Commuter Bible OT

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

Today, Moses preaches against the very sins that end up bringing a curse upon Israel. As Moses continues his prelude to a recounting of the Law to Israel's next generation, he warns them against both idolatry and self-righteousness, which in both cases is a means of robbing God of the glory that is due Him and Him alone. He urges them to remember that the land they are entering has been given to them, not because of their righteousness, but because of the wickedness of the nations they are entering. When they become satisfied with the good of the land, they are not forget to worship God, love Him, and keep his commands. Deuteronomy 8 - 1:01 .  Deuteronomy 9 - 4:42 .  Deuteronomy 10 - 12:34 .  Psalm 62 - 17:01 .  :::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

You can hear a sense of desperation and heartfelt pleading as we read the words of Moses today, as he continues to urge a new generation to trust the Lord and obey His statutes so that they might flourish. When they are given to fear, when they are tempted to worship other gods, when they get comfortable in the land they are being given, in all these things, they are told to remember what the Lord has done. Moses recounts the Ten Commandments in today's passage and if you're acquainted with the New Testament, there are sure to be some passages you'll recognize from today's reading as they are quoted later by Jesus and the apostles. Deuteronomy 5 - 4:21 .  Deuteronomy 6 - 10:27 .  Deuteronomy 7 - 14:26 .  Psalm 61 - 20:57 .  :::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

We began the book of Deuteronomy in our last episode and we'll pick up where we left off today. Deuteronomy loosely translated means “second law,” because it's in this book that Moses reviews the Law and the promises of God for a new generation before he, himself, passes away. The former generation has all died because of their iniquity, just as the Lord had sworn, which means that the next generation needs a recap of what has happened so far. In his final words to the nation of Israel, you'll hear Moses give Israel's history of wandering in the same way a pastor might speak to his congregation, pleading with them to trust in the Lord and reminding them of God's faithfulness. Deuteronomy 2 - 1:04 .  Deuteronomy 3 - 7:58 .  Deuteronomy 4 - 13:55 .  Psalm 60 - 20:31 .  :::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

Today, we're wrapping up Numbers and proceeding straight into the book Deuteronomy. Looking back on our time in the book of Numbers we notice a few things. First, God is faithful to keep His promises; even when His chosen people are incredibly unfaithful, God fulfills His promises. Second, God does not take grumbling and complaining lightly; he punished those who forgot His salvation and who chose instead to focus on their immediate discomfort. Third, sometimes data can be boring, but when it comes to counting the blessings of God, we shouldn't grow weary of seeing His hand multiply grace upon grace. We'll transition into the first chapter of Deuteronomy, which means “second law,” where Moses recounts the power and promises of God. Numbers 35 - 1:03 . Numbers 36 - 7:13 . Deuteronomy 1 - 9:51 . Psalm 59 - 17:53 . :::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 has just defeated Midian and they entire community is getting ready to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land and begin their military campaign against the inhabitants of the land. When the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manassah, see that the land of the Midianites is good for cattle, they ask if they can settle there. Moses wrongly assumes that they are trying to avoid going to war with their brothers, opting instead to settle outside of the Promised Land and break rank from the others. By the end of the conversation, they cut a deal with Moses, assuring him that they, too, will go to war with the rest of Israel before coming back to settle in the land. Numbers 32 - 1:02 .  Numbers 33 - 7:52 .  Numbers 34 - 13:54 .  Psalm 58 - 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

God is giving Moses final instructions to hand down to the Israelites because Moses is about to die at the Lord's hand. Our reading opens with instructions on three festivals which are to be held in the seventh month. This is followed by instructions on how one should consider the validity of vows made to the Lord under different conditions. Finally, God instructs Moses to go to war with Midianites as retribution for the Peor incident, when the women incited the men of Israel to sleep with them in worship to their fertility god, Baal. Turns out that was led by Balaam, the same Balaam who spoke oracles from the Lord against Moab. Balaam is slaughtered along with the Midianites, and after defeating Midian, Israel begins to divide the spoils of war. :::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 Israel, they had just prostituted themselves with the women of Moab as an act of Baal worship. The Lord sent a plague among them that was only stopped when Phinehas impaled a fornicating couple through with his spear. In the wake of this tragic display of unfaithfulness, the Lord tells Moses in today's reading that he will soon die because he didn't obey the Lord's command at the water of Meribah. The Lord gives Moses directions on how he should pass the mantle of leadership on to Joshua, son of Nun. But first, we continue where we left off with the census that will establish how the Israelites are to divide the land once they cross the Jordan. Numbers 27 - 3:15 .  Numbers 28 - 7:36 .  Psalm 57 - 11:59 .  :::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

