Jun 5 2013

Psalms 74 – Arise O God, Defend Your Cause

It is hard to imagine that this lament psalm could have been written about anything other than the fall of Jerusalem. In fact, Burton Coffman’s assessment (Coffman, James Burton. “Commentary on Psalms 74”, “Coffman Commentaries on the Old and New Testament”) was that it must have been one of three occasions. The first possibility is of course the 587 BC destruction of the Temple and the city by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24). The second seems much less likely – the 351 BC suppression of a Jewish uprising by Persian King Artaxerxes. Although the third possibility seems a bit more credible – the profaning of the Temple by Antiochus Epiphanes in 167 B.C – the first seems to fit much better (verse 7 notwithstanding).

Though the superscription assigns this psalm to Asaph, in actuality it would be the “sons” (descendants) of Asaph that were responsible; and the likelihood that it is a prophetic psalm seems quite high. The psalmist appears to obviously see the destruction to come, yet pleads for hope that it may not all come to pass. He asks God to remember the covenant and Mount Zion; and to “redeem the tribe” of His heritage.

This moving psalm is very appropriate for any community lament, as the psalmist combines fervor for God’s justice and vengeance against those who scoff, with praise for His power, might, and sovereignty:

Yet God my King is from of old,
working salvation in the midst of the earth…
Yours is the day, yours also the night;
you have established the heavenly lights and the sun.
You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth;
you have made summer and winter.

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. For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Jun 4 2013

Proverbs 30 – Lest He Rebuke You

Chapter 30 begins another section of the book of Proverbs, actually ending the format that began in chapter 10. The superscription says that these are “the words of Agur son of Jakeh.” Some believe this may be a nickname for Solomon, but that seems unlikely, as the writing style is completely dissimilar. There is nothing else in the scriptures that mentions this Agur. The claim by this writer that he is stupid is surely not true. The wisest thing that this blogger notes in his writing is from verses 5-6:

Every word of God proves true;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Do not add to his words,
lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

All of the word of God is important without question. But when word tells us essentially the same thing more than once in different Scriptures, it behooves us to take notice that it must be singularly important. Deuteronomy 4:2 says “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.” Deuteronomy 12:32: “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.” The warning becomes much stronger in Revelation 22:18-19, and the consequences are spelled out in no uncertain terms.

No matter what the intentions, people have often found themselves in precarious positions by trying to “help God out.” That goes for trying to so by our actions (as Abraham did by going into Hagar in an effort to fulfill God’s promise of offspring. And it can be justifiably applied to the interpretation of Scriptures. God’s word tells us plainly that God created the heavens and the earth by speaking it into existence (Genesis 1, Psalm 33:9, Romans 4:17). Yet some people, because of either their weakness of faith in God and His divine word, and/or a desire to please men in their vanity about their own wisdom feel the need to suggest that God needed to use evolution to achieve His purpose.

Since the beginning, man has never gone wrong by putting his faith in the unchanging word of God, and that time-tested truth can always be counted on.

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

Jun 3 2013

Psalm 119-161-168, Psalm 81 – If You Would But Listen

This stanza of Psalm 119 begins each verse with the 21st letter of the Aleph-Bet, “Shin” (also sin). In the middle of the psalmist’s praise to God here, despite the persecution he endures, he proclaims his innocence while stating to God that “all my ways are before you. These should not be taken a the words of one who thinks himself without sin, but one with a clean conscience.

Psalm 81 is thought to be related to one of the times of feast, possibly the Feast of Tabernacles, but its lament is suitable for any time and could apply just as well to the times in the cycle of the Judges, Babylonian captivity, or even in anticipation of the destruction of Jerusalem – “O Israel, if you would but listen to me!”

