Leviticus 7:28-9:6

Thesis

The passage Leviticus 7:28-9:6 describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, including their ordination, anointing, and installation in their roles.

Commentary

The passage emphasizes the importance of ritual purity in the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:6-7).

The consecration of Aaron and his sons is a solemn event, with the Lord's presence manifest through smoke and fire (Leviticus 9:23-24).

The ordination offering is a key aspect of the passage, highlighting the significance of the priestly ministry in Israelite worship.

The instructions for peace offerings (Leviticus 7:28-36) demonstrate the importance of proper ritual procedure in maintaining God's holiness.

Context

• The passage is part of the book of Leviticus, which contains laws and regulations for the Israelites.
• It follows the instructions for peace offerings (Leviticus 7:28-36) and precedes the description of sin and guilt offerings (Leviticus 4-5).
• The consecration of Aaron and his sons is a pivotal event in the book, marking their transition from ordinary Israelites to priests.
• The passage assumes that the tabernacle has already been constructed and anointed.

Structure

The passage can be divided into several sections:

Instructions for peace offerings (Leviticus 7:28-36)

Consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests (Leviticus 8:1-13, 22-29)

Ordination offering with a pleasing aroma (Leviticus 8:14-21)

Installation of Aaron and his sons in their roles (Leviticus 9:1-6)

Each section follows a similar pattern, with instructions from the Lord to Moses, followed by the implementation of those instructions.

Key Terms

• Peace offerings: sacrifices offered to God as an expression of gratitude or to make atonement for sin.
• Food offerings: sacrifices offered to God as a way of expressing devotion and worship.
• Wave offering: a ritual in which the breast and right thigh are waved before the Lord as a symbol of dedication.
• Ordination offering: a sacrifice offered to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests.
• Sin offering: a sacrifice offered to atone for sin.
• Burnt offering: a sacrifice completely consumed by fire, often used to express devotion or make atonement.

Interpretive Options

One possible interpretation is that the consecration of Aaron and his sons represents a transition from the old covenant to the new, with the priestly ministry serving as a bridge between the two.

Another option is that the passage emphasizes the importance of ritual purity and proper procedure in maintaining God's holiness, rather than highlighting the significance of the priestly ministry per se.

Theological Synthesis

The consecration of Aaron and his sons serves as a model for the installation of priests in Israelite worship.

The ordination offering highlights the significance of the priestly ministry in maintaining God's holiness and facilitating communication between God and humanity.

The passage emphasizes the importance of proper ritual procedure in maintaining God's holiness, demonstrating the need for human beings to approach God with reverence and respect.

Cross References

• Exodus 29:1-30:21: This passage describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, highlighting similarities and differences between the two accounts.
• Numbers 3:6-10: This passage lists the descendants of Aaron who served as priests in Israelite worship.
• Deuteronomy 18:1-8: This passage emphasizes the importance of the priestly ministry in maintaining God's holiness and facilitating communication between God and humanity.

Mark 3:31-4:25

Thesis

The passage (Mark 3:31-4:25) emphasizes Jesus' true family is those who do God's will, while also teaching about the parables of the sower and their significance for understanding the kingdom of God.

Commentary

Jesus' family is not just biological but also those who do God's will (Mark 3:31-35).

The parables are about the word of God being sown in different types of people (Mark 4:1-20).

Satan can take away the word, and tribulation or persecution can cause people to fall away (Mark 4:14-15).

Cares and desires can choke the word, making it unfruitful (Mark 4:19).

Jesus emphasizes the importance of understanding the parables (Mark 4:10-12).

He uses a metaphor about a lamp to emphasize that nothing is hidden except to be made manifest (Mark 4:21-25).

Context

• The passage begins with Jesus' family seeking him, but he redefines his family as those who do God's will.
• A large crowd gathers around Jesus by the sea, where he teaches them in parables about a sower and different types of soil.
• The twelve disciples ask Jesus about the parables when they are alone with him.

Structure

Introduction to Jesus' true family (Mark 3:31-35)

Teaching in parables about the sower and different types of soil (Mark 4:1-20)

Explanation of the parables by Jesus (Mark 4:10-12, 13-20)

Conclusion with a metaphor about a lamp being put on a stand (Mark 4:21-25)

Key Terms

• Parables
• Sower
• Seed
• Path
• Rocky ground
• Thorns
• Good soil
• Word of God
• Satan
• Tribulation

Interpretive Options

Plausible interpretation 1: The parables are meant to conceal the truth from those who do not have ears to hear, while revealing it to those who do.

Plausible interpretation 2: The parables are a way of teaching about the kingdom of God in a way that is accessible to all people, regardless of their background or understanding.

Reasoned preference: The second interpretation seems more plausible, as Jesus' emphasis on understanding the parables suggests that they are meant to be understood by those who have ears to hear.

Theological Synthesis

The passage emphasizes the importance of doing God's will and being part of his true family (Mark 3:31-35).

The parables teach about the word of God being sown in different types of people, highlighting the need for understanding and receptivity (Mark 4:1-20).

Satan and tribulation can hinder the growth of faith, but those who persevere will bear fruit (Mark 4:14-15, 19).

Jesus' emphasis on understanding the parables highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and maturity.

