Exodus 2:11-3:22

Thesis

The passage (Exodus 2:11-3:22) introduces Moses' call to deliver Israel from Egyptian slavery, highlighting God's sovereignty and presence in the midst of oppression.

Commentary

Moses' killing of the Egyptian is a pivotal event that sets in motion his call to deliver Israel (Exodus 2:11-15).

God's presence and sovereignty are evident throughout the passage, particularly in the burning bush incident (Exodus 3:1-22).

The narrative highlights the tension between slavery and freedom, with God promising to bring the Israelites out of Egypt and into a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8, 17).

Moses' hesitation and God's reassurance demonstrate the importance of faith and trust in God's presence and power (Exodus 3:10-12).

Context

• The narrative is set in the context of Moses' life as a sojourner in Midian.
• Moses has fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew (Exodus 2:11-15).
• He marries Zipporah, Jethro's daughter, and has a son named Gershom (Exodus 2:21-22).
• The Israelites are groaning under slavery in Egypt and crying out for help (Exodus 2:23-25).

Structure

Introduction to Moses' life as a sojourner in Midian (Exodus 2:11-22)

God's call to Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 3:1-22)

Moses' hesitation and God's reassurance of his presence (Exodus 3:10-12)

Instructions for delivering the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 3:13-22)

Key Terms

• Sojourner in a foreign land (Gershom, Exodus 2:22)
• God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:6)
• I AM WHO I AM (Exodus 3:14)
• The LORD (YHWH, Exodus 3:15)

Interpretive Options

Plausible interpretation 1: Moses is called to deliver Israel from Egyptian slavery as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice.

Plausible interpretation 2: The passage highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's presence and power, particularly in times of uncertainty and oppression.

Reasoned preference: Both interpretations are plausible, but the narrative emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's presence and power.

Theological Synthesis

The passage demonstrates God's sovereignty and presence in the midst of oppression (Exodus 3:1-22).

The narrative highlights the tension between slavery and freedom, with God promising to bring the Israelites out of Egypt and into a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8, 17).

Moses' call to deliver Israel is a demonstration of God's justice and mercy.

Cross References

• Genesis 15:1-21: God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:1-6)
• Exodus 4:1-31: Moses' commissioning as leader of the Israelites (Exodus 4:1-17, 28-31)
• Deuteronomy 34:1-12: Moses' death and burial (Deuteronomy 34:5-7)
• Psalm 105:1-45: God's deliverance of Israel from Egyptian slavery (Psalm 105:1-15)
• Isaiah 41:8-20: God's sovereignty over the nations (Isaiah 41:8-13)

Matthew 17:10-27

Thesis

The passage in Matthew 17:10-27 explores Jesus' identity as the Son of Man, his relationship with Elijah, and the importance of faith in healing.

Commentary

The passage highlights the importance of understanding Jesus' teachings about Elijah's return (v. 10-13).

The man's plea for his son's healing emphasizes the need for faith in Jesus' power (v. 14-21).

Jesus' rebuke of the demon and healing of the boy demonstrate his authority over evil (v. 18).

The disciples' question about their inability to heal the boy reveals their lack of understanding about faith (v. 19-20).

Jesus' explanation that they have "little faith" emphasizes the importance of trust in God's power (v. 20).

Jesus' prediction of his own suffering and resurrection highlights the significance of his mission (v. 22-23).

The tax payment incident shows Jesus' concern for avoiding offense to others (v. 24-27).

Context

• The passage is set in Galilee, where Jesus has been teaching and performing miracles.
• The disciples are struggling to understand Jesus' teachings about Elijah's return.
• A man approaches Jesus with a plea for his son's healing, highlighting the need for faith in Jesus' power.
• The passage also touches on the theme of taxation, as Peter is questioned by collectors.

Structure

The passage begins with the disciples asking about Elijah's return (v. 10-13).

A man approaches Jesus with a plea for his son's healing (v. 14-21).

Jesus heals the boy and rebukes the demon (v. 18).

The disciples ask why they couldn't heal the boy (v. 19-20).

Jesus explains their lack of faith (v. 20).

Jesus predicts his own suffering and resurrection (v. 22-23).

Peter is questioned about tax payment (v. 24-27).

Key Terms

• Elijah: a prophet who will return to restore all things.
• Son of Man: a title for Jesus, indicating his divine identity.
• Faith: the ability to trust in and rely on God's power.
• Little faith: a lack of trust or confidence in God's power.
• Mustard seed: a small amount of faith that can accomplish great things.

Interpretive Options

Option 1: Jesus is emphasizing the importance of faith in healing, but also highlighting the limitations of human understanding.

Option 2: The passage is pointing to a deeper spiritual reality, where faith is not just about trust, but also about surrender and obedience.

Preference: Option 1 seems more plausible, as it aligns with the broader context of Jesus' teachings on faith.

Theological Synthesis

The passage highlights the importance of understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of Man (v. 10-13).

The theme of Elijah's return emphasizes the idea that God is working through human agents to bring about restoration.

The emphasis on faith in healing underscores the significance of trust in God's power.

The prediction of Jesus' suffering and resurrection highlights the ultimate triumph of God over evil.

