bible-study:

Weekly Bible Study - Sept 29, 2025

Welcome to our weekly study! Each week, our reading plan will take us through three different parts of the Bible: a psalm to shape our prayers, a passage from Proverbs for practical wisdom, and a few chapters from another book as we journey through the whole of Scripture.

The notes that follow aren't meant to be an exhaustive commentary. Think of them as a friendly guide to get you started. My hope is to provide a little context, point out interesting literary details you might not notice, and highlight key themes—all to help enrich your own reading and our conversation together.

Bible passages for this week:

Psalm 70

Psalm 70 is a concise and powerful cry for immediate divine help, notable for its raw urgency. One of its most interesting features is that it is nearly a word-for-word copy of Psalm 40:13-17. Scholars speculate this portion of Psalm 40 was extracted and adapted to stand alone as a distinct prayer, perhaps for a specific liturgical purpose where a short, intense plea was needed. Its superscription, "To the choirmaster. Of David, for the memorial offering," connects it to a specific type of remembrance offering (le-hazkir, לְהַזְכִּיר), suggesting it was used to bring a petitioner's desperate situation to God's immediate attention.

Main Theme and Genre

The psalm is a classic example of an individual lament. This genre is characterized by a direct address to God from a person in deep distress. The main theme is an urgent plea for deliverance from personal enemies and vindication from God. The psalmist is not just asking for help, but for help now. This is evident in the framing of the psalm, which begins and ends with cries for God to "make haste." The central verses express a desire for enemies to be shamed and for fellow believers to find joy and reason to praise God, creating a sharp contrast between the fate of the wicked and the righteous.

Structural and Poetic Features

Psalm 70 has a simple but effective structure that emphasizes its urgency. It is framed by an inclusio (a literary bracketing device) with the repeated plea for God to act swiftly.

Verse 1: "Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me!"
Verse 5: "But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! ... O LORD, do not delay!"

The core of the psalm (verses 2-4) is built on a series of contrasting petitions. Verses 2-3 call for the shame and confusion of those who seek the psalmist's life and mock his suffering. In stark contrast, verse 4 is a prayer for the joy and exultation of all who seek God. This creates a clear binary: disgrace for God's enemies versus gladness for God's followers.

Key Hebrew Poetic Devices

While many nuances are lost in translation, the original Hebrew text is rich with poetic devices. The most prominent is synonymous parallelism, where the second line of a verse repeats the idea of the first line using different words. For example, in verse 2:

"Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life; Let them be turned backward and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt."

Here, "ashamed and confounded" parallels "turned backward and brought to dishonor," and "who seek my life" parallels "who delight in my hurt." This repetition adds intensity and emotional weight to the plea. The Hebrew verbs for haste—chushah (חוּשָׁה) and chishah (חִישָׁה)—are forceful and convey a sense of frantic emergency that is stronger than a simple request to hurry.

Context and New Testament Connections

Historically, the psalm is attributed to David, though the specific context of his distress is not mentioned. Its primary significance comes from its liturgical use and thematic echoes elsewhere in the Bible. The opening line, "O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me," has become a foundational prayer in Christian liturgy, most notably as the opening verse of the Liturgy of the Hours (also known as the Divine Office) in the Western Church since the 6th century.

While Psalm 70 is not directly quoted by Jesus or New Testament writers, its themes resonate deeply with the Christian message. The psalmist's self-identification as "poor and needy" ($ani we'ebyon$, עָנִי וְאֶבְיוֹן) aligns with Jesus' focus on the poor and humble in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3). The urgent cry for salvation and the trust that God is a "helper and deliverer" prefigure the Christian understanding of Jesus as the ultimate savior who responds to the desperate cries of humanity.

Proverbs 14:16-35

Proverbs 14:16

A wise person fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

This verse establishes a foundational principle seen throughout wisdom literature: true wisdom begins with a reverential "fear of the LORD". This isn't terror, but a profound respect for God's power, holiness, and wisdom, which naturally leads a person to turn away from evil. The fool, in contrast, lacks this foundational respect. Described as "hotheaded" (or "arrogant") and "reckless" (or "careless"), the fool rushes forward with overconfidence, ignoring potential moral and practical consequences. This proverb teaches that caution born from reverence is a mark of wisdom, while impulsiveness born from arrogance is the essence of folly.

Proverbs 14:17

A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and a person of wicked schemes is hated.

This proverb presents two parallel character flaws that lead to negative outcomes. The first is the person who is easily angered. Their lack of self-control causes them to act impulsively and foolishly, often creating damage they later regret. The second is the person of "wicked schemes," who is not impulsive but deliberately manipulative and crafty. While the quick-tempered person's folly is immediate and obvious, the schemer's sin is calculated. Both, however, result in destruction: one through foolish acts and the other through earning the hatred and distrust of the community.

