Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Today is left out of my schedule.  Happy leap year!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Today's readings are taken from parts of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy and cover penalties if a life is taken, a person is injured, or property is stolen.  An interesting note in the commentary today pointed out that there is no imprisonment.  Many moral and criminal crimes require death.  Most civil laws require restitution.  No jail system.  What a money saver!  Of course, this entire system, as noted in yesterday's post, requires honest witnesses.  That can make appropriate punishment very difficult to decide. 

Here is a link with some explanations for cities of refuge and avengers of blood that I found interesting:
http://www.enduringword.com/commentaries/0519.htm

Monday, February 27, 2012

Rules for selection of a king, and of his conduct; laws regarding judges of the law; and instructions for witnesses are pulled from parts of Exodus, Deuteronomy and Leviticus.  I noticed the phrase often quoted: " . . . an eye for an eye. . . ." It is actually a punishment designated NOT for a perpetrator, but for a false witness.  A false witness is to be punished with whatever they intended for the person against whom they are falsely testifying.  I think in today's world of "relative truth" it is especially relevant to note the importance of accurate and honest recounting of information. 

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Today's reading is selected verses from Deuteronomy 22, 23; Numbers 6; and Leviticus 19 and 27.  It deals with those to be excluded from the assembly; those who set themselves apart through a Nazirite vow; and those who set a possession apart as a dedication to the Lord.  They are pretty straight forward.  I am putting a link for clarification of Nazirite vow: http://www.gotquestions.org/Nazirite-vow.html

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Today's reading in Leviticus and Numbers covers more conduct issues.  These laws were given by God to keep the Israelites set apart and holy.  My commentary notes that death and disease came about due to sin.  Therefore, all "unclean" must purify themselves.  Again, an additional apparent benefit is the physical health of God's people.

For some clarification of the significance of placing blood on right earlobes, thumbs and big toes:  http://www.biblenews1.com/hands/handc.htm

Friday, February 24, 2012

Today's reading in Exodus and Leviticus describes the 7th year sabbatical for the land.  As many of the laws, history will show this practice to be scientifically sound.  Many of the laws governing cleansing of mold and mildew and also of skin rashes and impurities, became good , sound health practice.  The scripture, however, is clear that these laws are to be followed because everything belongs to God. 

After the completion of  7 cycles of these 7th year sabbiticals, the 50th year is the Year of Jubilee where all land and slaves are "set free".

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Numbers and Leviticus are again the source of today's reading.  It seems that there is a hierarchy of sacrifices.  Perhaps the bulls are most important, followed by goats, sheep, lambs and then female lambs. 

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Today's reading is also taken from Leviticus and Numbers.  The mention of fellowship offerings is referenced as also meaning peace offering. 

The importance of where sacrifices are made is stressed.  The pagans of the land offered sacrifices out in the fields.  By contrast, the Israelites were to offer sacrifices through the priests and at the Tabernacle.  This is yet another way they were to be set apart from those around them.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Today's readings in Leviticus and Numbers cover the specifics of making sacrifices.  My commentary mentions that sacrifices and offerings are to remove guilt or to seek God's favor.  Sometimes a simple way to categorize a mass of information makes it easier to deal with.  I can understand why the priests were dedicated to their priestly duties alone.   I cannot imagine how complicated keeping track of all the information must have been. 

Monday, February 20, 2012

Again today, laws are covered.   Today we read in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.  This was a very long reading in the chronological Bible.  It covered a number of feasts and sacrifices.  This is the time of year when reading the entire Bible can become bogged down for readers.  Try not to get discouraged during this time.  It is all important.  For instance, the Feast of Harvest (aka Feast of Weeks) is the offering of first fruits.  The time correlation for our calendar is May-June.  This takes place 7 weeks following the Feast of Unleavened bread, which places its beginning on the 50th day after Passover.  The significance is the relationship to Pentecost (which means 50, according to my commentary).  Pentecost is the gathering of "first fruits", or souls, in Christ's kingdom. 

