The Book of Judges

As I read the Bible I have to admit that I will probably never be a Bible scholar. My understanding of the Bible is becoming clearer but will I quote and re-read I just can’t honestly say. So after many days and having to reread because I forgot I have finally finished the Book of Judges and I have to admit it is interesting.

This Book showed the nature of man in so many ways. God foretold that the Jewish people would forget their covenant many times and when they did they would be enslaved. However he always gave them an out. Come back to God and pray and become humble and a Judge would be in their midst. Over and over this plays out and over and over the Jewish people turn their back on God. It makes me understand their great faith and need for the laws to be maintained. It speaks on how man even today forgets easily the past and why so many mistakes are made over and over. Man is a creature that is so easily swayed and tempted by the flash forgetting that flash is short lived. Substance is only wanted in times of duress and strife. Once Man is comfortable he quickly forgets and goes back to the bad behavior of before. It is very sad to see that millennia have past and we still do the same exact thing. What does that say about us as a species?

On a brighter note I read the story of Gideon’s Trumpet and Samson and Delilah and I was enthralled. Gideon’s Trumpet for showing how you can defeat anyone with brains instead of brawn; Samson and Delilah was a little more complex. Samson wasn’t truly defeated by Delilah but himself. She had shown her true intentions numerous times and yet in the end he allowed himself to be pressured and ultimately lost his strength. I don’t see it as Delilah as temptress. Of course she was seductive and beautiful but Samson chose to not see the truth. Sometimes when faced with the truth we refuse to believe and continue on a destructive path.

Another book finished onto now onto The Book of Ruth excited to read the first book named for a woman.

The Book of Joshua

Okay I have to admit the beginning of the Bible is boring me. There I said it. Whew I feel a great weight lifted from my shoulders. So much has to do with the Jewish law, census of the tribes and the conquering of other people. I am about to cry. The Book of Joshua is no different. The main focus is how the conquered lands were divided and continuing the story of the downfall of Jericho. Basically a woman hid them in exchange for the saving of her family when the Jewish came through Jericho like locust and destroyed all in their path. *sigh* Another recount of the obliteration of a society. So exciting. The only excitement was when Joshua sent his men against the Kingdom of Ai and was defeated. Joshua couldn’t believe that they were defeated. How could it happen they were mighty. It came to pass that Achan had hid spoils of war from Babylon. Which angered God. Once it was found out the punishment was death by stoning for Achan and all of his descendants and all he possessed. Of course the stoning wasn’t enough. They then burned them all just to be sure. The whole notion of the death of all is disturbing. Children, babies, oxen, nothing was spared.
I have to be honest I can’t wait to finish wading through this death and destruction and begin to read the glory of God. I have faith it is in there. I have to believe that the Word is in there waiting to unfurl like a flower in the sun.

Book of Numbers

After a hiatus I have returned to the Bible once again and finished up the book of Numbers. It is interesting to read Numbers for its census quality considering that the USA is in the midst of our census in 2010. Counting heads is not a new idea but one that has a basis in the Bible. That being said I once again see the recurring theme of the Lord’s vengeance and understand the Jewish 40 years of wandering.
So much of Numbers is spent on the counting of the tribes. I can only believe that this was Moses way of recording for posterity the beginnings of a society. The counting had a lot to do with the amount of men available for war and how to divide the spoils of war. This was not a peaceful time. The Jewish people wandered because they lost faith in God and desired a place to call their own. It was a time of learning devotion. Every time they lost faith and didn’t trust in God’s words it came to pass that they would be punished. The theme of vengeance is mighty and now makes me understand more how to our time people use religion as a weapon of destruction. When Moses visited Sihon and Og they not only conquered these civilizations but destroyed them also. There was not a man, woman or child left. The only thing left alive was the cattle as a spoil of war. Per Moses words God mandated that any one that did not believe must be put to death.
I read these words and look at the state of our world. We have a whole religion based on the Old Testament, the vengeful God that is spoken of. I cannot in my heart believe that these acts were truly what God desired or was this man justifying acts of atrocity. How can we believe that life is precious when it was so arbitrarily taken away by God? How can we stop the Holy Wars that exist today if these are the words you live by?

