Mark 16

1 - 8 The Resurrection of Jesus - The Empty Tomb

After the Sabbath passes Mary Magdalene and Mary the Mother of James come to anoint Jesus' body with spices. When they arrive, the stone at the tomb is rolled back and a young man in a white robe says "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you."

9 - 18 Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene - to Two Disciples - to the Eleven

19 - 20 Jesus Ascends to Heaven and the Apostles Go Forth

"And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen."

Mark 15

1 - 15 Jesus before Pilate

When Pilate asks Jesus if He's the King of the Jews, Jesus says, "You have said so" (but he doesn't deny it. Pilate offers to release a prisoner, "but the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead."

16 - 20 The Crowning of Thorns

The soldiers lead him away and mock him.

21 - 41 The Crucifiction and Death of Jesus

Simon of Cyrene carrys his cross. Mark specifies that Jesus was nailed to the cross at "the third hour" (between nine o'clock and noon). At the ninth hour, Jesus says, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" When Jesus dies, the centurion says, "Truly this man was the Son of God.

42 - 47 The Burial of Jesus

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw Jesus buried.

Mark 14

1 - 11 The Conspiracy against Jesus - Anointing at Bethany - Treachery of Judas

Two days before Passover, the Chief Priests and scribes wish to arrest Jesus and kill him (but not during the feast, lest there be a tumult of the people).

At Bethany in the house of Simon the leper a woman anoints Jesus with scented water. Some believe it wasted and it sold for money for the poor. Jesus tells the apostles will always have the poor, but not Jesus.

Judas slips out agrees to sell Jesus out to the priests for money.

12 - 21 Preparations for the Last Supper

Jesus finds a place for the Last Supper and that evening, when they are gathered, he announces that One of them will betray him.

22 - 31 The Last Supper

Christ offers himself as a sacrifice. My notes: (Jesus' words) show that the sacrifices of the Old Covenant were in fact a preparation for and anticipation of Christ's sacrifice. . . A cleare explanation of the sacrificial nature of the Last Supper are find in Hebrews 8 & 9. See also John Ch. 6. After supper, Jesus foretells how the disciples desert him.

32 - 52 Jesus' Prayer - the Agony in the Garden - the Arrest

In Gethsemane, Jesus prays to the Father "all things are possible with thee; yet not not what I will, but what thou wilt." Judas fingers him while the apostles sleep. (51 - 2 is interesting - found only in Mark: A young man follows with only a linen cloth. They seize him, but he runs away naked. My notes say this might be an allusion to Mark himself!)

53 - 65 Jesus before the Chief Priests

The priests try to corner Jesus into blasphemy. He admits to being the Son of Man (an allusion to Daniel 7:13 - 14). That's enough for the priests who condemn him to death.

66 - 72 Peter's Denial

Peter denies Jesus as predicts. "And he broke down and wept."

Mark 13

1 - 2 Announcement of the Destruction of the Temple

One of the disciples looks at wonder at the beauty of the stones and buildings in Jerusalem. Jesus states that there will not be one stone left upon another at will not be thrown down. (The Temple was destroyed by Titus in A.D. 70).

3 - 13 The Beginning of the Tribulation. Persecution on Account of the Gospel

Peter, James, John, and Andrew ask Jesus privately when the Tribulation will begin. Jesus warns of people who will come in his name to say the end is coming, of wars, and and natural disasters. There will be persecution. And the gospel must be preached to all nations.

14 - 23 The Great Tribulation

Jesus warns the four about the "desolating sacralige" (My notes: from Daniel 9:27 - normally used to designate any idolatrous and sacrilegous person, thing or act outrageious to the religious faith of the Jewish people)

24 - 27 The Coming of the Son of Man

28 - 31 The End Will Surely Come: the Lesson of the Fig Tree

32 - 37 The Time of Christ's Coming

Mark 12

1 - 12 Parable of the Wicked Tenants

My notes say this is a summary of the history of salvation.

13 - 17 Tribute to Caesar

My notes say this teaches that man belongs totally to his creator.

18 - 27 The Resurrection of the Dead

A scribe of the Sadducees asks whose wife a woman will be at the resurrection if she remarries. Jesus states that when they rise, they will neither marry nor remarry, but be like the angels.

28 - 34 The Greatest Commandment of All

A scribe asks which commandment is greatest of all. The first is "The Lord our God, the Lord is One, and you shall ove the Lord with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." The second is, "Love your neighbor as yourself. "

35 - 40 The Divinity of the Messiah and Jesus Censures the Scribes

Jesus bears witness to the fact that the Scripture is divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit. He says beware of scribes who go about in long robes and devour widows' houses.

41 - 44 The Widow's Mite

When a poor widow put in two coins, Jesus says that "this poor widow has put in far more than those who are contributing to the treasury." My notes say: "Give him what you can: the merit is not in whether it is big or small, but in the intention with which you give it." (Josemaria Escriva)

Mark 11

Part Three: Jesus’ Ministry in Jerusalem

1 – 11 The Messiah Enters the Holy City

As the disciples approach Jerusalem, Jesus sends two ahead to retrieve a colt on which no one has sat. They returned with it, threw their garments on it and Jesus mounted it. They spread their clothes and many spread leafy branches, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming! Hosanna in the highest!"

12 - 26 The Barren Fig Tree and the Expulsion of the Money Changers

The next day Jesus was hungry. He went to a fig tree, but it was barren. Then he cursed it, saying, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." My notes: "Jesus had come among his own people, the Jews, hungry to find fruit of holiness and good works, but all he found were external practices - leaves without fruit." At the temple in Jerusalem, Jesus overturns the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. Later they pass the fig tree, and it is withered.

The Power of Prayer: "Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

My notes say that verse 26 was added later (from Matthew 6:15: "but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your father forgive your trespasses."

27 – 33 Jesus’ Authority

The chief priest ask Jesus under what authority he does theses things. Jesus responds with a question: "Was the baptism of John from heaven or men?" The priests try to figure out how Jesus is trying to trick them and finally settle on "We do not know." Jesus responds, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."

Mark 10

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Mark 9

1 -

Mark 8

1 - 10 Second Miracle of the Loaves

11 - 21 The Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod

22 - 26 Curing of a Blind Man at Bethsaida

27 - 30 Peter's Profession of Faith

Part Two: Jesus's Ministry on the Way to Jerusalem

31 - 38 Jesus Foretells his Passion & Resurrection. Christian Renunciation

Mark 7

1 - 23 The Traditions of the Elders. What Defiles a Man

24 - 30 The Syrophoenician Woman

31 - 37 Caring of a Deaf Man

Mark 6

1 - 6 The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth - When Jesus preaches at the synagogue in his hometown, he is rejected. I just went to my 20th high school reunion, and I saw how hard it is for people (myself included) to break free of their preconceived notions of people.

6 - 13 The Mission of the Twelve - Jesus sends his disciples out two by two & gives them authority over unclean spirits. They should take nothing except for a staff (no bread, no bag, no money in their belts) Wear sandals & 2 tunics. If anyone refuses to see them, "shake the dust off your feet" as a testimony against them. They went out and cast out many demons and annointed the sick.

14 - 29 The Death of John the Baptist - King Herod hears of Jesus. He had imprisoned John because John had told him it was unlawful for Herod to have marry his sister-in-law Herodias. On Herod's birthday, he had given a party and Herodias's daughter (Salome, according to Josephus) danced. Herod tells the girl, "Ask me for whatever I want, and I will give it). She asks her mom, Herodias, who wants the Head of John the Baptist on a platter. This upsets Herod, but he is too weak to protest. He gives the girl the head and the girl gives it to her mother.

30 - 44 Feeding the Five Thousand - Jesus shares 5 loaves and 2 fish with 5000 people.

45 - 52 Jesus Walks on Water - That night they are crossing the sea to Bethsaida. In the evening his disciples see him walking on the sea in a bad wind. He tells them not to be afraid, gets in the boat and the wind ceases.

