Twenty-fourth Sunday after Trinity Sunday, Proper 28, Year A

Die anvertrauten Pfunde - Entrusted Talents by Paulamaria Walter, 1963, Wege zur Kunst sculpture trail, Schwäbisch Gmünd-Straßdorf

He Hid His Lord's Money by an unknown artist, circa 1860-1900, Church of St. Edward, King and Martyr, Corfe Castle

Parable of the Talents by Willem de Poorter, 17th century, Národní galerie v Praze

The parable of the talents - De gelijkenis van de talenten by Jan Frearks van der Bij, 1962, Kindcentrum De Wel in Broeksterwâld

Притча о талантах - Parable of the Talents by Andrei Nikolayevich Mironov, 2013

Bélisaire aveugle by Jean Ulysse-Roy, 1881, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux. This is for Zephaniah 1:17.

Nydia, the Blind Flower Girl of Pompeii by Randolph Rogers, 1859, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This is for Zephaniah 1:17.

Der Psalmist - The Psalmist by Ephraim Moses Lilien, 1922

Psalm 90 by Ephraim Moses Lilien, 1922

The Funeral of Sir Hector Macdonald in Edinburgh by F. C. Dickinson, circa 1903, Wellcome Collection. This is for Psalm 90:3: dust to dust and ashes to ashes.

Vanitas by Franciscus Gijsbrechts, circa 1657 to 1675, private collection. When I read Psalm 90, I kept coming back to the Vanitas (Vanity) and Memento Mori (Remember that you will die) genres of art. Each item in the painting signifies some aspect of life that is a momentary pleasure/luxury or is a reminder of death and the passage of time. You can read more about the symbolism in Vanitas Painting: Why Artists Paint Skulls in a Still Life.

You can find this week's playlist of songs and hymns on YouTube.

I especially want to draw attention to this song: Poor Bishop Hooper - Psalm 90; I don't want you to miss this song!

Zephaniah 1:7,12-18

CSB

Be silent in the presence of the Lord God,

for the day of the Lord is near.

Indeed, the Lord has prepared a sacrifice;

he has consecrated his guests.

And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps

and punish those who settle down comfortably,

who say to themselves:

The Lord will do nothing—good or bad.

Their wealth will become plunder

and their houses a ruin.

They will build houses but never live in them,

plant vineyards but never drink their wine.

The great day of the Lord is near,

near and rapidly approaching.

Listen, the day of the Lord—

then the warrior’s cry is bitter.

That day is a day of wrath,

a day of trouble and distress,

a day of destruction and desolation,

a day of darkness and gloom,

a day of clouds and total darkness,

a day of ram’s horn and battle cry

against the fortified cities,

and against the high corner towers.

I will bring distress on mankind,

and they will walk like the blind

because they have sinned against the Lord.

Their blood will be poured out like dust

and their flesh like dung.

Their silver and their gold

will be unable to rescue them

on the day of the Lord’s wrath.

The whole earth will be consumed

by the fire of his jealousy,

for he will make a complete,

yes, a horrifying end

of all the inhabitants of the earth.

Who wrote Zephaniah: attributed to Tzefanyah (Zephaniah), the great-, great-grandson of King Hizkiyahu (Hezekiah)
Who Zephaniah was written to: the Jews living in Jerusalem and the southern kingdom of Judah
When Zephaniah was written: probably right before the reforms instituted by King Yoshiyahu (Josiah) in 622 or 621 BCE
The purpose of the book of Zephaniah: to encourage people to repent so that their enemies would face judgment
Things I noticed:

7. Be silent in the presence of the Lord God: see also 1 Samuel 2:9-10, Job 40:4-5, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 76:8-9, Isaiah 6:5, Amos 6:10, Habakkuk 2:20, Zechariah 2:13, Romans 3:19, Romans 9:20, Zephaniah 1:11

for the day of the Lord is near: see also verse 14 below, Isaiah 2:12, Isaiah 13:6, Ezekiel 7:7, Ezekiel 7:10, Joel 2:1-2, Joel 2:11, Joel 2:31-32, Amos 5:18-20, Malachi 4:1, Philippians 4:5, 2 Peter 3:9-12, Joel 1:15, Ezekiel 30:2-3, Obadiah 15, Zechariah 14, 1 Thessalonians 5:2 below

Indeed, the Lord has prepared a sacrifice: see also Isaiah 34:6, Jeremiah 46:10, Ezekiel 39:17-20, Revelation 19:17-18, Proverbs 9:1-6, Matthew 22:4, Luke 14:16-17, Matthew 22:3

he has consecrated his guests: see also 1 Samuel 16:5, 1 Samuel 20:26, Colossians 1:12

