The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Monday, November 20, 2023
The Justice of God
Monday, November 20, 2023
The Justice of God
and the Fate of the Wicked
Psalm 83:1-4, 9-10, 17-18; Judges 4:8-24; Romans 2:1-11
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
Psalm 83:1-4, 9-10, 17-18; Judges 4:8-24; Romans 2:1-11
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
Across the annals of scripture, there is a resounding message: the omnipotent God of justice does not remain silent when His people are oppressed, nor does He overlook the wickedness of those who plot against righteousness. In the Psalms, the heartfelt cries of the righteous echo with pleas for divine intervention against their enemies. The narrative in Judges paints a vivid picture of God's deliverance through unlikely heroes, showcasing His power and judgment over oppressors. Meanwhile, the Apostle Paul in Romans reminds believers that God's impartial judgment is meted out to everyone, irrespective of their status or background. Together, these passages reaffirm the divine principle that while wickedness might seem momentarily triumphant, in the end, God's justice always prevails.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 83:1-4, 9-10, 17-18
Do not be silent O God
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 83:1-4, 9-10, 17-18
Do not be silent O God
Psalm 83 stands as a fervent plea to God in the midst of turmoil and threat from surrounding enemies. It captures the raw emotion and desperation of the Psalmist, seeking divine intervention against those who wish to wipe out the name of Israel. This selection from the Psalm specifically paints a vivid picture of the threats facing Israel and recalls past victories where God intervened on behalf of His people. It concludes with a passionate request that these enemies be put to shame so that they might recognize the supremacy of the One true God. In these verses, the Psalmist not only seeks physical deliverance but also yearns for the spiritual acknowledgment of God's sovereignty by all nations.1 O God, do not remain silent; *
do not turn a deaf ear,
do not stand aloof, O God.
2 See how your enemies growl, *
how your foes rear their heads.
3 With cunning they conspire against your people; *
they plot against those you cherish.
4 “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, *
so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.”
9 Do to them as you did to Midian, *
as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon,
10 Who perished at Endor *
and became like dung on the ground.
17 May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; *
may they perish in disgrace.
18 Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord— *
that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.
Heavenly Father, we come before you today with humble hearts, just as the psalmist did in Psalm 83. We recognize that there are moments in our lives when we feel surrounded by enemies, when the challenges and conflicts seem overwhelming. In those times, Lord, we turn to you, knowing that you are our refuge and strength.
We pray, O God, that you would hear our cries, just as you heard the psalmist's plea. Do not be silent, but rise up on our behalf. We trust in your righteous judgment, knowing that you are a God of justice and mercy.
As we reflect on the words of this psalm, may we be reminded of your unfailing love and your power to deliver us from any situation. Help us to trust in your sovereignty and to seek your guidance in all things.
Be with us today and every day in Jesus Christ, Who taught us to pray:
“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”
Judges 4 is a significant chapter within the Book of Judges that features two remarkable women: Deborah, the prophetess and judge, and Jael, a Kenite woman. This section of scripture details the story of the Israelites' oppression under the Canaanite king, Jabin, and his army commander, Sisera. With the help of Deborah and Jael, the Israelites gain a momentous victory, emphasizing God's deliverance of His people through unexpected means and persons. Judges 4:8-24 specifically narrates the intricate events leading up to the defeat of Sisera, highlighting the roles of Barak, Jael, and the omnipotent hand of God in Israel's triumph.4 8 Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.”
9 “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh. 10 There Barak summoned Zebulun and Naphtali, and ten thousand men went up under his command. Deborah also went up with him.
11 Now Heber the Kenite had left the other Kenites, the descendants of Hobab, Moses’ brother-in-law, and pitched his tent by the great tree in Zaanannim near Kedesh.
12 When they told Sisera that Barak son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor, 13 Sisera summoned from Harosheth Haggoyim to the Kishon River all his men and his nine hundred chariots fitted with iron.
14 Then Deborah said to Barak, “Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him. 15 At Barak’s advance, the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword, and Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot.
16 Barak pursued the chariots and army as far as Harosheth Haggoyim, and all Sisera’s troops fell by the sword; not a man was left. 17 Sisera, meanwhile, fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there was an alliance between Jabin king of Hazor and the family of Heber the Kenite.
18 Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Come, my lord, come right in. Don’t be afraid.” So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket.
19 “I’m thirsty,” he said. “Please give me some water.” She opened a skin of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him up.
20 “Stand in the doorway of the tent,” he told her. “If someone comes by and asks you, ‘Is anyone in there?’ say ‘No.’”
21 But Jael, Heber’s wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died.
22 Just then Barak came by in pursuit of Sisera, and Jael went out to meet him. “Come,” she said, “I will show you the man you’re looking for.” So he went in with her, and there lay Sisera with the tent peg through his temple—dead.
