Thursday, 10 Kislev 5784 / November 23, 2023
Day 327 Readings
Torah: Vayeitzei, 5th Portion Bereshit (Genesis) 30:28-31:16
Genesis 30
New American Standard Bible
28 He [a]continued, “Name me your wages, and I will give them.” 29 But Jacob said to him, “You yourself know how I have served you and how your livestock have [b]fared with me. 30 For you had little before [c]I came, and it has [d]increased to a multitude, and the Lord has blessed you [e]wherever I turned. But now, when shall I provide for my own household also?” 31 So he said, “What shall I give you?” And Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this one thing for me, I will again pasture and keep your flock: 32 let me pass through your entire flock today, removing from there every speckled or spotted sheep and every black sheep among the lambs, and the spotted or speckled among the goats; and those shall be my wages. 33 So my [f]honesty will answer for me later, when you come concerning my [g]wages. Every one that is not speckled or spotted among the goats, or black among the lambs, if found with me, will be considered stolen.” 34 Laban said, “[h]Good, let it be according to your word.” 35 So he removed on that day the striped or spotted male goats, and all the speckled or spotted female goats, every one with white on it, and all the black ones among the sheep, and put them in the [i]care of his sons. 36 And he put a distance of three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.
37 Then Jacob [j]took fresh rods of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled white stripes in them, exposing the white that was [k]in the rods. 38 He set the rods which he had peeled in front of the flocks in the drinking troughs, that is, in the watering channels where the flocks came to drink; and they mated when they came to drink. 39 So the flocks mated by the rods, and the flocks delivered striped, speckled, and spotted offspring. 40 Then Jacob separated the lambs, and [l]made the flocks face toward the striped and all the black in the flock of Laban; and he put his own herds apart, and did not put them with Laban’s flock. 41 Moreover, whenever the stronger of the flock were mating, Jacob would place the rods in the sight of the flock in the drinking troughs, so that they would mate by the rods; 42 but when the flock was sickly, he did not put them in; so the sickly were Laban’s, and the stronger were Jacob’s. 43 So the man [m]became exceedingly prosperous, and had large flocks, and female and male servants, and camels and donkeys.
Genesis 31:1-16
Jacob Leaves Secretly for Canaan
31 Now [n]Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what belonged to our father he has made all this [o]wealth.” 2 And Jacob saw the [p]attitude of Laban, and behold, it was not friendly toward him as it had been before. 3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” 4 So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to his flock in the field, 5 and said to them, “I see your father’s [q]attitude, that it is not friendly toward me as it was before, but the God of my father has been with me. 6 You know that I have served your father with all my strength. 7 Yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times; however, God did not allow him to do me harm. 8 If he said this: ‘The speckled shall be your wages,’ then all the flock delivered speckled; and if he said this: ‘The striped shall be your wages,’ then all the flock delivered striped. 9 So God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me. 10 And it came about at the time when the flock was breeding that I raised my eyes and saw in a dream—and behold—the male goats that were [r]mating were striped, speckled, or mottled. 11 Then the angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob’; and I said, ‘Here I am.’ 12 He said, ‘Now raise your eyes and see that all the male goats that are [s]mating are striped, speckled, or mottled; for I have seen everything that Laban has been doing to you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a memorial stone, where you made a vow to Me; now arise, [t]leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.’” 14 Rachel and Leah said to him, “Do we still have any share or inheritance in our father’s house? 15 Are we not regarded by him as foreigners? For he has sold us, and has also [u]entirely consumed our [v]purchase price. 16 Surely all the wealth which God has taken away from our father belongs to us and our children; now then, do whatever God has told you.”
Bible Study Together
1 Samuel 18
New American Standard Bible
Jonathan and David
1 Now it came about, when he had finished speaking to Saul, that [a]Jonathan committed himself to David, and Jonathan loved him as himself. 2 And Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4 Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his military gear, including his sword, his bow, and his belt. 5 And David went into battle wherever Saul sent him, and always [b]achieved success; so Saul put him in charge of the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
6 Now it happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with other [c]musical instruments. 7 The women sang as they [d]played, and said,
“Saul has slain his thousands,And David his ten thousands.”
