Reading the Bible Through

1 Kings 3 - 5   As we read of Solomon's request for wisdom, and David had just told Solomon that he had wisdom, I'm now thinking that this happened prior to David's death. I might be wrong, but I do wonder.  I like these stories, nothing new comes to mind. 

2 Samuel 24 - 1 Kings 2   24:1, Lots of things I don't understand here. Why was the anger of the Lord kindled against Israel this time? Does the Lord incite people to do wrong in the Lord's eyes? That seems terrible. How did Joab know this was wrong? What convicted David's heart?  Then David basically has to chose his own punishment. I am always troubled by the number of people that died because of that. As I sit here typing this, I guess it would make David's census invalid. As I read on, it looks like David maybe thought the pestilence would be against his family not all the people of Israel.  So ends 2 Samuel.  Bathsheba goes to King David to report that Adonijah has made himself king. Nathan the prophet comes in to back up her story. Than David says to call Bathsheba to him. Where was she in the meantime?  What is the significance of Adonijah grabbing the horns of the altar? How do we keep God's testimonies? I don't understand what that means.  1 Kings ...

2 Samuel 21 - 23   Saul had struck down the Gibeonites in his zeal for Israel and Judah. It is so important what our zeal does. The Gibeonites ask for 7 sons of Saul to hang them before the Lord. Back in 2 Samuel 9, David asks if there is anyone left of the house of Saul, so that David may kindness to that person for the sake of Jonathan. Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, then comes to eat at King David's table. So why were these other 7 grandsons of Saul not mentioned then?  2 Samuel 21 says that the  Philistines killed Saul on Gilboa. Previously, we read that Saul either fell on his sword or his armor bearer ran Saul through at Saul's request.  There's some wild names in here!! The 3 mighty men risk their lives to get David water from a certain well. David then refuses to drink this water. He then pours it out before the Lord. I have always gotten stuck on "he poured it out." Now I am more focused on the "before the Lord" part. He gave it to the Lord. ...

2 Samuel 18 - 20   I don't have much to say about this. I do notice how David as king is challenged twice in this short passage. Absalom rebels against David until Absalom is killed. Then Sheba rebels against David until he is killed. I do find myself wondering about Joab and Absalom. Joab was told to deal gently with Absalom, but he kills him instead. Was this justified? Was David justified in weeping for his son? 

2 Samuel 15 - 17   Just now, the fighting between David and Absalom reminds me of the fighting between David and Saul. In both, David must flee for his life, but refuses to kill the person seeking David's life.  David goes up on the Mount of Olives. This is where Christ also went. 

2 Samuel 10 - 14   10:5 How were David's men able to stay at Jericho? It had been destroyed by Joshua.  David doesn't go out to battle when kings do so. He sees Bathsheba bathing which lead to David getting her pregnant. David then tries, twice, to get Bathsheba's husband, Uriah,  to have sex with her so that David's philandering wouldn't be found out. (How often we try to wiggle our way out of things!)When this doesn't work, David sends Uriah back to the front with a note to Joab that says to be sure to get Uriah killed. Why does Joab do it? Yet, David is a man after God's own heart.  Tamar tries to talk Ammon out of raping her by telling him to ask their father's permission to marry each other. I really think back in maybe Leviticus or Numbers, somewhere that we have already read, it said that a man should not marry his sister or his half-sister. Why would David have permitted this? Was Tamar just trying to get away perhaps? Ammon's friend didn...

2 Samuel 7 - 9   I love that David's prayer of gratitude is recorded. It reminds me of the need for me to express my gratitude before God.  In 7:13, I thought this was a reference to the coming of Jesus. Jesus will be descended from David and sits on the throne forever. However, verse 14, says, " When he commits iniquity,  I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men. " Jesus committed  no iniquity. He did not need discipline. I can only guess that this may refer to someone along the way. Still, that doesn't quite make sense to me either. Does it refer to the kings between David and Jesus? Some? All? I don't know.  Measuring men off to be killed or spared creeps me out! I've been wondering about this hamstringing of horses as it seems cruel to the animal to me. I've done a quick google search about the matter. One idea that caught my attention was that if there had been a lot of dead horses lying around it would have creat...

