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Day 2704 – “Life Isn’t Just One Thing – It’s Everything” – Ecclesiastes 3

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Welcome to Day 2704 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2704 – Ecclesiastes 3 – “Life isn’t Just One Thing – It’s Everything”

Welcome to Putnam Congregational Church – August 24, 2025!
This week, we enjoyed a special speaker, Nathniel Miller, on a lesson from Ecclesiastes 3 – “Life isn’t Just One Thing – It’s Everything”
1. Walking Through Life’s Battlefields
2. The Key isn’t control – it’s acceptance
3. Simplify, Connect, Be Honest, Stay Present
4. Enjoy the Little Things – They are the Big Things
Join us next Sunday, August 31st, at 10:15 a.m., and we will continue our exploration of 1 John. Our message for next week is “A Clean Life – Strong Warnings About The World.” Our Core verses for next week will be: 1 John 2:12-17

Day 2703 Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 83:1-8 – Daily Wisdom

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Welcome to Day 2703 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2703 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 83:1-8 – Daily Wisdom

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2703

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2703 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

Today’s Wisdom Nugget is titled: A Conspiracy of Silence – When Nations Conspire – A Trek Tthrough Psalm 83:1-8

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I’m your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and today, we open a new and urgent chapter in our journey through the Psalms. We’re embarking on a trek through Psalm 83 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its opening verses, 1 through 8.

Psalm 83, another psalm of Asaph, is a fervent communal lament and an imprecatory prayer, a desperate cry for God’s intervention against a specific and imminent threat. After the divine judgment scene of Psalm 82, where God condemned unjust human rulers in a heavenly court, this psalm brings us back to earth, to a very real and present danger: a grand conspiracy of nations with a single, malevolent goal.

This psalm is a powerful expression of a people facing a severe existential threat. The psalmist pleads with God, the ultimate Judge and ruler of the nations, not to remain silent in the face of this malicious plot. It reminds us that there are times when the threats are so great, so overwhelming, that the only hope is for a silent God to speak and a hidden God to act.

So, let’s immerse ourselves in this prayer of national desperation and listen to the psalmist’s earnest plea for God’s intervention against this formidable conspiracy.

The Plea for a Silent God to Act

Psalm 83:1-4 NLT

O God, do not remain silent! Do not turn a deaf ear. Do not stand aloof, O God. Don’t you hear the uproar of your enemies? Don’t you see the arrogance of those who hate you? They devise crafty schemes against your people, and they conspire against your treasured ones. “Come,” they say, “let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the memory of its existence.”

The psalm begins with an immediate, urgent, and almost confrontational plea for God to break His silence: “O God, do not remain silent! Do not turn a deaf ear. Do not stand aloof, O God.” This triple appeal highlights the profound distress of the people. God’s silence in the face of a terrifying threat is unbearable. “Remain silent” (charash) implies inactivity. “Turn a deaf ear” (al-al) implies a refusal to listen. “Stand aloof” (shalaq) suggests a deliberate distance, an indifference to their suffering. The psalmist is begging God to do the opposite of all these things: to speak, to listen, and to draw near and intervene. This lament stands in stark contrast to the divine pronouncements of judgment in the previous Psalm 82, where God’s voice was loud and clear. Here, that same mighty voice seems to be silent.

The reason for this plea is the escalating arrogance of their enemies: “Don’t you hear the uproar of your enemies? Don’t you see the arrogance of those who hate you?” This is a direct appeal to God’s senses, a desperate attempt to grab His attention. “Uproar” (hamon) suggests a loud, noisy, and chaotic clamor, likely a war cry or a unified, threatening sound. “Arrogance” (sha’on) implies a proud and disdainful attitude, a boastful display of power. These enemies are not just hostile; they “hate” God Himself. The psalmist is presenting a case to God: “Your enemies are making a great racket and acting with proud disdain toward You. Surely, You must hear and see this!”

The core of their plea is based on the enemies’ sinister and malicious conspiracy: “They devise crafty schemes against your people, and they conspire against your treasured ones.” This is not an open, honest battle but a secret, underhanded plot. “Crafty schemes” (sod) refers to a secret plan, a closed-door conspiracy. They have “conspired” (yā’ats) together, a coalition of nations united against a common foe. The target of this conspiracy is not just a nation; it’s “your people” and “your treasured ones” (tṣāphun). “Treasured ones” is a term of endearment, signifying God’s ownership and love for Israel, echoing the idea of them being God’s special possession (Deuteronomy 7:6). The psalmist is reminding God of His intimate relationship with Israel, arguing that an attack on them is an attack on Him.

