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You Can Read the Bible Bible Only Podcast
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Read Through the Bible
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Day 6 Bible Only Podcast
2d agoTap to summarizeToday the focus shifts back to Abraham and will stay there for a while. Abraham moves to the Negev, a desert region in southern Canaan. There he enters the territory of Abimelech, he makes a second attempt to save his neck through deception, and it goes about as well as the first time. These stories of Abraham and Abimelech must serve some purpose in the overall narrative, and we’ll talk about that more in our Weekly Dig, which is now available for Week 1. We then swing between the joy of Isaac’s birth and Sarah’s jealousy of Hagar and her own son, Ishmael. Allow God to be the subject of the story as Hagar and Ishmael are sent away, yet with a promise of their own. Chapter 22 brings one of the most difficult passages in all the Bible: God’s command for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Pay attention to the very first line of this chapter: “After these things, God tested Abraham…” That verb “tested” is a clue to the meaning of what happens next. Since you know that it’s a test, you can immerse yourself in the story and imagine what it’s like for Abraham, who doesn’t know he’s being tested. The author is clueing you in that the terror to come is not arbitrary: there is a plan to sending Abraham – and you – into the valley of the shadow of death. But Abraham doesn’t know this. He’s still figuring out who this God is, and whether he can trust Him. Pay attention to the line, “God will provide,” when it’s first said, and how it gets repeated. There are two additional things to listen for today. The first is the elemental details that add color to the page: the bread and skin of water given to Hagar; the Tamarisk tree in Beersheba; the negotiation with Ephron over a burial plot. These are very human stories, with very human details, which don’t escape the author’s notice. And notice another name given in worship to the LORD: El Olam, The Everlasting God. Add this to “God Most High” and “The God Who Sees” that we’ve already heard this week, watch how excited these first followers were to make new discoveries about the LORD. For a final time this week we revisit John 1:1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Genesis chapters 20 through 23. Now let’s read it!
Transcribe →Day 26 Bible Only Podcast
2d agoTap to summarizeWe continue today with details of the tabernacle that Israel is to build. This tabernacle will fulfill a number of purposes: it is the place in Israel’s camp where the LORD’s presence will dwell, and where the people will come to affirm their commitment to the LORD. The design itself is representative of the LORD’s nature and expectations. It is both exquisite and simple. It is to be portable, yet made of the finest materials. It is not a representation of God – like a graven image or statue would be – but its space will be filled with His Holiness. In a world where gods were local and limited, and whose shrines reflected these limits, this tabernacle – like this God – is unlike any structure in Israel’s experience. I’ll draw your attention again to the precision of these instructions: how the curtains are to be coupled together; the number of clasps that would suspend them; the types of wood and metals and precious stones to be used; even the directions the walls should face. I encourage you to sketch out a diagram of this for yourself. In chapter 28 Moses is commanded to “speak to all the skillful, whom [the LORD has] filled with a spirit of skill, to make garments for the priests. Aaron’s family will be ordained to serve in the priesthood, and Aaron will be elevated to serve as High Priest, to represent Israel before the LORD. These garments are not only to be made “for glory and for beauty,” but also to indicate the practical significance of Aaron’s role. His clothing represented the unique status of Israel before the LORD, both His claim on them and their required faithfulness toward Him. Listen for how often the ideas of guilt, beauty, glory, and even death reappear. Our verse for this week is Hebrews 11:24-25: By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. Exodus chapters 26 through 28. Now let’s read it!
Transcribe →Day 35 Bible Only Podcast
2d agoTap to summarizeAt the end of Exodus, the author remembers the first Israelite New Year when the tabernacle was erected in the Wilderness of Sinai. Now that the basic instructions for the sacrificial system have been transmitted, the time has come to officially purify and commission the priests to superintend that tabernacle. Chapter 8 begins the only real narrative in the book of Leviticus. It is not an accidental tangent, but, rather, the natural next step in a cycle we’ve seen before. In Exodus, the LORD issues the covenant (20-23), Israel affirms it (24:1-3), and then the LORD responds by revealing Himself to the seventy elders (24:9-10). Later, the LORD gives designs for the tabernacle and priestly garments (Exodus 25-31), Israel responds by manufacturing them (35-40), and then the LORD’s glory descends (40:34-38). Now that God has instructed the priests in how they are to maintain worship before the LORD, the time has come for them to respond. Each detail of the commissioning service is carefully recounted as Moses outfits Aaron piece by piece: the coat and sash; the robe and ephod; the breastpiece with its tools of discernment; the turban, the gold plate, and the holy crown. Listen again to the reassurance that all is done just “as the LORD commanded Moses.” The table is now set for Aaron to make the first offering of atonement for the people of Israel. Again, the details follow “all that the LORD had commanded.” The suspense builds to a climax at the end of chapter 9, as now the only question is how, or whether, the LORD will respond. Immediately following the commissioning service is a moment of tragedy. The text asserts that two of Aaron’s sons did that “which the LORD had not commanded them,” even though we’re not exactly sure what that thing was. Watch as Moses guides Aaron through his response, and as they both negotiate their way through the intricacies of this new world. Hopefully, you’ve almost memorized our verse for this week, Hebrews 11:29: By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. Leviticus chapters 8 through 10. Now let’s read it!
