The Bible by David Alley

by David Alley

Season 1

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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Aug 29, 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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Aug 28, 2022

15:34

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

S1 · E176

Aug 27, 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.

S1 · E175

Aug 26, 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.

S1 · E174

Aug 25, 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.

S1 · E173

Aug 24, 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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Aug 23, 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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Aug 22, 2022

15:28

Deuteronomy 17 - Laws for Kings | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to Deuteronomy 17 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Deuteronomy 17 it starts by telling the Israelites not to offer second rate sacrifices. There was a real temptation to offer blemished sacrifices, because they were cheaper. Upon arrival at a festival it was a way of saving money, but God is reminding them to make himself a priority. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 was like this in that they pretend they were giving a better sacrifice than they were. In this case the amount of their offering was at thei discretion but they lied. When it comes to service, we need to give God our best effort, from a good heart. When it comes to money or giving, we endeavor to put the Lord first. Later is goes to give instructions for kings, when inevitably they would ask for one. It said not to have many horses. King Solomon, for all his wisdom, seems to not have been aware, or chose not to follow this advice. Horses were a sign of trust in one’s own strength, just as today people might trust in the dollar, or in technology. The law also said not to have many wives. Solomon also had many wives, who in fact did lead him astray. For a man with such wisdom, this was a highly foolish thing to do. He discovered this to his own shame, what he could easily have avoided by following what was written in the law in advance. His own words in Ecclesiastes 2:10-11: “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor and this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;” Finally the king was required to write out a copy of the law, which presumably was either this book of Deuteronomy, or the entire law, being the first 5 books.

S1 · E170

Aug 21, 2022

13:41

Deuteronomy 16 -Passover,Pentecost, and Tabernacles|Bible Podcast,David Alley,Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to Deuteronomy 16 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Deuteronomy 16 in Moses’ great speech he recounts the three great feasts. These three are pilgrimage feasts which meant people were meant to travel to the place, which was Jerusalem later, for them. While the 12 tribes were in the land, none was really more than a few days' journey from Jerusalem, as we see later in the life of Christ, he regularly travelled to Jerusalem for feasts, This is seen most clearly in John’s gospel where he is present for multiple passover, plus other feasts. We have often heard that Jesus had a three year ministry, but if you read Matthew, Mark or Luke we only see one passover there, the final one. But in John’s gospel is where we get the multiple feasts that Jesus attends in Jerusalem. Plus in Luke we also see Jesus' parents take him to the temple for passover as a twelve year old boy, so we see that pilgrimage was his family habit. Each of the pilgrimage feasts is a seven day feast - a symbolic number for God. And there are three, of them, the number of the trinity, also a number of God. In verse 14 he says “you shall rejoice”. It’s funny that God commands them to keep feasts and then commands them to celebrate the feasts. This is because for humans the reason for joy is not obvious. Of course we cannot fake enthusiasm, (en theos) but we can through obedience grow to see the things that bring joy. So we always start with obedience to God. For the Israelites they were obliged to celebrate these three times per year as a way of remembering all that God had done for them. As believers we participate not only in annual events like Christmas and Easter, but other regular practices like communion/eucharist, and weekly church attendance, which we should be joyful about too. IMagine if God said we had to attend church, and we had to celebrate. Many would not see the reason for doing so, but in time their eyes might be opened if they persist. Ultimately the feasts are Christ, and we are celebrating Him. It is plainly stated by Paul in Colossians 2:16-17.

S1 · E169

Aug 20, 2022

12:37

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