Commuter Bible OT

For modern audiences like us, these concluding chapters may feel more drudgery than delight, but for the original audience, these final depictions would have been the most exciting. Ezekiel once brought a message of condemnation and despair, but now that those prophecies have come true and Israel has spent 25 years in exile, Ezekiel brings a message of hope and restoration. Some of today's revelation is other-worldly, as Ezekiel sees a river coming from under the temple, recalling the garden of Eden, the tree depicted in Psalm 1, all while pointing us toward the river seen in the book of Revelation.Ezekiel 46 - 1:06 . Ezekiel 47 - 6:16 . Ezekiel 48 - 12:00 . Proverbs 25:14-28 - 19:07 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

To put today's passage in context, it's important to spend a moment considering when this vision occurred and what had happened up to this point. Remember that God had declared through Ezekiel that his glory had left the temple. Over time, the Lord's temple had become defiled and desecrated by idols, so the Lord sent the Chaldeans to demolish it. Jerusalem was made a desolation, and the people were exiled from the land. Twenty-five years later, Ezekiel sees a vision that would have brought renewed hope and joy: a new temple with revived worship practices, and most important of all, the promise of God's glory and favor would return.Ezekiel 43 - 1:02 . Ezekiel 44 - 8:05 . Ezekiel 45 - 16:13 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

There are different takes on the exact meaning of the temple Ezekiel sees in today's passage, some say it is symbolic, others heavenly, while others take note of it's cross-shaped floor plan. Here's what we know. First, it was never built. Second, this passage is the longest recording of a revelation in Scripture and it gives very specific dimensions for a temple design with measurements that differ from the original temple. Third, in the original Hebrew, the measurements are in cubits and multiples of 5 and 25 abound; and this vision takes place after 25 years in exile. Fourth, but certainly not finally, other than Moses, Ezekiel is the only person in the Old Testament to receive and transmit specific legislation directly from God.Ezekiel 40 - 1:02 . Ezekiel 41 - 8:59 . Ezekiel 42 - 17:35 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

You may have noticed this turn already, but ever since the mention of Jerusalem's fall in chapter 33, God's message to His people has become one of promise and hope for a restoration that will take place in the future. In our last episode, God promised to send a shepherd to his people, one that would be a prince among them from the line of David. Today, the Lord commands Ezekiel to prophesy to a valley of dry bones. Through the word of the Lord, these bones gather into fully restored bodies and stand on their feet. Ezekiel also prophesies against Gog of Magog, which may be the king we know as Gyges of Lydia. Even so, this prophesy goes beyond immediate circumstances to condemn a leader opposed to Israel in the far future.Ezekiel 37 - 1:02 . Ezekiel 38 - 8:06 . Ezekiel 39 - 14:20 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Up next in the list of nations being rebuked by the Lord is the nation of Edom. Edom was on the short list of nations receiving prophetic rebuke along with Ammon, Moab, and Philistia when this section began back in chapter 25. Recall that the nation of Edom stems from Jacob's (aka Israel's) brother Esau, and they have been at odds more or less ever since the womb. Most recently, Edom participated in the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem during the Babylonian invasion. History reveals that in time the Edomites will be defeated by the Maccabees in 126 BC and incorporated into the Jewish state and would cease to exist by the year 6 AD. Later in our reading, Ezekiel promises restoration for Israel, bringing them back into their own land.Ezekiel 35 - 1:02 .Ezekiel 36 - 4:01 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In today's passage, Ezekiel recalls the day when, 12 years into exile, he first hears word that Jerusalem has been overtaken. Those who remain behind want to claim the land as their own property, but the Lord sees their wickedness and vows to make them a desolate waste. The Lord also sees the shepherds of Israel, those leaders and rulers who have been entrusted with taking care of God's flock. Rather than nurturing and protecting those under their watch, they have abused their power for the sake of selfish profit. God's flock will be rescued from their hands, and he will send a better shepherd, his servant David, who will be a prince among them.Ezekiel 33 - 1:06 . Ezekiel 34 - 10:01 . Proverbs 25 - 17:30 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

