The Word Dwelling Richly in Us [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47]

How does God display Himself as the only true God? Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these forty-eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God displays Himself as the only true God by saving sinners, with whom He persists until glory. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2026.03.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47

Read Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47

Questions from the Scripture text: How does Deuteronomy 31:30 introduce the song? Who are called to witness it (Deuteronomy 32:1)? How does Deuteronomy 32:2 express the intention for the song to be life-giving? Whom do Deuteronomy 32:3-4 describe? What resemblance to Him do Israel have (Deuteronomy 32:5)? What do the rhetorical questions in Deuteronomy 32:6 imply about this? What had YHWH done for them (Deuteronomy 32:7-11)? With what actions, and in what manner? What does He emphasize about their being led (Deuteronomy 32:12)? How does Deuteronomy 32:13a describe the blessedness of this intimacy with the Lord alone (cf. Isaiah 58:14)? How do Deuteronomy 32:13-14 continue to describe it? How does Deuteronomy 32:15a describe Israel in their prosperity? What did they do in this prosperity (Deuteronomy 32:15-18)? To Whom? How? How did YHWH respond to this treachery (Deuteronomy 32:19-24)? Addressing whom, among them (Deuteronomy 32:25)? What did they deserve (Deuteronomy 32:26)? But what would the enemy then have thought (Deuteronomy 32:27)? What should Israel have realized about their own judgment (Deuteronomy 32:28-30)? How does Israel’s God compare to the enemy’s God (Deuteronomy 32:31-33)? What will He do to the enemy, at what time (Deuteronomy 32:34-35)? What will He do for His own people, at what time (Deuteronomy 32:36)? What does He say about their idols (Deuteronomy 32:37-38)? What does God show about Himself, through all this (Deuteronomy 32:39)? How, then, will He exercise His vengeance upon the enemy (Deuteronomy 32:40-42)? Whom will He bring into this joy (Deuteronomy 32:43)? Who did what, with this song (Deuteronomy 32:44)? In whose hearing? What does Moses speak (Deuteronomy 32:45)? How much? To whom? What does he tell them to do with their hearts (Deuteronomy 32:46)? What are they to command their children? What will these words be to them (Deuteronomy 32:47)? What will they do by these words?

How does God display Himself as the only true God? Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these forty-eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God displays Himself as the only true God by saving sinners, with whom He persists until glory.  

Moses summoned three witnesses against Israel for their future unfaithfulness to God. The witnesses were the song (cf. Deuteronomy 31:19), the book (cf. Deuteronomy 31:26), and the heavens and the earth (cf. Deuteronomy 31:28). Now all three witnesses come to bear in this song. The song itself is a witness. Second, as we go through the song, we find that it summarizes the book of Deuteronomy. Moses summons the heavens and the earth to witness (Deuteronomy 32:1). 

As the song summarizes the book, it is fulfilling the role of a song, in making the Word dwell in us richly (cf. Colossians 3:16). The song is designed to keep the book in the hearts and mouths of their descendants (cf. Deuteronomy 31:21). 

After the introduction (Deuteronomy 32:1-2), Deuteronomy 32:3-4 declare who the Lord is, and the relationship he established with His people, saving them despite their sinfulness in the wilderness and giving them Himself as their inheritance. The first four chapters of the book had done this. Now, the song proclaims the name of YHWH (Deuteronomy 32:3), a Rock of truth and justice to them (Deuteronomy 32:4). 

But Israel had not borne a resemblance to Him (Deuteronomy 32:5-6). This, too was one of the main themes in the second half of chapter 1. 

Nevertheless, He carried them through wilderness, keeping His promises to them, and showing the consistency of His character (Deuteronomy 32:7-11). This was the main theme of chapters 2–3.

Finally, YHWH strongly declared His uniqueness to them in chapter 4, which the song now does in Deuteronomy 32:12. By making Israel to find all of their pleasure and provision in Him, He made them to ride upon the heights of the earth (Deuteronomy 32:13-14). This relationship and blessing is the foundation of all upright living, just as the Lord declares, as He is introducing the ten commandments (cf. chapters 5–6). 

