The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Saturday in Easter Week
Unity, Wisdom, and Divine Revelation
Psalm 133; Daniel 2:24-49; John 12:44-50
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 2)
Introduction
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Saturday in Easter Week
Unity, Wisdom, and Divine Revelation
Psalm 133; Daniel 2:24-49; John 12:44-50
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 2)
Introduction
As we venture into the serenity and spiritual profundity of Saturday in Easter Week, our scriptural journey encompasses three distinct yet interconnected passages: Psalm 133, Daniel 2:24-49, and John 12:44-50. Psalm 133 celebrates the blessedness of unity among believers, echoing the joy and harmony experienced in the early Christian community following Christ's resurrection. This theme of communion with one another and with God is further enriched by the narrative in Daniel 2:24-49, where Daniel, endowed with divine wisdom, not only interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dream but also reveals the sovereignty and might of God in governing the affairs of the world. The culmination of this triad is found in John 12:44-50, where Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, offers eternal life through His words and bears witness to the truth, embodying the ultimate revelation of God's love and purpose for humanity. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on the harmony of Christian unity, the wisdom that comes from God, and the transformative power of Christ's teachings, resonating deeply with the Easter message of renewal 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 2:24-49 presents a pivotal moment where the young Hebrew prophet Daniel, now living in the court of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, reveals his God-given ability to interpret dreams. This passage follows Daniel's request to God for mercy concerning the mystery of the king's dream, which had troubled Nebuchadnezzar and baffled his wise men. Upon receiving the revelation from God, Daniel is brought before the king. He not only interprets the dream—a statue with different sections representing various kingdoms—but also explains its profound significance, foretelling the rise and fall of empires and the eventual establishment of God's everlasting kingdom. This chapter showcases Daniel's deep faith, wisdom, and the sovereignty of God in human affairs, setting the stage for Daniel's elevated status within the Babylonian empire and the unfolding of biblical prophecy.2 24 Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will give the king the interpretation.”
25 Then Arioch quickly brought Daniel before the king and said to him: “I have found among the exiles from Judah a man who can tell the king the interpretation.” 26 The king said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to tell me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?” 27 Daniel answered the king, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or diviners can show to the king the mystery that the king is asking, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has disclosed to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen at the end of days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed were these: 29 To you, O king, as you lay in bed, came thoughts of what would be hereafter, and the revealer of mysteries disclosed to you what is to be. 30 But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me because of any wisdom that I have more than any other living being, but in order that the interpretation may be known to the king and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.
31 “You were looking, O king, and lo! there was a great statue. This statue was huge, its brilliance extraordinary; it was standing before you, and its appearance was frightening. 32 The head of that statue was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its middle and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34 As you looked on, a stone was cut out, not by human hands, and it struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and broke them in pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, were all broken in pieces and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
36 “This was the dream; now we will tell the king its interpretation. 37 You, O king, the king of kings—to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the might, and the glory, 38 into whose hand he has given human beings, wherever they live, the wild animals of the field, and the birds of the air, and whom he has established as ruler over them all—you are the head of gold. 39 After you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over the whole earth. 40 And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron; just as iron crushes and smashes everything, it shall crush and shatter all these. 41 As you saw the feet and toes partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but some of the strength of iron shall be in it, as you saw the iron mixed with the clay. 42 As the toes of the feet were part iron and part clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle. 43 As you saw the iron mixed with clay, so will they mix with one another in marriage, but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay. 44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall this kingdom be left to another people. It shall crush all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever; 45 just as you saw that a stone was cut from the mountain not by hands, and that it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. The great God has informed the king what shall be hereafter. The dream is certain, and its interpretation trustworthy.”
46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, worshiped Daniel, and commanded that a grain offering and incense be offered to him. 47 The king said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery!” 48 Then the king promoted Daniel, gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. 49 Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king’s court.
Expository Commentary
Daniel's Intercession (Verses 24-25):
- 24: Daniel approaches Arioch, the king's captain, who had been ordered to execute the wise men of Babylon. Daniel's calmness and confidence contrast the desperation of the wise men. His request to Arioch to bring him before the king demonstrates his trust in God's revelation.
Daniel's Humility and God's Sovereignty (Verses 26-30):
- 25: Arioch quickly brings Daniel to King Nebuchadnezzar, possibly hoping to gain favor by presenting someone who claims to have the answer to the king's troubling dream.
- 26-27: The king asks Daniel, also known as Belteshazzar after his Babylonian name, if he can interpret the dream. This question indicates the king's skepticism, as his own wise men had already failed.
