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The Blue Letter Bible
Study Resources :: Text Commentaries :: F.E. Marsh :: Readings 451-500 (The Word - Wedges)
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F.E. Marsh :: 462. Two Wants

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  1. Penury. “Began to be in want” (Luke 15:14). Notice the downward steps of the prodigal:—
    1. His discontent. “;Give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.”
    2. His distance. “Took his journey into a far country.”
    3. His dissipation. “There wasted his substance in riotous living.”
    4. His destitution. “And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land.”
    5. His distress. “He began to be in want.”
    6. His disgrace. “Joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.” Thomas Fuller says, “He came from the keeping of harlots to the minding of the hogs.”
    7. His dismay. “I perish with hunger.”
    It is to the fifth downward step we draw attention now, viz., his distress or penury. “He began to be in want.” The word “hustereo,” translated “want” in the above passage, is rendered in Romans 3:23, “short;” in Phil. 4:12, “suffer;” and in Heb. 11:37, “destitute.” The meaning of the word is, to be behind, to be lacking, to fall short, to be last or inferior. Now, if we bear this in mind, and look at the Scriptures where this word occurs, we see the prodigal’s condition portrays to the letter the condition of the sinner. Coming short of God’s glory, we are bound to suffer need, that brings us into a state of destitution, and thus we are sure to be in want. He that wants Christ lacks everything; he that has Christ needs nothing.
  2. Plenty. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). It has often been noticed that six of the titles of Jehovah are illustrated in this Psalm, but all ten of the titles may be seen.
    1. Jehovah-Rohi. “Jehovah, my Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1). What a Shepherd He is! The Good Shepherd who died; God’s Shepherd to bear His wrath; the Great Shepherd who rose again; the One Shepherd over His flock; the Chief Shepherd, who is coming again; and last, but not least, the believer can say, “My Shepherd.”
    2. Jehovah-Jireh. “The Lord will provide” (Gen. 22:14 M.). “I shall not want.” He has provided for our need as sinners in the death of Christ. He provides for our need as saints in the Risen Christ. He provides for our need as servants by His Word and Spirit. He provides for our need as warriors in the Truth. And when He comes again, He will provide for us for ever.
    3. Jehovah-Shalom. “Jehovah, send peace” (Judges 6:24). “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters.” He provides rest and refreshment, provender and peace; He does it all. We have to be careful for nothing, prayerful about everything, and thankful for anything.
    4. Jehovah-Tsebahoth. “Jehovah of hosts” (1 Samuel 1:3, &c.). “He leadeth me.” He goes before; ours it is to follow. He directs; ours it is to obey. He guides; ours it is to be led.
    5. Jehovah-Ropheca. “Jehovah that healeth thee” (Ex. 15:26). “He restoreth my soul,” &c. He renews our strength. He brings us back if we wander, forgives our backsliding, and heals us of the causes of it.
    6. Jehovah-Tsidkenu. “The Lord our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 23:6; 33:16). “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness.” He has put us right before God. He is our Righteousness, and He keeps us right before men.
    7. Jehovah-Shammah. “Jehovah is there” (Ez. 48:35). “Thou art with me.” With us to sustain, comfort, succour, cheer, sympathize, defend, save, keep, sanctify, and bless.
    8. Jehovah-Nissi. “Jehovah my Banner” (Exodus 17:15). “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” He is the Captain who never lost a battle. He feasts us in the sight of our foes; He furnishes with armour for the conflict; and fits us for the fray.
    9. Jehovah-Mekaddeshcem. “Jehovah that doth sanctify you.” (Ex. 31:13). If we spell holiness with five letters-Jesus-we shall find that they will be like David’s five smooth stones taken out of the brook, and slung in the strength of God, will kill any giant that we may meet.
    10. Jehovah-Heleyon. “Jehovah most high” (Psalm 7:17) "Dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
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