In the earlier part of the book, it was at this point that Moses began an exposition of the ten commandments, taking from Deuteronomy 6:1–26:19. Sadly, in the song’s summary, this is the point at which Deuteronomy 32:15 reports that what He warned against in Deuteronomy 8:10–17 will come true. Jeshurun is one of the Lord’s pet names for Israel, whom He loves. But, He describes, using the past tense here, their future forgetting of Him, and idolatry, which is demon-worship (Deuteronomy 32:15-18). 

And so the song continues with an emphasis upon the covenant curses (Deuteronomy 32:19-26), just as the book had done (chapters 27–29). But, the book had not stopped there, proceeding to prophesy their restoration (Deuteronomy 30:1–10), just as the song now does (Deuteronomy 32:27). He will not let the enemy be self-satisfied, but the Lord will display Himself as the God Who delivers His people in compassion (Deuteronomy 32:36), the God Who not only kills but makes alive (Deuteronomy 32:39c), the God Who not only wounds but heals (verse 39d). 

YHWH is the only Rock Who could do this; the nations’ rock could not (Deuteronomy 32:31). Deuteronomy 32:39a–b gives the theme of the book (and of the whole Bible, and of all existence): “Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me.” This, He displays in healing Israel, and this He displays in taking vengeance upon His enemies (Deuteronomy 32:40-42), from among whom He will ultimately add to His people. To glorify Himself as the one true God, He will bring nations to join with His people in rejoicing before the God (Deuteronomy 32:43a) Who has vengeance on some (verse 43c), but atones for others to make them His own (verse 43d). 

This summary-song of the book of Deuteronomy, Moses and Joshua declared to the people (Deuteronomy 32:44-45), so that they would their hearts on it (Deuteronomy 32:46, cf. Colossians 3:16).  The Lord give to you, dear reader, to set your own heart upon His Word, in which the great theme is that He alone is God, and that He displays this by saving sinners from all nations. The Lord give you to ride on the heights of the earth—to have Him alone as your purpose, power, path, and pleasure.

Lord, thank You for teaching Your people in Your kindness. Thank You for giving us songs. Thank You for giving Israel this song. Thank You for the warning that even a people with this book and this song sinned against You, so that we see how completely we need Your grace, by Your Spirit, to write Your word on our hearts and to make Your word dwell richly in our hearts. So please do that for us by Your Spirit, and give us to know You as the one living and true God, the source of all our hope and purpose, all our joy. We ask in Jesus' name.

What use do you make of Scripture songs? What are the ways in which the Lord has been good to you? How have you remembered Him in your life? In what ways have you forgotten Him? How are you responding to His displays of Himself, in your life, as the one, true, and living God?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for teaching us about Yourself, Your mercy, our sin, and our salvation. Forgive us for how we have forgotten You in our prosperity. Forgive us for how we have lived as if our lives were about ourselves, rather than about You. Please make us to find in You all of our purpose, all of our power, and all of our pleasure. Please use the songs of Your Word, to make that Word dwell richly in our hearts, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments” 

Giving Her Love to the Beloved [2026.03.22 Evening Sermon in Song of Songs 7:9b–13]

The church delights to give Christ that which delights Him: new and old fruit in believers' lives.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

A Stronghold in Trouble [2026.03.22 Morning Sermon in Nahum 1:7]

The LORD displays His glory in the justice of His wrath, but especially in the mercy that He shows to those whom He has chosen in love.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

Confirmed Partaking of Christ [2026.03.22 Sabbath School in WCF 27.1.3—Hopewell 101]

Jesus tells us to take the Supper in a manner by which the Spirit confirms to us our true partaking of Him and His benefits—which that Supper represents to us.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Delighting to Delight Jesus [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 7:9b–13]

What does the bride delight to do? Song of Songs 7:9b–13 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride delights to produce fruit that delights her Beloved. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage reveals the deep, mutual delight between Christ and His church, portrayed through intimate imagery of love, spiritual awakening, and shared mission. Central to this vision is the church’s joyful, grace-enabled ministry—evangelism, discipleship, and worship—performed not for self-gain but to fulfill Christ’s heart, delighting Him by nurturing spiritual life in the 'sleepers' and celebrating every sign of resurrection, growth, and fruitfulness. Ultimately, the church’s purpose is to reflect Christ’s glory, to be conformed to His image, and to find its deepest joy in giving Him what He delights in—His people alive, growing, and bearing fruit in His likeness.

