The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Monday, January 29, 2024
Divine Advocate: Seeking Justice and Protection
Psalm 35:1-10; Numbers 22:1-21; Acts 21:17-26
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 4)
Introduction
with Commentary
Monday, January 29, 2024
Divine Advocate: Seeking Justice and Protection
Psalm 35:1-10; Numbers 22:1-21; Acts 21:17-26
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 4)
Introduction
In Psalm 35:1-10, David fervently pleads for God's deliverance from his enemies, expressing his trust in the Lord as his savior and protector. This passage embodies the soul's cry for divine intervention and justice in the face of adversity. In Numbers 22:1-21, the narrative shifts to the intriguing story of Balaam, who is summoned by Balak to curse Israel. As Balaam embarks on his journey, the unfolding events highlight God's sovereignty and the mysterious ways in which He guides and influences human actions. In Acts 21:17-26, we see Paul arriving in Jerusalem, where he navigates cultural and religious tensions by participating in a purification ritual, demonstrating his respect for Jewish customs while maintaining his Christian faith. Together, these scriptures intertwine to reveal a multifaceted view of God's protective guidance, the moral complexities of human decisions, and the underlying divine plan that works through both conflict and compliance.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 35:1-10
A Celebration of God's Wondrous Works
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 35:1-10
A Celebration of God's Wondrous Works
Psalm 35:1-10 is a heartfelt cry to God from David, who finds himself surrounded by enemies seeking his harm. In these verses, David appeals to God as his defender, imploring the Lord to fight against those who fight him. He uses vivid imagery to describe his plea for justice and deliverance. The psalm reflects the intense emotions of someone who feels wronged and is desperately seeking God's intervention. It teaches us about the nature of God as a righteous judge and protector while also illustrating the appropriate human response to injustice—seeking refuge and vindication from the Almighty, rather than taking matters into one's own hands.1 Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; *
Fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take up shield and armor; *
Arise and come to my aid.
3 Brandish spear and javelin
against those who pursue me. *
Say to me,
“I am your salvation.”
4 May those who seek my life
be disgraced and put to shame; *
May those who plot my ruin
be turned back in dismay.
5 May they be like chaff before the wind, *
With the angel of the Lord driving them away;
6 May their path be dark and slippery, *
With the angel of the Lord pursuing them.
7 Since they hid their net for me without cause *
And without cause dug a pit for me,
8 May ruin overtake them by surprise—
may the net they hid entangle them, *
May they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
9 Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord *
And delight in his salvation.
10 My whole being will exclaim,
“Who is like you, Lord? *
You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,
the poor and needy from those who rob them.”
Heavenly Father, in the midst of trials and tribulations, we turn to You, our Divine Advocate and Protector. Just as David sought Your intervention in Psalm 35, we too seek Your justice and mercy in our lives. We ask that You contend with those who contend with us, and fight against those who fight against us. Arm us with strength and shield us with Your grace.
Lord, guide our steps away from the snares set by our enemies and lift us above the reach of harm. In our moments of fear and vulnerability, be our fortress and deliverer. Let Your truth light our path and Your righteousness be our banner. May those who seek our harm be turned back and confounded, and may we always remember Your faithfulness and love.
Help us to live with integrity and love, reflecting Your compassion and justice in all that we do. As we navigate the challenges of life, keep our eyes fixed on You, trusting in Your sovereign power to save and vindicate. We praise You for Your mighty deeds and the assurance that no enemy is too great for Your power.
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.”
Numbers 22:1-21 introduces us to the intriguing narrative of Balaam, a prophet caught between divine decree and earthly reward. As the Israelites camp on the plains of Moab, King Balak of Moab perceives them as a formidable threat. In desperation, he sends for Balaam, renowned for his spiritual influence, hoping to curse the people of Israel. This passage lays the foundation for a complex interplay of divine will, human ambition, and the unpredictable nature of obedience.22 1 Then the Israelites traveled to the plains of Moab and camped along the Jordan across from Jericho.
2 Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, 3 and Moab was terrified because there were so many people. Indeed, Moab was filled with dread because of the Israelites.
4 The Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde is going to lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.”
So Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, 5 sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor, who was at Pethor, near the Euphrates River, in his native land. Balak said:
“A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. 6 Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you curse is cursed.”
7 The elders of Moab and Midian left, taking with them the fee for divination. When they came to Balaam, they told him what Balak had said.
8 “Spend the night here,” Balaam said to them, “and I will report back to you with the answer the Lord gives me.” So the Moabite officials stayed with him.
9 God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you?”
10 Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message: 11 ‘A people that has come out of Egypt covers the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps then I will be able to fight them and drive them away.’”
12 But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.”
13 The next morning Balaam got up and said to Balak’s officials, “Go back to your own country, for the Lord has refused to let me go with you.”
14 So the Moabite officials returned to Balak and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.”
15 Then Balak sent other officials, more numerous and more distinguished than the first. 16 They came to Balaam and said:
“This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Do not let anything keep you from coming to me, 17 because I will reward you handsomely and do whatever you say. Come and put a curse on these people for me.”
18 But Balaam answered them, “Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God. 19 Now spend the night here so that I can find out what else the Lord will tell me.”
20 That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you.”
21 Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the Moabite officials.
