Yesterday in Ezra we heard about Cyrus’ decree to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, the return of the temple treasures that were taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar, and the first large wave of returning exiles and their gifts to God.
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/ezr.3.nlt
Yesterday’s reading in Isaiah included several verses quoted in the New Testament about Israel’s hypocrisy. Then at the end, did you catch who Isaiah was talking about?
18In that day the deaf will hear words read from a book,
and the blind will see through the gloom and darkness.
20The scoffer will be gone,
the arrogant will disappear,
Isaiah was not talking about healing for ordinary deaf, blind people, not ordinary scoffers or arrogant people, but he was talking about those people previously mentioned: The Israelites who refused to open their ears or open their eyes, those who refused to read a book given to them, and yet were arrogant scoffers.
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/isa.30
Up to yesterday’s reading, Paul has been more reserved in criticising the men who have come masquerading as apostles. Those men have been more forceful speakers than Paul, and it has seemed that Paul is only bold in his letters. He said,
12Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are!
But we will see that Paul takes his gloves off as we go forward. Yet, what he boasts about follows that verse he quoted from Jeremiah:
17As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”
Translation notes:
8 I “robbed” [— so to speak,] other churches by accepting their contributions so I could serve you at no cost.
19After all, [0/you think] you are so wise[ that//, but] you enjoy putting up with fools!
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/2co.11
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