53 - 56 Healing the Sick in Gennesaret - He is recognized and many rush out to be healed. All who touch his cloak are healed.

Mark 5

1 - 20 - The Gerasene Demoniac - On the other side of the sea, an unclean man who had been dwelling in the tombs and tormented by spirits ran to Jesus and prostrated himself before him. Jesus demands the unclean spirit leave the man. He asks the spirits name, and the spirit replies, "Legion is my name. There are many of us." Jesus sends the spirits into a herd of swine who run into the sea and drown. The man wants to join Jesus, but Jesus tells him to go home and tell his family.

21 - 43 Jairus' Daughter & Woman with a Hemorrhage - They return to the other side of the sea and a synagogue official named Jairus pleads with Jesus to lay his hands on his daughter who is dying. On their way, a woman who had been suffering hemorrhages for 12 years, touches his clothes and is healed. Upon arriving at Jairus' house, it is discovered that his daughter had died. Jesus says that the 12 years old girl is only sleeping. (it's interesting that the number 12 is in this story twice) Jesus says "Talitha koum" - "Little girl, I say to you, arise!" She wakes up and walks around. Jesus tells them not to tell anyone and to get the girl something to eat.

Mark 4

1 - 20 The Parable of the Sower - Seeds that fall on the path are prey to birds, seeds on rocky ground will be scorched by the sun, and seeds among the thorns will be choked. Seeds on good soil will multiply. We should seek a good foundation to our faith for ourselves and our families.

21 - 25 Parables of the Lamp and the Measure - Don't put a lump under a bushel. Also the measure you give will be the measure you get.

26 - 34 Parables of the Seed and of the Mustard Seed - "The Kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed upon the ground, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he knows not how."

35 - 41 The Calming of the Storm - Jesus and the disciples begin to cross the sea, and a storm came. Jesus was asleep and the disciples awakened him in their panic. "Peace! Be still!" says Jesus, and he turns to the disciples, saying, "Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?"

Mark 3

1 - 6 The Curing of the Man with the Withered Hand - Again, in the synagogue, Jesus heals a man. It is the sabbath, and he heals him. The Prarisees begin to plot against him.

7 - 12 Curing Beside the Sea of Galilee - There are so many people, Jesus has to go on a boat. He heals many and when unclean spirits behold him, they cry out, "You are the Son of God."

13 - 19 Jesus Chooses the 12 Apostles - Roll Call!

1. Simon (surnamed Peter)
2. James (Son of Zebedee)
3. James (Brother of James; surname - Boanerges: sons of thunder)
4. Andrew
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew
7. Matthew
8. Thomas
9. James (son of Alphaeus)
10. Thaddaeus
11. Simon the Cananaean
12. Judas Iscariot

20 - 30 Allegations of the Scribes/Sin against the Holy Spirit - The scribes come from Jerusalem & state the Jesus is possessed by Beelzebul, Prince of demons. Jesus says, "How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that Kingdom cannot stand." & later: "Truly I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin." My notes: Such a person will not be forgiven, not because God cannot forgive all sins, but because that person, in his blindness towards God, rejects Jesus Christ, his teaching and his miracles, and despises the graces of the Holy Spirit as if they were designed to trap him."

31 - 35 The True Kinsmen of Jesus - Jesus mother and brethren come (in aramaic brethren is broad term for kinship, including nephews, cousins, and relatives in general). They say, "Your mother and brethren are here," and Jesus says, "Whoever does the will of God is my brother, and sister, and mother."

Mark 2

1 - 12 Curing of a Paralyzed Man - After Jesus returned from Capernaum, he forgave the sins of a parylitic. The scribes thought this was blasphemous, and Jesus healed the man. They were amazed and glorified God.

13 - 17 The Calling of the Tax Collector) - Levi the Son of Alpheus (My notes say Matthew calls him Matthew; Luke calls him Levi too - it's assumed they are the same person & he's Matthew) sits by tax office and rises and follows Jesus. When the scribes ask why he associates with sinners, Jesus says, "Those who aren't well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

18 - 22 A Discussion on Fasting - The Pharisees ask why Jesus' disciples don't fast, and Jesus says that wedding guests can't fast while the bridegroom is with them. Further, a new patch on an old garment won't work. Further, new wine doesn't work in old wineskins. My notes say he's talking about the relationship between the Old Law (Testament) and the New. Jesus has come to fulfill the Old Law.

23 - 28 The Law of the Sabbath - One sabbath Jesus is going through the grainfields and his disciples pick the grain. The Pharisees ask why he's allowing them to work on the sabbath. Jusus says, "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath; so the Son of man is lord even of the sabbath."

I've always assumed that Jesus was against going by the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law. I still think this, but my notes say further, "Christ teaches God's purpose in instituting the sabbath: God established it for man's good, to help him rest and devote himslef to divine worhip in joy and peace. The Pharisees, through their interpretation of the Law, had turned this day into a source of anguish and scruple to due to all the various prescriptions and prohibitions they introduced."

Mark 1

Wow, this gospel hits the ground running!

1 - 7 The ministry of John the Baptist - John the Baptizer appears in the
wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He speaks of Jesus' coming, saying, "I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

8 - 11 Jesus is Baptized - After Jesus is baptized by John, the heavens open up and the Spirit descends upon him like a dove. A voice says, "Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased.

12 - 13 The Tempting of Jesus The Spirit leads him into the wilderness for 40 days, where he is tempted by Satan. He is with the wild beasts, and the angels minister to him.

14 - 20 Jesus Begins to Preach his Ministry in Galilee and Calls His First Disciples - After John is arrested, Jesus begins preaching in Galilee. Simon and Andrew drop their fishnets and follow him. Then James and and John leave their father Zebedee (and his hired servants) to follow him.

21 - 28 Jesus in the Synagogue of Capernaum - Jesus astonishes with his teachings on the sabbath, "for he taught them as one who had authority." Then Jesus removes an unclean spirit from a man. His fame spreads.

29 - 34 Curing of Peter's Mother-in-Law and Many Sick People - Jesus and the 4 apostles go to Simon's mother-in-law (and she serves them). Then at sundown many gather at the door and Jesus heals the sick and casts out demons.

35 - 39 Jesus Goes to a Lonely Place to Pray - Simon and the other apostles have to get him because "Every one is searching for you." He goes throughout Galilee preaching in synagogues and casting out demons

40 - 44 Curing of a Leper - A leper comes to Jesus and Jesus touches him and tells him that he is clean, and commands him to go see a priest (for the cleansing of what Moses commanded). One of the most interesting things about this is (and it's in Luke too), is that Jesus commands the man not to say anything to anyone, but he does anyway.

There's so much going on in this chapter that it's difficult to comment on. I'll focus on Jesus' authority in the synagogue. My favorite note in my Bible states, "First he does and then he preaches (Acts 1:1) - not like the scribes who teach and do not do (Mt 23: 1-5).

Ruth 4

Ruth Marries Boaz

When the closer relative approaches, Boaz (with 10 elders listening), tells him that he is able the redeem the land. He is willing to redeem the land, but when Boaz tells him that Ruth comes with the field, he is unable to acquire it.

Boaz marries Ruth, and Naomi rejoices. They bore a son named Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David (and ancestor of Jesus).

Ruth 3

Good Notes, J.P.

Naomi tells Ruth that she needs to remarry and is interested that Boaz is a friend of the family.While Boaz sleeps, Ruth bathes and lies beside him. When he wakes up and finds her there, he is very impressed that she has been loyal to him and hasn't "gone after" the younger men. Boaz says that if the other man refuses to marry her, then he will. He gives her grain to to Naomi. Naomi says, "Wait here, my daughter, until you learn what happens, for the man will not rest, but will settle the matter today."

Ruth 2

Naomi had a prominent kinsman named Boaz, of the clan of her husband Elimelech. Ruth suggests she glean ears of grain in the fields of anyone who allows her to. Ruth enters Boaz's field. Because Boaz has heard what she did for her mother-in-law, and allows her to glean in his field and has commanded his young men to let her drink (and not to mess around with her). He lets her have food and to dip her bread in the sauce. When she gets back that evening she has gleaned about an ephah of barley (my notes say about 4 liters). Naomi is amazed when she sees the bounty and encourages Ruth to do as Boaz said, to stay with the servants and complete the harvest.

