Kings

Kings Homework

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

The book of Kings, originally one book, was written for the people of Israel as they were in exile in Egypt. We see at the end of 2 Kings where “all the people of Judah, from least to greatest, fled in panic to Egypt...” (2 Kings 25:26) This implies that the records of the kings were compiled up until this point. 

However, to understand the significance of this book, we must look into not only the people of Israel, but those that they lived among and eventually took on their way of life and worship. The canaanite’s gods were of great significance to the story, and the original reader would have understood these specific circumstances and characteristics. 

The Canaanite religion worshipped three main gods that focused on rain and fertility of land as well as it’s people. Baal- the god of rain, Ashera- Baal’s wife and the goddess of sex and fertility, and Molech- the fire god to which babies were burned to death as a sacrifice. Their gods were impersonal and needed to be appeased in order for good things to rain down upon them. Worship normally came in the form of either sacrifices or sexual practices. Each temple typically had prostitutes on hand in order to worship the gods. 

The original reader would not only be familiar with this, but they most likely personally practiced this idol worship. In reading Kings, they see this referred to over and over as a downfall for their people. God’s people began to adopt the pagan mindset believing that God needs to be appeased. They thought that they could manipulate him to get what they needed and we could walk out of his territory and into another in order to get away.

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The author is technically unknown but is thought to be Jeremiah. This could actually be pretty likely. With the people taken into exile at the end of the book, we must note the detail that is given. We are told that the people are taken into Egypt (2 Kings 25:26), which might not have been known aside from someone who was there. This supports Jeremiah as the authors since he was there at the time. 

Likewise, by looking at the themes throughout the book, it points to a prophet being the writer. There are many prophets named throughout the book, and in a way they take the focus of the storyline. The story of Kings is not merely the political decline, but the spiritual decline of the people. This would likely have been a prophet and not a historian who would see this as important over politics. 

3. What are the main themes and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

In reference to every king, we learn that they either do was is evil or do what is righteous within their reign. But it is important to note that the phrase “in the eyes of the Lord” follows every statement (2 Kings 15: 18, 24, 28, and 34). The author is making direct reference to the fact that it does not matter if they do right in the eyes of the people or the other kings around them. It doesn’t matter if they act logically or politically or even militarily in their reign. What matters is if what was done was in the fear of the Lord and according to his command, or if it was done on their own. This is what matters to the Lord.

Take Solomon for instance. He chose to walk much of his life with a fear of the Lord. He writes about it all through the Proverbs. But Solomon reigned with a political mindset. His foreign policy was simply to take many of the foreign princesses as his wives, creating peace treaties among the surrounding nations (1 Kings 3:1). From a political stand point, this is brilliant, but the Lord warns against it ( 1 Kings 11:1-3). It is through this act that Solomon allows the worship of foreign gods, even building temples for his wives to worship. In turn, he begins to worship the other gods as well. (1 King 3:3-4) He brought idol worship into his land by ruling in the eyes of a king, no through the eyes of the Lord. 

As time continues, the majority of the kings do what is evil in the eyes of the Lord. There are some that seem to be headed on the right path, but we find them half-heartedly committed to God in the kingdom. Although in their heart they seek to please God, there are multiple times that we read “but they did not take down the Ashera poles or other idols.” (2 Kings 15:34-35) It’s in this half hearted mindset that we see the steady decline of the Israelites. 

The book of Kings is showing the people their steady decline due to half hearted fear of the Lord through the leadership and the people, as well as a willingness to abandon the commands of the Lord and mix with other religions, leading to destruction and exile. 

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

The book of Kings is showing the covenant curses being fulfilled. God told his people in Deuteronomy 28 that if they followed his commands, they would be blessed. However, by turning away and walking in wickedness, by following the ways of the pagan gods around them, they would be cursed (Deuteronomy 28). Every curse promised is being fulfilled. With the people in exile, it would be easy for them to look back and feel abandoned by God, for them to wonder how they got to where they are. They’ve lost the land that was promised, the Ark of the Covenant, and the ability to worship. (2 Kings 24:8-9) But in reading Kings, they are able to step back and look at the curses that they brought upon themselves through their wicked ways. 

5. What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

The Lord is true to his promises. He made a covenant with his people and it was kept. In reading Deuteronomy 28, we actually see a steady incline of severity as depravity deepens in the people. In the same way, the wickedness of the people get worse and worse throughout Israel and Judah. God was true to his word. In a similar way, God was still true to his promises to David. Although many of the kings deserved judgment, the Lord often says “ but for the sake of my servant David, I will not do this while you are still alive.” (1 Kings 11:12) Even after David’s death and through the sin of the kings to come, the Lord is true to his promises. 

We also see the Lord’s faithfulness and mercy. Kings is filled with prophets sent by the Lord in an attempt to turn his people back to him. He never gives up on them until He knows that they have reached the end and He must send his judgement (2 Kings 24:20). He is just, but desired mercy and gave his people opportunity to turn back to him. 

6. What does this book show you about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Once again, we see the chance of redemption in the sending of the prophets. The Lord desired to redeem his people back to himself, but they did not respond. So the Lord sends them into exile, but not forever. God made a promise with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David and we know that he will honor it (2 Sam 7:11-16). Being in exile causes the people to cry out for redemption and the Lord is pleased to bring it. Ultimately, the Lord is disciplining his children to run them back to himself as a loving father, just like he promised David (2 Samuel 7:14). 

7. Personal Application

Reading Kings made the reality of sin and very real thing. It’s not ok to simply have a heart for the Lord and to not act on it. I can’t believe all those kings that, while on the right path and with a heart for the Lord, let the Ashera poles and idols stand. It is in this apathy that sin creeps in and takes over. I remember a sermon that my pastor gave when he was talking about the dangers and reality of sin. He said that we often treat it like a rubber snake. We play with it and we’re not afraid of us, cause we know that it can’t hurt us. While in reality, sin is like a angry cobra. One bite and you’re in ruin. We wouldn’t get anywhere near a live cobra if we new it was there, yet we treat it like a rubber snake. This is exactly how I felt in reading Kings and I pray that I won’t be like one of the kings that had a heart for the Lord and then let things slide. Father, create in me a pure heart in which I desire to truly follow you and you alone. Don’t let sin creep into my life. And help me to not lead others away from righteousness as well. And father, help me to not rebuke those that act as a prophet in my life. Let me listen to those that are willing to speak into who I am and to not turn them away. 

8. Point of Passion 

Actually, this ties in very much with my application point. Just as in kings, parents are the leaders in their family. They must learn the these examples and remember that it doesn’t matter what society views as right or wrong. In fact, most people today would argue against even spanking your kids. But as leaders in a family, we must stand firm in what is pleasing in the eyes of the Lord and no where else. Yes, learn from those who are wise, like the prophets. Be open for correction. But above all, live above reproach, point out sin within the household and encourage those to repent. Live a life that is pleasing in the eyes of the Lord. This is our call. 

