Tag: bsf lesson 5 day 2

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 2: Daniel 5:1-12

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 5:1-12

King Belshazzar of Babylon gave a royal banquet. Here, he drank from the gold goblets that Nebuchadnezzar, his father, had taken from the temple in Jerusalem. Suddenly, writing appeared on the wall. The King was scared and wanted to know what it would mean, promising the interpreter to be promoted to the 3rd highest ruler in the kingdom.

The queen or queen mother told him to call for Daniel, who was the chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners in his father’s time. He could interpret it.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 2: Daniel 5:1-12

3) King Belshazzar of Babylon was King Nebuchadnezzar’s son. He was a pagan, but revered his gods and wanted to celebrate them. He is an arrogant, indulgent king whose spiritual life is defined by active blasphemy. He deliberately defiles God’s sacred vessels to worship lifeless idols, showing contempt for true divinity. His instant terror at the supernatural writing reveals his proud bravado was a fragile facade, spiritually bankrupt before true power.
4) Suddenly, the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace.
5a) She showed him respect and then told him not to be afraid, for Daniel could interpret dreams as he did under King Nebuchadnezzar. She told her husband to call him to explain the riddle.
b) She began with respect. She offered a solution based on past successes. She was calm and cool-headed.
6) King Nebuchadnezzar learned that God in Heaven was above all other gods and should be respected.  He should have learned that God humbles the proud. Therefore, King Belshazzar should not have defiled the gold goblets from the temple. He should expect judgment.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 2: Daniel 5:1-12

It’s funny to me how all these pagan kings still worshipped the pagan gods after our Lord in Heaven proved to them their falsehood.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 2: Daniel 5:1-12

Nebuchadnezzar ruled for 43 years. His son, Belshazzar, became king after several other failed kingships. The secular record does not have a ruler named Belshazzar. Therefore, Bible scholars believe that Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus, the last recorded ruler of Babylon from 556-539 BC. Nabonidus ruled from afar, so some believe Belshazzar to be the ruler in Babylon at this time. The term “father” was common for “ancestor” or “predecessor.”

King Belshazzar committed sacrilege against God. He was trying to bolster his people since they were under attack.

When the writing on the wall appeared, King Belshazzar was terrified. He probably knew he had committed sacrilege and would now pay the price.

In addition, King Belshazzar saw the very hand of God. That, in itself, is terrifying. God’s actions in Scripture are often symbolized by His hand (Psalm 37:24; 95:4; Isaiah 5:25)

King Belshazzar was technically 2nd in command since he was a stand-in for the real king at the time.

The woman could have been the King’s mother. She knew Daniel had “the spirit of the holy gods,” which was often used by Nebuchadnezzar to describe Daniel (Daniel 4:8-9, 18).

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 5:1-12 sets a scene of peak arrogance and blasphemy, which is met by a terrifying divine intervention, once again proving the bankruptcy of worldly wisdom.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Blasphemous Feast: King Belshazzar’s drunken decision to use the sacred vessels from God’s Temple in Jerusalem to praise his own lifeless idols is a deliberate act of contempt. It represents a new level of hubris, actively mocking the God of Israel, unlike Nebuchadnezzar, whose sin was primarily self-glorifying pride.
  • The Writing on the Wall: The sudden appearance of a disembodied hand writing a cryptic message is God’s immediate and terrifying response. This supernatural judgment intrudes directly into the pagan feast, shattering the king’s arrogance and filling him with mortal fear.
  • The Failure of Worldly Wisdom: For the third time in the book, the most brilliant minds of Babylon are rendered completely powerless before a divine revelation. They cannot read or interpret the message, reinforcing the theme that human wisdom and religion have no access to the secrets of God.
  • The Remembrance of God’s Prophet: The queen mother’s recollection of Daniel serves as the turning point. It highlights that God’s true servant is only sought out as a last resort, when all human systems have failed, setting the stage for Daniel to once again speak with divine authority.

