Judges 2:10-3:31
Big Idea
The cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance is a recurring theme in the book of Judges, highlighting the need for God's people to remain faithful to Him.
Commentary
The generation that followed Moses did not know the LORD or his works, setting the stage for the cycle of sin and judgment.
The people of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals, provoking God's anger and leading to their oppression by surrounding nations.
The LORD raised up judges to save them, but they did not listen to their judges and continued to follow other gods.
The cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance repeats itself throughout the book of Judges, with the people of Israel turning back to their evil ways after each judge died.
The LORD left nations in Israel to test them, whether they would walk in the way of the LORD.
The people of Israel lived among the Canaanites and served their gods, forgetting the LORD their God.
The LORD sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia, but raised up Othniel to save them.
Othniel's victory brought rest to the land for 40 years, but the people of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD.
The LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, and Ehud killed Eglon and led the people of Israel to victory.
Ehud's victory brought rest to the land for 80 years, but the book of Judges ends with the mention of Shamgar, who killed 600 of the Philistines with an oxgoad.
Claims
- The people of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD repeatedly, leading to their oppression by surrounding nations.
- The LORD raised up judges to save them, but they did not listen to their judges and continued to follow other gods.
- The cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance is a recurring theme in the book of Judges.
- The people of Israel were able to defeat the Moabites and the Philistines with the help of the LORD.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The people of Israel were able to defeat the Moabites and the Philistines on their own, without the help of the LORD
Correction
The people of Israel were able to defeat the Moabites and the Philistines with the help of the LORD.
Misunderstanding
The cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance is a new concept introduced in the book of Judges
Correction
The cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance is a recurring theme in the book of Judges, highlighting the need for God's people to remain faithful to Him.
Application Questions
- What are some ways in which the cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance can be applied to our own lives?
- How can we learn from the examples of the judges in the book of Judges and apply their faithfulness to our own lives?
- What are some ways in which we can remain faithful to the LORD and avoid the cycle of sin and judgment?
- How can we use the example of Ehud and his bravery to inspire us to stand up for what is right and just?
- What are some ways in which we can apply the lessons of the book of Judges to our own communities and cultures?
Luke 22:14-34
Big Idea
The passage describes Jesus' final meal with his apostles, where he institutes the Lord's Supper and shares his last will and testament with them.
Commentary
The passage is a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Luke, marking the transition from Jesus' public ministry to his passion and death.
Jesus' desire to eat the Passover with his apostles before suffering shows his love and concern for them.
The cup and bread are symbols of the new covenant in Jesus' blood, which is a central theme in the passage.
Jesus' identification of the betrayer among them creates tension and anxiety among the apostles.
The dispute among the apostles about who is the greatest highlights their misunderstanding of Jesus' teachings about servitude and leadership.
Jesus' words to Peter about Satan's temptation and potential denial serve as a warning and a prediction of Peter's future actions.
The passage also emphasizes the importance of humility and servitude, as Jesus assigns a kingdom to his apostles and promises them a place at his table.
Claims
- Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, which is a new covenant in his blood.
- Jesus identifies the betrayer among his closest followers.
- Jesus teaches about humility and servitude, assigning a kingdom to his apostles.
- Jesus warns Peter about Satan's temptation and potential denial.
- Jesus predicts Peter's denial, saying he will deny him three times.
- Jesus' words about the kingdom of God and the new covenant are central to the passage.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The Lord's Supper is a mere ritual>
Correction
The Lord's Supper is a symbol of the new covenant in Jesus' blood, which is a central theme in the passage.
Misunderstanding
<Jesus' identification of the betrayer is a surprise>
Correction
Jesus' identification of the betrayer is a fulfillment of prophecy and a demonstration of his omniscience.
Application Questions
- How can we apply Jesus' teachings about humility and servitude to our daily lives?
- What does it mean to "eat and drink at Jesus' table" in the kingdom of God?
- How can we strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ, as Jesus instructs Peter to do?
- What is the significance of Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial, and how can we learn from Peter's mistakes?
Psalm 92:1-93:5
Big Idea
The Psalm is a song for the Sabbath, emphasizing the importance of worship and praise on this day.
