Nov 20 2013

Psalm 106:1-23 – The Mighty Deeds of the Lord

Psalm 106 is the last psalm in Book 4 of the psalms, and is recited on the second day of passover in some traditions. It is one of about twenty psalms that are classified as “historical psalms.” It is also included often with the “Hallelujah Psalms,” as it begins and ends with “Praise the Lord!” We will look today at the first 23 verses.

Pharoah’s army swallowed up.

Verses 1-6 begin with words of praise for God, blessings for the righteous, a plea for God to look in favor upon the psalmist when the people of Israel return to his favor, and finally in verse 6, an admission of the sins of the people currently. This is followed by a recounting of the good things God has done for them and their fathers, and the repeated sins by Israel against God.

Verses 7-12 refer to the parting of the Red Sea and more of God’s miracles and saving grace, which were repaid by the rebellion of the people against Him (Exodus 14). Verses 13-14 recount how Israel put the Lord to the test in the desert (Numbers 14). The “wasting disease” referred to in verse 15 is from Numbers 11:33-35. In verses 16-18, the jealousy against Moses and Aaron and the resulting fire and the earth opening and swallowing them up come from Numbers 16:31-35.

Verses 19-23 conclude this section with the telling of the betrayal by the people in the Golden Calf incident of Exodus 32, and the fact that they were saved from God’s wrath over this only because of the intercession of Moses, for He surely was ready to destroy them and start all over with Moses.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog. All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility. When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.

Nov 19 2013

Proverbs 27 – Who Can Stand?

Proverbs 27:4:

Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
but who can stand before jealousy?

King Saul grew insanely jealous of David because of David’s success and the praise people heaped upon him. Before long, Saul made plans to murder David. Eventually Saul’s daughter Michal, who was also David’s wife, helped David escape (1 Samuel 19).

The sin of wrath is certainly cruel, and anger can absolutely overwhelm us and those we love; and the Bible warns us about it in many passages. We are aware that sin is sin, and that none is less evil than another in God’s sight. But this verse suggests that jealousy may be the most overwhelming of all. Many other verses also give plenty of warning about the sin of jealousy (for example, Galatians 5:19-21). Proverbs 6:34 warns that jealousy provokes anger to the point of rage. Anyone who has experienced it personally, or witnessed it in someone else has seen that this is certainly the case. It is a failing that the Christian must control in himself or herself.

Verse 7 says:

One who is full loathes honey,
but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet

Certainly not all, but some of those who have abundance in the way of wealth and earthly possessions have little or no appreciation for some of the things in life that those who have little would delight in. By the same token, many of us who were “raised in the church” run the risk of taking for granted the blessings that being a Christian bring to our lives, while there is a world full of those who would greedily drink from that cup, if they only knew. It is our job to offer that knowledge at all times.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Nov 18 2013

Psalm 53 – Not Even One

English: The Geneva Bible (1560): God’s name Iehouah (in older Latin transcription form), that is Jehovah. Greek/Ελληνικά: Η μεταγραφή Ιεχουά (Ιεχωβά) στο εδάφιο Ψαλμός 83:18, από την Βίβλο της Γενεύης (Geneva Bible) του 1560. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Psalm 53 is nearly identical to Psalm 14 (see this previous post). The biggest difference appears to be that verse 5 in this psalm is a combination of verses 5-6 of Psalm 14. But there are subtle differences, which some explain as Psalm 53 being adapted for different occasion – and the word “”Elohiym” (God) is used in this psalm instead of Jehovah (YHWH) in the former. Both begin with the familiar phrase, “the fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”

Both of these short hymns express grief that man does not in general seek the Lord, and that God’s people are often persecuted by those who do not believe. As verse 3 states:

They have all fallen away;
together they have become corrupt;
there is none who does good,
not even one.

Paul revisits this sentiment in another light in Romans 3:10-12:

“None is righteous, no, not one;
no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Nov 17 2013

Micah of Moresheth-Gath

Often, when the Bible talks about or introduces a prophet or someone else of importance, it does so by referring to their lineage – usually their father (Isaiah “the son of Amoz,” Jonah “son of Amittai,” James and John “sons of Zebedee”). But Micah is introduced as Micah “of Moresheth” (verse 1), otherwise known as Moresheth-gath (verse 14). Moresheth-Gath was a town in Judah’s Shephela – a lowland region in south-central Israel. It was captured by Sennacherib in 701 B.C.

A mound, or tell, of Maresha, one suggested site of Micah’s hometown Moresheth.

Verse one lists the kings of Judah during Micah’s time (Jotham 750 – 735 B.C., Ahaz 735 – 715 B.C., and Hezekiah 715 – 687 B.C.). This means that he was around roughly at the same time as Isaiah and Hosea. But since Uzziah (767 – 739 B.C.) is not listed, we can be fairly certain that he prophesied during the latter half of that century. He was from the southern kingdom, but prophesied to both the northern kingdom (Samaria here) and the southern kingdom. The message was of the same problems some of the other prophets spoke about – idolatry, of course, and social injustice (the rich oppressing the poor usually).

