Exodus 29:1-30:10

Thesis

The passage describes the consecration and ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, outlining the rituals and sacrifices necessary for their initiation into priesthood.

Commentary

The passage emphasizes the importance of ritual purity and the need for atonement through sacrifice.

The consecration and ordination process is designed to establish a clear distinction between holy and unholy, clean and unclean.

The use of anointing oil and holy garments underscores the sacred nature of the priesthood.

The wave offerings and consecration of the breast and thigh serve as a reminder of God's covenant with Israel.

The regular burnt offerings and altar consecration ensure the ongoing worship and atonement of God's people.

Context

• The passage follows the instructions given by God to Moses in Exodus 28:1-30:10.

• It is part of a larger section detailing the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 25-31).

• The consecration and ordination rituals are crucial for establishing the priesthood and ensuring the proper worship of God.

Structure

The passage is divided into several sections, each describing a different aspect of the consecration and ordination process.

Section 1: Consecrating Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:1-9).

Section 2: Sin offering for atonement (Exodus 29:10-14).

Section 3: Anointing and clothing Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:15-21).

Section 4: Wave offerings and consecration of the breast and thigh (Exodus 29:22-26).

Section 5: Ordination and consecration of Aaron's sons (Exodus 29:27-30).

Section 6: Regular burnt offerings and altar consecration (Exodus 29:31-37).

Key Terms

• Consecrate (to set apart for sacred use)

• Ordination (initiation into priesthood)

• Sin offering (for atonement)

• Atonement (making amends with God)

• Anointing oil (used to consecrate and ordain priests)

• Holy garments (worn by priests during rituals)

Interpretive Options

One possible interpretation is that the passage emphasizes the importance of ritual purity and the need for atonement through sacrifice, highlighting the priestly role in mediating between God and humanity.

Another option is that the passage focuses on the establishment of a sacred order, with Aaron and his sons serving as mediators between God and Israel, ensuring the proper worship and atonement of God's people.

A third interpretation could be that the passage highlights the significance of the tabernacle and its furnishings in facilitating communication between God and humanity.

Theological Synthesis

The consecration and ordination process underscores the importance of ritual purity and the need for atonement through sacrifice, emphasizing the priestly role in mediating between God and humanity.

The passage highlights the significance of the tabernacle and its furnishings in facilitating communication between God and humanity.

The use of anointing oil and holy garments underscores the sacred nature of the priesthood and the importance of maintaining ritual purity.

Cross References

• Leviticus 8:12, where Moses anoints Aaron with oil to consecrate him as high priest.

• Exodus 28:1-30, which describes the construction of the priestly garments and their significance.

• Numbers 3:6-10, where God establishes the priesthood and ordains Aaron and his sons.

• Leviticus 16:14-15, where a sin offering is made for atonement on the Day of Atonement.

• Exodus 25:22, where God speaks to Moses from above the ark of the testimony.

Matthew 26:14-46

Thesis

The passage (Matthew 26:14-46) describes Jesus' betrayal by Judas Iscariot, his institution of the Lord's Supper, and his prediction of his disciples' scattering.

Commentary

The passage highlights the tension between Jesus' will and God's will (Matthew 26:39).

Jesus' institution of the Lord's Supper is a pivotal moment in the narrative, symbolizing his body and blood as a sacrifice for many (Matthew 26:28).

The Son of Man is betrayed as written in Scripture (Matthew 26:24), emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Peter's denial of Jesus three times before the rooster crows serves as a foreshadowing of the disciples' eventual scattering (Matthew 26:31-35).

Context

• The passage follows immediately after Jesus' anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13).

• It is part of a larger narrative that includes Jesus' entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11), the cleansing of the temple (Matthew 21:12-17), and the plot against Jesus by the chief priests and scribes (Matthew 22:1-46).

• The passage also anticipates the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, including his arrest in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:47-56) and his trial before Pilate (Matthew 27:1-31).

Structure

The passage is structured around three main sections:

Jesus' betrayal by Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:14-16)

The institution of the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:17-30)

Jesus' prediction of his disciples' scattering and his prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:31-46)

Key Terms

• Betrayal: the act of Judas Iscariot delivering Jesus to the chief priests

• Passover: a Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt

• Son of Man: a title used by Jesus to refer to himself, emphasizing his divine and human nature

• Covenant: a reference to the new covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice

Interpretive Options

One possible interpretation is that Judas Iscariot's betrayal was inevitable, given his own sinful nature and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Another option is that Jesus' institution of the Lord's Supper was a deliberate act to prepare his disciples for his impending death and resurrection.

A third perspective might emphasize the significance of Peter's denial as a symbol of the disciples' failure to understand Jesus' mission and their own role in it.

Theological Synthesis

The passage highlights the tension between Jesus' will and God's will, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's plan (Matthew 26:39).

The institution of the Lord's Supper serves as a symbol of Jesus' sacrifice for many, demonstrating his love and commitment to his people.

The prediction of the disciples' scattering underscores the significance of their failure to understand Jesus' mission and their own role in it.

Cross References

• Exodus 12:1-28 (the original Passover celebration)

• Psalm 41:9 (a reference to Judas Iscariot's betrayal)

• Zechariah 13:7 (a prophecy about the scattering of God's people)

• Matthew 27:3-5 (Judas Iscariot returns the 30 pieces of silver and hangs himself)

• Luke 22:1-38 (parallel account of Jesus' last supper with his disciples)

Psalm 31:19-24

Thesis

This passage (Psalm 31:19-24) presents a triumphant declaration of God's goodness, steadfast love, and mercy towards His people.