Commentary
The Psalmist expresses gratitude and praise to the LORD, highlighting the importance of giving thanks and singing praises to His name.
The Psalmist describes the LORD's works and steadfast love, emphasizing their complexity and majesty.
The Psalmist contrasts the fate of the wicked and the righteous, highlighting the consequences of their actions.
The Psalmist describes the LORD's exaltation of the Psalmist, symbolizing strength and power.
The Psalmist affirms the trustworthiness of the LORD's decrees, emphasizing their reliability and faithfulness.
The Psalmist describes the LORD's throne as established from of old, emphasizing His eternal reign.
The Psalmist describes the LORD's power over nature, emphasizing His might and majesty.
The Psalmist affirms the LORD's holiness, emphasizing its importance in His house.
The Psalmist expresses trust in the LORD's decrees, emphasizing their reliability and faithfulness.
The Psalmist describes the LORD's reign as established, emphasizing its stability and permanence.
The Psalmist describes the LORD's throne as established from of old, emphasizing His eternal reign.
The Psalmist affirms the LORD's power over nature, emphasizing His might and majesty.
Claims
- The LORD is the Most High and is on high forever.
- The wicked are doomed to destruction forever.
- The righteous flourish like palm trees and cedars.
- The LORD's works are very deep.
- The LORD's throne is established from of old.
- The LORD's decrees are very trustworthy.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The Psalm is a song for the Sabbath, but it's not just for the Sabbath>
Correction
The Psalm is a song for the Sabbath, but its themes and messages are relevant for all days.
Misunderstanding
<The LORD's works are only physical>
Correction
The LORD's works are not only physical, but also spiritual and moral.
Application Questions
- How can we, as believers, give thanks and praise to the LORD in our daily lives?
- How can we, as believers, declare the LORD's steadfast love and faithfulness in our words and actions?
- What does it mean to be "on high forever" and how can we, as believers, strive to be like the LORD in this way?
- How can we, as believers, contrast the fate of the wicked and the righteous in our lives and actions?
- What does it mean to be "very trustworthy" and how can we, as believers, strive to be like the LORD in this way?
- How can we, as believers, affirm the trustworthiness of the LORD's decrees in our lives and actions?
Proverbs 14:1-2
Big Idea
The passage highlights the contrast between wisdom and folly, and the consequences of living a life of uprightness versus deviousness.
Commentary
The wisest of women is described as building her house, indicating a life of wisdom and stability.
Folly is personified as tearing down the house, showing the destructive nature of foolish behavior.
The passage uses the contrast between building and tearing down to illustrate the consequences of wise and foolish actions.
The wise person fears the LORD, indicating a life of reverence and obedience.
The foolish person despises the LORD, showing a life of rebellion and disregard for moral authority.
Uprightness is associated with fearing the LORD, emphasizing the importance of living a life of integrity and morality.
Devious ways are associated with despising the LORD, highlighting the consequences of living a life of sin and rebellion.
The passage uses the LORD as a reference point for moral behavior, emphasizing the importance of living a life that honors God.
The contrast between the wise and the foolish is a recurring theme in Proverbs, emphasizing the importance of making wise choices in life.
The passage encourages readers to live a life of wisdom, uprightness, and reverence for the LORD.
Claims
- The wisest of women builds her house, but folly tears it down.
- Whoever walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is devious in his ways despises him.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The wisest of women is described as building her house, but some might misread this as saying that women are more capable of building a strong foundation than men.
Correction
The passage is actually saying that wisdom and uprightness are the keys to building a strong foundation, regardless of gender.
Misunderstanding
The passage might be misread as saying that the LORD is only concerned with moral behavior, and that physical strength or wealth are not important.
Correction
The passage is actually saying that moral behavior is the most important aspect of a person's life, but that physical strength and wealth can be blessings from the LORD if used wisely.
Application Questions
- How can I apply the wisdom of the wisest of women to my own life?
- What are some ways that I can live a life of uprightness and reverence for the LORD?
- How can I avoid the destructive consequences of foolish behavior in my own life?
- What are some ways that I can use my physical strength and wealth to honor the LORD?
- How can I cultivate a life of wisdom and reverence for the LORD in my daily decisions and actions?
- What are some ways that I can help others to live a life of wisdom and uprightness?