《Everett’s Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures – Proverbs (Vol. 1)》
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- Historical Background
- Heavenly Food in the Old Testament
- The Banquet in the New Testament
- Proverbs 9:1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: Proverbs 9:1 — "she hath hewn out her seven pillars"
- Proverbs 9:1 — Comments
- Proverbs 9:2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. Proverbs 9:2 — "she hath mingled her wine"
- Proverbs 9:2 — Comments
- Proverbs 9:4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Proverbs 9:5
- Proverbs 9:6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. Proverbs 9:6 — Comments
- Divine Wisdom and Earthly Wisdom Contrasted in the New Testament
- Fools Reject this Food
- Comments
- Scripture References
- Proverbs 9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise Prayer of Manasseh , and he will love thee. Proverbs 9:8 — Comments
09 Chapter 9 Verses 1-6 Wisdom"s Invitation to Dine- The invitation to dine is given in Proverbs 9:1-6. This invitation to the simple man and to the wise man given in Proverbs 9:1-6 stands in direct contrast to the invitation being given by the harlot in Proverbs 7:6-23; Proverbs 9:13-18. Why is such a feast given at this part of the preparation. It is because the journey is about to begin in the next chapter. The meat is given to us so that we may find strength for the journey. This meat and drink is to abide in His Word so that we will have food for the entire journey. Note that this is figurative of partaking of the Lord Jesus Christ as seen in John 6:35, "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." Historical Background- Remember that the context, or historical setting, of chapters 1-9 is found in the court of the king, who is training young men to become the wise men of his kingdom, who will rule and reign in his provinces. Very often, the king would have a banquet for his wise men in order to show them his riches and power. We see this in the opening chapter of the book of Esther. Esther 1:3-4, "In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him: When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days." Thus, it is very likely that banquets were held for these young men in order to send them off into their assigned provinces. In Uganda when a student graduates from the university, the parents give him or her a party. The best food is prepared and music is organized. These parents use this party as a stepping-stone, or as a transition, for that young person to find his place in society and start the long journey of serving others in their society. Heavenly Food in the Old Testament- We can find a similar story of a man dining on heavenly food by looking at Elijah's flight from Jezebel after the events that took place upon Mount Carmel. He fled into the wilderness and sat under a juniper tree wishing to die, but there an angel of the Lord fed him with angel's food in order to strengthen himself for the journey that lay ahead. The Banquet in the New Testament- The invitation in Proverbs 9:1-6 is ultimately an invitation to come to the marriage supper of the Lamb. The book of Proverbs will take us to this destination if we follow the path of wisdom. Then shall be fulfilled that prophecy found in the book of Revelation regarding the marriage of the Lamb receiving His bride. Note: Revelation 19:5-8, "And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." Prior to the marriage of the Lamb, we see that the great whore is cast down, with her invitation to dine. Revelation 19:1-4, "And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia." Compare Proverbs 9:13-18, where the whore also gives man an invitation to dine. This passage is figurative of the great whore who will one day be cast down. This invitation to a feast is also similar to the Parable of the Wedding Feast found in Matthew 22:1-14. Note also the invitation from God to a backslidden Israel during the time of Isaiah:
If we look through the Scriptures for the concept of seven as it relates to Wisdom of Solomon , we do find seven spirits before the throne of God ( Revelation 1:4; Revelation 4:5), which are called the seven spirits of God. Revelation 4:5, "And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God." Revelation 4:5, "And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God." The number seven tells us that God designs and does the work. He does it by His Spirit, whose office is to impart unto us wisdom. Note: Zechariah 4:6, "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." Psalm 127:1, "(A Song of degrees for Solomon.) Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." The seven pillars in Proverbs 9:1 tell us that it is God who builds the house by His Spirit; for it says, "Wisdom hath built her house". We have a divine destiny and purpose, which is to build a house, or fulfill our destiny. This can only be done by divine Wisdom of Solomon , or, by being led by the Holy Spirit. It may also suggest that there are seven aspects by which wisdom operates in our lives. The book of Proverbs opens with seven virtues that are summarized throughout the book in the word "wisdom". This final call very likely refers to these opening virtues listed in Proverbs 1:2-6, which virtues are woven throughout the book. Wisdom (H 2451) - 39 of 149 times in Proverbs Instruction (H 4148) - 30 of 50 times in Proverbs Understanding (H 998) - 14of 38 times in Proverbs Wisdom (H 7919) - 13of 63times in Proverbs Justice (H 6664) - 8 of 116 times in Proverbs Judgment (H 4941) - 20 of 421times in Proverbs Equity (H 4339) - 5 of 19 times in Proverbs It could mean that there are seven phases that divine wisdom takes us through on this journey in life. There is the Father's foreknowledge consisting of predestination and calling. There is justification through Jesus Christ our Saviour. The process of sanctification by the Holy Spirit leads us through the process of indoctrination, divine service and perseverance, so that we can reach our final destination