The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Friday, April 5, 2024
Friday in Easter Week
Unity in Faith
Psalm 133; Daniel 2:1-23; Acts 4:23-31
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 2)
Introduction
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Friday, April 5, 2024
Friday in Easter Week
Unity in Faith
Psalm 133; Daniel 2:1-23; Acts 4:23-31
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 2)
Introduction
As we delve into the profound readings of Psalm 133, Daniel 2:1-23, and Acts 4:23-31 on this Friday in Easter Week, we find a unifying theme of faith and divine intervention weaving through the narratives. Psalm 133 celebrates the blessedness and harmony of living together in unity, a sentiment that resonates with the Easter spirit of renewal and fellowship. In Daniel 2:1-23, we witness the power of faith and wisdom as Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, revealing God's omnipotence in guiding and shaping the destinies of nations. Acts 4:23-31 then brings us to the fervent prayer of the early Christian community, united in their faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit, in the face of persecution. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on the strength found in spiritual unity and the miraculous workings of faith, especially pertinent in the light of Easter's message of resurrection and hope.
Psalm 133, a part of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament, is a beautiful and concise song of ascent, attributed traditionally to King David. This short psalm stands as a poignant hymn celebrating the blessings and beauty of unity among brethren. Rich in metaphorical language, it likens the harmony among God's people to the precious oil used in religious rituals and the dew of Hermon descending upon the mountains of Zion. It emphasizes the value and sacredness of communal harmony, suggesting that such unity is not only pleasing but also a conduit for God's blessings. Psalm 133 is often read and reflected upon in both Jewish and Christian traditions to underscore the importance of fellowship and unity within the community of believers.1 How very good and pleasant it is
when kindred live together in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down upon the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down over the collar of his robes.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion.
For there the Lord ordained his blessing,
life forevermore.
Expository Commentary
Verse 1: This opening verse sets the theme of the psalm: the goodness and pleasantness of unity among brethren. The phrase "kindred live together in unity" encompasses not just familial relationships but the broader community of faith. It suggests an ideal state of harmony and mutual support.
Verse 2: This verse employs a rich metaphor, comparing the goodness of unity to the sacred anointing oil used in the consecration of Aaron, the High Priest. The oil, which is described as precious, signifies blessing, sanctification, and the presence of God. The imagery of the oil running down Aaron's beard and robes symbolizes the overflowing nature of God's blessings—abundant and covering all aspects of life.
Verse 3: The final verse continues with another metaphor: the unity among the faithful is like the dew of Mount Hermon falling on Mount Zion. Mount Hermon was known for its heavy dews, which are essential for sustaining life in arid climates. This comparison emphasizes the life-giving aspect of unity. The reference to Zion connects this life-giving quality to the spiritual life and the blessings bestowed by God. The phrase "for there the Lord ordained his blessing, life forevermore" underscores the ultimate gift of unity—eternal life and blessing from God.
In summary, Psalm 133 in the NRSVCE celebrates the deep spiritual and communal blessings of unity among believers. Through vivid imagery, it conveys the idea that such harmony is as precious and life-giving as sacred oil and nourishing dew, ultimately leading to the eternal blessing from God. This psalm remains a powerful reminder of the value of unity in the faith community.