The ultimate, horrifying goal of this conspiracy is then revealed: “Come,” they say, “let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the memory of its existence.” This is the chilling climax of their malicious plot. Their goal is not just conquest, or even tribute; it is total annihilation. “Wipe out Israel as a nation” (kārath) means to completely cut off their national identity, their political structure, and their very existence. The secondary goal is even more sinister: “We will destroy the memory of its existence.” This is an attempt at historical erasure, as if Israel never existed. This kind of conspiracy was the ultimate threat to the ancient Israelite people, whose identity was so intertwined with their covenant, their land, and their history. This psalm is giving voice to a people facing a clear and present danger of being completely erased from the face of the earth.

This opening section powerfully conveys the depth of the threat and the desperation of the psalmist’s plea for God to break His silence and act on behalf of His people.

A Coalition of Malice and a Shared Purpose

Psalm 83:5-8 NLT

Yes, they have a single purpose: to enter into a treaty against you. It is the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia, with people from Tyre. Assyria has also joined them, and is the strongest ally of the descendants of Lot.

The psalmist now confirms that this is not a random collection of enemies, but a unified, deliberate conspiracy: “Yes, they have a single purpose: to enter into a treaty against you.” The phrase “a single purpose” (lebab echad) means “with one heart.” They are united in their malice. The treaty (berit) they have made is not just against Israel, but “against you”—against God Himself. This is a profound and direct accusation. The psalm argues that the enemy’s hatred for Israel is inseparable from their hatred for God. The conspiracy is not just a political matter; it is a theological one, a direct challenge to God’s sovereignty. This is why God must act.

The psalmist then provides a terrifying list of the nations involved in this conspiracy: “It is the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia, with people from Tyre.” This list would have sent chills down the spine of an ancient Israelite. It’s a comprehensive coalition of their traditional, historical enemies.

  • Edom and Moab and Ammon were neighboring peoples, descended from Abraham and Lot, making their enmity a kind of family betrayal.
  • The Ishmaelites and Hagrites were nomadic peoples, often in conflict with Israel.
  • Gebal was a city-state known for its naval power and influence.
  • Amalek was a people with a long history of animosity toward Israel, going back to their ambush in the wilderness (Exodus 17:8).
  • Philistia was a powerful, long-standing enemy on the coast.
  • Tyre was a Phoenician city-state known for its immense wealth and naval power.

This list is a who’s who of hostile, surrounding nations, all united against Israel. It’s a comprehensive geographical and political threat, a coalition so formidable that it would seem impossible for Israel to overcome on its own.

And to make matters worse, the psalmist adds a final, terrifying name to the list: “Assyria has also joined them, and is the strongest ally of the descendants of Lot.” Assyria was the regional superpower, a brutal and feared empire known for its military might and its policy of exile and subjugation. Their inclusion in this conspiracy would have sealed Israel’s fate in any human calculation. “Descendants of Lot” refers to Moab and Ammon, underscoring the deep family betrayal and the formidable military support they received from the greatest power in the region.

This list is not just for information; it’s a profound, emotional argument for God. The psalmist is presenting a clear, detailed, and dire situation to the heavenly court. “Look, O God, at the conspiracy! Look at the enemies! They are united in their hatred for you and for your people. They are a coalition of our traditional foes, and even the world’s superpower has joined them. There is no hope for us unless you act.” This is a desperate appeal for God, the ultimate Judge from Psalm 82, to rise up and pronounce a verdict against these earthly conspirators.

Psalm 83:1-8 is a powerful and heart-wrenching psalm that gives voice to a people facing a clear and existential threat. It’s a plea for a silent God to act, a profound lament over a malicious conspiracy, and a reminder that when human forces conspire against God’s people, their ultimate target is God Himself.

What profound wisdom can we draw from these opening verses for our Wisdom-Trek today?

Firstly, this psalm validates the experience of feeling threatened and overwhelmed by forces that seem to have a “single purpose” to do us harm. It shows that it’s permissible to bring these fears and threats directly to God in prayer.

Secondly, it reminds us that our primary appeal for God’s intervention should be based on His honor and His cause. The conspiracy is not just against us, but “against you.” When we face threats, we can plead with God to act not just for our sake, but for the glory of His name.

Thirdly, the psalm highlights the dangers of a conspiracy and a unified purpose rooted in malice and hatred. It stands as a warning against such plots and a reminder that their ultimate end is an affront to God.

Finally, in a world where forces conspire against the faithful, this psalm provides hope. It reminds us that we are not alone. Our identity is rooted in being God’s “people” and His “treasured ones.” And the God we serve, the ultimate Judge, hears the uproar of His enemies and will ultimately rise up to act.

Let us learn from Asaph’s plea, bringing our fears and the threats we face to God, trusting that He will not remain silent forever but will rise up and act on behalf of His name.

