1 Kings 19:1-21
Big Idea
The passage of 1 Kings 19:1-21 describes Elijah's journey to Horeb, where he meets the LORD and receives instructions for his future.
Commentary
Elijah flees from Jezebel's threat, fearing for his life.
He meets an angel in the wilderness, who instructs him to eat and travel to Horeb.
Elijah's journey to Horeb takes 40 days and 40 nights.
The LORD appears to Elijah in a series of natural phenomena: wind, earthquake, fire, and a low whisper.
Elijah is instructed to anoint new leaders: Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha.
Elisha is commissioned as prophet in Elijah's place.
Elijah and Elisha travel together after their meeting.
Elijah's servant is left behind in Beersheba.
The LORD commissions Elijah to anoint new leaders and to anoint Elisha as prophet in his place.
Elijah's jealousy for the LORD is evident throughout the passage.
Claims
- The LORD is not in the wind, earthquake, or fire.
- Elijah is the only prophet left, and he is seeking the LORD's protection.
- The people of Israel have forsaken the LORD's covenant and killed his prophets.
- The LORD will leave seven thousand in Israel who have not bowed to Baal.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
- Elijah's jealousy is a sign of weakness, rather than a demonstration of his devotion to the LORD
Correction
Elijah's jealousy is a sign of his devotion to the LORD, as he is "jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts.
Misunderstanding
- The LORD's appearance in the wind, earthquake, and fire is a sign of his power, rather than a demonstration of his presence
Correction
The LORD's appearance in the wind, earthquake, and fire is not a demonstration of his presence, as he says "the LORD was not in the wind" and "the LORD was not in the earthquake" and "the LORD was not in the fire.
Application Questions
- What does Elijah's jealousy for the LORD reveal about his character?
- How does the LORD's appearance in the wind, earthquake, and fire relate to his presence?
- What does the LORD's commission to anoint new leaders reveal about his plan for Israel?
- How does Elijah's meeting with Elisha relate to the passage's themes of succession and leadership?
- What does the LORD's promise to leave seven thousand in Israel reveal about his sovereignty?
- How does the passage's emphasis on Elijah's jealousy and the LORD's commission relate to the broader themes of the book of 1 Kings?
Acts 12:1-23
Big Idea
The story of Acts 12:1-23 highlights the conflict between the church and the Jewish leaders, led by Herod the king, and the miraculous intervention of God through the angel of the Lord.
Commentary
The passage begins with Herod's violent actions against the church, killing James and arresting Peter.
The church's prayer for Peter shows their concern for his safety and their reliance on God's power.
The angel of the Lord's rescue of Peter demonstrates God's power and protection over His people.
Herod's actions are motivated by a desire to please the Jews and gain power, but ultimately lead to his downfall.
The people of Tyre and Sidon are dependent on the king's country for food and come to ask for peace, highlighting the consequences of Herod's actions.
The angel of the Lord's strike against Herod is a punishment for not giving God the glory.
Peter's rescue is a demonstration of God's power and protection, and a reminder to the church to rely on Him.
The passage emphasizes the conflict between the church and the Jewish leaders, and the miraculous intervention of God.
The story of Herod's death serves as a warning to those who do not give God the glory.
The passage highlights the importance of prayer and reliance on God's power.
Claims
- God is actively involved in the world and intervenes on behalf of His people.
- The angel of the Lord is a divine messenger who carries out God's will.
- Herod's actions are motivated by a desire to please the Jews and gain power.
- The church's prayer for Peter is effective because of their reliance on God's power.
- God punishes those who do not give Him the glory.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<misunderstanding>
Correction
The angel of the Lord is just a symbolic representation of God's power.
Misunderstanding
> The angel of the Lord is a real, divine messenger who carries out God's will.
Correction
Misunderstanding
<misunderstanding>
Correction
Herod's actions are justified because he is trying to please the Jews.
Misunderstanding
> Herod's actions are motivated by a desire to please the Jews and gain power, but are ultimately wrong and lead to his downfall.
