Hidden Insights Into God’s Word: The Book of Jashar

by David Chadwick

Proverbs 25:2 says “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” Those close to the heart of God seek to know him deeply. To understand his heart. To be a student of his ways.

Joshua 10:12,13 is where you will find our hidden insight today. It’s the passage where Joshua spoke to the Lord and God made the sun and the moon stand still. As you keep reading, you will see the book of Jasher referenced in verse 13.

What is the book of Jasher, you might ask? It’s today’s hidden insight.

The book of Jasher is also mentioned in 2 Samuel 1:18-27. Occasionally, the Bible mentions different books that were written during the same time or even before the canonical books of the Bible. While outside the canon of Scripture, these books, such as the book of Jasher, give insights and perspectives into history during the biblical times. These books should be seen as aids to understanding the Bible, but not considered authoritative.

Most likely, the book of Jasher was probably lost before the destruction of the first Temple in 586 B.C.

Always remember, the Bible alone is God’s Word, but there are outside aids from people like Josephus and the Roman historian Tactitus that can give us insights to help us understand the times better.

It is okay to look for hidden insights into God’s Word through some of these outside aids. But as you do, remember only God’s Word is canonized. Only his Word is authoritative, giving us insight into all areas of faith and practice.

Only God’s Word is God’s Word!

However, now if anyone asks you about the book of Jasher, you will know what to say!

Hidden Insights Into God’s Word: Men of Courage

by David Chadwick

In a world full of cowards, God’s courageous ones stand out! We are drawn to men and women of courage.

Today, let’s talk about what it means to be a man of courage.

There are so many stories that give us keys and principles for how to live godly, courageous lives. If yesterday’s insight displayed what happens when faithless, wimpy men release fear and lack of courage over situations, today’s insight will show what happens when men of courage step up to the plate.

The ten spies were so scared of the giants and of the walled cities in the land. They were told the land they were being given was God’s PROMISED land and yet they let their fear overtake them. This fear led to 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.

But wait a minute. There were 12 spies, right? Not ten? Exactly! Yesterday I only mentioned ten names. Ten names who have been forgotten due to their cowardice. But there were two more men I didn’t mention. Men of courage. Let’s look at them now.

Joshua and Caleb. Two men of courage who remained faithful in spite of the bad reports. Unlike the other ten spies, these are two commonly used names even today. In fact, two of my grandsons are named Joshua and Caleb.

Caleb in the Bible was 85 when he entered the Promised Land and he wanted the area where the giants lived! He knew his God was greater than any giant. Joshua was around 75-80 years old and he replaced Moses as Israel’s leader. He is the one who said that as for he and his house, he would serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

Here is your insight for today. Live like men of courage. With great faith. Fortitude. Passion. Men like Caleb and Joshua.

Follow their character as they follow God’s heart! Nations are changed by men like this! And be sure to name your kids after men like this, honoring the great legacy of biblical men of courage!

Hidden Insights Into God’s Word:Men of Cowardice

by David Chadwick

As many of you know, I love to seek out the hidden places of God’s Word. To find the concealed things that God has given us and to search out the deeper meaning in it all.

I have five hidden insights into God’s Word that I want to share with you this week. This one is from Numbers 13:4-5,7, and 9-15.

Have you ever heard of Shammua, Shaphat, Igal, Palit, Gaddiel, Gaddi, Ammiel, Shethur, Nahb, and Gruel?

Do you know the unique parts they played in God’s overall story? Do you recognize any of their names? No? Guess why not? Because they were all cowards! Cowards of the faith are much less remembered than the heroes.

These ten men had little to no faith. Their lives were so impactless that no one even needs to remember their names.

Who are they?

These named ten spies went into the Promised Land and brought back nothing but bad reports to the Israelites, thus infecting God’s people with unbelief. They were the ones who created fear in the hearts of the Israelites, which ultimately caused them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until that generation of unbelievers died off. Eventually, God was able to raise up a community of people who had great courage and faith, but he had to let the old mindsets die off.

So what lesson do we have from these ten cowardly men? Here is the insight. Guard your hearts and seek to be people who release reports and receive reports that only come from God himself. Don’t believe the narratives of the evil one.

These guys are not people you should emulate. And definitely don’t name your kids or grandkids after them! These guys were wimps. They did not help to establish a strong nation, but rather kept God’s people stuck in a place of doubt and fear for 40 years.

Follow the courageous ones! They will lead you to the heart of God himself.