12. And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps: see also Jeremiah 16:16-17, Amos 9:1-3, Obadiah 1:6, Job 10:6, Psalm 10:15

and punish those who settle down comfortably: see also Jeremiah 48:11, Amos 6:1, Revelation 2:23, Daniel 4:4

who say to themselves: The Lord will do nothing—good or bad: see also Job 21:15, Psalm 10:11-13, Psalm 14:1, Psalm 94:7, Isaiah 5:19, Jeremiah 10:5, Ezekiel 8:12, Ezekiel 9:9, Malachi 3:14, Malachi 3:15, 2 Peter 3:4, Job 22:13, Psalm 73:11, Isaiah 28:15, Isaiah 29:15, Jeremiah 23:17, Malachi 2:17

13. Their wealth will become plunder and their houses a ruin: see also Zephaniah 1:9, Isaiah 6:11, Isaiah 24:1-3, Jeremiah 4:7, Jeremiah 4:20, Jeremiah 5:17, Jeremiah 9:11, Jeremiah 9:19, Jeremiah 12:10-13, Ezekiel 7:19-21, Ezekiel 22:31, Micah 3:12

They will build houses but never live in them, plant vineyards but never drink their wine: see also Deuteronomy 28:30, Deuteronomy 28:39, Deuteronomy 28:51, Isaiah 5:8-9, Isaiah 65:21-22, Amos 5:11, Micah 6:15, Deuteronomy 20:6, Isaiah 16:10, Isaiah 32:10, Jeremiah 6:12, Jeremiah 8:10, Lamentations 5:2, Amos 9:14, Jeremiah 29:5

14. The great day of the Lord is near, near and rapidly approaching: see also verse 7 above, Jeremiah 30:7, Ezekiel 30:3, Joel 2:1-2, Joel 2:11, Joel 2:31-32, Malachi 4:5-6, Acts 2:20, Revelation 6:17, Ezekiel 7:6-7, Ezekiel 7:12, Ezekiel 12:23, Amos 8:2, Philippians 4:5, James 5:9, 2 Peter 2:3, Isaiah 13:6, Joel 1:15, Ezekiel 13:5, Hosea 9:7, Amos 5:18, Revelation 3:11, Revelation 22:12, Isaiah 13:9, Zephaniah 2:2-3

Listen, the day of the Lord—then the warrior’s cry is bitter: see also Zephaniah 1:10, Isaiah 22:4-5, Isaiah 66:6, Jeremiah 25:36, Joel 2:11, Joel 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Hebrews 12:26, Isaiah 15:4, Isaiah 33:7, Jeremiah 48:41, Revelation 6:15-17, Jeremiah 25:30, Amos 1:2

15. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and total darkness: see also verse 18 below, Zephaniah 2:2, Isaiah 22:5, Jeremiah 30:7, Amos 5:18-20, Luke 21:22-23, Romans 2:5, 2 Peter 3:7, Revelation 6:17, Job 3:4-8, Joel 2:1-2, Joel 2:10-11, 1 Samuel 2:9, Job 15:23, Job 21:30, Isaiah 8:22, Isaiah 13:10, Jeremiah 46:10, Matthew 24:29, Daniel 12:1, Habakkuk 3:16, Mark 13:19, Revelation 12:2-5, Matthew 24:29, Romans 12:19, Psalm 74:20

16. a day of ram’s horn and battle cry against the fortified cities, and against the high corner towers: see also Isaiah 59:10, Jeremiah 4:5-21, Jeremiah 6:1, Jeremiah 8:16, Hosea 5:8, Hosea 8:1, Amos 3:6, Habakkuk 1:6-10, Habakkuk 3:6, Psalm 48:12, Psalm 48:13, Isaiah 2:9-17, Isaiah 32:14, Numbers 10:9, Jeremiah 20:16, Joel 2:1, Isaiah 27:13, 1 Corinthians 15:52, Judges 7:16-22, Jeremiah 42:14, Jeremiah 51:27, Ezekiel 7:14

17. I will bring distress on mankind, and they will walk like the blind: see also Deuteronomy 28:28-29, Isaiah 29:10, Isaiah 59:9-10, Lamentations 4:14, Matthew 15:14, John 9:40-41, Romans 11:7, Romans 11:25, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Peter 1:9, 1 John 2:11, Revelation 3:17

because they have sinned against the Lord: see also Isaiah 24:5-6, Isaiah 50:1, Isaiah 59:12-15, Jeremiah 2:17, Jeremiah 2:19, Jeremiah 4:18, Lamentations 1:8, Lamentations 1:14, Lamentations 1:18, Lamentations 4:13-15, Lamentations 5:16-17, Ezekiel 22:25-31, Daniel 9:5-19, Micah 3:9-12, Micah 7:13

Their blood will be poured out like dust and their flesh like dung: see also 2 Kings 9:33-37, Psalm 79:2-3, Psalm 83:10, Jeremiah 9:21-22, Jeremiah 15:3, Jeremiah 16:4-6, Jeremiah 18:21, Lamentations 2:21, Lamentations 4:14, Amos 4:10, Isaiah 5:25, Jeremiah 8:2, Ezekiel 30:11

