Author: Penny Noyes

Enough Day 2 Creation’s Groan: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Creation’s Groan!

The Questions

1) How did the serpent deceive Eve?

2) Who was the serpent?

3) Why did God curse the serpent?

4) How was the curse broken?

Genesis 3:1-4

Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”

2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. 3 But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’”

4 “No! You will certainly not die,” the serpent said to the woman.

Original Intent

1) How did the serpent deceive Eve?
Genesis 3 tells how a serpent enticed Eve and Adam to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. It’s easy to look at the text and think, “I know this story”, but there is much more to uncover here! This passage contains a warning to all of us about Satan’s tactics and includes a seed of hope. When the serpent asked Eve, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1) She replied by misquoting God, “But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.'” (Genesis 3:3) God never said not to touch it. (Genesis 2:17) Before Eve was created, God told Adam not to eat it, “And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree of the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die.” (Genesis 2:16-17) Fostered by the slight manipulation of truth, which nurtured doubt in God’s goodness, Eve reached for the fruit and took a bite. Eve listened to Satan’s lies over believing God’s word. Death and evil were abstract ideas before her sin. Everything was new, alive, and holy. Just like a child can’t comprehend death if they haven’t lost a loved one, Eve and Adam didn’t understand separation from God or one another. She let her experiences determine her reality instead of trusting God. The serpent confidently told her a half-truth, “No! You will certainly not die.” (Genesis 3:4) He knew touching the fruit wouldn’t lead to death, but disobeying God’s word by eating the fruit would bring fatal consequences.

2) Who was the serpent?
The serpent was more than a snake in the grass; he was the tempter Satan who deceives the whole world. (Revelation 12:9) Though Satan once lived with God as an angel, he desired to be higher and more powerful than God. As punishment for his prideful arrogance, and his total disregard for the Lord God’s rule and authority, God cast him from Heaven. (Isaiah 14:12-14, Ezekiel 28:13-17) His existence is eternal enmity, or hatred, towards God and His creation. (Genesis 3:15)

3) Why did God curse the serpent?
When God asked Eve, “What have you done?” she replied, “The serpent deceived me and I ate.” (Genesis 3:13) Interestingly, God didn’t ask the serpent, “What have you done?” Instead, after Eve answered God’s question, God cursed the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than any livestock…” (Genesis 3:14) Bible theologian, Barnes explains how Satan’s sin was a moral sin because he deceived Adam and Eve. Therefore, he received a moral punishment in the form of a curse. The Hebrew word for curse in this passage (Arar) is more significant than using a curse word. God’s binding curse on Satan is an intentional response to devaluing God’s word and His character by deceiving Adam and Eve. Later, in Genesis 12:3, we see another connection between devaluing people, God’s creation, and God’s righteous curse, “I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Satan also received a physical punishment for leading Adam and Eve into physical temptation. The serpent was devalued, forced to crawl on his belly. Deception transformed his relationship with people from congeniality to conflict and enmity. Sadly, people also received physical punishment for their transgressions. Adam’s work became difficult (verses 17-19), Eve’s labor would be painful (verse 16), and their relationship changed so that Eve’s desire was intent on Adam and Adam would rule over Eve. (verse 16)

4) How was the curse broken?
God cursed the serpent for his deception, but there was also a promise of judgment for the serpent through the offspring of the woman. (Genesis 3:14-15) The literal translation of Genesis 3:15 reads, “between your seed and her seed. He will strike your head and you will strike his heel.” In the original language, “her seed” is singular and does not refer to all her offspring; it is one person, who is Christ. (Galatians 3:16) Though the prospect of having one’s heel attacked by a serpent isn’t pleasant, attacking the head of the serpent is a death blow preventing the serpent from ever hurting another person. Romans 16:30 encourages believers by pronouncing, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Jesus’ purpose was to destroy the works of the devil, breaking the curse between Satan and mankind once and for all. (1 John 3:8) Jesus crushed Satan’s head by dying for us and subsequently conquering Death forever by rising from the dead. All who trust in Him, recognizing He alone was able to pay the debt of death we owed because of our sin, will be freed from Satan’s curse. Those who believe, taking on Jesus’ offer of life for themselves, will live for eternity at peace with Him. No more death and no more curse! (Revelation 21:4)

