The Bible by David Alley

di David Alley

Miglioramento personale Cristianità Religione

Stagione 1

Deuteronomy 27 - The Covenant Renewed | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to Deuteronomy 27 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Deuteronomy 27 we now come to the sanctions of the covenant, and one of the saddest sections of the entire bible. Briefly Moses is now talking about himself in the third person. This isn’t a problem as some think, but done this way because of the formality of the covenant terms and sanctions in line with ancient treaties. It then outlines the building of an altar on Mt Ebal. Mt Ebal is still there naturally, but so is the altar. A simple flyover on Google Earth reveals a quite large non natural pile of rocks, left from this time. There are also many pictures on Google Images of this, even though the mountain is now off limits courtesy of the Israeli government. Mt Gerizim and Mt Ebal are amazingly close together. They are perhaps only 4-500 feet apart at the base, but are substantial enough for a good amount of people to stand on each mountain. The view of these is worth a flyover on Google Earth. The city of Nablus is in between. Mt Gerizim is the mountain referred to in John 4 by the Samaritan woman. Samaritans only held to the Law, but not the rest of the Old Testament, so for her, “this mountain” was Mt Gerizim. God sends 6 tribes up the mountain of curse, and six up the mountain of blessing. This prompts a question. Did God curse 6 tribes and bless 6 tribes? No, the blessing and cursing of the covenant was by obedience, not by birth. This is always the way in God’s system. Nevertheless it is interesting that on Gerizim only tribes of Jacob’s wives are chosen, and on Ebal, tribes of Jacob’s servants, plus the oldest and youngest of the wives’ children are chosen. There is a pattern there, but what does it mean? And now we begin the sanctions proper, with the worst of them to come in the next chapter. Here the people agree to the terms by saying Amen repeatedly offering proof that amen isn't always used as you think.

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31 ago 2022

16:42

Deuteronomy 26 - Offerings of First fruit and Tithes | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to Deuteronomy 26 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Deuteronomy 26 we have a key turning point in Moses' speech. The entire thing is a suzerainty treaty and we transition from the end of the terms, to the beginning of the outcomes for obedience/disobedience. Before the transition it refers to Abraham as “a wandering syrian” or in other translations “a wondering aramean” which is how this is commonly remembered. However Abraham came from Ur of the Chaldees which to modern ears is neither Syrian or Aramean, but Chaldean. The answer here is simple - his family was from Aram as was seen in Genesis when Isaac was sent there to get a wife. But Terah had moved the family, including Abram to Ur of Chaldea, but was not ethnically Chaldean. Also before the key transition, it outlines how the tithe was to be spent every third year. It was to be given to the Levites, foreigners, fatherless, widows and the poor. Imagine a society where 10% of all revenue of an entire nation given every three years to the poor. Social care and concern in history began in the Law with the Lord our God. Now in 16-19 we start into the nitty gritty of a Suzerainty treaty, the arrangement a sovereign makes with a people who are becoming a part of his rule. This was something customary in ancient times, and God was making use of this as something many people would have been familiar with, to have a people whose monarch was God. Up until now we have had the terms, and in the following chapters we have the outcomes that will result from following these terms. It is very important to understand that the consequences of disobedience are what happens to people who do not follow God, even outside of a covenant. The implications of rejecting God are always catastrophic, but here it is formalised, and as we will see in chapters 27-28, it is also very prophetic. One key difference is that this treaty/covenant is relational in nature, whereas those of ancient near east treaties were not relational but power based.

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30 ago 2022

16:15

Deuteronomy 25 - Punishment for Wickedness | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to Deuteronomy 25 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Deuteronomy 25 we find an interesting verse about oxen that is quoted several times by Paul in the NT. This was a verse Paul quoted in 1 Timothy 5:18 and in 1 Corinthians 9 which he used to say that a preacher should get paid for his work, and not be expected to work without being fed. People wouldn't typically muzzle their own ox because they have to feed it anyway, and a healthy ox performs better than a starved one. Justin Taylor of the gospel coalition writes that this rule cuts in when an ox is borrowed or leased. The user has no regard for the ox, but wants to harvest as much of his own grain as possible, so muzzles the ox. In this example no care is given to the beast doing all the hard work. In the case of those laboring in God’s field, they should not be taken advantage of says Paul. God cares more about people than oxen. But most interesting to me in this example is seeing how Paul has understood Moses. This was obviously a practical rule for then, but a spiritual rule for all time. This is a demonstration of why the OT books are important for us now, and why even the most obscure rules have things in them for us to discover and learn. We have been doing this to some extent in our videos. Then there is a strange verse about what to do when a woman grabs a man’s private area. This video discusses some of the thoughts behind that. Finally a discussion of Amalek, The Amalekites were long gone by this point, so why invent something like this if it was written later? (It wasn’t) The Amalekites are symbolic of the ultimate evil, and of the complete absence of the fear of God. If Egypt is a symbol of the flesh and the world, Amalek is a symbol of the devil. The Israelites were to completely remove Amalek from their midst, and as believers we are to remove things which cause us to love the world, rather we are to fear God. When the Israelites left Egypt (symbolising the flesh and the world) they were unexpectedly attacked by Amalek in the desert. When someone is liberated from sin and comes into the kingdom of God, the evil one seeks to attack them. We fight by coming into the fullness of our fear of God.

