Scholars Notes, Day 45

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Exodus 37:1-38:31

Thesis

The passage in Exodus 37:1-38:31 describes the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings by Bezalel and Oholiab under the direction of Moses.

Commentary

The passage emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions precisely (Exodus 37:1, 5).

Bezalel and Oholiab are portrayed as skilled craftsmen who work under the direction of Moses (Exodus 35:30-35).

The use of acacia wood and pure gold for the tabernacle's furnishings reflects their value and importance (Exodus 37:1, 24).

The altar of burnt offering is made of bronze, which may indicate its secondary status compared to the other furnishings (Exodus 38:2-7).

The passage highlights the role of the Levites in constructing the tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 38:21).

Context

  • The passage is part of a larger narrative that begins with God's command to Moses to have the Levites make the tabernacle (Exodus 35:1-36:38).
  • The construction of the tabernacle is a central theme in Exodus 37-40.
  • The passage assumes the reader is familiar with the previous chapters, particularly Exodus 25-31.

Structure

The passage can be divided into several sections:

The ark of acacia wood (Exodus 37:1-9)

The table and lampstand (Exodus 37:10-26)

The altar of incense and holy anointing oil (Exodus 37:27-29)

The altar of burnt offering (Exodus 38:1-7)

The basin, stand, and court (Exodus 38:8-31)

Key Terms

  • Acacia wood
  • Pure gold
  • Bronze
  • Tabernacle
  • Ark
  • Mercy seat
  • Cherubim
  • Table
  • Lampstand
  • Altar of incense

Interpretive Options

One possible interpretation is that the passage emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions precisely, even when it comes to seemingly minor details.

Another option is that the passage highlights the value and significance of the materials used in constructing the tabernacle, particularly acacia wood and pure gold.

A third possibility is that the passage portrays Bezalel and Oholiab as skilled craftsmen who work under the direction of Moses.

Theological Synthesis

The passage reflects the biblical emphasis on the importance of following God's instructions precisely (Exodus 25:40, Deuteronomy 12:32).

The use of acacia wood and pure gold for the tabernacle's furnishings highlights their value and significance in God's eyes.

The passage also emphasizes the role of the Levites in constructing the tabernacle and its furnishings, reflecting their importance in Israelite worship.

Cross References

  • Exodus 25:10-22 (the ark)
  • Exodus 31:1-11 (Bezalel and Oholiab)
  • Exodus 35:30-35 (Bezalel and Oholiab's skills)
  • Leviticus 24:4-9 (the holy anointing oil)
  • Numbers 3:6-10 (the Levites' role in constructing the tabernacle)


Matthew 28:1-20

Thesis

The passage (Matthew 28:1-20) narrates Jesus' resurrection and commissioning of his disciples to spread the gospel.

Commentary

The passage emphasizes the importance of Jesus' resurrection as a historical event (28:6).

The angel's appearance serves to authenticate the women's testimony about Jesus' resurrection (28:5-7).

The guards' response highlights the opposition to Jesus and his followers (28:11-15).

The disciples' worship in Galilee demonstrates their faith and obedience to Jesus (28:16-20).

The Great Commission (28:18-20) is a central theme, emphasizing the importance of spreading the gospel.

The passage also highlights the role of women as witnesses to Jesus' resurrection (28:1).

Context

  • The narrative takes place after Jesus' crucifixion and burial.
  • Mary Magdalene and another Mary visit Jesus' tomb on the first day of the week.
  • The passage is part of Matthew's Gospel, which aims to present Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God.

Structure

Introduction (28:1): Mary Magdalene and other Mary visit Jesus' tomb.

Angelic appearance (28:2-4): An angel rolls back the stone and sits on it.

Women's response (28:5-8): They are instructed to tell disciples about Jesus' resurrection.

Guards' response (28:11-15): They spread a false story among chief priests and elders.

Disciples' response (28:16-20): They worship Jesus in Galilee, but some doubt.

Key Terms

  • Resurrection: Jesus' rising from the dead.
  • Angel: A divine messenger who appears to Mary Magdalene and other Mary.
  • Earthquake: A natural phenomenon that occurs at the angel's appearance.
  • Stone rolled back: The stone covering Jesus' tomb is moved by the angel.
  • White clothing: The angel's attire, symbolizing purity and divinity.
  • Lightning appearance: The angel's appearance is like lightning, emphasizing his divine nature.

Interpretive Options

**Option 1:** The angel's appearance is an objective historical event that authenticates Jesus' resurrection. This interpretation emphasizes the importance of eyewitness testimony in establishing the truth about Jesus' resurrection.

**Option 2:** The passage can be seen as a theological narrative that emphasizes the significance of Jesus' resurrection for the church. This interpretation highlights the role of the angel and the women's testimony as part of a larger theological framework.

Theological Synthesis

The passage demonstrates the importance of Jesus' resurrection as a central theme in Matthew's Gospel.

The angel's appearance serves to authenticate the women's testimony, emphasizing the objective historical nature of Jesus' resurrection.

The Great Commission (28:18-20) is a key theological theme, highlighting the importance of spreading the gospel and making disciples of all nations.

Cross References

  • Exodus 19:11: God's presence is accompanied by an earthquake.
  • Isaiah 6:1-5: An angel appears to Isaiah, emphasizing God's sovereignty.
  • Luke 24:13-35: The resurrection appearances of Jesus are a central theme in Luke's Gospel.
  • Acts 2:22-36: Peter's sermon emphasizes the significance of Jesus' resurrection for the church.
  • Romans 6:4: Paul highlights the importance of Jesus' resurrection as a model for Christian living.


