Commuter Bible OT

Have you ever talked to someone who's really into their work, and they're so excited about it that it seems they just can't stop talking about it? Maybe you've done that with your own work, with a hobby you enjoy, or with stats about your favorite team. To our ears it may seem like the book of Exodus is simply repeating itself, but in actuality it's communicating the excitement, the gravity, and the importance of the tabernacle. God Himself gave instruction to build it, God's covenant people built it, and God Himself would occupy it. That's something worth writing about! Exodus 36 - 1:01 .  Exodus 37 - 7:27 .  Exodus 38 - 12:25 .  Psalm 37 - 17:57 .  :::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

In our last episode, Israel had turned away from the Lord while Moses was with the Lord on Mount Sinai. Even though they had just committed themselves to following the Lord God, they quickly lost their resolve and turned to Aaron, who in turn gave them a golden calf to worship. After this grave sin, God tells Moses He will no longer go with Israel to the land He had promised Abraham and his descendants after him. Today, Moses intercedes on their behalf, assuaging God's anger and garnering his favor. Later, God's appointed craftsmen are called out to begin assembling the tabernacle according to the Lord's instructions. Exodus 33 - 1:00 .  Exodus 34 - 6:39 .  Exodus 35 - 14:31 .  Psalm 36 - 19:55 .  :::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

By the end of our reading Moses will have spent 40 days on Mt. Sinai, and in that amount of time, the Israelites will have given up on Moses and on the Lord. Not long beforehand, the nation of Israel had promised that they would do all that the Lord had commanded, but in short order, they turn away from God. They instead turn to Aaron, who caves to the crowd's demands, making them a golden calf for them to worship. The Lord's anger burns against Israel, but Moses steps in as a redeemer for his people, interceding on their behalf. Before we get to that part of the narrative, we first return where we left off as God gives further instruction about worship in the tabernacle. Exodus 30 - 1:02 .  Exodus 31 - 7:56 .  Exodus 32 - 10:41 .  Psalm 35 - 18:42 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In today's episode, the instructions for worship in the newly established tabernacle continue to be revealed. The first half of our reading is devoted entirely to the priestly garments. The priests were instructed to wear very specific apparel while ministering in the tabernacle. Each item had a particular purpose or symbolism, and the priestly garments were only to be worn while ministering. The second half of our episode involves the consecration of the temple, or in other words, instructions for setting apart the people and the objects for service unto the Lord. Exodus 28 - 1:01 .  Exodus 29 – 8:53 .  Psalm 34 - 16:48 .  :::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

Some episodes are going to be action-packed and some are going to sound like you're reading an instruction book, and this episode may tend toward the latter of the two. It's important to remember, however, that the tabernacle is the place where the God of the universe, perfect in all His ways, matchless in power and authority, would meet with His people in a unique way. If it were up to you to build that, wouldn't you want detailed instructions? Right worship is important to God, and these detailed instructions gave the Israelites the freedom of knowing their worship was pleasing to God Almighty. Today, God gives instructions on how the Israelites would build the place where He would be worshipped, how to collect funds to put it together. Exodus 25 - 1:02 .  Exodus 26 – 7:00 .  Exodus 27 - 13:08 .  Psalm 33 - 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

On today's episode God begins to give very specific commands to the Israelite people on what it looks like to be fair, kind, and gracious to one another. The Lord's justice is severe for those who are selfish and outright rebellious, but gracious toward those who have no intention of causing harm. As you listen, it can be tempting to think that these are dry or irrelevant, but put yourself in the shoes/sandals of the original audience, whose livelihood wasn't based on cash or money, but on livestock, crops, and community with one another. Imagine yourself in each situation, & the text becomes much more interesting.Exodus 22 - 1:02 . Exodus 23 - 6:53 . Exodus 24 - 13:14 . Psalm 32 - 16:38 .  :::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