In essence, this passage illustrates that there is a line of blasphemy that, when crossed, invites immediate and terrifying judgment. It is a prelude that silences all other voices to make way for the one true word from God.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 2: Revelation 2:12-17

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 2:12-17

Jesus now addresses the church in Pergamum. He praises them for remaining true to his name. Yet, some of them follow Balaam’s teaching, are sexually immoral, and eat sacrificial food. Some of them also believe in the teaching of the Nicolaitans. He asks them to repent. Jesus says that those who follow him will receive hidden manna and a white stone with a new name.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 2: Revelation 2:12-17

3) Jesus told them, “You remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me.”

4a) Balaam’s teaching led some to commit sexual sins and eat food sacrificed to idols. Balaam was a false prophet. He betrayed Israel and led them astray by using the Moabites to entice the Israelites with prostitution and idolatry. He made the Israelites curse themselves.

b) The sword of his mouth. This weapon represents His word.

c) God’s word can explain things to you, such as what is sin and what is not sin. God’s word offers examples of others who lived in sin and the consequences. God’s word exposes the evil of sin and helps us to see our evil ways.

5) Those who are victorious will receive, “I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” Jesus’ provisions are critical in my life since it’s all from him. We each get a new name with the Lord once we are saved. Jesus offers eternal life. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 2: Revelation 2:12-17

Again, I love how Jesus warns us and tells us of what we are doing wrong so that we can correct it and live like him!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 2: Revelation 2:12-17

Pergamum was a political capital noted for its great learning centers and culture. It also had many temples to the Roman gods and temples to the Roman emperor. It was a city known for its healing since there was a medical school there. Therefore, many people suffering from medical conditions would come here looking for healing.

We saw in Revelation 1:16 that a double-edged sword came from Jesus’ mouth. Now, we see here that Jesus holds this sword. In Hebrews 4:12, the word of God is like a two-edged sword.

Jesus repeats to every church in Revelation that he knows their works. He knows ours, too.

Jesus says Pergamum has much evil there.

There are many people not named in the Bible. Here, Antipas is named and praised for being a faithful martyr but this is all that we know of him. Remember, a martyr is a witness, as much as one who gave up their life for their beliefs.

Balaam could not curse Israel directly, so he used others to turn them to sin. Great read HERE

Sexual immorality was rampant in the Roman Empire, and no one found fault with it. In fact, if you weren’t sexually immoral, you were the oddball.

As we mentioned previously, Bible scholars believe the Nicolaitans approved of immorality, too.

Essentially, the Christians of Pergumum were too tolerant of these other teachings.

Jesus tells 5 of the 7 churches in Revelation to repent. Repent, or face Jesus’ judgment (the double-edged sword). In this instance, Jesus’ weapon is his Word.

Manna is God’s provision. (John 6:41)

A white stone was a blessing in this instance. In ancient times, white stones were used for many things: as part of a census, a sign of acquittal in a trial, they were used for tickets, or for showing friendship.

A new name refers to “a new you” that is forged when you accept Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior. Here, this is the assurance of a ticket to heaven!

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 2: John 4:1-9

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 4:1-9

Jesus left Judea and went back to Galilee, as the Pharisees were learning of his growing influence and he wanted to avoid a confrontation. He went through Samaria and stopped in the town of Sychar. The disciples were in town to buy food. A woman stopped by the well, and Jesus asked her to draw water for him.

She asked why Jesus, a Jew, would ask her, a Samaritan, since the Jews did not like the Samaritans.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 2: John 4:1-9

3) The Samaritans did not believe in God. They worshipped other gods.  They neither worship the Lord nor adhere to the decrees and regulations, the laws and commands that the Lord gave. Ezra says that the Samaritans tried to discourage the building of the temple.

4) Nicodemus sought Jesus out. Here, the woman does not know who Jesus is. Nicodemus is well born, wealthy, and learned. This woman is uneducated and poor. Nicodemus is interested in knowing if Jesus is who he says he is. The woman is merely going about her daily life. Both became a witness for Jesus. The man is named; the woman is not.

