Category: Discipleship Essentials

A Hidden Prophecy Concerning Israel

Israel

Many centuries ago a prophecy about Israel was hidden away by the Masoretes. They translated the Israelancient Paleo-Hebrew Phoenician-based scriptures into a more modern form of Hebrew, which is based on Aramaic. Their work is called the Masoretic Text (MT), which was finally completed around 1000 AD and is the basis of our English Old Testaments in the western church. What most of us in the West do not know, however, is that the Septuagint or LXX is a more ancient translation of the same Paleo-Hebrew scriptures into Greek, which was done around 286 BC. Since most of the world at that time spoke Greek, the LXX was what was used in synagogues at the time of Christ. It was also what was primarily quoted by the New Testament authors and used by the early church to prove that Jesus is the Messiah.

To counter this, Rabbi Akiva and the rabbinic school at Javneh (Jamnia) produced alternate Greek akivatexts and were part of the development of a pre-MT version of the modern Hebrew scriptures called the proto-Masoretic text.

If you wish to learn more about this disregarded part of history, I encourage you to read Daniel Gruber’s seminal work, Rabbi Akiba’s Messiah: The Origin of Rabbinic Authority. I imagine you will be as shocked as I was to discover how much important history was never taught to us. I personally think that every Bible teacher needs to read this. I have also written a lengthy article explaining why Christians should prefer the LXX for our Old Testament, which you can find by clicking here.

In these alternate versions to the genuine LXX, both in Greek and Hebrew, some clear references to Christ that are present in the ancient Septuagint were obscured or even removed. I put together a brief list of some examples of this, which you can reach by clicking here. Only by doing a verse-by-verse comparison of the LXX to the MT does this become obvious. I did such a comparison of Proverbs Chapter One and was amazed at what I discovered.

The first chapter of Proverbs in the LXX is a prophetic warning to Israel regarding Jesus the Messiah.

Jesus Is the Focus of Scripture

Before sharing this hidden treasure in the Septuagint, it is important for us to remember that Jesus is the focus of the entire Bible. I have this on the authority of none other than Jesus himself, who warned the Jewish leaders who hated him:

39 “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; 40 and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. John 5:39–40 (NASB95)

If we do not see Jesus in the scriptures, we are missing the whole point.

Modern principles of interpretation sometimes blind us from seeing some of the ways the Bible points to Christ. These principles are generally good, but, if we are not very careful, will lead us to intellectualize our approach to God’s Word. Such an approach makes man the measure of God’s truth, which will never do. God’s Word can only be properly understood through the revelation that comes from the Holy Spirit and by diligently searching the scriptures.

27 As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. 1 John 2:27 (NASB95)

As long as we are careful to let scripture interpret scripture under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we will do very well.

13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 “He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. John 16:13–14 (NASB95)

After his resurrection, our Lord “opened” the Old Testament scriptures to two of his disciples as they walked toward Emmaus.

25 And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 “Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. 28 And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He were going farther. 29 But they urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over.” So He went in to stay with them. 30 When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:25–32 (NASB95)

When the Holy Spirit opens our eyes, ears, and hearts to properly understand the scriptures, it causes our hearts to “burn within us!” 

The Old Testament prophets did not always completely understand the things they wrote. 

10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look. 1 Peter 1:10–12 (NASB95)

They often wrote about things that would only become clear later, as in the case of Christ’s suffering and resultant glory prophesied by Isaiah and David. It is also unlikely that Solomon grasped the import of the first chapter of the book of Proverbs, if it had even been organized by chapters in his day, but now we are able to see clearly that it was a prophetic warning to the Jews regarding the Messiah.

Solomon’s Prophetic Warning

This warning begins in verse 10. I will be quoting from the LXX.

10 Son, may ungodly men not lead you astray, nor should you be willing 11 if they summon you, saying, “Come with us, become a partner of blood, and let us hide a righteous man in the earth unjustly, 12 and let us swallow him alive just as Hades and remove his memory from the earth; 13 let us seize his costly property, and we would fill our houses with booty; 14 throw in your lot also with us, and we may all gain a shared purse— and let there be one small sack for us.” Proverbs 1:10–14 (LES2)

Solomon warned the readers, but particularly the Jews, that ungodly men would lead them into the fatal error of conspiring to kill the Messiah and bury his body in an effort to erase his memory from the earth and steal his inheritance. All of these atrocities are documented in the New Testament.

  • The Jewish leaders conspired or partnered to kill Jesus. (Matthew 26:4)
  • They put him to death bringing the guilt of shedding innocent blood upon themselves and their descendants. (All the gospels, Acts 2:23, and Matthew 27:25)
  • They buried his body in an attempt to hide their wicked deed in the earth. (John 19:42)
  • They hoped that by killing him they would effectively erase his memory. (Acts 5:38)
  • They sought to steal what belonged to him. (Matthew 21:38)

Every aspect of this satanic plot was reversed by God the Father. Our Lord rose again from the dead as the victorious Lord of Lords (Romans 1:4), who is currently enthroned in heaven (Colossians 3:1) and will one day return to judge the living and the dead (Acts 17:31).

By shedding the innocent blood of God’s only begotten Son, the Jewish leaders brought down God’s judgment upon themselves and the nation.

24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.” 25 And all the people said, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” Matthew 27:24–25 (NASB95)

18 For those who participate in slaughter store up bad things for themselves, and the destruction of lawless men is bad. 19 These are the ways of all those who carry out lawless deeds, for by ungodliness they take away their own soul. Proverbs 1:18–19 (LES2) 

34 “Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, 35 so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 36 “Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. Matthew 23:34–36 (NASB95)

Jesus warned the Jewish leaders that the final act in our Lord’s triumph after his ascension into heaven would be the complete destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, signifying the end of the Old Covenant, which had been replaced by the New.

