what I remember:
The people of Jericho were so scared of the impending attack from Israel that they holed up in their city and no one was allowed to go in or out. Israel's instructions were to march around the city once each day for six days, then march around seven times on the seventh day, shout and blow trumpets and the walls would fall. Then they were to go in, level it, burn everything and such. Rahab and her family were removed from the city before the walls fell. This was a surprise to me - somehow I had always pictured Rahab's house as still standing when the rest of the wall fell.
key verse:
So the LORD was with Joshua and his fame spread throughout all the country.
about God:
The passage goes out of its way to point out that Rahab was spared because she hid the messengers that had come to spy out the land. God rewards those who take risks for Him.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Joshua 5
what I remember:
After they crossed the Jordan, God told the men of Israel to be circumcised (those who were born in the desert hadn't been). When the kings of the area heard about God drying up the Jordan for them to pass, their hearts melted with fear.
Before the battle started, a warrior - the commander of the Lord's Army, appeared to Joshua.
Also, celebrated the passover (how many years does this make now - 41?) And the day after the passover they ate the produce of the promised land. That day also the manna stopped. God had fed them manna for 40+ years.
key verse:
as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come. And Joshua fell n his face to the ground and worshiped.
about God:
God has an army. The army had commander(s). They fight for His people.
After they crossed the Jordan, God told the men of Israel to be circumcised (those who were born in the desert hadn't been). When the kings of the area heard about God drying up the Jordan for them to pass, their hearts melted with fear.
Before the battle started, a warrior - the commander of the Lord's Army, appeared to Joshua.
Also, celebrated the passover (how many years does this make now - 41?) And the day after the passover they ate the produce of the promised land. That day also the manna stopped. God had fed them manna for 40+ years.
key verse:
as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come. And Joshua fell n his face to the ground and worshiped.
about God:
God has an army. The army had commander(s). They fight for His people.
Joshua 4
what I remember:
God commanded the people of Israel, as they walked through the Jordan on dry ground, to pick up twelve stones - one for each tribe, and stand them up on the opposite shore. The stones were to serve as a visual reminder of what God did that day - and to spur kids to ask their parents about them and hear the story of what God did.
key verse:
that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.
about God:
God wants us to remember (and commemorate) when He does something special for us.
God commanded the people of Israel, as they walked through the Jordan on dry ground, to pick up twelve stones - one for each tribe, and stand them up on the opposite shore. The stones were to serve as a visual reminder of what God did that day - and to spur kids to ask their parents about them and hear the story of what God did.
key verse:
that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.
about God:
God wants us to remember (and commemorate) when He does something special for us.
Joshua 3
what I remember:
God sends Joshua and his men out to cross the Jordan. The Arc of the Covenant is to go first, and the men afterwards. God tells Joshua that he ill exalt Joshua so that the people will see that God is with him like He was with Moses.
The people walk across the Jordan on dry land because God holds back the water for them.
key verse:
"Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you"
about God:
He likes to show His people what He can do. The people in this case were responsive and obedient to it.
God sends Joshua and his men out to cross the Jordan. The Arc of the Covenant is to go first, and the men afterwards. God tells Joshua that he ill exalt Joshua so that the people will see that God is with him like He was with Moses.
The people walk across the Jordan on dry land because God holds back the water for them.
key verse:
"Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you"
about God:
He likes to show His people what He can do. The people in this case were responsive and obedient to it.
Joshua 2
what I remember:
Joshua sends spies to spy out the land they are to conquer - especially Jericho. They come to Jericho and hide in the house of Rehab. She sends their pursuers off to look for them while they hide on her roof. Then she sends them off the other way for their safety. She tells them that she knows about what their God has done for them, and requests that in exchange for her protection, they spare her and her family when they conquer the city - for she and everyone there knows it's coming.
I wonder if they've been dreading this invasion for the whole 40 years? Neat how God's reputation has gone before them.
key verse:
"Truly the Lord has delivered all the land into our hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the country are fainthearted because of us."
about God:
His reputation precedes Him. In fact, the enemies of Israel seem to have more confidence that God will win than Israel does.
Joshua sends spies to spy out the land they are to conquer - especially Jericho. They come to Jericho and hide in the house of Rehab. She sends their pursuers off to look for them while they hide on her roof. Then she sends them off the other way for their safety. She tells them that she knows about what their God has done for them, and requests that in exchange for her protection, they spare her and her family when they conquer the city - for she and everyone there knows it's coming.
I wonder if they've been dreading this invasion for the whole 40 years? Neat how God's reputation has gone before them.
key verse:
"Truly the Lord has delivered all the land into our hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the country are fainthearted because of us."
about God:
His reputation precedes Him. In fact, the enemies of Israel seem to have more confidence that God will win than Israel does.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Joshua 1
what I remember:
This had to take place at least 30 days after the death of Moses, because they mourned him in the desert for 30 days. It sounds so immediate. They are to cross over the Jordan within three days, and begin doing what God has been holding for over 40 years. They are to pack provisions, and the wives and children stay, an the men go. I wonder if this means that the women and children were on one side of the Jordan while their husbands and fathers were on the other. I suppose so.
key verse:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
about God:
It's finally the right time. God has had this all along - Joshua and the Israelites can't lose if he sticks with God.
This had to take place at least 30 days after the death of Moses, because they mourned him in the desert for 30 days. It sounds so immediate. They are to cross over the Jordan within three days, and begin doing what God has been holding for over 40 years. They are to pack provisions, and the wives and children stay, an the men go. I wonder if this means that the women and children were on one side of the Jordan while their husbands and fathers were on the other. I suppose so.
key verse:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
about God:
It's finally the right time. God has had this all along - Joshua and the Israelites can't lose if he sticks with God.
Deuteronomy 34
what I remember:
Moses finally dies at 120. He was still full of life and health. No one knows where he's buried.
God showed him teh promised land form the mountain, but did not permit him to enter. Still, God pointed out that there has never been one like him - who God spoke with face to face.
key verse:
But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face
about God:
Even with his faults, and even in spite of his consequences (not getting to enter the promised Land), God had a really special relationship with Moses.
This conclusion of the life of Moses kind of makes me want to go through and see what other times Moses is mentioned in the Bible, and what is said of him to whom God spoke face-to-face.
Moses finally dies at 120. He was still full of life and health. No one knows where he's buried.
God showed him teh promised land form the mountain, but did not permit him to enter. Still, God pointed out that there has never been one like him - who God spoke with face to face.
key verse:
But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face
about God:
Even with his faults, and even in spite of his consequences (not getting to enter the promised Land), God had a really special relationship with Moses.
This conclusion of the life of Moses kind of makes me want to go through and see what other times Moses is mentioned in the Bible, and what is said of him to whom God spoke face-to-face.
Deuteronomy 33
what I remember:
Moses blesses each tribe in turn.
