Exodus 19:16-21:21

Big Idea

The Ten Commandments are given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, outlining the moral and ethical code for the people of Israel.

Claims

• The Ten Commandments are a direct revelation from God to humanity.

• These commands are meant to guide human behavior and establish a moral code for society.

• The Sabbath day is a holy day of rest that is set apart by God as a time for worship and reflection.

• Slaves are to be treated with respect and given the opportunity to go free after six years of service.

Commentary

The scene is set with a dramatic display of God's power, including thunder, lightning, and smoke, which causes the people to tremble in fear.

Moses serves as an intermediary between God and the people, warning them to consecrate themselves before approaching God.

The Ten Commandments are given as a way for God to establish a relationship with His people and to guide their behavior.

The commands emphasize the importance of worshiping only one God, honoring parents, and not committing various forms of sin.

The Sabbath day is established as a holy day of rest, and laws regarding slavery and punishment for crimes are also given.

Moses explains that God has come to test the people, not to harm them, and encourages them to fear God's presence.

Popular Mistakes

No common misreadings recorded.

Application Questions

• How can individuals apply the principles of the Ten Commandments in their daily lives?

• What role does the Sabbath day play in modern society, and how can it be observed in a way that is relevant to contemporary culture?

• How do the laws regarding slavery and punishment for crimes reflect God's character and values?

Matthew 23:13-39

Big Idea

Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites for their actions and teachings.

Claims

• Scribes and Pharisees are hypocrites because they shut heaven's gate to people (Matthew 23:13).

• They travel far to make one proselyte but make him worse than themselves (Matthew 23:15).

• Blind guides misinterpret oaths, comparing gold to temple and gift to altar (Matthew 23:16-22).

• They neglect weightier matters of the law (justice, mercy, faithfulness) while focusing on minor details (Matthew 23:23-24).

• They are like whitewashed tombs, full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (Matthew 23:27).

Commentary

The passage begins with Jesus condemning the scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites, emphasizing that they shut heaven's gate to people.

They are blind guides who misinterpret oaths, comparing gold to temple and gift to altar.

They neglect weightier matters of the law (justice, mercy, faithfulness) while focusing on minor details like tithing mint and dill.

Jesus condemns them for being like whitewashed tombs, full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

They build tombs of prophets but are sons of those who murdered them.

Jesus sends prophets, wise men, and scribes to be persecuted by them.

He mourns over Jerusalem's rejection of its prophets and warns of coming judgment.

The passage highlights the contrast between appearance and reality, as the scribes and Pharisees appear righteous on the outside but are hypocrites within.

Jesus emphasizes that they will not see him again until they say "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Popular Mistakes

No common misreadings recorded.

Application Questions

• What does it mean to "shut heaven's gate" to people?

• How do the scribes and Pharisees misinterpret oaths in Matthew 23:16-22?

• Why is it important to focus on weightier matters of the law (justice, mercy, faithfulness)?

• What is the significance of Jesus sending prophets, wise men, and scribes to be persecuted by the scribes and Pharisees?

Psalm 28:1-9

Big Idea

God's reliability and stability are emphasized through the metaphor of a rock.

Claims

• God's reliability and stability are emphasized through the metaphor of a rock.

• The wicked will be punished according to their works and deeds.

Commentary

The psalmist David addresses God as "my rock" (v.1), emphasizing God's reliability and stability.

David pleads for mercy, warning that silence would be disastrous (v.1-2).

The wicked are described as speaking peace while harboring evil in their hearts (v.3-5).

David requests justice for the wicked, according to their works and deeds (v.4-5).

God is praised for hearing David's pleas for mercy (v.6).

David expresses trust and gratitude towards God as his strength and shield (v.7-8).

God is described as the strength of His people and a saving refuge (v.9).

David petitions God to save His people and bless His heritage (v.9).

Popular Mistakes

No common misreadings recorded.

Application Questions

• How can we as believers rely on God's strength and stability in times of trouble?

• What does it mean to "regard the works of the LORD" and how can we apply this principle in our lives?

Proverbs 7:1-5

Big Idea

The father instructs his son to prioritize keeping his commandments in order to live a virtuous life.

Claims

• Keeping commandments leads to living (Proverbs 7:2).

• Commandments should be written on the heart, not just remembered (Proverbs 7:3).

Commentary

The passage emphasizes the importance of treasuring up and keeping the father's words/commandments/teaching.

Keeping commandments leads to living, as stated in Proverbs 7:2.

The teaching is to be kept as a precious thing (apple of your eye), highlighting its significance.

Commandments are not just to be remembered but written on the heart, indicating a deeper level of commitment.

Wisdom and Insight are personified as sisters and friends, underscoring their value in guiding the son's life.

The father warns his son about the dangers of the forbidden woman and adulteress, using smooth words to lure him astray.

The passage encourages a personal relationship with Wisdom and Insight, rather than just following rules or commands.

The father's words are meant to be treasured up by the son, indicating their importance in his life.

Popular Mistakes

No common misreadings recorded.

Application Questions

• How can you treasure up your parent's words/commandments/teaching in your life?

• What does it mean to keep commandments on your fingers and write them on the tablet of your heart?

• In what ways can Wisdom and Insight be personified as sisters and friends in your life?