We are walking in today: The Threshing Could Be Yahweh’s Justice Or Judgment
Witness loving anger throughout the Bible: loving H2617 chesed spelled chet samek dalet
--goodness, kindness, faithfulness, a reproach, shame, kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subjectively) beauty:—favour, good deed, kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing
&
anger H638 'aph spelled alef pey--nostril, nose, face, anger properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion)—anger(angry), before, countenance, face, forebearing, forehead, (long-) suffering, worthy, wrath
Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 103:8, 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Micah 7:18
Isaiah 5:1-7
1 Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: 2 And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. 3 And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. 4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? 5 And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: 6 And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. 7 For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
There was a time when it felt like, why me? Thoughts like can life get any worse than it is now?!! Can walking in and out of church produce the same results? Why can others be so blessed? "When I seen what you did last night--cause I was there. Certainly, being a baby in this walk is a journey. What we come to learn is that trials and tribulations are necessary for our spiritual and physical growth. Just as you watched the progress of a baby to a toddlers in growing up. Starting from a helpless little bundle of cuteness--that needs to be loved, protected, cleaned, fed and clothed. To the self feeding and tottering steps to full out run of the toddler. There are instructions with this maturity that come into play. Else you end up with a 30, 40 or even a 50-year-old baby, that was never taught anything but "you are so cute". Missing the responsibility part, that comes into play as adults. So entitled and questioning any authority that undermines the so-called privileges that are believed to be entitled to them.
So as we look at the lesson today. As in the threshing and wine press process in comparison to our lives. Yahweh places upon all His children, some to obedience and many to disobedience. We see that correction is imperative for our growth into the image and likeness of Yahweh--that is the whole goal. In the trials we face, are the workings of the threshing and wine press process. This must take place and this is why:
Hebrews 12:6
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Wine Press
The winepress is a biblical symbol with both positive and negative implications. Materially, the winepress was usually just a pit, either hewn out of rock or lined with plaster. In this pit, harvested grapes would be thrown in and trampled upon to squeeze out the grape juice used to make wine (Isaiah 5:2).
In biblical times, the winepress was supposed to be a place of great joy and singing, but as God silenced this joyful song, the winepress became a poignant reminder of God’s judgment upon His people (Isaiah 16:10; Jeremiah 48:33).
So although wine is often a symbol of joy and blessings (Psalms 4:7; Song of Solomon 1:2), God’s harsh judgment is metaphorically and dramatically illustrated through the symbol of the winepress (See Lamentations 1:15; Isaiah 63:1-3; Revelation 14:19-20; 19:15).
This association of the “winepress” with “God’s judgment” probably resulted from the image of grapes being trampled and destroyed as a representation of being “crushed” by divine judgment. The fact that red grapes splattered red juice (visual reminders of blood) as they were trampled upon further tied the winepress with images of violence and judgment.
Threshing Wheat
Yet, Judges 6:11 speaks of Gideon threshing wheat in the winepress. Threshing is the process by which kernels of grain from harvested cereals are separated to be made into flour. Like making wine, the activity of “threshing wheat” had strong positive images in the ancient Near East. Grain, being a staple for life in the ancient Near East, naturally represented both provision and blessing (Genesis 27:28; Psalms 65:13; 78:24; Exodus 16:4). So during the harvest time, the open threshing-floor—the usual place of threshing—was a site for family and community activity.
But the act of threshing also possessed the negative imagery of God’s judgment in the Bible (Isaiah 28:23-29; Jeremiah 51:33; Micah 4:11-13).
Threshing was naturally associated with God’s judgment since the act of threshing involved various ways of vigorously beating stalks of grain (Ruth 2:17), so as to eventually separate out the kernels of grain from the chaff. The act of threshing, as a way of separating the kernel from the grain, further illustrated the process by which God’s judgment distinguished the good from the evil (Matthew 3:12, 25:31-46).
Understanding the imagery of “threshing” helps us appreciate the context of Judges 6:11, for Gideon’s threshing of wheat, symbolizes God’s threshing of His people.
It is in those periods of God’s “threshing” that we must even more hold fast the faith that God “threshes” His people wisely—to instruct them in the way of righteousness and not merely to mete out punishment (Isaiah 28:23-29).
Understanding that this process is important for growth, trust, and faith in God's wisdom for us. His ways are not our ways and his plans are never ours. Learning how to trust and hear instructions takes a contrite (H1793 dakka-crushed) and humbled heart. That is the finished product of a usable soul for Yahweh's purpose. So we look differently in the crushing of the grapes and the threshing of wheat. Can you imagine this process, though? Just think of all the vigorous study patterns that never change in the logistics of this process. Spiritually crushed, beating to the point of brokenness. So that man's own pride and arrogance will be out of the way of the Ruach Ha Kodesh flowing freely at His design.
Psalms 14:1-3
1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Judges 6:10
And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes, we are healed.
The Book of Judges chapters 6 & 7 speaks so much about the mercies of Yahweh and the operation of our growth. The humility and tremendous trust Gideon relied on Yahweh is amazing. He reminds me of a man who has nothing to lose and at his wits end and yet continues on with one hope in mind, never letting go. Due to the surrounding hopelessness of attacks on his father's crops, but focused on a promise. As we face surrounding circumstances with this same outlook--even though new crops all around him were being raided by the nomadic horde of Midianites and part of the Amalekites. He still had what he could for his family to survive.
This broken heart seeking His instructions is the finished product that Yahweh can use. For Him to get the glory out of a narrow and finite view of our understanding. There is a bigger picture. Yahweh can and will use the humbled, but hates the proud, self-reliant and all-knowing child.
