Exodus – Old Testament Survey

1 Kings 3

These verses display the wisdom of Solomon. What should catch your attention is that the lowest of the low had access to Solomon. How do you display the insight God through His indwelling Spirit and His Word give to you?

1 Kings 3

Verses 1-4

Although this chapter is normally presented as Solomon’s wisdom, yet it begins with the beginning of Solomon’s troubles. Verse one tells us that Solomon married an Egyptian woman for the sake of a political alliance. Although this confirms his ranking as a world-leader, it still violated two commands given by God. The first was not to marry people who worshiped other gods and the second was not to make political alliances with other nations but to trust in God. Verses 2-3 are no better. The nation is worshiping God on the forbidden places, which are the high places, and Solomon is joining them. Although the following passages deal with the people of Canaan and not Egypt, the principles still apply. So, read Exodus 34.12-16, Deuteronomy 7.1-6, and 17.16-17 to gain insight into what Solomon was doing. Some state that Solomon broke no law of God because his wife was not Canaanite and there was no other place to worship God so the people were creative in their places (Spence-Jones, 2004). With this reasoning almost anything can receive justification. What we do notice from these three verses is Solomon’s love for God is not balanced with his knowledge of God at this point. He worshiped and did what he thought was best, not what Scriptures instructed. He needed to take every thought and deed captive (2 Corinthians 10.4-6). Verse three even indicates the writer of 1 Kings knew this was wrong. After mentioning Solomon’s love for God, he places an “except” before the next clause. We notice in 1 Kings 11.1-13 the result of doing such things. Although the ark and the tabernacle were in Jerusalem, a place of true worship was established in Gibeon, the nation along with Solomon worship where and how they pleased. God only spoke to Solomon when he went before the Lord in the correct manner.

Verses 5-15

Solomon was not as young as verse seven appears to make him. Rabbis have him at twelve or fourteen. However, we find that his son Rehoboam takes the throne when he is forty-one after Solomon had reigned for forty years (1 Kings 11.42 and 14.21). Rehoboam would have been a year old when Solomon began his reign, either as co-regent with David or as regent by himself. Either way, Solomon would be twenty or so at this point. His statement implies humility and lack of experience more than age.

Solomon’s request for God is wisdom in dealing with national matters. God was pleased with this request and granted him the request along with riches and long-life (as long as he obeyed God). The parameter of the answer is interesting. Solomon would be the wisest person to ever live but would only be the wealthiest of his time. Solomon then returns to Jerusalem to worship God.

Today we have opportunity to boldly approach God (Hebrews 4.14-16) knowing we have our requests answered when they are in alignment with His Word and will (1 John 5.13-15). We also have Christ, who is the essence of wisdom and knowledge, indwelling us (Colossians 2.3). So, what are we doing with this great privilege?

Verses 16-28

Psalm 114

When God is present, the world will know He is there. Does the world take notice when we are there? Do they see Him in us?

Psalm 114 (Cf. Exodus 14.1-31 with Joshua 3.17 and Exodus 17.6 with Numbers 20.1-13)

The second of the Hallel Psalms.

All nature trembles at the presence of its Creator. Shouldn’t we? If man were to stop praising God, the rocks would shout forth His praise (Luke 19.40). Why are we silent?

When God is present, the world will know He is there. Does the world take notice when we are there? Do they see Him in us?

Psalm 97

Can you state you hate (or reject) evil? What about your gods, which are not gods at all? Do you accept them? They are evil. The way for you to full know you have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and have been placed into the kingdom of the Son He loves is how you live your life (Acts 26.18-19 and Colossians 1.13-14). Your works do not save you, but the display to yourself and others that you have been saved. And, part of this is to reject or hate evil.

Psalm 97

This psalm opens with the truth that the God of Promise, the covenant God, rules mightily. With this truth, all else is trivial. With this truth, there will be much joy. Because He reigns, not will reign but does reign, we have reason to rejoice. He is in control of all and He is good and just.

This psalm should remind the reader of the happenings at Mt. Sinai and the giving of the Law (Exodus 19). It is also a stark reminder of the days to come when God will indeed judge the earth in righteousness and truth.

Whereas Psalm 95 calls God’s people to sing and Psalm 96 calls all the earth to sing, Psalm 97 calls both the world and God’s people to rejoice. While the Septuagint ascribes this psalm to David, there is nothing else that supports or denies this. For the sake of our study, we will agree with the Septuagint.

