceptable offering. Abel wanted Cain to have a blessed attitude saying Forgive me Lord, I'll get a Lamb, offer it to you, and not be angry at my brother Abel.

     But instead Cain chose to remain angry with a jealous attitude about his brother Abel where Cain killed Abel. Cain's angry attitude with no repentance determined his outcome curse of everlasting punishment and torment in hell and the lake of fire. Cain went to hell because he refused to repent (a requirement for salvation at 2 Corinthians 7:10) and only told God at Genesis 4:13 My punishment is greater than I can bear. Jude 11 places Cain in hell with Balaam and Korah (Korah went down alive into the pit of hell for rebelling against Moses). Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 

     1 John 3:10 says In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

     One final note about Cain, Korah, and Balaam who represent the devil, the beast, and the false prophet. Cain represents the devil who was a murderer. Korah represents the beast antichrist who became a rebellious ruler against Moses. Balaam represents a false prophet who according to Revelation 2:14 got a payoff of filthy lucre by teaching Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication by sending beautful Midianitish women to the Jews (Read Numbers Chapter 25). 

2) By Grace The Youngest Son Isaac Received The Blessing

     The youngest son Isaac received the blessing instead of the oldest son Ishmael. After salvation with the Lord Jesus, blessings are determined by grace and not by good works, birthrights, or man's desires. In the old testament, younger children by grace received the firstborn birthright blessings of the families instead of their older brothers. The Lord Jesus did this to prove that anyone can receive the mercy and blessings of Jesus when they repent of their sinful life, irregardless of what any birthright or person says. Pictured above we see that the younger son Isaac received the promised blessing instead of the older son Ishmael. 

     The scripture that discusses the picture above of younger son Isaac being blessed instead of the older son Ishmael is at Genesis 17:18. And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee. And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

3) By Grace The Youngest Son Jacob Received The Blessing

     The Lord Jesus blessed the youngest son Jacob instead of the oldest son Esau. Romans 9:10 says And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth; It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

     Esau sold his birthright and hope for salvation to his brother Jacob for one morsel of meat and the temporary sinful pleasure of fornication with many women. Esau sinned so much that he crossed a line with God where he could not return to God for salvation. Note the warning at Hebrews 12:16 about Esau that says Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

     In other words the many sins of Esau prevented him from returning to God for salvation. Esau found no place of repentance though he sought it carefully with tears. Esau is in hell because repentance is a requirement to be saved. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. Paul said at Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

     Don't be like Esau and find yourself in a place where you have sinned so much that you can not find repentance and return to God. Stop smoking pot and weed, aborting babies, drinking alcohol all day, fornicating with woman all the time, supporting same sex marriage and transgenderism, and removing prayer and bibles from schools. While there is still time, repent and stop these sins and God will have mercy on you and save you. If you ignore this plea, you will end up like Esau and not find repentance and be lost in torment for ever in a burning hell and the lake of fire.

4) By Grace The Youngest Son Joseph Received The Blessing

     The oldest son Reuben committed incest with his stepmother Bilhah and lost many blessings. Reuben's loss of blessing is recorded at Genesis 49:3 where Jacob says Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch. Reuben's sin is recorded at Genesis 35:22. And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Reuben lost so many blessings for just one sexual sin of incest with his stepmother Bilhah. Reuben lost the priesthood blessing to Levi, the blessing of being Jesus' great grandfather to Judah, and the double portion blessing to Joseph.

     According to the law, the double portion blessing had to be given to the firstborn child of a hated wife (this would be Reuben, the son of Leah, the wife hated by Jacob) before the firstborn child of a loved wife (this would be Joseph, the son of Rachel, the wife loved by Jacob). The law about the double portion blessing is stated at Deuteronomy 21:15 and says If a man have two wives, one beloved (Rachel by Jacob), and another hated (Leah, mother of Reuben, by Jacob), and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated: Then it shall be, when he maketh his sons to inherit that which he hath, that he may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated, which is indeed the firstborn: But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his. But Jacob by grace blessed Joseph instead of Reuben with the double portion blessing, setting Joseph free from the curse of the law.

     Unlike Reuben, the youngest son Joseph received Jacob's double portion blessing because Joseph denied having an affair with an older woman pictured above who was Potiphar's wife. Reuben lost his double portion blessing when he sinned and committed fornication with his stepmother Bilhah while Joseph denied the same sin with an older woman who was the wife of Potiphar. As a result, Joseph instead of Reuben received Jacob's double portion blessing and Reuben bowed down to Joseph with his other brothers and Jacob in Egypt. 

