#i commandeth you!!!

[the-owl-tree]

"what if people judge me for my embarrassing taste in manga :(" i type on my xenofiction warrior cats centric sideblog

[angelique-fireheart]

“The Impact of Deeper Growth” In Touch Bible Study Notes 07/02/2024

My thoughts on this study are as follows:

When we grow strong in our faith “roots”, like trees grow their roots, we are able to withstand whatever life may throw our way. Our faith can be strong as long as we stay in the Word of God, and don’t neglect our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We should continually fix our eyes on Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We don’t have to worry about anything, but rather bring everything to Him, and focus our attention and thoughts on His character and not our troubles. Jesus is there always. He’s what we always need. God won’t always give us everything we want and ask for, but He will in time give us what we need, what He knows is best for us, and that’s something we can always count on.

Verses read:

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭22‬-‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

My prayer for anyone reading this today:

Lord, help whoever comes across this Bible study. Whatever they need, be it comfort, Your love and peace, strength through their own personal storms, or just a reason to keep fighting whatever battle they find themselves in. God, lend them Your Grace and Mercy. Jesus, hold them close to You, and let their heart not be troubled or afraid. Give them the ability to take up their Cross daily and follow You. I ask these things for myself as well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[saganssorcery]

𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Haagenti

𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Today we are being asked to ground ourselves in reality and focus on worldly things such as our health, family, business and finances. We have the ability to create great luxury and success in our lives with good long term planning and hard work. There is an industrious quality here which reminds us that we can turn base elements into something valuable. Perhaps this would be a good day to organise the things in the home so we surround ourselves in an prosperous atmosphere which considers the needs of everybody in the household.

𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗸

“The 48th spirit is called Haagenti, he is a great president appearing in the forme of a mighty Bull wth griffins wings at first, But afterwardes at ye command of the Exorcist, he putteth on humane shape &c his office is to make men wise and to Instruct them in divers Things & to Transmute all mettales into gold, & change wine into water, & water into wine; he commandeth 33 Legions of spirits; his seal is Thus made, & to be worne as a Lamin &c.”

-Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis, The Lesser Key of Solomon, Detailing the Ceremonial Art of Commanding Spirits Both Good and Evil.

-Joseph H. Peterson, Editor.

©️Sagans Sorcery 🔥🖋️

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[pressforwardsaints]

"For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.

Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine.

And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.

And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God."

— 3 Nephi 11:29-33

[shrubseph]

I found these verses while reading for Come Follow Me:

2 Nephi 26:24-28

24 He [God] doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.

25 Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price.

26 Behold, hath he commanded any that they should depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship? Behold, I say unto you, Nay.

27 Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.

28 Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden.

Basically everyone is welcome and wanted, not just white CisHet members of the church with perfect families. God has never commanded anyone that they should 'depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship', or that they should 'not partake of his salvation' so if someone is making people feel unwelcome at church, or is denying deserving people access to the temple, then they definitely aren't doing God's work.

[spiritelectric3]

Hello! It is me! Your God (She/Her)! I Commandeth and Demandeth that you love and take care of yourself!

[traumacatholic]

Hi, I'm a university student, woman, carmelite, consecrated to Our Lady according to the method of Saint Luis Maria of Montfort. Please, could you pray for me fiding a relationship that is totally align with the chastity principles for lay members, if it is God's will?

I had to lie to someone saying I was taken when I'm not, in order to keep the chastity principle and to avoid this person keeping any hope and keep insisting, but I don't like lying, and I'm a bit afraid of the consequences of this lie. Please, could you pray for me?

(Also, saying the religious reasons could have hurt the person, so it was better to simply say "I already have someone").

May God Bless you ✝❤

I have to admit, that I don't fully know bout the chastity principles for lay members. But I will be praying for you. And I have included some prayers under the read more that you may find useful. Feel free to modify them where you see fit.

A prayer to find a spouse

All-good and merciful Lord, I know that any enduring happiness in my life dependeth upon my wholehearted love for Thee and upon keeping Thy commandments and obeying Thy Holy Will in all things. Wherefore, direct my steps, O God, and fill my heart with Thy Grace. I seek to please Thee alone, for Thou art my Creator and my God. Preserve me from pride and self-love. Let reason, modesty, and chastity adorn me. Deliver me from idleness which is hateful unto Thee and breedeth vice; grant me to be diligent and fruitful in labor, and bless thou my work. Thy law commandeth that husband and wife live in chaste matrimonial union. Wherefore lead me, Holy Father, to this blessed calling not for the satisfaction of the passions but unto the fulfilment of Thy commandment; for Thou hast said that it is not good that man should be alone and, having created woman as his companion, Thou didst bless them to be fruitful and multiply that they may fill the earth. Hear my humble prayer which ascendeth unto thee from the depths of my heart: Grant unto me an honest and pious spouse that, through our love and harmony, we nay together serve and praise Thee, our compassionate God, and do Thy will and bless Thine all-holy name, of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

A prayer of single persons

O Lord, who hast set forth for us an example of perfect purity, strengthen me, I beseech Thee, when temptation doth beset me, and when strong passions seek to overwhelm me, that I may remain constant in virtue and innocent in thought, word, and deed, doing only such things that are well pleasing to Thee. Grant me growth in wisdom and understanding, that I may serve Thee in holiness all the days of my life, through the intercessions of Thine all-immaculate Mother and of all Thy Saints, especially my Patron Saint [name]. Amen.