2026.03.24 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 7:9b–13

Read Song of Songs 7:9b–13

Questions from the Scripture text: How does the wine go down, for whom (Song of Songs 7:9b)? Whose lips does it move (verse 9c)? In what manner?  To Whom does she belong (Song of Songs 7:10a)? What is the object of His desire (verse 10b)? What does she invite Him to do (Song of Songs 7:11a)? To go where (verse 11b)? And lodge where (verse 11c)? Getting up when (Song of Songs 7:12a)? To go where? And see what (verse 12b–d, cf. Song of Songs 6:11)? What will she do, there, when these things have happened (Song of Songs 7:12e)? What give off what (Song of Songs 7:13a)? What are at their gates (verse 13b)? Of what kinds (verse 13c)? For Whom has she laid them up (verse 13d)?

What does the bride delight to do? Song of Songs 7:9b–13 prepares us for the opening portion of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride delights to produce fruit that delights her Beloved. 

Desiring the Bridegroom’s Delight, Song of Songs 7:9-10. The bride delights in His delighting in her—not in the pride of her delightfulness, but in the love of giving Him delight. It is for Him. It is “for her Beloved” (Song of Songs 7:9b) that the wine goes with uprightness. “Smoothly” is a fine contextual translation, but the more literal meaning is even better, when we remember that the wine refers to the reviving, strengthening, gladdening ministry of the church.

The verb in the last part of the verse appears only here in the Hebrew Bible. Most scholarly guesses about what sort of movement it is describing come from its connection to the wine, but in the context of what has happened in the song, and the nature and purpose of wine, we get a better sense from the fact that it is doing this to “the lips of sleepers.” We have seen, in Song of Songs 3:1, Song of Songs 5:2–3, what these sleepers are. When the bride has slept, it has been an indication that she needs reviving. Now, we see that a revived church loves to delight the Bridegroom by herself being the means by which sleepers are revived. 

Here is one thing that especially delights the Lord Jesus in a church: when her ministry is such as He uses to give life to those who are spiritually dead, and to recover saints who have backslidden into a spiritual slumber.

Just as her spiritual labor is entirely unto her Beloved (Song of Songs 7:9), His desire is entirely unto her (Song of Songs 7:10). She is His delight.

Sharing the Bridegroom’s Delight, Song of Songs 7:11-12. With His eagerness to see revival in mind, she invites Him to come and watch for it with her. The exercise in Song of Songs 7:12 is one that she learned from Him, in Song of Songs 6:13, where He had described His eager watchfulness to see any signs of new growth in her, during her time of backsliding: watching for new buds (Song of Songs 7:12b), new blossoms (verse 12c), or new blooms (verse 12d). Wherever these sleepers are found—whether field (Song of Songs 7:11b), village (verse 11c), or vineyard (verse 11d)—she invites Him to look for signs of life. He delights to see the new life that He gives, and she delights to be the means of producing that new life as an expression of her love to the Bridegroom (Song of Songs 7:12e). 

She expresses action in looking for these signs of life by “going forth” (Song of Songs 7:11b). She expresses persistence in looking for these signs of life by “lodging” (verse 11c). She expresses earnest eagerness in looking for these signs of life by “getting up early” (Song of Songs 7:12a). In all of these, she is happy to share with Him in looking for signs of new life.

Multiplying the Bridegroom’s Delight, Song of Songs 7:13. From Genesis 30:14–16, we know that mandrakes (Song of Songs 7:13a) were thought to improve fertility. The idea here is that the bride is bearing fruit in the sense of child-bearing. New birth. Her spiritual fertility produces fruit (verse 13b) of all kinds. She is happy to see new life in new saints, and continued life in old saints (verse 13c). All of her ministry, to all of them, is especially for the Beloved. The church loves to multiply fruit, new and old, for Christ.

