Last week, we skipped over verses 1-2 because they go along with verses 10-16 in describing the consecration of Israel’s firstborn. As you will no doubt notice, our present text has many similarities with our previous one. The LORD specifically inaugurated the annual Passover meal and Feast of Unleavened Bread so that the Israelites would …
Continue reading The Consecration of the Firstborn | Exodus 13:1-2, 11-16
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment Psalm 1:5 ESV After giving a three-verse portrait of the blessed, the psalmist gave a terse contrasting image of the wicked. Unlike the blessed, they do not delight in and meditate upon God's Word; thus, they are not rooted in eternal truth like trees beside streams …
After warning Pharaoh of the tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn, Moses took his leave from the king of Egypt once for all. Although Pharaoh still would not listen, the LORD Himself was coming down into Egypt at midnight and Israel would soon be driven out of the land; therefore, Moses needed …
He is like a tree… Psalm 1:3 ESV Moving into verse 3, the psalmist continues his description of the blessed man, the one who is favored by God, with this simple comparison: he is like a tree. While the psalm will elucidate further on this figure of speech, it is worth pausing here to consider …
Although this passage can be easily overlooked as a necessary interlude between God's appearance to Moses and the showdown with Pharaoh, what we find is a rich picture of Moses' first faltering steps of obedience and much foreshadowing of the wonders yet to come. The theme that ties these passages together is Moses' long-awaited return …
In these verses, we read the beginning of the account of God’s appearance to Moses in the burning bush. As we study this passage, we will largely behold three points: the unapproachable holiness of God, the goodness of His descendent to rescue His people, and the revelation of God’s holy name. STANDING ON HOLY GROUND …
Serious study of any ancient document will require resources and tools that help to enrich one's understanding of the text. The Bible is no different. As both a cohesive and complete revelation of God to humanity and a library of literary masterpieces, the Bible has consumed the lifetime focus of some of history's most brilliant …
SUGGESTED VERSES FOR MEMORIZATION & MEDITATION May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, and may he send back your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” (Genesis 43:14 ESV) He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the …
Continue reading Joseph’s Brothers Return to Egypt | Genesis 43
SUGGESTED VERSES FOR MEMORIZATION & MEDITATION Then they said to one another, “In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us. (Genesis 42:21 ESV) He said to his brothers, …
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. John 5:39-40 ESV It is safe to assume that few people have much experience in reading ancient documents like the Bible; …
B. C. Newton 