Category: Identifying and Countering Deception

Until We Believe, We Cannot See

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We have a saying that seeing is believing. The spiritual truth, however, is that until we believe, we cannot see. Worldly wisdom requires proof before believing that something is true, and generally that is a good practice, except when it comes to the Word of God.

Before Jesus went to the cross, he warned his disciples about what was coming. 

31 Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32 For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. 33 They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” Luke 18:31–33 (NKJV) 

How plainly he spoke; yet, this disciples understood none of it. They could not fathom that such a thing could happen. Their understanding of who the Messiah would be did not mesh with Jesus’ words; so, they could not understand or believe them. The Bible says that those things were hidden from them. (John 18:34)

When our preconceptions fail to mesh with God’s Word, we tend to reject his Word instead of alter our thinking. How sad.

Unless we let go of our preconceptions and unbelief, we will remain spiritually blind even though God himself talks to us.

Later as Jesus and his disciples were approaching Jericho, “a certain blind man” heard that Jesus was passing by. He believed that Jesus could open his blind eyes; so, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” This blind man saw what many could not: Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of David! When Jesus had him brought into his presence, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”  The blind man said, “Lord, that I might receive my sight.”

42 Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” Luke 18:42 (NKJV) 

The blind man received his physical sight because he believed. He believed that Jesus is who the Bible says he is, the Messiah and Lord. His faith preceded his seeing. That is how it often works.

Faith precedes seeing. If we believe what God says, he will open our spiritual eyes to understand even more. If we refuse to believe, God’s truth will likely remain hidden from us.

Thomas the apostle refused to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead, even after the hearing the testimony of the other apostles. 

...“Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” John 20:25 (NKJV) 

Such cautiousness would be applauded by the world, where deception is rampant, and no one wants to play the fool by falling for a ruse. Jesus was extremely gracious to Thomas, as he is to us. Rather than withholding himself until Thomas believed, he appeared to that man and invited him to do just what he had requested.

26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:26–28 (NKJV) 

I can only imagine what this scene was like. What was the look on Thomas’ face? What was he feeling inside? Was he overcome with a sense of grief for his unbelief? Was he overwhelmed by Jesus’ presence? All we know for sure is that he immediately confessed that Jesus is Lord and worshiped him as God.

Jesus then gave him this mild rebuke.

29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 (NKJV) 

Jesus appeared to hundreds of people after his resurrection, giving them first-hand proof of his resurrection and lordship. (1 Corinthians 15:6) Most of us disciples since that time, however, fall into the camp of those who having not seen, yet believe. 

God has other ways of confirming to us the truth of the gospel. We have the external witness of God’s Word and the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13–15 (NKJV) 

This is how I became a believer. I head the testimony of other Christians, including the woman who is now my wife, but I desired some sort of confirmation that the gospel is true. I asked Jesus, if he were real, to come into my life and reveal himself to me. Amazingly enough, he did just that. It wasn’t long after, when I was all alone pondering these things, that I recalled praying that prayer. The instant I did, it was as if Jesus’ presence filled the room. I knew in my heart all at once that he is who the Bible says he is. I believed he is Savior and Lord! That night my life’s trajectory completely changed. From that moment forward, following and serving him became extremely important. I have done so quite imperfectly, but still today, some 55 years later, I find great joy in knowing him and studying his Word.

We do not usually start out simply believing what the Bible says. We begin our journey with the Word of God carrying all sorts of preconceptions and presuppositions that did not originate with God. If these do not agree with the Word of God, we often quite naturally and sinfully choose to question the Bible instead of our preconceived ideas and beliefs.

We are prone to construct logical arguments in our minds that fight against simply believing God’s Word as a child.

When that is the case, it hinders our ability to comprehend truth and believe it from the heart. Paul wrote:

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (NKJV) 

Satan has produced a vast number of such “arguments” that fight against faith. Sadly, many born-again, Bible-believing disciples have swallowed some of these lies “hook, line and sinker.” As a result, we may inadvertently choose to believe a lie instead of placing our complete confidence in the absolute truthfulness and integrity of God’s Word. Paradoxically, however, we may remain blind to our condition and deny it vehemently when confronted. Until God mercifully opens our hearts and brings us to repentance, spiritual blindness will continue to exist even in the church.

34 But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken. Luke 18:34 (NKJV) 

The more we study the Bible, the greater is its claim upon us. It is not enough simply to intellectually comprehend God’s Word. It is vital that we believe it from the heart and surrender to its authority.

Paul praised the church in Thessaloniki, Greece for receiving God’s Word in this way.

13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV) 

If we remain aloof from the Bible’s authority over our lives, it will hinder our believing it and seeing its truth by revelation. God reveals himself to the pure in heart. (Matthew 5:8)

Jesus did not come to scratch our itching intellects, but to satisfy the hungry heart.

Until we come to the place where we accept and believe what God’s Word says – period, we will be somewhat on the outside looking in. God reveals himself to those whose hearts are open to believe. 

