Joshua 5:1-7:15
Big Idea
The conquest of Canaan is a pivotal moment in the book of Joshua, marking the transition from the wilderness wanderings to the establishment of a new nation in the promised land.
Commentary
The kings of the Amorites and Canaanites are intimidated by the Israelites' miraculous crossing of the Jordan River.
The LORD commands Joshua to circumcise the Israelites a second time, as all the males who came out of Egypt had died in the wilderness.
The circumcising of the Israelites is a significant event, as it marks their transition from being a people born in the wilderness to being a people established in the promised land.
The Israelites keep the Passover at Gilgal, eating of the produce of the land and ceasing to eat manna.
The commander of the army of the LORD appears to Joshua, instructing him to march around the city of Jericho seven times.
The Israelites march around the city, and on the seventh day, they shout and the wall falls down.
The Israelites capture the city and devote all in it to destruction, except for Rahab and her family.
Joshua lays an oath on the people, cursing anyone who rebuilds Jericho.
The people of Israel break faith by taking devoted things, and Achan is identified as the culprit.
Joshua sends men to spy out Ai, but they are defeated, and the Israelites are defeated again.
Joshua falls to the earth in prayer, and the LORD tells him to destroy the devoted things from among the Israelites.
Claims
- The conquest of Canaan is a divine act, with the LORD commanding Joshua to take the land.
- The Israelites are to devote all in the city of Jericho to destruction, except for Rahab and her family.
- Achan's sin of taking devoted things leads to the defeat of the Israelites at Ai.
- The LORD is with Joshua, and his fame is in all the land.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The Israelites are circumcised because they were born in the wilderness and not in Egypt
Correction
The Israelites are circumcised because all the males who came out of Egypt had died in the wilderness.
Misunderstanding
The commander of the army of the LORD is a supernatural being who appears to Joshua
Correction
The commander of the army of the LORD is a divine being who appears to Joshua and instructs him in the conquest of Canaan.
Application Questions
- What does the conquest of Canaan reveal about the nature of God and His relationship with His people?
- How does the story of Achan's sin and punishment relate to the concept of devoted things and the importance of obedience to God's commands?
- What can be learned from the way the Israelites were instructed to devote all in the city of Jericho to destruction, except for Rahab and her family?
- How does the story of Joshua and the conquest of Canaan relate to the broader context of the Bible and the themes of redemption and salvation?
Luke 15:1-32
Big Idea
The parable of the Prodigal Son teaches that God's joy is in repentance and restoration of sinners.
Commentary
The parable is a response to the Pharisees and scribes' criticism of Jesus for receiving sinners and eating with them.
The parable uses the story of a father and his two sons to illustrate God's love for sinners.
The younger son's actions are a representation of the sinfulness of humanity, while the father's love and forgiveness represent God's love and mercy.
The parable highlights the importance of repentance and restoration, as seen in the father's welcome of the younger son back into the family.
The older son's anger and refusal to celebrate represent the Pharisees' and scribes' attitude towards sinners.
The father's explanation to the older son illustrates Jesus' message about God's love for sinners.
The parable emphasizes the joy that comes from repentance and restoration, as seen in the father's celebration of the younger son's return.
The story also highlights the importance of forgiveness and mercy, as seen in the father's decision to forgive the younger son and welcome him back into the family.
The parable is a call to repentance and a reminder of God's love and mercy towards sinners.
The story also emphasizes the importance of humility and gratitude, as seen in the younger son's recognition of his sinfulness and the father's gratitude for the younger son's return.
The parable is a reflection of God's character and nature, as seen in the father's love and forgiveness.
Claims
- God's joy is in repentance and restoration of sinners.
- The parable of the Prodigal Son is a call to repentance and a reminder of God's love and mercy towards sinners.
- The story emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and mercy, as seen in the father's decision to forgive the younger son and welcome him back into the family.
- The parable highlights the importance of humility and gratitude, as seen in the younger son's recognition of his sinfulness and the father's gratitude for the younger son's return.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
- The parable is only about the younger son's sin and the father's forgiveness.'
Correction
The parable is about God's love and mercy towards sinners, not just the younger son's sin.
Misunderstanding
- The older son is the hero of the story.'
