Exodus 30:11-31:18
Core Claim
The LORD commands Moses to collect atonement money from each person in Israel, regardless of wealth or poverty, to make atonement for their lives.
Commentary
The atonement money is collected to make atonement for the people's lives (Exodus 30:12).
Atonement money is used for the service of the tent of meeting (Exodus 30:16).
Rich and poor give the same amount, half a shekel (Exodus 30:13).
The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than the half shekel (Exodus 30:15).
Atonement money is used to make atonement for their lives (Exodus 30:16).
The LORD's offering is given by everyone who is numbered in the census from twenty years old and upward (Exodus 30:14).
The atonement money is collected to bring the people of Israel to remembrance before the LORD (Exodus 30:16).
The basin for washing priests' hands and feet is made with bronze, with its stand of bronze (Exodus 30:17-21).
Priests must wash their hands and feet before entering the tent of meeting or altar (Exodus 30:19-20).
Sacred anointing oil is made with specific ingredients and used for consecrating priests and holy objects (Exodus 30:22-33).
Incense is blended as by the perfumer and used to purify the Holy Place (Exodus 30:34-38).
Bezalel and Oholiab are appointed with special abilities to make sacred objects (Exodus 31:1-11).
Doctrinal Links
- Atonement money is linked to the concept of atonement, which is a central theme in the Old Testament (Leviticus 1:4).
- Sacred anointing oil and incense are linked to the concept of consecration, which emphasizes the importance of setting apart things for God's use (Exodus 29:9).
- Keeping Sabbath holy is linked to the concept of sanctification, which emphasizes God's holiness and our need to be set apart from sin (Leviticus 20:26).
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: The atonement money seems unfair to those who are poor.
Response: The LORD commands that everyone give half a shekel, regardless of wealth or poverty, so that the rich do not oppress the poor and the poor are not burdened (Exodus 30:13-15).
Response:
<objection>
Response: Why is it necessary for priests to wash their hands and feet before entering the tent of meeting or altar?
Response: The LORD commands this practice to prevent death, emphasizing the importance of purity in approaching God's presence (Exodus 30:19-20).
Response:
<objection>
Response: What is the significance of sacred anointing oil and incense?
Response: Sacred anointing oil and incense are used to consecrate priests and holy objects, and to purify the Holy Place, emphasizing their importance in worship (Exodus 30:22-38).
Response:
Tensions
The requirement for atonement money may be difficult for some people to fulfill.
The command to keep Sabbath holy may be challenging for those who are used to working on Sundays.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principle of atonement money in our lives today?
- What are some ways that we can keep Sabbath holy in our modern world?
Matthew 26:47-68
Core Claim
Jesus' arrest and trial in Matthew 26:47-68 demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's suffering and death.
Commentary
The passage highlights the role of Judas as a betrayer, fulfilling Psalm 41:9.
Jesus' response to Judas' kiss ("Friend, do what you came to do") underscores his knowledge of God's plan (John 13:27).
The drawing of swords and the attempt to seize Jesus reflect the crowd's misunderstanding of his identity and mission (Matthew 26:55).
Jesus' statement about appealing to his Father for angelic assistance demonstrates his trust in God's sovereignty (Psalm 91:11-12).
The reference to "twelve legions of angels" emphasizes the vast number of heavenly forces available to Jesus.
Jesus' words about the Scriptures being fulfilled demonstrate his understanding of his mission as prophesied in the Old Testament (Matthew 26:54).
The disciples' flight and Peter's denial reflect their lack of faith and understanding of Jesus' mission (John 16:32-33).
The high priest's question about Jesus' identity as the Christ, the Son of God, is a pivotal moment in the passage (Mark 14:61-62).
Jesus' response about seeing the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven refers to Daniel 7:13-14.
The high priest's declaration of blasphemy and the crowd's demand for judgment reflect their misunderstanding of Jesus' mission (Matthew 26:65).
Doctrinal Links
- The passage demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's suffering and death (Psalm 41:9, Isaiah 53:3-5).
- Jesus' identity as the Christ, the Son of God is a central theme in the passage (Mark 14:61-62).
- The passage highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and submitting to his plan (Romans 8:28-30).
Common Objections
<objection> "Jesus should have defended himself against his accusers."
Response: <response> Jesus' refusal to defend himself demonstrates his trust in God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's suffering and death.
<objection> "The passage portrays Jesus as weak and powerless."
Response: <response> Jesus' actions demonstrate his willingness to submit to God's plan, even if it means suffering and death.
<objection> "The high priest's question about Jesus' identity is a legitimate inquiry."
Response: <response> The high priest's question is motivated by a desire to condemn Jesus, rather than a genuine interest in understanding his identity.
