Joshua 21:1-22:20
Big Idea
The Levites are given cities and pasturelands by the people of Israel, as commanded by the LORD through Moses.
Commentary
The Levites request cities from Eleazar and Joshua, as commanded by the LORD.
The people of Israel give cities and pasturelands to the Levites by lot, as the LORD had commanded through Moses.
The Levites are given specific cities and pasturelands, with some cities being given to Aaron's descendants and others to other Kohathite clans.
The cities and pasturelands are given to the Levites in the midst of the possession of the people of Israel.
The people of Israel take possession of the land and settle there, with the LORD giving them rest on every side.
Joshua addresses the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh, blessing them and sending them away to their tents.
The people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh return home, parting from the people of Israel at Shiloh.
The people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh build an altar by the Jordan, which is seen by the people of Israel.
The people of Israel gather at Shiloh to make war against the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh, but are sent by Phinehas and chiefs to rebuke them instead.
Claims
- The Levites are given cities and pasturelands by the people of Israel.
- The people of Israel take possession of the land and settle there.
- Joshua addresses the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh, blessing them and sending them away.
- The people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh build an altar by the Jordan.
- Phinehas and chiefs are sent to rebuke the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The Levites are given cities and pasturelands as a reward for their service to the people of Israel
Correction
The Levites are given cities and pasturelands as a fulfillment of the LORD's command through Moses.
Misunderstanding
The people of Israel are angry with the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh for building an altar
Correction
The people of Israel are initially angry, but are sent by Phinehas and chiefs to rebuke the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh for building an altar in rebellion against the LORD.
Application Questions
- What are the implications of the Levites being given cities and pasturelands by the people of Israel?
- How does the story of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh building an altar relate to the broader theme of the book of Joshua?
- What can be learned from the rebuke of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh by Phinehas and chiefs?
Luke 20:1-26
Big Idea
The passage in Luke 20:1-26 is a series of interactions between Jesus and the chief priests, scribes, and elders, where Jesus teaches about authority, the kingdom of God, and the consequences of rejecting God's messengers.
Commentary
The passage begins with the chief priests and scribes questioning Jesus about his authority, but Jesus turns the tables by asking them about the baptism of John.
The chief priests and scribes are unable to answer Jesus' question, and Jesus refuses to answer theirs about his authority.
Jesus then tells a parable about a vineyard owner and his tenants, which is interpreted as a warning to the chief priests and scribes about their actions.
The parable is a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's messengers, and Jesus uses it to point out the hypocrisy of the chief priests and scribes.
The passage also includes a question about paying tribute to Caesar, which is a test of Jesus' wisdom and a way of highlighting the supremacy of God's authority.
Throughout the passage, Jesus is aware of the intentions of the chief priests and scribes, and he outsmarts them at every turn.
The passage ends with the chief priests and scribes being unable to catch Jesus in a trap, and they are left marveling at his answer.
Claims
- Jesus teaches that God's authority is supreme and that humans must render to God the things that are God's.
- The chief priests and scribes are hypocrites who are trying to trap Jesus with their questions.
- Jesus uses the parable to warn the chief priests and scribes about the consequences of rejecting God's messengers.
- The passage highlights the importance of recognizing and submitting to God's authority.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The chief priests and scribes are trying to help Jesus by asking him about his authority>
Correction
<The chief priests and scribes are trying to trap Jesus with their questions>
Misunderstanding
<The parable is just a simple story about a vineyard owner and his tenants>
Correction
<The parable is a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's messengers>
Misunderstanding
<Jesus is being evasive and refusing to answer the chief priests' and scribes' questions>
Correction
<Jesus is using the opportunity to teach and point out the hypocrisy of the chief priests and scribes>
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principle of rendering to God the things that are God's in our own lives?
- What are some ways that we can recognize and submit to God's authority in our daily lives?
- How can we avoid being like the chief priests and scribes, who are trying to trap Jesus with their questions?
- What are some ways that we can use our words and actions to point out the hypocrisy of those who are trying to reject God's messengers?
- How can we use the parable of the vineyard owner and his tenants to warn others about the consequences of rejecting God's messengers?
- What are some ways that we can be more like Jesus, who is aware of the intentions of others and uses the opportunity to teach and point out hypocrisy?