Proverbs

Proverbs Homework

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

The book of Proverbs is written to the people of Israel while they are still within a prosperous time as a nation. With the mention of “the men at the gate,” (Proverbs 31:23) we see that the civic leaders still held a high standing in the community. They were within a time of peace. However, it seems as though they are perhaps beginning to slip into a decline. There are many warnings from the writers who seem wary about the nation falling towards foolish decline. 

Proverbs was also written to a range of citizens. We see reference and instruction to many different levels of society- rich and poor, men and women, slaves and masters, children and parents. However, it does seem as though many of the proverbs were written with the youth of Israel in mind. The authors begin many words of wisdom saying “Follow my advice, my son!” (Proverbs 7:1)

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The Proverbs themselves were written by many authors including Solomon, Agur, King Lemuel’s mother, but were compiled later and placed in a book. It is interesting to look at the difference between the authors of the different proverbs however. Throughout many of the passages, the author is trying to encourage young men to stay away from prostitutes and to abstain for sex outside of marriage. We even see a picture of a godly wife in Proverbs 31. But most of these were not written by Solomon who was know to have numerous wives and concubines. Through the subject matter and theme tracing of each author we get a look at what they see as important in their lives. We get to see each personality. Solomon tends to focus on hard work and a healthy perspective on life, while Agur tends to write more observationally about the frameworks and creatures of the world, drawing wisdom from what he see’s in nature. (Proverbs 30)

3. What are the main themes and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

Throughout Proverbs, we find wisdom for essentially every sphere of society. Yet in every area, we see the contrast between foolishness and wisdom. We are given truth about what it means to be wise in every area of life, as well as what it means to be a fool. Within this comparison, we find the fear of the Lord as a prominent theme. When discussing what is wise and foolish, the writers continuously point to the fear of the Lord being essential to wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). In the same way, it is those that fear the Lord that are blessed, whereas those that walk in the way of wickedness are put to shame. (Proverbs 13:9)

We see a great deal of comparison between the rich and the poor, as well as what it means to have a heart of diligence as opposed to being lazy. In fact, it is often times implied that the rich gained their wealth through dishonest deeds and not always through hard work. Solomon observes in Proverbs 16:19 that it is “it is better to live humbly with the poor than to share  plunder with the proud.” However, the poor are meant to be taken care of, for this is the heart of the Lord. (Proverbs 21:13) The people are encouraged to not look to the outward appearances of wealth and riches for value, but instead are taught the value of the poor. 

We see the value of relationships as well, both within the family and through friends. Solomon observes that “Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged, parents are the pride of their children.” (Proverbs 17:6) and that “ A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.” There is power and wisdom between friends who are honest with each other, but destruction is found within false flattery. 

Through all of this, Solomon and the other authors point primarily to living a godly life. They encourage the people to be grateful in discipline (Proverbs 10:17) and through trials because “fire test the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” (Proverbs 17:3) Wisdom is to be sought more desperately that silver or gold (Proverbs 20:15) - but not just any wisdom. It is the wisdom of the Lord that is priceless. “No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:30)

The book of Proverbs is a treasure chest of wisdom that touches every aspect of life and always points towards a true fear of the Lord.

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

The book of Proverbs was like a guide to every day life and righteous living. Much like a father speaking to his sons, Solomon is addressing his kingdom and trying to pass on every bit of wisdom he has attained through life. He was encouraging them to aspire to great things and not walk the ways of the wicked that lead towards destruction. This was a golden age of peace for the people and the writers wanted to instruct the people in the ways of the world. 

5. What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

God’s character and nature essentially IS the book of Proverbs. All throughout the book we have the opportunity to see into the heart of God and learn what is important to him. He cares for the poor and needy (Proverbs 14:31), he upholds the righteous (Proverbs 10:9), and he loves justice with no partiality (Proverbs 28:5). But perhaps the greatest truth that we see of God through the book of Proverbs is how much he values relationships. We see this not only through the numerous passages speaking of parents and children, husbands and wives, friends, and even enemies- but we see this through the mere essence of the book. The Lord is passing on this wisdom and understanding to the writers in desire for them to pass it on to their children and the people of Israel. He urges them so seek wisdom (Proverbs 4:7). This is done through sitting down with our elders, building relationships and modeling after them (Proverbs 16:31). This is the Lord’s heart through Proverbs- to build up God fearing relationship.

6. What does this book show you about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Through the book of Proverbs, the Lord is trying to bring his people back to a way of living righteously. We see his desire to simply be able to dwell among them, to be pleased with them. It is almost step by step directions for daily life in order to dwell peacefully with each other and with the Lord. This is an important picture of his plan for redemption because we see it applied to every day life, not just the huge scale in which God would appear to see it. 

7. Personal Application

Oh Proverbs 31, you used to seem so cliche to me. You see it in greeting cards and hear sermons on it. It’s in every book on the “Marriage” shelf in the Christian bookstore. And while I never thought little of it, cause of course it’s the word of God, I never really thought highly of it either.

And then I got married.

I can only pray to be a woman like this for my husband! In reading it this time, I just have so much respect for this woman, fictional in a sense, but so real in another. I desire to word hard all of my days, to not stress about the future (seems impossible to me!) and to hear my husband say “there are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 

Father teach me to be this woman. Help me to soak in your words, the words of this book, all the wisdom I can handle in order to be this woman for my husband and my family. Let every peace of advice throughout this book taken to heart and applied that I may be know as a woman who fears the Lord. 

8. Point of Passion 

There is so much wisdom for the family in Proverbs! We see the parents encouraged to discipline their children, and the children encouraged to treasure it. In Proverbs 31, we are painted a beautiful picture of what it means to be a godly wife, and all throughout the book we see instruction for a marriage that will be founded on what is right. There is so much that can be gained all throughout the book of Proverbs for family life.

But in the same way, it is important to note the purpose of Proverbs. This wisdom that is gained through God and reading the word should be shared and taught diligently to your children and for generations to come. We should seek the wisdom of our grandparents, our parents, and pray daily that we will be able to share it with our children. It is a parent’s delight to teach their children to walk in the Lord, and their heartbreak when they rebel. Proverbs is a treasure chest of wisdom to be passed down to our children and grandchildren. How important it is to know the scriptures and to let it sink down to our very bones! It is more than for our own life, but from generation to generation! 

Psalms

Psalms Homework

1. Rewrite a Psalms in your own words

Psalms 77 (I got permission from Andrew to do this one Hannah! Just so you know. =])

God you’ve heard me crying out to you

You’ve heard how hard things have been for me.

I miss the times when I would just sit with you and hear your voice.

But now it’s as though I don’t know how to do that anymore. 

I don’t hear you speak like you used to. 

I keep thinking back to when I knew your voice like it was my own. 

It was my rock that I stood on, my comfort even in the hardest decisions. 

But now I wonder if you even remember me.