Who is Jeshurun?
key verse:
Happy are you, O Israel!
Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord,
The shield of your help
And the sword of your majesty!
Your enemies shall submit to you,
And you shall tread down their high places.
about God:
He wants to bless His people.
Moses blesses each tribe in turn.
Who is Jeshurun?
key verse:
Happy are you, O Israel!
Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord,
The shield of your help
And the sword of your majesty!
Your enemies shall submit to you,
And you shall tread down their high places.
about God:
He wants to bless His people.
Deuteronomy 32
what I remember:
Teh song - about Israel disobeying God, and God gave them everything, but they grew fat and rebelled.
key verse:
Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this,
That they would consider their latter end!
about God:
He sure knows our nature as people well. Yes, we do this. I'm American - this is my entire culture.
Teh song - about Israel disobeying God, and God gave them everything, but they grew fat and rebelled.
key verse:
Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this,
That they would consider their latter end!
about God:
He sure knows our nature as people well. Yes, we do this. I'm American - this is my entire culture.
Deuteronomy 31
what I remember:
They are to read the law every seven years.
Moses is 120 and ready to die.
Moses consecrates Joshua and writes a song so that when the people disobey and bad things happen, the song will remind them of the truth. God didn't leave them, they left God. It kind of seems to me like a 'told you so' song.
key verse:
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
about God:
God has this - no need to be afraid of anything else.
They are to read the law every seven years.
Moses is 120 and ready to die.
Moses consecrates Joshua and writes a song so that when the people disobey and bad things happen, the song will remind them of the truth. God didn't leave them, they left God. It kind of seems to me like a 'told you so' song.
key verse:
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
about God:
God has this - no need to be afraid of anything else.
Deuteronomy 30
what I remember:
after captivity, when Israel comes back to God, He will bring them back to the land and back together.
key verse:
that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
about God:
God is our life.
God is predicting what Israel will do and what will happen to them.
God wants the best for them (and us).
after captivity, when Israel comes back to God, He will bring them back to the land and back together.
key verse:
that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
about God:
God is our life.
God is predicting what Israel will do and what will happen to them.
God wants the best for them (and us).
Deuteronomy 29
what I remember:
These blessings and curses are so that the other nations will know God by Israel and how they act (and how God treats them when they act badly). The Israelites who made this agreement saw God acto to bring them out of Egypt.
key verse:
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
about God:
God's reputation is built on what is observed of people who are identified with Him. Am I doing His reputation good?
These blessings and curses are so that the other nations will know God by Israel and how they act (and how God treats them when they act badly). The Israelites who made this agreement saw God acto to bring them out of Egypt.
key verse:
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
about God:
God's reputation is built on what is observed of people who are identified with Him. Am I doing His reputation good?
Deuteronomy 28
what I remember:
blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience. God takes this very seriously.
key verse:
Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you.
about God:
How we behave affects God's reputation.
blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience. God takes this very seriously.
key verse:
Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you.
about God:
How we behave affects God's reputation.
Deuteronomy 27
what I remember:
don't forget the law: write it on stones when you get to the promised land.
There's curses for disobedience.
key verse:
Therefore you shall obey the voice of the Lord your God, and observe His commandments and His statutes which I command you today.
about God:
He wants obedience from His people. And obedience is rewarded, disobedience punished.
don't forget the law: write it on stones when you get to the promised land.
There's curses for disobedience.
key verse:
Therefore you shall obey the voice of the Lord your God, and observe His commandments and His statutes which I command you today.
about God:
He wants obedience from His people. And obedience is rewarded, disobedience punished.
Deuteronomy 26
what I remember:
The tithe is how God provides for Levites. And not just the Levites, but also the strangers in the land.
I was surprised to learn that the tithe has a purpose - it doesn't just get burned up in worship.
key verse:
So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the Lord your God has given to you and your house, you and the Levite and the stranger who is among you.
about God:
God wants us to enjoy the gifts He gives us!
The tithe is how God provides for Levites. And not just the Levites, but also the strangers in the land.
I was surprised to learn that the tithe has a purpose - it doesn't just get burned up in worship.
key verse:
So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the Lord your God has given to you and your house, you and the Levite and the stranger who is among you.
about God:
God wants us to enjoy the gifts He gives us!
Deuteronomy 25
what I remember:
Don't cheat each other.
The brother of a dead man should raise up a child for him (assuming that he had none when he died).
Israel should revenge Amalek for attacking from behind when Israel was weak.
key verse:
Therefore it shall be, when the Lord your God has given you rest from your enemies all around, in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance, that you will blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget.
about God:
God wants us to remember what He has done for us.
Don't cheat each other.
The brother of a dead man should raise up a child for him (assuming that he had none when he died).
Israel should revenge Amalek for attacking from behind when Israel was weak.
key verse:
Therefore it shall be, when the Lord your God has given you rest from your enemies all around, in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance, that you will blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget.
about God:
God wants us to remember what He has done for us.
Deuteronomy 24
what I remember:
a couple that has divorced (and remarried?) should not get back together. More laws on how to treat people - basically don't take advantage of others, and give special consideration to the poor (like leaving bits of the harvest for them to glean). The reason is that God rescued them from Egypt, so they should share the mercy.
key verse:
And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this thing.
about God:
God values each person. So should we.
a couple that has divorced (and remarried?) should not get back together. More laws on how to treat people - basically don't take advantage of others, and give special consideration to the poor (like leaving bits of the harvest for them to glean). The reason is that God rescued them from Egypt, so they should share the mercy.
key verse:
And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this thing.
about God:
God values each person. So should we.
Deuteronomy 22
what I remember:
If you see someone in need of help (a lost animal, for example), then help them (return the animal). We should even be kind to wildlife. No mistreating wives. (But if you take one and discover that she isn't a virgin, then she can be stoned).
Rape in the country->man dies. Rape in the city->both die, because the woman should have cried out for help.
key verse:
You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep going astray, and hide yourself from them; you shall certainly bring them back to your brother.
about God:
living in a God community required helping each other out a lot, and protecting each others animals and wives, I guess.
If you see someone in need of help (a lost animal, for example), then help them (return the animal). We should even be kind to wildlife. No mistreating wives. (But if you take one and discover that she isn't a virgin, then she can be stoned).
Rape in the country->man dies. Rape in the city->both die, because the woman should have cried out for help.
key verse:
You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep going astray, and hide yourself from them; you shall certainly bring them back to your brother.
about God:
living in a God community required helping each other out a lot, and protecting each others animals and wives, I guess.
Deuteronomy 23
what I remember:
Eunichs and Moabites and Ammonites (oh my!) are not welcome in the temple (tabernacle?). The Moabites and Ammonites treated Israel bad. Israel is instructed to keep peace wiht Edom and Egypt - they are related (Edom), or hosted Israel for a long time (Egypt).