Assyria’s power was ever-increasing, but Israel was not economically affected during the first half of the eighth century. In fact, a wealthy upper class became increasingly prevalent. And along with them came more idolatry and more oppression of the poor. Then comes Ahaz, who was nothing more than a puppet for Assyria, followed by heavy taxes by the state of Assyria, which led to even more oppression of the poor. Micah’s message was that doom was coming. But he did offer hope in that there would ultimately be a restoration. He would have been there for the saving of Jerusalem from the Assyrians under Hezekiah (2 Kings 18-19), as well as for the ultimate defeat by the empire

In chapter 5, Micah brings the prophecy of a ruler to be born in Bethlehem – a town nobody would have considered important. Micah 5:2 is cited in Matthew 2:6 and John 7:42. The abiding theme of the book is of judgment and of salvation (compare chapter 2 with chapter 5). It is about a God who keeps His promises – even those that say He will bring destruction on the wicked if they do not repent. And it is about a God who is both a king and a shepherd, and will forgive and restore a remnant. But that king will exercise vengeance on the nations that do not obey (Micah 5:1-15).

/Bob’s boy

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image © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Nov 15 2013

Psalm 78:1-24 – Give Ear, O My People

English: Solomon and the Plan for the Temple, as in 1 Kings 6, illustration from a Bible card published by the Providence Lithograph Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today, we read the first 24 verses of this comparatively lengthy historical psalm, which according to the superscription was one of about a dozen written by Asaph – one of the singers at Solomon’s dedication of the temple (2 Chronicles 5:7-14). Verses 2-3 are somewhat familiar to Christians today, as Jesus referred to it in Matthew 13:35:

I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
that our fathers have told us

Parables and “dark sayings” (somewhat the kin of riddles) were used by great teachers to impart wisdom, while challenging and exercising the imagination more than to entertain. Obviously, as any good teacher knows, the more thought the student has to put into the lesson, the more that student will learn. One has to be interested in learning the subject in order to benefit – which is one reason Jesus used them.

Verses 5-8 speak of the covenant with Jacob and the tradition of fathers teaching their children about the covenant, the law, and the wondrous things that God has done for them. Verses 9-16 continue with the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and God’s providing of water from the rocks to an ungrateful and unfaithful people (Numbers 20:5-9). Verses 17-20 tell of their rebellion in the desert and how they tested the Lord (Numbers 20:2-4). Verses 21-24 recount how, though God’s anger was kindled against these people who did not trust Him despite all He had done, He still provided food for them in the form of manna from heaven (Exodus 16).

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Nov 14 2013

Job 38:22-41 – The Lord Answering Job

In this second half of Job 38, God is continuing His answer to Job. Let us begin by addressing the criticism by skeptics of scientific inaccuracies. One should keep in mind that though such is not the purpose of this book, it has demonstrated several examples of scientific knowledge beyond the times when it was written. Take, for example, the understanding of the hydrological cycle demonstrated in Job 26:8 and 36:27-28.

But when reading the Book of Job – even this chapter- it is good to remember two things. First, like all Scripture, this is the inspired word of God poured out by the Spirit. Secondly, just like the other chapters of the book, it is very poetic, and it should be taken as it was written. For example, one would therefore not take a literal meaning from such things as the “storehouses of the snow”and the “storehouses of the hail” in verse 22, or the places “where light is distributed” and “the east wind is scattered” in verse 23. God is simply communicating to Job, in terms he can understand, that there is more going on with creation and how “all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17) than what is seen in the world by man.

That is the point of this chapter, and it is driven home in the last three verses, where God points out His care for every living creature that is, after all, His creation:

“Can you hunt the prey for the lion,
or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
when they crouch in their dens
or lie in wait in their thicket?

Who provides for the raven its prey,
when its young ones cry to God for help,
and wander about for lack of food?”

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Nov 13 2013

Psalm 89:27-52 – Will You Hide Yourself Forever?

In this second half of Psalm 89, it quickly becomes apparent that it must indeed have been written after the exile and the capture and deportation of king Jehoiachin. Where we pick up verse 27, the psalmist is still writing a rather long section that is quoting God – His promise and covenant with David (2 Samuel 7), as well as His warning to Solomon of what will happen if David’s heirs stray from Him (1 Kings 9).

The Anointing of Solomon by Cornelis de Vos. According to 1 Kings 1:39, Solomon was anointed by Zadok. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The psalmist is “reminding” the Lord of His promises, yet he acknowledges that the heirs to David’s throne did exactly what the Lord warned against. Still, he seems to be faltering in his confidence that God is going to keep His covenant with David alive now. Verses 38-45 in particular accentuate that sentiment, and verse 39 specifically says so, saying “You have renounced the covenant with your servant; you have defiled his crown in the dust.” The latter part of that verse obviously refers to Jehoiachin’s fate.

