Joshua 11:1-12:24
Big Idea
The passage describes the conquest of the land of Canaan by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua, as commanded by the LORD.
Commentary
The passage begins with the kings of the surrounding nations joining forces to fight against Israel, but the LORD encourages Joshua not to be afraid of them, promising to give them over to Israel the next day.
The LORD's promise is fulfilled, and Joshua and his warriors attack the enemy at the waters of Merom, hamstringing their horses and burning their chariots with fire.
The LORD gives the enemy into the hand of Israel, and they chase them as far as Great Sidon and Misrephoth-maim.
Joshua captures and destroys the cities of the kings, devoting them to destruction.
The people of Israel defeat the kings of the land, including Sihon and Og, and give their land to the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh.
The land has rest from war.
The passage also lists the kings of the land who were defeated by Joshua and the people of Israel.
The LORD's command to devote the enemy to destruction is fulfilled, and the people of Israel take the spoil of the cities and the livestock as their plunder.
Claims
- The LORD is the one who gives the enemy over to Israel, and Joshua is obedient to the LORD's commands.
- The cities of the kings are destroyed, and their people are devoted to destruction.
- The people of Israel defeat the kings of the land, including Sihon and Og.
- The land has rest from war, and the people are at peace.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The enemy is described as a great horde, with many horses and chariots, but this is not necessarily a misreading, as the passage does describe the enemy as having many horses and chariots.
Correction
Misunderstanding
The LORD's promise to give the enemy over to Israel is not necessarily a misreading, as the passage does describe the LORD as giving the enemy over to Israel.
Correction
Misunderstanding
The cities of the kings are destroyed, but this is not necessarily a misreading, as the passage does describe the cities of the kings being destroyed.
Correction
Misunderstanding
The people of Israel defeat the kings of the land, including Sihon and Og, but this is not necessarily a misreading, as the passage does describe the people of Israel defeating the kings of the land.
Correction
Application Questions
- What can we learn from the LORD's promise to give the enemy over to Israel?
- How can we apply the principle of devotion to destruction in our own lives?
- What can we learn from the obedience of Joshua to the LORD's commands?
- How can we apply the principle of rest from war in our own lives?
- What can we learn from the defeat of the kings of the land, including Sihon and Og?
- How can we apply the principle of taking the spoil of the cities and the livestock as our plunder in our own lives?
Luke 17:11-37
Big Idea
The passage from Luke 17:11-37 emphasizes the importance of faith and gratitude in the face of God's mercy and judgment.
Commentary
The story of the ten lepers highlights the contrast between those who show gratitude and those who do not.
Jesus' healing of the lepers is a demonstration of God's mercy and power.
The Pharisees' question about the kingdom of God's coming is an opportunity for Jesus to explain that the kingdom is not something that can be observed or pointed to.
Jesus' warning to the disciples about the coming days of the Son of Man is a call to be prepared for judgment and to prioritize spiritual relationships over material possessions.
The stories of Noah and Lot are used to illustrate the coming judgment and the importance of being prepared.
Jesus' emphasis on the importance of faith and gratitude is a central theme throughout the passage.
Claims
- The kingdom of God is not something that can be observed or pointed to.
- The days of the Son of Man will be marked by destruction and chaos.
- Those who are attached to material possessions and family relationships will lose them in the face of judgment.
- Faith is the key to being prepared for the coming day.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<i>Jesus is saying that the kingdom of God will come in a visible and tangible way.</i>
Correction
<i>The kingdom of God is not something that can be observed or pointed to.</i>
Misunderstanding
<i>The story of the ten lepers is just a random example of Jesus' healing power.</i>
Correction
<i>The story of the ten lepers highlights the contrast between those who show gratitude and those who do not.</i>
Application Questions
- How can we cultivate a spirit of gratitude in our daily lives?
- What does it mean to prioritize spiritual relationships over material possessions?
- How can we prepare ourselves for the coming day of judgment?
- What are some ways that we can demonstrate faith in the face of uncertainty and adversity?
Psalm 84:1-12
Big Idea
The Psalmist expresses a deep longing for the LORD's dwelling place, describing it as a place of joy and praise.
Commentary
The Psalm is addressed to the choirmaster, indicating its musical nature.
The LORD's dwelling is described as a place of joy and praise.
The birds' homes at the LORD's altars are seen as a model for human dwelling.
The Valley of Baca is transformed by those who dwell in Zion.
The LORD is described as a sun and shield, bestowing favor and honor.
Trust in the LORD is the key to receiving good things from Him.
The Psalmist compares the LORD's dwelling to a home for birds, highlighting the beauty and comfort of the LORD's presence.
The Psalmist expresses a desire to be a doorkeeper in the LORD's house, demonstrating a willingness to serve and be close to the LORD.
The LORD's character is described as one of favor and honor, emphasizing His goodness and kindness.
The Psalmist concludes with a blessing on those who trust in the LORD, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in the LORD's goodness.
Claims
- The LORD's dwelling place is a place of joy and praise.
- The LORD is a sun and shield, bestowing favor and honor.
- Trust in the LORD is the key to receiving good things from Him.
- The LORD's character is one of favor and honor.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The Psalm is only about the beauty of the LORD's dwelling place>
Correction
The Psalm is about the longing for the LORD's dwelling place and the blessings of dwelling in His presence.
Misunderstanding
<The Valley of Baca is only a place of sorrow>
Correction
The Valley of Baca is transformed by those who dwell in Zion, becoming a place of springs and pools.
Application Questions
- What does it mean to dwell in the LORD's house, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How can we cultivate a sense of longing for the LORD's presence in our lives?
- What are some ways we can serve as doorkeepers in the LORD's house, and how can we be close to Him?
- How can we trust in the LORD's goodness and character, even in difficult circumstances?
Proverbs 13:5-6
Big Idea
The righteous and wicked have opposite behaviors and outcomes.
Commentary
The verse contrasts the righteous and wicked, highlighting their distinct characteristics and consequences.
The righteous hate falsehood, indicating a commitment to truth and integrity.
The wicked, on the other hand, bring shame and disgrace, demonstrating a disregard for moral standards.
Righteousness serves as a protective force, guarding those who live blameless lives.
Sin, in contrast, is a destructive force that overthrows the wicked.
The contrast between righteousness and sin is a recurring theme in Proverbs.
The verse emphasizes the importance of living a blameless life to experience the benefits of righteousness.
The wicked are characterized by their association with shame and disgrace.
The righteous are characterized by their hatred of falsehood and their commitment to living a blameless life.
The verse suggests that the consequences of one's actions are determined by their alignment with righteousness or sin.
Claims
- The righteous hate falsehood.
- The wicked bring shame and disgrace.
- Righteousness guards the blameless.
- Sin overthrows the wicked.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The righteous are perfect and never make mistakes
Correction
The righteous are blameless, but not necessarily perfect.
Misunderstanding
The wicked are always punished immediately
Correction
The wicked may experience consequences, but the timing and nature of those consequences are not specified.
Application Questions
- How can I cultivate a hatred of falsehood in my own life?
- What are some ways to live a blameless life?
- How can I recognize and avoid the consequences of sin in my own life?
- What are some ways to experience the benefits of righteousness?
- How can I help others who are struggling with shame and disgrace?
- What are some ways to promote a culture of truth and integrity in my community?