Cleanliness instruction: Use the bathroom outside camp and bury your waist.
Don't send runaway slaves back to their owners nor mistreat them.
key verse:
You shall not give back to his master the slave who has escaped from his master to you.
about God:
God is concerned about their health (hygene), and about how they treat other people - even slaves.
Eunichs and Moabites and Ammonites (oh my!) are not welcome in the temple (tabernacle?). The Moabites and Ammonites treated Israel bad. Israel is instructed to keep peace wiht Edom and Egypt - they are related (Edom), or hosted Israel for a long time (Egypt).
Cleanliness instruction: Use the bathroom outside camp and bury your waist.
Don't send runaway slaves back to their owners nor mistreat them.
key verse:
You shall not give back to his master the slave who has escaped from his master to you.
about God:
God is concerned about their health (hygene), and about how they treat other people - even slaves.
Deuteronomy 21
what I remember:
A man found dead and no one knows who dun it - becomes the responsibility of the nearest city. That sicy sacrifices a heifer for the bloodguilt.
If a man takes a wife from war, the wife should shave her head and mourn a month for her family. These wifes of war are to be treated well.
The first born gets firstborn rights even if the dad prefers his other wife.
A rebel son's parents can turn him in and he should be stoned.
A man condemned to die by hanging shouldn't be left hanging overnight, but taken down.
Kindof a morbid chapter.
key verse:
And it shall be, if you have no delight in her, then you shall set her free, but you certainly shall not sell her for money; you shall not treat her brutally, because you have humbled her.
about God:
god shows that women are people, and should be treated well.
A man found dead and no one knows who dun it - becomes the responsibility of the nearest city. That sicy sacrifices a heifer for the bloodguilt.
If a man takes a wife from war, the wife should shave her head and mourn a month for her family. These wifes of war are to be treated well.
The first born gets firstborn rights even if the dad prefers his other wife.
A rebel son's parents can turn him in and he should be stoned.
A man condemned to die by hanging shouldn't be left hanging overnight, but taken down.
Kindof a morbid chapter.
key verse:
And it shall be, if you have no delight in her, then you shall set her free, but you certainly shall not sell her for money; you shall not treat her brutally, because you have humbled her.
about God:
god shows that women are people, and should be treated well.
Deuteronomy 20
what I remember:
rules of war:
for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’
about God:
This is a big recurring theme int he books of Moses. God is bigger than the boogie man. He has this - there's no need to fear those great big enemies. Just trust God. He's got it.
rules of war:
- destroy everything in the territory that God has given to Israel.
- outside that region, offer a city peace. If they accept, charge a tribute. If not, besiege them, and when they are conquered, kill all the men.
- Don't kill trees that are good for producing food.
for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’
about God:
This is a big recurring theme int he books of Moses. God is bigger than the boogie man. He has this - there's no need to fear those great big enemies. Just trust God. He's got it.
Deuteronomy 19
what I remember:
Israel is to designate three cities of refuge, and as they grow to add three more. Multiple witnesses are required to convict someone.
key verse:
One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.
about God:
He's encouraging fairness and accuracy in trials, and protecting those who killed accidentally (innocent killers).
Israel is to designate three cities of refuge, and as they grow to add three more. Multiple witnesses are required to convict someone.
key verse:
One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.
about God:
He's encouraging fairness and accuracy in trials, and protecting those who killed accidentally (innocent killers).
Deuteronomy 18
what I remember:
God provides for the Levites with gifts and offerings. Don't listen to people who practice divination. God promises to raise up a prophet to speak His words to the people.
key verse:
I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.
about God:
God wants His people to hear His words, and to know His will. He's not making this mysterious for them.
God provides for the Levites with gifts and offerings. Don't listen to people who practice divination. God promises to raise up a prophet to speak His words to the people.
key verse:
I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.
about God:
God wants His people to hear His words, and to know His will. He's not making this mysterious for them.
Deuteronomy 17
what I remember:
The death penalty by soning was ordered for those found guilty of worshiping other Gods. The first stones were to be thrown by the accusers. Also it foretold the days when Israel would choose a king, and instructed the king to study God's word and not pursue wealth or many wives. The king had to re-copy the entire law.
key verse:
Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from before the priests, the Levites.
about God:
Well, He knows what will happen - because it did just as He said. He also knows the dangers of other gods - in particular wives and riches - would bring.
The death penalty by soning was ordered for those found guilty of worshiping other Gods. The first stones were to be thrown by the accusers. Also it foretold the days when Israel would choose a king, and instructed the king to study God's word and not pursue wealth or many wives. The king had to re-copy the entire law.
key verse:
Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from before the priests, the Levites.
about God:
Well, He knows what will happen - because it did just as He said. He also knows the dangers of other gods - in particular wives and riches - would bring.
Playing catch up
I've discovered that I don't really like reading my Bible at the computer. So I tried taking notes in a notebook. Much nicer, but then it takes extra time to transfer it here. Still, I like the idea of being able to look back on what I learned last time, and compare it with what I'm seeing this time, and such. So I'm going to get in what I can.
Since no one actually reads this, I won't feel too bad if I completely fall back off the bandwagon :)
Since no one actually reads this, I won't feel too bad if I completely fall back off the bandwagon :)
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Deuteronomy 16
what I remember:
Three feasts are overviewed - the point of the first two (the passover and the feast of weeks) is to remember from where they came. The third is to celebrate the harvest. I wonder if this is the point of all the Jewish festivals - remembering what God has done for them, and celebrating that.
key verse:
And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt and you shall be careful to observe these statutes.
about God:
These feasts are important to God - they're repeated a lot. I'm guessing that remembering what God has done for us is important to God, and that He also likes celebration.
Three feasts are overviewed - the point of the first two (the passover and the feast of weeks) is to remember from where they came. The third is to celebrate the harvest. I wonder if this is the point of all the Jewish festivals - remembering what God has done for them, and celebrating that.
key verse:
And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt and you shall be careful to observe these statutes.
about God:
These feasts are important to God - they're repeated a lot. I'm guessing that remembering what God has done for us is important to God, and that He also likes celebration.
Deuteronomy 15
what I remember:
Every seven years - all debt are cancelled and all slaves are returned to freedom (at least Jewish slaves). This isn't an "after seven years, debts are cancelled and people go free", but on the seventh year, even if the slave has only worked for six months - he's free. It's interesting how long-term debts just don't happen. (30 year mortgage? I don't think so).
key verse:
For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, "You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.
about God:
It seems to me that the point of this passage is compassion on those less fortunate. If someone is forced to borrow money, at least keep it short. It's such a different perspective from my culture - where we choose to borrow money (it's not a matter of survival or force). And choose to spend our lives in debt. I think I'd rather live with the short debt.
what do you think?