Cross References

• Matthew 11:14 - John the Baptist is identified as Elijah.
• Mark 9:12-13 - Jesus explains that Elijah has already come, but was not recognized.
• Luke 1:17 - John the Baptist's role is to prepare the way for the Lord.
• Romans 8:28-30 - God works all things together for good, including suffering and hardship.
• Philippians 2:5-11 - Jesus' humility and obedience are exemplary for believers.

Psalm 22:1-18

Thesis

This psalm is a lament of David, expressing his distress and questioning God's presence in his life.

Commentary

The psalm begins with a cry to God, emphasizing David's distress and questioning (v. 1).

The use of "my God" multiple times highlights David's personal relationship with God (vv. 1, 9, 10).

The contrast between God's past deliverance and current absence is a recurring theme in the psalm (vv. 4-5, 11).

David's trust in God is reaffirmed despite his feelings of scorn and mockery (v. 6).

The description of physical suffering and death is vivid and detailed (vv. 12-18).

Context

• The psalm begins with David's cry to God, addressing him as "my God" (v. 1).
• The context suggests that David is experiencing physical suffering and persecution.
• The psalmist recalls God's past deliverance of Israel and the trust their fathers had in Him (vv. 4-5).
• David contrasts his current situation with God's past presence, feeling scorned by mankind but trusting in God (v. 6).

Structure

Introduction: David's cry to God (v. 1)

Recalling God's holiness and past deliverance (vv. 3-5)

David's feelings of scorn and mockery (vv. 6-8)

God's past care for David (vv. 9-11)

Description of physical suffering and death (vv. 12-18)

Key Terms

• **Holy**: describing God's nature, emphasizing His separateness from sin.
• **Enthroned on praises**: highlighting God's presence in worship and praise.
• **Worm**: a metaphor for David's feeling of insignificance and weakness.
• **Scorned by mankind**: describing the mocking and ridicule David faces.

Interpretive Options

**Option 1**: David's psalm is a personal lament, expressing his distress and questioning God's presence in his life.

**Option 2**: The psalm can be seen as a corporate lament, representing the suffering of Israel as a whole.

**Preference**: Option 1 seems more plausible, given the emphasis on David's personal relationship with God.

Theological Synthesis

The psalm highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human experience, emphasizing the need for trust in God despite uncertainty.

The contrast between God's past deliverance and current absence underscores the importance of remembering God's faithfulness.

The psalm's emphasis on God's holiness and presence in worship reinforces the significance of corporate worship.

Cross References

• Psalm 138:7 - "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me; you will stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies.
• Isaiah 53:3 - "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.
• Matthew 27:46 - "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
• Psalm 34:17-20 - "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
• Isaiah 49:15 - "Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she withhold love from the child she bore?
• Psalm 138:8 - "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O God, endures forever.

Proverbs 5:7-14

Thesis

The passage warns sons against the dangers of an adulteress, emphasizing the importance of maintaining moral integrity and avoiding the consequences of sin.

Commentary

The passage assumes a patriarchal society where fathers are seen as authority figures (Proverbs 5:7).

The use of "her" in Proverbs 5:9 emphasizes the objectification of women in this context.

The contrast between giving honor to others and giving years to the merciless highlights the consequences of sin (Proverbs 5:10).

The phrase "strangers take their fill of your strength" suggests that outsiders will exploit the son's resources (Proverbs 5:11).

The image of groaning at the end of life, with flesh and body consumed, emphasizes the physical and emotional suffering that results from sin (Proverbs 5:14).

Context

• The passage is part of a larger collection of wisdom literature in Proverbs.
• It follows a series of teachings on the importance of listening to parental guidance (Proverbs 4:1-9).
• The theme of warning against the dangers of an adulteress is also present in other parts of Proverbs (e.g., Proverbs 2:16-19, 5:3-6).

Structure

The passage begins with a call to listen and obey (Proverbs 5:7-8).

A warning is given against the dangers of an adulteress, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distance (Proverbs 5:9-10).

The consequences of giving in to temptation are described, including physical and emotional suffering (Proverbs 5:11-14).

Key Terms

• Adulteress: a woman who engages in extramarital affairs.
• Honor: refers to one's reputation or integrity.
• Years: represents the time and energy invested in relationships.
• Merciless: describes those who take advantage of others without regard for their well-being.
• Strangers: outsiders who may exploit the son's resources.
• Strength: physical and emotional vitality.
• Labors: refers to hard work and effort.

Interpretive Options

One possible interpretation is that the passage is warning against the dangers of romantic relationships outside of marriage.

Another option is that the passage is addressing the issue of prostitution or exploitation in ancient Israelite society.

A more nuanced reading might see the passage as cautioning against the broader cultural and societal pressures that can lead to moral compromise.

Theological Synthesis

The passage highlights the importance of maintaining moral integrity and avoiding the consequences of sin.

It emphasizes the role of parental guidance and authority in shaping one's values and behavior.

The warning against the dangers of an adulteress serves as a reminder of the need for self-control and discipline in relationships.

Cross References

• Proverbs 2:16-19 warns against the dangers of an adulteress, emphasizing the importance of avoiding her ways.
• Proverbs 4:1-9 teaches on the importance of listening to parental guidance and following their words.
• Deuteronomy 22:28-29 addresses the issue of prostitution in ancient Israelite society.
• Psalm 119:9-11 emphasizes the importance of discipline and reproof in shaping one's values and behavior.