In today's episode, Israel arrives at Sinai and Moses ascends the mountain to speak with God. The Lord sends him back down with a proposition: if Israel will carefully listen to Him and keep His covenant, then they will be his own possession out of all the peoples, even though the whole world belongs to God. After confirming with the people, Moses ascends again and receives a moral code by which they might live; this Decalogue, more commonly known as the Ten Commandments, allowed Israel to know how they could live a life that pleased the Lord. After witnessing the plagues on Egypt, the columns of cloud and fire, and the Red Sea's parting, it would have been no small thing for Israel to know that such a powerful God would be on their side.Exodus 19 - 1:01 . Exodus 20 – 5:59 . Exodus 21 - 10:01 . Psalm 31 - 16:06 .  :::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 the nation of Israel begins their journey into the wilderness, they find themselves without food and water, but rather than turn to the Lord, they complain to Moses. After seeing such amazing and tangible deliverance and providence, the nation of Israel still worries that they will not be cared for. God provides quail as well as something that has never been seen before: fine flakes of something called manna, a white substance that resembled coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. Later, Moses's father-in-law Jethro suggests a system for justice which resounds throughout history.Exodus 16 - 1:01 . Exodus 17 - 8:01 . Exodus 18 - 11:25 . Psalm 29 - 16:24 . Psalm 30 - 18:02 . :::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

Pharaoh has finally released Israel from captivity after Egypt has been completely ravaged by the plagues that God sent upon the nation. As they begin their journey, Moses instructs the people to present every firstborn male to the Lord. He encourages the people to remember this day and to tell the next generation what the Lord has done. It doesn't take long before the Egyptians regret releasing Israel from serving them, and they mount horses and chariots to pursue them. In a display of power and favor toward Israel, God protects Israel from harm, provides an escape, and punishes Egypt all in one magnificent and miraculous act.Exodus 13 - 1:02 .Exodus 14 - 5:41 .Exodus 15 - 12:26 .Psalm 28 - 17:51 . :::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

The ten plagues on Egypt continue today with plagues of locusts, darkness, and finally, the death of the firstborn. To prepare Israel for the final plague, God gives Moses instructions on what his people must do in order to avert the coming disaster. They must kill an unblemished, male goat or sheep at twilight, spread it's blood over the doorposts of their homes, roast the meat over a fire, and eat it before morning. When God passes through the land, he will pass over those houses covered by the blood. The Israelites are to celebrate this Passover meal yearly in remembrance of God's saving power.Exodus 10 - 1:02 .Exodus 11 - 7:14 .Exodus 12 - 9:19 .Psalm 27 - 18:53 . :::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

Today we begin to examine the ten plagues sent upon Egypt that testify to the power of the great I AM. It has been suggested that each plague is designed to show pharaoh, and all of Egypt along with him, that their so-called-gods are no match for the God of Israel, systematically robbing them of any power they claimed to have. When Pharaoh refuses to let Israel go into the wilderness to worship the Lord, God sends plagues of blood, frogs, gnats, flies, death of livestock, boils, and hail, but the king of Egypt will not back down. While he is bested by God Almighty over and over again, and His own people beg him to relent of his stubborn opposition, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened.Exodus 7 - 1:01 .Exodus 8 - 5:32 .Exodus 9 - 11:26 .Psalm 26 - 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

After Moses approached a burning bush on Mount Horeb that was not consumed by the fire, the Lord God Almighty spoke to Moses and commanded him to return to Egypt. Today, we pick back up in the middle of that conversation, wherein Moses pushes back against God's command to go and speak to Pharaoh. He's concerned that he is ill-equipped for the task that he's been given, but the Lord assures Moses that He will be with Him and God gives his messenger signs to perform to prove that he truly is a representative of God. When Moses confronts Pharaoh, he becomes indignant and commands that Israel be given even more work. Moses turns to the Lord in desperate confusion, but the Lord assures Moses that He will act.Exodus 4 - 1:01 .Exodus 5 - 7:12 .Exodus 6 - 11:24 .Psalm 25 - 16:30 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

After Jacob takes his final breath, Joseph's brothers fear that he will seek vengeance, but Joseph doesn't hold a grudge. Instead of seeking vengeance or extracting payment, he brings God's grace, provision, and sovereign orchestration to mind, and ensures them that he will care for their families. God's provision for Israel is clear in the beginning chapters of Exodus, but a new king in Egypt sees Israel's prosperity as a threat, and imposes harsh laws including the murder of their newborn sons. This is where we meet Moses, a lowly Hebrew who is rescued from destruction and raised in pharaoh's house. As an adult he kills another man and flees town. As we will soon see, the Lord has plans for this man of strange circumstances.Genesis 50 - 1:00 . Exodus 1 - 5:59 . Exodus 2 - 9:08 . Exodus 3 - 13:34 . Psalm 24 - 19:08 .  :::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