In our last reading King Balak of Moab had hired Balaam, the professional soothsayer and prophet for hire, to come and put a curse on Israel. The king had heard about how Israel had plowed through the Amorites when that nation refused to let Israel pass through, and he was scared. After two attempts, Balaam finds himself unable to curse Israel, because the God of Israel is so powerful that Balaam must do as the Lord says. Our reading today begins with Balaam's third and final attempt to curse Israel, but instead, when proclaiming a fourth oracle, he prophesies the coming of the Christ. Many scholars believe that this prophecy of the star that comes from Jacob was passed down to the Magi of the gospels, who see the star and travel to see the Christ child. Numbers 24 - 1:05 .  Numbers 25 - 6:26 .  Numbers 26 - 9:20 .  Psalm 56 - 15:55 .  :::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 another instance of Israelite rebellion, and this time, the Lord punishes them by sending poisonous snakes into their camp. In order to be healed, they must lift their eyes upward to look at a bronze snake mounted to a pole. You've probably seen an image of this on the side of an ambulance as a symbol of healing. By acknowledging their need for salvation and looking upon that their curse, they would be saved. We'll also begin the side story of Balaam the professional soothsayer. King Balak hires him to curse Israel, but the Lord opens the mouth of his donkey to warn him of an angelic assassin. This serves as a parallel to Balaam and Balak; if the Lord can speak to a man through a donkey, surely he can speak to a king through a pagan like Balaam. Numbers 21 - 1:01 .  Numbers 22 - 7:29 .  Numbers 23 - 14:43 .  :::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

In our last episode, Korah and his posse decided that they wanted to present offerings to the Lord, but the Lord God has made clear, that Aaron and his sons were to receive the priesthood as an inheritance. When this rebellious cohort presented offerings, the ground beneath them opened up and swallowed them alive. Today, the Lord makes it clear that Aaron and his sons are to guard the tabernacle and the priesthood from iniquity. Later, the people rebel again when there is no water to be found. God instructs Moses to speak to a rock so that it will produce water, demonstrating God's holiness, but Moses fails to trust the Lord's instruction. In so doing, he is told that he and Aaron will not enter the land with the next generation. Numbers 18 - 1:01 .  Numbers 19 - 8:01 .  Numbers 20 - 12:28 .  Psalm 55 - 17:59 .  :::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

You'd think that by this point, the people of Israel would have settled on the well-established conclusion that Moses is in charge by command of the Lord and by the signs and wonders performed that confirm he is God's chosen leader. Even so, in today's reading, a man named Korah incites a rebellion against Moses, questioning his authority. Armed with the conclusion that the entire community of Israel is holy, he contends that Moses and Aaron have no right to go before the Lord exclusively. Korah and 250 men appear before the Lord, and what happens next is unprecedented. Later, God gives Israel a symbol in the tabernacle to remind them of what took place and to discourage future challenges to the authority of Moses and Aaron. Numbers 16 – 1:01 .  Numbers 17 – 10:49 .  Psalm 53 – 13:05 .  Psalm 54 – 14:22 .  :::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 has finally arrived just outside the Promised Land, and all that's left to do is enter it and take from those people whom God has set apart for destruction. Their journey should have ended here with a military campaign against the inhabitants of the land, but instead of confronting their enemies as the Lord had commanded, they cower, complain, and make excuses. Lacking faith and conviction, the Lord tells Moses that his people will not enter the land, but instead, they will wander in the wilderness until their generation dies so that the next generation can act upon the promises of God. After Moses gives them this news, they decide to try and take the land without the Lord's blessing. Numbers 13 - 1:01 .  Numbers 14 - 5:23 .  Numbers 15 - 14:04 .  :::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

Just like any family trip to a far away place, everyone starts getting grumpy quick. New complaints arise about not being able to take the Passover while unclean. After Israel leaves Mount Sinai for the Promised Land they all become dissatisfied with what the Lord provides, complaining that the food they had in Egypt was better than manna from the Lord. Moses complains to the Lord that these people aren't his babies and he shouldn't have to nurse them. Finally, Miriam and Aaron get jealous of the authority given to Moses, and criticize him in order to elevate themselves, but just like a dad who pulls the van over to maintain order, God makes it clear that he won't tolerate any of that kind of behavior. Numbers 9 - 1:01 .  Numbers 10 - 5:13 .  Numbers 11 - 10:55 .  Numbers 12 - 17:37 .  :::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

As noted in previous episode introductions, we are in a section of Numbers that includes a lot of numbers and repetition, but take heart: after this episode, we'll begin the narrative section of Numbers that covers the 40 years of Israel wandering in the wilderness. With that being said, take note in today's episode that things begin well in Israel, and leaders from every tribe bring an equal offering for the dedication of the tabernacle's altar. Moses and the Levites follow the directions given by the Lord, and there seems to be general feeling of anticipation and obedience. It won't be long, however, until the Israelites lose heart and rebel against the Lord's commands. Numbers 7 - 1:00 .  Numbers 8 - 13:56 .  Psalm 52 - 18:22 .  :::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 continuing in the book of Numbers today, which has a reputation for putting people off both because of the title and because the first seven chapters (or so) contain a good bit of repetition. You'll experience some of that repetition today, so if you want to put me on 2x speed for that section, I won't judge! Consider, though, that the repetition is intentional. When you're writing everything by hand, there is no copy/paste function. The repetition is a deliberate choice, in part, because the ritual was meant to invoke repetition and meditation. Moreover, these handwritten details would have also been read aloud, and would have impressed upon the hearer that God had provided for the Israelites lavishly. Numbers 4 - 1:00 .  Numbers 5 - 8:56 .  Numbers 6 - 15:15 .  Psalm 51 - 20:11 .  :::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