Joshua 7:16-9:2
Big Idea
The passage describes the consequences of Achan's sin and the subsequent victories of Israel under Joshua's leadership.
Commentary
The passage begins with Joshua's investigation into the defeat at Ai, which leads to the discovery of Achan's sin.
Achan's sin is punished severely, with his family and possessions being destroyed.
The LORD gives Joshua specific instructions for attacking Ai, including the use of an ambush.
Joshua's leadership and obedience to the LORD are key to Israel's victories.
The altar built on Mount Ebal is an important part of Israel's worship and covenant with the LORD.
The reading of the law to the people of Israel is a significant event in the passage.
The gathering of the kings to fight against Israel is a major threat to the nation.
The passage highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.
The use of an ambush in the attack on Ai is a clever tactic that allows Israel to gain the upper hand.
The passage emphasizes the importance of worship and covenant with the LORD.
The reading of the law to the people of Israel is a way of reminding them of their covenant with God.
The gathering of the kings to fight against Israel is a way of testing their faith and obedience.
Claims
- Achan's sin was the cause of Israel's defeat at Ai.
- The LORD gives Joshua specific instructions for attacking Ai, including the use of an ambush.
- Joshua's leadership and obedience to the LORD are key to Israel's victories.
- The altar built on Mount Ebal is an important part of Israel's worship and covenant with the LORD.
- The reading of the law to the people of Israel is a significant event in the passage.
- The gathering of the kings to fight against Israel is a major threat to the nation.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Achan's sin was not the only cause of Israel's defeat at Ai
Correction
Achan's sin was the direct cause of Israel's defeat at Ai.
Misunderstanding
The LORD does not give Joshua specific instructions for attacking Ai, including the use of an ambush
Correction
The LORD does give Joshua specific instructions for attacking Ai, including the use of an ambush.
Misunderstanding
Joshua's leadership and obedience to the LORD are not key to Israel's victories
Correction
Joshua's leadership and obedience to the LORD are key to Israel's victories.
Misunderstanding
The altar built on Mount Ebal is not an important part of Israel's worship and covenant with the LORD
Correction
The altar built on Mount Ebal is an important part of Israel's worship and covenant with the LORD.
Application Questions
- What are the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?
- How does Joshua's leadership and obedience to the LORD contribute to Israel's victories?
- What is the significance of the altar built on Mount Ebal in Israel's worship and covenant with the LORD?
- What is the importance of reading the law to the people of Israel?
- How does the gathering of the kings to fight against Israel test the faith and obedience of Israel?
- What can be learned from the passage about the importance of worship and covenant with the LORD?
Luke 16:1-18
Big Idea
The parable of the dishonest manager teaches that one's faithfulness in small things is a sign of faithfulness in larger things, and that serving two masters is impossible.
Commentary
The parable is a response to the disciples' question about how to deal with the Pharisees, who are lovers of money.
Jesus commends the dishonest manager for his shrewdness, but also warns that the sons of this world are more shrewd than the sons of light.
The parable is not about justifying dishonest behavior, but about the importance of faithfulness and stewardship.
Jesus teaches that unrighteous wealth can be used to make friends for the future, but that true riches are eternal and come from God.
The parable is a warning against serving two masters, and Jesus emphasizes that one cannot serve God and money.
The Pharisees are criticized for loving money and justifying themselves before men, and Jesus warns that what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
The parable also touches on the relationship between the Law and the Prophets and the good news of the kingdom of God.
Jesus teaches that divorce and remarriage are considered adultery, and that the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, but that the Law and the Prophets were until John.
Claims
- One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.
- One who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
- No servant can serve two masters.
- You cannot serve God and money.
- The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached.
- Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The parable is about justifying dishonest behavior.
Correction
The parable is not about justifying dishonest behavior, but about the importance of faithfulness and stewardship.
Misunderstanding
The manager's actions are commendable.
Correction
The manager's actions are dishonest, but he is commended for his shrewdness.