What are your thoughts on this passage, and on debt and servitude as a cultural construct?
Every seven years - all debt are cancelled and all slaves are returned to freedom (at least Jewish slaves). This isn't an "after seven years, debts are cancelled and people go free", but on the seventh year, even if the slave has only worked for six months - he's free. It's interesting how long-term debts just don't happen. (30 year mortgage? I don't think so).
key verse:
For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, "You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.
about God:
It seems to me that the point of this passage is compassion on those less fortunate. If someone is forced to borrow money, at least keep it short. It's such a different perspective from my culture - where we choose to borrow money (it's not a matter of survival or force). And choose to spend our lives in debt. I think I'd rather live with the short debt.
what do you think?
What are your thoughts on this passage, and on debt and servitude as a cultural construct?
Deuteronomy 14
what I remember:
This chapter tells some of the meats that are permitted or not permitted to be eaten - all fish are okay, but sea animals without scales aren't. Birds of prey aren't, etc. I'm guessing that most of these have to do with what diseases were common at the time, and what meats were most likely to be safe.
The second part of the chapter though is particularly interesting. It instructs people to tithe their produce. However, if actually taking the produce to God is prohibitive (due to distance), they are to sell the tithe, take the money to the place where God is, and then buy "whatever their heart desires" at the place, and eat a big feast. Yes, they eat their tithe. They're instructed not to forget the Levite - so I guess the Levite eats with them? And every third year, they're supposed to store their tithe for Levites and strangers that come passing through - so that they can eat at their house. I've never seen this before - that the tithe was to be ENJOYED before God - at least in this case.
Looking back, that's what was to be done with the tithe if they didn't have too far to go either - bring it to God and eat it before Him. Interesting.
key verse:
And you shall eat before the Lord your God....
about God:
He made provision for His people to enjoy and eat before Him, and he also made provision for them to be hospitable.
This chapter tells some of the meats that are permitted or not permitted to be eaten - all fish are okay, but sea animals without scales aren't. Birds of prey aren't, etc. I'm guessing that most of these have to do with what diseases were common at the time, and what meats were most likely to be safe.
The second part of the chapter though is particularly interesting. It instructs people to tithe their produce. However, if actually taking the produce to God is prohibitive (due to distance), they are to sell the tithe, take the money to the place where God is, and then buy "whatever their heart desires" at the place, and eat a big feast. Yes, they eat their tithe. They're instructed not to forget the Levite - so I guess the Levite eats with them? And every third year, they're supposed to store their tithe for Levites and strangers that come passing through - so that they can eat at their house. I've never seen this before - that the tithe was to be ENJOYED before God - at least in this case.
Looking back, that's what was to be done with the tithe if they didn't have too far to go either - bring it to God and eat it before Him. Interesting.
key verse:
And you shall eat before the Lord your God....
about God:
He made provision for His people to enjoy and eat before Him, and he also made provision for them to be hospitable.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Deuteronomy 13
what I remember:
God gives three groups of people that may try to mislead Israel (or it's people). First, a prophet or teacher may say "let's go worship other gods", next a friend or neighbor or relative may say something similar. Finally another city may be reported to be worshiping other gods. In the first two cases, the one encouraging someone to go away from God is to be killed. In the third case, the claim is to be verified - but if found to be true, the wayward city is to be completely destroyed and all its possessions burned.
key verse:
you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the Lord your God is testing you to find out if you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
about God:
God really takes misleading others seriously. It makes me nervous - what am I teaching my kids about God. Is it accurate? Does my teaching-by-example teach God accurately and Biblically? Also, God expects us to know Him and His word well enough to recognize false teaching.
God gives three groups of people that may try to mislead Israel (or it's people). First, a prophet or teacher may say "let's go worship other gods", next a friend or neighbor or relative may say something similar. Finally another city may be reported to be worshiping other gods. In the first two cases, the one encouraging someone to go away from God is to be killed. In the third case, the claim is to be verified - but if found to be true, the wayward city is to be completely destroyed and all its possessions burned.
key verse:
you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the Lord your God is testing you to find out if you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
about God:
God really takes misleading others seriously. It makes me nervous - what am I teaching my kids about God. Is it accurate? Does my teaching-by-example teach God accurately and Biblically? Also, God expects us to know Him and His word well enough to recognize false teaching.
Deuteronomy 12
what I remember:
They are to enter the land and completely destroy the people and all the religious symbols, alters, idols and places of worship. After that, they are to only worship God where He designates, but they can kill meat and eat it anywhere they choose. They must be particularly careful NOT to follow after the gods of those they displace.
key verse:
Be careful to listen to all these words which I command you, in order that it may be well with you and your sons after you forever, for you will be doing what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.
about God:
God knows the weakness of His people. Look how many times He's warning them not to go chasing after other Gods - which of course is precisely what they do. God knows how dangerous it is for them. And he pegs it perfectly - it's exactly their biggest danger.
They are to enter the land and completely destroy the people and all the religious symbols, alters, idols and places of worship. After that, they are to only worship God where He designates, but they can kill meat and eat it anywhere they choose. They must be particularly careful NOT to follow after the gods of those they displace.
key verse:
Be careful to listen to all these words which I command you, in order that it may be well with you and your sons after you forever, for you will be doing what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.
about God:
God knows the weakness of His people. Look how many times He's warning them not to go chasing after other Gods - which of course is precisely what they do. God knows how dangerous it is for them. And he pegs it perfectly - it's exactly their biggest danger.
Deuteronomy 11
what I remember:
God is very clear about what he wants, and what the consequences will be. He's speaking specifically to those who are going in to possess the land that were also among those who came out of Egypt - i.e., those who were less than 20 when they refused to go up to possess the land the first time. They are now over 40, but under 60, and are charged with obeying God and loving Him fully, and teaching the next generation about what they have seen and heard and learned from God. If they do so, God will bless them and the land they live in. They are to completely destroy the other nations.
key verse:
See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse.
about God:
Like Hebrews says: God is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Here he's laying out those rewards. Not only do they get to know God, they get a good harvest, their enemies get driven out before them. They'll own the land...
This spells out the special relationship that God has with Israel. It's the Mosaic covenant. If they obey God, they are blessed. If they don't, they are cursed (even though that's only touched on in this chapter).
God is very clear about what he wants, and what the consequences will be. He's speaking specifically to those who are going in to possess the land that were also among those who came out of Egypt - i.e., those who were less than 20 when they refused to go up to possess the land the first time. They are now over 40, but under 60, and are charged with obeying God and loving Him fully, and teaching the next generation about what they have seen and heard and learned from God. If they do so, God will bless them and the land they live in. They are to completely destroy the other nations.
key verse:
See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse.
about God:
Like Hebrews says: God is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Here he's laying out those rewards. Not only do they get to know God, they get a good harvest, their enemies get driven out before them. They'll own the land...
