Justin Houtz

Deuteronomy 5, 2 Corinthians 9

DateVersionReading Plan
June 7, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Deuteronomy 5

Observation & Interpretation

Deut. 5:3 – The LORD did not make a covenant with their fathers but with those alive. “Moses impresses upon the people that they too are bound to the covenant made with their ancestors. Though they were not physically present, the enduring nature of the covenant is as applicable to them as is it was to their ancestors.” (FSB)

Deut. 5:12-15 – The Sabbath was to be kept by all people. No work was to be done by animals or people, including sojourners and servants. The Israelites were to remember that they were once a slave in Egypt but the LORD brought them out with a mighty hand and outstretched arm.

Deut. 5:24-27 – The people had spoken to Moses of how they had seen God speak with man and man still live. “In [Deut. 5:22-33], Moses recounts the scene from Exod 20:18–21 where the people react to having heard the Ten Commandments from Yahweh Himself. Moses also describes the scene in more detail, making it clear that the people had heard Yahweh’s voice (see Deut 5:24; this detail is only implied in Exodus; compare v. 4 and note). After their initial exposure to Yahweh’s awesome presence, the people ask Moses to act as the intermediary between them and God.” (FSB)

Application

The universality of the Sabbath across all people and animals indicates the holiness of this day and that it was “to be differentiated from other days” (FSB). It is a great blessing to dedicate a day of the week to fully rest and be in remembrance of what God has done. However, in our achievement-oriented culture, we can be quick to make excuses as to why this day should be reallocated for work. Sometimes this happens gradually, starting with catching up on a few tasks which then progresses as we perceive benefit in the additional productivity. Before long, the day becomes indistinguishable from any other. At a large level, this stems from a lack of contentment, always wanting to accomplish and consume more. Only when we see the fullness of contentment we have in Christ does the cycle of striving and consumption break.

2 Corinthians 9

Observation & Interpretation

Paul speaks of the “ministry of the saints” (2 Cor. 9:1), referring “to the collection of financial relief Paul is gathering for the poor believers in Jerusalem.” (FSB). Paul thought it necessary to go on ahead and arrange the gift the Corinthian church had promised. “A team of believers would have collected the offering the Corinthian believers set aside for this project (1 Cor 16:1–3; 2 Cor 8:16–24). Paul presents this as an opportunity for the Corinthians to demonstrate the authenticity of their faith and love for the saints.” (FSB).

Paul makes his point clear that whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly but whoever sows bountifully will reap bountifully (2 Cor. 9:6). The people would enriched in every way to be generous in every way, supplying the needs of the saints and overflowing in many thanksgivings to God (2 Cor. 9:11). “When the gift from the Corinthians was put to work in Jerusalem, it would not only supply the needs of the saints there but would also result in many people giving thanks to God.” (BBC). Paul speaks of how those in Jerusalem long for the Corinthian church and then breaks out in praise of God for His inexpressible gift (2 Cor. 9:14-15). The BBC provides some additional context:

This verse has been a puzzle to many Bible scholars. They cannot see that it is closely connected with what has gone before. And they wonder what is meant by His indescribable gift. But it seems to us that as the Apostle Paul reaches the end of his section on Christian giving, he is forced to think of the greatest Giver of all—God Himself. He thinks, too, of the greatest gift of all—the Lord Jesus Christ. And so he would leave his Corinthian brethren on this high note. They are children of God and followers of Christ. Then let them follow such worthy examples!

Application

The connection between enriching and generosity in 2 Cor. 11 is compelling. As we give generously, “every act of kindness has a reflex action, and the reward is all out of proportion to the gift given.” The type of enriching is not of monetary value but of the heart as we provide for others in self-sacrificial manner. This we do in response to the greatest act of generosity ever demonstrated by God on our behalf in sending and sacrifice of His Son. We give to others out of the overflow of what He has given of Himself and what praise is due to our God for this inexpressible gift!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that by Your Son we have all that we need. Father, help me to be content and fully satisfied in You. Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, the greatest treasure we could ever behold.

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