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

Jun 2 2013

Book of Numbers (Part 2) – Spies and Rebellion

The Book of Numbers gives us more details and fills in other information in Leviticus and the other Books of the Law. The key events for chapter 1:11 through chapter 19 are as follows:

Israel sets out from Sinai to Kadesh

The Gershonites and Merarites carry the Tabernacle – Numbers 10:17
The Kohathites carry the holy things – Numbers 10:21
The glory of the Lord was over them – Numbers 10:34
The people complained – God angered at their ingratitude and irreverence, fire at Taberah and plague at Kibroth-hattaavah – Numbers 11

Miriam and Aaron Speak Against Moses

The Lord in His anger turns Miriam leprous – Numbers 12:10
Moses intercedes and pleas on her behalf – Numbers 12:13-15

Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan to see what it was like. Ten gave a bad report of the danger, while Joshua and Caleb gave a good report. (Numbers 13).

Spies Sent Out to Canaan

From the Wilderness of Zin to Rehob – Numbers 13:17-24
Spies bring report to congregation (Caleb urges them to go and occupy) – Numbers 13:25-33
The people rebel – Numbers 14:1-4
God’s anger kindled – Moses intercedes – Numbers 14:11-19
God’s response – none living will see land – Numbers 14:26-35
Death of the faithless spies (Caleb and Joshua alone spared) Numbers 14:36-38
Faithless attempt at conquest – obedience too late, ends in defeat Numbers 14:39-45

Law-giving at Kadesh – (Numbers 15)

Rebellion of rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram

Death of the Kohathite supporters of Korah – Numbers 16:16–19, Numbers 16:35–40
Death of the leaders of rebellion and their families – Numbers 16:20-34
At Moses’ instruction, Aaron ends the judgment of the plague – Numbers 16:41-50

Aaron’s budding staff – Numbers 17

Duties and privileges of priests and Levites

Guarding the sanctuary – Numbers 18:1-7
The Priests’ income – Numbers 18:8-20
The Levite’s income – Numbers 18:21-24
Their own contribution (tithe of the tithe) – Numbers 18:25-32

Cleansing From Death’s Uncleanness

Recipe for the cleansing ash (scientific foreknowledge – see this article at ApologeticsPress.org) – Numbers 19:1–10
Cleansing Process Numbers 19:11-22

/Bob’s boy

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image © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

May 31 2013

Psalms 73 – The Prosperity of the Wicked

Psalm 73 begins Book III, which is composed of psalms 73-83, known as the Asaph group. The rest of the psalms in Book III are supposed to be written by the Sons of Korah. the first part of the psalm starts with a note about the psalmist’s envy of the wicked and their prosperity.

It is a characteristic generality that Satan has us draw, for not all wicked people behave as this describes, nor do all prosper. But it is sometimes hard for the poor servant of the Lord who struggles from day-to-day to watch the easy life of those who never know what it is to struggle, and then behave and speak irreverently to God, and even to deny him.

In that respect (economic snobbery not withstanding) the wealthy are not as fortunate as the poor because it is not very easy for those who do not depend on God for their daily bread to acknowledge their dependence on Him for anything else. We do well to remember the 40 years that the Lord’s people spent in the wilderness with God providing their manna daily to teach them to depend on the Lord for all things.

With that, we should count ourselves blessed if we lack in earthly riches, for our reward comes later.

Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you…
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;

you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge,

that I may tell of all your work

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

May 30 2013

Job 20 – Out of My Understanding

Job’s Comforters, from the Butts set. Pen and black ink, gray wash, and watercolour, over traces of graphite (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Zophar is taken aback at Job’s responses to his friends’ criticisms and says so:

“I hear censure that insults me, and out of my understanding a spirit answers me.”

So, being unable to answer Job’s legitimate question as to what his sin might be, Zophar, goes on the attack, making things up as he goes along. Since Job had been a man of means in the past, he uses his position of wealth as the basis for imagining his crimes (verses 10, 15, 17 and 19). He predicts Job’s violent death, the destruction of his house, and heaven and earth rising up against him (verse 27).

Poetic though he may be, Zophar is cruel and his speech is in the evil spirit. He supposes that Job must have been greedy and oppressed the poor, and losing everything – indeed his very life – is just reward.