Psalm 89:1-13
Big Idea
The psalmist, Ethan the Ezrahite, sings of the steadfast love and faithfulness of the LORD, emphasizing their eternal nature.
Commentary
The psalm is a Maskil, a musical composition, highlighting the importance of music in worship.
The steadfast love and faithfulness of the LORD are central themes, emphasizing their enduring nature.
The covenant with David is mentioned, establishing a connection between God's promise and the king's dynasty.
The heavens and earth are created by the LORD, showcasing God's power and authority.
The psalmist praises the LORD's name, using imagery from nature to emphasize God's greatness.
The LORD's mighty arm and strong hand are mentioned, highlighting God's power and control.
The psalm is addressed to "all generations," emphasizing the timeless nature of God's love and faithfulness.
The psalmist uses rhetorical markers such as "Who" to emphasize the uniqueness of the LORD.
The psalm includes repeated phrases such as "Steadfast love" and "Faithfulness," emphasizing their importance.
The psalm mentions the assembly of the holy ones, emphasizing the communal nature of worship.
The psalmist uses imagery from nature to describe the LORD's power and authority.
Claims
- The LORD's steadfast love and faithfulness are eternal.
- The LORD has made a covenant with David, promising to establish his dynasty forever.
- The LORD is the creator of the heavens and earth.
- The LORD's mighty arm and strong hand are powerful and controlling.
- The LORD is greatly to be feared and awesome above all who are around him.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
- The psalm is only about the steadfast love of the LORD
Correction
The psalm is about the steadfast love and faithfulness of the LORD.
Misunderstanding
- The covenant with David is only a promise to David
Correction
The covenant with David is a promise to David and his dynasty.
Misunderstanding
- The LORD is only a creator
Correction
The LORD is a creator, ruler, and sustainer of the universe.
Application Questions
- How can we, as worshipers, reflect the psalmist's emphasis on the steadfast love and faithfulness of the LORD in our own lives?
- How can we, as a community, praise the LORD's name and acknowledge their power and authority?
- What does it mean to fear the LORD and acknowledge their awesomeness?
- How can we, as individuals, respond to the LORD's mighty arm and strong hand in our lives?
- What does it mean to be part of the assembly of the holy ones, and how can we participate in this community of worship?
- How can we, as a community, reflect the psalmist's emphasis on the importance of music in worship?
Proverbs 13:15-16
Big Idea
The Bible teaches that good sense and prudent behavior lead to positive outcomes, while treacherous and foolish behavior lead to negative outcomes.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes the importance of good sense and prudent behavior.
Good sense is associated with winning favor, while treacherous behavior leads to ruin.
Prudent men act with knowledge, while fools flaunt their folly.
The passage highlights the contrast between good sense and treacherous ways, as well as between prudent men and fools.
Favor is a positive outcome that results from good sense, while ruin is a negative outcome that results from treacherous behavior.
Knowledge is a positive trait that is associated with prudent behavior, while folly is a negative trait that is associated with foolish behavior.
The passage uses the contrast between good sense and treacherous ways to emphasize the importance of making wise decisions.
The use of the word "ruin" in verse 16 emphasizes the severity of the consequences of treacherous behavior.
The passage also highlights the importance of self-awareness and recognizing one's own folly.
The contrast between prudent men and fools serves as a warning to readers to avoid foolish behavior.
The passage assumes that readers are capable of making wise decisions and acting with good sense.
The use of the word "flaunts" in verse 16 emphasizes the idea that fools are proud of their foolish behavior.
Claims
- Good sense is associated with winning favor.
- The way of the treacherous leads to ruin.
- Prudent men act with knowledge.
- Fools flaunt their folly.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The passage is saying that good sense is only important for winning favor, but it's actually a key to living a virtuous life.
Correction
The passage emphasizes the importance of good sense for both winning favor and living a virtuous life.
Misunderstanding
The passage is saying that prudent men are only smart, but it's actually saying that they act with knowledge.
Correction
The passage highlights the importance of acting with knowledge, not just being smart.
Application Questions
- How can I apply the principle of good sense to my daily life?
- What are some ways that I can avoid treacherous behavior and instead act with knowledge?
- How can I recognize and avoid foolish behavior in myself and others?
- What are some consequences of acting with folly, and how can I avoid them?
- How can I cultivate good sense and prudent behavior in my relationships and decision-making?