Matthew 26

Matthew 26: Just a quick little note, thereā€™s a lot going on in this chapter. The text is just bouncing around from topic to topic.

This chapter starts with Jesus telling his followers that it was just a matter of time before he would die. The text then tells us that Jesusā€™ opponents were plotting to capture and kill him. We then see a woman pour expensive perfume on Jesus and his followers admonishing her because they thought the perfume could be sold and given to the poor and needy (honestly, this is what I wouldā€™ve done). Jesus tells them to back down, making it clear that what she is doing is actually preparing his body for burial. We then see reference to Judas approaching the chief priests asking what they would give him for betraying Jesus.

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Isaiah 28-30; Matthew 19-20

Isaiah 28: The Lord is a refuge and protection. Isaiah condemns the leaders of Ephraim and Judah for their drunkard actions and lack of trust in God. They have instead put their faith into others for their protection. According to Isaiah, God specifically says ā€œOne who trusts will not panicā€ (p. 1004 NRSV).Ā Ā 

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Isaiah 16-18; Matthew 13-14

NOTE: From this point forward I will see a one sentence description of the overall message for that particular chapter. This is from the NRSV Access Bible. I like it.

Isaiah 16: More lamentations concerning Moab. This is pretty much a continuation of Isaiah 15. Itā€™s still more about the destruction of Moab at the hands of God.

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9/5 Reading (Song of Songs 4-6; Matthew 3-4)

Song of Songs 4: This chapter is of the man celebrating the womanā€™s beauty. First half is pretty descriptive, focusing on her eyes, teeth, lips, cheeks, neck, and breasts. The second half continues with the man expressing his love for her as well as celebrating her beauty. At one point he refers to her as ā€œmy sister, my bride.ā€ Now, according to the notes, the use of the word sister ā€œis common in ancient Near Eastern love poetry. It doesnā€™t imply that the lovers are genetically related but is symbolic of their closenessā€ (p. 1081 OT). I wonder how Biblical literalists deal with instances like this?

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