Genesis 25-27:
Abraham marries again- Keturah, and has 6 more sons.
At 175, he dies and Isaac and Ishmael bury him next to Sarah.
Interestingly, Isaac and Rebekah are unable to have any children for almost 20 years after they marry. Isaac prays for his wife and God blesses them with twins. I wonder if God was waiting for him to ask earlier?
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The twins are born….Esau and Jacob. Trouble was just over the horizon…
Chapter 26 has an encounter where Isaac tells a king that his wife is his sister…seriously!!! Why didn’t he learn from his fathers mistake?
Chapter 27 is a bible story I really don’t like…it is about deceitfulness, deception, and just all out ugliness! A mother choosing one son over another and crafting a plan that will cause a mess!
It’s hard to read about injustice done and the outcome seems so unfair!
At the end of 27, Rebekah is complaining about Esau’s wives…and saying if Jacob married a Hittite then her life would not be worth living!
Drama Queen! I don’t think I would have liked Rebekah much.
Genesis 28-30:
To please his father, Jacob goes to find a wife among his own people. On his journey, God speaks to him in a dream. The Lord tells Jacob that He is
with him wherever he goes and that He will not leave him. Jacob makes his own vow- stating his commitment to the LORD, and that he will tithe to Him.
… Jacob quickly meets and falls head over heels for Rachel…but her father Laban pulls a switch on Jacob and has him marry the older daughter Leah instead. I think Jacob finally got to see how deceit feels being on the other side…but I feel sad for Leah. How miserable to not only be married to someone who doesn’t love you- but that you have to share with your sister who your husband does love!
How drunk was Jacob that he didn’t know who he married until the next morning? Idiot!
God blesses Leah with sons in chapter 29, because she was not loved. We serve an amazing, compassionate, loving Father!
Through chapter 30, we see that the two wives of Jacob- start competing with ugly results- they both make a mistake from previous generations by giving their husband their servants as wives to impregnate! Yikes!
Through the mess, God listens to these women and continues to bless them with even more children. How gracious and forgiving is the Most High God!
Something to note- Jesus would come through the line of Judah- whose mother was Leah! Isaac, Jacob, and Judah are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the book of Matthew….not Joseph, Rachel’s son!
Tonight, I read Genesis 31-33.
Chapter 31 was about Jacob breaking ties with his father in law, Laban after 20 long years. Unfortunately, Jacob didn’t tell Laban he was leaving and so you can guess that he was pretty ticked off. Rachel- stupidly stole her Dad’s household idol’s on the way out of town- which if we were seeing this in a movie, would have been where the ominous music started… playing.
Unfortunately, Jacob had no idea that his favorite wife took her Dad’s idols so he made the statement when confronted by Laban, that anyone that had the idols should not live. Uh- oh…this will come back to haunt him later.
They all make peace and say their goodbyes. Chapter 32, another family reunion is in order- two brothers for the first time in more than 20 years…I would like to think the reason Jacob was fearful about seeing his brother Esau again is because he was convicted by all the things he had done to his brother. I really enjoyed verse 10 of chapter 32 where Jacob talks about how he had nothing when he started this journey- and how God had been faithful to His promises and blessed him.
Chapter 33: the brothers meet- Esau embraces Jacob…so happy to read that Esau still loved his brother despite all Jacob had taken from him.
Genesis 34-36
Chapter 34 talks about several nightmarish events…I think that it all started when Jacob made camp in a very bad place- Shechem.
Jacob’s daughter is raped by a guy who then decides he is “in love” with her and wants to marry her! Vomit! This is a very hard chapter to read, because Jacob seems very passive about what has happened, and I really wish God would have struck the rapi…st dead!
Dinah’s brothers are rightly filled with grief and fury at what happened to their sister, and began to plot their revenge- which was not right at all.
Bottom line they kill all the men in this town, take their women, children and all their animals, and possessions. This angers Jacob who now is worried it seems about the trouble this will bring down on him.
Chapter 35 begins with God telling Jacob to go to Bethel. In this chapter God repeats His promises to Jacob. We serve a God who knows we need reassurance, and reminders that He is with us!
At the end of this chapter, Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin…and Isaac also dies. Interestingly, Jacob and Esau bury their father together!
Chapter 36 was the wives, children, and grandchildren of Esau…in detail. I am sure it is important…but I have no idea why….forty three long verses of strange names…
Genesis 37-39
Chapter 37 is an account of Joseph, the favorite son, and his brothers who despised him. Showing favoritism can inflict a lot of pain…it didn’t help that Jacob gave his favorite child a lavish ornamental robe….or that Jacob had a way of provoking his brothers by sharing his dreams of them worshipping him one day.
By the end of the chapter, he is sold into slavery, and Jacob… is led to believe his favorite son is dead.
Chapter 38 is all about Judah. He foolishly married a Canaanite woman- and trouble soon followed. God killed two of his sons because they were so wicked.
Chapter 39 switched back to Joseph living in Egypt. Over and over again, we read that the LORD was with Joseph, and that he continually blessed him. Even his master attributed the blessing to God! Potiphar quickly realized the more he put Joseph over the more it would grow- so he put him in charge of all he owned.
Unfortunately, Potiphar was married to someone who was anxious to take whatever she wanted…and she wanted Joseph in her bed! He was wise enough to run the other way- but she lied to Potiphar- and he threw Joseph in jail! Again we are reminded that the LORD was with him!
Genesis 40-42
God gives Joseph the ability to interpret dreams while he is in jail. In chapter 40, he accurately tells the cupbearer and the baker what their dreams mean.
In chapter 41, God gives Joseph the ability to do the same for Pharaoh. Wisely, Joseph immediately lets Pharaoh know that God is giving the answers and not him.
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After Joseph tells him what his dreams mean, the Pharaoh entrusts him with the task of running Egypt and preparing for what is coming. Joseph is age 30 when this happens- which is 13 years after he was sold into slavery.
God gave Joseph a plan that worked so effectively that Egypt was able to sell grain to many other countries during the famine.
In Chapter 42, Jacob sends 10 of his sons to Egypt to buy grain because of the famine.
What a shocking day it must have been for Joseph when his own dream came true right before his eyes- his brothers bowing down to him!
I thought it was interesting that the brothers immediatedly associated their trouble with Joseph, and being put in jail for 3 days with what they had done to their brother many years ago.
It is so reassuring to see the Lord work through such imperfect people. He stays with them, He guides them, and He blesses them. He doesn’t bless them because of who they are or what they have done…but because who He is- we serve a God who is always faithful!
Tonight I read Genesis 43-45:
Strangely, it seems to be a long period of time between when the 9 brothers left Egypt and went home to when they finally run out of food, and therefore convince their father of the need to go bac…k to Egypt with Benjamin. (Poor Simeon was sitting in jail this whole time- waiting for their return…I assume.)
This time Jacob also has them take gifts…I am sure to “butter” him up and make sure he gets Benjamin back.
Joseph has them taken to his house. He has a meal made for them- but he has them put in a separate room…Very odd…Joseph was very emotional at the sight of his brothers, especially Benjamin. It seems to me that God must have softened Joseph’s heart in the years preceding this visit- or else it could have gone far differently.
In chapter 44, Joseph plays a little prank in his brothers as he sends them back home. He hides his special silver cup in Benjamin’s bag of grain- and then sends his steward to go confront them after they are down the road to the next town. I wonder if Joseph was looking for a way to keep Benjamin- and send the others back home.
Surprisingly, Judah steps up to the plate and gives an impassioned speech that convinces Joseph to finally tell them the truth.
Chapter 45 opens with Joseph clearing the room- so it’s just him and his brothers. He blurts out that he is Joseph, and then quickly asks if his father is still alive!
Can you imagine the looks on the brothers faces??? Shock, disbelief, and then fear…The bible says they were “terrified at his presence.”
The next part is my favorite! He says, “do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”.
Again, he reiterates, “God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.”
God always has a plan!!! He took what the brothers planned for evil and blessed many people all over the region with what He did through Joseph!
The chapter ends with Joseph reuniting his family and giving them the best land to live in with their families- Goshen!
Genesis 46-48
Jacob makes the long trip with all his family, livestock, and everything they owned to Egypt. On the way, God must have known Jacob was afraid, because He once again reminds Jacob who He is, that he should not fear because He was going with him to Egypt! The Lord also assured Jacob that Joseph would be there when he passed away. This may seem like a strange thing to say- but we m…ust remember Jacob is old by this point, and I am sure it was calming to his spirit to hear he would see Joseph again before he died.
In chapter 47, Pharaoh gives Jacob and his family the best land in Egypt- Goshen!
The rest of the chapter is about how God once again uses Joseph to feed the whole country with his wise business skills.
At the end of chapter 47, Jacob makes Joseph promise to not bury him in Egypt, but to bury him with his fathers…where you were buried was of huge significance back then.
Also, an interesting note:I believe genesis 47:27 is the first time the term Israelites is used.
Chapter 48 finds Jacob near death and blessing Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Interestingly, he used his right hand to bless Ephraim- which upset Joseph because he was his second born-evidently the first born was to be blessed with the right hand. Jacob reassured Joseph that Ephraim’s descendants would be greater than Manasseh’s.
Genesis 49, 50 Exodus 1
Chapter 49 is the account of Jacob’s last words to his sons before he passes away. Some of them receive blessings, while others receive ominous warnings about what their futures with hold.
At the end of the chapter he instructs them what to do with his body. Very, very interesting…he wants them to bury him in the cave where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and his wife… LEAH are buried!
Chapter 50 opens with Joseph mourning over his father’s body. He instructs the Egyptian physicians to embalm his father. (1st mention of embalming in the bible). Strangely the bible says that the embalming process took 40 days, and that the Egyptians mourned 70 days.
The other odd thing in this chapter was that when Joseph and his brothers went to bury Jacob, all Pharaoh’s officials, and all the dignitaries of Egypt went with them. How strange? I wonder what that was about?
Another oddity, was the huge group stopping at a threshing floor on the way, where they stop to mourn for 7 days.
When they all get back to Egypt, Joseph’s brothers are very anxious. They inform him that Jacob left some instructions before he died. He wanted Joseph to forgive his brothers for what they had done to him. Upon hearing this, Joseph wept.
I honestly don’t remember Joseph being so emotional. After reading his life story, it really stands out how much he took things to heart and cried as an adult- things affected him deeply and it’s reassuring that the Lord beloved that was important to share with us.
The book of Genesis ends with the death of Joseph at the age of 110. Interestingly, he was also embalmed…and we have our first mention if a coffin, as he was placed in one in Egypt.
Exodus 1 opens with the note that Jacob’s descendants numbered 70. We also quickly see that a number if years have past, and all of Joseph’s brothers and that generation have died.
A new king is in charge- who knows nothing of Joseph. He began treating the Israelites very harshly. He was also very anxious about how many of them there were- so he ordered the boy babies to be killed after they were born.
Thankfully, the Hebrew midwives feared God instead of the king and did not obey the evil orders. God rewarded them with their own families.
We serve a God who sees all, and hears all! He rewards those who fear Him! Thank you Lord!
Exodus 2-4
Exodus 2 begins with the birth of Moses. (He was a Levite)
His mother and sister plotted to save his life by arranging for him to be found in a basket they put in the Nile. (Remember Hebrew baby boys were still being killed on the Pharaoh’s orders.
… The Pharaoh’s daughter found him and kept him for her own- Moses’s sister offered to have a Hebrew woman nurse the baby for her- and conveniently her mother was available!
We fast forward to Moses as an adult killing an Egyptian who he witnessed beating a Hebrew. After realizing he was a wanted man- he headed for the desert.
He kindly defended some girls at a well, and got a wife out of the deal! He was given Zipporah as his bride. They have a son at the end of chapter 2, named Gershom.
Meanwhile, back in Egypt the Pharaoh dies, but the cruelty continues to the Israelites.
I love verse 24 and 25: “God heard their groaning and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.
The God of the universe cares when His people are suffering, and He listens when they cry out! How amazing!!!
In chapter 3 God talks to Moses and tells him that “I have seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.”
Don’t you love it? We serve a God who wants to rescue us!
The rest of chapter 4 Moses does a lot of arguing with God.
God allows him to let Aaron, Moses’s brother help him communicate with the Israelites about what He is about to do.
I love 4:31, “…And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshipped.”
May we do the same!
Exodus 5-7
Angry people like to make things more difficult for others when they are angry…that is what I see in chapter 5 of Exodus. Pharaoh hates the Israelites! He wants to make them miserable- because of his disgust for them. He decides after Moses and Aaron talk to him the first time that he will show everyone his power- he will ask the impossible of his slaves- make bricks without provi…ding straw- all the while expecting them to make the same number!
When this proves to be an impossible task the Israelite foreman are beaten. This only makes their situation worse and they take out their anger and frustration on Moses and Aaron. The famous words are uttered in 5:21, “…You have made us a stench to Pharaoh…”
Moses goes directly to God and asks Him why He has brought trouble on them? Pretty bold of Moses… I think the God we serve would rather ask him directly our hard questions- then to just let difficult things cause us to despair.
Chapter 6 opens with the Lord responding boldly right back at Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.”
Then God gives Moses a reminder of who He is and what He has promised to His people.
In chapter 7, God finally gets Moses and Aaron to go back and give Pharaoh his next message. This message will be accompanied by some amazing signs- a staff into a snake, and the Nile being turned into blood.
I read something today that said a possible reason God did this was His anger at the killing of all the Hebrew babies. Remember, Pharaoh ordered them thrown into the Nile.
All these signs just hardened the heart of Pharaoh more and more. I am sure the power he witnessed was a threat to him, since the Pharaoh was worshipped as a god- and he thought of himself that way.
“One of the verses tonight that really convicted me was Joshua 2:8
“Do not let this Book of Torah depart from your mouth; fiercely hunger (hagah) on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.”
I put so many worthless worldly things before reading the Word each day- it is truly disgusting. I don’t hunger for the Word- and I feed my spirit trash- the most embarrassing part is lacking the desire to truly sacrifice to do what He is asking of me as His follower.”
Exodus 8-10
These chapters covered the plagues of frogs, gnats, flies, illness to livestock, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness.
A few themes that struck me over and over again. The Most High God tells the truth! He speaks truth, and then He follows through with what He says He will do! He is trustworthy!
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There is no logic or reason or understanding to sin, rebellion, deceit or evil. Every time the Pharaoh was granted relief- he hardened his heart instead of praising God and being grateful. Obviously, gratitude requires humility- and he had none of that!
Even enemies of God have no choice but to see He is all powerful! The magicians in 8:19, actually admitted it was the finger of God working!
I love that through these plagues the Lord did not subject the Israelites to them. He wanted everyone to see that His people were distinctive!
So to sum up- God is all powerful, demands to be heard by His people and those tormenting them and He sees and hears all! He is faithful, truthful, and He will not leave us alone! He also is a just God and will do what is necessary to deliver His people- in His way, and in His time! Thank you Father!
Exodus 11-13
Exodus 11 opens with the 10th plague, the killing of all the firstborn sons. He makes it clear to Moses that Pharaoh will let the Israelites leave Egypt after He finishes.
In chapter 12 we have God giving Moses and Aaron instructions about the Jewish calendar. The timing of this is no coincidence- God is focusing in on His plan for the Israelites. His rescue of the Israelites is a…n enormous part of the future of their relationship with God.
God explains ver specifically His instructions for how they will choose a lamb to sacrifice for Passover. Passover is the night they will remember that the Lord passed over them and spared them from the death of their firstborn sons.
The Israelites were in Egypt for 430 years to the day!
Lovingly, the LORD kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt !
Chapter 13 opens with the Lord asking Moses to have the Israelites consecrate each of their first born sons to Him.
At the end of the chapter we see the Lord so concerned with His people that He leads them in a visible way- a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night.
A few notes from Exodus 14-16
These are powerful chapters. God instructs Moses how to lead the Israelites through the Red Sea that He has parted.
After reading chapter 14, I believe that God wanted to kill the Egyptians who had tormented His people relentlessly. It says in verse 8, “the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites who were marching… out boldly.” He was leading them to a place where He could have His people witness their annihilation at His mighty hand! I believe it was all part of Him winning over their hearts to Him.
Thankfully, the Lord overlooked what the Israelites said when they saw the Egyptians coming towards them. (Not their best moment?) I love how Moses responded to their ugliness, ” Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Praise the Lord! We serve a God who wants to fight for us!!!! He wants to protect and deliver us- why don’t we let Him?
Maybe, partially in response to their fear, the angel of God who had been leading them, took up position behind them as they crossed the Red Sea. The angel stood between the Israelites and the Egyptians!
Another verse that made me smile was when the enemy- declared that needed to get away from the Israelites- “The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt.” How awesome is that! They knew they were no match for the LORD!!!
A verse that I never remember reading before was verse 30 of chapter 14. “That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore.” WOW! I just assumed they drowned- and stayed at the bottom of the sea! I believe God wanted them to see that He had killed the enemy- He wanted them to see He was faithful, that He had delivered them in every way from the Egyptians! Thank you God for caring about justice!
Thankfully in verse 31 we see, “…when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in Him and in Moses his servant.”