     Genesis 39:7 says And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph, and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth (knows) not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath in my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

     Genesis 48:21 says And Israel (Jacob) said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers (note that Jacob believed the promise stated to Abraham that after 400 years the Jews would leave Egypt and return to Israel). Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren (note that Joseph and his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh were given the double portion blessing instead of Reuben), which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.

5) By Grace The Youngest Son Ephraim Received The Blessing

     Pictured above Jacob gave the greater blessing to the youngest son Ephraim instead of the oldest son Manasseh. Joseph's wish to bless the firstborn oldest son Manasseh was ignored and by grace the youngest son Ephraim received the promised blessing. Genesis 48:17 says And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head. 

     And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head. And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations. And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.

6) By Grace The Youngest Son David Received The Blessing

     God had Samuel anoint Jesse's youngest son David to be the king of Israel instead of Jesse's older sons Eliab, Abinadab, Shammah, and seven other sons. The story about the picture above can be found at 1 Samuel 16:1. And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite; for I have provided me a king among his sons. 

     1 Samuel 16:6 says And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him. But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this. Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this. Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these.

     And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. 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 the day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

7) By Grace Get Saved With Jesus And Receive Eternal Life

     After salvation, the Lord Jesus can bless anyone by grace and ignore any denial of a blessing by any law or birthright. The world separates people into classes and makes the rich better than the middle class and the poor. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. The Lord Jesus sees everyone as sinners and no one is better than another person. All men are sinners and equal at the foot of the cross. 

     With Jesus there are no big I's and little you's. Good people and wicked people go through the same door Jesus to get saved. Rich people, poor people, young people, and old people go through the same door Jesus to get saved. Jesus said at John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. Jesus said at John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

     Ephesians 2:8 says For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. John 1:11 says He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Salvation and blessings are not determined by birthrights, the will of the flesh, or the will of man. Salvation and blessings are determined by grace. 

     Whosoever will let them come to the Lord Jesus today and receive the free gift of salvation by grace. Revelation 22:17 says And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Jesus said at John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, 

Confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel,

That Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again

     The promises of God are true and will eventually occur. Notice Joseph's tomb pictured above with Joseph's bones in Shechem, Israel. How do Joseph's bones prove that the promises of God are true? To answer this question we must first study a promise given by God to Abram at Genesis 15:13. And He (God) said unto Abram, know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them 400 years. And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. 

     Stephen restated this promise at Acts 7:6 and said And God spake on this wise, That His seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil 400 years. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place. God was telling Abram a promise that the children of Israel would be slaves in Egypt for 400 years and then come out of Egypt to Israel with great substance.

     God performed his promise and after 400 years the children of Israel left Egypt proven by Exodus 12:40 that says Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was 430 years. And it came to pass at the end of the 430 years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. Moses per Joseph's request took the bones of Joseph to Israel when the children of  Israel left Egypt after 400 years with great substance. This is proven by Exodus 13:19 that says And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

      Finally Joshua buried Joseph's bones in a tomb at Shechem, Israel. This is proven by Joshua 24:32 that says And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for 100 pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph. 

     Joseph's greatest act of faith occurred at his death when he requested his bones to be carried out of Egypt to Israel when he believed God's promise to Abram that after 400 years the children of Israel would leave Egypt. This was a great act of faith by Joseph because Joseph was a powerful ruler, comfortable, and happy in Egypt at the time of his death. But Joseph feared God and believed the promise of God and knew that his descendants would leave Egypt after 400 years.

     Look at Joseph's faithful words that he stated at his death believing God's promise given to Abram many years earlier. Genesis 50:24 says And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which He sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. So Joseph died, being 110 years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. Joseph's greatest act of faith recorded at Hebrews 11:22 did not occur as a powerful leader of Egypt, but was the above faithful statement he made at his death concerning his bones. Hebrews 11:22 says By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

The Palestinians Burned Joseph's Tomb 

But Did Not Destroy Joseph's Bones Buried Underneath The Tomb

     Joseph's bones currently exist today at Shechem, Israel hidden underneath the tomb pictured above in the modern city of Nablus and are evidence that God's promises are true and that Israel left Egypt after 400 years of slavery with great substance. The Palestinians in 2000, 2015, and 2022 tried to burn down Joseph's tomb and say God's Word and promises are not true. What's interesting is that Joseph's tomb was burned but Joseph's bones were not destroyed and remain hidden underneath the tomb to this day proving that God's promises are true.

