Commuter Bible OT

Today, Moses preaches against the very sins that end up bringing a curse upon Israel. As Moses continues his prelude to a recounting of the Law to Israel’s next generation, he warns them against both idolatry and self-righteousness, which in both cases is a means of robbing God of the glory that is due Him and Him alone. He urges them to remember that the land they are entering has been given to them, not because of their righteousness, but because of the wickedness of the nations they are entering. When they become satisfied with the good of the land, they are not forget to worship God, love Him, and keep his commands. Deuteronomy 8 - 1:01 . Deuteronomy 9 - 4:42 . Deuteronomy 10 - 12:34 . Psalm 62 - 17:01 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

You can hear a sense of desperation and heartfelt pleading as we read the words of Moses today, as he continues to urge a new generation to trust the Lord and obey His statutes so that they might flourish. When they are given to fear, when they are tempted to worship other gods, when they get comfortable in the land they are being given, in all these things, they are told to remember what the Lord has done. Moses recounts the Ten Commandments in today’s passage and if you’re acquainted with the New Testament, there are sure to be some passages you’ll recognize from today’s reading as they are quoted later by Jesus and the apostles.Deuteronomy 5 - 4:21 . Deuteronomy 6 - 10:27 . Deuteronomy 7 - 14:26 . Psalm 61 - 20:57 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

We began the book of Deuteronomy in our last episode and we’ll pick up where we left off today. Deuteronomy loosely translated means “second law,” because it’s in this book that Moses reviews the Law and the promises of God for a new generation before he, himself, passes away. The former generation has all died because of their iniquity, just as the Lord had sworn, which means that the next generation needs a recap of what has happened so far. In his final words to the nation of Israel, you’ll hear Moses give Israel’s history of wandering in the same way a pastor might speak to his congregation, pleading with them to trust in the Lord and reminding them of God’s faithfulness.Deuteronomy 2 - 1:04 . Deuteronomy 3 - 7:58 . Deuteronomy 4 - 13:55 . Psalm 60 - 20:31 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Today, we’re wrapping up Numbers and proceeding straight into the book Deuteronomy. Looking back on our time in the book of Numbers we notice a few things. First, God is faithful to keep His promises; even when His chosen people are incredibly unfaithful, God fulfills His promises. Second, God does not take grumbling and complaining lightly; he punished those who forgot His salvation and who chose instead to focus on their immediate discomfort. Third, sometimes data can be boring, but when it comes to counting the blessings of God, we shouldn’t grow weary of seeing His hand multiply grace upon grace. We’ll transition into the first chapter of Deuteronomy, which means “second law,” where Moses recounts the power and promises of God.Numbers 35 - 1:03 . Numbers 36 - 7:13 . Deuteronomy 1 - 9:51 . Psalm 59 - 17:53 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Israel has just defeated Midian and they entire community is getting ready to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land and begin their military campaign against the inhabitants of the land. When the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manassah, see that the land of the Midianites is good for cattle, they ask if they can settle there. Moses wrongly assumes that they are trying to avoid going to war with their brothers, opting instead to settle outside of the Promised Land and break rank from the others. By the end of the conversation, they cut a deal with Moses, assuring him that they, too, will go to war with the rest of Israel before coming back to settle in the land. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

God is giving Moses final instructions to hand down to the Israelites because Moses is about to die at the Lord’s hand. Our reading opens with instructions on three festivals which are to be held in the seventh month. This is followed by instructions on how one should consider the validity of vows made to the Lord under different conditions. Finally, God instructs Moses to go to war with Midianites as retribution for the Peor incident, when the women incited the men of Israel to sleep with them in worship to their fertility god, Baal. Turns out that was led by Balaam, the same Balaam who spoke oracles from the Lord against Moab. Balaam is slaughtered along with the Midianites, and after defeating Midian, Israel begins to divide the spoils of war. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

