Justin Houtz

1 Chronicles 5–6, Hebrews 10, Amos 4, Psalms 148–150

DateVersionReading Plan
November 15, 2024ESV (2016)M’Cheyne Plan 2024

1 Chronicles 5–6

1 Chronicles 5:1–2 (ESV) 1 The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, so that he could not be enrolled as the oldest son; 2 though Judah became strong among his brothers and a chief came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph),

“Because Reuben slept with his father’s concubine, he was not given the preeminence typically due the firstborn son. See Gen 35:22 and note; compare Gen 49:4 and note.” (FSB)

1 Chronicles 5:25 (ESV) 25 But they broke faith with the God of their fathers, and whored after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them.

In describing the members of the half-tribe of Manasseh, the Chronicler their breach of faith and that they whored after the gods of the people of the land. The CSB mentions that, “This is the first reference to idolatry in Chronicles. Even though this part of the tribe of Manasseh contained some outstanding people, they deviated from God and adopted the idolatry of the nations around them.” (CSB Notes)

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10:14 (ESV) 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

“The surpassing value of His offering is seen in that by it He has perfected forever (or in perpetuity) those who are being sanctified. Those who are being sanctified here means all who have been set apart to God from the world, that is, all true believers. They have been perfected in a twofold sense. First, they have a perfect standing before God; they stand before the Father in all the acceptability of His beloved Son. Second, they have a perfect conscience as far as the guilt and penalty of sin are concerned; they know that the price has been paid in full and that God will not demand payment a second time.” (BBC)

It is heartening to read this and of the overarching narrative of Christ’s once-for-all sufficient offering. Interestingly, “has perfected” denotes a completed stated while “being sanctified” indicates an continual, ongoing process. As the FSB makes note, “Believers are made perfect (11:40; 12:23), following Jesus Christ who Himself was made perfect (see 2:10; 5:9; 7:28). Christ achieved this by means of His sacrificial death (v. 10), which enables believers to draw near to God (see 7:11–12, 19; 9:9; 10:1)” By this passage, it seems as though the enabling by our having been perfected in Christ is the means by which sanctification and closeness to God is achieved.

Amos 4

Amos 4:4–5 (ESV) 4  “Come to Bethel, and transgress; to Gilgal, and multiply transgression; bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days; 5  offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving of that which is leavened, and proclaim freewill offerings, publish them; for so you love to do, O people of Israel!” declares the Lord GOD.

“Amos offers a satirical critique of Israelite worship, mockingly encouraging them to continue in religious rituals that he has identified as “transgression.” Frequency of offerings is meaningless without genuine obedience.” (FSB)

Admittedly, it seems as though it would be beneath the God of all creation to speak in such a mocking way, but the effect is palpable as God expresses His righteous indignation toward the Israelites’ abominable pagan worship.

Psalm 148

“This corporate praise psalm (meant for group settings) fuses Yahweh’s role as Israel’s God with His power over all of the created order. The psalmist opens by exhorting heaven, all of the angels and spiritual beings, and all the celestial bodies to praise Yahweh (vv. 1–4), emphasizing that they only exist because Yahweh has created them (vv. 5–6). The psalmist then focuses on the world beneath heaven, and he exhorts the earth and all of the animals and people to praise Yahweh (vv. 7–12). He concludes by emphasizing the central place of Israel within Yahweh’s concern, noting that Yahweh has placed Himself as the central source of Israel’s help (v. 14).” (FSB)

Psalm 149

“In this corporate praise psalm (meant for group settings), the congregation of Israel praises Yahweh and envisions their place in Yahweh’s future judgment of the foreign nations. The psalmist begins by calling the Israelites to praise Yahweh and rejoice in Him, probably within the context of temple worship in Jerusalem (vv. 1–2). He exhorts the people to praise Yahweh with dancing and music because the recollection of His help brings Him fame (vv. 3–4). The psalm then portrays the Israelites’ response to their worship of Yahweh. The psalmist envisions the Israelites as having a central role in God’s future judgment of wicked nations, stating that they will wield swords even as they praise God (vv. 5–7). The psalmist sees this role as an honor for those faithful to God—they will imprison the rulers of wicked nations and thus justice will come (vv. 8–9). The psalm opens and closes with the exhortation to praise Yahweh (hallu-yah in Hebrew; vv. 1, 9).” (FSB)

Psalm 150

“This corporate praise psalm functions as the concluding doxology for the psalter. The psalm opens with a series of exhortations to praise Yahweh because of who He is. The psalmist wants Yahweh to be praised in the temple—the place that signified His dwelling place on earth—and in heaven, where the fullness of His glory dwells, for His deeds and character (vv. 1–2). He then exhorts the Israelites to praise Yahweh with a series of musical instruments, which implies great enthusiasm and joy (vv. 3–5). The psalm and psalter concludes with a final call for everything to praise Yahweh (v. 6).”

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