The Bible Reading Challenge Presented by VCY

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 22:1-24:23
  Galatians 2:17-3:9
  Psalm 60:1-12
  Proverbs 23:15-16

Isaiah 22:11 — You stockpiled water, but you haven’t looked to the Maker of the water!

Isaiah 22:16 — Shebna, the treasurer, was chided by the LORD for making a fancy tomb for himself. We may have found his tomb marker!

In Isaiah 22 the prophet rails in God’s name against the excesses of the officials in King Hezekiah’s palace. In 1870 the famous French diplomat, scholar and archaeologist Charles Clermont-Ganneau excavated a partially destroyed tomb high up on the cliff overlooking the Kidron Valley and the City of David in Jerusalem. Over the entrance to the rock-cut burial chamber was an inscription that, unfortunately, he was unable to decipher. Was this the tomb of Shebna the high court official mentioned in Isaiah who is, literally, “over the house” or in charge of the palace (often identified as the treasurer) and who was castigated by the prophet for building himself such an elaborate tomb on the cliff?

Dr. Robert Deutsch

They’ve even found a seal impression of a document Shebna wrote:

Isaiah 22:20 — We’ve met Eliakim before in 2 Kings 18:26 when Rabshekah threatened Hezekiah’s people in Hebrew.

Isaiah 23:15 — Matthew Henry notes the interesting fact that both Jerusalem and Tyre were in captivity for 70 years.

Isaiah 24:23 — This verse is key to understanding the passage. When will the moon be confounded and the sun ashamed? When the events of Revelation 6:12 occur.

Galatians 2:20 — Phil Johnson of “Grace to You” preached on this verse, declaring it “The Key to Everything in a Single Verse.” Johnson notes that we share in and benefit from all of Christ’s virtues. Faith brings us into vital union with Christ, i.e. we participate in His death and resurrection.

Galatians 3:1 — Paul is concerned about his beloved Galatians. Yesterday we read his pronouncement of “anathema” upon those who teach another Gospel. Today, he calls the believers of another Gospel “foolish” and their teachers “witches.” Paul is greatly concerned about the purity of the Gospel.

Galatians 3:6 — This is one of the most quoted texts in the Bible. Genesis 15:6 tells us how Abram believed God, and his faith was logged into God’s accounting book as righteousness. James quotes this verse (James 3:23); Paul writes extensively to the Romans about justification in Romans 4.

Psalm 60:1 — The psalmist acknowledges his condition, accepts His anger, and asks for His arrival.

Psalm 60:12 — “Valiant” is a beautiful word that is falling out of favor in the English language. Google will now tell us how often a word is used over time, and its usage has dropped significantly over the last two centuries. But let’s take a look at Pilgrim’s Progress and meet a character by the name of Valiant:

Then they went on; and just at the place where Little-faith formerly was robbed, there stood a man with his Sword drawn, and his Face all bloody. Then said Mr Great-heart, “What art thou?” The man made answer, saying, “I am one whose name is Valiant-for-truth. I am a Pilgrim, and am going to the Celestial City. Now as I was in my way, there were three men did beset me….”

Great-heart. But here was great odds, three against one.

Valiant. ‘Tis true, but little or more are nothing to him that has the Truth on his side. Tho’ an Host encamp against me, said one, my heart shall not fear; tho’ War should rise against me, in this will I be confident, &c. Besides, saith he, I have read in some Records, that one man has fought an Army; and how many did Samson slay with the Jaw-bone of an Ass?

Proverbs 23:15 — What does a godly dad want for his son? That he would win at Fortnite? Rather, that he would be wise!

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 19:1-21:17
  Galatians 2:1-16
  Psalm 59:1-17
  Proverbs 23:13-14

Isaiah 19:2 — From Enduring Word:

I will set Egyptians against Egyptians: Isaiah prophesies a coming civil war in Egypt, which was indirectly the hand of God’s judgment against them. “Not many years after this time it was divided into twelve several kingdoms, between whom there were many and cruel wars, as is related by the historians of those times.” (Matthew Poole)

Isaiah 19:18 — There is a possible historic fulfillment and a probable future fulfillment of this prophecy (Jimmy DeYoung). Likely it refers to both. Here’s Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible:

There would even be an altar erected unto Jehovah (Isaiah 19:19) in Egypt. Such an altar was erected by a Jewish high priest named Onias in the reign of Ptolemy VI; and this was an earnest of the later conversion of Egyptians to Christianity. And God here promised to send them a savior (Isaiah 19:20). Historically, this was first fulfilled when Alexander the Great freed the oppressed peoples from their yoke of Persian submission; but in the higher dimension, it stands for the coming of the divine Savior who would free them from their sins.

