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Deuteronomy 7:9

  Deuteronomy 7:9 Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant and his unfailing love to a thousand generations of those who love him and obey his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9 WHAT DOES IT SAY? The audience is directed to recognize and acknowledge that the Lord your God is the one true God (9a). This God possesses the attribute of being faithful , meaning He is reliable and trustworthy (9b). He is a God who actively keeps his covenant —His binding promise or agreement—demonstrating His commitment (9c). His commitment is expressed through unfailing love (or hesed in Hebrew), which extends to an astonishing a thousand generations (9d). This promise and love are specifically directed toward those who love him and obey his commands (9e). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? Historical Context What is the specific covenant being referred to here, and why was it so important for the Israelites, who were about to ente...
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Psalm 34:4

PSALM 34:4  "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." PSALM 34:4 WHAT DOES IT SAY? The author initiated a search or pursuit for God's presence and help (4a). God personally responded to the author's cry for help (4b). As a direct result of God's response, the author was rescued from every anxiety, worry, or terrifying thing that troubled him (4c). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? a) Historical Context What specific event in David's life, as referenced in the Psalm's superscription (when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech), caused him to "seek the Lord" in such desperation? b) Cultural Context What would the act of "seeking the Lord" have looked like for David—was this a formal act in the temple, or was it a private act of prayer, and how was it understood in ancient Israel? c) Theological Context If God "delivered me from all my fears," does this mean a person who truly see...
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Psalm 55: 22

  PSALM 55:22 "Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." PSALM 55:22 WHAT DOES IT SAY? The psalmist is giving an instruction or command to the reader (55:22). The instruction is to transfer or release one's heavy concerns, troubles, or worries to the Lord (55:22). A promise is attached to this action: the Lord will sustain or support the person who trusts Him (55:22). A further assurance is given: God will not allow the righteous person to be overthrown, defeated, or permanently stumble (55:22). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? a) Historical Context What kind of "burdens" or heavy troubles was David dealing with when he wrote this Psalm? (The Psalm's superscription often suggests a time of betrayal.) b) Cultural Context What does the phrase "cast your burden" imply about the physical action or effort required on the part of the person? c) Theological Context How does the...
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Deuteronomy 31:6

DEUTERONOMY 31:6 "So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." DEUTERONOMY 31:6 WHAT DOES IT SAY? The text gives a direct command to the people to be mentally and spiritually resolute (strong) and bold in action (courageous) (6a). The text gives a negative command, warning the people not to feel terror or lose self-control when facing their enemies (6b). A promise is given as the reason for the command: the Lord God will take the lead and move before the people (6c). A double assurance is given that God will remain with the people; He will not let them down (fail) nor will He forsake them (abandon) (6d). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? a) Historical Context Why was this command for strength and courage necessary at this exact moment in Israel's history, immediately before they entered the Promised Land? b) Cultural Context What does...
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Jeremiah 6:16

  BIBLE VERSE Jeremiah 6:16 "This is what the Lord says: 'Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk on it. Travel this path and you will find rest for your souls.'" Jeremiah 6:16 WHAT DOES IT SAY? SUMMARIZE THE TEXT IN YOUR OWN WORDS. The Lord commands His people to pause their present course: Stop at the crossroads and look around (16a). They are instructed to seek proven wisdom and direction: Ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is (16b). The command is to actively follow that proven wisdom: and walk on it (16c). The promised result of this obedience is spiritual peace: Travel this path and you will find rest for your souls (16d). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? A) HISTORICAL CONTEXT When Jeremiah spoke these words, what were the people of Judah doing that made them "off the path," and what judgment were they trying to avoid? B) CULTURAL CONTEXT What was the practical significan...
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