Exodus 34:1-35:9
Core Claim
The LORD makes a covenant with Israel, promising to drive out nations and perform marvels, while also giving commands to Israel regarding worship, sacrifice, and rest.
Commentary
The passage begins with God's command to Moses to cut two tablets of stone like the first (Exodus 34:1).
Moses cuts the tablets and rises early to go up Mount Sinai as commanded by God (Exodus 34:4-5).
God descends in a cloud and proclaims His name, emphasizing His mercy, grace, and steadfast love (Exodus 34:6-7).
Moses bows his head and worships, asking God to pardon Israel's sin and take them for His inheritance (Exodus 34:8-9).
The covenant includes driving out nations and performing marvels, as well as commands regarding worship, sacrifice, and rest (Exodus 34:10-26).
Moses writes down the words of the covenant on the tablets, which include the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:27-28).
When Moses comes down from Mount Sinai with the tablets, his face shines because he has been talking with God (Exodus 34:29-35).
Doctrinal Links
- The covenant made in this passage is linked to the doctrine of election (Exodus 34:9).
- The commands given in this passage are linked to the doctrine of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:10-26).
- The emphasis on God's mercy and justice is linked to the doctrine of the character of God (Exodus 34:6-7).
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: The passage seems to contradict the idea of a single, all-powerful God by describing Him as "jealous" and "slow to anger".
<objection>
Response: The passage seems to contradict the idea of a loving God by describing Him as "visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children".
<objection>
Response: The passage seems to contradict the idea of a merciful God by describing Him as "forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin".
Tensions
The passage presents a tension between God's mercy and justice.
The passage presents a tension between God's desire for exclusive worship and the Israelites' tendency towards idolatry.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principle of exclusive worship in our own lives?
- What does it mean for us to be "stiff-necked" people, and how can we repent of this tendency?
- How can we balance God's mercy with His justice in our understanding of Him?
Matthew 27:15-31
Core Claim
The crowd's demand for Jesus' crucifixion was driven by envy towards Him.
Commentary
This passage highlights the tension between Pilate's reluctance and the crowd's insistence on Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:20).
The chief priests and elders manipulated the crowd into demanding Barabbas' release and Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:20).
Pilate's wife warned him against harming Jesus, but he ignored her warning (Matthew 27:19).
The crowd's demand for Jesus' crucifixion was a fulfillment of prophecy (Psalm 2:1-3; Acts 4:25-28).
This passage shows the contrast between Pilate's attempts to wash his hands of responsibility and the crowd's willingness to take on guilt for Jesus' blood (Matthew 27:24-26).
The soldiers' mockery of Jesus was a fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53:3; Matthew 27:31).
This passage highlights the theme of God's sovereignty in the face of human opposition (Acts 4:27-28).
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of God's sovereignty (Acts 4:27-28).
- The doctrine of prophecy fulfillment (Psalm 2:1-3; Acts 4:25-28).
- The doctrine of atonement (Isaiah 53:3-12).
Common Objections
<objection> "Pilate is portrayed as a sympathetic character, but he ultimately gives in to the crowd's demands."
Response: Pilate's reluctance and attempts to wash his hands of responsibility demonstrate that he was not entirely willing to give in to the crowd's demands.
<objection> "The crowd's demand for Jesus' crucifixion seems arbitrary and unjust."
Response: The passage suggests that the crowd's demand was driven by envy towards Jesus, which is a fulfillment of prophecy (Psalm 2:1-3; Acts 4:25-28).
<objection> "Pilate's wife warning him against harming Jesus seems like an afterthought."
Response: Her warning highlights the theme of God's sovereignty in the face of human opposition and serves as a commentary on Pilate's actions.
Tensions
The tension between Pilate's reluctance and the crowd's insistence on Jesus' crucifixion.
The contrast between Pilate's attempts to wash his hands of responsibility and the crowd's willingness to take on guilt for Jesus' blood.
The theme of God's sovereignty in the face of human opposition.
Application Questions
- How can we, like Pilate's wife, be aware of God's sovereignty in the face of human opposition?
- What does it mean to take on guilt for Jesus' blood, as the crowd did in this passage?
- How can we apply the doctrine of prophecy fulfillment to our understanding of current events?