Everyday Application

1) How did the serpent deceive Eve?
When the serpent tempted Eve, she could have halted his lies by leaning on the full truth of God’s Word. She could have taken Satan’s statement about death straight to God as He came to walk in the Garden in the cool of the evening. (Genesis 3:8) As Christians, we can avoid deception by asking God to teach us and lead us through the Holy Spirit. (John 14:26) We can also read the Bible and learn God’s word for ourselves. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Satan will tempt us to doubt God’s word with possessions, power, success, and necessities like food. “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16) We need to stand guard against Satan’s scheming tactics (2 Corinthians 2:11); even when we are in a close relationship with God, we can be enticed by Satan and our own curiosity to disobey God when something forbidden looks delightful and desirable. (Genesis 3:6) No one is immune from Satan’s temptations. After fasting for 40 days in the wilderness, Satan tempted Jesus. (Matthew 4:1-11) Satan used God’s own words against Jesus by quoting Psalm 91:11-12, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Where Eve had failed, Jesus responded to Satan by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.” Jesus modeled how we can stop Satan’s attacks by quoting Scripture. Staying in communion with God, knowing His word, seeking His heart, and bringing our questions to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding will help us resist temptation.

2) Who was the serpent?
We likely don’t give much thought to Satan or his schemes today, but his tactics are just as real for us as they were for Eve and Adam. Satan is the father of lies, his nature is to lie, and his primary strategy is deception and manipulation of truth. (John 8:44) He devalues God’s Word, enticing people to question Him and disobey Him. Satan desires every created being to doubt God’s goodness, His love, and His plan. In light of this reality, we should re-assess what we believe ensuring we are clinging to truth from Scripture and leaving no room for lies from the enemy.

3) Why did God curse the serpent?
We can all attest that deceit leads to damage and conflict in relationships. It often has direct, and indirect, ripple effects resulting in repercussions for generations. The serpent’s deception led to enmity, which is personal hostility, in his relationship with all humanity. Enmity refers to hatred and enemies. The Cambridge Bible explains that enmity means a blood feud. Genesis 3:15 reads, “I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring.” The serpent treated Adam and Eve with contempt by lying to them. He treated God with contempt by disparaging God’s command as a means to keeping Adam and Eve from something better. He enticed them to show contempt for God’s word through disobedience. His deception destroyed the relationship between the serpent and mankind and damaged their relationship with God and with each other. When we show contempt for God by disobeying his commands, or for people by lying, stealing, or being unfaithful, we have created a biblical curse in our relationships that will lead to damage and long-term conflict.

4) How was the curse broken?
Jesus came to restore humanity’s relationship with God and with other people. Eve and Adam still lived under the consequences resulting from disobeying God even though they were tricked by Satan’s deception. Each one of us is responsible for our own choices, there is no room for “the devil made me do it” mentality. (James 1:13-16) For Eve and Adam, communion with God was damaged as was their relationship with each other.  Through Christ’s sacrifice which paid the debt we owe because of sin, a pathway was created for our relationships to be renewed and restored. In Jesus, we have communion with God and each other. He is our peace. (Ephesian 2:14) In Christ, we can have healthy relationships between men and women and all people regardless of our differences. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Creation’s Groan!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Enough Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Worship VIII Day 4 Everyday Praise: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Everyday Praise!

The Questions

1) Why did Paul interrupt a logical discussion of God’s plan of salvation to break out in praise?

2) Why does Paul refer to both God and the Lord in this passage?

3) What is the significance of the phrase “To Him be the glory forever?” (verse 36)

Romans 11:33-36

Oh, the depth of the riches

and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! 

How unsearchable his judgments

and untraceable his ways!

34 For who has known the mind of the Lord? 

Or who has been his counselor?

35 And who has ever given to God,

that he should be repaid? 

36 For from him and through him

and to him are all things. 

To him be the glory forever. Amen.