Misunderstanding
The sons of this world are more righteous than the sons of light.
Correction
The sons of this world are more shrewd than the sons of light.
Application Questions
- How can I apply the principle of faithfulness in small things to my own life?
- How can I use unrighteous wealth to make friends for the future?
- What are some ways that I can serve two masters, and how can I avoid doing so?
- How can I prioritize my relationship with God over my love of money?
- What does it mean to "force one's way into" the kingdom of God, and how can I do so?
- How can I apply the principle of not divorcing and remarrying to my own life?
Psalm 82:1-8
Big Idea
God presides over the divine council, holding judgment among the gods.
Commentary
The psalm is a call to justice and righteousness, emphasizing God's role as the ultimate judge and ruler.
The divine council is a gathering of gods, but God is the supreme authority.
The psalm highlights the importance of protecting the weak and needy, and condemning the wicked.
The phrase "Selah" marks a pause in the psalm, possibly indicating a moment of reflection or emphasis.
The psalm uses rhetorical markers such as "Nevertheless" to contrast God's authority with the gods' lack of understanding.
The psalm's language and imagery are rich in symbolism, with references to light and darkness, life and death.
The psalm's themes of justice and righteousness are echoed in other parts of the Bible, emphasizing God's concern for the marginalized and oppressed.
The psalm's use of the divine council as a backdrop for God's judgment highlights the importance of accountability and responsibility among those in positions of power.
The psalm's language and imagery are also used to emphasize God's sovereignty and authority over all nations.
The psalm's call to God to arise and judge the earth emphasizes God's role as the ultimate judge and ruler.
Claims
- God presides over the divine council and holds judgment among the gods.
- The gods are expected to judge justly and protect the weak and needy.
- God threatens the gods with death for their injustices.
- God will inherit all the nations.
- The psalm emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
- The psalm is a call to worship, rather than a call to justice and righteousness.
Correction
The psalm is a call to justice and righteousness, emphasizing God's role as the ultimate judge and ruler.
Misunderstanding
- The divine council is a gathering of gods who are equal to God.
Correction
The divine council is a gathering of gods, but God is the supreme authority.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the psalm's emphasis on justice and righteousness to our own lives and communities?
- What does it mean to "judge unjustly" and how can we avoid doing so?
- How can we work towards creating a more just and righteous society?
- What role do we play in protecting the weak and needy?
- How can we respond to God's call to arise and judge the earth?
Proverbs 13:2-3
Big Idea
The importance of guarding one's mouth and the consequences of speaking carelessly.
Commentary
The verse emphasizes the connection between a person's words and their well-being.
The phrase "fruit of his mouth" is a metaphor for the consequences of one's words.
The verse contrasts the desire for good with the desire for violence.
The treacherous are characterized by their desire for violence.
Guarding one's mouth is a means of preserving one's life.
Opening one's lips leads to ruin.
The verse highlights the importance of self-control in speech.
The consequences of speaking carelessly are severe.
The verse emphasizes the need for wisdom in communication.
The fruit of one's mouth determines their well-being.
The treacherous desire violence, which is the opposite of good.
Claims
- The fruit of one's mouth determines their well-being.
- The treacherous desire violence.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The phrase "fruit of his mouth" is often misunderstood as referring to the literal fruit of one's mouth, rather than the consequences of one's words.
Correction
The phrase is a metaphor for the consequences of one's words.
Misunderstanding
The verse is often seen as simply warning against speaking carelessly, rather than emphasizing the deeper connection between words and well-being.
Correction
The verse highlights the importance of self-control in speech and the consequences of speaking carelessly.
Application Questions
- How can I apply the principle of guarding my mouth in my daily life?
- What are some ways I can cultivate self-control in my speech?
- How can I ensure that my words are bringing life and not ruin to those around me?
- What are some consequences of speaking carelessly that I should be aware of?
- How can I use this verse to evaluate my own speech and communication habits?
- What are some ways I can use this verse to encourage others to guard their mouths and preserve their lives?