TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
Jeremiah 51:54-52:34
Titus 3:1-15
Psalm 100:1-5
Proverbs 26:18-19
Jeremiah 51:58 — From Ancient History Encyclopedia:
Nebuchadnezzar II (634-562 BCE) built three walls around Babylon at heights of forty feet and so broad at the top that chariots could race around them. The Ishtar Gate in the wall of Nebuchadnezzar II’s Babylon was claimed by some to be greater than any of the listed Wonders of the Ancient World.
Jeremiah 51:59 — Seraiah is the son of Neriah, son of Maaseiah. Who else is a son of Neriah, son of Maaseiah? Baruch! Yes, Baruch’s brother is the “quiet prince” (KJV). Commentaries suggest alternatives but the best guess is that he was an “advance man” for the king. Jeremiah was not without connections, and this helps understand Baruch’s concern (Jeremiah 45:5). Baruch was a man of influence, and he had been identified with the apparently treasonous Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 52:30 — So 4,600 people were taken away in three different captivities. The number is not excessively large, but this was the ruling class, the political elite, the “1-percenters” of Judaea.
Jeremiah 52:34 — This chapter provides a recap of the historical events, and this particular recap is also documented in II Kings 25:27-30. It is also recorded in the “Jehoiachin Ration Tablet.”
Titus 3:1-2 — Paul continues with his exhortations on relationships; he now addresses our relationship with authority.
Titus 3:4 — Paul identifies Jesus, our Savior, as God.
Titus 3:7 — Paul never got over what the kindness, love, mercy, and grace of Jesus did to him. The chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), less than the least of all saints (Ephesians 3:8), is made an heir of God!
Titus 3:14 — Paul wanted Titus to be fruitful. How can we be fruitful? Through good works. Be careful to maintain good works (Titus 3:8).
Psalm 100:1 — Sing with Patch the Pirate this psalm!
Proverbs 26:19 — The one who attacks others and claims “just joking” is not to be trusted.
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