This spells out the special relationship that God has with Israel. It's the Mosaic covenant. If they obey God, they are blessed. If they don't, they are cursed (even though that's only touched on in this chapter).
Deuteronomy 10
what I remember:
Moses goes up the mountain a second time. He doesn't eat or drink for 40 days and nights again this time either. Before he goes up he cuts new stone tablets and an arc to keep them in (is this the arc of the covenant? I don't think so, but it might be....?) He talks again with God, and says "God was not willing to destroy you". God makes a big statement about Himself (I'll copy it below) to Israel. Moses points out to Israel that they started out in Egypt at 70 people and here they are now - "as numerous as the stars".
key verse:
You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him and cling to Him.
about God:
"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and to keep the LORD's commandments and His statues which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it."
Moses goes up the mountain a second time. He doesn't eat or drink for 40 days and nights again this time either. Before he goes up he cuts new stone tablets and an arc to keep them in (is this the arc of the covenant? I don't think so, but it might be....?) He talks again with God, and says "God was not willing to destroy you". God makes a big statement about Himself (I'll copy it below) to Israel. Moses points out to Israel that they started out in Egypt at 70 people and here they are now - "as numerous as the stars".
key verse:
You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him and cling to Him.
about God:
"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and to keep the LORD's commandments and His statues which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it."
- God's requirements are not unreasonable.
- God owns all of heaven and earth and everything in it.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Deuteronomy 9
what I remember:
God is about to bring the Israelites into their land - they will displace big nations. God will fight for them, and win. They don't get the land because they are good, but because the other nations are evil. They are not to forget this. They are also to remember how angry them made God when they made a golden calf (while Moses was on the mountain). God was so angry He wanted to destroy them, but Moses pleaded with God for them.
key verse:
The Lord your God is giving you this good land to own. But know this: It is not because you are good. You are a stubborn people.
about God:
God doesn't want us to be delusional and think that we're actually good. God gets angry (rightly so), and will destroy in His anger.
Deuteronomy 8
what I remember:
God instructs Israel to obey all his commands. And to remember how God provided for them in the wilderness - He made them hungry to humble them, but met their every need - providing food and water in the wilderness for 40 years, not letting their clothes wear out during that time. Moses tells how they will be rich in the coming land. The land is rich, the rocks have copper and iron in them, there's lots of fruit and harvest. But they are to remember that they were rich not because of their own strength, but because God's power. They are to remember that.
key verse:
But remember the Lord your God! It is he who gives you the power to become rich. He keeps the agreement he promised to your ancestors. So it is today.
about God:
God went to extra measures to make Israel see how dependent they are on Him. He doesn't want them growing proud and thinking that they deserve all this.
God instructs Israel to obey all his commands. And to remember how God provided for them in the wilderness - He made them hungry to humble them, but met their every need - providing food and water in the wilderness for 40 years, not letting their clothes wear out during that time. Moses tells how they will be rich in the coming land. The land is rich, the rocks have copper and iron in them, there's lots of fruit and harvest. But they are to remember that they were rich not because of their own strength, but because God's power. They are to remember that.
key verse:
But remember the Lord your God! It is he who gives you the power to become rich. He keeps the agreement he promised to your ancestors. So it is today.
about God:
God went to extra measures to make Israel see how dependent they are on Him. He doesn't want them growing proud and thinking that they deserve all this.
Deuteronomy 7
what I remember:
God makes sure to point out that the (seven?) nations they will be displacing to own their land are all bigger than Israel - He will show them great and mighty things by bringing them victory. Israel is instructed to completely destroy them, not to enter peace treaties, or marry anyone -- it'll be a trap if they do.
They are to pay special attention to the laws. Don't be afraid of them - God is much bigger than them - and He's the one doing the fighting.
key verse:
Don't be afraid of them. The Lord your God is with you. He is a great God and people are afraid of Him.
about God:
God is jealous. God loves Israel. God will conquer nations much bigger than Israel. God is protective of Israel, doesn't want them to go chasing after other gods like the evil nations do.
God makes sure to point out that the (seven?) nations they will be displacing to own their land are all bigger than Israel - He will show them great and mighty things by bringing them victory. Israel is instructed to completely destroy them, not to enter peace treaties, or marry anyone -- it'll be a trap if they do.
They are to pay special attention to the laws. Don't be afraid of them - God is much bigger than them - and He's the one doing the fighting.
key verse:
Don't be afraid of them. The Lord your God is with you. He is a great God and people are afraid of Him.
about God:
God is jealous. God loves Israel. God will conquer nations much bigger than Israel. God is protective of Israel, doesn't want them to go chasing after other gods like the evil nations do.
Deuteronomy 6
what I remember:
Obey God and remember both his commands and what He has done for you - teach them to your children and grandchildren. Teach them to respect God. This will be rewarded with a long life. God will bring you into the land He promised - but be careful not to forget him. Remembering is very strong in this chapter. So is obedience.
key verse:
Love the lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength.
about God:
God rewards those who obey him. And those who respect him. He is jealous (third time already this book?) Don't test God by whining and complaining, be careful to remember and to obey. Gods promises are certainties.
Obey God and remember both his commands and what He has done for you - teach them to your children and grandchildren. Teach them to respect God. This will be rewarded with a long life. God will bring you into the land He promised - but be careful not to forget him. Remembering is very strong in this chapter. So is obedience.
key verse:
Love the lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength.
about God:
God rewards those who obey him. And those who respect him. He is jealous (third time already this book?) Don't test God by whining and complaining, be careful to remember and to obey. Gods promises are certainties.
Deuteronomy 5
what I remember:
Moses backs up in time (at least, if I remember things correctly), and goes to Mount Sinai and retells the ten commandments, and God writing them on stone. The people heard God's voice in the fire on the mountain but were scared (I would be too - it sounds like Moses walked up in to the fire). So they wsent Moses up in their stead to talk with God. They promised that they would listen and obey.
key verse:
"Live the way the Lord your God has commanded you. Then you will live and be successful. You will live a long time in the land you will own.
about God:
"I, the Lord your God am a jealous God" A person may sin against me and hate me. I will punish his children, even his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. But I will be very kind to thousands who love me and obey my commands." "The Lord our God has shown us his glory and majesty. We have heard his voice from the fire. Today we have seen that a person can live even if God speaks to him." Interesting that they considered that automatic death.