Original Intent

1) Why did Paul interrupt a logical discussion of God’s plan of salvation to break out in praise?
These three verses at the end of Romans 11 stand as unabashed praise. In contrast, most of Romans is a logical explanation of salvation that includes questions and answers intentionally designed to explain God’s grace and Jesus’ fulfillment of Scripture through His death and resurrection. Chapter 11 begins with the question, “Has God rejected His people?” Paul quickly answers his question with a resounding “Absolutely not.” Paul explains that God used the transgressions of the Jews, his chosen people, to bring salvation to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) so that the Jews would want to experience God’s grace in mercy in Jesus. In verse 11 Paul asks, “I (Paul) ask, then, have they (the Jews, God’s chosen people) stumbled so as to fall (to be forever separate from God)?” (parentheses mine) Continuing into verse 12, Paul answers with certainty, “Absolutely not! On the contrary, by their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. Now if their transgression brings riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness bring!” He explains that Gentiles have been grafted into the family of God just as a wild olive branch is grafted into a cultivated olive tree, but Jews are the native branches designed to bear fruit when connected to the root. God’s gifts and calling for the Jews are irrevocable. (verses 16-29) As Paul ponders God’s mercy and plan of salvation for both Jew and Gentile, he can’t help but celebrate “the depths of God’s wisdom and knowledge.” This chapter’s tone changes from logical explanation to unrestrained joy at the realization of God’s mercy and wisdom as He lavishes His love on all people.

2) Why does Paul refer to both God and the Lord in this passage?
Scholars believe that Romans 11:33-34 draws from passages in Isaiah and Job, which are quite similar. Isaiah 41:13-14 says, “Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or who gave Him counsel? Who did He consult? Who gave Him understanding and taught Him the paths of justice? Who taught Him knowledge and showed Him the way of understanding?” Job 11:7 asks, “Can you fathom the depths of God or discover the limits of the Almighty?”
In the Bible, the name “Lord” is used to denote the sovereignty and reign of God as king or master. The general term “lord” means someone who has control and authority based on their position. Isaiah’s words highlight the sovereignty, authority, and understanding of the Lord. Paul restates Isaiah’s phrasing in verse 34, to underscore the reality that only the One True God is all-knowing and all-powerful. “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” The Hebrew word for God is Elohim, meaning “Creator.” It is first used in Genesis 1, “God created the heavens and the earth.” As Paul marvels at the Creator’s plan, he can’t help but praise “the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God.” We can see God’s creative ability in His generosity and provision for all humanity. Even though He alone holds all power and authority, He still shows mercy and kindness to all people and pursues them with love. What love!

3) What is the significance of the phrase “To Him be the glory forever?” (verse 36)
This phrase is often used in the New Testament at the end of letters. (See 1 Timothy 1:17 and 2 Peter 3:18) Paul’s words are not random, rather they are a clear reminder that all glory belongs to God for ever. The initial proclamation of God’s glory in the New Testament is in Luke 2:13-14, “And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” Glory is a word of magnificent depth that reflects God’s presence, grandeur, and splendor in infinite ways. The angels broke out in song as they rejoiced at God’s plan of salvation coming to fruition in the birth of Jesus. In the Old Testament, the glory of God is obvious, often accompanying tangible signs as evidence of the unseen God. For instance, the arrival of manna in Exodus 16:7 was evidence of the glory of the Lord. At Mt. Sinai, God’s glory was apparent to everyone thick clouds covered the mountain and the earth shook with His presence. (Exodus 24:16) As the Lord rested His glorious presence on the Tabernacle, Israel stood in awe of the Lord’s magnificent glory! (Exodus 40:34)

Everyday Application

1) Why did Paul interrupt a logical discussion of God’s plan of salvation to break out in praise?

As I read this passage, I identified with Paul’s desire to worship in response to God’s grace and His plan of salvation for all people. His mercy and kindness to all of humanity is amazing. His ability to work all things (even rejection by His chosen people) together for good is evident when I ponder that Gentiles, like me, are now able to experience the abundant blessings of being grafted into His family.  I am amazed by the depths of God’s wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. As a writer, when I study a topic deeply, I sit and marvel at God’s design and His plan, as it is all so far beyond my imaginings. I marvel at the intricacies of nature from the tiniest atom to the vastness of space. A beautiful day leads me to focus on God’s goodness to all of creation. Even my inability to understand God’s inscrutable and untraceable ways contrasts His glory to my finite understanding. Worship fills my heart in response to understanding even a little bit about God. Challenge yourself to view your everyday life through the lens of worship. Where is the Lord giving you opportunities to understand and worship Him more clearly because of ordinary life happenings?

 

2) Why does Paul refer to both God and the Lord in this passage? 