Spiritual blindness, the inability to see or understand spiritual things, can be impervious to Christ’s healing touch because it is rooted in unbelief, the one thing that can block us from being able to receive God’s blessings. (Matthew 13:58) We all have areas regarding which we are still blind to some degree as a result of unbelief and hardness of heart.

We do well to heed Jesus’ words to Martha before he raised her brother Lazarus from the dead.

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40 (NKJV)
Prayer

Lord, help me to believe simply as a child. Reveal to me where I may hold beliefs that oppose your Word and help me to repent. Amen.

 

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

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Comparing MT to the Septuagint (LXX): Genesis 49:8-10

Septuagint

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

8 “Judah, your brothers shall praise you; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; Your father’s sons shall bow down to you. 9 “Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He couches, he lies down as a lion, And as a lion, who dares rouse him up? 10 “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Genesis 49:8–10 (NASB95) 

8 Judah, may your brothers praise you; may your hands be upon the back of your enemies. The sons of your father will revere you. 9 A cub of a lion, Judah; from a shoot, my son, you went up. After lying back, you slept like a lion and like a cub. Who will stir him up? 10 A ruler will not cease from Judah, and one who leads from his thighs, until the things laid away for him come, and he is the expectation of nations. Genesis 49:8–10 (LES2) 

The MT and LXX agree that Judah is associated with a lion. This is significant regarding Christ, who is descended from the line of David, who was descended from Judah. (Luke 2:4, 3:23-38)

Jesus is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah in Revelation 5:5. 

The promise that a ruler will not cease from Judah’s line cannot refer to the kings of Judah because that line of rulers came to an end, unless one considers the eternal rule of Jesus the Messiah. David was a type of Christ. Being prophetic, that king of Judah foresaw the coming of the Lord. (Psalm 110:1)

The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that the child in her womb, that was conceived by the Holy Spirit, would “be great, and he will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. And he will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:31-33)

What the MT translates as “until Shiloh,” whose meaning is uncertain, the LXX translates “until the things laid away for him come,” which makes much more sense, especially regarding Christ.

The last part of verse 10 in the MT reads, “to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” The MT uses an unusual Hebrew word “am” which means paternal people or family. The LXX, on the other hand, says that this one, Christ, will be the “expectation of the nations.” The LXX uses the Greek word “ethnos,” which corresponds to other verses that predict that the Messiah or Christ will become a blessing to all nations. 

10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. Luke 2:10 (NKJV) 

Eventually every knee will bow to him, which corroborates the claim of the MT. (Philippians 2:10-11)
    Both the MT and LXX point to Christ is the above passage, but the LXX makes it plainer, especially in the very last phrase.

 

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Comparing MT to the Septuagint (LXX): Isaiah 46

Septuagint

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 Bel has bowed down, Nebo stoops over; Their images are consigned to the beasts and the cattle. The things that you carry are burdensome, A load for the weary beast. 2 They stooped over, they have bowed down together; They could not rescue the burden, But have themselves gone into captivity. Isaiah 46:1–2 (NASB95) 

1 Bel has fallen! Nabo is shattered! Their graven images have become wild animals and livestock! Lift them up, bound like a burden for the weary, 2 for the faint and the hungry not having might together, who will not be able to be delivered from war, but they themselves will be led captive. Isaiah 46:1–2 (LES2) 

 This chapter in the MT once again hides Jesus from the eyes of Old Testament readers. The first two verses do not have any theologically significant differences. The main point is that all who worship false gods go into captivity, something that happened to the Jews on more than one occasion, the last being when they renounced their Messiah.

3 “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, And all the remnant of the house of Israel, You who have been borne by Me from birth And have been carried from the womb; 4 Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you. Isaiah 46:3–4 (NASB95) 

3 Listen to me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of Israel who have been raised from the belly and brought up from their youth 4 (until old age I am he, and until you have grown old I am he). I bear you up; I made you, and I will lift you up; I will take you up and will save you. Isaiah 46:3–4 (LES2) 

 In verse four the MT says, “Even to old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I wear bear you.” In contrast, the LXX says “until old age I AM, and until you have grown old I AM.” This of course refers to God’s identity as the great I AM, which is eternal. Then the LXX emphasizes that God created the Israelites rather than having done the work of carrying them.

5 “To whom would you liken Me And make Me equal and compare Me, That we would be alike? Isaiah 46:5 (NASB95) 

5 To whom have you compared me? Look! Act cunningly, you who are misled. Isaiah 46:5 (LES2) 

Why does the MT leave out the second part of this verse, which brings to light the cunning of Israel’s rejection of God which led to their being deceived? Once again, the Greek word planao is translated as “misled.”