Correction
The older son's anger and refusal to celebrate represent the Pharisees' and scribes' attitude towards sinners, not the hero of the story.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the parable of the Prodigal Son to our own lives, recognizing our own sinfulness and seeking forgiveness and restoration?
- How can we demonstrate God's love and mercy towards sinners, as seen in the father's welcome of the younger son back into the family?
- What does the parable teach us about the importance of humility and gratitude, as seen in the younger son's recognition of his sinfulness and the father's gratitude for the younger son's return?
Psalm 81:1-16
Big Idea
The psalm is a call to worship and a reminder of God's past deliverance and testing of Israel.
Commentary
The psalm is addressed to the people of Israel and is written in the voice of God.
The psalm uses musical notation and poetic language to convey its message.
The psalm recalls God's past deliverance and testing of Israel.
The psalm emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice and following God's ways.
The psalm describes the consequences of not following God's ways, including defeat and subjugation.
The psalm describes the blessings of following God's ways, including victory and satisfaction.
The psalm uses the metaphor of a statute and rule to emphasize God's sovereignty.
The psalm highlights God's role as a deliverer and a provider.
The psalm expresses regret that the people did not listen to God's voice.
The psalm emphasizes the importance of worship and obedience to God.
The psalm describes the consequences of worshiping foreign gods.
The psalm describes the blessings of worshiping the one true God.
Claims
- God is the one true God who delivered Israel from Egypt.
- Israel is called to worship and obey God.
- God's ways are just and righteous.
- Worshiping foreign gods leads to defeat and subjugation.
- Following God's ways leads to victory and satisfaction.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The psalm is a call to worship, but it is not a joyful celebration.
Correction
The psalm is a call to worship, but it is also a reminder of God's past deliverance and testing of Israel.
Misunderstanding
The psalm is written in the voice of Asaph, not God.
Correction
The psalm is written in the voice of God, speaking to the people through Asaph.
Misunderstanding
The psalm emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice, but it does not emphasize the importance of worship.
Correction
The psalm emphasizes the importance of both listening to God's voice and worshiping God.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the psalm's emphasis on worship and obedience to your own life?
- What are some ways that you can express gratitude to God for his past deliverance and testing of you?
- How can you prioritize listening to God's voice and following his ways in your daily life?
- What are some consequences of not following God's ways, and how can you avoid them?
- How can you cultivate a deeper sense of worship and obedience to God in your life?
Proverbs 13:1
Big Idea
A wise son's behavior is contrasted with that of a scoffer.
Commentary
The verse highlights the importance of listening to instruction and rebuke.
A wise son is described as one who hears his father's instruction.
A scoffer, on the other hand, is described as one who does not listen to rebuke.
The father's role is emphasized in giving instruction and rebuke.
The wise son and scoffer have different responses to the father's words.
The verse suggests that listening to instruction and rebuke is a key characteristic of a wise son.
The scoffer's refusal to listen to rebuke is a sign of their foolishness.
The contrast between the wise son and the scoffer is a recurring theme in Proverbs.
The verse implies that listening to instruction and rebuke is a sign of wisdom.
The father's instruction and rebuke are contrasted to highlight the importance of listening.
The wise son's behavior is a model for others to follow.
Claims
- A wise son hears his father's instruction.
- A scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
- The father's instruction and rebuke are contrasted to highlight the importance of listening.
- Listening to instruction and rebuke is a key characteristic of a wise son.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
A wise son is described as one who ignores his father's instruction
Correction
A wise son is described as one who hears his father's instruction.
Misunderstanding
A scoffer is described as one who listens to rebuke
Correction
A scoffer is described as one who does not listen to rebuke.
Misunderstanding
The father's instruction and rebuke are the same thing
Correction
The father's instruction and rebuke are contrasted to highlight the importance of listening.
Misunderstanding
The wise son and scoffer have the same response to the father's words
Correction
The wise son and scoffer have different responses to the father's words.
Application Questions
- What does it mean to hear your father's instruction?
- How can you apply the principle of listening to instruction and rebuke in your own life?
- What are some ways to respond to rebuke in a wise and humble manner?
- How can you encourage others to listen to instruction and rebuke?
- What are some consequences of not listening to rebuke?
- How can you model the behavior of a wise son in your own life?