No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.

No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.
 
Anyone who has ever been a soldier understands the above passage, 2 Timothy 2:4. A soldier knows he is always first and foremost a soldier; understanding at all times he can be called into duty, even when not on duty. It is in this context Paul calls Timothy a soldier, a teacher of God’s ways and ideas – whose coming to the battle was prophesied. Paul’s charge is that by these prophecies he would war a good warfare.
 
1 Timothy 1
15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners [the war – and the victory what Paul later, in 2 Timothy 2:25 & 26, says is acknowledging the truth, by which sinners free themselves from the snare of the devil]; of whom I am chief.
16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18 This charge I commit unto you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on you, that you by them might war a good warfare;
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. [Their names describe their blasphemy: opposing the LORD who has come to join with His people; by defending the corrupt teaching of men. They condemn themselves by their corrupt conscience.]
 
The word above rendered “conscience” is suneidesis, literally meaning a philosophical union with what you have learned (rationale) and thereby think you know (consciousness). Thayer’s Greek Lexicon gives the following as one of its meanings: “the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other.”
 
It is into this battle I have been called, knowing the One who called me, who trained and equipped me to win, in His name. This is His war, for which He has chosen me, in whom He has manifested His presence, “that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands.”
 
2 Timothy 2
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit you to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3 You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.
5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
6 The husbandman that labors must be first partaker of the fruits.
7 Consider what I say; and the LORD give you understanding in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself.
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the LORD that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as does a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; [The same opposition to the LORD joining His people; disguised in a false claim of love.]
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection [which comes by joining the LORD, His body rising with Him as He rises to life in us] is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The LORD knows them that are his. And, let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. [As we know, this is referring us to Numbers 16:5, it and the surround passage speaking the rebellious priesthood, who the LORD has called to come before Him, who answered saying “We will not come up…”]
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the LORD out of a pure heart.
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strife. [These men aren’t interested in learning, instead, they want to endlessly argue. Numbers 16 tells of the LORD ending the argument.]
24 And the servant of the LORD must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
 
2 Timothy 3
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres [as we know these are the priests of Egypt, who resisted Moses with lying signs and wonders] withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the LORD delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue you in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them;
15 And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
 
2 Timothy 4
1 I charge you therefore before God, and the LORD Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant [be ready for duty] in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.
 
Numbers 16
5 And he spoke unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he has chosen will he cause to come near unto him.
6 This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;
7 And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow: and it shall be that the man whom the LORD does choose, he shall be holy: you take too much upon you, you sons of Levi.
8 And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, you sons of Levi:
9 Seems it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?
10 And he has brought you near to him, and all your brethren the sons of Levi with you: and seek you the priesthood also?
11 For which cause both you and all your company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that you murmur against him?
12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up:
13 Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land that flows with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except you make yourself altogether a prince over us?
14 Moreover you have not brought us into a land that flows with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: will you put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up.
15 And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not you their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.
16 And Moses said unto Korah, Be you and all your company before the LORD, you, and they, and Aaron, to morrow:
17 And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring you before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; you also, and Aaron, each of you his censer.
18 And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron.
19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.
20 And the LORD spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
21 Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.
22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be wroth with all the congregation?
23 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying,
24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
25 And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him.
26 And he spoke unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins.
27 So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.
28 And Moses said, Hereby you shall know that the LORD has sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.
29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD has not sent me.
30 But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then you shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.
31 And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them:
32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.
33 They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.

The name Korah means depilate, which tells of a covering worn away over time, into becoming shiny. In the context of the name appearing above, it is also connected to the words qarab, meaning to approach; and qareh, an (unfortunate) occurrence, as in an accidental (ceremonial) disqualification. It is speaking of the priesthood that has disqualifies itself by what it has lost over time: all its original form, and now becoming smooth (pleasing men).
 
The mystery of the prophesies Paul speaks of is also spoken of in 1 Timothy 4:14, whereas in chapter 1 they are for warfare, here they are profiting that appears to all.
 
1 Timothy 4
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in you, which was given you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto yourself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this you shall both save yourself, and them that hear you.
 
The “presbytery” is the three times used Greek word persbuterion, meaning an order of elders. This appears to be referring to the order of Melchisedec; more specifically an order of elders, weaned from milk and understanding the deep meanings, the meat of our faith, who attended to the work of the king. 
 
This is ultimately referring us to the “ancient” of days spoken of by Daniel, from the three times used Chaldean word ‘attiyq used there, and the two times used identical Hebrew word. These words are from the Hebrew word ‘athaq, meaning to remove or grow old (as in Korah), and is specifically describing the “ancient things” transcribed: the word of God as it was received directly from Him, precept upon precept, line upon line.
 
Daniel 7
9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient [‘attiyq] of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. [See Revelation 7:9 thru 17]
 
In 1 Chronicles 4:22 ‘attiyq (Hebrew) is used in a seemingly meaningless passage that actually describes the way the LORD protects His word, which is one of the prophetic descriptions of the coming of Timothy. The passage begins in verses 9 & 10, where we are told of Jabez, his name meaning sorrow, which we are told in verse 9. 
 
The “sorrow” is described in the prior verses in proper names describing the family of Judah, his name, as we know, referring to the leaders of God’s people. It tells of the desolation that will come, and of when after this generational degeneration, comes Jabez: His name both telling of the sorrow at the occurrence and of the eventual remedy in the revelation of the “ancient things.” 
 
