Verse/Verse Bible Podcast

Both Obadiah and Nahum focus on impending judgment for foreign nations. Although the idea of God's judgment can be unpalatable to us today, both books are presented as good news and comfort to those who have been mistreated and oppressed by those nations. The truth is, we need a just God and should rejoice in the fact that one day there will be no more injustice, Jesus has brought about his kingdom.

The final chapters of Amos are full of visions. Some that God relented from, some that have come to pass, and some that will one day be fulfilled. At the center of them is the plan of God that culminates in Jesus Christ, the savior not just of the Jews but of the whole world.

The people of Israel in Amos' day were not just prosperous but very religious. However, Amos comes to warn them that their religion won't save them. Although they worship at the places of their forefathers, they do not worship as their forefathers did; theirs was a worship without change, without humility, without truth and therefore without hope.

Amos lays a trap for his audience by beginning with their closest neighbors (and biggest enemies!) before centering his sights on Israel. He calls them out for their injustice and the false religious veneer that keeps them from facing their impending fate. True, they are God's special people, but that doesn't make them untouchable, it makes them accountable.

Joel's big topic is the Day of the Lord, which he connects with the recent judgment of locust, the impending judgment of Babylon and the final deliverance of God's people. As we travel through time with him our understanding of God's character is transformed and we learn, as John does in Revelation to say "Even so, come Lord Jesus."

Hosea's final chapters reach the highest point in all his major themes: the highest indictment against Israel, the highest vision of punishment, and the highest portrayal of hope. We also get one final window into the loving character of God who calls us, like Israel, wherever we are, to return to him.

Hosea's message of impending judgment ramps up to its highest level. He describes the sins of the Northern Tribes as consonant with Israel's worst historical happenings. He also points to all their false hopes which God is going to remove, one by one, culminating in the removal of Israel themselves from the land.

Hosea begins his message proper, although still in the spirit of a scorned faithful husband. As Gomer, we see that Israel has been consistently unfaithful. We also find that their supposed freedom is just slavery, blindness and death. However God has a plan that extends past judgment, and will lead to restoration.

Hosea becomes a living prophecy as he is called to marry (and re-marry) an unfaithful wife and name his kids after the impending judgment. Nevertheless we find that after the judgment comes a new honeymoon and God proves himself to be a love greater than our sin.

As Ezekiel concludes his final vision we find not just a new temple but a new priesthood, new cultus and a new Israel. We discover that one day, God will fulfill his promise to Israel on earth, and after that will fulfill it in heaven.

An angel takes Ezekiel on a guided tour through the coming Temple. This temple remains empty until God sees to it that it is filled. This passage ends with the law of the temple being the promise that God will bring His spirit and His people into it.

As Ezekiel continues to lay out a message of hope after the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of his people, we see that God's plan of restoration for Israel is expansive. He will resurrect and reunite the nation, and preserve them from attack as only he can do.

With the destruction of Jerusalem, Ezekiel is proven to be a true prophet and turns his messages to what comes next. Whereas the book has focused on judgment, Ezekiel now begins to lay out a message of hope which culminates not just in the restoration of Israel but a veritable return to Eden.

This week in Ezekiel, God has tasked His prophet to bring a word regarding Egypt. God assures that His judgment will lead the people of Egypt to know that He is the true God. Despite this, God sends a written lament for Egypt, its fallen allies, and for Pharaoh himself.

Ezekiel's ministry of prophecy continues as God tells him a parable surrounding two women, Oholah and Oholibah, figures representing Judah and Israel respectively. Prophecies surrounding the siege of Jerusalem, and the nations of Ammon and Tyre are given to Ezekiel and in the midst of his prophetic career, his wife passes away.

Israel's continued rebellion has warranted judgment from God. Ezekiel is dispatched to tell God's people how God has temporarily replaced their promise of Holy dominion with divine judgment. But, as always, God promises to restore Israel to their place of grace.

God describes His people as a faithless bride. The nation's idolatry is likened to adultery and prostitution. Even so, God promises to take back His people and restore them from their shame. God also speaks a parable of two eagles and the planting of a vine, this represents Jerusalem's betrayal of their arrangement with Babylon and the consequential backlash she received for it.

