The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Guidance through Trials
Psalm 107:1-16; Numbers 20:1-13; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 4)
Introduction
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Guidance through Trials
Psalm 107:1-16; Numbers 20:1-13; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 4)
Introduction
In this scriptural trilogy, the passages from Psalm 107:1-16, Numbers 20:1-13, and 1 Corinthians 10:6-13 poignantly interweave themes of divine mercy, human frailty, and spiritual guidance. Psalm 107 opens with a celebration of God's enduring love, recounting the deliverance of the distressed who cried out to the Lord. Numbers 20 portrays a critical moment for the Israelites, as Moses disobeys God at Meribah, exemplifying human weakness even among the faithful. In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul warns against complacency in faith, reminding believers of the Israelites' past failures and urging vigilance against temptation. Together, these texts invite reflection on the nature of human dependence on divine grace, the consequences of disobedience, and the merciful guidance God provides amidst our trials and tribulations.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 107:1-16
God Gives Food and Light
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 107:1-16
God Gives Food and Light
Psalm 107:1-16 beautifully illustrates God's boundless mercy and His ability to provide for His people in times of distress. The Psalm opens with a call to give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and wonderful deeds for humanity. It then vividly describes various distressful situations—wandering in desert wastelands, hunger, and darkness—and how the Lord delivers from these adversities. This section of the Psalm particularly focuses on God's provision of nourishment and light, symbolizing both physical sustenance and spiritual enlightenment, underscoring the idea that God is a refuge and a provider for those who call upon Him.1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; *
for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, *
those he redeemed from trouble
3 And gathered in from the lands, *
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.
4 Some wandered in desert wastes, *
finding no way to an inhabited town;
5 Hungry and thirsty, *
their soul fainted within them.
6 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, *
and he delivered them from their distress;
7 He led them by a straight way, *
until they reached an inhabited town.
8 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, *
for his wonderful works to humankind.
9 For he satisfies the thirsty, *
and the hungry he fills with good things.
10 Some sat in darkness and in gloom, *
prisoners in misery and in irons,
11 For they had rebelled against the words of God, *
and spurned the counsel of the Most High.
12 Their hearts were bowed down with hard labor; *
they fell down, with no one to help.
13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, *
and he saved them from their distress;
14 He brought them out of darkness and gloom, *
and broke their bonds asunder.
15 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, *
for his wonderful works to humankind.
16 For he shatters the doors of bronze, *
and cuts in two the bars of iron.
Gracious and Everlasting Lord, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude, for Your steadfast love endures forever. In the spirit of Psalm 107:1-16, we acknowledge Your unending mercy and Your wondrous works for the children of humanity.
Lord, we remember those who wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. In their distress, they cried to You, and You delivered them from their troubles. You led them by a straight way until they reached a city to dwell in. For this, O Lord, we give thanks.
We recall how You satisfied the thirsty and filled the hungry with good things. You turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of its inhabitants. Yet, when they cried to You in their trouble, You delivered them from their distress. You turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs.
We think of those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, for they had rebelled against Your commands and spurned the counsel of the Most High. Their hearts were bowed down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help. Then they cried to You in their trouble, and You saved them from their distress. You brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart.
O Lord, Your wondrous works and Your deep compassion are beyond compare. May we always remember Your love and kindness, and may we walk in the path of righteousness, guided by Your light and truth.
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 20:1-13 narrates a crucial episode in the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness under Moses' leadership. This passage opens with the Israelites arriving at the Desert of Zin and the death of Miriam, Moses' sister. As the narrative unfolds, it highlights the Israelites' complaint about the lack of water, leading to a significant event where Moses, instructed by God to speak to a rock to bring forth water, strikes the rock twice instead. This act of disobedience angers God, resulting in God's declaration that Moses and Aaron will not lead the people into the Promised Land. This passage is pivotal as it demonstrates the continuing challenges of faith and obedience faced by the Israelites and their leaders, and it marks a turning point in the wilderness journey, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.20 1 The Israelites, the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month, and the people stayed in Kadesh. Miriam died there, and was buried there.
2 Now there was no water for the congregation; so they gathered together against Moses and against Aaron. 3 The people quarreled with Moses and said, “Would that we had died when our kindred died before the LORD! 4 Why have you brought the assembly of the LORD into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here? 5 Why have you brought us up out of Egypt, to bring us to this wretched place? It is no place for grain, or figs, or vines, or pomegranates; and there is no water to drink.” 6 Then Moses and Aaron went away from the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting; they fell on their faces, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. 7 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 8 Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and your brother Aaron, and command the rock before their eyes to yield its water. Thus you shall bring water out of the rock for them; thus you shall provide drink for the congregation and their livestock.
9 So Moses took the staff from before the LORD, as he had commanded him. 10 Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Listen, you rebels, shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff; water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their livestock drank. 12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me, to show my holiness before the eyes of the Israelites, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” 13 These are the waters of Meribah, where the people of Israel quarreled with the LORD, and by which he showed his holiness.
