The Harlot - Part 3
Over and over again, God describes his wayward people as harlots. Examples include Ex. 34:15-16, Psa 73:27, Isa 1:21, Jer 2:20, Jer_3:1; 6-8, Ezk 16, Ezk 23, Hos 1:2....
So it certainly is not a stretch to look at the adulterous (strange) woman in Proverbs 5 & 7 and see her as a spiritual parable and not just physical. Many, including myself have a tendency to view this only as a physical parable. Once you see it, it is quite shocking. Today, just as of old, Gods New Testament people continue playing the harlot. So this parable would apply not only to Old Testament Israel but would equally apply to New Testament spiritual Israel.
Here is the way that the harlot entices God's people:
Pro 7:12b ...(she) lieth in wait at every corner.
Pro 7:13a So she caught him, ...
lieth in wait (H693)- to lurk or ambush
caught - (H2388) - to fasten upon
The harlot leads God's people off into the worship of other gods. She leads them astray into Babylon, Egypt, Assyria for example. Many times God's people didn't even realize that they were apostatizing. Strangely enough, according to Prob 5:6, the harlot does not realize either that her paths aren't the paths of life.
Pro 5:6 So that she findeth not the level path of life: Her ways are unstable, and she knoweth it not.
So I wonder if the harlot thinks that her ways DO lead to life and that might be the reason that she 'lieth in wait' in order to catch him. The harlot is convinced that her way is correct and that she is justified in what she does. Who is the harlot?
As I was reading Habakkuk 1:14-16 a few weeks ago, I saw another hidden example of the harlot. In this passage, she is referred to as the Chaldeans (or Babylon).
Hab 1:14 and (the Chaldeans) makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them?
Hab 1:15 He (the Chaldeans) taketh up all of them with the angle (hook), he catcheth them in his net, and gathereth them in his drag (net): therefore he rejoiceth and is glad.
Hab 1:16 Therefore he sacrificeth unto his net, and burneth incense unto his drag (net); because by them his portion is fat, and his food plenteous.
So here the Chaldeans are fishing for men with hooks and catching them in their net, then they are happy. How odd since Jesus said said in Matt 4:18-20 that He would make us 'fishers of men'.
Mat 4:18 And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers.
Mat 4:19 And he saith unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Mat 4:20 And they straightway left the nets, and followed him.
So Jesus wants to make us fishers of men too? Yes, He desires that we become fishers of men also. In some regard, we'd be doing the same thing as the harlot. Heres the difference: Peter and Andrew left their nets and followed after Jesus. They came after Jesus and realized their nets had no importance. Their nets had no value nor did their worldly knowledge of fishing.
On the other hand, the Chaldean (Babylonian or the harlot) takes them up with the hook, catch them in 'his net' and gathereth them. Then they are happy and sacrifice unto 'his net' and burneth incense unto 'his drag' (net). Seems they view their nets, hooks and drag as having much value. They are using their own means to fish for men.
How odd. One
uses his natural ability to 'fish for men'.
While the other follows Christ where ever He leads, in recognition that his own fishing ability is 'as dung'. Hmm. Works of the flesh versus the works of the spirit?
Notice this verse below which ties this these thoughts together.
Ecc 7:26 And I find more bitter than death the woman (harlot) whose heart is snares and nets, and whose hands are bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
Here the womans (harlot) heart is snares and nets and its those who escape from her that please God. Wow!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Misc note on Proverbs 7:12-13 regarding the harlot
Misc note on Proverbs 7:12-13 regarding the harlot
I noticed these phrases as I studied the harlot. She is in the 'streets' and 'broad places' as stated in Prov 7:12.
And according to Jesus, 'broad is the way' (Matt 7:13) that leads to destruction. The word 'way' means ' road; progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively a mode or means: - journey, (high-) way. Hmm, so the road/highway to destruction is also broad.
Might this be the same road? I'm thinking there is a very good chance....
The harlot on this broad place (and street) leads to destruction.
Who travels down the 'broad road'?
Pro 7:7 And I beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, A young man void of understanding,
What is the end result?
Prov 7:22 He (the young man) goeth after her (the harlot) straightway, As an ox goeth to the slaughter,
**So to put Pro 7 in a math equation:
YOUNG MAN w/o understanding + HARLOT in streets and broad places = SLAUGHTER
and Matt 7:13
MANY who enters in + BROAD WAY/WIDE GATE = DESTRUCTION
*These two are saying the same thing!!