Regarding this temple (including an altar, of course) that Onias built in Alexandria, Josephus has this:

This Onias resolved to send to king Ptolemy and queen Cleopatra, to ask leave of them that he might build a temple in Egypt like that in Jerusalem and might order Levites and priests out of their own stock. The chief reason why he was so desirous to do this, was, that he relied upon the prophet Isaiah who lived about six hundred years earlier and foretold that there was certainly to be a temple built to Almighty God in Egypt.

Isaiah 19:25 — Israel was God’s chosen people, but here God is saying that Egypt is His people as well. Isaiah is foreshadowing when under the next dispensation God will be revealing His love for the world (John 3:16).

Isaiah 20:1 — At the University of Chicago you can see the giant lamassu (winged bulls) from Sargon’s palace. His famous son, Sennacherib, declared war on Hezekiah.

Isaiah 20:3 — Three years Isaiah walked naked? Does this mean that God repealed his recommendation of clothing (Genesis 2)? The Pulpit Commentary lends some guidance:

The supposed “impropriety” of Isaiah’s having “gone naked and barefoot” for three years arises from a misconception of the word “naked” which is not to be taken literally (see the comment on ver. 2). The costume adopted would be extraordinary, especially in one of Isaiah’s rank and position; but would not be in any degree “improper.” It would be simply that of working men during the greater part of the day (see Exodus 22:26, 27).

Isaiah 21:9 — We’ll read something similar in Revelation 18:2.

Isaiah 21:16 — From Enduring Word:

Poole on according to the year of a hired man: “An exact year; for hirelings diligently observe and wait for the end of the year, when they are to receive their wages.”

Galatians 2:1 — We didn’t read about these fourteen years in Acts. Where do they fit? From Redeemer Church PCA:

Paul’s purpose in recalling the timeline is to defend himself against the accusations of the false teachers, which most likely sounded something like this: “Paul was a disciple of the Apostles, such that his gospel is dependent upon theirs – yet, he has changed it without their authorization! Therefore, Galatians, don’t listen to him… Listen to us instead – we are preserving the true gospel.” Against their charges of him preaching a gospel with a dependent origin on the Apostle’s, and divergent content from the apostles, Paul is establishing the independent origin of his gospel from the Jerusalem apostles (it came directly from Jesus), along with the consistent content of his gospel with theirs (when they finally examined his gospel they did not correct him or add anything to it). His gospel isn’t his gospel at all, nor a gospel from any human but directly and immediately from Jesus Christ. So, it must be held to as such.

Paul plants the churches of Galatia during his first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). False Teachers enter Galatian churches sometime after Paul’s departure. Paul writes the letter to the Galatians around 48 AD, prompted by this news of false teaching.

Flashback of Paul’s Story in the letter to the Galatians:

• Paul’s conversion (Galatians 1:12-17; Acts 9)
• Paul’s first visit to Jerusalem (Galatians 1:18-24; Acts 9:26-30)
• Paul’s second visit to Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1-10; Acts 11:27-30)
• Paul’s confrontation with Peter in Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14; not recorded in Acts)

Galatians 2:15 — Peter, regarded by some as the father of the Roman church, was confronted by Paul correctly. Peter got the Gospel wrong, and Paul had to remind him three different ways that it’s not by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16).

Psalm 59:16-17 — Three times the psalmist says he is going to sing. Let’s sing of God’s power!

Proverbs 23:13-14 — Solomon is not talking about child abuse in this passage (beating a child uncontrollably resulting in damage), but about corporal punishment or “to sting the child with the spanking so as to administer a physical response to disobedience” (Calvary Chapel Jonesboro).

