As priests-in-training, we should always make sure that we present our best to Yahweh (vs.19-24). 

The relationship between parent and child is important to Yahweh.  It is especially important that children should obey their parents. Honoring father and mother is one of the Ten Commandments (Exo 20:12). This principle is expressed in various ways throughout the Law. V.28 is one example.  Others are found in Exo 23:19, Lev 18:9 and Deut 22:6,7.  The principle is so important that Christ re-iterated it (Matt 15:4, 19:19, Mark 7:10, 10:19, Luke 18:20). Paul also referred to it (Eph 6:1,2).  This highlights the seriousness of the Corinthian member's sin (1Cor 5:1).

22:4-5   Maintaining cleanness under these circumstances must have been very difficult. A priest would have to be careful all the time as to where he trod, where he put his hands or where he sat down. A principle is taught here. Contamination through sin is everywhere present.

Priests were to remain separate and holy unto Yahweh. The Hebrew word for separate is nazar (v.2). The term Nazarite, a person vowed to be separate and holy to Yahweh, comes from the same word (Num 6:1-8).

22:10 We have seen in verses 1-9 that those in fellowship with God have got to be clean also. Now we learn that the ‘stranger’ – the one who is not in fellowship with God – has no fellowship in the things of God. A principle which we should carefully remember.

22:14    That the man who ‘unwittingly’ eats of ‘holy things’ is still responsible for his actions. Ignorance is no excuse for disobedience.

Vs.19-24 Yahweh demands that His people bring to Him their best products for sacrifice, even for a free-will sacrifice.  But, backsliding Israel would later say: Why should we bring the best for sacrifice, they are only going to be destroyed?  Let's get rid of the poor quality cattle and keep the good ones for ourselves. This attitude shows no respect for the God who gave them life, and who protects them and makes them prosper (Mal 1:8).  Let us make sure that we honor Yahweh by bringing our best attitude to all our activities (Col 3:23).

22:21-24The constraints about what animals cannot be offered match the prohibitions laid upon the priest who is to serve before God – Lev 21:17-21.

Everyone, no matter how far fom God they felt, could come and take part in eating the Holy portion of the priest - as long as they were part of his family (v10-13). Notice v11 "Born in his house" which doesn't mean his children, but any slave children (e.g. Gen 15:3, Ecc 2:7). These could certainly be Gentiles. So all the following categories could be present at that meal:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:27-29)

Notice the context of the Galatians passage to see how we can take part in this meal too.

Psalm 125 v2 As the mountains are round Jerusalem actually describes the geographical situation as it is today. Jerusalem, whilst being high, is surrounded by higher hills. Of course this will change when (Isaiah 2:2) And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. But the psalmist was able to take comfort just by looking at his surroundings. This is looking to see how our surroundings can help us to have confidence in God.

Psalm 126 This Psalm contrasts markedly with Psalm 137 where the Psalmist is lamenting the captivity. Truly the resurrection morning will be like this Psalm. Pray God that we will have mouths filled with laughter. Of course entry into the kingdom is not a matter of chance. Our life style now will determine whether we will be welcomed into the kingdom.

Psalm 127 The linking of children (v3) and the Lord building the house (v1) shows that this Psalm is a comment on the promise of 2 Samuel 7. Whilst David wanted to build God a house He told David that He would build David a house - this house was to be a house of people. We, if we are baptised, are part of this house of David.

125:2 Jerusalem, whilst on a hill, is actually surrounded by a number of hills which are all higher than it - so the imagery is clearly based on the geographical situation of Jerusalem.

126:5-6 The deliverance required trust in the future. Israel had been delivered by God but now were required to trust that God would bless their harvest.

127:1 The 'house' that the Lord was to build was not a physical building. It is the 'Church of the living God' 1Timothy 3:15.

125:3 In speaking of the way that the righteous will be delivered from the wicked God recognises that the wicked can influence the righteous to do evil.

126 - The deliverance of Zion forms the basis for the language surrounding the deliverance of Peter from prison (Acts 12)
:1 ‘them that dream’   Acts 12:9
:2 ‘laughter’    Acts 12:14
:3 ‘Lord hath done great things Acts 12:17

127:2 The ‘bread of sorrows’ quotes Gen 3:17. David is saying that it is vanity to have the things of this life as our focus. With David it was the fulfilment of the promises which directed his life.

Psalm 125  This Psalm shows the extent of God's care to those who place their trust in Him. It teaches us that if we are upright in heart we have the great blessing of extensive protection from evil. V.1

Psalm 127  This Psalm of Solomon, which Hezekiah used because it was appropriate for his own circumstances. The Psalm has to do with the raising of children and grandchildren in the fear and admonition of the Lord. We also see in this Psalm the principle that our work in the Truth needs the Divine blessing if it is to prosper.

The One, who created the mountains to surround Jerusalem for protection, also encompasses us (125:2).  Yahweh is His name: For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name (Amos 4:13).

125:2    We saw in Psa 121:1-2 the contrast between the idol worshippers and the faithful Psalmist. Again here we see the hills being used but this time as a figure of Gods protection.

126:2 Notice it is the heathen who recognise Gods goodness to those who trust in Him.

126:2This Psalm is looking, ultimately, to the time of the kingdom. Israel will be the first nation in the kingdom and God’s law will emanate from Jerusalem - Isa 2:3

127:1 Ezra understood that when God was watching over His people there was no need for an armed guard – Ezra 8:22

The fishing industry in the time of Christ was a profitable one.  Fish was not only supplied to the Jewish markets but to the Romans also.  Peter and Andrew lived (in a house) in Bethsaida (John 1:44).  Their partners, James and John had hired servants (Mark 1:20).  And so, they all must have made a comfortable living.  Thus, it was all the more remarkable that they up and left the business to follow Jesus (v.11).  This after, probably, their best catch ever (v.9).

5:12  The man 'full of leprosy' typified the nation which was defiled by sin. Jesus had come to save them 'from their sins' (Matt 1:21). The man, unlike the Jewish leaders, saw his need and so was cleansed. Baptism is only effective for those who see their need.

5:5 The beginning and end – John 21:3-6 - of the ministry of Jesus involves an unfruitful night of fishing which is terminated by the lord intervening and a large draught of fish being caught

5:30   The Levi has invited Jesus and the disciples. Jesus accepted the invitation but the scribes and Pharisees murmured against ‘them’ – they dare not speak directly to Jesus.

5:5,8 Notice the shift in Peter’s way of speaking to Jesus. Initially he is ‘master’ but after the miracle he is ‘lord’.

5:12-13 The priest under the law of Moses could not make a leper clean. All he could do was to pronounce him clean when the signs of active leprosy had abated. Jesus’, therefore, is seen as more effective than the law of Moses.