2 Samuel 4 - 6   David does seem to kill the messenger. I have often wondered if these stories of David are the source of the saying, "Don't kill the messenger."  I can see what's wrong with home invasions which is what Rechab and Baanah did. However, I thought all was fair in war? I assume there was a war, but was there? I feel bad for Uzzah, too. Would it have been better to let the Ark fall? I love the idea that David, a man after God's own heart, was angry at God. It tells me that God is not afraid of our emotions. We can share them with him.  Michal, Saul's daughter, who once helped David to escape, now mocks him. 

2 Samuel 1 - 3   I wonder why this book is called 2nd Samuel. Samuel is already dead. It seems to me it should be called 'David'. The Amalekite thinks he is bringing David good news of Saul's death. However, the Amalekite ends up being executed for killing Saul although Saul had told him to (at least according to the Amalekite.) This is different from what we last heard about Saul's death. When we first learned of Saul's death, his armor bearer refused to kill Saul. Saul then fell on his own sword. His armor bearer then did the same thing.  The battle of Gibeon sounds like a sporting event. The commander chose 12 men from each side to compete before them.  Ish-bosheth accuses Abner of having sex with Saul's concubine. However, Ish-bosheth is afraid of Abner and doesn't follow up. Did Abner have sex with Saul's concubine? Why did Ish-botheth bring it up if he wasn't going to do anything about it? This is the thing that sends Abner to David's side....

1 Samuel 29 - 31   I find these interesting stories.  I can certainly understand why the Philistines did not want David to go to fight the Israelites with them. David had killed Goliath of Gath, a Philistine, because David was fighting for the Hebrews and the living God.  I am struck by David's instruction that the men who watch the baggage will share in the spoil the same as the men who go into battle. Both are needed. In my view, David stopped his men, who planned to take all the spoil because they had gone into battle, from excess. 

1 Samuel 26 - 28 Yesterday, Saul stopped pursuing David. Today, he's back at it. What's with this guy? David once again proves that he could had killed Saul. Saul says that he will stop pursuing David. Is this really the end of it? Also, as I think today about David calling Saul "the Lord's anointed" it reminds me of the Israelite idea that Messiah would be a political ruler.  David understandably doesn't believe Saul and flees to the enemy, the Philistines. Then David double crosses the Philistines by saying that he's raiding the Israelites, but he's actually raiding the Philistines.  Saul had put the mediums out of the land. I wonder why they were not killed. Back in Exodus 22:18, the KJV (which is the bits I've memorized) says: Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. On a different note regarding this, it seems to me that the name of Samantha Steven's mother on the show, Bewitched, was clearly taken from this passage. Her name was Endora. 

1 Samuel 23 - 25   In the beginning of chapter 23, it seems that one can inquire of the Lord and have a very clear answer. That has not generally been my experience.  Now, Saul is pursuing David to kill him. Earlier David had played the lyre to soothe Saul and ranked highly in Saul's courts. David is hiding, but Jonathan, Saul's son, knows where David is and comes to David. This surely must have put some strain on the relationship between Saul and Jonathan. Also, Jonathan tells David that David shall be king over Israel and Jonathan shall be next to David. This is interesting because, by lineage, Jonathan should have followed Saul on the the throne.  I find it a bit difficult to understand that David is stricken by his conscience when he cuts of the corner of Saul's robe. Yet, it explains that David acknowledged Saul as the Lord's anointed, but even David's men tell him that this is David's chance to get Saul.  Then the story of Nabal. This, too, seems very much...

