Today’s Hebrew Testament chronological reading is in 1 Chronicles 7 and 8.
The Psalms/ Proverbs reading is in Proverbs 5.
The Greek Testament reading is in Colossians 4.
ESSENTIAL STUDIES.
1 Chronicles 7 and 8, Ephraim’s tragic family history
Additional studies: 1 and 2 Chronicles Index
Ephraim, who had three sons, was now childless, even if the eldest had left behind a son of his own. But his wife bore him a new son, whom he named Beriah, for tragedy had come upon his house. But “Beriah” is Strong’s H1283, meaning “gift.” What an amazing attitude Ephraim had, that saw his son Beriah as a gift from YHVH’s hand, after the tribulations of this life had taken his other sons from him! And isn’t that often the way? The tragedy and sorrow that we experience in this life, opens within us, if we will let it, a deep well of gratitude and appreciation for all that we do have, as gifts from the hand of YHVH.
Proverbs 5, On inclining the ear
Additional studies: Proverbs Index
The Hebrew Root Word for to incline is Strong’s H5186 נטה natah, (nun + tet + hey): as the squash (nun + tet) extends its vines outward, so the man extends outward (hey, in the sense of the man’s arms extended outward) to spread abroad, How does one get “to incline the ear” from that? Have you ever seen a cartoon where the character is trying to listen to a whispered conversation, and his ear grows bigger in that direction, to indicate that he is very closely paying attention so as to catch every word? That is the parable the Hebrew is painting: to “extend out” the ear. Likewise, “inclining the heart” is “extending out” the heart, so that you receive every word and do not miss a single one. It’s a matter of how much importance and regard we place on what we are hearing, so that we receive our Father’s words as treasure, silver, gold, and precious gems.
Colossians 4, Chiastic structure
Additional studies: Colossians Index
Do you think you have blown it so bad that God can’t redeem it? No. Do you have burned bridges and broken fellowship behind you? Not too hard for God. Don’t you just love that the God we serve is the God who specializes in reconciliation and second chances? ♥
THREE-YEAR BIBLE.
The three-year plan is here.
Today’s reading is in Jonah 1 and 2.
Suggested study: Jonah 1, Bible for Beginners, and Jonah 2, Bible for Beginners.
Leave a Reply