Ruth 1

During the time of the judges, there is a great famine. Ruth has a husband, Elimelech, who dies and she is left with her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, who married Moabite women, Orpah and Naomi. After 10 years, her sons die as well, and Ruth is stuck with her daughters-in-law.

Ruth gives them a chance to go back to their families. Orpah goes, but Naomi stays with Ruth. Thus it was that Naomi returned with the Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth, who accompanied her back from the plateau of Moab. They arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

Judges 21

Benjaminites Saved from Extinction

At Mizpah, the Israelites swear that no daughter will marry a Benjaminite. Only 600 Benjamite soldiers are left alive. The Isrealites are are sorrowful over this situation.

The Israelites find a loophole: at the yearly festival at Shiloh, when the women dance in the vineyards, each Benjamite man will "carry off a wife for himself" - if the men don't complain, then they haven't "given their daughters up."

I think the last line sums this all up best: "In those days there was no king in Israel; all the people did what was right in their own eyes."

Judges 20

Assembly of Israelites and War with Benjamin

Israel mobilizes 400,000 soldiers versus the Benjamites' 27,000 men.
The Benjamites fight well, though, winning the first 2 battles. The Isrealites ask the Lord if they are doing his will. In response, the Benjamite army is annihilated and their towns burned.

Judges 19

The Levite from Ephraim

The Levite traveled from Ephraim to Bethlehem and convinced his concubine to come with him. They stopped for the night in Gibeah, a lawless town. The Levite was a coward, and when wildmen surrounded the house, rather than fighting, he offered his concubine. The next morning, they left. Then the Levite cut the woman into pieces and sent them throughout Israel.

Judges 18

Migration of the Danites

In order to enlarge their borders, the Danites overtake Laish. The 5 recon men know about Micah and the Levite and the idols, so they go to take them. They destroy Laish and name it after Dan. They maintain the carved idol Micah had made as long as the house of God was in Shiloh.

Judges 17

Micah and the Levite

Here comes another lapse into idolatry. Micah's mother makes an idol for him. He consecrates a young Levite within Judah to become a priest (and stay at his house and eat his food).

Judges 16

Samson begins seeing a harlot in Gaza. The men of Gaza want to ambush him, but he is too strong (tearing down gates, etc.). The men lords of the Philistines find out about Delilah and offer her money for the secret of his strength. Just like with his wife, he is able to hold to her pressure for so long (he tells her several lies - that 7 fresh bowstrings, new ropes, or weaving his hair into a web and fastened them with a pin). Finally, she wears him down by continually vexing him with complaints, and he tells her, "No razor has touched my head, for I have been consecrated to God from my mother's womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I shall be as weak as any other man" (17). While he is sleeping, she cuts his hair off, mistreats him, and when he wakes up he is taken to prison where he is put to grinding which must have been miserable since his source of strength had been taken away).

The lords of the philistines make Samson play the buffoon for them for a sacrifice festival for the god Dagon. They station him between two columns and since his hair grew back in prison, he tears them down, killing himself and in one swoop, more than he had killed in his lifetime. He judged for 20 years.

Judges 15

Samson returns to his wife and discovers that she married another man. His father offers his (prettier) younger daughter. "This time I'm without blame," he thinks, and burns the Philistines' crops by tying torches to the tails of 500 foxes. When the Philistines find out that Samson did this, they blame his wife and her father and burn them up. Samson swears to to avenge them and hides in a cave.

The men from Judah find Samson and get him to agree to accompany them to turn himself in, and they tie him up. When they arrive at the Philistines, his bonds melt off like wax. He takes the jawbone of a donkey and slays a thousand men. He throws away the jawbone (ramath-lehi = the Hill of the Jawbone) and takes a drink at En-hakkore (The Spring of the one who called - he called out to God). Samson judges 20 years.

Judges 14

Samson asks his parents to arrange a marriage between him and a Philistine woman. They do this, even though the Philistine's have dominion over Israel.

On his way to Timnah a young lion approaches Samson and Samson tears him apart. Later, some bees have settled in the lion's carcass, and Samson scoops the honey for his parents without telling them anything about the lion.

Later at a banquet, Samson proposes a riddle to his 30 Philistine companions (groomsmen) for 30 linen tunics and 30 sets of garments.

Out of the eater came forth food, and out of the strong came forth sweetness.

This riddle causes stress for the marriage, and finally the wife pursuades Samson to tell the answer. She tells the companions, and he loses the bet. To pay his debt, Samson kills 30 men from Ahkelon and despoils them. He leaves in anger, and Samson's wife was married to the best man.

Judges 13

The Isrealites offend the Lord again and are forced under the power of the Philistines for 40 years.

An angel of the Lord appears before the barren wife of the Danite Manoah. He tells her to conceive, but she should abstain from alcohol, unclean food, the cutting of the hair. (My notes say this is a Nazarite vow). She tells Manoah, who prays for the angel's return so he might teach them what to do for the child.

The angel returns and repeats his instructions. Manoah asks him to stay, and the angel tells him to set up a sacrifice for the Lord. He refuses to tell Manoah his name. When the fire gets going pretty well, and Manoah offers his offering of goat and cereal as holocaust, the angel rises to the sky from the flames. The couple realize they definitely had an angel and Manoah thinks they will die because they have seen God, but Manoah's wife points out that if the Lord had wanted to kill them, he would have done so - indeed, the Lord has accepted their holocaust. She bears a son named Samson.

Judges 12

Shibboleth: Some men of Ephraim come to Jephthah and ask why he didn't invite them to fight the Ammonites with him. He says he offered, but when "he saw that they would not effect rescue" he did it himself. He calls in their enemies from Gilead and they explained that they took the ford and anyone who didn't pronounce "Shibboleth" right, would be killed, and so they killed 42,000 Ephraimites. That would definitely slow them down.

My notes: "Shibboleth means "an ear of grain." But this Hebrew word can also mean "flood water." Apparently the Gileadites engaged the Ephraimites in conversation about the "flood water" of the Jordan. Differences in enunciating the initial sibilant of the Hebrew word betrayed different tribal affinities."

After judging for 6 years, Jephthah dies.

After Jephthah, Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. He has 30 sons and 30 daughters who marry outside the family (outside Israel?). After judging for 7 years, he dies.

After Ibzan, Elon judges Israel for ten years, and he dies.

After Elon, Abdon judges Israel for 8 years (he has 40 sons who rose on 70 saddle-asses!), and he dies.

Judges 11

Jephthah (This one breaks my heart.) Jephthah was born to Gilead of "a harlot." Gilead's wife who had borne him sons, drove Jephthah away without inheritance, and he joined a gang. When the Ammonites warred on Israel, the elders of Gilead persuade him to fight, saying if he goes, he'll become the leader. Jephthah sends several messaged to the leaders of the Ammonites asking to pass through, but they are all ignored.

The spirit of the Lord comes upon Jephthah and he vows to God that if the Lord delivers the Ammonites into his power, whoever comes out of the doors of his house to meet him upon his return shall belong to the Lord. I shall offer him up as a holocaust" (sacrifice).

When he returns after defeating the Ammonites, his only daughter comes forth. This really puts Jephthah in a bind. He tells his daughter what he must do, and she's willing to do as what his vow requires, but she wants to go to the mountains for 2 months to "mourn her virginity" (My notes: "to bear children was woman's greatest pride; to be childless was regarded as a greate misfortune. Hence Jephthah's daughter asks permission to mourn the fact that she will be put to death before she can bear children.")

She returns and accepts her fate. Celebrating her death becomes a custom.

Several things about this story. It reflects Abraham and Isaac. (But this time the father isn't stopped, but allowed to make the sacrifice). The daughter also prefigures Christ, who died for the salvation of all, and Mary, who is celebrated for her virginity.

