Commuter Bible OT

Today's reading includes an account of sexual violence, so listener discretion is advised. The sexual sin that began in David's heart and was executed in front of his household is now spreading throughout his family, as his sons begin to use their own power to satisfy their own lust and perversity. David's son Amnon lusts after Tamar, his own half-sister, and plots to rape her at the encouragement of his friend Jonadab. When David discovers that Tamar has been raped by Amnon, he is furious, but sadly, he does nothing to intervene. Tamar's brother Absalom is furious, setting in motion a series of events that causes havoc, not only in David's household, but in his kingdom. 2 Samuel 13 - 1:05 .  2 Samuel 14 - 10:01 .  Psalm 101 - 17:47 .  :::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

Throughout the Old Testament, we meet men of varying backgrounds who set out to obey the Lord and deliver God's people. Time and again, God's people rejoice and revel in their hero, but inevitably, these men fall and are shown to be sinful. David is no exception. Luxury and boredom turn into lust, which turns into an abuse of power, then adultery, then deception, then second-hand murder. Though he tries to hide his sin by sinning further, the Lord will not allow the sin of Israel's king to go unpunished. Because of his sin, the Lord says that he will take David's wives and give them to another before all of Israel. While 2 Samuel records this failure, 1 Chronicles does not. 2 Samuel 11 - 1:04 .  2 Samuel 12 - 8:06 .  1 Chronicles 20 - 15:19 .  Psalm 100 - 17:26 .  :::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 readings, we'll cover some of David's military exploits. As he and his forces are victorious over their enemies, the reader is to understand that the Lord is with him in battle. The narrative thus far has established that David prioritizes the right worship of God. Much like the gospel accounts, we'll read parallel narratives when we read portions from 2 Samuel and from 1 Chronicles, so don't be alarmed or feel like you're experiencing déjà vu. One section that's unique to 2 Samuel is a recording of David's kindness to a handicapped man named Mephibosheth; he was last remaining relative of Saul's family, the son of his friend Jonathan. 2 Samuel 8 - 1:06 .  2 Samuel 9 - 4:18 .  2 Samuel 10 - 8:22 .  1 Chronicles 18 - 14:39 .  1 Chronicles 19 - 15:29 .  Psalm 99 - 19:31 .  :::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

As we are reading chronologically, there will be a number of passages that cover the same event or span from different perspectives. Today, we'll read the account of the return of the ark that was covered in 1 Chronicles, followed by the Lord's covenant with David from both accounts. After King David reestablishes the tabernacle, he returns to his own home, a palace made of cedar, and thinks “Why does God dwell in a tent, while I, a mere man, dwell in a palace?” As his wheels begin to spin, he tells Nathan the prophet. Nathan tells David to go for it, but later receives a vision from the Lord: a Son of David will build a house for God that will last forever. 2 Samuel 6 - 1:06 .  2 Samuel 7 - 6:47 .  1 Chronicles 17 - 12:57 .  Psalm 98 - 18:25 .  :::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

Now that David is king, he intends to reinstitute the proper worship of God at his tabernacle, which means that the ark of the covenant needs to be retrieved. When the ark almost falls in transit, one man reaches out to grab it, which is not permissible by God's law. The Lord strikes him dead, which both angers and terrifies David. Scared to bring it to Jerusalem, he leaves it in Gath. After staying in the house of Obed-Edom for a while, the ark of the covenant finally comes to Jerusalem with great fanfare. After King David reestablishes the tabernacle, he returns to his own home. 1 Chronicles 13 - 1:02 .  1 Chronicles 14 - 3:26 .  1 Chronicles 15 - 6:41 .  1 Chronicles 16 - 11:28 .  :::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