Verse 46 is where the psalmist specifically acknowledges that the things that have happened are a result of God’s wrath against His unfaithful people: “How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire?” Verses 50-51 do indeed suggest a time before the Lord dealt with the Edomites and the others who betrayed Israel, as it speaks of all of the nations that now mock them.

In verse 49, the psalmist questions the Lord earnestly about when the end of His anger will come: “Lord, where is your steadfast love of old, which by your faithfulness you swore to David?” He ends his prayer with “Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.”

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Nov 12 2013

Proverbs 26 – Deceit In His Heart

Proverbs 26:24-26:

Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips
and harbors deceit in his heart;
when he speaks graciously, believe him not,
for there are seven abominations in his heart;
though his hatred be covered with deception,
his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly

We are sometimes in the company of those whose outward appearance is deceptive because they are capable of pretending to want to serve God. The reference to seven abominations just means that his heart is full of abomination. Those who harbor darkness hate the light (John 3:19-20), and the truth eventually will come out because his actions will betray him in time. For being “exposed,” look to Proverbs 10:9: “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”

Continuing on the subject of liars, we look now at the previous verse, verse 23:

Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel
are fervent lips with an evil heart

The Masoretic for this verse uses the words “silver of dross” where the ESV has adapted “glaze.” It is said that this waste product was (and indeed, still is) used to make a glaze that improves the look of cheap pottery. The inference here is that the valueless covering that makes the earthen vessel look good is like the earnest-sounding speech of one with an evil heart – it also has no value.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Nov 11 2013

Psalm 122 – A City Bound Firmly

English: picture of Jerusalem from mount zion (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is the third of the 15 “Songs of Ascents” (see this previous post for more information). The superscription says that it is “of David.” It is a song of joy at the privilege of making a pilgrimage to Zion, God’s chosen city. It resonates as well for Christians as we make our pilgrimage to the heavenly Jerusalem as stated in Hebrews 12:22-24:

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Nov 10 2013

Saving Nineveh – The Book of Jonah

God told Jonah to go to Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Many of Jonah’s countrymen had experienced the atrocities of these fierce people. The last place Jonah wanted to go was on a missionary trip to Nineveh! So he went in the opposite direction. He boarded a ship in Joppa that was headed for Tarshish. But Jonah could not run from God.

Jonah was a prophet during the reign of Jeraboam II around 750 B.C. According to 2 Kings 14 23-28, he was the son of Amittai, hailing from Gath-hepher. Gath-hepher (meaning “winepress of the well”) was on Zebulun’s border in ancient Israel. The Book of Jonah has been the subject of some debate and there are those who consider it allegory. But such is not the case. Jesus certainly spoke of the events of the book as historical fact; and Jonah’s adventure is mentioned in Matthew 12:38-41, 16:4, Luke 11:29-32, among other passages.

As for the most famous part of the book, many are quick to point out that the Bible does not say that it was a whale that swallowed Jonah. God in fact, it says, appointed “a great fish” for the deed. The truth is that the taxonomies we use today for classifying such creatures did not exist in their present form, so the distinction between fish and mammals is purely academic and relevant only today. True enough, a creature other than a whale could have been responsible (one such suggestion is a “Sea Dog”). And there have been reports in the past of people surviving after having been swallowed and regurgitated by such. One such incident was reported in “The Boston Post-Boy, October 14, 1771” about a man named Marshall Jenkins (see this article on Christian Evidences) It hardly matters. In any event, it was a miraculous feat completely orchestrated by God for a specific purpose – just as that of the worm (Jonah 4:7).

But this miraculous event aside, the most important aspects of the Book of Jonah lay elsewhere. The Book of Jonah shows us God’s boundless compassion in multiple ways. Any time the early Christians of the first century began to question whether Gentiles were to be part of God’s plan of salvation, they needed only to look at this book. God sent Jonah to give His message to the Ninevites to give them the chance to repent. They were not part of Israel by any stretch of the imagination. But God cared about them, just as He tried to teach Jonah in Jonah 4:1-10. In God’s eyes, everyone is worth saving.

Jonah sat under a goard vine, waiting and hoping for God to destroy Nineveh. But God taught him an important lesson about forgiveness through the vine (Jonah 3-4).

Jonah’s attempted flight from God shows us a couple of things. First, and most obviously, we cannot hide anything from our Creator. Even the “smallest” of our deeds is known to Him. Secondly, as is shown repeatedly in scripture, when God wants something done, it gets done. He sent His only son to sacrifice His life for us, and establish His kingdom. The misunderstanding some have that Jesus somehow failed at that the first time, but will try again later, is ridiculous.

Finally, Jonah’s attitude and God’s reaction in chapter 4 should give us pause to think about our own compassion for our fellow man. How often do we view others with disdain or even contempt? How concerned are we really about salvation for those outside God’s kingdom? Have we truly committed ourselves to Christ if we are not willing – yes and even eager – to help others to work out their salvation?

Though only 4 chapters, the Book of Jonah is a powerful and important book of prophecy and teaching. Do yourself a favor and read these 47 verses if you have not done so in a while – and do so with these things in mind. It will enrich you in your walk with the Lord.