We are in the section of Ezekiel's prophecies where the proclamations against particular nations have collected together. In our last episode we concluded the prophecy against Tyre and began the prophecies against Egypt. We begin with a symbolic proclamation against the cedar of Assyria. Cedars were seen as symbols of royalty and majesty in the Near East; and just as noble Assyria was brought low, so too, Egypt will be cut down. Pharaoh, in all of his splendor, will be humiliated and destroyed by the sword of Babylon's king, and neither he nor his kingdom will rise again to its former glory.Ezekiel 31 - 1:03 . Ezekiel 32 - 6:35 . Proverbs 24 - 14:24 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

As you'll recall from our last episode, Ezekiel is prophesying against the port city of Tyre. That section of prophecy concludes today and we'll begin a new prophecy against the nation of Egypt. As evidenced by the pyramids that remain standing today, the treasures of the pharaohs, along with abundant of historical records, Egypt was once a major world power that ruled mightily for centuries. Bible readers will recall that Joseph helped Egypt thrive early in their history and that Egypt held the nation of Israel in bondage for 400 years. This proud nation defied the Lord God and proved to be an unreliable ally to the surrounding nations, a splintered, reed staff that injured those who leaned on it.Ezekiel 28 - 1:05 . Ezekiel 29 - 6:40 . Ezekiel 30 - 12:33 . Proverbs 23 - 18:07 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Israel and Judah have incited the Lord's wrath by their wanton disregard for His statutes, and the Lord intends to pour His wrath out on His people. Even so, He will continue to stand by His promise to save a remnant and bring them back into the land. This is not the case for the surrounding nations, who have shown contempt for Jerusalem and disregard for the Holy One of Israel. With today's episode, we begin a new section in Ezekiel which focuses on prophecies against other nations.  A majority of today's passage focuses on the esteemed port city of Tyre, located on an island just off the coast. Though Nebuchadnezzar was unsuccessful in his siege, Alexander the Great was eventually successful after creating a causeway of timber and stone, wiping them out, never to exist again. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The Word of God sometimes shocks us with the imagery it gives to describe the sins of mankind, and today's passage is no exception. As you might imagine, today's podcast includes sexually explicit content, so parents, use discretion as you see fit. The Lord tells a parable of sorts, describing Samaria (aka Israel) and Jerusalem as two sisters named Oholah and Oholibah. With scandalous and sordid depictions of their rebellion against God, they stand condemned before the one who called them to faithfulness and purity. A second parable describes a boiling pot where meat is cooked. Though choice meat has gone into the pot, the pot itself is corroded, which means the food is not edible. It must be emptied and set on the coals until it is purified.Ezekiel 23 - 1:06 . Ezekiel 24 - 12:27 . Proverbs 22:1-16 - 18:17 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In our last reading, some of the elders of Israel had gathered around Ezekiel to inquire of the Lord, but God denied them counsel and began to recount the history of Israel's rebellion and idolatry. Time and again, the Lord would have been justified in exhausting His wrath against Israel, but over and over He relented from disaster so that His name wouldn't be profaned among the nations. The Lord will not answer them, but one day, God's people will humble themselves and return to him. Later, Ezekiel prophesies of the impending judgment that is coming against Jerusalem. The sword of Babylon will come, bringing devastation and destruction. All of this will serve as righteous judgment against God's people for their rampant sinfulness.Ezekiel  20:32-49 - 1:10 . Ezekiel 21 - 4:54 . Ezekiel 22 - 13:28 . Proverbs 21:17-31 - 20:18 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Our reading opens with a consideration of personal responsibility for sin. The Lord says that each man is responsible for his own sins; no man will be charged as guilty for the sins of his father, but will certainly be judged for his own actions. Moreover, a sinful man can be restored when he turns in repentance toward God, but the one who turns away from righteousness to live in unrighteousness will be condemned. Later we'll read a lament for the princes of Israel, who are compared to lions that grow up to devour people, and are therefore captured and taken away. Finally, some of the elders of Israel gather around Ezekiel to inquire of the Lord, but God denies them and recounts the history of Israel's rebellion and idolatry.  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today's episode contains sexual themes, so parental discretion is advised. Today we get a glimpse of God's lovingkindness toward Israel as God describes Himself as a Father who adopts an unwanted baby, then as a man who redeems the life of a woman by claiming her as His bride. This woman becomes beautiful through the nurturing love of God, and as she grows in beauty, she begins to trust her beauty more than her husband. This bride is more anxious to please other men than to please her own husband, and therefore His anger is kindled against her. Later, the Lord gives Ezekiel a riddle that finds its answer in future fulfillment, making it more like a parable for us today, wherein Nebuchadnezzar is represented by the first eagle, Jehoiachin is the top of the cedar, the king of Egypt is the second eagle, and King Zedekiah is the vine. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