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29 ago 2022

16:51

Deuteronomy 24 - Laws for Divorce, Remarriage,Debts|Bible Podcast,David Alley,Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to Deuteronomy 23 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Deuteronomy 23 there are various laws, concerning eunuchs, illegitimate children, foreigners and more. Concerning Eunuchs, it sounds here like God doesn’t approve of eunuchs. Eunuchs were typically men who removed their testicles through either of the above methods, often for the purpose of serving a king with his trusted female escorts, or for priestly purposes on false religious practices. This command had the effect so far as I understand, to stop the Israelites from copying their surrounding neighbours in using eunuchs, and there are no biblical examples of them in use in Israel or Judah. Essentially those who had devoted their life to idolatry or sexual immorality were not welcome. Later in the Bible there are much more welcoming things said about Eunuchs, such as Isaiah’s prophecy in 56:6 where they are promised a name better than children and promised they would not be cut off. This is a play on meaning because a eunuch would have no posterity, or children, and has in fact had part of his body cut off, plus his future. But to the repentant eunuch, or the repentant anyone, there is always a place in God's heart. And in Acts 8 we have the perfect example of this in the Ethiopian Eunuch. However when Babylon took away the exiles, a number of them were made eunuchs without their permission. There were no finer Israelites than Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego who were in this category. This video also goes into details concerning illegitimate children, foreigners and more.

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28 ago 2022

15:34

Deuteronomy 23 - Exclusion from the Assembly | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

S1 · E176

27 ago 2022

14:40

Deuteronomy 22 - Laws for Lost and Found Property | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to Deuteronomy 22 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Deuteronomy 22 there are various random rules, which seem strange connected her like this, but in a spoken speech as it was given, they fit fine. Taking responsibility for another's property is a thing, such as watching out for another’s animals. There is a law against cross-dressing and this video discusses why that would be important. There is a law about preserving the mother bird when the eggs are taken. This is similar to the fishing laws in Queensland which require the preserving of the female of certain species, for their long term preservation. Among other laws, there is a discussion about the proof of virginity. Here we see how important virginity was. If a woman was a virgin when married, she was able to prove it during her consumanation. But once a woman was no longer a virgin, even if she was violated, now she had lost something very precious. The sheet was her protection and honor. In the same way, the Church, being the bride of Christ, is protected by the blood that flowed when we were first drawn to Christ at Calvary. If not for this blood, we would be shamed, dishonoured and put away. Our virginity however is found after Christ has worked on his people to redeem them and bring them to himself.

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26 ago 2022

12:50

Deuteronomy 21 - Laws for Unsolved Murder | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to Deuteronomy 21 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Deuteronomy 21 the way that a murder is handled is discussed, and in particualr the implications of innocent blood crying out. The idea that innocent blood cries out from the ground goes right back to the story of Cain and Abel. There is no logical reason why blood should do this, but these ideas, plus other comments about blood are right through the entire Bible. Bllood must be shed in the place of blood to atone. So the blood of the innocent Christ was shed to atone for the sins of all. The blood of Christ cries out… it speaks a better word, says Hebrews 12:24 than the blood of Abel. Other rules are discussed including how to handle a woman taken captive in war and married. In the mind of God, taking a woman to have sex with her IS equated with marriage. It was not acceptable to treat sex as something casual, and a man has an obligation to a woman that he takes in this fashion. It also discusses favouratism in a polygamous situation, which is not a unusual today as one would think. This passage is worth contemplating in light of Jacob’s two wives, one of whom was loved and other not, although she did come to be loved in time. We see the great pain for everyone in that family caused by such pain. Jacob was tricked into this position, but the truth of these words is just as true. In today’s world there are just as many complicated family situations, especially once you take into account multiple marriages, step children, de facto relationships, casual acquaintances and liaisons outside of marriage, including those that produce children. The Lord treats each of these as seriously as marriage. Grace must be sought and obtained so that God’s people can live in a way that is not natural. Also this chapter discussed the curse that is one anyone hung on a tree…. A sneak peak into Christ on the cross.