     While there has been significant destruction and vandalism at Joseph's tomb in Nablus (Shechem) by Palestinian groups, the site itself remains and has been restored multiple times. The site has been a major flashpoint for religious and political conflict, particularly since the late 20th century. In 2000, following the withdrawal of Israeli forces, a Palestinian mob called Al Aqsa Intifada looted and razed Joseph's tomb. The dome was painted green, and Jewish prayer books were burned.

     In 2015 Palestinian rioters set the site ablaze with Molotov cocktails, causing severe damage to the women's prayer section. In 2022 dozens of rioters vandalized Joseph's tomb twice in one week, destroying electrical systems, burning the interior of Joseph's tomb, and smashing Joseph's cenotaph (Joseph's empty tomb and monument above Joseph's bones hidden underneath the tomb in a secret grave).

     Despite these attacks, Joseph's tomb is frequently repaired by Israeli authorities or local councils, often under heavy military escort. While Jews revere the site as Joseph's burial place, some local Muslim traditions say that the site houses an 18th century Muslim cleric named Sheikh Yousef Dawiqat. Joseph's tomb is located in Area A of the West Bank, placing it under the civil and security control of the Palestinian authority, though the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) coordinate periodic Jewish pilgrimages there.

     A cenotaph is a commemorative monument or empty tomb erected to honor a person or group whose remains are interred elsewhere or were never recovered. A cenotaph provides a physical focal point for mourning when the deceased is buried in a distant location (such as a foreign battlefield), lost at sea, or cremated. While cenotaphs often resemble traditional tombs or sarcophagi (stone coffins often decorated with sculptures or inscriptions used for burials in ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome), they contain no human remains.

     Cenotaphs were common in the ancient Egypt and Greece and gained modern prominence after World War 1. Because many soldiers were buried in foreign lands, these empty tombs allowed families back home a sacred space to pay their respects. In some traditions, such as at the Taj Mahal, a decorative cenotaph is placed in a public viewing area while the actual remains are interred in a quiet crypt directly below.

     The three most famous cenotaphs are 1) The Alamo Cenotaph that led to Texas' independence from Mexico that honors those who died in the battle of Alamo, whose bodies were cremated rather than buried. 2) The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Cenotaph that is a concrete structure in Japan dedicated to the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing. 3) The London Cenotaph National War Memorial designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens that honors the dead of the British Empire from both World Wars.

No One Will Destroy Joseph's Bones Hidden Underneath Joseph's Tomb

Joseph's Bones Prove That The Bible Is True And That The Jews Left Egypt

With Great Substance After 400 Years Fulfilling God's Promise To Abram

     Whether the physical bones of Joseph remain at Joseph's tomb in Nablus (Shechem) is a matter of religious faith rather than proven archeological fact because the burial chamber itself has not been scientifically excavated in modern times. The monument visible to visitors is a cenotaph memorial and not the actual burial spot. The actual burial spot is believed to be in a hidden chamber below the tomb deep underground, which has generally remained inaccessible and was not reached during the surface level vandalism and fires of 2000, 2015, and 2022. 

     While Palestinian rioters have repeatedly smashed the cenotaph, burned the interior of Joseph's tomb, and destroyed electrical systems, there are no documented reports of the underground burial vault holding Joseph's bones being breached or remains being removed. No one will destroy Joseph's bones because the KJV bible is the truth. Joseph's bones remain today and prove that God's promise to Abram was fulfilled when the Jews left Egypt's slavery and bondage after 400 years. Everything in the KJV bible is the truth and is the most reliable source of truthful infinite knowledge in the universe. If God told me I could have one book on a deserted island, I'd choose the KJV bible that always offers infinite wisdom for ever.

     Pictured above we see Joseph's cenotaph monument in his tomb at Shechem, Israel and why many Jews visit the tomb to pray on a regular basis. Joseph's bones are hidden in a tomb underneath the cenotaph and are evidence that God's promises are true. After 400 years the children of Israel left Egypt and returned to Israel with great substance. Remember that all the promises of God are true. Keep waiting for the promises of God because Psalm 27:14 says Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. The children of Israel waited 400 years for God's promise, and after 400 years God performed his promise and freed all the children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt. Remember that when God makes a promise, God will perform and keep His promise. Romans 3:4 says Let God be true, but every man a liar.

     The following scriptures prove that the promises of God are true and will happen. 2 Corinthians 1:20 says For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him, Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 1 Kings 8:56 says Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that He promised: there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. 