Chapter 15 records a song of praise from Moses and Miriam. It also tells us how God contiued to lovingly care for His people by providing water in the desert. Chapter 16 is more caregiving by God- he provided them with manna and quail. He fed them each day like their were His small children. With the food He provided more opportunities for them to be obedient. Let us never forget how obedience and blessings go hand and hand. Our God expects us to be obedient!”
Exodus 17-19
Chapter 17 details more quarreling between the Israelites and Moses. Running out of water it is easy to see why they were getting cranky. It is clear they were completely dependent in Moses to communicate their requests to God- and they weren’t shy about asking frequently.
The Lord has Moses strike a rock that provides the water they needed.
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At the end of chapter 17 the Israelites get in a battle with Amalekites. I loved reading how Moses had help extending his arms during the fight…as long as he arms were raised the Israelites were winning- by the end of the day he had to be exhausted!
Chapter 18, Moses gets a visit from his father in law, Jethro. He comes up with an idea for Moses to delegate his judging duties to some wise, godly men, and therefore not carry the whole burden himself.
Chapter 19 has the Israelites finally arriving at Mount Sinai.
God requests Moses come to the top of the mountain for them to talk.
God shares, “you yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt and how I carried you on eagles wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.”
How beautiful are those words!
I have been told that the language God is using here is what you find in a man about to take a woman in marriage.
I am wishing I remembered some of that Hebrew I took one semester if at LCU!
So thankful for My God!
Exodus 20-22
Chapter 20 is the account of God giving Moses the ten commandments.
Sadly, the Israelites were terrified of God speaking to the directly, so they asked Moses to communicate with God for them.
Chapters 21 and 22 are how the Israelites were supposed to handle all sorts of everyday issues.”
Exodus 23-25
It is embarrassing to admit but I didn’t remember God giving all these commandments to the Israelites after the Ten commandments.
Chapter 23 is God giving very specific situations and how His people are to act. I didn’t realize this verse was in the bible, “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.”. Or this one, “Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens… , because you were aliens in Egypt.”
God tells them a valuable farming lesson, tells them if the three important festivals they are to celebrate, and reassures them that He is sending an angel to guide them and if they listen to him and does what he says that He will wipe out their enemies! Wow!!! Awesome God!
Chapter 24 has God requesting Moses and a few others come up to the mountain. Again, I did not remember that Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders, saw God with Moses! (24:9)
Chapter 25 reminded me of the wonderful Beth Moore study I did many years ago- God gives very specific instructions about the tabernacle and what will go in it. Our God cares about the details! Such beautiful words in verse 8, “…I will dwell among them”.
The God we serve has always desired an intimate relationship with us. It is so hard to comprehend why- the Creator of the universe wants to be close to such sinful people- but it is something I am so grateful for!
Exodus 26-28
It is amazing how specific God was in the instructions He gave about the tabernacle. He wanted the Israelites to follow his directions exactly.
I love how He continuously reminded Moses that He had already showed him the plans up on the mountain. How special must have that been!
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I love that we serve a God who cares about things being made His way- and with quality material.
Again, God cares about the details. He cares about being obeyed! We show our love for Him when we are obedient.
Chapter 28 talks about the priestly garments. I love that God says the sacred garments are to bring dignity and honor!
Exodus 29-31
I won’t lie this chapters weren’t easy to read. Chapter 29 was a detailed explanation of how the priests were to consecrate themselves before God. Lots of very gross descriptions about sacrifices…yuck!
Chapter 30 was more instructions about how to make the basin for washing, and how they were to make anointing oil, and incense.
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Chapter 31 starts out by introducing us to some of the master craftsman that God empowered to make all the things for the tabernacle.
He ends the chapter by reminding them how important the Sabbath is to Him. He explains that it will be a sign to others that the LORD makes them holy.
After He finished telling Moses all of this He gave him the two stone tablets, that were “inscribed by the finger of God.”
Exodus 32-34
One of the darkest moments in the history of God’s people is where we find the Israelites in chapter 32. They get impatient waiting for Moses to come down off the mountain- and decide they need to worship another god.
The part that has always bugged me the most about this is that the people ask Aaron, their leader, to make them an idol, and this supposed man of God doesn’t even h…esitate- he just tells them to bring him their jewelry. What kind of leader does that? Even worse than the golden calf was the fact that they gave glory to this thing for delivering them from Egypt- BLASPHEMY!
Pretty quick, God sees what is happening and He sends Moses down to deal with them. Before he even goes down the mountain, Moses convinces God not to kill His people for their grievous sin.
Moses was horrified to see what was going on when he got back down the mountain. He was so angry that He tossed the ten commandments that God had written. (I bet this made him sad later.)
I love that Moses asked Aaron what the people had done to him to for him to allow this great sin? Little did he know how large Aaron’s role was in their misbehavior. Aaron sounds like a total idiot in his response- which just makes me wonder why God did not strike him down immediately! He lead them into it- and then refused to take any responsibility!
In case you wonder why Moses grinds up the golden calf and makes the Israelites drink it- this was the test back then for an unfaithful wife!
Chapter 33 begins with God still very angry with His people and unsure if He will lead them to the promised land or just have them go without Him.
I love how verse 11 says that the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, like a man would with His friend. Can you imagine????
Thankfully the Israelites had Moses pleading fir the LORD’s mercy. He promised Moses that He would go with Him.
Chapter 34, God makes another set of inscribed stones- the Ten Commandments.
Again the Creator of the universe makes a covenant with Moses, and the Israelites. Can you put your mind around that fact?
Towards the end of chapter 34 we learn that when Moses returns from speaking with God his face was radiant, so much so that he had to put a veil on because of how it scared the people!”
Exodus 35-37
Moses reminded the Israelites that they were to work 6 days and then rest on the Sabbath.
He went on to tell them about the free will offerings they would need to build God’s tabernacle. He also let them know that the people God had given craftsman skills to would be given the opportunity to use them.
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Two are mentioned specifically as being chosen by God: Bezalel, and Oholiab…He “filled both with the Spirit of God, and with the skill, ability and knowledge of every kind of craft.”. God also gave them the ability to teach others.
In chapter 36, we see that the Israelites have to be restrained from giving items for the tabernacle! They exceeded what was asked for! Generous hearts can always be found among God’s people.
The rest of chapter 36 and 37 are repeated specific instructions and measurements for the tabernacle and all the things He commanded be made for it.
Exodus 38-40
Again we have been given tons of information about the different areas of the tabernacle that the Israelites made for God. Over and over we read how they made things and how obedient they were to the plans, designs, and instructions God gave them.
By the end of chapter 39, the Israelites have finished their work and have Moses inspect it to make sure it is what God instructed. The…y were obedient and Moses blessed them.
Chapter 40 opens with God giving Moses specific instructions about where everything is to go in the tabernacle. He also has Moses wash all these things therefore making them holy.
At the end of Exodus we read that God filled the tabernacle in the form of a cloud. He tells them that when the cloud is lifted from the tabernacle it is a sign for them to leave.
I read the first 3 chapters of the book that everyone dreads when they try to read the whole bible. Leviticus!
The first 3 chapters read a bit like a horror story. Lots of sacrifices, lots of blood, lots of body part talk…yuck!
I am going to try and see the big picture here…maybe it will help someone out there who wonders why God included this book in the bible.
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I think God wanted the Israelites to see up close and personally how ugly and gross and disgusting and painful their sin was to Him.
They had to choose from the very best of their animals to sacrifice- they couldn’t just get rid of the ugly runt with a limp. They had to choose one without blemish! God wanted them to be personally invested- to feel like they were losing something of great value when they killed this animal. He wanted them to realize the penalty for sin was high.
Also, by skinning the animal and cutting it up they would see how disgusting it was- and so is sin.
The phrase that is repeated again and again in these 3 chapters was “an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.”
My guess is the pleasing aroma to the LORD is actually their obedience to his ordinances. They sacrificed exactly like He asked- and in that act worshipped Him by putting His will and desires before their own.
Leviticus 4-6
The subject of chapter four is the sin offering, specifically for unintentional sin. One interesting thing I saw was that the Lord notes there are different offerings due fir different people. The anointed priest has to offer a young bull without defect, the community as a whole also must sacrifice a bull for their unintentional sin as a group. However a leader is only required t…o bring a male goat without defect, and a member of the community only needs to bring a female goat…a pretty wide difference in the requirements, and therefore in God’s expectations. More is expected from those in a higher position.
Chapters 5 and 6 discuss guilt offerings, burnt offerings, and grain offerings.
It was interesting that the priests were required to keep the fire burning on the altar all night, until morning.
I wish I could say more, but it is a tough passage for me to comment much on.
Leviticus 7-9
The Lord used the sacrificing of animals as a way to provide meals for the priests. It wasn’t the only purpose for it- but it was an important part of it.
God provides for His people.
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He wants His people to be obedient and be grateful.
Chapter 8 is the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. It was a pretty elaborate ceremony that Moses was instructed by God to perform.
The Lord showed Himself in a mighty way at the end of chapter 9, when as fire He consumed the burnt offering on the altar. The people immediately shouted for joy and fell facedown!
Obey, Give thanks, worship Him…think how different our lives would be if we all did those 3 things on a daily basis!
Leviticus 10-12
Chapter 10 opens with Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu making a series of stupid choices which cost them their lives.
Evidently they thought it would be okay to enter the holy place of God while inebriated. God let them know that He would not be dishonored by them ever again.
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I wonder if in that moment of silence that Aaron took he wondered why God had shown him so much mercy in his moment of insane stupidity. – and not his sons.
Interestingly, Moses tells Aaron that he and his two remaining sons will not be allowed to outwardly show their grief for the ones He zapped. He then tells Aaron that he and his sons are not allowed to drink alcohol in the tabernacle.
I love God’s words, ” You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the clean and the unclean.”
We still need to hear those words today!
Chapter 11 specifies what foods the Israelites were allowed to eat:clean foods, and what they were not allowed to eat: unclean foods.
Chapter 12 was about regulations for women about purification after childbirth.
Leviticus 13-15
God gives regulations about infections, skin diseases, mildew, infectious skin diseases, and discharges.
God taught the Israelites a lot about germs and how to keep disease from spreading. He put the priests in charge of making sure they obeyed His rules and therefore prevented any epidemics.
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The Lord has always taken care of His people in ways they could hardly comprehend.
As I read through these chapters which are very repetitive, I kept thinking that He was protecting them and was trying to teach them how to take care of each other.
Our Father loves us enough to talk about the dangers of mildew! Praise God!
Leviticus 16-18
Chapter 16 is God’s instructions to Moses about the day of atonement. One day a year- the tenth day of the seventh month (on the Jewish calendar), the Israelites would be cleansed from all their sins by a special sacrifice Aaron made on their behalf.
Can you imagine the anticipation of this day? Can you imagine having to carry around the guilt and shame of your sins for an en…tire year until you could be forgiven?
Aaron not only had to make the sacrifice on their behalf- but had to first hold the head of the goat, and confess all their sins! How could he have done that in one day?!?! He must have listed sins in general and not each person by name with a list…that would have taken weeks!
I think it is beautiful that the Lord designed a day like this for the Israelites, and I am so grateful that I don’t have to wait a year to confess my sins and be forgiven!
Chapter 17 is simply God stating the importance of His people not eating blood. He spells out for them the reason why this is never to be done- because “the life of a creature is in the blood- and the it is the blood that makes atonement for life”.
Chapter 18 is a long list of all the sexual relations that God considers to be wicked.
He also tells them these are the reasons so many nations have been defiled and driven out of their lands.
The Lord also demands that the Israelites not sacrifice any of their children to Molech. Isn’t it unbelievably sad that He has to tell them not to sacrifice their children to an idol? An idol that required them to throw their children into it’s fiery pit of a mouth!
God loves His people and expects them to be obedient. So many of life’s problems would never occur if we would just be obedient! Unfortunately, we often are no better listeners than the Israelites!
Thank you Father for loving us in spite of our disobedience!
Leviticus 19-21
Chapter 19 again has a long list of things the Israelites were not supposed to do.
A few interesting ones were about how when they harvested their fields they were to leave the edges for the poor. It also said they weren’t supposed to go back over their fields to pick things up that were left over- those were for the poor and aliens.
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How many people know that the Lord did not want His people to have tatoo’s? (20:28)
I love that the Lord commands us to rise in the presence of the elderly, and to show them respect.
Chapter 20 is the Lord telling Moses what some of the punishments will be for certain sins. He starts off with the worst- those who kill their children and sacrifice them to Molech. How sickening must it have been for God to watch people He had blessed with children- kill them in the process of worshipping another god!
Chapter 21 is God’s list of expectations for the priests.
This included who they were expected to marry, and how they were to keep their hair and beards cut….or not.
God made these men holy because of what they were given to do- make sacrifices on the part if the people and He expected them to be held to a higher standard- holy- set apart.
Leviticus 22-24
Chapter 22 begins with God speaking to Moses about the sacredness of the Israelite’s offerings to Him. He wants Moses to communicate with Aaron how he and his sons are to treat these offerings.
How amazing is the God we serve, the Creator of the universe sees the offerings consecrated to Him as sacred! How beautiful!
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He goes on to give more specific instructions about how the priests are to present themselves.
He tells Moses that the animals sacrificed to Him have to be pure, without blemish- not the lame, or injured. How sad to think that someone would try to get away with giving God their crippled animal as a sacrifice! God deserves our best- not our left overs, or what we have no use for!
In chapter 23, God tells Moses the feasts that He wants the Israelites to celebrate.
Sabbath, Passover, Unleavened Bread, FirstFruits, Feast of Weeks, Trumpets, Tabernacles
All these were put in place as reminders to the Israelites of God doing incredible things for them- so that they would never forget how He blessed them, and wanted to be in relationship with His people.
Chapter 24 talks about the oil and bread that was to be made and set before the Lord in the tabernacle. Ultimately, this was God’s way of providing a blessing of bread for the priests.
At the end of the chapter we have the story of a blasphemer of God’s Name. He makes it very clear to Moses that this is not to be tolerated and that the man was to be stoned by the people. God also again makes clear the value He put on human life- and that He expected anyone who took a life to pay for it with his own. He also points out clearly the value if an animal’s life….and it is much less than a human’s- restitution was due to the owner of an animal.
It is pretty clear that the Most High God values human life more than animals—and yet we live in a world where abortion is far more acceptable than mistreating an animal…Satan has really blinded people to the Truth…shame on us for letting him confuse the issue!
Leviticus 25-27
God tells Moses that the land He has provided the Israelites must be given a Sabbath of rest after 6 years of producing.
He also teaches them about the year of jubilee, that will happen every 50 years. It was a time of starting over. A time when they could get land back that they had to sell.
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Chapter 26 was more blessings promised by the Lord for the Israelites if they chose to be obedience….and dire warnings if they chose to turn away from the Lord.
There is a lot of talk in church these days about how the “fear of the Lord” that we are asked to pursue is just respect and reverence. I strongly disagree! Read Leviticus 26:14-39, and tell me that the Lord did not want the Israelites to FEAR Him. If we fear being disobedient to the Lord and that keeps us from straying down a path of disobedience- then we need not fear anything else on this earth!
I think it’s dangerous not to FEAR the Lord. I believe He wants us to FEAR what life without Him would be like so that we never end up there!
Chapter 27, the Lord talks to Mose about what the Israelites are to tithe. He beautifully states that everything devoted to the Lord is most holy to Him!
Our tithes are holy to Him! How amazing! I hope that makes your heart more softened towards giving, just knowing how precious it is to the Receiver!
Numbers 1-3
Numbers begins with God telling Moses to take a census of the Israelites. They are listed by the son of Jacob that they descended from. They were only to count the males 20 and over.
Chapter two is God’s plan for how the 12 different clans would be arranged around the tabernacle. God likes order!
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Chapter 3 outlines in specific terms what each of the Levite clans are responsible with in regards to the tabernacle.
God also tells Moses to do a census of the Levites.
God also declares that He has taken the Levites from the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman.
The Levites were given a very important job- the care of the tabernacle.
Numbers 4-6
God recognized the Levites were basically 3 separate clans: the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites. He gave them each their own distinct responsibilities in regards to care of the tabernacle.
The Lord went into great detail about how they were to cover the sacred items before they moved them and who was in charge of making sure they did things the right way. These resp…onsibilities were given to men aged 30-50.
Chapter 5 discusses God’s expectations for how they were to keep the camp pure- as it was where He was dwelling among them.
He briefly discussed how they were to make restitution for wrongs at the end of the chapter.
The most fascinating part of my reading tonight was 5:11-31. God tells Moses about His test for an unfaithful wife.
It has been pointed out to me recently by a scholar of the Hebrew text that in fact God Himself performed this test on the Israelites after Moses found them worshipping the golden calf at Mt. Sinai!
Chapter 6 talks about the Nazarite vow- which was a vow of separation to the Lord.
It doesn’t take long before you recognize a person from the New Testament who was a Nazarite- John the Baptist!
Chapter 6 ends with the Lord telling Moses to pass on words that Aaron should use to bless the Israelites:
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
Thank you Lord for these beautiful words!