Thank you for joining me on this profound trek through the opening verses of Psalm 83. I trust that this exploration of conspiracy, prayer, and God’s intervention has resonated with your own journey today. Join me again next time as we continue to seek and apply the timeless truths of God’s Word. Until then, keep moving forward, enjoy the journey, and create a great day! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, reminding you to Live Abundantly, Love Unconditionally, Listen Intentionally, Learn Continuously, Lend to others Generously, Lead with Integrity, and Leave a Living Legacy each day.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

  1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
  2. Love Unconditionally
  3. Listen Intentionally
  4. Learn Continuously
  5. Lend to others Generously
  6. Lead with Integrity
  7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Day 2702 Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 82:1-8 – Daily Wisdom

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Welcome to Day 2702 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2702 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 82:1-8 – Daily Wisdom

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2702

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2702 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

Today’s Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Supreme Court of the Cosmos – The Judge of All Judges – A Trek through Psalm 82:1-8

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I’m your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and today, we open a powerful and dramatic new chapter in our journey through the Psalms. We’re embarking on a trek through Psalm 82 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its entirety, verses 1 through 8.

Psalm 82, like many we’ve explored recently, is attributed to Asaph. But after the celebratory festivals of Psalm 81 and the laments for national restoration in Psalm 80, this psalm introduces us to a truly astounding scene: God Himself, acting as the supreme Judge, standing in judgment over all other authorities. It’s a divine courtroom, a cosmic tribunal, where God holds human rulers and judges accountable for their injustice and corruption.

This psalm, in just eight short verses, provides a breathtaking glimpse into the heart of God’s justice. It delivers a withering condemnation of those in power who abuse their authority, while simultaneously issuing a powerful command to defend the powerless. It reminds us that no matter how powerful or esteemed a human leader may be, they are ultimately accountable to a higher authority, the one true Judge of all the earth.

So, let’s step into this dramatic scene and listen to the verdict from the Supreme Judge of the cosmos.

The Divine Tribunal and the Condemnation of the Unjust

Psalm 82:1-4 NLT

God presides over heaven’s court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings: “How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked?” Interlude “Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.”

The psalm begins by setting a truly magnificent and sobering scene: “God presides over heaven’s court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings.” The “heaven’s court” or “divine council” was a common literary motif in the ancient Near East, but here it is uniquely appropriated to show God’s absolute supremacy. The “heavenly beings” (elohim) in this context are not God’s divine rivals, but are often interpreted as human judges and rulers, or perhaps even angelic beings entrusted with the oversight of nations, all of whom are ultimately subordinate to God. God is the one and only supreme Judge, and He is holding all other authorities—divine and human—accountable. He is standing over all the judges of the earth, watching every decision they make.

The first question God asks is a searing indictment of their failures: “How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked?” This echoes the familiar cry of lament, “How long, O Lord?” (Psalm 79:5), but this time the question is directed from God to the unjust judges. It signifies God’s righteous indignation and His perfect patience. Their injustice is not new; it’s a prolonged pattern. Their sin is clear: they pervert justice by “favoring the wicked” and showing partiality, a practice explicitly forbidden in God’s Law (Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 1:17). They take bribes, they bow to the powerful, and they rule in a way that benefits the evil rather than the good.

The “Interlude” gives us a moment to reflect on the gravity of this divine questioning.

After the condemnation, God issues a clear, definitive command, providing a righteous blueprint for all in authority: “Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.” This command is a powerful contrast to their corruption. God tells the judges what they should be doing instead of perverting justice. The focus is on the most vulnerable in society: “the poor,” “the orphan,” “the oppressed,” “the destitute,” and “the helpless.” These are the very people who lacked influence, power, and a voice in the ancient world.

God commands the judges to “give justice,” to “uphold the rights,” to “rescue,” and to “deliver” them. These are active verbs that require intentional, compassionate action. To “give justice” (mishpat) to the poor means to ensure that they are treated fairly in legal matters. To “uphold the rights” means to actively advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. To “rescue” and “deliver” means to intervene and save the helpless from the grasp of “evil people” who would exploit and abuse them. This is the heart of God’s justice, one that prioritizes the protection of the vulnerable over the interests of the powerful. This is the same heart of God we saw praised in Psalm 72:13-14, where the ideal king “will have pity on the poor and the needy” and “redeem them from oppression and violence.” Here, God commands human rulers to reflect that same compassion.

This first section establishes a powerful truth: God is the supreme Judge, and all human rulers are commanded to reflect His justice by actively defending the powerless.