1 Samuel 18 - 22   Saul become jealous of David because the people sang of David having killed more people. Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with David but had left Saul. Still, Saul tries to kill David with a spear while David is playing the lyre to soothe Saul. This sounds like it belongs on a seedy talk show.  Today, when I read of Saul naming 100 Philistine foreskins as the bride price for Michal in the hopes that David would be killed, I think of David sending Uriah to the front of the battle to get Uriah killed. That way David would have Bathsheba for a wife and David's adultery might be covered up.  I am curious as to the exact covenant between David and Jonathan. As I read 20:31, it seems to me that Jonathan was next in line for the throne after Saul. However, it also seems clear that Jonathan was content for the throne to go to David.  It always interests me that David choses to act as a madman at a time he was afraid.  Suddenly, we hear of...

1 Samuel 15 - 17   Saul did not follow the Lord wholeheartedly. He sacrificed the lesser things. (As I understand it, this was also what was 'wrong' with Cain's sacrifice. It was not the best for the Lord.) Then Saul lies about what he did to Samuel's face while Samuel could hear the captured animals that were to have been sacrificed. Did Saul's power corrupt him or was it from fear? This was the same man who hid among the baggage. In 15:24, Saul owns that he was afraid of the people.  The Lord regretted making Saul king over Israel. What does it mean to have a God who had regrets, yet is always good and perfect. It is hard to see this God in the old testament being full of love for all people when he keeps telling the Israelites to devote them to destruction/kill them all.  In chapter 16, the elders of Bethlehem ask Samuel if he comes peaceably. What would the other answer be? A quick google search indicates Samuel may have come to rebuke or judge them in some mann...

1 Samuel 12 - 14   Saul appears to have been very influenced by those around him. When Samuel doesn't come when expected, Saul sacrificed because the people were scattering. I find myself wondering if this was from insecurity? I also wonder if I am putting modern day ideas on an ancient culture. Actually, I'm sure that I am, but am I doing it here specifically?  14:21. Does this mean that some of the Israelites had defected to the Philistines previously? 

1 Samuel 9 - 11   The story of Saul going to ask Samuel where to find the donkeys sounds a lot like going to a psychic in my opinion.  When Samuel meets Saul at the gate, it reminds me of Gandalf from Lord of the Rings.  In 10:9, it says that God gave Saul "a new heart." I am struck by that phrase today. I reminds me of Jesus saying that you must be born again. 

1 Samuel 6 - 8   I always find in interesting how the priests and diviners of the Philistines send the Ark away. I can kinda understand the gold mice and tumors, but why 2 cows that have never been yoked? Also, today I see how this can be comparted to the plagues on the Egyptians. (I never noticed this until today despite the fact it says it right in the story.) The plagues on the Egyptians would have been some time before this. Israel has since wandered in the desert 40 years, set about conquering Canaan and had multiple judges.  I also note the Philistines leaving room for coincidence. I think we still do this today. Did that have meaning or was it a coincidence?  The Israelites rejoice at the return of the Ark, but do not treat it was proper respect. Therefore a number of them die and they ask their fellow Israelites to come get it.  I find it very sad that Samuel's sons do not walk in his ways, but seek gain. It reminds me a bit of Eli's sons. 

1 Samuel 3-5   How can Samuel lie down where the ark of God was? Wouldn't that have been sacrilege? Maybe he was not in the same part as the Ark.  Eli's sons were not righteous men, but it seems like Eli was. I am always intrigued by his death. When he hears that the Ark has been captured, he falls with such force that his neck breaks and he dies. From this, I think, that although he could not control his sons, Eli, himself, was ...hmmm... what's the word. I cannot say righteous, for no one is. Also, God had said,  the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever. May I'm trying to say that Eli wasn't evil, but he allowed evil in his sons. Isn't that kinda the same thing?  Eli's daughter-in-law bears a son. It says that she didn't respond or pay any attention when she was told she had a son. Then it says she named him Ichabod. How can both be true? 