8 Then Saul became very angry, for this lyric [e]displeased him; and he said, “They have given David credit for ten thousands, but to me they have given credit for only thousands! Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 And Saul eyed David with suspicion from that day on.
Saul Turns against David
10 Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house while David was playing the harp with his hand, [f]as usual; and [g]a spear was in Saul’s hand. 11 Then Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, “I will [h]pin David to the wall.” But David [i]escaped from his presence, twice.
12 Now Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him but had left Saul. 13 So Saul removed him from [j]his presence and appointed him as his commander of a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. 14 David was [k]successful in all his ways, for the Lord was with him. 15 When Saul saw that he was [l]very successful, he was afraid of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he would go out to battle and [m]return [n]before them.
17 Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife, only be a valiant man for me and fight the Lord’s battles.” For Saul thought, “My hand shall not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” 18 But David said to Saul, “Who am I, and who is my family, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” 19 So it came about at the time that Merab, Saul’s daughter, was to be given to David, that she was given instead to Adriel the Meholathite as a wife.
David Marries Saul’s Daughter
20 Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. When they informed Saul, the thing was pleasing [o]to him. 21 For Saul thought, “I will give her to him so that she may become a trap for him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David, “For a second time you may become my son-in-law, today.” 22 Then Saul commanded his servants, “Speak to David in secret, saying, ‘Behold, the king delights in you, and all his servants love you; now then, become the king’s son-in-law.’” 23 So Saul’s servants spoke these words [p]to David. But David said, “Is it trivial in your sight to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am only a poor man and insignificant?” 24 Then Saul’s servants reported to him, saying, “[q]These are the words David spoke.” 25 Saul then said, “This is what you shall say to David: ‘The king does not desire any dowry except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to take vengeance on the king’s enemies.’” But Saul plotted to have David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26 When his servants told David these words, [r]it pleased David to become the king’s son-in-law. So [s]before the time had expired, 27 David set out and went, he and his men, and fatally struck two hundred men among the Philistines. Then David brought their foreskins, and they presented all two hundred of them to the king, so that he might become the king’s son-in-law. And Saul gave him his daughter Michal as a wife. 28 When Saul saw and realized that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him, 29 then Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David’s enemy continually.
30 Then the commanders of the Philistines went to battle, and it happened as often as they went out, that David was more [t]successful than all the servants of Saul. So his name was held in high esteem.
1 Timothy 5-6
New American Standard Bible
Honor Widows
1 Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, and to the younger men as brothers, 2 to the older women as mothers, and to the younger women as sisters, in all purity.
3 Honor widows who are actually widows; 4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show proper respect for their own family and to give back compensation to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5 Now she who is actually a widow and has been left alone has set her hope on God, and she continues in requests and prayers night and day. 6 But she who indulges herself in luxury is dead, even while she lives. 7 [a]Give these instructions as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the [b]saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel physical desires alienating them from Christ, they want to get married, 12 thereby incurring condemnation, because they have [c]ignored their previous pledge. 13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also they become gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. 14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, have children, manage their households, and give the enemy no opportunity for reproach; 15 for some have already turned away to follow Satan. 16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually widows.
Concerning Elders
17 The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard [d]at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 21 I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. 22 Do not lay hands upon anyone too quickly and [e]thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself [f]free from sin.
23 Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
24 The sins of some people are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. 25 Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.
1 Timothy 6
Instructions to Those Who Minister
1 All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be [g]spoken against. 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers or sisters, but must serve them all the more, because those who [h]partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and [i]preach these principles.