18. Their silver and their gold will be unable to rescue them on the day of the Lord’s wrath: see also Zephaniah 1:11, Psalm 49:6-9, Psalm 52:5-7, Proverbs 11:4, Proverbs 18:11, Isaiah 2:20-21, Jeremiah 9:23-24, Ezekiel 7:19, Matthew 16:26, Luke 12:19-21, Luke 16:22-23, Job 36:19, Isaiah 10:3, Matthew 6:19, James 5:1, Revelation 18:11, Job 27:16-22

The whole earth will be consumed by the fire of his jealousy, for he will make a complete, yes, a horrifying end of all the inhabitants of the earth: see also Zephaniah 3:8, Leviticus 26:33-35, Deuteronomy 29:20-28, Deuteronomy 31:17, Isaiah 24:1-12, Jeremiah 4:26-29, Jeremiah 7:20, Jeremiah 7:34, Jeremiah 9:11, Deuteronomy 32:21-25, 1 Kings 14:22, Psalm 78:58, Psalm 79:5, Ezekiel 8:3-5, Ezekiel 16:38, Ezekiel 36:5-6, 1 Corinthians 10:22, Zephaniah 1:2-3, Isaiah 1:24, Deuteronomy 4:24, Deuteronomy 8:19, 2 Kings 22:17, Jeremiah 21:12, Ezekiel 7:11, Ezekiel 22:21, Ezekiel 23:25, Ezekiel 30:11, Zephaniah 2:2, Malachi 4:1, Romans 4:15, Hebrews 10:27, Isaiah 13:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, Isaiah 26:11, Hebrews 12:29, Hebrews 6:7-8, Deuteronomy 9:3, Isaiah 66:15-16, Isaiah 66:24, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, Revelation 11:5, Revelation 20:14, Isaiah 30:30, Nahum 1:6

The literary structure of this passage can be found here.

Psalm 90

CSB

Lord, you have been our refuge

in every generation.

Before the mountains were born,

before you gave birth to the earth and the world,

from eternity to eternity, you are God.

You return mankind to the dust,

saying, “Return, descendants of Adam.”

For in your sight a thousand years

are like yesterday that passes by,

like a few hours of the night.

You end their lives; they sleep.

They are like grass that grows in the morning—

in the morning it sprouts and grows;

by evening it withers and dries up.

For we are consumed by your anger;

we are terrified by your wrath.

You have set our iniquities before you,

our secret sins in the light of your presence.

For all our days ebb away under your wrath;

we end our years like a sigh.

Our lives last seventy years

or, if we are strong, eighty years.

Even the best of them are struggle and sorrow;

indeed, they pass quickly and we fly away.

Who understands the power of your anger?

Your wrath matches the fear that is due you.

Teach us to number our days carefully

so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.

Lord—how long?

Turn and have compassion on your servants.

Satisfy us in the morning with your faithful love

so that we may shout with joy and be glad all our days.

Make us rejoice for as many days as you have humbled us,

for as many years as we have seen adversity.

Let your work be seen by your servants,

and your splendor by their children.

Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us;

establish for us the work of our hands—

establish the work of our hands!

Who wrote this Psalm? attributed to Moses
Who was this Psalm written for? for communal lament of the Hebrews who were about to enter the Promised Land
When was this Psalm written? if it was written by Moses, it was likely written shortly before his death
What is the purpose of the book of Psalms? The Psalms are songs for worship, both public and private.

Things I noticed:

1. Lord, you have been our refuge in every generation: see also Psalm 71:3, Psalm 91:1, Psalm 91:9, Deuteronomy 33:27, Isaiah 8:14, Ezekiel 11:16, John 6:56, 1 John 4:16, Psalm 89:1, Exodus 25:22, Psalm 61:4, Psalm 102:12, Psalm 102:24, Jeremiah 50:6-7, John 14:23, 2 Corinthians 6:16

2. Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world: see also Job 38:4-6, Job 38:28-29, Proverbs 8:25-26, Psalm 33:9, Psalm 146:6, Genesis 1:1, Job 15:7, 1 John 2:13

from eternity to eternity, you are God: see also Psalm 93:2, Psalm 102:24-27, Psalm 103:17, Isaiah 44:6, Isaiah 57:15, Micah 5:2, Habakkuk 1:12, 1 Timothy 6:15-16, Hebrews 1:10-12, Hebrews 13:8, Revelation 1:8, Isaiah 45:22, Deuteronomy 33:27, Job 36:26, Psalm 9:7, Psalm 102:12, Lamentations 5:19, Habakkuk 3:6, 1 Timothy 1:17, John 8:58, Exodus 3:14

3. You return mankind to the dust, saying, “Return, descendants of Adam”: The return here is a lynchpin with the turn or return in verse 13 below. See also Psalm 104:29, Psalm 146:4, Genesis 3:19, Genesis 6:6-7, Numbers 14:35, Job 12:10, Job 34:14-15, Ecclesiastes 12:7, 2 Samuel 14:14, Job 10:9

