Today’s Hebrew Testament chronological reading is in 2 Chronicles 5 and 6.
The Psalms/ Proverbs reading is in Psalm 13.
The Greek Testament reading is in Luke 19.
ESSENTIAL STUDIES.
2 Chronicles 6, Hear from Your dwelling place
Additional studies: 1 & 2 Chronicles Index
Five times in this chapter Solomon repeats the phrase, “Hear from Your dwelling place, and forgive” (in 2 Chr 6:21, 6:25, 6:27, 6:30, and 6:39). Repetition is a teaching tool of Scripture. We often think about our obligation in hearing God and His words, especially in light of the famous Hear, O Israel (Deu 6:4). But shama means “listening intently so as to respond” for God, just as it does for us. His response, upon our repentance, is to forgive: to lift us out of the debt of sin.
Psalm 13, YHVH dealing bountifully
Additional studies: Psalms Book One: 1-41 Index
In 1A, David is complaining that YHVH has forgotten him because of the harshness of his circumstances. But when he takes the time to reflect on YHVH, on His past mercies, and on His past deliverances, he realizes the constancy of YHVH and His promise-keeping. By 2A, David is praising YHVH for His bountiful goodness.
The two verbs, to forget, and to deal bountifully, Compare and Contrast. It turns out that 1A was the lie that David’s heart heard at first, while 2A is the truth that David realized when he took the time to examine and discern truth from falsehood.
Luke 19, Chiastic structure
Additional studies: Luke Index
The one who recognizes his sin, repenting and turning away from it, cries out for mercy. He realizes that the justice of God calls forth His wrath on sin. But God so loves the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Joh 3:16), who suffered many things and was rejected by His generation, taking the wrath of God for sin on Himself. His death and resurrection opened the door so that the humble might enter the kingdom of God and find eternal life.
THREE-YEAR BIBLE.
The three-year plan is here.
Today’s reading is in Nehemah 9.
Suggested study: Nehemiah 9, Bible for Beginners.
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