Tuesday, March 27, 2012, Ark of God in Philistine

Today's reading in I Samuel 3-7 tells of the capture of the Ark of God by the Philistines.  I don't know which is the more satisfying show of power by God -- the temple of Dagon, or the Philistine cities which are devastated as the Ark moves around the country.  Maybe this was the beginning of the phrase "tiger by the tail".

Monday, March 25, 2012, Birth of Samuel

The struggle between Hannah and her rival Peninnah in this account is heart-wrenching.  Hannah desires children and her husband's other wife taunts her and makes her miserable because Peninnah has children.  Elkanah, the husband of both women tells Hannah in so many words that she should be satisfied with him.  An interesting perspective, since, although he loved her more, she was not enough for him.

Sunday, March 25, 2012,Civil War with Benjamin

In Judges 19-21, the account of the vile behavior of men in the tribe of Benjamin is told.  It takes the dismembered body of a murdered woman to get the attention of the other tribes.  A call to action is given and many are killed.  Again, it is hard to find redemptive actions here.  The book of Judges ends with:
"In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit."  If we were third graders making a prediction, we might find these words to be a foreshadowing of better times to come under the rule of a king.  Cannot wait to see how that turns out!

Saturday, March 24, 2012, Micah and the Danites

Today's reading in Judges 17 and 18 is perplexing.  There doesn't seem to be a redeeming attribute among the cast of characters.  First, Micah apparently steals from his mother.  When she utters a curse, he comes forward with the silver, which she has made into an idol.  Along comes a Levite who is persuaded to become the family's priest and help them in idol worship.  Then there are the Danites who steal the idol and worship it themselves with the help of the same Levite. 

Friday, March 23, 2012, Samson

In Judges 13-16 the violent story of Samson is told.  In the days of Samson, marauding Philistines were plaguing the Israelites.  They used metal tools both for war and for agriculture, and were formidable opponents.  An angel of the Lord visited Samson's parents before his birth -- once to foretell his birth, and once at their bidding, to give parenting advice.  His parents faithfully followed the advice they were given.  This should help alleviate the guilt of some excellent parents, whose children's lives were less than stellar.  Samson could not be considered a good son.  He caused his parents grief at every turn.  But, God used Samson for His own purposes and according to His sovereign plan. 

Thursday, March 22, 2012, Ruth and Boaz

The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of people whose lives seemed at first to be filled with tragedy.  But, in God's time, Naomi, Ruth and Boaz are all blessed.  Eventually, we are all blessed through this family line.  Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is of this family line. 

Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon, Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Today's reading in Judges 10-12 is a record of the exploits of the next six Israelite Judges.  Each of them leads briefly.  The phrase which is often heard:  "Again the Israelites did evil. . . ." is heard again and again in Judges.  At one point when they are oppressed and complaining bitterly, God directs them to go and cry out to the gods they have chosen.  But then, our compassionate God "could bear Israel's misery no longer".  It is amazing that His mercy is extended to them over and over.  And, in the same way, He extends his mercy to us!

The story of Jephthah's daughter is very disturbing to me.  I cannot understand why he would make such a pledge!  Who did he think would come out of the door of his house?

Tuesday, March 20, 2012, Gideon and Abimelech

Today in Judges 8 and 9, is the continuing story of Gideon and his pursuit of the Midianites.  Following his successful annihilation of the Midianite people, there were 40 years of peace.  Again, following his death, the Israelites took up their evil worship of Baal.

Abimelech, Gideon's son by a slave girl, ruled for awhile without God's authority and was finally killed.  He was so vile, he killed his 70 half brothers.  It is interesting how Gideon, a man who followed God, had a son who was so evil.  It doesn't appear that good parenting takes place when a man has multiple wives and so many children.  The absence of Gideon's positive influence could have contributed to the lawlessness of Abimelech.  This pattern seems consistent with the kings of Israel soon to come.

March 19, 2012, Gideon

Judges 6 begins "Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. . ."  Today in Judges 6-8, Gibeon is called to drive the Midianites out of Israel.  There are hoards of Midianites, and they ride camels into their attacks, giving them a great advantage over the Israelites, who are on foot.  They have had to hide in caves to save their lives and have lost most of their crops.  When Gideon is called, he wants to offer sacrifice.  Before he can do this, he must tear down an altar to Baal and its Ashera pole in order to build a proper altar.  This is just part of the evil done in Israel.

