Sermon and Worship Resources

Showing 2726 to 2750 of 5000 results

Judges 7:1-25

Understanding Series

Cheryl A. Brown

Gideon Delivers Israel: We finally move to the confrontation. There have been numerous interruptions along the way. But these have not been superfluous interruptions; each has contributed something substantive to help craft the story in such a way that it illustrates important lessons about the Lord’s work on behalf of Israel, the most important being that the Lord delivers them. This point will now be explicitly expressed, as well as dramatized in an unsual way. 7:1–3 The two opponents were camped ...

2727. Ruth Meets Boaz

Ruth 2:1-23

Understanding Series

Michael S. Moore

... , how ironic it is that Jebus proves, if only by default, to be more Yahwistic in its morality than is Gibeah, presumably an ethnically purer city. Third, the genuine compassion of Boaz contrasts sharply with the hypocritical nativism of the concubine’s husband. To illustrate this in contemporary language, it is much easier for a white male judge, John B. Scott, to fine a poor black woman, Rosa Parks, for disorderly conduct (refusing to give up her seat to a white man) than it is to challenge the evils ...

2728. Levi

1 Chronicles 6:1-30

Understanding Series

Louis C. Jonker

... offered, followed by a section on the Kohathites (6:22–28), with a concluding section on the Merarites (6:29–30). The attentive reader will notice that there are some differences between the Levite genealogy provided here and the one in the previous section, illustrating the fluid character of this type of literature. One striking feature of the present list is that Samuel is included in the Levite lineage, as part of the Kohathites (6:27–28). According to 1 Samuel 1:1, though, he originated from the ...

2729. The List of Exiles Who Returned

Ezra 2:1-70

Understanding Series

Leslie C. Allen

... with symbols to indicate a yes or no response. The high priest carried them in the breastplate attached to the ephod. The ephod is used as a synonym for them in 1 Sam. 23:9–12; 30:7–8. The cultural use of throwing lots as a spiritual aid is illustrated in a non-religious context in Prov. 16:33: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” An example from the NT appears in Acts 1:23–26. For a discussion of the way they worked, see A. M. Kitz, “The Plural Form ...

2730. Opposition to the Rebuilding

Ezra 4:1-5

Understanding Series

Leslie C. Allen

... the narrator for the delay to end. The content, however, is not irrelevant. No official document from the early period could be found, but copies of these letters were available in the Jerusalem archives. Although they were written long after the temple was completed, they illustrate the general point the narrator makes in verses 4–5. It is clear from 6:14 that he was well aware that Artaxerxes was a later king than Darius, who reigned from 522 to 486, and so he was consciously breaking the time sequence ...

2731. Tattenai's Letter to Darius

Ezra 5:1-17

Understanding Series

Leslie C. Allen

Back on Track: 5:1–2 The narrator apparently did not know of any political factors that would have brought about the shift from work stoppage to renewed activity in rebuilding the temple. All he had to illustrate this next stage was the edited text of messages from two postexilic prophets, Haggai and Zechariah (Hag. 1–2; Zech. 1–8), and copies of the Tattenai correspondence. Verses 1–2 are based on the biblical evidence. Once again prophecy plays a decisive role—not in the fulfillment of an ...

2732. Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem

Nehemiah 12:27-47

Understanding Series

Leslie C. Allen

... service, see Kleinig, The Lord’s Song, ch. 3. 12:41–42 One would expect the information about participating priests and Levites to appear in v. 38, with reference to the second procession. The editor inserted it here instead in order to illustrate the rejoicing at the service. The choirs sang should be, rather, “the musicians played loudly,” especially on cymbals (Clines, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, p. 233). The Heb. noun may refer to singers or musicians according to the context. The Heb. verb is used ...

2733. Queen Vashti Deposed

Esther 1:1-22

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

... . Her immediate response to such a command was even more significant (perhaps more than the king consciously realized). The royal banquets were subtly self-centered and self-serving affairs. Two similar court conflict stories from the book of Daniel also illustrate royal self-absorption (Dan. 3 and 6). In these cases, royalty is too easily confused with deity. Vashti’s refusal shook the palace and brought the celebration to a premature close. After this unprecedented display of wealth and power, Vashti ...

2734. Haman's Plot to Destroy the Jews

Esther 3:1-15

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

... Now the means of mass communication and transportation are marshaled against diversity. Haman knows the king is in no mood for rebellion. The two edicts that are sent to the edges of the empire suggest a reign of intimidation and terror. Verse 15 dramatically illustrates the effect of this pronouncement on its authors and its objects. Haman and the king sat down to drink (note the banquet motif) with an obvious sense of satisfaction that yet another vexing problem had been solved (so also in Gen. 37:25). In ...