23 On that day God subdued Jabin king of Canaan before the Israelites. 24 And the hand of the Israelites pressed harder and harder against Jabin king of Canaan until they destroyed him.
Commentary
Verse 8: Barak's hesitance and his insistence on Deborah's presence indicate the respect and trust he has for Deborah. It also might reflect his doubt and need for assurance in the mission.
Verses 9-10: Deborah's response is prophetic, foreshadowing the manner in which the victory over Sisera would be delivered into the hands of a woman—Jael. These verses set the stage for a pivotal moment in the narrative, showcasing God's use of unexpected instruments for His purposes.
Verses 11-16: These verses describe the strategic positioning of Heber's family and their tents, as well as the consequent battle between Sisera's chariots and Barak's men. The text emphasizes the divine hand in the defeat of Sisera's forces, underscoring God's active role in Israel's battles and victories.
Verses 17-22: The spotlight shifts to Jael in these verses. Her offering of shelter to a fleeing Sisera appears hospitable at first, but as the narrative unfolds, her true intent is revealed. Jael's decisive and fearless action brings about the prophetic word spoken by Deborah earlier—that a woman would be credited with the victory over Sisera.
Verses 23-24: The chapter concludes with a note on the larger implications of the battle: God's increasing pressure on King Jabin until his eventual defeat. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's deliverance and foreshadows the liberation of Israel from the oppressive reign of Jabin.
In summary, Judges 4:8-24 presents a rich tapestry of faith, strategy, and divine intervention. It showcases God's faithfulness in delivering His people, even when they waver in their own faith or face insurmountable odds. Through the unexpected heroics of Deborah and Jael, the narrative reinforces the idea that God often works in ways that confound human expectations.
The Book of Romans, authored by the Apostle Paul, is one of the most profound treatises in the New Testament, addressing the doctrines of sin, salvation, and sanctification. In Romans Chapter 2, Paul shifts his focus from the general ungodliness and wickedness of humanity (as depicted in Chapter 1) to the moralist—a person who may judge others for their sins while being blind to their own.2 1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.
Commentary
Verses 1-3: Paul begins with a powerful assertion, emphasizing the hypocrisy of those who judge others while committing the same sins themselves. He challenges the self-righteousness of the moralist, pointing out that by judging others, they are inadvertently condemning themselves. The divine judgment of God is rooted in truth, and humans are not exempt from this judgment just because they recognize sin in others.
Verse 4: Paul highlights the benevolent nature of God—His kindness, forbearance, and patience. He underscores that these attributes of God are meant to lead individuals towards repentance, not to be taken for granted or misunderstood as indifference to sin.
Verse 5: Paul warns the obstinate and unrepentant, stating that they are essentially accumulating wrath for themselves. This wrath will be unleashed on the day of God's wrath, a reference to the final judgment.
Verse 6: Quoting from Psalm 62:12, Paul reiterates the principle that God’s judgment will be based on deeds, emphasizing individual responsibility.
Verses 7-8: Paul describes two contrasting paths: one leading to eternal life for those who persistently do good and seek glory, honor, and immortality, and the other leading to wrath and anger for the self-centered who reject truth and choose evil.
Verses 9-10: Here, Paul addresses both Jews and Gentiles, stating that the principles of judgment apply universally. God's judgment and reward will be impartial, meted out to Jew and Gentile alike based on their actions.
Verse 11: This verse is a powerful conclusion to Paul's argument: God does not show favoritism. Whether Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, all are equal in the eyes of God and will be judged fairly based on their deeds and the condition of their hearts.
Through this passage, Paul emphasizes the impartiality of God's judgment, the dangers of self-righteousness, and the universal need for genuine repentance. The moralist, just as much as the overt sinner, stands in need of God's grace and mercy.
Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]
The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Commentaries are by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Monday, November 20, 2023
The Justice of God and the Fate of the Wicked
Psalm 83:1-4, 9-10, 17-18; Judges 4:8-24; Romans 2:1-11
Across the annals of scripture, there is a resounding message: the omnipotent God of justice does not remain silent when His people are oppressed, nor does He overlook the wickedness of those who plot against righteousness. In the Psalms, the heartfelt cries of the righteous echo with pleas for divine intervention against their enemies. The narrative in Judges paints a vivid picture of God's deliverance through unlikely heroes, showcasing His power and judgment over oppressors. Meanwhile, the Apostle Paul in Romans reminds believers that God's impartial judgment is meted out to everyone, irrespective of their status or background. Together, these passages reaffirm the divine principle that while wickedness might seem momentarily triumphant, in the end, God's justice always prevails.