called glorification. Or, we can easily find seven phases in the journey of preparation in chapters 1-9. Here is where the journey takes us: 1. We hear the call of wisdom — ( Proverbs 1:1-33) 2. How we answer the call of wisdom — ( Proverbs 2:1-22) 3. The Blessings of Wisdom — ( Proverbs 3:1-30) 4. Three Paths of Wisdom — ( Proverbs 4:1-27) 5. Three Paths of Destruction — ( Proverbs 5:1 to Proverbs 6:11) 6. The Characteristics of the wicked — ( Proverbs 6:12 to Proverbs 7:27) 7. The Characteristics of Wisdom — ( Proverbs 8:1-36) Chapter 9 serves as the final call to walk in wisdom. Thus, we can consider the preparation period seen in chapters 1-9 to come in seven phases. Peter Pett, in his work "The Use of Numbers in the Ancient Near East and In Genesis ," studies the use of numbers in the ancient world by looking at modern-day primitive tribes. He refers to the writings of the ancient Sumerians, which portrayed Sheol as having seven gates because this demonstrated their absolute impregnability. There was no way back from the underworld. The author of Proverbs may be telling us that seven pillars represents how wisdom is established by God and unchanging. Pett notes that when ancient people saw the number "seven" in literature, they did not thing as much of quantity in amount as they did the quality of the concept. 72] We see this concept in Hebrew literature with the qualitative plural, which is often used when speaking of God. His name is spelled in the plural and used with a singular verb. 72] Peter Pett, "The Use of Numbers in the Ancient Near East and in Genesis ," [on-line]; accessed 3August 2009; available from http://www.geocities.com/genesiscommentary/numbers.html; Internet. Comments- Note that King Solomon set up two pillars in his Temple, and named them Jachin and Boaz. 1 Kings 7:21, "And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz, which means, established and strength." Peter, James and John were considered to pillars in the Church. Galatians 2:9, "And when James , Cephas, and John , who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision." Paul told Timothy that the Church is the pillar and ground of truth. 1 Timothy 3:15, "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." Proverbs 9:1 — Comments- It is wisdom that has built her house and hewn out her seven pillars. This house was not made by the hands of man. This represents the fact that it is something that God had done as a part of His work of redemption. We find a similar description in Daniel when he interpreted the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. In this dream stood a man with his head of gold, his breast and arms of silver, his belly and thighs of brass and his legs of iron and feet part iron and clay. But there came a stone cut without man's hands, which struck the image and crushed it to powder. This stone represented a divine work of God in which man did not participate. So is the building of this house. Proverbs 9:2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. Proverbs 9:2 — "she hath mingled her wine" - Comments- Some scholars tell us that the ancients mingled spices with their wine on special occasions in order to enhance its flavor. We see another reference to this in the Song of Songs. Song of Solomon 8:2, "I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother"s house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate." Thus, spiced wine was the best that a host could offer his guests at a banquet. I once was invited to the office of the President's wife in Uganda. As I waited for her to call me into her office, the ladies served me tea. But it was not ordinary tea. They had mingled spices with it to make it taste exceptional. Song of Solomon , does God prepare for us such food and drinks. Proverbs 9:2 — Comments- Meat and wine are eaten during times of feasts and weddings, and not normally for everyday use. The poor man lived on bread and water. But wisdom will give us God"s best every day that we serve Him and eat at His table. Proverbs 9:3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Proverbs 9:3 — Comments- God also cried out to a rebellious people during the time of Isaiah ( Isaiah 65:2). Isaiah 65:2, "I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;" Proverbs 9:4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Proverbs 9:5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Proverbs 9:5 — Comments- Since we receive our divine calling in chapter 9, we can all find this calling in the statement, "Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled." We know that this bread and wine ultimately represent the broken body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ when He gave His life on Calvary, which gives us access to walk in fellowship with the Father. Thus, in Proverbs 9:5 we receive our divine calling, which is to walk in fellowship with the Father, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for the Church, and under the Old Covenant, it is through the words of divine wisdom. If our primary calling is to walk in fellowship with God, then the size of our ministry on earth is secondary. One good example of this is seen in the testimony of Jimmy Swaggart. God does not measure a man by the size of his ministry, but by the size of his heart. When Jimmy Swaggart fell into sin, Alethia Fellowship Church was one of his partners, so this church was receiving his monthly ministry tapes during this period in his ministry. In a cassette tape immediately after his fall, he gave a testimony of how he told the Lord that he had failed. The Lord replied to him that he had not failed; rather the Lord had to get some things out of his life. 73] That word from God gave him the courage to go on in the midst of failure. You see, God was more pleased with Jimmy Swaggart living a godly life in fellowship with Him than preaching in great crusades while living in sin. 73] Jimmy Swaggart, "Monthly Partner Cassette Tape," (Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, February 1988), audiocassette.
