Creative Space for Wanderers
Samuel addresses the people as Saul begins to rule as king. He summarizes the history of the Israelites and exonerates himself with full support of the people. He is now old and gray and has served faithfully his entire life. What an example. But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with …
Continue reading “Saul’s Foolishness; Saul’s Impulsive Oath and Rejection”
and Samuel becomes the leader for Israel; they listened to his advice and rid themselves of the idols that filled their homes. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the Lord.” Now Samuel was serving as leader of Israel at Mizpah. The Philistines heard the Israelites were gathered together …
Micah’s Idols (Chapter 17) “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” Micah recovers silver for his mother (a LOT of silver), so she sees fit to have an idol created for Micah (along with other household gods). It seems Micah has some recollection about setting up a shrine, installing …
Continue reading “Micah and the Levite; Benjamites Attacked, Given Wives”
Forty good years with Deborah leading the Israelites is followed by, “The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord…” Here we go again! The Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples were tormenting the Israelites by destroying crops and killing livestock “like swarms of locusts…they invaded the land to ravage it” (). Finally, the …
and The first chapter could have the sub-title: “did not drive out ___” (fill in the blank). Judah took possession, but were unable to drive the people from the plains (1:19) Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites (1:21) Joseph spared a spy (1:25) Manasseh did not drive out the people (1:27) Ephraim did not …
and Joshua implements the Cities of Refuge as the closing chapters begin and since the Levites are not allowed a territory as an inheritance, they are provided with specific towns and pastures. The Trans-Jordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad and half-tribe of Manasseh) are honored: For a long time now–to this very day–you have not deserted your …
The Gibeonites devised a ruse to trick Joshua into making a treaty with them. They sent a contingent with donkeys, old wineskins, moldy bread, and sold the Israelites on their story, “Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the Lord your God.” () It took three days before …
Continue reading “Gibeonite Deception and God’s Faithfulness”
and Deuteronomy begins with a brief recap of major events including the delegation of responsibility to tribal leaders and the rebellion that happened after the 12 spied out the Promised Land. In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God The Israelites fought and won many battles, physical struggles against those …