Today’s Bible Reading

September 29

Old Testament I
1 Kings 21
1 Kings 21 tells the story of Naboth's vineyard and King Ahab's unjust acquisition of it. Naboth, a Jezreelite, owned a vineyard next to the palace of King Ahab in Samaria. Ahab coveted Naboth's vineyard and offered to buy it from him or exchange it for another vineyard. Naboth refused, citing the inheritance laws that prevented him from selling his ancestral land.

Ahab was disappointed and sulked in his palace. His wife, Queen Jezebel, learned of his distress and devised a plan to acquire the vineyard for him. She arranged for false witnesses to accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king, which was punishable by stoning. Naboth was falsely accused and stoned to death, and Jezebel informed Ahab that he could now take possession of the vineyard.

God was displeased with Ahab's actions and sent the prophet Elijah to confront him. Elijah prophesied that Ahab's entire family would be destroyed, and dogs would eat Jezebel's body in the same spot where Naboth was stoned. Ahab repented, and God showed mercy by delaying the punishment until after Ahab's death.

The chapter concludes with Ahab's death in battle against the Syrians, and his son Ahaziah succeeding him as king of Israel.


Old Testament II
Jeremiah 50
Jeremiah 50 is a chapter in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah that contains a prophecy against Babylon, the powerful nation that had conquered Judah and taken its people into captivity. Here is a summary of the chapter:

Verse 1-3: The prophecy begins with an announcement that the Lord will punish Babylon for its pride and arrogance. The chapter states that a nation from the north (presumably the Medes and Persians) will attack and conquer Babylon.

Verse 4-7: The Lord speaks of how the people of Israel and Judah will return to their homeland and be restored to their former glory. The chapter emphasizes that the Lord will be with them and will help them to rebuild their cities.

Verse 8-10: The Lord calls on the nations to gather together and attack Babylon, to bring an end to its wickedness and tyranny. The chapter states that Babylon will be destroyed, and that its people will flee in terror.

Verse 11-13: The Lord speaks of how Babylon had arrogantly oppressed other nations, and how its own pride and arrogance had brought about its downfall. The chapter states that Babylon will become a wasteland, and that its people will be scattered and destroyed.

Verse 14-16: The Lord calls on the people of Babylon to flee from the city before its destruction, and to seek refuge in their own countries. The chapter states that Babylon's destruction will be swift and merciless.

Verse 17-20: The Lord speaks of how Israel and Judah had been oppressed by Babylon, but that they would be delivered from their captivity. The chapter emphasizes that the Lord will punish Babylon for its crimes, and that its people will be punished for their sins.

Verse 21-23: The Lord calls on the people of Israel and Judah to rejoice in their deliverance from Babylon, and to praise the Lord for his mercy and compassion. The chapter states that the Lord will bring justice to the nations, and that he will establish his kingdom on earth.

Verse 24-26: The Lord speaks of how Babylon had been a hammer used to shatter the nations, but that it would now be shattered itself. The chapter emphasizes that the Lord will judge Babylon for its crimes, and that its people will be punished for their sins.

Verse 27-32: The Lord calls on the nations to attack Babylon and to bring an end to its wickedness and tyranny. The chapter states that Babylon will be destroyed, and that its people will flee in terror.

Verse 33-34: The Lord speaks of how the people of Israel and Judah had been oppressed by Babylon, but that they would be delivered from their captivity. The chapter emphasizes that the Lord will punish Babylon for its crimes, and that its people will be punished for their sins.

Verse 35-38: The Lord speaks of how Babylon had been a desolate wasteland, and how its people had been scattered and destroyed. The chapter emphasizes that the Lord will bring justice to the nations, and that he will establish his kingdom on earth.

Verse 39-40: The chapter ends with a declaration that the Lord will judge Babylon and its people, and that he will restore Israel and Judah to their former glory. The chapter emphasizes that the Lord is a powerful and just God, who will bring an end to wickedness and tyranny on earth.

New Testament
Hebrews 4:1-13
Hebrews 4:1-13 is a section of the Bible that emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a Christian. The passage begins by reminding readers of the example of the Israelites who, despite having received the promise of entering the Promised Land, failed to enter because of their disobedience and lack of faith.

The author then encourages readers to strive to enter the rest that God offers through faith and obedience, reminding them that the Word of God is living and powerful, able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The author stresses the need for repentance and obedience, warning that those who fail to enter into God's rest will face judgment.

The passage goes on to highlight the superiority of Jesus as our high priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses and invites us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence. The author encourages readers to hold fast to their confession of faith, knowing that Jesus is faithful to his promises.

The passage concludes with a warning that God's Word is a sharp two-edged sword that is able to pierce the soul and spirit, exposing the deepest thoughts and desires of the heart. The author reminds readers that there is nothing hidden from God's sight, and urges them to approach him with reverence and awe.

Overall, Hebrews 4:1-13 is a powerful exposition on the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a Christian, and a warning against the dangers of disobedience and unbelief. It emphasizes the need for repentance, obedience, and trust in God's promises, and points to Jesus as our ultimate high priest who has made a way for us to approach God with confidence.