How do you enjoy, and express, delight at being Christ’s own delight? What action are you taking to see new fruit in yourselves and others? How are you persisting in that action? How are you demonstrating eagerness and diligence to see that fruit? What fruit are you laying up for Christ in your own life? And to whom are you fulfilling your duties, as a church member and a neighbor, out of a desire that fruit would be laid up for Christ?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we are amazed that Your church is Yours, and that Your desire is toward her. Come, our Beloved, and let us go now together to see new buds and blossoms of life in Your church. We are here to give You our love. By Your Spirit, produce pleasant fruits in those whom You newly convert, and in those Who older believers, of long standing. Come, and make us fruitful, so that we might lay up for You all the fruit that we can, through Christ, in Whose Name we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP122 “I Was Filled with Joy and Gladness” or TPH403 “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”

Christ's Act of Obedience [Children's Catechism 45—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 45—especially explaining how Christ’s obedience was not only the keeping of the written law of God, but especially the commandment to do what was necessary to bring the elect into the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ.

Q45. Whom did Christ represent in the covenant of grace? To keep the whole law for His people, and to suffer the punishment due to their sins. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Christ's work in the covenant of grace is defined by His perfect obedience to the entire law—moral, ceremonial, and judicial—for His people, fulfilling every commandment in His life, and culminating in His voluntary sacrifice on the cross.

Noting Before Whom You Stand [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 22:22–23:11]

Of what must we always take note? Proverbs 22:22–23:11 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must always take note of before whom we stand. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional centers on the enduring principle of living before God in all relationships and decisions, emphasizing divine accountability in matters of justice, wealth, and character. The call to self-control, discernment, and integrity is reinforced through vivid imagery, urging believers to prioritize God’s presence above all else, whether in the presence of rulers, in personal relationships, or in the pursuit of earthly usefulness and joy.

2026.03.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 22:22–23:11

Read Proverbs 22:22–23:11

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Proverbs 22:22a forbid? Why would the wise man’s son be tempted to do this? What does verse 22b forbid? Where? Why—Who will plead their cause (Proverbs 22:23a)? What will He plunder from them (verse 23b)? With whom must the son make no friendship (Proverbs 22:24a)? What else shouldn’t he do with him (verse 24b)? Lest he do what (Proverbs 22:25a)? With what effect (verse 25b)? What shouldn’t the son become (Proverbs 22:26a)? What would this hand-shaking make him (verse 26b)? Under what circumstances (Proverbs 22:27a)? And risking what (verse 27b)? What else mustn’t the wise man’s son do (Proverbs 22:28a)? Who had set it (verse 28b)? To whom does Proverbs 22:29a call the son’s attention? Before whom will this man stand (verse 29b)? And before whom won’t he (verse 29c)? What else might the son do with a ruler (Proverbs 23:1a)? What should he note (verse 1b)? And do what (Proverbs 23:2a)? In what case (verse 2b)? What mustn’t he do (Proverbs 23:3a)? Why (verse 3b)? What mustn’t they do, in search of what (Proverbs 23:4a)? What must they exercise (verse 4b)? With what effect? What rhetorical question does Proverbs 23:5a ask about riches? Why—what do riches do (verse 5b–c)? Whose bread shouldn’t the son eat (Proverbs 23:6a)? Nor desire what (verse 6b)? Why—what is the truth about this man (Proverbs 23:7a)? What does he say (verse 7b)? But what is the reality (verse 7c)? What will be wasted (Proverbs 23:8)? What else would be wasted—to whom else ought the son not speak, and why not (Proverbs 23:9)? What does Proverbs 23:10a, again, forbid (cf. Proverbs 22:28)? And what does Proverbs 23:10b forbid? Why—Who is mighty (Proverbs 23:11a)? And what will He do (verse 11b)?