38 “But when the vine-growers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ 39 “They took him, and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 “Therefore when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vine-growers?” 41 They said to Him, “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end, and will rent out the vineyard to other vine-growers who will pay him the proceeds at the proper seasons.” Matthew 21:38–41 (NASB95)

5 And while some were talking about the temple, that it was adorned with beautiful stones and votive gifts, He said, 6 “As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which there will not be left one stone upon another which will not be torn down.” Luke 21:5–6 (NASB95)

14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, 15 who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men, 16 hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost. 1 Thessalonians 2:14–16 (NASB95)

This judgment and destruction was clearly laid out in Proverbs Chapter One. The Holy Spirit through Solomon begged the Jewish people (and all people everywhere) to repent from their rebellion against God and his Messiah. 

20 Wisdom sings in the exits and leads confidently into open areas, 21 and upon the top of the walls she proclaims, and at the gates she sits beside rulers, and at the gates of the city she speaks boldly: 22 “As long as the naive hold to righteousness, they will not be dishonored; but the foolish, since they are ones who long for insolence, after becoming ungodly, they hated insight, 23 and they became subject to reproofs. Look, I will utter a saying to you with my breath, and I will teach you my word. Proverbs 1:20–23 (LES2)

Christian apostles and evangelists preached the good news throughout Jerusalem and beyond, but only a remnant of the Jews believed, just as Isaiah prophesied (Isaiah 1:9). The rest persisted in their defiance of God’s Son, who had risen from the dead as Lord of Lords. They refused the Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:30) and the Word of the Lord, who is Jesus, who is the Word became a man (John 1:14), and the refused the gospel, the words of salvation.

28 For it will be when you call out for me, then I will not hear you; wicked people will seek me, but they will not find me. 29 For they hated wisdom, and they did not choose the word of the Lord, 30 and they did not want to pay attention to my counsels, but they mocked my reproof. 31 Therefore they will eat the fruit of their own way, and they will be filled with their own ungodliness; 32 for because they were doing wrong to infants, they will be murdered, and scrutiny [examining, judgment] will destroy the ungodly.  Proverbs 1:28–32 (LES2)

Solomon next prophetically described the consequent destruction of Jerusalem and the temple at the hands of the Roman army in 70 AD.

24 Since I kept calling yet you did not listen, and I held out words yet you did not pay attention, 25 but you made my counsel void, and you resisted my reproofs; 26 therefore I also will laugh at your destruction, and I will rejoice when your destruction comes, 27 and as your turmoil arrives suddenly, and ruin is present like a hurricane [storm], and when your affliction and siege come, or when your destruction comes. Proverbs 1:24–27 (LES2)

The MT leaves out the word “siege” because it makes it far too clear that it refers to Jerusalem, which was besieged by Rome in 70 AD. Similarly, it changes “word” to “fear” in verse 29 to make it less obvious that they spurned Jesus and the gospel. The early church would have seen this clear reference to Jerusalem’s destruction in 70 AD. Rabbi Akiva lived through that event and gained prominence afterward, dying at the conclusion of the Bar Kokhba revolt in 135 AD. It is easy to understand why the Masoretes would change a some key words to hide this Solomonic warning.

The Last Word

The first chapter of Proverbs ends with a word of hope. It extends the proverbial “olive branch” to Israel and all people who read this admonition.

33 But the one who listens to me will dwell in hope and will rest without fear of any evil.” Proverbs 1:33 (LES2)

On Pentecost, the apostle Peter begged his hearers to repent and believe the gospel.

40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. Acts 2:40–41 (NASB95)

God continues to extend mercy to all who will avail themselves of his generosity and mercy by believing the gospel and putting their faith and allegiance in Christ. The door is still open, but may close at any time. In Christ, God no longer makes any distinction between Jew and Gentile, male and female, slave or free, or any other human division (Galatians 3:26-29). All are welcome at the foot of the cross.

My prayer is that the church in the West will awaken to the great travesty perpetrated upon us by the introduction of a corrupted Old Testament text that obscures Christ, elevates Israel unduly, and softens God’s pronounced judgements upon her. May we search out and discover the treasure God has hidden in the Septuagint.

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New Testament Use of the Septuagint – Revelation 2:26-27

Israel

Here is New Testament quote from the Old that shows if the Septuagint was the version of the Scriptures used by the human author and the Holy Spirit, which is usually the case – 70-80% of the time, according to those who claim to know. I am doing my own investigation which is detailed below. The Septuagint version I am using is the Lexham English Septuagint 2nd Edition, which is available in print or as part of Logos Bible Software. It supposedly uses the version of the LXX closest to what the early church had available. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation for insight into difficult passages.

If you want to know more, click on the following links.

NT Quote
LXX
MT
Comment

26 ‘He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE [didomai] AUTHORITY [exousia] OVER THE NATIONS [ethnos]; 27 AND HE SHALL RULE [poimaino – shepherd] THEM WITH A ROD [rhabdos] OF IRON [sideirous – iron or steel], AS THE VESSELS [skeuos – plural] OF THE POTTER [keramikos – belonging to the potter] ARE BROKEN TO PIECES [suntribo], as I also have received authority from My Father; Revelation 2:26–27 (NASB95)

8 Ask from me, and I will give [didomai] to you the nations [ethnos] as your inheritance [kleironomia], and as your possession [katascheisis] the ends [peras] of the earth [gei]. 9 You will rule [poimaino – shepherd] them with a steel [sideirous – iron or steel] rod [rhabdos]. Like a vessel [skeuos – singular] of a potter [keramous] you will break [suntribo] them.’ ” Psalm 2:8–9 (LES2)

8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Your possession. 9 ‘You shall break [raa – be evil, act wickedly, smash, shatter] them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.’ ” Psalm 2:8–9 (NASB95)

 This one goes to the LXX. The MT’s use of raa as opposed to the LXX’s poimano is the clincher. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

 

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New Testament Use of the Septuagint – Acts 2:34-35

Israel

Here is New Testament quote from the Old that shows if the Septuagint was the version of the Scriptures used by the human author and the Holy Spirit, which is usually the case – 70-80% of the time, according to those who claim to know. I am doing my own investigation which is detailed below. The Septuagint version I am using is the Lexham English Septuagint 2nd Edition, which is available in print or as part of Logos Bible Software. It supposedly uses the version of the LXX closest to what the early church had available. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation for insight into difficult passages.