Proverbs 14:18

The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Here, the "simple" refers to the naive or gullible—those who wander through life without seeking wisdom. Their inheritance is folly, meaning they passively acquire a foolish character and its disastrous consequences. In contrast, the "prudent" are those who are shrewd, discerning, and intentional. Their reward is to be "crowned with knowledge." A crown is a symbol of honor, victory, and authority. This imagery suggests that knowledge isn't just something the prudent have; it's their glory and their defining characteristic, giving them honor and influence.

Proverbs 14:19

Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

This verse speaks to the ultimate triumph of righteousness over wickedness. While in the short term it may seem that the wicked prosper, this proverb presents a vision of the final moral order. "Bowing down" signifies submission and defeat. The "gates of the righteous" represent the place of authority and judgment in an ancient city. The image is one of complete reversal, where the wicked must ultimately acknowledge the authority and moral victory of the righteous. This reflects a deep-seated biblical theme that God will ultimately execute justice (Psalm 37:9-11).

Proverbs 14:20

The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.

This is a painfully honest observation of flawed human nature, not an endorsement of it. It notes the sad reality that wealth often attracts superficial relationships ("friends"), while poverty tends to isolate people. The proverb serves as a cynical commentary on how worldly status, rather than character, often dictates social connections. In the broader context of scripture, this observation acts as a setup for teachings that command the opposite: to care for the poor and not show favoritism (Proverbs 14:21, 31; James 2:1-4).

Proverbs 14:21

It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.

Directly contrasting the worldly observation in the previous verse, this proverb lays down God's moral standard. To "despise" a neighbor, particularly a poor one, is explicitly called a sin. The counterpoint is the blessing that comes from active kindness ("grace" or "favor" in Hebrew) to the needy. This establishes a core principle of biblical ethics: righteousness is demonstrated not just by avoiding evil, but by actively doing good for the vulnerable. Jesus elevates this concept in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

Proverbs 14:22

Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

This verse uses rhetorical questions to contrast the outcomes of planning evil versus planning good. Those who "plot evil" inevitably "go astray"—they end up lost, failing to achieve true success or well-being. Their path leads to ruin. Conversely, those who devise good plans find "love and faithfulness" (Hebrew: chesed we'emet). This powerful Hebrew pair often describes God's covenant loyalty. Its use here implies that those who pursue good will experience a life characterized by loyal relationships, integrity, and divine favor.

Proverbs 14:23

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

A timeless principle of diligence versus idleness. The proverb affirms that effort and labor (etseb) of any kind will eventually yield a positive result or "profit." The contrast is "mere talk" (literally "word of the lips"), which represents empty promises, daydreaming, and boasting without action. This type of idleness, the verse warns, is a direct path to poverty. It champions the virtue of tangible effort over abstract intentions.

Proverbs 14:24

The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools is still folly.

This verse can be interpreted in a couple of ways. The first part suggests that the wealth of the wise is a "crown"—an appropriate and honorable result of their skillful and diligent living. Their prosperity is a sign of their wisdom. The second part's contrast is stark: even if a fool somehow acquires wealth or status, it doesn't change their nature. Their "folly is still folly." A fool with resources is just a more powerful and dangerous fool; their wealth cannot buy them wisdom, and it often just amplifies their foolishness.

Proverbs 14:25

A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.

Set in a legal context, this proverb highlights the life-or-death power of words. A truthful witness can rescue an innocent person from a false accusation, literally "saving lives." In contrast, a "false witness" breathes out lies and deceit, leading to injustice and the potential death of the innocent. This underscores the immense moral weight of honesty, which is later enshrined in the Ten Commandments ("You shall not give false testimony," Exodus 20:16). The principle extends beyond the courtroom to all areas of life where our words can either save or destroy reputations and well-being.

Proverbs 14:26

Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.

Revisiting the theme from verse 16, this proverb describes the benefit of fearing the LORD: security. This reverence for God acts as a "secure fortress"—a source of strength, stability, and protection in the midst of life's dangers and uncertainties. This is not just a personal benefit; it has a generational impact. A life built on this foundation provides a "refuge" for one's children, giving them a legacy of spiritual stability and a safe place to turn in times of trouble.

Proverbs 14:27

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

Continuing the theme, this verse uses another powerful metaphor. The fear of the LORD is not a restrictive cage but a "fountain of life." A fountain suggests a source of constant refreshment, vitality, and renewal. This life-giving reverence actively helps a person avoid the "snares of death"—the moral, spiritual, and physical traps set by sin and foolishness. It's both a positive source of life and a negative protection from death, making it the essential element for a flourishing existence.