4. For in your sight a thousand years are like yesterday that passes by, like a few hours of the night: see also 2 Peter 3:8-9, Matthew 24:43, Luke 12:38

5. You end their lives; they sleep: see also Job 9:26, Job 22:16, Job 27:20-21, Isaiah 8:7-8, Jeremiah 46:7-8, Psalm 73:20, Isaiah 29:7, Isaiah 29:8, Job 20:8

They are like grass that grows in the morning: see also Psalm 103:15-16, Isaiah 40:6-8, James 1:10-11, 1 Peter 1:24, Job 14:2, Psalm 37:2, Psalm 92:7, Isaiah 37:27, Isaiah 51:12, Isaiah 64:6, Matthew 6:30, Psalm 129:6

6. in the morning it sprouts and grows; by evening it withers and dries up: see also Psalm 92:7, Job 14:2, Matthew 6:30, Psalm 37:2, Isaiah 37:27, Isaiah 51:12, Isaiah 64:6, Psalm 103:15, Isaiah 40:6, James 1:10-11, Luke 12:28, Psalm 102:11

7. For we are consumed by your anger; we are terrified by your wrath: see also verses 9 and 11 below, Psalm 39:11, Psalm 59:13, Numbers 17:12-13, Deuteronomy 2:14-16, Hebrews 3:10-11, Hebrews 3:17-19, Hebrews 4:1-2, Exodus 14:24, Romans 2:8-9, 1 Corinthians 10:5, Romans 12:19

8. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence: see also Psalm 10:11, Psalm 50:21, Psalm 139:1-4, Job 34:21, Jeremiah 9:13-16, Jeremiah 16:17, Jeremiah 23:24, Ezekiel 8:12, Revelation 20:12, Psalm 19:12, Proverbs 5:21, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Luke 12:1-2, Romans 2:16, 1 Corinthians 4:5, Hebrews 4:12-13, 1 John 3:20, Psalm 80:16, Jeremiah 2:22, Hosea 7:2

9. For all our days ebb away under your wrath; we end our years like a sigh: see also verse 4 above, Psalm 78:33, Psalm 39:5, 1 Chronicles 29:15, Job 9:25, 1 John 2:17

10. Our lives last seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years. Even the best of them are struggle and sorrow; indeed, they pass quickly and we fly away: see also Genesis 47:9, Deuteronomy 34:7, 2 Samuel 19:35, 1 Kings 1:1, Ecclesiastes 12:2-7, Psalm 78:39, Job 14:10, Job 24:24, Isaiah 38:12, Luke 12:20, James 4:14, 1 Samuel 3:2, 1 Samuel 4:15, 1 Kings 14:4, 1 Kings 15:23, 2 Chronicles 24:15, Job 9:25, Psalm 39:5, Psalm 71:9, Ecclesiastes 6:12, Ecclesiastes 12:3, Jeremiah 20:18, Isaiah 23:15, 2 Samuel 19:32, Ecclesiastes 2:18-23

11. Who understands the power of your anger? Your wrath matches the fear that is due you: see also Leviticus 26:18, Leviticus 26:21, Leviticus 26:24, Leviticus 26:28, Deuteronomy 28:59, Deuteronomy 29:20-29, Isaiah 33:14, Nahum 1:6, Luke 12:5, 2 Corinthians 5:11, Revelation 6:17, Deuteronomy 6:15, Deuteronomy 31:17, 1 Chronicles 21:30, Job 9:34, Psalm 76:7, Psalm 88:16, Jeremiah 10:10, Hebrews 10:31, Romans 9:22, Romans 12:19

12. Teach us to number our days carefully: This is a terribly translated Hebrew idiom; Good News Translation: "Teach us how short our life is, so that we may become wise." See also Psalm 39:4, Deuteronomy 32:29, Ecclesiastes 9:10, Luke 12:35-40, John 9:4, Ephesians 5:16, Ephesians 5:17, Psalm 119:84

so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts: see also Job 28:28, Proverbs 2:2-6, Proverbs 3:13-18, Proverbs 4:5, Proverbs 4:7, Proverbs 7:1-4, Proverbs 8:32-36, Proverbs 16:16, Proverbs 18:1-2, Proverbs 22:17, Proverbs 23:12, Proverbs 23:23, Proverbs 19:20, Colossians 4:5

13. Lord—how long? Turn and have compassion on your servants: The turn or return here is a lynchpin with the return in verse 3 above. See also Psalm 6:3-4, Psalm 80:14, Jeremiah 12:15, Joel 2:13-14, Zechariah 1:16, Psalm 89:46, Psalm 106:45, Psalm 135:14, Exodus 32:12-14, Deuteronomy 32:36, Hosea 11:8, Amos 7:3, Amos 7:6, Jonah 3:9, Judges 2:18, 1 Chronicles 21:15, Psalm 6:3, Psalm 86:16, Isaiah 6:11, Jeremiah 18:8, Jonah 4:2, Micah 7:19, Psalm 13:1, Psalm 74:10, Psalm 80:4, Psalm 82:2, Psalm 94:3, Psalm 79:5, Daniel 8:13, Daniel 12:6-13