Sunday, March 18, Deborah and Barak

The story of Deborah and Barak is told in Judges 4-5.  After Ehud died, the Israelites became subject to Jabin, a king of Canaan.  She calls for Barak and delivers directions to him from God about an attack that is to be made on Jabin's army.  Deborah goes on the military campaign at the request of Barak.  The battle went well.  The enemy was destroyed, but Sisera escapes -- right into the tent of one of Moses' relatives!  Every part of that campaign went exactly as God directed.

The text clearly says that Sisera was fast asleep when Jael drove the tent peg through his temple.  But, you have to love the boasts and mocking of the enemy in the song of Deborah and Barak.  In the song, Jael strikes and crushes Sisera.  He sinks and falls motionless at her feet.  Such drama!  And then they can't help but poke fun at his mother, waiting expectantly for her son's return from battle.  I would guess that would be a great song to sing when preparing for the next battle, as well as for the celebration of this one!

March 17, 2012, Othniel, Ehud and Shamgar

In Judges 2-3, events in the lives of three judges, Othniel, Ehud and Shamgar are told.  Each if these men saved Israel from an enemy and brought a few years of peace.  According to my commentary, Israel experiences a political, military and spiritual decline.  Each time a strong leader rescued them, they experienced a brief revival, only to fall back into oppression and sin following the death of the judge (rescuer).

March 16, 2012, Death of Joshua and Eleazar

Today's reading completes Joshua and begins Judges.  Joshua and Eleazar have been the leaders during the most recent time of conquest.  They both die and are buried.   At approximately the same time, the bones of Joseph are buried at Shechem.

The next portion of the reading tells of the capturing of various areas.  The reading is completed by detailing the failure of each of the tribes in not driving out the Canaanites as they had been directed by God.  The angel of the Lord came to deliver the reminder of the consequences of their failure.  ". . .you have disobeyed me.  Why have you done this?  Now therefore I tell you that I will not drive them out before you; they will be thorns in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you."  It then says that they wept and offered sacrifices.  But they do not go route out the Canaanites, even now. 

Thursday, March 15, 2012, Joshua's Farewell

Joshua delivers three messages in Joshua 22-24.  First, he gives the Reubenites, Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh a send off when they depart with their plunder for their respective land on the east side of the Jordan River. 

My favorite passage is in his second message, in which he delivers God's admonisions.  During this speech he makes his very profound statement in Joshua 24:15:  "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."  Beautiful words. 

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

In Joshua 18-21, the Israelites gather at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting.  The seven tribes who have not yet claimed their land cast lots and were assigned their land.  The descriptions of boundaries for each tribe are clearly and specifically given, with a listing of cities in each territory.  Six cities of refuge were designated.  Finally each of the clans within the Levitical tribe were given cities to inhabit.

Every promise of the Lord was fulfilled.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012, Division of the Promised Land

In Joshua 13-17 the description of the land division among the twelve tribes is given.  The Levites are not given a specific area of land, but are given cities and pasturelands alongside the 12 tribes in the various lands. 

Monday, March 12, 2012

Today's reading is in Joshua 9-12.  Through trickery and deception, the people of Gibeon made a treaty with Joshua.  The people of Gibeon had heard of the destruction of cities by the Israelite army, and they were afraid.  It seems that today, God's people are being tricked into unwise alliances by those who desire our endorsement and/or protection.  We need to be wise.

Sunday, March 11, 2012, Joshua and the Battle of Jericho

In Joshua 6-8 we hear the story of the taking of Jericho.  Rahab had said that the people of Jericho had heard of the Israelites' conquests and were trembling in fear.  I imagine that fear grew each day as the priests circled the city carrying the ark of the covenant and blew the eery trumpet sound before going away.  Each of the six days this happened, their fear must have grown.  They must have wondered when the attack would come.  But, on the seventh day, the circling continued.  And finally, the walls fell in.  Before the attack, Joshua gave precise directions from God regarding the destruction of everything but the precious metals, which were to go into God's treasury.  The people of Jericho had heard enough to fear the God of the Israelites.  Some of the Israelites were not that smart.

Joshua Means "God is Salvation"

Today's reading in the first 5 chapters of Joshua begins the exciting saga of the Israelites' claiming of the promised land.  God admonishes Joshua to be strong and courageous.  God's encouragement of Joshua toward these attributes assures us that his undertaking will be hard and dangerous.  In fact, God further tells Joshua not to be terrified or discouraged -- before they even cross the Jordan River.  In a way, that would would terrify me.  Joshua was one of the original "spies" to survey the land over 40 years ago.  He is aware of the challenges that await him.  Then several tribes assure Joshua that they will "fully obey" Joshua in the same way they fully obeyed Moses.  Wow!  Did they ever follow God's directions given through Moses?  Joshua has his work cut out for him.  It is a good thing that he has faith in Almighty God!

