Justin Houtz

Leviticus 23-24; Psalm 24; Acts 21

DateVersionReading Plan
February 14, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

Leviticus 23-24

Observation & Interpretation

In these chapters, we read of the multitude of feasts that were to be held in recognition of the Lord as well as a couple of tasks to be performed, namely, the arranging of the lamps and bread before the Lord. On the feasts, there is a clear pattern of purpose as to their adherence, that they were to be “to the LORD”. The feasts were scheduled and structured festal observances given to consistently remind the people of their God who had chosen them, delivered them from slavery and to express their proper devotion Him. While we no longer hold these festivals, we as believers do have the regular assembly, the Sabbath, to rest and be refreshed together in the gospel of Jesus Christ. What is more, it would benefit the saints greatly to intentionally set times and events in which we can break bread and celebrate God and His mighty works.

At the end of chapter 24, we encounter a situation in which the son of an Israelite woman and Egyptian man from the tribe of Dan blasphemes the Name. As the BBC states, it is an “abrupt account” that “shows that the law was the same for anyone who lived in the camp of Israel, whether he was a fullblooded Jew or not (v. 22).” It goes on to say that “blasphemy, like murder, was punishable by death (vv. 14, 16, 17, 23). (Verse 16 was probably the law against blasphemy, which the Jews referred to when they said, ‘We have a law, and according to our law He [the Lord Jesus] ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God’ [John 19:7].)” Blaspheming the name of God was a serious offense as it was a direct affront against God in the grave mishandling of the Name above all names of Whom deserves the highest regard. Sadly, we have lost the gravity of such a verbal assault on the God of all creation. May this account foster within God’s people the desire to never take lightly the speaking and reference to His name, ever mindful of the all-surpassing might and majesty it encompasses.

Psalm 24

Prayer

LORD, you are the King of glory. The earth is Yours and the fullness thereof. All is from You, founded and established by You. Praise be to You, O LORD, that those of clean hands and a pure heart can ascend Your hill. You are strong in battle, You are the LORD of hosts, You are the King of glory.

Acts 21

Observation & Interpretation

Acts 21 contains an interesting (and somewhat confusing) account in which Paul interacted with James (a man whose identity is not entirely clear but is likely the brother of Jesus) as well as the brothers. As the BBC states, “the Jewish brethren were apprehensive. Word had traveled around that the Apostle Paul had preached and taught against Moses and the law. This could mean trouble in Jerusalem.” From here, the brothers suggest to Paul that he take a vow. The BBC continues in saying, “We do not know much about what this vow involved. The details are veiled in obscurity. But all we need to know is that it was a Jewish vow, and that if the Jews saw the apostle going through the ritual connected with it, they would know assuredly that he was not turning others away from the law of Moses. It would be an indication to the Jews that the apostle himself kept the law.” Paul proceeded to purify himself along with them the next day, perhaps sensing “this was part of God’s overall plan, to which he was partially privy (vv. 10–11; 20:22–23).” (CSB Notes)

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