Judges 10

Tola (an Issacharite) judged Israel after Abimelech for 24 years. Then he died.

Jair (a Gileadite) judged Israel for 22 years. He had 30 sons who rode 30 saddle-asses and possessed 30 cities (called Havvoth Jair). Then Jair died.

Then the Israelites offend the Lord and are oppressed for 18 years by the (Bobby?) Ammonites. They cry out to the Lord and cast out the foreign gods so that the Lord grieves for them.

The Ammonites gather for war and encamp in Gilead, and the princes of Gilead say, "The one who begins the war against the Ammonites shall be the leader of Gilead."

Judges 9

Abimelech is made king and was horrible ruler, often engaged in war with his own subjects.

My notes: "Just as the noble trees refused the honor of royalty and were made subject to a mean plant, so did Abimelech of less noble birth than the seventy sons of Gideon now tyrannize over the people."

He ransacked many towns, including Thebez, where a woman threw a millstone on his head. He ordered a soldier to kill him with his sword, so that it might not be said he had been killed by the hand of a woman.

Judges 8

Gideon pacifies the Ephraimites. Succoth and Penuel refuse to deliver Gideon's army. Zebah and Zalmunna are taken. S & Penuel are destroyed. Gideon avenges his brethren's death on Zebah and Zalmunna. He refuses goverment and Midian is subdued.

The land has a rest of 40 years. Gideon has a son named Abimelech (among his 70 sons!), and again the Isrealites fall into idolatry and ingratitude.

Judges 7

God tells Gideon to take 300 out of 10,000 possible men to defeat the Mideanites.

Judges 6

After 40 years of rest in the land, the Isrealites offend the Lord again so that they are held by Midian for 7 years. They ask the Lord for help and they send Gideon of Manassah. An angel appears to him and tells him he must deliver the Isrealites. Gidean is humble and the Lord works some miracles to help him overcome his fear. When he placed the woolen fleece on the ground, he found it covered with dew the next morning, while the ground all around it was dry. Again he places the fleece on the ground; it is dry while the ground is wet with dew.

Judges 5

The Canticle of Deborah

This is the song that Deborah sings about the victory.

Judges 4

Deborah and Barak

After Ehud dies, the Isrealites again offend the Lord and the Lord sends a new judge, Deborah (wife of Lappidoth) to summon Barak to defeat Sisera. After the Isrealites defeat them, Sisera flees on foot to Jael who famously plants him to the ground with a tent-peg. My notes: "It is to be noted that the sacred author merely records the fact of the murder of Sisera. We must not construe this as approval of Jael's action."

Judges 3

1 - 6 The Nations the Lord allowed to Remain

A list of the nations the Lord allows to remain.

7 - 11 Othniel

Othniel, son of Caleb's younger brother is allowed to save the Isrealites. Afterward, the land is at rest for 40 years.

12 - 30 Ehud

Once again the Isrealites offend the Lord. When they cry out, the Lord raises a savior, the Benjaminte Ehud. Ehud goes to Moab King Eglon's upper room and sinks a two edged sword in his fat belly. The land is at rest for 80 years.

31 Shamgar

Shamgar slays 600 Philistines with an oxgoad to rescue Israel.

Judges 2

Infidelities of the Isrealites

After Joshua dies, the generations abandon the Lord and begin to serve other gods including Baal and the Ashtaroth. This angers God, who doesn't allow them to prosper - he keeps them where they are instead of expelling or delivering Israel. When Israel repents, he sends the Judges to deliver them.

This applies to us - when the Isrealites obey the commandments, they prosper, when they don't, their enemies oppress them.

Judges 1

My notes: The Book of Judges derives its title from the twelve heroes of Israel whose deeds it records. They were not magistrates, but military leaders sent by God to aid and to relieve his people in time of external danger. They exercised their activities in the interval of time between the death of Joshua and the institution of the monarchy in Israel.

More from my notes: The purpose of the book is to show that the fortunes of Israel depended upon the obedience or disobedience of the people to God's law. Whenever they rebelled against him, they were oppressed by pagan nations; when they repented, he raised up judges to deliver them.

1 - 8 Israel's Failure to Complete the Conquest of Canaan

After Joshua dies, the Isrealites ask who should fight against the Canaanites. The Lord says the job should go to Judah. Judah takes his brother Simeon with him to fight the Canaanites. They fight Adoni-bezek (Lord of Bezek) and they cut off his thumbs and big toes (Adoni-Bezek says, "Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off used to pick up scraps from my table: as I have done, so God has paid me back.")

Then we get more recap of the events of Joshua - battles won and lost. . .

Joshua 24

1 - 28 The Covenant of Shechem

Joshua gathers all the tribes at Shechem. We get another great summary of "the story so far." Then he admonishes them to remain loyal to the Laws of Moses. The people are a little stubborn and Joshua has to argue with them a bit.

29 - 33 The Deaths of Joshua and Eleazer.

Joshua dies at 110. He is buried at Timnath-serah. Joseph's bones are buried at Shechem (on ground that cost 100 pieces of money - the value of the money is unknown). Eleazor, son of Aaron, dies and is buried at Gibeah.

Joshua 23

1 - 16 Joshua's Farewell Address

A long time later, "when the Lord had given rest to Israel from their enemies all around," Joshua summons all Israel for a farewell address. He reminds them that the Lord gave them the land and that they must "be very steadfast to observe and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses." They must love the Lord and not intermarry into the survivors of the nations they overran, or the Lord will not continue to drive these nations away, "but they shall be a scourge on your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the Lord you God has given you." He tells them he is about to die, and reminds them again what will happen if they bow down to other gods: "then the anger of the Lord will be kindled quickly from the good land that he has given to you."

Question: Why does Joshua give a similar warning two times in his speech? What's the difference in the two?

Joshua 22

1 - 9 Joshua thanks the Reubenites, Gadites and half of Manassah for a job well done and blesses them. The two and a half tribes leave with their booty.

10 - 34 The Incident of the Altar by the Jordan

They reach the Jordan in Canaan and build "a conspicuously large altar" When the tribes west of the Jordan hear about it, they decide gather at Shiloh to go to war against them.

(My notes: "the western Israelites considered this altar, which seemed to violate the customary unity of the sanctuary as a sign of secession and dangerous to national unity. The motives for the war were political as well as religious.")

Before they take action, the westerners send Phinehas the High Priest & representatives to confront the easterners. At issue: "You have seceded from the LORD this day, and rebelled against him by building an altar of your own!" He reminds the Easterners that all of Isreal was punished for Peor. He tells them that if they think their land unclean, then they should cross over the river and not anger the Lord by building a second altar.

The easterners respond by saying that their true reason for building the altar was as a memorial, not as a place of sacrifice, "not for holocausts or for sacrifices, but as evidence for you on behalf of ourselves and our descendants, that we have the right to worship the LORD in his presence with our holocausts, sacrifices, and peace offerings."

This satisfies the Isrealites, and the "Reubenites and the Gadites gave the altar its name as a witness among them that the LORD is God." (My notes: The name of this altar was the Hebrew word for "witness").

Joshua 21

The leaders of Levi's ask for their allotment. Cities are appointed to them, according to three main family divisions: Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. They are "sprinkled" among the rest of the tribes.

My notes: The order to establish special cities for the Levites is given in Numbers 35: 1-8. The forty-eight cities listed here were hardly the exclusive possession of the Levites; at least the more important of them, such as Hebron, Shechem and Ramoth in Gilead, were certainly peopled for the most part by the tribe in whose territory they were situated. But in all these cities the Levites had special property rights which they did not possess in other cities.

Joshua 20

1 - 9 The Cities of Refuge

Remember the 6 towns God told Moses to set up for asylum "so, there is a that a slayer who kills a person without intent may flee there. (Numbers 35)". Joshua does this. This will prevent blood feuds

It's good to see he's following Moses' (God's) law.

