Joshua 13:1-14:15
Core Claim
The LORD commands Joshua to possess the land of Canaan, which includes the regions of the Philistines, Geshurites, Avvim, Canaanites, Sidonians, Amorites, and Gebalites.
Commentary
The passage begins with Joshua being old and advanced in years, but the LORD encourages him to possess the remaining land.
The land to be possessed is described in detail, including the regions of the Philistines, Geshurites, Avvim, Canaanites, Sidonians, Amorites, and Gebalites.
The LORD promises to drive out the inhabitants of the land, but Joshua is instructed to allot the land to the tribes of Israel.
The passage highlights the importance of the Levites, who are given no inheritance but are instead given the offerings by fire to the LORD God of Israel.
Caleb, who was one of the spies sent by Moses, requests the hill country, which was previously inhabited by the Anakim, and is given Hebron as his inheritance.
The passage concludes with the people of Israel receiving their inheritances by lot, as commanded by the LORD.
Doctrinal Links
- The passage links to the doctrine of the "promised land," which is a central theme in the Old Testament.
- The passage also links to the doctrine of the "covenant," as the LORD promises to drive out the inhabitants and give the land to Israel.
- The passage highlights the importance of faithfulness to the LORD, as seen in Caleb's request for the hill country.
Common Objections
<objection> The passage seems to contradict the idea of a "promised land" if the inhabitants are still present.
Response: <response> The passage actually highlights the LORD's sovereignty and control over the land, as He promises to drive out the inhabitants and give the land to Israel.
<objection> Why does the LORD give the Levites no inheritance?
Response: <response> The Levites are given the offerings by fire to the LORD God of Israel, which is their inheritance, as stated in the passage.
<objection> Why does Caleb request the hill country, which was previously inhabited by the Anakim?
Response: <response> Caleb's request is based on his faithfulness to the LORD, as he had previously spied out the land and was promised the land by Moses.
Tensions
The passage raises questions about the LORD's sovereignty and control over the land, as the inhabitants are still present.
The passage also highlights the tension between the LORD's promises and the reality of the situation, as the people of Israel are still struggling to possess the land.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the passage's emphasis on faithfulness to the LORD in our own lives?
- How can we trust in the LORD's sovereignty and control over our lives, even when circumstances seem uncertain?
- What can we learn from Caleb's example of faithfulness and perseverance in the face of challenges?
Luke 18:1-17
Core Claim
God will give justice to his elect who cry to him day and night.
Commentary
The parable of the unrighteous judge and the widow illustrates God's justice and response to persistent prayer.
The judge represents God, who will give justice to his elect, but the judge's motivation is not love or justice, but rather to avoid being bothered.
The widow represents those who cry to God day and night, and God's response is not delayed, but rather swift.
The parable highlights the importance of persistence in prayer and the character of God as a just judge.
The contrast between the judge and God emphasizes God's justice and mercy.
The parable is not meant to imply that God is like an unrighteous judge, but rather to illustrate the importance of persistence in prayer.
The passage emphasizes the importance of faith and humility in receiving the kingdom of God.
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector highlights the contrast between self-righteousness and humility.
The tax collector's prayer, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" is a model of humility and faith.
The passage emphasizes the importance of humility and faith in receiving the kingdom of God.
Doctrinal Links
- The passage emphasizes the importance of faith and humility in receiving the kingdom of God, linking to the doctrine of justification by faith.
- The passage highlights the character of God as a just judge, linking to the doctrine of God's justice and mercy.
- The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector emphasizes the importance of humility and faith, linking to the doctrine of the image of God.
- The passage emphasizes the importance of persistence in prayer, linking to the doctrine of prayer and the character of God.
Common Objections
<objection> God is not like an unrighteous judge, so why is the judge used as an example?
Response: <response> The judge represents God's justice and response to persistent prayer, not God's character.
<objection> Why does God delay in responding to prayer?
Response: <response> The passage emphasizes God's swift response to persistent prayer, not delayed response.
<objection> How can we be sure that God will give justice to his elect?
Response: <response> The passage emphasizes God's justice and mercy, and the importance of persistence in prayer.
Tensions
The contrast between the judge and God raises questions about God's character and motivation.
The use of the unrighteous judge as an example may be seen as problematic.
The emphasis on persistence in prayer may be seen as implying that God is like an unrighteous judge.
Application Questions
- How can we cultivate persistence in prayer in our own lives?
- What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God like a child?
- How can we balance the importance of persistence in prayer with the character of God as a just judge?
Psalm 85:1-13
Core Claim
God's favor and restoration of Jacob are tied to His forgiveness and covering of sin.
Commentary
The Psalm begins with a statement of God's favor towards His land (Psalm 85:1).
The Sons of Korah acknowledge God's restoration of Jacob's fortunes (Psalm 85:1).
God's forgiveness and covering of sin are highlighted, with the phrase "You forgave the iniquity of your people" (Psalm 85:2).
The Psalmist repeats the plea for restoration and forgiveness, asking God to "Restore us again" (Psalm 85:4).
