Navigating the Worlds of Science and Religion
Introduction to 1 Kings: It’s interesting to read that we don’t know who wrote the two books of Kings. I do like that based on what’s written here that we can determine when they were most likely written. For example, “based on the latest events recorded in 2 Kings, the author must be living either in exile in Babylon or in Jerusalem in the post-exilic era” (CEB Study Bible, p. 514 OT).
Continue reading “10/28 Reading (1 Kings 1-3; Psalms 52-55)”
2 Samuel 22: Notes from the NRSV version indicate that this chapter is actually a psalm and is essentially the same as Psalm 18. According to the scholars this was actually written “long after David’s time” (p. 478). Interesting little tidbit. Verses 1-20 focus on God rescuing the psalmist (assuming it’s supposed to be David). Verses 21-51 focus on David’s military activities. Overall the psalmist is thanking and praising God for being there to help.
Continue reading “10/27 Reading (2 Samuel 22-24; 2 Corinthians 10)”
Introduction to 2 Samuel: I wanted to record some information about 1 and 2 Samuel in the introduction to 1 Samuel, but I forgot. So, here are a few things I wanted to share. According to the notes in the CEB study bible, the books of samuel can be organized into seven segments:
Continue reading “10/19 Reading (2 Samuel 1-3; 2 Corinthians 4)”
1 Samuel 25: I find this chapter to be pretty interesting. First, it starts with the following statement: “Now Samuel died, and all Israel gathered to mourn for him. They buried him at his home in Ramah. David then left and went down to the Maon wilderness.” (CEB Study Bible, p. 459 OT; 1 Sam. 25.1) That’s it! Nothing else about Samuel, a key figure during this time of Israel. I’m kinda surprised by the lack of information about Samuel when he dies.
Continue reading “10/16 Reading (1 Samuel 25-27; 2 Corinthians 1)”
NOTE: I had a lot to say on this reading.
It has become pretty much a daily occurrence for our President to attack the media. This is typically done on twitter. However, in my opinion, what’s transpired these last few days is the worst he’s ever said. His desire to pretty much end any negative coverage of his administration is definitely getting out of hand. But these statements along with other statements where he’s challenged the judicial and legislative branches of our government bother me. He’s acting more like a King or Dictator than a President. Reading about Saul reminds me a little of what we are currently experiencing. Saul’s lust for power was ultimately his downfall. I wonder if that will happen with Trump. Only time will tell.
Continue reading “10/12 Reading (1 Samuel 16-18; 1 Corinthians 15)”
1 Samuel 13: Saul begins his campaign against the Philistines. The Philistines march out to meet Saul and his army with what seems to be a larger army. Many Israelites fled out of fear. Saul waited for Samuel to come and offer a sacrifice to God, but when Samuel was late, Saul did it himself. Samuel showed up and got angry with Saul. He told Saul that since he disobeyed God’s command (I’m guessing the sacrifice was only supposed to be done by Samuel), Saul’s dynasty would not last.
Continue reading “10/11 Reading (1 Samuel 13-15; 1 Corinthians 14)”
1 Samuel 10: Saul is anointed king by Samuel. Samuel explains some of the signs he will see and tells Saul to wait 7 days for him. Samuel brings all of the tribes together and initially admonishes them again for selecting a human king over God. He then brings forward the Benjamin tribe, then the Matri family, and then selected Saul. Not everyone was happy with this decision, with some refusing to give him any gifts of appreciation.
Continue reading “10/10 Reading (1 Samuel 10-12; 1 Corinthians 13)”
1 Samuel 4: This is the beginning of a troubling time for Israel. They lose in a massive battle to the Philistines. Remembering that bringing the Ark of the Covenant along to a battle worked in the past, Israel did this again. However, they lost and actually lost the Ark to the Philistines. Eli’s sons are both killed in battle and Eli falls out of his chair and breaks his neck upon learning of the death of his sons and the loss of the Ark.
Continue reading “10/7 Reading (1 Samuel 4-6; Psalms 41-44)”
Introduction to 1 Samuel: After reading the introduction to 1 Samuel in the CEB study bible, I’m excited about reading both books of Samuel. I’m finally getting into King David. The overview of Samuel from the CEB study bible is interesting. I will actually touch on it when I get to 2 Samuel as the introduction is the same. I think one reason it is the same is because according to the notes in the CEB version and the NRSV version, 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel used to be one book. The original book was split into two books “in the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible and grouped together with the book of Kings (also divided in two) to form 1-4 Reigns or 1-4 Kingdoms. These divisions were later introduced into Hebrew Bibles and subsequently became standard.” (NRSV, p. 399)
Continue reading “10/6 Reading (1 Samuel 1-3; 1 Corinthians 11)”
Joshua 19: We learn about the land given to Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and finally Dan. This chapter ends by sharing that the people gave Joshua the city Timnath-serah in the highlands of Ephraim as was commanded by God.
Continue reading “9/25 Reading (Joshua 19-21; 1 Corinthians 1 & 2)”