Commentary

The psalmist's emphasis on God's goodness and sheltering underscores the importance of trust in God's provision (v. 19).

The phrase "in the sight of mankind" suggests God's concern for human perception, emphasizing His desire to be seen as good (v. 20).

The use of rhetorical markers ("Oh, how abundant is your goodness", v. 19) emphasizes God's goodness and steadfast love.

The psalmist's personal testimony highlights God's deliverance in a time of crisis (vv. 22-24a).

The call to "love the Lord" (v. 23b) underscores the importance of devotion to God, while warning against pride.

Context

• The psalmist is in a besieged city, emphasizing their vulnerability.

• The context suggests a time of crisis or persecution for the psalmist and possibly others.

• The passage follows a shift from lament to praise, highlighting God's deliverance and goodness.

• The psalmist addresses both God (Lord) and His people (saints).

Structure

Introduction to God's goodness (v. 19)

Description of God's sheltering and hiding from human plots (vv. 20-21)

Personal testimony of God's steadfast love in a besieged city (vv. 22-24a)

Call to love the Lord and warning against pride (vv. 23b-24b)

Key Terms

• Goodness: describes God's character, emphasizing His benevolence.

• Steadfast love: emphasizes God's enduring affection for His people.

• Shelter: highlights God's protective care over His people.

Interpretive Options

**Option 1:** Emphasizing the psalmist's personal experience as a model for faithfulness and trust in God's goodness.

**Option 2:** Focusing on the communal aspect, where the psalmist's testimony encourages the community to love and fear God.

Preference: The passage likely intends both individual and communal applications, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's goodness.

Theological Synthesis

This passage contributes to a broader biblical theology by highlighting God's character as good and loving (Ps. 31:19).

It emphasizes the importance of trust and faithfulness in times of crisis, underscoring the role of steadfast love in God's relationship with His people.

The warning against pride (v. 24b) underscores the need for humility in response to God's goodness.

Cross References

• Psalm 36:5 - "Your steadfast love, O God, is exceedingly broad.

• Psalm 51:1 - "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions.

• Psalm 103:11 - "For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him!

• Deuteronomy 4:7 - "For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?

• Isaiah 54:7 - "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will gather you.

Proverbs 8:14-26

Thesis

The passage in Proverbs 8:14-26 presents Wisdom personified as a source of counsel and wisdom, emphasizing her benefits for kings, rulers, princes, and nobles who love and seek her diligently.

Commentary

The passage highlights the importance of Wisdom for those in positions of power, emphasizing her role in guiding just and righteous decisions.

The use of rhetorical markers such as "Ages ago" (Proverbs 8:23) and "Before the beginning of the earth" (Proverbs 8:25) emphasizes Wisdom's timeless and universal relevance.

The comparison of Wisdom's fruit to gold and silver (Proverbs 8:22) underscores her value and worth.

The passage assumes a high view of human nature, emphasizing the potential for humans to love and seek Wisdom.

Context

• The passage is part of the larger collection of wisdom sayings in Proverbs, which aims to teach wise living and decision-making.

• It follows the introduction of Wisdom personified in Proverbs 8:1-13, where she describes her role in creation and her desire to be found by humans.

• The passage is addressed specifically to kings, rulers, princes, and nobles, emphasizing the importance of wisdom for those in positions of power.

Structure

Introduction of Wisdom's benefits (Proverbs 8:14-16)

Description of the rewards of loving and seeking Wisdom (Proverbs 8:17-21)

Comparison of Wisdom's fruit to gold and silver (Proverbs 8:22)

Emphasis on Wisdom's path of righteousness and justice (Proverbs 8:23-24)

Conclusion on the inheritance granted to those who love Wisdom (Proverbs 8:25)

Key Terms

• Counsel

• Sound wisdom

• Insight

• Strength

• Justice

• Righteousness

• Wealth

• Honor

• Gold

• Silver

Interpretive Options

Option 1: Wisdom is presented as a divine entity who has been possessed by God from the beginning of creation. This interpretation emphasizes Wisdom's divinity and her role in guiding human decisions.

Option 2: Wisdom is personified as a human-like figure, emphasizing her importance for human flourishing and decision-making. This interpretation highlights the value of wisdom for everyday life.

Preference: The passage presents Wisdom as both divine and human-like, underscoring her unique role in creation and human experience.

Theological Synthesis

The passage connects to broader biblical theology by emphasizing the importance of Wisdom for human flourishing and decision-making (e.g., Proverbs 1:7; Isaiah 11:2-3).

The use of rhetorical markers such as "Ages ago" and "Before the beginning of the earth" underscores Wisdom's timeless and universal relevance, connecting to themes in Genesis 1-2.

The passage assumes a high view of human nature, emphasizing the potential for humans to love and seek Wisdom. This connects to broader biblical themes on human dignity and responsibility (e.g., Psalm 8; Isaiah 40:26).

Cross References

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

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

• Isaiah 11:2-3 - "And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding

• Genesis 1:26-27 - "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness'

• Psalm 8:4-5 - "What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you care for him?

• Isaiah 40:26 - "Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power not one is missing