5a) Jesus begins the conversation very pleasantly, asking a simple question. We can do this as well.

b) She needed to drink from the cup of life that Jesus offered her. She needed living water that only Jesus gives.

c) Hard question. Many times in the course of my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 2: John 4:1-9

Such a simple scene where Jesus makes a powerful impact on a woman’s life. Jesus continues to do this every day with us as well.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 2: John 4:1-9

map of Sychar in Samaria where Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well John 4 bsf john

John tells us that Jesus baptized people in John 3:22 The disciples did the baptizing to prepare them for when Jesus was gone.

Most Jews walked around Samaria on their way to Galilee. To see Jesus must have been a shock for the Samaritan woman.

Jesus needed to go through Samaria to reach the people there.

The city of Sychar was ancient Shechem and was the capital city of the Samaritans. Sychar or ancient Shechem is mentioned a lot in Genesis. It’s where Abraham first arrived in the Promised Land and where Joseph was buried.

Bible scholars wonder why the woman came around noon to the well by herself. This was an unusual time to draw water. They speculate that she may have been a social outcast or she had an immediate need.

No Jew would ask a Samaritan for anything. So, Jesus’ presence and request was extremely unusual.

Here, we see Jesus’ love and compassion for all!

Fun fact: Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman is the longest recorded conversation Jesus had.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 19:1-10

When Jezebel found out from Ahab that Elijah had killed all of the prophets with the sword, she threatened to kill him. Afraid, Elijah fled. He left his servant at Beersheba while he went into the wilderness. He prayed to die. He woke to an angel who fed him and gave him water. The angel appeared again telling him to eat and drink for strength.

Elijah then traveled 40 days and nights till he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. While in a cave, the word of the Lord came to him and asked him what he was doing there. Elijah said how he is afraid for his life.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

3) First, he was elated and boastful. Then he was afraid for his life. He also experienced remorse and sadness over the Israelites and their worship of other gods. Frankly, he was depressed. He was physically exhausted, too.

4a) God sent an angel who fed him and gave him water. The angel appeared again telling him to eat and drink for strength.

b) Similarly, God has provided when I’ve been exhausted from the trials of life with food, clothing, shelter, friendships, and more.

5) God asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

6) Elijah prays for God’s help. He listens to and for God. He obeys God and trusts God for provision.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

I think many of us have reached breaking points like Elijah to the point where we wish we were dead. Note here how God is there at our weakest moments, waiting to pick us up and strengthen us in the days ahead.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

Jezebel was not impressed with God’s show at Mount Carmel. Instead, she went after the instigator.

Beersheba is about 80 miles south of Mount Carmel. We are not told if God told Elijah to go there or not. All we know is God wanted to protect Elijah.

It’s ironic that Elijah prayed to die, but he’s one of the few humans that ever lived that never experienced death. Sometimes a no from God is a good thing.

Elijah was wore out, plain and simple.

We see this many times in the Bible where God provides for our physical needs before our spiritual needs.

On Elijah’s 40-day, 200-mile journey to Mount Horeb (or Mount Sinai), it is likely he gained strength physically.

Obviously, God knew the answer to why Elijah was there, but God graciously allows Elijah to explain his feelings and relieve the burdens on his heart.

Basically, Elijah is saying life is unfair here. He shouldn’t have his life threatened if he is doing God’s work (but this is usually the case). He wants an easy life like we all do. But, as God’s servant, he would not have that.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:1-12: The Beatitudes

Jesus teaches that the poor are blessed as they have the kingdom of heaven. Those who mourn will be comforted. The meek will inherit the earth. Those who search for righteousness will be blessed. The merciful will be shown mercy.

