Exodus 26:1-27:21
Big Idea
The tabernacle is a portable dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites.
Commentary
The tabernacle is made with ten curtains of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns.
Cherubim are skillfully worked into the curtains.
Five sets of curtains are coupled together, with loops on the edges for clasps.
Fifty clasps of gold are used to couple the curtains together.
A tent is made over the tabernacle with eleven curtains of goats' hair.
The tent has a covering of tanned rams' skins and goatskins on top.
Upright frames are made for the tabernacle out of acacia wood, with two tenons each for fitting together.
Twenty frames are made for the south side, with forty bases of silver underneath.
Bars are made to connect the frames, overlaid with gold and having rings of gold.
A veil is made to hang on four pillars, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy.
The mercy seat is placed on the ark in the Most Holy Place.
The tabernacle is to be made according to a plan shown to Moses on the mountain.
Claims
- The tabernacle is to be made with precise measurements and materials.
- The curtains and tent are to be coupled together with clasps of gold or bronze.
- The upright frames are to be made with two tenons each for fitting together.
- The bars are to be overlaid with gold and have rings of gold.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The tabernacle is a permanent structure.
Correction
It is portable, meant to be taken apart and reassembled as the Israelites travel.
Misunderstanding
<The curtains are made of goats' hair only.
Correction
They are made of fine twined linen with blue, purple, and scarlet yarns.
Application Questions
- How can the design and construction of the tabernacle inform our understanding of God's presence among his people?
- What role does the tabernacle play in the worship practices of the Israelites?
- How can we apply the principles of craftsmanship and attention to detail used in making the tabernacle to other areas of life?
Matthew 25:1-30
Big Idea
The parable of the ten virgins and the master and servants teaches about preparation for Jesus' return and faithful stewardship.
Commentary
The parable of the ten virgins is a warning to believers to be prepared for Jesus' return, just as the wise virgins were.
The five foolish virgins represent those who are unprepared and lack spiritual oil (Matthew 25:1-3).
The wise virgins represent those who are spiritually prepared and have enough oil for their lamps (Matthew 25:4).
The delay of the bridegroom represents the uncertainty of Jesus' return, but it also serves as a warning to be vigilant and prepared (Matthew 25:5-6).
The foolish virgins' request for oil from the wise ones highlights the importance of self-preparation and not relying on others (Matthew 25:8-9).
The door being shut and the bridegroom's rejection of the unprepared virgins emphasizes the consequences of being unprepared (Matthew 25:10-12).
The parable of the master and servants teaches about faithful stewardship and the importance of using one's talents and abilities for God's kingdom (Matthew 25:14-30).
The master's praise and reward to the faithful servants demonstrate the value of hard work, diligence, and faithfulness in serving God (Matthew 25:20-23).
The punishment of the unfaithful servant serves as a warning against laziness, complacency, and disobedience (Matthew 25:24-30).
Claims
- Jesus teaches that preparation is essential for his return.
- Faithful stewardship of one's talents and abilities is crucial in serving God's kingdom.
- Those who are prepared will be rewarded, while those who are unprepared will face consequences.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<i>Jesus' return is imminent</i>
Correction
Jesus' return is uncertain, but it serves as a warning to be vigilant and prepared (Matthew 25:13).
Misunderstanding
<i>The parable of the ten virgins only teaches about preparation for physical needs</i>
Correction
The parable also teaches about spiritual preparation and the importance of having enough "oil" for one's lamp (Matthew 25:1-3).
Application Questions
- How can I apply the principles of faithful stewardship to my life?
- What are some ways I can use my talents and abilities to serve God's kingdom?
- How can I prepare myself spiritually for Jesus' return?
Psalm 31:1-8
Big Idea
The psalmist, David, expresses his trust and reliance on God as his rock, fortress, and refuge.
Commentary
The psalm is structured around David's address to God, expressing his trust and requests for deliverance.
The phrase "for your name's sake" highlights God's motivation to lead and guide David (Psalm 31:4).
David emphasizes his reliance on God's righteousness for deliverance (Psalm 31:1).
The psalmist acknowledges God's knowledge of his affliction and distress (Psalm 31:8).
The contrast between worshiping worthless idols and trusting in the LORD is a recurring theme.
David's trust in God is unwavering, even in the face of adversity.
The psalm highlights God's steadfast love and redemption.
Claims
- God is a rock of refuge for those who trust in Him (Psalm 31:3).
- God delivers His people through His righteousness (Psalm 31:1).
- Those who worship worthless idols are to be despised (Psalm 31:7).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The psalmist is asking God to rescue him from physical danger, but not spiritual danger.
Correction
The psalmist is seeking deliverance from both physical and spiritual affliction.
Misunderstanding
David's trust in God means he has no need for faith or hope.
Correction
David's trust in God is a demonstration of his faith and hope in God's redemption.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the concept of trusting in God as your rock, fortress, and refuge to your own life?
- In what ways can you demonstrate your reliance on God's righteousness for deliverance?
- How can you avoid being drawn into worshiping worthless idols?
Proverbs 8:1-11
Big Idea
Wisdom is personified as a call to humanity, emphasizing the importance of understanding and knowledge.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes the loud and clear voice of Wisdom, calling out to men and children of man.
Wisdom stands at strategic locations, such as crossroads, gates, and portals, to be heard by many.
Her words are a mix of invitation and warning, encouraging simple ones to learn prudence and fools to learn sense.
The passage highlights the importance of understanding and knowledge, stating that all her words are righteous and straight for those who understand.
Wisdom offers instruction in place of silver and knowledge in place of choice gold, emphasizing their value.
The passage also compares wisdom to jewels, stating that it is better than any material desire.
Claims
- All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
- They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.
- Wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
- Wickedness is an abomination to my lips
Correction
This implies that Wisdom's words are always righteous, but it does not mean she never speaks evil. (In reality, the passage emphasizes that wickedness is an abomination to her lips, indicating that she rejects evil.)
Misunderstanding
- Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold
Correction
This might be misread as saying that Wisdom's instruction is equivalent in value to material wealth, when in fact it is stating that Wisdom's instruction is more valuable.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the principles of prudence and sense to your daily life?
- What are some ways to learn from Wisdom's words and incorporate them into your decision-making process?
- In what ways can you prioritize knowledge over material wealth?