A prayer for purity

O Master, Lord my God, in whose hands are my lots, help me according to Thy mercy and do not allow me to be destroyed by mine iniquities, nor permit me by my will to follow the desires of my flesh against my spirit. I was fashioned by Thee, do not forsake the works of Thy Hands. Turn not Thy Face away from me, have pity and do not despise me, neither forsake me, O Lord, for I am weak and it is to Thee, my protecting God, that I have fled to for refuge. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee. Save me for the sake of Thy Mercy, for upon Thee have I cast myself from my very youth. May those who war against me be put to shame, and may those who seek to separate me from Thee through immodest acts, unseemly thoughts and unprofitable recollections be turned back. Chase far from me every impurity, that foul effluence of evil. For Thou alone art holy, Thou alone art mighty, Thou alone art immortal, having unfathomable power against all things, and it is through Thee that every power is given against the devil and his might. For unto Thee are due all glory, honour, and worship, to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Psalm 50

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

[orthodoxadventure]

coming valentine day i want to reveal to a certain girl how i really feel. she's very special but as always self-doubt and second guessing keep messing with my thoughts. please, please pray for us both

Of course! I will keep you in my prayers, and I would also recommend praying the Akathist to Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg who is known for helping someone to find a pious spouse. It would be good also to pray it for her benefit as well.

I would also recommend the following prayer, it would be good also to pray it for her also.

All-Good and Merciful Lord, I know that any enduring happiness in my life dependeth upon my wholehearted love for Thee and upon mine actions according to Thy holy will in all things; wherefore, direct my soul, O God, and fill my heart. I seek to please Thee alone, for Thou art my Creator and my God. Preserve me from pride and self-love. Let reason, modesty and chastity adorn me. Idleness is hateful unto Thee and breedeth vice; grant unto me the inclination to be fruitful in labor, and bless Thou my work. Thy law commandeth that man and wife live in chaste matrimonial union; wherefore lead me, Holy Father, to this blessed calling not for the satisfaction of passions but unto the fulfillment of Thy commandment; for Thou hast said that it is not good that man should live alone and, having created woman as his helper, Thou blessest them to be fruitful and multiply that they may fill the earth. Hear my humble prayer, which ascendeth unto Thee from the depths of my heart: Grant unto me an honest and pious spouse that, through our love and harmony, together we may praise Thee, our Compassionate God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Some other Saints that are connected to relationships / finding a spouse / marriage;

St. Argyre the New Martyr

Sts. Joachim and Anna

Saint Phanourios the Great

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker

Saints Cecilia and Valerius

Saints Peter and Fevronia 

Saints Andronicus and Iunia

St Matrona of Moscow

Saint Valentine

Remember also, your Patron Saint if you have one

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for September 14, 2023 

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for the Day

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 24:23 (KJV): 23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect for persons in judgment. Proverbs 24:23 (AMP): 23 These also are sayings of the wise. To discriminate and be partial, having respect for persons in judging, is not good.

Thought for the Day

This verse is addressed to the wise, who are told not to discriminate or show partiality when sitting in a position of judgment. To make a fair judgment about anything, there first must be laws that are considered the standard in a situation. The standard for Christians consists of God's laws that are recorded in the Bible. These rules and commandments were given so that people could live blessed and peaceable lives. God's laws preserve order on earth and also show man his sin and need for a Savior. Those who walk in the Spirit, fulfill the law by loving others. They reap the blessings that come from walking in God's ways.

The Bible outlines various penalties for breaking God's laws. The ultimate penalty for sinners is that they will go to hell. I want to repeat what has been included in previous verses, because of its utmost importance. The good news is that Jesus, the son of God, came to the earth and died on the cross, giving Himself as the only sacrifice that could make atonement for our sins. He was raised from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God. As the ultimate Judge, He is not a respecter of persons. What He will do for one, He will do for another. All who come to God through Jesus will be pardoned, no matter what sin they have committed. "But God commandeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more than, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life" (Romans 5:8-10).

America's founding fathers were Christians and based much of their legal structure on the Bible's moral laws. Many laws in the U.S. are based directly on laws found in Deuteronomy. To our detriment, many sound laws have been altered or abandoned. Scripture describes times such as ours: "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time" (Daniel 7:25).

Our present-day judicial system has drifted from its original intent of protecting the innocent and convicting the wicked. Today, the law is being exploited by some people who want to use it for gain. Many are seeking outlandish settlements, that in the end, all people will pay for. Through unfair settlements such as these, lawyers are the ones most rewarded. Of course, not all lawyers are greedy. Many good lawyers seek to help and serve their clients. However, due to a faulty legal system, the protection of the innocent has often been overruled, while criminals are not justly dealt with. We need to return to Biblical principles and shape our laws accordingly if we desire to see justice in our land. "The God of Israel said...He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God" (2 Samuel 23:3). "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do, right?" (Genesis 18:25b).