I don’t come to you like I used to, so you’ve made yourself distant. 

I feel completely stuck in the distance in our relationship.

But then I remember our past times. 

I remember how easily I knew your voice and the promises you gave me.

And it’s on this that I will stand firm. 

It is in this that I will praise you.

The enemy cannot overtake my thoughts.

I won’t be deceived with the idea that I’ve screwed up too much.

I know that you are good and that you care about me. 

I know that you’ve promised great things in my life. 

I live my life to glorify your name alone.

Not mine or anyone else. 

I think back to the hardest times in my life.

It was there that you comforted be, gave me the greatest peace. 

You spoke life and meaning and purpose into my life. 

You broke down everything I had stood on a built me upon you.

You gave me joy when all I wanted to do was weep.

It’s on this that I will stand. 

It’s on the character that you have shown me.

You will prove true again and again

And again I will say “I know the voice of my King

and I will follow it wherever he leads to the end of my days.” 

2. Write your own Psalms 

God you’re so good! 

You’re so holy and worthy of all praise.

Every bit of creation cries out to you in praise of your glory

I’m so blessed to be able to lift my voice an join with you. 

I am even praying through history,

joining with all saints as I sing Holy Holy Holy!

Yet even in this sovereignty, you’re my father. 

Whenever I see a father with her daughter, it warms my heart. 

I see the pride in their eyes, 

The love in their hearts, 

The excitement the have to spend time with them.

Their faces just explode with joy at the laughter of their daughter. 

And I know this is how you feel with me. 

My heart bursts with a love for you as I think of your tenderness. 

You love me as a Father, finding joy and pleasure in me. 

You desire to give me good things.

You discipline me in love to raise me up.

You’re saddened when my heart is sad.

And you desire to be with me. 

Even through your sovereignty,

through you’re great holiness,

you desire to be with me.

I will never get used to this. 

I will always find joy in this. 

This is where I feel at home.

It is with my Father alone. 

3. Create a character study of David from his Psalms and stories in I and II Samuel. 

David was a man who sought after God’s heart. He is someone to admire and strive to be like. We can see this not only through his heroic stories and dependence on God within 1 and 2 Samuel, but also through pouring his heart out to God in the Psalms. David exhibits many attributes, but perhaps his finest would be his dependence on God, his humility, the fact that he knew his identity, his perspective on life and the world around him, and his drive in life. Through these characteristics, we have a great model set before us of what it looks like to truly fear the Lord. 

David depended on the Lord like no other man up to his time. His every action was determined by where the Lord lead him. This often brought him to seemingly impossible circumstances. In fact, in 1 Samuel 17, David finds himself up against a giant of literal sorts with naught but a sling and a rock in his hand. Yet in knowing that he could rely on his God, he boldly proclaimed to this armed warrior “ You come to me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies... Today the Lord will conquer you and I will kill you and cut off your head.” And with one shot, he took down the Philistine. The Lord takes great pride in a heart like this that fully trusts in him. God not only gave David a place on the throne, but he promised to make him a dynasty of kings in 2 Samuel 7:11. God wanted all of his kings to uphold this standard. 

Yet through all of this, David remains humble. Not once does he accept praise for his victories, but continuously gives it to the Lord. All throughout the Psalms we hear David demand praise for the King of Glory. In Psalm 20, David proudly cries out “May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God!... Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.” This is a rare characteristic for a king to uphold. Many kings are over come with pride in their victories. But all throughout the Psalms and even the Proverbs we see that the Lord upholds the humble and the meek. He makes the righteous stand firm. This is how God saw David. His humility was honored by the Lord. 

David found his identity in the Lord. Yes he depended on him for his strength in battle. He exhibited glory to God in his victory. But perhaps one of the most honorable, David was able to stand firm in the Lord even through his sin. Even after he sinned with Bathsheeba, David was able to accept forgiveness and the goodness of God. He cries out in lament to the Lord in Psalm 51 “You do not desire sacrifice or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” But more than just repentance, he goes on to say “Look with favor on Zion and help her... Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit.” Even in the death of his son, the punishment for his sin, David worships the Lord. He knows his standing with the Lord and he knows that He will fulfill his promises. And the Lord honors this by giving him a new son to replace the one he lost as punishment for sin. David did not reject it as many of us would, but instead accepts this new gift of whom it says “The Lord loved this child very much.” 

David see’s life as it should be. It’s fleeting, momentary, and we will leave with nothing aside from what we came with. David lives his life with an eternal perspective. He asks of the Lord in Psalms 39 “Remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered- how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” God is pleased with this outlook on life. David himself knew this as he said in Psalm 103 “ The Lord is like a Father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are. He remembers that we are dust... The wind blows and we are gone- as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him.” David stood firm in this, choosing to live for eternity over the here and now. He lived his life wanting to leave a lasting legacy before the people in Israel that pointed to the Lord that he loved so dearly.

Finally, David was a very driven man. We see this all through first and second Samuel as he is running from Saul, defeating the Philistines, and even chasing after those who stole his wives. Even after he became king, he always went out to battle with his men. In 2 Samuel 18:1-4, his men have to ask him to not go along with them to battle because “you are worth more than 10,000 of us.” He was always  the first to go out and fight for his King, whether that meant great danger or not. Because whether living or dying, he had the God of Israel on his side. God loves this attitude in his people. It is a holy fire that is dependent on faith in who He is. Paul refers to this in Acts 13:22 when he says “‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.” God was excited to use a man that was driven to fight for the things of his own heart. 

David was a man that exemplified many characteristics of the Lord throughout his life. We would be wise to look to him and model ourselves after his life. Even in sin and through imperfections, the Lord was willing to use a man that was so willing to walk in his ways. How much more should we desire to be used by God?

Samuel (yes!)

Samuel Homework

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

The books of Samuel, originally one book, were written for the people of Israel as they were under the reign of Solomon. Through Samuel, the people would be comparing these three kings. They would see Saul who was very prideful in his reign and would tend to make decisions impulsively (1 Sam 13:11-12), David who ruled through his heart for the Lord (1 Sam 30: 7-10), and Solomon who was wise and thought logically. 

Likewise, many of the readers at this time would likely have believed in what is now called the Davidic Defense. This is the mindset that David’s line and family have the right to the throne, given by God. The people would then most likely be looking forward towards the time when the promises of David’s line would be fulfilled, both physically and eternally. It is promised to David, his children, and a kingdom to come (2 Sam 7:12-16). Many of them would have perhaps even read the story of Ruth and seen the righteousness and heart for God that seemingly runs through the line of Judah. 

We must also understand that within these times, there is an increase in technology which changes the face of warfare. With Iron being so abundant in the land and stronger than bronze, armies began to grown. It created a time of opportunity for Israel to increase their land, especially through the reign of David. 