We begin today's passage with prophecies against false teachers who make up things to say from the Lord even though he didn't actually say them. These prophets are figuratively like those who don't repair the structure of a weakened wall so that it is strong once again, but who simply whitewash over it to make it look nice. Women who practice sorcery and sell bracelets as magic charms are condemned here as well. Later, the Lord God says that no one from Israel will be saved simply because there are some who live it in who are holy; in fact, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were residents, not even their family would be saved by their association with the righteous.Ezekiel 13 - 1:03 . Ezekiel 14 - 7:36 . Ezekiel 15 - 13:11 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In our last episode, while meeting with Judah's elders, Ezekiel was carried off in a vision by the Lord. In one scene after another, the Lord showed Ezekiel the abhorrent practices of idolatry that the people were committing, especially those in the Lord's temple. Today, the prophet sees an otherworldly visual representation of the Lord's sovereign decrees as judgment is declared upon Jerusalem and upon the temple where God once lived among His people. He is then carried off to see a conversation between the elders of Jerusalem who boast in their self-worth and who plot to take Israel's land soon after they have been exiled.Ezekiel 9 - 1:06 . Ezekiel 10 - 3:55 . Ezekiel 11 - 8:55 . Ezekiel 12 - 13:59 . Proverbs 20:16 - 19:57 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