The Fate of the Unjust and the Plea for God’s Justice

Psalm 82:5-8 NLT

But they are completely ignorant, and they understand nothing. They wander about in darkness as the foundations of the earth are shaken. I say, ‘You are gods; you are all children of the Most High. But you will die like mere mortals and fall like every other ruler.’ Arise, O God, and judge the earth, for all the nations belong to you.

After God’s righteous command, the psalmist lamentably observes the rulers’ current state, a state that leads to societal chaos: “But they are completely ignorant, and they understand nothing. They wander about in darkness as the foundations of the earth are shaken.” The “But” here signals a tragic reality. Despite God’s clear indictment and command, the unjust rulers remain spiritually and intellectually blind. They are “completely ignorant” and “understand nothing” of God’s divine perspective, His justice, or their own ultimate accountability. They are living in a state of spiritual “darkness.”

The consequence of this blindness is that the entire society suffers. As the rulers “wander about in darkness,” the “foundations of the earth are shaken.” This is a powerful metaphor for social and political chaos. When the leaders, the very pillars of society, are ignorant of God’s truth and pervert justice, the entire social order becomes unstable, tottering and teetering toward collapse. The stability of a nation is directly tied to the righteousness of its leaders.

Then comes one of the most remarkable and challenging pronouncements in all of Scripture, a divine paradox: “I say, ‘You are gods; you are all children of the Most High. But you will die like mere mortals and fall like every other ruler.'” God acknowledges the authority and status He has given to these judges. The title “gods” (elohim) is used here in a lower case sense, signifying their divine commission as God’s representatives on earth, acting on His behalf. In that role, they are indeed “children of the Most High.” Their authority is not self-appointed; it is divinely granted.

However, the “But” introduces a devastating and sobering reality: their divinely granted authority does not exempt them from mortality or from judgment. They “will die like mere mortals” and “fall like every other ruler.” Their power is temporary, their lives are finite, and their ultimate fate is no different from the most common of men. Their divine commission does not grant them immortality or immunity from the grave. This serves as a powerful warning against the ultimate futility of human pride and injustice. Their lofty status and power are a fleeting illusion, soon to be replaced by the cold reality of death and divine judgment.

The psalm concludes with a final, desperate, and magnificent plea from the psalmist, Asaph, to God: “Arise, O God, and judge the earth, for all the nations belong to you.” This is a final, climactic prayer for God to intervene where human rulers have failed. The cry “Arise, O God!” echoes the plea from previous psalms, such as Psalm 74:22, where the psalmist begs God to “Arise, O God, and plead your cause!” Here, the cause is the same: God’s justice and His universal sovereignty. The psalmist wants God to rise up from His apparent inaction and act as the ultimate Judge.

The reason for this plea is a confident declaration of God’s universal reign: “for all the nations belong to you.” This affirms God’s supreme authority and ownership over the entire world. All nations are His, and so He has the perfect right and the perfect power to execute His righteous judgment over all of them. This is the ultimate resolution to the problem of injustice: human leaders fail, societies totter, but the one true, sovereign God will ultimately rise up and make all things right.

Psalm 82 is a powerful and dramatic psalm that gives voice to our deep longing for justice in a world where human leaders so often fail. It provides a sobering warning to those in power, while giving a profound hope to the oppressed, reminding us all that God is the ultimate Judge who will one day make all things right.

What profound wisdom can we draw from this psalm for our Wisdom-Trek today?

Firstly, this psalm offers immense comfort to those who feel they have no recourse against injustice. God sees, hears, and judges every unjust decision made by those in power. We can find solace in the knowledge that God Himself presides over the ultimate court of appeal.

Secondly, it is a sober warning to all in positions of authority—from national leaders to parents—that our power is not our own. It is a divine commission, and we are accountable to God for how we use it, particularly in our care and defense of the vulnerable.

Thirdly, it reminds us that the apparent power and pride of unjust rulers are temporary. Despite their titles, their influence, and their wealth, they are ultimately “mortals” who will die and be judged. We should not envy their fleeting success, but rather trust in God’s enduring justice.

Finally, the psalmist’s plea, “Arise, O God, and judge the earth,” becomes our own prayer. We can confidently ask God to intervene in the injustices we see in our world, knowing that His authority is supreme and His ultimate judgment is certain and just.

Let us commit to living and leading with righteousness, upholding the rights of the oppressed, and trusting in the God who presides over heaven’s court and will one day judge the whole earth.