Life Bible-Presbyterian Church contrasts this command with Eli, a negative example:

The Bible also provides us with a negative example of father who did not discipline his sons at all. This is found in the account of Eli the high priest. Eli had two sons, Hophni and Phineas, who followed their father’s footsteps in serving as priests at the Tabernacle in Shiloh. But both of them were evidently not disciplined when young and they grew up to be wicked priests, who abused their privileges and took advantage of worshippers who came to the Tabernacle to worship the Lord. The sad thing is that their father, Eli did not have the heart to stop his sons and discipline them, although he was grieved by their sins. The awful result is that God judged the house of Eli: 1 Samuel 3:13 “For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.”

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 15:1-18:7
  Galatians 1:1-24
  Psalm 58:1-11
  Proverbs 23:12

Isaiah 16:6 — Pride brings judgment. If God judged Moab for their pride, how much more will He judge us for our pride?

Isaiah 17:7-8 — Judgment is to point man to his Maker. Amazing that man can make objects with his fingers, and then put his trust in those objects. We’ve seen in Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles example after example of kings (even good kings like Hezekiah) not turning to God until all else had failed. Especially what we saw in Isaiah 7 with Ahaz refusing Isaiah’s declaration of deliverance.

Isaiah 17:10 — How soon we forget the LORD! The Children of Israel who walked through the Red Sea started murmuring almost as soon as the waters returned. America itself has seen waves of revival, but then it returns to apathy soon after.

Isaiah 18:1 — What land is this? From Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers:

A new kingdom, hitherto unnamed by Isaiah, comes now within his horizon. The movements of Tirhakah, king of Cush or Ethiopia, from the upper valley of the Nile, subduing Egypt, and prepared to enter into conflict with the great Assyrian king (Isaiah 37:9), had apparently excited the hopes of such of Hezekiah’s counsellors as put their trust in an arm of flesh. To these Isaiah now turns with words of warning.

Galatians 1:1 — Paul starts out jumping right into his thesis – the Gospel is not from man but from Jesus Christ, risen from the dead!

Galatians 1:6 — Paul has been declaring the attributes of Jesus:

• risen from the dead (Galatians 1:1)
• the vicarious sacrifice (Galatians 1:4)
• the deliverer (Galatians 1:4)

These people have abandoned the power of Jesus for something else.

Galatians 1:7 — Paul clarifies his statement in the previous verse. The English word “another” in vs. 6 is “heteros” (referring to something completely different, like apples and oranges); the English word “another” in vs. 7 is “allos” (referring to something that’s of a different sort, like McIntosh vs. Granny Smith).

From Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words:

Allos expresses a numerical difference and denotes “another of the same sort”; heteros expresses a qualitative difference and denotes “another of a different sort.”

Galatians 1:8-9 — “Accursed” in Greek is “anathema.” It sounds “tolerant” to say that all roads lead to heaven. It may seem “intolerant” to declare that there is only one way to God, but that’s what the Bible teaches (Acts 4:12). Even more so, it is unkind and unloving to not warn someone of the curse coming (Ezekiel 33:6).

Galatians 1:12 — Paul is declaring that the Gospel is superior to any other teaching. Greater than anything given by any other man or even an angel from heaven. The Apostle says he was the least likely convert (Galatians 1:13-14) to the message revealed by the Father through the Son (Galatians 1:16). Paul went three years before even seeing Peter once (Galatians 1:18).

Galatians 1:23 — Only God can change a heart like that! Paul’s testimony encouraged others to glorify God!

Psalm 58:6 — When the wicked are surrounding you and it seems hopeless, do not seek for personal vengeance. Give it to the LORD (Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19)!

Proverbs 23:12 — The message of Proverbs. Unfortunately, too many fail to apply it.

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 12:1-14:32
  2 Corinthians 13:1-14
  Psalm 57:1-11
  Proverbs 23:9-11

Isaiah 12:1 — What a great picture of salvation! God was angry with us, but He turned away His anger toward us. Those who God was once angry with are the ones that God now comforts! What changed? God is my salvation!

