Commuter Bible

At this point in the narrative of Judges, the Lord is surprisingly absent from the life of Israel. It seems like nobody knows how any of this covenant stuff works, even in the slightest. It becomes so bad that a Levite is involved in a scenario almost identical to that of Sodom & Gomorrah, only this time, those who are intent on sexually assaulting the town’s visitors are successful because the Levite betrays his concubine. Though he is not supposed to touch a dead body, he then mutilates her corpse just to make a point. Time and again the author captures this darkness by stating that there was “no king in Israel” for Israel had rejected their Lord. Judges 17 - 1:14 . Judges 18 - 3:34 . Judges 19 - 10:26 . Judges 20 - 17:19 . Judges 21 - 25:51 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

In short, Samson is a picture of Israel in one person. Meant to be set apart and holy, he instead takes his vows and his God lightly, defiling himself over and over. A Nazirite was supposed avoid dead bodies, yet he eats honey from a lion’s carcass and uses a jawbone for a weapon. A Nazirite was supposed to abstain from wine, yet Samson threw a drinking party for the Philistines. The last vow to go is that of not cutting his hair, which he hands over to a Delilah, a woman of the very nation that Israel had been tasked with destroying for their perpetual evil. In the end, the angel’s prediction is true: he will begin to save Israel from the power of the Philistines. Judges 13 – 1:14 . Judges 14 – 6:20 . Judges 15 – 10:52 . Judges 16 - 15:52 . Psalm 75 - 23:30 . Psalm 76 – 24:49 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

Two judges of Israel follow the death of Abimelech, and we know little about them, except that they each judged Israel for over 20 years with no ruckus to speak of. When Israel turns to idols yet again, they suffer under the Philistines & Ammonites. They cry out to the Lord, but he rejects their pleas. When they confess sin and burn their idols, God begins to become weary of their misery. Later, God appoints a ne’er-do-well named Jephthah to deliver Israel from the Ammonites. Sadly, Jephthah doesn’t truly know the Lord or His commands, and he makes a vow to the Lord that is abominable in the Lord’s sight, standing in direct conflict with the statutes handed down through Moses. Thinking that he is being faithful to the Lord, he makes a heartbreaking decision. Judges 10 – 1:15 . Judges 11 – 4:56 . Judges 12 – 13:24 . Psalm 74 – 16:27 ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

When we last left Gideon and his army, he had attacked the forces of Midian with 300 hundred men. Though he and his small band had already killed 120,000 men, there are still 15,000 left. We begin with a discussion between Gideon and the men of Ephraim who have just killed the two princes of Midian as Gideon’s men routed them from battle. They’re upset that they weren’t called to fight, but Gideon basically tells them their leftovers are better than the full harvest of what his men have reaped. After securing victory, Israel tries to make Gideon their leader, but he refuses and says that the Lord should lead them. Then, strangely he makes an ephod out of gold, which becomes a snare of idolatry. Judges 8 – 1:12 . Judges 9 – 8:36 . Psalm 73 – 20:00 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

Our reading today begins by wrapping up the account of Deborah and Barak after Sisera’s defeat. It’s not long, however, before Israel turns, once again, to worship idols. The false gods of Baal and Asherah were meant to bring fertile crops and prosperity, but they only bring despair and a fractured relationship with the One True God. During a period of oppression by the Midianites, the Lord speaks to a young man named Gideon and calls upon him to destroy his father’s idolatrous altars. Later, the spirit of the Lord envelops Gideon as he gathers troops for battle. The Lord then reduces the number of men who will go to battle to just 300 so that Israel will not forget the power of God and His merciful deliverance. Judges 5 – 1:13 . Judges 6 – 7:22 . Judges 7 – 16:49 . Psalm 72 – 23:15 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

Under the rule of Joshua, Israel was doing well and was off to a good start in obeying the Lord’s commands. Not long afterward, however, they begin to intermarry with the Canaanites, signaling, not only an apathy toward God’s commands, but an acceptance of the gods that the Canaanites worshiped. God declares that he will no longer drive out the Canaanites before Israel, and he leaves them in the land to test Israel’s faithfulness to His commands. When their foes rise to power and they cry to the Lord for help, he raises up judges to fight for them. Judges 1 - 1:11 . Judges 2 - 7:38 . Judges 3 - 12:43 . Judges 4 - 19:19 . Psalm 71 - 24:26 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