14. Satisfy us in the morning with your faithful love: Faithful love is the Hebrew word hesed again--see my commentary on Hosea 6:6. See also Psalm 36:7-8, Psalm 63:3-5, Psalm 65:4, Psalm 103:3-5, Jeremiah 31:15, Proverbs 19:23

so that we may shout with joy and be glad all our days: see also Psalm 23:6, Psalm 85:6, Psalm 86:4, Psalm 149:2, Philippians 4:4, Zechariah 9:17

15. Make us rejoice for as many days as you have humbled us, for as many years as we have seen adversity: see also Psalm 30:5, Psalm 126:5-6, Isaiah 12:1, Isaiah 40:1-2, Isaiah 61:3, Isaiah 65:18-19, Jeremiah 31:12-13, Matthew 5:4, John 16:20, Revelation 7:14-17, Deuteronomy 2:14-16

16. Let your work be seen by your servants, and your splendor by their children: see also Psalm 44:1, Numbers 14:15-24, Habakkuk 3:2, Numbers 14:30-31, Deuteronomy 1:39, Joshua 4:22-24, Joshua 23:14, Psalm 69:36, Psalm 78:6, Psalm 102:28, Psalm 103:17, Jeremiah 30:20, John 11:40, Romans 9:4, 2 Corinthians 4:6

17. Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us: see also Psalm 27:4, Psalm 50:2, Psalm 80:3, Psalm 80:7, Psalm 110:3, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 John 3:2, Deuteronomy 2:7, Deuteronomy 26:15, Isaiah 28:5

establish for us the work of our hands: This is another terribly translated Hebrew idiom; GOD'S WORD® Translation: "Let the kindness of the Lord our God be with us. Make us successful in everything we do. Yes, make us successful in everything we do." This is begging God to give is a legacy that endures here on earth after our short life is over. See also Psalm 68:28, Psalm 118:25, Job 22:28, Proverbs 16:3, Isaiah 26:12, 1 Corinthians 3:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, 2 Thessalonians 3:1, Job 1:10

First Thessalonians 5:1-10

CSB

About the times and the seasons: Brothers and sisters, you do not need anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. When they say, “Peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the dark, for this day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness. So then, let us not sleep, like the rest, but let us stay awake and be self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled and put on the armor of faith and love, and a helmet of the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

Who wrote First Thessalonians: the Apostle Paul (Saul), along with Silvanus and Timothy
Who First Thessalonians was written to: the church at Thessaloniki; from I Thessalonians 1:9 and Acts 17:1-4 it is reasonable to assume that the majority were not Jewish originally

When First Thessalonians was written: probably the first book of the New Testament to be written around 49-51 CE/AD; likely written from Corinth
The purpose of the book of First Thessalonians: the book is an exhortation to live holy lives
Things I noticed:

1. About the times and the seasons: Brothers and sisters, you do not need anything to be written to you: see also Matthew 24:3, Matthew 24:36-44, Mark 13:30-37, Acts 1:6-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 2 Corinthians 9:1, Jude 1:3, Job 24:1, Ecclesiastes 3:17, Ecclesiastes 8:7, Daniel 11:27, Romans 13:11

2. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night: see also verse 4 below, Jeremiah 23:20, Matthew 24:42-44, Matthew 25:13, Mark 13:32-35, Luke 12:39-40, Revelation 3:3, Revelation 16:15, Zechariah 14:7, Matthew 24:36, Matthew 24:50, Luke 21:34-36, Isaiah 2:12, Isaiah 13:6, Ezekiel 7:7, Ezekiel 7:10, Joel 2:1-2, Joel 2:11, Joel 2:31-32, Amos 5:18-20, Malachi 4:1, Philippians 4:5, 2 Peter 3:9-12, Joel 1:15, Ezekiel 30:2-3, Obadiah 15, Zephaniah 1:14-18 above, 2 Thessalonians 2:2