Numbers 7-9
I have no idea why God does some things. Numbers chapter 7 would fall into that category. God is instructing Moses on how the Israelites are supposed to dedicate the tabernacle.
The Lord tells Moses that the leaders of the 12 tribes are to bring their offerings on a different day. So 12 days in a row they do what God told them to do. They each dedicate the exact same items- just… as they were told.
Here is the part I wonder about, each tribe lists the leaders name, his father, and which tribe they came from originally. Then it lists what they brought. Each list of offerings is identical- just the names are different…but God had Moses make the same list 12 times! Verses 12-83!!!!! Then it adds up all the offerings to summarize…I know their is a purpose…my earthly eyes just can’t see it yet.
Chapter 8 concerns the lampstands and the lamps and God telling Moses exactly where to put them, and they obeyed.
God then shares with Moses how the Levites are to be set apart from the other Israelites. The Levites belonged “wholly” to the LORD. He then states He has given the Levites as gifts to Aaron and his sons to do the work of the tabernacle.
Make no mistake- God cares about how things are done, who does them, and the order of things.
I thought it was interesting that the Lord instructed Moses that the Levites who were to work at the tabernacle were to be from 25 or more- and they were required to retire at 50.
Numbers 10-12
God instructed Moses to make two silver trumpets. He informed Moses of how he was to use the trumpets to gather the leaders together, or to let the people know they were moving on to a new place.
Go also told Moses to use the trumpets when they were going into battle- so that the LORD would rescue them from their enemies.
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God likes order and believes with a group this big- they have to be organized when they travel. With this in mind He provided them a marching order. They would be led by the tribe of Judah when they set out.
Chapter 11 begins with the Israelites complaining, and making the Lord very angry.
The Israelites again longed for the food they had in Egypt instead of being grateful for the manna the Lord was providing.
The wailing of the people made Moses cry out to the Lord for help! He was fed up with the Israelites and he asked God why He had put the burden of these people on him.
God answered Moses request by telling him to choose 70 men to be elders who would assist Moses. God said He would give them the Spirit like He had given Moses.
Chapter 13, opens with Moses’ jealous brother and sister complaining about Moses wife. I suspect they were actually upset about the appointing if the elders and how they perceived this affected them.
God quickly let them know that speaking against Moses was unacceptable. He gave Miriam leprosy for 7 days…it doesn’t say how He punished Aaron.
So don’t complain! Be careful what you cry out to God about- especially if you heart is motivated by envy or jealousy.
Numbers 13-15
God tells Moses to choose a leader from each tribe, and tells Moses to give them the job of exploring Canaan.
They are told to check the land, the people, the towns, the walls around the cities, the soil, the trees, and the fruit.
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The group obeyed and took 40 days to explore the land.
When they returned and reported back as to what they had seen they were very fearful and anxious.
One exception was Caleb, who was ready to go take the land now!
The others began spreading lies about the land to the test of the Israelites.
Chapter 14 begins with more weeping and wailing from the Israelites. They even go so far as to admit they would rather go back to Egypt!
This makes Moses and Aaron hit the ground, in prayer- I guess, as Caleb tries to tell the truth to the people about what they saw- and to remind them that if the LORD is pleased with them He will lead them into the land if milk and honey.
Stupidly,they get angry at these great men of faith- and actually discussed stoning them.
At this point God arrived and wants to blow them away- and once again Moses begs Him not too. He loves His God so much – that He wants even His enemies to see how loving and forgiving He is of His people.
God again relents but tells Moses that only Caleb and Joshua will escape His punishment. He tells them that they will die in desert and never see the land He promised- their children would but no one over 20 who grumbled against Him!
God rewards faithfulness! There are always consequences for rebelling against God!
At the end of chapter 14 the foolish people again want to do something different than what God instructed- and again they pay.
Rebellious people don’t listen to God! They only hear what they want to hear- and they only do what they want to do!
Chapter 15 covers more offering instructions, but towards the end is where God tells Moses about how He wants His people to wear tassels on their garments. They were to be reminders of the LORD’s commands, and for the need to be consecrated to God.
Numbers 16-18
Numbers 16 is the account of a rebellion among the Israelites led by three men: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
They decide that Moses is wrongly setting himself above them and they decide to to take action to stop the unfair treatment.
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Long story short- God zaps these foolish men. The earth literally opens up and swallows them and their families whole.
The other 250 idiots who joined the uprising are also zapped by God.
Even after this there were some Israelites still grumbling against Moses and Aaron! God sent a plague that killed another 14,700 people.
In chapter 17, God once again gives His people visual proof if who He had chosen. He has Moses collect 12 staffs representing 12 leaders if the 12 tribes…Aaron’s staff is the one that blossoms and sprouts proving that He is the chosen one.
Chapter 18 makes clear that the offerings and tithes are for the Levites and their families. God also reminds them that only Aaron and his sons may serve as priests and go inside the curtain.
Numbers 19-21
Chapter 19 is a very odd account of how the Israelites were supposed to use water for cleansing purposes.
Also, here we find the important warnings about the dangers of touching dead bodies, and how it would make you unclean for 7 days.
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Chapter 20 has the well known story about Moses disobeying God and hitting the rock to bring forth water for the grumbling Israelites- instead if just speaking to it like He instructed.
God informed Moses that this moment of anger cost him the chance to enter the promised land. Interestingly, we have no record of Moses reaction to that news. He must have been heartbroken!
Later in chapter 20, God decides it is time for Aaron to die- so he has Moses and Eleazar bring Aaron to the top of Mt Hor. This is also where the transition from Aaron to his son happens- in regards to being the high priest.
The Israelites mourn Aaron’s death for 30 days.
Chapter 21 is an account of more grumbling Israelites- and the Lord sends poisonous snakes to kill them.
The people realized once again they had sinned against God and begged Moses to intercede. Moses prayed- and God heard him. He instructed Moses to make a bronze snake told them if they were bitten they were to look at the bronze snake and they would live.
Numbers 22-24
The Israelites were guided to Moab, and camped along the Jordan River near Jericho, at the beginning of chapter 22. Balak, the king of Moab became very upset about the Israelites- knowing what they had just done to the Amorites. He was also intimidated by the number of them. Balak sent for Balaam, to try and curse the Israelites.
We don’t know much about Balaam. Evidently he… did have the ability to talk to God. He was at least smart enough to listen to God when He told Balaam not to go back to Balak and do what he asked.
After the people came back and made the request again- God told Balaam to go with them but only to say what He told him to. Something seems to be missing in the translation- because it says that Balaam got up the next morning to go with the men to Moab- and then in the very next verse it said God was very angry with him. He sent an angel to stand in the road and block his path.
This is one of the humorous stories in the bible- because evidently the donkey could see the angel of the Lord but Balaam could not! Anyway the donkey kept leaving the road- to avoid going down the road the angel was blocking- which cost him a few beatings as Balaam thought he was choosing his own path. Then God gives the donkey the ability to speak! The donkey asks why Balaam keeps beating him! Balaam explains that the donkey is embarrasing him. The Lord then opens Balaam’s eyes to the angel of the Lord. Immediatedly, Balaam hits the ground facedown.
Chapter 23 opens with Balaam giving Balak the words God gave him to speak.
Chapter 24 opens with Balaam choosing to please the Lord by blessing Israel. This blessing infuriates Balak. Balaam ends his message to Balak by warning him what is to come of Moab.
Numbers 25-27
The Israelites foolishly let the women of Moab seduce them. Their unfaithfulness made God very angry! He used another plague to kill all those who worshipped Baal. 24,000!
Phineas, Aaron’s grandson saw unspeakable evil committed in broad daylight and immediately went and killed the man and woman. God praised this man for being zealous, for the Lord’s honor. He made a covenant t…o bless his family for generations to come for what he did.
At the end of chapter 25, God makes it clear that the Israelites are to treat the Midianites as enemies and to kill them.
Chapter 26 God instructs Moses to take another census.
Chapter 27 states that the Lord told Moses that he was to go to the top of a mountain to see the promised land He was giving them. He also tells Moses that he will die there.
God tells Moses that Joshua will be succeeding Moses.
Numbers 28-30
God’s refresher course for the Israelites on His expectations for daily offerings, Sabbath offerings, and monthly offerings.
He also reminded them that they were to celebrate the firstfruits, and the feast of trumpets. They were to observe the day of atonement and celebrate the feast of tabernacles.
Chapter 30 listed the Lord’s commands about taking vows. Obviously the Lord knew His people needed structure and guidelines to walk the path to obedience.”
Numbers 31-33
Chapter 31 begins with God giving Moses one more big assignment before he will die.
God tells Moses to send a thousand men per tribe into battle to destroy the Midianites.
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12,000 men do as they are told , and later God instructs Moses how to have them disperse the spoils.
Chapter 32 starts with the tribes of Reuben and Gad asking for their inheritance to be the land they see in the east side if the Jordan that is suitable for livestock.
After they promise to take part in battle for Canaan with the other Israelites Moses grants them their wish.
Chapter 33 is a summary of the order of the trip the Israelites have taken, and every place a long the way the Lord guided them to along the journey.
Numbers 34-36
God reveals Himself through His Word. Pretty obvious statement- but it is what comes to mind as I finished Numbers.
My God likes order. My God guides and protects through the commands He gives. My God loves to bless His people with lavish gifts!
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Chapter 34 opens with God giving Moses the detailed information about where the boundaries of Canaan should be.
My God loves justice. He gives orders that the land should be divided by specific men that He names! God names the people He trusts to carry out His inheritance gifts!
Chapter 35, God makes it known to Moses what the Israelites are to give to the Levites. He also describes cities He wants them to set aside to be “cities of refuge”.
These were towns set up for people who may have accidentally killed another to flee. God was concerned that these people survive long enough to have a trial- so He made plans for them!
At this point God makes very clear what constitutes a murder in His eyes. If there is “malice aforethought”, “hostility”, “killing an enemy”, then the Lord says it’s murder- and you deserve death.
If the accused did not intend to kill, he was to flee to a city of refuge until after the death of the high priest. Sounds weird huh? The only thing I could guess is that the Lord was saying that even if it was accidental- there was a taking of a life , which required a punishment- time taken away from you.
Chapter 36 discusses the case of a man’s daughters who were given an inheritance- and other family members inquiring what would happen to the land when they married. They didn’t want to lose their inheritance of land to another tribe.
The Lord commands them to marry within their clan if they want to keep the land. God states clearly that no inheritance of land shall pass from tribe to tribe.
Again, God creates order where there is chaos. He loved the Israelites so much that He tried to guide them around issues that could cause serious problems among them in years to come!
Deuteronomy 1-3
Chapter 1 is a summary of the last 40 years the Israelites have spent waiting to be given their promised land.
It’s interesting to me that when Moses was telling about his punishment in not being able to go in to the land he blamed the Israelites. I think God would have been pleased for Moses to take the responsibility for what his moment of anger caused. It sounds like Moses w…as bitter about what it had cost him.
Chapter 2 continues with Moses account of their wandering in the desert and he reminds the Israelites of how the Lord blessed them and has given them all they needed.
God has always been faithful to His people. Despite their rebellion, complaining, disloyalty, and lack if faith- He always provided and protected them.
Chapter 3 talks about people that the Lord let the Israelites take out- so that they could receive their inheritance.
At the end of chapter 3, Moses begs the Lord to change His mind and let Moses go into the promised land. Unfortunately, in the midst of the request he once again throws the Israelites under the bus- placing the blame on them for his sinful angry outburst.
God doesn’t let Moses finish once this words are spoken- God doesn’t like to hear excuses for bad behavior! He tells Moses to stop and not to talk to Him about it anymore!
God tells Moses that He will let him look at the land from the top of a mountain. He then tells Moses that he needs to encourage and strengthen Joshua because he will be leading the people into the promised land.
There are serious consequences for our sin- just because we have been given the incredible gift of forgiveness and love from the Father does not mean our sin does not cost us anything. A hard lesson is accepting that and not blaming others for the cost we have to pay.
Deuteronomy 4-6
Chapter 4 begins with a warning not to add to or subtract from the commands the Lord has given.
Obedience will lead to wisdom and understanding.
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The precious words, “The Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to Him.” (4:7)
Warnings not to create images to worship…or warnings against worshipping created animals or stars, etc. (these were things the Egyptians all did)
A loving reminder to the Israelites: “When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and obey Him. For the LORD your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which He confirmed to them by oath.”
Chapter 5 Moses reviews one more time the story of how God gave him the 10 commandments at Sinai.
My favorite verse in chapter 5 was 29, “Oh that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always so that it might go well with them and their children forever!”
Chapter 6 is where it is written, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
We are commanded to talk about these commands all throughout our day- and impress them on our children. Physical reminders on our door frames and on our bodies were also commanded by God.
When we are not hungry- when we are content we are warned not to forget all that the Lord had done for us.
Another verse that really makes me believe that when God says FEAR Him, He means FEAR- not just respect-
“for the LORD your God who is among you is a jealous God and His anger will burn against you and He will destroy you from the face of the land.”
Does that kind of fear really make you think God only desires respect or reverence? I don’t believe it! He wants us to fear worshipping other gods!
The chapter ends with a beautiful verse, “And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.”
Deuteronomy 7-9
“The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession.”
“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.”
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Chapter 8 has the words that Jesus quoted to Satan while he was trying to tempt Him with eating bread. “Man does not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”
Deuteronomy 10-12
Moses tells the Israelites about the LORD giving him the stone tablets in chapter 10…I think it is new information given here that the LORD also had him make a wooden chest to put the tablets in.
Verse 12 and 13 are close to my heart, “And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the …LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.
I think that is something the Israelites, and people today overlook- God’s commands are for our own good…they protect us! He loves us and wants us to not do things that hurt others and ourselves through our bad choices!
Verse 21 is beautiful! “He is your praise; He is your God who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.”
An interesting note from chapter 11- is that the Israelites love and obedience to God was returned by God in the form of rain!!! Again Moses confirms the special gift Canaan is to Israelites: “It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.”
Moses reminds the people the significance of continually having God’s word on their minds- and having visual reminders around there homes- so that they are always thinking and talking about Him.
Deuteronomy 13-15
“…The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Yikes! If that verse doesn’t make you stop and think…how many days do I let down my Father in heaven by not making Him first?
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A definition of evil in DT 13:5 that I never have considered before- a person who tries to turn you away from the way the LORD your God commanded you to follow! God takes this kind of evil very seriously- he demands the person be killed! I think that shows the vulnerablitilty He knew we would have to the world and its influence…
Chapter 14 is quick to point out that God’s people are not to do the things that other people in the world do. Many pagan religions required there followers cult themselves as an act of worshipping their god. Sounds like Satan doesn’t it? He hates our bodies- because we are created in the image of God…therefore demand that people self-mutilate as a way of damaging God’s image. Verses 1-2, state the children of God were to be holy to the LORD.
Again this beautiful verse is said of the Israelites- the Jews- “Out of all the peoples
on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be His treasured possession.”
The importance of tithes is brought up in 14:22- a tithe was a tenth of what they produced in a year. Isn’t it so sad how many Christians don’t practice tithing?
Chapter 15, God commands that at the end of every seven years all debts must be cancelled. (Funny how our own system is also that way- at least with a bankruptcy).
Deuteronomy 16-18
Chapter 16 begins by Moses reminding the Israelites about what is expected of them during Passover. He then moves on to discuss the feast of weeks and the feast of tabernacles.
Chapter 17 is where we have our first mention of the requirements of a king. God knows that the people will want a king soon- and so He begins to lay the groundwork for where this person must come fro…m and what will be required of him to be pleasing to the Lord.
One of the things mentioned is that the king will have to write for himself a copy of the law to have with him so that he continuously read it. The purpose of this is so that he would obey God’s law and learn to revere it.
Chapter 18 God talks about the many horrible things the people were not to do. The people who were living in Canaan did evil things while they worshipped other gods. God wanted to let them know none of things were acceptable!
At the end of 18, God tells them He will raise up a prophet from among them. This is in preparation for Moses dying- since the Israelites already told Moses they didn’t want God to speak to them directly.
Deuteronomy 19-21
Chapter 19 talks about the cities of refuge the Israelites are to set up for people who accidentally kill another person to run to.
Instructions are given about the importance of multiple witnesses to a crime. God knew there would be people filled with enough hate to lie about what crime another had committed.
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Chapter 20 details how they are to go to war against different cities. In some cases they are able to keep the plunder they find including the women and children- in other cities they are to kill everyone and take nothing.
God knew these evil cities would corrupt His people if they were given a chance.
Chapter 21 tells the Israelites what they need to do if there is an unsolved murder.
The Lord also gives His direction about marrying women taken captive.
He ends the chapter by affirming the significant place the firstborn son is to take in the family- regardless of the love the husband has for that wife.
Lastly, don’t leave man’s body hanging on a tree overnight. You must bury him the same day.
Deuteronomy 22-24
Some new things are listed that the Israelites were to observe and obey.
No cross dressing!
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There were not to plant two kinds of seeds in their vineyards. (I am sure this makes sense to a farmer)
They weren’t to wear linen and wool woven together. (?)
They were to make tassels for the four corners of their cloaks.
Don’t charge a brother interest!
If you make a vow to the LORD- do not be slow to pay it!