Paul was a well-learned Hebrew scholar, so his choice to use both “God” and “Lord” is a clue to help his readers understand this passage. He wasn’t merely trying to throw in extra words to make himself sound better; these were both intentionally chosen to communicate the vastness of God better. As I read Paul’s words, I thought about God, the Creator, and the exceedingly abundant wisdom and knowledge He used when creating the universe­­; every element, cell, plant, and animal all have a divine purpose to declare His glory and point us to knowing Him. When we come face to face with God’s unexpected and extraordinary wisdom, it is astounding! Understanding Jesus as our Lord keeps us from elevating our knowledge and experience above Him, as He holds all rule and reign. Paul asked, “Who could know the mind or the Lord or be his counselor?” This Greek word for “counselor” has a similar meaning to “consultant.” The Lord doesn’t need our advice. Everything we have, our resources, wisdom, and breath has been given to us by His grace. “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” When I remind myself of the Lord’s resources, I start praising and stop worrying. 

 

3) What is the significance of the phrase “To Him be the glory forever?” (verse 36)

The word doxology comes from the Greek doxa, which means “glory, splendor, grandeur” and logos, which is translated “word” or “speaking.” When we write, sing, or speak of the glory and splendor of God, we are sharing His glory with others. Just as the angels burst forth in celebration at the birth of Jesus Christ by proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest,” we have this same opportunity to praise God before others. Our days are rich with chances to offer our own doxology whether privately between us and God, or publicly for others to hear as well. We can bring glory to God by acknowledging His vast riches, wisdom, and knowledge as we see evidence of them in our everyday life. Even in difficulty, our struggles to understand God’s plan for our lives, or when we are amazed at the unfathomable depths of God’s wisdom and judgement, we can reflect His unchanging glory and goodness to those around us.

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Everyday Praise!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Worship VIII Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Ten Day 11 The Deceit Of Not Enough

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 6:25-34
Psalm 27:1-5
1 Peter 5:5-7
Genesis 3:1-6
Exodus 20:15

Ten, Day 11

“What’s in your hand?”, my mom asked as we walked out of the convenience store. I slowly unwrapped my seven-year-old fingers from the small pack of Now and Later candy I had stolen. The pit in my stomach told me I was in trouble and it was only going to get worse.

“You have to take it back and apologize.” My mom held my hand and led me back into the store. We walked up to the counter and I stared at the pickled pig’s feet in the jar on the counter.

“My daughter has something she would like to tell you,” Mom explained to the clerk. I stretched my hand out and dropped the candy on the counter.

“I’m sorry I took these without paying for them.”
I couldn’t make eye contact, I was so embarrassed. Immediately, I headed for the door.

Once we left, my mom explained I had broken one of the Ten Commandments. Stealing was on the same list as murder. I learned a valuable lesson and cemented an aversion both to pickled pig’s feet and stealing that has stuck with me to this day.

I have since realized my desire to take what isn’t mine goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. When the serpent convinced Adam and Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they were stealing from God.

One of Satan’s most deceptive strategies involves providing a short-term solution giving us something we want or need, but ultimately keeping us from God’s best. 

Though Eve lacked for nothing, Satan enticed her with the forbidden fruit. Just like Adam and Eve, we can be easily convinced God is holding out and we need to meet our own wants or needs.

For many people, our choice to cut corners and take what isn’t ours comes from
a fear God won’t give us what we want,
a sense of entitlement (we deserve what we are taking),
or just plain impatience.

Each of these motivations are based on pride.

Pride means elevating our needs and desires over God and other people.

When we act out of fear, we are choosing to listen to pride’s whispered lie we know more than God and can do a better job providing than He can.

A sense of entitlement elevates our needs and desires over the owner’s rights. Pride tells us our desires are THE MOST important. As Proverbs 16:19 reminds us, “Better to be of lowly spirit with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud.”

Impatience is often rooted in pride and fear, as well. Our pride falsely elevates our ability to know the future, and imposes a man-made deadline on the Creator of the Universe’s capacity to meet our needs. Rather than focusing on God’s unlimited resources and ability, we become focused on our scarce resources and opportunities.

Fear is a weapon Satan often uses to lead us away from God’s best. The best way to fight back is by studying and memorizing Bible verses. God’s Word is a double-edged sword we can use to defeat Satan’s attacks. Dwelling on Scripture builds our faith; faith provides a shield against the fiery arrows Satan uses against us.

