Tag Archives: Bible

Sep 6 2013

Psalm 115 – To Your Name Give Glory

Jesus giving the Farewell discourse to his ele...

Jesus giving the Farewell discourse to his eleven remaining disciples, from the Maesta by Duccio, 1308-1311. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Psalm 115 is the third song in what is known as the “Hallel” – sometimes today called “Hallelujah Psalms.” They were sung traditionally at the end of the Passover celebration, and other feasts and occasions. It is considered likely that one or more of these were also the hymns sung by Jesus and his disciples on the night of the Last Supper (Matthew 26:29-35, Mark 14:26).

As a song of praise, it has roughly four parts. Verses 1-3 are both praise and a plea to God for his help. Verses 4-8 continue that praise as God is exalted and contrasted with the useless idols of pagans. Verses 9-13 call for God’s people to trust in the Lord as their defender. Verses 14-18 call upon God to bless His people, praising Him and professing everlasting love.

The psalmist glorifies the Lord as the Creator of all things, and who will bless the house of Israel and the house of Aaron – metaphors for all of God’s people, as well as His consecrated. Beautiful, encouraging poetry, a sample of which follows from verses 15-16:

May you be blessed by the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!
The heavens are the Lord’s heavens,
but the earth he has given to the children of man.

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

/Bob’s boy
___________________
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.

“Understanding the Cross of Christ”
is now available as an eBook by Bob’s Boy’s Publications (free in Kobo format). Details here.

Sep 5 2013

Job 30 – My Soul Is Poured Out Within Me

In the previous chapter, Job recounted the days before his tragedies when he not only was respected, but had the ability to help those in need.  Chapter 30, on the other hand, begins with “but now…,” as he enumerates many of the ways his life has changed for the worse.

Job's Evil Dreams (illustration)

Job’s Evil Dreams (illustration) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Now the losses that Job refers to involve his relationship with God, as well as the relationships he longs to have back with his fellow-man. Once again, Job’s character shines through his suffering and his mourning. Indeed, verses 9 and 16 begin recounting more of these reversals in fortune with “and now…” and “but now,” with verses 16-17 demonstrating some of the chapter’s most poetic, if pathetic, verses:

“And now my soul is poured out within me;
days of affliction have taken hold of me.
The night racks my bones,
and the pain that gnaws me takes no rest”

Verses 1-9 describe the lot of those who refused to work and were too proud too beg. This left them scrounging in the desert for sustenance, shunned by society. Even these looked at Job in disdain. But verse 24 demonstrates his deepest despair, as Job mourns his perceived loss of relationship with God: “Yet does not one in a heap of ruins stretch out his hand, and in his disaster cry for help?”  Job retains his love for God, though he believes that the Lord has abandoned him.

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

/Bob’s boy
___________________
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.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Sep 4 2013

Psalm 88 – My Soul Is Full of Troubles

1894 sculpture by William Wetmore Story - Angel of Grief

1894 sculpture by William Wetmore Story – Angel of Grief

As one of the lament psalms, this one is truly written by one whose condition is most pitiable. In a vote for the saddest psalm of the book, Psalm 88 could easily win. Opinions vary as to the origin of the psalm. Some believe it was written by one of the exiles to Babylon during the worst of his times. Others have postulated that it is the song of a dying leper. I read a first-hand account of a visit to a leper colony that occurred over 50 years ago, and I shall spare you the details of that account. Suffice to say that I find it very plausible that such indeed could be the source of the psalm.

One thing to note is that although the psalm begins and ends with the deepest despair and no real hope that things will get any better, the cries made by the psalmist to the Lord are accompanied by faith nevertheless. And the psalmist makes it clear that he will continue in his faith to the bitter end, fully expecting to begin each new day with his prayers to the Lord.

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” So why is this psalm in the Bible? What teaching or training could such bleak words hold for us today? I believe Derek Kidner offers as good an explanation as I have heard (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Book 16),IVP Academic; Reprint edition (April 17, 2009)). Burton Coffman aptly summarizes Kidner’s words (which I will leave you with) as follows:

“(1) This psalm reveals the truth that Christians may sometimes be subjected to the most unrelenting and terrible misfortunes in passing through this earthly life. It happened to Job; it happened to this psalmist; and it can happen to any child of God.

