Justin Houtz

Deuteronomy 17, Ephesians 2

DateVersionReading Plan
June 19, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Deuteronomy 17

Observation & Interpretation

The LORD through Moses continues in providing the people parameters in which they were to live. In Deut. 17:14-20, God gives instruction regarding the appointment of a king, anticipating “the desire of the people for a king by about 400 years” (BBC). Qualifications of such a ruler are given and the BBC makes note of how “Solomon, who ruled Israel in her golden days, violated almost every one of these injunctions—to his own destruction and the ruin of his kingdom (1 Kgs. 10:14–11:10).”

Application

The preemptive instruction for monarchical rule illuminates the omniscience of God. He knows all—from beginning to end—and certainly that men would seek to set a king over them like the other nations. Rather than prohibit such an appointment, God was gracious in directing how it was to be done and the consequences of failure. On the latter, we learn from Solomon’s reign and his thorough infraction of such directives that the kingdom became divided. From this we gather just how dire are the ramifications that stem from subverting God’s commands.

Ephesians 2

Observation & Interpretation

Eph. 2:3 – Before conversion, believers were children of wrath, like the rest of mankind

Eph. 2:7 – The purpose of everything done in Christ was to display the immeasurable riches o God’s grace (CSB Notes)

Eph. 2:8-9 – The work of salvation is for God’s glory and not accomplished by human works (CSB Notes)

Eph. 2:12-13 – Once separated from Christ, having no hope, without God and far off, the Gentiles have been brought near by the blood of Christ

Eph. 2:14 – Christ is our peace; not that He made peace, although that is also true

Eph. 2:17 – Those who were far off (Gentiles) and those who are near (Jews) (BBC)

Application

How amazing it is to meditate on how we were once separated from Christ—without God, having no hope, far off—but now have been brought near by the blood of Christ. The blood shed by Christ as our worthy sacrifice means that we may have life in Him where there once was death, adoption where they was once alienation. What joy should we respond to this glorious news that we can be close to the One by whom and for whom we have been created.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are gracious to give us Your Word by which we can know and abide in Your good design. Father, help me by Your Spirit to earnestly seek to bless and glorify You in faithful adherence to Your commands. Father, thank You for Your Son whose perfect obedience and death on the cross has brought me near to You.

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