When we last left Joseph and his brothers, they tribe of Israel had just arrived in Egypt with all of their families, servants, and livestock. Joseph brings them before Pharaoh and he grants them access to the best part of the land. The life of Jacob, who is now known as Israel, comes to a close as he takes his last breath in Egypt. This is the same Jacob who deceived his father Isaac in order to receive the blessing of the firstborn. Not only does he bless Joseph's sons, he elevates them and makes them a part of his family's inheritance. Finally, before he passes, he speaks words of prophecy and blessing for the men who would be the representative heads of the twelve tribes of Israel.Genesis 47 - 1:02 . Genesis 48 - 8:11 . Genesis 49 - 12:34 . Psalm 23 - 18:15 .  :::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

Joseph's brothers have returned to Egypt with their youngest brother, Benjamin. He is the only one among Jacob's sons that is a full brother to Joseph, that is to say that Joseph and Benjamin share Rachel as their mother. In our last episode, he held a feast and invited all of his brothers, but he still hasn't revealed his true identity. He has one last test to see if they are still as treacherous as they once were. Framing Benjamin for theft, he tests them to see if they give up on Benjamin to save themselves, but thankfully Judah steps in and offers himself as a substitute. At long last, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and invites them to stay in Egypt.Genesis 44 - 1:02 . Genesis 45 - 6:15 . Genesis 46 - 11:17  . Psalm 22 - 16:27 .  :::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 the end of our last episode, Joseph had just emerged from prison to interpret Pharaoh's dream. After predicting years of abundance followed by years of famine, Joseph suggests that Pharaoh appoint someone wise to oversee the collection of crops to sustain the population during years of famine. After losing it all when he was falsely accused of assault by Potiphar's wife, he now gains more than ever could have dreamed when Pharaoh appoints him to this noble position. Actually, I take that back: it's exactly how he dreamed, because the Lord revealed to him what would take place before he was betrayed by his brothers. Once God's plan becomes clear, the Scriptures say that Joseph forgets his former trouble.Genesis 42 - 4:58 . Genesis 43 - 12:02 . Psalm 21 - 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

Today's episode contains some adult themes, parental discretion is advised. Our episode begins with Judah's sons who are so atrocious that the Lord puts them death, and soon thereafter we learn that their father is not quite a moral giant himself. Then we'll return to the storyline of Joseph. It's clear that something about the experience with his brothers' betrayal has changed Joseph. Having been sold into slavery, he loses it all, then gains it all, then loses it all again, but time and again he maintains his integrity. Where many would have given into temptation or despair, Joseph proves to be a man of upstanding character, unlike the family he grew up in.Genesis 38 - 1:05 . Genesis 39 - 7:00 . Genesis 40 - 10:40 . Genesis 41 - 14:25 . Psalm 20 - 20:49 .  :::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

As we continue to get to know the sons of Jacob, you'll start to realize that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Having learned the art of deception from their father, they use it to their own advantage time and again. In our last episode, they tricked a local chieftain into circumcising every man in town, and in vengeance, they struck down the entire population of men. When Joseph, Israel's favorite son, begins to have dreams where he is exalted above the rest of his family, he uses them as an occasion to gloat. The rest of his brothers then plot and scheme to rid themselves of their pesky brother. They sell him into slavery and deceive their own father by making it look like he was killed.Genesis 35 - 1:02 . Genesis 36 - 5:39 . Genesis 37 – 12:25 .Psalm 19 - 19:14 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today's episode contains violence against women, parental discretion is advised. Jacob and his father-in-law get into an argument and go their separate ways. Soon thereafter, Jacob wrestles with a man who is also somehow a representative God, and the Lord renames him “Israel” b/c he has wrestled with both man and God and won. Jacob's daughter Dinah is violated by a man from another tribe, and when her brothers find out about it, they devise a scheme to take vengeance, not just on one man, but on the entire population.Genesis 32 – 8:22 . Genesis 33 – 13:27 . Genesis 34 - 16:32 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today, Jacob completes his journey and meets Rachel. Jacob and his father-in-law Laban simply don't get along, and let's be honest, it's not because they are morally upstanding people with a difference of opinions, it's because they both practice deception to their own advantage. The daughters of Laban aren't too dissimilar, and their pettiness is made apparent in today's text. As a means of trying to gain flocks for himself, Jacob practices strange husbandry, proving not only that he has no idea how breeding works, but that it is by the grace of God, not by Jacob's skills, that his flocks increase.Genesis 29 - 1:01 . Genesis 30 - 7:29 . Genesis 31 - 13:54 . Psalm 18 - 17:03 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today, Jacob the deceiver lives up to his name. With the help of his mother Rebekah, he goes to great lengths to disguise himself from his blind and aging father, tricking him into thinking that he is older brother Esau so that he might receive his father's blessing. Jacob and Rebekah come up with a way to trick Isaac yet again, and Isaac sends Jacob to another country to get a wife for himself, thereby escaping the wrath of Esau. Later, Jacob dreams of a stairway that reaches heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. The Lord promises to give the land to Jacob and his descendants, vowing to be with him and watch him wherever he goes.Genesis 26 - 1:00Genesis 27 - 6:33Genesis 28 - 16:16 :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