Ezekiel’s ministry of performance art prophecy continues as he crawls through the wall of Jerusalem blindfolded and trembles as he eats. Through this, God means to show the people of Israel how their exile correlates with their blindness in idolatry. God also promises swift judgement upon the false prophets and names Jerusalem a fruitless vine.

God shows Ezekiel that there are idols and abominations in His temple and that His people had put them there. God promises judgment upon His workers who are given to idolatry. God's glory leaves the temple not to return. God also promises judgement upon the wicked counsellors in Israel who advise falsely.

Ezekiel is restrained as a prophet, he may only speak what God has commanded him to speak. What he has been told to prophesy is the coming judgment and seizure of Israel. In so doing, Ezekiel has spoken contrarily against the other prophets who claim that no such seizure should come. Through Ezekiel, God tells His people that His judgment is coming swiftly.

Ezekiel has a vision of God's throne roaming over the world and God calls him to be a prophet to the people of Judah who remain in the land after the destruction of the city.

The book of Isaiah ends with God's judgment, but we see that God's ultimate reconciliation is as much a mark of judgment as it is of salvation. God's resolution of all things is both in justice as well as in mercy.

God looks upon Israel's piety and their religious practices and judges them for being emotionally vacant. Despite the appearance of spirituality, God's desire is for His people's heart dedication. In the future, however, God will fully reconcile His people to Himself, though the sequence of events may be a bit unclear. So, God's people look toward Him and wait for His coming.

God promises that despite His righteous anger, He will uphold His covenant and therefore bless His people. God has great compassion even for the sinner and He will abundantly pardon their guilt. He will also expand His plan of salvation to the foreigner as well as the eunuch. God sees the licentiousness of Israel's priesthood and the idolatry of the people, yet His goodness remains available.

Isaiah tells of a coming Servant of the LORD who will rule and restore. He contrasts this Servant's faithfulness with Israel's disobedience and assures Israel that God will bring them comfort and a coming salvation. Unexpectedly, however, Isaiah begins to describe the execution of this Servant.

God reminds His people that He's chosen them and that He will not let them go. However, He foretells the coming judgment which He will send through foreign nations. Yet, just as He will send judgment through a foreign nation, He will also bring relief and deliverance through another; namely through a leader named Cyrus.

Isaiah 40 begins a new section of the book, much like the New Testament is a pivot from the Old. This new section opens with a voice in the wilderness preparing the way of the Lord, then God promises a faithful Servant. God continues to rebuke His people for their idolatry, but promises that He Himself will take them back.

God promises the judgment coming through Sennacherib. Meanwhile, Hezekiah comes down with an illness that's got him shut in. Isaiah assures Hezekiah that he will recover but Hezekiah's successor will be the worst king Judah has ever seen.

God, through His prophet Isaiah, rebukes his people for their complacency, urging them to take seriously the coming judgment. God promises a coming redemption, but judgment will come first; even global judgment. Even so, passed the destruction, lush new life will arise. This shows God's righteousness as well as His grace.

God rebukes His people for their alliance with Egypt. He reminds them that they can't depend on people, but they can always trust in His provision and protection.

Chapters 24 to 27 of the book of Isaiah are sometimes called 'the little apocalypse'. These chapters look toward the ultimate resolution and redemption of this fallen world.

The book of the nations continues. Isaiah experiences personal physical anguish over the promised judgement of these pagan nations, as well as Judah. But God has plans of redemption for even the worst of these peoples groups.

God promises judgment upon many of the nations surrounding His faithful people. Whilst telling His plans for judgment, He also expresses his wielding of said nations. Ultimately, we come to see that God also will judge Judah for many of these same atrocities, however, a special dispensation of grace is available for Judah because of the existing covenants that God will not break.

Isaiah's book of Immanuel concludes with a promise for a divine Son who will take over the Davidic dynasty for all eternity. Also promised is a global restoration of not just humanity, but also the animal kingdom.