Expository Commentary
Verse 1 — The Death of Miriam: The chapter begins with the Israelites arriving at the Desert of Zin and staying at Kadesh. Here, Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, dies and is buried. The mention of her death is brief, but it marks the passing of a key figure in the Exodus narrative. Miriam was a prophet and leader in her own right, and her death signifies a transition in the leadership of Israel.
Verses 2-5 — The Complaint of the People: The community faces a lack of water, leading the people to argue with Moses and Aaron. Their complaint echoes previous grumblings in the wilderness, reflecting a pattern of distrust and discontent among the Israelites. They question Moses’ leadership and reminisce about their life in Egypt, showing a lack of faith in God’s promise.
Verse 6 — Moses and Aaron Seek Guidance: Moses and Aaron respond by seeking God at the tent of meeting. They fall facedown, symbolizing humility and desperation. This act shows their dependence on divine guidance in leading the people.
Verses 7-8 — God’s Command to Moses: God instructs Moses to take the staff and, along with Aaron, assemble the people. He is then to speak to a rock before their eyes, and it will yield water. This miracle is meant to demonstrate God's power and provision. The specific command to speak to the rock, as opposed to striking it, is crucial in the narrative.
Verses 9-11 Moses Strikes the Rock: Moses takes the staff but, in front of the assembly, he strikes the rock twice instead of speaking to it as God had commanded. Water gushes out, but Moses’ action represents a significant act of disobedience. His striking the rock might reflect his frustration with the people, but it also indicates a lapse in his trust in God’s instructions.
Verse 12 — God’s Response to Moses and Aaron: God reprimands Moses and Aaron for not trusting in Him enough to uphold His holiness before the Israelites. Because of this, they are told they will not lead the people into the Promised Land. This punishment may seem harsh, but it underscores the importance of obedience and faith in God, especially by leaders.
Verse 13 — The Waters of Meribah: The place is named Meribah, meaning “quarreling,” because of the Israelites’ quarreling and because they tested the Lord, questioning His presence among them. This event is a pivotal moment in the wilderness journey, marking both God’s continued provision and the serious consequences of disobedience and lack of faith.
In summary, Numbers 20:1-13 highlights themes of leadership, obedience, faith, and the consequences of doubt. It marks a turning point in the wilderness journey and sets the stage for the future leadership of Israel.
1 Corinthians 10:6-13 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-awareness and self-control in the life of a believer. In this passage, the Apostle Paul draws upon the history of the Israelites in the wilderness to caution the Corinthian church against the dangers of complacency and overconfidence in their spiritual journey. He warns against idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God, and grumbling—sins that led to the downfall of many Israelites. Paul emphasizes that these historical examples serve as a warning to us, urging believers to be vigilant in resisting temptation. He reassures them that God is faithful and will not let them be tempted beyond what they can bear, providing a way out so that they can endure. This passage is a profound call to faithfulness and reliance on God's strength, reminding us that while temptations are universal, the grace and help of God in overcoming them is always available.10 6 Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. 10 And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. 13 No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
Expository Commentary
Verses 6-8: Warnings from Israel's History
- Verse 6: Paul refers to the history of Israel in the wilderness as a cautionary tale. The "evil desires" mentioned are likely related to idolatry and moral failures, implying that the Corinthians should learn from Israel's mistakes and not repeat them.
- Verse 7: This verse references the incident of the golden calf in Exodus 32. Paul warns against idolatry, highlighting that it leads to moral decay and forgetting God.
Verses 9-10: Warnings Against Testing and Grumbling
- Verse 8: Referring to the incident in Numbers 25, where Israelites engaged in sexual immorality with Moabite women. Paul uses this to caution against sexual sins, emphasizing the severe consequences they faced.
- Verse 9: This is a reference to Numbers 21, where Israelites spoke against God and Moses. Paul equates Christ with God, indicating that testing God (through disobedience or lack of faith) is dangerous.
Verses 11-13: Lessons for the Present and Hope in Temptation
- Verse 10: Here, "complaining" likely refers to incidents like those in Numbers 16, where discontent and rebellion against God's chosen leaders led to divine punishment.
- Verse 11: Paul emphasizes that these Old Testament events are not just historical but serve as moral and spiritual lessons for Christians, who live in the era of Christ's redemption.
- Verse 12: A warning against overconfidence in one's spiritual life. Paul suggests that spiritual vigilance and humility are necessary to avoid falling into sin.
Summary: In these verses, Paul uses Israel's history as a moral and spiritual guide for the Corinthians, warning against idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God, and complaining. He emphasizes learning from past mistakes, the importance of humility and vigilance in faith, and reassures believers of God's faithfulness in helping them overcome trials and temptations.
- Verse 13: This verse offers comfort and hope. Paul acknowledges that temptation and trials are common experiences but assures that God provides both the strength to endure and a way to overcome these challenges.
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 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 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 Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 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