A man who has recently married must not be sent to war- or have any other duty given to him- because for one year he is to be free to stay home and make his wife happy.
Pay a poor man before sunset- don’t make him wait -he may cry out to the LORD and you will be found guilty of sin!
Don’t deprive the alien, or fatherless of justice.
Deuteronomy 25-27
There are so many things that are rooted in the culture of the middle east- sometimes it is hard to make sense of some of the Lord’s commands.
It was evidently of the utmost importance to keep the lines of descent pure in Israel. God passed down the command that if a man dies before he gives his wife a son- his brother had a duty to marry her, give her a son and name it after …her original dead husband!
Reading this where we live sounds like something you would find on a Jerry Springer show…maybe I need to read more about their culture so that I can understand the importance of this command.
Chapter 25 has a theme- God detests anyone who deals dishonestly. Pretty black and white, huh?
Another important note- God hated the Amalekites. They were bullies. They picked on the weak and defenseless. God hated them. He wanted the Israelites to blot out the memory of them!
Chapter 26 is beautiful. It is a touching summary of where the Israelites have come from and what God had done for them. It details how they will show their gratitude to the LORD with the firstfruits of what they produced from the land God provided.
If you read chapter 26 carefully it reads like the exchanging of vows. It is like two people making promises to each other…
Chapter 27 is also a beautiful chapter. It begins by Moses telling the people to build an altar made specifically how he instructs them to on Mt Ebal.
Moses divides the 12 tribes into 2 groups and tells one group to go to Mt Gerizim and the other to go to Mt Ebal.
The group on Mt Gerizim were to bless the people, and the group on Mt Ebal were to pronounce curses.
The Levites were to then recite 12 curses- and they were to say amen after each one was spoken. The curses were based on commands the LORD had given- and those who chose to disobey them would be cursed.
Deuteronomy 28-30
I read my chapters last night- but was to tired to write…
Chapter 28 was 68 verses….of blessings promised to those who obey, and curses for those who turned against the Lord. The blessings are beautiful, and the curses are terrifying! Again, I think that thos who believe we aren’t suppose to FEAR God, haven’t read the Torah lately. Chapter 28 will make you fear God- and …not just respect, or revere Him…He wants us to FEAR Him!
Chapter 29 the Lord once again reminds the Israelites what He has done for them- and the covenant He made with them is renewed. “You are standing here in order to enter a covenant with the LORD your God, a covenant the LORD is making with yout this day and sealing with an oath to confirm you this day as His people, that He may be your God as He promised you and as He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
I love the last verse of chapter 29, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.”
Chapter 30 talks about how God will disperse His people, and then when they return to the LORD and obey Him with all their heart and soul that the LORD will restore their fortunes and have compassion on them.
Verse 6 states that “The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.”
Pretty simple- love and obey the LORD- and you will prosper—disobey Him and turn from Him and you will suffer.
Deuteronomy 31-33
Moses let the Israelites know that he was 120, and that he would no longer be able to lead them. He let them know Joshua would be leading them across the Jordan to the promised land.
The Lord tells Moses that he is about to die. He foretells the rebellion that will occur in the future with His people.
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The Lord encourages Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and Myself will be with you.”
Chapter 32 is the song the Lord gave Moses to teach the Israelites. It was to be a witness for the Lord against them.
My favorite verse is 2, “Let my teaching fall like rain, and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.”
Chapter 33 lists the blessings that Moses gives the Israelites right before he is going to die.
I love the blessing Moses gives to the tribe of Benjamin,
“Let the beloved of the LORD
rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders.”
Moses ends with these powerful words, “Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your shield and your helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before You, and You will trample down their high places.”
Deuteronomy 34, Joshua 1-2
Chapter 34, Moses climbs his last mountain, one last act of obedience. God kept His promise to Moses and showed him the promised land from atop Mount Nebo.
Moses died, and the Creator of the universe buried him in a grave, and only He knew the exact place.
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The Israelites grieved the death of Moses for 30 days.
Verse 10-14, sum up Moses life in these words, “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do in Egypt- to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.”
Joshua 1, begins with God reassuring Joshua that He will be with him, and that He will never leave him!
Over and over the LORD tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. God tells him, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Joshua 2 tells the story of Rahab and the spies. This brave woman protects two Israelites sent by Joshua to Jericho. Wisely this woman who believed in the LORD protected the men, and then reminded them to return the favor when they came back to destroy the city.
The men told her to tie a scarlet cord in the window when they entered the land- so that would be a sign to leave her and her family alone.
When the spies returned they told Joshua, “The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting with fear because of us.
Joshua 3-5
The LORD tells Joshua that He is going to begin to exalt him in front of the Israelites so that they will know God is with Joshua just like he was with Moses.
The LORD does this by performing another miracle. He stops the Jordan River from flowing downstream during it’s flood stage to allow all the Israelites to cross on dry land.
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Joshua then had a man from each tribe bring a stone so they could make a memorial to remind them of what God had done.
Chapter 5 God gives Joshua the unpleasant task of circumcising all the male Israelites.
The LORD then told Joshua,” Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.”
The Israelites celebrated Passover in this place- Gilgal.
For the first time in 40 years, the Israelites no longer received manna from the LORD to eat- they ate produce from the land He provided.
Joshua 6-8
Joshua 6 is a very familiar story- God gives specific instructions about how the Israelites are to take Jericho. It requires 7 days of them walking around the city, and priests blowing trumpets- they obey and God is faithful! The walls fall down and they take over the city. They do rescue Rahab and her family before they burn Jericho to the ground.
When the Israelites took over the… city, Joshua was very specific in telling them they were to keep away from the “devoted things”. He warned them that taking these things would bring in their own destruction.
So chapter 7 tells us the Israelites were not faithful- and a man named Achan took some of them.
God became very angry.
He allowed them to go into battle and be defeated by the Amorites. Joshua was very upset and did not understand why God had allowed this to happen.
The LORD let Joshua know that Israel had sinned- and broken their covenant by stealing devoted things from Jericho. He tells Joshua to have the Israelites consecrate themselves and appear before Him in their tribes.
Achan was found and questioned as part of Judah’s tribe. He confessed, and the items were found. His family, animals, tent, and possessions were stoned and then burned. After this God’s anger was turned away from Israel.
Joshua 9-11
Joshua and the Israelites were deceived by the people of Gibeon in chapter 9…the reason can be found in verse 14, “The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD,” Sometimes when we get too comfortable we forget to lean on God for guidance.
Chapter 10 told the story of a major battle at Gilgal. The LORD let Joshua know that He had given these peopleove…r to the Israelites so that he should not be afraid. Strangely-the LORD stopped the sun from going down- clearly a sign that He was in control! By the end of the chapter Joshua had killed the 5 Amorite kings and put the bodies in a cave where they had been hiding out while their city was being destroyed.
The key verse to me in chapter 11 was verse 15,” As the LORD commanded His servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.”
Chapter 11 ends by telling us that, “Joshua took the entire land, just as the LORD had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions.”
The PROMISED Land- God’s promise was theirs!
“Then the land had rest from war.
Joshua 12-14
Chapter 12 gives us a list of all the kings that the Israelites defeated, along with the place they reigned. Up to this point there were 31 kings in all!
Chapter 13 begins by telling us that Joshua is well advanced in years, or as God put it “old”. God also told Joshua that there was still a lot of land to be taken over. God tells Joshua that He will drive out the people in the m…ountain regions for him. He reminds Joshua that the land is to be divided among the Israelites as their inheritance. The rest of the chapter begins to tell us the land that each clan received.
Chapter 14 is a continuation of the listing of the lands inherited by the Israelites. Joshua lets us know that he is now 85 years old. He states that he is strong that day as he was the day Moses sent him out. He proclaimed he was as ready for battle that day as he was when he was younger.
Joshua 15-17
I struggled through these chapters…tons of cities named- which mean little to me…and I couldn’t even pronounce if I had to!
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However, this is enormously important information to the Israelites. This was the inheritance from God, which would stay in their family through generations.
Chapter 15 is the listings of Judah’s inheritance!
Chapter 16 and 17
Ephraim and Manasseh’s inheritance are listed.
Joshua 18-20
The inheritance of land is given to the tribe of Benjamin.
It seems significant that their land is between the land given to the tribe of Judah, and the tribe of Joseph.
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Chapter 19
The inheritances if land are given to the tribes of Simeon, Zebulon, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan.
It’s important to note that on the Lord’s orders Joshua divided the land and that they were assigned by lot at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting at Shiloh.
Chapter 20
The cities of refuge were assigned just as the Lord had commanded. The purpose for these was to be a place of refuge for those who had accidentally killed someone. They were to stay there until the high priest died who was serving at the time.
Joshua 21-23
Chapter 21 lists the towns that are given to the Levites. Each if the tribes gave them land from their inheritance. In all they were given 48 towns with pasturelands.
The last 3 verses sum up the book of Joshua.
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“So the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them. Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.”
Chapter 22 details the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh going back home. They were the tribes that agreed to fight with their brothers even though they chose their land on the eastern side of the Jordan.
Joshua blessed them and sent them on their way.
There was a big misunderstanding about an altar they built on the way home- the Israelites thought they were choosing to follow another God- but they cleared it up and explained that was never their intention. Interesting story to go back and read.
Chapter 23 has Joshua preparing the Israelites for his death. He spent time reminding them if all the things God had done for them- all the promises He had kept. He encouraged them to stay faithful and obedient.
Joshua 24- Judges 1-2
The final chapter of Joshua is about him saying goodbye to the people he has lead.
He reminds them of where they have been and where they are going. He reminds them of how the LORD has blessed them.
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He asks them “to fear the LORD and serve Him with all faithfulness.”. Joshua tells the Israelites- they have to make a choice who they will follow. He states emphatically, “But as for me and my household, we serve the LORD.”
Lastly, Joshua makes a covenant for the people with God. He set up a large stone to be a witness of this covenant.
Joshua died at the age of 110. They buried him on the land he inherited from God.
Judges 1 is the beginning of more battles. The LORD has the tribe of Judah attack the Canaanites and Perizzites. 10,000 men were killed at Bezek.
A very bad man named Adoni-Bezek was captured in this battle. He was a cruel man who enjoyed de-humanizing his enemies. He bragged he had the thumbs and big toes of 70 kings cut off and forced them to pick up scraps under his table!
He released what came next was God’s punishment. By the way, when they caught him trying to escape they cut off his thumbs and big toes. He died in Jerusalem.
Judges 2 begins with a rebuke. An angel of the LORD is sent to tell the Israelites that He is displeased with them. They disobeyed God and He let’s them know that things were going to get much more difficult for them.
They wept after hearing these words.
We are told that after Joshua died and a whole generation had passed and sadly the next generation did not know the LORD or what He had done for them!
Things got real ugly- the Israelites started worshipping other gods and did evil in God’s eyes.
God handed the Israelites over to their enemies. They were in great distress.
The LORD then decided to raise up judges to save them from their enemies. Unfortunately they did not listen to the judges and just became more evil.
It was a cycle that just repeated itself. God sent a judge to save them- and He kept them safe from their enemies until the judge died. After the judge died the people returned to worshipping other gods making God very angry.
They violated God’s covenant and they wouldn’t listen to Him.
Judges 3-5
The LORD left a few pesky nations around to test the Israelites who had not experienced any of the previous battles.
The Israelites did evil in God’s eyes and began worshipping other gods. This began a roller coaster of dramatic events. The LORD’s anger burned against the Israelites so He sold them to the king of Aram Naharaim, Cushan-Rishathaim. His name means “double wicked” in He…brew. They were subject to him for 8 years! They cried out to the LORD and He raised up a deliverer- Othniel, to save them. He was empowered by the Spirit and he became Israel’s judge and went to war. The LORD gave him the victory and there was 40 years of peace until Othniel died.
The Israelites again returned to their evil behavior. In response God gave them over to the king of Moab, Eglon.
They were subject to him for 18 years! Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD. Again He gave them a deliverer, Ehud.
Ehud kills Eglon and the Israelites killed another 10,000 Moabites in battle. There was then peace for 80 years!
The next judge was Shamgar.
Chapter 4 tells us that Ehud has died and the Israelites once again return to evil practices. The LORD sold them into the hands of Jabin, king of Cannan. He cruelly oppressed the Israelites for 20 years and then they cried out to the LORD.
The next judge was a woman- Deborah, a prophetess. Ultimately Jabin was destroyed and the Israelites grew stronger.
Chapter 5 is a song Deborah sang to praise the LORD!
Again God gave the Israelites 40 years of peace!
Judges 6-8
Chapter 6 begins by telling us that the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and for 7 years He gave them over to the Midianites.
When the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He sent them a prophet to remind them of their history- and how they failed in doing what He asked of them.
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He sent an angel to Gideon saying, “The LORD is with you mighty warrior.”
Gideon questioned this immediately asking why all the bad things were happening to them. God tells Gideon He has chosen him to save the Israelites.
Gideon asked the LORD for signs repeatedly- He patiently gave him multiple signs.
Chapter 7 tells the story of Gideon gathering men together to take on the Midianites. God has him reduce the number until he has only 300 men!
Judges 9-11
I delayed in writing about these chapters…because I was so tired after reading that night…and they are really depressing. Here is a recap.
Gideon, who was also known as Jerub-Baal, had a son named Abimelech.
Abimilech decided one day to go ask his Mother’s family- including his brothers, to inquire whether the citizens of Shechem would rather have all 70 of Gideon’s sons rule over them or just one man?
Unfortunately, their answer was one man, Abimelech. It is a signal of very bad things to come when you read that the people gave Abimelech 70 shekels of silver from the temple of Baal. He used this money to hire some followers.
His next stop… Gideon’s home, where Abimelech proceeded to murder all 70 of his brothers on one stone! One brother- the youngest, Jotham, escaped the massacre by hiding. Then the people crowned this bloodthirsty lunatic king.
When Jotham found out, he climbed to the top of Mt Gerazim and shouted at them to look at themselves and decide if they had acted honorably to Gideon and his family- if they had then he said that Abimelech should bring them joy- if not, he asked that God consume them with fire that originated from Abimelech.
Jotham fled after these strong words because he was afraid of his brother.
Abimelech governed Israel 3 years before God intervened and sent an evil spirit to divide the two.
We are told that God did this to avenge Gideon’s 70 sons who were murdered at Abimelech’s hand.
To make this long story a little shorter…Abimelech was almost killed by a woman who dropped a millstone on his head…he begged his armor bearer to stab him so that it wouldn’t be known that a woman killed him…lovely, huh?
Chapter 9 ends by letting us know that God avenged Gideon and his 70 sons.
Chapter 10 is about a man named Jephthah, who God used to turn His people away from evil.
God was very angry at the Israelites, who had once again started worshipping other gods.
He sold the into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites.
This time when the Israelites cry out for God to rescue them- He reminds them of all their other oppressors that He has delivered them from- and then tells them to go ask one of the gods they have been worshipping to help save them.
Again they pleaded, and also they got rid of the idols.
These beautiful words come next…”He could bear Israel’s misery no longer.”
Shame on us for not seeing how loving, compassionate, and merciful God the Father is to us! It seems like many try to say Jesus was full of those qualities, but God the Father was not….I challenge you to read the Word if you believe that!
Jephthah was a mighty warrior…and we are also told that his mother was a prostitute. Jephthah’s younger brothers drove him away because they couldn’t stand the thought that he would get their Father’s inheritance.
Later he was sought after for his battle experience by the elders of his town.
Jephthah told the Ammonite king that the LORD was going to decide the dispute between him and the Israelites.
We are told the Spirit of the LORD came on Jepthah, and then he vowed to sacrifice to the LORD whatever came out the door to greet him at home after he returned in triumph, if the LORD would give him the Ammonites in battle.
The LORD gave Jepthah the victory. Sadly, it cost Jepthah his only child, a daughter, who was the first to greet him when he returned home. Jepthah kept his vow- and sacrificed her.
Judges 12-14
Chapter 12 informs us that Jephthah went to battle with the men of Ephraim, who were angry because he didn’t ask them to join the battle against the Ammonites.
Jephthah tells these men that the LORD gave him the victory over the Ammonites- and he doesn’t understand why they want to fight.
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The men of Gilead led by Jephthah, killed 42,000 Ephraimites. He led Israel for 6 years.
Chapter 13 begins by telling us the Israelites did evil in the eyes if the LORD.
God chose a man and his wife who were unable to have children to conceive the next man to rescue Israel. Samson. The angel of the LORD told them that their son would be a Nazarite- he would be set apart from birth- and he would begin the deliverance of Israel from the Phillistines.
In chapter 14 we learn that Samson sees a young Phillistine woman that he wants to marry. This horrified his parents!
We are told in verse 4, that this was actually part of God’s plan to confront the Phillistines.
Meanwhile, Samson kills a lion with his bare hands- but only because the LORD came on him in power.
Samson holds a feast in preparation for his wedding. He tells a riddle that he wants the 30 men to try to solve. Three days later, they still couldn’t solve the riddle. At this point they become very frustrated and have Samson’s wife try to get the answer from him.
Initially he refuses, but after she cries for 7 days- Samson tells her. She in turn explained the riddle to her people.