Commentary
Verses 1-2 (Setting the Scene): The Israelites encamp in the plains of Moab, stirring fear in the heart of King Balak. This establishes the imminent conflict and introduces the antagonist, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
Verses 3-4 (Moab's Desperation): Moab's distress is palpable, as they describe the Israelites as a horde that "licks up everything around us." The hyperbolic language underscores their fear and the perceived threat of Israel's presence.
Verses 5-6 (The Call for Balaam): Balak sends messengers to Balaam, acknowledging his reputation: "I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed." This highlights the perceived power of Balaam's words and sets the expectation for his potential impact.
Verses 7-11 (The Negotiation): Elders of Moab and Midian depart with fees for divination, illustrating the transactional nature of their request. Balaam's response is cautious, inviting them to stay overnight as he seeks the Lord's guidance, showing his initial obedience to seek divine counsel.
Verses 12-14 (God's First Response): God directly forbids Balaam from going with the messengers and cursing the Israelites, as they are blessed. Balaam obeys, sending the officials away, but the narrative tension builds, suggesting that this isn't the end of the story.
Verses 15-17 (Persistence from Balak): Undeterred, Balak sends more prestigious officials with promises of great honor and reward. This escalation reveals the desperation and determination of Balak to sway Balaam's decision.
Verses 18-19 (Balaam's Reply and Second Request): Balaam's response is seemingly noble, asserting that no amount of reward could make him disobey God's command. Yet, he invites the men to stay, indicating a lingering hesitation and interest in the proposition, revealing a conflict between greed and obedience.
Verses 20-21 (God's Conditional Permission): God allows Balaam to go with the men if they come to call him, but only to do what He commands. Balaam sets out the next morning, but the tone suggests a foreboding sense of divine testing and anticipation for what lies ahead.
Conclusion: This passage in Numbers 22 sets the stage for a deeper exploration of obedience, motivation, and the sovereignty of God. As Balaam embarks on his journey, the readers are left to ponder the complexities of human free will intersecting with divine directive, anticipating the unfolding consequences of Balaam's choices and the ultimate supremacy of God's will.
Acts 21:17-26 presents a pivotal moment in the early Christian church where cultural diversity, religious tradition, and the burgeoning Christian faith intersect. As Paul arrives in Jerusalem, he faces the challenge of reconciling his mission to the Gentiles with the expectations of the Jewish believers. This passage explores themes of unity, conformity, and the tension between new and old beliefs.21 17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.”
26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.
Commentary
Verse 17-18 (Paul’s Warm Reception in Jerusalem): Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Paul and his companions are warmly received by the believers. They meet with James and the elders the next day, signifying the importance of their visit. This sets the stage for a significant discussion on the coexistence of Jewish traditions and the Christian faith.
Verse 19 (Paul Reports His Ministry): Paul recounts his ministry among the Gentiles, detailing the miracles and conversions that have occurred. This testimony highlights the work of God beyond the Jewish community and sets the stage for the ensuing debate on how these new believers fit into the broader religious framework.
Verse 20-21 (Concerns Over Jewish Law and Gentile Believers): The Jewish believers express joy at the Gentiles' conversion but also convey concerns about rumors that Paul teaches Jews living among Gentiles to abandon Moses' laws. This reflects the tension between maintaining Jewish identity and embracing the inclusive nature of the Christian message.
Verse 22-24 (The Proposal for Paul to Conform): To quell the unrest and prove his respect for the law, Paul is advised to join four men in a purification rite. This act is meant to demonstrate his adherence to the law and dispel rumors, highlighting the complexities of navigating between different cultural and religious expectations.
Verse 25 (Reaffirmation of the Gentile Believers' Freedom): The elders reiterate the decisions from the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), affirming that Gentile believers are not bound by the same rituals as Jewish Christians. This reaffirms the church's stance on freedom in Christ while also respecting the cultural practices of Jewish believers.
Verse 26 (Paul's Compliance): Paul agrees to the proposal and participates in the purification rites, showcasing his willingness to compromise for the sake of unity within the church. This act serves as a testament to Paul's dedication to peace and fellowship among believers of diverse backgrounds.
Conclusion: Acts 21:17-26 confronts the early church's struggle to balance cultural traditions with the inclusive nature of the Christian faith. It highlights the importance of understanding and respect in maintaining unity within a diverse body of believers. Paul's journey reflects the ongoing challenge of embracing new beliefs while honoring one's heritage, a theme that resonates with believers even today.
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, aided by ChatGPT.
The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 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, January 29, 2024
Divine Advocate: Seeking Justice and Protection
Psalm 35:1-10; Numbers 22:1-21; Acts 21:17-26
Today's Psalm reflects David's earnest plea for God’s rescue from adversaries, showcasing his reliance on God as his defender and savior. It captures the deep longing for divine rescue and fairness when confronted with challenges. In Numbers, the focus shifts to the captivating account of Balaam, hired by Balak to curse Israel. Balaam's journey underscores God's supreme control and the enigmatic ways He directs and influences people's paths. Meanwhile, in Acts, we observe Paul's arrival in Jerusalem. He adeptly handles the cultural and religious strains by engaging in a purification ceremony, showing his reverence for Jewish traditions while adhering to his Christian beliefs. Collectively, these passages provide a diverse perspective on God's safeguarding presence, the ethical intricacies in human choices, and the pervasive divine scheme that operates through both dissent and harmony.