     Titus 1:2 says In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began. I pray in Jesus name that we can have faith like Abraham who believed the promise of God stated at Romans 4:20. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform. And 400 years later God was faithful and performed His promise. The people of the world might say seeing is believing but by faith with Jesus, we can say believing is seeing.

     Notice the chart above of how the 12 tribes are listed in Genesis, Numbers, and Revelation. First in Genesis the 12 tribes whose names all refer to Jesus are listed. Reuben (Behold A Son), Simeon (God hears), Levi (Joined), Judah (Praise), Dan (Judge), Gad (Troop), Asher (Happy), Zebulun (Exalted), Issachar (Reward), Naphtali (Wrestling), Joseph (Jehovah Has Added), and Benjamin (Son Of The Right Hand).

     Next in Numbers the tribes of Levi and Joseph are replaced by the tribes of Manasseh (Causing To Forget) and Ephraim (Doubly Fruitful). Levi was removed from the list to be priests that served the Lord stated at Numbers 1:49. Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel: But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle. Joseph was removed from the list because Joseph's sons Manasseh and Ephraim received the double portion blessing.

 
     Finally Revelation 7:4 lists the 12 tribes of Israel that I believe are the 12 tribes listed on the gates of the kingdom of God. Notice that the Revelation 7:4 listing of the 12 tribes removes Dan and Ephraim from the list and Joseph and Levi reappear in the list of the 12 tribes of Israel. Also note that Manasseh remains in the Revelation 7:4 list of the 12 tribes of Israel. What is the reasoning behind the Revelation 7:4 listing of the 12 tribes of Israel? Why was Dan and Ephraim removed from the list and Joseph and Levi reinstated? Why does Manasseh remain in the list of the 12 tribes of Israel?

     I believe that Levi reappeared in the Revelation list because their role as priests outside of the tribes under the law ceased once Jesus put His own blood on the mercy seat in heaven and became our High priest for ever. Dan and Ephraim were removed from the Revelation tribe listing because Dan and Ephraim sinned and worshipped idols, but Dan and Ephraim are still hidden in the tribe of Joseph for the following reasons. Ephraim (mentioned earlier in this bible study) was blessed instead of Manasseh with the birthright blessing of Joseph. Therefore Ephraim is hidden in the tribe of Joseph but Manasseh had to remain a listed tribe because Manasseh did not receive Joseph's birthright blessing. Since Dan lived in Ephraim, Dan is also hidden in the tribe of Joseph and receives Ephraim's blessing. Therefore in reality the Revelation 7:4 list of tribes includes all the 14 tribes stated in the bible.

     The following scriptures prove that because Dan and Ephraim worshipped idols, their names were removed from the Revelation listing of the 12 tribes. Hosea 4:17 says Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone. Judges 18:30 says And the children of Dan set up the graven image. The punishment for Ephraim's sin is stated at Psalm 78:9. The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle; They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in His law; And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them. Psalm 78:67 further states Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim.

     Hosea 5:9 also states why Ephraim was punished and says Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke: among the tribes of Israel have I made known that which shall surely be. The princes of Judah were like them that remove the bound: therefore I will pour out my wrath upon them like water. Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment (mocked the prophet Isaiah's words). Finally the scripture that proves that Dan lived in Ephraim and shared in the birthright blessing of Ephraim to be hidden among the tribe of Joseph is at Judges 18:2 that says And the children of Dan sent of their family five men from their coasts, men of valour, from Zorah and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the land: who when they came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, they lodged there.

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name. 

Deborah Was Victorious As A Mother Singing Praises

     Our bible study today is all about Deborah (defined as bee) pictured above who judged the people from her house under a palm tree. The second picture is of an earlier judge named Shamgar who used an ox goad (a sharp stick used to poke and prod oxen) to slay 600 Philistine enemies. To start this bible study take time to study Judges 5:6 that says In the days of Shamgar (defined as sword) the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways. The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.

     Brother Bob will tell you by the Holy Spirit through revelation what Judges 5:6 is speaking about. Before Deborah lived in the days of Shamgar, the children of Israel had to hide in mountains, caves, and dens, and all the villages and cities were empty while the children of Israel tried to survive from the oppressing Philistines and Canaanites who would rob and steal from any child of God found on an open highway or in a city. To survive, the children of Israel had to separate themselves from the highways and walk through the byways, backways, and shortcuts in the woods.

