Judges 1:1-2:9

Core Claim

The people of Israel, under the leadership of Joshua, were commanded by the LORD to drive out the Canaanites from the land, but they did not fully obey this command.

Commentary

The passage begins with the people of Israel inquiring about who will go up against the Canaanites, demonstrating their desire to fulfill the LORD's command to drive them out.

The LORD's response to Judah, giving them the land and promising to be with them, highlights the importance of obedience and faith in the face of challenges.

The repeated phrase "the LORD was with Judah" emphasizes the LORD's presence and blessing on those who obey His commands.

The account of Adoni-bezek's defeat and the cutting off of his thumbs and big toes serves as a warning to those who do not obey the LORD's commands.

The story of Caleb and Othniel's marriage and the request for springs of water illustrates the importance of trusting in the LORD's provision and care.

The Kenites' decision to go up with Judah and settle with them demonstrates the importance of community and fellowship in the midst of obedience.

The LORD's promise to be with the house of Joseph and their subsequent success in taking Bethel highlights the importance of faith and obedience in the face of challenges.

The angel of the LORD's speech to the people of Israel, warning them that they will not drive out the Canaanites, serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.

The people's weeping and sacrifice at Bochim demonstrate their repentance and desire to obey the LORD's commands.

Doctrinal Links

• The doctrine of the covenant: the LORD's promise to drive out the Canaanites and establish a holy people in the land is a key aspect of the covenant.

• The doctrine of atonement: the story of Adoni-bezek's defeat and the cutting off of his thumbs and big toes serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience.

• The doctrine of the image of God: the people of Israel's failure to fully obey the LORD's command highlights the importance of living out the image of God in obedience to His commands.

Common Objections

<objection> "The LORD's command to drive out the Canaanites seems cruel and unjust."

Response: <response> This objection overlooks the context of the Canaanites' wickedness and the LORD's desire to establish a holy people in the land. The LORD's command is not motivated by cruelty, but by a desire to establish justice and righteousness.

<objection> "The people of Israel did not fully obey the LORD's command, so why should we trust in their example?"

Response: <response> This objection is valid, but it highlights the importance of learning from the people of Israel's successes and failures. We should strive to obey the LORD's commands in full, just as He desires.

<objection> "The angel of the LORD's speech seems to contradict the LORD's initial promise to drive out the Canaanites."

Response: <response> This objection overlooks the context of the angel's speech, which is a warning to the people of Israel about the consequences of their disobedience. The LORD's promise to drive out the Canaanites is still in effect, but the people's failure to obey has led to the Canaanites becoming a thorn in their sides.

Tensions

The tension between the LORD's command to drive out the Canaanites and the people's failure to fully obey this command.

The tension between the LORD's promise to be with those who obey His commands and the people's lack of faith and obedience.

The tension between the angel of the LORD's warning about the consequences of disobedience and the people's failure to repent and obey.

Application Questions

1. How can we learn from the people of Israel's successes and failures in obeying the LORD's commands?
2. What are the consequences of disobedience, and how can we avoid them?
3. How can we trust in the LORD's promise to be with us, even in the face of challenges and difficulties?

Luke 21:29-22:13

Core Claim

Jesus warns the disciples to watch themselves and stay awake, as the kingdom of God is near and the day of the Lord will come suddenly.

Commentary

The parable of the fig tree illustrates the connection between natural signs and the kingdom of God.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of being watchful and prepared for the coming of the kingdom.

The contrast between summer and winter, day and night, highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of God's judgment.

The phrase "this generation will not pass away" suggests that Jesus is speaking of a specific time period in which the kingdom will be established.

The warning to "watch yourselves" implies that the disciples are in danger of being spiritually complacent.

Jesus' words will not pass away, even when heaven and earth pass away.

The Passover and Unleavened Bread are significant events in the Jewish calendar, and Jesus is using them to illustrate the importance of spiritual preparation.

Satan's entry into Judas Iscariot highlights the spiritual battle that is taking place.

Jesus' instructions for preparing the Passover are specific and detailed, emphasizing the importance of obedience.

Doctrinal Links

• The kingdom of God is a central theme in Jesus' teaching, emphasizing the importance of spiritual preparation and obedience.

• The passage highlights the importance of prayer and vigilance in the face of spiritual struggle and persecution.

• The concept of Satan's entry into Judas Iscariot illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare and the temptation of believers.

• The Passover and Unleavened Bread are significant events in the Jewish calendar, and Jesus is using them to illustrate the importance of spiritual preparation and obedience.

Common Objections

<objection> The passage seems to contradict the idea of a future millennium, as Jesus says "this generation will not pass away" until all has taken place.

Response:

> <response> This passage is often misunderstood as referring to a literal generation. However, the Greek word "genea" can also refer to a period of time or a generation of people. In this context, Jesus is likely referring to the generation that will see the establishment of the kingdom.

Response:

<objection> Why does Jesus warn the disciples to stay awake and pray for strength if he is going to establish the kingdom soon?

Response:

> <response> Jesus is not saying that the kingdom will be established immediately. Rather, he is warning the disciples to be prepared for the coming of the kingdom, which will be a time of great spiritual struggle and persecution.

Response:

<objection> How can Satan enter into Judas Iscariot if Judas is a believer?

Response:

> <response> This passage highlights the reality of spiritual struggle and the temptation of believers. Judas' betrayal is a tragic example of how even those who are close to Jesus can be deceived by Satan.