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

There are thought to be multiple authors throughout Samuel. They were most likely prophets at the time, possibly Samuel, Nathan, and Gad. We see a focus on the heart and spiritual life behind each king. The book of Samuel was not written primarily to show political history, but to show the heart of the leaders and people (1 Sam 13:13-14). Each author seemed to have a desire to portray the difference between a righteous king and one that follows his own whims. Likewise, they were choosing to show the importance of seeking the heart of God for the kingdom. 

3. What are the main themes and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

The fear of the Lord is perhaps the most prominent idea throughout the book of Samuel. We see it even in the very beginning of the book through Hannah’s silent prayer (1 Sam. 1:9-12), Samuel’s righteousness in an environment of depravity (1 Sam 2: 25-26), and a lack of fear as the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant (1 Sam 5). Likewise, by studying Saul and David, it’s apparent that every decision, whether good or bad, is done through either a fear of the Lord or without it. Looking at these two kings, although both sinful and full of mistakes, we can find so much insight into what it looks like to have a true fear of the Lord. 

By asking for a king, the people were in a very dangerous place. Yes, a righteous and God fearing King may lead the people well, but it is also unlikely that a line of kings would continue to follow the Lord within every generation. In fact, Saul begin with a fear of the Lord, but through the pressure of leadership, he stopped looking to God to lead ( 1 Sam 15:24-15). We see him lose sight of the Lord when he doesn’t wait for Samuel to sacrifice before war ( 1 Sam 13:11-12), as well as when he let King Agog of the Amalekites live against God’s command (1 Sam 15:7-11). Saul began to look at his reign through the eyes of kingship, not through the eyes of God as their leader. So God replaced him. This shook Saul so much that his jealously, pride and fear began to over take him and he lashed out at his successor (1 Sam 18:28).

Instead of Saul, God appointed David who truly trusted in the Lord throughout his rule. David was a man that lived every second of his life with the awareness that God is powerful, God is good, and He is for them (1 Sam 17:36-37). David ruled his people with a deep love for them that ultimately stemmed from a love for the Lord (2 Sam 9:9-10). He even fought for his people, battle by battle, according to the Lord’s command (1 Sam 30:7-8). Every opportunity to attack or pursue enemies was first inquired of the Lord, trusting in God’s ability more than his own. David didn’t simply serve the Lord out of his role as king, he sought God in every area of his life, and therefore, his kingship. He trusted in God’s promises, not stepping out and forcing his place upon the thrown by killing Saul when the opportunity arose. Instead, he waits upon the Lord for His promises to be fulfilled and trusts in the Lord saying “He is my advocate, and he will rescue me from your power.” (1 Sam 24). He knew it was by God’s hand alone, never by his own, that Israel may prosper.

The book of Samuel is showing the people where they stood in their desire for a King and reminding them who they are to honor and fear through this change, using the lives of Saul and David as an example. 

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

Samuel was written as a history for the people. The author wanted them to see the life of David and what it looks like to have a king who fears the Lord. This was a golden age for the people. God was fighting for them in battle, especially in this specific time of history where expansion of the nations was so prominent. They had a great opportunity for their land. The original reader, being within the reign of Solomon, have a choice presented to them on the edge of destruction or provision. The book of Samuel was given as a reminder to fear the Lord. Trust him and you will be blessed, but turn away and you will be cursed. This was a crucial moment for the people of Israel. 

5. What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

We see clearly through the book of Samuel that God looks at the heart of his people, not the ritual. Samuel says these exact words to Saul when he did not wait to sacrifice. “Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” (1 Sam 15:22) In the same way, by David eating the bread of the sacrificing, He knows that God is seeing the heart, not the details (1 Sam 21: 1-6). Through Samuel, we get to see into God’s own heart behind his law. It is not by the sacrifices and rituals that his people are considered righteous. It is through a heart of worship.  

Yet in the same way, we see his sovereignty. He’s so holy that even the idols of the Philistines are forced to bow before the Ark when it’s stolen (1 Sam 5). Uzzah, just by touching the Ark is struck dead (2 Sam 6:6-7). And we hear David cry out “ How great you are O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you!” (2 Samuel 7:22) after defeating Saul and the many enemies before him. Even in an intimate relationship such as David has with the Lord, he remembers above all else that the Lord Almighty is sovereign. 

David proclaims and lives his life with the truth that God is good. Even through the death of his sons ( 2 Sam 12:22-23), through the promises given (2 Sam 5:7-16), and through the sin in David’s life ( 2 Sam 11-12), God shows himself as good. He delights in the heart of his servant and therefore longs to bless him. He is so good! 

6. What does this book show you about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Throughout Samuel, we see God’s covenant with his people being honored personally. David, even through seeking God’s heart, is a sinner. He made mistakes. Yet God is faithful to his promise. David is in constant need of redemption and the Lord is quick to respond. So instead of seeing God’s big picture for redemption, we get glimpse into his heat for this redemption. It is done on a very personal and intimate way. 

In the same way, we see David’s family line established and a promise made to raise up his offspring and make the kingdom strong. (2 Samuel 7: 5-16) It is through the line of David and into these promises that Jesus comes. He is the ultimate redemption that has been promised. 

7. Personal Application

I absolutely love David. In fact, I wish we had a lot more time to study him, it’s hard to pick simply one thing that spoke to me through reading Samuel.

The truth that sunk the deepest into my heart is also possibly my greatest struggle at the moment. When Dan started sharing about how he lets his sin outshine his belief that God desires to give us good things, it immediately struck a nerve. I tend to come down on myself pretty hard in my head. Whether in leadership roles, or even in my marriage, it’s hard for me to believe that God would give me anything good when I fail so much. When I don’t depend on him. When I try to hide. 

But David knew who he was in God above all else. Even in the humiliation of being reprimanded about his sin with Bathsheeba, David repented, rose from his sins, and stood tall. He knew his identity. Yes he was a sinner through and through, but he was also anointed by God to lead his people. And even if he didn’t feel worthy, even if he didn’t seem up to the task, he had faith in knowing that the Lord was sovereign, forgiving, and above all, He was good. 

This is what I pray to stand on. Much like David, I want to be humbled enough to know what I don’t deserve, and humbles even more to be able to accept it graciously and walk in it daily. This is my prayer. 

8. Point of Passion 

Yes, David was king over all of Israel and there is a lot more pressure in that than in raising a family. But by looking at the two kings of Israel in Samuel, we gain insight into how to be the head of a family. Saul, although beginning with a heart for God lost sight of this passion. Instead he focused solely on himself and his jealously. Pride crept into the scene and he could not let go of this. Because of this, the whole nation suffered under his rule. With David however, his great rule did not come from himself. There was no magic step by step guide, no sermon to teach him the best ways of discipline. David sought after the Lord above all else and it turned him into the greatest king Israel has ever known. 

As parents, we cannot focus on ourselves, selfish needs, or even our children. Our sights need to be focused on the Lord alone and through this, we can let him disciple our children. It is a fear of the Lord that must be center of a family. Without it, it will crumble. 