Psalm 33:12-22
Core Claim
The nation that fears God and trusts in His steadfast love will be blessed and delivered from death.
Commentary
The psalmist emphasizes the importance of fearing God and trusting in His love (v. 18-22).
The LORD's sovereignty is evident as He observes all human deeds from heaven (v. 13-15).
Human strength and might are insufficient for salvation, but God's help and shield are sufficient (v. 16-17).
The psalmist encourages the people to wait for God to deliver them and keep them alive (v. 20).
The LORD's holy name is a source of hope and trust for those who fear Him (v. 21).
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of God's sovereignty (Acts 4:27-28).
- The doctrine of prophecy fulfillment (Psalm 2:1-3; Acts 4:25-28).
- The doctrine of atonement (Isaiah 53:3-12).
Common Objections
But what about the nations that don't fear God? Are they doomed?"
Response: The psalmist is not making an absolute statement, but rather highlighting the blessings of fearing God.
How can we be sure that God will deliver us from death and famine?"
Response: The psalmist's confidence in God's help and shield is rooted in His steadfast love (v. 18-22).
Isn't this just a matter of human effort and works?"
Response: No, the psalmist emphasizes that it is God who observes all deeds and fashions the hearts of all people (v. 13-15).
Tensions
The tension between human strength and might vs. God's sovereignty and deliverance.
The contrast between those who fear God and trust in His love, and those who do not.
Application Questions
- How can we cultivate a fear of God that leads to trust in His steadfast love?
- What does it mean to wait for God to deliver us from death and famine, and how do we practice this waiting?
- In what ways can we trust in God's holy name and hope in His steadfast love?
Proverbs 9:1-6
Core Claim
Wisdom invites people to leave their simple ways and live wisely by offering them spiritual nourishment.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes Wisdom's preparation for guests, highlighting her strength and hospitality.
The seven pillars represent a strong foundation, symbolizing Wisdom's enduring presence in the world.
The slaughtered beasts and mixed wine signify the richness of Wisdom's provision.
Young women are sent as messengers to invite people from high places in town, indicating Wisdom's desire to reach out to those in positions of influence.
The invitations are directed at specific groups: simple people and those lacking sense, highlighting Wisdom's concern for those who need guidance.
The table is set, emphasizing the readiness of Wisdom to receive guests.
The language used is rich in imagery, drawing on everyday experiences to convey spiritual truths.
Doctrinal Links
- The passage is closely tied to the doctrine of covenant, emphasizing God's desire for a relationship with humanity based on wisdom and understanding.
- The concept of atonement is implicit in Wisdom's offer of spiritual nourishment, highlighting the need for forgiveness and redemption.
- The image of God as a loving host who invites people to His table is central to this passage.
Common Objections
<objection> "Why does Wisdom seem to be offering physical food and drink when the passage is clearly about spiritual nourishment?"
Response: This objection misunderstands the nature of Wisdom's provision. In biblical culture, hospitality often involved sharing physical food and drink as a symbol of welcome and generosity. Similarly, Wisdom offers spiritual nourishment through her words and teachings.
<objection> "Why does Wisdom seem to be targeting only simple people and those lacking sense?"
Response: This objection overlooks the broader scope of Wisdom's invitation. While the passage does emphasize the need for guidance among simple people and those lacking sense, it also implies that Wisdom's offer is open to anyone who seeks wisdom.
<objection> "Why does Wisdom use such a strong warning to leave simple ways and live wisely?"
Response: This objection misses the gravity of the consequences of living in ignorance. The passage emphasizes the importance of making wise choices, highlighting the dangers of continuing on a path of simplicity and lack of sense.
Tensions
The passage may be seen as overly simplistic or even condescending towards those who are simple or lacking in sense.
The emphasis on physical food and drink may lead some to misunderstand the nature of Wisdom's provision.
The strong warning to leave simple ways and live wisely may be perceived as judgmental or critical.
Application Questions
- How can we apply Wisdom's invitation to leave simple ways and live wisely in our own lives?
- What does it mean to "walk in the way of insight" in practical terms?
- How can we share Wisdom's offer with others, particularly those who are struggling or lacking in sense?