Thoughts on the readings for February 1st (Exodus 5, 6; Psalms 58, 59; Romans 10, 11)

Exodus 5 tells of Moses and Aaron standing before Pharaoh and issuing their demand and ultimatum. Pharaoh arrogantly responds, “Who is Yahweh?” Proud man you will learn when He abases you. He tells his slaves – no more straw for bricks – it will become worse for Israel should you try to resist me. Back to rigorous work you idle slaves, Pharaoh says. The foremen of the Israelites were beaten when they failed to reach their tally of bricks. The delegates of the Israelites sent spokesmen to Pharaoh, who told them to stop complaining and to work harder. When these spokesmen later met Moses and Aaron, they told God’s envoys to leave as attempts at intervention had only increased their sufferings. Somewhat despondently Moses and Aaron pray for the people. May we likewise learn trust and perseverance when we are under trial.
In chapter 6 God’s response is, “I am Yahweh” and was known to the patriarchal fathers as
“El Shaddai” – the strength of the nourishers; and, the strength of the destroyers (behold the goodness and the severity of the LORD,
Romans 11 verses 22 to 23). But, God says, rhetorically “Did not they know my name, Yahweh?” Surely they did as Moses indicated (Genesis 4 verses 1, 25-26; and frequently the patriarchs “call upon Yahweh”. The future intent contained in the name is explained in verses 6-8, which uses Ehyeh the first person, future tense of Yahweh. The known name was to be understood in the context of Yahweh’s personal covenant with His people, Israel. Moses seems to show discouragement at this time and a reluctance to take up the contest with Pharaoh. The finish of the chapter establishes the lineage of Yahweh’s envoys, Moses and Aaron.

Psalm 58 is yet another Michtam, which means “an engraving” (that is letters carved deep because of their important message. The centre margin in many Bibles tells us that the Psalm carries a superscription from Psalm 59. belonging actually to Psalm 58 as a subscript “Al-taschith”. This was a plea for God to “destroy not” – that is, to spare David. The psalmist calls upon his Sovereign to deliver him from his enemies, that continued to prowl like vicious dogs intent on his being savaged. These enemies were, he says, incapable of speaking, or doing, truly. They were venomous snakes. God would cause them to dissolve in their slime, like a snail; and like a stillborn child to not coming to the birth. When God avenges the righteous and repays the wicked there will be rejoicing and praise for the Almighty’s vindication of His people.
The 59th Psalm is yet another Michtam from David. It was written to celebrate deliverance from Saul, who had watched David’s house, and had commanded his servants to slay David as soon as they could seize him. In verses 1-2 David’s Sovereign’s protection is called upon; he asks deliverance from the bloodthirsty Saul. David speaks of his innocence despite his persecution. Yahweh roused Himself to stand by the righteous; and save them in their distress. Like, in Psalm 2, the psalmist sees the LORD laughing derisively at the futility of those opposing His faithful anointed. The evil will be dealt with by the Omnipotent Creator. God’s strength and steadfast love will be the empowering force for the faithful; for whom He is their fortress.

In the 10th chapter of Romans Paul tells us what faith is and how it originates and affects the children of the Almighty. Sadly natural Israel had failed to understand what God’s righteousness was and had sought, impossibly to establish their own based on a merit based system of law keeping. In verses 5-13 the argument is developed from the time of Moses, and based on the words of Deuteronomy 30 that salvation is beyond human effort, but rather dependent upon God’s firstly raising up (or producing a sinless saviour) and consequently, being able to resurrect him from the dead. Our part is to accept and believe it. The chapter concludes with the fact that this is incredibly good news for us, who would be totally lost without this salvation. Faith, he concludes is based on hearing the Word of God.
Chapter 11 of Romans is about national Israel, God’s Chosen People, and the Gospel. Some points made include the following:- 1) the Lord God of Israel has never abandoned His people; 2) God has always raised up a remnant among them, to be saved by grace; 3) it has always been been Yahweh’s purpose to save the faithful from all nations. In chapter 10 of Romans Paul tells us what faith is and how it originates and affects the children of the Almighty. Sadly natural Israel had failed to understand what God’s righteousness was and had sought, impossibly to establish their own based on a meritorious system of law keeping. In verses 5-13 the argument is developed from the time of Moses, and based on the words of Deuteronomy 30 that salvation is beyond human effort, but rather dependent upon God’s firstly raising up (or producing a sinless saviour) and consequently, able to resurrect him from the dead. Our part is to accept and believe it. The chapter concludes with the fact that this is incredibly good news for us, who would be totally lost without this. Faith, he concludes is based on hearing the Word of God.
Chapter 11 of Romans is about national Israel, God’s Chosen People, and the Gospel. Some points made include the following:- 1) the Lord God of Israel has never abandoned His people; 2) God has always raised up a remnant among them, to be saved by grace; 3) it has always been been Yahweh’s purpose to save the faithful from all nations; 4) the inclusion of the Gentiles was intended to provoke natural Jews to return to their roots and the Father’s original purpose for them; 5) Israel’s restoration represents a national resurrection and is a token of the nearness of Christ’s Kingdom which will be presaged by the resurrection of the dead; 6) the Scriptures abundantly attest this including the words of Joel 3 verses16-17 and 7) And this plan was always our Sovereign’s purpose and He never changes from His determined will; 8) we must be in awe and marvel at the riches and wisdom of the Almighty. The great Apostle Paul marvels at the wisdom and foresight of the Almighty. Nothing has happened in His plan to save faithful Jews and Gentiles that the Father had not foreseen. We look forward to the day when the Deliverer will come to Zion and turn away ungodliness from Jacob, and so save Israel, a nation far degraded from its calling as illustrated in the current Jeremiah readings. Read verses 33-36 aloud and praise our Omnipotent Sovereign for His love and merciful kindness.