Ruth

Ruth Homework

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

This was a story that most likely took place and was told during the time of the Judges in Israel. The people, becoming a new nation and figuring out how they govern, had a lot to get in order and figure out. They were learning to live among the foreigners around them, trying to find a balance between being separate from them and accepting them. This story was likely written to the people of Israel to encourage them to be kind to foreigners among them that have abandoned their ways and become as the Israelites. 

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Tradition says that it was possibly written down by Samuel, but this is not known. Whoever it was however, saw this story as important within the history of the Israelites. It perhaps was meant to be a moral lesson, but also included as an important piece of their story. 

3. What are the main themes and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

Love. Love is so clear throughout the book of Ruth. The love that Ruth displays for her mother in law is more than any of us can say that we’ve ever expressed or even felt in our lifetime. With her husband dead, she left everything she knew (her home, her people, her family, her gods) and went with her mother in law to a strange land to forever live as an outsider (1:16-17). Boaz in turn, loved this foreigner in his land. He saw her heart for her family, her predicament, and he felt that he must do something (2:11-12). It is a beautiful love story from every direction. 

Within this love we see provision. Ruth was so determined to provide for her mother in law that she was willing to humble herself among foreigners and reap whatever they left behind in the fields (2:2). Likewise, Boaz provided for Ruth in including her as one of his own, and giving her all the benefits as his other workers (2:15-16). Once again, he showed ultimate provision in redeeming both Ruth and the property (4:9-10). 

Ruth is a love story about giving everything up for the people you love and sacrificing what you know to provide for those who need it.

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

The book of Ruth was written for the Israelites as a story of love to remind them how to treat foreigners among them, as well as how to love each other in the roughest times. It is also an important history for them since David (as well as Jesus in the years to come) is in the direct line of Ruth and Boaz. 

It also gives us a good picture of the time of the Tribal League. We see good godly people that are living life in the fear of the Lord. Many other stories that come from this time are strictly from the wicked people who did wicked things. This presents the good that was within that time. 

5. What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

While God himself is only discussed in the book and we don’t see him speak, we can see God’s heart through the character’s in this story. We know that the Lord is not only accepting, but ushers in foreigners among his people. He cared a great deal for Ruth who chose the ways of the Israelites over her own people. God even brought David and therefore Jesus, through her line. 

6. What does this book show you about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Ruth is a book entirely about redemption. We see both Ruth and Naomi lost and alone after losing their husbands. They are without provision and Naomi is very bitter towards life and perhaps even God (1:20-21). Yet seeing their suffering and need, Boaz, acting as kinsmen redeemer for his family takes them on and they are redeemed to their position. Although this doesn’t speak directly of God’s redemptive aspirations for mankind, we see that the idea of redemption was imbedded in the people from the start. The Lord placed it all through out society by setting up the system of the Kinsman Redeemer. The people know this concept of needing a redeemer. 

7. Personal Application

I personally love the story of Ruth. I admire her character greatly. We see that she is not only dedicated to her family, but driven to take care of Naomi, willing to do whatever it takes. I personally am a very driven person as well, but unlike Ruth it sometimes gets me in trouble. I’m head strong. I tend to fight for the things that I feel should be fought for, but often ignoring the wisdom of other in the process. But perhaps one of Ruth’s greatest attributes was her humility. So saw her mother in law’s wisdom and followed every detail of it. This is what ended up rescuing them. It was a beautiful combination of Naomi’s insight and Ruth’s willingness. My prayer is for humility like Ruth’s to look to the wisdom of those around it. It’s a unstoppable team. 

8. Point of Passion 

God speaks so much about family through this, but perhaps the greatest word to describe it is loyalty. Ruth is so devoted to her mother in law, and Boaz to his role as kinsman redeemer that there is nothing that can persuade them to abandon their family. This is the loyalty that God has intended between family members, and not just immediate. This comes within marriage, in-laws, brothers and sisters; we are meant to stand up for each other in times of need. 

Judges

Judges Homework

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

This was likely written to the Israelites as they were within the transition between the time of the judges and the Monarchy. This would be a very confusing time for them. They will likely be comparing this new way of life with a to the years past. 

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Samuel is suspected to be the author, but there is no evidence to prove this. However, the author does seem to produce a gruesome outlook on this particular time for the Israelites, even though the time period was so long and not all was bad. The stories included at the end of the book (chapters 17-21) leave the reader with a taste of wickedness throughout this time. We can likely see the authors perspective of this time in history for the Israelites.

3. What are the main themes and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

Throughout the book of Judges we see a vicious cycle that is seemingly impossible for the people to escape from. They begin by living in blessing and slip into idolatry which brings suffering. In this suffering, they are sent a judge who encourage them to cry out in repentance, and the Lord delivers. And then the cycle begins again. This is seen over and over throughout the generations. The people begin to devalue the laws of the Lord and society crumbles. 

It is a cycle of moral anarchy and God’s mercy. Life without God’s laws and leadership brings destruction. It’s as simple as that. The laws of the Lord are put in place for a reason, and while he looks at the heart of man, these laws are in place for social reasons as well. We see through judges that when when these laws are overlooked, disaster takes place. But God is still faithful in sending his own form of deliverance to bring them back. 

The book of Judges is a display of the battle between the righteousness of God and the depth of human depravity; it is a canvas for the mercy that God brings through His deliverance. 

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

Judges was written as a history for the people of Israel in a tricky transition. They were encouraged to look back upon these years and observe the cycles that their people fell into and be careful not to fall into the same traps. Likewise, although the book of judges has a naturally bleak and gruesome feel to it, they were encouraged to look at those times compared to the times of the King and perhaps see which way seems better. If written by Samuel as suspected, who was within both time periods, he was likely trying to compare and contrast times politically.  

5. What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

God allows for his people to have free will and choices in life in order that they may choose him. His people will reap the consequences of their decisions whether good or bad according to his law. Yet through the bad decisions, the Lord shows his great mercy and faithfulness by sending his judges. Without them, it seems as though the depravity of man would simply over come. It would become worse and worse through time. But through his love for his people, His desire to draw near to them in holy lifestyle, and his mercy, he brings those who will work as his prophets to turn the people around. 

Likewise, we see God’s faithfulness through the judges that were sent. So many of them, although walking in the Lord’s anointing, were making bad decisions themselves. Look at Samson who fell to Delilah (Chapter 16). Yet even through this, the Lord brought his judgment on the Philistines through the Spirit of God. 

6. What does this book show you about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

God has a system set up specifically for redemption. By sending judges, he was sending redemption for the depravity that the people had chosen. Although it almost seems as a book of judgement, we can ultimately see God’s heart to bring his people bad to himself.   