When we last left Israel, they had just prostituted themselves with the women of Moab as an act of Baal worship. The Lord sent a plague among them that was only stopped when Phinehas impaled a fornicating couple through with his spear. In the wake of this tragic display of unfaithfulness, the Lord tells Moses in today’s reading that he will soon die because he didn’t obey the Lord’s command at the water of Meribah. The Lord gives Moses directions on how he should pass the mantle of leadership on to Joshua, son of Nun. But first, we continue where we left off with the census that will establish how the Israelites are to divide the land once they cross the Jordan. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In our last reading King Balak of Moab had hired Balaam, the professional soothsayer and prophet for hire, to come and put a curse on Israel. The king had heard about how Israel had plowed through the Amorites when that nation refused to let Israel pass through, and he was scared. After two attempts, Balaam finds himself unable to curse Israel, because the God of Israel is so powerful that Balaam must do as the Lord says. Our reading today begins with Balaam’s third and final attempt to curse Israel, but instead, when proclaiming a fourth oracle, he prophesies the coming of the Christ. Many scholars believe that this prophecy of the star that comes from Jacob was passed down to the Magi of the gospels, who see the star and travel to see the Christ child.Numbers 24 - 1:05 . Numbers 25 - 6:26 . Numbers 26 - 9:20 . Psalm 56 - 15:55 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Our reading opens with another instance of Israelite rebellion, and this time, the Lord punishes them by sending poisonous snakes into their camp. In order to be healed, they must lift their eyes upward to look at a bronze snake mounted to a pole. You’ve probably seen an image of this on the side of an ambulance as a symbol of healing. By acknowledging their need for salvation and looking upon that their curse, they would be saved. We’ll also begin the side story of Balaam the professional soothsayer. King Balak hires him to curse Israel, but the Lord opens the mouth of his donkey to warn him of an angelic assassin. This serves as a parallel to Balaam and Balak; if the Lord can speak to a man through a donkey, surely he can speak to a king through a pagan like Balaam.Numbers 21 - 1:01 . Numbers 22 - 7:29 . Numbers 23 - 14:43 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In our last episode, Korah and his posse decided that they wanted to present offerings to the Lord, but the Lord God has made clear, that Aaron and his sons were to receive the priesthood as an inheritance. When this rebellious cohort presented offerings, the ground beneath them opened up and swallowed them alive. Today, the Lord makes it clear that Aaron and his sons are to guard the tabernacle and the priesthood from iniquity. Later, the people rebel again when there is no water to be found. God instructs Moses to speak to a rock so that it will produce water, demonstrating God’s holiness, but Moses fails to trust the Lord’s instruction. In so doing, he is told that he and Aaron will not enter the land with the next generation.Numbers 18 - 1:01 . Numbers 19 - 8:01 . Numbers 20 - 12:28 . Psalm 55 - 17:59 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

You’d think that by this point, the people of Israel would have settled on the well-established conclusion that Moses is in charge by command of the Lord and by the signs and wonders performed that confirm he is God’s chosen leader. Even so, in today’s reading, a man named Korah incites a rebellion against Moses, questioning his authority. Armed with the conclusion that the entire community of Israel is holy, he contends that Moses and Aaron have no right to go before the Lord exclusively. Korah and 250 men appear before the Lord, and what happens next is unprecedented. Later, God gives Israel a symbol in the tabernacle to remind them of what took place and to discourage future challenges to the authority of Moses and Aaron.Numbers 16 – 1:01 . Numbers 17 – 10:49 . Psalm 53 – 13:05 . Psalm 54 – 14:22 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Israel has finally arrived just outside the Promised Land, and all that’s left to do is enter it and take from those people whom God has set apart for destruction. Their journey should have ended here with a military campaign against the inhabitants of the land, but instead of confronting their enemies as the Lord had commanded, they cower, complain, and make excuses. Lacking faith and conviction, the Lord tells Moses that his people will not enter the land, but instead, they will wander in the wilderness until their generation dies so that the next generation can act upon the promises of God. After Moses gives them this news, they decide to try and take the land without the Lord’s blessing.Numbers 13 - 1:01 . Numbers 14 - 5:23 . Numbers 15 - 14:04 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Just like any family trip to a far away place, everyone starts getting grumpy quick. New complaints arise about not being able to take the Passover while unclean. After Israel leaves Mount Sinai for the Promised Land they all become dissatisfied with what the Lord provides, complaining that the food they had in Egypt was better than manna from the Lord. Moses complains to the Lord that these people aren’t his babies and he shouldn’t have to nurse them. Finally, Miriam and Aaron get jealous of the authority given to Moses, and criticize him in order to elevate themselves, but just like a dad who pulls the van over to maintain order, God makes it clear that he won’t tolerate any of that kind of behavior.Numbers 9 - 1:01 . Numbers 10 - 5:13 . Numbers 11 - 10:55 . Numbers 12 - 17:37 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