When concluded our last reading, we found ourselves in the middle of an account concerning Abraham's servant and Isaac's future wife Rebekah. Abraham didn't want Isaac marrying a Canaanite woman, so he sent a messenger to find a wife for his son from among his own people. The servant recounts what happened in the last episode almost verbatim, so if you get a bit of déjà vu, don't worry. We'll see that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree as we read about Isaac and Rebekah. Later, we'll be introduced to Isaac's sons: Esau & Jacob.Genesis 24:29-67 - 1:06 . Genesis 25 - 8:39 .Psalm 17 - 14:11 . :::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

God calls Abraham to do something that most of us would consider unthinkable, especially because we have the privilege of knowing God's character through the whole counsel of Scripture: He asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as an offering to the Lord. Abraham trusts the Lord, and as the author of Hebrews later notes, “He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.” As you listen, consider the parallels between this sacrifice and the sacrifice of Christ, who did not have a ram to be His substitute, but who, instead, was the sacrifice Lamb who became our substitute.Genesis 22 - 1:01 .Genesis 23 - 5:36 .Genesis 24 - 8:52 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today's episode contains adult themes, parental discretion advised. In our last episode, the Lord visited Abraham by sending three messengers to his home. In today's episode, those angels are sent to Sodom and Gomorrah, because the wickedness of the people has grown so severe that it calls for complete annihilation. Lot shows the angels hospitality, but when the crowd presses against the door to assault his guests, his cowardice is revealed. The angels rescue Lot, but as we will soon see, sin continues to flourish in Lot's family. Later, a son is born to Abraham and is named, “Isaac,” which means, “He laughs.” :::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, Abram told the Egyptians that Sarai was his sister in order save his own skin, and today things get even messier. Sarai suggests they try to help God's plan along by pulling a slave girl into Abram's bed. And Abram says, SURE. Yikes. It would be hard to argue that the Lord chose Abram because of his upstanding moral qualities, because the Bible highlights his flaws rather than covering them up. Abram doubts, wavers, makes poor decisions, but ultimately he responds to the Lord's instruction. The Lord makes promises, not because Abram deserves it or because His holy hands would be tied without Abram's cooperation; instead, through his work in Abram's life God will show the world his steadfast love and sovereign provision.Genesis 16 - 1:02 .Genesis 17 - 4:44 .Genesis 18 - 10:56 .Psalm 15 - 17:42 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today, we're introduced to Abram, a man who is called by God to leave his family and his country and venture to a land that God will show him. While we know Abram lineage, what we know of Abram's character only begins after the Lord calls him to go. We learn that Abram is a man capable of great faith and great cowardice, as puts his wife in a compromising situation in order to save his own skin. Later, the Lord confirms his covenant with Abram by way of an ancient practice that would have been understood by the culture. By passing between the split carcasses of a series of animals, the one committing to covenant is basically saying, “May I become like this if I don't fulfill my vow.”Genesis 12 - 1:02 .Genesis 13 - 4:34 .Genesis 14 - 8:26 .Genesis 15 - 13:07 .Psalm 14 - 17:23 . :::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