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, I am eternally grateful that You have forgiven me of my sins and that You paid the price for them on the cross. Lord, I now want to serve You faithfully every day. I am also thankful that You are a righteous judge and I can always commit my case to You, and You will treat me fairly in everything. Since You are no respecter of persons, You will do this for all who look to You. Lord, I pray that as a nation, we will be given righteous judges so that all people will receive justice in the courts of our land. I ask this in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

From: Steven P. Miller @ParkermillerQ,  gatekeeperwatchman.org Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups Wednesday, September 13, 2023, Jacksonville, Florida., Duval County, USA. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sparkermiller.JAX.FL.USA, https://www.facebook.com/StevenParkerMillerQ Instagram: steven_parker_miller_1956 Twitter: @GatekeeperWatchman1, @ParkermillerQ, https://twitter.com/StevenPMiller6 Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/gatekeeperwatchman, https://www.tumblr.com/gatekeeper-watchman https://www.pinterest.com/GatekeeperWatchman1/ #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller, #Eldermiller1981

[musingsofmemory]

“Tell me every terrible thing you ever did, and let me love you anyway.”

Though its a quote from dear Edgar Allan Poe, it reminds me so much of Jesus.

“But God commandeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” -Romans 5:8

God knows all of our sins, past present and future and yet He still loves us. He died for our sins, our sins are what nailed Jesus to the cross, and yet still He loves us. He wants to save us. He loves us more than any human on earth ever could. I didn’t realize how my quote in my bio could remind me of Him so much until yesterday, but now it’s such a dear and gentle reminder.

God speaks to us through His word, primarily, and His Holy Spirit, but on occasion He will speak to us through other people.

[bills-bible-basics]

UNCLEAN SPIRITS -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List #Christian #BibleStudy #Verses Visit https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/ to see more. "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." Matthew 10:1, KJV "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.‭ Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth ‭it‭ empty, swept, and garnished.‭ Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last ‭state‭ of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.‭" Matthew 12:43-45, KJV "And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out . . . And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him." Mark 1:23, 26-27, KJV "And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God . . . Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit." Mark 3:11, 30, KJV "And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit . . . he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit . . . And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea." Mark 5:2, 8, 13, KJV "And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;" Mark 6:7, KJV "For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:" Mark 7:25, KJV "And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out." Luke 4:36, KJV "And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed." Luke 6:18, KJV "(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)" Luke 8:29, KJV "And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father." Luke 9:42, KJV "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out." Luke 11:24, KJV "There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one." Acts 5:16, KJV "For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed." Acts 8:7, KJV "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet." Revelation 16:13, KJV If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/unclean-spirits-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?feed_id=194224&UNCLEAN%20SPIRITS%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

[the-owl-tree]

mudclaw should've gone to the df not because i care about his crimes but him being relegated to background starclan cat is such a waste of a potential antagonist. think of the potential mudclaw and onestar dark forest battle confrontation!!!!

[craftylovegentlemen]

Numbers

Chapter 32

1 Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle; 2 The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying, 3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon, 4 Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle: 5 Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan. 6 And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here? 7 And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them? 8 Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadeshbarnea to see the land. 9 For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them. 10 And the LORD's anger was kindled the same time, and he sware, saying,

11 Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me: 12 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD. 13 And the LORD's anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the LORD, was consumed. 14 And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers' stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the LORD toward Israel. 15 For if ye turn away from after him, he will yet again leave them in the wilderness; and ye shall destroy all this people. 16 And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones: 17 But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land. 18 We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance. 19 For we will not inherit with them on yonder side Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward. 20 And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war,

21 And will go all of you armed over Jordan before the LORD, until he hath driven out his enemies from before him, 22 And the land be subdued before the LORD: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the LORD, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD. 23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out. 24 Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth. 25 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth. 26 Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead: 27 But thy servants will pass over, every man armed for war, before the LORD to battle, as my lord saith. 28 So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel: 29 And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the LORD, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession: 30 But if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.

31 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do. 32 We will pass over armed before the LORD into the land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side Jordan may be ours. 33 And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, even the cities of the country round about. 34 And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer, 35 And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah, 36 And Bethnimrah, and Bethharan, fenced cities: and folds for sheep. 37 And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim, 38 And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded. 39 And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which was in it. 40 And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein. 41 And Jair the son of Manasseh went and took the small towns thereof, and called them Havothjair. 42 And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.

Numbers 32

Diane Beauford

[bookoformon]

Ether 8, Part 5. "Secret Combinations."

Underneath our current culture are its root drivers- parenting, religion, education, the media, entertainment, books, and so forth. According to the Book of Mormon, everything that contributes to our culture should lead to a completely free and prosperous way of life. One of its strong assertions about this, one not found in other religious scriptures is its insistence on an end to modern corruption.

Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad did not have to confront real slavery such as the people of America in the 19th Century. They did not know we would engage in mechanized war and mow each other down and quickly kill hundreds of millions without a care in the world, they could not have anticipated we would start filling holes in the ground with crap and garbage, and they had no concept of how ruthless and fucked up the government could get because of party politics. The prophets of the Book of Mormon knew about all of these things.

They therefore said the elements of such gross mismanagement of our time and money through political parties called a Secret Combination was forbidden. Political parties are forbidden. And since the Republicans have a penchant for engaging in illegal oppression of protected classes, terrorist activities, human trafficking and sex with minors, cheating in elections, and bending the rules around Separation of Church and State they are the ones that need to go, leaving America with a single party system of government.