As noted in previous episode introductions, we are in a section of Numbers that includes a lot of numbers and repetition, but take heart: after this episode, we’ll begin the narrative section of Numbers that covers the 40 years of Israel wandering in the wilderness. With that being said, take note in today’s episode that things begin well in Israel, and leaders from every tribe bring an equal offering for the dedication of the tabernacle’s altar. Moses and the Levites follow the directions given by the Lord, and there seems to be general feeling of anticipation and obedience. It won’t be long, however, until the Israelites lose heart and rebel against the Lord’s commands.Numbers 7 - 1:00 . Numbers 8 - 13:56 . Psalm 52 - 18:22 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

We’re continuing in the book of Numbers today, which has a reputation for putting people off both because of the title and because the first seven chapters (or so) contain a good bit of repetition. You’ll experience some of that repetition today, so if you want to put me on 2x speed for that section, I won’t judge! Consider, though, that the repetition is intentional. When you’re writing everything by hand, there is no copy/paste function. The repetition is a deliberate choice, in part, because the ritual was meant to invoke repetition and meditation. Moreover, these handwritten details would have also been read aloud, and would have impressed upon the hearer that God had provided for the Israelites lavishly. Numbers 4 - 1:00 . Numbers 5 - 8:56 . Numbers 6 - 15:15 . Psalm 51 - 20:11 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Numbers are boring, right? I mean, who gets excited about counting things? Well, did you ever count your Christmas presents as a kid? Have you ever memorized the stats of your favorite athletes, or checked the number of likes on a post, or rejoice over the number of indigenous believers saved through the work a missionary? The numbers presented in these first few chapters may seem boring to us, but they represent the faithfulness of God to Israel. And don’t worry, the title of this book as a little misleading; while it opens with counting heads, it gets more exciting in coming chapters.Numbers 1 - 1:01 . Numbers 2 - 9:01 . Numbers 3 - 13:05 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Our time in Leviticus comes to a close today as we hear a foreshadowing of the coming exile of Israel some 900 years before it occurs, as the Lord God makes plain that to abandon the covenant is to exchange blessing for a curse. God warns that the covenant is not to be taken lightly, for if Israel fails to observe the Lord’s commands, they will be cut off from the Lord, and their sacrifices will no longer be pleasing to God. He will no longer turn his face toward the nation of Israel with power and unmatched favor, but will instead turn against them in wrath whereupon they will be scattered and overtaken by another nation.Leviticus 26 - 1:02 . Leviticus 27 - 10:39 . Psalm 50 - 16:50 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Our reading begins with instructions for the bread and the oil in the tabernacle, but soon thereafter these instructions are somewhat interrupted by a fight. A young man has blasphemed the Name of God, and instructions are given about what must be done, followed by further instruction for punishment of violent crimes. Later, the Lord explains the institutions of Sabbath years and the year of Jubilee. In short, Israel is to work the ground for six years, then on the seventh year they are to rest. After 49 years (7x7) they are to celebrate a year of Jubilee where debts are canceled, and Hebrew servants are relieved from their indentured service.Leviticus 24 - 1:01 . Leviticus 25 – 8:40 . Psalm 48 - 15:21 . Psalm 49 - 17:08 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Moses continues to receive instructions from the Lord, and today’s episode begins with instructions for the priests in eating their portion of the sacrifices to the Lord. Recall that the Levites will not be given large portions of land when they enter the Promised Land; instead, the Lord will be their portion. For their service in the tabernacle, they will receive portions of food from the offerings given to the Lord, and thereby be sustained. Or reading continues by considering which sacrifices are acceptable, which days are to be set aside for Sabbaths, and which days are to be set aside for worship, celebration, and remembrance.Leviticus 22 - 1:01 . Leviticus 23 - 7:57 . Psalm 47 - 16:38 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Our passage today begins with an appeal to Israel to be holy before their holy God, using some of the Ten Commandments as bullet points for discussion. As we read, you’ll notice that there is to be an “otherness” amongst the Israelites that makes them distinct from the rest of the world. To our modern ears and worldview, it may seem limiting or perhaps cruel that the Lord would be so particular, but every instance is designed to connote elements of purity, wholeness, unity, and devotion to the Lord. In their worship to God, only the best would do, and anything offered that fell short was an insinuation that God was not worthy of the best they could offer.Leviticus 19 - 1:10 . Leviticus 20 - 7:54 . Leviticus 21 - 14:15 . Psalm 46 - 18:12 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

