Leviticus 27:14-Numbers 1:54
Big Idea
The passage describes a census of the people of Israel, listing every male from twenty years old and upward, head by head.
Commentary
The census is taken according to the number of names, head by head, from twenty years old and upward.
The Levites are exempt from the general census, but have a special role in caring for the tabernacle.
The people of Israel follow the LORD's commands exactly, as stated in the passage.
Moses and Aaron take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel, listing every male from twenty years old and upward, head by head.
The Levites are appointed over the tabernacle of the testimony and its furnishings, responsible for carrying and setting up the tabernacle.
The people of Israel pitch their tents by their companies, each man in his own camp and standard.
The Levites camp around the tabernacle to prevent wrath on the congregation.
The census is taken according to clans, fathers' houses, and the number of names, head by head.
The tribe of Levi is not listed along with the other tribes, but is appointed over the tabernacle.
The Levites are responsible for carrying and setting up the tabernacle, as well as keeping guard over it.
Claims
- The LORD commands Moses to take a census of the people of Israel.
- The census is taken according to the number of names, head by head, from twenty years old and upward.
- The Levites are exempt from the general census, but have a special role in caring for the tabernacle.
- The people of Israel follow the LORD's commands exactly, as stated in the passage.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<Misunderstanding>
Correction
The census is only taken of males over 20 years old. (Correction: The census includes all males from twenty years old and upward.)
Misunderstanding
<Misunderstanding>
Correction
The Levites are not involved in the census. (Correction: The Levites are exempt from the general census, but have a special role in caring for the tabernacle.)
Application Questions
- What is the purpose of taking a census of the people of Israel?
- How do the Levites fit into the overall plan of the LORD's commands?
- Why are the people of Israel following the LORD's commands exactly?
Mark 11:1-26
Big Idea
Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem marks the beginning of his final week before crucifixion.
Commentary
The passage begins with Jesus sending two disciples to get a colt for him, which they find tied outside in the street at a door.
Some people question the disciples about untying the colt, but they explain that Jesus needs it and will send it back immediately.
Many people spread cloaks on the road as Jesus passes by, and others cut leafy branches from fields to lay on the road.
The crowd shouts "Hosanna" and blesses Jesus' name, recognizing him as the coming king of Israel.
Jesus enters Jerusalem on the colt, looks around at the temple, and leaves for Bethany with his disciples.
The next day, Jesus is hungry and curses a fig tree for not having fruit, but it's not the season for figs.
Jesus drives out money-changers and pigeon sellers from the temple, teaching that it should be a house of prayer for all nations.
Chief priests and scribes fear Jesus because of his popularity and seek to destroy him.
In the morning, Peter remembers Jesus' curse on the fig tree and asks about faith and prayer.
Claims
- Jesus has authority over nature (cursing the fig tree).
- The temple is a house of prayer for all nations, not a den of robbers.
- Faith and prayer can move mountains and accomplish great things.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
People are worshiping Jesus as a king because they want to overthrow the Roman government
Correction
They are recognizing him as the coming king of Israel.
Misunderstanding
The fig tree withers away immediately after being cursed
Correction
It takes time for the curse to be fulfilled.
Application Questions
- How can we apply Jesus' teaching about faith and prayer in our daily lives?
- What does it mean to recognize Jesus as the coming king of Israel, and how should this affect our worship and obedience?
- Why is it important to understand the context of Jesus' actions in the temple?
Psalm 46:1-11
Big Idea
God's presence and power are a refuge and strength for His people, even in times of turmoil.
Commentary
The psalm begins as a song by Sons of Korah, choirmaster Alamoth.
God is described as both refuge and strength (v. 1).
Earth's turmoil contrasts with God's presence in the city of God (vv. 2-3).
River symbolizes God's calming effect on His people (v. 4).
Nations rage, but God remains in control (v. 6).
God's works include bringing desolations to the earth (v. 9).
Wars cease due to God's power over earthly forces (vv. 8-9).
The psalm uses musical pauses or reflection points marked by "Selah" (vv. 3, 7, 11).
Claims
- God is a very present help in trouble.
- He will not move the city of God.
- Wars cease due to His power over earthly forces.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The psalm says God's presence calms the earth, but it actually describes a river calming the city of God.
Correction
The psalm says God's presence calms the city of God through the river.
Misunderstanding
The psalm implies that God is only present in the city of God, not elsewhere.
Correction
The psalm says God is present in the midst of His people, regardless of location.
Application Questions
- How can we trust in God's presence and power when faced with turmoil?
- What does it mean to "be still" and acknowledge God's sovereignty?
Proverbs 10:23
Big Idea
The relationship between wisdom, pleasure, and the perception of right and wrong is explored in this verse.
Commentary
The verse contrasts the views of a fool and a man of understanding on doing wrong and wisdom.
A fool sees doing wrong as trivial or amusing, while a man of understanding sees it as serious.
Wisdom brings joy or satisfaction to someone with understanding.
The use of "like" for comparison highlights the similarity between doing wrong and a joke, and wisdom and pleasure.
This verse emphasizes the importance of perspective in evaluating right and wrong.
A fool's perception is distinct from that of a man of understanding.
Wisdom is not just knowledge, but also brings joy and satisfaction.
Claims
- Doing wrong is trivial or amusing to a fool.
- Wisdom brings joy or satisfaction to someone with understanding.
- The verse uses "like" for comparison between doing wrong and a joke, and wisdom and pleasure.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<Doing wrong is always serious>
Correction
This is not necessarily true; a fool may see it as trivial or amusing.
Misunderstanding
<Wisdom only brings knowledge>
Correction
Wisdom also brings joy and satisfaction to someone with understanding.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the perspective of a man of understanding to our daily lives?
- What are some ways in which wisdom can bring pleasure and joy?
- How can we avoid seeing doing wrong as trivial or amusing?