In our reading from 1 Chronicles, David is established as king, and the author takes his coronation as an opportunity to chronicle the exploits of David's men who had been with him in the wilderness, and who continued with him in his new kingdom. Now that David has been recognized as king, it's time for him to begin to establish his kingdom. In 2 Samuel 5, David consults the Lord before he goes into battle, and the Lord responds to each request for guidance. This may seem unremarkable, but remember that the Lord stopped responding to Saul's requests for guidance, and it drove him to madness and desperation. When the Lord answers David's prayers, it's a sign that the Lord is truly with him. 1 Chronicles 11 - 1:01 .  1 Chronicles 12 - 8:12 .  2 Samuel 5 - 14:48 .  :::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 still working through a list of names, but thankfully things get a little more interesting this week as the lists are broken up by historical accounts and records of what people did and when. Part of our reading covers the genealogies following the exile, which, admittedly, doesn't fall within the chronological timeline, but that's not our aim. Remember, we began 1 Chronicles with Adam, Seth, and Enosh, which also don't fit. We're not trying to fit things in verse by verse, and that's especially true as it relates to these genealogies, because that would actually be pretty confusing. Having said all of this, we will be switching back and forth between 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles starting with our next episode. 1 Chronicles 7 - 1:01 .  1 Chronicles 8 - 7:14 .  1 Chronicles 9 - 12:12 .  1 Chronicles 10 - 18:24 .  :::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

We're reading through the genealogies handed down over the centuries that trace God's people from Adam & Eve all the way through the exile to Babylon. Remember that each name represents a lifetime and a family: real people with real lives who either trusted in the Lord or who were stiff-necked and rebelled against the Lord. One day you and I may just be names on a list to those who come after us, but what the Lord accomplishes in us and through will not be forgotten by the One who formed us, redeemed us, and called us His own. How sweet it is to know that the Lord remembers His people by name. 1 Chronicles 4 - 1:02 .  1 Chronicles 5 - 7:09 .  1 Chronicles 6 - 12:32 .  :::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

Wait, weren't we just in 2 Samuel? YES! This is where we'll start alternating back and forth between Old Testament history books as we seek to read chronologically. We won't be aligning historical events verse by verse, but we will be trying to align chapters so that the overall historical context is understood. That means we're going to spend some time in 1 Chronicles as well as 2 Samuel for a bit. So about today's episode: alright, real talk: this episode probably isn't going to change your life, but there are some interesting little nuggets to be found in between the names and genealogies. Though your time in God's Word is up to you, here's a friendly reminder that most podcast apps allow for listening at 2x speed. Alright, let's read some names, shall we? 1 Chronicles 1 - 1:01 . 1 Chronicles 2 - 6:55 . 1 Chronicles 3 - 14:40 . Psalm 97 - 17:50 . :::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 covered the aftermath of King Saul's death, including a scramble for power and position by Abner, the commander of Israel's army. After losing a battle against David's men, Abner fled on foot and was chased down by Asahel. Abner killed Asahel, but escaped to live another day. Today, Asahel's brother Joab seeks revenge against Abner, but he does so without David's approval. Later, two assassins cut off Ish-bosheth's head and bring it to David. David is grieved by both incidents and he makes his grief and mourning public. 2 Samuel 3 - 1:03 .  2 Samuel 4 - 10:34 .  Psalm 95 - 13:44 .  Psalm 96 - 15:11 .  :::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

After Saul's death, an Amalekite man comes to David claiming that he is the one who killed Saul, thinking he will be rewarded for his deed since Saul pursued David for so long. To say that David is displeased with this report, however, is an understatement. After a period of mourning for the house of Saul, David is anointed king in Judah, but Abner, the commander of Saul's army, has other plans. He crowns Saul's son Ish-bosheth as king, accumulates power for himself, and fights against David's soldiers. After losing a battle to David's soldiers, Abner flees, only to be chased down by Asahel, one of David's men, but the conflict doesn't end there. 2 Samuel 1 – 1:03 .  2 Samuel 2 – 6:12 . Psalm 93 – 13:40 .  Psalm 94 - 14:37 .  :::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