Job has justified himself in his own sight, repeating again and again that God has been unjust, bemoaning his fate and complaining that a man should be able to take God to court. In today's episode, God puts Job in his place by asking him a series of questions. This inquisition is designed to help Job see how finite, weak, and limited he is, while painting a vibrant picture of God's power and authority. Job can't even direct a wild animal to work for him, let alone conceptualize, create, and oversee the entirety of creation. In the end, Job relents and his relationship with God is restored to one of fruitful abundance.Job 39 - 1:10 .Job 40 - 4:45 .Job 41 - 7:50 .Job 42 - 12:35 .Psalm 13 - 16:17 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The young man named Elihu continues to present a case against Job and his friends, saying that the Lord doesn't listen to empty cries or baseless claims to injustice. Moreover, the God who created all things is accountable to no one; in other words, He doesn't owe anything to anyone– therefore nobody can say that He is unfair or unjust. The God who made all things also sees all things, knows all things, and will rightly judge all things. Man, with his limitations, cannot know or understand these things and therefore cannot claim to be a better authority than a sovereign God. As we reach chapter 38, we begin to hear a rebuke from God Himself.Job 35 - 1:01 . Job 36 - 2:56 . Job 37 - 6:56 . Job 38 - 11:05 . Psalm 11 - 15:56 . Psalm 12 - 17:02 .  :::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

As Job concludes his remarks on sin and suffering, he maintains that he has been faithful to the Lord, abstaining from lust and from adultery, that he has cared for those in need, and has kept himself from the worship of false gods such as the worship of sun and moon. When Job concludes his words, a young man named Elihu, who has yet to speak, begins to voice his anger. He has respectfully waited until those older than him have had their say, but they have argued inadequately against Job and Job has spoken with a self-righteous posture.Job 31 - 1:01 . Job 32 - 6:50 . Job 33 - 9:43 . Job 34 - 13:36 . Psalm 10 - 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

It won't be long before Job receives a proper rebuke from Elihu and then from God Himself, but until that time comes, Job continues to vent and express frustration with the situation he finds himself in. His friends have told him to repent of his evil, assuming that his sin is the cause of his current state. Meanwhile, Job continues to declare himself as pure, which is also untrue, but in his state of despair he doesn't see his self-righteous posture. Job thinks so highly of himself that he unabashedly accuses God of not executing justice properly, and in so doing, exalts himself above His Maker. At times he gives God his due with words, but in his heart, Job is sure that God has treated him unfairly.Job 27 - 1:01 . Job 28 - 3:47 . Job 29 – 8:04 . Job 30 – 11:04 . Psalm 9 - 15:34 .  :::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

Job's friends are insulted that he would reject their wisdom, especially because they are drawing their conclusions from that which was commonly assumed by the culture and by their ancestors. Job wants to find comfort and consolation from his friends, but they continue to make a case against him. In an earlier speech, Job spoke of God's justice, but as he responds to his friend Zophar at the beginning of our reading, we can see that he struggles, like many of us, to understand why the wicked are allowed to flourish while the righteous perish.Job 21 - 1:01 . Job 22 - 5:39 . Job 23 - 9:55 . Job 24 - 12:01 . Job 25 - 15:51 . Job 26 - 16:32 . Psalm 8 - 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

The book of Job is a messy book because it deals with messy realities and messy relationships. In one sense, Job's friends are right in that God is just and that sinful people do not flourish in the long run. They are wrong, however, to say that the reverse is necessarily true, because disheartening circumstances aren't always caused by sin; sometimes they are simply the designs of God. He is our sovereign Maker and Sustainer, and He may do as He pleases. Job is an emotional wreck, and says some things he probably wouldn't say if were at peace, but he still holds onto what he knows about the Lord and clings to that truth as he navigates hardship. In today's reading, listen for some of the Messianic foreshadows that Job mentions in his longing and despair.Job 16 - 1:01 . Job 17 - 4:32 . Job 18 - 6:52 . Job 19 - 10:30 . Job 20 - 14:46 . Psalm 7 - 18:14 .   :::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 Job, he complained that there was no mediator between God and man, and bemoaned the Almighty's ever-watching eye. Zophar chimes in with similar heartless rebukes as those spoken by the rest of his crew, emphasizing that Job shouldn't challenge God. Job, in reply, tells his friends that he is well-aware of all the things that his friends are telling him. Job tells God that he wishes he were dead, contending if that were the case, at least then God would leave him alone. Finally, Eliphaz begins round two of the speeches, scolding Job and declaring that wicked people are the ones who writhe in pain and have no peace, insinuating that Job must be wicked.Job 11 - 1:02 . Job 12 - 3:35 . Job 13 - 6:51 . Job 14 - 10:27 . Job 15 - 14:40 . Psalm 6 - 19:13 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Job has lost everything but his wife, his life, and a handful of friends who have gathered around him. After sitting together in silence for seven days, Job opens up about the sorrow and agony he feels. His friends, however, greet him with calls to repent, suggesting that God would not punish someone like this if he were indeed righteous. Bildad rebukes Job, pointing to God's justice and argues that God does not reject a person of integrity. Job, in turn, considers God's power and sovereignty and declares that it is futile to try to bring any case against God Almighty.Job 6 - 1:02 . Job 7 - 4:54 . Job 8 - 8:13 . Job 9 - 11:48 . Job 10 - 16:07 . Psalm 5 - 19:12 . :::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