The Book of Leviticus

The Book of Leviticus was a quick read, finished it in one night. It is a Book of rules. As I went through them it truly made me see that they were so much based on the time at hand. It makes me wonder how much was based on man’s interpretation of how life should be led. For instance numerous chapters are solely about how to deal with leprosy including the different types, how to disinfect home and body and when to call in others to deal with the infection. Was that really important enough to be a part of the Bible? Also the dietary laws of Judaism and religious rituals are covered in detail considering that this is the story of the Tribes of Israel. It makes sense that so much of their rules are covered.
The most interesting and compelling ideas in Leviticus to me are the ones on sexuality. So many ministers use the Bible as the battle cry for homophobia stating that God called it an abomination. Well to be quite honest based on Leviticus God thought a lot of things were an abomination and subject to a punishment of death. So many quote this one scripture negating the following which says adultery in certain instances is punishable by death which would make the Jerry Springer show virtually devoid of guests. Also sex in general is seen as unclean. The mere act of a man losing his seed outside of his body meant he was unclean for 7 days even if during the sexual act giving the impression that no pleasure should be derived from it. Of course women as a whole were not important and because of biology are unclean every month during the time of impurity (menstrual cycle).
The more I read the more fascinated I am becoming with the Bible. I question more and it makes me see that so many that speak on this subject are merely parroting what they are told. Of course some will see my thoughts as heretical but I beg to differ. I do not doubt God’s existence nor does it change my love. What this journey is doing is opening my eyes and every day I am closer because my understanding is not based on what someone in a pulpit chooses to tell me. It will be based truly on The Word. How many can honestly say that?

Book of Exodus

After a break from the Bible I am back on my journey. Genesis took some time because I was working in the time with my Bible. Now I have found an app for my Blackberry where I can read the Bible right on my phone. The site also has reading plans to choose from to assist in the reading. I am on a ninety day plan to read the Bible. It gives me my daily reading and also allows me to go back and reread chapters and verses as I like. So I have muscled through the Book of Exodus in two days and am feeling my journey again.
The Book of Exodus is of course about Moses and how he freed the children of Israel from Egypt. It also speaks on what happened afterwards at Mount Sinai and God’s plans. I will not go into the story because if you are a Christian you have heard this story time and time again from childhood. What I am thinking about is the new things I have read and points that make me ponder.
The first thing I noticed was unlike what I knew; Moses brother Aaron was an integral part of this story. He stood by Moses side and was also part of Jehovah’s plan. Whereas Moses spoke to God, Aaron was designated as the one to carry out the Lord’s design.
God is a jealous and vengeful God. His words not mine. He will not tolerate worship of another and would smite down the offenders. Love him and he will protect you forever. Defy him and not only will you be punished but your offspring. I now understand what is meant by “the sins of the father will be brought down upon the son” but per God’s word then for four generations. That is heavy. It means that my path could, for good or bad, be reaped upon my offspring. What type of legacy do I want to leave? Also why did God feel the need to cast out the other races of men to give the Children of Israel their own land? It makes things crystal clear the conflict between the Jews and the Palestinians. These are the words of the Lord but were they really or are they man’s to justify the violence that has existed between people since the dawn of time?
The Lord not only gave us the Ten Commandments during this time but specific laws for daily life during that time from dealing with theft, to injury, to murder. Also Moses was alone on Mount Sinai twice. The first we all know what happened, he came down with the Ten Commandments and God’s laws. The interesting thing is that Moses knew before he came down what he would see because God told him and being the jealous God he is was going to smite all of them down. Moses intervened but became so angered when he witnessed what was going on he broke the tablets. He did go up again and came back with the tablets again.

