Exodus 28:1-43

Thesis

The passage Exodus 28:1-43 describes the instructions given by God to Moses for making holy garments for Aaron and his sons to serve as priests.

Commentary

The holy garments are designed to convey the glory and beauty of God (28:2).

The ephod is a symbol of remembrance, bearing the names of Israel's sons on its shoulder pieces (28:12-13).

The breastpiece contains judgment stones and Urim and Thummim, which are used for divine guidance (28:15-30).

The robe has pomegranates and bells to produce sound when Aaron ministers, signifying his approach to the Holy Place (28:31-35).

The plate on the turban bears guilt from holy things, indicating its role in atoning for sins (28:36-38).

The linen undergarments cover naked flesh, emphasizing modesty and reverence in priestly attire (28:42).

Context

• The passage is part of the priestly code in Exodus, which outlines the regulations and rituals for the Israelites.

• It follows the account of the construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 25-27) and precedes the instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests (Exodus 29).

• The passage assumes that Moses has been instructed by God to make holy garments for Aaron, indicating a continuation of the divine-human dialogue.

Structure

The passage is structured around the instructions given by God to Moses for making specific items: ephod (28:6-14), breastpiece (28:15-30), robe (28:31-35), and plate for turban (28:36-38).

Each section begins with a command from God, followed by detailed descriptions of the materials and craftsmanship required.

The passage concludes with instructions for making coats, sashes, and caps for Aaron's sons (28:39-43).

Key Terms

• Holy garments

• Ephod

• Breastpiece

• Judgment stones

• Urim and Thummim

• Robe of blue fabric

• Plate for turban

• Coat in checker work

• Sashes and caps

Interpretive Options

One possible interpretation is that the holy garments serve as a visual representation of God's presence among the Israelites.

Another option is that the garments are designed to convey the priests' role as mediators between God and humanity.

A third perspective might view the holy garments as a symbol of the priestly order's connection to the divine, emphasizing their sacred status.

Theological Synthesis

The passage highlights the importance of ritual purity and the need for priests to be consecrated for their ministry (28:1-5).

The holy garments serve as a visual reminder of God's presence among the Israelites, underscoring the priestly role in facilitating divine-human interaction.

The use of Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece emphasizes the importance of divine guidance in priestly decision-making.

Cross References

• Exodus 25:17-22 (description of the mercy seat)

• Exodus 28:1-5 (instructions for making holy garments)

• Leviticus 8:7-13 (consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests)

• Numbers 3:6-10 (Aaron's role as high priest)

• Deuteronomy 18:1-8 (priestly duties and responsibilities)

Matthew 25:31-26:13

Thesis

The passage (Matthew 25:31-26:13) describes Jesus' coming judgment and the consequences of helping or not helping those in need.

Commentary

The passage emphasizes that helping or not helping those in need is equivalent to helping or not helping Jesus (Matthew 25:40).

The King's answers to both groups highlight the importance of treating others with compassion and care.

The righteous are rewarded with eternal life, while the cursed are punished eternally (Matthew 25:46).

The passage also includes a transition to the plot against Jesus by the chief priests and elders, highlighting their opposition to Jesus' message.

Context

• The passage is part of Matthew's Gospel, specifically within the section describing Jesus' final days on earth.

• The context is set by Jesus' teachings about his future return and judgment (Matthew 25:31).

• The passage also includes a transition to the plot against Jesus by the chief priests and elders (Matthew 26:1-5).

Structure

Introduction of Jesus' coming judgment (Matthew 25:31)

Description of the Son of Man's glory and throne (Matthew 25:31)

Separation of nations as a shepherd separates sheep from goats (Matthew 25:32)

Judgment of those on the right and left (Matthew 25:34-46)

Transition to Jesus' prediction of his betrayal and crucifixion (Matthew 26:1-2)

Plot against Jesus by the chief priests and elders (Matthew 26:3-5)

Anointing of Jesus by a woman at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13)

Key Terms

• Son of Man: a title for Jesus emphasizing his divine nature

• Glory: refers to Jesus' divine majesty and power

• Throne: represents Jesus' authority and kingship

• Kingdom: the realm over which Jesus will reign

• Righteous: those who have helped others in need, demonstrating their faithfulness to God

• Cursed: those who have neglected or harmed others in need, demonstrating their lack of faithfulness to God

Interpretive Options

**Option 1:** The passage emphasizes that helping others in need is essential for demonstrating one's faithfulness to God. This interpretation focuses on the importance of compassion and care for others.

**Option 2:** The passage highlights the consequences of neglecting or harming others in need, emphasizing the gravity of sin and the importance of repentance. This interpretation focuses on the severity of judgment and the need for personal responsibility.

Theological Synthesis

The passage connects to broader biblical theology by emphasizing God's concern for justice and compassion (e.g., Isaiah 58:6-12).

The concept of helping or not helping others in need is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.

The passage also underscores Jesus' divine nature and authority as the Son of Man.

Cross References

• Matthew 25:31-46: Jesus describes his coming judgment and separates people based on their treatment of others in need.

• Isaiah 58:6-12: God emphasizes the importance of justice, compassion, and kindness towards others.