Isaiah 12:2 — Note that it says LORD JEHOVAH. In Hebrew that’s “YAH-YAHWEH.” This is the first of two uses; the other is Isaiah 26:4. “Yah” is found in Psalm 113:1 where the KJV renders it in English as “Praise ye the LORD”. That’s a literal translation of the Hebrew phrase “Hallelu-Yah”

From Barnes’ Notes:

In this place, and Isaiah 26:4, “the repetition” of the name seems to be used to denote “emphasis;” or perhaps to indicate that Yahweh is the same always – an unchangeable God.

Isaiah 13:8 — Notice the similarity between this and 1 Thessalonians 5:3. Both are talking about the Day of the LORD compared to childbirth.

Isaiah 13:10 — The plague of darkness is spoken of many times (Ezekiel 32:7, Joel 2:31, Matthew 24:29, Mark 13:24, Revelation 6:12). Exodus 10:22 foreshadows what God will do in Egypt.

Isaiah 13:11 — Why will God judge the world? Evil must be punished! God is too just to excuse sin.

Isaiah 14:1 — From Jimmy DeYoung:

The Lord promised to have “mercy” on Jacob, the nation of “Israel”. The Lord had chosen these people in the past, Deuteronomy 7:6-8, and will “yet choose Israel” and “set them in their own land”.

It really doesn’t matter what the rest of the world may say about the land, God will set His chosen “Israel”, the Jews of today, back in the land of their forefathers, the land He has given them for the future, as well. From the sidelines we today can see the Lord beginning that process, the process that will move to completion after the Rapture and culminate at His Second Coming.

Isaiah 14:12 — It’s hard to keep up with Isaiah. He’s bouncing from millennia future to millennia past! You wonder just how magnificent the vision was that made him struggle to keep up. We now see what happened to Lucifer, now known as Satan. He fell from heaven for these 5 “I will’s.”

Isaiah 14:13 — From Jimmy DeYoung:

Please notice the last “I will” in verse 13, “I will sit also upon the Mount of the Congregation, in the sides of the North”. According to Psalm 48:2 this is describing the city of Jerusalem. Satan said he will be worshiped in Jerusalem, actually on the Temple Mount. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 is the prophecy of when the Antichrist, energized by Satan, claims to be God, from the Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 13:1 — For the past few days we’ve seen Paul pouring out his heart to the Corinthians. You can feel the hurt that he has in his heart from how the Corinthians have dealt with him.

2 Corinthians 13:14 — While the word “trinity” isn’t in the Bible, we see Paul making the LORD Jesus Christ equivalent to the Father and to the Holy Ghost. Since some religions teach that Jesus is not co-equal to the Father, this is an awkward verse for them to deal with.

Psalm 57:2 — Does this sound like your prayer life? In America we are tempted to make prayer into a passing phrase before a meal or a vain repetition before bed. But the Psalms show the depth of a relationship we can have with our Father in heaven! We can cry to Him because He performs all things for us!

Proverbs 23:9 — Solomon’s saying was condensed by Jesus into Matthew 7:6.

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 10:1-11:16
  2 Corinthians 12:11-21
  Psalm 56:1-13
  Proverbs 23:6-8

Isaiah 10:2 — God has active concerns for how we act here on earth, and for how we deal with the needy, the poor, the widows, and the fatherless. Note that He is not advocating equality of outcome (redistribution), but equality of access (e.g. I do not have a right to a “Not Guilty” verdict, but I do have a right to a fair trial). Laws that hurt the poor and needy are bad laws. The Heritage Foundation has an interesting report on big government policies that hurt the poor and how to address them.

Isaiah 10:21 — What is the point of all this judgment? That the remnant of Israel returns to the Mighty God! While this is Old Testament, we see parallels in the New Testament. Many Christian families have mourned their children going astray. Yet, those children who experience not only the pleasures of sin for a season but also the chastening of the LORD, will return to the Father.

Isaiah 11:1 — Who is this Branch? We read about the Branch in Isaiah 4:2. The Branch is beautiful and glorious and sanctifying Israel. Now we read that this is the descendant of David (Jesse’s son), who shall have a special spirit – judging the poor, smiting the earth, and slaying the wicked.