If you want to know more, click on the following links.

NT Quote
LXX
MT
Comment

34 “For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: ‘THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, “SIT [katheimai – present imperative] AT MY RIGHT HAND [dexios – plural], 35 UNTIL I MAKE [tithemi] YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET.” ’ Acts 2:34–35 (NASB95)

1 The Lord said to my Lord, “Be seated [katheimai – present imperative] at my right side [dexios – plural] until I set [tithemi] your enemies as a footstool for your feet.” Psalm 109:1 (LES2) 

1 The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand [singular] Until I make [shith – put or set] Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” Psalm 110:1 (NASB95) 

 This one goes to the LXX, despite the NASB making it look as if it agrees more with the MT by their choice of English words.

 

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New Testament Use of the Septuagint – Acts 2:25-28

Israel

Here is New Testament quote from the Old that shows if the Septuagint was the version of the Scriptures used by the human author and the Holy Spirit, which is usually the case – 70-80% of the time, according to those who claim to know. I am doing my own investigation which is detailed below. The Septuagint version I am using is the Lexham English Septuagint 2nd Edition, which is available in print or as part of Logos Bible Software. It supposedly uses the version of the LXX closest to what the early church had available. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation for insight into difficult passages.

If you want to know more, click on the following links.

NT Quote
LXX
MT
Comment

25 For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw [proorao] the LORD always before my face [enopion], For He is at [ek] my right hand [dexios], that I may not be shaken [saleuo]. 26 Therefore [houtos] my heart rejoiced [euphraino], and my tongue [glossa] was glad [agalliao]; Moreover my flesh also will rest [kataskeinoo] in hope. 27 For You will not leave [enkataleipo] my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow [didomai] Your Holy One to see corruption [diaphthora]. 28 You have made known to me the ways [hodos] of life; You will make me full [pleiroo] of joy [euphrosunei] in Your presence [prosopon].’ Acts 2:25–28 (NKJV)

8 I saw [proorao] the Lord in front, before me [enopion] through everything, because he is from [ek] my right side [dexios], that I would not be shaken [saleuo]. 9 On account of this [dia houtos], my heart was cheerful [euphraino], and my tongue [glossa] rejoiced exceedingly [agalliao]. Moreover, my flesh will dwell [kataskeinoo] in hope, 10 because you will not abandon [enkataleipo] my soul in Hades, nor will you give [didomai] your holy one to see destruction [diaphthora]. 11 You made known to me ways [hodos] of life. You will make me full [pleiroo] of cheer [euphrosunei] with your face [prosopon]. There are delights at your right side completely. Psalm 15:8–11 (LES2)

8 I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely. 10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. 11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:8–11 (NASB95)

 This one clearly goes to the LXX.

 

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New Testament Use of the Septuagint – Acts 2:17-21

Israel

Here is New Testament quote from the Old that shows if the Septuagint was the version of the Scriptures used by the human author and the Holy Spirit, which is usually the case – 70-80% of the time, according to those who claim to know. I am doing my own investigation which is detailed below. The Septuagint version I am using is the Lexham English Septuagint 2nd Edition, which is available in print or as part of Logos Bible Software. It supposedly uses the version of the LXX closest to what the early church had available. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation for insight into difficult passages.

If you want to know more, click on the following links.

NT Quote
LXX
MT
Comment

17 ‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says, ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND [sarx – flesh]; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; 18 EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES [the Greek in this phrase matches the LXX exactly], BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy. 19 ‘AND I WILL GRANT [didomai] WONDERS [teras] IN THE SKY [ouranos – singular for heaven] ABOVE AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW, BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR [atmis] OF SMOKE [katmos]. 20 ‘THE SUN WILL BE TURNED [metastrepho] INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS [epiphaneis] DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME [erchomai – aorist infinitive]. 21 ‘AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS [epikaleo] ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED [sozo].’ Acts 2:17–21 (NASB95)

28 “And it will be, after these things, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh [sarx], and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your elders will dream dreams, and your youths will see visions, 29 and upon my male slaves [doulos] and upon the female slaves [doulei], in those days I will pour out my spirit.” 30 “And I will give [didomai] signs [teras] in the heavens [ouranos – heaven, singular] and upon the earth [gei], blood and fire and vapor [atmis] of smoke [katmos]. 31 The sun will change [metastrepho] into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and distinguished [epiphaneis] day of the Lord comes [erchomai – aorist infinitive]. 32 And it will be that everyone, whoever invokes [epikaleo] the name of the Lord, will be saved [sozo], because in the mountain of Zion and in Jerusalem there will be one who is being rescued, as the Lord has said, and those proclaiming good news, whom the Lord has summoned.” Joel 2:28–32 (LES2)

28 “It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind [basar – flesh or body]; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. 29 “Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. 30 “I will display [nathan – give] wonders [mopheth – wonder, sign] in the sky [shamayim – heavens, plural] and on the earth, Blood, fire and columns [timarah – column] of smoke. 31 “The sun will be turned [haphak – turned] into darkness And the moon into blood Before the great and awesome [yare – awesome] day of the LORD comes. 32 “And it will come about that whoever calls [yara – call] on the name of the LORD Will be delivered [malat – escape]; For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem There will be those who escape, As the LORD has said, Even among the survivors whom the LORD calls. Joel 2:28–32 (NASB95)

 This one clearly goes to the LXX.