2735. Esther's Request to the King

Esther 5:1-8

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

... the robe to her. Once Amestris found out about the transaction, she had Artaynte’s mother (the sister-in-law and other mistress of Xerxes) mutilated—again, by forcing the king to honor the same open-ended promise (made at his birthday party). This story incidentally illustrates the way in which the royal word (be it promise or edict) can bind even the king (Herodotus, Hist. 9.109–111; cf. Mark 6:23). 5:8 Come tomorrow to the banquet: The rationale for Esther’s decision to ask for a second banquet ...

2736. Moral Benefits of Wisdom

Proverbs 2:1-22

Understanding Series

Roland E. Murphy

... who possesses her. 2:12–15 In particular, Wisdom (which the NIV introduces into the text from v. 10) will save one from the wicked, whose ways are described as evil. It has already been suggested that “way” is a key symbol, which is often illustrated negatively as here in chapters 1–9 by the wicked way. 2:16–19 Another particular deliverance of wisdom (NIV: It will save you) is in the case of the “strange woman,” the “alien one” (rendered in the NIV as adulteress, wayward wife). Adultery ...

2737. Wisdom is Supreme

Proverbs 4:1-27

Understanding Series

Roland E. Murphy

... best is Wisdom,” or “the beginning of Wisdom is”: get Wisdom. The literal rendition of verse 7b is: “with all your getting, get understanding.” 4:10–19 After the customary invitation to my son, the sage picks up the recurring theme of the way and illustrates it both positively and negatively (see the comment on 2:12–15). He will guide him in the way of wisdom (paths, steps); there will be no stumbling. This is in lively contrast to the path of the wicked against which the youth is warned (vv ...

2738. Invitation of Wisdom and of Folly

Proverbs 9:1-18

Understanding Series

Roland E. Murphy

... , but in chapters 1–9 the topics are singled out for their own sake. The personification of Wisdom is an important factor in this development. There is hardly a hint of such a personification in the collections that follow. Plöger sees this figure as an illustration of a close personal relationship between the Lord and Wisdom. I would like to put it in the following way. No matter what theories may be devised to explain the origin and development of the growth of the figure of Woman Wisdom, there is no ...

2739. Proverbs of Solomon

Proverbs 12:1-28

Understanding Series

Roland E. Murphy

... by a false witness. Verse 18 contrasts the beneficent effects of wise speech with the lethal effects of rash, ill-considered words. For the comparison with sword thrusts, see Sirach 28:18. Verse 19 enunciates the permanence of truth over (evanescent) falsehood. A good illustration of this proverb is the story of Darius’s bodyguards in 1 Esdras 3–4: “Great is truth and strongest of all” (4:41). 12:20 Antithetic and chiastic. Deceit and joy are not an exact word pair, but they are adequate here ...

2740. Proverbs of Solomon

Proverbs 13:1-25

Understanding Series

Roland E. Murphy

... verse have not been successful. 13:20 Antithetic. The recommendation to associate with the wise is a staple in wisdom teaching (cf. 15:31; Sir. 6:34–36; 8:8–9; 9:14–16). See Additional Notes. 13:21–22 Antithetic. Both sayings illustrate the traditional doctrine of reward and punishment. According to verse 22, the good (must) prosper and can leave a legacy to descendants. Even if sinners acquire some wealth, this cannot remain with their progeny; it is bound to end up with the righteous. Catchwords ...

2741. Proverbs of Solomon

Proverbs 14:1-35

Understanding Series

Roland E. Murphy

... there are certain feelings and attitudes so deep and personal that they cannot be shared with others. 14:11 Antithetic. This verse exemplifies the traditional view of retribution. The reference is to the household and family, not just to the physical dwellings. 14:12–13 Both sayings illustrate the fact that things are not always what they appear to be. Verse 12 is repeated in 16:25. It can be applied in a moral sense (which is probably intended here; cf. 11:5 and 12:15a), as well as to a simple sense of ...

