Lesson 8.In the Psalms: Part 1

8.2 On Mount Zion
Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill? – Only Through the Lamb

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Introduction

The longing for closeness to God is deeply rooted in us. In the Psalms, David asks, “Who may dwell on your holy hill?”—a question still pressing today. It confronts anyone who wonders, “Am I worthy to stand in God’s presence?” Revelation provides an astonishing answer: a host of the redeemed stands on Mount Zion—not by their own perfection, but through the Lamb. This lesson plunges us into the mystery of what it means to share in God’s presence through Jesus—already now, and one day in full glory.

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Bible Study

Psalms 15 & 24 – Who May Live in God’s Presence?
Both psalms answer the same question: “Who may stand before God?” David lists the qualities of a holy person: blamelessness, practicing righteousness, speaking truth, doing no wrong, refusing bribes. In short: living in harmony with God’s character.

Revelation 14:1–5 – The Redeemed on Mount Zion
Here we see a people cleansed by the Lamb’s blood. The question isn’t perfection but whether the Lamb covers them. These follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They are “pure” in spiritual integrity, speak truth, and are blameless—not in themselves but in Christ.

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Questions & Answers

Q1: What parallels exist between the Psalms and Revelation 14?

• Both speak of God’s “holy hill.”

• Both emphasize purity, truth, and blamelessness.

• Both show that God’s presence is the ultimate goal.
  Difference: Revelation centers the Lamb as the bridge between God’s demand and our need.

Q2: How does one join this company?

Not by achievement, but faith—by accepting Jesus’s blood so His righteousness is counted ours. We belong to the Perfect One; we follow the Lamb daily.

Q3: Why do we need Jesus’s perfect life in our place?

No one meets God’s standard on their own. Though we have victory promises (Rom 8:37; 1 Cor 10:13), we remain imperfect. Christ’s righteousness isn’t a help—it is our sole access to God’s presence. His life stands in for us.

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Spiritual Principles

• Apart from the Lamb, no one is worthy.

• God demands trust, not our perfection.

• His righteousness is credited, never earned.

• The redeemed follow the Lamb wherever He goes.

• Mount Zion’s holiness is now experienced in faith—and soon in full reality.

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Application for Daily Life

• Live each day knowing you stand before God in Christ.

• Declare daily: “I belong to those made righteous by the Lamb.”

• When your flaws weigh you down, fix your eyes on Jesus.

• Walk in truth, free from perfectionism.

• Carve out moments of worship—today you stand on Mount Zion in spirit.

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Conclusion

The question “Who may dwell on Your holy hill?” finds its answer not in human strength but in divine grace. The Psalms declare God’s demand; Revelation unveils His provision. In Jesus we have a pathway into the Holy of Holies—to Mount Zion—to God’s immediate presence. His righteousness is our hope, His life our garment, His victory our entrance.

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Thought of the Day

You needn’t be perfect to stand before God—but you may trust a perfect Savior who carries you up the holy hill.

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Illustration – “The Old City Concert”

It was a warm summer evening in Jerusalem, and the narrow lanes of the Old City filled with people. Among them was Eliana—a young cellist from Berlin—on her way to perform a special concert on Mount Zion. Her heart echoed the question, “Who may dwell on Your holy hill?” She remembered Psalm 15 from childhood, but now as an adult it felt like a burden: “Blameless? Always truthful? I’m so far from that,” she thought.

The night before her concert, she met an elderly man in a café by Zion’s Gate. His name was Eliav, and he seemed to see right through her. “You don’t just listen to your cello,” he smiled. “What troubles you?”

She confessed she felt unworthy to play on Zion—heavenly ground for saints, not doubters. Eliav pulled a worn Bible from his pocket and opened Revelation 14. Then he said, “Here stands a people on this hill. Not for what they’ve done, but because they follow the Lamb. That’s enough.”

His words struck her heart. “You belong here—not because you’re perfect, but because He is.”

The next evening, as she played Bach’s Cello Suite in G Major, she gazed upward. She imagined Jesus standing there as her High Priest—present, not distant. With each bow stroke, shame melted and peace flooded her soul—not by music, but by grace.

When the final note faded, the audience stood in hushed reverence. And Eliana? She knew: Mount Zion isn’t a place for the perfect. It’s the home of the redeemed.

¹ And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids.

² And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.

³ And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

⁴ And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.

⁵ And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.

⁶ Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.

⁷ And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves.

⁸ And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord.

⁹ And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself.

¹⁰ And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.

¹¹ Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.

¹² And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee.

¹³ And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.

¹⁴ Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.

¹⁵ And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord.

¹⁶ So Esau returned that day on his way unto Seir.

¹⁷ And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

¹⁸ And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.

¹⁹ And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for an hundred pieces of money.

²⁰ And he erected there an altar, and called it EleloheIsrael.

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Introduction

After years of flight, fear, and separation, Jacob and Esau finally meet—two brothers whose relationship had been marred by deceit, anger, and mistrust. What might have become a dramatic confrontation ends instead in embrace and tears. This is one of the Bible’s most powerful stories of forgiveness, humility, and God’s work in human hearts.