Transcribe →Day 13 Bible Only Podcast
2d agoTap to summarizeAs we begin this week, Joseph is in prison, sold by his brothers, falsely accused by Potiphar, and forgotten by the king’s cupbearer. We don’t yet know how much time has passed, but he was in Potiphar’s house at least long enough to be promoted to chief steward, then in prison long enough to become an overseer of the inmates. Now, it’s two more years until his next opportunity arises. Dwell on this: Joseph has spent over a decade with no idea whether his story would ever be redeemed. But in chapter 41, the story once again turns on a series of two dreams. The key actor in this sequence is Pharaoh. The leader of the Egyptian world is so troubled by these dreams, and so convinced that they mean something ominous, that he is willing to take help from anyone – even an imprisoned foreign slave. So Joseph is called to Pharaoh’s court, the culmination of all we’ve hoped for, and the singular moment in Joseph’s life. God has prepared him for this with tribulation and heartbreak, but also with moments where Joseph could see that God had worked through him. He has every reason to resent, but also reasons to hope. And one response will step forward here. There is a two-part climax to their exchange. Listen to how Joseph credits his interpretation, and then goes for broke when he realizes he has Pharaoh’s ear. If you’re reading, take a break at the end of Joseph’s speech, and dwell in that eternal moment before Pharaoh responds – Joseph closer to life, and to death, than he’s ever been before. Also, think about what Joseph says about the meaning of having two dreams – and the hope that might be renewed about his own dreams, from long ago. Our verse for this week is Hebrews 11:8: By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Genesis 41 and 42. Now let’s read it!
Transcribe →Day 238 Bible Only Podcast
2d agoTap to summarizeIn yesterday’s reading the only real tension was produced by the old men, who wept at the memory of Solomon’s temple. This is a moving scene: the feelings of grief and loss and fulfilled hope grinding together as the foundation for the new temple is laid. Unfortunately, grief of another form is on the horizon. In chapter 4, we find that Judah is not empty: those whom Assyria had resettled in Israel a century-and-a-half ago had crept southward, and now seek an alliance. These adversaries – in the author’s description – assure the exiles that “we worship God as you do.” We know from 2 Kings that this is not true, for these nations feared the LORD and also served their carved images. This presents Zerubbabel and the heads of fathers’ houses with an awesome dilemma: allow the locals to help and they could be drawn into apostate religious practices; refuse their help and risk a showdown. Imagine a scene of disruption: Zerubbabel is responsible for the safety of over 40,000 returning exiles, most of whom are seeing Judah for the first time. The people of Samaria, who had filled the void Judah left behind, would have had protective interests as well. In between, a ruined, contested city of tremendous historical significance. The question hinges not only on the promises of the LORD and His prophets, but also on the strength and integrity of the Persian king. I’ll let you complete the story, but keep in mind that about 20 years pass between Cyrus’s decree and the end of chapter 6. One literary note is in order: chapter 4 contains a parenthetical concerning letters to Ahasuerus and his son Artaxerxes. The correspondence with Artaxerxes is especially revealing about both the local governors and the king, a brilliant bit of politics. However, chronologically these stories are difficult; most likely they are inserted based on theme, rather than chronology, as both these kings reign after Darius. We’ve seen this before, notably in Judges and Jeremiah, and is another illustration of ancient technique. Our verses for this week are Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Ezra 4 through 6. Now let’s read it!
Transcribe →Day 256 Bible Only Podcast
2d agoTap to summarizeSometime before 722 B.C. From the opening verse we learn that Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah who ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah. His oracles against Samaria indicate that he served before the fall of Israel’s capital, a time when the North was collapsing under succession crises and corruption. Things in the South were more stable, but nonetheless corruption and injustice were flourishing, and form the backdrop against which Micah preaches. In the first chapter Micah’s attention is focused primarily on two things: first, that Samaria, capital of Israel (which he refers to as Jacob) and its idols will be beaten to pieces, made a heap in the open country. And second, that her incurable wound…has come to Judah; it has reached the gate of my people, to Jerusalem. In the ensuing chapters you’ll hear many of Amos’s accusations against Samaria repeated by his contemporary to both capitals. Capture this from the end of chapter 3: Hear this, you heads of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who detest justice and make crooked all that is straight, who build Zion with blood and Jerusalem with iniquity. Its heads give judgment for a bribe; its priests teach for a price; its prophets practice divination for money; yet they lean on the LORD and say, "Is not the LORD in the midst of us? No disaster shall come upon us." Therefore because of you Zion shall be plowed as a field; Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins, and the mountain of the house a wooded height. There are multiple charges here, and I’m sure you can notice them. The rest of today’s reading builds around these themes. Listen for Micah’s emotional concern for his people and land as he calls on the rulers to repent. Our verse for this week is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Micah 1 through 3. Now let’s read it!