7. Personal Application

It would be easy to look at the Israelites at judge them (pun!) for how quickly they fell away from the Lord, but this happened over a long period of time. I wonder how it all began. It very easily could have been the people simply becoming relaxed in their standards and a gradual fall towards depravity. The Lord really convicted me in this as we were reading. I come straight back to a sermon that my pastor gave when he said “we often treat sin as if it’s a rubber snake, willing to play with it and toy with it, when it’s really a deadly cobra that can kill you in an instance.” Stepping away from the Lord, falling back on convictions can begin a downfall that you would never expect. Before you know it, the Lord has to find a way to bring you back, and it’s never easy. 

8. Point of Passion 

God never stops redeeming his children, ever after the horrible things that they did. It was a time of total depravity. The people fell into the same pattern over and over and the Lord always brought them back. How much more should parents be willing to forgive and bring their children back to the truth? The Lord is setting an example for parents to never give up on their families. There is always redemption and forgiveness, even if it’s hard. 

Joshua

Joshua Homework

1.What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

Joshua is a history written for the people of Israel who finally, after years and years, have entered into the land that was promised to them. It is likely the 3rd and 4th generation that will be reading it. Their forefathers that were brought out of Egypt died in the wilderness and it was perhaps their own fathers who actually went in a took the promised land.  

This being said, they are entering into finally becoming a nation above nations and it would be easy for them to start becoming comfortable. They are finally there, the land is plentiful, their God is strong, and the Lord through this book is wanting to remind his people how they got to where they are. They needed to know that it was not easy, it was not of themselves, but it was the Lord. 

Likewise, their primary leader that they have been trusting (Moses) is no longer with them. This, while an exciting time for them, was also scary. It is the beginning of a new era for the people of Israel.

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Joshua is thought to be the author and through this we have a lot of insight into who he is as a person. With Joshua being the author, he proves to be very humble in his leadership. Throughout each battle, he does not brag on anything but the strength of God. Every plan that works is credited to the Lord and not himself as a military leader. He even gives the details of when more are killed by the hail brought on by God then by the sword of the Israelites (10:11). 

We see that Joshua has true faith before the Lord, trusting who He is, because he is determined that anything can be done with God in command. This is seen in the book of Numbers when he comes back from Canaan with the determination to fight. But it is carried on through his time of leadership as well. “Be strong and courageous!” The Lord exclaims to him. And he is strong and courages in the Lord, not in himself.

3. What are the main themes and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

In the book of Joshua, God is fulfilling his promise and fighting for his people as they take the land that was promised to them.

God is teaching his people to have faith in his promises. “Be strong and courageous” is his war cry. The people are starting to realize that God is personal. He’s not just the God of Moses, he doesn’t just appear to them through Aaron. Moses and Aaron have passed and the Lord was still among them fighting for them. He is faithful in his promises to his people. He is the same God and will always remain so. 

In the same way, God has a plan. Even after the land is taken, the Lord isn’t going to leave them to squabble over who gets what. He has a plan for which plot of land will be allotted to each tribe. He is a good governor. 

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

Joshua was written to remind the people that this promised land was fought and given to them by God, not easily attained. The people are reminded through this book that they owe their existence as a nation to their God and nothing more. He even divided the land for them, giving certain plots to each tribe. This was all done by God. He has fulfilled his promise and will continue to do so. 

5. What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

God reveals so much of his character through the book of Joshua

He is faithful to his promises- He brought them into the land promised to them. 

He is powerful to defend his people. He took down numbers of kings throughout the land (12:9-24).

He is sovereign, yet trustworthy.

He encourages his people in who he is, acting as a comforter. 

He is the provider who gave them a land that was already prepared for them.

He is protector providing the cities of refuge. 

He is a good governor designating land among them.

6. What does this book show you about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

God shows us through Joshua that he is faithful to his promises and therefore faithful in his plan to redeem mankind. This was the last of the promises that was made to Abraham to be fulfilled. But God fulfilled every single promise. We can look back to Genesis and see that he has a redemptive plan, and through Joshua we know that he will fulfill those promises and plans. 

7. Personal Application

I absolutely love Joshua, and not just the book. I really admire Joshua as a person and a leader. It’s so easy to feel pressure from the people that you’re leading. It’s easy to let the vibe and mentality of the mass around you determine your next steps. But Joshua never took his eyes off the Lord. He stood strong in what the Lord spoke to him and the same way gave all the glory to God. Personally, I know that I struggle with people pleasing. It’s not so bad that I’ll abandon my values to make people happy, but I do care about what people think about me simply because I want people to be happy. But as a leader in any realm, our devotion needs to be to the Lord. Our fear of the Lord needs to be greater than our fear of man. And even more so, we need to know our place. We are vessels for our Lord. He is the one fighting our battles daily and all we can do is listen and obey. I love Joshua’s example of leadership and my prayer is that I can be as humble as Joshua. 

8. Point of Passion 

Family is so important to God. We can see that in Joshua even as the Lord provides the limits of land for each clan. He knows what they need as an individual family and provides for it. Likewise, these people, although in individual tribes, are a family. God doesn’t want to see them fighting among themselves and provides order. This is a good picture for parents as well. It might be wise for parents to establish their authority in decision making over their children to have peace within the family, at least at a young age. 

Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy Homework

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

Deuteronomy was likely written for the second generation of Israel that was to take the Promised Land after their fathers died in the desert. They have been waiting a long time for the Promise to be fulfilled and the Lord had taken them through a lot while in the desert. They were ready to get in, but in their eagerness, likely to make similar mistakes as their fathers before them. Moses, about to leave the people, wanted to remind them of everything the Lord had done to ensure that they would stay holy before the Lord. 

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Moses was nearing the end of his life since he was not allowed to enter the promised land and was making a farewell speech in a sense. It’s as though he’s releasing them into a future that he wished he could join them in. He wanted this new generation to know the journey, to know the laws, and to know how to go forward. It was almost a commissioning. 

3. What are the main themes and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

Deuteronomy is a book covenanting God to his people and building up a nation that will devote not only their obedience, but the heart behind it to their God. 

Throughout Deuteronomy, we see the Lord searching the heart of his people. The covenant being made is not a new covenant, but it works inwardly with the people instead of dealing with outward rituals. The Lord is testing to see if these stubborn people are willing to mend their hearts unlike their fathers. This is a choice.They can choose to walk in the way of the Lord in which he promises to bless them better than they can imagine, or he can curse them for turning away (chapter 28). But overall, it is their decision. 

This book contains the foundational building blocks for building a godly nation. Within the instructions that Moses gives the people, we see God infiltrating every social sphere of his people. He gives instructions for the family, the church, the government, and even arts and entertainment. He expresses the importance or communication, education and even what a good economy looks like (15:4). It covers all aspects of society, not separating what is sacred from what is “secular.” It is all of God and should remain that way. 

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

They were entreated to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and all your strength.” (6:4-5) They were a people set aside and favored by God and He was covenanting himself to them. In the same way, he was giving them a blueprint for developing a godly nation. This was the launching point from taking a lost, enslaved people and turning them into a thriving nation. 