Joshua 19

1 - 9 The Territory of Simeon (2nd Lot)

10 - 16 The Territory of Zebulun (3rd Lot)

17 - 23 The Territory of Issachar (4th Lot)

24 - 31 The Territory of Asher (5th Lot)

32 - 39 The Territory of Naphtali (6th Lot)

40 - 48 The Territory of Dan (7th Lot)

29 - 51 Joshua's Inheritance

Joshua is given the town of Timnathserah in Ephraim as commanded by the Lord.

Yeah, a map would help. It would be neat to see these places.

Joshua 18

1 - 10 The Territories of the Remaining Tribes

The congregation met at Shiloh, and Joshua asked how long the remaining 7 tribes were going to be slack in taking their territory. He asked for 3 men from each tribe to send on a reconnaissance mission. From their description, Joshua would cast lots before God.

11 - 28 The Territory of Benjamin

Benjamin got his share. First his portion is described, and then the towns.

Joshua 17

1 - 13 The Other Half-Tribe of Manasseh (West)

The Tribe of Manasseh gets its allocations. The daughters of Zelophehad quarrel - they want their fair share since their family had no male heirs. There are more problems with the Canaanites - they just won't leave! They made slaves of them too.

14 - 18 The Tribe of Joseph Protests

Joseph's people (Tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim) still aren't satisfied (verses 14-18). They want even more land. Joshua suggests whoever conquers the hills, gets it. They say they are numerous and need more land. Joshua says, "You are inded a numerous people, and have great power; you shall not have one lot only, but the hill country shall be yours, for though it's a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong."

Joshua 16

1 - 10 The Territory of Ephraim

The Josephites (Manassah and Ephraim) get their inheritance (My notes say the Ephraimites are named after one of the two sons of the two sons of Joseph who take the place of "Levi" in the roster). The chapter ends with a failure: They weren't able to drive the Canaanites from Gezer, but the Canaanites within Ephraim have been made to do forced labor.

Joshua 15

1 - 12 The Territory of Judah

Judah gets the best part and carefully skirts Jerusalem in the South (according to my notes).

13 - 19 Caleb Occupies His Portion

Caleb announced that whoever took Kiriath-sepher would get his daugher Achsah as a wife. Orthniel (son of Kenaz, brother of Caleb - nephew?) did so and won Achsah. She asked her father for the land of Negeb with springs of water, and he gave her the upper and lower springs.

20 - 63 The Towns of Judah

My notes: "This list of towns belonging to Judah . . . is probably based on later administration organization of the kingdom of Judah.

Joshua 14

1 - 5 The Distribution of the Territory West of the Jordan

6 - 15 Hebron Allotted to Caleb

As promised by Moses . . .

Joshua 13

1 - 33 The Land is Allotted to the Tribes of Isreal

When Joshua gets "old and advanced in years," the the Lord describes Parts of Canaan Still Unconquered (1 - 7). Then the land is divided. (Levi gets no inheritance)

8 - 14 The Territory East of the Jordan
15 - The Territory of Reuben
24 - The Territory of Gad
29 - 33 The Territory of the Half-Trive of Manasseh (East)

More divisions tomorrow . . .

Joshua 12

1 - 6 The Kings Conquered by Moses

The Great Old Testament Scorecard Moses: Moses 2 (King Sihon & King Og)

7 - 24 the Kings Conquered by Joshua

Joshua = 31 (We have a winner!!!)

Joshua 11

1 - 15 The United Kings of Northern Canaan Defeated

Just as they did in the south, the Israelites defeat the northern kingdoms. God tells them not to be afraid, that He will hand them over to Israel - which he does. Joshua kills the leaders and people but doesn't burn the towns as the Lord commaded.

16 - 23 Summary of Joshua's Conquests

Basically, Joshua annihilated the North as he did the South. "For it was the Lord's doing to harden their hearts so that they would come against Israel in battle, in order that they might be utterly destroyed, and might receive no mercy, but be exterminated, just as the Lord commanded Moses. (20)

Question: What do you think of the following passage? (I got it off of wikipedia - it seemed to relieve me from being uncomfortable with the genocide going on in Joshua.)

Christian theologians have tended to emphasise what they see as the progressive nature of revelation in the Bible. As the Bible progresses, God is seen to reveal himself in ways that are fuller, clearer and more accurate, culminating in the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ. God's command through Joshua to take possession of the land by force of arms is viewed in the context of God's command through the second Joshua, Jesus Christ, to bring about his kingdom through the peaceful application of his teaching.

Joshua 10

Good Summary, J.P.!

1 - 15 Joshua's Defense of Gibeon

Joshua must go against great odds to fight the five kingdoms that combined against them.

16 - 27 Five Kings Defeated

The 5 kings hide in a cave and Joshua roots them out and kill them.

28 - 43 Victories in the South

Joshua and the Isrealites defeat kingdom after kingdom. In answer to your question, J.P: "Joshua took all these kings and their land at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. (42)"

Joshua 9

1 - 27 The Gibeonites Save Themselves by Trickery

The kings beyond Jordan gather to fight Joshua and Israel. But the Gibeonites dress shabbily and trick the Isrealites into making a treaty with them so they can live among them. Three days later Joshua finds out and makes them "hewers of wood and drawers of water" (slaves).

My notes say that what comes in the next chapter is important to understanding this.

Question?

Joshua 8

1 - 29 Ai Captured by a Stratagem and Destroyed

God tells Joshua to take Ai (but only spoil and livestock may they take). Joshua and Israel strictly obey God's orders and they're victorious. It was a slaughter, ending with 12,000 Aian's dead & its king hanging from a tree.

30 - 35 Joshua Renews the Covenant

Joshua builds an altar to God on Mount Ebel and reads the words of Moses' law to Israel.

Question of the Day: Why is it important that Moses law was read to the people of Israel?

Joshua 7

1 - 26 The Sin of Achan and Its Punishment

Achan (of Judah) took some "devoted things." Israel is punished for this when about 36 men are killed when they attack Ai. Joshua responds by tearing his clothes. He asks God how this could happen? Didn't they have a covenant. God replies that Israel had sinned and broken the covenant, and orders them to sanctify themselves (including the burning of Achan). All of Israel stone him and burn him. The stones were piled up and the place was named The Valley of Achor (Trouble - [with a capital "T" which rhymes with "P" . . . ).

Question of the Day: Question?

Joshua 6

1 - 27 Jericho Taken and Destroyed

The Lord commands Joshua to have the warriors circle the city once (for 6 days) with 7 priests, bearing 7 trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day they may blast the trumpets and the people may shout, and the wall of the city will fall so the people may charge ahead. And this is exactly what happens. (They also rescue Rahab and all that are in her house). Finally Joshua curses the city.

Question of the Day: This action takes 7 days are there other actions in scripture that take 7 days? How does this compare to those?

Joshua 5

2 - 12 Circumcision and Passover

The Lord tells Joshua to make flint knives and recircumcise the Israelites. This is done because all of the original circumcised warriors had died and they didn't circumcise the next generation on the road. After this is done, the Lord says, "Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt." (The place is named Gilgal, which means "roll"). Then the Israelites then celebrate the Passover.

13 - 15 Joshua's Vision

Once when Joshua was by Jericho, he has a vision of the Commander of the Army of the Lord, who says, "Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy." (Joshua does this).

Question of the Day?

Joshua 4

1 - (5:1) Israel at Gilgal

Once the nation crosses Jordan, the Lord tells Joshua to select 12 men (1 from each tribe) to take a stone to the middle of the Jordan and place them in the middle of the Jordan. 14: On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him, as they had stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life.

Then the Lord tells Joshua to command the ark-bearing priests to step out of the Jordan and once they do, the Jordan fills its banks once again.

Question of the Day: What do the stones mean?

Joshua 3

1 - 17 Israel Crosses the Jordan

The Isrealites set out and after (another!) three days, Joshua commands the people to follow the Ark of the Covenant.

God speaks to Joshua and tells him he's in charge of the Ark of the Covenant and that that "when you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan." He tells the Isrealites and they select 12 men from the tribes, 1 from each tribe - when their feet rest in the waters, the Jordan will stand still. This happens and Isreal crosses the Jordan.