About this the chapter concludes by saying:

18 And it came to pass that they formed a secret combination, even as they of old; which combination is most abominable and wicked above all, in the sight of God;

19 For the Lord worketh not in secret combinations, neither doth he will that man should shed blood, but in all things hath forbidden it, from the beginning of man.

20 And now I, Moroni, do not write the manner of their oaths and combinations, for it hath been made known unto me that they are had among all people, and they are had among the Lamanites.

21 And they have caused the destruction of this people of whom I am now speaking, and also the destruction of the people of Nephi.

22 And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed; for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of his saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for vengeance upon them and yet he avenge them not.

23 Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.

24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.

25 For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning.

26 Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved.

God says He will not suffer America to allow a group of scum like the Republicans to meet and oppress the people and niether should you. They do not belong living, working, or governing alongside civilized persons. They have proven this over and over. It is time their evil is done away.

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Commentary on the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to St. Mark – Chapter 1

St. Mark, the disciple and interpreter of St. Peter (as noted by St. Jerome.) according to what he heard from St. Peter himself, wrote at Rome a brief Gospel at the request of the Brethren (fellow Christians), about ten years after our Lord's Ascension; which when St. Peter had heard, he approved of it, and with his authority he published it to the Church to be read. Baronius and others maintain, that the original was written in Latin: but the more general opinion is that the Evangelist wrote it in Greek.

First, the preaching and austerity of John the Baptist are described. Second (v. 9), the baptism, fast and temptations of Christ. Third (v. 14), the preaching of Christ and the call of Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Fourth (v. 23), the cure of the demoniac and (v. 30) the healing of Peter’s feverish mother-in-law and of many others. Fifth (v. 40), the cleansing of a leper.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee. 3A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. 4 John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins. 5 And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all they of Jerusalem, and were baptized by him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. 9 And it came to pass, in those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And forthwith coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit as a dove descending, and remaining on him. 11 And there came a voice from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. 12 And immediately the Spirit drove him out into the desert. 13 And he was in the desert forty days and forty nights, and was tempted by Satan; and he was with beasts, and the angels ministered to him. 14 And after that John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying: The time is accomplished, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe the gospel. 16 And passing by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother, casting nets into the sea (for they were fishermen). 17 And Jesus said to them: Come after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And immediately leaving their nets, they followed him. 19 And going on from thence a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were mending their nets in the ship: 20 And forthwith he called them. And leaving their father Zebedee in the ship with his hired men, they followed him. 21 And they entered into Caphar-naum, and forthwith upon the Sabbath days going into the synagogue, he taught them. 22 And they were astonished at his doctrine. For he was teaching them as one having power, and not as the scribes. 23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

24 Saying: What have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25 And Jesus threatened him, saying: Speak no more, and go out of the man. 26 And the unclean spirit tearing him, and crying out with a loud voice, went out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying: What thing is this? What is this new doctrine? For with power he commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey him. 28 And the fame of him was spread forthwith into all the country of Galilee. 29 And immediately going out of the synagogue they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 And Simon’s wife’s mother lay in a fit of a fever: and forthwith they tell him of her. 31 And coming to her, he lifted her up, taking her by the hand; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. 32 And when it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all that were ill and that were possessed with devils. 33 And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many that were troubled with divers diseases; and he cast out many devils, and he suffered them not to speak, because they knew him. 35 And rising very early, going out, he went into a desert place: and there he prayed. 36 And Simon, and they that were with him, followed after him. 37 And when they had found him, they said to him: All seek for thee. 38 And he saith to them: Let us go into the neighboring towns and cities, that I may preach there also; for to this purpose am I come.

Commentary: Saint Mark - Chapter 1

Verse 1. The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaias, etc. Many place a full stop before as, thinking that the beginning of the gospel, etc., is the title of the book. But that these words are not the title, but the preface of the book, is plain from the word beginning, and because they are really dependent upon the clause as it is written, etc. Therefore, a comma, not a period, must be placed before as. The word gospel, then, in this place does not denote the book of the gospel which Mark wrote, as when we say, “the Gospel of Mark,” but the gospel preaching of Jesus Christ as it follows. The meaning, therefore, is, “The gospel preaching of Christ had such a beginning as Isaias and Malachias foretold, that is to say, the preaching of John the Baptist and his testimony concerning Christ.” For John began to preach the kingdom of heaven, which would be opened by Christ’s preaching and death. Hence he urged them to repentance, that they might be capable of receiving the grace of Christ and entering the kingdom of heaven, saying, Do penance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. This preaching of his, then, was the beginning of the gospel, i.e., of the gospel preaching initiated by John and to be perfected by Christ. For Moses and the old law preached and promised a land flowing with milk and honey, if the Jews would obey God’s commandments. But Christ and the evangelical law preach and promise the kingdom of heaven, if men will repent of their sins, and keep the commandments of Christ. John’s preaching of repentance, therefore, was the preparation for, and the beginning of, Christ’s preaching the good news about the kingdom of heaven.

Note: Matthew and John commence their gospels from Christ Himself—John from the divine, Matthew from the human generation of Christ. Mark and Luke, however, begin with John the Baptist—Luke from His nativity, Mark from His preaching.

Verses 2-3. As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee. A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.