Verses 1-6-This imagery is of God’s presence coming. With it comes blessing and judgement. Blessing for those who can rejoice in Him and judgement for all others.
Verses 7-12-We are called to hate evil if we love the Lord. We can read the verse this way: “The Lord loves those who reject evil and choose holiness.”

Media

Child of the King by Bezalel
The Lord Reigns by Maranatha! Singers

Psalm 95

What gods have you allowed to interfere with your worship of the great and mighty God who saved us? Does your schedule, your family, your job, your church, your health, your ___________, battle for the place God rightly deserves?

Psalm 95

Hebrews 4.7 attributes this psalm to David. Psalm 95 is used to introduce the Sabbath in Jewish Synagogues and as a daily prayer in Western churches. The psalm divides in two parts, which are verses 1-7 and 8-11. The first is a call to worship and the second is a call to obedience as is fitting for a true worshiper. This psalm reminds us that going to church is not enough, we must be obedient to the One we proclaim to worship. In other words, people can manipulate others to believe they worship in church but obedience cannot be faked over the long haul.

Verses 1-7-Corporate worship involves all we are and should include joyful voices and humility before others and before God. This corporate worship involves both celebration (1-5) and contemplation (6-7). Looking at these two aspects of corporate and personal worship, David is calling us to acknowledge that God is the Great Omnipotent One and then calls us to recognize that He is also a personal God with whom we must deal on a personal basis. In verses 3-5, David calls God by three distinct names. He uses El (Great Omnipotent God), Jehovah (YWHW-the covenant God of Israel), and Elohim (the Creator God). The God we worship is Great.

The three “comes” of verses 1-3 are different Hebrew words. Verse one “come” is an invitation. Verse two “come” states “let us approach God’s presence.” And the “come” in verse three is “enter.”

Verses 8-11-The opposite of proper corporate worship would be proud grumblers (Meribah [Exodus 17.1-7] is a reference to grumbling and stubbornness and literally means “rebellion”).

The writer of Hebrews describes this event and a robber of rest (Hebrews 3.7-15). When the biblical description of rest is studied, it is a sense of worship. Grumbling, complaining, stubbornness, and doubt are a few disruptions of rest. Corporate worship involves obedience to God’s Word. Obedience is to be done by individuals and by those He calls to salvation. This is what Paul meant when he told us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. It is plural. This involves the Body of Christ, not merely the individual (Philippians 2.12-13).

Media

Come Worship the Lord by John Michael Talbot

Psalm 64

When you pray to God, do you praise Him even before the answer? Even if the answer might be no?

Psalm 64-A title, if I were to title these, “Two Archers, One Winner”

This, again, was written during the time of Absalom’s rebellions (2 Samuel 15-18). When reading these verses it is easy to see that words can hurt us greatly. “Sticks and stones my break my bones but words will never hurt me,” is a lie. “Sticks and stones my break my bones but words will surely kill me,” is more accurate. Slander and misuse of words is so severe a sin in the eyes of God, it made the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20.16). James spends most of chapter three of his book discussing the problems of the tongue and its power (James 3.1-12).

There is a plot afoot to dethrone David by the words of his son Absalom (see our study of 2 Samuel 15). What Absalom, and those in later chapters such as Shimei and Ahithophel (see our study of 2 Samuel 16), slandering David, he felt his character was being blasted. Rather than railing against them, David does what we all should do and that is to pray to the only One who can do something about it. God.

Verses 1-2-David prays for protection from evil speakers.
Verses 3-6-David describes the evil actions of those who seek to destroy him. Verse five reflects the willful ignorance of people who are sinning for God sees and watches every move (see our study of Psalm 2).
Verses 7-9-David describes their defeat by the hand of God. Two of the greatest words in Scripture are found in verse seven: “But God . . .” Trace these two words together and find the presence of God intervening in the life of man. If there is enough interest, we can begin a study on these two words.
Verse 10-David, even before it occurs, expects people to praise God. The wicked try to hide their plots, but the righteous proclaims them before all.

When you pray to God, do you praise Him even before the answer? Even if the answer might be no?

2 Samuel 12

Do you notice that when you become angry at a sin in another, there are times your anger is directed toward you because you know that you are committing the same sin?

