1 Samuel 22:1-23:29
Big Idea
The narrative of 1 Samuel 22:1-23:29 focuses on the conflict between David and Saul, with David being pursued by Saul and his men.
Commentary
The story begins with David escaping to the cave of Adullam, where he becomes commander over his followers.
David's men are in distress, debt, and bitter in soul, but David becomes their leader and commander.
The narrative highlights the prophet Gad's advice to David to leave the stronghold and go into the land of Judah.
Saul is informed about David's presence and sends his servants to kill the priests of the LORD at Nob, resulting in the death of 85 priests.
Abiathar escapes and joins David, who is aware that Doeg the Edomite will inform Saul about the priests' deaths.
David inquires of the LORD about attacking the Philistines and saves Keilah, but later decides to leave Keilah due to Saul's pursuit.
Jonathan makes a covenant with David, promising to be next to him as king over Israel.
The Ziphites inform Saul about David's location, and Saul pursues him, but ultimately returns to fight the Philistines.
David escapes to the strongholds of Engedi, where he lives.
Claims
- David is pursued by Saul and his men throughout the narrative.
- The prophet Gad advises David to leave the stronghold and go into the land of Judah.
- Saul orders the death of the priests at Nob, resulting in the death of 85 priests.
- Abiathar escapes and joins David, who is aware of Doeg's intentions.
- Jonathan makes a covenant with David, promising to be next to him as king over Israel.
- The Ziphites inform Saul about David's location, leading to Saul's pursuit.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The narrative implies that David is solely responsible for the death of the priests at Nob
Correction
The narrative actually suggests that Saul is responsible for the death of the priests, as he orders their execution.
Misunderstanding
The story implies that David is the one who informs the Ziphites about his location
Correction
The narrative actually suggests that the Ziphites inform Saul about David's location, leading to Saul's pursuit.
Application Questions
- What are the implications of the prophet Gad's advice to David to leave the stronghold and go into the land of Judah?
- How does the narrative portray the relationship between David and Saul, and what does it reveal about their characters?
- What role does the Ziphites play in informing Saul about David's location, and what are the consequences of their actions?
- How does the covenant between Jonathan and David reflect their relationship and their future roles as king and next-in-line?
John 10:1-21
Big Idea
Jesus teaches about the true shepherd and the sheepfold, using metaphors to explain his relationship with God's people.
Commentary
The passage is a continuation of Jesus' teachings in John 9, where he healed a man born blind.
Jesus uses the metaphor of the sheepfold and shepherd to explain his role as the true leader of God's people.
The sheepfold represents God's people, and the shepherd represents Jesus.
The gatekeeper represents God, who opens the door for Jesus to enter.
The sheep hear the shepherd's voice and follow him, but a stranger they will not follow.
Jesus' words are a figure of speech that the Jews do not understand.
The passage highlights the contrast between the true shepherd (Jesus) and the hired hand (false leaders).
Jesus claims to have authority from the Father to lay down and take up his life.
The Jews are divided in their response to Jesus' words, with some accusing him of being possessed by a demon.
The passage emphasizes Jesus' role as the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.
Claims
- Jesus is the door of the sheep.
- Jesus is the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.
- Jesus has authority to lay down and take up his life.
- Jesus has other sheep not of this fold that he must bring.
- Jesus' words are a figure of speech that the Jews do not understand.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The shepherd is a hired hand who cares nothing for the sheep>
Correction
<The shepherd is a hired hand who is motivated by self-interest, but Jesus is the true shepherd who cares deeply for the sheep>.
Misunderstanding
<Jesus is possessed by a demon>
Correction
<Jesus is not possessed by a demon, but rather he is the true leader of God's people, and his words are a revelation of God's will>.
Application Questions
- What does it mean to be a sheep in the sheepfold, and how does Jesus' teaching relate to this concept?
- How does Jesus' role as the good shepherd relate to his role as the Son of God?
- What is the significance of Jesus' authority to lay down and take up his life?
- How does Jesus' teaching about the sheepfold and shepherd relate to the concept of the church?
Psalm 115:1-18
Big Idea
The Psalm emphasizes the contrast between the living God and lifeless idols, highlighting the superiority of the Lord.
Commentary
The Psalm begins with a declaration of God's sovereignty and the nations' question about the God of Israel.
The idols are described as lifeless and unable to perform actions, emphasizing their uselessness.
Those who trust in idols become like them, illustrating the consequences of idolatry.
The Psalm encourages trust in the Lord, emphasizing His role as help and shield.
The Lord remembers and blesses Israel, House of Aaron, and those who fear Him.
The passage concludes with a call to praise the Lord.
The heavens and earth are attributed to the Lord's creation.
The dead are not able to praise the Lord, but the living will do so forevermore.
The Psalm emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and praising Him.
Claims
- Our God is in the heavens and does all that He pleases (v. 3).
- Idols are lifeless and unable to perform actions (v. 4-7).
- Those who trust in idols become like them (v. 8).
- The Lord is the help and shield of Israel, House of Aaron, and those who fear Him (v. 9-11).
- The Lord remembers and blesses Israel, House of Aaron, and those who fear Him (v. 12-13).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
- The Psalm is only about the nations questioning the God of Israel
Correction
The Psalm is about the contrast between the living God and lifeless idols, and the importance of trusting in the Lord.
Misunderstanding
- The idols are described as being able to speak and see
Correction
The idols are described as having mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see (v. 4-5).
Application Questions
- - How can we apply the Psalm's emphasis on trusting in the Lord to our daily lives?
- - What are some ways we can praise the Lord, as encouraged in the Psalm?
- - How can we avoid becoming like the idols described in the Psalm?
- - What does it mean to have the Lord as our help and shield, and how can we experience this in our lives?
Proverbs 15:18-19
Big Idea
A contrast is presented between two types of individuals: the hot-tempered and the slow to anger.
Commentary
A hot-tempered man is associated with strife, while a slow to anger person is associated with quiet contention.
The characteristics of a hot-tempered man are contrasted with those of a slow to anger person.
The path of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, while the path of the upright is like a level highway.
Strife and quiet contention are presented as opposite outcomes.
A hedge of thorns and a level highway are presented as opposite paths.
The characteristics of the upright are highlighted as desirable.
The verse emphasizes the importance of self-control and moderation in one's behavior.
A hot-tempered man is described as stirring up strife, while a slow to anger person quiets contention.
The way of a sluggard is contrasted with that of the upright.
The verse suggests that our behavior has consequences, and that we should strive to be upright and level-headed.
Claims
- A hot-tempered man stirs up strife.
- A slow to anger person quiets contention.
- The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns.
- The path of the upright is a level highway.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
A hot-tempered man is always violent
Correction
A hot-tempered man may not always be violent, but his behavior can lead to strife.
Misunderstanding
A slow to anger person is always passive
Correction
A slow to anger person is not passive, but rather able to manage their emotions and respond wisely.
Misunderstanding
The path of the upright is always easy
Correction
The path of the upright may not always be easy, but it is a level highway that is free from obstacles.
Application Questions
- How can I apply the principle of being slow to anger in my daily life?
- What are some ways that I can avoid stirring up strife in my relationships?
- How can I cultivate self-control and moderation in my behavior?
- What are some consequences of being a sluggard, and how can I avoid them?
- How can I prioritize being upright and level-headed in my decisions and actions?