 

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New Testament Use of the Septuagint – Acts 1:20-21

Israel

Here is New Testament quote from the Old that shows if the Septuagint was the version of the Scriptures used by the human author and the Holy Spirit, which is usually the case – 70-80% of the time, according to those who claim to know. I am doing my own investigation which is detailed below. The Septuagint version I am using is the Lexham English Septuagint 2nd Edition, which is available in print or as part of Logos Bible Software. It supposedly uses the version of the LXX closest to what the early church had available. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation for insight into difficult passages.

If you want to know more, click on the following links.

NT Quote
LXX
MT
Comment

20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘LET HIS HOMESTEAD [epaulis – habitation] BE MADE DESOLATE [ginomai eremos], AND LET NO ONE DWELL [katoikeo] IN IT’; and, ‘LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE HIS OFFICE [episkope – oversight].’ Acts 1:20 (NASB95)

26 Let their dwelling [epaulis – habitation] become stripped bare [ginomai eremoo], and let there be no one dwelling [katoikeo] in their tents [skeinoma], Psalm 68:26 (LES2)

8 Let his days be few, and may another take away his visitation [episkope – oversight]. Psalm 108:8 (LES2)

25 May their camp [tirah – encampment] be desolate [shamem – desolate]; May none dwell [yashob – dwell] in their tents [ohel – tents]. Psalm 69:25 (NASB95)

8 Let his days be few; Let another take his office [pequddah – oversight]. Psalm 109:8 (NASB95) 

 I give this to the LXX barely, based on the difference between the Greek epaulis and the Hebrew tirah.

 

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Comparing MT to the Septuagint (LXX): Judges 5

Israel

Here is a direct side-by-side comparison of the Masoretic Text with the LXX.  I have concluded that the LXX is much to be preferred over the Masoretic Text, a position from which the Eastern Orthodox Church never deviated. Perhaps, if you take the time to read my comparisons and other articles, you will arrive at the same conclusion.

The Septuagint version I am using is the Lexham English Septuagint 2nd Edition, which is available in print or as part of Logos Bible Software. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation of the LXX for insight into difficult passages.

If you want to know more, click on the following links.

Masoretic Text Septuagint Significance

1 Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying, 2 “That the leaders led in Israel, That the people volunteered, Bless the LORD! 3 “Hear, O kings; give ear, O rulers! I—to the LORD, I will sing, I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel. 4 “LORD, when You went out from Seir, When You marched from the field of Edom, The earth quaked, the heavens also dripped, Even the clouds dripped water. 5 “The mountains quaked at the presence of the LORD, This Sinai, at the presence of the LORD, the God of Israel. Judges 5:1–5 (NASB95) 

1 Deborah and Barak, son of Abinoam, sang in that day, saying: 2 A revelation was uncovered in Israel when the people ignorantly sinned: praise the Lord! 3 Hear, O kings, and hearken, O satraps: I am to the Lord, I am I will sing, I will sing psalms to the Lord God of Israel. 4 O Lord, when you were going out to Seir and marching forth from the field of Edom, the earth shook, and heaven dropped dew, and the clouds poured water. 5 Mountains were shaken before the face of the Lord Eloi, this Sinai before the face of the Lord God of Israel. Judges 5:1–5 (LES2)

Chapters 1-4 in Judges show some disparities between the MT and LXX, but I found nothing worth including in the comparison I am making. Chapter 5 ,however, has some differences worth noting.

In verse 2, the MT says about the song Deborah and Barak sang: “That the leaders led in Israel, That the people volunteered, Bless the Lord.” Hebrew language scholars say this is a difficult passage. The LXX version used by Lexham’s Second Edition translation, in contrast, says: “A revelation was uncovered in Israel when the people ignorantly sinned: praise the Lord!” Brenton’s translation, which uses the Codex Vaticanus, says, “when the people were made willing,” This is probably what we should use, since “ignorant sinning” is not expressed anywhere else in this chapter. The only sinning mentioned is by those who deliberately chose not to join the battle.

The remainder matches sufficiently. One note I wish to make, however, is the inclusion of the word “Eloi” next to “Lord” in verse 5. This is the same word for God used by our Lord Jesus as he hung upon the cross.

34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?” which is translated, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” Mark 15:34 (NASB95) 

Truly, all scripture points to Christ!

6 “In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, In the days of Jael, the highways were deserted, And travelers went by roundabout ways. 7 “The peasantry ceased, they ceased in Israel, Until I, Deborah, arose, Until I arose, a mother in Israel. 8 “New gods were chosen; Then war was in the gates. Not a shield or a spear was seen Among forty thousand in Israel. 9 “My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel, The volunteers among the people; Bless the LORD! Judges 5:6–9 (NASB95)

6 In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the day of Jael, they quit the ways, and they went on byways they went on twisted ways. 7 The mighty ones quit in Israel, they quit until Deborah arose, until a mother arose in Israel. 8 They chose new gods when cities of rulers fought; a shield perhaps was seen and a spearhead among forty thousand in Israel. 9 My heart is inclined to the commands given in Israel; those that are willing among the people: praise the Lord. Judges 5:6–9 (LES2)

Verse 6 is an example of why I think the MT often takes rather stilted language and edits it to read more smoothly.

In verse 7, the MT says that “the peasantry ceased,” but the LXX says the “mighty ones quit until Deborah arose.” This seems more in line with the leaders stepping up.

Verse 8 is difficult. It describes the deplorable conditions in Israel prior to the deliverance God orchestrated through Deborah and Barak. 