When we last left King Saul, he had consulted a medium when he didn't hear from the Lord, where he learns that he and sons will die the following day. David almost joins the Philistine forces in the impending war against Saul, but the commanders don't trust David like King Achish does. Returning to their settlement at Ziklag, they find their territory decimated and their families taken captive. After consulting the Lord, they pursue the Amalekites. On the way, David and his men redeem the life of a servant who had been discarded by his Amalekite master, and he returns their kindness by directing them toward the Amalekites. Later, Saul goes to battle against the Philistines along with his sons, where they meet a devastating end. 1 Samuel 29 - 1:02 .  1 Samuel 30 - 3:34 .  1 Samuel 31 - 9:35 .  Psalm 92 - 12:04 .  :::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, Saul sets his sights on David once more, bringing three thousand men with him, but David again has compassion on him. David and his men defect from Israel and escape to Philistine territory, where Achish, the king of the Philistines gives David the city of Ziklag. Later, as Saul faces the Philistine armies, he becomes fearful and tries to consult the Lord, but God does not respond. Being more concerned for himself than for God's glory, Saul consults a spiritual medium, and in a totally backwards way, attempts to consult the the spirit of the man of God who had anointed him as Israel's king so many years ago. 1 Samuel 26 - 1:02 .  1 Samuel 27 - 6:52 .  1 Samuel 28 - 5:46 .  :::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 every turn, it seems that Saul is hot on David's trail until, at long last, he unwittingly happens upon the cave where David is hiding. Saul doesn't realize, however, that David and his men are there. Saul ventures away from his troops and enters the cave to relieve himself. David takes advantage of this opportunity, but not in the way you might expect from someone who is being hunted down by the ruler of a kingdom. Later, David is snubbed by Nabal, a wealthy businessman, angering David greatly. As he approaches with his men to kill Nabal, Nabal's wife Abigail intervenes with a peace offering. When he learns of her charity the next morning, his heart gives out and he dies on the spot. 1 Samuel 24 - 1:03 .  1 Samuel 25 - 5:46 .  Psalm 91 - 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

Saul starts to crack under pressure and becomes increasingly paranoid, imagining that David could strike at any moment. He accuses his men of not caring about him and conspiring against. Doeg the Edomite speaks up, remembering that he had seen David get supplies from Ahimelech. In a rage, Saul visits Ahimelech, accuses him of treason, and assigns Doeg the task of slaughtering an entire city of priests and their families. Only one priest escapes the massacre, and he flees to David. Later, Jonathan visits with David in Horesh and renews his covenant with his friend. :::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, King Saul's jealousy and hatred for David began to grow as David successfully conquered the Philistines in battle time after time. Saul began plotting David's demise, but his plans to see him killed were all foiled. Today, Saul's rage becomes clear to everyone. Saul instructs his son Jonathan and all of his men to kill David. Jonathan and David are close companions, however, and Jonathan helps David escape from the king. As he runs away unarmed and unprepared, he visits Ahimelech at Nob and loads up on supplies including the consecrated bread of the presence and the sword of Goliath, which had been kept there until that time. 1 Samuel 19 - 1:02 .  1 Samuel 20 - 5:54 .  1 Samuel 21 - 14:58 .  Psalm 89 - 18:23 .  :::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 the subject of a historical account like this one tells you the reason why he will be victorious before he achieves his victory, we should probably pay attention to that right? So often when someone references David & Goliath, they frame it as if it's about a big guy versus small fry, and the underdog wins the day because of his ingenuity. Let's just make this clear: you and I are not David and this account is not about being brave and facing your giants. If anything, we are the cowering Israelites who cannot face our foe; we need a champion, a savior, to step forward in the power of God and rescue us from sin and death. 1 Samuel 17 - 1:02 .  1 Samuel 18 - 13:05 .  :::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

The Lord sends Samuel to tell King Saul that he is to wipe out the Amalekites completely, because they opposed Israel when God brought them out of Egypt. King Saul decides that he will wipe out everyone and everything, except for King Agag of the Amalekites, and, you know, all the good stuff. You can't destroy the good stuff, right? Because of this disobedience, the Lord tells Samuel that he regrets making Saul king. Samuel rebukes King Saul, and proceeds to take care of business where Saul failed to do so. After this, the Lord sends Samuel to Jesse of Bethlehem, because he has selected one of his sons to be king in Saul's place. 1  Samuel 15 - 1:02 .  1 Samuel 16 - 8:50 .  Psalm 88 - 13:51 .  :::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

