... of other people really matters to us. That's perfectly natural. But deep in our hearts we know that the only opinion that really matters is God's opinion of us, isn't it? If God approves of us, it doesn't really matter if other people aren't impressed. We are God's children. We certainly don't want to do anything as His children that would embarrass Him or ourselves. That's why the Bible talks about sin. Sin is anything that would embarrass God. Let's try to avoid being embarrassed. Let's not only try ...
... -modern air terminal. The plesiosaur is said to be 70 million years old. He was a great lizard, 25 feet long and weighing 10,000 pounds. When you stand in the midst of that monument to the latest in modern technology, you can’t help but be impressed by those ancient bones in contrast to this most modern of airports; and the combination of the old and the new causes you to think about life itself. When centuries have passed, how significant will be the things we allow to cause us anxiety, or the things ...
... in Galatians 4:29 indicates that Isaac and Ishmael were not engaged in harmless play. Sarah is enraged. Laughter turns to shouting: “Get rid of that slave woman and her son” (21:10). She is too angry to call either of them by name. Abraham is more impressive here than he was in the earlier situation involving Hagar and Sarah. He protests (21:11) and makes sure that Hagar and Ishmael leave with provisions (21:14), but how long will a bottle of water and a couple of sandwiches last for a mother and her ...
... and refers to himself as “your servant” (33:5). Jacob insists that Esau accept the gifts he has brought, and Esau takes them only reluctantly. He who earlier took twice from Esau now demands that Esau take something from him. One cannot help but be impressed with the “outsider” Esau on this occasion. He is not angry or vengeful. In running to Jacob and then embracing him and kissing him, he acts much like the father upon the return of the prodigal son (Luke 15). When Esau suggests that Jacob follow ...
... the Joseph story (excluding chaps. 38 and 49, where Joseph is either absent or minimally present), where “Lord” appears, and it appears seven times, all by the narrator. In addition to the divine presence, Joseph is a diligent worker, one who impresses his master with his conscientious industriousness. Joseph is to Potiphar what Jacob was to Laban. Both of these non-Israelites experienced blessings because a child of Abraham was in their midst. Joseph oversees everything except Potiphar’s food (39:6 ...
... that accusation. Fifth, he tests their integrity by insisting that one brother stay behind while the others return to Canaan and bring back their youngest brother. Finally, he slips the money they give him for the grain back into their sacks, creating the impression that they are thieves. To say the least, Joseph has made it as difficult for the brothers as possible. Some would say that this is vindictiveness on the part of Joseph. Here is his chance to reciprocate, and he relishes the moment. A more ...
... Egypt for Joseph than the one recorded in chapter 37, when he went to Egypt because of his brothers. Now he goes to Egypt with his brothers. Joseph is held in such high esteem that a large Egyptian entourage participates in Jacob’s burial (50:7). Even the Canaanites are impressed.
... it basically a civil law, or its refreshing benefit for humans and animals make it only a health law (Exod. 23:12). Leviticus 23 omits new moon festivals, but they are included in Numbers 28; additional monthly sacrifices consist of an impressive group of burnt offerings (two bulls, one ram, seven lambs with accompaniments) plus one purification offering (28:10–15). This sets up the basic pattern for additional sacrifices offered during the yearly festivals. Notice the prominence of the sabbatical number ...
... –34) ask whether anyone has ever encountered anything like what Israel has experienced: Has anyone ever heard God speaking out of the fire and lived? Or seen such miraculous signs and wonders? Or seen what God did for Israel in Egypt? It is all impressive evidence of God’s “love” and “Presence” (4:37). The Lord God has no rivals; therefore, all believers must live in accordance with God’s law. How else will the other nations come to experience the uniqueness of Yahweh unless they also see the ...
... , God does remain in control of even the climate, fertility, and all that affects human life (11:16–17). Verses 18–32 conclude this section of chapters 5–11 and draw the major themes of this section together. Moses’s teaching is to be impressed on their hearts and souls, which calls for a total commitment, as noted in the great Shema (“Hear, O Israel”) of chapter 6. The promise of military success is given once again (11:22–25), repeating Deuteronomy 7:12–24. This leaves Israel with ...
... begin until Joshua 6. Joshua 1–5 thus concerns the preparation Joshua and Israel have to make before they are battle-ready. Such preparation begins with the Lord’s commission to Joshua and his promise to him and to Israel (1:1–9). 1:1–18 · Perhaps to impress on Joshua the new leadership role he now must play, the Lord begins by reminding him of the death of Moses (1:1). The rest of the Lord’s speech can be divided roughly into two parts: the first is intended for both Joshua and the Israelites (1 ...
... of this area, especially the southern plains occupied by the Philistines, is included in 13:2–5 as land yet to be taken. Furthermore, although earlier accounts of victories over the southern and northern coalitions in 10:1–11:15 seem to give the impression that the land has been conquered quickly, the author is careful to note in 11:18 that the campaign against the indigenous population was a continuous effort that took time. But through it all, except for those living in the Gibeonite cities, none have ...
... . Canaanites were thus allowed to live among the tribe’s population. Regarding Manasseh’s allotment (17:1–13), a difficulty here concerns the identity of those receiving land east and west of the Jordan. The NIV translation of 17:1–2 gives the impression it is the Gileadites among Makir’s descendants who receive land in Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan. If so, this means those eligible for land west of the Jordan should be the remaining non-Gileadite clans of Manasseh. The problem, however ...