Moses backs up in time (at least, if I remember things correctly), and goes to Mount Sinai and retells the ten commandments, and God writing them on stone. The people heard God's voice in the fire on the mountain but were scared (I would be too - it sounds like Moses walked up in to the fire). So they wsent Moses up in their stead to talk with God. They promised that they would listen and obey.
key verse:
"Live the way the Lord your God has commanded you. Then you will live and be successful. You will live a long time in the land you will own.
about God:
"I, the Lord your God am a jealous God" A person may sin against me and hate me. I will punish his children, even his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. But I will be very kind to thousands who love me and obey my commands." "The Lord our God has shown us his glory and majesty. We have heard his voice from the fire. Today we have seen that a person can live even if God speaks to him." Interesting that they considered that automatic death.
Deuteronomy 4
what I remember:
Moses charges Israel with keeping the commands that God has given them. First to serve Him as God - not others, and to obey him. Obeying God will lead them to life. In obeying them, they will become a great and wise nation - unlike all the other nations. No other nation has a God who comes close to them when they pray. Israel is charged with the task of remembering. Remembering what God brought them through, what He did for them. God is doing a new thing with Israel - he hasn't done this with anyone else before - he chose them, brought them out of Egypt and preserved them thus far.
key verse:
He showed you things so you would know that the Lord is God. There is no other God besides him.
about God:
God gave commands for the good of Israel.(v1) Following God's commands results in wisdom and understanding that others notice. (v6) God comes new when we pray to him.(v7) The Lord your God is a jealous God. He is like a fire that burns things up.(v24) The Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you. He will not forget the agreement he made with your ancestors. He made that agreement sure with his strong promise. (v31) Know and believe today that the Lord is God. He is God in heaven above and on earth below. There is no other God! (v.35)
Moses charges Israel with keeping the commands that God has given them. First to serve Him as God - not others, and to obey him. Obeying God will lead them to life. In obeying them, they will become a great and wise nation - unlike all the other nations. No other nation has a God who comes close to them when they pray. Israel is charged with the task of remembering. Remembering what God brought them through, what He did for them. God is doing a new thing with Israel - he hasn't done this with anyone else before - he chose them, brought them out of Egypt and preserved them thus far.
key verse:
He showed you things so you would know that the Lord is God. There is no other God besides him.
about God:
God gave commands for the good of Israel.(v1) Following God's commands results in wisdom and understanding that others notice. (v6) God comes new when we pray to him.(v7) The Lord your God is a jealous God. He is like a fire that burns things up.(v24) The Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you. He will not forget the agreement he made with your ancestors. He made that agreement sure with his strong promise. (v31) Know and believe today that the Lord is God. He is God in heaven above and on earth below. There is no other God! (v.35)
Deuteronomy 3
what I remember:
After God defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites (via Israel) Bashan king of Og came up, and God said to conquer him too. They did the same to him as to the Amorites. Og, the king of Bashan had a bed that was over 13 feet tall and over 6.5 feet wide. That sounds like an intimidating king! Moses gave the land on this side of the Jordan (the land of Og) to Manasseh and the other two tribes who wanted to stay there. Moses begged God to be allowed to cross the Jordan to see the promised land before he died, but God maintained his former statement, and banned Moses from asking again. Moses would see the promised land from the top of a mountain, but would not cross in to it.
key verse:
"Lord God, you have begun to show me, your servant, how great you are. You have great strength. No other god in heaven or earth can do the powerful things you do. There is no other god like you."
about God:
God defeated armies - big and powerful people. God showed Israel his power and greatness - he conquered Egypt, Sihon, Og and promised to do the same to all of those in the land He gave Israel. "Don't be afraid of them. The Lord your God will fight for you."
After God defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites (via Israel) Bashan king of Og came up, and God said to conquer him too. They did the same to him as to the Amorites. Og, the king of Bashan had a bed that was over 13 feet tall and over 6.5 feet wide. That sounds like an intimidating king! Moses gave the land on this side of the Jordan (the land of Og) to Manasseh and the other two tribes who wanted to stay there. Moses begged God to be allowed to cross the Jordan to see the promised land before he died, but God maintained his former statement, and banned Moses from asking again. Moses would see the promised land from the top of a mountain, but would not cross in to it.
key verse:
"Lord God, you have begun to show me, your servant, how great you are. You have great strength. No other god in heaven or earth can do the powerful things you do. There is no other god like you."
about God:
God defeated armies - big and powerful people. God showed Israel his power and greatness - he conquered Egypt, Sihon, Og and promised to do the same to all of those in the land He gave Israel. "Don't be afraid of them. The Lord your God will fight for you."
Deuteronomy 2
what I remember:
Mosese continues his life-end speech to Israel - with the history continued. The traveled through the desert for 38 years. The passed through the land of Esau, and God warned them not to fight, because that was the land he'd given to Esau, not to them. The same for the land that God had given to the descendants of Lot. But the land of the Amorites was theirs. So they were told to actually go and fight the Amorites - to facilitate this, he had Sihon, the king of the Amorites attack them. They completely cleaned up - killed all the people, and saved only the cattle and loot for them. They conquered every town.
key verse:
The Lord your God has blessed everything you have done. He has protected you while you travelled through this large desert. The lord your God has been with you for these 40 years. You have had everything you needed.
about God:
He keeps His word. Again.
He provided everything they needed in the 40 years - just like he promised.
He didn't allow them to enter the promised land until everyone of fighting age from the generation that refused to go in and fight had died. God promised to make the Amorites afraid of them, and promised that they'll beat him. They completely wipe him out.
"But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass. The Lord your God had made him stubborn. The Lord wanted you to defeat Sihon. And now this has happened." "The Lord said to me, "See I have begun to give Sihon and his country to you. begin taking the land as your own."
This is the first of the pair that's so frequently referred to in other parts of the Bible - Sihon, king of the Amorites and Og, king of Bashan. This victory was famous - and for a reason. God delivered big time, and the people did as they were told and completely destroyed the nation.
Mosese continues his life-end speech to Israel - with the history continued. The traveled through the desert for 38 years. The passed through the land of Esau, and God warned them not to fight, because that was the land he'd given to Esau, not to them. The same for the land that God had given to the descendants of Lot. But the land of the Amorites was theirs. So they were told to actually go and fight the Amorites - to facilitate this, he had Sihon, the king of the Amorites attack them. They completely cleaned up - killed all the people, and saved only the cattle and loot for them. They conquered every town.
key verse:
The Lord your God has blessed everything you have done. He has protected you while you travelled through this large desert. The lord your God has been with you for these 40 years. You have had everything you needed.
about God:
He keeps His word. Again.
He provided everything they needed in the 40 years - just like he promised.
He didn't allow them to enter the promised land until everyone of fighting age from the generation that refused to go in and fight had died. God promised to make the Amorites afraid of them, and promised that they'll beat him. They completely wipe him out.
"But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass. The Lord your God had made him stubborn. The Lord wanted you to defeat Sihon. And now this has happened." "The Lord said to me, "See I have begun to give Sihon and his country to you. begin taking the land as your own."