Isaiah has a vision of God seated on His throne and God calls him to a ministry of prophecy. Through Isaiah, God tells Israel of their coming judgment by Assyria and their coming Savior --God

God looks upon His people and has judged them unfaithful. The people of Israel and Judah have given themselves to idolatry. In losing sight of the one true God, not only have they lost their worshipfulness, but they've also stopped caring about one another. Replacing charity for overindulgence, God's people have earned judgment. Even so, God has for-ordained their redemption.

The decline still continues toward the inevitable collapse of Judah. Along the way, Josiah is crowned and restores holy worship to Israel. But when he dies, judgment does come and Judah is carried away to Babylon. Still, God's promise to David endures when a remnant of the Davidic Dynasty is spared and provided for by Nebuchadnezzar's successor.

While Israel's legacy of idolatrous kings continues, a similar king ascends in Judah. Israel is finally given over to their adversaries in Assyria. Then, Hezekiah comes to power in Judah destroying the high places and refusing to fall before Assyria. Though Sennacherib tries to also sack Judah, Isaiah foretells his failure and the protection of Judah. When Hezekiah becomes unexpectedly ill, he prays that God would spare his life.

The pace quickens as the narrative speeds past king after king. Aside from a repair of the temple, most developments in Israel's and Judah's follow a steady decline toward their eventual captivity.

This series of chapters follows Jehu's crusade over the Northern kingdom of Israel. Jehu exterminates the remaining members of Ahab's dynasty. Although God's judgment is poured out upon Ahab, we see that Israel's present is an entirely new low and a greater departure from God's character.

These chapters catalogue the many miracles God has done through Elisha. Within this list, we see God's compassion shown in the greatest of tragedies even to the most mundane of inconveniences. These miracles give us a glimpse into the reality of God's work beneath the visible surfaces.

Ahaziah reigns after his father Ahab and proves to be of a similar sort as his father. Elijah's ministry comes to a close and he passes his mantle to his student Elisha. Elisha now continues this ministry prophesying of God's judgment upon His people. But, when Moab revolts, Israel's victory further proves that God's favor still remains with them.

The book of 1 Kings comes to a close with the death of Ahab and Jezebel. Though the faithfulness of Judah's king Jehoshaphat lends mercy to Ahab's line, his continued sinfulness does bring him and his wife to divine judgment.

With Ahab, son of Omri in power, God raises up Elijah the prophet to speak His word. Elijah is bold in the face of opposition but when he sees that the Baal worshippers won't relent, he falls into a panic. God assures Elijah of His retained remnant, and sends Elijah on three final assignments.

Both Israel in the North and Judah in the South begin their descent into judgment. Israel's kingdom declines much more quickly with betrayal after betrayal leading to a number of separate dynasties. The Davidic Dynasty in Judah remains intact, but even the Davidic Kings display a departure from God's ordinances. Idolatry, treachery, and assassination plague these succeeding generations of God's once-holy people.

In this episode, we cover two chapters of sharp incline and two chapters of an even steeper decline. Solomon's reign marks the zenith of Israel's history, but his use of wealth and his polygamy turns his heart away from the Lord. God's favor is also turned away from Solomon's lineage (though He promises to preserve a remnant for David's sake). Solomon's son Rehoboam's trust in inexperienced counsel leads to a massive secession from the kingdom. So begins to show the defects in the hearts of these kings of men.

Solomon continues his father's legacy by building a temple to the Lord (plus, a house for himself). Despite the majesty of this edifice, Solomon's dedication speech makes clear that it cannot contain the Person of the Lord. God's glory fills this temple and so begins the pinnacle of Israel's history.

As David advances in age, his son Adonijah plans a campaign to laud himself as the successor to the throne. Bathsheeba and Nathan ask David whether he'd intended to appoint Solomon instead. David sees to Solomon's ascension and Solomon executes his father's final orders in the beginnings of his reign of affluence and wisdom.

In the last stretch of the book, we see this epilogue which includes David's recompense to Gibeah, David's last words, and David's national sin. We find that no hero is without failure, but a lover of God is made blameless by the mercies and graces of God.

The loose end comes back to whip in this continuation of the Tamar story. Absalom revolts against the king by winning over the hearts of the people and by force takes his father's throne and concubines. This collection of chapters reads like a spy thriller, with intrigue, betrayal, and deceit. In the end, several thousands are left dead including some of David's irreplaceable.

