2 Samuel 13:1-39
Big Idea
The story of 2 Samuel 13:1-39 revolves around the themes of love, hatred, and betrayal, highlighting the consequences of sin and the importance of justice.
Commentary
The passage begins with the introduction of Absalom's sister, Tamar, who is loved by Amnon, David's son.
Amnon's love for Tamar is not reciprocated, and he forces her to lie with him, violating her virginity.
Tamar is sent away by Amnon, and her brother Absalom is filled with anger and hatred towards Amnon.
Absalom plots his revenge and invites the king's sons to a sheepshearing, where he secretly plans to kill Amnon.
Amnon is killed by Absalom's servants, and the king's sons flee.
David is deceived about the death of his sons, but Jonadab corrects him, revealing that Amnon alone is dead.
Absalom flees to Geshur and is there for three years, and the spirit of the king longs to go out to Absalom.
Claims
- Amnon's love for Tamar is not genuine, but rather a lustful desire.
- Absalom's hatred for Amnon is motivated by his sister's violation.
- Jonadab's advice to Amnon is a clever plan to get Tamar alone with him.
- David is deceived about the death of his sons, but Jonadab corrects him.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Amnon's love for Tamar is portrayed as a romantic love, rather than a lustful desire.
Correction
Amnon's love for Tamar is not genuine, but rather a lustful desire.
Misunderstanding
Absalom's hatred for Amnon is motivated by his desire for revenge, rather than his sister's violation.
Correction
Absalom's hatred for Amnon is motivated by his sister's violation.
Application Questions
- What are the consequences of sin in the story of 2 Samuel 13:1-39?
- How does the story of Amnon and Tamar relate to the theme of love and relationships?
- What can be learned from Jonadab's correction of David's misunderstanding about the death of his sons?
- How does the story of Absalom's flight to Geshur relate to the theme of justice and consequences?
John 17:1-26
Big Idea
Jesus prays to the Father in heaven, asking for the Father to glorify Him and to keep those given to Him in His name.
Commentary
Jesus and the Father are one, and those given to Jesus are also given to the Father.
Jesus has given eternal life to those given to Him, and they know the Father and Jesus Christ whom the Father has sent.
The world hates those given to Jesus because they are not of the world.
Jesus does not ask to take those given to Him out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.
Jesus consecrates Himself for the sake of those given to Him.
Jesus desires that those given to Him may be with Him where He is.
Jesus knows the Father and those given to Him know that the Father has sent Jesus.
Jesus has given the words that the Father gave Him to those given to Him, and they have received them and come to know in truth that Jesus came from the Father.
The glory that the Father has given Jesus, He has given to those given to Him, that they may be one even as the Father and Jesus are one.
Jesus and those given to Him are not of the world, just as Jesus is not of the world.
Jesus' joy is fulfilled in those given to Him, and He has given them the Father's word.
The world has hated those given to Jesus because they are not of the world.
Claims
- Jesus has given eternal life to those given to Him.
- Those given to Jesus are also given to the Father.
- Jesus has kept the Father's word and has given it to those given to Him.
- Jesus consecrates Himself for the sake of those given to Him.
- Jesus desires that those given to Him may be with Him where He is.
- The glory that the Father has given Jesus, He has given to those given to Him.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<Jesus is asking the Father to take those given to Him out of the world>
Correction
<Jesus is asking the Father to keep those given to Him in His name, but not to take them out of the world>.
Misunderstanding
<Jesus is praying for the world>
Correction
<Jesus is praying for those given to Him, for they are the Father's, and the world is not the focus of His prayer>.
Application Questions
- How can we, as followers of Jesus, be glorified in Him and glorify the Father?
- How can we, as followers of Jesus, be sanctified in the truth, and what does it mean to be sanctified in the truth?
- How can we, as followers of Jesus, be one with the Father and with each other, just as the Father and Jesus are one?
- What does it mean to be given to Jesus, and what are the implications of being given to Him?
- How can we, as followers of Jesus, be with Him where He is, to see His glory and to experience His love?
Psalm 119:81-96
Big Idea
The psalmist expresses longing for the LORD's salvation and comfort, affirming the sureness of the LORD's commandments and the steadfast love of the LORD.
Commentary
The psalmist's soul longs for the LORD's salvation, hoping in the LORD's word.