Proverbs 14:28

A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.

This proverb speaks to leadership and governance. A king's true glory and strength are not found in his personal wealth or military might alone, but in a large, thriving population. Prosperous subjects are the sign of a successful kingdom. Conversely, a ruler without people ("subjects") is ruined; his title is meaningless and his power nonexistent. The practical application is that a good leader's focus should be on the well-being and flourishing of their people, as their success is the leader's own success.

Proverbs 14:29

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

Patience (literally being "long of spirit" or "long of anger" in Hebrew) is presented as a direct outcome of "great understanding." A person with deep insight can see the bigger picture, understand others' motives, and control their own reactions. Their patience is a sign of wisdom. In sharp contrast, a "quick-tempered" person (literally "short of spirit") puts their foolishness on public display. Their lack of self-control is an open advertisement of their lack of understanding. This is a recurring theme, with Paul later listing patience as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

Proverbs 14:30

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

This is a profound statement on the connection between mental/spiritual health and physical health. A "heart at peace" (Hebrew: lev marpe, a healing heart) promotes physical vitality and well-being. It's an internal state of tranquility and contentment that has tangible, life-giving effects. The antithesis is envy, which is described with the powerful metaphor of a disease that "rots the bones." Envy is a corrosive, internal poison that consumes a person from the inside out, leading to bitterness, stress, and physical decay. 🩺

Proverbs 14:31

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

This verse radically elevates the importance of social justice by linking it directly to worship. Because all people are made in God's image, oppressing the poor is not just a social crime but a theological one—it is an act of contempt for God Himself. Conversely, showing kindness and generosity to the needy is a direct act of honoring God. One cannot claim to love God while mistreating people made in His image. Jesus echoes this principle powerfully in Matthew 25:40, saying, "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Proverbs 14:32

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but the righteous have a refuge even in death.

Here, the proverb contrasts the ultimate fates of the wicked and the righteous in the face of disaster. The wicked have nothing to fall back on; calamity destroys them completely. The righteous, however, have a refuge even in death. This suggests a hope that transcends earthly circumstances and even physical mortality. While for the wicked, death is the end, for the righteous, there is security and hope in God that death cannot extinguish. This hints at a belief in an afterlife and an ultimate vindication from God.

Proverbs 14:33

Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, but what is in the heart of fools is made known.

Wisdom in a discerning person is a quiet, settled quality—it "rests" within them. It doesn't need to be flashy or loud. It is an internal state of being. Fools, however, cannot contain what is inside them. Their folly, ignorance, and foolish thoughts are inevitably "made known" through their loud talk, rash actions, and impulsive behavior. The contrast is between the quiet confidence of true wisdom and the loud exhibitionism of folly.

Proverbs 14:34

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

This proverb scales up the principles of wisdom from the individual to the national level. A nation's true greatness and exaltation come from its collective righteousness—its commitment to justice, integrity, and moral character. This is what truly makes a nation honored and strong. On the other hand, sin—widespread corruption, injustice, and immorality—is not just a problem but a "disgrace" (or "reproach") that diminishes and ultimately destroys any people, regardless of their economic or military power.

Proverbs 14:35

A king delights in a wise servant, but his wrath is against one who acts shamefully.

The final verse of this section returns to the theme of leadership, providing a practical conclusion. A wise and competent servant (or official) brings delight to a ruler and earns royal favor. Their skill and prudence are an asset to the entire kingdom. In contrast, a servant who acts shamefully—who is incompetent, corrupt, or foolish—incurs the king's wrath. This serves as a concluding piece of advice for anyone serving in a position of responsibility: wisdom and competence lead to favor, while shameful behavior leads to discipline and ruin.

Hebrews 11-13

Hebrews 11-13 serves as the powerful conclusion to the book's argument, moving from theological explanation to practical exhortation. When teaching these chapters, it's helpful to frame them as a three-part call to action: Remember the past (Ch. 11), Endure the present (Ch. 12), and Engage the future (Ch. 13).

Here are some key ideas, concepts, and literary insights to highlight when teaching Hebrews 11-13.

Overarching Context and Literary Style

Before diving into the chapters, it's crucial to establish the context for your audience.

The Audience's Struggle: The original audience was likely a community of Jewish Christians facing persecution and social pressure. They were tempted to abandon their faith in Jesus and return to the more familiar, tangible, and socially acceptable rituals of Judaism. The entire book is an argument for the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old.
Literary Style - Exhortation: These chapters are a sermon, not just a letter. The author uses a "hortatory" style, repeatedly using phrases like "Let us..." (12:1, 13:13, 13:15) to passionately urge the readers to act on what they believe.
Use of the Old Testament: The author masterfully uses Old Testament figures and concepts to prove that the Christian faith is the ultimate fulfillment of Israel's history. Chapter 11 is the prime example of this, reinterpreting the lives of Jewish heroes through the lens of faith in God's future promise, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Chapter 11: The "Hall of Faith" 🏛️

This chapter defines and illustrates enduring faith, showing the audience that they are part of a long and noble story.