As I have pointed out before, the word “planet” is derived from it. The NT uses planao to describe angels and stars that left their assigned places is disobedience to God. (Jude 6, 12-13) It is significant that the heliocentric theory, which contradicts Genesis Chapter One, calls the biblical “wandering stars” planets. I think we have a clear clue that heliocentrism is a satanic deception, which is true of anything that contradicts scripture.

However, that is not the point of this passage. Here we have a reference to Israel’s idolatry, which continues to this day. Whatever Judaism now purports to worship, it is not the God of the Bible. Anyone who rejects the Son does not have the Father either. (Luke 10:16, 1 John 2:23)

6 “Those who lavish gold from the purse And weigh silver on the scale Hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; They bow down, indeed they worship it. 7 “They lift it upon the shoulder and carry it; They set it in its place and it stands there. It does not move from its place. Though one may cry to it, it cannot answer; It cannot deliver him from his distress. Isaiah 46:6–7 (NASB95) 

6 Those who contribute gold from a pouch and silver in a scale will weigh it in a balance, and they hired a goldsmith and made idols, and with heads hung in shame they worship them! 7 They raise it upon their shoulder and walk; and if they set it down, it remains in its place. It cannot move, and it cannot hear whoever cries aloud to it; it cannot save him from disasters. Isaiah 46:6–7 (LES2) 

 No significant differences here.

8 “Remember this, and be assured; Recall it to mind, you transgressors. 9 “Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’; Isaiah 46:8–10 (NASB95) 

8 Remember these things and sigh. Repent, you who have been misled, return in the heart. 9 Remember the former things from eternity, that I am God, and there is no one further besides me, 10 who declares beforehand the final things before they happen, and at once they are accomplished. And I said, “All my counsel will stand, and I will do all that I have resolved.” Isaiah 46:8–10 (LES2) 

 There is a huge difference between being assured or courageous in the Hebrew MT and sighing deeply or groaning as the Greek word stenazo in the LXX is properly translated. This passage calls to repentance those who have been previously misled.

11 Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man of My purpose from a far country. Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it. Isaiah 46:11 (NASB95) 

11 Summoning a bird from the east and from a land afar concerning what I have resolved, I spoke and I brought forth; I created and I made him, I brought him forth and prospered him on his way. Isaiah 46:11 (LES2) 

 The MT identifies the “bird” as a man from the east or far country, which is probably the case. Perhaps this was Cyrus. Whoever it was, God prospered him on his way.

12 “Listen to Me, you stubborn-minded, Who are far from righteousness. 13 “I bring near My righteousness, it is not far off; And My salvation will not delay. And I will grant salvation in Zion, And My glory for Israel. Isaiah 46:12–13 (NASB95) 

12 Listen to me, you who have destroyed the heart, who are far from righteousness. 13 I have brought my righteousness near and will not delay the salvation that is from me. I have given salvation to Israel in Zion for an act of glory. Isaiah 46:12–13 (LES2) 

I believe Isaiah had Israel in mind when he wrote verse 12. God is calling that nation to repent of their idolatry and believe in God’s appointed Messiah, of whom Cyrus was a type or forerunner.

5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, Romans 2:5 (NASB95) 

God’s salvation is near to those who believe, but far off from those who reject the gospel. 

8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” Romans 10:8–13 (NKJV)

As Jesus said in John 5:39, all scripture points to him in whom is salvation for all who come to him in faith.

 

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Comparing MT to the Septuagint (LXX): Psalm 4:1-3

Septuagint

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 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. 2 O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah. Psalm 4:1–2 (NASB95) 

2 When I called, the God of my righteousness heard me. In tribulation you made room for me. Have mercy upon me and hearken to my prayer. 3 Sons of humans, how long are you slow of heart? Why do you love vanity and seek a lie? Psalm 4:2–3 (LES2) 

The first difference we see is that in the LXX David wrote that God already answered his prayer and made room for him in his tribulation. 

The second difference is that what the MT translates “how long will my honor become a reproach” the LXX gives as “how long are you slow of heart?” This is significant because Jesus used a similar phrase to upbraid the disciples in the road to Emmaus for their unbelief after his resurrection. (Luke 24:25) This links Psalm 4 to Jesus and helps us to see it as a prophecy regarding Christ.

Ever since rejecting Christ as Messiah, the Jews who are not among the elect have actively embraced deception and pursued worthlessness, which is what happens to everyone who rejects God’s gracious offer in the gospel. Stephen’s rebuke was that the Jews “always resist the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 7:51) This is true of those Jews and Gentiles who refuse to acknowledge Christ as the Lord.

3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; The LORD hears when I call to Him. Psalm 4:3 (NASB95) 

4 Know that the Lord magnifies his holy one. The Lord will hear me when I have cried out to him. Psalm 4:4 (LES2) 

Here the MT again hides a clear reference to Christ that was intimated in the above verse. Jesus is the holy one that God magnifies. Jesus was glorified on the Mount of Transfiguration and after his resurrection. (Matthew 17:1-8)

All who call upon the Lord Jesus will be saved. (Romans 10:13)
    I have observed that the most egregious changes the MT makes are found in the prophets and psalms. King David was a prophet; so, it is not surprising that his prophetic psalms that refer to our Lord would be altered.