Those pure in heart will see God. The peacemakers will be called the sons of God. The persecuted will have the kingdom of heaven. You are blessed when you are insulted. Your reward in heaven will be great. The prophets were persecuted, too.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

3) To be blessed is when God endows/gives someone something that is usually cherished, such as blessed with finances, free will, etc. Jesus lists a bunch of people who are blessed who, at the time, would not normally be considered blessed. He expands being blessed to the destitute. The ultimate blessing is, of course, to know God and be a Christian. Nothing else really matters.

4) Psalm 51:17 tells us in the Message Version: “I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice.”

In Isaiah 66:2, God says he has made and esteems those who is humble, contrite in spirit, and humble at his word. The definition of contrite is one who expresses remorse or penitence, one who feels bad for what they did. In sum, God esteems those who respond to him.

When you are down and out, you are blessed. When you are struggling, you are blessed. When you question God due to your life’s circumstances, you are blessed. All because you have God.

5a) Mourning is when you are sad over a loss. For most of us, we mourn when we’ve lost a loved one, lost a furry friend, lost a lifestyle or job, lost a home, lost a marriage, or anything else you’ve cherished and is now gone. You mourn what once was and is no more. I mourn all of these things.

b ) Sin makes all of us sad. Jesus who quotes Isaiah 61:1-2 in Luke 4:18-19 has come to comfort those who mourn, who feel guilt over sin, to free sinners from their sin.

Romans 7:22-24 is interesting. You want to do good, but because sin is always present in our lives, it’s a struggle. Mourning when you do sin shows you desire to do good. Christ rescues us from sin.

James 4:8-10 says to draw near to Christ and resist sin. He will lift us up even in our grief, mourning, and wailing.

You are sad when you do wrong, but with Christ, you have hope that you will do (and be) better.

6 ) Having to depend on God is a blessed. I’ve lost much and had much in my life. Every time I fail, it brings me closer to him. You sin, your mourn, you learn. That’s the life of a Christian.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

Admittedly, it’s been a long time since I’ve read the Beatitudes, so I’m excited to do so now! Great beginning to lesson 5 as we are reminded that grief is a part of life, but there is hope in Christ.

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

Bible scholars believe that Jesus went up on a mountain because the crowds that followed him had grown so big. What a beautiful picture. Luke records Jesus as speaking this at a different time, too, in Luke 6. This makes sense; most pastors preach the same message multiple times to different groups and for repetition, too, for learning.

Teachers sat in ancient times  (Luke 4:20; Matthew 13:2; 23:2; 24:3) while students stood.

map of sermon on the mount where Jesus gave beatitudes

This Sermon on the Mount is Jesus teaching us how to live. Many say this is the summation of Christianity in these short verses. The disciples are listening, too. It’s super important they understand this since they will be carrying on without him.

The Beatitudes (or The Blessings) are attitudes of being — what we hope to achieve as Christians and what we strive for every day.

The word blessed means “happy” in the ancient Greek. This word is also applied to God himself 1 Timothy 1:11.

On the day of Judgment, the blessed, or happy, will come. Matthew 25:34

Spurgeon notes: “You have not failed to notice that the last word of the Old Testament is ‘curse,’ and it is suggestive that the opening sermon of our Lord’s ministry commences with the word ‘Blessed.’”

The poor in spirit are those who recognize their sin and are in need of Christ. It is the first Beatitude because it’s where we all start. When you are poor in spirit, you are able to receive the kingdom of heaven. You have to be poor in spirit before you can mourn.

When you are poor in spirit, you mourn and will be comforted. The Greek word used here for “mourning” is the strongest form of grief. You mourn over sin that then produces repentance 2 Corinthians 7:10. Jesus both mourned and grieved (Isaiah 53:3).  It’s a part of human life.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 5, Day 2: Genesis 4:1-5

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  Eve gave birth to Cain and then Abel.  Abel was the shepherd and Cain was the farmer.  Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to God. Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock as an offering to God. The Lord favored Abel’s offering but not Cain’s.  Cain was angry and downcast because of this.

