The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Friday, May 10, 2024
Majesty and Encounter
Psalm 47; Exodus 24:15-18; Revelation 1:9-18
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 7)
Introduction
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Friday, May 10, 2024
Majesty and Encounter
Psalm 47; Exodus 24:15-18; Revelation 1:9-18
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 7)
Introduction
In the selected scriptures from Psalm 47, Exodus 24:15-18, and Revelation 1:9-18, we witness the awe-inspiring majesty and intimate encounters of God's presence across different eras and testimonies. Psalm 47 celebrates God's sovereignty and His role as the King over all nations, encouraging a jubilant praise filled with clapping and joyful singing. In Exodus, Moses experiences a profound encounter with God on Mount Sinai, where the presence of the Lord is depicted as a consuming fire atop the mountain, signifying a moment of powerful revelation and divine communion. Revelation offers a dramatic vision given to John, who sees the glorified Christ in full majesty, holding the keys of death and Hades, a representation that reassures and empowers the faithful. These passages collectively highlight the themes of divine authority, sacred encounters, and the transformative power of witnessing God's glory, encouraging believers to recognize and respond to the omnipotence and omnipresence of God in worship and in their daily lives.
Psalm 47 is a jubilant hymn of praise and celebration, exhorting all nations to recognize the supremacy and kingship of God. It calls for the people to clap their hands and shout to God with loud songs of joy, as it vividly depicts God as a sovereign ruler who subdues nations and chooses our inheritance for us. This Psalm, often associated with the Ascension of Jesus, is used in both Jewish and Christian liturgies to commemorate God's sovereignty and His rule over the earth. It emphasizes communal worship and the universal acknowledgment of God's rule, making it a powerful call to worship and rejoice in the Lord's divine authority and gracious governance.1 Clap your hands, all you peoples;
shout to God with loud songs of joy.
2 For the LORD, the Most High, is awesome,
a great king over all the earth.
3 He subdued peoples under us,
and nations under our feet.
4 He chose our heritage for us,
the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah
5 God has gone up with a shout,
the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises;
sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the king of all the earth;
sing praises with a psalm.
8 God is king over the nations;
God sits on his holy throne.
9 The princes of the peoples gather
as the people of the God of Abraham.
For the shields of the earth belong to God;
he is highly exalted.
Expository Commentary
Verse 1 — "Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy.":Verse 2 — "For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome, a great king over all the earth.":
- This opening verse acts as a universal call to worship, inviting all people, not just the Israelites, to participate in praising God. The clapping and loud shouts of joy indicate a celebration, akin to welcoming a king or celebrating a victory.
Verse 3 — "He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet.":
- The psalmist explains the reason for this celebration: God's awe-inspiring nature and His sovereignty. Described as "the Most High" and "a great king over all the earth," the verse emphasizes God’s supremacy and authority over the entire world, not just His chosen people.
Verse 4 — "He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves." Selah:
- This verse reflects on God's historical actions on behalf of His people, subduing other nations under Israel. It highlights the divine assistance that Israel received in conquering and claiming their promised land. It is both a recollection of past victories and a recognition of God's ongoing protection and favor.
Verse 5 — "God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.":
- Here, the focus shifts to God's specific provision and selection for Israel—their land and heritage, described as "the pride of Jacob," which is another name for Israel, reflecting God's special affection and covenant with them. "Selah" is likely a musical interlude or pause, giving time to reflect on these profound truths.
Verse 6 — "Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.":
- This verse could symbolically represent God’s ascension after a victorious battle, accompanied by celebratory shouts and trumpet blasts. It is reminiscent of royal or military processions, celebrating triumph. In Christian liturgy, this verse is often associated with Ascension Day, symbolizing Jesus’ ascent to heaven.
Verse 7 — "For God is the king of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!":
- The repetitive call to "sing praises" emphasizes the unending and exuberant worship due to God. The focus on singing specifically to "our King" underscores His personal relationship to His people as their sovereign and protector.
Verse 8 — "God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.":
- This verse reaffirms God's rule over all the earth, not just Israel, and calls for a response that is both joyful and musically rich ("with a psalm"). It's a universal proclamation of God’s kingship and an invitation for all to acknowledge Him through song.
Verse 9 — "The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham; for the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted.":
- The psalmist portrays God as not only Israel’s king but also as the ruler over all nations. The image of God seated on His holy throne symbolizes His stable and authoritative rule, evoking a scene of divine court and governance.
This commentary on Psalm 47 portrays it as a psalm of divine kingship and global dominion, celebrating God's rule and His deeds for His people, while also calling all nations to recognize and rejoice in His sovereignty.
- The final verse captures a scene of unity among different nations under God’s rule, suggesting that leaders from various nations come together under the acknowledgment of God's supreme authority. The reference to "the people of the God of Abraham" connects this rule to the Abrahamic covenant, which is foundational for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. "The shields of the earth" metaphorically represent military power, all of which ultimately belong to God, who is above all earthly powers and "highly exalted."
In Exodus 24:15-18, the narrative reaches a profound climax as Moses ascends Mount Sinai, enveloped by the divine presence. These verses describe a dramatic and sacred moment: the cloud of the Lord covers the mountain for six days, symbolizing God's majestic and mysterious presence. On the seventh day, from within the cloud, God calls to Moses. As Moses enters deeper into the cloud, the summit of Sinai is described as being ablaze with the glory of God, visible to the Israelites below as a consuming fire atop the mountain. This passage not only underscores the holiness and otherness of God but also marks a pivotal moment of communion between God and Moses, setting the stage for the reception of the Ten Commandments.24 15 Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. 16 The glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. 17 Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. 18 Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.