Question of the Day: Are there any parallels between this story and baptism?

Joshua 2

1 - 24 Spies Sent to Jericho

Joshua sends two spies to Jericho. They spend the night at a prostitute name Rahab who protects them when the king of Jericho is looking for them. She asks that they spare her family, and they say that they will "deal kindly" with her (my notes say that this consitutes a covenant relationship between them).

Rahab helps them escape and they go into the hill country for three days before returning to Joshua to tell him that the land is theirs and its inhabitants "melt in fear" before them.

Question of the day: Are there any parallels with the gospels in this chapter?

Joshua 1

1 - 11 God's Commission to Joshua

Moses has died. The Lord spoke to Joshua, son of Nun, and told him to take the Isrealites into the promised land. He tells them several times to be "strong and courageous." (Verse 9 is particularly comforting to me: I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."). Joshua then passes this message on to the people.

12 - 18 Address to the Transjordanian Tribes

Joshua reminds the Transjordanian Tribes (Those who settled east of the Jordan) that the Lord has commanded this. And they reply that they will do as Joshua commanded and anyone who rebels will be put to death.

2 Corinthians 13

1 - 10 Further Warning

I like verse 5: "Examine yourselves to see wheter you are living in faith. test yourselves. . . "

11 - 13 Final Greetings and Benediction

"Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace."

See y'all at A.T.!

2 Corinthians 12

1 - 10 Paul's Visions and Revelations


To keep Paul from being too boastful, a messenger of Satan has given him a thorn in his flesh. Paul appealed to God, but God said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." This is a good lesson for when we feel that we don't have this or that. (I get caught up in this every day).

11 - 13 The Signs of a True Apostle


"The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, signs and wonders and mighty works." (12)

14 - 21 Paul's Concern for the Corinthian Church

Paul is concerned about quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. Also that folks haven't repented from impurity, sexual immorality, and licentiousness that they have practiced. (My notes give references to other "vice lists" in the Bible)

2 Corinthians 11

1 - 15 Paul and the False Apostles

Paul begins by giving an analogy of a wedding. (the church is the husband & the Corinthians are the "chaste virgin"). Then he says a "serpent" deceived the Eve, and they began to subsribe to "another gospel" (it is unfortunate that Paul doesn't tell us specifically what that teaching is . . . )
Paul states how he will work against "false boasters" and their "deceitful gospels" (Even Satan disguises himself as and angel of light).

16 - 33 Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle

Paul goes over his credentials again. (He even mentions the time he escaped from the governor via a basket from the window!)

2 Corinthians 10

1 - 18 Paul Defends His Ministry

Paul defends the criticsim that he is boasting. He's simply telling it like it is. I like the quote from Jeremiah: (17) "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

2 Corinthians 9

1 - 15 The Collection for Christians at Jerusalem

Another "minute for mission." 6. ". . . the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will reap bountifully."

My notes say this chapter might have been a separate letter (to Achaia).

2 Corinthians 8

1 - 15 Encouragement to Be Generous

Paul talks about the importance of being generous, especially in sharing the gospel. My notes state that when he mentions "sharing" in verse 4, it can be used to describe Christ, his body and blood, and his sufferings.

Later (14) Paul talks about a "fair balance" - that we shouldn't have too much abundance when there are others in need.

16 - 24 Commendation of Titus

Good old Titus!

2 Cornithians 7

2 - 4 The Appeal Resumed

Paul continues his appeal for the Corinthians to open their hearts.

5 - 16 Paul's Joy at the Church's Repentance

Paul states that he is not sorry his letter brought sadness because it caused the church to repent. He tells how grief and sorrow can lead to repentance (and therefore joy)

2 Cornithians 6

1 - 10 The Ministry of Reconciliation (continued)

Now is "an acceptable time" to accept the grace of God!

11 - 13 An Appeal to the Heart

Since Paul is speaking from the heart, he asks the Corinthians to open their hearts to him.

14 - (7:1) The Temple of the Living God

Paul warns about being "mismatched" with unbelievers. It is hard to be a Christian when around unbelievers. Paul asks that we "cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and of spirit, making holiness perfect in the fear of God."

2 Corinthians 5

(4:16) - 10 Living by Faith

"Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day." Paul insists that even though we are getting older and will die, there is the promise of a greater life in God later. "5. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee."

Paul states that we walk by faith and not by sight.

11 - 21 Ministry by Reconciliation

We must preach the gospel and (16) "regard no one from a human point of view"

Good line for memorization: (17) "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!"

God conconciled himself through Christ - that in is Christ He reconciled the world. Here it is - the line that states that Jesus died for our sins!

2 Corinthians 4

1 - 6 The Glory of God and the Gospel

". . . the god of the world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." This is why it is hard for unbelievers to see the truth of the Gospel. This reminds me of the OT when God "hardened the heart" of Pharoah.

5. "For we do not proclaim ourselfs; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake." All glory goes to God. The final line of this section is good for memorization: For it is the God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

7 - 15 Treasure in Clay Jars

Since clay jars are so cheap and fragile this is a good metaphor for having something precious in something that will break so easily.

2 Corinthians 3

1 - 3 Paul's Credentials

Paul mentions his "letters of recommendation." My notes say he uses "letter" as metaphors in which (1) the community is Paul's letter of recommendation; (2) they are a letter engraved on his affections for all to see and read; (3) they are a letter from Christ that Paul merely delivers; (4) they are a letter written by the Spirit on the tablets of human hearts.

4 - 18 Confidence toward God

Any qualifications we have come from God.

Paul speaks against those whoe appeal to the Moses but don't see any comparable glory in Paul's life as an apostle or in the gospel he preaches. Paul says that Christians have a glory of their own that far surpasses that of Moses. "To this day, in fact, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts, but whenever a person turns to the Lord the veil is removed." (15 - 16)

Great Quote: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Remember Moses and his veiled face. We are being transformed into the image of God.

2 Corinthians 2

1 - 17 Pain etc.

Paul says he didn't want to come when there was pain.

Some good advice: "If anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure (not to exaggerate) to all of you. This punishment by the majority is enough for such a person, so that on the contrary you should forgive and encourage him instead, or else the person may be overwhelmed by excessive pain. Therefore, I urge you to reaffirm your love for him." (5 - 8)

Great metaphor: "For we are the aroma of Christ for God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing . . ." (Let's hope it doesn't smell "fishy")

Question of the day. Since it easier to punish those who cause pain or to "forgive and encourage him" what are some strategies to forgive?

2 Corinthians 1

1 - 11 Paul's Greeting

Paul must be speaking who are suffering because he says, "For as Christ's sufferings overflow to us, so through Christ does our encouragement also overflow." (5)

12 - 24 Paul's Conduct

Paul apologizes for not going to Corinth. And for being "wishy-washy" - "Or do I make my plans according to human considerations, so that with me it is "yes, yes" and "no, no"? As God is faithful, 11 our word to you is not "yes" and "no." (17-18)

Deuteronomy 34

1 - 12 Moses' Departure and Epitaph

Moses goes to Mount Nebo and dies at the age of 120 (he still had good eyesight and "vigor." He was burried in a valley in the land of Moab, (but know one knows exactly where).

Joshua (full of the spirit of wisdom) does as the Lord commanded Moses.

Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. He was unequaled for all the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to perfrom in the land of Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, and for all the mighty deeds and nd all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in the sign of all Israel (10 - 12).

Question of the Day: Name three things that Moses did.

Deuteronomy 33

1 - 29 Moses' Testamentary Blessing

This is Moses' blessing of each tribe of Israel.

26. "There is none like God . . . (27) He subdues the ancient gods, shatters the forces of old; he drove out the enemy before you and said, "Destroy!"

29. "Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawind to you and you shall tread on their backs."

Deuteronomy 32

Congratulations, Fireboy!

Victoria "Tori" Grace. 5/13/07

She's beautiful, man!