Cross References

• Psalm 119:130 - "The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
• Matthew 13:10-17 - "Seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand...
• Luke 8:5-15 - "A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot...
• John 12:48 - "He who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day.
• Romans 8:13 - "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Psalm 37:12-29

Thesis

God's justice is emphasized as a reason for hope in the righteous, contrasting with the fate of the wicked.

Commentary

The wicked plot against the righteous (v. 12), but God laughs at them because He sees their impending doom (v. 13).

The wicked will be punished for their actions, while the righteous will be upheld (vv. 17-20).

God's justice is emphasized as a reason for hope in the righteous (v. 28).

The psalmist has seen no instance of the righteous being forsaken or their children begging for bread (v. 25).

Those blessed by God inherit the land, while those cursed are cut off (vv. 22, 28).

Context

• Psalm 37:12-29 is part of Book III of the Psalter, which focuses on wisdom and ethics.
• The psalmist addresses the general public, emphasizing the importance of living righteously.
• The passage builds upon the themes of justice, righteousness, and God's sovereignty introduced in earlier psalms.

Structure

The passage is structured around a series of contrasts between the wicked and the righteous (vv. 12-14, 17-20).

Each contrast highlights the consequences of evil actions and the benefits of following God's ways.

The psalmist offers personal testimony to the reliability of God's promises (v. 25).

A command to turn away from evil and do good is issued in v. 27.

Key Terms

• Righteous: one who lives according to God's laws and principles.
• Wicked: an individual who rejects God's ways and engages in evil actions.
• Lord: a title for God, emphasizing His sovereignty and power.
• Justice: God's justice is emphasized as the reason for hope in the righteous.
• Saints: those who are set apart by God and live according to His will.

Interpretive Options

Option 1: The passage emphasizes the importance of living righteously in order to avoid the consequences of evil actions.

Option 2: The psalmist is highlighting the reliability of God's promises and encouraging the righteous to trust in His sovereignty.

Preference: Option 2, as it better aligns with the overall theme of the psalm.

Theological Synthesis

The passage connects to broader biblical theology by emphasizing God's justice and sovereignty (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 33:5).

The concept of God's upholding the righteous is a recurring theme in the Psalter (e.g., Psalm 37:19, 28; Psalm 121:3).

The passage also highlights the importance of living according to God's laws and principles (e.g., Leviticus 18:5).

Cross References

• Deuteronomy 32:4 - God is just and upright.
• Psalm 33:5 - God's righteousness endures forever.
• Psalm 37:19 - The righteous are upheld by God.
• Psalm 121:3 - God upholds the righteous.
• Proverbs 10:2 - Wickedness will not be rewarded with wealth.
• Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon formed against the righteous will prosper.

Proverbs 10:5

Thesis

The passage emphasizes the importance of diligence and hard work by contrasting two types of sons: the prudent one who gathers in summer, and the lazy one who sleeps in harvest.

Commentary

The use of "summer" and "harvest" creates a vivid picture of the consequences of one's actions. Gathering in summer implies taking advantage of opportunities when they arise, while sleeping in harvest suggests laziness and missed chances.

A prudent son is one who prioritizes hard work and diligence, recognizing that these qualities are essential for success.

The contrast between gathering in summer and sleeping in harvest highlights the importance of being proactive and seizing opportunities rather than waiting for them to pass by.

Being a son who brings shame has negative consequences, but the exact nature is not specified. This may suggest that the author is leaving room for interpretation or emphasizing the general principle rather than providing specific details.

Context

• The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings that aim to guide readers on how to live a virtuous life.
• This passage is part of a larger section (Proverbs 10:1-5) that contrasts two types of people: the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked.
• The context suggests that the author is addressing young men who are learning about wisdom and how to navigate life's challenges.

Structure

The passage begins by introducing the concept of gathering in summer (v. 5a).

It then describes the characteristics of a prudent son (v. 5a).

A contrast is drawn between sleeping in harvest and gathering in summer (v. 5b).

The negative consequences of being a lazy son are described (v. 5b).

The passage concludes by identifying the son who brings shame (v. 5b).

Key Terms

• **Summer**: represents a time of abundance and opportunity.
• **Harvest**: implies a time of reaping what has been sown, but also suggests laziness and missed opportunities.
• **Son**: refers to a young man or male child, emphasizing the importance of teaching wisdom to the next generation.

Interpretive Options

**Option 1**: The passage is emphasizing the importance of hard work and diligence in achieving success.

**Option 2**: The contrast between gathering in summer and sleeping in harvest represents a broader spiritual truth, where those who prioritize God's kingdom will reap eternal rewards.

**Preferred interpretation**: Option 1, as it aligns with the context and emphasizes the practical application of wisdom.

Theological Synthesis

The passage connects to broader biblical theology by emphasizing the importance of hard work and diligence (Genesis 2:15, Exodus 20:9).

It also highlights the significance of teaching wisdom to the next generation (Proverbs 1:8, Deuteronomy 6:7).

The contrast between gathering in summer and sleeping in harvest reflects the biblical theme of living a life that honors God (Matthew 25:14-30).

Cross References

• Proverbs 22:29 - emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence.
• Genesis 2:15 - highlights the significance of working in God's creation.
• Exodus 20:9 - commands children to honor their parents by working diligently.
• Deuteronomy 6:7 - instructs parents to teach their children about God's laws.
• Matthew 25:14-30 - illustrates the importance of being faithful stewards of God's resources.