Bible Reading: Genesis 17 | Matthew 17 | Psalm 17
Devotional for January 23, 2025
Reading: Genesis 17 | Matthew 17 | Psalm 17
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Genesis 17
Genesis 17 is another crucial chapter in the Genesis narrative. In this chapter, God instructs Abram regarding the covenant sign of circumcision. That sign was to be placed on all the male children (and in Abram’s case, his servants) as a mark of God’s promise and identification of Abram’s seed as being a part of the visible covenant of God with his people. Ishmael received the sign, though he ultimately rejected the promises attached to it. Later, Isaac would also receive the sign of the covenant, and through his seed, the godly line would continue. Today, the sign of circumcision has been replaced by baptism. Due to the work of Christ, there is no longer a need for a blood sacrifice. As a sign of purification, water is used instead to indicate that a child belonging to one or both believing parents is a member of the visible church and entitled to all the benefits of such a position.
The chapter closes with a renewal of the promise that Abram and Sarai would have a child of their seed.
Matthew 17
Chapter 17 is Matthew’s account of the Transfiguration narrative. Though this event has been often misunderstood, it is a significant moment in the life of the Savior. The parallels between the Sinai narrative (beginning with Ex. 19) and the events that occur on this mountain are striking. Jesus meets with Elijah and Moses. They enter into a discussion that centers around the Savior’s “departure” (the Greek word used in Luke 9:31 is exodon, meaning “departure.). While on the mountain, a cloud forms, the three disciples are terrified, and a voice speaks. These items parallel Moses on Mt. Sinai as he receives instructions to redeem a people and bring them to worship the living and true God. That Jesus fulfills in his life, death, and resurrection. In this account, we have the “greater Moses” (See Deut. 18:15) discussing the salvation of his people.
Psalm 17
Psalm 17 is a lamen and is, therefore, a prayer offered to God from one who is suffering in some way. That is evident from the references to “vindication” (17:2), “testing” (17:3), “confrontation” (17:13), and the “men of this world” (17:14). However, as Christopher Ash points out in his commentary, “While David is here claiming not sinlessness but rather innocence in some particular matter (unknown to us) about which he has been falsely accused, the psalm prompts us to probe more deeply the righteousness he claims and what this means for our prayers.” [1]
Of course, only one genuinely righteous man has worshipped God as he commanded. Only the Savior can do the things mentioned here. It is accurate to say that this psalm is a prayer that only the Lord Jesus can offer with complete integrity. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t. We have a model prayer for us to use, especially in times of hardship and false accusations.
17:1-5
Three imperatives in this section get lost in translation: “hear, attend, give ear. They express the urgency of the matter as the Psalmist prays. What does he pray? For vindication from false accusations. He appeals to his righteousness, that is, his blameless ways before the Lord, knowing that he sees his heart and knows the truth. David says his heart is pure, he has not used his tongue for evil, and he has labored to walk according to the ways of the Lord. There will be times when we are accused falsely. The Savior was falsely accused. He walked according to the purposes of his Father. He did not sin with his tongue. He maintained a just cause. We are not sinless people. We must have humility when accusations come and evaluate them from the light of God’s Word.
17:6-9
This section is a plea for rescue and help in the face of David's accusers. Note that he is determined to pray. He does not let anything stop him from going before the God of Heaven about his circumstances. Take note of the relief he is seeking:
· Show me your steadfast love
· Keep me as the apple of your eye
· Surround me from the efforts of my enemies
We should pray that way when we face enemies and accusers. They will come into our lives, and we must trust the Lord’s favor in our lives as his redeemed and cherished people.
17:10-12
This section describes those accusers with word pictures highlighting their character.
17:13-14
This section is a further plea for help in the face of these things.
17:15
The psalm ends with an expression of trust in the Lord, knowing that he is guiding him to his eternal rest.
Applications:
When falsely accused, entrust yourself to the Lord. Do not repay evil for evil.
When falsely accused, examine your heart to see if there is any truth in the accusations. Walk with the Lord in humility.
[1] Christopher Ash, The Psalms(Volume 2, Psalms 1-50): A Christ-Centered Commentary, 1st ed (Wheaton: Crossway, 2024), 178.