The former citation in verse 2 is from Malachias 3:1. The latter is from Isaias 40:3. Hence the Greek manuscripts of verse 2 have, it is written in the prophets, meaning Malachias and Isaias. But the Vulgate and some Greek copies, also the Syriac and Arabic, have “As it is written in Isaias the prophet,” and S. Jerome says that this was formerly the reading of the Greek (lib. de Optimo Genere Interpret. Script.).

You will ask, “Why does Mark only cite Isaias and not Malachias?” I answer, because the prophecy of Isaias is of greatest importance in this place, for the voice of John crying in the desert, Do penance, was the beginning of the gospel, that is, of Christ’s preaching of the good news. But inasmuch as Malachias shows that John was not sent by man, but by God, to utter these words, therefore Mark prefixes the words of Malachias to arouse the attention of the reader to receive and venerate the voice of John, foretold by Isaias. Besides, Malachias in reality says the same as Isaias. For the angel sent by God to prepare the way of Christ was none other than John himself, crying out with his voice and preaching repentance, which would prepare the hearts of men for the preaching and grace of Christ. This is, therefore, as it were, one and the same oracle of two prophets, uttered in the same sense concerning one and the same John, although in different words in each case, so that they mutually confirm and explain one another. The prophecy of Malachias is actually contained, therefore, in the prophecy of Isaias; for what Malachias predicted, Isaias predicted as well, more clearly and precisely, using other words. This, then, is the reason why Mark in this passage, and the other Evangelists and Apostles, when they cite two prophets, or two or more sentences of the same or different books of the Old Testament, quote them as one and the same testimony. This is plain from 1 Peter 2:7, compared with Psalm 117:22 and Isaias 8:14. Also 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, compared with Isaias 25:8 and Osee 13:14. The reason, I say, is, because one sentence confirms and explains the other, so much so that each in fact says the same thing as the other; which is why they seem to be not two, but one and the same sentence.

The remaining things that are said about John at the passage I have explained at Matthew 3:3 and 11:10, and at Malachias 3:1 and Isaias 40:3. That is why I shall not repeat them here, lest I hear that common reproach, “warmed-over cabbage.”

Verse 4. John was in the desert, baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, (that is, urging men to repent so as to be well disposed) unto (for the) remission of sins. This remission was to be received from Christ and His baptism, which was the perfection and consummation of John’s baptism. For Christ, being the king of heaven, preached that the kingdom must be received by His grace, of which the first part is remission of sins, which is afforded by the baptism of Christ, inasmuch as it is furnished and, as it were, animated by the spirit and grace of Christ, according to those words of John, I indeed baptize you in water unto penance, but he that shall come after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear; he shall baptize you in the Holy Ghost and fire (Matthew 3:11, which Mark repeats here at verse 8).

Verse 12. And immediately the Spirit drove (Greek ἐκβάλλει, i.e., sends or leads out, expels) him out into the desert. The Spirit, i.e., the Holy Spirit, who a little while before had descended upon Him at His baptism in the form of a dove. Drove, that is, impelled Christ with great power of spirit and ardor, that He might, of His own accord, go into the desert and there, as though in a palestra [wrestling school], match Himself in single combat with the devil. In that place, then, Christ and Antichrist (namely, the devil, or Lucifer) did battle.

Verse 13. And he was in the desert forty days and forty nights, and was tempted (Greek πειραζόµενος, i.e., “being tempted”) by Satan. Many conclude from this that Christ was frequently tempted by Satan during the forty days, by means of various specters and horrible monsters, such as the demon presented to S. Anthony, to terrify him and distract his mind from prayer and solitude. So Franz Lucas. But it seems that Mark, by this single word πειραζόµενος, which means “being tempted,” intended to refer to and briefly sum up the three well known temptations of Christ mentioned in Matthew 4:2 ff. Hence Luke 4:2, after the word πειραζόµενος immediately narrates these three temptations. (See commentary on Math. 4:2.) Truly, this is an instance of brevity leading to a lack of clarity.

And he was with beasts. In Greek θηρίων, i.e., “wild beasts”. This suggests the excessive solitude of the place, as well as Christ’s innocence. Although He was in such a deserted place, with lions, wolves, leopards, and serpents, yet He did not fear them, nor was He injured by them. Just as Adam, so long as he was innocent, lived with such creatures without harm in paradise. For they all looked up to him, and reverenced him as their lord.

And the angels ministered to him. Not before His temptation and victory, as Bede supposes. For if so, Jesus would have been recognized by the devil as the Son of God, from the ministrations, reverence and adoration of the angels; nor would the devil have dared to approach and tempt Him. But it was after the temptation and the victory, as is plain from Matthew 4:11. Jesus fought alone against the devil, so that by vanquishing and overcoming him, He might show in His own person that consolation and fellowship and the ministry of angels has been prepared by God for those who overcome temptations.

Verse 14. And after that John was delivered up (into prison by Herod), Jesus came in Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. This was the second coming of Christ from Judea into Galilee, that He might flee from Herod, lest he should cast Him into prison, too. For Christ had been preaching and baptizing in Judea. And the increase of His glory there had excited the envy of the scribes and Pharisees, who denounced Him to Herod as though He were a revolutionary. Hence this is the same coming of Christ as that mentioned in Math. 4:12, Luke 4:14, and John 4:3 and 43. Although some say that this last, mentioned by John, was a different one, and the third advent of Christ into Galilee, because Christ was then fleeing from the Pharisees, as John says; but in His second coming He was fleeing from Herod, as Matthew and Mark say. But, as I have observed, He fled from the Pharisees because He fled from Herod. For they had accused Him to Herod. Hence this was the same flight of Christ, and the same coming into Galilee.