What a joyful thing it is that… the Christian today has the advantage of the blessed hope of the resurrection ‘in Christ’ and the hope of eternal glory in heaven.

(2) There is the lesson of this psalm that no matter how discouraging and terrible one’s lot in life may be, he should not fail to lay the matter before the Lord in prayer. God always answers the prayers of his saints, even if their specific requests must be denied, as in the case of Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh.’

(3) Our lives upon earth are only a moment compared to the ceaseless ages of eternity; and our attitude during the very worst of experiences should be the same as that of Job, who cried, ‘Though he slay me, yet will I trust him’ (Job 13:15)”

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

/Bob’s boy
___________________
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.  

Sep 3 2013

Proverbs 17 – Laugh More!

OK, so we know that Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:11-12).  So we should not be surprised when something he wrote (or any other scripture, for that matter) is validated by secular science, as is the case with verse 22 of this chapter (“a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones”).

English: Watching a comedic television show he...

English: Watching a comedic television show helps provoke laughter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As far back as I can remember, my mother was a subscriber to “Reader’s Digest,” and one of my favorite parts was a joke section called “Laughter the Best Medicine.” That saying was always accepted as a general home-spun truism by most people – one of those things that “everybody knows.” But according to the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-relief/SR00034), laughter not only relieves stress, it has positive effects on your physical health in many ways.

According to this staff article, laughter “…enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.” Other benefits include relieving one’s stress response, stimulating circulation and relaxing muscles, improving the immune system, relieving pain, and lessening depression and anxiety, I can vouch for those last two, as I have noticed the positive effects on my anxiety caused by even a single genuine laugh.

The trouble is, when we most need it the most, we often do not feel like laughing. But we should not just toss the thought aside. Next time these troubles threaten to engulf us, let’s try seeking out laughter in some way – whether it is a comedy on TV, a funny movie, a favorite companion, or even simple things like reading jokes somewhere. Give laughter a try – it’s Biblical!

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

/Bob’s boy
___________________
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.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Sep 2 2013

Psalm 117, 124 – If Not For the Lord

storm_002Both of these psalms are short hymns of great praise. Psalm 117 is the next to the last in what as known as the “Hallel” (Psalms 113-118) praising God and calling for all nations to do so (“For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!”). The word “us” applies to people of all nations, and Paul quotes this passage when speaking to Jews and Gentiles in Romans 15:10-11.

Psalm 124 is one of the fifteen “Psalms of Acsents” (see this previous post for a brief explanation). This particular psalm is one of praise to God for deliverance. Here, the analogies are made to escaping from death by drowning (verses 4-5), and then as a bird escaping from a predator or a trap (verses 6-7). It is a reminder to those of the singing congregation of the grace, mercy, and power of the Lord:

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—
let Israel now say—
if it had not been the Lord who was on our side
when people rose up against us,
then they would have swallowed us up alive,

God does not always answer our prayers the way we would like for Him to. Sometimes, the answer is no. Sometimes, it may even be “not yet” or “I have something else in mind.” Sometimes, that “something else” becomes clear to us later as the better thing to have happened. But sometimes, we come to Him in great distress, and He answers “yes.” When the dust settles after such a situation, do we give Him the praise and the glory? Or do we just move on as if the “luck of the draw” was simply on our side?

Verse 8 is a reminder that it is from God whom all blessings flow:

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth

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

/Bob’s boy
___________________
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.  

Sep 1 2013

Book of Ezra – Rebuilding the Temple

English: The Jews Return to Jerusalem in the T...

English: The Jews Return to Jerusalem in the Time of Cyrus; as in Ezra 1:1-11; illustration from a Bible card published by the Providence Lithograph Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Book of Ezra is one of the books of the Old Testament that is generally classified as one of the books of history. The book is only 10 chapters long; and the first 6 chapters are written about events that occurred before Ezra came on the scene, beginning in 539 B.C. (Ezra did not arrive until 458 B.C.). Although Ezra 7:27 – 9:15 is written in the first person, indicating that Ezra wrote them, the first six chapters (as well as chapter 10) are written in the third person, leaving open the possibility of a different author for those chapters.