At an early age, my mom helped me learn to use this verse to combat fear.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”
(2 Timothy 1:7)

This promise breaks through the fear of unmet needs.

“And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

When the future looms ahead, murky in uncertainty, let’s remember:

“Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation
whom should I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
whom should I dread?” (Psalm 27:1)

When pride begins to puff our chests and cloud our vision,
let’s pursue humility with His Word:

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

“When arrogance comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)

Whether we’re tempted to pocket a stolen piece of candy, or steal our future from the hands of our loving Father, we’ve seen how God’s command to refrain from stealing addresses the true condition of our hearts.

And when we struggle with fear of scarcity, impatience, or pride, we can counteract Satan’s assaults with Scripture. When fear strikes, we can ask God to lead us to His truth from Scripture to counteract the lies. Let’s turn our focus to our Heavenly Father as we trust in His deep love, His unbounded resources, and His faithful provision.

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

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Redeemed Day 10 Steps Of Faith

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Ruth 3:1-5
Proverbs 27:9
Exodus 33:12-23

Redeemed, Day 10

“I’m home.” Flinging open the door to our small house, I called out to my mother-in-law. She looked up with joy in her twinkling brown eyes. I knew she loved me every time she looked at me.

“Ruth!” she exclaimed, looking up from her mending. “You’re home early!”

“The barley harvest is over,” I explained.  I’d been gathering grain in the barley fields of Naomi’s relative Boaz for the past month. He was so kind to me and everyone who worked for him. I had spent the morning picking up the final grains and cleaning up alongside the other working girls.   While eating lunch, I recalled that first day when I began working in Boaz’s fields. Naomi and I had just moved back from Moab, my homeland. We were destitute. Boaz, in his generosity, had shared his wine and toasted grain with me. Naomi was so excited when I showed her the barley I’d collected from his fields.  It was the happiest I had seen her in years!

Now, as she took the final bag of barley and placed it into the storage bin, she turned to me with a familiar intensity in her eye. It was the same look I’d seen when she decided to return here to Bethlehem after my husband, Kilion and his brother had died.

Naomi had a plan.

She reached for my hands, gripping them with tender love as she spoke,
“My daughter, I must seek rest for you and find a home for you,
where you will be well provided for.”

Naomi’s passionate gesture brought back an instant visual of when my sister-in-law, Orpah, and I last held Naomi’s hands. Naomi had decided to leave Moab and return to her homeland, Bethlehem. Through tears, she’d encouraged Orpah and me to stop following her to Bethlehem and instead return to Moab. She blessed us, saying, “May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.”

Orpah pulled her hands from Naomi’s grip and wrapped her arms around us. She would return to her parent’s home, but I couldn’t leave Naomi. I knew this decision was more significant than where I lived; it was an opportunity to leave the gods of Moab and follow Yahweh. Naomi had taught me of Yahweh and His goodness. Though she had suffered the loss of her two boys and her husband, she still believed Yahweh was kind. Though our life was hard and bitter, she taught me to see Lord’s kindness in our friendship, safety on our journey to her hometown, and provision in Boaz’s fields.  Even though I was now a foreigner and an outsider, she knew the Lord could answer her prayer for a home with security and a husband and kids. It wasn’t too much for the Lord.

She paused and looked me up and down, but her hold on my hands intensified with a fire of love in her eyes. My hair was straggly with husks stuck to my clothes, and I smelled like sweat and barley. It wasn’t a pretty picture, but that didn’t stop her.

“Tonight, our relative, Boaz, will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” (Ruth 3:3-4)

My mouth dropped open. I couldn’t believe Naomi’s plan. Sneak onto the threshing floor while Boaz was asleep, uncover his feet, and lie down!

Only men went to the threshing floor.  What if someone saw me?

I was shocked. I did not expect Naomi to come up with a plan like this!

Since moving to Bethlehem, Naomi had spent much time teaching me the Law. There were rules about food, keeping the Sabbath, our clothing, and appropriate relationships. Since Boaz was our relative, she had explained the role of the kinsman-redeemer. Meaning, Boaz had a special responsibility to protect the family and the land.  She also explained why such a kind and faithful man was still single.  Though Boaz’s father was Naomi’s relative, his mother was a former Canaanite prostitute. No parent in Bethlehem would allow their daughter to marry Boaz. To do so would risk Yahweh’s anger burning against them according to Deuteronomy 7:3-4, “Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods, and the LORD’s anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you.”