We’re continuing to read through the Levitical law that was given to Moses and Aaron. These were the statutes, ordinances, and observances commanded by the Lord that Israel must keep in order to maintain the covenant. God Almighty, who is perfect in holiness, is to dwell among them. Since man is imperfect, God is giving this law as a means for them to be justified before him. By humble obedience to the Lord, they could stay within the camp of Israel and be blessed by the presence of God. Today’s reading covers the day of atonement, a non-exhaustive list of forbidden sacrifices, the consequences of eating blood, the prohibition of pagan practices, and the prohibition of sexual perversions.Leviticus 16 - 1:01 . Leviticus 17 - 8:45 . Leviticus 18 - 11:49 .Psalm 45 - 16:42 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

We’re continuing to work our way through the Levitical law concerning those occasions where one is considered clean and where one is considered unclean. As mentioned previously, to be unclean is not to be equated necessarily with being immoral or sinful. To be unclean simply means that one may not enter the camp of Israel, a people who were set apart for the Lord. These intermissions of uncleanness and the procedures required to be declared clean once again would have served as a perpetual reminder to Israel that they belonged to the Lord God.Leviticus 14 - 1:01 . Leviticus 15 - 11:11 . Psalm 44 - 17:11 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

As part of their covenant with the Lord, the Israelites were given regulations concerning what is considered clean and unclean. At times this is a means of health and well-being. At other times it serves as a distinction from surrounding nations. The term “unclean” doesn’t necessarily mean those things are dirty, germ-infested, or immoral, though some of them certainly are. It does mean these things are all ceremonially unclean. This is how Israel is to be set-apart from other nations and given fully to the Lord. These regulations would have made Israel a distinct people on the earth, reminding God’s people and displaying for the nations that they were fully devoted to the Lord.Leviticus 11:24-47 – 1:05 . Leviticus 12 - 5:01 . Leviticus 13 - 7:18 . Psalm 43 - 19:32 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

The Lord has been giving explicit instructions to Moses and Aaron concerning the manner in which he should be worshipped. In our reading today, the priestly ministry of the Levites begins when Aaron faithfully executes the burnt offering, sin offerings, and fellowship sacrifices. When he is finished, the glory of the Lord appears to all the people and fire comes from heaven to consume the offerings. Sadly, Aaron’s sons decide to offer sacrifices as they see fit, rather than following the Lord’s instructions. Their ingenuity earns God’s wrath, and fire comes from the Lord once again, only this time it doesn’t consume the sacrifice.Leviticus 8 - 1:02 . Leviticus 9 - 7:40 . Leviticus 10 - 11:56 . Leviticus 11 - 16:33 . Psalm 42 - 19:23 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

As you continue to listen to these instructions on sacrifices, I encourage you to imagine what it would be like to be present for these sacrifices and experience them first-hand. The warmth of a live animal and the feel of coarse hair under your hand as the animal is slaughtered for the sin that you have committed. Imagine the smell of incense, baked bread and roasted meat. There’s even more symbolism to be found in chapters to come, but even here we see glimpses of Christ and of God’s provision for salvation and atonement. It all communicates something deeper about the gravity of sin and the graciousness of God toward those who seek forgiveness.Leviticus 5 - 1:00 . Leviticus 6 - 6:17 . Leviticus 7 - 12:22 . Psalm 41 - 18:22 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