Thank you for joining me on this powerful trek through Psalm 82. I trust that this exploration of God’s supreme justice has resonated with your own journey and equipped you to trust in Him for ultimate vindication. Join me again next time as we begin a new segment of Wisdom-Trek, continuing to uncover the timeless truths of God’s Word. Until then, keep moving forward, enjoy the journey, and create a great day! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, reminding you to Live Abundantly, Love Unconditionally, Listen Intentionally, Learn Continuously, Lend to others Generously, Lead with Integrity, and Leave a Living Legacy each day.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

  1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
  2. Love Unconditionally
  3. Listen Intentionally
  4. Learn Continuously
  5. Lend to others Generously
  6. Lead with Integrity
  7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Day 2701 – Theology Thursday – “The Cloud Rider” – Supernatural

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Welcome to Day 2701 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – “The Cloud Rider” – Supernatural

 

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2701

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2701 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

Today, we continue with the 12th of 16 segments of our Theology Thursday lessons. I will read through the book “Supernatural,” written by Hebrew Bible scholar, professor, and mentor Dr. Michael S. Heiser, who has since passed away. Supernatural is a condensed version of his comprehensive book, ‘The Unseen Realm.’ If these readings pique your interest, I would recommend that you read ‘The Unseen Realm.’ Today, we will read through chapter twelve: “The Cloud Rider”

I closed the last chapter by noting how Jesus began to talk about his death immediately after baiting the powers of darkness at the gates of hell and Mount Hermon. The challenge set in motion a string of events that would lead to the Lord’s trial and his death on the cross. Christians have read about the trial of Jesus many times. But there’s a supernatural backdrop to it that is frequently overlooked.

To understand what finally draws the death sentence from the Jewish authorities and the transfer of Jesus to Pontius Pilate to carry it out, we have to go back to the Old Testament book of Daniel—to a meeting God holds with his heavenly host, his divine council.

 

The Ancient of Days and His Council

Daniel 7 begins with an odd vision. Daniel sees four beasts coming out of the sea (Dan. 7:1–8). They’re all freakish, but the fourth beast is the worst. In the dreams interpreted in the Old Testament, both objects and living things always represent something, and in this dream, the four beasts in Daniel’s vision are four empires. We know that because his vision aligns with the themes of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2, which was about Babylon and three other empires to follow. Our focus, though, is on what Daniel describes next:

As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. (Dan. 7:9–10)

We know the Ancient of Days is the God of Israel. That’s pretty easy to determine, especially if we compare the description of his throne to Ezekiel’s vision of God’s throne (Ezek. 1). The fire, wheels, and human form on the throne in that vision are the same as Daniel’s.

But did you notice there isn’t just one throne? There are a number of thrones in Daniel’s vision (Dan. 7:9)—enough for the divine court, God’s council (Dan. 7:10).

The heavenly court meets to decide the fate of the beasts—the empires—in the vision. It is decided that the fourth beast must be killed and the other beasts rendered powerless (Dan. 7:11–12). They will be displaced by another king and kingdom. And that’s where things get even more interesting.

The Son of Man Who Comes on the Clouds

Daniel continues narrating his vision:

I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. (Dan. 7:13–14)

“Son of Man” is a phrase used many times in the Old Testament. It should be no surprise that it speaks of a human. The surprise is how else this human is described in this passage. Daniel 7:13 describes a man coming on the clouds to the Ancient of Days.

Why is that a big deal? Because everywhere else that description occurs in the Old Testament, it was used only of God himself (Isa. 19:1; Deut. 33:26; Ps. 68:32–33; Ps. 104:1–4). But in Daniel 7, God was already in the scene as the Ancient of Days. It’s as if, in his vision, Daniel sees a “second God” who is also a man—something like the way Christians believe in God as more than one person.

 

 

That’s precisely the point.

As Jesus stood before Caiaphas at his trial in Matthew 26, his life hanging in the balance, he hit a nerve by appealing to this idea:

Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’ ” And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” (Matt. 26:59–66).

In what seems like a pointless answer to a clear question, Jesus quoted Daniel 7:13 in response to Caiaphas. Do you want to really know who I am, Caiaphas? Listen carefully. The reaction is immediate. Caiaphas understood in an instant that Jesus was claiming to be the second God figure of Daniel 7:13—the human who was described in a way only God was described in the Old Testament. He was claiming to be God in human form. That was blasphemy​—and grounds for a death sentence.

But Jesus, of course, knew that. He had no interest in protecting himself. He knew he must die to restore God’s kingdom, bring believers into God’s family, and reclaim the nations from the evil principalities and powers who controlled the nations God rejected at Babel.