Isaiah 11:6 — When has the wolf lain down with the lamb? Not in my lifetime, but in the Millennial Kingdom we will see this era of peace (Isaiah 11:6-9). This is the time spoken of in Isaiah 2:4 as well. Obviously, this time hasn’t come yet.

Isaiah 11:16 — A new Red Sea Highway? This will be interesting to see!

2 Corinthians 12:15 — The woes of many a pastor! The more love you show to people sometimes the less you are loved.

2 Corinthians 12:17 — Paul has been emphasizing throughout this chapter that he sought nothing from the people. He wasn’t a televangelist raising money for a new Gulfstream G650. He spent and was spent for them (2 Corinthians 12:15).

2 Corinthians 12:20-21 — How many of these things do we find in our lives? No, Paul wasn’t going to house-search for “envyings” and “strifes,” but Jesus was! He’s always with the believer (He indwells them), so let’s examine our lives and live for God!

Psalm 56:3 — Here’s an easy way to memorize from Mr. E!

Psalm 56:13 — The psalmist thanks God for his soul’s salvation from spiritual death, but now he asks for deliverance from physical death. If God has saved our soul, He can save our body!

Proverbs 26:7 — Guarding your thoughts is so important because thoughts determine actions, and your actions determine your character.

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 8:1-9:21
  2 Corinthians 12:1-10
  Psalm 55:1-23
  Proverbs 23:4-5

Isaiah 8:1 — Mahershalalhashbaz is the longest name in the Old Testament. The name means, “Hurry to the spoils!” Soon the Northern Kingdom of Israel would be wiped out.

Isaiah 8:12-13 — Military alliances would not deliver Judah, but the LORD Himself would!

Isaiah 8:19 — Under the Mosaic code, what was the punishment for wizards (Luke 20:27)? Why try to communicate to the dead? Seek the Living God!

Isaiah 8:20 — An Old Testament warning to search things according to the Law. Deuteronomy 13:2-3 says that even if the wizard does wonders, do not listen.

Isaiah 9:2 — Who is this light? It comes from one who is faithful to the Law (Isaiah 8:20). It is the glory of the LORD (Isaiah 60:1).

Isaiah 9:6 — What kind of child is this that is called “The Mighty God?” “The Everlasting Father?” This same child will sit on the throne of David. If a child is the Mighty God, then He is “God with Us,” Immanuel. This is the promise of Isaiah 7:14 … the child of a virgin would be the Everlasting Father!

2 Corinthians 12:1 — Paul is very personal in this letter. Not so much doctrine and teaching but humbly imploring his beloved Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 12:2 — If there is a third heaven, there must be a first heaven and a second heaven. You can see the first heaven in an airplane, this is where our weather comes from (Genesis 7:11). You can see the second heaven in a spaceship, this is where the planets and stars are located (Nehemiah 9:6). But to see the third heaven, you must go with Jesus, this is where God the Father is.

2 Corinthians 12:7 — What was the thorn in the flesh? Whatever it was, he besought the Lord that it might depart (2 Corinthians 12:8). Interestingly, the only other time Paul uses the word “depart” in his epistles to the Corinthians is in relation to a wife departing her husband (1 Corinthians 7:10-11).

Psalm 55:17 — How often does God hear your voice?

Proverbs 23:4 — What is your goal in life? Riches are fleeting (Proverbs 23:5).

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 6:1-7:25
  2 Corinthians 11:16-33
  Psalm 54:1-7
  Proverbs 23:1-3

Isaiah 6:1 — The year is 740 BC. The political establishment was in upheaval because Uzziah had been king for 52 years. This was the only king Isaiah had ever known. Uzziah was such a great king (2 Kings 15:3) that he thought he’d make a good priest as well (2 Chronicles 26:18). For that he was cursed with leprosy (2 Chronicles 16:19). They’ve even uncovered a burial stone that claims to be where he was reburied:

What else happened in 740 BC?

In 740 BC, Tiglath-Pileser III took Arpad after a siege of three years, and razed Hamath. Uzziah had been an ally of the king of Hamath, and thus was compelled by Tiglath-Pileser to do him homage and pay yearly tribute.

Wikipedia

Also, Isaiah was taken from the earthly realms into the heavenly realms! The earthly king was dead, but the King of Kings was still on the throne!

