Leviticus 10 describes the tragic deaths of Nadab and Abihu, two of Aaron's sons, who were serving as priests in the Tabernacle. The chapter begins by recounting how Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which violated God's commands for worship. As a result, fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.
Two verses earlier (9:24), fire had come from the Lord in acceptance of Israel and its worship. What is a blessing when it comes as a result of faithfulness can be deadly when provoked by disobedience. devoured them: killed them. Their cousins picked them up in their priestly tunics and carried them outside the camp for burial (v. 5). they died: Their deaths were a result of their own rebellious action.
God then instructs Moses to tell Aaron and his remaining sons not to mourn for Nadab and Abihu, and to continue with their duties as priests. The chapter goes on to provide specific instructions for the priests regarding their dress, behavior, and responsibilities in the Tabernacle.
The chapter also includes instructions regarding the consumption of meat and the use of wine in the Tabernacle. God commands the priests to avoid drinking wine or strong drink while they are serving, so that they can distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean.
Overall, Leviticus 10 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, particularly in matters of worship. It also highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for holiness and reverence in the presence of God. Finally, the chapter provides detailed instructions for the priests as they carry out their duties in the Tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of careful and respectful service.
Psalm 110 is a messianic psalm that is attributed to David. It speaks of a powerful and victorious king who will sit at the right hand of God and rule over his enemies. The psalm emphasizes the Lord's sovereignty and power, and the ultimate victory that he will bring about through his chosen king. The psalm also speaks of the king's priestly role and his ability to intercede for his people. Overall, the psalm celebrates God's reign and the hope that his people have in his victorious rule.
The structure of this brief psalm is as follows:
(1) God’s command to the Son to sit at His right hand (v. 1);
(2) God’s command to the Son to rule in the midst of His enemies (vv. 2, 3);
(3) God’s appointment of the Son to be a priest forever (v. 4);
(4) God’s description of the battle the Son must wage to win His kingdom (vv. 5–7).
Psalm 111 is an acrostic psalm that praises God for his greatness and his works. The psalm begins by declaring the psalmist's intention to give thanks to the Lord with his whole heart, and it goes on to list many of the Lord's wondrous deeds, such as his creation of the universe and his covenant faithfulness to his people. The psalm also emphasizes the importance of wisdom and fear of the Lord, and the blessings that come to those who follow his commands. Overall, the psalm celebrates God's character and his faithfulness, and encourages his people to give thanks and praise to him for all that he has done.
The structure of Ps. 111 is:
(1) a determination to praise God in the midst of the congregation (v. 1);
(2) a description of the praise of God for His wonderful works towards His people (vv. 2–9);
(3) a concluding word tying the nature of true wisdom to the fear of the Lord (v. 10).
Both psalms highlight the importance of worship and praise as a response to God's greatness and faithfulness. They also emphasize the hope and trust that God's people have in his sovereignty and power. Finally, the psalms remind us of the importance of wisdom and fear of the Lord as we seek to follow him and live according to his ways.
In Mark 3:13-35, Jesus continues to demonstrate his power and authority as he calls and commissions his disciples, heals people, and confronts the religious leaders.
The passage begins with Jesus calling twelve men to be his apostles, whom he will send out to preach and drive out demons. Christ gave power or authority to these twelve apostles (Matt. 10:1–4). The apostle Paul called this authority “the signs of an apostle” (2 Cor. 12:12). Christ and the apostles authenticated their ministry through signs, miracles, and wonders (Heb. 2:3, 4).
Jesus then goes on to heal a man with an unclean spirit and a crowd of people who were seeking healing. However, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, in order to explain his power to cast out demons. Jesus refutes their argument and explains that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Jesus’ reply in parables was actually a threefold message that contrasted unity and disunity. Nothing—including Satan’s kingdom— can stand if it is divided.
Whoever defeats Satan must be stronger than he. Jesus implies that He Himself has come to enter the house of the strong man, Satan, to seize his goods (1 John 3:8).
Jesus then uses the opportunity to warn the religious leaders about the unforgivable sin of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. He explains that this sin cannot be forgiven in this age or in the age to come.
Jesus' family also makes an appearance, and they express concern for his well-being. Jesus takes the opportunity to teach that his true family are those who do the will of God. Whoever does the will of God expresses a spiritual allegiance that goes beyond loyalty to one’s biological family. Spiritual kinship is determined not by blood or race but by obedience to God.
Overall, this passage emphasizes Jesus' authority and power, as well as the opposition he faced from the religious leaders. It also highlights the importance of doing the will of God and avoiding blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The passage continues to build on the theme of the coming of the kingdom of God and the establishment of Jesus' authority as the Son of God.
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