You heard correctly, we are jumping from Genesis to the book of Job, and this is our first jump across books in our chronological reading of the Old Testament. Set in the period of the patriarchs, this book gives us the account of a rich man who loses it all. Here in the first few chapters we are given a rare glimpse into the spiritual realm; scenes of the throne of God Almighty come into view. This God reigns so supremely that even His enemies must be granted permission to act. Satan despises Job and his devotion and does everything in his power to tempt Job into cursing God. While Job's suffering was not brought about by sin, his friends try to convince him that such desolation only comes upon those who are sinful.Job 1 - 1:01 . Job 2 - 5:52 . Job 3 - 9:37 . Job 4 - 12:53 . Job 5 - 15:33 . Psalm 4 - 19:04 .  :::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

Imagine what it would be like to survive an apocalyptic flood where almost everyone you know is destroyed and you're stuck in a crowded, floating menagerie. Noah is rightly credited as brave and faithful to the Lord, but we'll soon see that the Bible doesn't allow us to think that the flood has solved the problem of sin. Even faithful Noah, who diligently constructed a massive vessel and survived destruction, was imperfect and flawed. After we wade through genealogies of Noah's sons, we encounter the tower of Babel, a monument to man's rebellion against God. Even with this blatant rebellion against the command to fill the earth, God graciously send them on their way by confusing their languages.Genesis 8 - 1:01Genesis 9 - 4:57Genesis 10 - 10:10Genesis 11 - 14:00Psalm 3 - 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

In our last episode, mankind was ejected from the garden of Eden for sinning against the Lord God. Today, we see sin and wickedness grow until finally the Lord decides wipe mankind from the face of the earth. Only Noah, his family, and an ark full of animals are saved from destruction. In many of our modern conceptions of Noah, we fashion a cartoonish old man surrounded by cute animals all smiling happily from their little boat; but the reality of the flood was far more grueling than the nursery murals suggest. :::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

So much could be said about these first four chapters as Genesis 1-3 lays a foundation for the rest of Scripture. We learn about a God who creates all things out of His own volition in a way that is well-ordered and executed simply by proclamation. Special attention is given to the creation of mankind in God's own image and God's generous provision for man both before and after sin. Here, too, we see man's relationship with God fall from one of peace, unity, and harmony into one of disorder and division as man rejects God's good design and sins against His Maker.Genesis 1 - 1:03 . Genesis 2 - 7:08 . Genesis 3 - 12:03 . Psalm 1 - 17:19 .  :::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

For more information visit commuterbible.org or patreon.com/commuterbible  :::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

Friends, this is our final episode in our chronological reading of the Old Testament, the book of the prophet Malachi. Not much is known about Malachi, (whose name means “my messenger”), but contextual clues suggest that this was written after the exile had ended. Enthusiasm for right worship of God had waned, and Malachi exhorts the priests to honor the Lord. Uniquely, Malachi presents his prophesy using a conversational pattern between the priests and the Lord God, wherein God makes a claim, the priests respond by asking questions, and subsequently the Lord answers. This book is a mixture of indictment and hope, pointing those who are indifferent to God's ordinances to worship rightly while encouraging the faithful to stay the course and receive the Lord's favor.Malachi 1 - 1:02 .Malachi 2 - 4:58 . Malachi 3 - 10:01 . Malachi 4 - 14:28 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The temple is finished. The wall is finished. The people have rededicated themselves to the Lord's house, and on today's episode, the remnant of Israel rejoices. With the work completed, Nehemiah returns to Persia to serve under King Artaxerxes as he had before, just as he had promised. All is right with the world, and God's people serve Him faithfully from then on, right? Wrong! In fact, not long after Nehemiah leaves, the work of the temple is all but abandoned and Eliashib, who is in charge of the temple storehouses, clears out a room for Tobiah the Ammonite official, who happens to be a relative. Nehemiah returns once more to set things straight.Nehemiah 11 - 1:01 . Nehemiah 12 - 6:25 . Nehemiah 13 - 14:09 .  :::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