Ezra 7:27 – 9:15 is often called the Ezra Memoir. It hardly matters, but the reader should keep in mind the possibility that Ezra wrote that portion in that voice to differentiate the time periods, pointing out that the first six chapters predated him. Chapter 10 is largely a historical record. It documented those who had “broken faith,” taking foreign wives and having children with them. It is thought by some that the author of Ezra wrote the book of Nehemiah. Early rabbinical writings indicate that the two books were counted together as one book. Ezra’s arrival in 458 B.C., over 80 years after the book began, preceded the arrival of Nehemiah (445 B.C.) by 13 years.

English: Ezra Reads the Law to the People (Neh...

English: Ezra Reads the Law to the People (Neh. 8:1-12) Русский: Священник Ездра читает народу Закон (Неем. 8:1-12) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As the first verse of the book tells us, “that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled,” the book begins with the time of captivity coming to an end. Ezra begins the story of the small remnant of Jews that returned to their ravaged land, including the building and dedication of the second temple . Ezra 2:64, following a more detailed account, tells us that their number “together was 42,360, 65 besides their male and female servants, of whom there were 7,337, and they had 200 male and female singers. Their horses were 736, their mules were 245, their camels were 435, and their donkeys were 6,720.” The book tells of the remnant’s struggle to regain and retain their identity as a chosen people.

For more information on the Proclamation of Cyrus and a link to the archaeological artifact known as the Cyrus Cylinder, which was found in the ruins of Babylon in 1879, see this previous post.

Key Events

  • Cyrus king of Persia captures Babylon     (539 B.C.)     Dan. 5:30–31
  • King Cyrus issues a decree freeing Jewish exiles to return     (538–537 B.C.)     Ezra 1–2
    • The remnant of Jewish exiles, led by Sheshbazzar, return  Jerusalem     (~537 B.C.)     Ezra 1:11
  • The rebuilding of the altar     (537 B.C.)      Ezra 3:1–2
  • The remnant rebuilds the Temple at its original location      (536 B.C. – 516 B. C.)     Ezra 3:8–6:22
    • Opposition and conspiracies against rebuilding / rebuilding ceases      (530-5B.C.)      Ezra 4:24
    • Rebuilding resumes (2nd year of the reign of Darius)     (520 B.C.)     Ezra 5:2; Hag. 1:14
    • Construction completed      (516 B.C.)       Ezra 6:15
  • Ezra the Priest leaves Babylon and comes to Jerusalem to teach the people and establish Mosaic Law (arrives in the 7th year of the reign of Artaxerxes)    (Ezra 7–8)
    • King Artaxerxes gives Ezra the authority to establish the law of Moses     Ezra 7
    • Ezra sets out for Jerusalem with more remnants, bringing royal gifts for the temple      Ezra 8
  • Ezra confronts the issue of Intermarriage / marriage to idolaters      Ezra 9–10
    • The people agree to dissolve the marriages      Ezra 10:1–17
    • Assembly of men from Judah and Benjamin in Jerusalem      (458 B.C.)      Ezra 10:9
    • Investigation  lasts 3 months   (458–457 B.C.)     Ezra 10:16–17
    • The guilty are documented      Ezra 10:18–44
/Bob’s boy
___________________
image © 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.  

Aug 30 2013

Psalm 114 – The Sea Looked and Fled

mountains_005This short psalm is one of the “Hallel” Psalms (Psalms 113-118) – this one being the second hymn that was sung at the beginning of different feasts. There are some who believe that this psalm was written at the time of the return of the captives from Babylon, as encouragement for those that were returning from such a state, only to find circumstances to be very difficult at “home.”

Verses 1-5 obviously refer to the deliverance of the people out of bondage in Egypt, referencing the parting of the Red Sea and the crossing of the Jordan. What follows is some metaphorical poetry about God’s command over all of the earth – even to make the mountains move, and causes the earth to tremble.  If such a God is caring for His people, what do they have to fear?

Verses 7b and 8 (“…the presence of the God of Jacob,who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water”) likely refer to God bringing forth water from the rocks in Numbers 20:11 and Deuteronomy 8:15.

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

/Bob’s boy
___________________
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.  

