The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Monday, May 6, 2024
Unshakable Faith in Divine Sovereignty
Psalm 93; Deuteronomy 7:1-11; 1 Timothy 6:11-12
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 6)
Introduction
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Monday, May 6, 2024
Unshakable Faith in Divine Sovereignty
Psalm 93; Deuteronomy 7:1-11; 1 Timothy 6:11-12
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 6)
Introduction
In the tapestry of biblical texts, Psalm 93, Deuteronomy 7:1-11, and 1 Timothy 6:11-12 intertwine to affirm the unshakable sovereignty of God and the corresponding call for steadfast faith among believers. Psalm 93 celebrates the Lord's majesty and enduring rule over all creation, symbolized by His throne established from time immemorial, unmovable and eternal. Deuteronomy 7:1-11 emphasizes the faithfulness and chosen status of the Israelites, encouraging them to trust in God's promises and commandments as they face formidable nations. Meanwhile, 1 Timothy 6:11-12 exhorts followers of Christ to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, and love with the endurance of a fighter, holding on to the eternal life to which they were called. Together, these passages inspire believers to recognize God's supreme power and respond with a commitment to live out their faith courageously and persistently.
Psalm 93 stands as a majestic proclamation of God's sovereignty and eternal kingship. The psalm opens with a vivid description of the Lord's regal authority, symbolically arrayed in majesty and armed with strength. It asserts the unshakeable nature of the world, established firmly by the divine hand. As it unfolds, the psalm contrasts the might of God with the chaos often depicted by tumultuous seas, emphasizing that God's decrees are not only powerful but also eternal and trustworthy. Through its poetic lines, Psalm 93 invites believers to reflect on the enduring stability and righteousness of God's rule over the cosmos.1 The LORD is king, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed, he is girded with strength.
He has established the world; it shall never be moved;
2 your throne is established from of old;
you are from everlasting.
3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their roaring.
4 More majestic than the thunders of mighty waters,
more majestic than the waves of the sea,
majestic on high is the LORD!
5 Your decrees are very sure;
holiness befits your house,
O LORD, forevermore.
Expository Commentary
Verse 1: This verse announces the Lord's kingship, using the imagery of a monarch robed in majesty and strength, signifying divine authority and power. The reference to the world being established firmly reinforces the idea of God's creation as stable and enduring under His sovereign rule. This imagery sets a foundation for understanding God as an eternal ruler whose decrees are absolute and unchanging.
Verse 2: The psalmist emphasizes the eternity of God's reign by stating that His throne was established long ago and He exists from everlasting. This underscores the timeless nature of God, existing beyond the temporal confines of human understanding, and asserts His authority and sovereignty as being older than time itself.
Verse 3: In this verse, the "floods" likely symbolize chaos and disorder, perhaps recalling ancient Near Eastern myths where deities battle chaotic sea monsters to create order. The repetitive lifting up of the floods' voice illustrates the idea of chaos trying to assert itself against divine order.
Verse 4: Here, the psalmist contrasts the chaos represented by mighty waters and roaring seas with the majesty of the Lord, asserting that God's majesty surpasses even the greatest natural forces. This verse highlights God’s superiority over all elements and forces that appear powerful and uncontrollable to humans.
Verse 5: The final verse reassures that God's decrees, or laws, are secure, reliable, and trustworthy. The holiness that befits God’s house suggests a setting apart or sanctification of where God dwells, indicating that this divine order and majesty extend beyond just the physical realm to the moral and spiritual realms as well. The phrase "forevermore" reiterates the eternal aspect of God's nature and His rule.
Through these verses, Psalm 93 communicates a powerful message of God’s unassailable rule and the divine order over the cosmos, offering reassurance of God's stability and righteousness in a world that can often seem chaotic and unpredictable.
Deuteronomy 7:1-11 presents a solemn and commanding portion of scripture where Moses addresses the Israelites, preparing them for their entry into the Promised Land. In this passage, Moses instructs them on how to deal with the nations they will encounter, emphasizing the necessity of destroying them completely to avoid being led into idolatry. He reminds the Israelites of their unique status as a people chosen by God not because of their greatness, but because of God’s love and the promises made to their ancestors. The passage underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commandments, attributing their observance to the maintenance of God’s covenant and favor towards the Israelite people. This text highlights themes of divine election, covenant fidelity, and the severe consequences of idolatry within the theological framework of the Deuteronomic history.7 1 When the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are about to enter and occupy, and he clears away many nations before you—the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations mightier and more numerous than you— 2 and when the Lord your God gives them over to you and you defeat them, then you must utterly destroy them. Make no covenant with them and show them no mercy. 3 Do not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, 4 for that would turn away your children from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly. 5 But this is how you must deal with them: break down their altars, smash their pillars, hew down their sacred poles, and burn their idols with fire. 6 For you are a people holy to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on earth to be his people, his treasured possession.
7 It was not because you were more numerous than any other people that the Lord set his heart on you and chose you—for you were the fewest of all peoples. 8 It was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath that he swore to your ancestors, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who maintains covenant loyalty with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, 10 and who repays in their own person those who reject him. He does not delay but repays in their own person those who reject him. 11 Therefore, observe diligently the commandment—the statutes and the ordinances—that I am commanding you today.