Ruth 4 - 1 Samuel 2   Boaz acting as kinsman redeemer, marries Ruth so that her husband's line does not die out. However, she is generally known as the wife of Boaz and in the genealogy of Jesus. Her first husband's name does seem to be mentioned beyond once in the beginning of the book. I do see that it says that Ruth bore a son and not that she bore a son to Boaz. The genealogy does say the Boaz fathered Obed.  I have trouble understanding how Eli can't determine a woman being drunk from a woman in deep prayer. 

Judges 20 - Ruth 3   It's interesting how Israel fights the Benjaminites, but then quickly has mercy on the tribe of Benjamin.  I don't understand about this snatching a wife from the dancers of Shiloh.  I find myself wondering at Ruth's reasons for continuing to stay with Naomi. I also wonder what happened to Orpah.  The story of Ruth is very curious. Today, it seems to give me a glimpse into an ancient culture that I don't undserstand. 

Judges 17 - 19   First of all why is Micah stealing from his mom? Why does she bless him when he owns up? Then they get an idol made from it and Micah apparently hires a wandering Levite believing that the Lord will prosper Micah because he has a Levite as priest. What about having God as Lord instead of having an idol? It seems like religious beliefs were very intertwined. Perhaps, trying to serve all, or many gods. Hedging your bets.  Then some of the people of the tribe of Dan get the Levite in Micah's house to leave Micah and come with them. Then they capture the unsuspecting city of Laish, set up the idols there and get more priests to serve the idols.  Recently, a friend mentioned out how similar the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is to this story of a Levite and his concubine. I find it difficult to understand the concept of concubines or lesser wives. I'm glad that is not a part of my culture. I am also troubled that the Levite sends out his concubine to be abused to...

Judges 14 - 16   Samson's desire for his 1st wife is from the Lord to seek an occasion to confront the Philistines? This is weird. The Philistines were ruling over Israel. Why isn't that enough? I also note that his parents want him to get a wife from among his family/people. This is weird to me as well, but seemed to be part of that culture at that time.  Why does it sound like it's okay for men, including Samson, to go in and sleep with a prostitute in the Old Testament?  Why does Samson finally tell Delilah the source of his strength? She's been trying to get him to tell her the truth of it and then doing the very thing that he says will take his strength. What did he think would be different this time. Today, I found myself wondering if Samson had known the Philistines were hidden in the room the other times when Delilah told Samson that the Philistines were upon him? Verse 16:20, looks like Samson had known the Philistines were there before as Samson had shook them...

Judges 11 - 13   So they drive  Jephthah away, until they need him. Then they seek him out and ask for his help.  In 11:26, it says " For three hundred years Israel occupied  Heshbon, Aroer,  the surrounding settlements and all the towns along the Arnon." When was this 300 years? Is this the time since Joshua until the time of Jepthah?  I think this passage should perhaps more rightly be entitled "Jephthah's Daughter." Why does Jephthah make what seems such a rash vow? Then he fulfills it.  I did a quick google search about it and found this interesting:  Jephthah's daughter commentary I like that the angel comes to Samson's mother rather than his father. To me it demonstrates a positive view of women. 

Judges 8 - 10   Yesterday, this blog got 63 views from Hong Kong. It was for the post that gets the most views:  "Reading the Bible Through." With that many hits all of the sudden I do kinda wonder if it's a bot. I don't understand what the  Ephraimites  beef with Gideon is in the beginning of today's reading.  Very random: why are they called Gideon bibles? Who chose the name and why?  Gideon saved them from the Midianites. Then it says regarding the plunder that it was the Ishmaelites custom to wear gold earrings. Are the Midianites and the Ishmaelites the same people?  I really like that Jether was mentioned even though he was too young and scared to kill the kings of Midian.  Gideon's ephod becoming a snare, is so sad to me.  Abimelech  murdering his 70 brothers, so that he could have the power, reminds me of how power can corrupt. I wonder what made Abimelech so power-hungry and so brazen/cruel to his brothers? 