In the season when kings go out to battle, David stays home and so begins the degradation of this great man. David's sin with Bathsheba seems to set in motion a series of death, violence, and sexual perversion. Still, David is met with the grace and mercy of God.

One of the first orders of David's reign is to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, the new national capitol. The book carries on to outline the various military conquests of David and the spread of his fame throughout the nations. We also see how David reaches out to the sons of his fallen allies to extend his kindness to them.

These early chapters in 2 Samuel, we see the dynamics of the transition of power from the dynasty of Saul to David's. We see over a slew of intrigue, double-crossing, and assassination, that David remains meek and blameless. Despite a long history of people telling David that God has given him some sort of treacherous opportunity, it is only when when David has received unsolicited grace, that David knows personally that God has given him the throne.

The final chapter of Saul's life is a sad one. It is also full of tension, as David is working for the Philistines. Will Saul die at his hand after all? Once again we encounter God's sovereign plan as He leads David to the throne.

David's life on the lam continues. His path crosses with several colorful characters along the way. He saves the people of Keilah, but they give him over to Saul. David spares Saul's once, meets and marries Abigail the wife of Nabal, and spares Saul's life a second time. At the end of this passage, Saul goes back to his throne and David leaves the borders of Israel.

Jonathan and David consort to determine whether or not Saul is actually trying to kill David. When certainty is assured, David flees Saul's house. On his way, David cross paths with the priests in Nob, acquires Goliath's sword, and builds up an army.

God directs Samuel to the household of Jesse, the Ephrathite. There, God selects everyone's last choice as His next king. David is anointed in secret, but fame begins gathering around him from his defeat of the Philistine Champion, Goliath, through David's continued military prowess. Meanwhile, an intense jealousy brews within Saul against his new right hand man

Saul's reign continues and his character begins to show patterns of self-centeredness and the fear of man. Meanwhile, Saul's son Jonathan fears no man and even risks his life in the hands of God. By the end of this passage, God will decree the ending of Saul's dynasty much to the sorrow of Samuel.

Samuel is frustrated when the Israelites ask for a king like the other nations. Despite his frustrations, Samuel heeds God and appoints Saul as the first king over Israel. Though Saul is initially reluctant to be crowned king, he rises to the occasion to rescue the city of Jabesh Gilead.

When the Philistines attack, Israel resorts to bringing out the Ark of the Covenant to strengthen their battle. At the subsequent loss, the Ark is captured and the line of Eli is decimated. In Philistine territory, God wreaks havoc and sets in motion a realization that leads to a national repentance in Israel. So begins Samuel's national ministry.

As we open up the book of Samuel, we see the many ways that the pattern of the book of Judges extends into this era; and yet the rare occasions where that pattern is broken. When a barren woman looks to the Lord for compassion, God lets loose the beginnings of a new work in the nation of Israel.

This concluding study through Judges follows four chapters of epilogue that exhibit the depth of Israel's departure from the way of the LORD. Beginning with a curse and a robbery, the book closes with a deadly civil war that leads to, at best, partial repentance.

We close the book on Jephthah and read the story of Samson. A lover of riddles, Samson himself is a bit of a riddle himself. His constant back and forth with the Philistines proves him to be undisputedly the best and worst judge we've seen thus far. His story, full of deceit, debauchery, and compromise becomes a bit of an allegory for the nation of Israel itself.

First, we begin with the seizure of power from Gideon's son Abimelech. After witnessing his rise and fall, we meet a few more judges before the rule of Jephthah, the Gileadite. Jephthah's tragedy sheds light upon how Israel sees their God and the depth of their decline.

At a time when Israel is being plundered by a nomadic race, the Angel of the Lord appears to the youngest son of a man of Menasseh. Gideon begins as a coward and dies a tyrant surrounded by idolatry and debauchery.

After the death of Joshua, the Lord looks upon the Israelites and sees that they have turned their hearts away from Him. God delivers the Israelites up to warring nations. This passage includes the first four judges in Israel: Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, and Deborah.

The Israelites beyond the Jordan erect a memorial altar that nearly sparks a civil war. Joshua is ready to die and addresses the nation one last time.

