Genesis 50:1 - Exodus 2:10
Big Idea
The passage describes the events that occurred after Jacob's death, including Joseph's request to bury his father in Canaan, the mourning period, and the eventual burial.
Commentary
The Egyptians wept for Jacob 70 days, but the Israelites wept 70 days after his death.
Joseph's brothers are afraid of being hated by him after their father's death.
Midwives Shiphrah and Puah disobey Pharaoh's command to kill Hebrew male children.
Moses is adopted by Pharaoh's daughter and becomes her son.
The people of Israel multiply and grow strong in Egypt, but a new king arises who fears their growth and sets taskmasters over them to afflict them with hard labor.
The Egyptians are in dread of the people of Israel and make their lives bitter with hard service.
God deals well with the midwives for letting the male children live.
Claims
- Joseph's brothers send a message to him, asking him to forgive their transgression against him.
- Joseph forgives his brothers and comforts them, saying that God meant their evil intentions for good.
- The people of Israel are fruitful and increase greatly in Egypt, but a new king arises who fears their growth.
- Pharaoh sets taskmasters over the Israelites to afflict them with hard labor.
- Midwives Shiphrah and Puah disobey Pharaoh's command to kill Hebrew male children.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The Egyptians wept for Jacob 70 days, but this is actually a misreading of the passage. It was the Israelites who wept for 70 days after Jacob's death.
Correction
Misunderstanding
The midwives Shiphrah and Puah are portrayed as heroes in the passage, but some might misread them as being disobedient to Pharaoh.
Correction
Application Questions
- What can be learned from Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers?
- How does the passage illustrate God's sovereignty over human events?
- What is the significance of Moses' adoption by Pharaoh's daughter?
- How do the Israelites respond to their oppression in Egypt?
Matthew 16:13-17:9
Big Idea
The passage in Matthew 16:13-17:9 reveals a crucial moment in Jesus' ministry where he commissions Peter and establishes the foundation for the church.
Commentary
Jesus asks his disciples about people's opinions on the Son of Man, highlighting the varying perspectives.
The disciples mention John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah as potential identities for the Son of Man.
Jesus then asks the disciples who they think he is, setting the stage for Peter's revelation.
Peter identifies Jesus as both Christ and Son of God, demonstrating a deeper understanding than his fellow disciples.
Jesus blesses Peter, promising to build the church on him and giving him keys to the kingdom.
The passage also highlights Jesus' warning to the disciples not to reveal his identity as Christ until after his resurrection.
Claims
- Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 16:16).
- Jesus will build his church on Peter (Matthew 16:18).
- Jesus gives Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
People think Jesus is John the Baptist
Correction
Jesus asks disciples about people's opinions, but they are not correct.
Misunderstanding
Elijah or Jeremiah are potential identities for the Son of Man
Correction
These prophets are mentioned as possibilities, but Peter reveals a deeper understanding.
Application Questions
- What does it mean to be built on the rock that is Christ?
- How can we apply Jesus' promise to build his church on us in our daily lives?
- What are some ways we can use the keys of the kingdom to bind and loose things on earth?
Psalm 21:1-13
Big Idea
The psalm is a celebration of God's strength and salvation as the source of the king's joy and glory.
Commentary
The psalm begins with a declaration of the king's joy and exultation in God's strength and salvation (Psalm 21:1).
The king's heart's desire has been granted by God, who meets him with rich blessings (Psalm 21:2-3).
The king receives life and length of days from God, and his glory is great through God's salvation (Psalm 21:4-5).
The king trusts in God's steadfast love and will not be moved (Psalm 21:6).
God will destroy the enemies with fire and wrath, and put them to flight (Psalm 21:9-10).
The people sing and praise God's power (Psalm 21:13).
The psalm highlights the king's dependence on God for his strength and salvation.
The contrast between the king's friends and enemies is also emphasized.
Claims
- God grants the king his heart's desire (Psalm 21:2).
- God meets the king with rich blessings (Psalm 21:3).
- The king receives life and length of days from God (Psalm 21:4).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The psalm is a prayer for the king to be saved.>
Correction
<The psalm is actually a celebration of the king's salvation, which has already been granted by God.>
Misunderstanding
<God is punishing the enemies with fire and wrath because they are evil.>
Correction
<God is actually destroying the enemies as part of his justice and sovereignty over all creation.>
Application Questions
- How can we apply the psalm's emphasis on trusting in God's steadfast love to our own lives?
- What does it mean to rejoice in God's strength, and how can we cultivate this joy in our daily lives?
- In what ways can we praise and sing about God's power, as described in Psalm 21:13?
Proverbs 5:1-6
Big Idea
The father's address to his son emphasizes the importance of listening to and applying wisdom in order to avoid the dangers of a forbidden woman.
Commentary
The passage begins with a command from the father to be attentive to his wisdom, highlighting the significance of listening and learning.
The use of "my understanding" suggests that the father's wisdom is not just knowledge, but also insight gained through experience.
Inclining one's ear to the father's words implies a willingness to learn and grow.
Keeping discretion and guarding knowledge are essential for avoiding the pitfalls described in the passage.
The contrast between honey (sweet) and wormwood (bitter) emphasizes that what may initially seem appealing can ultimately lead to harm.
Smooth speech is often used as a seductive tactic, but it can be sharp and hurtful like a two-edged sword.
The father's warnings about the forbidden woman are not just moralistic, but also practical advice for avoiding danger.
Claims
- A forbidden woman's speech may initially seem appealing (smooth as oil), but ultimately leads to harm (bitter as wormwood).
- Her actions lead directly to death and following the path to Sheol.
- The forbidden woman does not ponder the path of life, indicating a lack of self-awareness.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The father is simply trying to control his son's behavior>
Correction
The passage emphasizes the importance of listening to wisdom and making informed decisions, rather than simply obeying authority.
Misunderstanding
<A "forbidden woman" refers only to an unmarried or promiscuous woman>
Correction
The term "forbidden woman" likely refers to any woman who is a threat to one's spiritual well-being, regardless of her marital status.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the principle of being attentive to wisdom in your own life?
- What are some ways that smooth speech or attractive appearances can lead to harm?
- In what ways can you cultivate discretion and guard knowledge in order to avoid danger?