2 Samuel 12 (1 Chronicles 20.1-3 see our study of 1 Chronicles 20)

Our studies of Psalm 32 and Psalm 51 will be forthcoming. David spent at least six months in misery due to his sin. Bathsheba gets pregnant in 2 Samuel 11 (see our study), the two discover she is pregnant, David has Uriah murdered, they wait a few months for mourning, they marry, the baby may not have yet been born. Then comes Nathan to confront David for his sin. Whatever the amount of time, Psalm 32 and Psalm 51 describe the anguish David was going through during this period of his life.

After Nathan’s parable, wherein David becomes indignant, God brings the discipline upon His child (Hebrews 12.4-11). The consequences of David’s sins were mentioned briefly in our study of 2 Samuel 11. Here, God lays them out through Nathan to David. They are:

10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, for you have despised me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.
11 Thus says the LORD: I will raise up trouble against you from within your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes, and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this very sun.
14 Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child that is born to you shall die.

Notice for each consequence there is a reason given. As parents, we need to take this seriously. The consequence matches the discipline given.

If the rest of David’s life was outlined according to his children, four of David’s male children die. This baby (2 Samuel 12), Ammon (2 Samuel 13), Absalom (2 Samuel 18), and Adonijah (1 Kings 2) all die in relation to the consequences of David’s sin. Some have seen this as fulfilling Exodus 22.1 in lieu of the death penalty for David and Bathsheba (Leviticus 20.10).

Do you notice that when you become angry at a sin in another, there are times your anger is directed toward you because you know that you are committing the same sin?

The mourning of David in this chapter (15-23) gives us insight into his belief of the afterlife and of God’s mercy and grace. David mourned by fasting and praying while the child was alive. When he found the child to have died, he finally ate. He knew that the child might be spared by God. After the baby died, he knew God would not raise him from the dead. David knew that he would be with the baby after David dies. This causes us to ponder the eternal state of babies who have died [email me if you desire further study on this topic].

After the child born to David and Bathsheba dies, she has another child (24-25). They called him Solomon. Interestingly, Nathan called him Jedidiah, which means “loved by the Lord.”

The chapter ends where 2 Samuel 11 should have begun, David went to war as the kings are supposed to do. This passage is found in 1 Chronicles 20.1-3.

Psalm 15

Who is it that dwells in God’s presence? This is the question that is presented and answered in this short psalm. David’s answer is the man who walks blamelessly, righteously, and in purity. None of us attain to that standard. Only One fulfilled this in His life and that One is Christ. These qualities become part of who we are after we come into union with Him through salvation (Hebrews 4.16). He presents us blameless and without fault in His presence by His righteousness alone (Jude 24-25). We do not come to Him that way, after He saves us, He makes us that way. That is the Good News of the Gospel!

Psalm 15 (cf. Psalm 24 [see our study], Micah 6.8, and Isaiah 33.14-16)

Verse one provides the context for this chapter, which is service in God’s tabernacle or holy hill. Some have interpreted this chapter as asking the question “who is able to work in God’s service,” rather than who can exist in God’s presence. Both can be given from Psalm 15 and Psalm 24.

The terms for service are found in verse two and expanded in the remaining verses. That person is the one who is blameless, righteous, and pure. The evidence is found in how he treats his brother (3-5). Does he speak well of his neighbor, does he grieve over sin, does he walk in integrity, and does he give financially to help others? These are the ones who are to work in God’s service (1 Timothy 3). If this verses are read correctly, we can see the Greatest Commandment as Jesus presented it in Matthew 22.35-40.

Who is it that dwells in God’s presence? This is the question that is presented and answered in this short psalm. David’s answer is the man who walks blamelessly, righteously, and in purity. None of us attain to that standard. Only One fulfilled this in His life and that One is Christ. These qualities become part of whom we are after we come into union with Him through salvation (Hebrews 4.16). He presents us blamelessly and without a fault in His presence by His righteousness alone (Jude 24-25). We do not come to Him that way, after He saves us, He makes us that way. That is the Good News of the Gospel!

This psalm demands that we examine our life in light of God’s requirements. If you are a Christian, He has saved you and you are in a right relationship with Him. What follows each day is our fellowship with Him. When we are in right fellowship, living out His Word, we have true worship (Hebrews 10.19-25).