• Psalm 37:21: The righteous will inherit the earth, while the wicked will be cut off.

• Luke 10:25-37: Jesus teaches about the Good Samaritan, emphasizing the importance of treating others with compassion and care.

• Romans 2:6-7: God will render to each person according to what they have done.

Psalm 31:9-18

Thesis

The psalmist, overwhelmed by distress, grief, and sorrow, cries out to God for rescue and salvation.

Commentary

The psalmist's distress is not just emotional but also physical, as evidenced by their "wasted eye" (v. 9) and "bones that waste away" (v. 10).

The psalmist feels abandoned by God, likening themselves to a "broken vessel" (v. 12) or one who is dead (v. 13).

The adversaries' schemes against the psalmist are described as a source of terror and dread.

Despite their distress, the psalmist trusts in God's steadfast love and salvation.

Context

• The psalm is part of Book III of the Psalter, which contains laments and confessions of faith.

• Psalm 31 follows Psalm 30, a thanksgiving psalm, and precedes Psalm 32, a penitential psalm.

• The psalm's themes of distress, grief, and trust in God are common in the Psalms.

Structure

The psalm is divided into two stanzas (vv. 9-13 and vv. 14-18), each with its own distinct theme and structure.

The first stanza (vv. 9-13) describes the psalmist's distress, grief, and sense of abandonment.

The second stanza (vv. 14-18) shifts focus to the psalmist's trust in God and request for rescue.

Key Terms

• Distress: a state of emotional or physical suffering.

• Grief: intense sorrow or sadness.

• Sorrow: deep regret or disappointment.

• Iniquity: moral or spiritual weakness.

• Terror: extreme fear or dread.

• Persecutors: those who harass or oppress the psalmist.

Interpretive Options

**Option 1:** The psalmist's distress is a result of their own sinfulness (iniquity), which has led to God's apparent abandonment. This interpretation emphasizes personal responsibility for one's circumstances.

**Option 2:** The psalmist's distress is primarily due to external persecution and harassment, rather than internal sinfulness. This interpretation highlights the importance of community and social support in times of suffering.

**Preferred Interpretation:** A combination of both options, recognizing that the psalmist's distress is complex and multifaceted.

Theological Synthesis

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

The psalmist's cry for rescue and salvation underscores the importance of community and social support in times of suffering.

The psalm's themes of distress, grief, and trust in God are echoed throughout the Psalter and other parts of Scripture.

Cross References

• Psalm 34:18 - "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

• Psalm 38:17 - "For I am about to fall, my guilt overtakes me.

• Psalm 42:11 - "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?

• Isaiah 53:3 - "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.

• Matthew 26:38 - "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death.

Proverbs 8:12-13

Thesis

Wisdom's presence in a person's life is characterized by hatred for evil, which is rooted in the fear of the Lord.

Commentary

The phrase "I dwell with prudence" suggests that Wisdom is intimately connected with those who possess prudence (v. 12a).

The discovery of knowledge and discretion implies that Wisdom enables individuals to gain wisdom through her presence (v. 12b).

The equation of fear of the Lord with hatred of evil underscores the importance of a reverent attitude towards God in avoiding evil (v. 13a).

Wisdom's explicit hatred for pride, arrogance, and evil ways highlights the dangers of these attitudes and behaviors (v. 13b).

Context

• The passage is part of the larger section on wisdom in Proverbs 1-9.

• It follows the introduction of wisdom as a personified entity (Proverbs 8:1-11).

• The context emphasizes the importance of wisdom for living a virtuous life.

• The passage assumes a relationship between the fear of the Lord and hatred of evil.

Structure

The passage begins with Wisdom's self-introduction, emphasizing her presence with prudence (v. 12a).

It then highlights Wisdom's discovery of knowledge and discretion (v. 12b).

The connection between fear of the Lord and hatred of evil is established (v. 13a).

Finally, Wisdom explicitly states what she hates, including pride, arrogance, evil ways, and perverted speech (v. 13b).

Key Terms

• Prudence: practical wisdom for navigating life's challenges.

• Knowledge: understanding and insight gained through experience and study.

• Discretion: the ability to make wise decisions based on knowledge and prudence.

• Fear of the Lord: a reverent awe for God's power, justice, and character.

• Hatred of evil: a strong aversion to actions or attitudes that contradict God's will.

Interpretive Options

One possible interpretation is that Wisdom's presence is a guarantee against the influence of evil, as long as one fears the Lord.

Another option is that Wisdom's hatred of evil is not merely a negative attitude but also an active force for good in a person's life.

A more nuanced understanding might see Wisdom's hatred of evil as a consequence of her presence, rather than a direct result of fearing the Lord.

Theological Synthesis

The passage reinforces the idea that wisdom is closely tied to the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10).

It highlights the importance of prudence and discretion in navigating life's challenges.

Wisdom's hatred of evil underscores the need for a strong aversion to actions or attitudes that contradict God's will.

Cross References

• Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

• Proverbs 9:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

• Deuteronomy 8:11-14 - The blessings and curses associated with fearing or not fearing God.

• Psalm 119:113-128 - The importance of reverent awe for God's word in avoiding evil.

• Isaiah 5:20-23 - The consequences of loving evil and hating good.