Justin Houtz

2 Samuel 8, Matthew 15

DateVersionReading Plan
October 2, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

2 Samuel 8

Observation & Interpretation

2 Sam. 8:1 – Metheg-ammah = Gath

2 Sam. 8:1 – Garrison: a body of troops stationed in a fortress or town to defend it

2 Sam. 8:1-18 – David the conqueror foreshadows the messianic role of the Lamb, who overcomes all his enemies and those who oppose his people (Rev. 17:14). (ESVEC – Response)

Matthew 15

Observation & Interpretation

Matt. 15:1-9 – Jesus answers the question of the Pharisees and scribes re: the tradition of the elders and washing of hands before eating by questioning them why they break the commandment of God for the sake of tradition, pointing to God’s command to honor father and mother.

  • The Lord Jesus reminded his critics that they transgressed the commandment of God, not simply the tradition of the elders. The law commanded men to honor their parents, including supporting them financially if necessary. But the scribes and Pharisees (and many others) did not want to spend money for the support of their aged parents. So they devised a tradition by which to avoid their responsibility. When asked for help by father or mother, all they had to do was recite such words as these: “Any money which I have and which could be used to support you has been dedicated to God, and therefore I cannot give it to you,” and having recited this formula, they were free from financial responsibility to their parents. Following this devious tradition they had thus nullified the Word of God which commanded them to care for their parents. (BBC)

Matt. 15:20 – Jesus references back to the question posed by the Pharisees re: unwashed hands (Matt. 15:2), striking a contrast between what defiles a person (what comes out of the mouth that proceeds from the heart) and what does not defile a person (eating with unwashed hands)

  • Jews believe that ritual purity protected them from incurring God’s wrath; they would not approach God if they were unclean. Jesus teaches that matters o the heart—not external ceremonial regulations—render people unfit to enter God’s presence. (FSB)

Matt. 15:1-20 – A faithful response begins not with admiration of Jesus’ demolition of the Pharisees but with confession of personal sin…Tradition tends to nullify God’s Word. It worms its way to supremacy by functioning as the authoritative interpretation of the Holy Word. All traditions tend to do this, and therefore Christians should always subject their traditions to biblical analysis. (ESVEC – Response)

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