Chapter after Chapter in Exodus after leaving Egypt is spent on rituals and exact specs for building the Ark of the Covenant and the place of worship. As I read through the words it made me want to delve into Jewish tradition to see how much of this continues today. It explains to me how there are pictures depicting this lost Ark because the instructions are so specific it would be easy. It also makes me wonder why God insisted on such finery. Gold, silver and brass were mandated. Specific materials for priest clothing down to the embroidery, what was the purpose? God even stated the specific craftsmen to work on each and every section of his plans. I understand appointing Aaron and his sons as his priests and conveying his plans but the specific of Bezalel and others for the building, the sewing, the creation of the physical leaves me perplexed. Were those really God’s words?
The deeper I get into my readings I also must now ask myself how many truly know the Bible that quote it so much. Do they read it out of context not taking into consideration what was said before? Do they understand the Bible the way they think they do or only the popular scriptures? Some have said to make this reading easier I should read the Old and the New Testament in tandem. I don’t think so. That is like reading any book and skipping to the middle. Yes it would make it easier reading but I do not want to let later writings influence what I read in the beginning. I want to understand the progression of thought from start to finish.
Exodus is done on to Leviticus. As I continue I see that it will not be just about understanding the Word but it also makes me question my belief system. Every book I finish I know I will need to speak to ministers, scholars; theologians, read historical text and learn of other religions because I see similarities between them. The rituals of Catholicism are not that far removed from Judaism and what are the differences that Islam brings to the table. Will this journey change or broaden my perspective? Just as the Bible ends in Revelations perhaps by then it will be revealed to me.

The Book of Genesis – An Overview

I have finally finished the Book of Genesis and Wow! It is interesting to see that the same issues we face today are part of the beginning of our story. Greed, jealousy, brotherly hate and so many others are a part of the makeup of man. Besides the bad it also speaks on the good of man. Our love, our redemptive qualities and to forgive is what allows us as a species to continue living. A recurring theme is of destiny. You may be facing hardship, sadness and strife but if you survive and grow you will get to the lesson God has for you and usually you will prosper in the end. I also now truly understand where the name Israel came from and what the twelve tribes of Israel refers to and the original Lion of Judah. The reading took me longer than expected but I am beginning to understand the power of The Word and the glory of the Greatest Story Ever Told. On to Exodus a new chapter awaits.

Book of Genesis – Joseph

Wow the story of Joseph has given me much food for thought. Jacob’s youngest son was loved by his father. He was filled with visions of the future and mystical. This created jealousy, envy and eventually the plot that sold him to the Egyptians. It is so sad to see that man has not changed in all of these years and we still hold such feelings in our heart. Joseph’s brothers could not rejoice in the gift their brother had, they only saw his difference and hated him for it. They told Jacob Joseph was dead and continued on with life. Joseph sold into slavery was able to rise above his prospects because of the gift of vision God bestowed on him. His life was rich and full. In the end he saved his father and brother from the seven year famine that swept the lands. Joseph’s first thought was to punish but his love for his father saved them all. It also gave him the ability to understand his destiny was to save his family and he couldn’t have done that if he had never been sold to the Egyptians. His story speaks so clearly on the fact that no matter what situation you find yourself in you must rise above it. You must be willing to believe in your gifts and live life. You cannot let life bear down and stop you from being the person God wants you to be. You must bear witness, listen to his words and search for understanding.

Book of Genesis – Jacob and Esau

The story of these brothers is filled with favoritism and deceit. Rebekah began this story with her love for Jacob bringing about anger to Jacob by Esau and Jacob’s flight from home because of it. Of course Jacob was not an innocent. He knew what his mother’s plan was and readily agreed to it. Why? Because it gave him power that his father did not plan for him. He gained his father’s gift but had to leave home for twenty years to retain his life. He finally returned with fear in the hopes his brother would allow his return. During this time Jacob had grown and become worthy of Abraham’s covenant with God and Esau had grown also and forgiven his brother and welcomed him home with open arms.
I personally am struggling with forgiveness like Esau. Sometimes the most powerful anger felt is brought about through family. The passage of time is sometimes the tonic we need to heal wounds. I will learn from these brothers. From Jacob I will spend time growing as a person. Instead of letting life’s difficulties stop my progress I will take what is given and flourish. From Esau I will let time heal me and one day open my arms and forgive.