A brief note on money. This will become a major post as time passes. Verse five instructs the man of God not to lend money at an interest. The Torah allowed interest to be charged to an outsider, a Gentile, but not to an Israelite (Deuteronomy 23.19-20). However, this law can be interpreted as not lending to those who are unable to pay at an interest (Exodus 22.25 and Leviticus 25.35-37). Loans were meant to help another person get out of financial bondage, not place him deeper into it. Again, more on this later.

The Word in Life Study Bible presents this psalm as a list of ten things a person of integrity shows with application.

The person of integrity. . .	How about you?
1 Walks uprightly.	What is your basic ethical commitment? Are you out to honor the Lord or to serve yourself?
2 Works righteousness.	What is the end result of your work? Are you promoting good in the world—or evil?
3 Speaks the truth.	Are you in the habit of telling “little white lies” when it is necessary or convenient?
4 Does not backbite.	Do you tear down others behind their back?
5 Does no evil to a neighbor.	What is your policy on office politics? Do you believe in “doing unto others before they do unto you”?
6 Does not take up a reproach against a friend.	How loyal are you? When everyone is down on a colleague, do you jump on the bandwagon, or do you offer support and seek fair play?
7 Honors those who fear the Lord, not the ungodly.	What is the character of your best friends? What is their attitude toward God and the things of the Lord?
8 Keeps his word, even when it is costly.	Are you trustworthy and reliable? Is your word your bond, or is there always a question whether you will follow through?
9 Does not practice usury.	Do you make it harder or easier for poor people to gain the resources necessary to support themselves?
10 Does not take bribes.	What would it take to get you to compromise your integrity?

2 Samuel 5.11-25

As long as we are in submission to God’s commands and following His Word, will, and way, we are promised victory (1 John 4.4 and 1 John 5.4). Are you living in obedience or living in syncretism?

2 Samuel 5.11-25 (cf. 1 Chronicles 14-see our study)

The remainder of chapter 5 (see our study of 2 Samuel 5.1-10), establishes David as an international king, not merely a tribal king (12). The description of his home, built with wood rather than stone, presents a palatial estate (2 Samuel 7.2).

David is seen as an international sovereign. In being this he takes on the customs of those around him (syncretism). He adds more wives and concubines. God forbade this in Deuteronomy 17.17 but David allowed this probably because it was accepted cultural protocol for a king in making a peace treaty to take wives from the other’s family. This is the definition of syncretism, taking on what culture mandates as part of your life without regard to what God’s Word has to say. They, and we, always want to be like the others around us (1 Samuel 8.5 [see study] and Ezekiel 20.32).

David establishes a treaty with Hiram of Tyre [more research]. He will later supply David with the material to build the Temple (1 Kings 5.1-18).

As long as David was king over Judah only, the Philistines apparently were not concerned. When he was established as king over all Israel, they began attacking. The remainder of this chapter highlights the exploits of David’s men as seen in our study of 1 Chronicles 11 and will be seen when we return to 1 Chronicles 14.

The highlight is that David discussed his plans with God (19, 20). He did what God commanded and was victorious because of it. Some have suggested the marching on the tops of the trees are the angels marching to battle. Interesting thought that requires more research. Also, in this verse (24), it states that the Lord will go before them. This is not a foreign concept for the Lord is a warrior (Exodus 15.3) and He goes before His people to fight for them (Exodus 14.14; Deuteronomy 1.30; Joshua 5.13-15–see our study).

As long as we are in submission to God’s commands and following His Word, will, and way, we are promised victory (1 John 4.4 and 1 John 5.4). Are you living in obedience or living in syncretism?

Psalm 106

In each case of the remembering, Moses or another leader pleads on behalf of the people for God to forgive them. They stand in the gap for those who have rebelled (Ezekiel 22.30). We are called to do the same thing (Galatians 6.1-3 and Matthew 18.15-17).

Psalm 106

This is considered the first of the Hallelujah Psalms because it begins and ends with hallelujah (הלליה), which is “Praise the Lord.”