When we last left Ezekiel, the Lord had given him prophetic acts to perform before the people of Jerusalem. In one he drew the city of Jerusalem on a brick and then laid siege to it. In another, he was commanded to lay on his left side for 390 days, and then 40 days on his right, all while eating bread baked over cow dung. Today, at the Lord's direction, Ezekiel shaves his head and beard, a look that was considered shameful, and then proceeds to destroy most of the hair that had been removed. Later, Ezekiel is carried away in a vision and given a tour of Jerusalem's detestable acts of idolatry.Ezekiel 5 - 1:02 . Ezekiel 6 - 5:40 . Ezekiel 7 - 9:55 . Ezekiel 8 - 16:47 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Ezekiel is on his way to Babylon with a group of exiles when suddenly, the heavens are opened and he sees a vision from God. The symbolism here is pretty deep. Coming from the north, like the Chaldean armies, the Lord's angels are fourfold with four faces and four wings, communicating the Lord's sovereignty over the fourfold directions of the earth (north, south, east, and west) over every mighty creature, and over every man. The cherubim were the enforcers of divine judgment and were accompanied by wheels full of eyes communicating that God is omniscient and omnipresent seeing and knowing all things.Ezekiel 1 - 1:05 . Ezekiel 2 - 6:42 . Ezekiel 3 - 8:47 . Ezekiel 4 - 15:23 . Proverbs 20 - 19:13 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today, we complete the book of Lamentations, a work of suffering, shame, horror, and defeat, but centered in the middle of the work, we read of Jeremiah's confident hope in the Lord (that section occurs in today's reading near the end of chapter 3). As a whole, Lamentations is presented in a series of five poems, of which the first four are acrostics of the Hebrew alphabet, much like Psalm 119, only shorter. The first poem focuses outside the city, the second: inside the city (we covered these in the last episode); the third poem is directed toward God, the fourth poem toward the vanity of human glory, and the fifth poem looks to the future.Lamentations 3 - 1:04 . Lamentations 4 - 9:16 . Lamentations 5 - 13:50 . Proverbs 19 - 16:24 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The book of Lamentations has some pretty harrowing imagery, especially as it relates to children, so parental discretion is advised . We have concluded the book Jeremiah but we have not yet exhausted his writings; church history carries tradition that it is Jeremiah who wrote the book of Lamentations after the desolation of Judah had come to pass. Remember that Chaldeans laid siege to Jerusalem, basically surrounding them and starving them out until there was no more bread. A combination of evil and desperation led women of the city to eat their own children, as was predicted by the curses of abandoning the law recorded in Deuteronomy 28:53.Lamentations 1 - 1:03 . Lamentations 2 - 8:09 . Proverbs 18 - 14:42 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The prophecy against Babylon continues from our last episode today as we read the rest of  chapter 51. In it, the Lord calls upon several nations to wage war against Babylon, bringing devastation and destruction. When that time of judgment comes, the Lord calls his people out of Babylon, telling them not to be fearful. When the prophecy concludes, Jeremiah instructs Seraiah to go to Babylon, declare the prophecy, then tie the scroll to a rock and throw into the Euphrates River, thus symbolizing that Babylon will sink and never rise again. After the words of Jeremiah are concluded, the book ends with historic accounts very similar to those found in 2 Kings 24-25.Jeremiah 51:24-64 - 1:09 . Jeremiah 52 - 11:45 . Proverbs 17 - 18:44 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The final prophecy against a particular nation is a doozy, proclaiming total annihilation and ruin and spanning two long chapters, (50, 51) one of which is the sixth longest chapter in Scripture. Who could this prophecy be against? What nation's actions would merit such a rebuke? If you guessed Babylon, you are right! Though the Lord allowed Babylon to attack His own people and send them into exile, Babylon is still responsible for their own sin and their own actions. By God's design, his people are punished because of their ongoing sin and rebellion, but Babylon is punished more so because of their idolatry and wickedness. We'll only read part of chapter 51, concluding Jeremiah's prophecy in our next episode.Jeremiah 50 - 1:08 . Jeremiah 51 - 13:22 . Proverbs 16:17-33 - 18:42 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

We're now in the section of Jeremiah that includes prophecies against individual nations. These prophecies were gathered over the course of Jeremiah's life and have been collected here at the end of his account. The overarching theme of these chapters is that the Lord sees the injustice and disgrace of the surrounding nations, and they will not escape his wrath and judgment. In some cases, the Lord says that he will restore the nation, but in other cases, the nation will become a perpetual ruin. In our last episode, Jeremiah prophesied against Egypt, Philistia, and Moab. Today we continue in the prophecy against Moab, and continue through prophesies against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam.Jeremiah 48:21 - 1:09 . Jeremiah 49 - 7:08 . Proverbs 16 - 17:05 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Following the destruction of Jerusalem, Jeremiah had elected to stay in the land with permission from the Chaldeans. After an insurrection and no small tumult within the remnant who stayed in the land, the skittish group asked for direction from the Lord. Jeremiah told them plainly that staying in the land would result in blessing but fleeing to Egypt would result in hardship, violence, and famine. They rejected the Lord's command and went to Egypt anyway, taking Jeremiah with them. When we last left Jeremiah, he was in Egypt and had just rebuked the people for burning incense to other gods. Our reading opens with their response to the prophet concerning this rebuke. We'll then begin a section of prophecies that Jeremiah spoke against other nations.Jeremiah 44:15 - 1:09 . Jeremiah 45 - 5:45 . Jeremiah 46 - 6:58 . Jeremiah 47 - 14:33 . Jeremiah 48 - 16:15 . Proverbs 15:18 - 20:16 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The prophecies of Jeremiah foretelling the devastation of Jerusalem have come to pass. Through it all the Lord has kept His promises and has protected Jeremiah from harm. With the blessing of the Chaldean captain of the guards, Jeremiah has elected to stay in Jerusalem. As Jeremiah continues to serve the Lord through this transition he must navigate new relationships and new authorities. After Ishmael leads an insurrection against Gedaliah, the new governor, Johanan rescues those taken captive in an effort to flee to Egypt. Through Jeremiah, the Lord warns Johanan and the others that they should stay in Judah, but they refuse to listen and in an ironic twist, Jeremiah is deported to Egypt by the remnant of Judah.Jeremiah 41 - 1:08 . Jeremiah 42 - 4:59 . Jeremiah 43 - 11:00 . Jeremiah 44 - 14:11 . Proverbs 15 - 17:58 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