3. When they say, “Peace and security”: The Roman government propaganda advanced the idea that the Empire provided peace and security. Many Roman coins have the word PAX on them, meaning peace. The coins that don't have the word peace on them often have the word SECVRITAS (security) on them. See also Deuteronomy 29:19, Judges 18:27-28, Psalm 10:11-13, Isaiah 21:4, Isaiah 56:12, Daniel 5:3-6, Nahum 1:10, Matthew 24:37-39, Luke 17:26-30, Luke 21:34-35, Jeremiah 5:12, Zechariah 1:11, 2 Peter 2:3, Jeremiah 6:14, Jeremiah 8:11, Ezekiel 13:10, Micah 3:5

then sudden destruction will come upon them: see also Exodus 15:9-10, Joshua 8:20-22, Judges 20:41-42, 2 Chronicles 32:19-21, Psalm 73:18-20, Proverbs 29:1, Isaiah 30:13, Luke 17:27-29, Luke 21:34-35, Acts 12:22-23, Acts 13:41, 2 Peter 2:4, Revelation 18:7-8, Exodus 12:29, Joshua 11:7, Judges 8:11, Job 15:21, Job 22:9-11, Psalm 35:8, Psalm 64:7, Psalm 73:19, Proverbs 6:15, Ecclesiastes 9:12, Isaiah 47:11, Jeremiah 6:26

like labor pains on a pregnant woman: see also Genesis 3:16, Psalm 48:6, Isaiah 13:8, Isaiah 21:3, Isaiah 26:17-18, Isaiah 37:3, Isaiah 42:14, Isaiah 66:7-8, Jeremiah 4:31, Jeremiah 6:24, Jeremiah 13:21, Jeremiah 22:23, Jeremiah 30:4-7, Jeremiah 48:41, Jeremiah 49:22-24, Jeremiah 50:43, Hosea 13:13, Micah 4:9-10, Matthew 24:8, Mark 13:8, Revelation 12:2-5

they will not escape: see also Matthew 23:33, Hebrews 2:3, Hebrews 12:23, Jeremiah 11:11, Romans 2:3, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10

4. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the dark: see also Romans 13:11-13, Colossians 1:13, 1 Peter 2:9-10, 1 John 2:8, Luke 1:79, John 1:9, Acts 26:18, 2 Corinthians 6:14, Ephesians 5:8

for this day to surprise you like a thief: see also verse 2 above, Deuteronomy 19:6, Deuteronomy 28:15, Deuteronomy 28:45, Jeremiah 42:16, Hosea 10:9, Zechariah 1:6, Revelation 3:3

5. For you are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness: Paul has just been talking about the Day of the Lord and we are children of the day. We have nothing to fear from the Day of the Lord. See also Luke 16:8, John 12:35-36, Acts 26:18, Ephesians 5:8-11, Proverbs 2:13, Isaiah 2:5, Matthew 5:14, Luke 1:79, Romans 13:11-13, 1 John 2:8, Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 5:11, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 74:20, Psalm 82:5, Psalm 112:4, Proverbs 4:18-19, Isaiah 5:20, Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 60:19-20, Romans 1:21, Romans 2:19, 1 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:6, 2 Corinthians 6:14, Ephesians 4:18, Ephesians 6:12, Colossians 1:13, 2 Peter 1:19

6. So then, let us not sleep, like the rest: see also Proverbs 19:15, Isaiah 56:10, Jonah 1:6, Matthew 13:25, Matthew 25:5, Mark 14:37, Luke 22:46, Romans 13:11-14, Ephesians 5:14, Proverbs 24:33

let us stay awake: see also Matthew 24:42, Matthew 25:13, Matthew 26:38-45, Mark 13:34-37, Mark 14:38, Luke 12:37, Luke 12:39, Luke 21:36, Luke 22:46, Acts 20:31, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2, Revelation 3:2-3, Revelation 16:15

and be self-controlled: see also verse 8 below, 1 Corinthians 15:34, 2 Timothy 4:5, 1 Peter 4:7, Philippians 4:5, 1 Timothy 2:9, 1 Timothy 2:15, 1 Timothy 3:2, 1 Timothy 3:11, Titus 2:6, Titus 2:12, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 5:8, Isaiah 5:11, Luke 21:34, Titus 2:2, Matthew 24:49

7. For those who sleep, sleep at night: see also Job 4:13, Job 33:15, Luke 21:34-35, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 15:34, Ephesians 5:14, Mark 13:36

those who get drunk, get drunk at night: see also 1 Samuel 25:36-37, Proverbs 23:29-35, Isaiah 21:4-5, Daniel 5:4-5, Acts 2:15, 2 Peter 2:13, Isaiah 5:11, 1 Corinthians 5:11, Galatians 5:21, Ephesians 5:18

8. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled: see also verses 5 and 6 above, Romans 13:13, Ephesians 5:8-9, 1 Peter 2:9, 1 John 1:7, 2 Peter 2:13

and put on the armor of faith and love: see also Isaiah 59:17, Romans 13:12, 2 Corinthians 6:7, Ephesians 6:10-17, Exodus 28:4, Leviticus 8:8, Job 29:14, 1 Timothy 1:14, 1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Corinthians 13:13

and a helmet of the hope of salvation: see also Isaiah 59:17, Job 19:23-27, Psalm 42:5, Psalm 42:11, Psalm 43:5, Lamentations 3:26, Romans 5:2-5, Romans 8:24-25, 1 Corinthians 13:13, Galatians 5:5, 2 Thessalonians 2:16, Hebrews 6:19, Hebrews 10:35-36, 1 Peter 1:3-5, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 John 3:1-3, Romans 12:12, Ephesians 1:18, Colossians 1:23, Titus 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Corinthians 13:13