5. What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

In making the covenant, God is using the terms of his people in a way they will understand. Instead of using terms found in a parity covenant implying equals, the Lord calls all the shots as in a suzerain covenant. This is God establishing his authority and calling all the shots. God is using established ways of society to connect with the people in a way that they understand it’s very serious. He connects on their level. 

Throughout the book, God makes it very clear that “you should not make idols...” Even though the people have a choice, this is a black and white with no middle ground choice. They must either choose to walk in the covenant and honor God by following his commands, or they must walk away completely. But God will not share his power or throne with any idols. He is a sovereign God, the one true God, and his people must reflect this. 

6. What does this book show you about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Once again we see God’s plan for redemption within his covenant law. It is there primarily to draw his people to himself as he so desires. But in the same way, it is the Lord himself who is making a way, not by what the people do. He is pursuing them. He knows that blood must be spilled for atonement and these minimal sacrifices, although pleasing to God, will not suffice. But God has a bigger plan. 

Within his people, he has to show the need for redemption. He has to show them the cost of their sin and what is needed to atone. In this way, they’ll understand the cost of the ultimate sacrifice when he is sent. 

7. Personal Application

It was cool seeing Jo apply Deuteronomy to all spheres of society, especially when he talked about quantitive vs. qualitative. What does it actually look like when you disciple a nation? I’ve been learning more about myself through this. I feel like the Lord has built me more for relational discipleship than for straight evangelism. I love to build relationships with people and love them as Christ does. As Jo said, Jesus taught on evangelism, but most of his teaching was on the kingdom of God. Well just as God is in every sphere of society, so are we. It’s my heart to train and develop people (much like to Israelites needed) in bringing the Kingdom of God to every sphere of society within their own lives as well, not just as a nation. Deuteronomy speaks into this as well. It helps create a Bible, God-grounded perspective into our world and what we’re contributing to it. 

Numbers

Numbers Homework

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

Once again, this book is written to the Israelites who have just been taken out of Egypt. It is likely that this was actually written with next generation in mind, those who are able to enter into the Promised Land. It was another history intended to show the people many important truths about who they were as well as the God they serve.

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The extreme detail throughout the book of numbers shows that this information was not only first hand, but very important to Moses. We actually get a chance to see his personality a little more in this book. He is much more confident than the Moses that we met before the burning bush. 

Through Moses, we get a picture of what true leadership looks like. He is quick to vent his anger to the Lord (11:10-15), who never speaks against this practice, and the Lord is there to defend him, even claiming him as the most humble man on earth(12:3). Moses learned quickly to not respond to the people in the same way that they approach him, but to let God be his defender. And the Lord never lets him down, even among his own family (12:9-15).

However, it is in Numbers that we are reminded of Moses humanity. When Moses strikes the rock instead of speaking to it (using a mere shepherds trick that he knew would work, instead of proclaiming the power of God) he is punished by not being allowed to enter the Promised Land (20:8-12). While the Lord could not let this sin pass, he is still quick to give favor to this man that he has chosen. 

3. What are the main themes and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

Now that the people have learned who they are, God is continuing to show that while He is always faithful, there is still punishment that comes when they are disobedient and  through this process, He is teaching them to walk in the identity that they have been given. 

Through Number’s God is showing his people that He must be the center of the lives. We see a perfect picture of this in the way the Tabernacle is in the center of the camp. In the same way, the people either stay or move depending on when the Lord moves. If he sets out and they follow, the Lord goes before and fights their battles (10:35). They trusted the Lord fully as he moved. 

Yet the turning point in the story comes when the people arrive at Kadesh-Barnea. They begin to doubt the Character of God, which he had been revealing to them. They do not believe that they will be able to take the Promised Land and enter into a long winded time of murmuring against God and his chosen leaders. This is where we see the Lord’s judgment and discipline on his people (14:24-35). Like a loving Father, discipline is essential in the lives of His chosen. They had lost sight of who was with them, became insecure, and began to fear man over their God. 

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

Moses was showing the people that God is faithful, even through their complaining and rebellion. Through complaints and listening to the wrong voices around them, the people began to lose sight of who God is. And to fix this, the Lord had to discipline. Yes, He is just in his judgement, but more than that, it is in love and mercy that He disciplines. 

This was a moment of history in the life of the Israelites. Moses wanted them to remember it in order to not repeat the same mistake, as well as to remind them of the character of the God that they serve.

5. What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

We’ve learned that God, while disciplining his people, does so in faithfulness to draw them closer to himself. He’s merciful in his discipline and patient with his people. 

But perhaps one of the most memorable characteristics of God seen in Numbers is how He defends those in his favor. He is happy to fight their fights for them and not only on a grand scale. When the people were murmuring against Moses, even his own family, it was God who defended and stood up for him (12:9-15). Balaam was not a man of God by any means, but even through what was intended to be a curse, the Lord turned around as a blessing (Chapters 22-24). He will defend his people with a might and righteous hand. 

6.What does this book show you about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

In reading the book of Numbers, I am immediately brought back to the blood covenant that the Lord made with Abraham in Genesis. Even in a wavering, complaining people who seem ungrateful of every blessing, the Lord will honor his side of the covenant. He longs for that atonement to be made and will do whatever it takes to see it through. More and more, through following the Israelites through their history, it is becoming clear that redemption and atonement comes through God alone and never by anything from the people. 

7. Personal Application

In lectures, Jo said “ When we complain, we are losing sight of God’s plan for us.”

I’m in a place right now where it’s hard not to complain. Complain might be too strong a word, but it’s hard for me to not be content where I am. I kind of feel like the Israelites sometimes. It’s easy to look at them and think that their lack of faith in God is ridiculous. But I have the same God fighting for me, and not only in physical battles. He’s fighting for my finances, for my marriage, and for my future. He’s fighting for my heart. And I tend to look at the 20% that I don’t have at the moment way more than the 80% that I need to be thankful for. So today I’m praying that the Lord would increase my faith. That I would be content where I am instead of longing of other places to be. I’m so thankful for this school more than anything right now. I’m loving getting to know his character. And I can only pray that the Lord would help me remember and be at peace with this. 

Leviticus

Leviticus Homework

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

 Leviticus was written for the Israelite people after their exodus from the land of Egypt. We we last left them in Egypt, they were camped at Mount Sinai and had received the 10 Commandments from the Lord. The Tabernacle has been built in order that the Lord might dwell among them. He has declared that “You will be my people and I will be your God (Exodus 6:7 and 40:38).” However, they had not yet entered into the land promised to them. Still with a slave mentality from Egypt, the Israelites have invited the Lord into their midst to be their God. They needed guidance for what this would look like.

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

With Moses as not only the original author, but the one God has chosen to speak though, much of this book is first hand. It is clear that Moses saw high importance in this text and wrote it in extreme detail for the generations to come.