As we cover the siege of Jerusalem and it's fall there will be a lot of overlap as we try to cover all the material that pertains to this period in biblical history. Today, we'll begin with a reading that spans the entire book of Habakkuk, wherein the prophet of the same name is recorded speaking to the Lord on behalf of his people. He openly and honestly struggles with understanding why God would allow injustice to prevail. By his conversation with the Lord, we are reminded of the sovereign power and authority of God, who calls the righteous to live by faith. Later, we'll read the final chapter of 2 Chronicles which covers the last four kings of Judah, the destruction of Jerusalem, and then a jump to Cyrus of Persia who sends the people of Judah back to their land.Habakkuk 1 - 1:07 . Habakkuk 2 - 4:38 . Habakkuk 3 - 8:59 . 2 Chronicles 36 - 13:06 . Proverbs 14:16 - 18:20 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In our last episode, the prophecies of Jeremiah came to pass. The Chaldean army laid siege to Jerusalem and right before his eyes were gouged out, Zedekiah's sons were executed in front of him. Our chronological reading of the Old Testament continues as we read this account from 2 Kings. In both readings we are introduced to Nebuzaradan, the Chaldean captain of the guards. Those who surrender to the Chaldeans are spared, and those who resist are put to the sword, usually at Nebuzaradan's command. Through all of this, the Lord keeps His promises to Jeremiah and protects him from harm. What's more, the leaders of the Chaldean army treat Jeremiah with greater honor and respect than the leaders of Judah did when they were in power.2 Kings 24 - 1:06 . 2 Kings 25 - 5:09 . Jeremiah 40 - 12:04 . Proverbs 14 - 16:44 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

From a chronological standpoint, today's reading can be a little confusing. Have you ever been watching a TV show that begins with a jump in the story's timeline for dramatic interest, then jumps backward to show the circumstances that have led up to that point? That's what's happening here. Our last reading opened with Jeremiah in prison, but there was no explanation of how he got there. The accounts in chapters 35-36 (starting after the first musical break) jump backward and lead up to his imprisonment, giving us narrative detail that we haven't yet encountered. We're going to be transported back to the days of Jehoiakim, and over the next two episodes we'll see how Jeremiah wound up in prison.Jeremiah 37 - 1:03 . Jeremiah 38 - 5:12 . Jeremiah 39 - 12:32 . Proverbs 13 - 16:31 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

From a chronological standpoint, today's reading can be a little confusing. Have you ever been watching a TV show that begins with a jump in the story's timeline for dramatic interest, then jumps backward to show the circumstances that have led up to that point? That's what's happening here. Our last reading opened with Jeremiah in prison, but there was no explanation of how he got there. The accounts in chapters 35-36 (starting after the first musical break) jump backward and lead up to his imprisonment, giving us narrative detail that we haven't yet encountered. We're going to be transported back to the days of Jehoiakim, and over the next two episodes we'll see how Jeremiah wound up in prison.Jeremiah 34 - 1:02 . Jeremiah 35 - 7:34 . Jeremiah 36 - 12:05 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