Samson calls them on their deceit and then with the LORD’s power kills 30 of their men.
Samson goes back to his father’s house angry about all that has happened.
The chapter ends by telling us that Samson’s wife is given to a friend who had attended the wedding.
Judges 15-17
Time passes, and at the time of the wheat harvest Samson goes back to visit his wife.
The woman’s father denied the visit stating that he was so sure Samson hated her that he gave her to his friend. Then he offers Samson her younger sister.
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This clearly ticks Samson off. So he decided he had the right to get even with the Philistines.
He goes out and catches 300 foxes, ties them up tail to tail in pairs, and then fastened a torch to every pairs tails. He then let them loose in the Philistines grain, the vineyards, and the olive groves.
When the Philistines found out what Samson did and why he did it they killed his wife and her father.
Incited by their acts, Samson attacked them and “slaughtered many of them”.
The Philistines have Samson’s own people bring him to them. They tied him up with ropes, but when approached the Phillistines- God gave him the power to break the ropes!
Samson, clearly a quick thinker, found a fresh jawbone and killed 1000 men!
After this he cried out to the LORD because of thirst- he gives God the credit for his victory – and then begs fir water. God answered his cry- and Samson’s strength returned.
Chapter 15 ends by telling us that Samson led Israel for 20 years.
Chapter 16 begins with Samson going to Gaza and seeing a prostitute .
Later he fell in love with Delilah. (Side note- Delilah in Hebrew means darkness)
Delilah is bad news. Her people want to use her to find out where Samson’s strength comes from. She is happy to help them find out. Samson never seems to pick up on what she is doing…and finally tells her that he is a Nazarite and that if his head was shaved he would lose his strength.
Next the diabolical witch has him fall asleep in her lap and has his head shaved.
Then she let’s the Phillistines take him. True to their cruel nature- they first gouge out his eyes and throw him in a prison to do menial work.
Later the Phillistines have a party- and have Samson come so that they can be entertained by laughing at him in his current state.
Samson gets the last word. He asks the LORD to strengthen him one last time so that he can get his revenge one last time on the Phillistines. God gives him what he asked for and Samson pulls down the columns and kills himself and the Phillistines all at the same time. We are told he killed more at this time- when he died, then when he lived.
Chapter 17 tells the story of a man named Micah who made carved images and idols. He made one of his sons the priest of his own little shrine.
Verse 6 paints a dark picture, “in those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.”
A young Levite from Bethlehem looking for a place to stay- found Micah’s house.
When Micah found out where he wax from and that he was a Levite he invited him to live there and be his priest.
In what seems crazy to me, we are told Micah believed that because a Levite was his priest the LORD would be good to him.
Unreal!
Judges 18-20
I am going to be brief…partially because FB just ate my post, partially because this chapters are disturbing, and I am behind on my posting.
Judges 18
The Danites take over Laish- burning down the city, and rebuilding it in the process. They set up idols that they stole from Micah’s house- and worship them in the new city they set up. The beginning of the chapter tells us that the Danites had not yet received their inheritance- one wonders if God was waiting for them to clean up their act.
Judges 19 details the story of a Levite and his concubine. Warning: Don’t read this as a bedtime story- it will give you nightmares!
The Levite takes a concubine. She is unfaithful and goes back to her fathers home. The Levite goes back for her. As they are coming back home they stay overnight in a Benjamite town. An old man saw them in the city square, which was evidently a scary place, he asked them where they were going, and where they had come from. He quickly told them they could stay with him, and warned them they needed to leave the city square.
The Levite, the woman and a young man with him- I am guessing a servan went home with the old man. They washed their feet and ate together. Soon a group of wicked men came asking for the Levite to be handed over to them so they could have sex with him. The owner of the house begs them not to do this vile thing. Instead he offers up his virgin daughter and the concubine. (Lovely huh?)
The men wouldn’t listen. The man sent out the concubine- the raped her and abused her all night. At dawn they let her go. She was found the next morning in the doorway outside the door of the house. He told her to get up- so they could go. (Real compassionate, huh?) She didn’t respond. He put her on his donkey and went home.
When he got home, he cut her up into 12 parts and sent them to all the areas of Israel.
Judges 20
The Israelites all came together and assembled before the LORD in Mizpah. The leaders, 400 men with swords took their place in the assembly. The Levite testified to what happened to him and his concubine- and then admitted what he did- and then asked what they intended to do.
The Israelites united against the city of Benjamin. They sent messengers throughout the tribe of Benjamin, asking for these men to be handed over so they could kill them and purge the evil from Israel.
The Benjamites would not listen to their fellow Israelites. They came together to fight their fellow Israelites at Gibeah. 26,000 swordsmen, and 700 young men from Gibeah. Among those we are told there were “700 select troops who were left-handed who could sling a stone at a hair and not miss!”
Israel had 400,000 swordsmen fit for battle. They went up to Bethel, and asked the LORD who should go up first to fight the Benjamites? The LORD told them Judah should go first.
The Benjamites killed 22,000 Israelites on the first day.
The Isrealites encouraged each other, to again take up their positions the next day. They wept before the LORD until the evening, and then asked if they should again fight the Benjamites. The LORD say – go fight them.
Day two the Benjamites killed 18,000 Israelites.
Then ALL the Israelites went up to Bethel where they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted until evening, and presented burnt and fellowship offerings before the LORD. They inquired again, if they should continue to fight the Benjamites. The LORD responded, “Go, for tomorrow, I will give them into your hands.”
As promised the next day, the LORD defeated Benjamin before Israel, killing 25,100 Benjamites.
Some wicked men decide to come bang on
Judges 21- Ruth1,2
The men of Israel took an oath not to give any of their daughters in marriage to a Benjaminite. The people went to Bethel where they sat before God until evening “raising their voices and weeping bitterly.” They cried, “Why has this happened to Israel? Why should one tribe be missing from Israel today?”
Early the next day, the people built an altar and presnted burnt offeri…ngs and fellowship offerings.
The next problem they faced was finding wives for those who were left from the tribe of Benjamin. They discovered one tribe- Jabesh Gilead had failed to assemble before the LORD…so they sent 12000 fighting men to kill every man woman who wasn’t a virgin. There were 400 virgins. They took them to the camp at Shiloh.
The Israelites then sent an offer of peace to the Benjamites. They returned at that time and were given the women of Jabesh Gilead. There weren’t enough for all of them.
The people grieved for the tribe of Benjamin because the LORD had “made a gap in the tribes of Israel”. They came up with a plan to take young women who were dancing in the local vineyards at a festival in Shiloh. (Again- it really stinks to be a woman in the middle east!)
The Benjamites caught and carried off a wife- and they all returned to their inheritance and rebuilt the towns.
All the Israelites left and went home each to their own inheritance…I can’t imagine that the LORD was pleased with their tactics. Ladies- we should all thank God every day that we wake up here in the US- and bless God we were not born a woman living in the middle east!
Ruth 1
This time period of this book is the same time as when the judges ruledd over Israel. It was a time of famine- so Elimelek, and his wife Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Killon went to live in Moab. Elimelek died, and Naomi’s two sons married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. Ten years later, both Mahlon and Killon also died.
Naomi heard that the LORD had come to the aid of His peopl by providing food for them, she and her daughter-in-laws prepared to return her home. She set out on the road- before she seemed to have second thoughts and told her two daughter in laws to go back to their mother’s home. They wept together- and both told her they wanted to back with her to her people.
Naomi, again told them that they should go back to their homes. She told them she had nothing to offer them, and that the LORD had turned His hand against her- and she was bitter. They all wept again, and Orpah left. Ruth clung to Naomi.
Ruth tells Naomi, “Don’t urge me to leave you or turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
Naomi accepts that Ruth will not leave her and they proceed onto Bethlehem.
Interestingly it states that when they arrived in Bethlehem the whole town was stirred because of them. I wonder why?
When the women asked if this could be Naomi, she said, “Don’t call me Naomi, call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune on me.”
Wow- strong words huh? It would be easy to say that Naomi is just having a pity party- but how many of you would feel any different if you lost your husband and both children?
In the midst of her sadness, and anger, and bitterness, God was about
bless her through Ruth. Its so encouraging to know that when we are in the depths of despair- God has a plan to bless us and show us His love and kindness.
Ruth 1
This time period of this book is the same time as when the judges ruledd over Israel. It was a time of famine- so Elimelek, and his wife Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Killon went to live in Moab. Elimelek died, and Naomi’s two sons married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. Ten years later, both Mahlon and Killon also di…ed.
Naomi heard that the LORD had come to the aid of His peopl by providing food for them, she and her daughter-in-laws prepared to return her home. She set out on the road- before she seemed to have second thoughts and told her two daughter in laws to go back to their mother’s home. They wept together- and both told her they wanted to back with her to her people.
Naomi, again told them that they should go back to their homes. She told them she had nothing to offer them, and that the LORD had turned His hand against her- and she was bitter. They all wept again, and Orpah left. Ruth clung to Naomi.
Ruth tells Naomi, “Don’t urge me to leave you or turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
Naomi accepts that Ruth will not leave her and they proceed onto Bethlehem.
Interestingly it states that when they arrived in Bethlehem the whole town was stirred because of them. I wonder why?
When the women asked if this could be Naomi, she said, “Don’t call me Naomi, call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune on me.”
Wow- strong words huh? It would be easy to say that Naomi is just having a pity party- but how many of you would feel any different if you lost your husband and both children?
In the midst of her sadness, and anger, and bitterness, God was about
bless her through Ruth. Its so encouraging to know that when we are in the depths of despair- God has a plan to bless us and show us His love and kindness.
Ruth 3,4, I Samuel 1
Ruth 3 opens with Naomi telling Ruth that she feels responsible for her finding a husband. She gives her specific instructions what to do to open Boaz’s eyes to his kinsmen-redeemer responsibilities towards her.
Ruth does as she is told. She baths, perfumes herself, puts on her best clothes and goes to the threshing floor where Boaz is working. She waits until the he has finished working for the day, and has eaten and laid down- just as Naomi told her to do. The next thing Naomi told her to do is PG-13…although you can tell from the English translation we have.
A well known bible teacher of the Jewish culture opened my eyes to the true meaning of what really happens next in the text. The NIV says, “When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” Strange huh? What do Boaz’s feet have to do with anything, and why would that signal something to him about what he is to do? Well, feet is actually a euphemism for his circumcision. What Naomi was telling Ruth to do was to uncover the body part that would remind Boaz of the promise he had made to follow God’s commandments…the circumcision was an outward sign of that promise. So when Ruth uncovered it- Boaz would immediately know that she was asking him to do what he said he would do- follow God’s law- and marry her.
I think it is funny that it says Boaz was startled awake in the middle of the night. I wonder if that was God. When he woke up, and asked who was laying next to him, Ruth was bold in her answer. She said her name, and then she got right to the point. She asked him to “spread the corner of your garment over me since you are a kinsman-redeemer.” She was asking him for his protection, she was asking him to marry her! In similar words that he earlier used to bless her with when he said, “May you be richly rewarded by the LORD , the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
Boaz then praises her for her noble character, and tells her that he will do for her what she asks. He tells her that there is one closer relative then him and that he needs to be given the opportunity first to redeem her- but if he won’t then he says, “as surely as the LORD lives I will do it.” It’s just me- but I think Boaz was hoping the other relative wouldn’t step up. I think he wanted Ruth to be his wife. Just my opinion…
Before he lets her return home in the morning he gives her a large amount of barley to take home with her. Ruth returns home, and tells Naomi what happened. Naomi speaks wise words to Ruth when she confidently states, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.”
Ruth 4 tells the story of Boaz going through the proper channels to make sure that he is able to marry Ruth. Boaz marries Ruth. The LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. (Obviously this was a big deal since she was married for years to her previous husband and had no children.) Ruth’s first son was named Obed. He would later become the father to Jesse, the father of David.
Ruth was blessed by the LORD!
I Samuel 1
Elkanah had two wives, one was Hannah and the other was Peninnah. Peninnah had children but Hannah was barren. We are told that every year Elkanah faithfully went to worship and sacrifice to the LORD Almighty at Shiloh. It said he would give meat to his wife Peninnah and her sons and daughters, but he gave a double portion to Hannah because he loved her and the LORD had closed her womb. We also learn that Peninnah provoked and irritated Hannah because she had no children year after year.
One day the tormenting of her rival caused her to weep uncontrollably at the doorpost of the temple. She wept and prayed and begged God to give her a child. She promised that if He would bless her with a child she would give him to the LORD for all the days of his life. She also mentioned that a razor would never be used on his head- he would be a Nazarite- set apart for God’s service. Her extreme emotional state caused Eli, the priest to think she was drunk. She quickly corrects him- telling him she was praying in her anguish and grief. Eli tells her to go in peace, and asks God to give her what she has prayed for.
When they get home, the LORD remembers Hannah, and she conceives and gives birth to a son. She names him Samuel, “Because I asked the LORD for him.”
After Samuel was weaned, Hannah took Samuel with her to the temple and gave him to the LORD just as she promised. She reminds Eli who she is, and what her promise was to the LORD. She tells him that Samuel’s whole life will be given over to the LORD. The last verse if chapter one says,” And he worshipped the LORD there.”
Can you even imagine giving up your weaned child to the LORD? Even if she just breast fed him till he was 2 or 3, can you imagine giving the LORD your baby? Hannah was an amazing, woman- who put her God first- before her baby- how many of us could do the same?
I Samuel 2-4
I Samuel chapter 2 opens with a beautiful prayer from Hannah’s heart. She is rejoicing in the LORD and how He has blessed her. She points out one of the wondrous things about our God, that He loves reversing people’s destiny.
“The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who hungry hunger no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away.” Praise the LORD!
Chapter 2, transitions from a joyous place, to a devastating one. We are told that Eli the priest’s sons are wicked, and that they had no regard for the LORD. They sinned greatly in the LORD’s sight by treating the LORD’s offering with contempt. This was a sharp contrast from Samuel’s character. He was ministering before the LORD faithfully from a young age. Hannah was also faithful, as she visited him each year at the time of the annual sacrifice. She made him a new robe each year and brought it to him at this time. Eli blessed Hannah by asking the LORD to give Hannah and Elkanah more children to take the place of the one that she prayed for and gave to the LORD. Any woman knows that one child could never take the place of another- but we understand the thought behind Eli’s blessing. God answered this prayer, by graciously giving Hannah 5 more children, three sons and two daughters.
Eli’s sons increase their evil behavior by sleeping with women who served at the entrance of the tabernacle! Eli rebuked them- but they did not listen. Again in contrast we are told that, ‘Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and men.” Does that sound familiar? Those are the same words that they used to later describe Jesus.
A prophet came to Eli to confront his unwillingness to remove his sons from the service at the tabernacle. He accuses Eli of honoring his sons more than God. Eli is told what will happen to his evil sons, Hophni and Phineas- that they will die on the same day, and that “He will raise up a faithful priest who will do what is My heart and mind.” He also tells him that this family line will be eliminated. This is one of those lessons that illustrates why you should never put your children before the LORD. In extreme cases it can lead to your entire family’s destruction.
I Samuel 3 records the first time that Samuel is spoken to directly by God. The first three times Samuel hears his name he believes that Eli is calling him. After the third time, Eli tells Samuel that the LORD is calling him. Verse 10 seems funny to me, “The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! , Samuel!” The LORD stood there? I wonder if Samuel felt His physical presence?
The LORD goes on to tell Samuel what He is about to do in Israel- deal with Eli’s sons and the his family. It had to be really difficult for Samuel to hear. This is the man he has spent the majority of his life with- the man who has raised him…I wonder why God chose to tell Samuel about what was going to happen. Was it to strengthen Samuel’s faith in the LORD, so that when it happened Samuel would know God was faithful? Was it so Samuel would not later question why the bad things were happening to Eli’s family? What a loving choice, that doesn’t necessary look like it at first glance. The LORD wanted Samuel to understand why He was about to do something that had to be done.
The next morning Eli wanted to know what the LORD had told Samuel. He told Eli the truth. Eli, now having heard this news twice- says, “He is the LORD, let Him do what is good in His eyes.” Pretty amazing huh?
To end chapter 3, we have this beautiful verse, “The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of His words fall to the ground.” Can you imagine? Samuel treasured every word the LORD gave him! How would our lives be different if we did the same?
I Samuel 4 gives the account of the Israelites going into battle against the Philistines. It stand out to me that they did not ask the LORD if they should. Israel was defeated. 4000 men were killed. After the battle the elders ask, “Why did the LORD bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines?” They decided at that time they should have the ark of the covenant with them the next time they went into battle. They sent men to Shiloh to get it. Eli’s sons Hophni and Phineas were there with the ark. (Enter ominous music).
There was another battle once the ark arrived. The Philistines immediatedly noted that, “a god had come into the camp”. They knew what the Israelites God had done for them…sort of reminds me that even the demons shudder in the presence of God. The Philistines and Israelites fought. 30,000 Israelite foot soldiers were killed- including Hophni and Phineas, and the ark of the covenant was captured!
When Eli was given the news of all that had happened, at the mention of the ark being captured, he fell backward off his chair, broke his neck and died. Eli had led Israel for forty years.