Now that the work of rebuilding the temple and rebuilding the walls surrounding Jerusalem is complete, the exiles from Israel gather together to hear Ezra read from the book of the Law. The Levites explain the law to the people as it is being read, and when the congregation understands the extent to which they have broken the Law, they mourn over their actions. Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites encourage them to rejoice, for the people have not only returned to their land, but they have returned to their God. At the end of our reading, the Levites recite a confession they had written based on Israel's rebellious history, concluding with a documented vow to serve the Lord.Nehemiah 8 - 1:01 . Nehemiah 9 - 6:04 . Nehemiah 10 - 16:34 .  :::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 began to see our last episode, the governors who oversee region west of the Euphrates, which includes Judah and Jerusalem, are unhappy that Nehemiah has been sent to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Feeling threatened, Sanballat and other officials create false rumors and even bribe others to attempt to deceive Nehemiah. They make every attempt to stop or delay the work, but in just 52 days' time, Nehemiah and the diligent remnant Israel rebuild the wall and restore the gates. Once the gates are up and guards are established, Nehemiah begins to sort out families so that they can build houses and settle in the land.Nehemiah 5 - 1:01 . Nehemiah 6 - 5:23 . Nehemiah 7 - 10:28 .  :::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

As mentioned previously, Nehemiah is a continuation of the Ezra, recorded the history of Israel and their return from exile. Nehemiah, an exile who lived in Persia's capital and served King Artaxerxes as his royal cupbearer, hears news that Jerusalem has been laid waste. The wall surrounding the city had been greatly compromised and the gates that would have maintained a secure entrance had been burned down. In great dismay, Nehemiah asks the king if he can return to help restore the city. With the king's approval and with papers in hand, Nehemiah goes back to Jerusalem, but the local governors are not happy that he has come. Nehemiah surveys the damage under cover of night, then urges Israel to join him in the work of rebuilding the wall and gates.Nehemiah 1 - 1:02 . Nehemiah 2 - 3:44 . Nehemiah 3 - 9:24 . Nehemiah 4 - 15:42 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In our last episode, we were introduced to Ezra, a scribe in exile who had been trained in the law of Moses and who had “determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey it, and teach it's statutes and ordinances in Israel.” King Artaxerxes has expressly commanded Ezra to do just that. After we review some of the family heads who accompanied Ezra for the journey back to Jerusalem, we discover that even the leaders of those who had returned from exile had disobeyed the commands of the Lord by marrying foreign women. This was forbidden under the law of Moses, and can be cited as one of the reasons Israel abandoned the Lord and pursued other gods.Ezra 8 - 1:01 . Ezra 9 - 7:21 . Ezra 10 - 12:49 .  :::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

Haman's wrath against Mordecai and the Jewish people has returned on his own head. On today's episode, Esther continues to represent her people before the king, turning a day of mourning into a day of rejoicing. As we finish Esther we'll be turning back to the historical narrative recorded in the book of Ezra in which we learn of a new Persian king named Artaxerxes. While historians differ, it is believed that Artaxerxes' father is the Ahaseurus from Esther, known more broadly as Xerxes. We are also introduced to the man for whom the book of Ezra is named as he is sent by Artaxerxes to Jerusalem.Esther 9 - 1:05 . Esther 10 - 8:11 . Ezra 7 - 9:06 . Proverbs 31 - 14:46 .  :::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

Haman, the royal official who hates Mordecai for being disrespectful and insubordinate, has tricked King Ahaseurus into giving him even more power and authority. With the king's signet ring in hand, he devised a scheme to wipe out the Jewish people, whom he hates because of his hatred for Mordecai. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall,” and that proverb will be on full display here in today's episode as we observe the life, and death, of Haman. As Esther approaches the king, we'll see God's orchestration of divine justice even in Persia, while Esther and her people are blessed by a holy and sovereign God who provides for those who fear Him.Esther 5 - 1:05 . Esther 6 - 4:30 . Esther 7 - 8:35 . Esther 8 - 12:03 . Proverbs 30:18-33 – 16:34 . :::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