2742. Sayings of Agur

Proverbs 30:1-33

Understanding Series

Roland E. Murphy

... the sages) change in social status (cf. 28:19; 20:13). The final examples point to disorder in the household: the case of a woman who is married but is not loved (Gen. 29:31–35, Jacob and Leah). The case of a maid displacing her mistress is illustrated in Genesis 16:1–6 (Sarai and Hagar). These are all instances of things being topsy-turvy. 30:24–28 The 3/4 pattern is broken, and a list of four creatures is given: small, but extremely wise. These are examples of various kinds of “wisdom” that can ...

2743. A Time for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22

Understanding Series

Elizabeth Huwiler

Time: Qohelet turns here to a consideration of “time.” The poem on time (3:1–8) is the most familiar passage in the book of Ecclesiastes, and is used in settings from funerals to folk-rock concerts. In the poem, pairs of opposites illustrate that there is a proper time for all human activity. When it is read in isolation from its context, the poem provides the reader with a sense of comfort and reassurance. There is a time for everything. In the unpleasant seasons of life, one can recognize that ...

2744. Riches Are Meaningless

Ecclesiastes 5:8--6:12

Understanding Series

Elizabeth Huwiler

... to satisfy. This is true even when one cannot use everything oneself. The laborer sleeping soundly contrasts with the rich insomniac. Hoarded wealth that harms its owner (how is not specified) and loss of wealth are the next problems. Qohelet includes more illustrations of the claim that it is not profitable to make one’s goal the acquisition of material goods. This segment exemplifies the worst-case scenario for Qohelet. The situation is twice labeled grievous evil (5:13, 16). The use of multiple words ...

2745. The Call of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1:1-19

Understanding Series

Tremper Longman III

... see this in the oracles against the nations (chs. 46–51). 1:11–16 After reporting his call to the prophetic ministry, the book continues by giving a preview of oracles to come. Two oracles introduce the prophetic activity of Jeremiah. They illustrate the prophet’s technique as well as two major themes that pervade the book. The word of God that comes to Jeremiah creatively articulates past tradition through the use of vivid imagery and other rhetorical devices. As is typical of Jeremiah’s prophecies ...

2746. The Valley of Slaughter

Jeremiah 7:30--8:3

Understanding Series

Tremper Longman III

... deteriorate (be like refuse, i.e., manure). 8:3 Life is associated with Yahweh; death with other gods. Not only did the dead and buried (vv. 1–2) prefer death to life, but so do the people who still remain (the survivors of this evil nation). Such an attitude is illustrated by the thinking and actions of the people who are left in the land after the destruction of Jerusalem and the assassination of Gedaliah (Jeremiah 43–44).

2747. Lying Prophets

Jeremiah 23:9-32, Jeremiah 23:33-40

Understanding Series

Tremper Longman III

... prophets have never sat in on the divine council. This reference to the divine council refers to the place where God meets with his angelic hosts in order to affect the future. Prophets hear the word of the Lord by attending these meetings. A remarkable illustration of this may be found in Isaiah 6, where that prophet is translated to the heavenly realms to appear in the very council chamber of God. In verse 19, Yahweh switches to judgment language. His anger at these false prophets will issue forth in ...

2748. Judah to Serve Nebuchadnezzar

Jeremiah 27:1-22

Understanding Series

Tremper Longman III

... decided to deliver these nations to Nebuchadnezzar, people and animals alike. This message reminds us of Nebuchadnezzar’s vision of the tree in Daniel 4 where he is the tree and all the birds and animals find refuge in that tree (vv. 9–12), similarly illustrating his sovereign control over all creatures. Verse 7 indicates, however, that there is a time limit on even this great king’s power. He will subjugate the known world during his reign and that of his son and his grandson, but then his nation’s ...

2749. Restoration of Israel

Jeremiah 30:1--31:40

Understanding Series

Tremper Longman III

... sour grapes—his own teeth will be set on edge. In other words, as the prophet explains, every one will die for their own sin. Such an understanding of personal accountability would certainly increase one’s own interest in ethical behavior. As Hezekiah illustrates, one might be relieved to realize that the punishment for one’s sin would come on future generations (Isa. 39). And Qohelet states the same concern as a principle: “When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of ...

2750. How the Gold Has Lost Its Luster

Lamentations 4:1-22

One Volume

Tremper Longman III

... that animal. Yahweh is instructing Job in his sovereignty and wisdom and explains how he endows and withholds certain abilities from various animals. While he has given the ostrich speed (39:18), he has deprived her of wisdom and good sense. Interestingly the latter is illustrated by her callous attitude toward her young: She lays her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand, unmindful that a foot may crush them, that some wild animal may trample them. She treats her young harshly, as if they were ...

Showing results