I Samuel 5-7
I Samuel 5 begins by giving us evidence of how stupid the Philistines were. The Philistines carried the captured ark of the covenant into Dagon’s temple and set it beside him. (Dagon was the main god the Philistines worshipped.) The next morning when the people went in the temple Dagon was face down before the ark of the LORD! The people put him back up, and the next day, Dagon wa…s face down again- but this time with his head and hands broken off! Verse 6 says, “The LORD’s hand was heavy upon the people of Ashdod and its vicinity; He brought devastation upon them and afflicted them with tumors.”
They quickly decided they needed to get the ark out of Ashdod. Every city they moved it to- the same thing happened- God hand was heavy over that city. He afflicted all the people with tumors.
I Samuel 6 tells us the Philistines had been in Philistine territory for 7 months. Slow learners weren’t they? When they sent it back, they included a “guilt offering”. The guilt offering was 5 gold tumors and 5 gold rats- because that was the number of Philistine rulers who had been struck by the LORD’s hand. Their hope was that the gift would cause God to lift His hand from them and allow them to be healed.
The Philistines sent the ark and the guilt offering on a cart led by two cows. The cows somehow knew exactly where to go…They went to a town named Beth Shemesh. The people immediately rejoiced at the sight of their beloved ark. The people chopped up the wood of the cart, and killed the cows for a sacrifice to the LORD. They set the tumors and rats on a rock.
God struck down 70 men of this town because they looked in the ark. He needed to remind His people that where His presence resided was sacred and holy.
I Samuel 7 begins by telling us that word was sent to the town, Kiriath Jearim was being sent the ark of the LORD. A man named Eleazar, son of Abinadab, was consecrated to guard the ark of the LORD. The ark stayed in this town for 20 years, and “all the people of Israel mourned and sought after the LORD.”
Samuel told the people that if they were truly returning to the LORD with all their hearts they needed to get rid of their foreign gods, commit to the LORD, and serve Him only and then the LORD would deliver them from the Philistines.
At Mizpah, Samuel interceded for the Israelites. He cried out to the LORD and the LORD answered him. The Philistines drew near to attack while Samuel was sacrificing a burn offering. The LORD sent a loud thunder that threw them into a panic. The Israelites were then able to kill them and drive them far away from their land.
We are told, “throughout Samuel’s lifetime, the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines.” Two of the Philistine towns afflicted by the LORD’s judgment were restored, and Israel was able to deliver the neighboring areas from the power of the Philistines.
Samuel was a judge over Israel all the days of his life.
I Samuel 8-10
I Samuel 8, opens with a piece of sad information. Samuel’s sons did not walk with the LORD. This caused some significant problems because when Samuel was growing old, he appointed them judges over Israel. Samuel’s sons “accepted bribes and perverted justice”.
As you can imagine, the Israelites were not going to put up with this. The elders went to Samuel, and very bluntly told him that he was old, his sons were a mess, and they wanted a king to lead them, just like the other nations had. This news did not please Samuel- so he prayed.
The LORD spoke these words to Samuel, “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you that they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.”
This makes me sad. Can you imagine, the Creator of the Universe, our Heavenly Father, our Beloved LORD, saying the words they have rejected me as their king? And yet how often do we reject Him? Our rebellion hurts our Father- let’s not kid ourselves! Our choice to have things our way and not His- pains Him deeply.
Samuel obeyed the LORD. He told them what a king would really mean for their daily lives. Of course, these stubborn hard hearted Israelites refused to listen to Samuel or God. They wanted what the rest of the world had- an earthly king. How often would we rather have what the world offers instead of what the Lord wants to give us?
Samuel goes back to God and repeated to Him what the people said…which is funny…did he really think God didn’t hear what they said? Anyway, the LORD answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.”
How often does God give us exactly what we want- so that we will learn the hard way, that His way is better!
I Samuel 9 opens with us “meeting” Saul, a Benjamite. Saul is described as being “an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites- a head taller than any of the others.” His father was Kish.
The LORD revealed to Samuel who He had chosen to be king. Samuel was told to anoint him king, and that He would use him to deliver his people from the hand of the Philistines. “I have looked upon my people, for their cry has reached Me.” We serve a compassionate, merciful God who HEARS US! Praise Him!
I Samuel 10, opens with Samuel anointing Saul’s head with oil. Verse nine tells us, “As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart.”
Samuel gathered the Israelites at Mizpah and presented them with the LORD’s anointed, Saul. Chapter 10 ends with these interesting verses, “Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God has touched. But some troublemakers said, ‘How can this fellow save us?’ They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.”
God surrounded His newly anointed king with valiant men- and then touched their hearts! Isn’t that awesome? I think the next verse tells us that Saul must have heard the troublemakers question his leadership, otherwise why note that he kept silent. I think this shows some wisdom on Saul’s part. He knew silence was the best choice in the face of grumblers.
I Samuel 11-13
(context- Saul has just been presented as king- most celebrated-some grumbled)
A psycho named Nahash, who was an Ammonite, (descendants of Lot), attacked the Israelite town of Jabesh Gilead. (this was a tribal area of Manasseh)
…
The men of Jabesh asked Nahash to make a treaty with then, and then they would serve him. (a little odd)
Psychotic Nahash said he would make a treaty with them only on the condition that he was allowed to gouge out the right eye of them- thereby bringing disgrace to all of Israel.
The elders of Jabesh asked for 7 days to send word to the rest of Israel, asking for help. They agreed if no one came to rescue them- they would surrender to Nahash.
The response of the people was weeping. The response when Saul received the message was outrage. Verse 6 says, “when Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger.”
Saul chopped up a pair of oxen and sent them by messenger throughout Israel with a threatening note, “this is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel. Then the terror of the LORD fell on the people, and they turned out as one man.”
Wow! Another verse that I would use to say we are supposed to FEAR the LORD! It is translated terror- not respect!!!
We are told 300,000 men from Israel, and 30,000 from Judah responded to the call.
Messengers were sent out to Jabesh Gilead to let them know help was coming!
Saul and the Israelite army slaughtered the Ammonites, although some escaped…including the king, Nahash and his son. (this would be an issue later for David.)
After this victory the Israelites wanted the grumblers who didn’t support Saul as king to be executed. Saul, wisely said, “No one should be put to death today, for this day the LORD has rescued Israel.”
Samuel told the people to go to Gilgal so they could reaffirm Saul’s kingship. They obeyed- reaffirming Saul in the presence of the LORD.
This was a huge moment for Saul, and they all celebrated!
I Samuel 14 opens with Jonathan, son of King Saul, going over to a Philistine outpost, without letting his father know it. Meanwhile, Saul and about 600 of his men were staying on the outskirts of Gibeah, under a pomegranate tree. Jonathan’s only companion on his mission was his armor bearer. They killed about 20 men, with the LORD’s help. Verse 15 says that a panic sent by God hit the whole Philistine army. Once Saul saw the the strange behavior of the Philistine army, he knew it was time to attack. They found the Philistines in total confusion- attacking each other with their swords. Verse 23 says, “The LORD rescued Israel that day.”
Verse 24 tells us that the men of Israel were distressed because Saul had made them fast after the battle. His exact foolish words were, “Cursed be any man who eats food before evening come, before I have avenged myself of my enemies!”
The army entered the woods and saw honey on the ground- but they feared eating any of it because of Saul’s curse. Jonathan had not heard about the warning from his father, so he ate some of the honey. About this time a soldier tells Jonathan about Saul’s curse. Wisely, Jonathan immediately realizes the mistake his father made by putting his army in this situation. He realizes how much more successful they would have been with more energy.
Verse 31 shows how Saul’s foolishness led to the army’s sinful behavior. It says they were exhausted after striking down the Philistines, and so they began butchering some of the plunder they had taken from battle and then they ate the meat with the blood. (If you remember Leviticus- you will note this was a major no-no). When this was brought to Saul’s attention he told the people they were sinning. He told them to bring him cattle and sheep to slaughter and eat- but to not eat it with the blood still in it. Then we are told for the first time Saul built an altar to the LORD! Then Saul decides he wants to go kill all the Philistines. A priest tells him that they should ask God first. So Saul asked God if he should go after the Philistines, and if He would give them over to him. We are told God did not answer him that day. Saul rightly assumes that this means someone has sinned against God. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem that he ever considers it to be himself. To show us how unhinged Saul had become, we see that he was willing to kill Jonathan, his own son for the incident with the honey…but the men said these words to Saul, “Should Jonathan die- he who has brought about this great deliverance in Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he did this today with God’s help.” WOW! Do you think that those words made Saul seethe? We are told that the men rescued Jonathan, and that he wasn’t put to death.
Saul continued to fight many of Israel’s enemies: Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Verse 48 tells us that, “Saul fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of those who had plundered them.”
Chapter 14 ends by giving us some information about Saul’s family. His sons were Jonathan, Ishvi and Malki-Shua. His daughters were Merab and Michal. His wife was Ahinoam. Saul’s army commander was Abner, who also happened to be his cousin. Saul’s grandfather was Abiel.
All of Saul’s days there was bitter war with the Philistines. (I think this was a sign of God’s displeasure with Saul)
Samuel 15-16
Samuel brings Saul a message from the LORD. “I punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. Now, go attack the Alalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them.” God was pretty clear on what He expected from Saul. Unfortunately, Saul decided once again to do things his way- not God’s way. Specifically, Saul took the King Agag prisoner instead of killing him, and they also took the best of the sheep, cattle, and lambs- everything that was good. They destroyed everything that was weak. (Saul’s sin is huge. Haman, who would later try to wipe the Jews off the planet was a descendent of Agag! So not only did Saul not kill Agag- but he left his family alive- one of which Satan would later use during the time of Esther.)
The Word of the LORD comes to Samuel, “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and cried out to the LORD all night. Based on what happens next, my guess is that Samuel was praying on Saul’s behalf- asking for God’s mercy.
Early in the next morning, Samuel went to meet Saul. He was told Saul went to Carmel to set up a monument in his own honor. (Cue the ominous music.)
When Samuel did find Saul, Saul made a statement that just proves how delusional his sin, and pride had made him. “The LORD bless you! I have carried out the LORD’s instructions.” Really? Samuel’s jaw had to hit the ground. What an idiot! At first you may just think, Saul is a liar. I think the truth is even more insidious. I think Saul had convinced himself that he did obey the LORD. Sin blinds us to the truth. Satan is elated when he can make us look foolish by loudly proclaiming falsehoods dressed up as obedient acts. We hold tightly to these things that we claim honor God- in reality we curse God with our prideful, selfish hearts.
I laughed out loud when I read Samuel’s response to Saul’s idiocy. Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?”
Saul shows poor leadership by throwing his army under the bus and blaming them for taking the animals…as if it wasn’t on his order. Then he lies again to Samuel by Samuel by saying that they took them to sacrifice to the LORD, but destroyed the rest.
At this point Samuel can’t take anymore of Saul’s lies. He tells him, “Enough!” Then he shares what the LORD told him the night before. He reminds him that he once was humble when the LORD anointed him king of Israel. Samuel tells him once again what the LORD’s directions were- and then he says, “Why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you plunder and do evil in the eyes of the LORD?”
Again, Saul tries to defend himself! He actually says, “I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king.” Unbelievable!!!!! Just like Saul, we convince ourselves that what is obedient to the LORD ,is really what we want to do- not what He asks us to do.”
Samuel replies, “ Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”
Bottom line- obedience is God’s love language.(RVL) We show we truly love the LORD by obeying Him!
Saul confesses that he has sinned. Samuel tells him that the LORD has taken Israel from him, and given to someone better. (OUCH!)
Samuel goes back and demands they bring him Agag. Samuel kills Agag, “before the LORD at Gilgal”.
Chapter 15 ends by telling us that until the day Samuel died he did not go see Saul again. Samuel mourned for Saul. The LORD regretted that He made Saul king.
I Samuel 16 opens by God questioning Samuel about why he is mourning for Saul. He tells Samuel that He has chosen the next king, and it is a son of Jesse in Bethlehem.
When Samuel sees Jesse’s son Eliab he thinks this will be the next king. God has to remind Samuel: “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
When David is brought before Samuel , the LORD says, “ Rise and anoint him, this is the one.”
Samuel anointed David in the presence of his brothers, and “from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David.”
At the end of chapter 16 we are told that the Spirit of the LORD left Saul and he started being tormented by an evil spirit. One of his attendants told him about David, who played his lyre and it brought relief to Saul. We are told that Saul liked David a lot, and that he became one of Saul’s armor-bearers.
I Samuel 17
I Samuel 17, opens with the Philistines gathered for war on one hill and the Israelites on another hill with a valley in between them. The Philistines had a champion fighter on their side, a nine foot man from Gath named Goliath. (His coat of armor was almost 200 pounds!) He taunted the Israelites, trying to provoke them into fighting him. This went on for 40 days! The Israelites were terrified of Goliath.
Three of David’s older brothers were in Saul’s army, and at that time he had two jobs- one was serving Saul, and the other was tending the sheep for his father, Jesse. One day, Jesse sent David to visit his brothers. Jesse had David take them food, and he had him take the commanders of their unit food. Jesse told David to see how they were doing and then to bring assurance to him that they were okay.
When David arrives at his brother’s camp, he hears Goliath yelling at the Israelites. David steps up and asked the men around him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
When David’s older brother Eliab, heard him talking he “burned with anger at him”, and accused David of being wicked for leaving his shepherding to come down and watch the battle. (I think we can see why God did not choose Eliab! How foolish were his presumptions!)
Saul is told what David has been saying to the other men so he sends for him. David tells Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” Saul tells David that he can’t fight Goliath, that he is just a boy.
David informs Saul that he has killed a lion and a bear with his bare hand to protect the sheep in his flock. He strongly proclaims, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul told David, “Go and the LORD be with you.”
David took his staff, and chose 5 smooth stones from the stream and put them in his bag. With his sling in his hand he approached Goliath. Goliath laughed at David and cursed at him, taking the LORD’s name in vain. (Big mistake- it would be his last)
David tells Goliath, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head…All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s and He will give all of you into our hands.”
I think we all remember what happens next…David used his slingshot and one stone- and he hit Goliath in the forehead- and thud…he fell face down on the ground! Praise the LORD! David then finished what he started, by cutting off Goliath’s head. The Philistines saw this and ran! The Israelites pursued and killed a bunch of them.
David took Goliath’s head to Jerusalem, and kept his weapons for himself.
Strangely, Saule didn’t seem to recognize David, and had Abner bring him to speak to him. He asked who David’s father was- David answered him Jesse of Bethlehem.
I Samuel 18
This is the first place we are told of the beautiful friendship between David and Jonathan, Saul’s son. The Word says, “Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.” I hope someday to be the kind of friend, who would have a friend like Jonathan- Lord, please hear this prayer!
This is a turning point in David’s life as we are told that from this point on, S…aul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house.
Verse 3 says, “Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.” Jonathan gave David the robe he was wearing and his tunic, sword, his bow and his belt. He wanted David to have the best of everything.
David accomplished everything Saul sent him to do, and was given a high rank in the army. We are told this pleased all the people and also Saul’s officers. It is easy to see that David was a man that those around him looked up to. It is evident that his beautiful heart- is what attracted people to him- a heart devoted to the LORD!
The first problem occurred when they came home from battle, and the women met them with singing and dancing. Their song, “Sal has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” It doesn’t take much to understand why this would have upset King Saul. Verse 8 says, “Saul was very angry; the refrain galled him…And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.”
The next day, an evil spirit came forcefully upon Saul. (See the connection…Anger, Gall, Jealousy…evil spirit) Saul decided to hurl a spear at David while he was playing the harp for him! Thankfully, he wasn’t a very good shot- David eluded him twice! Verse 12 tells us that, “Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had left Saul.” WOW! Even in the midst of his sinful behavior- he knew to be afraid of God’s power and David.
Saul sent David away to lead a thousand men in battle. Everything David led had great success, because the LORD was with him. He tried to give David his daughter, Merab, in marriage. David told him that he was not worthy of such a honor. Saul plotted to give another daughter to David in marriage. Michal was in love with David, but Saul must have known something about her character- because he thought that she would be a snare to David that would then allow the Philistines to kill him. Yikes!
Saul comes up with a way for David to “earn” his daughter in marriage- the price: 100 Philistine foreskins! YUCK! David presented him with 200! Saul gave David his daughter.
Verse 28 says, “When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David. Saul became still more afraid of him and he remained his enemy for the rest of his days.”
Verse 30 states that David continued to have more success than Saul’s officers and that “his name became well known.”
I Samuel 19
I Samuel 19 opens by telling us that Saul has completely come unhinged! He is now telling his son Jonathan, and all his attendants to kill David! Jonathan warned David that Saul wants his dead- and is looking for a chance to kill him. He tells David to go in to hiding to protect himself. Jonathan tells David he will talk to Saul about him and will let him know what he finds out.
…Jonathan spoke kindly of David in front of Saul, reminding him of how he had benefitted the king. Jonathan questions why Saul would contemplate killing David, who had done no wrong to him.
