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THE WORSHIP OF ISRAEL AND PROSPERITY
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Deuteronomy 12:19-32

1 Chronicles 16:27-31

 

“Give unto the LORD the glory

due unto his name…”

 

THE WORSHIP OF ISRAEL AND PROSPERITY
 
The celebration of the feast of the Passover was specific about the kind of animals that were to be offered. It was a lamb or a kid of one year and without blemish. Each family was to kill one during the feast. All meat had to be eaten roasted, not boiled. Whatever was left until morning was burned. When they had to kill for ordinary food at home, the ceremonial elements or requirements were not necessary, except that they were not to eat the meat with blood. The Mosaic command is thus explained by commentators: “Game when procured in the wilderness had not been required to be brought to the door of the tabernacle. The people were now to be as free in the killing of domestic cattle as of wild animals. The permission to hunt and use venison for food was doubtless a great boon to the Israelites, not only in the wilderness, but on their settlement in Canaan, as the mountainous ranges of Lebanon, Carmel, and Gilead, on which deer abounded in vast numbers, would thus furnish them with a plentiful and luxuriant repast” (J.F. and Brown Commentary).
 
The life that Israel looked forward to then was a life of prosperity where all their basic needs would be met. It was going to be a change from what they were used to in the wilderness. In the new land they were going to have their own property, and till their own land and keep their own animals. The instructions given to them were meant to assist them to live comfortable and happy lives. It is always true that God supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus.
 
The eating of meat with blood was strictly forbidden to Israel. This was repeated time and time again to Israel. They were told to pour the blood out as water. The prohibition was seen as ceremonial, but it has also been shown that there are health reasons for it as well. The Lord wanted Israel to be both spiritually and physically healthy.
 
THOUGHT: Everyone who seeks the Lord in worship will find Him.

PRAYER: Father, may I always prepare my heart to worship Thee.

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