And die he did. Psalm 22, well-known for how it describes the physical effects of crucifixion through the words of David, gives us a glimpse of horrors unseen at the cross. The suffering psalmist moans:

All who see me make fun of me; they stick out their tongues and shake their heads. “You relied on the Lord,” they say. “Why doesn’t he save you? If the Lord likes you, why doesn’t he help you?” … Many enemies surround me like bulls; they are all round me, like fierce bulls from the land of Bashan. They open their mouths like lions, roaring and tearing at me. My strength is gone, gone like water spilled on the ground. All my bones are out of joint. (Ps. 22:7–14 gnt)

The creepy part of this description is the fierce bulls from Bashan. As we noted earlier, in Old Testament times, Bashan was ground zero to demonic gods and the realm of the dead. The area was a leading center for the worship of Baal, symbolized by bulls and cows. “Bulls from the land of Bashan” is a reference to demons, the powers of darkness. In our own time, the imagery was captured in all its eerie repulsion by C. S. Lewis in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. No one who has read that book or seen the movie can forget Aslan humbly surrendering his life to the delighted hordes of the White Witch on the Stone Table.

And just as Jesus had utterly outwitted Satan, Aslan had played the White Witch for a fool. What evil misperceived as the moment of triumph turned out to be its own irreversible defeat.

You Are Gods, but You Will Die Like Men

Satan’s loss of his claim over the lives of the children of Adam was not the only loss he suffered at the cross. His cohorts in rebellion, the supernatural gods (elohim) of the nations, would see their domains begin to vanish.

The supernatural gods had been assigned those nations by the Most High, the God of Israel (Deut. 4:19–20; 32:8–9). We are not told when they became enemies of God, but they did. They had turned God’s own people, Israel, away from worshipping him to instead sacrifice to them (Deut. 17:1–3; 29:26–27; 32:17). Psalm 82, the psalm we looked at in chapter 2 to introduce the divine council, tells us these elohim abused their power and rewarded evil. They have no care for God’s law or justice:

God presides in the heavenly council; In the assembly of the gods (elohim) he gives his decision: “You must stop judging unjustly; you must no longer be partial to the wicked! Defend the rights of the poor and the orphans; be fair to the needy and the helpless. Rescue them from the power of evil people. “How ignorant you are! How stupid! You are completely corrupt, and justice has disappeared from the world.” (Ps. 82:1–5 gnt)

The rest of the psalm tells us God had called this heavenly council meeting to tell the gods their future was bleak. Their reigns of terror would end when God decided to reclaim the nations:

“ ‘You are gods,’ I said; ‘all of you are children of the Most High.’ But you will die like mortals; your life will end like that of any prince.” Come, O God, and rule the world; all the nations are yours.” (Ps. 82:6–8 gnt)

When would God decide to reclaim the nations? We read the answer earlier in Daniel 7:14 (gnt):

He was given authority, honor, and royal power, so that the people of all nations, races, and languages would serve him. His authority would last forever, and his kingdom would never end.

The messaging of Daniel 7:13–14 is clear—when the Son of Man receives the kingdom, it will be the beginning of the end for the supernatural powers of darkness. Jesus received the kingdom at his resurrection. God “raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world. Christ rules there above all heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords; he has a title superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next” (Eph. 1:20–21 gnt).

Why This Matters

Before the cross, Satan had eternal claim on our souls. All humans die—and so, go to the realm of the dead, his domain. And there we would remain—were it not for the sacrifice of Jesus and his resurrection. Through faith in his work on the cross, we are raised with him. As we saw in the previous chapter, Satan was expelled from God’s presence when the kingdom began on earth (Luke 10:18). God would have no more of his accusations against believers. He had no more right to our souls.

Why, then, do we live as though he does?

Salvation is not gained by moral perfection. It is a gift that comes by grace, through faith (Eph. 2:8–9). That in turn means salvation cannot be lost by moral imperfection. What is not at all gained by performance cannot be lost by poor performance. Salvation is about believing loyalty—trusting what Jesus did to defeat Satan’s claim and turning from all other gods and the belief systems of which they are a part.

That is the message of God’s kingdom we are commissioned to tell to the nations (Matt. 28:19–20). And as we obey, the dominions of the enemy gods, the principalities and powers, shrink—soul by soul, moment by moment. The gates of hell, the realm of the dead, do not withstand the resurrection, and will not withstand the advance of the gospel.

At the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, though, none of this seemed real to the disciples. But they would soon get the message in a dramatic, unforgettable way.

Join us next time on Theology Thursday as we explore ‘The Great Reversal.’

 

 

 

 

Reflect…

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

  1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
  2. Love Unconditionally
  3. Listen Intentionally
  4. Learn Continuously
  5. Lend to others Generously
  6. Lead with Integrity
  7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

 

Day 2700 Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 81:8-16 – Daily Wisdom

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Welcome to Day 2700 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2700 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 81:8-16 – Daily Wisdom

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2700

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2700 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

Today’s Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Heart’s Hardness – A Plea for Unwavering Loyalty – Concluding Our Trek through Psalm 81:8-16.