     In the days of Shamgar, the Philistines removed all the blacksmiths from Israel to prevent the Hebrews from making swords and spears to defend themselves. 1 Samuel 13:19 says Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears. This is why Shamgar pictured above had to use an ordinary sharp stick or ox goad instead of a sword or spear to defend himself and slay 600 Philistines.

     The story about Shamgar is found at Judges 3:31 and says And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines 600 men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel. And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord, when Ehud (an earlier judge who slew a wicked king named Eglon) was dead. God used one man named Shamgar and a sharp stick to stop 600 Philistines because God was aiming that stick. Like Shamgar who had no swords or spears to defend himself, Jesus will fight any enemies on your behalf and use everyday ordinary objects like Shamgar's sharp stick to defend you from all harm. Romans 8:31 says What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? But, Brother Bob says pray for your enemies to repent and get saved to avoid the wrath of God.

     Years after Shamgar and Ehud lived, King Jabin of the Canaanites and his captain Sisera who had 900 chariots of iron arose and mightily oppressed the children of Israel for 20 years. This was because the people continued to do evil after the days of Shamgar and Ehud. A new judge arose named Deborah who lived under a palm tree pictured above during the twenty years of oppression from the Canaanites. Saints would come from all parts of Israel to Deborah's house under the palm tree to hear her wisdom and judgment as a leader and prophetess.

     The story about how Deborah judged the people under a palm tree is recorded at Judges 4:2 that says And the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin King of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles. And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord: for he had 900 chariots of iron; and 20 years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel. And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth (defined as torches), she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in Mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

     Now remember that Deborah proclaimed at Judges 5:7 that Israel got their freedom from Sisera and the Canaanites and could inhabit openly their villages in peace when Deborah arose as a mother of Israel. Deborah did not boast and say Israel got the victory because she was a military leader, prophetess, or judge. Deborah stated that Israel could openly inhabit their villages in peace when I Deborah arose a mother in Israel. For all women of God reading this forevermore, learn a lesson from Deborah and remember the greatest career a woman could have is to be a mother. Deborah became a blessed leader because she was a blessed mother. It's alright for women to work and have careers that God will bless, but women should always like Deborah make their most important career to be a mother providing the best possible life for their kids. Brother Bob praises Jesus for all single moms who devote their lives to train their kids about our Lord Jesus while they become blessed mothers in our countries.

     In the picture above, Deborah was a blessed mother who protected her kids from the Canaanites and Sisera by not fearfully hiding in the byways, dens, and caves with her kids from the Canaanites. Deborah said I'm going to be a good mother and fight for my kids and allow them to openly inhabit the villages in peace. Deborah said those Canaanites aren't getting my babies or robbing me of my stuff. Deborah said I'm going to get a leader named Barak (defined as lightning who was scared and hiding in caves from the Canaanites) and get an army of 10000 footsoldiers from 40000 people in Israel with no swords or spears (stated at Judges 5:8) to fight these wicked Canaanites and protect my kids.

     Deborah, a woman of great faith, had more confidence than fearful Barak. Barak was initially a sissy and said I'm afraid of the Canaanites and won't fight Sisera unless you Deborah come with me. Deborah agreed to go with Barak to fight Sisera and our Lord Jesus gave Deborah and Barak pictured above a great victory over the enemy Sisera. Because of Barak's initial cowardice to fight Sisera, honour was given to a woman named Jael to defeat and kill Sisera in her tent when she hammered a nail into Sisera's temple while Sisera slept. But God is merciful and by grace overlooked Barak's cowardice. Barak was honoured and called a great man of faith for going with Deborah to conquer the Canaanites at Hebrews 11:32.

     The story about how Deborah asked Barak to fight Sisera and get freedom for her kids is recorded at Judges 4:6 and says And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kadesh-naphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee 10000 men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand. And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.

     For my next picture we see how our Lord Jesus honoured Deborah and Barak's faith to fight the Canaanites with no swords or spears and only songs of praise. When Deborah and Barak sang songs of praise to our Lord Jesus, God caused angels and a flood from the river Kishon to defeat Sisera and his 900 chariots of iron. Judges 5:20 records how God used angels and a flood to defeat Sisera when Deborah and Barak sang praises for their victory.