10 “You who ride on white donkeys, You who sit on rich carpets, And you who travel on the road—sing! 11 “At the sound of those who divide flocks among the watering places, There they shall recount the righteous deeds of the LORD, The righteous deeds for His peasantry in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates. Judges 5:10–11 (NASB95) 

10 Those going upon a she-donkey at noon, those seated upon a judgment seat, and those going upon the roads of councilors along the way: 11 Tell fully from the noise of those playing music, between those drawing water: there they will ascribe righteous acts. O Lord, righteous acts will increase in Israel. Then the people of the Lord went down into the cities. Judges 5:10–11 (LES2) 

 In this passage we see some disparities, such as the MT’s “those who divide flocks,” as opposed to the LXX’s “those playing music.” However, the passage in general matches.

12 “Awake, awake, Deborah; Awake, awake, sing a song! Arise, Barak, and take away your captives, O son of Abinoam. 13 “Then survivors came down to the nobles; The people of the LORD came down to me as warriors. 14 “From Ephraim those whose root is in Amalek came down, Following you, Benjamin, with your peoples; From Machir commanders came down, And from Zebulun those who wield the staff of office. 15 “And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; As was Issachar, so was Barak; Into the valley they rushed at his heels; Among the divisions of Reuben There were great resolves of heart. 16 “Why did you sit among the sheepfolds, To hear the piping for the flocks? Among the divisions of Reuben There were great searchings of heart. 17 “Gilead remained across the Jordan; And why did Dan stay in ships? Asher sat at the seashore, And remained by its landings. 18 “Zebulun was a people who despised their lives even to death, And Naphtali also, on the high places of the field. Judges 5:12–18 (NASB95) 

12 Awake, awake, O Deborah. Awake, awake to utter a song. Rise up, Barak, and take captive your captivity, son of Abinoam. 13 Then comprehension went down to the strong ones, the people of the Lord went down for him, among the mighty ones from me. 14 Ephraim rooted out those in Amalek, behind you was Benjamin among your people. Machir went down with me searching out, and from Zebulun those who draw with the scribe’s rod of record. 15 And the leaders in Issachar were with Deborah and Barak. Thus she sent Barak into the valley by foot. Into the portion of Reuben, great was the resolution of the heart. 16 Into what did they sit between the sheepfolds to hear the bleating of the messengers? Among the divisions of Reuben, great was examination of the heart. 17 Gilead pitched his tents on the other side of the Jordan. Why did Dan stay with the ships? Asher remained at the coast of the seas and at its ports he camped. 18 Zebulun, the people reproached his soul to death; and Naphtali to the heights of the field. Judges 5:12–18 (LES2)

In verse 13, the MT uses “survivors,” which does not make sense to me. The LXX says that the strong ones received “comprehension” or understanding, which motivated them to join Barak. That makes sense to me.

The MT in verse 14 is peculiar. Why would it be said that Ephraim is rooted in Amalek, unless it means that the tribe lived in the land taken from Amalek? That way of understanding the MT fits with the LXX, which says that is what Ephraim did earlier in its history. 

Verse 16 begins a section that reproaches those who did not join the battle. 

19 “The kings came and fought; Then fought the kings of Canaan At Taanach near the waters of Megiddo; They took no plunder in silver. 20 “The stars fought from heaven, From their courses they fought against Sisera. 21 “The torrent of Kishon swept them away, The ancient torrent, the torrent Kishon. O my soul, march on with strength. 22 “Then the horses’ hoofs beat From the dashing, the dashing of his valiant steeds. 23 ‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the LORD, ‘Utterly curse its inhabitants; Because they did not come to the help of the LORD, To the help of the LORD against the warriors.’ Judges 5:19–23 (NASB95)

19 Their kings came, they arrayed themselves; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach on the water of Megiddo; a gift of silver they did not take. 20 From heaven the stars arrayed themselves, from their tracks they arrayed themselves against Sisera. 21 The wadi of Kishon swept them away, that ancient brook the Kishon brook; my mighty soul will trample him. 22 Then the heels of the horse were fettered; in haste his mighty ones hastened. 23 “Call down curses on Meroz,” said the angel of the Lord, “call down curses on all who dwell in it, for they did not come to the help of the Lord, to help among the mighty ones.” Judges 5:19–23 (LES2)

Verse 20 is most interesting to those who take biblical cosmology seriously. The Bible is rather mysterious when it comes to the stars. At times it seems they are beings. At other times, simply lights or luminaries in the firmament. Below is a thoughtful presentation on the topic.

In this passage, the stars are treated as active agents in war, which associates them with the angelic host. 

In verse 23, the location of Meroz is not known. The denunciation is because they did not join the battle against Sisera. Interestingly, Rev. David Caldwell, a minister from my area, used this passage in a sermon to denounce those who refused to join the battle against England in the American Revolution.

24 “Most blessed of women is Jael, The wife of Heber the Kenite; Most blessed is she of women in the tent. 25 “He asked for water and she gave him milk; In a magnificent bowl she brought him curds. 26 “She reached out her hand for the tent peg, And her right hand for the workmen’s hammer. Then she struck Sisera, she smashed his head; And she shattered and pierced his temple. 27 “Between her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay; Between her feet he bowed, he fell; Where he bowed, there he fell dead. Judges 5:24–27 (NASB95) 

24 Blessed be Jael among women, wife of Heber the Kenite, above the women in tents may she be blessed. 25 He asked for water, she gave milk; in a bowl of superiors she brought butter. 26 Her left hand to a peg she stretched out, and her right hand to a hammer of laborers. Then she hammered Sisera, she drove a nail through his head and struck him; she drove a nail through his forehead. 27 Between her feet he rolled, he fell, and he lay between her feet. Bowing he fell; where he bowed, there he fell, departing. Judges 5:24–27 (LES2)

 This passage essentially agrees. What a fearless woman! 