Welcome back to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I’m your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and today, we reach the powerful and poignant conclusion of our trek through Psalm 81 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its final verses, 8 through 16.

In our last conversation, we began Psalm 81 with a vibrant, celebratory call to worship, a joyful festival meant to be a perpetual reminder of God’s deliverance. The psalmist then recounted a dramatic shift to God’s direct voice, recalling His mighty act of removing the “burden from your shoulders” and freeing Israel’s “hands from their heavy baskets” of slavery in Egypt (Psalm 81:6). We heard how God answered their cry from the “hidden place of thunder,” the awe-inspiring moment at Sinai when He gave them His law.

Now, God’s direct address continues, moving from a remembrance of His saving acts to a strong command for exclusive loyalty and a heartbreaking lament over His people’s persistent disobedience. This section is a profound expression of God’s own heart, revealing His deep desire for a relationship of trust and His sorrow over their stubborn rebellion. It culminates in a beautiful, almost wistful, promise of the boundless blessings they would have received if only they had listened.

So, let’s listen carefully, not just to the words, but to the yearning heart of God as He pleads with His people.

A Divine Demand for Exclusive Loyalty

Psalm 81:8-10 NLT

“Listen to me, O my people, if you would only listen to me, O Israel!You must never have a foreign god;you must not worship a foreign god.For I am the Lord your God,who rescued you from the land of Egypt.Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.”

God’s voice begins with an urgent, repeated, and intimate plea: “Listen to me, O my people, if you would only listen to me, O Israel!” The repetition of “if you would only listen to me” expresses a profound, almost desperate desire for His people to pay attention. He is calling to them as “my people” and “Israel,” using covenant names that signify their special, chosen relationship with Him. This is not the voice of a distant commander, but of a personal God who yearns for His people’s attention and obedience.

The command that follows is absolute and foundational to their covenant: “You must never have a foreign god; you must not worship a foreign god.” This is the first and second commandment of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-3). God demands exclusive loyalty and allegiance. In the ancient Near East, it was common for people to worship multiple gods, adding a new god to their pantheon whenever they encountered a new nation or experienced a new need. But God, the God of Israel, forbade this practice completely. He is not one god among many; He is the one true God, and He demands their sole worship. The existence of a “foreign god” was a direct violation of their covenant, a deep betrayal of their relationship. God’s command here is a direct confrontation with the kind of idolatry that was a constant temptation and a persistent sin for Israel, as recounted in so many of the historical psalms (like Psalm 78).

The reason for this exclusive loyalty is then given, rooted in God’s saving power: “For I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt.” This is the definitive statement of God’s identity and His claim on their allegiance. “The Lord your God” (Yahweh Elohim) emphasizes His personal and powerful relationship with them. He is the one who took the initiative and “rescued you from the land of Egypt.” This act of liberation was the basis for the covenant and the moral foundation for their obedience. They are to worship Him exclusively, not because He is just a strong god, but because He is their personal Deliverer who freed them from the bondage of slavery. He is the God of their salvation.

God then provides a beautiful and tender promise of provision that is contingent on their loyalty: “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.” This is a profound, almost parental, image. It signifies an overwhelming, abundant provision that is ready and waiting for them. “Open your mouth wide” is an invitation to ask, to trust, and to receive without limit. It implies that their lack is not due to God’s inability, but their own unwillingness to receive. If they would simply turn to Him and trust Him fully, He would fill them to overflowing with “good things” – blessings, sustenance, and well-being. This stands in stark contrast to their hunger in the wilderness, where they had to eat manna, the “food of angels,” but still demanded more, refusing to trust in God’s sufficiency (Psalm 78:24-25). Here, God promises to meet their every need.

This section presents a powerful divine demand for exclusive loyalty, grounded in God’s past redemptive acts and sealed with a promise of abundant provision.

God’s Lament and the Cost of Stubbornness

Psalm 81:11-16 NLT

“But my people refused to listen to me; Israel would not obey. So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts, to go their own way. Oh, that my people would listen to me! Oh, that Israel would follow my ways! How quickly I would then subdue their enemies! How soon my hand would be against their foes! Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him; their punishment would last forever. But I would feed you with the finest of wheat; I would satisfy you with honey from the rock.”

After the beautiful promise of provision, God’s voice turns to a heartbreaking lament over His people’s rejection: “But my people refused to listen to me; Israel would not obey.” The “But” here introduces a tragic reality. Despite God’s intimacy, His deliverance, His commands, and His promises, Israel made a choice. They “refused to listen” and “would not obey.” This was not just a lapse of judgment, but a deliberate and persistent act of rebellion. This is the same pattern of unfaithfulness that Asaph so carefully recounted in Psalm 78, where Israel constantly rebelled despite God’s mighty acts. Here, God Himself gives voice to His sorrow over that rebellion.