Isaiah 6:2 — People have tried to portray this scene – but this is an incredible look into heaven!

Isaiah 6:3 — We see similar creatures in Revelation 4:8. Day and night they declare, “Holy! Holy! Holy!”

Isaiah 6:5 — Isaiah realized he was an unworthy sinner when he saw the KING! But God sent a seraphim to purge his sin (Isaiah 6:7).

Isaiah 6:8 — God is still calling today: “Who will go for us?” Isaiah said, “Here am I, send me!” Listen to this reminder from Patch the Pirate:

Isaiah 6:9-10 — How’s that for a message to share on deputation? Called by God to preach a message that the people will be unable to understand or perceive, a message that they have rejected God, so God will close the door of healing, and a message that Judah will be wasted desolate (Isaiah 6:11).

Isaiah 7:1 — We’ve just jumped ahead from the death of Uzziah to the reign of his evil grandson Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:2-4). We’re at the same time when Rezin and Pekah are teaming up against Ahaz. God had a message for Ahaz about Judah’s deliverance (Isaiah 7:7), as well as a message of judgment on Israel (Isaiah 7:8).

Isaiah 7:12 — Ahaz is trying to be pious (“I will not tempt the LORD”), but God recorded for us that Ahaz was actually trusting in Assyria (2 Chronicles 28:16); he was even sacrificing to the gods of Syria, his enemy (2 Chronicles 28:23)! Ahaz vandalized the House of the LORD (2 Chronicles 28:24), yet God still reached out to him.

Isaiah 7:14 — KnowingScripture.com debunks the argument that the word “virgin” should mean “young woman.” They also address the question, “Why was God giving a messianic prophecy to Ahaz when he’ll be dead for 600 years before Jesus is born?”

First, the Lord offers a sign to Ahaz that he would defend Jerusalem, but Ahaz rebelliously refused it. In reply, the prophet addresses not Ahaz personally but the house of David: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign …” (Isaiah 7:13-14). In Hebrew, the “you’s” in this passage are plural. So the proper recipients of the sign are a broader category than Ahaz personally. The promise is made to the entire royal house as such.

Tomorrow we will read more about the child in Isaiah 9:6-7.

2 Corinthians 11:23-27 — Paul is wondering why the Corinthians are willing to follow people who will fleece them, devour them, belittle them, even smite them on the face (2 Corinthians 11:20). Paul gives a great advertisement for missionary service in these verses, sharing what he has endured for the cause of Christ:

• 195 beatings from the Jews
• 3 times beaten with rods
• stoned once
• 3 times shipwrecked
• wearied, painful
• hungering, thirsting
• cold, naked

Paul didn’t have his best life now, but he had in mind a future with the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ!

Psalm 54:7 — Paul can declare with the psalmist, “He hath delivered me out of all trouble!”

Proverbs 23:2 — Gluttons beware – don’t eat with royalty!

Share how reading thru the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 3:1-5:30
  2 Corinthians 11:1-15
  Psalm 53:1-6
  Proverbs 22:28-29

Isaiah 3:4 — We just read about this curse under Solomon in Ecclesiastes 10:16.

Isaiah 3:12 — No, this verse is not talking about if Hillary would have won the election. There are several possible theories:

• Pulpit Commentary: “… comp. Herodotus, 8:88, where Xerxes says that ‘his men have shown themselves women, and his women men;’ and see also Virgil’s Aeneid ‘O vere Phrygia, neque enim Phryges.’ The rulers were womanly, i.e. weak, wavering, timid, impulsive, passionate, and are therefore called actual ‘women.’ There is no allusion to female sovereigns.”
• Gill’s Exposition: “Because the child has the title of ruler, the mother is the actual ruler (regent).”
• Believer’s Study Bible: “This verse depicts the rulers as childish, weak, incompetent men who were leading the people astray. The intention may not be to criticize a particular leader (e.g., Ahaz), but to show the prophet’s contempt for all the existing leadership.”

There were no good queens in Israel – they were all among the “evil rulers.” Athaliah killed her children (2 Kings 11) and Jezebel killed the prophets (1 Kings 18). These queens were in contrast to Deborah (Judges 4-5).

