Introduction to Deuteronomy: Iām always fascinated by the introduction section to each book. Even if I donāt have much to say about what Iāve read, I still find it very interesting. The NRSV study bible provides extensive detail about each book in the introduction. Discussion of authorship, date, and historical context always intrigue me. It makes me want to read more about each book in the Bible. Just to better understand all of this stuff is really interesting to me. For example, itās really interesting that the structure and messages in Deuteronomy match other historical documents from other cultures, such as the Vassal Treaty of Esarhaddon (672 bce) (p. 248).
9/2 Reading (Numbers 36; Psalms 28-31)
NOTE: I’m still having a hard time with the Psalms. I can’t really explain why and I’m not really sure what to do.Ā
Numbers 36: Back to Zelophehadās daughters. I was happy with the decision made to give them land in chapter 27. Definitely pretty cool. Then…we get to this chapter. Other elders worry that if they marry into a different tribe, their land will go to their husbands and that tribe instead of staying with their ancestral tribe. Moses and God agree this is a problem, God rules that their land must stay with their ancestral tribe. So…if they want to keep the land, they have to marry within their tribe. The women agree and marry first cousins.
9/1 Reading (Numbers 33-35; Acts 21)
Numbers 33: Chapter is a retelling of the journey up to this point. Nothing much to add…just that theyāve walked a long way and have been traveling for a long time. Although, at the end God made it clear that they must drive out all the people who currently live in Canaan. If not, they will continue to be a problem for the Israelites.
8/31 Reading (Numbers 30-32; Acts 20)
Numbers 30: Now we get into the importance of making vows and what that means. A fitting read considering how much all of us make and eventually break some of our vows/promises. I do think itās interesting that it takes just one verse to address menās vows, but 13 verses to address womenās vows.
8/30 Reading (Numbers 27-29; Acts 19)
Numbers 27: I like that the first part of this chapter focuses on the daughters of Zelophehad, who didnāt have any sons. I think itās pretty cool that they had the courage to approach Moses and request inheritance. Then God explained the ordinance/rules that need to be considered in case a man has no sons, or no children, or…and so on. This seems very progressive/modern for that time.
8/29 Reading (Numbers 24-26; Acts 18)
Numbers 24: The end of the story with Balaam and Balak. Balaam leaves and goes back home, arguing that he will not fight the Israelites because God is on their side and he wonāt go against. God. Smart guy!
8/28 Reading (Numbers 21-23; Acts 17)
Numbers 21: Israelites are on their way to Canaan and fight several groups, winning both battles.
8/26 Reading (Numbers 18-20; Psalms 25-27)
Numbers is tedious. Lots of rules and regulations to follow.
Numbers 18: Learn about the priestsā and Levitesā duties, the priestsā compensation, and the Levitesā compensation.
Continue reading “8/26 Reading (Numbers 18-20; Psalms 25-27)”
8/25 Reading (Numbers 15-17; Acts 16)
Iām noticing some subtle changes in my attitude from time to time. There are times where I feel more at peace than before. Almost more spiritual than before. I also find that there are times where I donāt feel like reflecting or writing anything. Instead I just want to read. This has been one of those weeks.
8/24 Reading (Numbers 12-14; Acts 15)
I didnāt have much to say about Numbers today. Just for my own recollection Iāve included the subtitles for each chapter if I donāt write anything else.