9. For God did not appoint us to wrath: see also 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 3:3, Exodus 9:16, Proverbs 16:4, Ezekiel 38:10-17, Matthew 26:24, Acts 1:20, Acts 1:25, Acts 13:48, Romans 9:11-23, 2 Timothy 2:19-20, 1 Peter 2:8, 2 Peter 2:3, Jude 1:4, Job 23:14, John 3:36, Romans 8:28, Romans 9:22-23, 1 Timothy 6:12

but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ: see also Romans 11:7, Romans 11:30, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, 1 Timothy 1:13, 1 Timothy 1:16, 2 Timothy 2:10, 1 Peter 2:10, 2 Peter 1:1, John 5:24, Romans 5:6, Colossians 3:23-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:6

10. who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him: Awake and asleep here are euphemisms for alive and dead. See also Matthew 20:28, John 10:11, John 10:15, John 10:17, John 15:13, Romans 5:6-8, Romans 8:34, Romans 14:8-9, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 2 Corinthians 5:15, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 5:2, 1 Timothy 2:6, Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Matthew 27:52, Acts 7:60, Revelation 14:13

The literary structure of this passage is available here.

Matthew 25:14-30

CSB

“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. In the same way the man with two earned two more. But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I’ve earned five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’ The man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I’ve earned two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’ The man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a harsh man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ His master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and I would have received my money back with interest when I returned. So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. And throw this good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'”

Who wrote Matthew: traditionally attributed to the apostle Matthew, also called Levi. He was a Hellenistic Jew who had been a tax collector for the Roman occupiers (quite the despised outsider).
Who Matthew was written to: Jews, possibly in Israel, but mostly Diaspora--we can tell this through the lack of explanation of Jewish customs (other Gospels explain Jewish customs to some extent, but not at all in this Gospel)
When Matthew was written: before the fall of the Temple
The purpose of the book of Matthew: evidence that Jesus is the promised Messiah and how he fulfilled prophecy along with hope for outsiders
Things I noticed:

14. For it is just like a man about to go on a journey: see also Matthew 21:33, Mark 13:34, Luke 19:12-13, Luke 20:9, Mark 12:1

He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them: see also Luke 16:1-12, Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 3:5, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 1 Corinthians 12:4-29, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Peter 4:9-11, Ezekiel 46:17, Matthew 18:23, 1 Timothy 4:14

15. To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey: A talent was both a measure of weight and of currency. The size varied over time but might have been 28.8 kilograms (63 pounds) of silver at the time that Jesus gave this parable. See also Matthew 18:24, Luke 12:48, Luke 19:13-14, John 3:27, 1 Corinthians 3:5, 1 Corinthians 4:7, 2 Corinthians 10:13, Ephesians 4:7, 1 Peter 4:10

16. Immediately the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more: see also 2 Samuel 7:1-3, 1 Chronicles 13:1-3, 1 Chronicles 22:1 - 1 Chronicles 26:32, 1 Chronicles 28:2-21, 1 Chronicles 29:1-17; 2 Chronicles 1:9-10, 2 Chronicles 15:8-15, 2 Chronicles 17:3-9, 2 Chronicles 19:4-10, 2 Chronicles 31:20-21, 2 Chronicles 33:15-16, 2 Chronicles 35:27, Nehemiah 5:14-19, Isaiah 23:18, Isaiah 49:23, Isaiah 60:5-16, Acts 13:36, Romans 15:18-19, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, 1 Corinthians 15:10, 1 Timothy 6:17-18, 2 Timothy 2:6, 2 Timothy 4:5-8, Philemon 1:6-7, 3 John 1:5-8

17. In the same way the man with two earned two more: see also Genesis 18:19, 2 Samuel 19:32, 1 Kings 18:3-4, 2 Kings 4:8-10, Job 29:11-17, Job 31:16-22, Proverbs 3:9-10, Ecclesiastes 11:1-6, Mark 14:3-8, Acts 9:36-39, Acts 10:2, Acts 11:29-30, 2 Corinthians 8:12, 2 Corinthians 9:11-14, Galatians 6:9-10, Ephesians 5:16, Colossians 4:17, 1 Timothy 5:10, 2 Timothy 1:16-18, Hebrews 6:10-11, 1 Peter 4:10

18. the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money: see also Proverbs 18:9, Proverbs 26:13-16, Haggai 1:2-4, Malachi 1:10, Luke 19:20, Hebrews 6:12, 2 Peter 1:8, 2 Kings 7:8

19. After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them: see also Matthew 25:5, Matthew 24:48, Matthew 18:23-24, Luke 16:1-2, Romans 14:7-12, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, 2 Corinthians 5:10, James 3:1, Genesis 40:20, Matthew 13:49, Matthew 20:8, Luke 19:15