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Commentary

1. Jacob’s Preparation (vv. 1–3)
   Jacob knows he faces a sensitive encounter. Fearing Esau’s reaction, he strategically arranges his family and leads humbly. Bowing seven times signifies profound humility—and perhaps genuine repentance. Jacob no longer wants to fight but to make peace.
   Spiritual insight: True reconciliation begins with a heart willing to humble itself.

2. Esau’s Response (vv. 4–11)
   Unexpectedly, Esau runs to his brother, embraces him, kisses him—both weep. Deep wounds can be healed when hearts soften. Seeing Esau’s forgiveness, Jacob exclaims, “I saw your face as though I’d seen God’s face.” He recognizes in that mercy a glimpse of God’s own nature.
   Spiritual insight: When we forgive, we reflect God’s heart.

3. Parting in Peace (vv. 12–16)
   Though Esau invites Jacob to travel together, Jacob declines graciously. Reconciliation does not always mean restoring the old status quo, but it does permit a new beginning free of bitterness.
   Spiritual insight: Reconciliation may lead to different paths, but it always creates peace.

4. Settlement and Altar in Shechem (vv. 17–20)
   Jacob builds a home and livestock pens at Succoth, then purchases land at Shechem and erects an altar to “El-Elohe-Israel.” He acknowledges that his peace and new start come from God alone.
   Spiritual insight: Every fresh start deserves an altar—an expression of thanksgiving and worship.

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Summary

Jacob and Esau’s story vividly demonstrates God’s power to heal even the deepest rifts. Jacob arrives in fear but finds favor; Esau comes with four hundred men yet brings an embrace instead of vengeance. Where human effort fails, the Spirit of God effects true heart transformation.

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Today’s Message

1. Genuine repentance paves the way for reconciliation.
   Jacob’s humility was authentic—he had changed. When we seek forgiveness, it must spring from conviction, not mere obligation.

2. Grace can flow in the most unexpected places.
   Esau’s capacity to forgive was a miracle of grace. Perhaps there is someone in your life to whom you must extend—or from whom you should seek—forgiveness.

3. Reconciliation sparks a new journey with God.
   Jacob built an altar. After reconciliation, we too are invited to honor God—through prayer, service, and praise.

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14

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May 11–17, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 4

“The Plan of Redemption”

Read online here

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Introduction

Chapter 4 of Patriarchs and Prophets, titled “The Plan of Redemption,” offers a profound glimpse into the heart of the Christian gospel. It portrays the cosmic significance of the Fall and God’s response through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. From heaven’s anguish over humanity’s sin to the unfolding of the rescue plan in Christ’s sacrifice, the text reveals the unfathomable depth of God’s love.

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Commentary

1. Heavenly Sorrow and Christ’s Compassion
   After the Fall, all heaven mourns. The Son of God is moved with pity. Though the Creator could have left humanity to death, His love seeks a way of salvation.
2. The “Counsel of Peace” and Christ’s Self-Sacrifice
   Redemption is decreed in an eternal, loving agreement between the Father and the Son. Christ volunteers Himself as the ransom—an act that fills the angels with both awe and sorrow.
3. The Role of the Angels in the Plan of Redemption
   The angels cannot bear the burden of atonement, but they are commissioned to minister to humanity, to accompany Christ in His humiliation, and to support the unfolding of the redemption plan.
4. The Universal Significance of Christ’s Sacrifice
   Christ’s offering matters not only for mankind but for the entire universe. It answers questions about God’s justice, the unchangeable nature of His law, and the character of Satan.
5. The First Promise in the Garden of Eden
   Genesis 3:15 is presented as the “gospel in seed form.” It promises victory over Satan through the “seed of the woman,” ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
6. Hope Despite Judgment
   Although humanity has fallen, hope remains. Through repentance and faith, people can be restored as children of God.
7. The Sacrificial Service as Symbol
   The offerings continually reminded Adam of human sinfulness and the need for an atoning sacrifice. His first sacrifice was both painful and instructive.
8. The Cosmic Dimension of Redemption
   The plan of salvation demonstrates God’s justice and mercy to all creation. It upholds God as righteous while exposing Satan as accuser and deceiver.
9. The Significance of the Immutable Law
   If God’s law were changeable, Christ’s death would have been unnecessary. Instead, His sacrifice confirms the eternal and just character of the law.

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Summary

The plan of redemption reveals God’s character—infinitely loving and perfectly just. Despite the depth of humanity’s fall, God offers restoration through Jesus Christ. Heaven, the universe, and humankind alike bear witness to the greatness of this plan, which was ordained before the foundation of the world.

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Application for Today

• God sees our condition but does not abandon us.
• His love goes so far that He Himself bears the punishment we deserve.
• Christ is our substitute, our mediator, and our Savior.
• Faith in Him opens the way to forgiveness, life, and a future with God.
• Every person today has the opportunity to become part of this redemption.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
— John 3:16