Expository Commentary
Verse 15 — "Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain.":
- Moses' Ascent: Moses ascends Mount Sinai, following God’s invitation from earlier passages. This ascent symbolizes Moses' role as the mediator between God and the Israelites. It also sets a physical distinction between Moses and the rest of the people, highlighting his unique prophetic role.
Verse 16 — "The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud.":
- The Cloud: The cloud frequently represents God's presence throughout the Bible. Here, it covers the mountain, signifying God's overwhelming and enveloping presence. This cloud both conceals and reveals—while it shrouds the specifics of God’s nature, it also visibly manifests God’s glory.
- Glory of the Lord: The term "glory" (Hebrew: "kavod") often refers to the visible manifestation of God's majesty and holiness. This divine glory settling on Sinai underscores the sanctity of the moment and the location.
- Six Days: The mention of six days may remind readers of the creation week, suggesting a new creation or order being established through the law. The seventh day, a day of completion and holiness in the biblical tradition, becomes the moment of direct communication.
Verse 17 — "Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel.":
- Seventh Day: The sequence culminates on the seventh day when God speaks directly to Moses, reinforcing the special status of the Sabbath (seventh day) as sacred and distinct.
- Appearance as Fire: Fire is a complex symbol; it can denote purification, judgment, or theophany (appearance of God). Here, it likely represents God's intense purity and power. The imagery of fire atop Sinai would be awe-inspiring and fearful, reinforcing the transcendence and might of God.
Verse 18 — "Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.":
- In Sight of the People: While Moses experiences a closer encounter, the people witness from afar, maintaining a separation between them and the divine presence. This arrangement emphasizes the sanctity of the divine and the mediated relationship the Israelites have with God through Moses.
- Entering the Cloud: Moses’ entry into the cloud marks his entrance into God's special presence, a privilege granted to no other. This signifies an intimate communion with God.
Overall, Exodus 24:15-18 dramatizes a crucial moment in the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites, with Moses acting as the intermediary. This passage not only highlights the sanctity and awe of God's presence but also sets the stage for the giving of the law, a foundational element for Israelite identity and religious practice.
- Forty Days and Nights: The period of forty days and nights is significant in biblical literature, often associated with trials, purification, and transformation (e.g., the flood in Genesis, Jesus' temptation). For Moses, this period likely involves receiving detailed laws and instructions, which he will later convey to the people.
In Revelation 1:9-18, the Apostle John introduces a profound vision that he receives while in exile on the island of Patmos. This passage is both a vivid and symbolic account, where John describes his encounter with the risen Christ in a dramatic and awe-inspiring revelation. As he shares his experience of seeing Jesus in a glorified form—clothed in a long robe with a golden sash, his hair white as snow, and his eyes like blazing fire—John conveys both the majesty and the authority of Christ. This vision serves as the opening of the broader apocalyptic narrative, where Christ communicates messages to the seven churches of Asia, emphasizing his eternal presence and divine nature, encapsulated by his declaration, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the living one." This introduction sets the tone for the themes of divine judgment, sovereignty, and salvation that permeate the Book of Revelation.1 9 I, John, your brother who share with you in Jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
12 Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands I saw one like the Son of Man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash across his chest. 14 His head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; his eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined as in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and from his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining with full force.
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he placed his right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
Expository Commentary
Verse 9 — John's Circumstance:Verse 10 — The Divine Encounter:
- John introduces himself as a fellow believer, emphasizing his connection with his audience through shared faith, persecution, and patient endurance. He is on the island of Patmos, not as a criminal, but because of his unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel and his testimony about Jesus. This setting underlines the themes of suffering and faithfulness in the Christian journey.
Verse 11 — The Command to Write:
- John's experience happens on the "Lord's day" (traditionally Sunday), emphasizing a time devoted to worship and reflection. The phrase "in the spirit" suggests a trance or a vision, indicating that what follows transcends normal human experience. The "loud voice like a trumpet" signals something significant and commanding, often used in scripture to denote the presence of God or a divine announcement.
Verses 12-16 — The Vision of Christ:
- The voice instructs John to record his visions and send them to the seven churches of Asia Minor. Each of these cities was a significant center for early Christianity, and they represent the wider Christian community. This directive establishes the purpose of Revelation as a communication from Christ to his churches, providing both correction and encouragement.
Verse 17-18 — The Comfort and Proclamation:
- John describes a majestic and awe-inspiring vision of Christ, reminiscent of Old Testament theophanies and Daniel's visions. The "seven golden lampstands" symbolize the seven churches, indicating Christ's presence among them. The description of Jesus—his robe, golden sash, white hair, fiery eyes, bronze feet, and a voice like many waters—emphasizes his purity, judgment, strength, authority, and divine nature. The "seven stars" represent the angels of the seven churches, and the "sharp, two-edged sword" from his mouth symbolizes the penetrating power of his word.
This passage, rich in imagery and significance, sets the stage for the messages that will be delivered to the seven churches, anchoring them in the powerful, sovereign, and living presence of Jesus Christ.
- John's reaction is one of overwhelming awe and fear, typical of human responses to divine appearances in the Bible. Jesus' comforting touch and words "Do not be afraid" echo throughout scripture, bringing assurance of his protection and presence. His declaration as "the first and the last" confirms his eternal divinity and sovereignty. The statement about holding "the keys of Death and of Hades" signifies his ultimate authority over life and death, a crucial element for the message of hope and victory in Revelation.
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