------------------------------------------------
What is the tactic used by the harlot?
Pro 7:12 Now she is in the streets, now in the broad places, And lieth in wait at every corner.
H693 primitive root; to lurk: - (lie in) ambush (-ment), lay (lie in) wait.
Definitions: wait in hiding to attack; the act of concealing yourself to attack by surprise; waiting in concealment; in ambush
Her tactic is to conceal herself, then attack by surprise.
I noticed these phrases as I studied the harlot. She is in the 'streets' and 'broad places' as stated in Prov 7:12.
And according to Jesus, 'broad is the way' (Matt 7:13) that leads to destruction. The word 'way' means ' road; progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively a mode or means: - journey, (high-) way. Hmm, so the road/highway to destruction is also broad.
Might this be the same road? I'm thinking there is a very good chance....
The harlot on this broad place (and street) leads to destruction.
Who travels down the 'broad road'?
Pro 7:7 And I beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, A young man void of understanding,
What is the end result?
Prov 7:22 He (the young man) goeth after her (the harlot) straightway, As an ox goeth to the slaughter,
**So to put Pro 7 in a math equation:
YOUNG MAN w/o understanding + HARLOT in streets and broad places = SLAUGHTER
and Matt 7:13
MANY who enters in + BROAD WAY/WIDE GATE = DESTRUCTION
*These two are saying the same thing!!
------------------------------------------------
What is the tactic used by the harlot?
Pro 7:12 Now she is in the streets, now in the broad places, And lieth in wait at every corner.
H693 primitive root; to lurk: - (lie in) ambush (-ment), lay (lie in) wait.
Definitions: wait in hiding to attack; the act of concealing yourself to attack by surprise; waiting in concealment; in ambush
Her tactic is to conceal herself, then attack by surprise.
Monday, April 2, 2012
The Harlot
The Harlot
I am astounded at the parallels between the current day church, the Jews at the time of Jesus' first coming and the Harlot. I am equally astounded at the spiritual blindness of those that call themselves by his name. Flabergasted might be a better word.
Pro 5:1 My son, attend unto my wisdom; Incline thine ear to my understanding:
Pro 5:2 That thou mayest preserve discretion, And that thy lips may keep knowledge.
(Note: Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: ...)
Pro 5:3 For the lips of a strange woman drop honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil:
Pro 5:4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword.
Pro 5:5 Her feet go down to death; Her steps take hold on Sheol;
Pro 5:6 So that she findeth not the level path of life: Her ways are unstable, and she knoweth it not.
Pro 5:7 Now therefore, my sons, hearken unto me, And depart not from the words of my mouth.
Pro 5:8 Remove thy way far from her, And come not nigh the door of her house;
--------------------------------
Pro 7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, From the foreigner that flattereth with her words.
Pro 7:6 For at the window of my house I looked forth through my lattice;
Pro 7:7 And I beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, A young man void of understanding,
Pro 7:8 Passing through the street near her corner; And he went the way to her house,
Pro 7:9 In the twilight, in the evening of the day, In the middle of the night and in the darkness.
Pro 7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman With the attire of a harlot, and wily of heart.
Pro 7:11 She is clamorous and wilful; Her feet abide not in her house:
Pro 7:12 Now she is in the streets, now in the broad places, And lieth in wait at every corner.
(Note: Mat 7:13 Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.
Mat 23:5 But all their works they do to be seen of men: for they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
Amo 5:16 Therefore thus saith Jehovah, the God of hosts, the Lord: Wailing shall be in all the broad ways; and they shall say in all the streets...
Jer 51:58 Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly overthrown, and her high gates shall be burned with fire;
Isa 15:3 In their streets they gird themselves with sackcloth; on their housetops, and in their broad places, every one waileth, weeping abundantly.
Pro 7:13 So she caught him, and kissed him, And with an impudent face she said unto him:
Pro 7:14 Sacrifices of peace-offerings are with me; This day have I paid my vows.
(Note: Eze 13:10 Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there is no peace; and when one buildeth up a wall, behold, they daub it with untempered mortar:
Jer 6:14 They have healed also the hurt of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
Pro 7:15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, Diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.
Pro 7:16 I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, With striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.
Pro 7:17 I have perfumed my bed With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
Pro 7:18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning; Let us solace ourselves with loves.