... reminded of the Lord’s past benevolence and they themselves recall the Lord’s deliverance, protection, and giving of land and victory over their enemies, the people declare that they too will choose to serve the Lord (24:16–18). But Joshua, in an attempt to impress on them the serious consequences implicit in their choice, replies that they are unable to serve him (24:19). He explains that because the Lord is a holy and jealous God, if they choose to serve him and then start turning to other gods, he ...
... form of iron chariots, they oppress Israel for twenty years (4:1–3). Israel’s cry to the Lord is followed immediately by the appearance of Deborah (4:4–5). This and the description of her as “leading” (literally “judging”; see RSV) Israel give the impression that Deborah must be the next judge in focus. But Deborah’s role within the narrative, primarily having to do with speaking (4:5–6, 9, 14), is more consistent with her being a prophetess (4:4) than a judge. In addition, although she is ...
... s people going down to the city gates to join the battle (5:11, 13). This is followed by a roll call that includes the participating tribes (5:14–15) as well as the nonparticipating tribes who chose to stay behind (5:15–17). Although the impression given in 4:6, 10 is that only Zebulun and Naphtali fought in the battle, apparently other tribes also participated. That the nonparticipating tribes are also listed suggests again that the main concern of the song is not just to celebrate a victory but also ...
... trust in a human leader at the expense of their faith in the Lord? Samuel warns that both the people and the king must serve and obey the Lord. The covenant structure remains the same, for the Lord demands the unwavering allegiance of all the people. To impress on the Israelites the evil inherent in their request for a king—and their rejection of God as king—the Lord sends thunder and rain in the dry season (12:16–18). The wheat harvest normally occurred in June, and it rarely rained in Israel during ...
... from Saul or are worried that Samuel has come to reprove them. Whatever their worries, Samuel calms their fears. He has come only to offer a sacrifice. He then invites Jesse and his sons to come to the sacrifice with him. When they arrive Samuel is impressed by the oldest son, Eliab, a tall and handsome man. But the Lord reminds Samuel that he considers the inner qualities of an individual rather than the outward appearance. None of Jesse’s seven sons present at the sacrifice is the chosen one, so Samuel ...
... by a thousand (or a “company” of) other Benjamites, who may fear that Shimei’s disrespect will bring David’s wrath on the whole tribe. Bowing low, Shimei apologizes for his earlier behavior and begs David’s forgiveness. David’s men are not impressed by Shimei’s “repentance” and urge the king to execute him. But in light of the end of the civil war and David’s restoration to power, he determines that this is a time for conciliatory action, not revenge. David never fully forgives ...
... the younger brother Solomon) are not. The comparison with Absalom—despite good looks and popularity—is an ominous sign for Adonijah’s stately ambitions. One gets the feeling that this is a dangerous place of political maneuvering, an impression enhanced in the next scene (1:11–14), featuring Nathan’s conference with Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon. After outlining Adonijah’s recent activities—boldly stating that Adonijah has “become king”—Nathan instructs Bathsheba to pose a question ...
... On the other hand, there could be a subtle comment on the king’s priorities, and where his attention will eventually be diverted. The NIV recognizes the latter by capturing the contrastive element of the Hebrew text (“however”). What cannot be denied is the impressiveness of the palace (7:2–12). Named “The House of the Forest of Lebanon” (RSV; cf. KJV), the central palace is a massive structure that must have been quite a feat of engineering. The “palace” is not limited to a single building ...
... is sizable reference to the necessity of individual and corporate forgiveness for crimes and misdemeanors. A number of commentators point out that when the prayer as a whole is surveyed, it is evident that Solomon’s public discourse features an impressive theological synthesis that must appease the various interest groups assembled. Even if there is a fair bit of promotion of the Davidic line, there is also an unambiguous recognition of God’s transcendence, and one guesses that the prayer must have ...
... . He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold. God has given assurance in chapter 3 that Solomon will be rich, and it is impossible to deny that reality here in the latter stages of chapter 10. Most likely a host of people would have been impressed by such riches and could well have pointed to such prosperity as sure signs of God’s blessing and favor. In just a few short years the nation of Israel has achieved a completely new position as a competitor on the worldwide stage. As I suggested ...
... Hebrew shelomoh). One purpose of a wordplay in Hebrew is to signal a reversal of fortune. Like the kingdom of Saul (who is on the wrong end of a garment-tearing episode in 1 Samuel 15), Solomon’s kingdom—with all the building projects that impress a consumer culture—is about to be dismantled. We should bear in mind that Ahijah’s word makes clear that Jeroboam’s kingship is conditional from the outset, predicated on his “listening” (exactly what Solomon has not done). If he is obedient, he will ...
... he nor Elisha features in 1 Kings 20. Instead, we get a different kind of prophetic intervention in this chapter, prompted by the aggression of Ben-Hadad and his allies (20:1–12). The considerable demands of Ben-Hadad give the impression that he has some leverage; the backstory would be that Israel is experiencing foreign hostilities under Ahab, and therefore abandoning orthodoxy does not always bring socioeconomic benefits. Some witty repartee between the two kings indicates that Ahab has a sense of ...