Isaiah 4:1 — Isaiah isn’t talking about his dating troubles, rather the shame of widowhood because the men will be slain (Isaiah 3:25). But after judgment there will be a deliverance!

Isaiah 4:2 — This is the first reference to the Branch of the LORD. He will lead those who escape; He is beautiful and glorious!

Isaiah 5:10 — Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers says that 1 bath is the equivalent of 7.5 gallons. When the land should produce 500 baths (3,750 gallons), this is poverty.

Isaiah 5:11 — What should we do in the morning? Follow strong drink – NO! Follow the LORD – YES! (Psalm 5:3)

Isaiah 5:15-16 — The proud shall be humbled, but the LORD shall be exalted!

Isaiah 5:20 — Speaking of calling evil good – here’s Pastor Joe Wright’s prayer in the Kansas State Legislature:

Isaiah 5:25 — Yes, God’s judgment is coming. God is a God of love, but He’s also a God of anger!

2 Corinthians 11:4 — Too many religions today preach another Jesus:

• Islam denies that Jesus was God, crucified for us
• Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus is just Michael the Archangel
• Mormons believe Jesus is the brother of Lucifer

CARM offers a test to see if you have the true Jesus.

2 Corinthians 11:14 — Interestingly, the New Age Movement is centered on the idea of light.

Psalm 53:1 — Religious “nones” are on the rise in America. Yes, there are none that doeth good (Psalm 53:3, Romans 3:23). Salvation is needed (Psalm 53:6)!

Psalm 53:2 — Here’s a Scripture memory song from Earl Martin:

Proverbs 22:28 — From Woodrow Kroll:

Landmarks were important in antiquity, just as they are today. A stone erected at the corner of a field told a farmer where his field ended and his neighbor’s field began. Ancient landmarks marked boundaries; they told you how far you could go—and where you could go no farther. They established order and made for good relationships … Ancient landmarks provided clarity as well as protection. Much of the unclear theological thinking today is likely due to those who have removed one or more of these ancient landmarks. That is why Solomon’s advice is still valid and necessary.

Proverbs 22:29 — God rewards the diligent! You may wonder why it has taken so long for your work to be rewarded. Don’t grow weary – God will reward you!

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 1:1-2:22
  2 Corinthians 10:1-18
  Psalm 52:1-9
  Proverbs 22:26-27

Isaiah 1:1 — We begin the prophet Isaiah! Explore the Great Isaiah Scroll – the most significant of the Dead Sea Scrolls:

Isaiah 1:4 — As a prophet, while he did much fore-telling (God’s message about the future), he did as much forth-telling (God’s message about the present).

Isaiah 1:11 — God doesn’t want sacrifices? Well, if He doesn’t, we just wasted our time reading Leviticus 1-9! Let’s look at what God has said through His prophets:

• 1 Samuel 15:22 – To obey is better than sacrifice
• Proverbs 15:8 – Sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination
• Jeremiah 6:20 – Your burnt offerings are not acceptable
• Micah 6:7 – Instead – do justly, love mercy, walk humbly
• Amos 5:21 – I hate, I despise your feast days

If you didn’t get from the Old Testament that God doesn’t accept empty ritual, check out Luke 18:10-14 to see what Jesus said about empty ritual!

Isaiah 1:16-18 — Three commands:

• Repent (put away the evil)
• Retrain (learn to do well)
• Reason (they shall be as white as snow)

What are we to do once we’re retrained? We must learn to “do well” … but how (vs. 17)?

• Judgment — No cheating, just speaking truth. That’s part of what the Federal Trade Commission does with Truth in Advertising laws and what your state Consumer Protection’s Weights & Measures teams inspect. But Isaiah isn’t saying the state needs to pass more laws (Israel had a pretty good law system that addressed judgment – Leviticus 19:35-36). It is a need for personal morality – God is wearied by their outward signs of conformity (Isaiah 1:14).
• Relieve the oppressed – I am a capitalist because capitalism is the best way of relieving the oppressed. 1 Billion (that’s 1,000 million) people have been taken out of poverty from 1990 to 2013.
• Judge the fatherless – see that he is not wronged.
• Plead for the widow – Barnes’ Notes says, “She is unable to defend herself; she is liable to oppression; and her rights may be taken away by the crafty and designing. It is remarkable that God so often insists on this in the Scriptures, and makes it no small part of religion; Deuteronomy 14:29; Deuteronomy 24:17; Exodus 22:22.”