The two things I keep noticing are:  the number of commands to "remember" and the constant need for sacrifice to cover sins.  We are so blessed that we need only remember Christ Jesus, our one-time, perfect sacrifice.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

The coverage of laws continues today in Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy.  The laws of tithing and the keeping of the sabbath are covered.  I hadn't thought of this before, but the commentary mentioned that one importance of resting on the sabbath is the contrast from slaving 24/7 in Egypt.  Another reminder of their deliverance.  Again the importance of revering God and following all his instructions is stressed.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Today's reading begins the coverage of laws given to Moses taken from sections of Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy.  Today the first and second commandments are covered.  First, "You shall have no other gods before me.  Second, no idols of any form or shape are to be made or worshiped.

Some protest the harshness of punishment for failing to follow these commandments.  I think you only need to look at one such "god", Molech.  He was worshiped by, among other things, placing children on the idol where they were burned to death.  I cannot think of a punishment severe enough for this horrible sin.  Sacrificing a living child to a man-made god.  Is there a way that we mimic this sin in today's society?

Friday, February 17, 2012

Today in Deuteronomy 9-11 Moses again warns and reminds the Israelites.  I remember when I was teaching, a resource teacher told me that research shows that all learners need repetition to really learn.  The less capable a learner is in the particular area, the more repetitions are needed to internalize the learning.  God's repetitive messages to us about the need for listening to Him suggest to me that we might be a little slow on the uptake.  I know I am.  This is my 14th reading of His word and I find "new" truths from Him daily.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Today in Deuteronomy 5-8 Moses urges obedience to God's law.  He repeats to the Israelites that they must follow the law carefully.  There are rewards for obedience and consequences for disobedience.  He reminds them that parents are responsible for teaching their children.  The purpose of the law was not only to ensure a proper relationship to God, but also to regulate their daily conduct.  The importance of this instruction is emphasized by the repetition of the warning and promises over 4 chapters of Deuteronomy.  The devastating effect of bowing down to idols is stressed over and over.  It reminds me to examine my life carefully for my own idols.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

In today's reading, Deuteronomy 1-4, Moses recounts the events of the past 40 years.  It is his farewell speech to the Israelites.  In it he reminds them of past sins, punishments and promises.  In it he stresses to them the importance of carefully following the commands of God.  He talks several times of his own sin that is keeping him out of the promised land.  For the most part, it is a factual account of events.  However, at one point he also blames the Israelites for his sins.  He shares that he pleaded with God, and was finally told not to speak of his request again.  Even Moses must bear the consequences for his sin.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

As the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan and begin taking over the land of Canaan, today's reading skips around the 27th, 32nd, 33rd, 34th and 35th chapters of Numbers and parts of Deuteronomy 4 and 25. 

We begin with Moses' concern over the choice of his replacement as he nears his death.  Joshua is God's choice to replace Moses.

The next account is of the negotiations between Moses and the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh (the other half of this tribe is Ephraim, the other son of Joseph) over the land allotted to each tribe.

Finally, God gives his directions for the taking of the land of Canaan.  In Numbers 33:55, 56, God commands the Israelites to drive out all the inhabitants of the land.  We can predict how well they will follow these commands by their past performance.  God goes on to say:  ". . .those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides.  They will give you trouble in the land where you will live."  And the consequences for failure to obey:  "And then I will do to you what I plan to do to them." 

Monday, February 13, 2012

Today's reading in Numbers 26 is the numbering and naming of the current people in each tribe.  Since the original count, before the 40 years of wandering, 7 tribes have increased in number, while 5 have decreased.  The total count of men of fighting age is 601,730.  This listing of tribal members is an important affirmation that all of those who did not believe they could take the land of Canaan with God's power are now dead.  This is as God said it would be.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Today's reading in Numbers 25 and then 31 tells of the Israelite's sin promoted by the Midianites through seduction by their women.  The Israelites had relationships with these women and then with their gods.  This sin is avenged at God's direction, first against the Israelites who participated, and then against the entire nation of Moab.  The devastation of the Moabites is fierce and is followed by the purification of those who take part in the slaughter.