  Judges 5 - 7 When I read Deborah's song, I am heartened to know that on of Israel's judges, their leader, was a woman.  Gideon putting out the fleece reminds me of how, sometimes, it is difficult to be certain of God's will for each of us.  In looking at the story of men drinking either by kneeling or lapping from cupped hands, I remember this story from Sunday School. Mostly what I remember is that it was better to drink from cupped hands and that Gideon didn't need many men. Later as I have read this story, I don't necessarily see any judgement regarding how each man drank, but, rather, just a way to separate them further to get the small number needed.  I love the fact that God tells Gideon what to do if Gideon is afraid to attack. Gideon follows God's instructions and heartened! God doesn't condemn Gideon for being afraid, but helps Gideon instead.  As I read the passage about Gideon, I note that it say that God says various things to Gideon. Yet, Gide...

Judges 2 - 4   With the book of Judges we see a cycle of unfaithfulness and repentance. With each repentance comes a new Judge. I don't really understand why they are called Judges. They seem more like leaders or heroes. They are also fallible humans.  The first judge is Othniel. I've just realized that this is the same man who won the hand of Caleb's daughter.  Ehud, the second judge, is noted to be a left-handed man and uses this to his advantage.  And one of the judges was a woman, Deborah!! Another woman, Jael, kills the man, Sisera, that Barak is seeking to kill. Jael gets the credit, not Barak. 

Joshua 21 - Judges 1   Joshua 21:44b   Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for  the  Lord  had given all their enemies into their hands. But Judges 1 contains a list of peoples in Canaan that the Israelites did not conquer.  The story of the Alter of Witness reminds me how important it is to hear people out and learn their reasons, rather than making assumptions and trusting our own judgments.  Judges 1:16 "descendants of the  Kenite, Moses' father-in-law"-- I thought Moses' father-in-law was a Midianite? I guess Moses may have had two, or more, wives...

Joshua 18 - 20   First, I need  a map. Here we go:  Map of allotments Then, I keep wondering about the significance of the phrase "towns and their villages." How can a town have a village? What does this mean? Smaller settlements near towns?  I find the cities of refuge an interesting idea. 

Joshua 15 - 17   I feel like I'm reading a land survey in the dusty basement of a courthouse somewhere.  However, I do noted that the Israelites did not drive out all the Canaanites and some of the other peoples. Yet, the Israelites eventually forced these people into labor. Slavery is so awful!

Joshua 12 - 14   What does Arabah mean? Arabah - Wikipedia desolate and dry area The Arabah, Araba or Aravah (Hebrew: הָעֲרָבָה, hāʿĂrāḇā; Arabic: وادي عربة, Wādī ʿAraba; lit. " desolate and dry area ") is a loosely defined geographic area south of the  Dead Sea  basin, which forms part of the border between Israel to the west and Jordan to the east Half tribe of Manasseh? I've wondered if this means 1.) that Manasseh is a 1/2 tribe because its part of the tribe of Joseph 2,) 1/2 of the tribe called Manasseh Oh, few verses down, it clarifies that it's the second meaning above.  Why does it list each king as 1? Were there some places that had more than one king? Seems like that would be problematic. 

Joshua 9 - 11   Apparently, the people of Gibeon are called Hivites once, but then they are called Gibeonites.  Joshua made a treaty with the Gibeonites without inquiring of the Lord. I don't want to judge, but I don't think that is something Moses would have done.  Joshua makes them woodcutters and water bearers. Israel also becomes Gibeon's ally and is called upon to protect Gibeon when they are going to be attacked.  What's this  Book of Jashar? Here's what Wikpedia says:  Book of Jashar Today, I find myself wondering if wandering as nomads in the dessert for 40 years was good training for moving from place to place in order to conquer Canaan.  Hamstringing horses is so cruel. It appalls me! In 11:19, it says that not one city, except for the Gibeonites, made a treaty of peace with Israel because God himself had hardened their hearts. This is the first time I recall that peace treaties were even an option. Also, does this mean that God had not hard...