March 13 Readings

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The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan
Deuteronomy 16-18; Mark 13.1-20

Today's reading is Deuteronomy 19-22; Mark 13.21-37

Deuteronomy 19 spoke about the Cities of Refuge (Deut 19.1-14; Num 35.6-34; Deut 4.41-43; Josh 20.1-9) and about witnesses. One witness was not enough but two or three are needed. Moses warned against perjury. Link to Cities of Refuge

Deuteronomy 20 spoke about the rules of war. God was in front of them granting them victory. God wanted the Israelites to realize that the cities that the Israelites would have as an inheritance must have all its inhabitants killed. This is horrific in human terms but God does not want the Israelites to be contaminated by idolatry, and detestable practices. what about us. All the spiritual strongholds in our lives must be destroyed.

Deuteronomy 21 deals unsolved murders (1-9). The elders from the nearest town were take a heifer that has never worked or worn a yoke, and lead it to a valley that has never plowed or planted which had a flowing stream. They were to break the neck of the heifer. The elders were to declare that they were not involve in the shedding of that blood and asked God to atone for this Israel and not hold the people guilty so they would be purged from spilling innocent blood. What about Jesus' blood which was innocent. Pilate could not find Him guilty. Murder was a serious matter to God. The people would not be held guilty or the land polluted from innocent blood (Deut 19.10-13). Rules were given in marrying a captive woman (v.10-14). These women were not from Canaan (Deut 7.1-4), the Israelite men were allowed to marry but there must not be any abuse to the woman such as selling her or treating her as a slave. The right of first born (v. 15-17) was discussed where if the firstborn belongs to the unloved wife, that son would have the right of the first born, and get a double share. The story of Jacob with his wives would apply in this case. A rebellious son (v. 18-21) was put to death. This was contrary to honoring father and mother.
Deuteronomy 21.22-23.30 discuss various laws which must be kept. Verse 22, it was mentioned if a man is hung on a tree for a capital offense, his body cannot be left overnight, but should be buried on the same day because anyone who is hung on a tree is undere God's curse. The land must not be desecrated. Notice Jesus was hung on a cross, and this situation applies. He was under God's curse. 2Corinthians 5.21 says
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might have the righteousness of God.

Social Concerns in the Covenant, See Table 3
Discussion of the Mosaic Law. It has reference in Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 19 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 20 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 21 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Deuteronomy
Malik Introduction to Deuteronomy
Malik Argument of Deuteronomy
Israel's Covenant Renewal
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Spurgeon's Sermons on Deuteronomy
Biblebb.com Website
Stedman on Deuteronomy and Numbers

Mark 13.21-37 Commentaries, verse by verse

Signs of the End Times (Mark 13.1-37; Matthew 28.1-51; Luke 21.5-36)
Mark 13.14-37
Jesus gave several warnings about His Second Coming. He told them to look for signs v. 5-13 which we discussed yesterday. Jesus warned us when we see the abomination of desolation (Dan 9.25-27), the revealing of the Antichrist, and the desecration of the temple, then we should flee. It would be hard for pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days. God will shorten those days.. He warned to be on our guard (v. 23).
How do you know when Jesus is coming back? According to these verse which was quoted in Isaiah 11.13.10 and 34.4. Everyone will see Him The sign is that the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Then the Son of man will appear…
Beware of prophets who claimed that they know when Jesus will come back. This has not only happened with cult such as the Jehovah Witnesses but has also happened even among born-again Christians. Who knows when Jesus will return, only GOD THE FATHER KNOWS. Be on you guard be alert! He gave the parable of the man who went away and left his servants in charge of his house. He came back unexpectedly. The servants were to stay awake and keep watch. We have been told by some that we will be raptured away before the Tribulation, some says during the middle of the Tribulation and some says after the tribulation. THAT IS NOT THE ISSUE. The issue is when the Lord comes back will you be awake and alert and ready to meet Him. When He comes back He will come back in His own time and not some prophetic timetable that someone devised.

More Links in Mark
Dan Hill on Mark
Ray Stedman on Mark
Jeff Miller on Mark
Chadwick on Mark
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Mark by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermon's on Mark


More Links on Commentaries for the Old Testament
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes (for both OT and NT) is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.