Book of Judges

These are notes from Sunday, February 3.

The survey of the Book of Judges included 1) the invasion of Canaan with the failures of some of the tribes to clear former residents and God's reprimand; 2) Joshua's death and the settlement of tribal areas; 3) the recurring theme of apostacy, punishment, and deliverance; 4) a listing of all the judges with their particular accomplishments -- we examined GIDEON in depth. 5) covered the historical tribal situations at the last part of the book 6) read chapter 21:25, summary of the book; and
7) discussed implications of this verse for us.

Book of Joshua

These are notes from Sunday, January 27.

The Book of Joshua chronicles how the people of Israel took possession of the "promised land", an area roughly encompassing the region of Palestine.

The people are camped at Shittim, east side of the Jordan, when Joshua sends spies west into the target territory. They are hidden there by Rahab, described as a "prostitute", but who may rather have been a single woman running a sort of inn or boarding house, not necessarily a person of ill-repute. In exchange for protection, the spies promise to keep Rahab and her family from harm when the Israelites invade. Indeed, when Jericho is sacked, Rahab and her family and possessions are spared.

The nation crosses the Jordan River following the Ark of the Covenant. The waters part much as did the waters of the sea when the Hebrews fled from the Egyptians.

The people arrive at Gilgal, a word that sounds like the Hebrew word "rolled back". This imagery is an intentional reference to the circumcision rite undertaken by all the men of Israel in that place. This is a new generation -- the previous were consigned to die in the wilderness because of their disobedience -- and has not been circumcised, and thus not dedicated to the covenant. This must be done before they undertake to conquer the land.

The references to the brutal extermination of men, women, and children are troubling. We noted that, in other times and cultures, it was not unseemly to do such things in warfare. Modern codes of honor and conduct in battle do not apply. This is another instance where an awareness of the difference between our culture and ancient ones is helpful in understanding how a story may be applicable to today.

One of the traditional themes of Joshua is "be strong, for the Lord your God is with you." We divided into smaller groups to discuss the question -- At what time in your life did you need to rely on God for courage and strength?

Moses Part IV

Notes from January 20:

The journey from Sinai to the "Promised Land" was recorded in three books: Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Note: Leviticus is primarily devoted to defining the priesthood and specifying their duties. Obviously, the material in the other three books was too extensive to spend much time on the details but we did note the various sections o the specifics.

Deuteronomy is really a summary of what occurred and focused on three major themes:

1. The meaning of God's great acts in saving and preserving his chosen people
2. The meaning of the covenant and the revelation of God's will in it
3. Noting the peculiar temptations that affect their security as a chosen people

A final note was Moses' death and unique role in the history of the Israel/Jewish history -- there was no one like Moses, who spoke directly with God. Looking ahead, we recognized the congruency of Jesus' transfiguration on a mountain, appearing with Moses and Elijah -- an indication that Jesus is now the one whom God has chosen to speak to us: "This is my beloved Son, with Whom I am well-pleased; Listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5).

Moses Part III

Notes from Sunday, January 13:

The Hebrews, freed from Egypt, journey to Mt. Sinai, a desolate, wild place where God calls Moses to the heights to give a Law to the people. Moses is gone on the mountain, swallowed in the theophanic cloud, for 40 days and nights. In his absence the people, restless and worried, take matters into their own hands and fashion a golden calf and begin to worship it. When Moses descends from the mountain and sees the sin of the people, he smashes the stones in anger. Later God provides a second set containing "The Ten Words", perhaps a symbolic or abbreviated version of the text we find in Exodus chapter 20.

The numbering of the Ten Commandments is seen differently by different folk. Our Protestant Bible presents four that pertain to Israel's relationship with God (No other Gods, no idols, do not take the name of the Lord in vain, keep the Sabbath) and six which pertain to human relationships (honor father and mother, don't murder, don't commit adultery, do not steal, do not lie (bear false witness), do not covet anything belonging to your neighbor. In another view, #5 regarding parents is listed on the same tablet as 1-4, implying that honoring mother and father is equivalent to honoring God.

Jesus summed up the requirements of law and relationships by quoting and expanding upon Deuteronomy 6:5: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and strength; and your neighbor as yourself.

Notes from Pastor Dan

Moses, Part II

The lesson for January 6 began with a notation that, although God had been known by several names (Yahweh, Elohim, El Shaddai) he was the one and same God. Moses first learned the name Yahweh during this time (6:23). Furthermore God told Moses that he would appear to be a God to Pharoah and Aaron would play the part of prophet.

When Pharoah refused to let the Israelites go, a series of ten plagues were inflicted upon the Egyptians. Each of the ten plagues likely represented a characteristic power of one of the gods served by the Egyptians -- the point being that the God of the Hebrews, “El Shaddai”, “The Powerful One”, is a greater and more worthy Deity.

The last of the ten plagues was the death of the first born. The Hebrews were spared by observing the first passover, a lasting festival that came to be observed annually. We discussed how this relates to communion, with Jesus as the Paschal lamb.

Our question to ponder: Are we more like Pharaoh, or Moses?

Moses, Part I

This day was our introduction to Moses: his birth and his adoption by an Egyptian princess; his spontaneous killing of an Egyptian who was whipping a Hebrew; his fleeing from the consequences of his act; his marriage into the Midian priest's family, deserting his Hebrew culture; his call from God at the burning bush; his attempt to avoid God's assignment; his return to Egypt, saved from death by his wife's Hebrew ritual; and his confrontation with the Pharoah. We also noted God's concern for the Hebrew people.

We examined our own behaviors to see whether we are too often like Moses: running from our sin, rejecting our Christian heritage, resisting God's call to serve Him.

Next class will be Sunday, January 6, continuing the story of Moses.

The Dreamcatcher

Chapters 40-41:

These passages could be called "The Dreamcatcher" as we see Joseph sharing God's meaning for dreams: first the Pharoah's cupbearer and his baker; then for the Pharoah himself. The Pharoah was so impressed by this man of God that he made him second-in-command for all of Egypt.
Joseph implemented a plan to save food from the seven good years to the nation (Egypt) would be able to survive the following seven years of famine. Our small groups discussed how faith and God's Spirit can guide us through turmoil and challenges.
For next time, continuing reading beyond chapter 41, to the conclusion of the story of Joseph. We will study the culmination of events leading to his reunion with his family, and the revealing of God's greater plan.