Exodus 21:22-23:13
Big Idea
The passage from Exodus 21:22-23:13 outlines a set of laws given by God to the Israelites, covering various situations such as hitting pregnant women, harming slaves, and compensation for damages.
Claims
- God gives laws to Israelites.
- Restitution and compensation are key themes in the laws.
Commentary
The laws emphasize restitution and compensation for harm caused to individuals or property.
The importance of treating sojourners and poor with justice and compassion is emphasized throughout the passage.
Restitution is required in cases where an animal falls into a pit (Exodus 21:33-34) or when a man borrows something and it is injured or dies (Exodus 22:14).
Paying double is required for stolen beasts found in someone's possession (Exodus 22:3,7).
The owner shall not make restitution if a beast dies or is injured without anyone seeing it (Exodus 22:12-13).
Lending money to the poor should be done without interest, and a neighbor's cloak must be returned before sunset (Exodus 22:24-26).
Israelites are warned not to wrong or oppress sojourners, and God will hear their cry if they do (Exodus 22:21-23).
Sacrificing to any god other than the LORD alone is devoted to destruction (Exodus 22:20).
You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt (Exodus 22:21).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Many will come in my name, saying "I am the Christ,"
Correction
Jesus is warning against false christs, not claiming that he will have multiple incarnations.
Misunderstanding
The end times will be marked by wars, famines, earthquakes, and tribulation
Correction
This is a correct interpretation of the passage.
Application Questions
- What are some ways that these laws can be applied in modern society?
- How do these laws reflect God's character and values?
- In what ways can individuals or communities work towards creating a more just and compassionate society, as emphasized in these laws?
Matthew 24:1-28
Big Idea
Jesus warns his disciples about the signs of the end times and his return.
Claims
- Many will come in my name, saying 'I am the Christ,' and lead many astray.
- There will be wars, famines, earthquakes, and tribulation before the end times.
- The love of many will grow cold due to increased lawlessness.
- False prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead people astray.
Commentary
The passage begins with Jesus leaving the temple and predicting its destruction.
The disciples ask Jesus about the signs of his coming and the end of the age.
Jesus responds by warning them about false christs and prophets who will lead many astray.
He also mentions wars, famines, earthquakes, and tribulation as signs of the end times.
Jesus warns against believing false claims about his return and advises those in Judea to flee when they see the abomination of desolation.
The passage emphasizes the importance of endurance and faithfulness until the end.
Jesus' words are meant to comfort and prepare his disciples for the challenges ahead.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Many will come in my name, saying "I am the Christ,"
Correction
Jesus is warning against false christs, not claiming that he will have multiple incarnations.
Misunderstanding
The end times will be marked by wars, famines, earthquakes, and tribulation
Correction
This is a correct interpretation of the passage.
Application Questions
- How can we distinguish between true and false prophets in our lives?
- What are some ways to prepare ourselves for the challenges of the end times?
- How can we maintain our faithfulness and endurance in the face of increasing lawlessness?
Psalm 29:1-11
Big Idea
The Psalm of David is a call to worship and acknowledge God's glory and power.
Claims
- The voice of the Lord is powerful and full of majesty.
- The Lord breaks cedars and makes Lebanon skip like a calf, demonstrating His power over creation.
- Worship in splendor of holiness is commanded, emphasizing the need for reverence and awe.
- The Lord sits enthroned as king forever, highlighting His sovereignty.
Commentary
The Psalm begins by addressing heavenly beings, commanding them to ascribe glory and strength to the Lord.
The voice of the Lord is repeated 9 times throughout the passage, emphasizing its importance.
The Lord's power is described in various ways, including breaking cedars and making Lebanon skip like a calf.
Worship in splendor of holiness is commanded, highlighting the need for reverence and awe.
The Psalm describes the voice of the Lord as powerful and full of majesty.
The wilderness shaking is mentioned twice, emphasizing the impact of God's power on creation.
The temple scene with deer giving birth and forests stripped bare serves as a reminder of God's presence and power.
The Psalm concludes by commanding the Lord to give strength and peace to his people.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The voice of the Lord only refers to God's spoken word.'
Correction
'The voice of the Lord refers to God's presence and power, often manifesting through sound or other means.
Misunderstanding
Worship in splendor of holiness is optional.'
Correction
'Worship in splendor of holiness is commanded, emphasizing the need for reverence and awe.
Application Questions
- How can we ascribe glory and strength to the Lord in our daily lives?
- What does it mean to worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness?
- How can we recognize and respond to God's presence and power in our lives?
Proverbs 7:6-23
Big Idea
The passage warns young men about the dangers of seduction and the importance of being cautious in their relationships.
Claims
- The woman claims to have fulfilled her vows and is now seeking the young man eagerly.
- She offers luxurious preparations for their encounter, including perfumed bedclothes and a spread couch.
Commentary
The narrator observes a young man lacking sense from afar, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and discernment.
The woman's behavior is described as loud, wayward, and promiscuous, emphasizing the need for young men to be aware of potential dangers.
The passage contrasts the safety of home with the dangers of the night, warning against the risks of venturing out alone.
The narrator warns that the woman's intentions are not what they seem, highlighting the importance of being cautious in relationships.
The young man is portrayed as naive and lacking in sense, serving as a cautionary tale for young men to be more aware of their surroundings.
The passage uses vivid imagery to describe the woman's seductive speech and smooth talk, emphasizing the power of words in persuasion.
The narrator's use of rhetorical markers such as "behold" and "and behold" adds emphasis to the warning being given.
The passage highlights the importance of self-control and restraint in relationships.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The woman's intentions are pure
Correction
Her intentions are actually deceitful and manipulative.
Misunderstanding
The young man is simply being seduced by the woman's charm
Correction
He is being lured into a trap with potentially disastrous consequences.
Application Questions
- How can young men today apply the warning of this passage to their own lives?
- What are some common pitfalls or dangers that young people may face in relationships, and how can they avoid them?
- In what ways can individuals cultivate self-awareness and discernment in their relationships?