We are beginning the book of Leviticus; which basically means, “pertaining to the Levites,” as this book dives deeper into the responsibilities of priests and the divine-human relationship codified on Mount Sinai. The Lord gives Moses instructions for offering different kinds of sacrifices to be made before the Lord, allowing an impure people to be made holy by obedience to a perfect God. We’ll look at four kinds of offering today. The burnt offering is given with prayer or praise to seek God’s face and favor. The grain offering is generally offered alongside another offering. The fellowship offering emphasizes fellowship with the Lord by having a communion meal. Finally, the sin offering is given to atone for sin that has been committed. Leviticus 1 - 1:00 . Leviticus 2 - 3:50 . Leviticus 3 - 7:36 . Leviticus 4 - 10:23 . Psalm 40 - 17:04 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Our time in the book of Exodus comes to a close today, but our journey with Moses and the nation of Israel in the wilderness has just begun. Remember, the book of Exodus is one of five books in a set of books called the Pentateuch and it all tells one continuous narrative. Here in the final two chapters, Israel finishes creating all of the items that would be used in assembling their portable house and temple for God Almighty called the tabernacle. The work on the tabernacle reaches its conclusion, the pieces are assembled, Moses inspects the work to make sure it has all been done to code, and by the end of today’s episode the Lord shows up in power.Exodus 39 - 1:01 . Exodus 40 - 8:33 . Psalm 38 - 13:56 . Psalm 39 - 16:54 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Have you ever talked to someone who’s really into their work, and they’re so excited about it that it seems they just can’t stop talking about it? Maybe you’ve done that with your own work, with a hobby you enjoy, or with stats about your favorite team. To our ears it may seem like the book of Exodus is simply repeating itself, but in actuality it’s communicating the excitement, the gravity, and the importance of the tabernacle. God Himself gave instruction to build it, God’s covenant people built it, and God Himself would occupy it. That’s something worth writing about!Exodus 36 - 1:01 . Exodus 37 - 7:27 . Exodus 38 - 12:25 . Psalm 37 - 17:57 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In our last episode, Israel had turned away from the Lord while Moses was with the Lord on Mount Sinai. Even though they had just committed themselves to following the Lord God, they quickly lost their resolve and turned to Aaron, who in turn gave them a golden calf to worship. After this grave sin, God tells Moses He will no longer go with Israel to the land He had promised Abraham and his descendants after him. Today, Moses intercedes on their behalf, assuaging God’s anger and garnering his favor. Later, God’s appointed craftsmen are called out to begin assembling the tabernacle according to the Lord’s instructions.Exodus 33 - 1:00 . Exodus 34 - 6:39 . Exodus 35 - 14:31 . Psalm 36 - 19:55 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

By the end of our reading Moses will have spent 40 days on Mt. Sinai, and in that amount of time, the Israelites will have given up on Moses and on the Lord. Not long beforehand, the nation of Israel had promised that they would do all that the Lord had commanded, but in short order, they turn away from God. They instead turn to Aaron, who caves to the crowd’s demands, making them a golden calf for them to worship. The Lord’s anger burns against Israel, but Moses steps in as a redeemer for his people, interceding on their behalf. Before we get to that part of the narrative, we first return where we left off as God gives further instruction about worship in the tabernacle.Exodus 30 - 1:02 . Exodus 31 - 7:56 . Exodus 32 - 10:41 . Psalm 35 - 18:42 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In today’s episode, the instructions for worship in the newly established tabernacle continue to be revealed. The first half of our reading is devoted entirely to the priestly garments. The priests were instructed to wear very specific apparel while ministering in the tabernacle. Each item had a particular purpose or symbolism, and the priestly garments were only to be worn while ministering. The second half of our episode involves the consecration of the temple, or in other words, instructions for setting apart the people and the objects for service unto the Lord.Exodus 28 - 1:01 . Exodus 29 – 8:53 . Psalm 34 - 16:48 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Some episodes are going to be action-packed and some are going to sound like you’re reading an instruction book, and this episode may tend toward the latter of the two. It’s important to remember, however, that the tabernacle is the place where the God of the universe, perfect in all His ways, matchless in power and authority, would meet with His people in a unique way. If it were up to you to build that, wouldn’t you want detailed instructions? Right worship is important to God, and these detailed instructions gave the Israelites the freedom of knowing their worship was pleasing to God Almighty. Today, God gives instructions on how the Israelites would build the place where He would be worshipped, how to collect funds to put it together.Exodus 25 - 1:02 . Exodus 26 – 7:00 . Exodus 27 - 13:08 . Psalm 33 - 16:49 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