The key to this passage and the other historical psalms is to remember. In Psalm 105, remember because of the great things God has done; in Psalm 106, it is remembering that bad things we have done and turn from them. This psalm is a rehearsal of those things Israel did in rebellion to the good things God had done for them. Before we start pointing the finger, we need to remember that we do the same today. Think of God’s grace and forgiveness; then, ponder the things that we have done that abuse that grace and forgiveness. Paul summed it up in Romans 6 with an emphasis on our not sinning because of God’s grace.

Verses 1-3-The psalmist begins with praise and will end with praise as-well. He is calling us to observe what we have done and to pursue justice instead.

Verses 4-5-These verses are likened to Luke 23.42 where the repentant thief asks Jesus to remember him when He enters His kingdom.

Now we arrive at the reason for the repentance and petition.

Remember

Verse 6-He wants us to remember that we are as capable of committing these sins as those who actually committed them.
Verses 7-12-Red Sea Rebellion (Exodus 14)
Verses 13-15-Complaints in the Desert (Numbers 11)-They forgot; they did not remember.
Verses 16-18-Dathan and Abiram, the Rebels (Numbers 16)
Verses 19-23-The Golden Calf (Exodus 32)
Verses 24-27-The Evil Report of the Spies (Numbers 13-14)
Verses 28-31-Sin with People of Moab (Numbers 25)
Verses 32-33-Trouble at Meribah (Numbers 20.1-13)
Verses 34-39-In Canaan—Nothing Ever Changes (see the studies on the book of Joshua)
Verses 40-46-The Times of the Judges (see the studies on the book of Judges)

Verse 47-This is a call to national repentance and a call to give God the glory due His name.

Verse 48-This doxology is what began the psalm. Whatever our lot in life, we need to remember to praise the Lord.

Psalm 77

Will God leave me?
Will God never grant His goodness to men?
Will God cease to show His mercy?
Will God fail to keep His promises?
Will God forsake grace?
Will God, in anger, refuse to bless His chosen?

Psalm 77

This is another psalm of Asaph with a secondary ascription provided, it is according to Jeduthun (Psalm 39, 62, and 89). It can be divided into four parts: sighing (1–3), sinking (4–9), singing (10–15), and soaring (16–20).

Verses 1-3-Asaph is in distress. He is crying out to God with outstretched hand seeing direction and help.

Selah-In your troubles, where do you go? To whom do you turn?

Verses 4-9-God will use sleepless nights to draw us closer to Him, to have us contemplate our purpose and worldview, even to have us struggle with sin both known and unknown. During these times we scream out to God and wonder if He has forgotten His promises to us (2 Peter 3.8-9). When we are in these circumstances we need to remember what He has done or else we will begin to think He is who He is not. Remember, one felt need not met will distort our view of all other needs being met. When we ponder Him, we bring our understanding of Him back to what the Scripture states about Him. In this chapter, He is holy and great (13).

Asaph provides six questions whose answers are ridiculous when the nature of God is known. However, these questions are always on the minds of those who do not know the God presented in the Bible.

Will God leave me?
Will God never grant His goodness to men?
Will God cease to show His mercy?
Will God fail to keep His promises?
Will God forsake grace?
Will God, in anger, refuse to bless His chosen?

Selah-Ponder those times when God creates restlessness for you. When you are awakened at night, do you fight it off and go back to bed or do you wrestle with what God is doing?

Verses 10-15-Asaph remembers to recall the goodness of God in a situation such as these. When we are struggling, it is good to recall what God has done in prior years. In this Psalm, it is what God did during the Exodus (a thousand years prior).

It is in verse ten that Asaph answers the questions from verses 7-9. He realizes that God does not change! It was Asaph’s false perspective of the circumstances that brought this line of questioning. All the answers to these questions and the questions themselves are found to be absurd in light of the truth of whom God is. This is Isaiah’s argument too (Isaiah 55.7-9).

Selah-Asaph made a conscious choice to remember. Journaling is a conscious choice to do something to recall. It is a wonderful method of being able to recall what God has done in your life. Knowing what He has done through your ancestors is also a means of remembering God’s continual faithfulness to you. Why not pick up this habit today?

Verses 16-20-The recalling of Exodus 14 is poetic. God’s work is unseen for a moment then it rushes through and we see He was there all the time. When these verses are read in connection with the previous verses, we gather the idea that God’s ways are not thwarted by man’s interventions. God is God.

My testimony from the late 1980s into the early 1990s is reflected in these verses. In days to come, I may add this to these posts.