This part of the text may be a little confusing, so let me give a little historical context. The Babylonian siege began after King Zedekiah had been in office for nine years. This siege was lifted for a small window of time when the troops caught word that an Egyptian army was approaching. During this break, Zedekiah arrested Jeremiah because he was encouraging the men of Judah to surrender, but God commanded Jeremiah to tell them to do exactly that, to surrender. During this time, the Lord sends Jeremiah's cousin to sell Him property, and at the Lord's direction, Jeremiah buys it. Confused about the transaction, Jeremiah turns to the Lord for clarity.Jeremiah 32 - 1:04 . Jeremiah 33 - 11:46 . Proverbs 12:15 - 18:19 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today, the Lord offers consolation and hope for those in exile. After 70 years of living outside of the land the Lord has given them, the Lord will bring judgment upon those nations which brought destruction. His people will once again return to the land of promise. Though their land had been decimated by war, it will be brought back to life. The Lord then expresses His everlasting love for His people, promising to rebuild them and make them joyful once more. A new covenant is coming, one in which the Lord will put his teaching within his people and write it on their hearts. When that covenant comes he will forgive their iniquity and never again remember their sin.Jeremiah 30 - 1:04 . Jeremiah 31 - 6:37 . Proverbs 12:1-14 - 17:52 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In an age before billboards, movies, and cat videos, there were few ways to stand out from the crowd and command the attention of people who might otherwise ignore you. At the Lord's command, Jeremiah frequently acts out some of his prophesies in order to dramatically display the reality of what will soon take place. You wouldn't soon forget a man wearing chains and a yoke who looks you in the eye and tells you that you will be like him in the near future. Another prophet named Hananiah comes along, and in similar fashion breaks Jeremiah's yoke, prophesying that the Lord will break the yoke of King Nebuchadnezzar, but things are not what they seem.Jeremiah 27 - 1:05 . Jeremiah 28 - 6:04 . Jeremiah 29 - 10:43 . Proverbs 11:17 - 18:13 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