     Judges 5:20 says They fought from heaven; the stars (defined as angels) in their courses (defined as the ladderway that angels go up and down from heaven to earth) fought against Sisera. The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength. Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings (defined as the galloping of a horse) of their mighty ones. God caused Sisera's horses and their horsehoofs to get stuck in the mud from the floodwaters of the Kishon river, allowing Deborah and Barak to destroy all the Canaanites. Like Deborah and Barak, the Lord Jesus protects saved saints constantly and gives them the victory. Hebrews 13:6 says So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

     The name Deborah is correctly defined as bee because Deborah was sweet as honey at home as a mother to her kids, but boy did she have a stinger when she was a blessed leader that fought the devil and gave the people of Israel victory over the Canaanites where her kids and the children of Israel could peacefully inhabit the villages. Remember a good home is one where the man is the head, the woman the help, and the kids the hope. I pray in Jesus name all women reading this will be blessed mothers wanting their kids to have a better future by their acts of faith on this earth as mothers.

     Take a look at the above picture of the 10000 men with Deborah who sang praises to God to get the victory over Sisera. Remember our victory is in our praises to our Lord Jesus each day for dying for us all on the cross to defeat the devil. Praise Jesus while you read how Deborah and Barak's songs of praise defeated the enemy giving peace to the land of Israel.

     Judges 5:1 says Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel. Lord, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom; the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water (Deborah and Barak's songs of praise caused the clouds to drop water and flood away the enemy Sisera). The mountains melted from before the Lord, even that Sinai from before the Lord God of Israel.

     Remember friend tell somebody "Did you do a good thing today?" Then quote Psalm 92:1 and tell them It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. So lets all do a good thing today and right now wherever you are leap for joy and shout Thank you Lord Jesus and worship our Lord Jesus for dying for us on the cross of Calvary, giving us total victory over this world and the devil. Remember Psalm 22:3 says that God inhabitest the praises of Israel.

     To end up the bible study today, let me state that Deborah and Barak's songs of praise remind me of how Jehoshaphat and his army sang praise and defeated the enemy. God told Jehoshaphat to not use any swords or spears to fight the Ammonite and Moabite enemies. God told Jehoshaphat when you fight the enemy, just put the singers in the front.

     The singers for Jehoshaphat's army just praised the Lord while they marched into battle. The enemy laughed and said that they were a bunch of fools and mocked them saying they are coming against us with just songs of praise. But you know what happened. Jehoshaphat and his army sung the enemy to death. 

     Preachers learn a lesson from this story and before you preach, get a good singer to praise Jesus to make the devil flee and make it easier for you to preach. Right now, in Jesus name Brother Bob prays that if anyone reading this will start praising Jesus for total victory over any situation, they will immediately be delivered and have total victory in every area of their lives.

     The blessed story of how Jehoshaphat and his army sung the enemy to death through their praise is recorded at 2 Chronicles 20:21 that says And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for His mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

     Since we are talking about blessed women in the bible I have to add a final note about Esther. We should all be like Esther who stated at Esther 4:16 If I perish, I perish, I'm going to see the King, willing to leave everything to serve our Lord. Like Esther, we should all be willing to leave everything in this world for Jesus and say If I perish, I perish, I'm going to see King Jesus. And Jesus like Ahaseurus will disregard the law that says we should die as sinners and bless us all greatly with eternal life and peace. I agree with Paul who stated at Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetreee Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.

Athaliah, Joash, Jehosheba, Jehoiada, And Zechariah

     Today we will study the life of King Joash pictured above who was proclaimed to be a king at the age of seven. I asked Jesus why was King Joash only seven years old when he was proclaimed to be a king? The reason King Joash became a king at the early age of seven was because a woman named Athaliah (daughter of the witch Jezebel and wife to King Jehoram) made herself a queen of the land for six years by destroying and killing all the royal baby boys. After King Ahaziah was killed by Jehu, Ahaziah's mother Athaliah was so wicked and killed all the royal babies and even her own children to take power and become a queen for six years. But a woman named Jehosheba, the wife of the high priest Jehoiada stated at 2 Chronicles 22:11, (aunt to King Joash) preserved the royal seed and hid baby Joash (son of King Ahaziah) from wicked Athaliah for six years. Next when Joash became seven years old, Jehoiada proclaimed Joash to be the king before all the people and had the soldiers kill wicked Athaliah outside the temple in the horse gate.

     The reason Joash's life should be studied is because Joash is one of the great grandfathers of our Lord Jesus Christ. The devil tried to use Athaliah (whose name means afflicted of the Lord) to kill all of Jesus' possible great grandfathers, but God did not allow this and preserved the seed of the Lord Jesus by having Jehosheba hide baby Joash for seven years from Athaliah. Athaliah can be compared to King Herod in the new testament who also tried to kill Jesus by ordering all the baby boys in Israel to be slain. But Mary and Joseph were warned by God of Herod's wicked plot and journeyed to Egypt and hid Jesus from Herod until it was safe to return to Nazareth. Mary and Joseph can be compared to Jehosheba and Jehoiada because in the old and new testaments these stories display parents hiding a blessed baby from death ordered by either Athaliah or Herod.