28 “Out of the window she looked and lamented, The mother of Sisera through the lattice, ‘Why does his chariot delay in coming? Why do the hoofbeats of his chariots tarry?’ 29 “Her wise princesses would answer her, Indeed she repeats her words to herself, 30 ‘Are they not finding, are they not dividing the spoil? A maiden, two maidens for every warrior; To Sisera a spoil of dyed work, A spoil of dyed work embroidered, Dyed work of double embroidery on the neck of the spoiler?’ 31 “Thus let all Your enemies perish, O LORD; But let those who love Him be like the rising of the sun in its might.” And the land was undisturbed for forty years. Judges 5:28–31 (NASB95)

28 Through the window peered the mother of Sisera, out of the loophole, saying, “Why was his chariot put to shame? Why do his chariot’s feet tarry?” 29 Her clever princesses answered to her, and she turned back her words herself: 30 “Will not they find him distributing the spoils? He will have compassion to the head of a man. The spoils of dyed garments for Sisera, spoils of embroidery dyes, they are embroiderers’ dyes, spoils for his neck.” 31 Thus may all your enemies be destroyed, O Lord, and those loving him as the going out of the sun in his might. And the land was at rest forty years. Judges 5:28–31 (LES2)

In this passage there are some relatively minor disparities that I will not mention. A significant one is found in verse 30. The MT says, “A maiden, two maidens for every warrior,” but the LXX says, “He will have compassion on the head of a man.” This seems to be another example of the MT attempting to cast Israel’s enemies in a bad light.

The rest of the passage agrees.

Summary: This chapter illustrates a general agreement between the MT and LXX, but has a few disparities of significance. Even the historical books bear watching. It seems the Masoretes plied their deceit throughout the Old Testament.

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Comparing MT to the Septuagint (LXX): Proverbs 1:20-33

Israel

Here is a direct side-by-side comparison of the Masoretic Text with the LXX.  I have concluded that the LXX is much to be preferred over the Masoretic Text, a position from which the Eastern Orthodox Church never deviated. Perhaps, if you take the time to read my comparisons and other articles, you will arrive at the same conclusion.

The Septuagint version I am using is the Lexham English Septuagint 2nd Edition, which is available in print or as part of Logos Bible Software. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation of the LXX for insight into difficult passages.

If you want to know more, click on the following links.

Masoretic Text Septuagint Significance

20 Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square; 21 At the head of the noisy streets she cries out; At the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings: 22 “How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing And fools hate knowledge? 23 “Turn to my reproof, Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. Proverbs 1:20–23 (NASB95)

20 Wisdom sings in the exits and leads confidently into open areas, 21 and upon the top of the walls she proclaims, and at the gates she sits beside rulers, and at the gates of the city she speaks boldly: 22 “As long as the naive hold to righteousness, they will not be dishonored; but the foolish, since they are ones who long for insolence, after becoming ungodly, they hated insight, 23 and they became subject to reproofs. Look, I will utter a saying to you with my breath, and I will teach you my word. Proverbs 1:20–23 (LES2)

It is important to remember that all scripture points to Christ. (John 5:39) That is its ultimate purpose. Therefore, we should not be surprised to discover that the first chapter of Proverbs, a book of wisdom, does just that.

We saw that the first half of the first chapter of Proverbs is a description of how the Jews rejected Jesus, put him to death, buried him, and tried to erase his memory. That section ended with the warning that they would suffer the consequences. This second section describes the consequences, which is why I believe the Masoretes deliberately altered parts of the text. 

This particular passage speaks of God’s wisdom, which includes the gospel of Christ, who is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:30), calling out to the inhabitants to repent (and believe the gospel).

Verses 20-21 describe the activity of preachers of the wisdom of God, the gospel.  Verse 22 in the LXX is very different from the MT. The LXX lauds those who accept the gospel. Whoever believes in Christ will never be dishonored. (Romans 9:33)

In verse 23, the MT says God will pour out his Spirit on you, but the word used in the LXX is not the one for spirit (pneuma), but is one that simply means breath. This refers to those speaking God’s truth about Christ. God’s Word always directs people to Christ, if their hearts are open.

24 “Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention; 25 And you neglected all my counsel And did not want my reproof; 26 I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes, 27 When your dread comes like a storm And your calamity comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. Proverbs 1:24–27 (NASB95)

24 Since I kept calling yet you did not listen, and I held out words yet you did not pay attention, 25 but you made my counsel void, and you resisted my reproofs; 26 therefore I also will laugh at your destruction, and I will rejoice when your destruction comes, 27 and as your turmoil arrives suddenly, and ruin is present like a hurricane, and when your affliction and siege come, or when your destruction comes. Proverbs 1:24–27 (LES2)

 In verse 26, the MT says that God will laugh at the “calamity” that befalls those who reject the gospel, but the LXX uses a word that means utter destruction, which is exactly what happened to Jerusalem in 70 AD. Those who murdered his Son received their just reward. Verse 27 was altered in the MT to hide the obvious reference to the destruction of Jerusalem. The MT says, “when distress and anguish come upon you.” The LXX says, “when your affliction and siege come.” The Romans besieged Jerusalem before utterly destroying it and the temple.

28 “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently but they will not find me, 29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD. 30 “They would not accept my counsel, They spurned all my reproof. 31 “So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way And be satiated with their own devices. 32 “For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them. Proverbs 1:28–32 (NASB95)

28 For it will be when you call out for me, then I will not hear you; wicked people will seek me, but they will not find me. 29 For they hated wisdom, and they did not choose the word of the Lord, 30 and they did not want to pay attention to my counsels, but they mocked my reproof. 31 Therefore they will eat the fruit of their own way, and they will be filled with their own ungodliness; 32 for because they were doing wrong to infants, they will be murdered, and scrutiny will destroy the ungodly. Proverbs 1:28–32 (LES2)

In verse 28, the MT’s “they” is the LXX’s “wicked people.” In verse 29, the MT says that the wicked “hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord.” The LXX says “they hated wisdom and did not choose the word of the Lord,” which is the gospel. Unbelieving Jews mocked the gospel and still do. They will reap a just reward along with all who do the same, whether Jew of Gentile.