Israel is at war with the Philistines, and when our last reading ended, we were informed that a garrison of Philistines had taken control of the pass at Michmash. Up until this point, the Israelites had no blacksmiths and had been taking their weapons and tools to the Philistines to have them sharpened. This meant that only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons of war. Jonathan sneaks away from the camp with his armor bearer to find the Philistine garrison, and voices his trust in the Lord God on the way. The Lord not only grants Jonathan victory, he sets chaos in motion amongst the Philistines, who end up destroying each other. Later, Saul makes a rash oath that reveals how unfit he is to reign as king. 1 Samuel 14 - 1:01 .  Psalm 86 - 13:09 .  Psalm 87 - 15:18 .  :::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

In our last episode, Saul had just been anointed as king by Samuel the prophet and priest of Israel. In today's episode, he is appointed as king in Gilgal to a fuller degree, complete with sacrifices and rejoicing. Samuel gives Saul instructions to wait for him there, but when the newly minted king feels like he is pressed for time he assumes that it will be best to make the burnt offering himself. King Saul, however, is not a part of the priesthood, and while he is king, it doesn't mean that he can do whatever he wishes, especially if it means going against the Lord's statutes. As we'll find out today, Saul's tendency to pay little attention to God's instructions has huge ramifications on his life and his reign as king. 1 Samuel 11 - 1:04 .  1 Samuel 12 - 4:19 .  1 Samuel 13 - 11:03 .  Psalm 84 - 16:06 .  Psalm 85 - 17:50 .  :::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 reading, Israel asks an aging Samuel to appoint a king over them before his death. Samuel warns them about what a king would demand from them, but the people urge him all the more. Ultimately, the concern is not so much that they want a king, but that they are looking to have a human king as a source of strength, protection, and provision. All throughout their history, God has been their strength, their protection, and their provider, but they fail to trust in Him. As Samuel installs Saul as king in today's reading, take note that it is the Lord who performs remarkably through Samuel, and it is not Samuel himself who is particularly noteworthy. 1 Samuel 8 - 1:01 .  1 Samuel 9 - 4:54 .  1 Samuel 10 - 12:04 . Psalm 83 - 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

Today, Israel goes to battle against the Philistines. They assume that if they bring out the ark of the covenant to the battlefield, that it's presence would either oblige God to win the battle for them or that the object itself has some kind of mystical power. They are sorely mistaken, and the Philistines promptly defeat them and capture the ark. Assuming that their victory is a victory over Israel's God, the Philistines place the ark in Dagon's temple. Time and again, however, the Lord silently causes destruction, catastrophe and misery for the Philistines wherever the ark is taken, until finally, they become so desperate they put it on a cart and send it back where it came from. 1 Samuel 4 - 1:02 .  1 Samuel 5 - 6:07 .  1 Samuel 6 - 10:07 .  1 Samuel 7 - 15:02 .  :::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 instructions that the Lord has given to his people concerning justice, holiness, and priesthood have all been shattered in the time of the judges. It seems like all is lost for Israel, but even here we can see foreshadows of the Christ who has yet to come. There is a woman incapable of having children who is faithful to the Lord. In His providence, kindness and mercy, the Lord raises a prophet and priest from the barren womb of this woman, who had promised the Lord that her son would serve God all the days of his life. This young boy is at home in the Lord's service and eventually replaces sinful men and intercedes between God and His people. One day, Samuel will usher in a new kingdom, though he himself will not be king. 1 Samuel 1 – 1:02 . 1 Samuel 2 – 6:20 . 1 Samuel 3 – 15:15 . :::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

It seems like so much has been lost in the time of the judges, but the author of Ruth gives us a glimmer of hope. In a season of drought, a family leaves Israel and moves to Moab hoping to find relief, but instead they find sorrow. The wife, Naomi, becomes a widow without family to help her. Her daughter-in-law, a foreigner, commits to love her and care for her, returning with her to the people of Israel. There, she meets Boaz, a family redeemer who honors Ruth, cares for her, and in obedience to the Lord, redeems her into his own family. Ruth is part of a bigger story of redemption, as her lineage will include not only King David, but Jesus the Christ. Ruth 1 - 1:01 .  Ruth 2 - 5:19 .  Ruth 3 - 10:56 .  Ruth 4 - 14:19 .  :::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