On today’s episode God begins to give very specific commands to the Israelite people on what it looks like to be fair, kind, and gracious to one another. The Lord’s justice is severe for those who are selfish and outright rebellious, but gracious toward those who have no intention of causing harm. As you listen, it can be tempting to think that these are dry or irrelevant, but put yourself in the shoes/sandals of the original audience, whose livelihood wasn’t based on cash or money, but on livestock, crops, and community with one another. Imagine yourself in each situation, & the text becomes much more interesting.Exodus 22 - 1:02 . Exodus 23 - 6:53 . Exodus 24 - 13:14 . Psalm 32 - 16:38 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In today’s episode, Israel arrives at Sinai and Moses ascends the mountain to speak with God. The Lord sends him back down with a proposition: if Israel will carefully listen to Him and keep His covenant, then they will be his own possession out of all the peoples, even though the whole world belongs to God. After confirming with the people, Moses ascends again and receives a moral code by which they might live; this Decalogue, more commonly known as the Ten Commandments, allowed Israel to know how they could live a life that pleased the Lord. After witnessing the plagues on Egypt, the columns of cloud and fire, and the Red Sea’s parting, it would have been no small thing for Israel to know that such a powerful God would be on their side.Exodus 19 - 1:01 . Exodus 20 – 5:59 . Exodus 21 - 10:01 . Psalm 31 - 16:06 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

As the nation of Israel begins their journey into the wilderness, they find themselves without food and water, but rather than turn to the Lord, they complain to Moses. After seeing such amazing and tangible deliverance and providence, the nation of Israel still worries that they will not be cared for. God provides quail as well as something that has never been seen before: fine flakes of something called manna, a white substance that resembled coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. Later, Moses’s father-in-law Jethro suggests a system for justice which resounds throughout history.Exodus 16 - 1:01 . Exodus 17 - 8:01 . Exodus 18 - 11:25 . Psalm 29 - 16:24 . Psalm 30 - 18:02 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Pharaoh has finally released Israel from captivity after Egypt has been completely ravaged by the plagues that God sent upon the nation. As they begin their journey, Moses instructs the people to present every firstborn male to the Lord. He encourages the people to remember this day and to tell the next generation what the Lord has done. It doesn’t take long before the Egyptians regret releasing Israel from serving them, and they mount horses and chariots to pursue them. In a display of power and favor toward Israel, God protects Israel from harm, provides an escape, and punishes Egypt all in one magnificent and miraculous act.Exodus 13 - 1:02 . Exodus 14 - 5:41 . Exodus 15 - 12:26 . Psalm 28 - 17:51 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

The ten plagues on Egypt continue today with plagues of locusts, darkness, and finally, the death of the firstborn. To prepare Israel for the final plague, God gives Moses instructions on what his people must do in order to avert the coming disaster. They must kill an unblemished, male goat or sheep at twilight, spread it’s blood over the doorposts of their homes, roast the meat over a fire, and eat it before morning. When God passes through the land, he will pass over those houses covered by the blood. The Israelites are to celebrate this Passover meal yearly in remembrance of God’s saving power.Exodus 10 - 1:02 . Exodus 11 - 7:14 .Exodus 12 - 9:19 . Psalm 27 - 18:53 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Today we begin to examine the ten plagues sent upon Egypt that testify to the power of the great I AM. It has been suggested that each plague is designed to show pharaoh, and all of Egypt along with him, that their so-called-gods are no match for the God of Israel, systematically robbing them of any power they claimed to have. When Pharaoh refuses to let Israel go into the wilderness to worship the Lord, God sends plagues of blood, frogs, gnats, flies, death of livestock, boils, and hail, but the king of Egypt will not back down. While he is bested by God Almighty over and over again, and His own people beg him to relent of his stubborn opposition, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened.Exodus 7 - 1:01 . Exodus 8 - 5:32 . Exodus 9 - 11:26 . Psalm 26 - 18:08 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