What must we note? Proverbs 22:22–23:11 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must note before whom we stand.

The first of the thirty sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21) told us the purpose of the sayings of the wise, and how to attend upon them unto that purpose. Now, the next ten sayings are bookended by the second (Proverbs 22:22-23) and the eleventh (Proverbs 23:10–11). The similar warning—that we must deal with others, in this world, as those who stand before God—both identifies them as the bookends and establishes the broader theme of the section: take note of before whom you stand.

Take note that you stand, always, before the Lord (Proverbs 22:22-23, Proverbs 23:10–11). It may seem like you can get away with robbing the poor, because in his poverty, he lacks others to stand up for him (Proverbs 22:22a). And it may seem that you can get away with oppressing the afflicted at the gate, for the same reason (verse 22b). But, plundering their goods is foolish, when it will cost you YHWH’s plundering of your soul, when He pleads their cause (Proverbs 22:23). In all of your dealings with men, remember that you stand before YHWH.

Take note, when you stand before an angry man (Proverbs 22:24-25). Don’t keep company with those given to anger (Proverbs 22:24). The danger that he might attack you. It’s that you might become like him (Proverbs 22:25). Anger is a trap you set for your own soul (verse 25b). 

Take note, when you stand before an opportunist (Proverbs 22:26-27). Those who lend to make a profit will take advantage of you. So neither enter into such an agreement yourself (Proverbs 22:26a), nor be the guarantee for someone else (verse 26b). If you are not able to be the benevolent lender for your friend (Proverbs 22:27a), then don’t risk what you couldn’t afford to give in the first place (verse 27b). 

Take note that you stand before God and history (Proverbs 22:28). The fourth of these ten matches the last one (cf. Proverbs 23:10): do not move the ancient landmark. By sliding a boundary stone just a tiny bit each year, over time one could steal a great deal of property. Here, the reference is especially to the establishing of those boundaries in the time of the fathers. God Himself had apportioned the land to them by lots. We must take note, both of the fact that we are always standing before the Lord, and of our place and participation in history.

Take note of how you appear before a ruler (pt 1, Proverbs 22:29). This is the only positive saying of these ten. The rest are warnings. The idea here is to do everything we do excellently—not only because we are before the Lord, but because He has also set kings over nations. The man in verse 29 excels to the point that he stands before kings (plural). Multiple monarchs bid for his services. 

Take note of how you appear before a ruler (pt 2, Proverbs 23:1–3). When you’re in front of a ruler, a meal (Proverbs 23:1a) is more than just a meal (Proverbs 23:3b). In front of a ruler, everything is a test. Proverbs 23:2a is an exaggeration (like the plucking out of an eye, or cutting off of a hand, cf. Matthew 5:29–30). The point is that it would be better not to eat at all than to reveal yourself as one who lacks self-control. Employ your mind to control your desires.

Take note of the true nature of the wealth you seek (Proverbs 23:4-5). Wealth has its usefulness, when the Lord gives it, but wealth itself is not the goal, nor is it guaranteed. Employ your understanding. Take note of the fact that earthly riches are not to be trusted in (Proverbs 23:5a), because they cannot be kept (verse 5b–c). 

Take note, when you stand before the evil-eyed (Proverbs 23:6-8). “Evil-eyed” is more literal than “miser” in Proverbs 23:6a. The world is full of those who say one thing with their mouths (Proverbs 23:7b), but are exactly opposite in their hearts (verse 7a, c). Again, employ your mind to control your desires (Proverbs 23:6b, Proverbs 23:8a). And don’t waste words on the hypocrite (verse 8b).

Take note, when you stand before the fool (Proverbs 23:9). Another person upon whom not to waste words is the fool (verse 9). Don’t speak just to speak. Be mindful of who hears you.

How do you remember that you’re before the Lord? What angry, opportunists, rulers, hypocrites, fools do you encounter?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for how Your worship reminds us that we are always before You. Grant that Your Spirit would keep us mindful of that, and that we would have wisdom to perceive others before whom we stand, in Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH164 “God Himself Is with Us”