 

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Comparing MT to the Septuagint (LXX): Isaiah 45:15-25

Septuagint

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

15 Truly, You are a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, Savior! 16 They will be put to shame and even humiliated, all of them; The manufacturers of idols will go away together in humiliation. 17 Israel has been saved by the LORD With an everlasting salvation; You will not be put to shame or humiliated To all eternity. Isaiah 45:15–17 (NASB95) 

15 For you are God, and we did not know it, God of Israel. 16 All who resist him will be dishonored and be shamed and go in shame. Be restored to me, islands. 17 Israel will be saved by the Lord with an eternal salvation; they will not be shamed or dishonored until eternity. Isaiah 45:15–17 (LES2) 

The first difference we see is that instead of the MT’s “You are a God who hides himself,” the LXX gives us, “You are God and we did not know it.” This to me is a reference to Christ. The Jews knew who YHWH is, but they did not recognize that Jesus is also the “I Am.” Instead, when he claimed to be, they decided to kill him for blasphemy. (John 8:58)

Next, we are told in the LXX that “all who resist him will be dishonored and shamed.” The big question is to whom is this a reference? The makers of idols, those who refuse to recognize Cyrus, or is it again pointing to Christ? Since John 5:39 says that the Scriptures point to Christ, I go with the last choice, which indeed fits with the chapter and agrees with Deuteronomy 18:15 and Acts 3:22-23.

The insertion of “Be restored to me, islands,” must refer to the future preaching of the gospel, through which people from all nations are restored to God through Christ.

The last promise of eternal salvation for Israel is a clear reference to the salvation that is available through Christ in the New Covenant. The Old Covenant of Law was not eternal but conditional. (Hebrews 10:1-10)

18 For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it and did not create it a waste place, but formed it to be inhabited), “I am the LORD, and there is none else. 19 “I have not spoken in secret, In some dark land; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in a waste place’; I, the LORD, speak righteousness, Declaring things that are upright. Isaiah 45:18–19 (NASB95) 

18 This is what the Lord who made the heavens—this one is God who brought the earth to light and made it; he himself marked it as a boundary; he did not make it for nothing but formed it to be inhabited—says: “I am, and there is none further. 19 I have not spoken in secret or in a dark place of the earth. I did not say to the seed of Jacob, ‘Seek pointlessly!’ I am, I am the Lord who speaks righteousness and announces truth.” Isaiah 45:18–19 (LES2) 

The only differences I will point out in this passage is that MT says that God did not say “Seek me in a waste place.” I prefer the LXX’s translation in which God says do not “Seek me pointlessly, vainly, or frivolously.” Lastly, the LXX says that God “speaks righteousness and announces truth.” Certainly, righteousness, grace, and truth comes through our Lord Jesus and the gospel message.

20 “Gather yourselves and come; Draw near together, you fugitives of the nations; They have no knowledge, Who carry about their wooden idol And pray to a god who cannot save. Isaiah 45:20 (NASB95) 

20 Gather together and come here; plan together, you who have been delivered from among the nations. Those who lift up wood, their engraved figure, and pray to gods that do not save, do not know. Isaiah 45:20 (LES2) 

 The LXX adds that idols have no knowledge, a recurrent theme. Only God knows the future.

21 “Declare and set forth your case; Indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me. Isaiah 45:21 (NASB95) 

21 If they announce, let them approach, that they might know at once who made these things audible from the beginning. Then it will be announced to you, “I am God, and there is no other besides me; there is no righteous or savior besides me. Isaiah 45:21 (LES2) 

 There is no important difference here.

22 “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other. 23 “I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. Isaiah 45:22–23 (NASB95) 

22 Return upon me, and you will be saved, you who come from the end of the earth. I am God, and there is no other. 23 I am swearing an oath according to myself: Unless righteousness shall go forth from my mouth, my words shall not turn back, because every knee shall bend to me, and every tongue shall swear by God, Isaiah 45:22–23 (LES2) 

 I see no significant difference here.

24 “They will say of Me, ‘Only in the LORD are righteousness and strength.’ Men will come to Him, And all who were angry at Him will be put to shame. 25 “In the LORD all the offspring of Israel Will be justified and will glory.” Isaiah 45:24–25 (NASB95) 

24 saying, “Righteousness and glory will come with him, and all who separate them will be shamed. 25 All the seed of the sons of Israel will be vindicated by the Lord and will be glorified by God.” Isaiah 45:24–25 (LES2) 

There is a difference between strength and glory; although, both come from God. The MT seems to try to make the vague “all who separate them” into something more understandable – “all who were angry at him.” 