The name Jabez appears three times, in 1 Chronicles 4:9 & 10, and only one other time, in 1 Chronicles 2:55 where we are told it is the place the scribes (sons of Caleb – meaning dog) dwelt. “And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez; the Tirathites [men at the gate], the Shimeathites [report], and Suchathites [men in the bush] These are the Kenites [{antichrists} – smiths, whose work is to form men in their fires] that came of Hemath [springs of boiling waters], the father of the house of Rechab [riders – referring us to Jeremiah 35, which tells of the Rechabites as those who act as did Korah in {Numbers 16} refusing to come before the LORD, to hear His word and be taught by Him – also see Isaiah 28 below].”
 
1 Chronicles 4
9 And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
 
What follows in the chapter is another long series names and generations, ending in describing how God granted the request of Jabez, in keeping and protecting His word he scribed.

1 Chronicles 4
22 And Jokim [Jehovah will/has raised up], and the men of Chozeba [to reveal the falsehood these men have wrought], and Joash [{raising up} what he has given], and Saraph [to be burned in His all-consuming fire], who had the dominion in Moab [over the gates of hell], and Jashubilehem [by returning His bread] – the words that have proceeded from His mouth, by which only does man live]. And these are ancient [‘attiyq] things [dabar – meaning words and matters, as in God’s plan].
23 These were the potters [formed – planned], and those that dwelt among plants and hedges [these are things planted, to be raised from this protection at his time]: there they dwelt with the king for his work.
 
The word above rendered hedges is gderah, a word only appear nine other times, almost always telling of what is hidden, and revealed in the defeat of the enemies. It is telling of what these men have trusted in, the word of God they have handled deceitfully, which should have been for their benefit, the table they have set: now the snare in which they are caught.

Gderah is the word used in Psalms 89:40, where the throne of David, the rule of the LORD’s anointed, is said to have become desolate. Its desolation has come at the hand of those who’ve controlled it and did with it as they willed. It is the hedge they have broken down, which the LORD has come and raised again, These men are those who, as Korah and the Rechabites, refuse to come before the LORD and be corrected, by his teaching His knowledge [as in Isaiah 28]. 
 
As we have seen these men of Judah and Caleb, are the leaders who have become as dogs returned to their own vomit, as Peter described them 2 Peter 2.
 
2 Peter 2
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist [that rises from the earth] of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
 
Friends, we are those drawn from the breast, the milk that is only a superficial understanding, that has become fully corrupted; now when every table is full of vomit and no place is clean. It is from this place we have been quickened, our thinking accelerated and elevated, away from the darkness that hides this glorious gospel from the lost who remain in ignorance. “And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20


2 Corinthians 4 
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the LORD; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the LORD Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
 
The one other time ‘attiyq appears it is Isaiah 28:9, where the question is asked, “Whom shall he [The LORD] teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine?” the question is quickly answered, saying, “them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn [‘attiyq] from the breasts.” This teaching is the sure mercy the LORD God promised David; saying He would visit His children when they stray, even raising them from the dead to his throne.
 
Psalms 89
20 I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:
21 With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.
22 The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
23 And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.
24 But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
25 I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.
26 He shall cry unto me, You are my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.
27 Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
28 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.
29 His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.
30 If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;
31 If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;
32 Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.
33 Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.
34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
35 Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.
36 His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.
37 It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.
38 But you have cast off and abhorred, you have been wroth with your anointed.
39 You have made void the covenant of your servant: you have profaned his crown by casting it to the ground.
40 You have broken down all his hedges; you have brought his strong holds to ruin.
41 All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours.
42 You have set up the right hand of his adversaries; you have made all his enemies to rejoice.
43 You have also turned the edge of his sword, and have not made him to stand in the battle.
44 You have made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground.
45 The days of his youth have you shortened: you have covered him with shame. Selah.
46 How long, LORD? will you hide yourself for ever? shall your wrath burn like fire?
47 Remember how short my time is: wherefore have you made all men in vain?
48 What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.
49 LORD, where are your former lovingkindnesses, which you swarest unto David in your truth?
50 Remember, LORD, the reproach of your servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people;
51 Wherewith your enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of your anointed.
52 Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.

The gderah (hedge) is mentioned in Ezekiel 42:12 as the “wall toward the east.” The verse is describing the head of the way, directly before the wall, the hedge blocking the One entering. We are told, in the chapter’s last verse, it is what separates between the sanctuary and the profane place. What follows, after this assessment and separation, is the glory (presence) of the LORD God, entering the city, as a sunrise seen coming through the east gate.
 
Ezekiel 43
1 Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east:
2 And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.
3 And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar [where the wheel within the wheel was seen – the pattern of events seen, understood, and recorded, to be carried forward, to give understanding when the pattern is seen in the future]; and I fell upon my face.
4 And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east [as the sun rising, giving light, understanding, that brings the new day].
5 So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house [his family].
6 And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me.
7 And he said unto me, Son of man [I Am], the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcasses of their kings in their high places.
8 In their setting of their threshold by my thresholds, and their post by my posts, and the wall between me and them, they have even defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed: wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger.
9 Now let them put away their whoredom, and the carcasses of their kings, far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever.
10 You son of man, show the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern.
 
Isaiah 28
13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.
15 Because your have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
16 Therefore thus says the LORD God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste [shall not be disappointed and ashamed].
17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet [to measure, evaluate, as in Ezekiel 42, spoken of above]: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters [this word] shall overflow the hiding place.
18 And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.
19 From the time that it goes forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report.