As Naomi shared her plan, she noted how she had heard of Boaz’s kind character through conversation with the women of Bethlehem at the town well. The women’s testimony of his character and my stories of working with him had convinced her Boaz was a good man, who reflected Yahweh’s kindness. She believed God had saved him for me and brought me back from Moab for him.

Wow!  What a surprise.  I never imagined remarrying after Kilion died, but here was a gift of redemption. Naomi was giving me a life-changing choice just like she had with the choice to return home or move to Bethlehem.  She would love me regardless of my decision. She was more than my mother-in-law, she was my friend. We cooked together, laughed together, and learned Scripture together. Long before my husband died, she held me and cried with me every month I wasn’t pregnant. I trusted Naomi’s wisdom and perspective.  I trusted her heart and advice more than I trusted my own.

It was time to get cleaned up and put on my perfume.
It was time for me to take one more step of faith.

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He Day 9 Yahweh M’Kaddesh: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
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The Questions

1) Why did God say in verse 23, “I will save them from all their apostasies by which they sinned and I will cleanse them?”

2) What Did Ezekiel mean when he wrote in verse 24, “My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them?”

3) What does the phrase in verse 28, “I, the Lord, sanctify Israel” mean?

Ezekiel 37:23-28

They will not defile themselves anymore with their idols, their abhorrent things, and all their transgressions. I will save them from all their apostasies by which they sinned, and I will cleanse them. Then they will be my people, and I will be their God. 24 My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them. They will follow my ordinances, and keep my statutes and obey them.

25 “‘They will live in the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, where your ancestors lived. They will live in it forever with their children and grandchildren, and my servant David will be their prince forever. 26 I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be a permanent covenant with them. I will establish and multiply them and will set my sanctuary among them forever. 27 My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. 28 When my sanctuary is among them forever, the nations will know that I, the Lord, sanctify Israel.’”

Original Intent

1) Why did God say in verse 23, “I will save them from all their apostasies by which they sinned and I will cleanse them?”
This section of Ezekiel 37 starts with a phrase in verse 15, “The word of the Lord came to me.” Scholars estimate Ezekiel started writing his book before the fall of the Southern Kingdom of Judah and, we know from his own writings, that he continued recording prophecies after he was captured and moved to Babylon. God gave Ezekiel this prophecy to encourage the exiles in Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem that was coming in 586 B.C. Long before Babylon invaded Jerusalem, many prophets, including Isaiah and Micah, warned the people of Judah to stop worshiping other gods. But the people persisted in their idolatrous ways. As the fall of Jerusalem drew closer, God called Ezekiel and Jeremiah to warn King Zedekiah, and the people of Judah, of God’s coming judgment for their sinful choices. This passage contrasts the past sinful actions that led to the Fall of Jerusalem, and the resulting Babylonian captivity, to a glorious future with an eternal king. In Ezekiel 37:23, “apostasies” refers to the abominable and filthy things. Throughout the Old Testament, “apostasies” is combined with the word “idols” to describe the idol’s filthy sin nature.  This passage provides hope even in captivity. God said He would save His people from their sins and cleanse them. God’s people needed to be cleansed because their destructive and idolatrous choices had defiled them. After God saved them and cleansed them, He would restore their relationship, they would be His people, and He would be their God. This reference goes back to a promise God gave Moses in Exodus 6:7, “I will take you as my people, and I will be your God. You will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from the forced labor of the Egyptians.” It is restated again in Leviticus 26:12, “I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.”

2) What Did Ezekiel mean when he wrote in verse 24, “My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them?”
This prophecy about King David is fascinating because Ezekiel lived nearly 500 years after David was king of Israel! This phrase mirrors verse 25, which says, “My Servant David will be their prince forever.” Often phrases or words are repeated in the Bible to give extra emphasis to a point. God wanted to grab the attention of the people of Israel who were listening to this prophecy, underscoring its importance by pointing to the past, while also pointing forward to the future. King David was a shepherd of sheep when he was chosen to lead the people of Israel and anointed as their next king. David was the model of a godly king, a man after God’s own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14) Under David’s rule, the nation of Israel was unified and successful in battle. Ezekiel’s prophecy pointed to a time yet to come when God’s people would be unified under a perfectly righteous leader who would lead His people as a compassionate shepherd. They would be successful in battle and live in peace. This Good Shepherd could only be God Himself wrapped in human flesh, Jesus Christ.