The Word says that Saul listened to his son and made an oath not to kill David. Jonathan let David know about their conversation, and David took up his previous position with Saul. More war- more David successes, and again Saul felt murderous thoughts towards David. Again he threw a spear at David as he played the harp for Saul. David escaped and ran away.
Saul sent men to David’s house to kill him the next morning. Michal, David’s wife warned her husband that he had to run before daylight- or he would be killed. Unfortunately, Michal had a idol nearby, that she disguised with goats hair- to make the men think it was David. (Obviously, the unfortunate part was that she had an idol in their home!) She succeeded in deceiving Saul’s men- and her father was furious!
Meanwhile, David went to Samuel in Ramah and told him what Saul had done to him. Strange things happened next…Saul sent men to capture David, but when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul’s men and they also prophesied. Saul ended up going himself, and the same thing happened to him- the Spirit of God came upon him and prophesied…whatever that means. It says that he stripped off his robes, and laid that way all day and all night, even in Samuel’s presence. Strange- not sure what to make of this- except that God protected David- and stopped Saul. Praise the LORD!
I Samuel 20
David frantically goes to his friend Jonathan and asks him why his father wants to kill him. Jonathan doesn’t believe that his Dad has murderous feelings towards David. They plot a way to find out the truth- and a way for Jonathan to be able to communicate this to David. Jonathan was horrified to learn the truth about Saul’s hatred of David and desire to kill him. The two friends wept and parted as friends.
I Samuel 21
David went to Nob and speaks to Ahimelech, the priest. While David was there Saul’s head shepherd, Doeg the Edomite shows up in town. David has Ahimelech provide him with a sword, which happens to be Goliath’s! David continues to run from Saul. He goes to to Achish, King of Gath. Achish’s servants recognize David as the man whose wartime conquests women used to sing about- and David was terrified. He decides that it would be a good idea to act insane in front of Achish- one assumes as a way to escape. David’s acting must have been convincing, because Achish is freaked out and has him removed.
I Samuel 22
David leaves Gath and escapes to a cave in Adullam. When people back home heard about this- about 400 men who were in dire circumstances of their own decided to join David- and became their leader. David makes a quick trip to Mizpah, to ask the King of Moab if he would grant his Mom and Dad a safe place to stay. Gad, a prophet instructed David to go into the land of Judah.
Meanwhile Saul is about to make the biggest mistake of his life. He finds out from Doeg, the Edomite, that he gave David bread and a sword- and he decides to have him killed. Saul instructs his guards to kill Ahimelech and the other priests of the LORD, but they refuse! Saul then gives Doeg the order to kill the priests of the LORD. Doeg obeyed and killed 85 priests of the LORD. He also killed more people in the town of Nob where Ahimelech sheltered David. Abiathar, one of Ahimelech’s sons was able to escape and he joined David. David felt responsible for the death of Abiathar’s family. David tells Abiathar to stay with him, and that he will be safe.
I Samuel 23
David was told the Philistines were attacking Keilah and asked the LORD if he should intervene. The LORD told David to attack the Philistines and save Keilah. The LORD tells David that He will give him the victory. Saul heard where David was and David was on the run again. At this point David had 600 men. David stayed in the Desert of Ziph, and while he was at Horesh Jonathan came to see him. Jonathan encouraged David to not be afraid. He told David that he would be the King of Israel, and he gave him strength. The two made a covenant before the LORD and then Jonathan went home. Saul continued to pursue David, and David continued to evade Saul with the LORD’s protection.
I Samuel 24
Saul goes into a cave to tinkle, not knowing that it was the one David was hiding in. David’s men believe that the LORD has handed over to Saul into David’s hands. Without Saul noticing him, David crept up and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe! Afterwards David was conscience-stricken, because regardless of Saul’s intent to kill him- Saul was still the LORD’s anointed. David rebuked his men- and told them not to touch Saul. Saul left the cave safely. At this point David left the cave and called out to Saul. He bows down to Saul- to show him the respect he was due- and then tells him again how he was urged to kill him but that he would not lift his hand against the LORD’s anointed. David goes on to tell Saul that he has not done anything to earn Saul’s wrath. David says, “May the LORD judge between you and me, And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.” Saul wept at David’s words. Saul’s words seem to suggest that he was remorseful and that he acknowledged that David was right. Saul even acknowledges that he knows David will be king! Saul has David swear that he won’t kill his family in the future when he takes power. David gave his oath to Saul.
I Samuel 25
Samuel dies, and all Israel mourned for him. David, who was still on the run from Saul, moved down to the desert of Maon. Nabal, a wealthy man lived in Maon, and had property at Carmel. Nabal is described as being surly, and mean. He was married to a beautiful, intelligent woman named Abigail. David sends men to meet with Nabal. He wants them to pass a long the information to Nabal that they protected hi s shepherds and animals while they were at Carmel. David is asking for something in return for their kindness. Nabal acts like a fool, and David wants to go kill him. Thankfully, Abigail intervenes and calms the situation. She brings as much food as her servants’ donkey’s will carry. She humbled herself before David, and told David not to pay attention to her husband. She shows her appreciation to David and his men through the food she brought and asks for mercy. David grants her request for peace. The LORD kills Nabal ten days later, and David asks Abigail to be his wife. Can you imagine how fast Abigail said yes! We are told at the end of the chapter David had also married Ahinoam of Jezreel. Strangely, we are told that Saul gave his daughter, Michal, David’s first wife, to another man, Paltiel.
I Samuel 26
We see that Saul is again searching for David. While Saul and his men are camping in the Desert of Ziph, David once again sneaks up on Saul and leaves proof that he could have killed Saul- and yet he chose not to touch Saul. David again asks why Saul is pursuing him without cause. Saul admits he has sinned and he says he will not harm David. David reminds Saul that the LORD delivered him into his hands, and once again David did not lay a hand on him. David proclaims, “As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and deliver me from all trouble.”
I Samuel 27
David was still very concerned that Saul was going to kill him. He decided to escape to the land of the Philistines. David and 600 of his men settled in Gath with King Achish. The Word says that when Saul hear that David fled to Gath, he no longer searched for him. David asked Achish for a town for his people to stay. Achish gave him Ziklag, and we are told it has belonged to the kings of Judah ever since. David lived in Philistine territory for a year and four months. At the end of chapter 27, we are told Achish trusted David, and he believed he would be his servant forever.
I Samuel 28
Achish told David he would be the king’s bodyguard for life. Meanwhile Saul was terrified when it seemed the Philistine army was going to attack him. Saul tried to talk to the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him. Saul was desperate, so he sought out a medium, who would get answers for him. He disguised himself and traveled to Endor. He asked the medium to let him talk to Samuel. The medium was able to bring up Samuel’s spirit. Saul asked him what he was supposed to do since the LORD wouldn’t talk to him and the Philistines were poised for attack. Samuel tells Saul that because of his disobedience the LORD would be handing him over to the Philistines. Samuel told Saul that he and his sons would be dead the next day.
I Samuel 29
The Philistine commanders did not want Davis and his men going into battle with them- they feared they would turn on them, and help their enemy- Israel. Achish does what his men ask and he sends David away.
I Samuel 30
As David went back to Ziklag, they found that the Amalekites had destroyed their town and carried off their women, and children. David and his men wept. Both of David’s wives had also been taken. The men were so upset- blaming David, that they talked of stoning him. “But David found strength in the LORD his God.” David asked the LORD if he should pursue the raiding party, and whether he would overtake them? The LORD told David to pursue them, and that He would give him success. David and 400 men went in search of the Amalekites. They found an Egytptian slave of theirs that had been left behind by them when he became ill. He helped David find the Amalekites, and find their families. David recovered everything they had taken, including his two wives!
I Samuel 31
The Philistines fought Israel. They killed Saul’s sons: Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malki-Shua. Saul was wounded and before they could kill him, Saul killed himself so that the Philistines wouldn’t have the opportunity.
2 Samuel 1
David is informed of Saul and Jonathan’s deaths. David and his men all tore their clothes, wept and fasted. David had the messenger, an Amalekite, killed because he had killed the Lord’s anointed. David wrote a “lament” about how the mighty had fallen, and his grief for Saul and his beloved friend Jonathan. He ordered that the men of Judah be taught this lament.
2 Samuel 2
After sometime passed David asked the LORD if he should go up to Judah. The LORD specified Hebron was the place He wanted him to go. The men of Judah anointed David as king at Hebron.
Abner, the commander of Saul’s army took it upon himself to make Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth King of Israel. Ish-Boshteth was 40 when he became king, and he reigned over Israel for 2 years. However, the house of Judah followed David. David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah for 7 years and 6 months.
Abner and Joab decided it would be entertaining to have men from each of their sides fight hand to hand in front of them. 12 men from each side were chosen. The battle was fierce- Abner’s men were defeated by David’s men. Three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel chased Abner, and even though Abner pleaded with him to stop, he wouldn’t listen. Abner killed Asahel.
2 Samuel 3
War continued between the house of Saul and the house of David for a long time. David grew stronger, while Saul’s house grew weaker.
In the 7 years and 6 months David was in Hebron he had 6 sons born to him by 6 different wives. David’s first born son was Amnon. (Mom was Ahinoam) His second-born son was Kileab. (Mom was Abigail) His third born son was Absalom. (Mom was Maacah) His fourth-born son was Adonijah. (Mom was Haggith) His fifth-born son was Shephatjah. (Mom was Abital) His sixth0born son was Ithream. (Mom was Eglah)
Ishbosheth and Abner had a falling out when accused Abner of sleeping with Rizpah, Saul’s concubine. Evidently this was often a sign that someone was going to try and take over the kingdom from the sitting king. Abner decided to make an agreement with David in which Israel would be given to him to rule. Before David will even listen to Abner, he tells his he wants his wife, Michal back. (Saul had given her to another man when David fled for his life.) Abner returns with Michal and then met with the elders of Israel , encouraging them to make David their king.
Joab, is furious that his brothers’ killer was trying to make an agreement with David. Joab tries to convince David not to trust Abner; that he was trying to deceive David.
Joab murders Abner. David curses Joab and his descendants. David wept over Abner’s death. He prayed for the Lord to take action. “May the Lord repay the evil doer according to his evil deeds.”
Something strikes me about David in this situation. It seems like he was passive in handling Joab. It was pretty clear when Joab approached David about Abner that he was in a rage about Abner. Why did David not take action to protect Abner, or demand that Joab not touch him? It seems like David should have seen what was about to take place- revenge was about to be carried out. It reminds me of David’s lack of action later with Absalom. I wonder if David had been more pro-active, how much better of a leader, and father he would have been- and what tragedies could have been prevented.
2 Samuel 4
All of Israel including their king, Ish-Bosheth, became very alarmed at the news that Abner was dead.
We are told about Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, age 5, was lame in both feet because of an accident that occurred when his nurse dropped him.
Baanah and Recab, who led raiding bands for Ish-Bosheth, murdered him. They cut off his head and took it to David at Hebron. I guess they thought King David would be pleased- wrong! David reminded them how he “rewarded” the man who gave him news about murdering Saul…death. David passionately addresses the ignorant men, “How much more- when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed-should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!” David ordered they be killed. The hands and feet that they sinned with were cut off and their bodies were hung by the pool in Hebron. Pretty powerful visual lesson for others huh? The head of Ish-Boshtheth was buried in Abner’s tomb. David was respectful to Saul’s family many years after his death. “Love your enemies” was something David acted out in amazing ways.
2 Samuel 5
Israel anoints David king over Israel. He was 30 years old, when he became king, and he reigned 40 years. He reigned in Hebron, over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem over all Israel and Judah 33 years.
David attacked the Jebusites and captured “the fortress of Zion”, and called it the City of David. Verse 10 tells us David became more and more powerful, because the LORD God Almighty was with him.”
Hyram, King of Tyre, sent messengers, cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons to David. The built a palace for David.
David took more concubines and wives in Jerusalem, and naturally more sons and daughters were born. David’s children born in Jerusalem were: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishus, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.
When the Philistines heard David had been anointed king of Israel, they went to search for him. We are told that David asked the Lord if he should attack them. The LORD answered David telling him He would hand the Philistines over to David. I thought it was interesting that God gives David a battle plan! How incredible is it that the Creator of the universe is also a military strategic planner!!!
2 Samuel 6
David wanted the ark brought to Jerusalem. Unfortunately he did not do it God’s way. For some crazy reason David chose the PHILISTINE method of moving the ARK! (Enter the ominous music) Just like what happens when we do things our way, instead of God’s way, which is meant to PROTECT us, disaster happens. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab put the Ark on a new cart and were moving it down a hill. Meanwhile David and the “whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals.” Well, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out and to stop the ark from falling off the cart. God struck Uzzah dead because of his irreverent act. (Again, do you really believe that God doesn’t want us to FEAR Him!)
The Word says that , “David was angry because the LORD’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah”. Isn’t that interesting? How often do people get angry at God about something when they could have easily prevented disaster by being knowledgeable about His law and obedient to it! God’s laws are for our protection. They are to guide us through this life, while keeping our eyes and hearts fixed on HIM! We need to take responsibility for our sin, and careless behavior- and not blame the Lord!
Verse 9 tells us that David was afraid of the LORD that day. He was not willing to take the ark to be with him in Jerusalem, instead he took it to Obed-Edom. “The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom for 3 months, and the LORD blessed him and his entire household.”
David was told that the LORD blessed this family, and he decided to again to go get the ark. (Evidently David did his homework this time! Wise choice!) This time the men carried the ark- just like God told them too! After they made it 6 steps, and no one was zapped dead they celebrated, and made a sacrifice to the LORD. We are told that David celebrated by dancing before the LORD with all of his might.
As the ark of the LORD was entering Jerusalem, David’s wife, Michal was watching from a window. We are told that when she saw King David “leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.” We are often told that Michal was upset at the indignity of David’s display. I wonder if she was really upset at his closeness to the LORD, and the joy it was giving him. I think anger and jealousy often roommates- and I can see her hating him for being happy about something that had nothing to do with her.
They brought the ark to a tent that David had set up for it. David sacrificed offerings before the LORD, and blessed the people in God’s name. Then David fed everyone! Loving the Lord lavishly makes you want to be generous to God’s people! Clearly this was a mountain top experience for David.
And then he went home…Michal spewed her venom at David for his actions, and David let her know, “It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel- I will celebrate before the LORD.”
The last verse of the chapter tells us that Michal had no children to the day of her death…obviously in her case, God’s punishment.
2 Samuel 7
The LORD had given David rest from his enemies. One can only imagine how sweet this peaceful time was to David after the time of constant running from them.
David became uncomfortable with the fact that he was living in a palace and the ark of God was in a tent. He shares his concerns with Nathan, the prophet. Nathan jumps the gun and immediately tells David that he should do what he wants because the LORD is with him.
“That night”, the LORD makes it clear to Nathan what His wishes are on the subject. He begins by stating that He never asked man to build Him a house of cedar- and that the tent fit His purpose of moving with His people.
God tells Nathan to share a message with David. God begins by reminding David where He took him from- a pasture, and where he raised him up to- the ruler of His people. He reaffirms that He has been with David wherever he has gone. It is full of blessings that the LORD is promising to David for the future. He tells David that one of his sons will build a house for Him, and that His love will never be taken away from him. ( this is so heartbreaking to read knowing that Solomon turned away from God in his later years and worshipped the evil idol Molech!)
Beautiful words are written in response to the LORD’s message to David. David sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O Sovereign LORD and what is my family that you have brought me this far?”
Can’t we all relate? God’s love is so lavish, and we are so unworthy! It’s Him- it’s all about Him- not about us!
David spoke his gratefulness, humbly before the LORD. He praised the LORD, and told the LORD why he worshipped Him.
(beautiful words…uplifting words….read 2 Samuel 7:22-24)
2 Samuel 8
David defeated the Philistines, the Moabites, Hadadezer, King of Zobah, the Arameans of Damascus.
“The LORD gave David victory wherever he went.”. David collected gold, silver, and bronze from the places he conquered and he dedicated it all to the LORD. (He was collecting this for his son to use in building the temple.)
Verse 15 states, David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people. (This statement is profound when you read about all the evil kings who would reign later.)
2 Samuel 9
David asked if there was anyone still alive from the house of Saul that he could show kindness to on Jonathan’s behalf. Ziba, servant of Saul’s household told David about Jonathan’s crippled son.
David had Mephibosheth brought to see him. David tells him he is restoring the land that belonged to Saul, and that he would be eating at the kings table for the rest of his life.
David instructed Ziba that he and his sons and servants would be farming Mephibosheth’s land and bringing in his crops so that he would be provided for. (Ziba had 15 sons, 20 servants)
“So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the kings sons.”
What an amazing blessing David was to his friend’s son! The LORD’s generosity just poured out of David onto Mephibosheth!
We are told Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica.
2 Samuel 10
The king of the Ammonites dies, and his son Hanun became king. Reminded of Nahash’s kindness to him in the past- David sent a delegation to express sympathy to Hanun. The Ammonite nobles believed David’s true motive in sending the delegation was to spy the land so he could overthrow it. So Hanun’s men seized David’s men, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut their garments in half to degrade and humiliate them and then sent them on their way. (I really don’t think we can understand the shame this would have caused the men. Culturally- a man’s beard is very important- to cut it in half- was extremely shameful) When David heard about this- he sent men to meet them. David told them to go to Jericho until their beards had time to grow back – so that they would not have to be humiliated in front of their people.