I prefer the LXX saying that the seed will be glorified by God. This agrees with Romans 8:30, where Paul says that God has glorified his elect, those who were chosen before the foundation of the world in Christ (Ephesians 1:4) and justified through faith in him.
    In conclusion, I see only minor omissions or obfuscations of references to Christ in the MT is this section of Isaiah. Still, however, death can come by a thousand cuts.

 

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Comparing MT to the Septuagint (LXX): Psalm 110

Septuagint

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 LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” 2 The LORD will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” Psalm 110:1–2 (NASB95) 

1 The Lord said to my Lord, “Be seated at my right side until I set your enemies as a footstool for your feet.” 2 The Lord will send out a rod of power from Zion, “Rule in the middle of your enemies. Psalm 109:1–2 (LES2) 

There is no difference here between the LXX and MT. Perhaps this is because it seems to support the nation of Israel’s being the subject of God’s address. For covenant theologians, we know that the Israel of God is the One New Man in Christ, the church, which is composed of both Jew and Gentile.

The New Testament quotes verse one in several places (Matthew 22:44, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:42-43, Acts 2:35, and Hebrews 1:13). Jesus used it to illustrate his divinity, when he asked the Pharisees why his ancestor David called him “lord,” something no father would ever say to his son. 

3 Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew. Psalm 110:3 (NASB95) 

3 With you is authority in the day of your power, with the splendor of the holy ones. From the womb, before the morning, I fathered you.” Psalm 109:3 (LES2) 

The MT changed “with the splendor of your holy ones,” to “in holy array.” The Bible calls born-again believers “holy ones” or saints, who will accompany Christ at his second coming, the day of his power and authority. (Revelation 19:14)

In addition, here is where the MT erases a clear reference to Christ, God’s Son. The MT changed “I begot you” to “your youth are to you as the dew.” What!? I begot you is a clear reference to Christ. (Psalm 2:7, Acts 13:33, Hebrews 1:5) In Psalm 2, the MT retains the reference to the begotten Son. Perhaps it was changed in Psalm 110 because the first and the fourth verses are quoted in the New Testament to prove Christ is the Messiah. Maybe it was just too much to leave the reference to his being begotten in there, too. 

Jesus is the eternal Logos who was born of a virgin after being conceived by the Holy Spirit. He is the “first begotten from the dead” (Colossians 1:18) by means of the resurrection. Through Christ all who believe in him are reborn by the Spirit.

4 The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” Psalm 110:4 (NASB95) 

4 The Lord swore and will not regret, “You are a priest for eternity according to the order of Melchizedek.” Psalm 109:4 (LES2) 

 The MT and LXX are essentially in agreement. This verse is quoted in Hebrews 5:6 and 7:17 and cited in Hebrews 5, 6, and 7, to illustrate that Christ’s priesthood is of an entirely different order and nature than the Levitical one, his being the priest of the New Covenant.

5 The Lord is at Your right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath. 6 He will judge among the nations, He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country. 7 He will drink from the brook by the wayside; Therefore He will lift up His head. Psalm 110:5–7 (NASB95) 

5 The Lord at your right hand crushed together kings in the day of his anger. 6 He will judge among the nations. He will fill up with corpses. He will crush the heads of many upon the earth. 7 From a torrent in the way he will drink. On account of this he will raise up his head. Psalm 109:5–7 (LES2) 

 In this passage the MT and LXX are essentially in agreement. 
    As I compare numerous Old Testament passages in the MT to the LXX, I am reminded of the old saying, “death by a thousand cuts.”  Nothing in the MT destroys the New Testament claims about Christ, but the recurrence of omissions and obfuscations hides Christ and erodes confidence in the New Testament, which quotes the LXX, all in a way that dishonors God.

 

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Comparing MT to the Septuagint (LXX): Ecclesiastes 1:5

Septuagint

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

5 Also, the sun rises and the sun sets; And hastening to its place it rises there again. 6 Blowing toward the south, Then turning toward the north, The wind continues swirling along; And on its circular courses the wind returns. Ecclesiastes 1:5–6 (NASB95) 

5 And the sun rises and the sun withdraws and draws to its place. Rising there, 6 it goes to the south and circles round to the north. It circles around and around, the wind goes, and the wind returns to its circuits. Ecclesiastes 1:5–6 (LES2) 

This is not Christological, but the LXX does support biblical cosmology and syncs with Psalm 19. On the biblical earth, the sun runs a circuit over the earth, being contained inside the “tent” of the firmament.

2 The heavens set out in detail the glory of God. And the firmament reports the creation of his hands. 3 Day to day spits out speech, and night to night reports knowledge. 4 There are no speeches nor words in which their voices are not heard. 5 Into all the earth their voice went out, and their words into the ends of the inhabited world. 6 In the sun he has placed his tent. And he, as a bridegroom going out from his bridal chamber, will rejoice exceedingly, as a giant to run its course. 7 From the top of the heavens is its going out, and its end is until the top of the heavens. And there is none who will be hidden from its heat. Psalm 18:2–7 (LES2) (Psalm 19:1-6 MT)

Verse 6 is better translated as it is in the MT, the sun was placed in the tent of the heavens or firmament, in which it runs its course, or circuit in the MT. The Bible says that the sun moves under the tent of the firmament over the earth, not the earth around the sun. This is later confirmed in Joshua 10:12-13 and in Isaiah 38:8. 