The remaining tribes are assigned their inheritance in the land by way of casting lots. Cities of refuge and Levitical cities are also assigned throughout the promised land and Joshua is given an inheritance. Lastly, we see that which perhaps may be the key verse in all of the book of Joshua, that not one of God's promises failed

Although not all of the battles have not yet been fought, the Israelites see the division of the land as promised to them by God. Some Israelites, like Caleb, see this as a great opportunity for God to show His faithfulness. On the other hand, other Israelites, some entire tribes, fail to drive out the inhabitants of the land.

As Israel's reputation for divine military prowess precedes them, the people of Gibeon trick the Israelites into a non-agression pact. The Israelites unwittingly enter into this alliance against God's direction, and yet they must honor this covenant. As such, they go into battle on behalf of the protection of the Gibeonites. God miraculously sees to the victory of this battle. The chapters proceed through a history of the servants and children of God versus the kings of men.

The nation of Israel begin their campaign into the Holy Land. In the infancy of this campaign, they meet the angelic Commander of the Lord's Army, defeat Jericho, and execute judgment on Achan and his family.

Israel's new leader is introduced as Joshua, the Servant of the Lord. The Beginnings of this book include spies inquiring of the land, the meeting of a prostitute named Rahab, and God drying up the Jordan to let the Israelites cross on dry land.

With this final sermon, we close the Pentateuch. These remaining chapters serve as appendices tying up the final exhortation Moses speaks over the nation of Israel and also narrates the events of his death.

Moses finishes out his exposition of the law and proceeds to pronounce blessings upon Israel in the event of their obedience as well as curses in the event of their rebellion. Moses prophesies that Israel will indeed rebel and yet he tells them how God will forgive and bring them back into the land. Thus concludes Moses' farewell address; all that remains is four chapters of epilogue.

In these legislation passages, we see that God's care and emphasis is always on the abject and destitute. Never will God permit greater priority on the monetary gain over the person.

In this portion of Deuteronomy, Moses outlines the laws that concern the respecting of human life. We see some of the most controversial laws of the old testament over the course of these four chapters. Upon further investigation, however, we see that God seems to care more deeply than our sophistication; not less.

THIS IS PART 2 OF A 2 PART SERMON THAT BEGINS WITH DEUTERONOMY CHAPTERS 19-21. PLEASE LISTEN TO THAT SERMON PRIOR TO THIS ONE FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THIS SERMON.

In this portion of Deuteronomy, Moses outlines the laws that concern the respecting of human life. We see some of the most controversial laws of the old testament over the course of these four chapters. Upon further investigation, however, we see that God seems to care more deeply than our sophistication; not less. THIS IS PART 1 OF A 2 PART SERMON THAT ENDS WITH DEUTERONOMY CHAPTER 22. PLEASE CONTINUE ON TO THAT SERMON FOR THE CONCLUSION OF THIS SERMON.

As navigating through the decalogue, Moses expounds on the idea of Sabbath lifestyle and the honoring of authority. In addition, Moses places restrictions on the roles of judges, kings, and prophets. Upon deeper examination, we see how Jesus upholds all of these restrictions and even far exceeds them.

Moses reminds the people of existing laws and even expounds on some of them more deeply. Ultimately, we see how God has structurally designed Israel to be set apart and be wholly different from their surrounding neighbors.

Moses exhorts the nation of Israel to remember the testimony that God has built for them in their history. He reminds them of the Golden Calf event and the remade tablets of stone. He calls the people to serve God because He's lovingly saved them despite them not deserving.

Moses addresses the succeeding generation of Israelites to reaffirm the covenant established at the foot of Mount Horeb in the generation before. Moses explains that this covenant is extended to their generation and the ones that follow. The Ten Commandments are recapitulated and set a thesis and perhaps even an outline for the remainder of his address.

Deuteronomy, the last book of the Pentateuch, has Moses addressing the people of Israel in one final exhortation. This pastoral address challenges the Israelites to build future faithfulness upon a foundation of God's past faithfulness.

This final passage of Numbers tackles issues of property, vengeance, and inheritance. As the penultimate installment of the Torah, this passage closes the revelatory chapter and makes way to Moses' farewell address--the book of Deuteronomy.