At this point in the narrative of Judges, the Lord is noticeably absent from the life of Israel. It seems like nobody knows how any of this covenant stuff works, even in the slightest. It becomes so bad that a Levite is involved in a scenario almost identical to that of Sodom & Gomorrah, only this time, those who are intent on sexually assaulting the town's visitors are successful because the Levite betrays his concubine. Though he is not supposed to touch a dead body, he then mutilates her corpse just to make a point. Time and again the author captures this darkness by stating that there was “no king in Israel” for Israel had rejected their Lord. Judges 19 - 1:02 .  Judges 20 - 8:06 .  Judges 21 - 17:09 .  :::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'll conclude the account of Samson, one of Israel's judges. As you may recall from the last episode, Samson was supposed to be dedicated to the Lord as a Nazirite from birth, and yet he did very little to keep that vow. We pick up his story with the account of his interactions with a Philistine woman named Delilah, a woman of the very nation that Israel had been tasked with destroying for their perpetual evil. As a representative of Israel, it's no surprise that in the end, he falls to the strength of another nation because he gives into his passions. In the end, however, the angel's prediction is true: he will begin to save Israel from the power of the Philistines. Judges 16 - 1:01 .  Judges 17 - 9:24 .  Judges 18 - 11:46 .  Psalm 82 - 18:24 .  :::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

Today, we'll begin to look at the life of Samson, a man who kept the Nazirite vow from his birth, until he didn't, and violated it several times over. In short, Samson is a picture of Israel in one person. Meant to be set apart and holy, he instead takes his vows and his God lightly, defiling himself over and over. A Nazirite was supposed avoid dead bodies, yet he eats honey from a lion's carcass and uses a jawbone for a weapon. A Nazirite was supposed to abstain from wine, yet Samson threw a drinking party for the Philistines. And, in our next episode, the last vow to go is that of not cutting his hair, which he hands over to a Delilah, a woman of the very nation that Israel had been tasked with destroying for their perpetual evil. Judges 13 - 1:00 .  Judges 14 - 5:43 .  Judges 15 - 11:06 .  Psalm 81 - 15:47 .  :::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

Two judges of Israel follow the death of Abimelech, and we know little about them, except that they each judged Israel for over 20 years with no ruckus to speak of. When Israel turns to idols yet again, they suffer under the Philistines & the Ammonites. They cry out to the Lord, but he rejects their pleas. When they confess sin and burn their idols, God begins to become weary of their misery. Later, God appoints a ne'er-do-well named Jephthah to deliver Israel from the Ammonites. Sadly, Jephthah doesn't truly know the Lord or His commands, and he makes a vow to the Lord that is abominable in the Lord's sight, standing in direct conflict with the statutes handed down through Moses. Thinking that he is being faithful to the Lord, he makes a heartbreaking decision. Judges 10 - 1:02 .  Judges 11 - 5:00 .  Judges 12 - 13:19 .  Psalm 80 - 16:18 .  :::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

When we last left Gideon and his army, he had attacked the forces of Midian with 300 hundred men. Though he and his small band had already killed 120,000 men, there are still 15,000 left. We begin with a discussion between Gideon and the men of Ephraim who have just killed the two princes of Midian as Gideon's men routed them from battle. They're upset that they weren't called to fight, but Gideon basically tells them their leftovers are better than the full harvest of what his men have reaped. After securing victory, Israel tries to make Gideon their leader, but he refuses and says that the Lord should lead them. Then, strangely he makes an ephod out of gold, which becomes a snare of idolatry. Judges 8 - 1:01 .  Judges 9 - 8:23 .  Psalm 79 - 19:20 .  :::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