Verse 32 is quite a shocking variance. The MT speaks of the waywardness of fools, but the LXX specifically says the inhabitants will be murdered for “doing wrong to infants!” This does not bode well for the USA and its love affair with abortion! When God scrutinizes (judges) the ungodly, they will be rightly condemned and destroyed.

33 “But he who listens to me shall live securely And will be at ease from the dread of evil.” Proverbs 1:33 (NASB95) 

33 But the one who listens to me will dwell in hope and will rest without fear of any evil.” Proverbs 1:33 (LES2) 

 God still holds out an “olive branch” to any who will hear and respond to the gospel. Forgiveness is available in Christ. The Christians escaped Jerusalem’s catastrophe, and all who accept Christ will escape condemnation at the last judgment. (John 5:24, Romans 8:1)

Summary: The first chapter of Proverbs is a warning to the Jews, and all mankind, against rejecting Christ and the gospel lest we be destroyed! It all becomes clear in the Septuagint.

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Beware the Noahide False Gospel

genesis

noahideDuring the first week of November, Jewish leaders convened the first Noahide International Congress in Jerusalem. Jews and Gentiles met to discuss and plan how to bring Gentiles around the world to accept and submit to Jewish wisdom and authority and adhere to the seven Noahide laws. These laws are said to derive from Genesis, but actually come from the Talmud and the teachings of Maimonides, Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, 1135-1204 (“Rambam”). Interestingly, Noahide groups already exist in New Jersey and Texas. It is planned for the entire world to come under the jurisdiction of the Sanhedrin. What could possibly go wrong?

The Noahide Laws, or so-called Seven Laws of Noah, are a set of religious and moral imperatives that, according to the Talmud, were given by God to the descendants of Noah—which in rabbinic tradition encompasses all of humanity. They are intended to provide a basic framework of ethical behavior for non-Jews. The Jews are under the Torah and Talmud.
 
The seven laws are typically listed as follows:
 
  1. Prohibition of Idolatry: The requirement to worship only the Creator and not engage in polytheism or the worship of created things. Not incidentally, Christianity is considered polytheistic. Violating this law is punished by decapitation.
  2. Prohibition of Murder: The mandate against taking a human life. (This was actually given to Noah after the flood.)
  3. Prohibition of Theft: The mandate against stealing property or people.
  4. Prohibition of Sexual Immorality: Specifically defined in this context to include incest, adultery, bestiality, and other acts classified as forbidden under the rabbinic framework.
  5. Prohibition of Blasphemy: The mandate to respect the name of God.
  6. Prohibition of Eating Flesh from a Living Animal: A requirement regarding the humane treatment of animals and dietary conduct.
  7. Establishment of Courts of Justice: The requirement to implement a legal system (the Sanhedrin, which sentenced Jesus to death for claiming to be the Messiah) and maintain social order through just laws. 

Jews do not ask the Goyim to convert to Judaism. The Talmud teaches that Gentiles do not have the divine spark but are sub-human. Rather, we are to be proper Gentiles who look to the Jews for salvation by keeping the Noahide laws and worshiping the one true God. This will grant us a kind of second class citizenship in God’s kingdom. Think caste system.

The official webpage for the Noahide World Center maintains that through this new world covenant (brit olam) we can participate in a new beginning, which is a slap in the face to Jesus and the New Covenant. This is all under the guidance of Rabbi Oury Cherki, the founder of Brit Olam and one of the leading voices teaching the universal Torah (translated Talmud) to the nations. 

The Jews (Read What Defines Jewishness?) behind this movement refuse to acknowledge our Lord Jesus. In fact, their Talmud, the chief book of modern rabbinic Judaism, says our Lord is boiling in excrement for eternity for despising the wisdom of the sages, meaning the rabbis. (Gittin 57a) These are spiritual descendants of the Pharisees, whom Jesus said were sons of the devil. (John 8:44) In the book of Revelation, twice Jesus said that such are a “synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 2:9 and 3:9), who claim to be Jews but are not. The apostle Paul went to great lengths to explain that true Jews are not racially descended from Abraham or practitioners of Judaism, but those who are born of God, both Jew and Gentile.

28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God. Romans 2:28–29 (NASB95)

After Jesus, the Jews probably despise no one more than Paul because he was one of them before his conversion and clearly taught that Judaism is no longer a way to God. God has established a New Covenant through his Son, our Lord Jesus. He alone is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) There is no other covenant or way by which we can gain access and a right standing with God the Father besides the New Covenant. (Acts 4:12) As Jesus said, “You must be born again.” (John 3:7) Only through being born of the Spirit by the incorruptible seed of God’s Word can anyone be saved. (1 Peter 1:23)

We are saved by grace, not by race.

The Brit Olam of the Noahide movement is a false covenant behind a false gospel. It may give access and favor with a “god,” but not the God of the New Covenant. All those who reject Jesus serve a false god. (1 John 2:23) This god apparently identifies himself as Remphan or Saturn, based on the so-called star of David, which is on Israel’s flag and the Noahide logo. (Acts 7:43) As Paul so emphatically wrote in response to the Jewish false gospel of his day:

8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! Galatians 1:8–9 (NASB95) 

Thanks to the heresy of Dispensationalism and its misguided offspring, Christian Zionism, many real and so-called Christians, regard people who claim to be Jews as a kind of a divinely chosen super race, who have been given a special relationship with God outside of the New Covenant, despite their having murdered his Son and rejected his lordship. Nothing could be more misguided than that. Yet many who call themselves Christians stand morally, financially, and militarily with the “antichrist” [by definition] nation of Israel, which has no expectation of anything from God except judgment, unless they repent and believe the gospel, just as is the case for the rest of mankind.