After Moses approached a burning bush on Mount Horeb that was not consumed by the fire, the Lord God Almighty spoke to Moses and commanded him to return to Egypt. Today, we pick back up in the middle of that conversation, wherein Moses pushes back against God’s command to go and speak to Pharaoh. He’s concerned that he is ill-equipped for the task that he’s been given, but the Lord assures Moses that He will be with Him and God gives his messenger signs to perform to prove that he truly is a representative of God. When Moses confronts Pharaoh, he becomes indignant and commands that Israel be given even more work. Moses turns to the Lord in desperate confusion, but the Lord assures Moses that He will act.Exodus 4 - 1:01 . Exodus 5 - 7:12 . Exodus 6 - 11:24 . Psalm 25 - 16:30 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

After Jacob takes his final breath, Joseph’s brothers fear that he will seek vengeance, but Joseph doesn’t hold a grudge. Instead of seeking vengeance or extracting payment, he brings God’s grace, provision, and sovereign orchestration to mind, and ensures them that he will care for their families. God’s provision for Israel is clear in the beginning chapters of Exodus, but a new king in Egypt sees Israel’s prosperity as a threat, and imposes harsh laws including the murder of their newborn sons. This is where we meet Moses, a lowly Hebrew who is rescued from destruction and raised in pharaoh’s house. As an adult he kills another man and flees town. As we will soon see, the Lord has plans for this man of strange circumstances.Genesis 50 - 1:00 . Exodus 1 - 5:59 . Exodus 2 - 9:08 . Exodus 3 - 13:34 . Psalm 24 - 19:08 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

When we last left Joseph and his brothers, they tribe of Israel had just arrived in Egypt with all of their families, servants, and livestock. Joseph brings them before Pharaoh and he grants them access to the best part of the land. The life of Jacob, who is now known as Israel, comes to a close as he takes his last breath in Egypt. This is the same Jacob who deceived his father Isaac in order to receive the blessing of the firstborn. Not only does he bless Joseph’s sons, he elevates them and makes them a part of his family’s inheritance. Finally, before he passes, he speaks words of prophecy and blessing for the men who would be the representative heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. Genesis 47 - 1:02 . Genesis 48 - 8:11 . Genesis 49 - 12:34 . Psalm 23 - 18:15 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Joseph’s brothers have returned to Egypt with their youngest brother, Benjamin. He is the only one among Jacob’s sons that is a full brother to Joseph, that is to say that Joseph and Benjamin share Rachel as their mother. In our last episode, he held a feast and invited all of his brothers, but he still hasn’t revealed his true identity. He has one last test to see if they are still as treacherous as they once were. Framing Benjamin for theft, he tests them to see if they give up on Benjamin to save themselves, but thankfully Judah steps in and offers himself as a substitute. At long last, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and invites them to stay in Egypt.Genesis 44 - 1:02 . Genesis 45 - 6:15 . Genesis 46 - 11:17 . Psalm 22 - 16:27 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

At the end of our last episode, Joseph had just emerged from prison to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. After predicting years of abundance followed by years of famine, Joseph suggests that Pharaoh appoint someone wise to oversee the collection of crops to sustain the population during years of famine. After losing it all when he was falsely accused of assault by Potiphar’s wife, he now gains more than ever could have dreamed when Pharaoh appoints him to this noble position. Actually, I take that back: it’s exactly how he dreamed, because the Lord revealed to him what would take place before he was betrayed by his brothers. Once God’s plan becomes clear, the Scriptures say that Joseph forgets his former trouble.Genesis 42 - 4:58 . Genesis 43 - 12:02 . Psalm 21 - 18:16 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Today’s episode contains some adult themes, parental discretion is advised. Our episode begins with Judah’s sons who are so atrocious that the Lord puts them death, and soon thereafter we learn that their father is not quite a moral giant himself. Then we’ll return to the storyline of Joseph. It’s clear that something about the experience with his brothers’ betrayal has changed Joseph. Having been sold into slavery, he loses it all, then gains it all, then loses it all again, but time and again he maintains his integrity. Where many would have given into temptation or despair, Joseph proves to be a man of upstanding character, unlike the family he grew up in.Genesis 38 - 1:05 . Genesis 39 - 7:00 . Genesis 40 - 10:40 . Genesis 41 - 14:25 . Psalm 20 - 20:49 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