     You might say Brother Bob I do not see Joash listed in the genealogy of Jesus at Matthew 1:6-16 and this is correct. For some reason, the following four kings (Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah, and Jehoiakim) were not listed in the genealogy of Matthew. But if you study the complete genealogy of Jesus listed in the old testament at 1 Chronicles 3:10-16, Joash is listed and is one of Jesus' great grandfathers. Jesus told me to list the full complete genealogy of Jesus' grandparents from 1 Chronicles 3:10-16 with the meaning of each king's name in Hebrew that relates to Jesus. The completed accurate list is as follows: David (Beloved), Solomon (Peace), Rehoboam (A People Has Enlarged), Abijah (Jehovah Is My Father), Asa (Healer), Jehoshaphat (Jehovah Has Judged), Joram (Jehovah Is Exalted), Ahaziah (Jehovah Holds Or Possesses), Joash (Given By The Lord), Amaziah (Jehovah Is Mighty), Azariah (Jehovah Has Helped), Jotham (Jehovah Is Perfect), Ahaz (He Has Grasped Or Possessor), Hezekiah (Jehovah Is My Strength), Manasseh (Causing To Forget), Amon (Master Or Workman), Josiah (Whom Jehovah Heals), Jehoiakim (Jehovah Raises Up), and Jeconiah (Jehovah Will Establish).

     Jesus showed Brother Bob the above anointed painting of Athaliah crying Treason, Treason, when the high priest Jehoiada proclaimed that seven year old Joash is king. Jehoiada and his wife Jehosheba hid king Joash for six years and constantly surrounded Joash with guards holding weapons to protect the child Joash from Athaliah. When Jehoiada proclaimed that seven year old Joash is king, Jehoiada had the guards take Athaliah to the horse gate to be killed (the old hag or nag was killed at the horse gate) to avoid killing Athaliah in the temple.

     The story about Athaliah, Joash, Jehosheba, and Jehoiada is at 2 Kings 11:1 and says And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. And he was with her hid in the house of the Lord six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land. And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the Lord, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the Lord, and shewed them the king's son.

     2 Kings 11:8 further states And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain: and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in. 2 Kings 11:11 says And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple. And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.

     2 Kings 11:13 further states And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into the temple of the Lord. And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried Treason, Treason. But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges (temple building): and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the Lord. And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain.

     If Athaliah lived today, she would have supported abortion because Athaliah killed her own children so she could become a ruler instead of a mother. Athaliah wanted to usurp authority, give orders, and be the boss and queen instead of being a mother to her children. Therefore God had Athaliah killed at the horse gate for failing to be a mother to her kids. Athaliah didn't want to be a mother. She wanted to be a politician, neglecting motherhood that only led to death. I pray in Jesus name all women reading this will make their most important career to be a mother. Our kids today need their moms to guide and bless their little lives. If women make motherhood the highest priority in their lives, it's alright for them to also be leaders and have careers in the modern work world.

     I encourage all women to study a blessed woman named Deborah who made motherhood the first priority in her life and also was blessed to be a great leader, judge, and prophetess for the children of God. Deborah boasted in her motherhood (not her power as a judge or prophetess) where Israel was blessed when Deborah stated at Judges 5:7 The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. Because Deborah fought for her kids with Barak as a mother, wanting her kids to not have to hide in the dens and caves from the Canaanites but openly inhabit the villages in peace, Jesus blessed Deborah as a mother with a great victory over the Canaanites giving freedom to the people of Israel. The reason Deborah's name means bee is because Deborah was sweet as honey as a mother to her kids but had a stinger when she fought against the Canaanites to protect her kids.

     Unfortunately, when King Joash got older, he forgot about God, loving the praise of man more than the praise of God, becoming like Pilate, and commanded the prophet Zechariah to be stoned to death by the religious people in the court of the house of the Lord. Joash became so wicked by loving the world's praise when he forgot God, that unlike Jehoiada who killed Athaliah outside the temple in the horse gate, Joash had anointed Zechariah killed in the temple. Zechariah was the son of Jehoiada who protected and raised Joash as a little boy. Joash followed the Lord and was blessed while Jehoiada lived. But right after Jehoiada died at 130 years of age, Joash became wicked and served idols and loved man's praise more than the Lord. Joash's love of the world made him so wicked that he killed Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada who protected his life as a child. God punished Joash for killing Zechariah, and when Joash got older, Joash got sick and his own servants killed Joash on his own bed.

