Commuter Bible

At this point in the narrative of Judges, the Lord is surprisingly 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 au...

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. 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 ha...

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 & 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...

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...

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 ba...

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...

In Matthew’s very Jewish-oriented account we have seen Jesus lauded as the coming King, we have seen the builders reject the cornerstone, and today we will see the Lamb of God who brings a greater Passover and a greater deliverance. Like Abraham’s firstborn, the Son of God is offered to God as a sacrifice, but he also the substitute offered so that we might live. A Jewish audience would have heard and understood all the parallels to Psalm 22, and recalled from Isaiah that the wounds of the suffering servant bring healing. Thankfully, his crucifixion is not the end...

There are aspects of tension, excitement, and confusion as Jesus continues to teach in Jerusalem following his triumphal entry. The Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and other experts of the law have already tested him with their inquisitions, but he didn’t fumble with answers in the slightest. On the contrary, his answers left the crowd in awe and wonder at his wisdom and judgment. Today, Jesus returns the favor by declaring seven woes upon the hypocrites who elevate themselves but weigh down others. Later, the disciples have questions about the future, and Jesus calls them to faithfulness and expectancy while wa...

The prophecies of the Son of David predict that a king will rise to power to shepherd the people of Israel. Jesus fits this description, and after waiting for centuries for this King, the people rejoice at the thought of a King rising to power to conquer their foes. What they don’t realize is that Jesus won’t conquer Rome or other nations, but He will instead conquer far greater foes like sin and death. The leaders despise Jesus and the praise He receives from the crowd. With jealousy in their hearts, they make every attempt to discredit the...

While man-made religions all try to glorify the followers and originators of the religion they promote, Christianity stands in stark contrast, for it is evident that the disciples were absolutely clueless when it came to Jesus and His teaching. Time and again, they record their confusion and ignorance, all the while elevating Christ and His wisdom and power. In today’s reading, Christ teaches on the character of His disciples and how they should behave, including humility, forgiveness, discipline, mercy, devotion, gentleness, and the nature of possessions.

Matthew 16 - 1:13 . 

Matthew 17 - 6:02 . 

Matthew 18 - 11:40 . 

We’ll hear a number of parables from Jesus today, and according to Jesus Himself, the reason he speaks in parables is conceal the truth from those whose hearts are callous. These truths are, however, for those who have ears to hear and eyes to see, that is, those whom the Father has chosen to reveal the truth. Take note, too, of the occasions in today’s passage where Jesus tries get away by Himself, even staying up all night to pray before walking out on the ocean to catch up with the disciples. Time and again, Jesus finds hims...

If you’ve been a follower of Jesus for a while, chances are that you’ve heard many of today’s accounts before. Jesus cleanses the lepers, opens the ears of the deaf and the eyes of the blind, raises the dead, casts demons out of people, and then commissions His disciples to do the same. As you listen to today’s reading, don’t let familiarity keep you from contemplating how absolutely mind-boggling all of this would have been to those who witnessed it. Even the Pharisees couldn’t deny what was happening, they could only question how. Such strong...

Just as Moses did before Him, Jesus ascends a mountaintop in order to deliver a Word from God to those who were following Him. Unlike Moses, Jesus doesn’t need to wait for an authoritative teaching, for He Himself is the authority: he is Immanuel, God with us. As He begins His teaching, He assures the crowd that His words are not an alteration of God’s established commands; rather, His words are a fulfillment of the Law. This sermon would have been just as shocking to His audience then as it is to our modern sensibilities today. May we l...

The gospel of Matthew was written with a Jewish audience in mind, pointing frequently to the Old Testament to show how Christ was God’s promised Messiah and the fulfillment of the Law. Matthew looks back upon some 60 Hebrew prophecies throughout his text. Not only is He the long-awaited King, He is also the new Abraham, that is, the head of the new spiritual Israel comprised of all who follow Him. If that weren’t enough, Matthew also shows that Jesus is the new Moses; He is the greater prophet, teacher, and deliverer born among Israel’s brothers who gives...

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. They ready themselves for war, knowing that God is a jealous God, but later find their zealous action was in haste. Today’s reading ends with the burial of three leaders: Joshua, who experienced the exodus as well as the conquering of the Promised Land; Eleazar, the successor to Aaron in the priesthood; and finally, the bones of Joseph who had di...

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 mentioned in 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 real estate for Israel. Today’s reading ends...

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. Try to imagine, however, if you and your family had been given large sums of real estate 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 Is...

A coalition of nations conspires to fight against Israel when they hear that Joshua has defeated Jericho and Ai, and they gather together to surge against them. 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. After their defeat, but now 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...

In our last episode, Israel had successfully crossed the Jordan on dry ground and defeated the walled city of Jericho, not by their own strength, but by the strength of God’s mighty hand over His Creation. God had instructed that all of Jericho be set apart to the Lord for destruction, with specific instruction not to take anything or else that man would also be set apart destruction. One man selfishly rejects this command, which leads to a heartbreaking defeat and a difficult task for Joshua. Later, we’re told that the nations plan to form a coalition and...