Verses 1-18 Food for the Journey - Proverbs 9:1-18 gives us our final call for the journey by inviting us to dine at the table that wisdom has prepared for us. In this banquet we receive our calling, which is to eat the bread and the wine ( Proverbs 9:5). We know that this bread and wine ultimately represent the broken body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ when He gave His life on Calvary, which gives us access to walk in fellowship with the Father. Thus, in Proverbs 9:5 we receive our divine calling, which is to walk in fellowship with the Father, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for the Church, and under the Old Covenant, it is through the words of divine wisdom. Therefore, in this final chapter of preparation, we will revisit the two types of wisdom that man can find in this life: the wisdom of God ( Proverbs 9:1-12) and the wisdom of this world ( Proverbs 9:13-18). These two types of wisdom are personified in this chapter as two women. The journey is long, so wisdom now prepares food for this journey. This chapter gives the simple one an invitation to dine from the table of blessing prepared by wisdom ( Proverbs 9:2), or to accept the invitation of the wisdom of this world, personified as the foolish woman ( Proverbs 9:17). We can choose the table of blessings ( Proverbs 9:1-5) or the trap of death ( Proverbs 9:18). This is the same call that Moses gave to the children of Israel as they were preparing for their journey into the Promised Land. They could choose life or death, blessing or cursing ( Deuteronomy 30:19). Deuteronomy 30:19, "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:" Moses made this declaration because the children of Israel were about to embark upon a journey that they had never been on before ( Joshua 3:4). Joshua 3:4, "Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore." God wanted them to know that they could find the path of blessings if they would pursue His holy commandments, which represents the voice of wisdom. Outline - Here is a proposed outline: 1. Wisdom"s Invitation to Dine — Proverbs 9:1-6 2. Fools Reject this Food — Proverbs 9:7-8 3. Those Who Fear God Receive this Food — Proverbs 9:9-12 4. Invitation From the Foolish Woman to Dine — Proverbs 9:13-18
Verse 7-8 Fools Reject this Food - Proverbs 9:7-9 tells us that wisdom is not for fools, for they will reject it when it is placed before them ( Proverbs 9:7-8). This is food only for the wise man ( Proverbs 9:9-12). Proverbs 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Proverbs 9:7 — Comments- Evil men hate those who try to correct them. Illustrations: Genesis 19:7-9 - Lot tried to correct the Sodomites, and they turned against lot for evil. 1 Kings 18:17; 1 Kings 21:20 - Ahab hates Elijah's report. 1 Kings 22:24 - The false prophet scorns the prophet of God, Micaiah and smote him on the cheek. 1 Kings 22:27 - The evil king also put Micaiah in prison for speaking God's Words. 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 - King Joash has Zechariah , God's prophet, stoned. 2 Chronicles 25:15-16 - King Amaziah refuses the words from God by His prophet. 2 Chronicles 36:16 - A summary of how Israel rejected and misused God's prophets. Scripture References- Note similar verses: Proverbs 9:8, "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise Prayer of Manasseh , and he will love thee." Proverbs 15:12, "A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise." Proverbs 23:9, "Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words." Matthew 7:6, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." Proverbs 9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise Prayer of Manasseh , and he will love thee. Proverbs 9:8 — Comments- In Matthew 7:1-6 Jesus teaches us about judging our neighbour. We are to avoid being critical of our neighbour ( Proverbs 7:1-4). Instead, we are to live a lifestyle of godliness so that we can speak words of wisdom and advice into the lives of others ( Proverbs 7:5). If they reject what we have to offer, we are not to push Christian teachings into their face, lest they become offended at God's Word and further bring judgment upon themselves ( Proverbs 7:6). Rather, we are to discern their hearts and help those who will accept our ministry ( Proverbs 7:6). This is why Paul wrote to the church at Corinth and told them that he that is spiritual is to judge (or discern) all things while not being found guilty of sin and judged by others ( 1 Corinthians 2:15). That Isaiah , we are supposed to live a godly lifestyle without sin by being mature enough to be able to discern between good and evil in our lives as well as those around us. 1 Corinthians 2:15, "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man." Solomon made a similar statement in Proverbs 9:8, "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise Prayer of Manasseh , and he will love thee." We are to correct those who are in error. If they are rebellious, the burden to correct them is not upon us. However, we are to have enough discernment to recognize when someone is receptive to correction, and offer such in a spirit of love. Solomon as well said, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." ( Proverbs 27:6) If we speak the truth in love when correcting others, we may initially wound someone's heart, but such wounds in the lives of the humble will quickly heal. Download 3.1 Mb. Share with your friends:
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