At this point in the life of Jeremiah, he has served as a prophet among the people of Judah for 23 years. During that time, the people have ignored his prophecies and his calls for repentance. Moreover, other prophets have come before him, but the people have not paid attention. As such, they have brought disaster on themselves and the cup of God's wrath will poured out on them and on the nations. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, will destroy them, but after 70 years, the Lord will punish the nation of Babylon. The Lord commands Jeremiah to enter the temple and preach it's destruction, but the people become furious and begin proceedings to put Jeremiah to death.Jeremiah 25 - 1:05 . Jeremiah 26 - 10:00 . Proverbs 11 - 15:25 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In our last reading, Jeremiah condemned Zedekiah and the three godless kings that preceded him. These leaders of Judah, whom the Lord addresses as shepherds in today's reading, have led the Lord's flock away from Him, but God promises to raise up one who is called “a Righteous Branch for David,” a king and a shepherd who will reign wisely and administer justice righteously. Moreover, the prophets of Judah have not only prophesied falsely in the name of the Lord, they have become so morally repugnant that when the Lord assesses them, they seem like Sodom and Gomorrah. While Jeremiah prophesies wrath and destruction, these false prophets prophesy peace. Finally, the Lord gives Jeremiah a vision of two different baskets of figs presented to God at the temple.Jeremiah 23 - 1:05 . Jeremiah 24 - 11:41 . Proverbs 10 - 14:20 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Jeremiah has proclaimed that those who trust in men are cursed and those who trust in the Lord will be blessed. Today, the prophet must put this very teaching into practice, for after gathering the priests, prophets, and leaders of Judah to declare the judgment of the Lord, he is beaten, put in the stocks, and humiliated by one of the priests. Both before and after this event, Jeremiah pleads with the Lord to do something about the humiliation he endures, lamenting in sorrow over the day he was born. Later, King Zedekiah sends messengers to Jeremiah asking that he might inquire of the Lord on behalf of Judah, but instead of a prophecy of favor, he receives a prophecy of destruction and captivity for the leaders of Judah.Jeremiah 20 - 1:05 . Jeremiah 21 - 5:30 . Jeremiah 22 - 10:06 . Proverbs 9 - 17:13 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Jeremiah continues his pronouncement against the persistent sin of Judah as our text begins today, saying that those who trust in men are cursed and those who trust in the Lord will be blessed. The Lord instructs Jeremiah to visit the house of a potter, and in so doing he observes the potter disregarding a jar he had created because it became flawed, at which point he makes another jar. The Lord says that the house of Israel is like this lump of clay; he may do as he wishes with the nations of earth, relenting from disaster where there is repentance and relenting from good when a nation does what it is evil. Later, as we return to Proverbs, the personification of wisdom continues her speech.Jeremiah 17 - 1:06 . Jeremiah 18 - 8:04 . Jeremiah 19 - 12:51 . Proverbs 8:22-36 - 16:51 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In today's episode, Jeremiah delivers a lament for the drought that has come over Judah, calling on God to deliver his people. Throughout Scripture, the Lord often relents after such prayers, but in this instance the Lord denies Jeremiah's request, saying that this time he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins. God tells Jeremiah not to pray for these people, saying that even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before Him, He would not listen. In his anguish, Jeremiah complains about the difficulty of his work, but the Lord calls Jeremiah to repent of his words and return to Him once more.Jeremiah 14 - 1:05 . Jeremiah 15 - 6:31 . Jeremiah 16 - 12:53 . Proverbs 8:1-21 - 18:10 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The false gods that Israel has served are worthless and lifeless, and God warns that those gods will not save them from His wrath. The nation that the Lord loved and cherished has continuously rejected Him and even mocked His authority, so the Lord will finally bring them to the ruin He promised would come. Later, at the Lord's command, Jeremiah performs a prophetic act, one of several over the course of his life, and we'll all try our hardest to suppress our inner six year old as we read about Jeremiah's dirty underwear.Jeremiah 11 - 1:02 . Jeremiah 12 - 6:22 . Jeremiah 13 - 11:38 . Proverbs 7 – 17:32 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The people of Judah and Jerusalem have developed a false sense of security, for they suppose that fulfilling the rituals of worship will please God. Assuming they have God's favor because of their sacrifices, they pursue unrighteousness and selfish gain, worshipping idols and even sacrificing their children to false gods. God's holy wrath burns against their injustice, for He is not satisfied with meaningless sacrifices, but in obedience. Jeremiah weeps for his brothers, broken by the brokenness of his people. Death and destruction are imminent, and the time for lament is at hand.Jeremiah 8 - 1:02 . Jeremiah 9 - 8:06 . Jeremiah 10 - 14:28 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The Lord has announced through Jeremiah that he will send Assyria from the north to conquer Jerusalem and Judah, making it a desolate wasteland. He sends Jeremiah to ensure that everyone in Judah has heard this news, going throughout Israel with this message of God's impending wrath like a grape gatherer whose hand passes over the branches to make sure he has been thorough. This disaster is coming because the nation has rejected the Lord's instruction. The people trust their institutions, ceremonies, and temple more than they trust the Lord Himself, as evidenced by their empty religious practices and rampant sin.Jeremiah 6 - 1:03 . Jeremiah 7 - 8:56 . Proverbs 6 - 16:32 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The Lord's love remains on Judah but he cannot allow her rampant evil and adulterous idol worship to continue. Time and again He has called them to repent, but they continue to love their wealth, their sin, and their idols more than the Lord their God. Because Israel served foreign gods in the land God had given them, so the Lord will send them into a foreign land to serve foreigners they had not known. An ancient nation is coming against them to ravage the land and take captives with them. Even so, the Lord will not finish them off completely.Jeremiah 4 - 1:01 . Jeremiah 5 - 9:00 . Proverbs 5 - 16:16 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Jeremiah was a young man from Anathoth serving as a priest when the Lord called him and set him aside to be God's chosen instrument in prophesying against the nation of Judah. Judah had seen the fall of Israel after their centuries of wickedness and idolatry against the Lord as they both figuratively prostituted themselves with idols and literally prostituted themselves with cult prostitutes. They worshipped false gods on hilltops and under trees, as was the custom in the surrounding nations, rejecting the God who loved them, provided for them, and protected them. These idols were a “broken cistern,” promising life and refreshment, which in reality only came up empty.Jeremiah 1 - 1:02 . Jeremiah 2 - 4:43 . Jeremiah 3 - 14:03 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