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

May 29 2013

Psalms 62, 64 – My Soul Waits for God Alone

Psalm 13:5 (Photo credit: [Share the Word])

The superscription of Psalm 62 reads “according to Jeduthun,” who along with his sons was set aside by David for musical service (1 Chronicles 16:7-42, 1 Chronicles 25:1-4). The poetry of this psalm is so obviously David’s that there can be no doubt who wrote it (“my rock and my salvation, my fortress”). This is sometimes known as the “only” psalm. Some translations use the word “alone” in place of “only,” but it is used often: “For God alone my soul waits in silence. He alone is my rock and my salvation.” The psalm ends with the sweet prayer of praise:

“Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love”

In Psalm 64, David asks for God’s help against those who plot against him. “The secret plots of the wicked” could refer to the early days of Absalom’s conspiracy (2 Samuel 15). The message he bears to those who hear the song is one of hope.

Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord
and take refuge in him!
Let all the upright in heart exult

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

May 28 2013

Proverbs 29 – Arguing With a Fool

Proverbs 29:9 reads: “If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.”

English: (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Almost everyone has heard some “wise sayings” that might sound similar to this verse. One that was popular a few years ago was “Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level; and then they beat you with experience.” Another one that has been attributed to everyone from Mark Twain to George Bernard Shaw is “Never wrestle with a pig. You both just get dirty, and the pig likes it.” Both have a ring of truth in them that makes them a bit appealing for their humor.

In the book of Proverbs, the word “fool” is sometimes used simply for an unbeliever. Sometimes it is used for a person who lacks good sense, or who uses poor judgment. Sometimes they are interchangeable. But whether the “opponent” is a fool by reason of his non-belief in the truth, or because of a stubborn will, or whatever reason, it really makes no difference. No good comes from arguing with them. 2 Timothy 2:23 tells us “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.” The 24th and 25th verse explain that “the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.” When discussion becomes an argument, listening comes to an end, and with that, opportunity for salvation can get lost.

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

May 27 2013

Psalm 119:153-160; Psalm 97 – The Reign of the Lord

This stanza of Psalm 119 begins each verse with the twentieth letter of the Aleph-Bet, “resh.” Like the previous stanza, it contains verses with pleas to the Lord for help, with the psalmist declaring his love for God’s word, as well as some that remind of God’s promises and His love for the righteous. Like the previous stanza, it concludes with the eternal truth of God’s word.

Psalm 97 is a beautiful song of praise to God for His power, authority, and supremacy over the heavens, the earth, and mankind. The psalmist is believed by many to be David, although just as many attribute the writing to some time after the Babylonian captivity. The psalm does have the “feel” of celebration concerning some victory or similar grand event.

In fact, it reminds us quite a bit of the “Song of Moses” – particularly Exodus 15:6-18, which praised God for His deliverance after the crossing of the Red Sea, as well as sights and sounds from the mountain after their arrival at Mount Sinai in Exodus 19:16-20, with a dash of Psalm 19 for good measure.

The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne

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

May 26 2013

Book of Numbers (Part 1) – Census and Dedication

English: Model of the tabernacle, as seen in Israel, Timna Park Deutsch: Modell der Stiftshütte in Israel, Timna Park. Originalgetreu nachgebaut und begehbar. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Book of Numbers is integral to the other 5 Books of the Law. The events overlap a great deal with what is written in Leviticus. In Hebrew, this book is most appropriately named Bemidbar, which loosely translated, means “in the desert – or wilderness.” The key events for chapters 1 through 10:10 are as follows:

Census and Levite Instructions

Chapter 1 – God commanded Moses to take a census in the Sinai wilderness of all of the people of Israel; and specifically exempted the Levites from this census, appointing them care over the tabernacle and its furnishings – including responsibility for taking it down and setting it back up when camp is moved (Numbers 1:47-51).
Chapter 2 – The Lord reveals the arrangement of the tribes when encamped around the Tabernacle.
Chapter 3 – The Lord gives Moses commandments about the Levites; claiming Levites for His own to be priests in Israel, and redeeming all of the first born of the tribes (Numbers 3:44-51).
Chapter 4 – The Lord orders a census of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites, and spells out the duties for the sons of Kohath in Numbers 4:4-15, the sons of Gershon in Numbers 4:24-28, and the sons of Merari in Numbers 4:31-33.