Our reading today begins by wrapping up the account of Deborah and Barak after Sisera's defeat. It's not long, however, before Israel turns, once again, to worship idols. The false gods of Baal and Asherah were meant to bring fertile crops and prosperity, but they only bring despair and a fractured relationship with the One True God. During a period of oppression by the Midianites, the Lord speaks to a young man named Gideon and calls upon him to destroy his father's idolatrous altars. Later, the spirit of the Lord envelops Gideon as he gathers troops for battle. The Lord then reduces the number of men who will go to battle to just 300 so that Israel will not forget the power of God and His merciful deliverance. Judges 5 - 1:01 .  Judges 6 - 7:28 .  Judges 7 - 16:49 .  :::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

Under the rule of Joshua, Israel was doing well and was off to a good start in obeying the Lord's commands. Not long afterward, however, they begin to intermarry with the Canaanites, signaling, not only an apathy toward God's commands, but an acceptance of the gods that the Canaanites worshiped. God declares that he will no longer drive out the Canaanites before Israel, and he leaves them in the land to test Israel's faithfulness to His commands. When their foes rise to power and they cry to the Lord for help, he raises up judges to fight for them. Judges 1 - 1:01 .  Judges 2 - 7:19 .  Judges 3 - 12:03 .  Judges 4 - 18:32 .  :::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 book of Joshua ends with the burial of three leaders. First ,we'll consider the life and death of Joshua. Remember that Joshua experienced the exodus, was one of the first to see the Promised Land as a spy, was one of only two men who trusted the Lord to defeat the inhabitants therein, and was the right-hand man of Moses. Furthermore, Joshua lived to lead Israel in conquering that land after Moses had died. Today, Joshua leads Israel in a covenant renewal before he dies and they bury him in his own land. Additionally, the bones of Joseph (who had died in Egypt) are finally buried. Lastly, Eleazar, the successor to Aaron in the priesthood died as well. It marks the end of an era and a shift in the tide of Israel's history. Later, we'll read from one of the longer psalms: Psalm 78. Joshua 24 - 1:00 .  Psalm 78 - 8:40 .  :::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 clans and families of Israel are settling into their apportioned lands and beginning to find rest when a report spreads across the lands that the tribes on the other side of the Jordan are rebelling against God. It has been told that a replica of the Lord's altar has been made across the river where the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh reside. The other tribes ready themselves for war, knowing that God is a jealous God, and they head out to confront their brothers. When they arrive, however, they find that their zealous action was in haste. After many years pass, Joshua gives a farewell address to the people of Israel before he dies. Joshua 22 - 1:03 .  Joshua 23 - 9:53 .  Psalm 76 - 13:37 .  Psalm 77 - 15:02 .   :::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

Now that the majority of the Promised Land has been conquered, the land is being divided by lot and by size according to the number of people in each tribe. Today's reading is the last section of text detailing the division of the land, and as a reminder from the last episode, consider the excitement and the joy that Israel experienced as each family learned where they would live and work and thrive for generations to come. While the descriptions may seem abstract to us, they were concrete and tangible pieces of land for Israel. Today's reading ends with a joyful conclusion, so make sure to pay attention. Joshua 19 - 1:01 .  Joshua 20 - 7:16 .  Joshua 21 - 10:03 .  Psalm 75 - 16:50 .  :::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 work of conquering the Promised Land, in large part, has come to a close. Now it's time to divide the land between the clans of Israel as Moses had instructed. To our modern ears, much of what we'll hear today may not seem important or relevant, but to Israel, it sounded like real estate. If you and your family had been given large sums of land and houses by the work of God's mighty hand, wouldn't you find it important that the details about property lines be recorded for you and for future generations? Additionally, listen for those instances where Israel does not completely destroy those who had inhabited the land. This is evidence of Israel's disobedience and a prelude to the problems presented in Israel's forthcoming history. Joshua 15 - 1:00 .  Joshua 16 - 9:23 .  Joshua 17 - 11:00 .  Joshua 18 - 14:58 .  Psalm 74 - 19:48 .  :::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, a coalition of nations conspired to fight against Israel, but they are no match for those with whom the Lord has covenanted, and God sends a natural disaster that lays waste to more men than the Israelites slay by the sword. Today, another set of kings sets their sites on extinguishing Israel. The northern cities and their kings will soon be defeated, included those men called Anakim, those whom the original party of spies feared so much, saying they felt like grasshoppers in their presence. Now, Israel returns with a new generation led by Joshua and Caleb, the Lord's faithful spies who are the only men left of the former generation. Joshua 11 - 4:02 .  Joshua 12 - 8:28 .  Joshua 13 - 12:24 .  Joshua 14 - 17:42 .  Psalm 73 - 20:48 .  :::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, Joshua and his troops defeated Jericho, but one man chose to reject God's command to set apart everything for destruction, which led to a heartbreaking defeat at Ai and a difficult task for Joshua. After the guilty party is stoned, the Lord turns from his burning anger and Joshua leads the people to victory. The nations hear of Israel's conquests and plan to form a coalition and fight against Israel, but the inhabitants of Gibeon decide to take a different approach. Later, the sun stands still as Joshua fights the Amorites and the Lord kills more of their foes with hail than Israel kills with the sword. Joshua 8 - 1:06 .  Joshua 9 - 9:08 .  Joshua 10 - 14:28 .  Psalm 72 - 20:12 .  :::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