Ecclesiastes 1:5-6 links the path of the sun to the circular path of the winds, which also circle the biblical earth. 

The biblical earth has a magnetic north pole. Any direction going north is going toward the pole. Any south direction goes way from the north pole and toward the perimeter of the enclosed earth. The east direction goes right from north and circles the earth. The west direction is just the opposite. The circular path of the sun from most places on the biblical earth appears to go from east to west across the south. After sunset, the sun circles back around, which would be west to earth across the north. This agrees with the passage in Ecclesiastes and with Psalm 19. 

 

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A Convoluted Reason to Reject Biblical Cosmology

nasa

Since coming to believe that the cosmology of Genesis Chapter One is the truth, I have encountered two main arguments Christians use to reject the Bible’s testimony regarding the heavens and earth. First, the claims of modern theoretical astrophysics is offered as proof that Genesis cannot be literally true and therefore must be interpreted poetically. Secondly, it is argued that believing in the literal truth of Genesis Chapter One will biblical cosmologymake Christians seem ridiculous and hinder people’s ability to accept the gospel’s claims.

The first argument is something I have written about extensively and have shown that true science, that which is observable, testable, repeatable, and falsifiable, actually supports the biblical view. Regarding allowing so-called science to dictate how we interpret the Bible, however, let me summarize my rebuttal here.

If we allow the claims of the so-called science of astrophysics, which is largely theoretical and untestable, to dictate how we interpret the Bible, it means we recognize that it has authority over God’s Word, which, of course, is a form of idolatry. 

20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”— 21 which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you. 1 Timothy 6:20–21 (NASB95) 

But that is enough on that subject. My response to the second argument will make up the remainder of this article.

The contention that professing belief in biblical cosmology will hinder the effectiveness of the gospel is convoluted reasoning and is what I call a guardian lie. Such a lie stands guard over the entrance to the path leading to truth to block access. It convinces us to go no further, often much to our relief. Most people hope for an excuse to reject this amazing truth because we inherently recognize how costly it will be to embrace it. The world provides all sorts of arguments against the truth, and YouTube has worked its algorithms so that any one doing a search can only mainly find opposing arguments. That is why I created my Resource Page for honest inquirers. But, back to our topic…

The Bible is filled with miracles that defy what is called rational thinking, which is why so many categorically reject all such claims. For example, the very least a person can believe in order to be a Christian was summarized by the apostle Paul.

9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; Romans 10:9 (NASB95) 

When Jesus died, he paid the penalty for our sins and made us right with our heavenly Father. When he rose from the dead, it proved that his sacrifice had been accepted and that God made him the undisputed Lord over all creation.

4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 1:4 (NASB95) 

Science tells us, however, that even though people can be dead for a short time and be resuscitated, it is impossible for someone to be in the tomb for three days and come back to life, never to die again. Yet, that is what people must believe in order to be saved. We do not blink an eye or make any sort of excuse when we tell people that this is the case.

If we rightly ask people to lay aside all previous understanding of life and death, the testimony of medical science, and our own experience, in order to accept the gospel’s claims, why then is believing in biblical cosmology a bridge too far? Is it not because the world allows us to believe in Jesus but refuses to let us believe that Genesis is true?

This raises the question, why? Is believing in biblical cosmology a greater threat to the satanic world system than simply believing in Jesus? Is it not because biblical cosmology requires a creator; whereas, modern astrophysics purports to provide a way for us to have gotten here all by ourselves? Will not accepting biblical cosmology turn the hearts of an unbelieving world toward God and ultimately Christ, something Satan fears?

If we believe the Word of God is the truth, we who preach the gospel also believe that God formed Adam out of the dust and breathed his Spirit into him. We believe that Eve was formed from one of Adam’s ribs. We believe that God flooded the entire earth, killing all creatures that breathe, except for those in the Ark. We believe that God appeared to and spoke with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We believe God raised up Moses to deliver Israel from Pharaoh, whose army he drowned in the Red Sea. We believe God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and eventually led Israel into the promised land under Joshua. We believe he stopped a flooding Jordan River to allow Israel to cross over. We believe God knocked down the walls of Jericho when Israel shouted. We believe God took Elijah into heaven via a chariot sucked up by a whirlwind. The list goes on. In the New Testament, we believe that Jesus was born miraculously to a virgin. We believe he turned water into wine, walked on water, healed the sick, and raised the dead. If we believe the Bible, it means we do not believe in evolution. If we embrace the Scripture, it means that sex outside of marriage, abortion, homosexuality, and transgenderism are not good things.