Note: Christ was baptized by John in Judea, and became acquainted there with John’s disciples, Andrew and Peter; from there He went into Galilee and called Philip, and at the wedding feast of Cana in Galilee changed water into wine. This was Christ’s first coming from Judea into Galilee, narrated in John 1:43 ff. It is true that as Passover drew near, Christ returned from Galilee to Judea, so as to go up to the temple (John 2:13), and there He cast the vendors out of the temple, and after conversing with Nicodemus began to baptize and preach openly (John 3:26), which is why His increasing fame aroused the envy of the scribes. Hence, fearing that they would accuse Him to Herod, as they had accused the Baptist, and hearing that John had been killed, He again withdrew from Judea to Galilee (John 4:3 and 43), and this is the retreat mentioned in this verse of Mark and in Matthew 4:12, as I explained at that passage. Thus during that time in Galilee Christ called to be His followers four fishermen, namely Peter and Andrew, James and John, as narrated in Mark (v. 16 ff.) and in chapter 4 of Matthew.

Verse 15. And saying: The time is accomplished. The Greek has ὅτι, i.e., For the time, etc. The time, that is, of the advent of the Messias, and the kingdom of heaven. Indeed, so that what had been shut for so many thousands of years, Christ by His preaching, His death, and His grace, might open and unclose.

Repent. Do penance, that ye may detest the sins ye have committed, and determine to change your lives for the better. Beautifully says the Scholiast in the works of S. Jerome, “The sweetness of the apple makes up for the bitterness of the root, the hope of gain makes pleasant the perils of the sea, the expectation of health mitigates the pain of the treatment. He who desires the kernel breaks the nut; so he who desires the joy of a holy conscience swallows the bitterness of penance” like a pill.

Verse 19. James the son of Zebedee and John. Again beautifully says the Scholiast in S. Jerome, “By this chariot of the four fishermen we are carried up to heaven, as Elias was. On these four cornerstones the first Church was built. By four virtues we are changed into the image of God, being obedient by prudence, acting manfully by justice, trampling on the serpent by temperance, and meriting the grace of God by fortitude.” Theophylact says, “The first called is Peter, that is, action; then John, that is, contemplation.”

Verse 23. And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, i.e., a man having an unclean spirit, that is to say, possessed by a devil. For such a man is agitated and seized by the devil, so that he seems to exist and live in the devil. The Greek has, “in an unclean spirit,” which is a Hebraism. For the Hebrew uses ב beth, that is, “in,” when one noun governs another in the genitive.

And he cried out. The spirit, that is, or the devil, by the mouth of the man whom he possessed, “as though he were suffering torment,” says the Scholiast in S. Chrysostom, “as though in pain, as though unable to bear his strokes.” For, as Bede says, “The presence of the Savior is the torment of the devils.” Christ desired that by this public testimony of the demon concerning Him and by his expulsion in the synagogue of Capharnaum (for it is plain from verse 21 that these things occurred there), the Jews who were gathered there might acknowledge Him to be the Messias. There is nothing about this demoniac in Matthew, but there is in Luke 4:33.

Verse 24. Saying. The Greek adds ἔα, which the translator of Luke 4:34 renders by “let alone,” as if to say, as Euthymius interprets it, “dismiss us,” do not torment and expel us. Others take ἔα as an interjection of grieving, wondering, beseeching. As it were, “Ah! Alas! Lord, in what have I injured Thee? Do not expel me from my domain.”

What have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know who thou art, the Holy One of God. Meaning: “What is there between us and Thee, O Jesus? When have I or any other devils harmed Thee, so that Thou wilt drive us away and harm us? We do not attack Thee, O Christ, who art holy, but rather sinners, who are our own, so to speak. We have no quarrel with Thee; therefore, do not Thou contend with and destroy us.”

Art thou come to destroy us. Some manuscripts add, “before the time.” But the words are not found in the Greek, Latin, Syriac, and Arabic received texts. They seem to have been transferred hither from Matthew 8:29. With respect to the meaning, in the first place, Bede says that the demons, beholding the Lord upon earth, supposed that they were to be immediately judged. It was as though they said, “Do not Thou, O Jesus, by Thine advent bring on so quickly the day of judgment, and banish us to the bottomless pit without any hope of coming forth.” Second, the Scholiast in S. Chrysostom says, “Thou givest us no place among men when Thou teachest divine things.” But this is mystical. Third, and correctly, “Art thou come to destroy us, to torment us (as it says in Matth. 8:29), and to cast us out from men, and send us to hell?” Hence Theophylact says, “He calls going out of men his destruction.” For the highest pleasure of the devils is to possess, vex, and tempt men. Luke 8:31 confirms this. And they besought him that he would not command them to go into the abyss.