Joshua and the nation of Israel have crossed the Jordan and are now in the land that the Lord swore to give to his people. As you may recall, this is a new generation of Israelites; the former generation has passed away except for Joshua and Caleb. This generation has yet to be circumcised, and so the Lord instructs Joshua to have them circumcised. Outside of Jericho, they observe the Passover, after which the manna from heaven ceases to appear. The Lord gives Joshua instructions for conquering Jericho, and after executing the instructions faithfully, the walls of the city fall to the ground. When they attack the city, however, they disobey the Lord's commands, and it results in judgment. Joshua 5 - 1:01 .  Joshua 6 - 4:11 .  Joshua 7 - 10:53 .  Psalm 71 - 17:38 .  :::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

Moses has died, leaving Israel with a new legacy, a new Law, and a new leader. Before Moses' death, the Lord appointed Joshua to lead and blessed Him. Today, Joshua takes charge over Israel and leads them over the Jordan and into the land of promise. You may recall that Joshua has seen the land already, as Moses sent him with other men to spy out the land, and that he and Caleb were the only two spies who trusted in the Lord to deliver them through battle. This same Joshua is now in charge and when the entire nation of Israel crosses the Jordan after 40 years of wandering and waiting, they rejoice and set up memorial stones to mark the occasion. Joshua 1 - 1:01 .  Joshua 2 - 4:38 .  Joshua 3 - 9:59 .  Joshua 4 - 13:21 .  Psalm 70 - 17:39 .  :::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

Moses has just given a song to Israel which predicts that they will abandon God's ways. After this warning, the Lord told Moses that it was time to ascend Mount Nebo, where he will see the Promised Land before he dies. It's at this point we enter into today's reading where Moses has a final word for the people of Israel before he departs: a pronouncement of blessings on each tribe of Israel. Tradition and historical documentation note that it was Moses who wrote down the books of the Pentateuch, that is Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, but in the final chapter of Deuteronomy, the death of Moses is recorded posthumously by an unknown source. Deuteronomy 33 - 1:02 .  Deuteronomy 34 - 7:39 .  Psalm 68 – 10:10 . Psalm 69 – 15:04 . :::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

Now that Moses has given the statutes and ordinances to Israel a second time, he faces the end of his days at the direction of Almighty God. It is time to appoint and commission Joshua to lead the people in the stead of Moses, and God does so by appearing at the tent of meeting in a cloud. Sadly, the Lord tells Moses that the people he shepherded for so long will soon abandon God and His ways. Moses gives Israel a song to pass down which prophesies the coming wrath of God for Israel's rebellion, focusing on God's power over the worthless idols that Israel will turn to worship. After this warning, the Lord tells Moses that it is time to ascend Mount Nebo, where he will see the Promised Land before he dies. His final words are a pronouncement of blessings on each tribe of Israel. Deuteronomy 31 - 1:01 .  Deuteronomy 32 - 9:10 .  :::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