Aug 29 2013

Job 29 – A King Among His Troops

Grove of olive trees at Bethany

Grove of olive trees at Bethany

Chapter’s 29-31 make up Job’s last speeches. In this one, Job remembers how happy he was before all of these troubles began. He looks back longingly to those days, believing that God was with him then – and that such is no longer the case (verses 2-5). In verse 6, he remembers “when my steps were washed with butter, and the rock poured out for me streams of oil.” This is likely a reference to his great wealth, which included much cattle and olive groves.

Job fondly remembers that he had his own place at the city gate (always the gathering place for the important men of a city in those days). He was respected and deferred to by the young men as well as the old – and even the nobles and princes (verses 7-10). His thoughts and opinions were valued, and many sought his counsel. He then spends some time remembering how he helped the poor, the orphans, the lame, and those who were oppressed by the unrighteous.

As he speaks of all of these things, he does not do so in a manner that is boastful or vain. And he does not long for such times simply because he longs for the respect of his station in life. Job was happy in those time because of the good that he was able to do to others. We were made to serve to serve God, and to serve our fellow-man. Of the things that he has lost, being deprived of his health and his wealth, as well as being held in disdain and shunned by others has cost him something much more dear. Job has been deprived of his ability to serve, and he knows what many of us never learn. We are happiest when we serve others.

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

/Bob’s boy
___________________
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.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Aug 28 2013

Psalm 86 – Gladden the Soul of Your Servant

David hid in one of the many caves such as this near Adullam, a city 13 miles southwest of Bethlehem (1 Samuel 22: 1-12). David was in this area when three of his mighty men risked their lives to get him a drink of water from Bethlehem (2 Samuel 23: 13-17).

David hid in one of the many caves such as this near Adullam, a city 13 miles southwest of Bethlehem (1 Samuel 22: 1-12). David was in this area when three of his mighty men risked their lives to get him a drink of water from Bethlehem (2 Samuel 23: 13-17).

Psalm 86 is one of the lament psalms written by David. It is not clear whether verse 14’s “a band of ruthless men” that seek his life are Saul’s men or from the time that he had to flee Jerusalem because of Absalom’s conspiracy (2 Samuel 15-17). David’s prayer to God is for the preservation of his life, as well as the comfort of God’s care, and the lifting of his spirits in a time of unimaginable adversity.

Be gracious to me, O Lord,
for to you do I cry all the day.
Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul

The entire chapter models prayer today for God’s people when they are weary or oppressed, saddened, anxious, or depressed, And it is full of praise to God for His mercy and graciousness, steadfast love, and faithfulness (verses 5, 10, 13, and 15). David glorifies the name of God, while presenting his petitions, and thanking Him for His care. And he expresses his trust in God to do what will be best for him (verses 10 and 13).

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Turn to me and be gracious to me;
give your strength to your servant,
and save the son of your maidservant

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

/Bob’s boy
___________________
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.  

Aug 27 2013

Proverbs 16 – Steadfast Love and Faithfulness

Albert Barnes commented on the first seven verses of chapter 16, saying that they “have, more than any other group, an especially religious character impressed upon them. The name of Yahweh as Giver, Guide, Ruler, or Judge, meets us in each of them” (Barnes, Albert. “Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament” Kregel Classics; 8th edition (June 30, 1962). And verses 5, 6, and 7, which we will examine here, do indeed refer to God as Ruler, Judge, and as Guide.

Isaac refuses to fight the Philistines for his wells -- Genesis 26:17-33

Isaac refuses to fight the Philistines for his wells — Genesis 26:17-33

In verse 6, Solomon tells us that “by steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.” One must understand that the first clause does not refer to the actions of man. The atonement by sacrifice that is referred to here (just like forgiveness of our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ) comes by the grace of God’s steadfast love for us, and His faithfulness to his promises.

Verse seven points out the truth that “when a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” This does not mean that the righteous will never be harmed by their enemies. But in general, living life according to God’s commands presents a different view to the world, and inspires trust and respect. A good example of this is given to us in Genesis 26:26-28, where Abimelech makes such a covenant Isaac.

Verse 5 states that “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.” In fact, this very sin is the first in the list given of things that God hates in Proverbs 6:16-19.  This is just one of many examples of consistency in God’s word that exists in detail that is so great and widespread in such a long book. That is just one of many facts that reinforce the Christian’s faith in the Bible as the word of God. Obviously, that is the way God intended it!

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

/Bob’s boy
___________________
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.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.