But when we preach the gospel, we do not demand that our hearers must first believe in all these miracles or agree to accept that  the aforementioned things the world embraces are sinful in God’s eyes, unless of course one might be an issue that God is particularly focused on and wants the person to repent. No, in most cases we introduce them to Christ, what he did for us on the cross, and the claim that he is Lord as a result of his resurrection. This demands a response from our hearers, the proper one being to acknowledge and declare allegiance to Jesus the Lord.

We trust that once a person acknowledges Christ’s lordship over every area of life, he or she will eventually be led by the Spirit to surrender to all the claims of God’s Word.

When I share the gospel, I do not bring up every miracle of the Bible, some controversial doctrine, or tell people that I believe the earth is an enclosed circular plane as described in the Bible rather than what modern astrophysics says. That topic may come up later, but it is not essential to the gospel and the new birth. However, if I declare that I do not believe Genesis Chapter One is true, why should anyone believe me if a say that the rest of the Bible is true? If God lied in the first chapter of his book, why would anyone think he tells the truth elsewhere? If the creation of the heavens and earth is just poetry and has no basis in reality, why should I think differently about the resurrection?

Refusing to believe that biblical cosmology is true undermines the entire Bible, including the gospel.

Therefore, both of these arguments against believing in biblical cosmology are untenable. We should not be embarrassed to boldlycosmology claim that all of God’s Word is absolutely true, not just the parts approved by so-called science or which agree with what is currently socially acceptable in the world.

So, perhaps the real reason Christians reject biblical cosmology is not because it would make the gospel look ridiculous, but because we are afraid it will make us look that way.

If so, it means we love ourselves more than God’s Word.

26 “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Luke 9:26 (NASB95) 
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Comparing MT to the Septuagint (LXX): Isaiah 42:1-4

Septuagint

As I read through Isaiah, comparing the generally accepted Masoretic Text (MT) to the ancient Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the paleo-Hebrew scriptures used by the Jews and early church, I find significant differences. Sometimes the MT seems to rewrite almost entire chapters. I chose the section listed in the title to illustrate how, in my opinion, the MT, which was finally completed centuries after Christ’s death and resurrection, deliberately hides or omits clear references to Christ contained in the LXX. Consider for yourself.

Masoretic Text Septuagint Significance

1 “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. Isaiah 42:1 (NASB95) 

1 Jacob is my child, I will help him; Israel is my chosen one, my soul has accepted him. I have given my spirit upon him; he will bring forth judgment upon the nations. Isaiah 42:1 (LES2) 

 Once again, the MT identifies the one being spoken of as a servant. The LXX identifies this one as Jacob, who it says is my child, which is the Greek word pais. The normal word for servant is doulos; so, child is no doubt the correct translation. The MT says God will uphold him, which is a perfectly good translation of antilambano. The MT uses the word “delight”; whereas, the LXX uses “accepted.” The main difference in this verse is the substitution of servant for child. We know that Jesus and all those born again by faith in him are God’s children, not mere servants. (John 8:35)

2 “He will not cry out or raise His voice, Nor make His voice heard in the street. 3 “A bruised reed He will not break And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 “He will not be disheartened or crushed Until He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.” Isaiah 42:2–4 (NASB95) 

2 He will not cry out or lift up his voice, nor will his voice be heard outside. 3 He will not crush a bruised reed, and he will not extinguish a smoking flax, but he will bring forth justice to truth. 4 He will blaze forth and will not be shattered until he brings justice upon the earth, and the nations will hope in his name. Isaiah 42:2–4 (LES2) 

 This passage contains an obvious hiding of a clear reference to Christ by the MT. The MT translates the last part of verse four as, “And the coastlands will wait expectantly for his law.” Today a push is being made by the Jewish powers that be to enforce what are called Noahide laws upon all Gentiles. This would fit the way the MT translates the verse. The LXX clearly refers to Christ by translating the same verse, “the nations will hope in his name.” I refuse to believe this glaring difference is simply a matter of differing textual traditions. The LXX was accepted by the Jews at the time of Christ and by the early church as being God’s inspired Word. We should, too. Isaiah 42:4 clearly prophesies the New Covenant and the preaching of the gospel throughout the world which has resulted in the nations hoping on Christ’s name.
    I hope it is becoming obvious to you that the MT consistently changes LXX texts to obscure or omit references to Christ.
     
     
     
     

Conclusion

If you want to know more about why Christians should prefer the Septuagint to the MT, click on this link.The Eastern Orthodox Church had the wisdom to retain the LXX for its Old Testament scriptures. As for me, I now rely on the Septuagint. It was Paul’s standard for Old Covenant truth and is quoted in the New Testament. That makes it good enough for me.