- 28: Daniel attributes the interpretation not to his own wisdom but to God. He introduces the concept of a 'God in heaven' who reveals mysteries, contrasting the Babylonian gods.
The Dream and Its Interpretation (Verses 31-45):
- 29-30: Daniel reassures the king that the dream is about future events, not because of Nebuchadnezzar's wrongdoing. Daniel's humility is evident as he clarifies that the interpretation is due to God's will, not his own intelligence.
- 31-35: Daniel describes the dream of a great statue made of various materials (gold, silver, bronze, iron, and clay), which is then shattered by a rock. This vivid image would have been striking both to the king and to the original readers.
- 36-38: Daniel interprets the head of gold as representing Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, affirming God's sovereignty in giving him power and authority.
- 39-43: The subsequent kingdoms (silver, bronze, iron) symbolize the empires that would follow Babylon. The diminishing value of the materials reflects a decrease in the glory of these empires.
Nebuchadnezzar's Response (Verses 46-49):
- 44-45: The rock that destroys the statue represents God's kingdom. Unlike human kingdoms, it will never be destroyed or replaced, symbolizing the eternal nature of God's dominion.
- 46-47: Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the power of Daniel's God, offering gifts and paying homage. This reaction shows a momentary recognition of God's superiority, even though it doesn’t indicate a true conversion to monotheism.
This section of Daniel underscores themes of God's sovereignty over empires, the revelation of future events, and the faithfulness and humility of God's servants. It sets the stage for the subsequent narratives in the book, where these themes are further developed.
- 48-49: As a reward, Daniel is appointed to a high position and given many gifts. He requests positions for his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, thus ensuring their safety and influence. Daniel remains in the king's court, signifying his continuing role in the Babylonian empire and God's ongoing plan.
The passage of John 12:44-50 marks a significant moment in the Gospel of John, where Jesus offers a final public teaching. In this section, Jesus emphasizes the profound connection between Himself and the Father, stressing that to believe in Him is to believe in the One who sent Him. He speaks with an urgency that underscores the importance of His message, highlighting the eternal implications of accepting or rejecting His words. Jesus clarifies that He has come as a light into the world, offering salvation and deliverance from darkness. This passage serves not only as a culmination of His teachings but also as a pivotal point that transitions towards the events of His passion and resurrection, underscoring the central themes of belief, judgment, and the divine mission of Jesus as the Son of God.12 44 Then Jesus cried aloud: “Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. 47 I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, 49 for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me.”
Expository Commentary
Verse 44: This verse highlights the central theme of Christian belief: faith in Jesus is intrinsically linked to faith in God the Father. Jesus emphasizes that believing in Him is not just acknowledging Him as a separate entity, but recognizing His unity with the Father.
Verse 45: Jesus continues the theme of unity with God, stating that seeing Him is equivalent to seeing the Father. This reflects the concept of Jesus as the visible image of the invisible God, a fundamental Christian belief that Jesus is the exact representation of the Father’s being.
Verse 46: Here, Jesus introduces the metaphor of light and darkness. Light represents truth, righteousness, and life, while darkness symbolizes ignorance, evil, and death. By saying He is the light, Jesus claims to bring truth and life, guiding people out of spiritual darkness.
Verse 47: Jesus clarifies His mission: salvation, not judgment. While He speaks the words of truth and life, He acknowledges human free will and responsibility in responding to His message. His primary purpose is to offer a means of salvation rather than immediate judgment.
Verse 48: Jesus introduces the concept of future judgment. He implies that His words, teachings, and ultimately the acceptance or rejection of Him will be the basis of judgment at the end. This sets a solemn tone, underscoring the eternal significance of how one responds to Jesus.
Verse 49: This verse reaffirms the divine authority behind Jesus' teachings. He is not speaking from personal or human wisdom, but His words are directly from God the Father. This asserts the authenticity and divine origin of His message.
Verse 50: The passage concludes with Jesus affirming that the core of God's commandment is the promise of eternal life. His teachings are not just moral guidelines but pathways to eternal life. Jesus assures that His words are in complete alignment with the Father’s will, emphasizing obedience and submission to God’s command.
In summary, John 12:44-50 encapsulates key Christian doctrines: the unity of Jesus with the Father, Jesus as the light of the world, the free will in responding to His message, the future judgment based on one’s response to Jesus, and the divine origin and authority of Jesus’ teachings leading to eternal life.
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
