Joshua 13:1-14:15
Big Idea
The book of Joshua continues the story of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land, with a focus on the distribution of the land among the tribes.
Commentary
The passage begins with Joshua, who is old and advanced in years, being instructed by the LORD to possess the remaining land.
The land to be possessed is described in detail, including the regions of the Philistines, Geshurites, Avvim, Canaanites, Sidonians, Amorites, and Gebalites.
The inhabitants of the land are to be driven out by the LORD, and the Israelites are to allot the land to themselves according to their tribes.
The passage also describes the inheritance of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, as well as the Levites, who are given no inheritance but are instead given cities to dwell in.
The story of Caleb, who was one of the spies sent by Moses to scout out the land, is also told, and he is given the hill country as his inheritance because he wholly followed the LORD.
The passage ends with the Israelites receiving their inheritances by lot, as the LORD had commanded.
Claims
- The LORD is the one who will drive out the inhabitants of the land.
- The land to be possessed is described in detail.
- The tribes of Reuben and Gad received their inheritances beyond the Jordan.
- The half-tribe of Manasseh received their inheritance in Bashan.
- The Levites are given no inheritance, but cities to dwell in.
- Caleb is given Hebron as his inheritance because he wholly followed the LORD.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The Israelites are the ones who will drive out the inhabitants of the land.
Correction
The LORD is the one who will drive out the inhabitants of the land.
Misunderstanding
<The land to be possessed is only the land of Canaan.
Correction
The land to be possessed includes the regions of the Philistines, Geshurites, Avvim, Canaanites, Sidonians, Amorites, and Gebalites.
Misunderstanding
<The tribes of Reuben and Gad received their inheritances in the land of Canaan.
Correction
The tribes of Reuben and Gad received their inheritances beyond the Jordan.
Misunderstanding
<The half-tribe of Manasseh received their inheritance in the land of Canaan.
Correction
The half-tribe of Manasseh received their inheritance in Bashan.
Application Questions
- What does the passage teach about the importance of following the LORD?
- How does the story of Caleb illustrate the importance of faithfulness to the LORD?
- What does the passage teach about the role of the Levites in the community?
- How does the passage describe the process of allotting the land to the tribes?
- What does the passage teach about the relationship between the Israelites and the inhabitants of the land?
Luke 18:1-17
Big Idea
The importance of persistence and faith in prayer is emphasized by Jesus in this passage.
Commentary
Jesus teaches the disciples to pray always and not lose heart.
He tells a parable about an unrighteous judge and a widow to illustrate God's justice and mercy.
The judge represents God, who will give justice to his elect who cry to him day and night.
The widow represents those who cry to God day and night, demonstrating persistence in prayer.
Jesus asks if the Son of Man will find faith on earth when he comes.
He tells another parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector to contrast humility and pride.
The Pharisee represents those who exalt themselves, while the tax collector represents those who humble themselves.
Jesus says the tax collector went down to his house justified, not the Pharisee.
Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility and faith in receiving the kingdom of God.
He welcomes children and says they belong to the kingdom of God.
The disciples rebuke people bringing infants to Jesus, but Jesus allows them to come to him.
Jesus says the kingdom of God belongs to children, and those who receive it like a child will enter it.
Claims
- God will give justice to his elect who cry to him day and night.
- Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.
- The kingdom of God belongs to children, and those who receive it like a child will enter it.
- Persistence and faith in prayer are essential for receiving God's justice and mercy.
- Humility is a key characteristic of those who receive the kingdom of God.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The judge represents a completely unrighteous person, and God is not like this.
Correction
The judge represents God, who will give justice to his elect.
Misunderstanding
The widow's persistence is what ultimately leads to her receiving justice.
Correction
The widow's persistence is what ultimately leads to God giving her justice, illustrating God's mercy and justice.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the principle of persistence in prayer to your own life?
- How can you cultivate humility in your relationship with God?
- What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God like a child?
- How can you prioritize faith and trust in God's justice and mercy in your life?
Psalm 85:1-13
Big Idea
God's favor and restoration of Jacob are tied to His land, and He forgives the iniquity of His people, covering all their sin.
Commentary
The psalm is a prayer for restoration and forgiveness, with the Sons of Korah addressing God as the God of their salvation.
The psalm highlights God's forgiveness and covering of sin, contrasting it with His wrath and anger.
The people's plea for restoration and forgiveness is repeated throughout the psalm.
God's promise of salvation and peace is emphasized, and His steadfast love and faithfulness are described.
Righteousness and peace are personified as kissing each other, symbolizing their close relationship.
The psalm uses poetic language to describe God's attributes and actions.
The psalm is addressed to the choirmaster, indicating its use in worship and music.
The psalm's themes of restoration, forgiveness, and salvation are relevant to the people of God, including the saints and Jacob.
The psalm's language and imagery are rich and evocative, inviting the reader to reflect on God's character and actions.
Claims
- God forgives the iniquity of His people and covers all their sin.
- God's favor and restoration are tied to His land.
- God's promise of salvation and peace is emphasized throughout the psalm.
- Righteousness and peace kiss each other, symbolizing their close relationship.
- God's steadfast love and faithfulness are described as meeting and springing up from the ground.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
God's favor and restoration are only for the land, not for the people.'
Correction
'God's favor and restoration are tied to His land, but also extend to His people.
Misunderstanding
God's forgiveness is only for past sins, not for ongoing sin.'
Correction
'God's forgiveness is for past and ongoing sin, as He covers all iniquity.
Application Questions
- How can we, as God's people, respond to His promise of salvation and peace?
- How can we cultivate a deeper understanding of God's steadfast love and faithfulness?
- What does it mean for righteousness and peace to kiss each other, and how can we embody this relationship in our lives?
- How can we, as worship leaders, use the psalm's language and imagery to inspire and guide our congregations?
Proverbs 13:7-8
Big Idea
The value of wealth and poverty is contrasted in Proverbs 13:7-8.
Commentary
The passage describes two types of people who pretend to be something they are not.
One person pretends to be rich but has nothing, while another person pretends to be poor but has great wealth.
The passage highlights the importance of wealth in securing one's life.
A poor man is not threatened by anything, suggesting that wealth provides a sense of security.
The phrase "pretends to be" is repeated, emphasizing the idea that these individuals are not what they appear to be.
The passage uses rhetorical markers such as "yet" to contrast the two types of people.
The value of wealth is described as the "ransom of a man's life," suggesting that it is essential for survival.
A poor man is not threatened by anything, implying that he is not vulnerable to external circumstances.
The passage assumes that the audience is familiar with the concept of wealth and poverty.
The use of the word "ransom" implies that wealth is a means of exchange or a way to secure one's life.
Claims
- Wealth is the ransom of a man's life.
- A poor man hears no threat.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The passage is saying that it's okay to be poor.>
Correction
The passage is actually highlighting the value of wealth and the security it provides.
Misunderstanding
<The passage is saying that wealth is the only thing that matters.>
Correction
The passage is actually contrasting wealth and poverty, not saying that one is more important than the other.
Application Questions
- What does it mean to "pretend to be" something you're not?
- How does the passage relate to your own life and experiences with wealth and poverty?
- What are some potential consequences of pretending to be something you're not?
- How can you apply the value of wealth and poverty to your own life and decision-making?
- What does the phrase "ransom of a man's life" mean in the context of the passage?
- How does the passage relate to the concept of security and vulnerability?