The Ammonites realized that made a HUGE mistake! They hired 33,000 soldiers from neighboring countries. When David heard this he sent Joab out with the entire army. Joab divided the men into 2 groups. He selected the best to fight the Arameans. He put the rest under the command of his brother Abishai, to fight the Ammonites. He encouraged them saying, “Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The LORD will do what is good in His sight.”
When Joab’s troops advanced, the Arameans fled, and when the Ammonites saw the Arameans flee they took off also! In the battle that ensued, David killed 700 of their charioteers and 40,000 of their soldiers. The chapter ends with this, “So the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites anymore.”
2 Samuel 11
The first verse gives us a very important piece of information, “In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.” We don’t know why David did not go to battle with his men, but we do know that he would have had a lot of time on his hands at home, and that he was not where he was supposed to be…that can sometimes be enough to get a person in trouble.
David gets up one evening, and is walking around on his roof. He gets an eyeful of Bathsheba bathing, and makes the foolish decision to have her brought to him. They had sex, she went back home. She got pregnant, and let David know. (This is a huge problem for her since her husband, Uriah, one of David’s soldiers’ is off at war. David has to think fast how he is going to cover up his sin. He sends word to Joab to have Uriah come see him. He lets Uriah think he just wants to hear how Joab was, and how the was going. David tells Uriah to go home…the implication obviously- is that he will go home to his wife and sleep with her- thereby allowing her pregnancy to look like it happened while her husband was home. Unfortunately for David, and his “perfect” little scheme, Uriah shows himself to be an honorable man. He doesn’t go home because his fellow soldiers are still sleeping in the open fields while they are out in battle, and the ark of the LORD is in a tent. He told David he couldn’t possibly go home and eat and drink and sleep with his wife when that was the case. OUCH!! David gets more desperate to cover his sin, so he decides to give Uriah more time there, and then he brings him to his palace and gets him drunk. But after that Uriah again went back to sleep among David’s servants. David has to be frantic at this time. He next plan is just evil. He sends a letter back with Uriah to give to Joab. It instructs Joab to put Uriah on the front lines, and then to withdraw to make sure he is killed in battle.
Joab does as he is commanded, and Uriah is killed. Bathsheba mourned for her husband. After the time of mourning was over (probably 7 days), David brought her to his house and married her. She had a son. “But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.”
It is shocking to read this chapter and never see David stop himself from doing the next thing that just makes his sin grow into a more horrible thing. He doesn’t show remorse for taking another’s mans’ wife. Seriously, wasn’t he getting enough attention in the bedroom? I guess this just shows that our appetites can be insatiable for what our particular weakness happens to be…One of David’s was clearly women. Then knowing at least subconsciously that he was wrong- he made great efforts to cover it up and hide his sin. And then the deceit he carried out with Uriah in trying to “fix” things! And then of course, pre-meditated murder! Satan must have been whispering in David’s ear throughout this whole process. He must have told him things that fed his pride, and entitlement, and desire for more. Every step David took in his sinning made it that much harder to quiet Satan, and to turn back to the LORD.
2 Samuel 12
I never really stopped to think about it before, but chapter 11 and everything that took place in it, must have taken about a year. We don’t know what amount of time took place before the next chapter- but it is a little staggering to think that it was a year between David’s sins that concluded in a murder, a marriage, and a baby- and when he was confronted with what he had done. Isn’t that shocking??? At know time before Nathan was sent to confront David did he confess his sins, ask for forgiveness!?!
Chapter 12 begins by telling us that the LORD sent Nathan, the prophet to David. Nathan tells David a story that mirrors the sin he committed. It gives David a chance to objectively look at what he did, without making him defensive. David’s reaction was to burn with anger at the actions of the man in the story. David’s exact words, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” Nathan lowers the boom on David saying, “You are the man!” He convicts David with these words, “ This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes?” ZING! Do you think David was on his knees by this point? The LORD then gave account of what David had done when he killed Uriah and took his wife. He then tells David what his punishment will be- and it is severe. Part of David’s consequences will come from actions that he has to endure through his children.
David is convicted, and humbled. He admits to Nathan that he has sinned against the LORD. Nathan tells David that the LORD has taken away his sins, and assures David that he will not die for his sins. He does tell David that his son who was born from his sin would die. God gave the child an illness. David pleaded for the child’s life for 7 days. He didn’t eat and he wouldn’t leave the child’s side. On the 7th day the child died.
David comforted his wife, Bathsheba . They slept together, and she again became pregnant with a son, that they named Solomon. “The LORD loved him; and because He loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah.”
I Samuel 13
David’s consequences continue because of his grievous sin against the LORD. David’s son, Amnon, “fell in love” with his half sister, Tamar. Amnon sets a plan in motion, with help from his father, David, to deceive his sister into coming to help him while he is ill. It is during this time when she is there that Amnon rapes her. An interesting thing happened after the rape- “Amnon hated her with an intense hatred…” It seems that he blamed Tamar for his despicable sin. He threw her out- she ran away weeping. Tamar’s brother, Absalom, tells Tamar to stay quiet about what happened- and he took her into his home.
We are told in the next verse that when King David was furious, but unfortunately he took no action. Absalom did not say a word to Amnon, but his hatred of him grew because of how he disgraced Tamar. In their culture- Absalom knew that no one would marry Tamar, and she would never have children- her life was over.
Two years later, Absalom invited all the king’s sons to meet with him, including Amnon. Absalom ordered his men to kill Amnon, and they did. Interesting, I would think Absalom would want to kill his brother with his own hands.
Absalom fled. Word reached David about Amnon’s death. Weeping and wailing ensued. Absalom went to Geshur and stayed there for 3 years. Chapter 13 ends by saying, “And the spirit of the king longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled concerned Amnon’s death.” David “lost” two sons because of his sin. Is there anything worse than knowing you contributed to your children’s sinfulness?
I Samuel 14
Joab devised a scheme to allow Absalom to come back home. He had a wise woman speak to David about a scenario mirroring his own situation with Absalom. Joab knew that David would want to show mercy to the woman, and in the process he would see his own situation in a different light. David wisely was able to see that Joab was behind the woman’s story. He agreed to allow Absalom to come home- but he insisted that he go to his own house, and that he not see him face to face.
Absalom comes back home. We are reminded that Absalom was very handsome and that he was without blemish. He also had an incredible head of hair- which would cause him a problem later… Absalom had 3 sons and one daughter. He named his daughter, Tamar, after his sister.
Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years without seeing his father, the king’s face. Absalom sent for Joab, because he wanted him to take him to see David, his father. When David was told this, he summoned his son, Absalom. Absalom bowed down with his face to the ground before the king- and David kissed him again. This was a scene that would have shown Absalom was forgiven. It seems that David again ignored justice, and was unwilling to punish his own son. (Cue the ominous music)
I Samuel 15
Absalom again began scheming. He “provided himself” with a chariot, horses and 50 men to run ahead of him. He woke up early and made it his work to stand by the city gate. He would listen to the people’s complaints and he would tell them that they were right to be upset, and that there was no representative of the king to hear them. His intent was obvious- turn the people against his father, the king and to gain favor for himself. He also told the people, “If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that he gets justice.” Verse 6 tells us that Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
Fast-forward 4 years, Absalom asks permission to go to Hebron “to fulfill a vow” he made to the LORD. Absalom sent secret messengers throughout Israel to tell them when they heard a trumpet sound, they were to say, “Absalom is king in Hebron.” Absalom’s following continued to increase.
David was told by a messenger, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” (David writes Psalm 3)
David leaves Jerusalem with his officials, and household; he has 10 of his concubines to take care of the palace. (It is strange that he abdicated his position- Did he know this was part of God’s punishment, and therefore he didn’t fight it? Was he afraid of the bloodbath that would take place in the city if he stayed and fought? Did he know he could never kill Absalom or ask someone else too, and ultimately it would come to that if he stayed? Was he just being weak and did he lack the faith to ask the Lord for His help?
The people crossed the Kidron Valley and moved toward the desert. The Levites carried the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people left the city. David then told Zadok to take the ark back into the city saying, “If I find favor in the LORD’s eyes, He will bring me back and let me see it and His dwelling place again.”
David wept as he walked up the Mount of Olives; his head was covered and he was barefoot. He prayed that the LORD would turn one of the conspirator’s, and an advisor to Absalom, Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness. At the summit he met with Hushai, a friend, who he asked to go back and “frustrate Ahithophel’s advice and report back to David what he heard. Hushai arrived at Jerusalem as Absalom was entering the city.
2 Samuel 16
When David had traveled a short distance past the summit, Ziba, steward of Mephibosheth, was waiting to meet him. He brought donkeys, 200 loaves of bread, a 100 cakes of raisin, a hundred cakes of figs, and wine! Ziba explained that he brought the donkeys for them to ride on, and the bread and fruit to “refresh them” after becoming exhausted in the desert. David asked about Mephibosheth. Ziba told David that he was staying in Jerusalem , expecting the house of Saul to regain the throne…this was a lie! David believed him, and David gave Ziba everything that belonged to Mephibosheth.
As King David approached, Bahurim a town on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives a man from Saul’s clan , Shimei approached him. Shimei cursed and threw stones at David and his men. Abishai, told David he wanted to go and kill Shimei. David suggested the possibility that this man was cursing him because God told him too. He also said that the Lord may bless him for not reacting to the cursing he had received. Shimei continued his cursing, and throwing stones-and David and his men continued on past him. Verse 14 says that the king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted.
Back in Jerusalem, Absalom is joined by Ahithophel and Hushai. Absalom immediatedly questioned Hushai, wondering why he wasn’t with his David. Hushai assured Absalom that he was with the one chosen by the LORD, and that he would be staying there. Absalom asks Ahithophel for advice about what he should do next. Ahithophel tells him that he should sleep with his father’s concubines that were left to take care of the palace. Verse 22 states, “So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he lay with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.” This is exactly what the Lord told David would happen in chapter 12:11, “This is what the LORD says, Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight.”
2 Samuel 17
Ahithophel continues to give Absalom advice. He tells Absalom he should choose 12,000 men and pursue and attack David while he is tired and weak. Ahithophel told Absalom he should only kill the king, and that he should bring back the rest of the people with him. The plan seemed good to Absalom, but he summoned Hushai, so that he could hear what his opinion would be. Hushai disagreed with Ahithophel’s advice. He pointed out the problem with the plan, and then suggested that he gather all Israel and lead them himself. Hushai’s advice was more pleasing to Absalom and the men of Israel. “For the LORD had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.
Hushai had a message sent to David through Zadok, and Abiathar the priests to tell him where they were to stay to be safe from Absalom’s attack. Ahithophel did not react well to his advice being ignored- so he killed himself.
David came to Mahanaim, three men (Shobi, Ammiel, Barzallai) provided supplies to him and his people. (Interesting side note- Shobi was a son of Nahash the Ammonite- his brother would have been Hanun- the nitwit who abused David’s men. Obviously, this son was wise to seek to help David- or he learned from his brother’s stupid mistake.)
2 Samuel 18
David divided his men into 3 groups. One group was commanded by Joab, one by Joab’s brother Abishai, and the last by Ittai the Gittite. (Ittai had pledged his loyalty to David while they were leaving Jerusalem. He had only recently came to the city- and David tried to get him to stay, because he knew how difficult the journey would be.) David wanted to march out with them, and his men changed his mind. They knew the king was important to keep alive. David agreed with what they asked of him- to support them from the city.
As they marched out to battle, the king stood by the gate. He commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai to be gentle with Absalom. We are told that “all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders.” ( I am sure this sounded pretty crazy to these warriors.)
The battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. David’s men were victorious over Absalom’s army. (20,000 men died) Absalom was riding a mule under a tree, and his head was caught in the tree. He was hanging from his hair- when David’s men found him. They told Joab, and after the other men refused to go against David and kill him- Joab took matters into his own hands and killed Absalom. He stabbed him in the heart with 3 javelins, and then 10 of his armor-bearers joined in and finished killing him. Joab sounded the trumpet- which told them men to stop their pursuit. They threw Absalom into a pit and buried him in rocks. Some suggest covering him with rocks was to mock the monument Absalom had made to honor himself.
Joab chose a Cushite to deliver the message to David that Absalom had been killed. Ahimaaz ,a son of Zadok wanted to take the message himself- and Joab let him go also. Ahimaaz outran the Cushite, and David assumed that since this man was sent by Joab, that the news was good. Ahimaaz told David that the news was good- that he had been delivered from the men who had tried to overthrow him. The second part of the news was delivered by the Cushite. Unfortunately, the Cushite happily gave the news that Absalom was dead- having no apparent clue how this news would affect David.
David was very upset and went to his room to weep. His words, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!”
2 Samuel 19
Joab is told about the depth of David’s mourning for Absalom. The whole army was affected by David’s reaction, and were left feeling ashamed of their victory for their king. Joab confronted David,
“Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead.”
Joab warned David that if he did not go out and encourage his men that they would all abandon him by nightfall. David took his advice and went to the gateway to speak to his men.
Israel was in a state of chaos with all that happened. They had loyalty to David because of all he had done for them- but he had deserted them when fleeing from Absalom. They had anointed Absalom, but he had died in battle. David wanted the elders of Judah to lead the way for him to return. He won their hearts, and they told him to return to Jerusalem. Some men met him a long the way, including Shimei, the man who cursed him, and threw rocks at him as he left town. He begged David to forgive his actions. Abishai, suggested that Shimei should be executed for his actions against the LORD’s anointed. David denied Abishai’s request and let it be known that Shimei would not die on that day.
Mephibosheth also went down to meet David. David asked him why he did not go with him when he left Jerusalem. Mephibosheth reminded David he was lame and that his servant, Ziba betrayed him and insinuates that he wouldn’t help him leave. He also tells David that Ziba slandered Mephibosheth’s name before David. David decided to have Ziba and Mephibosheth divide the fields. He also gave Amasa the command of the army- taking it away from Joab.
Barzillai the Gileadite also came down to cross the Jordan with the King. We are told Barzillai was 80 years old, and that he was very wealthy. He had provided for David while he stayed in Mahanaim. David requested him to go to Jerusalem with him so that he could now take care of him in his house. Barzillai denied David’s request and basically said David’s kindness would be wasted on him. He wanted to support him as he crossed the Jordan, but then requested that he be allowed to go home to live the remaining part of his life near where he would be buried. He did send a servant named Kimham with David for him to bless. David tells Barzillai that he will do whatever to please him for Kimham, who was likely Barzillai’s son.
There were some upset feelings with the Israelites at the crossing because the men of Judah did not include them in the process. Evidently there were hurt feelings and ugly things said- most harshly by the men of Judah.
2 Samuel 20
A troublemaker named Sheba, a Benjamite, sounded a trumpet wanted people to go home instead of being part of the group leading David back to Jerusalem. “So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba…but the men of Judah stayed by the king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.”
When David returned to the palace in Jerusalem, he took the 10 concubines he had left there and put them in a safe house. He provided for them but never slept with them. “They were kept in confinement until the day of their deaths, living as widows.” He did this because Absalom had slept with them.
David sent Amasa, to summon the men of Judah to come to him within 3 days. It took him longer than 3 days to do what David asked. David told Abishai that Sheba would do more harm than Absalom. He sent him to pursue Sheba before he escaped. Joab met up with Amasa and tricked him into getting close enough to kill him by stabbing him. Amasa died. Joab and his brother Abishai went after Sheba. A wise woman in Abel Beth Maacah, the city where Sheba was hiding decided to hand him over- head first- literally so that the men would not destroy their city looking for Sheba.
Verses 23-26 tell us that Joab was over Israel’s entire army. Benaiah was over the Kerethites and Pelethites. Adoniram was in charge of forced labor. Jehoshaphat was recorder. Sheva was secretary. Zadok and Abiathar were priests, and Ira was David’s priest.
2 Samuel 21
At some point during the reign of David there was a 3 year famine. David went to the LORD, and the LORD said, “It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites death.” David went to the Gibeonites and asked them what he could do for them to make amends for what Saul had done to them. They asked for 7 of Saul’s male descendants to be given to them to kill. David agreed. David spared Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. The king handed over two sons of Saul and Rizpah- Armoni and Mephibosheth (I had no idea there were 2 of them?!), and 5 of Saul’s grandson’s- sons of his daughter, Merab- whom she had with Barzillai the Meholathite. The Gibeonites killed them all and exposed them on a hill before the LORD. Rizpah, protected the bodies from the birds and wild animals day and night. When David heard what Rizpah had done, he went and collected the bones of Saul and Jonathan and put them all together in a tomb with Saul’s father, Kish. It was a final way for David to show respect to Saul, and Jonathan’s family. Verse 14 says that God answered the prayers on behalf of the land.
David went out in battle with his men against the Phillistines, but he became exhausted. Abishai came to David’s rescue and killed the Philistine, Ishbi-Benob. David’s men told him that he could not go out to battle with them again “so the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished”.
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Christian Family Services Ministry 
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