Book of Genesis – Jacob and Laban

The story of Jacob and Laban made me think about how much man has not changed since the dawn of time. Laban deceived Jacob over and over and Jacob endured and in the end came away prosperous. Laban showed the side of man that takes advantage of his strength over another to gain his servitude.

Jacob asked for Rachel in marriage. Laban required 7 years of servitude for Rachel but instead tricked Jacob and gave him Leah. Jacob’s love for Rachel was so strong that he endured another 7 years of servitude to finally gain her as a wife. Laban’s deceit cost Jacob fourteen years of servitude and thrust Leah into marriage with a man that never wanted her and an atmosphere of competition between the two women. When Jacob asks for his wages from Laban. Laban strikes a bargain to pay him with the spotted and speckled cattle and sheep because they were few. He promised Jacob all of these cattle and sheep because he knew that there would be few. Soon most of the flock were the spotted and speckled of Jacob’s. Laban seeing this stepped in and took all of the spotted and speckled away from Jacob and gave to his sons. Leaving Jacob with only the ringstraked (marked with circular stripes) cattle and sheep to Jacob. He did this because very few were born were ringstraked. However God stepped in a from that day forward the strongest born among the cattle and sheep were ringstraked. Thus making Jacob’ s flock strong and prosperous. Of course Laban’s sons became angry and turned against Jacob because he was prospering. Jacob hearing about their words of displeasure fled with his family and livestock in the night. He understood that soon Laban would step in and take away what he so rightfully earned. Rachel being more like her father, stole his religious images unbeknown to Jacob. Laban pursued Jacob wanting to know why he left in the night and stole his images. Jacob denied the theft and Rachel hid the images so Laban never found them. When asked why Jacob left. Jacob explained that after 20 years of servitude Laban had broke his word ten times and changed his wages. It was time he moved on and found a land for his family without Laban. Jacob called upon the God of Abraham as witness to Laban and Laban instead of forcing Jacob back, agreed to let them go on the condition that he never return. So at the place they called Galeed they made of pillar of stone and promised never to cross to give harm to the other.

As I read the story of Jacob and Laban I became angry at Laban and sad for Jacob. Jacob did exactly what was asked of him and Laban used him over and over again to his advantage. However as I reread the story for the third time I get it. Yes Laban used Jacob. Yes Laban deceived Jacob to gain wealth but in the end who really won? Jacob won. For all of his machinations and deceit Jacob still prospered. He endured and took what was given to him and made a way with God’s help. It shows that with hard work and perseverance you can succeed. You cannot let the deceit and greed of another stop you. Push on because in the end you will prosper.

Would Jacob had stayed if Laban had been a man of fairness and honesty? And what would Laban’s wealth really have been if he had done right by Jacob?

The Book of Genesis – Rebekah, Esau and Jacob

The story of Rebekah with her sons is one of favoritism and deception. Rebekah loved Jacob best and wanted him to be favored by Isaac but Esau was Isaac’s favorite. At the end of Isaac’s life when he was going to give his blessing to Esau, Rachel stepped in and her machinations gave Jacob Esau’s blessing.
As a mother I don’t like the way this story reads. I dislike the favoritism that each parent showed their children. You can love your children differently but not one more than the other. Rebekah’s deception created hate in Esau for his brother. Which in turn forced Jacob to flee to Laban. In his flight Jacob communes with God and and God promises Jacob to spread his seed. Jacob awakens and feels God’s presence in the rock and creates Bethel and promises a tenth to God. Hence tithing.
I question but as I dig deeper do I condemn Rebekah for her subterfuge or do I understand as a mother that perhaps she understood the nature of her sons and knew that the blessing of Isaac would be better served by Jacob? That speaks on the role of a mother. I have looked at my children and know their strengths and weaknesses. If knowing the choice was the House of Abraham, a covenant between God which would I choose? Would I have had the foresight of Rebekah? Esau was aggressive, a hunter. Jacob a plain man of the tents. Imagine what our world of holy wars and male dominance would be if Esau had received the blessing. Have we been saved by Jacob’s gentler touch?