govern

April 5, 2016

The effects of indispensable wisdom (Wis 8:10-8:15)

“Because of her

I shall have glory among the multitudes.

I shall have honor in the presence of the elders,

Even though I am young.

I shall be found keen in judgment.

In the sight of rulers

I shall be admired.

When I am silent,

They will wait for me.

When I speak,

They will give heed.

When I speak at greater length,

They will put their hands on their mouths.

Because of her

I shall have immortality.

I shall leave an everlasting remembrance

To those who come after me.

I shall govern peoples.

Nations will be subject to me.

Dread monarchs will be afraid of me

When they hear of me.

Among the people

I shall show myself capable.

I shall be courageous in war.”

The influence of wisdom on his life was remarkable. Because of wisdom living with him, he had glory among the multitudes and honor among the elders (παρὰ πρεσβυτέροις), even though he was young. His keen judgment was clear among the great rulers (δυναστῶν). When he was silent, they waited for him to speak. When he spoke, they listened and put their hands on their mouths. He now had immortality (ἀθανασίαν) with an everlasting remembrance (μνήμην αἰώνιον) for future generations. He would then govern people. Many nations would be subject to him. Even tyrants (τύραννοι) would be afraid of him. He would be capable and courageous in war.

March 23, 2016

The visitation (Wis 3:7-3:9)

“In the time of their visitation

They will shine forth.

They will run

Like sparks through the stubble.

They will govern nations.

They will rule over peoples.

The Lord will reign over them forever.

Those who trust in him

Will understand truth.

The faithful will abide

With him in love.

Because grace is upon his elect.

Mercy is upon his elect.

He watches over his elect.”

In some future time, there will be some kind of divine visitation (ἐν καιρῷ ἐπισκοπῆς αὐτῶν). At that time they will shine forth (ἀναλάμψουσι). They will run like fire sparks on dry stubble. They will govern nations and peoples (ἔθνη καὶ λαῶν). The Lord will have his kingdom reign forever (βασιλεύσει αὐτῶν Κύριος εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας). Those who trust him will understand. The faithful believing ones will remain in love with him (οἱ πιστοὶ ἐν ἀγάπῃ). The Lord gives grace and mercy (χάρις καὶ ἔλεος), as he watches over his elect (τοῖς ἐκλεκτοῖς αὐτοῦ).

January 6, 2016

A description of wisdom (Prov 8:12-8:21)

“I

Wisdom,

I live with prudence.

I attain knowledge.

I attain discretion.

The fear of Yahweh is hatred of evil.

I hate pride.

I hate arrogance.

I hate the way of evil.

I hate perverted speech.         

I have good advice.

I have sound wisdom.

I have insight.

I have strength.

Kings reign by me.

Rulers decree what is just.

Rulers rule by me.

Nobles govern by me.

All who govern rightly rule by me.

I love those who love me.

Those who seek me diligently

Find me.

Riches and honor are with me.

Enduring wealth is with me.

Prosperity is with me.

My fruit is better than gold,

Even fine gold.

My yield is better than choice silver.

I walk in the way of righteousness.

I walk along the paths of justice,

I endow with wealth those who love me.

I fill their treasuries.”

In an interesting use of a literary form, female wisdom describes herself in the first person singular, “I.” She is prudent, knowledgeable, and discreet. As God fearing, she hates evil, pride, arrogance, and perverted speech. On the other hand, she has good advice, sound wisdom, insight, and strength. All the kings, rulers, and nobles govern rightly because of her. She loves those who love her and seek her out diligently. When you have lady wisdom, then you have riches, honor, wealth, and prosperity. The fruit of wisdom is better than fine gold and silver. She walks in the way of righteousness along the paths of justice. Those who love her will be filled with wealth and treasures.

July 27, 2015

God controls human life (Job 34:16-34:20)

“If you have understanding,

Hear this!

Listen to what I say!

Shall one who hates justice govern?

Will you condemn one who is righteous and mighty?

Who says to a king?

‘You are a scoundrel!’

Who says to princes?

‘You are wicked men!’

Who shows no partiality to nobles?

Who does not regard the rich more than the poor?

They are all the work of his hands.

In a moment they die.

At midnight the people are shaken.

They pass away.

The mighty are taken away by no human hand.”

Once again, Elihu wanted them to listen to him. He kept reminding them to listen to him. Unjust people do not govern. We respect kings and princes because they are righteous and mighty. Don’t we treat the rich better than the poor? However, all of them are the work of God’s hands. In a moment they die. At midnight their time is up. They pass away but not through human hands.

May 7, 2015

The trust worthy Roman Senate (1 Macc 8:12-8:16)

“The Romans kept their friendship with their friends and those who relied on them. They subdued kings far and near. As many as have heard of their fame, they have feared them. Those whom they wish to help and to make kings, they make kings. Those whom they wish, they depose. They have been greatly exalted. However, even with all this power, not one of them has put on a crown or worn purple as a mark of pride. They built for themselves a senate chamber. Every day, three hundred twenty senators constantly deliberate concerning the people, to govern them well. They trust one man each year to rule over them and to control all their land. They all heed the one man. There is no envy or jealousy among them.”

This biblical author explains that the Romans were a republic and not an empire. They were good friends to those who are friends and relied on them. They had the power to make or break kings. However, not one of them put on a crown or wore purple. This biblical author stated that they had a senate chamber, where 320 senators deliberated to govern their land and people every day. In fact, they met 3 times a month. They let one man rule for a year so that there was no jealously among them. Obviously, there was some jealously as Roman history seems to indicate. This biblical author had a very favorable view of the Romans.