Moses continues to explain to Israel that they will be blessed if follow the Lord and cursed if they follow other gods. He calls out that thought which is so common to mankind: I am the exception to the rules, and as Moses puts it, “I will have peace even though I follow my own stubborn heart.” Contrary to what much of western society teaches, we are not called to pursue out heart's desires; we are instead called to position the Lord as our heart's desire and follow hard after him. By making the Lord the center of their affections and their delight, Israel could expect lavish provision from the Lord. Deuteronomy 28:36 - 1:03 .  Deuteronomy 29 - 8:45 .  Deuteronomy 30 - 15:12 .  :::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 reading today, Moses outlines the blessings and the curses that will fall upon Israel: blessings if they keep the covenant of the Lord, and curses if they abandon the Lord's covenant. Keep in mind that these statutes include prescribed ways in which Israel can repent of sin and execute justice. To reject the statutes and ordinances is to reject a good God who loves His people, denying that His ways lead to prosperity. Israel will serve as a witness to the nations about the Lord and His power. If they obey Him, the nations will see God's kindness and provision. If they reject Him, the nations will witness the devastation and ruin of those who forsake His goodness and grace. Deuteronomy 26 - 1:04 .  Deuteronomy 27 - 5:09 .  Deuteronomy 28 - 10:41 .  Psalm 67 - 17:43 .  :::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 today contains some statutes that seem harsh, some that seem odd, and others that could easily be incorporated into daily interactions today. A few things to remember: first, the covenant with Israel was one in which the entire community had to remain holy because the Lord is holy and lived among them; sometimes this means being set apart and pure in simple daily routines as a reminder that they are to be distinct among the nations. Second, it's clear that the Lord hates injustice, which is why he sent His Son in our place, so that justice could be executed on the cross. Third, nobody likes a mooch, man! Go home and eat your own grapes! Deuteronomy 22 - 1:01 .  Deuteronomy 23 - 6:03 .  Deuteronomy 24 - 10:45 .  Deuteronomy 25 - 14:41 .  Psalm 66 - 18:08 .  :::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

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites before his impending death, reminding this new generation about the laws and statutes that have been put in place. Many of the structures given here for a system of justice continue to provide a template for our judicial systems in the west today, including concepts such as the testimony of multiple witnesses, a hierarchy of courts, and varying degrees of manslaughter. We'll see a foretelling of King Solomon's fall as Moses forewarns them about the dangers of a king who acquires too many wives and horses. We'll also see a foreshadow of Christ in today's passage; He is the prophet raised from among Israel's brothers who will tell them everything God commands Him. Deuteronomy 18 - 1:02 .  Deuteronomy 19 - 4:41 .  Deuteronomy 20 - 9:57 .  Deuteronomy 21 - 13:54 .  Psalm 65 - 18:16 .  :::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

There is a beautiful picture on display in the act of bringing a tenth of your produce to the Lord as an offering. The instructions given to Israel are that they should bring the tenth to where the Lord resides and have a feast in the presence of God. So get this: God provides all the food as a gift, the Israelite brings some of it back to supply the party, and then in a way the Israelite and God feast together at the same table. Who would turn aside from this God? And friends, one day, we, too, will feast with our heavenly Father. Moses also gives instructions on cancelling debts, lending to the poor, releasing slaves, celebrating festivals, appointing judges and trying cases. Deuteronomy 14 - 1:01 .  Deuteronomy 15 - 5:18 .  Deuteronomy 16 - 10:14 .  Deuteronomy 17 - 14:17 .  Psalm 64 - 18:18 .  :::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

If Israel enters the land and follows the Lord's statutes and ordinances, they will be blessed by the Lord. If, however, they turn from keeping his law, they will receive a curse from the Lord, rather than a blessing. After warning the Israelites of what's at stake, Moses begins to give a second presentation of the law of God to a new generation, hence “Deuteronomy,” meaning “second law.” Among his many admonitions is the destruction of high places and altars to foreign gods, saying, “You are not to do as we are doing here today; everyone is doing what seems right in his own sight.” Under this covenant, the purity of God's people as a whole was tantamount, for they represented God on the earth. Therefore sin and idolatry could not be tolerated among those who were a part of Israel. Deuteronomy 11 - 1:01 .  Deuteronomy 12 - 7:33 .  Deuteronomy 13 - 14:39 .  Psalm 63 - 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