26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES. 28 Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:26–29 (NASB95)

14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, 15 who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men, 16 hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost. 1 Thessalonians 2:14–16 (NASB95)

There is only one chosen or elect people. They are the ones who were chosen “in Christ” before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:3-4)

Anyone or any group that is outside of Christ is outside of everything good that comes from God. 

Any Christian who exchanges his New Covenant birthright for the Noahide Brit Olam is either totally misguided, not understanding the New Covenant at all, or was not a born-again follower of Christ in the first place. 

Paul warned the Galatians, who had embraced some aspects of Judaism in their efforts to please God. I added my thoughts in the brackets.

3 And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision [Brit Olam in this case], that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. 4 You have been severed [alienated] from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law [another covenant]; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision [nor Brit Olam] means anything, but faith working through love. 7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you [but from those who wish to turn your heart from Christ]. Galatians 5:3–8 (NASB95)

It is time for the church to shake herself free from the chains of false doctrine, emanating from those who continue to reject the gospel, and cling to Christ alone. There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved.

Click here to see more articles about identifying and countering deception.

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Comparing MT to the Septuagint (LXX): Proverbs 1:1-19

Israel

Here is a direct side-by-side comparison of the Masoretic Text with the LXX.  I have concluded that the LXX is much to be preferred over the Masoretic Text, a position from which the Eastern Orthodox Church never deviated. Perhaps, if you take the time to read my comparisons and other articles, you will arrive at the same conclusion.

The Septuagint version I am using is the Lexham English Septuagint 2nd Edition, which is available in print or as part of Logos Bible Software. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation of the LXX for insight into difficult passages.

If you want to know more, click on the following links.

Masoretic Text Septuagint Significance

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding, 3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; 4 To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion, 5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:1–7 (NASB95)

1 Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, who ruled in Israel: 2 to know wisdom and discipline, and to understand words of insight, 3 and to receive subtlety of words, and to understand true righteousness, and to direct a judgment, 4 so that it may give cunning to the naive and both experience and insight to a young child. 5 For when the wise hears these things, he will become wiser, and the thoughtful will gain skill in navigation, 6 and will understand a proverb and an obscure word and the sayings and riddles of the wise. 7 The beginning of wisdom is fear of God, and good insight belongs to all those who practice it, and piety toward God is the beginning of insight; but the ungodly despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:1–7 (LES2)

 There are numerous subtle differences in the wording which are worth noting, but I will focus on the obvious: the MT omits part of verse 7. 

8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction And do not forsake your mother’s teaching; 9 Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head And ornaments about your neck. Proverbs 1:8–9 (NASB95) 

8 Listen, son, to your father’s instruction, and do not drive away your mother’s ordinance. 9 For you would receive a crown of grace for your brow and a golden collar around your neck. Proverbs 1:8–9 (LES2)

A “crown of grace” is promised to those who obey God the Father, but Jesus, who always did the Father’s will (John 8:29), received a crown of thorns. Let us keep in mind that all scripture points to Christ (John 5:39), as will become apparent in the next passage.

10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait for blood, Let us ambush the innocent without cause; 12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, as those who go down to the pit; 13 We will find all kinds of precious wealth, We will fill our houses with spoil; 14 Throw in your lot with us, We shall all have one purse,” Proverbs 1:10–14 (NASB95)

10 Son, may ungodly men not lead you astray, nor should you be willing 11 if they summon you, saying, “Come with us, become a partner of blood, and let us hide a righteous man in the earth unjustly, 12 and let us swallow him alive just as Hades and remove his memory from the earth; 13 let us seize his costly property, and we would fill our houses with booty; 14 throw in your lot also with us, and we may all gain a shared purse— and let there be one small sack for us.” Proverbs 1:10–14 (LES2)

Here is where things get interesting! God gave the Jews a warning here against conspiring to murder his righteous Son. (Matthew 26:4)

Ungodly men try to lead the naive astray, just as has been done to Christians in the West by the introduction of a corrupted Old Testament called the Masoretic Text.

(Note that the Greek word for “to lead astray” is planao, the word from which the English word “planet” is derived. But that is another topic.)

The wording of the LXX in this passage makes its meaning “pop” and points us directly to Christ. The Jewish leaders, despite Solomon’s warning, partnered to murder that righteous man, Jesus, and hide his body in the earth (Acts 2:23) in an attempt to erase his memory and steal his inheritance (Matthew 21:38). They failed completely. He rose again as Lord.

15 My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path, 16 For their feet run to evil And they hasten to shed blood. 17 Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net In the sight of any bird; 18 But they lie in wait for their own blood; They ambush their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence; It takes away the life of its possessors. Proverbs 1:15–19 (NASB95)

15 Do not proceed along the way with them, but turn away your foot from their path, 17 for one does not spread a net for birds without reason. 18 For those who participate in slaughter store up bad things for themselves, and the destruction of lawless men is bad. 19 These are the ways of all those who carry out lawless deeds, for by ungodliness they take away their own soul. Proverbs 1:15–19 (LES2) 

 The MT adds what is contained in verse 16. Otherwise, except for some relatively minor discrepancies, the passage agrees. Lawlessness carries a harsh penalty.

Summary: Even in the first chapter of Proverbs we see how the MT differs from the LXX in minor and more egregious ways. After studying Proverbs for over fifty years in the MT, I saw something new by reading the LXX.  Chapter One clearly warns against what the Jews did to Christ and predicted the terrible judgment that came upon them in 70 AD and 135 AD. As Solomon wrote: “The destruction of lawless men is evil.” The Jews did not heed, nor have they repented of this great evil to this day, except for that remnant which has been saved by grace. We are saved by grace, not by race.

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