The Death of Moses

Today's reading is taken primarily from Deuteronomy 33.  There are a few verses from chapters 32 and 34, as well as from Numbers.  God reminds Moses that he will not enter the promised land because Moses did not uphold God's holiness and because he broke faith with God.   It certainly makes you wonder what he was thinking.

Moses offers encouragement to the Israelites and gives a specific blessing to each tribe.  From Mount Nebo, Moses gets his first look at the land God has promised.  Then, at the age of 120, Moses dies.  It is amazing that at this age Moses retains his strength and vision.

Transfer of Leadership to Joshua

Today in Deuteronomy 31 and part of 32 Moses' speaks encouragement to the Israelites.  He reminds them of their previous victories over Sihon and Og and the deliverance of the Lord in those battles.  He assures them that all the nations before them will be dealt with in the same way.  It is always good to remember past victories when heading out to do battle.  Moses also has encouraging words for Joshua, telling him that the Lord will never leave or forsake him. 

God tells Moses to teach the Israelites the Song of Unfaithfulness.   He reminds us and them, that although He has been faithful to them, the Israelites will not return that faithfulness to their God.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal

Yesterday's reading finished the explanation of laws, so today in Deuteronomy 26-30 God reaffirms the covenant with Israel.  There are promises given for obedience to the law and curses promised for failure to obey.  God promises prosperity, fame and high honor above all other nations if they follow His laws.  In Deuteronomy 28:47-57 the curses of captivity are ominously described.  When the Israelites are taken away in bondage to Babylon, these curses will become reality.  There are really no mysteries regarding what happens to Israel.  God tells them clearly what the rewards and consequences of specific behavior will be.  He tells them why He wants them to do what He asks.  When they fail to obey, as a good Father would, He does exactly what He says He will do.  When that happens, we will also see His amazing grace!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Today's selections from Leviticus and Deuteronomy mark the end of the listing of laws.  This year's reading of these selections has been much more clear and meaningful for me because I needed to comment each day in this blog.  God has really blessed me by allowing me to do this.  I always knew I needed to go deeper and journal, or something.  This is the something.  If it benefits others as well, praise God!  But it certainly has blessed me.

Today God stresses the necessity of reading and knowing the laws.  A specific time for national reading of the laws is set during the Feast of Tabernacles, at the end of every 7 years. http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Fall_Holidays/Sukkot/sukkot.html

God instructs the Israelites to ". . .listen and learn to fear the Lord your God. . . "  Advice we should all take seriously.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Today's reading in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy covers items of general welfare of people.  God provides protection for the weak, fatherless, widows, the poor, aliens or stangers.  There is even specific provision protecting a mother bird on her nest.  Our God doesn't miss a thing!

God adminishes the Israelites that they were once slaves in Egypt and therefore, should have compassion for anyone in an underdog position!

Sunday, March 4, 2012

The text for today comes from Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy and covers the "clean" and "unclean" items with regard to diet.  The commentary in my Bible clarified why an item may be excluded as "unclean":

• it has had unsanitary contact with that which is putrefied
• it is associated with objectionable living habits
• it is unhealthful for human consumption
• it is a creature typically used in pagan worship

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Today's reading from Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy covers some very unappealing subjects:  everything from leprosy, to mold and discharges.  These subjects always make me think that these folks are living in a hot, dry, sandy region without any medical services.  The laws and rules are actually protection for their health.  Given the extreme problem that mold has been in recent years, we can certainly appreciate the need for dealing with it quickly and completely.  Other areas of concern received the same practical approach!  The Israelites were God's people and He constantly reminds them of His desire for them to be set apart and pure.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Laws regarding marriage, divorce and sexual relations are described in today's reading taken from Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.  They are quite clear and very specific.  The text that jumped out at me was Leviticus 18 where God explains why he forbids certain acts:  "Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled.  Even the land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin, and the land vomited out its inhabitants."  Relevant words for us in 2012!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Today's reading again comes from bits and pieces of Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus and Deuteronomy.  The text covers restitution for various losses.  It is interesting to me that the laws given are very specific and at first glance might seem out dated -- unless you have an ox that falls in a hole -- or something similar.  But, it is the principle behind each of the stated laws that is actually useful for us still.  The strong, over-arching principle of honesty in all things is paramount.