1 - 51 The Song of Moses

Moses sings the song about the relationship between God and Jacob (Israel). God sustains Jacob in time of need. Then Jacob becomes fat and sacfrices to strange gods. The Lord becomes jealous spurns Jacob's sons and daughters. He says, "I will hide my face from them." In the end, "the Lord will vindicate his people, have compassion on his servents when he sees that their power is gone . . . " (36) God will protect His people. Praise the Lord!

Moses recites the song to the people and tells them to take heart of them and command their children to keep God's law.

God tells Moses to climb Mount Nebo and die there (as Aaron died on Mount Hor). There he can view the land God promised the Isrealites, but he may not enter.

Deuteronomy 31

1 - 29 Acts of Conveyance and Investiture

When Moses finishes speaking, he says to them that since he's getting old (120! Trivia from my notes: a) it's 3 generations and b) it's the maximum age allowed to humans according to Genesis 6:3), God has told him not to cross the river Jordan. The Lord will cross instead and destroy any nation against Israel.

Moses summons Joshua and tells him to be strong.

Moses writes down the law and gives it to the priests & sons of Levi, who carry it to the Ark. He commands them to read it every 7 years (At the rate we're going that will be about the time we get back to it . . . ).

God tells Moses his time to die is near. He asks for Joshua to be commissioned. He tells Moses that after he dies, the Isrealites will forsake him again and turn to other gods. He tells Moses to write a song so that the Israelites won't forget. The commissions Joshua and Moses writes the song and teaches it to the Israelites. Moses asks for the Law to be put beside the Ark of the Covenant and he calls an assembly.

Question of the Day: Moses knows he is going to die. In what way does he prepare for the Law to go on after him. Can we do similar things in our lives?

Deuteronomy 30

1 - 20 Prescriptions for Renewal of Covenant

Moses tells the Isrealites what will happen if they keep the Covenant. (A convincing chapter) If you keep the commandment "then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you . . . (3) Even if you are exiled to the ends of the worls, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there he will bring you back. (4)" The Lord will circumsise your hearts so you will love the Lord.

11 - 14. Surely keeping the commandments aren't too hard for you.

15 - 20. Moses has set before the Isrealites life and prosperity but also death and adversity. If they obey God, they will prosper, but if they turn away, they shall perish.

Question of the Day: What does it mean that the Lord will "circumsise your heart" (6)?

Deuteronomy 29

1 - 29 The Covenant Enacted at Moab

This chapter begins the conclusion of the book. Moses summons Isreal and sums up how they've heard the story. He tells them they are each individually accountable to keep God's law. He also warns them about what will happen if they break God's law. 29: "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the revealed things belong to us and to our children forever, to observe all the words of this law."

Question of the day: I like how Moses describes the Israelites' disobediance as stubborness. In what ways does sin sprout from stubborness?

Deuteronomy 28

1 - 46 Covenental Blessings and Curses

My notes: "The blessings affirm that national security, prosperity, and political preeminence are intrinsic consequences of Israel's fidelity to the covenant relationship." English: You do good and good things will happen to you.

On the other hand, if you don't do good; bad things will happen (curses).

47 - 68 Scenarios of Curse

If Israel doesn't follow the covenant, it will be reversed by God.

Question of the Day: J.P.?

Deuteronomy 27

1 - 26 Rites of Reaffirmation

Moses charges the elders of Isreal to cross into Jordan and . . . Post the 10 Commandments!

Cursed be:

• Anyone who makes an idol (15)
• Anyone who dishonors his parents (16)
• Anyone who moves his neighbor's boundary marker (17)
• Anyone who misleads a blind person (18)
• Anyone who deprives an alien (illegal immigrant?), orphan and widow of justice (19)
• Anyone who lies with an animal, his father's wife, sister, mother-in-law (20 - 23)
• Anyone who strikes down a neighbor in secret (24)
• Anyone who takes a bribe to shed blood (25)
• Anyone who does not uphold the words of this law by observing them (26)

Question of the Day: How do the curses relate to the 10 commandments?

Deuteronomy 26

1 - 15 Litergical Declarations

This is the concluding section of all the rules. It describes what to do upon entry into the promised land. The giving of tithes is very important here.

16 - 19 Ratification of the Covenant

"This day the LORD, your God, commands you to observe these statutes and decrees. Be careful, then, to observe them with all your heart and with all your soul." This is and agreement with the LORD. He is to be your God and you are to walk in his ways and observe his statutes, commandments and decrees, and to hearken to his voice. But also the LORD is making this agreement with the Isrealites. God promises to raise them high "in praise and renown and glory above all other nations he has made," and that they will be a people sacred to the LORD.

Question of the Day: We think a lot about what is required of us in the covenant of God. What is required of God? Does he deliver?

Deuteronomy 25

1 - 4 Personal Dignity and Welfare (continued)

If two people have a fight, then a judge should decide the punishment. Being flogged is okay as long as there are no more than 40 lashes (which would degrade the offender).

Don't muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain (?)

5 - 10 Levirate Marriage

If a brother dies and leaves a wife childless, then the brother should marry her and the firstborn should succeed to the name of the dead brother. If the man doesn't want to marry her, she should go to the gate and tell everyone. The elders should spit in face. (Brothers should take care of widows).

11 - 12 Immodest Assault

Yikes!

13 - 16 Honest Weights and Measures

Be honest when you trade. Don't steal.

17 - 19 Extirpation of Amalek

Don't forget the troubles of the past.

Question of the Day: How are the penalties mentioned in this chapter equal to the "crime"?

Deuteronomy 24

1 - 4 Restriction of Remarriage

A specific instance against remarriage when 1) You married and divorced, 2) she went to another man, and 3) she comes back to you.

5 Exemption for the Newlywed

A man can't go into the army for 1 years after being married.

6 - 22 Personal Dignity and Welfare

Most of these involve treating your neighbor as you would want to be treated (especially the disadvantaged - orphans, etc.). Don't hold wages, don't put parents to death for things their children did, etc.

Question of the Day: What are the reasons for taking care of the disadvantaged?

Deuteronomy 23

1 - 8 Those Excluded From The Assembly

• Genetalia "problems" = ok to go to assembly.
• However, those born of "illicit union" can't go - not even to the 10th generation (I can only trace my family back 4 generations, so . . . ).
• No Ammonites or Moabites because they didn't meet the Isrealites with with food & water on their journey from Egypt.
• Don't hate Edomites (they're kin) or Egyptians (Isrealites resided there as aliens)

9 - 25 Sanitary, Ritual, and Humanitarian Precepts

• Guard against enemies.
• If one is unclean from "nocturnal emission" he can't come to camp until the next evening, and then only if he washes.
• Go the the bathroom outside of camp and cover it up.
• Don't return slaves who escape to you, but don't oppress them.
• No temple prostitutes.
• Don't charge interest to other Isrealites, but for foreigners, it's okay.
• If you vow something to God, fulfill it.
• If you go into your neighbor's vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes, but don't put any in a container and take off.
• If you go into your neighbor's standing grain, you may eat what you pluck with your hand ("five finger discount"), but don't take a sickle to it.

Question of the Day: Someone think of a question.

Deuteronomy 22

1 - 3 Return Of Lost Property

If you see a neighbor's animals walking away, return them to him (or donkey or garment) - DON'T STEAL!

4 - 12 Assorted Duties and Restrictions

• If you see your neighbor's donkey or ox fallen (or car?), help lift it up.
• No Cross Dressing (That means you, Bugs Bunny!)
• If you find a fallen nest, don't take the mother, just the babies
• Don't build a parapet. It's dangerous.
• Don't mix seeds in your vineyard
• Don't plow with a donkey and ox yoked together (wouldn't the donkey just be dragged along?)
• No clothes made of wool and linen together
• Make tassels on the 4 corners of your cloak

13 - 21 The Accused Bride

Here, the question of virginity is important.

22 - 30 Adultry and Related Offenses

Death seems to be the punishment in every case. If he deceives her, she may live. (unless she's a virgin not engaged, then he must pay her father for her and marry her. Also, don't marry your father's wife.