The consequence of this rebellion is a profound and painful act of divine judgment: “So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts, to go their own way.” This is one of the most sobering statements in all of Scripture. God, in His righteousness, allows people to experience the consequences of their choices. He “gave them up,” a painful release from His protective and guiding hand. The phrase “their stubborn hearts” (Hebrew: shir’shirut) literally means “the stubbornness of their heart,” a strong idiom for a persistent, defiant will. God allows them to follow their own path, a path that He knows leads to ruin. This is not a malicious act from God, but a righteous consequence of their unyielding refusal to be guided by Him. It’s the ultimate expression of God’s sorrowful respect for their free will.

But the lament is immediately followed by a powerful, wistful, and almost heartbreaking expression of what could have been: “Oh, that my people would listen to me! Oh, that Israel would follow my ways!” The repetition of “Oh, that” (lu) expresses a deep and powerful yearning, a longing from the heart of God. He is not saying, “I wish they would so I could punish them.” He is saying, “I wish they would so I could pour out my blessings on them.” This is the voice of a longing Father who desperately desires a relationship of trust and obedience with His children, not for His own benefit, but for theirs.

God then details the blessings that would have been theirs if they had only listened: “How quickly I would then subdue their enemies! How soon my hand would be against their foes! Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him; their punishment would last forever.” The first blessing is decisive victory. “How quickly” and “how soon” indicate that God’s response would be immediate and powerful. He would “subdue their enemies” and turn His mighty hand “against their foes.” The enemies who hate the Lord (and, by extension, His people) would “cringe before him” (Hebrew: kashah, to cringe or feign submission), a powerful expression of their complete defeat. Their punishment would be eternal. This is a promise of a life free from oppression and constant threat, a promise of permanent peace and security under God’s protection.

The second blessing is one of miraculous, overflowing abundance: “But I would feed you with the finest of wheat; I would satisfy you with honey from the rock.” God’s provision would not just be sufficient; it would be the “finest of wheat,” the very best of sustenance. And the image of “honey from the rock” is a beautiful, almost impossible metaphor. Honey, a symbol of sweetness and blessing, does not come from a rock. This signifies a supernatural, unexpected, and delightful abundance. God would bring forth blessing even from barren, unlikely places. He would not just meet their needs; He would exceed them to an unimaginable degree, filling them with joy and sweetness. This is the profound contrast between what they had (a life of stubbornness and meager provision) and what they could have had (a life of obedience and overflowing blessing).

Psalm 81, in its entirety, is a masterful and poignant lesson in the power of obedience and the tragedy of stubbornness. It moves from a vibrant call to celebration, to a powerful reminder of God’s deliverance, and culminates in a heartbreaking plea from God for His people to listen, revealing His deep sorrow over their disobedience and the profound blessings they have missed.

What profound wisdom can we draw from these concluding verses for our Wisdom-Trek today?

Firstly, these verses remind us that God desires an exclusive, loyal relationship with us. We cannot serve God and “foreign gods” (whatever those idols may be in our lives today). He is our sole Deliverer, and He demands our sole devotion.

Secondly, God’s promise to “give them up to their stubborn hearts” is a sober warning. When we persistently refuse to listen to God and go our own way, there comes a point where He may allow us to experience the painful consequences of that choice, for our ultimate good.

Thirdly, the heartbreaking refrain “Oh, that my people would listen to me!” reveals God’s tender heart. He longs for our obedience not because He needs it, but because He knows it is the pathway to His protection, to His victory over our enemies, and to His overflowing, abundant blessing.

Finally, the promise of “finest of wheat” and “honey from the rock” is an enduring promise of God’s intention for His people. He wants to give us the best, to satisfy us with supernatural blessings that defy the imagination. All that is required is a listening heart, a willing spirit, and a commitment to follow His ways.

Let us heed the plea from the heart of God, choosing to listen and obey, so that we may not miss out on the blessings that are waiting for us.

Thank you for joining me on this profound trek through the conclusion of Psalm 81. I trust that this exploration of God’s heart for His people has resonated with your own journey and equipped you to listen to His voice with a willing heart. Join me again next time as we begin a new segment of Wisdom-Trek, continuing to uncover the timeless truths of God’s Word. Until then, keep moving forward, enjoy the journey, and create a great day! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, reminding you to Live Abundantly, Love Unconditionally, Listen Intentionally, Learn Continuously, Lend to others Generously, Lead with Integrity, and Leave a Living Legacy each day.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

  1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
  2. Love Unconditionally
  3. Listen Intentionally
  4. Learn Continuously
  5. Lend to others Generously
  6. Lead with Integrity
  7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!