As we continue to get to know the sons of Jacob, you’ll start to realize that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. Having learned the art of deception from their father, they use it to their own advantage time and again. In our last episode, they tricked a local chieftain into circumcising every man in town, and in vengeance, they struck down the entire population of men. When Joseph, Israel’s favorite son, begins to have dreams where he is exalted above the rest of his family, he uses them as an occasion to gloat. The rest of his brothers then plot and scheme to rid themselves of their pesky brother. They sell him into slavery and deceive their own father by making it look like he was killed.Genesis 35 - 1:02 . Genesis 36 - 5:39 . Genesis 37 – 12:25 . Psalm 19 - 19:14 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Jacob and his father-in-law get into an argument and go their separate ways. Soon thereafter, Jacob wrestles with a man who is also somehow a representative God, and the Lord renames him “Israel” b/c he has wrestled with both man and God and won. Jacob’s daughter Dinah is violated by a man from another tribe, and when her brothers find out about it, they devise a scheme to take vengeance, not just on one man, but on the entire population.Genesis 32 – 8:22 . Genesis 33 – 13:27 . Genesis 34 - 16:32 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Today, Jacob completes his journey and meets Rachel. Jacob and his father-in-law Laban simply don’t get along, and let’s be honest, it’s not because they are morally upstanding people with a difference of opinions, it’s because they both practice deception to their own advantage. The daughters of Laban aren’t too dissimilar, and their pettiness is made apparent in today’s text. As a means of trying to gain flocks for himself, Jacob practices strange husbandry, proving not only that he has no idea how breeding works, but that it is by the grace of God, not by Jacob’s skills, that his flocks increase. Genesis 29 - 1:01 . Genesis 30 - 7:29 . Genesis 31 - 13:54 . Psalm 18 - 17:03 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Today, Jacob the deceiver lives up to his name. With the help of his mother Rebekah, he goes to great lengths to disguise himself from his blind and aging father, tricking him into thinking that he is older brother Esau so that he might receive his father’s blessing. Jacob and Rebekah come up with a way to trick Isaac yet again, and Isaac sends Jacob to another country to get a wife for himself, thereby escaping the wrath of Esau. Later, Jacob dreams of a stairway that reaches heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. The Lord promises to give the land to Jacob and his descendants, vowing to be with him and watch him wherever he goes.Genesis 26 - 1:00 . Genesis 27 - 6:33 . Genesis 28 - 16:16 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

When concluded our last reading, we found ourselves in the middle of an account concerning Abraham’s servant and Isaac’s future wife Rebekah. Abraham didn’t want Isaac marrying a Canaanite woman, so he sent a messenger to find a wife for his son from among his own people. The servant recounts what happened in the last episode almost verbatim, so if you get a bit of déjà vu, don’t worry. We’ll see that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree as we read about Isaac and Rebekah. Later, we’ll be introduced to Isaac’s sons: Esau & Jacob.Genesis 24:29-67 - 1:06 . Genesis 25 - 8:39 . Psalm 17 - 14:11 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

God calls Abraham to do something that most of us would consider unthinkable, especially because we have the privilege of knowing God’s character through the whole counsel of Scripture: He asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as an offering to the Lord. Abraham trusts the Lord, and as the author of Hebrews later notes, “He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.” As you listen, consider the parallels between this sacrifice and the sacrifice of Christ, who did not have a ram to be His substitute, but who, instead, was the sacrifice Lamb who became our substitute.Genesis 22 - 1:01 . Genesis 23 - 5:36 . Genesis 24 - 8:52 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]