This chapter continues the genealogy from Israel (Jacob) through David. “These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. The sons of Judah: Er, Onan and Shelah; these three Bath-shua the Canaanite bore to him. Now Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil in the sight of…
Month: June 2020
1 Chronicles 1
Today we will begin something a little different – there is so much overlap between Samuel, Kings and Chronicles, that we’ll attempt to follow them in parallel. What I mean is, read a passage in one book (eg. Samuel) then the corresponding passage in another book (eg. Chronicles). This chapter recaps the genealogy of Adam…
Ruth 4
In this chapter Boaz converses with the kinsman-redeemer who has first claim on Ruth (and the other property of Naomi’s family). Boaz offers everything to this man who has first right, because it was the right thing to do culturally and morally (this man is a closer relative than Boaz). “…the redeemer… came by. So…
Ruth 3
This chapter is far too rich in culture and nuance to cover everything in detail, so I’ll attempt to summarize some key points. “So [Ruth] went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to…
Ruth 2
Ruth goes out to gather grain for her and Naomi. They are quite poor, so she gets permission to glean (pick up the grain missed / dropped by the reapers). One of the fields she goes through is owned by a relative of Naomi’s late husband – Boaz – and he takes notice of her….
Ruth 1
Here we find the backstory of Naomi – a woman from Bethlehem (in Judah) who travels with her husband and two sons to Moab (a neighboring, non-Hebrew nation). Her sons marry two Moabite women, one being Ruth. Unfortunately, her husband and sons both die, so Naomi moves back to Bethlehem, and Ruth insists on coming…
Job 42
In this final chapter, Job repents, his friends are rebuked by God, and he is restored by God. “Then Job answered the Lord and said: ‘I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. “Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?” Therefore I have uttered what…
Job 41
In this chapter God continues humbling Job by describing the most frightening, horrific, and powerful creature of Job’s time: Leviathan. ” ‘Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook or press down his tongue with a cord? Can you put a rope in his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook? I will not…
Job 40
Job confesses how small he is compared to God, and then God continues teaching Job. “Then Job answered the Lord and said: ‘Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no…
Job 39
God continues asking questions which display a small portion of His infinite wisdom and power. “Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Do you observe the calving of the does? Who has let the wild donkey go free? Who has loosed the bonds of the swift donkey, to whom I have given the…