Questions:

3a)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Because God demands the best.  Cain only brought some of the fruits of the soil.  Abel brought the best (fat) portions AND they were from the firstborn of his flock (think venison versus veal).  Abel brought the choicest cuts.  Cain only brought hamburger meat (analogy here).

The verses point to how Jesus was a perfect, unblemished sacrifice.  God sets the example.  He demands the best since He gave the best.

Hebrews seems to point to how Abel had more faith in God than did Cain.  God knows the heart.  And Cain’s heart was not right that day.

It could have been attitude as well.  Abel came with a cheerful heart; Cain not so much–begrudging maybe.

b)  He wants our faith in Him and we show that by giving Him the best of us.  Then we shall be righteous before Him.  If we have faith in God, we will be accepted.

4)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Just based off of these verses (Genesis 4:1-5) and pretending I don’t know what happens I would answer Yes.  Genesis 3:15 is God’s promise to put enmity or distrust between the devil and man and how the devil will eventually be defeated.  His promise of a Savior.  No man had ever been born before so why wouldn’t Cain be the deliverer in Eve’s mind?

What mother ever thinks her son is evil or will be tempted by the devil?  I think Eve thought Cain would defeat the devil and could even be God’s promised Savior.  Here, in this offering, for all we know Cain is just in a bad mood or it’s his first sacrifice ever and he’s not for sure what to bring.  He’s learning.  We don’t know.  But I would say the devil does not have Cain yet here.

5a)  Seriously?  What’s your attitude?  We have a total of 2 verses here that talk about Cain, his offering, and his reaction.  Sometimes I wonder how much speculation, interpretation, and deduction BSF wants.  We know nothing of Cain’s life in-between his birth and this offering.  For all we know this offering made him snap.

His attitude is not good.  Maybe resentful of even having to offer a sacrifice since he did not bring the first fruits.  He probably grew up hearing stories from his mom and dad about how great Eden was before the Fall so he’s pining for that and resenting his parents for his toil of the land.

To Abel he obviously resents and is jealous (but we don’t know this until he kills him).  He’s just been shown up by his younger brother.  How would you feel?  Anger and downcast we are told.

To life?  Speculation:  Who knows?  Maybe resentful.  Maybe happy.  We just don’t know enough here.

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  He was angry because he was felt not good enough by his offering and his brother showed him up.  His pride was wounded.

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Constant comparison to others.  It’s easy in this world where we do feel not good enough even though God says we are.  It’s tough to believe sometimes.

We all like to be the best and our human pride does get wounded often, which makes us unhappy or angry.  Also, if God is not our center, it’s easy to get off-kilter and be angry and unhappy.  We must keep Him our focus in the midst of the daily drudges.

6)  Sacrifice of praise and to do good and share with others.  Try to praise God every chance I get and do good and share with others.  Not sure on specifics.  Have to see what God presents first.

Conclusions:  Seemed to me to be a lot of speculation in this lesson.  We don’t know anything about Cain’s life after his birth up until this sacrifice.  We don’t know how old he is either.  He could be 12, 18, 22, 32, 102, 402…

Seems unfair to me to speculate about Cain’s life based off of one sacrifice (pretending we don’t know he’s about to murder his brother since the verses today do not include that–nor God’s reprimand and warning to Cain).  He could have had a great childhood, loving relationship with Abel, his parents and God, and just snapped in the moment.

It’s all speculation unless the Bible says and it doesn’t.

One could argue, “Well, he brought the crap which indicates he didn’t have faith and was resentful.”  True.  But it could have been a bad day or he didn’t know any better.  We are not told the REASON Cain brings the crap (except in Hebrews that he lacks faith).  But there are days my faith isn’t as strong as others and I’m in a bad mood.

I would like to think of the good in Cain.  Yes.  He failed this test miserably and God himself reprimanded him.  But saying his whole life up until the sacrifice was miserable and lacked faith is something I’m just not going to say or believe.

God wants us to be happy and have a good life.  And I think Cain did too.