More articles on the Septuagint
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Comparing MT to the Septuagint (LXX): Isaiah 41:8-14

Septuagint

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

8 “But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, Descendant of Abraham My friend, 9 You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its remotest parts And said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you. 10 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:8–10 (NASB95) 

8 But you, Israel, my child Jacob, whom I have chosen, seed of Abraham, whom I have loved, 9 whom I have taken hold of from the ends of the earth; and I summoned you from its heights and said to you, “You are my child; I have chosen you and I have not forsaken you.” 10 Do not be frightened, for I am with you; do not be misled, for I am your God who strengthens you, and I have helped you and have established you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:8–10 (LES2) 

The first significant difference is that the MT identifies Israel as a servant, but the LXX as God’s child (Greek: pais, which can be translated as servant, but its basic meaning is child, which is significant.) The same translation difference is found in Isaiah 49:6, where the MT says, “It is too small a thing for you to be called my servant,” but the LXX says that “it is a great thing for you to be my child.” Jesus twice was specifically called God’s son by God speaking from heaven. (Matthew 3:17, Mark 9:7, 2 Peter 1:17) This passage in Isaiah cannot be a reference to the Jews, whom Jesus identified as children of Satan. (John 8:44) Lest I be accused of antisemitism at this point, let me make it clear that I do not hate Jewish people. I am merely speaking of them as does the New Testament. Without Christ, all men are lost, Jews and Gentiles. Those who actively resist the gospel and defame Christ are what the Bible calls “anti-Christ.” Those who are not part of God’s elect children (Ephesians 1:4) through faith in Christ cannot possible be part of God’s chosen people.

The New Covenant renders all men equal (Acts 10:34) who desperately need  forgiveness and to be reborn. Through faith in Christ, the elect from both the descendants of Abraham and the Gentiles, who compose the church, become children of God in Christ. 

The LXX says that God took hold of this “seed” or descendant of Abraham. We know from Galatians 3:16 that the seed is Christ, the elect child of God sent to ransom Israel and the whole world. (John 3:16) The reference to the seed being “taken hold of from the ends of the earth,” is probably a reference to the church, which consists of people from all over the earth who have responded to the gospel and are now “in Christ.”

Abraham, whom the MT identifies as God’s “friend,” is called “the one whom God loved” in the LXX. Interestingly, the Greek verb agapao is used, the same word used in the NT for the “agape” love of God. The LXX anticipates the love God shows to his children in the New Covenant.

The MT, in verse 10, has God saying to his child, “Do not anxiously look about you,” but the LXX says, “do not be misled.” The Greek verb planao is used, which means to deceive or mislead. The same word from which the word “planets” is derived.

The last point is that the MT frequently changes verb tenses to make promises appear to pertain to future Israel when the LXX uses the past tense to refer to Christ, the church, or some past fulfilled promise. For example, compare the tenses in verse 10. Jewish and Christian Zionists have attempted to take for Israel what belongs to Christ alone.

11 “Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish. 12 “You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them, Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent. Isaiah 41:11–12 (NASB95) 

11 Look! All who oppose you will be dishonored and feel shame, for they will be as though they did not exist, and all your adversaries will be destroyed. 12 You will seek them, and you will not find the people who rage against you, for they will be as though they did not exist, and those who wage war against you will be no more. Isaiah 41:11–12 (LES2) 

 The LXX adds in verse 11, all your adversaries will be destroyed. If the previous verses pertain to Christ, as I believe is the case, based on my previous comments and John 5:39, then this prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD, when Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed, just as Jesus predicted, which ended the Jewish occupation of the land and ended the sacrificial system, leading to the rise of modern rabbinical Judaism, a blend of Babylon and the Torah, in which the Babylonian Talmud is more highly esteemed than the scriptures. Modern Judaism is not the same thing as what was practiced by the Israelites who remained faithful to God in the Old Testament.

13 “For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’ 14 “Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel; I will help you,” declares the LORD, “and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 41:13–14 (NASB95) 

13 For I am your God, who holds your right hand, who says to you, “Do not be afraid, 14 O Jacob, small Israel.” “I have helped you,” says God, the one who ransoms Israel. Isaiah 41:13–14 (LES2) 

 The MT adds, “I will help you,” in verse 13. The MT calls Jacob a “worm,” but the LXX calls him “small.” The MT adds, “you men of Israel; I will help you.” I believe this was done in an effort to make the prophecy appear to pertain to the future nation of Israel rather than to Christ. Remember: the MT was composed centuries after the Jews had been expelled from the land. This possible deception is strengthened by changing the verbs to future tense, instead of using the past tense as does the LXX. The MT uses “Holy One of Israel,” a direct reference to the God of the Old Testament; whereas, the LXX uses simply says, “God, who ransoms Israel.” The New Covenant clearly identifies Jesus as the One who paid the ransom, his own blood. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
    I challenge you to read the “gospel according to Isaiah” in both the MT and the LXX. I think you will be as surprised and saddened as I have been regarding the wholesale changes to the text. 

 

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