Daniel 2:1-23 presents a remarkable narrative situated in the early reign of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This passage opens with Nebuchadnezzar troubled by dreams, leading him to demand an interpretation from his wise men under the threat of death. The wise men, unable to meet this demand, face execution. Daniel, a young Jewish exile known for his wisdom and divine insight, is also under this threat. In response, Daniel seeks divine intervention. He prays fervently to God for mercy concerning this secret, so that he and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Remarkably, the mystery of the king's dream is revealed to Daniel in a vision during the night. Daniel responds with a profound hymn of praise to God, acknowledging God's wisdom and power, His control over the times and epochs, and His ability to reveal deep and mysterious things. This passage sets the stage for Daniel's rise in the Babylonian court and underscores themes of divine wisdom, revelation, and the power of prayer.2 1 In the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed such dreams that his spirit was troubled and his sleep left him. 2 So the king commanded that the magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans be summoned to tell the king his dreams. When they came in and stood before the king, 3 he said to them, “I have had such a dream that my spirit is troubled by the desire to understand it.” 4 The Chaldeans said to the king (in Aramaic), “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will reveal the interpretation.” 5 The king answered the Chaldeans, “This is a public decree: if you do not tell me both the dream and its interpretation, you shall be torn limb from limb, and your houses shall be laid in ruins. 6 But if you do tell me the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. Therefore tell me the dream and its interpretation.” 7 They answered a second time, “Let the king first tell his servants the dream, then we can give its interpretation.” 8 The king answered, “I know with certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see I have firmly decreed: 9 if you do not tell me the dream, there is but one verdict for you. You have agreed to speak lying and misleading words to me until things take a turn. Therefore, tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can give me its interpretation.” 10 The Chaldeans answered the king, “There is no one on earth who can reveal what the king demands! In fact no king, however great and powerful, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean. 11 The thing that the king is asking is too difficult, and no one can reveal it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with mortals.”
12 Because of this the king flew into a violent rage and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed. 13 The decree was issued, and the wise men were about to be executed; and they looked for Daniel and his companions, to execute them. 14 Then Daniel responded with prudence and discretion to Arioch, the king’s chief executioner, who had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon; 15 he asked Arioch, the royal official, “Why is the decree of the king so urgent?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. 16 So Daniel went in and requested that the king give him time and he would tell the king the interpretation.
17 Then Daniel went to his home and informed his companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 18 and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions with the rest of the wise men of Babylon might not perish. 19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night, and Daniel blessed the God of heaven.
20 Daniel said:
“Blessed be the name of God from age to age,
for wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons,
deposes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what is in the darkness,
and light dwells with him.
23 To you, O God of my ancestors,
I give thanks and praise,
for you have given me wisdom and power,
and have now revealed to me what we asked of you,
for you have revealed to us what the king ordered.”
Expository Commentary
Verses 1-3 — Nebuchadnezzar's Disturbing Dream: These verses introduce King Nebuchadnezzar experiencing troubling dreams that rob him of sleep. The narrative sets a tone of urgency and desperation. Nebuchadnezzar's call to his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chaldeans reflects the Babylonian reliance on such figures for understanding supernatural signs.
Verses 4-6 — The King's Impossible Demand: The Chaldeans address the king in Aramaic (from here until the end of chapter 7, the book switches to Aramaic). Nebuchadnezzar demands not only the interpretation of his dream but also its recounting. This unusual request suggests his distrust of the wise men or the profundity of the dream. The king's decree of rewards or harsh punishment underscores the seriousness of the situation.
Verses 7-9 — The Wise Men's Predicament: The wise men, recognizing their inability to meet the king's demands, try to reason with him. Nebuchadnezzar accuses them of stalling, further illustrating his suspicion and agitation. This interaction highlights the limitations of Babylon's wise men in contrast to the divine wisdom Daniel will soon demonstrate.
Verses 10-11 — Limitation of Human Wisdom: The Chaldeans confess their inability to reveal and interpret the dream, stating that no one except the gods could accomplish this task. This confession sets the stage for God's intervention through Daniel, contrasting human limitation with divine capability.
Verses 12-13 — The Decree of Execution: Nebuchadnezzar's anger and the ensuing decree to destroy all the wise men of Babylon show his impulsive and tyrannical nature. Daniel and his friends, although not initially involved, are also sentenced to death, demonstrating the perilous environment of the Babylonian court.
Verses 14-16 — Daniel's Intervention: Daniel responds with prudence and discretion to the captain of the king's guard. His request for time to interpret the dream reveals his faith and confidence in God's ability to reveal mysteries. This marks a turning point in the narrative.
Verses 17-18 — Prayer for Divine Mercy: Daniel seeks the assistance of his companions Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (also known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). Their united prayer for mercy signifies the importance of communal prayer and the acknowledgment of their dependence on God's wisdom.