I know who thou art, [namely] the holy One of God. In Arabic, “O holy One; in Greek, ὁ ἅγιος, the holy One, singularly and emphatically. “Thou who art so holy that Thou communicatest Thy holiness to others, since Thou art, as it were, the fountain and the sun of sanctity, who sanctifiest all the saints, the Messias and the Son of God, for whom all are eagerly waiting so many thousands of years,” as other demons explain in Mark 3:12. Thus Theophylact, Euthymius and others. There is an allusion to Daniel 9:24, that the Saint of saints may be anointed, i.e., the Messias. (See commentary.) Furthermore the devil here beseeches Christ not to torment and expel him, and flatters Him so as to lead Him into vainglory. Then, too, the Gloss says, “This is not a voluntary confession but one extorted by necessity.”

I know. That is, I suspect, I suppose, I think. For, as the Scholiast in Chrysostom says, the devil had no firm and certain knowledge of the coming of God. Because, as S. Augustine says (lib. 9, de Civitate c. 21), He only made known to them as much as He wished; and He only wished as much as was expedient. But He made it known by certain effects of His power; more on this at 3:12.

Verse 25. And Jesus threatened him. Greek ἐπετίµησεν αὐτῷ, i.e., “rebuked, menaced him,” threatening that He would punish him unless he were silent.

Saying, Speak no more. Arabic, “Shut thy mouth.” Why? I reply, first, because it was not fitting for Christ, that is, God, to be praised by a devil; just as it is not proper for a virgin to be commended by a harlot. Thus Tertullian (lib. 4 Contra Marcionem).

Second, so that He might not appear to be a friend of the devil, and to have dealings with him. For afterward it was objected to Christ that He cast out devils by the aid of Beelzebub (Matth. 12). By acting as He did, Christ has taught us to shun all dealings with the devil; for he is the sworn enemy of God, and is wholly bent upon injuring and destroying us, even when he promises or brings us any corporal aid. Hence, as the Scholiast in Chrysostom saith, “Be silent; let thy silence be My praise. Let not thy voice, but thy torments praise Me. I am not pleased that thou shouldst praise Me, but that thou shouldst go forth.”

Third, to show that we should resist flattery, that it may not stir up any desire of vainglory in our breast. Thus Bostrensis on Luke, chapter 8.

Fourth, Euthymius says, “He has taught us never to believe the demons, even when they say what is true. For since they love falsehood, and are most hostile to us, they never speak the truth except to deceive. They make use of the truth as it were a kind of bait.” For, liars that they are, they conceal and disguise their lies by a coloring of truth. They say certain things that are true at the first, and afterward interweave with them what is false, that those who have believed the first may believe also the last. For this reason Paul drove out the pythonical spirit who praised him (Acts 16:18).

Fifth, Because the demon in an unseasonable manner, and too speedily, disclosed that Christ was the Messias. For this might have injured Him, and turned the people away from Him. For so mighty a secret should be disclosed gradually, and the people be persuaded of its truth by many miracles; for otherwise they would not at first receive it and believe it. This was why in chapter 8, verse 30 Christ forbids the Apostles also to say that He was Christ. So Maldonatus, Franz Lucas, and others.

Symbolically, Bede says, “The devil, because he had deceived Eve with his tongue, is punished by the tongue, that he might not speak.”

Verse 26. And the unclean spirit tearing him, and crying out with a loud voice, went out of him. Tearing (Vulg., discerpens), not by lacerating, cleaving asunder, or mutilating the man who was possessed by him, for Luke 4:35 says that he did no harm to him, but rather by contorting and twisting his limbs, throwing and wrenching him this way and that, as if he wished to tear him to pieces. For the Greek σπαράττω signifies to pull or tear in pieces, whence is derived σπαραγµὸς, a convulsion. Hence S. Augustine (lib. 4 de Consensu Evang. cap. 2) and Bede for discerpans read convexans, i.e., “hurling,” and the translator of Mark 9:19 renders the same concept as conturbans. The spirit troubled him and, being thrown down upon the ground, he rolled about foaming. The devil did this through rage and madness, that being compelled by Christ to go out of the man, he might injure him as much as he could. But the nearer and the more powerful the grace of Christ is, the more impotently does the devil rage, revealing how unwillingly he releases those whom he had possessed and yields them to Christ. For, observe, the devil only raised a dreadful tempest, but one that was vain and ineffectual. For he cannot hurt when Christ forbids. Christ permitted it for three reasons. 1. That it might be plain that this man was really possessed by the devil. 2. That the malice and disdain of the demon might be discerned. 3. That it might be clear that the demon went forth, not of his own will, but because he was vanquished and compelled to do so by Christ. Thus Theophylact, Euthymius, and others.

Tropologically, S. Gregory teaches (hom. 12 in Ezech.) that the devil wonderfully vexes, tempts and torments sinners when they are converted. “As soon,” he says, “as the mind begins to love heavenly things, as soon as it collects itself for the vision of inward peace with its whole intention, that ancient adversary, who fell from heaven, is envious, and begins to lie in wait more insidiously, and brings to bear sharper temptations than was his former custom, so as to try the soul which resists for the most part, in a way that he had never tried her when he possessed her. Hence it is written, “My son, if thou come to serve the Lord, stand fast in justice and fear, and prepare thy soul for temptation.” And a little further on: “What does it mean that the ancient foe tears an obsessed man, whom he had not torn when he possessed him, but that most often when it is expelled from the heart, it devises even worse temptations therein than it previously had stirred up, when he possessed it calmly?”

