July 11

Journey-through-the-Bible-with-us

READING FOR JULY 11, 2025: SONG OF SONGS 7, 2 THESSALONIANS 1, PSALM 68:1-18    SONG OF SONGS 7  The man tells his bride once more how beautiful she is by comparing each of her features from her toe to her head to natural wonders or great works of artisans. The man’s ability to make such poetic descriptions seems to know no bounds, such was his love of his bribe.  He then transitions to stating his intention to interact with her physically. She responds by encouraging him and once again committing herself to him. She seems to indicate to him a romantic spot for their lovemaking. Certainly, neither partner is bashful about expressing their love verbally or physically. Those who deride the Bible as sexually stifling, have never read this book of the Bible. The Bible, does, however, clearly state that such total intimacy is to be reserved for one’s husband or wife.  It seems impossible that such a rich view of romance as portrayed in this book could ever be attained if lovers casually give away their love to anyone available for a hookup. By contrast, that is how fallen humanity, not the Bible, has stifled human sexuality. 

2 THESSALONIANS 1 This follow up letter to Thessalonica was from the same team of Paul, Silas and Timothy as the first letter. Paul says it is their duty to always give thanks to God for this church. Like Paul, we have a duty to bring certain people and groups to the Lord in prayer. This church was growing in faith and in love toward one another. Apparently, these factors can be measured in some way. How’s our church doing on them? Paul boasted about how they persevered in their faith amid persecution. Can we say the same about us? If we are not suffering, is it because God does not find us worthy to suffer for Him, as he did the Thessalonians?

Paul promises that they will eventually experience relief, and those giving them problems will experience God’s repayment. He explains how this repayment will be connected to Jesus’s second coming: “In flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God, and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These people will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (vs. 8-9). There are many people within many Christian denominations who believe all people will go to heaven because Jesus is loving. How that understanding is derived from this passage is a mystery. Paul, however, foresees a different and glorious future for the church at Thessalonica, “because our testimony to you was believed.” Do we, like the Thessalonians, believe Paul’s testimony?

READING FOR JULY 11 CONTINUED: PSALM 68:1-18                                                                 PSALM 68:1-18 This is entitled the God of Sinai (both a desert and a mountain) and the God of the Sanctuary (a place set apart for God’s presence). It is possible to trace certain passages relating to each location in this chapter. This chapter seems to unfold on parallel tracks. In verses 1-2 we see the wicked fleeing from God’s presence. Why do they avoid Him? Perhaps they realize their own rebellion and understand they deserve judgment. Verses 3-4 appear to be a scene in the desert with God riding in triumph and His people following in joyful praise. Verses 5-6 find God in His sanctuary, perhaps signifying His place of authority, caring for the orphan, widow, lonely, and prisoner. The rebellious are on their own, which was their choice. 

We are back in the desert for verses 7-11. God is out there among His people. He captured their attention when He shook the earth and lovingly provided for them by causing the rain to fall. His kindness was also on display with His care for the poor. 

Verses 11-12 grab our attention because they’re so unexpected, possibly possessing meaning that’s under the surface. We know Paul quotes verse 18 to reference Jesus (Eph. 4:8). Might 11-12 also have special applications? These verses appear to be a series of causes and effects: 1. God commands. That is always an occasion that should get our full attention. 

2. Women who share good news, likely God’s commands, are powerful like a mighty army.                                                                                                                       3. Kings flee. God’s enemies flee seemingly at the good news shared by the women.                 4. Women who stay at home divide up the spoils of the battle.                                                                

  • Possibility One: This might be a reference to the Prophetess Debroah (Judge of Israel) who relayed God’s command to Barak to attack Sisera, leader of the Canaanite army. The Lord routed the enemy. Sisera fled to the tent home of the woman Jael, who gave him a place to rest. While Sisera slept in the tent, Jael drove a stake through his head. This resulted 40 years of rest for Israel.  
  • Possibility Two: This could be a prophetic reference to Jesus’s general command to share the Gospel (meaning good news). This Gospel when proclaimed, including as shared by women, defeats Satan, as Paul’s quotation of Psalm 68:18 suggests. Dividing up spoils may be women helping to bring others into the Kingdom of God. The meaning of staying at home, may be a reference to women who primarily stay at home.