20. The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I’ve earned five more talents’: see also Luke 19:16-17, Acts 20:24, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Colossians 1:29, 2 Timothy 4:1-8, James 2:18, Luke 12:37, Luke 12:42

21. His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’: see also 2 Chronicles 31:20, 2 Chronicles 31:21, Romans 2:29, 1 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 5:9, 2 Corinthians 10:18, 1 Peter 1:7, James 2:8

You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things: see also Matthew 25:34-40, Matthew 25:46, Matthew 10:40-42, Matthew 24:47, Luke 12:44, Luke 16:10, Luke 22:28-30, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 2:26-28, Revelation 3:21, Revelation 21:7, Nehemiah 7:2, Proverbs 22:29, Proverbs 27:18, Luke 19:17, 1 Corinthians 4:2, Hebrews 3:5

Share your master’s joy: see also verse 23 below, Psalm 16:10-11, John 12:26, John 14:3, John 17:24, Philippians 1:23, 2 Timothy 2:12, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 1:8, Revelation 7:17, Isaiah 57:2, John 5:44, Romans 8:17, 1 Corinthians 3:14, 2 Corinthians 5:8, 1 Peter 4:13

22. The man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I’ve earned two more talents’: see also Luke 19:18-19, Romans 12:6-8, 2 Corinthians 8:1-3, 2 Corinthians 8:7-8, 2 Corinthians 8:12

23. His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy’: see also verse 21 above, Mark 12:41-44, Mark 14:8-9, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 22:29, Matthew 24:47, Matthew 25:34, 1 Corinthians 4:2, 1 Corinthians 4:5, James 2:8, 1 Peter 1:7

24. The man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a harsh man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed’: see also Matthew 7:21, Luke 6:46, Matthew 20:12, Job 21:14-15, Isaiah 58:3, Jeremiah 2:31, Jeremiah 44:16-18, Ezekiel 18:25-29, Malachi 1:12-13, Malachi 3:14-15, Luke 15:29, Luke 19:20-22, Romans 8:7, Romans 9:20, Deuteronomy 1:27, 1 Kings 20:40, Proverbs 20:4, Ezekiel 33:17, Matthew 25:44, 2 Corinthians 11:13, Micah 6:15

25. So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours: see also 2 Samuel 6:9-10, Proverbs 26:13, Isaiah 57:11, Romans 8:15, 2 Timothy 1:6-7, Revelation 21:8, Luke 19:21

26. His master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered: see also Matthew 18:32, Job 15:5-6, Genesis 3:17, Proverbs 10:26, Proverbs 6:6, Proverbs 18:9, Proverbs 21:25, Matthew 24:48, Luke 19:22, Romans 12:11, Titus 3:10-11, Hebrews 6:12, 2 Peter 1:8

27. then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and I would have received my money back with interest when I returned: Roman interest rates were quite high, ranging from 4% to 24% APR. See also Luke 19:22-23, Romans 3:19, Jude 1:15, Deuteronomy 23:19-20, Exodus 22:25

28. So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents: see also Luke 10:42, Luke 19:24-26, Mark 4:25

29. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him: see also Matthew 13:12, Mark 4:25, Luke 8:18, Luke 16:9-12, Luke 19:25-26, John 15:2, Matthew 21:41, Lamentations 2:6, Hosea 2:9, Luke 10:42, Luke 12:19-21, Luke 16:1-3, Luke 16:20-25, John 11:48, Revelation 2:5, Nehemiah 5:8, Proverbs 9:9

30. And throw this good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness: see also Matthew 3:10, Matthew 5:13, Jeremiah 15:1-2, Ezekiel 15:2-5, Luke 14:34-35, John 15:6, Titus 3:14, Hebrews 6:7-8, Revelation 3:15-16, Romans 3:12, 2 Peter 2:17, Jude 1:13

where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth: see also Job 16:9, Psalm 35:16, Psalm 37:12, Psalm 112:10, Lamentation 2:16, Matthew 8:12, Matthew 13:42, Matthew 13:50, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 24:51, Luke 13:28, Acts 7:54, Revelation 21:8. Gnashing of teeth can be either grinding the teeth or snarling or growling like a vicious animal; it is an expression of anger and frustration.

The literary structure of this passage is available here. For context, the Mishnah says: "He [also] used to say: one who makes his name great causes his name to be destroyed; one who does not add [to his knowledge] causes [it] to cease; one who does not study [the Torah] deserves death; one who makes [unworthy] use of the crown [of learning] shall pass away." Pirkei Avot 1:13 Tobit 4 in the Apocrypha has a very similar story of money left with a person that ends with: "Tobias, I want you to know that I once left a large sum of money with Gabrias' son, Gabael, at Rages in Media. We're poor now, but don't worry. If you obey God and avoid sin, he will be pleased with you and make you prosperous."

Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that bringing forth in abundance the fruit of good works, they may be abundantly rewarded when our Savior Jesus Christ comes to restore all things; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.