Saturday, February 11, 012

Today in Numbers 22-24, King Balak of Moab sees the "hordes" of Israelites approaching his land and summons Balaam, a soothsayer, to place a curse on the Israelites.  You could infer that a king wanting to place a curse would summon the best his money could buy.  Balaam first refuses to go, but is enticed by the ever-increasing seduction of power and money offered.  In fact, God does use Balaam.  God gives Balaam directions which he does not follow.  Things start to unravel for him.  If the talking donkey didn't convince him, you would think the angel in the road might have.  Eventually, he meets with Balak, but instead of a curse on the Israelites, God three times gives him blessings to utter.  When a curse is finally given, the curse is on Balak's kingdom, not on the Israelites.  Even unwilling participants do God's will.  Love that story!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Today in Numbers 20 and 21, Moses oversteps God's directions and strikes the rock to produce water for the grumbling Israelites.  This lack of trust in God keeps Moses from leading the Israelites into the promised land.  First Aaron dies, and then Moses.

Numbers 33 is Moses' travel journal from the time they leave Egypt until they arrive at the plains of Moab, beside the river Jordan.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Today's reading is in Numbers, chapters 16-18.  Korah, a Levite, and two Reubenites lead a revolt of 250 men who oppose Moses and Aaron as leaders.  It seems that over and over the Israelites need to be reminded that Moses and Aaron are taking instruction directly from God and need to be obeyed.  Their revolt is not tolerated by God.  He opens the ground and swallows up Korah and his family.  The 250 men who brought censers with incense as instructed were burned to death with fire from their own censers.  The censers were then hammered into a covering for the altar as a reminder, as ordered by God.  Reminders and reminders, but they never seem to remember.  It makes me want to carefully examine my own behavior.  I am sure they were feeling very committed to their cause -- right up to the fire.

Wednesday, February 8, 212

Today's reading in Numbers 12 tells of Miriam's and Aaron's grumbling against Moses because of his new wife, a Cushite woman.  Miriam's punishment and healing are explained.  Moses begs God's forgiveness on her behalf, and it is given by God.

http://www.nwcreation.net/nephilim.html

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/hebron.html
In Numbers 13 and 14 the exploration of the land of Canaan is detailed.  A leader from each of the 12 tribes (not Levi) was sent to explore the land.  They were given a specific commission by God to check out three attributes of the country.  First, they were to see if the land was good or bad -- what was the soil and vegetation like? Second, they were to check on the people -- were they weak or strong?  Last, they were to look at the cities -- were they unwalled or fortified?  God didn't ask them to check out the positives and overlook the potential problems.  He just asked them to see what was there and trust in Him.  We all know how that turned out.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Today's reading in Numbers 10 and 11 tells of the silver trumpets ordered by God to signal assemblies, setting out and battle formations.  They actually set out in prescribed order, each tribe under its standard and each family from the tribe of Levi caring for the parts of the tabernacle assigned to it.  The cloud of the Lord guides them day and night -- appearing as fire at night.

The descriptions remind me of a well planned and executed military campaign.  Everyone is accounted for and has an assignment.  I imagine that even in the military, there are malcontents -- people who object to the marching orders, the rations, the leadership.  The children of Israel are no different.  Well, maybe the fact that they travel with their women, children and old folks? That cannot be easy.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Sea cow or dugong: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dugong

Today's reading is in Numbers 3 and 4.  God orders the numbering of the Levites.  The count includes all males one month old or older. There were 22,000. The families were each given a location to camp surrounding the tabernacle.  The Levite males between 30 and 50 were then numbered at 8,580.  These were the men allowed to work in the tabernacle.  In each family, work assignments were given.  Moses and Aaron were the only ones allowed to care for the sanctuary.  Anyone else who entered would die.  Aaron and his sons were allowed to prepare items for transport by wrapping and covering them.  No one else could touch them.  Once wrapped, they were carried by Kohathites. 

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Today's reading begins with Numbers 9, the celebration of the second Passover.  This marks one year from the escape from Egypt.