The blessing could be in the threshing and pressing. Or you can learn the lesson on the threshing or pressing. Either one still brings about His purpose in your life. To know without a doubt who is in control. Will you cease from struggling and learn from the lesson that is being taught? For all things upon the earth serve His purpose and plan, fiveamprayer where do you stand? Shema, Selah--hear, listen and obey the words of Yahweh, take time to reflect and consider this lesson.
Isaiah 5:1-7
1 Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: 2 And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. 3 And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. 4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? 5 And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: 6 And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. 7 For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
There was a time when it felt like, why me? Thoughts like can life get any worse than it is now?!! Can walking in and out of church produce the same results? Why can others be so blessed? "When I seen what you did last night--cause I was there. Certainly, being a baby in this walk is a journey. What we come to learn is that trials and tribulations are necessary for our spiritual and physical growth. Just as you watched the progress of a baby to a toddlers in growing up. Starting from a helpless little bundle of cuteness--that needs to be loved, protected, cleaned, fed and clothed. To the self feeding and tottering steps to full out run of the toddler. There are instructions with this maturity that come into play. Else you end up with a 30, 40 or even a 50-year-old baby, that was never taught anything but "you are so cute". Missing the responsibility part, that comes into play as adults. So entitled and questioning any authority that undermines the so-called privileges that are believed to be entitled to them.
So as we look at the lesson today. As in the threshing and wine press process in comparison to our lives. Yahweh places upon all His children, some to obedience and many to disobedience. We see that correction is imperative for our growth into the image and likeness of Yahweh--that is the whole goal. In the trials we face, are the workings of the threshing and wine press process. This must take place and this is why:
Hebrews 12:6
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Wine Press
The winepress is a biblical symbol with both positive and negative implications. Materially, the winepress was usually just a pit, either hewn out of rock or lined with plaster. In this pit, harvested grapes would be thrown in and trampled upon to squeeze out the grape juice used to make wine (Isaiah 5:2).
In biblical times, the winepress was supposed to be a place of great joy and singing, but as God silenced this joyful song, the winepress became a poignant reminder of God’s judgment upon His people (Isaiah 16:10; Jeremiah 48:33).
So although wine is often a symbol of joy and blessings (Psalms 4:7; Song of Solomon 1:2), God’s harsh judgment is metaphorically and dramatically illustrated through the symbol of the winepress (See Lamentations 1:15; Isaiah 63:1-3; Revelation 14:19-20; 19:15).
This association of the “winepress” with “God’s judgment” probably resulted from the image of grapes being trampled and destroyed as a representation of being “crushed” by divine judgment. The fact that red grapes splattered red juice (visual reminders of blood) as they were trampled upon further tied the winepress with images of violence and judgment.
Threshing Wheat
Yet, Judges 6:11 speaks of Gideon threshing wheat in the winepress. Threshing is the process by which kernels of grain from harvested cereals are separated to be made into flour. Like making wine, the activity of “threshing wheat” had strong positive images in the ancient Near East. Grain, being a staple for life in the ancient Near East, naturally represented both provision and blessing (Genesis 27:28; Psalms 65:13; 78:24; Exodus 16:4). So during the harvest time, the open threshing-floor—the usual place of threshing—was a site for family and community activity.
But the act of threshing also possessed the negative imagery of God’s judgment in the Bible (Isaiah 28:23-29; Jeremiah 51:33; Micah 4:11-13).
Threshing was naturally associated with God’s judgment since the act of threshing involved various ways of vigorously beating stalks of grain (Ruth 2:17), so as to eventually separate out the kernels of grain from the chaff. The act of threshing, as a way of separating the kernel from the grain, further illustrated the process by which God’s judgment distinguished the good from the evil (Matthew 3:12, 25:31-46).
Understanding the imagery of “threshing” helps us appreciate the context of Judges 6:11, for Gideon’s threshing of wheat, symbolizes God’s threshing of His people.
It is in those periods of God’s “threshing” that we must even more hold fast the faith that God “threshes” His people wisely—to instruct them in the way of righteousness and not merely to mete out punishment (Isaiah 28:23-29).
Understanding that this process is important for growth, trust, and faith in God's wisdom for us. His ways are not our ways and his plans are never ours. Learning how to trust and hear instructions takes a contrite (H1793 dakka-crushed) and humbled heart. That is the finished product of a usable soul for Yahweh's purpose. So we look differently in the crushing of the grapes and the threshing of wheat. Can you imagine this process, though? Just think of all the vigorous study patterns that never change in the logistics of this process. Spiritually crushed, beating to the point of brokenness. So that man's own pride and arrogance will be out of the way of the Ruach Ha Kodesh flowing freely at His design.
Psalms 14:1-3
1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Judges 6:10
And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes, we are healed.
The Book of Judges chapters 6 & 7 speaks so much about the mercies of Yahweh and the operation of our growth. The humility and tremendous trust Gideon relied on Yahweh is amazing. He reminds me of a man who has nothing to lose and at his wits end and yet continues on with one hope in mind, never letting go. Due to the surrounding hopelessness of attacks on his father's crops, but focused on a promise. As we face surrounding circumstances with this same outlook--even though new crops all around him were being raided by the nomadic horde of Midianites and part of the Amalekites. He still had what he could for his family to survive.
This broken heart seeking His instructions is the finished product that Yahweh can use. For Him to get the glory out of a narrow and finite view of our understanding. There is a bigger picture. Yahweh can and will use the humbled, but hates the proud, self-reliant and all-knowing child.
The blessing could be in the threshing and pressing. Or you can learn the lesson on the threshing or pressing. Either one still brings about His purpose in your life. To know without a doubt who is in control. Will you cease from struggling and learn from the lesson that is being taught? For all things upon the earth serve His purpose and plan, fiveamprayer where do you stand? Shema, Selah--hear, listen and obey the words of Yahweh, take time to reflect and consider this lesson.
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