Question of the Day: A lot of these don't seem relevant or like common sense (see 4 - 12). Still, what are some pros and cons of these laws being so specific?

Deuteronomy 21

1 - 9 Law Concerning Murder by Persons Unknown

CSI: Promised Land: If a body is found in open country, bring the elders and judges together and take a heifer from the nearest town. Take the heifer to the water and break its neck. All the elders will "wash their hands of the blood of the heifer" and declare, "Our hands did not shed this blood, nor were we witnesses to it. Absolve, O Lord, your people of Israel, whom you redeemed; do not let the guilt of innocent blood remain in the midst of your people of Israel."

10 - 14 Female Captives

Female captives, particularly the beautiful ones, should shave their heads, cut their nails, discard the captive's garb and remain a month mourning her father and mother. After a month, you may marry her or set her free. Don't sell her for money.

15 - 17 The Right of the Firstborn

The firstborn gets the double portion, whether you like the wife or not (!)

18 - 21 Rebellious Children

Purge the evil from your midst by having rebellious children stoned by the community. (The example they use is one who is a glutton and a drunkard)

22 - 23 Various laws

If someone is executed by hanging, remove his corpse and bury him that day.

Question of the Day: I found I was most interested in verses 1 - 9 because I didn't understand it. How does that law predict what Jesus did for Our sins?

Deuteronomy 20

1 - 20 Conduct of Warfare

• Don't be afraid if he opposing army is bigger than you - for the Lord is with you.
• Offer the enemy terms of peace first, if it accepts, then all the people shall serve as forced labor. If it does not accept, then you may beseige it. Then the spoils of war are yours.
• If you make war in an area for a long time, don't destroy the trees (that produce food).

Question of the Day: Someone ask a question about war! (Not, "War! What is it Good for!")

Deuteronomy 19

1 - 13 Cities of Refuge

Set apart three cities for refuge for people wanted for murder. (This probably protects the avenger from breaking the commandments as much as it protects the murderer).

14 Proscription of Encroachment

Don't move your neighbor's boundary marker (it's like stealing, anyway . . . )

15 - 21 Witnesses

A single witness is not enough to convict a person of a crime. Then there are laws about false witnesses. Here's where the line comes: Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot."

Question of the Day: What did Jesus say when he referred to line 19?

Deuteronomy 18

1 - 8 The Levitical Priesthood

Levitical priests shall have no allotment or inheritance in Israel. I guess they can eat what the sacrifices, but they can't gain any thing by being priests.

9 - 22 Israal's Prophets

Again, if an Isrealite goes into strange lands, he can't take on the abhorrnet practices (religion) of the new lands. Then the Lord will raise up a prophet. The Isrealites should be able to recognize the prophet. "You may say to yourself, "How can we recognize a word that the Lord has not spoken? If a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, it is a word that God has not spoken. The prophet has spoke it presumptuously; do not be frightened by it. (21-22)

Question of the Day: I was thinking about how many times this book repeats the commandment not to take up the religions of strange lands. In what ways (other than practicing another faith) can we be guilty of "taking up the abhorrent practices" of strange lands?

Deuteronomy 17

1 - 13 Administration of Justice (continued)

If you see that someone is breaking the covenant (worshiping other gods), you should stone these people to death. Purge evil in your midst.

If the decision is too difficult for you then, you should tell a levitical priest and then carry out his decision. (It's also bad to disobey the priest). All the people will hear and be afraid, and will not act presumptuously again (13).

14 - 20 Kingship

When you come into a new land, you will set upon a king who the Lord will choose.

Question of the Day: I know these laws are beginning to get a little "dry" for studying (at least for me). Here is the question: What is the value of studying these old laws?

(This is what I've been thinking about and you don't have to comment on it, but When Jesus established the new covenant, did he set aside the first covenant? and if so, "Is the old covenant obsolete?" - see Hebrews 8)

Deuteronomy 16

1 - 17 Pilgrimage Festivals

Several festivals are described to remind the Isrealites of events that happened to their people. The passover, festivals of the booths, weeks, and unleavened bread are prescribed.

18 - 21 Administration of Justice

The Isrealites should appoint judges and officials to make decisions for the people. You must not distort justice; you must not show partiality; and you must not accept bribes. . . (19) Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Also, no trees as sacred poles or stone pillars (when used as idols, I guess).

Question of the Day: What should people look for when they choose the judges and officials? (see 18 - 20)

Deuteronomy 15

1 - 18 The Sabbatical Year of Remission

Every seventh year, the Isrealites should grant a remission of debts. If there is someone in the community in need, then do not be heard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor. Slaves should be freed after seven years.

19 - 23 The Firstborn of Livestock

The first male ox shall be eaten (with the household). Still, don't eat the blood.

Question of the Day: Give us a question, J.P.!

Deuteronomy 14

1 - 2 Pagan Practice Forbidden

Practices from other religions forbidden (i.e. lacerating oneself or shaving "forelocks" for the dead). Reason: For you are a people holy to the Lord your God; it is you the Lord has chosen out of all the peoples on earth to be his people on earth to be his people, his treasured possession" (2)

3 - 21 Clean and Unclean Foods

Clean and unclean foods are described in the order of animals, things that live in water, and birds. Finally, don't eat anything that dies of itself (not a good idea anyway), but you may give them to aliens. This section concludes, "You shall not boil a kid in its mother's milk." I wonder if this is a question that came up later and was added.

22 - 29 Regulations Concerning Tithes

This is the prescription for giving to the church. I'm a fan of Dave Ramsey, and his advice on tithing is given here. (However, he doesn't base it on any specific biblical passage). But a tithe is a tenth of income - and Dave recommends a tenth after taxes (take home pay).

Question: How does giving affect the giver?

Deuteronomy 13

1 - 18 Counteracting Sedition

1. Don't follow people who say dreams or visions told them to follow other gods (1 - 5).
2. Don't let people come to you secretly and try to get you to worship other gods (even your own brother or step-siblings) (6 - 11).
3. If another town goes astray, then that's an act of war (12 - 18).

Question of the Day: Some of the reactions to apostasy might seem a bit extreme today. Why were they so "harsh" back then?

Deuteronomy 12

1 - 12 Pagan Shrines to Be Destroyed

When entering a new land - destroy their places of worship completely. The Lord will choose a new place of worship. And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you together with your sons and daughters . . . (12)

13 - 28 A Prescribed Place of Worship

Only offer burnt offerings at places of worship. Then there's a prescription of the preparation (don't eat the blood . . . ). Be careful to obey all these words that I command you today, so that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, because you will be doing what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God (28).

29 - 32 Warning against Idolatry

There is a warning about following other culture's gods. You must diligently observe everything that I command you; do not add to it or take anything from it (32).

Question of the Day: This passage seems to talk about how to worship (and how not to). What is supposed to happen when we worship?

Deuteronomy 11

The Essence of the Covenant (Continued) 1 - 12:1

My notes say that this section concludes Moses' preliminary instructions. Primary emphasis is on the love of the Lord as "the crux of covenental obedience" (putting that into English, I guess he means if we love the Lord, we will keep His commandments). You shall love your God, therefore, his decrees, his ordinances, and his commandments always (1)

The Lord blesses those who keep his commanments: If you will only heed his every commandment that I am commanding you today - loving the Lord your God, and serving him with all your heart and all you soul - then he will give the rain for your land in its season . . . (13 - 14).

Question: It seems kind of the opposite of our culture to "love the law" - why is this true?

Deuteronomy 10

1 - 11 The Covenant Broken and Restored (continued)

Moses returns to the mountain where God helps him make a set of the Ten Commandments. The Lord tells Mosed to lead the people to the land God promised their ancestors.

12 - 22 The Essence of the Covenant

"So now, O Isreal, what does the Lord require of you? Only 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 keep the commandments of the Lord your God and his decrees that I am commanding you today, for your own well-being." (12 - 13) That sums things up pretty well.

Question of the Day: What does "circumcise the foreskin of your heart" (16) mean?