Psalm 34:11-22

Thesis

This passage, Psalm 34:11-22, is a divine instruction to children on how to live a long and good life by fearing God and turning away from evil.

Commentary

The psalmist emphasizes the importance of fearing God, which is the foundation for living a long and good life (Ps. 34:11).

The desire for life implies loving many days and seeing good things, which is only possible through a relationship with God (Ps. 34:12-14).

Evil speech includes deceitful lips, which can lead to spiritual harm (Ps. 34:13).

Turning away from evil involves seeking peace and pursuing it, which requires a commitment to God's ways (Ps. 34:15).

God's attention to the righteous implies His care for them, while His face against the wicked indicates opposition to their actions (Ps. 34:16-17).

The LORD hears and delivers those who cry out in trouble, demonstrating His presence with the afflicted (Ps. 34:18-20).

Context

  • The psalmist addresses "children" (Ps. 34:11), implying a young audience.
  • The psalm's structure suggests it may be part of a larger collection of wisdom literature, such as the Psalms of Asaph or the Book of Wisdom.
  • The passage assumes a context where children are being taught about God and His ways.
  • The language used is simple and accessible, suggesting an oral tradition.

Structure

Introduction to God's instruction (Ps. 34:11)

Invitation to desire life and see good things (Ps. 34:12-14)

Warning against evil speech and actions (Ps. 34:13-15)

Encouragement to seek peace and pursue it (Ps. 34:15)

Description of God's attention to the righteous (Ps. 34:16-17)

Contrast with God's face towards the wicked (Ps. 34:16)

Explanation of God's deliverance of the righteous (Ps. 34:18-20)

Mention of God's nearness to those who are brokenhearted (Ps. 34:19)

Key Terms

  • Fear of the LORD: a concept that encompasses reverence, awe, and obedience towards God.
  • Life: refers to a long and good life, characterized by seeing good things and experiencing God's presence.
  • Good: describes a state of being that is pleasing to God and characterized by righteousness.
  • Peace: implies a state of harmony with God and His ways.
  • Righteousness: describes a state of being that is in accordance with God's standards.
  • Evil: refers to actions or speech that are contrary to God's will.

Interpretive Options

One possible interpretation is that the psalmist is emphasizing the importance of fearing God as a means to avoid evil and experience life.

Another option is that the passage is highlighting the contrast between God's relationship with the righteous and His opposition to the wicked, emphasizing the consequences of sin.

A preferred interpretation might be that the psalmist is teaching children about the nature of God and how to live in accordance with His ways, which involves fearing Him, turning away from evil, and seeking peace.

Theological Synthesis

This passage contributes to a broader biblical theology by emphasizing the importance of fearing God as the foundation for living a long and good life.

It highlights the contrast between God's relationship with the righteous and His opposition to the wicked, demonstrating the consequences of sin.

The psalmist's emphasis on God's presence with the afflicted and His deliverance of the righteous underscores the biblical theme of God's care for those who are suffering.

Cross References

  • Psalm 25:14 - "The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant.
  • Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
  • Isaiah 57:15 - "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is contrite and humble in spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'
  • Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
  • Matthew 5:8 - "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.


Proverbs 9:9-10

Thesis

This passage emphasizes the importance of instruction and teaching for those who are already wise or righteous.

Commentary

The passage assumes that the wise and righteous are already familiar with some level of wisdom or righteousness (Pass 2).

Instruction is given to those who are capable of learning and growing further (Pass 2).

The fear of the Lord is not merely a negative emotion, but rather a fundamental aspect of wisdom that guides one's actions.

The knowledge of the Holy One is essential for gaining insight, which enables one to navigate life's complexities.

Wisdom and insight are related concepts, but distinct; wisdom involves applying knowledge in practical ways.

Context

  • The passage follows a series of invitations to come and eat (Proverbs 9:1-6) and warnings against the way of the foolish (Proverbs 9:7-8).
  • The speaker is Wisdom, personified as a woman.
  • The audience is addressed directly by Wisdom, emphasizing her desire for them to learn from her.

Structure

The passage begins with two imperative verbs, "Give instruction" and "Teach," which are directed towards the wise and righteous.

The first clause ("He will become even wiser") is a consequence of giving instruction to a wise man.

The second clause ("He will gain more knowledge") is a consequence of teaching a righteous man.

The passage then shifts focus to the relationship between fear of the Lord and wisdom, highlighting their interconnectedness.

Key Terms

  • Fear of the LORD: a fundamental aspect of wisdom that serves as its starting point.
  • Knowledge of the Holy One: essential for gaining insight and understanding.
  • Wisdom: closely related to insight, but not identical; it involves applying knowledge in practical ways.
  • Insight: the result of knowing the Holy One, enabling one to understand and navigate life's complexities.

Interpretive Options

**Option 1:** The passage emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth for those who are already wise or righteous. This interpretation highlights the dynamic nature of wisdom and the need for ongoing instruction.

**Option 2:** The passage suggests that fear of the Lord is a necessary condition for gaining wisdom, but not sufficient on its own. This interpretation underscores the importance of a proper relationship with God as the foundation for wisdom.

Theological Synthesis

The passage connects to broader biblical theology by emphasizing the importance of a proper relationship with God (fear of the Lord) as the foundation for wisdom.

Wisdom is closely tied to knowledge and insight, highlighting the interconnectedness of these concepts in Scripture.

The passage assumes that humans are capable of learning and growing further, underscoring the dynamic nature of human development.

Cross References

  • Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.
  • Psalm 111:10 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.
  • Isaiah 11:2-3 - The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding.
  • Job 28:28 - And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord—that is wisdom.
  • Matthew 7:24-27 - "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise builder.
  • Luke 11:28 - "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.

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