In Matthew’s very Jewish-oriented account we have seen Jesus lauded as the coming King, we have seen the builders reject the cornerstone, and today we will see the Lamb of God who brings a greater Passover and a greater deliverance. Like Abraham’s firstborn, the Son of God is offered to God as a sacrifice, but he also the substitute offered so that we might live. A Jewish audience would have heard and understood all the parallels to Psalm 22, and recalled from Isaiah that the wounds of the suffering servant bring healing. Thankfully, his crucifixion is not the end. Jesus rises from the grave, just as he had said. Matthew 26 – 1:06 . Matthew 27 – 13:43 . Matthew 28 – 23:58 . Psalm 70 – 27:24 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

There are aspects of tension, excitement, and confusion as Jesus continues to teach in Jerusalem following his triumphal entry. The Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and other experts of the law have already tested him with their inquisitions, but he didn’t fumble with answers in the slightest. On the contrary, his answers left the crowd in awe and wonder at his wisdom and judgment. Today, Jesus returns the favor by declaring seven woes upon the hypocrites who elevate themselves but weigh down others. Later, the disciples have questions about the future, and Jesus calls them to faithfulness and expectancy while waiting for His return. Matthew 23 – 1:12 . Matthew 24 – 8:14 . Matthew 25 – 15:48 . Psalm 69 – 23:16 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

The prophecies of the Son of David predict that a king will rise to power to shepherd the people of Israel. Jesus fits this description, and after waiting for centuries for this King, the people rejoice at the thought of a King rising to power to conquer their foes. What they don’t realize is that Jesus won’t conquer Rome or other nations, but He will instead conquer far greater foes like sin and death. The leaders despise Jesus and the praise He receives from the crowd. With jealousy in their hearts, they make every attempt to discredit the authority of Jesus. Matthew 20 - 1:09 . Matthew 21 - 6:32 . Matthew 22 - 16:26 . Psalm 68 - 23:08 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

While man-made religions all try to glorify the followers and originators of the religion they promote, Christianity stands in stark contrast, for it is evident that the disciples were absolutely clueless when it came to Jesus and His teaching. Time and again, they record their confusion and ignorance, all the while elevating Christ and His wisdom and power. In today’s reading, Christ teaches on the character of His disciples and how they should behave, including humility, forgiveness, discipline, mercy, devotion, gentleness, and the nature of possessions. Matthew 16 - 1:13 . Matthew 17 - 6:02 . Matthew 18 - 11:40 . Matthew 19 - 18:29 . Psalm 67 - 24:12 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

We’ll hear a number of parables from Jesus today, and according to Jesus Himself, the reason he speaks in parables is conceal the truth from those whose hearts are callous. These truths are, however, for those who have ears to hear and eyes to see, that is, those whom the Father has chosen to reveal the truth. Take note, too, of the occasions in today’s passage where Jesus tries get away by Himself, even staying up all night to pray before walking out on the ocean to catch up with the disciples. Time and again, Jesus finds himself surrounded by the crowds, but even so, He has compassion on them. Matthew 13 - 1:09 . Matthew 14 - 11:30 . Matthew 15 - 17:05 . Psalm 66 - 23:08 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

If you’ve been a follower of Jesus for a while, chances are that you’ve heard many of today’s accounts before. Jesus cleanses the lepers, opens the ears of the deaf and the eyes of the blind, raises the dead, casts demons out of people, and then commissions His disciples to do the same. As you listen to today’s reading, don’t let familiarity keep you from contemplating how absolutely mind-boggling all of this would have been to those who witnessed it. Even the Pharisees couldn’t deny what was happening, they could only question how. Such strong displays of power and wisdom can only be done by One who is the Son of God. Matthew 9 - 1:09 . Matthew 10 - 7:17 . Matthew 11 - 14:00 . Matthew 12 – 19:31 . Psalm 65 - 27:15 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

Just as Moses did before Him, Jesus ascends a mountaintop in order to deliver a Word from God to those who were following Him. Unlike Moses, Jesus doesn’t need to wait for an authoritative teaching, for He Himself is the authority: he is Immanuel, God with us. As He begins His teaching, He assures the crowd that His words are not an alteration of God’s established commands; rather, His words are a fulfillment of the Law. This sermon would have been just as shocking to His audience then as it is to our modern sensibilities today. May we learn to trust and obey Him anew as we hear His words today. Matthew 5 - 1:05 . Matthew 6 - 9:44 . Matthew 7 - 15:11 . Matthew 8 – 20:39 . Psalm 64 - 26:27 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

The gospel of Matthew was written with a Jewish audience in mind, pointing frequently to the Old Testament to show how Christ was God’s promised Messiah and the fulfillment of the Law. Matthew looks back upon some 60 Hebrew prophecies throughout his text. Not only is He the long-awaited King, He is also the new Abraham, that is, the head of the new spiritual Israel comprised of all who follow Him. If that weren’t enough, Matthew also shows that Jesus is the new Moses; He is the greater prophet, teacher, and deliverer born among Israel’s brothers who gives perfect instruction from God. Matthew 1 - 1:11 . Matthew 2 - 5:48 . Matthew 3 - 9:59 . Matthew 4 - 13:48 . Psalm 63 - 18:08 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