3) What does the phrase in verse 28, “I, the Lord, sanctify Israel” mean?
The word “sanctify” relates to being made holy. The NIV translation of the Bible uses the phrase, “I the LORD make Israel holy,” and the Good News translation explains, “I, the LORD, have set Israel apart as holy.” The word “holy” means “set apart.” Being holy is a characteristic of the Lord God. In Leviticus 19:2, God commanded Moses to “Speak to the entire Israelite community and tell them: Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” In order to be in relationship with a holy God, the entire community was required to be holy. However, it was impossible for the people to sanctify themselves because they were unholy. They were defiled by sin, so being sanctified required action from the Lord. As Ezekiel 37:28 illustrates, it was the Lord Himself who would sanctify the people of Israel. In Exodus 31:12-13, “The Lord said to Moses: ‘Tell the Israelites: You must observe my Sabbaths, for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, so that you will know that I am the Lord who consecrates you.’” Keeping the Sabbath wasn’t a way to become holy, but a way to be reminded it is only the Lord who made them holy. On Sabbath, the people were commanded to do no work, as a reminder that only God’s work could purify them. Leviticus 20:8 states, “Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sets you apart.” 

Everyday Application

1) Why did God say in verse 23, “I will save them from all their apostasies by which they sinned and I will cleanse them?”
God has always desired to have a relationship with His people. Contrary to what we may feel, God is not carrying a big stick, waiting for us to mess up. He isn’t looking for us to be perfect before He gives His nod of approval, because we will never reach perfection! He wants to be our God and for us to be his people. He isn’t looking for performances put on like a mask, He wants our hearts knit with His in oneness of deep relationship. Alas, He is holy and set apart. We are corrupted by sin, just as the people of Judah were defiled by their apostasies and idol worship. Our efforts cannot save us, only God’s redeeming work through the cross of Jesus Christ can save us. As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast.” Look at your sin head on for what it is without sugar coating it as a “mistake”, call it out for the apostasy and idolatry it is, then turn to God, Yahweh M’Kaddesh, who promises to make us holy, even in spite of our sin!

2) What Did Ezekiel mean when he wrote in verse 24, “My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them?”
Ezekiel’s prophecy was looking forward to a time when a descendant of David, an eternal king would rule. As the genealogy in Matthew 1 shows, Jesus is a descendant of King David. As a Rabbi and teacher, Jesus was familiar with this prophecy in Ezekiel. He explained to his followers that He was the fulfillment of the prophecy in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” In John 10:14-16, Jesus continues, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd.” The people listening to Jesus would know that “sheep” often referred to Israel. However, Jesus added a new dimension by stating, “I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen.” Jesus was referring to those who were not descendants of the tribes of Israel. King Jesus would shepherd people from all over the world to encompass every nation, every tribe, and every tongue. One glorious day, all who trust Him as their Shepherd, will live at peace for eternity! (Revelation 7:9-10) For all to live together in beautiful unity, restored to a righteous relationship with God, His people would need to be made righteous. Jesus magnificently exemplifies Yahweh M’Kaddesh as the God who makes us holy so we can all dwell with Him!

3) What does the phrase in verse 28, “I, the Lord, sanctify Israel” mean?
Just as Israel couldn’t sanctify themselves, none of us can make ourselves holy. Even one single sin disqualifies us from ever becoming holy on our own. This is bad news for all of humanity, but the good news is that Jesus came to sanctify all people and make us holy for us! Hebrews 10:10 says, “By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.” The nation of Israel was given the Law, the Ten Commandments, to make it abundantly clear what holy righteousness looked like. Israel proved over and over they couldn’t keep the whole law, and neither can we. Any deviation from the Law makes us a sinner, and the punishment for sin is death and eternal separation from God. It is only through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who took that punishment on Himself, that we can be made right with God. In John 17:17, Jesus asks God to sanctify His disciples, making their lives reflect His holiness, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” God will use His word and truth to sanctify the believer to make us holy. It is not our efforts that will make us more like God, but the Holy Spirit’s power through the word of God that sanctifies us.

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

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Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

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