This is the first of the pair that's so frequently referred to in other parts of the Bible - Sihon, king of the Amorites and Og, king of Bashan. This victory was famous - and for a reason. God delivered big time, and the people did as they were told and completely destroyed the nation.
Deuteronomy 1
what I remember:
Moses' last message to Israel (before he dies). He recounts a brief history, starting at Mt Sinai (where they got the 10 commandments, right?). Moses recounts how he couldn't handle everyone, and so appointed leaders over groups of 50, 100, 500 and 5,000 (wasn't that Moses' Father-in-law's suggestion?). God told them to move on and take the land, so they moved. Before they took the land they sent in 12 spies, who reported that the land was good, but the people were scared and refused to go in and take it. So God told them to turn around - they wouldn't get the land after all. Then they felt bad and gathered together to go fight the Amorites, but God warned them that they be beaten - and they "were chased like bees".
key verse:
See I have given you this land. Go in and take it for yourselves. The Lord promised it to your ancestors -- Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their descendants.
about God:
God keeps his Word - He promised to bring Israel into their promised land. He promised to multiply them a thousandfold - they became "as many as the stars". God "carried them" through the desert "like a man carrying his son". He brought them safely to the promised land. He promised that then that generation wouldn't enter the land, and he promised that he wouldn't fight for them when they went to attack the Amorites at the end of the passage.
Moses' last message to Israel (before he dies). He recounts a brief history, starting at Mt Sinai (where they got the 10 commandments, right?). Moses recounts how he couldn't handle everyone, and so appointed leaders over groups of 50, 100, 500 and 5,000 (wasn't that Moses' Father-in-law's suggestion?). God told them to move on and take the land, so they moved. Before they took the land they sent in 12 spies, who reported that the land was good, but the people were scared and refused to go in and take it. So God told them to turn around - they wouldn't get the land after all. Then they felt bad and gathered together to go fight the Amorites, but God warned them that they be beaten - and they "were chased like bees".
key verse:
See I have given you this land. Go in and take it for yourselves. The Lord promised it to your ancestors -- Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their descendants.
about God:
God keeps his Word - He promised to bring Israel into their promised land. He promised to multiply them a thousandfold - they became "as many as the stars". God "carried them" through the desert "like a man carrying his son". He brought them safely to the promised land. He promised that then that generation wouldn't enter the land, and he promised that he wouldn't fight for them when they went to attack the Amorites at the end of the passage.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Numbers 36
what I remember:
The people come to Moses and ask about transference of land in the case of marriage. In particular, there was the man with seven daughters who inherited his land - who does the land belong to if they marry someone from another tribe - the husband's or the wife's? God answered by commanding that these seven in particular marry within their tribe, and that each tribe's land stays in the tribe it originated to.
key verse:
Thus no inheritance shall be transferred from one tribe to another tribe, for the tribes of the sons of Israel shall each hold to his own inheritance.
about God:
He did not want one tribe to benefit at the detriment of other tribes.
The people come to Moses and ask about transference of land in the case of marriage. In particular, there was the man with seven daughters who inherited his land - who does the land belong to if they marry someone from another tribe - the husband's or the wife's? God answered by commanding that these seven in particular marry within their tribe, and that each tribe's land stays in the tribe it originated to.
key verse:
Thus no inheritance shall be transferred from one tribe to another tribe, for the tribes of the sons of Israel shall each hold to his own inheritance.
about God:
He did not want one tribe to benefit at the detriment of other tribes.
Numbers 35
what I remember:
God gives cities to the Levites - spread through the territory. They are of a specific size, and are to be cities of refuge. Those cities of refuge are for people who have accidentally killed someone to stay until they have been brought to trial and declared guilty or innocent. If they are declared guilty (of murder), the blood redeemer of the dead person is to kill them. If declared innocent, they remain in the city of refuge until the current high priest dies. If they leave that city of refuge, they're fair game to the blood avenger - he can kill them without guilt. But not in the city of refuge nor after the high priest dies.
key verse:
And the cities which you shall give to the Levites shall be the six cities of refuge, which you shall give for the manslayer to flee to; and in addition to them you shall give forty-two cities.
about God:
God provides for the protection of those who kill accidentally. He also emphasizes that a person can't be convicted by just one witness, and that a trial is before multiple people.
God gives cities to the Levites - spread through the territory. They are of a specific size, and are to be cities of refuge. Those cities of refuge are for people who have accidentally killed someone to stay until they have been brought to trial and declared guilty or innocent. If they are declared guilty (of murder), the blood redeemer of the dead person is to kill them. If declared innocent, they remain in the city of refuge until the current high priest dies. If they leave that city of refuge, they're fair game to the blood avenger - he can kill them without guilt. But not in the city of refuge nor after the high priest dies.
key verse:
And the cities which you shall give to the Levites shall be the six cities of refuge, which you shall give for the manslayer to flee to; and in addition to them you shall give forty-two cities.
about God:
God provides for the protection of those who kill accidentally. He also emphasizes that a person can't be convicted by just one witness, and that a trial is before multiple people.
Numbers 34
what I remember:
God gives the boundaries of the land that He's giving to Israel.
key verse:
When you enter the land of Canaan, this is the land that shall fall to you as an inheritance, even the land of Canaan according to its borders.
about God:
God defined the future nation of Israel quite precisely on the land. I wonder if Israel actually occupied that exact tract as defined, and when.
God gives the boundaries of the land that He's giving to Israel.
key verse:
When you enter the land of Canaan, this is the land that shall fall to you as an inheritance, even the land of Canaan according to its borders.
about God:
God defined the future nation of Israel quite precisely on the land. I wonder if Israel actually occupied that exact tract as defined, and when.
Numbers 33
what I remember:
Moses, as they traveled, took notes. From his notes, we know all the places that they camped, in order, and some of the main events associated with places. One place had 12 springs and 70 palm trees. One place was noted that they didn't have enough water. Aaron died while they were camped by a mountain. God warns Israel through Moses to completely destroy the nations they are displacing - in particular all their religious stuff (high places, idols, etc). If they fail to do so, then those people (the ones Israel is displacing) will become thorns in their sides, and God will punish Israel.
key verse:
And Moses recorded their starting places according to their journeys by the command of the Lord, and these are their journeys according to their starting places.
But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those whom you let remain of them will become as pricks in your eyes and as thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land in which you live.
about God:
We know that the warnings of God in the second half of this chapter come true. They don't wipe out the others, and indeed, they are still troublesome to Israel. God had their best interest in mind when he made the commands. God cares about purity, and it's for our own good.
Moses, as they traveled, took notes. From his notes, we know all the places that they camped, in order, and some of the main events associated with places. One place had 12 springs and 70 palm trees. One place was noted that they didn't have enough water. Aaron died while they were camped by a mountain. God warns Israel through Moses to completely destroy the nations they are displacing - in particular all their religious stuff (high places, idols, etc). If they fail to do so, then those people (the ones Israel is displacing) will become thorns in their sides, and God will punish Israel.
key verse:
And Moses recorded their starting places according to their journeys by the command of the Lord, and these are their journeys according to their starting places.