Key Ideas and Concepts:

A Working Definition of Faith (v. 1-3): Start by dissecting verse 1: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Emphasize that biblical faith is not a blind leap or wishful thinking. It is a confident trust in God's character and promises about the future, even when current circumstances seem to contradict them. It's a different way of seeing reality, based on God's word rather than just physical sight.
Faith in Action: The key theme is that faith is not passive; it is an active verb. It always leads to obedience and action, often at great personal cost.
- Faith Obeys: Noah built an ark, Abraham went to an unknown land, and Moses's parents hid him. True faith responds to God's commands.
- Faith Endures: Abraham offered Isaac, Moses chose mistreatment over pleasure, and others were tortured, refusing to be released. Faith holds on through unimaginable hardship.
The "Not Yet" of Faith (v. 13, 39-40): This is a critical point. Many of these heroes died without receiving the ultimate promise. They lived their entire lives looking forward to a heavenly country and a future resurrection they would not see in their lifetime. This was meant to be a huge encouragement to the original readers, who were also suffering without seeing the final fulfillment of their hope. Their struggle was normal for people of faith.

Chapter 12: The Race of Faith & Divine Discipline 🏃‍♂️

This chapter applies the lessons of chapter 11 to the audience's present struggle, telling them how to endure.

Key Ideas and Concepts:

The Metaphor of the Race (v. 1-3): This is a powerful and practical image.
- The Cloud of Witnesses: The heroes from chapter 11 are not spectators watching us from heaven; they are testimonies (martures, from which we get "martyr"). Their lives bear witness that it is possible to endure by faith.
- Lay Aside the Weight: Discuss the difference between a "sin" and a "weight." A weight may not be sinful in itself, but if it hinders our spiritual progress, it must be shed.
- Fix Your Eyes on Jesus: This is the ultimate key to endurance. Jesus is both the "founder and perfecter" of our faith. He started the race, finished it perfectly through the cross, and now serves as our ultimate example and motivation.
God's Discipline as a Sign of Love (v. 4-11): This section reframes suffering. The readers likely felt their hardship was a sign of God's displeasure or abandonment. The author argues the opposite: God's discipline (paideia, which means "child-training") is proof that they are His legitimate children. It's not punitive punishment but loving, purposeful training designed to produce holiness and righteousness.
The Two Mountains - A Key Contrast (v. 18-29): This is a brilliant literary device contrasting the Old and New Covenants.
- Mount Sinai (Old): Represents terror, fear, distance from God, and the law. It was a place the people were forbidden to touch.
- Mount Zion (New): Represents joy, celebration, intimate access to God ("you have come"), angels, and the community of believers.
- The point is to remind the readers of the incredible privilege they have under the New Covenant and to warn them not to take this direct access to God for granted.

Chapter 13: Practical Faith in Community 🤝

This chapter brings all the high theology down to earth, providing a list of practical, everyday instructions for how a community of faith should live.

Key Ideas and Concepts:

The Marks of a Faithful Community (v. 1-6): Faith isn't just an individual race; it's lived out in community. The author gives rapid-fire commands that reveal the priorities of a Christian family:
- Keep showing brotherly love.
- Practice hospitality to strangers.
- Remember those who are suffering (prisoners).
- Honor the covenant of marriage.
- Be content and free from the love of money.
Worship Inside and Outside the Camp (v. 7-16): This section provides a powerful picture of Christian worship and identity.
- Stable Doctrine: The anchor is "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (v. 8). This provides stability in a world of strange new teachings.
- Go "Outside the Camp": Just as Jesus suffered outside the city gate of Jerusalem, believers are called to embrace a life that is separate from the world's systems and willing to bear the "disgrace he bore." This would have been a direct challenge to those wanting to return to the comfort of the temple system.
- New Covenant Sacrifices: The old animal sacrifices are obsolete. The new, living sacrifices are a sacrifice of praise (our words), doing good, and sharing with others (our actions). This is our true worship.
Submission and Prayer (v. 17-25): The chapter concludes with a call to submit to and pray for spiritual leaders, reinforcing the community aspect of the faith. The beautiful benediction (v. 20-21) summarizes the entire book's message: God, through the blood of the eternal covenant, will equip us to do His will through Jesus Christ.