And crying out. With dreadful howling, disorderly shrieking, and roaring, to show how unwillingly he went out, and what great power was applied to him by Christ. For he uttered no articulate speech. For Christ had forbidden him to speak when He said, speak no more. Thus Euthymius. “He cried out with a loud voice,” he says, “being scourged by the Lord’s command, and yet he spoke not when he cried, because he uttered cries which signified nothing.” Titus adds, commenting on Luke 4:35, “When the man was restored to his senses, and to his right mind, then he used the sober, modest speech of a man.”

Verse 27. What is this new doctrine? For [that] with power he commandeth even the unclean spirits.

Meaning: “What is this heavenly and divine doctrine, which indeed God confirms from heaven by so many and such mighty miracles? For Christ, the teacher of this doctrine, not by prayers, but by His sheer power, and by His command only, orders the devils to go out, and they obey Him. Hence this must be the Messias, the Son of God, and the true God; for He alone commands the devils by His power.”

Verse 32. After sunset. Greek ὅτε ἔδυσεν ὁ ἥλιος, i.e., when the sun was swallowed up, so to speak, and sunk in the sea. For δύοµαι means “to be swallowed, immersed, submerged,” and is said of islands which are submerged and drowned by the sea. This is a form of speech adopted from the common people, who think that, when the sun sets, it is submerged in the ocean. Hence Virgil sings thus in the Seventh Book of the Æneid: “Both the rising and the setting sun, hastening back, / Beholds the ocean.” And Tibullus (lib. 2): “The ocean quenches the panting horses of the sun.” And Boethius, in the second book On Consolation, “[The ocean] stores beneath its waves the rays which it sees; / Phoebus now coming from the farthest sunrise.” And in book 3, “Phoebus falls into the western waves.”

Verse 33. And all the city (Capharnaum, as appears from verse 21) was gathered together at the door. Of the house of Peter and Andrew, where Jesus was being entertained, as is plain from verse 29.

Verse 34. And he healed many, i.e., all who presented themselves, as Matthew 8:16 has it, for they were many. Thus Theophylact and Euthymius.

And he suffered them not to speak, because they knew him Meaning: He did not let the devils say that they knew Jesus was the Messias, for the reasons that I gave at verse 25. What sort of knowledge the devils had and the extent of it, I will say at chapter 3, verse 12. In Arabic, “And he suffered the devils not to speak, because they knew that he himself was he,” that is, that He was who He was in fact, namely the Messias and the Savior of the world.

Verse 35. And rising very early. Greek Καὶ πρωί ἔννυχον, i.e., “and in the morning, while it was still night.” For it was at the very first commencement of dawn, while it was yet dark. Thus it might be called night by Mark, although in Luke 4:42 it is called day, because it was “the dawn of day,” or daybreak, when the sunlight was just beginning to dawn.

He went into a desert place, that He might pray there more quietly and attentively. Hence it follows, and there he prayed; and also that after so many miracles He might avoid the praise and applause of men, and to teach us to do the same. He acted similarly at Matt. 14:21. Thus Theophylact and Euthymius. Learn here from Christ to give the early morning to prayer, and to rise up with the dawn, so as to have leisure for meditation, and to give the first fruits of the day to God. For the dawn of day is a friend of the Muses, but a greater friend of God and the angels. (See commentary on Deuteronomy 6:7.)

Verse 43. And he strictly charged him and forthwith sent him away. In Greek, “And having threatened him, he straightway sent him out.” Meaning: He severely and menacingly commanded him to conceal the miracle of healing which He had just wrought; and, therefore, He forthwith sent him away, i.e., dismissed him, sent him off and commanded him to depart from Him, that it might not be known that He had cured him of his leprosy; and He did this in order to give us an example of avoiding vainglory and the applause of men. Hence He adds by way of explanation, See thou tell no one.

Verse 44. Show thyself to the high priest. In Greek, ἱερεῖ, “to the priest.” For not only the high priest, but any priest could judge concerning leprosy, whether it was healed or no, as is plain from Leviticus 13:2. It is probable, however, that because the case of leprosy was so grave and difficult, the decision concerning it was, by the interpretation and decree of the high priests, reserved for a chief of the priests [principi sacerdotum], as is here said, that is, for one of the twenty-four heads of the priests, who each in turn presided for a week over the rest of the priests, and the sacrifices, and the other offices and rites of the temple, according to the institution of David, as appears from 1 Paralipomenon 24:3 ff.

Verse 45. But he being gone out, began to publish and to blaze abroad (Latin, diffamare, divulge; Arabic, promulgate) the word, i.e., the fact of the matter, the miracle of his leprosy having been healed by Christ. For he thought that this was for the glory of God and Christ, even though Christ, for the sake of humility and modesty, had commanded him to be silent; but he himself did not consider this command binding upon him.

So that he could not openly go into the city, without embarrassment due to the honor and praise of thepeople, applauding Christ for such a great miracle. Or could not may mean “would not.” For could is often understood in this way to mean “would,” as Nazianzen shows by many examples (orat. 4 de Theolog.).

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[demigodofhoolemere]

1 Hearken, O ye Gentiles, and hear the words of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, which he hath commanded me that I should speak concerning you, for, behold he commandeth me that I should write, saying: 2 Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel.

3 Nephi 30: 1-2