Response:

Tensions

The passage presents a tension between the nearness of the kingdom and the delay of its establishment.

The warning to stay awake and pray for strength creates tension between the disciples' spiritual complacency and their need for vigilance.

The contrast between Jesus' words and the actions of the chief priests and scribes highlights the tension between spiritual truth and human opposition.

Application Questions

1. What does it mean to "watch yourselves" in the face of spiritual struggle and persecution?
2. How can we prepare for the coming of the kingdom and the establishment of God's reign on earth?
3. What does it mean to "pray for strength" in the face of spiritual temptation and struggle?
4. How can we balance our desire for spiritual complacency with the need for vigilance and preparation?

Psalm 90:1-91:16

Core Claim

God is the dwelling place from everlasting to everlasting, and He is the only refuge and fortress for those who hold fast to Him.

Commentary

The psalm is a prayer of Moses, the man of God, who is aware of his own mortality and the fleeting nature of human life.

Moses reflects on God's power and the consequences of His wrath, and he asks God to teach him to number his days and get a heart of wisdom.

The psalm highlights the importance of dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and the benefits of trusting in God's steadfast love.

Moses quotes God's promise to deliver and protect those who hold fast to Him, and he asks God to establish the work of his hands.

The psalm emphasizes the importance of fearing God and trusting in His power and protection.

The Most High is described as a refuge and a fortress, and God's angels are commanded to guard and protect those who dwell in His shelter.

The psalm concludes with God's promise to deliver and protect those who hold fast to Him, and to satisfy them with long life and show them His salvation.

Doctrinal Links

• The kingdom of God is a central theme in Jesus' teaching, emphasizing the importance of spiritual preparation and obedience.

• The passage highlights the importance of prayer and vigilance in the face of spiritual struggle and persecution.

• The concept of Satan's entry into Judas Iscariot illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare and the temptation of believers.

• The Passover and Unleavened Bread are significant events in the Jewish calendar, and Jesus is using them to illustrate the importance of spiritual preparation and obedience.

Common Objections

<objection>

Response: God's wrath and anger seem to contradict His character as loving and merciful. -> The psalm highlights the consequences of sin and the importance of fearing God's wrath, but it also emphasizes God's steadfast love and mercy.

<objection>

Response: The psalm seems to suggest that God is distant and uninvolved in human affairs. -> The psalm actually highlights God's involvement in human affairs, particularly in the lives of those who trust in Him.

<objection>

Response: The psalm's emphasis on God's power and wrath seems to undermine human dignity and agency. -> The psalm actually emphasizes the importance of human agency and responsibility, while also acknowledging God's sovereignty and power.

Tensions

The tension between God's sovereignty and human agency is a recurring theme in the psalm.

The psalm highlights the importance of fearing God's wrath, but it also emphasizes God's steadfast love and mercy.

The psalm's emphasis on God's power and protection may seem to contradict the reality of suffering and evil in the world.

Application Questions

1. How can we apply the psalm's emphasis on dwelling in the shelter of the Most High to our own lives?
2. How can we trust in God's steadfast love and mercy in the face of suffering and evil?
3. What does it mean to "number our days" and get a heart of wisdom, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
4. How can we balance the importance of fearing God's wrath with the importance of trusting in His steadfast love and mercy?

Proverbs 13:24-25

Core Claim

Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Commentary

The rod is associated with discipline, as seen in the context of childrearing.

Loving one's son involves discipline, which is a key aspect of responsible parenting.

The passage emphasizes the importance of discipline in childrearing, contrasting it with a lack of discipline.

The rod is not necessarily a physical object, but rather a symbol of discipline and correction.

The passage assumes a patriarchal society where fathers are responsible for disciplining their children.

The concept of "loving" one's son is not limited to emotional affection, but also involves taking responsibility for their upbringing.

The passage highlights the connection between discipline and the well-being of the child.

The rod is not a means of punishment, but rather a tool for teaching and guiding the child.

The passage assumes that discipline is a necessary aspect of childrearing, rather than a negative or punitive measure.

Doctrinal Links

• The concept of discipline is linked to the doctrine of the image of God in humanity (Genesis 1:26-27).

• The passage assumes a covenantal relationship between God and humanity, where God is the ultimate authority and guide (Genesis 3:15).

• The concept of righteousness is linked to the doctrine of justification by faith (Romans 3:21-26).

• The passage assumes a connection between behavior and consequences, which is a key aspect of the doctrine of the atonement (Romans 6:23).

Common Objections

This passage promotes physical abuse."

Response: This interpretation is not supported by the text, which emphasizes discipline as a means of teaching and guiding the child.

This passage is outdated and only applies to ancient cultures."

Response: While the cultural context is ancient, the principles of discipline and responsibility in childrearing remain relevant today.

This passage is too harsh and punitive."

Response: The passage emphasizes the importance of discipline in childrearing, but does not promote physical abuse or punishment.

Tensions

The passage assumes a patriarchal society, which may be difficult to apply in modern, egalitarian contexts.

The concept of discipline may be culturally relative, and what is considered "discipline" in one culture may be seen as abuse in another.

The passage does not provide clear guidelines for what constitutes "sparing the rod" or "loving one's son.

Application Questions

1. How can parents balance discipline with love and affection in their childrearing practices?
2. What are some modern applications of the principle of discipline in childrearing?
3. How can the concept of discipline be applied in non-parental contexts, such as education or workplace settings?