     The story of the above picture is at 2 Chronicles 24:15 that says But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died. 2 Chronicles 24:17 says Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king (Joash). Then the king hearkened unto them. And they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.

     2 Chronicles 24:19 further states Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the Lord; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear. And the spirit of God came upon Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the Lord, He hath also forsaken you. And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the Lord.
   
     The picture above of Zechariah and Joash reminds Brother Bob of Jesus and Pilate. Zechariah like Jesus died and gave his life trying to save the people and was killed by his own countrymen. John 1:11 says He came unto His own, and His own received him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. Zechariah like Jesus, was a just man preaching the truth to the unjust and dying because the people wanted to hear smooth words and not hear repent of your sins. This reminds me of religious people today who want to hear preachers with flowery smooth words and won't listen to preachers who mention sin. Zechariah's sacrifice reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice at the cross of Calvary seen at 1 Peter 3:18 that says For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.

     Joash in the picture above reminds Brother Bob of Pilate when Joash conspired against Zechariah, giving the commandment or order for the religious people to kill and stone Zechariah in the court of the house of the Lord. Pilate like Joash also conspired against Jesus and gave the commandment or order for the Jews to crucify Jesus. Take time to read what Pilate did at Matthew 27:24 that says When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Joash and Pilate could have prevented the deaths of Zechariah and Jesus but loved the praise of man more than God and chose to kill innocent men.

     Also, notice how the words of Zechariah at his death are like the words of Jesus at the cross when Jesus said Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. The words of Zechariah at his death are recorded at 2 Chronicles 24:22 that says Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he (Zechariah) said, The Lord look upon it, and require it (investigate it). Stephen also at his death was like Zechariah and Jesus because Acts 7:59 says And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

There Were Two Different Zechariah's In The Bible

1) Zechariah The Son Of Jehoiada Who Was Killed By Joash

2) Zechariah The Son Of Berechiah Who Lived When Darius Reigned 

There Are No Errors In The Infallible KJV Bible

     Jesus mentioned a different Zechariah (Zacharias) who was the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, at Matthew 23:35. Jesus was not referring to Zechariah the son of Jehoiada who was killed by Joash. Jesus said at Matthew 23:34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes, and some of them ye shall kill and crucify: and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. 

     Jesus clearly stated at Matthew 23:35 that Zechariah (Zacharias), the son of Berechiah (Barachias), was slain between the temple and the altar. 2 Chronicles 24:20-21 mentions a different Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who was stoned in the court of the house of the Lord. Therefore there were two different Zechariah's mentioned in the bible.

     Jesus spoke about Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, noted at Zechariah 1:1 that says In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the Lord unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet. Note that Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, that Jesus referred to began his ministry in the second year of King Darius. This places the start of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah's ministry around 520 BC. But a different Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, lived 300 years earlier than Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, during the reign of King Joash from 835-796 BC. 

     Therefore Jesus spoke about the murder of the prophet Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, telling the scribes and Pharisees that they were guilty of the righteous blood shed upon this earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zacharias. Jesus referenced the first and last martyrs of the old testament. Jesus did not speak about Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who was killed by Joash, forgetting the 300 years from 796 BC to 520 BC when several other prophets were martyred. 

     Remember the revelation given to Brother Bob about the two Zechariah's if anyone says that the KJV bible has a contradiction because Jesus said that Zechariah's father was Berechiah while 2 Chronicles 24:20-21 says that Zechariah's father was Jehoiada. There is no contradiction because there were two different Zechariahs and the KJV bible is perfect, infallible, and has no errors.

     Jesus was not mistaken when he claimed at Matthew 23:35 that Zechariah was the son of Berechiah. Nor was the writer of 2 Chronicles 24:20-21 mistaken when he stated that Zechariah was the son of Jehoiada. Both bible passages are accurate because they are inspired by the God of truth who spoke about two different Zechariahs. The Lord Jesus never contradicts Himself. 

Get Saved Today And Believe The Perfect Truths From The 1611 KJV Bible

Get Saved, Repent, Decide To Stop Sinning, 

Confess That Jesus Is God, And Believe The Gospel

That Jesus Died On The Cross For You, Was Buried, And Rose Again      

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.