The Psalmist contrasts God's wrath and anger with His forgiveness and peace (Psalm 85:3).
The Psalmist emphasizes God's promise of salvation and peace, asking God to "Show us your steadfast love" (Psalm 85:7).
The Psalmist describes God's attributes and actions in poetic language, using phrases like "Steadfast love and faithfulness meet" (Psalm 85:10).
The Psalmist personifies righteousness and peace as kissing each other, emphasizing their close relationship (Psalm 85:10).
The Psalmist describes God's attributes and actions as being tied to His land, emphasizing the importance of God's presence in the land (Psalm 85:1).
The Psalmist repeats the phrase "You forgave" and "You covered" to emphasize God's forgiveness and covering of sin (Psalm 85:2).
The Psalmist uses rhetorical markers like "Selah" to emphasize the importance of God's forgiveness and covering of sin (Psalm 85:2).
The Psalmist contrasts God's wrath and anger with His forgiveness and peace, emphasizing the importance of God's forgiveness (Psalm 85:3).
Doctrinal Links
- The passage emphasizes the importance of faith and humility in receiving the kingdom of God, linking to the doctrine of justification by faith.
- The passage highlights the character of God as a just judge, linking to the doctrine of God's justice and mercy.
- The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector emphasizes the importance of humility and faith, linking to the doctrine of the image of God.
- The passage emphasizes the importance of persistence in prayer, linking to the doctrine of prayer and the character of God.
Common Objections
<objection> God's favor and restoration are only for His land, not for other nations.
Response: <response> While it is true that God's favor and restoration are specifically mentioned in relation to His land, the Psalmist's plea for restoration and forgiveness is not limited to the land, but is a universal plea for God's people (Psalm 85:4).
<objection> God's forgiveness and covering of sin are only for past sins, not for ongoing sin.
Response: <response> While the Psalmist does mention God's forgiveness of past sin, the Psalmist also emphasizes God's ongoing desire to forgive and restore His people (Psalm 85:7).
<objection> God's promise of salvation and peace is only for those who fear Him, not for those who do not.
Response: <response> While it is true that God's promise of salvation and peace is specifically mentioned in relation to those who fear Him, the Psalmist's plea for restoration and forgiveness is not limited to those who fear Him, but is a universal plea for God's people (Psalm 85:4).
Tensions
The tension between God's wrath and anger and His forgiveness and peace.
The tension between God's favor and restoration and His people's ongoing sin.
The tension between God's promise of salvation and peace and the ongoing struggles of His people.
Application Questions
- How can we, as God's people, respond to God's favor and restoration in our lives?
- How can we, as God's people, seek forgiveness and covering of sin in our lives?
- How can we, as God's people, live in light of God's promise of salvation and peace?
Proverbs 13:7-8
Core Claim
Wealth is the ransom of a man's life, but a poor man is not threatened by anything.
Commentary
The Proverbs emphasize the importance of wealth in securing one's life.
The passage highlights the contrast between the rich and the poor, but also notes that true wealth is not just material possessions.
The phrase "ransom of a man's life" suggests that wealth is essential for survival and security.
The poor man, on the other hand, is not threatened by anything, implying that he has a sense of security and contentment.
The passage is not advocating for materialism, but rather highlighting the value of wealth in providing for one's needs.
The contrast between the two types of people serves to illustrate the importance of being honest about one's financial situation.
The passage assumes that wealth is a means to an end, rather than an end in itself.
The phrase "pretends to be" suggests that the two types of people are not being honest about their true financial situation.
The passage is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings that emphasize the importance of living a virtuous and responsible life.
Doctrinal Links
- The passage is linked to the doctrine of the image of God, which emphasizes the importance of human beings being created in God's image and reflecting God's character.
- The passage is also linked to the doctrine of the covenant, which emphasizes the importance of God's promises and covenants with his people.
- The passage highlights the importance of living a virtuous and responsible life, which is linked to the doctrine of the fear of the Lord.
Common Objections
<objection> "But isn't this passage promoting materialism and wealth accumulation?"
Response: No, the passage is highlighting the value of wealth in providing for one's needs, but also notes that true wealth is not just material possessions.
<objection> "What about the poor who are not threatened by anything because they have faith in God?"
Response: The passage is not necessarily advocating for a lack of faith in God, but rather highlighting the practical benefits of having wealth.
<objection> "Isn't this passage saying that the poor are somehow inferior to the rich?"
Response: No, the passage is not making a value judgment about the poor or the rich, but rather highlighting the practical differences between the two.
Tensions
The passage assumes that wealth is a means to an end, but what about those who are wealthy but do not use their wealth for good?
The passage highlights the importance of being honest about one's financial situation, but how can we balance honesty with humility and modesty?
The passage assumes that wealth is essential for survival and security, but what about those who are living in poverty due to circumstances beyond their control?
Application Questions
- How can we balance honesty about our financial situation with humility and modesty?
- What are some practical ways to use our wealth to provide for our needs and the needs of others?
- How can we prioritize our values and use our wealth in a way that reflects God's character?