Verse 19 — God Reveals the Mystery: The mystery of the dream is revealed to Daniel in a vision at night. This divine revelation not only serves to rescue Daniel and his friends but also establishes the theme of God's sovereignty over human affairs and His willingness to reveal secrets to the faithful.
Verses 20-23 — Daniel's Hymn of Praise: Daniel's hymn of praise is a profound acknowledgment of God's wisdom and power. He praises God's sovereignty over time and history, His ability to change times and seasons, to depose kings and raise others up. Daniel's prayer also acknowledges God as the source of wisdom and knowledge and thanks God for revealing the dream's mystery.
In summary, Daniel 2:1-23 highlights themes of divine wisdom, the limitations of human capabilities, and the power of prayer. It sets the stage for Daniel's role as a wise and faithful servant of God in a foreign land, capable of understanding and interpreting the divine will in a way that Babylon's own wise men cannot.
Acts 4:23-31 presents a powerful passage of unity and divine intervention in the early Christian community. After Peter and John are released from custody, they return to their fellow believers and recount their experience with the Sanhedrin. This moment sparks a profound communal prayer, acknowledging God as the creator and sovereign Lord who foretold through David the resistance Jesus would face. In a passionate appeal, they ask for boldness in proclaiming God's word and for God to manifest His power through healing and miraculous signs. The passage culminates in a striking demonstration of God's presence, as the place where they are gathered shakes, and they are filled with the Holy Spirit, emboldening them to speak the word of God with courage. This section of Acts encapsulates the early Christian community's deep faith, their commitment to communal prayer, and their unwavering belief in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower their mission.4 23 After they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, 25 it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant:
‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
and the peoples imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
and the rulers have gathered together
against the Lord and against his Messiah.’
27 For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.
Expository Commentary
Verse 23: After being released, Peter and John return to their own people and report what the chief priests and elders said to them. This verse sets the stage, showing the apostles' immediate instinct to share their experiences with their community, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the early believers.
Verse 24: The community's response to the apostles' report is unified prayer. They address God as "Sovereign Lord," acknowledging His ultimate authority and power over creation. This reflects their deep understanding of God's omnipotence and their trust in His control over all circumstances, including their current trials.
Verse 25-26: They quote Psalm 2, interpreting it as prophetic of the resistance Jesus faced from worldly powers. This shows their view of scripture as a living word that speaks to their current situation. By quoting this Psalm, they align their experiences with the long-anticipated messianic prophecy, seeing Jesus' life and mission as a fulfillment of scripture.
Verse 27-28: Here, the community recognizes that both Gentile and Jewish authorities conspired against Jesus, fulfilling God's preordained plan. This acknowledgment that God's purpose was fulfilled in Jesus' death indicates their belief in God's sovereignty, even in the face of apparent defeat and injustice.
Verse 29-30: The believers pray for boldness in proclaiming the Gospel and for God to act through healings and signs. This is significant as it demonstrates their commitment to mission and dependence on divine power rather than human strength. Their prayer for boldness, rather than for protection from persecution, reflects their priority on witnessing and faithfulness.
Verse 31: The place shakes, and they are filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to speak the word of God boldly. This verse is a powerful testament to God's immediate response to their prayer. The physical shaking symbolizes God's presence and power, while the filling of the Holy Spirit signifies their empowerment for mission. The bold proclamation of God's word is the fruit of this divine encounter.
In summary, Acts 4:23-31 is a passage that highlights the early church's commitment to prayer, reliance on scripture, understanding of Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy, trust in God's sovereignty, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for empowerment in their mission. It serves as an inspiring example of how faith communities can respond to challenges and opposition with unity, scriptural grounding, and prayerful dependence on God.
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 biblical commentaries provided here are intended for educational and spiritual enrichment purposes only. The interpretations and insights offered are based on the authors' understanding and perspective of the Bible, which may be influenced by their theological training, denominational background, and personal beliefs.
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 biblical commentaries provided here are intended for educational and spiritual enrichment purposes only. The interpretations and insights offered are based on the authors' understanding and perspective of the Bible, which may be influenced by their theological training, denominational background, and personal beliefs.
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