Transcribe →Day 250 Bible Only Podcast
2d agoTap to summarizeJeroboam thought to himself, “The kingdom will now likely revert to the house of David. If these people go up to offer sacrifices at the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem, they will again give their allegiance to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. They will kill me and return to King Rehoboam.” After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” One he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. And this thing became a sin; the people came to worship the one at Bethel and went as far as Dan to worship the other. – 1 Kings 12:26-30 Today the title character and his story drop completely into the background to focus entirely on Israel and its idolatry. This slide had begun over 200 years before, under the first Jeroboam, and Hosea reiterates the assurance that “Samaria will be held guilty, for she has rebelled against her God…Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me.” Perhaps you’ve noticed how Hosea jumps around a lot, feeling a bit chaotic. There are many changes of tense and person – ranging through first, second, and third person, even in consecutive verses. Moods change rapidly as well, from warning to wrath to compassion. Remember the LORD’s purpose: that Israel would not look to other gods, or to Assyria, for salvation, but would return to Him. Hosea seems designed to get their attention. While the LORD wants Israel to acknowledge its recent history of rebellion, there is a deeper history of the LORD’s goodness that Hosea wants them to remember. “When Israel was a child,” the LORD says, “ I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son… it was I who taught Israel to walk…” And should they turn, he promises: “I will heal their apostasy, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from them.” Our verses for this week are Psalm 37:4-5: Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act. Hosea 9 through 14. Now let’s read it!
Transcribe →Day 257 Bible Only Podcast
2d agoTap to summarizeLike many of the prophets, Micah’s attention now turns to the future, when the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains. This is, however, no mere ascension of downtrodden Zion, for in this new order the tables will be turned. Remember Micah’s accusations yesterday, that the powerful among his countrymen covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance… they hate the good and love the evil, who tear the skin from off my people and their flesh from off their bones… Well, in latter days, the LORD will assemble the lame and gather those who have been driven away and those whom I have afflicted; and the lame I will make the remnant, and those who were cast off, a strong nation; and the LORD will reign over them in Mount Zion from this time forth and forevermore. Furthermore, as in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show them marvelous things. The oracle in chapter 6 models a courtroom, with the LORD as prosecutor, Israel playing the defendant, and the mountains acting as judge. Listen as the LORD carefully unwraps the indictment: His opening question, the memory of His own faithfulness, His summary of the law, the damning evidence, and the final judgment. Chapter 7 turns reflective, as though Micah is once again speaking to fellow countrymen. Listen to the end, as Micah offers his own response to the LORD’s promise, and encouragement to his countrymen: “…As for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Our verse for this week is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Micah 4 through 7. Now let’s read it!
Transcribe →Day 170 Bible Only Podcast
2d agoTap to summarizeOn the way to Jerusalem, Jesus’ reputation precedes Him and a man of Jericho wants to see Jesus so badly that he runs ahead and climbs a tree to get a better view. This man was a man of means and stature: he was, in Luke’s words, a chief tax collector, and rich. We don’t know any more of his backstory; nor do we know why Jesus looked up, called him by name, and invited Himself to the tax collector’s house. But we soon find out how others feel about Jesus going to the house of a “sinner,” and this pretty much sums up the through line for the rest of today’s reading. Multiple times today Jesus cuts right through the aggravation of the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees. Without waiting for a response at the tax collector’s house, Jesus tells them a parable, about servants who were entrusted with their master’s wealth. When they grumble about His disciples’ worship of Him, Jesus warns them that “…if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Rather than pay homage to the Jerusalem leadership, He drives out the market they had set up in the Temple. When they try to trap Him, He defies them to show their hand, then tells the crowd another parable about wicked stewards. Finally, in the hearing of all the people, He says “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces… who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers.” All the while, Luke reflects that the scribes and chief priests were seeking to destroy him, but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words. It seems that Jesus is doing everything He can to provoke them – a move that could end in His destruction, but would finally force them to reveal what’s really in their hearts. Our verse for this week is Romans 8:38-39: For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 19 and 20. Now let’s read it!
Transcribe →Day 295 Bible Only Podcast
2d agoTap to summarizeAfter the lengthy Psalm 119 and its celebration of God’s law, it seems like a good time for a series of brief, focused Psalms of praise. Each of them is labeled as a “Song of Ascents,” the meaning of which is unclear. They could be songs that were sung while journeying toward Jerusalem, or while climbing the steps of the Temple mount. It’s possible they are to strive toward a musical crescendo. Or there is possibly, even likely, another meaning altogether that escapes us. Regardless of the true meaning, you’ll get to know what a “Song of Ascents” feels like by the end of today’s reading. A number of them have an idea near the center around which they pivot, such as 123 around “mercy” and 129 around “wait.” You’ll also notice an emphasis on Zion’s position, as in Psalm 122: Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David. Notice the hopeful tension that inhabits many of the prayers. Individual and national distress are often close to the composer’s mind. But the Psalmist faithfully proclaims that Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth... O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with Him is plentiful redemption. And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities. Our verse for this week is James 5:16: Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Psalms 120 through 131. Now let’s read it!
Transcribe →