3. What are the main themes and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

With the Tabernacle built and the Lord residing with his people, He is showing them not only how to worship Him, but how to be holy as He is holy, which can only be accomplished through faith and His great mercy. 

The book of Leviticus, while to some may seem dull and just endless laws, is full of the mercy of our Lord. Through this book, we see the command to be holy and clean before the Lord (11:44-45). This can seem as one in the same and can cause questions as to what results in sin, but it is important to understand the difference between these two terms.

God is holy and he calls his people to be holy (20:26). This holiness implies perfection. Being holy is having the absence of sin. This is God. But through Leviticus we see that this is an impossible task. We see that being holy has less to do with the people and more to do with the God they serve. It is only through association with God that the Israelites can be counted as holy.

Being ritually clean is simply a symbol of sin, not a result. For example, if a person loses a limb not by their own fault, this is not a sin. However, they are considered ceremonial unclean because whether it was their fault or not, they are not whole and therefore cannot be holy (21:17-18). This person, although ceremonially unclean, can still be saved through their faith and desire to live a holy life before the Lord, but cannot enter the Tabernacle or make offerings.

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

Leviticus answer two main concerns:

How to approach God and how to live in unbroken fellowship with Him.

The people have only known a distant God that spoke through one or two people at a time. (Moses on Mount Sinai) But now that the Lord resides with them, God must be very clear about how this will be handled. 

Likewise, the Lord wanted his people to stand out among the Nations. With their festivals and day by day laws, they are being made to act as an image of the living God to those who they encountered in their promise land. It was all to point back to God. (In fact, this is primarily why he placed them geographically where he did. Trade routes to all major cities at the time went straight through the promise land. He wanted his people to stand out among all who travel through.

5.What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

God is holy and his people most be holy. Therefore sin is very serious to God. It requires a blood sacrifice, and not just the leftovers that you’re happy to be rid of. The graphic description in each animal sacrifice depicts a picture of what is needed for the atonement of sin (3:1-5). 

God is just by nature and cannot let anyone get away with sin, but through providing sacrifices, we see the Lord’s desire to draw near to his people. He is a merciful God that longs for relationship and is therefore providing a way. God honors the faith that comes with sacrifice, not just the ritual. By commanding a hand to be placed on the head of the sacrificial animal, the sinner is acknowledging that the animal is taking their place for what should rightly be their punishment. God looks at this and honors the heart of faith and repentance, not simply the act of shedding blood.

6. What does this book show you about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

While sin is very serious to God, he has created a way past it. There is very little that can be done to make a person holy. But the Lord, above all, desires relationship and to dwell among his people. This is why he put these laws into play. It’s not because he is trying to bring wrath onto his people or to make them suffer to be righteous. He is doing what must be done in order to dwell with his people. 

Through the sacrificial ceremonies, God gives us a picture of the sacrifice that is to come. Often times in reading this book, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with the details. How could anyone uphold these laws? But all the while, He has his plan for the ultimate sacrifice and in turn, redemption for mankind.

7. Personal Application

I serve a holy God and am so blessed beyond what I can ever understand to take part in His promises. Looking at these ceremonial laws and what it took to enter into the presence of God, Im just in awe being able to sit in His presence the way we do. Likewise, I’m convicted that I don’t do it as often as I should. My prayers can easily be scripted and without heart behind them and I often have my mind on other things. But the levites had to do so much to simply enter into his presence that it could not be taken for granted. This is something that I need to come back to. I need to treasure and cherish these moments far beyond what I already do. 

Job

Job Homework

What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

The format and timing of this book point that this story was possibly passed down orally from generation to generation through time. It most likely took place approximately 100 years after the time of the Patriarchs. If written by Moses as some suspect, the story would have been intended for the Israelites after the exodus. They would possibly have felt like they were in deep suffering in this time. If not for the people at this specific time, it was copied down for the people of God none the less.

                                   What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

It is unknown who actually wrote it the book. Some think Moses is the author, in which case it would be written for the people of Israel after they came out of Egypt. Others believe that due to the wisdom literature format, it was possibly written by Solomon. 

What are the main themes and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

Job discusses the age old question of “why do bad things happen to good people?” in which God shows not only his sovereignty and justice, but his goodness in a way that Job can praise God because he loves him, not because of what the Lord has done for him.

The main theme of Job explores the question of how suffering should be received. Does Job love God for what has been given to him? Or does he love his simply for love’s sake? Through losing everything he valued in life, through the physical torment, Job exclaims “ I have come naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” (1:20-21)

Through Job’s friends and their “not so helpful” advice, we see many world views portrayed. While they feel that they are speaking wisdom to him, we find conflict in the many views of the character of God. While Job admits that some of it appears as sound logic, it does not sit right with what he knows to be true about his God (9:2-4). The entire book is a debate concerning God’s true character. 

But perhaps one of the deepest themes through the book of Job is that of God’s justice. Job wrestles with wrapping his head around this concept from the moment the first piece of bad news is delivered. While many today see the basis of justice as protecting human life and innocence on this earth, Job learns that God’s justice goes far beyond the here and now. It extends into the ends of eternity and God acts as judge to the very end. Job and his friends eventually learn that their perspectives of our time and rewards here are minimal (40:4-5).

What is the primary reason this book was written?

The book of Job was written to paint a picture of God’s character for the Israelites. Most importantly so show them the idea that God is not carrying out his judgement for sin when suffering happens. Instead the people see this image of an enemy that causes the suffering of the world (1:6-12). 

What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

God is a good God. He is not a God that longs to bring judgement on his people for their sin. He’s not waiting for a screw up in order to bring down his wrath. Nor is He able to be manipulated into action by our own rituals and ceremonies like many of Job’s friends implied (11:13-15). Instead, he is a God that brings blessing down upon his people. He can take even the worst of situations and bring forth good. 

Likewise, He is just, and not always in the way that we would think. But through his sovereignty and his holy view of eternity, he judges rightly. 

What does this book show you about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

We see in this book, firstly that God does have a plan simply because he desires relationship. God doesn’t work through reaction to circumstances, he initiates them for his own purposes and his purposes are moving towards redemption. We see Job long for a mediator to allow him to bring his case before God (16:21). This is something that the Lord see’s and longs to honor. It is a foreshadowing of not only the ceremonial rituals that he puts in place, but the ultimate and final mediator of Jesus Christ. 

Personal Application

It’s easy for us to look at Job’s friends and judge them for their horrible advice and the inconsiderate approach in telling him what they think. But what would I do in that situation? I want to say that I would have a little more tact, but sometimes I wonder how I would advise my friends. Would I use my recent experiences or what I know has worked in the past? Would I try to fix every problem?

I hope that I can remember the story of Job and know that there is so much more worth in sitting down and praying together to see what God says. And to go even further, just straight up listening. I love helping people and I’m always one to do what I can to fix things. But you just don’t know if you’re helping or hurting unless you’re in the heart of God.