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25 ago 2022

14:58

Deuteronomy 20 - Laws for Warfare | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to Deuteronomy 20 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Deuteronomy 20 are instructions for battle, which have parallels with spiritual warfare for God’s NT people. Those who had their heart set on other things, or were afraid were excused. The army of the Lord, so to speak, were to have their mind and heart focused on the battle. Such is the case for the church who goes to war spiritually. Those who have other interests, or loves, are not found in the Lord’s army. God’s church is for the willing. The message of the gospel is always peace first. In Christ, when we surrender to Him and to the gospel, we all become His servants. We serve each other, and in serving we become great. But if one does not submit to the gospel, then we fight, but not with the weapons of this world, but with prayer, truth, love and service. We fight to make our enemies our friends. Just as Paul influenced Sosthenes into the kingdom, so we are with our enemies.

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24 ago 2022

9:09

Deuteronomy 19 - The Rules for Witnesses | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to Deuteronomy 19 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Deuteronomy 19 the three (or six) cities of refuge are again discussed. These are for cases of second degree murder, or what we call manslaughter in Australia. This is killing without intention or planning, through negligence. In this chapter, the intention to murder is a big deal, and hatred is here mentioned. Jews always made a big deal out of action, but a key difference between first and second degree murder is the intention. Jesus took this whole topic to its logical end saying that when you hate someone, that alone is murder. He made the intention itself the sin. This must be purely correct because if an “innocent blood” must be protected as in verse ten, then a pure intention is innocent, but conversely an evil intention even without the corresponding action is guilty. This chapter also discusses the importance of boundary stones - which related to the dividing of the land initially, and how it was not to be changed. We are not to desire that which God gives to another as his inheritance, but to serve God and obtain our own. Finally, witnesses are discussed. A witness who harms another is to be repaid in like, at least according to the Levitical system here. What is not accounted for is intention, which was also a theme in this chapter. However, in this system, we find forgiveness works in like as in the new testament. This is why showing grace and patience to others is a big priority as believers. How can we expect God’s grace if we are not ourselves gracious. This passage is a guide for judges, but we are not to be the judges according to Christ.

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23 ago 2022

11:10

Deuteronomy 18 - Warning against Divination | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to Deuteronomy 18 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Deuteronomy 18 we cover the paying of priests, seeking council from false gods, and the Prophet. First praying priests. Levites and priests ended up living all throughout the land, not just in the Jerusalem area, and so they had to travel to minister when it was their turn. We see this in Luke’s gospel with the father of John the Baptist who was rostered on to take his turn at the temple. This passage is making sure that they are able to benefit from both their work for the Lord and their work for themselves. In reality this is how it happens as NT believers. We find the Lord propers and blesses what we do in both our own house and in his, as long as our heart and priorities are correct. Second on divination. This chapter lists nine different types of discernment by another spirit, all of them displeasing to the Lord. One wonders why he would be so bothered? They represent faith in another besides him, or consulting another besides him. It must be a real offence to the Lord for him to be all knowing, and all compassionate and all loving, and to have people turn to demons for advice. Imagine knowing that your wife knew the answer to a problem, but then deliberately consulting someone else. Additionally, demons are not only limited knowledge wise, but they deceive because they intend to harm, even if they pretend to help. Essentially consulting a demon instead of the Lord is a huge insult to Him. Thirdly, the Prophet. This person called the Prophet, so briefly mentioned here is none other than the Messiah or Jesus Christ. Moses said God would raise up a prophet “like me.” Of all the great people in the OT, none is more like Jesus than Moses. And Moses said it was crucial that they “listen to Him.” This is nothing other than paying attention to Jesus. The Israelites struggled to listen to God at Mt Sinai, so the Lord sent a person directly among them being none other than Christ. Thus the failure to listen to Christ carries a great weight. This person called the Prophet, so briefly mentioned here is none other than the Messiah or Jesus Christ. Moses said God would raise up a prophet “like me.” Of all the great people in the OT, none is more like Jesus than Moses. The Samaritans who know nothing of the prophets, but only the first five books knew of the Messiah. The woman in John 4 said the Messiah would explain everything. She was thinking of a Moses-like prophet. Jews try to explain this passage by saying that “in each generation” a prophet arises, but this is an attempt to avoid the obvious comparison with Jesus. So Moses warning to “listen to him” is ignored. Moses and Christ are very much alike - according to the Coffman commentary: Both were objects of Divine intervention to save their lives in infancy. Both were sons of virgins. Both were called to deliver God's people. Both were rejected by Israel. Both were the greatest miracle-workers that the world ever saw. Both left a palace (Jesus left heaven, Moses left Pharaoh's) to do their work. Both gave themselves up for God's people. Both were mediators, Moses of the Old Covenant, Jesus of the New Covenant. Both were both prophet and king to the people. Both have their words enshrined in the Bible. Both accomplished their missions. Both delivered God's law to men. Both were transfigured. Both had God's people baptized "unto them." Both gave bread to Israel, the manna and "the bread of life." Both received special treatment in death. Both lead God's people - Moses in the wilderness; Christ during our lives. Both Moses and Jesus were faithful. Both were full of compassion and love for the people whom they led.

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22 ago 2022

15:28

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