The psalmist's eyes long for the LORD's promise, asking when the LORD will comfort them.
The psalmist has not forgotten the LORD's statutes, despite being like a wineskin in the smoke.
The psalmist asks how long their servant must endure persecution, when the LORD will judge those who persecute them.
The insolent have dug pitfalls for the psalmist, not living according to the LORD's law.
The psalmist affirms the sureness of the LORD's commandments, which are being persecuted with falsehood.
The psalmist has almost been destroyed, but has not forsaken the LORD's precepts.
The psalmist's life is sustained by the LORD's precepts, asking for salvation.
The wicked lie in wait to destroy the psalmist, but the psalmist considers the LORD's testimonies.
The psalmist sees a limit to all perfection, but the LORD's commandment is broad.
The psalmist's servant endures persecution, and the psalmist's persecutors use falsehood.
The psalmist has not forsaken the LORD's precepts, and the psalmist's life is sustained by them.
Claims
- The psalmist's soul longs for the LORD's salvation.
- The psalmist's eyes long for the LORD's promise.
- The psalmist affirms the sureness of the LORD's commandments.
- The psalmist affirms the steadfast love of the LORD.
- The psalmist affirms the faithfulness of the LORD.
- The psalmist affirms the establishment of the earth by the LORD.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The psalmist is asking for physical comfort, when in fact they are seeking spiritual salvation and comfort.
Correction
Misunderstanding
> The psalmist is seeking spiritual salvation and comfort, not just physical comfort.
Correction
Misunderstanding
The psalmist is complaining about their circumstances, when in fact they are affirming the LORD's sovereignty and faithfulness.
Correction
Misunderstanding
> The psalmist is affirming the LORD's sovereignty and faithfulness, not just complaining about their circumstances.
Correction
Application Questions
- How can you apply the psalmist's longing for the LORD's salvation to your own life?
- How can you affirm the sureness of the LORD's commandments in the face of persecution?
- How can you seek the LORD's precepts and testimonies in your daily life?
- How can you consider the LORD's testimonies in the midst of trials and tribulations?
- How can you affirm the LORD's sovereignty and faithfulness in the midst of uncertainty?
- How can you apply the psalmist's affirmation of the LORD's commandment as broad and perfect to your own life?
Proverbs 16:6-7
Big Idea
The passage emphasizes the importance of fearing the LORD and living a life pleasing to Him in order to atone for iniquity and achieve peace with enemies.
Commentary
The passage highlights the interconnectedness of fearing the LORD, turning away from evil, and atoning for iniquity through steadfast love and faithfulness.
The use of "steadfast love" and "faithfulness" as key qualities for atoning for iniquity suggests a deep and enduring commitment to God's character.
The phrase "fearing the LORD" implies a sense of reverence and respect for God's power and authority.
The idea that a person's ways pleasing the LORD results in peace with enemies suggests a positive relationship between pleasing God and having peaceful relationships.
The passage implies that atoning for iniquity is not just a one-time event, but rather a ongoing process of living in accordance with God's character.
The use of "iniquity" and "evil" as opposites of God's character highlights the importance of living a life that is pleasing to Him.
The passage suggests that fearing the LORD is a means of turning away from evil, implying that evil is a choice that can be made or avoided.
The idea that a person's ways pleasing the LORD results in peace with enemies suggests that God's approval is not just a personal reward, but also has social implications.
Claims
- By fearing the LORD, one turns away from evil.
- Atoning for iniquity is possible through steadfast love and faithfulness.
- A person's ways pleasing the LORD result in peace with enemies.
- Enemies become at peace with the person when their ways please the LORD.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Iniquity is a one-time sin that can be atoned for through a single act of repentance
Correction
Iniquity is a pattern of behavior that can be atoned for through a consistent commitment to living in accordance with God's character.
Misunderstanding
Fearing the LORD is a means of avoiding punishment
Correction
Fearing the LORD is a means of turning away from evil and living a life pleasing to Him.
Application Questions
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and respect for God's power and authority in my life?
- In what ways can I live in accordance with God's character and atone for iniquity in my life?
- How can I prioritize pleasing the LORD in my daily decisions and actions?
- What are some specific ways I can turn away from evil and live a life that is pleasing to God?
- How can I seek to atone for iniquity and achieve peace with enemies in my life?