Good Morning.
He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; therefore it is said, ‘Like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord.’ And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. (Genesis 10:9-10)
The rebel, Nimrod, opposed the Almighty in order to build his kingdom, starting it in a place called “Babel” — later Babylon. The Bible says that he was “a mighty hunter before the LORD, but not to infer that he excelled with the bow. The Hebrew word for “hunter” also means “trapping, ensnaring” and so it is understood that Nimrod was a hunter of people, not game. According to tradition, he devised a plan and then ensnared men with his words inciting them to join him in his rebellion against God. Thus, he exemplifies those who drape themselves in robes of piety in order to deceive people.
Many other such “hunters” would follow; men like Pharaoh and Hitler who used craftily constructed words that appeal to men’s desires and hopes while concealing the true motive. These “hunters” use intellectual and oratorical skills to instill a false confidence in people. In the end, the unwitting masses fall into their snare and submit to their wills to a rebel, consequently joining them in their rebellion against God. As God’s people, we need to understand that these hunters still prowl the earth, today. Men and women who are rising in power commonly use the same tactic — tell the people what they want to hear in order to lure them into the snare.
Paul wrote that, in the last days, deception would be a great nemesis to the followers of Messiah. In his letters to Timothy he warned:
“Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13)
He alerted Timothy to the fact that even some of the believers would be drawn into this deception:
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
Unfortunately, we are living in that day. So many of God’s people are being led astray and blown about by every wind of doctrine. Therefore, we must be diligent to keep our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith as He leads us. We must remain solidly grounded in the Word and not allow ourselves to be seduced away from the truth by emotion and opinions. Let us resolve to be among the remnant who overcomes the falsehood of this world because the Spirit of Truth is our guide and teacher.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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