But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those whom you let remain of them will become as pricks in your eyes and as thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land in which you live.
about God:
We know that the warnings of God in the second half of this chapter come true. They don't wipe out the others, and indeed, they are still troublesome to Israel. God had their best interest in mind when he made the commands. God cares about purity, and it's for our own good.
Number 32
what I remember:
The tribes of Gad, Reuben and Manasseh decide that they'd like to stay where they are now (west of the Jordan?) instead of cross over with the rest of Israel. The land here is good for their livestock. Moses gets really angry at their request, thinking that they're being traitors - like the 10 bad spies. But they're not, and agree to go to battle with their brothers until they all have a home.
key verse:
And Moses said to them, "If the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben, everyone who is armed for battle, will cross with you over the Jordan in the presence of the LORD, and the land will be subdued before you, then you shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession.
about God:
God was flexible with Israel. He allowed the three tribes to stay in Gilead while the others went on, provided it didn't mean shirking. He wished them to all stand and fight together.
The tribes of Gad, Reuben and Manasseh decide that they'd like to stay where they are now (west of the Jordan?) instead of cross over with the rest of Israel. The land here is good for their livestock. Moses gets really angry at their request, thinking that they're being traitors - like the 10 bad spies. But they're not, and agree to go to battle with their brothers until they all have a home.
key verse:
And Moses said to them, "If the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben, everyone who is armed for battle, will cross with you over the Jordan in the presence of the LORD, and the land will be subdued before you, then you shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession.
about God:
God was flexible with Israel. He allowed the three tribes to stay in Gilead while the others went on, provided it didn't mean shirking. He wished them to all stand and fight together.
Numbers 31
what I remember:
God sends Moses and the Israelites out on Moses' last battle - to punish the Midianites (for not letting the Israelites pass through their land?). They do so, killing off all sorts of people, including Balaam, the prophet that Balak had hired to curse Isreal, but who had blessed Isreal (and who had the talking donkey). They brought the women and kids back to Israel captive, but ended up also killing the women and boys and left only young girls. The loot was divided equally between those who went to battle and those who didn't (note: the battle group was smaller, so they each got more), and a portion of each was God's.
key verse:
"Take full vengeance for the sons of Israel on the Midianites; afterward you will be gathered to your people."
about God:
Important to remember that God is just. When he orders revenge, it's the right thing. I don't understand it.
An offense against God's chosen people (Israel) is one that God takes incredibly seriously.
God sends Moses and the Israelites out on Moses' last battle - to punish the Midianites (for not letting the Israelites pass through their land?). They do so, killing off all sorts of people, including Balaam, the prophet that Balak had hired to curse Isreal, but who had blessed Isreal (and who had the talking donkey). They brought the women and kids back to Israel captive, but ended up also killing the women and boys and left only young girls. The loot was divided equally between those who went to battle and those who didn't (note: the battle group was smaller, so they each got more), and a portion of each was God's.
key verse:
"Take full vengeance for the sons of Israel on the Midianites; afterward you will be gathered to your people."
about God:
Important to remember that God is just. When he orders revenge, it's the right thing. I don't understand it.
An offense against God's chosen people (Israel) is one that God takes incredibly seriously.
Numbers 30
what I remember:
A vow that a woman takes before God can be nullified by her husband or father (whichever one she lives with). The man, however, must nullify it on the day he learns of it. If he lets it stand, then later changes his mind, he bears her guilt.
key verse:
Every vow and every binding oath to humble herself, her husband may confirm it or her husband may annul it.
about God:
This seems to me to take special note of women's impulsiveness - God gives her a way out when she's acted impulsively. I'm not going to get in to whether this is un-feminist. God put it here.
A vow that a woman takes before God can be nullified by her husband or father (whichever one she lives with). The man, however, must nullify it on the day he learns of it. If he lets it stand, then later changes his mind, he bears her guilt.
key verse:
Every vow and every binding oath to humble herself, her husband may confirm it or her husband may annul it.
about God:
This seems to me to take special note of women's impulsiveness - God gives her a way out when she's acted impulsively. I'm not going to get in to whether this is un-feminist. God put it here.
Numbers 29
what I remember:
It seems like the seventh month of the Jewish year was full of celebrations: The first day, the seventh day, and a seven day feast beginning on the fifteenth day. Each feast is spelled out with what the sacrifice should be.
key verse:
You shall present these to the LORD at your appointed times.
about God:
God is meticulous, detailed, and precise. I'm amazed at how many things passages like this spell out. The efficiency and lazy in me wants there to be a bullet-list, with the note: "Repeat on these days". God didn't write the Bible like that, and I know the repetitions have meanings. This was important to God.
It seems like the seventh month of the Jewish year was full of celebrations: The first day, the seventh day, and a seven day feast beginning on the fifteenth day. Each feast is spelled out with what the sacrifice should be.
key verse:
You shall present these to the LORD at your appointed times.
about God:
God is meticulous, detailed, and precise. I'm amazed at how many things passages like this spell out. The efficiency and lazy in me wants there to be a bullet-list, with the note: "Repeat on these days". God didn't write the Bible like that, and I know the repetitions have meanings. This was important to God.
God Sees Me
Sometimes it seems like God has me in a holding pattern. Maybe I need to grow some before He sends the next thing - I'm not sure. But the last several years have felt like just that. I keep doing what I know to do, and slowly growing, but wishing there was maybe a bit more excitement to it.
A few weeks ago, I remarked to a friend that it seemed like God had me entering a new life-phase, a more relational one. God intends for me to be a part of His body not just through serving in the church, but in relationship to His people. It seems like perhaps one of God's major goals in my life is that I learn to really actually love people.
Last night, God did something that astonished both me and my husband in the form of a ministry opportunity for him. This morning I received a message from an acquaintance who'd found this blog, and wants to study the Bible together, through these posts. God is moving. Perhaps this next phase is beginning.
And so, after spending a few years feeling like I'm in a holding pattern, to I feel so closely and definitely God's eye on me. And like Hagar in Genesis, (was she the only one in the Bible to deliberately give God a new name? I kinda think so), I see God today as "God who sees" - El Lahai Roi (or however you spell it).
It's been three years since I've posted here. Maybe it's time to start again. I'd forgotten it existed, but it fits in nicely with where I am. I'm reading the Bible, chronologically, in a year. I'm in Numbers now.
Join me, will you? I'll post the passage (from youVersion.com) that I'm reading, and write my thoughts. I think I'll even open up comments, until I start getting spam or starting arguments anyway. Let's see what God will do.
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