The clans and families of Israel are settling into their apportioned lands and beginning to find rest when a report spreads across the lands that the tribes on the other side of the Jordan are rebelling against God. They ready themselves for war, knowing that God is a jealous God, but later find their zealous action was in haste. Today’s reading ends with the burial of three leaders: Joshua, who experienced the exodus as well as the conquering of the Promised Land; Eleazar, the successor to Aaron in the priesthood; and finally, the bones of Joseph who had died in Egypt. It marks the end of an era and a shift in the tide of Israel’s history. Joshua 22 - 1:13 . Joshua 23 - 10:00 . Joshua 24 - 14:17 . Psalm 61 - 22:21 . Psalm 62 - 23:28 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

Now that the majority of the Promised Land has been conquered, the land is being divided by lot and by size according to the number of people in each tribe. Today’s reading is the last section of text detailing the division of the land, and as mentioned in the last episode, consider the excitement and the joy that Israel experienced as each family learned where they would live and work and thrive for generations to come. While the descriptions may seem abstract to us, they were concrete and tangible pieces of real estate for Israel. Today’s reading ends with a joyful conclusion, so make sure to pay attention. Joshua 18 – 1:08 . Joshua 19 – 5:42 . Joshua 20 – 12:47 . Joshua 21 – 15:37 . Psalm 59 – 22:25 . Psalm 60 – 25:07 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

The work of conquering the Promised Land, in large part, has come to a close. Now it’s time to divide the land between the clans of Israel as Moses had instructed. To our modern ears, much of what we’ll hear today may not seem important or relevant. Try to imagine, however, if you and your family had been given large sums of real estate by the work of God’s mighty hand. Wouldn’t you find it important that the details about property lines be recorded for you and for future generations? Additionally, listen for those instances where Israel does not completely destroy those who had inhabited the land. This is evidence of Israel’s disobedience and a prelude to the problems presented in Israel’s forthcoming history. Joshua 14 - 1:10 . Joshua 15 - 3:55 . Joshua 16 - 11:46 . Joshua 17 - 13:22 . Psalm 57 – 17:36 . Psalm 58 - 19:24 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

A coalition of nations conspires to fight against Israel when they hear that Joshua has defeated Jericho and Ai, and they gather together to surge against them. They are no match for those with whom the Lord has covenanted, and God sends a natural disaster that lays waste to more men than the Israelites slay by the sword. After their defeat, but now another set of kings sets their sites on extinguishing Israel. The northern cities and their kings will soon be defeated, included those men called Anakim, those whom the original party of spies feared so much, saying they felt like grasshoppers in their presence. Now, Israel returns with a new generation led by Joshua and Caleb, the Lord’s faithful spies who are the only men left of the former generation. Joshua 10 – 1:10 . Joshua 11 – 10:37 . Joshua 12 – 15:04 . Joshua 13 – 18:53 . Psalm 55 – 24:13 . Psalm 56 – 27:20 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

In our last episode, Israel had successfully crossed the Jordan on dry ground and defeated the walled city of Jericho, not by their own strength, but by the strength of God’s mighty hand over His Creation. God had instructed that all of Jericho be set apart to the Lord for destruction, with specific instruction not to take anything or else that man would also be set apart destruction. One man selfishly rejects this command, which leads to a heartbreaking defeat and a difficult task for Joshua. Later, we’re told that the nations plan to form a coalition and fight against Israel, but the inhabitants of Gideon decide to take a different approach. Joshua 7 – 1:14 . Joshua 8 – 8:38 . Joshua 9 – 16:39 . Psalm 52 – 22:00 . Psalm 53 – 23:24 . Psalm 54 – 24:41 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org

Moses has died, leaving Israel with a new legacy, a new Law, and a new leader. Before Moses’ death, the Lord appointed Joshua to lead and blessed Him. Today, Joshua takes charge over Israel and leads them over the Jordan and into the land of promise. You may recall that Joshua has seen the land already, as Moses sent him with other men to spy out the land, and that he and Caleb were the only two spies who trusted in the Lord to deliver them through battle. This same Joshua is now in charge and is headed for Jericho, and soon the walls will come a tumblin’ down. Joshua 1 – 1:09 . Joshua 2 – 4:26 . Joshua 3 – 10:05 . Joshua 4 – 13:31 . Joshua 5 – 18:33 . Joshua 6 – 21:37 . Psalm 51 – 27:32 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible admin@commuterbible.org