Expository Commentary
Verses 1-2 — Command to Destroy the Nations: These verses set the stage for the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land. God commands the Israelites to completely destroy the seven nations residing in Canaan. This extreme mandate reflects a theological stance meant to safeguard the purity of Israel's worship and obedience to Yahweh. The command to offer no terms of peace and to show no mercy underscores the seriousness with which Israel must avoid the influence and practices of these groups, especially idolatry.
Verses 3-4 — Prohibition Against Intermarriage: Moses warns against intermarriage between the Israelites and the inhabitants of the land. The concern here is primarily religious rather than racial; intermarriage could lead the Israelites to turn away from God and serve other gods. The dire consequence of apostasy is the kindling of God's anger, leading to destruction. This passage emphasizes the need for a religiously homogeneous community to maintain covenant fidelity.
Verse 5 — The Alternative to Assimilation: Instead of forming binding ties with the inhabitants through marriage, the Israelites are instructed to destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, cut down their sacred poles, and burn their idols. This verse lays out a physical and symbolic act of rejecting the religious practices of the Canaanites, further emphasizing Israel’s commitment to worship only Yahweh.
Verses 6-8 — Chosen for a Covenant Relationship: These verses highlight Israel's special status as a "people holy to the Lord," chosen not for their numbers or might but because of God’s love and faithfulness to the promises made to their ancestors. This chosen status is intended to remind the Israelites of their unique relationship with God, characterized by His loyalty and love, thus reinforcing their obligation to comply with His commandments.
Verses 9-10 — The Faithful God and the Retributive Principle: Moses reminds the Israelites of the nature of God—who is faithful and keeps His covenant and steadfast love to those who love Him and keep His commandments, but who will also repay those who hate Him. This retributive aspect of God’s character serves as both an assurance and a warning: it ensures divine support for those who are obedient while promising retribution for the disobedient.
Verse 11 — A Call to Obedience: The passage concludes with a strong exhortation to keep God’s commandments, statutes, and ordinances. This is not just a call to obedience but a binding contractual agreement that holds immense blessings and promises for the people of Israel.
In essence, Deuteronomy 7:1-11 serves multiple functions: it is a directive for conquest and separation, a reminder of Israel's chosen status and the nature of their covenant with God, and a stark warning of the dangers of idolatry and disobedience. This passage is pivotal in setting the tone for Israel's life in the land God is giving them and is reflective of Deuteronomy's larger themes of covenant, law, and leadership.
In 1 Timothy 6:11-12, the apostle Paul exhorts Timothy, his faithful disciple and young leader in the early Christian church, to pursue a life marked by righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. These verses serve as a pivotal call to spiritual and moral excellence, contrasting the earlier warnings about those who are corrupted by false teachings and material greed. Paul charges Timothy to "fight the good fight of the faith," urging him to hold tightly to eternal life to which he was called and for which he made his confession in the presence of many witnesses. This passage is a powerful reminder for all believers to steadfastly maintain their commitment to their faith and to live out their convictions with integrity and perseverance.6 11 But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Expository Commentary
1 Timothy 6:11 "But as for you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness."
- "But as for you, man of God": This phrase sets Timothy apart from others previously discussed in the letter, specifically those who have strayed after false teachings and materialistic pursuits. Being called a "man of God" places Timothy in a line of faithful servants like Moses and David, and it underscores his duty and calling.
- "flee from all this": "All this" refers to the evils and temptations discussed in the earlier verses, particularly the love of money and the resulting troubles. Fleeing is an active, urgent move away from something harmful.
- "and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness": Pursuit here is as vigorous as the fleeing. Paul lists virtues that should characterize Timothy and, by extension, all believers. Each term is packed with meaning:
- Righteousness involves living in a way that is just and right according to God's standards.
- Godliness refers to a reverence toward God that influences one's actions.
- Faith is trust and reliance on God.
- Love is the selfless, sacrificial care for others, modeled by Jesus.
- Endurance suggests a steadfastness in the face of trials.
1 Timothy 6:12 "Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
- Gentleness indicates a spirit of meekness and calmness, even when provoked.
- "Fight the good fight of the faith": This metaphor uses the imagery of an athlete or soldier striving to win a contest or battle. It emphasizes the active, continuous struggle in maintaining one's faith and living out Christian commitments.
- "take hold of the eternal life": Eternal life here is not just a future hope but a present reality to be grasped and lived out. It involves fully embracing the life that begins now with faith in Christ and extends into eternity.
In sum, these verses from 1 Timothy exhort believers to actively turn away from evil and vigorously pursue a life that reflects the character of God. They encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith, recognizing both the challenges and the high calling of their confession before many witnesses. This dual focus on personal holiness and public confession underlines the holistic approach to Christian living that Paul consistently teaches.
- "to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses": Timothy's faith isn’t a private or new matter. His calling was public, marked by a confession of faith, likely at his baptism or ordination. This acknowledges the community aspect of faith and the accountability it brings.
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