Then we go back to Numbers 1 and 2, which tells of the numbering of the Israelites.  Notice that the Levite tribe is not counted.  There are 12 tribes, however, because each of Joseph's sons becomes a tribe:  Ephraim and Manasseh.  I know that when the seemingly repetitive lists of names which we cannot easily pronounce reaches page 2, our eyes begin to glaze over.  This would be a good time to ask, "Why is this listing of names important?"  Skeptics have a hard time turning the Bible into a fable or a story book, when actual names and numbers are included for validation.

Now that we are 5 or 6 weeks into a 52-week journey, it is good to compare our journey through God's word to the Israelite's journey through the wilderness.  I remember thinking how ungrateful and lacking in faith the Israelites were when they complained about lack of cucumbers, or lack of meat, or lack of water.  After all, God had repeatedly shown them amazing miracles.  How could they be so quick to forget?  And, how can I?  How merciful and gracious God is to me every day?  And He wants me to know Him by reading His inspired word --  from the comfort of my livingroom -- water in the tap, temperature controled at a touch, a selection of food that should make me blush.  I had better not complain about names that are hard to pronounce!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Today's reading comes from Numbers 3, 7 and 8.  To clarify, in case your schedule doesn't seem a perfect fit with mine, the chronological schedules do differ a little.  However, you will eventually read everything.  Nothing is left out.  Some schedules simply group the subjects a little differently.

The tribe of Levi is chosen to be the tribe to serve the Tabernacle.  My commentary suggests two possible reasons.  First, Levi is the smallest tribe, and could easily be supported by the sacrifices.  Or, possibly because Moses and Aaron are of the tribe of Levi.  God chose them -- bottom line.  There is first a cleansing of the physical body.  Sacrifices are then made for their sins.  They are only allowed to serve from age 25 to 50.  After that, they can assist. 

Dedication of the altar was then made by 12 days of offerings.  Each day's offering was exactly the same.  Each day the offering was made by one of the 12 tribes.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Today's reading is from Leviticus 8-10 (Lev. 1-7 covers law and will be read later with related parts of Exodus).  The priests are ordained by a complicated ceremony involving anointing and santification with blood from the sacrifices.  After the sacrifices are made, Aaron blessed the people and the glory of the Lord appeared to them.  Fire "from the presence of the Lord" consumed the burned offering and fat portions on the altar.  All the people saw it, shouted for joy and fell face down.  Before the Glory of God, we can do no more or less than see, shout, and fall face down!  And then Nadab and Abihu -- what in the world were they thinking.  After all the amazing things that had just happened!

Urim and Thummim: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urim_and_Thummim

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Today in Exodus 39-40 the priestly garments are made and the completed parts of the Tabernacle and furnishings are brought to Moses for him to inspect.  He must assure that the work had been done as the Lord commanded.  After careful inspection, Moses blesses and then erects the Tabernacle.  When the Tabernacle was completed the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle and Moses could not go in.  Doesn't it make Heaven and living in the presence of Lord God Almighty and Jesus Christ so exciting?

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Today's reading in Exodus 35-38 begins with a call for workers.  Workers are needed for many types of skilled labor in constructing the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the clothes for the priests.  Each of the calls for workers contained the wording, "all who were willing".  I wonder if there were actually some with the required skills who were unwilling to serve. 

The size and weight of this project is overwhelming!  Especially when you consider that it must be taken apart, carried, and then re-assembled every time the Israelites moved.  The courtyard of the Tabernacle was 150 feet long and 75 feet wide.  To put it into perspective, since it is almost Super Bowl, 150 feet long is half the length of a football field.  But the more impressive numbers to me are the weight of the metals used in the project.  This is not the weight of the wood or fabrics, only the metals:  Gold -- over one ton; silver -- 3 3/4 tons; and bronze -- 2 1/2 tons.  All to be carried around in hot sand.  It could not have been easy.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

In today's reading, Exodus 32-34, the children of Israel and their priest Aaron break their new covenant with God in such a blatant and egregious way, it is almost hard to believe.  A short time prior they eagerly agree to the covenant with God, stating that they would do all He said.  Aaron is anointed as priest.  Then they all behave in such a despicable way, it doesn't even seem that they could be the same group of people.  Is it just their immaturity?  Are they so accustomed to being slaves in Egypt that they are behaving like college freshman, away from home for the first time?