This passage opens with the legislation of vow-making; particularly that of female worshippers of God. Then, we see God directing the Israelites to execute His vengeance upon the Midianites for their trickery at Baal Peor in chapter 25. Lastly, as the cursed generation trickles away, two and a half tribes decide to settle east of the Jordan, outside of the promised land.

As Moses approaches the end of his life/ministry, God names his successor and tells him how to orchestrate his exit. Also in this passage, we see the daily, monthly, and yearly rhythms of Israel's sacrificial system.

In this passage we see how God's sovereign use of people has very little to do with the qualification of the people whom He uses. God uses an animal, and a Babylonian to prophesy in favor of an adulterous and stubborn Israel.

As the nation of Israel presses closer to entering into the land, the cracks and weaknesses continue to show. When Miriam dies, and Moses fails, it becomes more and more clear that Israel suffers from a unilateral character flaw and only God can save them in His mercy.

With the nation of Israel sentenced to wander the wilderness until the generation dies out, the people are found hopeless and disgruntled. This passage hosts a series of complaints and rebellions that are ultimately stopped by God's clear declaration of His choice of leadership.

The Israelites finally set out, but soon after complain against the Lord. From nationwide bickering to a power struggle within Moses' own family, God is frustrated with a stubborn and grumbling people. The culmination of such character flaws leads to the nation's first great delay in reaching the promised land.

The departure from Sinai is even closer, but God takes further time to organize and clarify His law for His people. In this span of chapters, we learn about the Nazarite Vow, Israel's communication trumpets, and the mode of God's leading.

Now that the Israelites are ready to enter into the land of Canaan, God shows them how the law He's established functions. In this passage, God numbers the able-bodied men for Israelites military and God divides the responsibilities of the tabernacle amongst the sons of Levi.

This final sermon in Leviticus speaks on the agricultural Sabbath and the year of Jubilee and the treatment of slaves. The penultimate chapter of Leviticus prophesies over the nation of Israel and what they can expect if they obey and/or disobey the law. The book closes with the consequences of vows unto the Lord.

This portion of Leviticus begins with the personal interactions a priest has in his normal life and continues into outlining the Hebrew calendar's appointed feasts. We see that the ministry of Jesus' life signposts according with this prophetic calendar in fulfillment. The final chapter of our evening declines once more with a blaspheming of the LORD's name and the consequences thereof. We are reminded that the gracious work of the Lord is consistently meant with the failure of mankind.

God's holiness burns into our lives like an uncontainable forest fire; it touches upon every aspect of our existence. Whether it's our personal relationships, the economy, or the civility of our society, God's holiness affects these corners of our lives with profound consequence. Ultimately, this is all built upon who God is and what He's done. Living by God's character restores to Him the very opportunity to be the God over the planet, the creatures, and humanity itself.

The qualifications of the clean and the unclean are relatively foreign to us, but we see in this passage how God's order places the focus of life in a world in the midst of decay. God's redemption is a work where heavenly and holy life is cast into the midst of the dying.

When looking into the Levitical diet, we can often wonder how this is relevant at all. Is it merely hygienic? Is it merely discriminatory? Is is entirely arbitrary altogether? Ultimately, we see that the division of the clean/unclean and holy/unholy reminds us of the reverence of God Himself. In Christ, we see that God is not paintable, but His very holiness is what is contagious.

This week we close the Sacrificial ordinances and continue into the narrative of dedicating and inducting the Tabernacle and Priesthood into operation. Despite several preparatory procedures, tragic failures ensue. In these incidents, we see that Aaron has grown in the Lord and God has prepared him to serve the nation of Israel as their High Priest.

We proceed through the offerings this week. We delve into the the details of the Sin offering, the Guilt offering, and the Recompense offering. We ultimately see that rituals can't cover over our sins if our hearts aren't changed.

Leviticus opens with an index of the various offerings one can give to the LORD. This week, we look at the free will offerings, which consist of the Burnt (Ascension) Offering, the Grain (Gift) Offering, and the Peace (Fellowship) Offering. We see in these ordinances that the posture a worshipper must have before the LORD is costly, genuine, humble, and joyful. This is as true today as it was in the days of the Levitical Priesthood.