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 is headed for Je...

After spending some time writing to the church concerning trials and temptations, James writes about the role of works in the believer’s life, citing specific works such as caring for orphans & widows in their distress and avoiding favoritism. It is not one’s work that earns him salvation, rather, good works are the evidence that one is a true disciple. Faith without works is a dead faith. He calls man’s tongue a “restless evil, full of deadly poison,” and points to self-centered passions as the cause for conflict amongst brothers. He chastises the rich who withhold wages from the p...

In our final reading of the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord tells Moses that Israel will indeed rebel against Him after Moses dies. The song of Moses recorded here prophesies the coming wrath of God for Israel’s rebellion, focusing on God’s power over the worthless idols that Israel has turned 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. Moses has a final word for the people of Israel before he departs: a pronouncement of blessings on each tribe of I...

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...

In our reading today, Moses outlines the blessings and the curses that will fall upon Israel if they fail to keep the covenant of the Lord. Keep in mind that the covenant and the statutes include the prescribed ways that Israel can repent of sin and execute justice. To reject the statutes and ordinances is to reject a good God who loves His people and to deny 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 an...

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 ju...

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 fore...

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...

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. If...

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 their lavish provisions, 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 pass...

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 r...

Paul’s purpose in writing this letter to the churches of Galatia is to rebuke them for abandoning the true Gospel for a false one, relying on works of the flesh rather than relying on the Spirit which they received through faith. He is more critical of his audience here than in any other letter, calling them “foolish Galatians” and asking “who has put a spell on you?” He also defends himself against accusations that the gospel he is preaching is man-made rather than God-given. Using his own testimony, the testimony of others, and sound logic from Scripture, Paul argues tha...

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, those whom he rescued, redeemed, and restored by majestic acts of compassion and power, are supremely unfaithful, God fulfills His promises. Second, God does not take grumbling and complaining lightly, punishing those who forget His salvation, choosing instead to focus on their immediate discomfort and challenges. 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 mu...

Remember the Peor incident, where the men of Israel prostituted themselves to Baal along with the women of Moab? Turns out that was led by Balaam, the same Balaam who spoke oracles from the Lord against Moab. After defeating Midian, they begin to divide the spoils of war. When the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manassah, see that this land is good for cattle, they ask if they can settle there. Moses assumes that they are trying to avoid going to war with their brothers. By the end of the conversation, they cut a deal...

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 that he will soon die because he didn’t obey the Lord’s command at the water of Meribah. Later, the Lord prepares Moses for his death, giving directions on how Moses would pass the mantle of leadership on to Joshua, son of Nun. But...

Sometimes when you’re watching a serial drama on Netflix they’ll take an episode to tell a back-story or a spin-off from the main story to give context to the overall narrative. That’s exactly what’s happening in today’s passage. The king of Moab, whose name is Balak, hires a man named Balaam who is some kind of diviner or priest, to put a curse on Israel. As Balaam goes to visit king Balak, the Lord speaks to Balaam using a donkey, and if the Lord can use a donkey to speak to a man, he can certai...

It seems that Israel simply cannot handle the idea that the Lord would place Moses and Aaron in authority over them. Even after signs and wonders, including those wherein the Lord snuffs out the rebellious, they continue to groan and complain. So today, the Lord decides to put their complaints to rest with a unique sign that will stand as a testimony for generations to come. 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 fa...

On our last episode, God sent spies into the land of Canaan, the land He promised to give them, but when they saw their foes, they brought back a negative report, and refused to venture onward. Today, God resolves to wipe them out for their rebellion, but Moses intercedes for the people, pleading with God to act with faithful and steadfast love. Instead, God resolves to keep their generation out of the land, promising that their children would inherit it instead. Later, a man named Korah incites a rebellion against Moses, questioning his authority. Armed with the conclusion that...

Just like any family trip to a far away place, everyone starts getting grumpy quick. New questions arise about who may partake of the Passover and who should abstain. After Israel leaves Mount Sinai for the Promised Land they becomes 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. Miriam and Aaron get jealous of the authority given to Moses, and criticize him in order to elevate them...

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 today, and if you want to put me on 2x speed for that section, I won’t judge! This repetition is intentional, however. Think of it: they didn’t have a copy/paste function for papyrus or scrolls, so they would’ve been required to hand copy everything we’re reading today. These handwritten details would have also been re...

Numbers are boring, right? I mean, who gets excited about counting things? Well, did you ever count your Christmas presents as a kid? Have you ever memorized the stats of your favorite athletes, or checked the number of likes on a post, or rejoiced over the number of people confessing Christ through the work a missionary? The numbers presented in these first few chapters may seem boring to us, but they represent the faithfulness of God to Israel. And don’t worry, the title of this book is a little misleading; while it opens with counting heads, it gets mo...