Tensions
The tension between Jesus' knowledge of God's plan and the disciples' lack of faith and understanding.
The contrast between Jesus' willingness to suffer and die for others and the crowd's demand for judgment against him.
The difficulty of reconciling Jesus' statement about appealing to his Father with the apparent absence of angelic assistance.
Application Questions
- How can we apply Jesus' example of trust in God's sovereignty to our own lives?
- What does the passage teach us about the nature of faith and obedience?
- How can we reconcile the apparent absence of angelic assistance with Jesus' statement about appealing to his Father?
Psalm 32:1-11
Core Claim
The Lord forgives transgressions and covers sin when individuals confess their wrongdoing.
Commentary
The Psalm is a Maskil of David, indicating it's a didactic or instructive psalm.
The term "Maskil" may imply a musical composition or an instrument used in worship (1 Chr 15:16-17).
The concept of forgiveness and confession is central to the passage, with both terms appearing multiple times.
The use of "Selah" twice suggests a pause or reflection on the importance of confession and forgiveness.
David's experience serves as an example for others, illustrating the consequences of silence about sin (v.3-4).
The Lord is portrayed as a protector, guide, and counselor (v.7-8).
The passage contrasts the godly with the wicked, highlighting the blessings of trusting in the Lord (v.10-11).
Doctrinal Links
- The passage demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's suffering and death (Psalm 41:9, Isaiah 53:3-5).
- Jesus' identity as the Christ, the Son of God is a central theme in the passage (Mark 14:61-62).
- The passage highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and submitting to his plan (Romans 8:28-30).
Common Objections
<objection> "How can we be sure that our sins are truly forgiven?"
Response: This is a matter of faith and trust in God's character as revealed in Scripture; He promises to forgive those who confess their sin (1 Jn 1:9).
<objection> "Why does David emphasize the importance of confession if God already knows our hearts?"
Response: The passage highlights the human need for confession, which serves as a means of acknowledging and turning away from sin.
<objection> "How can we reconcile the idea of forgiveness with the concept of justice?"
Response: This tension is addressed in other passages (e.g., Rom 3:25-26), where God's justice is seen as being satisfied through Christ's atonement.
Tensions
The relationship between confession and forgiveness, particularly if one feels their sin has already been forgiven.
The balance between trusting in the Lord and taking personal responsibility for sin.
The contrast between the godly and wicked, which may seem overly simplistic or judgmental to some readers.
Application Questions
- How can we cultivate a sense of dependence on the Lord in our daily lives?
- What are some practical ways to confess our sins and seek forgiveness from God?
- In what ways can we trust in the Lord's guidance and protection, even in difficult circumstances?
Proverbs 8:27-32
Core Claim
God was actively involved in creation as a master workman beside Him.
Commentary
The passage describes key events in creation where God was present (Proverbs 8:27-31).
God's role is that of a master workman, working alongside the Creator (Proverbs 8:30).
The speaker expresses joy and delight in the world and humanity (Proverbs 8:30-31).
The audience is referred to as "sons" or children of God, indicating a familial relationship with Him (Proverbs 8:32).
The passage emphasizes God's involvement in creation and His desire for humans to follow His ways.
The use of the word "beside" (Hebrew: _'im_) suggests a close, intimate relationship between God and the audience.
The repetition of "I was there" (Proverbs 8:27-31) emphasizes God's presence throughout creation.
Doctrinal Links
- Creation (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 102:25)
- Covenant (Psalm 89:3, Jeremiah 33:26)
- Atonement (Isaiah 53:11, Romans 5:10)
- Image of God (Genesis 1:27, James 3:9)
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: The passage seems to imply that God is not alone in creation, which could be seen as contradicting other biblical passages. -> This objection can be addressed by noting that the passage does not necessarily imply co-creation but rather God's role as a master workman beside Him.
<objection>
Response: The use of "I was there" and "I was beside him" suggests a division of labor in creation, which could be seen as diminishing God's sovereignty. -> This objection can be addressed by noting that the passage emphasizes God's active involvement in creation and His role as a master workman.
<objection>
Response: The emphasis on God's joy and delight in humanity could be seen as inconsistent with other biblical passages that describe human sinfulness. -> This objection can be addressed by noting that the passage is not describing human sinfulness but rather God's desire for humans to follow His ways.
Tensions
The passage seems to imply a division of labor in creation, which could be seen as diminishing God's sovereignty.
The use of "I was there" and "I was beside him" may suggest a co-creative relationship between God and another being.
The emphasis on God's joy and delight in humanity raises questions about the nature of human sinfulness.
Application Questions
- How can we understand God's role as a master workman in creation?
- What does it mean to be a "son" or child of God, and how does this relate to our relationship with Him?
- How can we apply the passage's emphasis on God's joy and delight in humanity to our own lives?