365 Daily Kingdom Living
Obedience
The psalmist delighted in obeying God’s commandments and expresses this often in the Psalms. What an example for us! Jesus told us that if we loved him, we would obey his commandments. But the sad truth is that many in the church do not love to obey God’s commandments, which then implies that their love for Jesus is only lukewarm. Let us love our Lord Jesus and be full of zeal in obeying his commandments.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we love you and want this to be reflected in our obedience to your commands. Let our love for you never become lukewarm and let us be full of zeal and love for you, which then is reflected in our desire to obey your commands. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture
Ezekiel 46
8 When the prince enters, he shall go in by way of the porch of the gate, and go out by [n]the same way. 9 But when the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed feasts, one who enters by way of the north gate to worship shall go out by way of the south gate. And one who enters by way of the south gate shall go out by way of the north gate. [o]No one shall return by way of the gate by which he entered, but shall go straight out. 10 And when they go in, the prince shall go in among them; and when they go out, [p]he shall go out.
17 But if he gives a gift from his inheritance to one of his servants, it shall be his until the year of [y]release; then it shall return to the prince. His inheritance shall be only his sons’; it shall belong to them. 18 And the prince shall not take from the people’s inheritance, [z]depriving them of their property; he shall give his sons inheritance from his own property, so that My people will not be scattered, anyone from his property.”’”
The Boiling Places
19 Then he brought me through the entrance, which was at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers for the priests, which faced north; and behold, a place was there at the extreme rear toward the west. 20 And he said to me, “This is the place where the priests shall boil the guilt offering and the sin offering, and where they shall bake the grain offering, so that they do not bring them out into the outer courtyard [aa]and transfer holiness to the people.”
1 Peter 2
New American Standard Bible
As Newborn Babes
1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all [a]malice and all deceit and [b]hypocrisy and [c]envy and all [d]slander, 2 and like newborn babies, long for the [e]pure [f]milk of the word, so that by it you may grow [g]in respect to salvation, 3 if you have tasted [h]the kindness of the Lord.
As Living Stones
4 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by people, but is [i]choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 you also, as living stones, [j]are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For this is contained in [k]Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a choice stone, a precious cornerstone,And the one who believes in [l]Him will not be [m]put to shame.”
7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for unbelievers,
“A stone which the builders rejected,This became the [n]chief cornerstone,”
8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”;
for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this they were also appointed.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may [o]because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God on the day of [p]visitation.
Honor Authority
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent [q]by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For [r]such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Act as free people, and [s]do not use your freedom as a [t]covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the [u]king.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are [v]harsh. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person endures [w]grief when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
Christ Is Our Example
21 For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps, 22 He who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 23 [x]and while being abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself [y]brought our sins in His body up on the [z]cross, so that we might die to [aa]sin and live for righteousness; by His [ab]wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and [ac]Guardian of your souls.
Psalm 119:33-48
New American Standard Bible
He
33 Teach me, the way of Your statutes, Lord, And I shall comply with it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, so that I may comply with Your Law And keep it with all my heart. 35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. 36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to dishonest gain. 37 Turn my eyes away from looking at what is worthless, And revive me in Your ways. 38 Establish Your [a]word to Your servant[b]As that which produces reverence for You. 39 Take away my disgrace which I dread, For Your judgments are good. 40 Behold, I long for Your precepts;Revive me through Your righteousness.
Vav
41 May Your favor also come to me, Lord, Your salvation according to Your [c]word;42 So that I will have an answer for one who taunts me, For I trust in Your word. 43 And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,For I [d]wait for Your judgments. 44 So I will keep Your Law continually,Forever and ever. 45 And I will walk [e]at liberty,For I seek Your precepts. 46 I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings And shall not be ashamed. 47 I will delight in Your commandments, Which I love. 48 And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love; And I will meditate on Your statutes.
Proverbs 28:8-10
8 One who increases his wealth by [a]interest of any kind, Collects it for one who is gracious to the poor.
9 One who turns his ear away from listening to the Law, Even his prayer is an abomination.
10 One who leads the upright astray in an evil way Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good.