Today’s Hebrew Testament chronological reading is in Isaiah 9 and 10.
The Psalms/ Proverbs reading is in Psalm 56.
The Greek Testament reading is in 1 Timothy 1.
ESSENTIAL STUDIES.
Isaiah 10, Repent while there is time
Additional studies: Isaiah Index
Isaiah delivered the prophecies recorded in the early chapters of his book during the reign of Ahaz, king of Judah. Israel was still in her land, Samaria and Damascus were still standing. Isaiah prophesied for many decades covering the reigns of multiple kings in Judah. Here at the beginning of his ministry, he is already warning of impending judgment. When Isaiah died, Jeremiah wasn’t called until 50 years later, and he also prophesied for many decades.
For over a century, both prophets urged repentance and a return to YHVH to avert judgment. God was on a very long arc over multiple generations to warn His people to learn by instruction, and not by the rod of correction.
Psalm 56, Chiastic structure
Additional studies: Psalms Book Two: 42-72 Index
In the 2B.1 chiastic structure, the idea is that as the thoughts of the wicked are against the righteous for evil, the thoughts of God are for the righteous for good (Jer 29:11). As the wicked mark the steps of the righteous to lie in wait for him to trip him up, God marks the wanderings and tears of the righteous, to wait for him to bless him. In a contest between the wicked and God, whose plans and purposes are going to win out? This is why David has confidence to say, “I will trust in You, I will not be afraid,” even though we will experience temporary tribulation in this world because of sinfulness.
1 Timothy 1, Chiastic structure
Additional studies: 1&2 Timothy Index
Notice that the Law is the flip side of Mercy, and both express the love of God. The Law is love for the unrepentant, because the greatest gift someone can give someone else who is unrepentant in their sin, is the knowledge that their sin is evil and will cause their ultimate destruction. And Mercy is love for the repentant, because the instant someone’s knees hit the ground, saying, I repent of my sin, God in His great love extends mercy which covers the multitude of their sins and transgressions of the Law.
THREE-YEAR BIBLE.
The three-year plan is here.
Today’s reading is in Zephaniah 1.
Suggested study: Zephaniah 1, Bible for Beginners.
AUGUST 2026 BIBLE READING PLAN | 2026 FULL YEAR READING PLAN
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