It’s interesting that sin begins by pride taking advantage of those who are vulnerable, i.e. those whom you can unjustly profit off of, and nobody will notice.

Isaiah 2:4 — This verse is carved on the statue in front of the United Nations. The idealists thought that the nations would not “learn war anymore.” But even though “the United Nations was created to prevent wars,” there have been 150 wars and over 100 Million casualties since its creation. Dispensationalism helps us understand this text; upon a closer examination, we find that this prophecy has yet to be fulfilled!

Isaiah 2:7-8 — Material prosperity and disobedience to Deuteronomy 17:16 leads to idolatry. Good thing nobody worships the work of their own hands today (401k, brokerage accounts, television, social media, etc.) … right?

Isaiah 2:12 — This is the first mention of the Day of the Lord in the Bible.

2 Corinthians 10:5 — How is your thought life? How many days can you go without thinking about the LORD? Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ!

2 Corinthians 10:18 — To be commended by the LORD is the highest mark of approval. Don’t seek man’s applause, seek the LORD’s commendation!

Psalm 52:5 — The opposite of the LORD’s commendation is the judgment of the LORD! Either you’ll get rewards at the Bema Seat, or you will get eternal damnation at the Great White Throne Judgment. Make your choice now – the result has eternal consequences.

Proverbs 22:26 — More debt advice from Solomon (and we’ve covered surety before), but to borrow a phrase from Shakespeare:

Neither a borrower nor a lender be!

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Song of Solomon 5:1-8:14
  2 Corinthians 9:1-15
  Psalm 51:1-19
  Proverbs 22:24-25

Song of Solomon 5:1 — Solomon is enjoying fully the gift of intimacy without guilt and shame (Nelson, pg. 103).

Song of Solomon 5:2-3 — According to Nelson, this is a new event in the relationship. Solomon’s wife is in bed, but he is home late. His wife is in bed and upset (Nelson, pg. 110).

Song of Solomon 5:4-6 — By the time his new wife gets to the door to let him in, Solomon leaves upset (Nelson, pg. 111).

Song of Solomon 5:7 — The watchmen are much rougher than in Song of Solomon 3:3. If your beloved is so special, why is he gone?

Song of Solomon 5:10-16 — The wife responds by sharing why she loves her husband, renewing the lost affection.

Song of Solomon 6:3 — A great summary of the marriage relationship – “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” There is no “you” and “me,” just “us” (Nelson, pg. 129)!

Song of Solomon 6:4-7 — 

Rather than displaying silence in expectation of an apology or an angry response, Solomon greeted his bride with genuine compliments, telling her essentially, “You are as lovely as I remember you on our wedding night, and I respect you fully as my wife. You are my delight (Tirzah) and my soul’s refuge of peace (Jerusalem).

Nelson, pg. 145

He was forgiving his bride even before she had a chance to ask for forgiveness.

Nelson, pg. 146

Song of Solomon 6:13 — The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary (JFB) notes that the Shulamite is a variation of Solomon. A reference to her taking his name.

Song of Solomon 7:1-2 — 

Solomon complimented what he alone knew to be true about his wife. Wives in Solomon’s time didn’t wear bikinis to the beach.

Nelson, pg. 164

Song of Solomon 7:11-12 — Men can and should be romantic (Nelson, pg. 157).

2 Corinthians 9:5-7 — God’s model for giving:

• Planned
• Resulting
• Cheerful

2 Corinthians 9:15 — No matter how much you give, you can never outgive the LORD!

Psalm 51:3 — As Ron Hamilton shares in his song based on this verse, “My Sin Is Ever Before Me!”

Psalm 51:16 — We’ve read this before and will read this again: God doesn’t want sacrifice as much as He wants obedience; if we fail at that, He wants contrition.

Proverbs 22:24 — No, we are not to be friends with all men.

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.