Pro 7:19 For the man is not at home; He is gone a long journey:
(Note:Luk 20:9 And he began to speak unto the people this parable: A man planted a vineyard, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into another country for a long time.
Pro 7:20 He hath taken a bag of money with him; He will come home at the full moon.
Pro 7:21 With her much fair speech she causeth him to yield; With the flattering of her lips she forceth him along.
Pro 7:22 He goeth after her straightway, As an ox goeth to the slaughter, Or as one in fetters to the correction of the fool;
Pro 7:23 Till an arrow strike through his liver; As a bird hasteth to the snare, And knoweth not that it is for his life.
Pro 7:24 Now therefore, my sons, hearken unto me, And attend to the words of my mouth.
Pro 7:25 Let not thy heart decline to her ways; Go not astray in her paths.
Pro 7:26 For she hath cast down many wounded: Yea, all her slain are a mighty host.
Pro 7:27 Her house is the way to Sheol, Going down to the chambers of death.
I am astounded at the parallels between the current day church, the Jews at the time of Jesus' first coming and the Harlot. I am equally astounded at the spiritual blindness of those that call themselves by his name. Flabergasted might be a better word.
Pro 5:1 My son, attend unto my wisdom; Incline thine ear to my understanding:
Pro 5:2 That thou mayest preserve discretion, And that thy lips may keep knowledge.
(Note: Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: ...)
Pro 5:3 For the lips of a strange woman drop honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil:
Pro 5:4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword.
Pro 5:5 Her feet go down to death; Her steps take hold on Sheol;
Pro 5:6 So that she findeth not the level path of life: Her ways are unstable, and she knoweth it not.
Pro 5:7 Now therefore, my sons, hearken unto me, And depart not from the words of my mouth.
Pro 5:8 Remove thy way far from her, And come not nigh the door of her house;
--------------------------------
Pro 7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, From the foreigner that flattereth with her words.
Pro 7:6 For at the window of my house I looked forth through my lattice;
Pro 7:7 And I beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, A young man void of understanding,
Pro 7:8 Passing through the street near her corner; And he went the way to her house,
Pro 7:9 In the twilight, in the evening of the day, In the middle of the night and in the darkness.
Pro 7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman With the attire of a harlot, and wily of heart.
Pro 7:11 She is clamorous and wilful; Her feet abide not in her house:
Pro 7:12 Now she is in the streets, now in the broad places, And lieth in wait at every corner.
(Note: Mat 7:13 Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.
Mat 23:5 But all their works they do to be seen of men: for they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
Amo 5:16 Therefore thus saith Jehovah, the God of hosts, the Lord: Wailing shall be in all the broad ways; and they shall say in all the streets...
Jer 51:58 Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly overthrown, and her high gates shall be burned with fire;
Isa 15:3 In their streets they gird themselves with sackcloth; on their housetops, and in their broad places, every one waileth, weeping abundantly.
Pro 7:13 So she caught him, and kissed him, And with an impudent face she said unto him:
Pro 7:14 Sacrifices of peace-offerings are with me; This day have I paid my vows.
(Note: Eze 13:10 Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there is no peace; and when one buildeth up a wall, behold, they daub it with untempered mortar:
Jer 6:14 They have healed also the hurt of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
Pro 7:15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, Diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.
Pro 7:16 I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, With striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.
Pro 7:17 I have perfumed my bed With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
Pro 7:18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning; Let us solace ourselves with loves.
Pro 7:19 For the man is not at home; He is gone a long journey:
(Note:Luk 20:9 And he began to speak unto the people this parable: A man planted a vineyard, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into another country for a long time.
Pro 7:20 He hath taken a bag of money with him; He will come home at the full moon.
Pro 7:21 With her much fair speech she causeth him to yield; With the flattering of her lips she forceth him along.
Pro 7:22 He goeth after her straightway, As an ox goeth to the slaughter, Or as one in fetters to the correction of the fool;
Pro 7:23 Till an arrow strike through his liver; As a bird hasteth to the snare, And knoweth not that it is for his life.
Pro 7:24 Now therefore, my sons, hearken unto me, And attend to the words of my mouth.
Pro 7:25 Let not thy heart decline to her ways; Go not astray in her paths.
Pro 7:26 For she hath cast down many wounded: Yea, all her slain are a mighty host.
Pro 7:27 Her house is the way to Sheol, Going down to the chambers of death.
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