Correction
Application Questions
- How can we, like the church, rely on God's power and protection in times of difficulty?
- What are some ways that we can give God the glory in our daily lives?
- How can we, like Peter, recognize and respond to God's miraculous intervention in our lives?
- What are some consequences of not giving God the glory, as seen in Herod's story?
- How can we, like the people of Tyre and Sidon, recognize our dependence on God and ask for peace?
Psalm 136:1-26
Big Idea
The psalm is a hymn of thanksgiving to God for his steadfast love and greatness.
Commentary
The psalm is a repetitive and rhythmic expression of praise and thanksgiving to God.
The theme of God's steadfast love is repeated throughout the psalm.
The psalm emphasizes God's greatness and power in creation and deliverance.
The psalm mentions several specific events in Israel's history, including the exodus from Egypt and the conquest of the Promised Land.
The psalm attributes the creation of the heavens and earth to God's understanding.
The psalm mentions several specific kings and their defeat at God's hand.
The psalm emphasizes God's role as the God of heaven and the God of gods.
The psalm expresses gratitude for God's remembrance and rescue in times of need.
The psalm concludes with a final expression of praise and thanksgiving to the God of heaven.
Claims
- God is good and his steadfast love endures forever.
- God is the creator of the heavens and earth.
- God is the deliverer of Israel from Egypt and the Red Sea.
- God is the one who gave their land as a heritage to Israel his servant.
- God is the one who remembered us in our low estate and rescued us from our foes.
- God is the one who gives food to all flesh.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The psalm is a lamentation of Israel's suffering.>
Correction
The psalm is actually a hymn of thanksgiving to God for his steadfast love and greatness.
Misunderstanding
<The psalm emphasizes God's wrath and judgment.>
Correction
The psalm actually emphasizes God's greatness and power in creation and deliverance.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the theme of God's steadfast love to your own life and circumstances?
- How can you express gratitude to God for his deliverance and provision in your life?
- What specific ways can you praise and thank God for his greatness and power?
- How can you remember God's past deliverances and rely on his steadfast love in times of need?
- What does it mean to give thanks to the God of heaven for his steadfast love?
Proverbs 17:14-15
Big Idea
The LORD advises the righteous and the wicked to quit before a quarrel breaks out, as the beginning of strife is like letting out water.
Commentary
The LORD's message is directed at both the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the importance of avoiding strife.
The comparison of strife to letting out water highlights its gradual and unstoppable nature.
Quitting before a quarrel breaks out is a preventative measure that can prevent further conflict.
Justifying the wicked and condemning the righteous are considered equally wrong by the LORD.
Both actions are an abomination to the LORD, implying they are deeply offensive to Him.
The LORD's view on justifying the wicked and condemning the righteous is the same, indicating a consistent moral standard.
The LORD's negative view on both actions emphasizes the importance of treating others with fairness and respect.
The use of the word "abomination" to describe both actions underscores their severity and gravity.
The LORD's message is not limited to the righteous, but also addresses the wicked, emphasizing the need for all people to avoid justifying or condemning others.
Claims
- Quitting before a quarrel breaks out is a preventative measure that can prevent further conflict.
- Justifying the wicked and condemning the righteous are considered equally wrong by the LORD.
- Both actions are an abomination to the LORD, implying they are deeply offensive to Him.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The LORD's message is only for the righteous, not the wicked
Correction
The LORD's message is directed at both the righteous and the wicked.
Misunderstanding
Quitting before a quarrel breaks out is only a matter of personal convenience
Correction
Quitting before a quarrel breaks out is a preventative measure that can prevent further conflict.
Misunderstanding
The LORD's view on justifying the wicked and condemning the righteous is different
Correction
The LORD's view on justifying the wicked and condemning the righteous is the same.
Application Questions
- How can I apply the LORD's advice to quit before a quarrel breaks out in my daily life?
- What are some situations where justifying the wicked or condemning the righteous might be tempting, and how can I resist these temptations?
- How can I treat others with fairness and respect, even when they are wrong or have done wrong to me?