While we finished reading about Josiah from 2 Kings, the book of 2 Chronicles has more to say about this king, including a lengthy description concerning the details of the Lord's Passover being reinstituted. We'll also read the book of Zephaniah, a prophet of royal lineage who had Hezekiah as his great grandfather. He writes during the reign of Josiah to proclaim that the day of the Lord is coming for the city of Ninevah. God will destroy the wicked as the city falls, but he will save a remnant in keeping with his covenant promises. Those who are humble are called to seek righteousness, humility, but most importantly, they are called to seek the Lord. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In our last episode we were introduced to King Josiah who began his reign over Judah at the mere age of nine. As we pick up 2 Chronicles, we'll hear a parallel account to our reading from 2 Kings 22, but then we'll continue onward and cover more ground. After sending his men to consult a prophetess named Huldah, Josiah learns that the wrath of God is coming upon Judah soon. When Josiah realizes that their days are numbered, he cleans house both figuratively and literally. The Lord's temple was full of idolatrous objects and practices, and he gets rid of them all. The Lord honors Josiah's zeal and humility by promising that his wrath will not come upon Judah during the king's lifetime, but God will certainly send Judah into exile in the near future.2 Chronicles 34 - 1:05 . 2 Kings 23 - 9:59 . Proverbs 4:20 - 20:37 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Like Jonah before him, the prophet Nahum preaches devastation and ruin for Ninevah, only this time Ninevah doesn't repent. Ninevah was the capital of Assyria, a nation of unparalleled power and wealth which had recently decimated the nation of Israel. Though they thought themselves to be secure from danger, their downfall came after nearby rivers flooded the city and destroyed part of the city wall, allowing Babylon to enter easily and set it ablaze. Later, we're introduced to King Josiah, who is one of Judah's most notable kings, as he rediscovers the book of the law and mourns that God's wrath is surely coming upon them. Nahum 1 - 1:06 . Nahum 2 - 4:29 . Nahum 3 - 8:09 . 2 Kings 22 - 12:30 . Proverbs 4 - 17:05 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

We completed the book of Isaiah in our last episode and now we're back in the narrative histories of 2 Chronicles and 2 Kings. Hezekiah's son Manasseh takes the throne and turns the good of his father's kingdom upside down by participating in every kind of spiritual evil imaginable. As such is the case, God says through his prophets that he will clean Jerusalem out like a bowl, turning it upside down. 2 Chronicles records that Manasseh is taken captive by Assyria later in life, at which point he repents and turns to the Lord for help. Before his death, he turns Judah back to the Lord, but only in partial obedience. His son Amon will take the throne after him, but will only reign for two years, repeating his father's mistakes.2 Chronicles 33 - 1:04 . 2 Kings 21 - 6:15 . Proverbs 3 - 12:13 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

We have reached the final chapters of the book of Isaiah, in which Isaiah continues to prophesy about things yet to come. You'll recall that in our chronological reading of the Old Testament, so far the nation of Israel has fallen to the Babylonians, but Jerusalem and the nation of Judah have not yet been conquered. Even so, Isaiah prophesies in the past tense as he speaks of the desolation of Jerusalem in the future, for any many ways the focus is not on the future desolation as much as it is on the future restoration of God's people. A time is coming when the Lord will gather his people back to Jerusalem, but when he does, he will also gather all nations and languages to himself and they will come and see His glory.Isaiah 64 - 1:05 . Isaiah 65 - 3:37 . Isaiah 66 - 10:31 . Proverbs 2 - 17:18 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The Lord calls his people to fast, but to fast while doing as one pleases, oppressing others, or causing strife and violence, is not true fasting. True fasting involves humility and submission to God, freeing those who are unjustly bound and oppressed, feeding those who are hungry, and caring for those who are in need. The sins of God's people separate them from a holy God, and He hides His face from them. As representatives of God's holiness, Israel had failed to act justly. Even so, the Redeemer will come to Zion and to those in Jacob who turn from transgression. A day is coming when the Lord will be the light of his people and their days of sorrow will be over.Isaiah  59 - 1:02 . Isaiah 60 - 6:11 . Isaiah 61 - 10:50 . Isaiah 62 - 14:17 . Isaiah 63 - 16:59 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org