JUDGES

Broken people  - faithful God

First impression:                                                              

1.What do I see in this book that’s tells me about the Original Reader                                                                                                                      

The book is describing a people that are on their own – after the death of Joshua and before the kings. They were without a clear leader or king – but in the books showing how the community had it at the time of their different judges.

The reader of the book might be in their first years of the Kingdom of Saul.

In the end of the book of the Judges it is written; “In those day they didn’t have a King “

ch. 21.25. This era of the judges was a time of instability and moral depravity. (NB.74)

2. What do I see in this book that tells me about the author                                                                                                                                         

Probably been told for a long time orally. The writer is anonymous, but Samuel or one of his prophetic students may also have written it. (NB p.70)

Not a chronological story within the book.it covers a 350 years time.  (SVBp.303)  – But in retro perspective ways – about 380 years after the event’s described.

21.25: they did have a King. It shows that it may be Samuel  – not Saul or David.

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

God is trying to get the message in again:  “Do not do as the pagans do! Do not serve their gods”. They forgot the Lord e.g. ch.8.34 again and again .

Psalm 106.34-46 – David is describing the time of Judges.

Cycles in the book that is repeated: Gods blessing! – People fell into idolatry – suffering – repentance  - and God would deliver through on of the judges.  (SVB p. 303)

One sentence : “ In those days Israel had no king, all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes” ch 21.25 – but God was faithful ch.11.21

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

To recount the story of some of Israel ‘s heroes –called judges – and to give the nations ‘s history prior to the time it became a kingdom. SVB p.303. If I understood Bekah right in lecture it may also be that in a way it was Samuel writing this book to tell the people they needed a king, that things weren’t that great at the time of the judges.

                                                                                                 

Theme tracing:                                                                                                                                                                                               

5.What does the book show about the character and nature of God?                                                                                                                         

Patient  - over and over again thru the whole book He shows his mercy and deliverance.  One ex. ch 3.15 and 6.16

God loves

God is peace ch.6.24

He is the ruler ch.8.23

He encourages and gives them victory ch.7.9

He wants to have relationship (ch.22.28)

It is not your swords or bows that your brought you victory. (ch.24.12) Resembles the verses in 2.Cor. 10.4.

The Judges uses what they have for the work of the Lord – God answers with ch. 7.14 a timeless truth Paul is repeating. He is strong I am week

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

In ch.9.7- I understand it as a refuse to serve the creation instead of the God the creator like in Rom 1.25.

He gives His spirit to the judges  - and that’s what makes them good.  When they repented and cried out for help Ch. 3.10. In NT He says about The Holy Spirit Act 2.17, which again is prophesized about in Joel ch.3.1.

In the verses in Hebrew about people of Faith  - the judges Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah are all mentions! God longs for our Faith in Him!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Application questions                                                                                                                                                                                 

7.Personal application:                                                                                                                                                                                     

Who is the “judges” I am crying for in life when things become hard? – or do I look straight to God – and remind myself of the promises I have in Jesus!  

So often I am as the Israelites - it is so often easier to do some things , try to fix it myself or ask other persons/ helpers  - than believing God and keep that in mind.  One of my favorite verses in this issue is Phil.4.1-12.

As a midwife who has been working with pregnant women addicted to drugs/alcohol I am always impressed by the actuality of the Biblical prisipels – as here in ch.13.3 – telling the women not to taste any alcohol during pregnancy.

8.Point of passion:

Then the time of judges came…. Just a few days later, some women around our Parliament has started a campaign to reverse this new collaborate. So this week I will continue to pray for the doctors that are in front of “The right to reserve” – they have to speak out this week, being interviewed and quoted in newspaper.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Joshua

Seize you destiny!

First impression:                                                              

1.What do I see in this book that’s tells me about the Original Reader                                                                                                                      

In this book we read about the history of a young 2.generation Israelites, written for the 3. Generation, so they should know their history. They were strengthening their tribal identity in this book.

They were a people who had grown up in the desert and now being transformed to a nation in a new country.

They got a 3 days warning before they left. Ch1.11

The people in Jericho was afraid of the Israelites because they had heard about Gods doings for His people, ch 2.10

The date of the Conquest varies from 1406 BC to c.1250-1200BC (NB.p62)

2. What do I see in this book that tells me about the author                                                                                                                                         

Jewish tradition says that Joshua wrote this book, but as Beckah taught in class the scholars have different opinions. In NB it is described that Joshua probably at least wrote some of it. Some narratives was added later, and also some other parts. (NB.p.63)

Maybe a son of Aaron (priest Eleazar) wrote about Joshua’s funeral. (SVB.p271.)

Joshua died in c. 1390 BC.

The Israelite recognizes Joshua as their leader. Ch. 4.14, chi 1.17-18

God gives Joshua support and encourage as a leader: ch.3.7-8

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

Fulfilling of our dreams doesn’t depend on our skills, size or resources, but on faith and obedience. God repeats to Joshua “ lead…be strong and courageous…. be strong and very courageous…. be strong and very courageous (ch1.1-10)

Every time Gods speak it is a very personal and specific instruction for Joshua. (SVBp. 271)

One sentence: God speaks to Joshua and he leads the new nation to take their possessions in their new land.

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

1. Part  - the conquest of Canaan (ch.1.1-13.7) an amazing story of courage, faith, miracles, and innovative strategies to win the battles.

2. Part – Settlement in Canaan (ch.13.8-24.33) after the winning, God gives them a detailed description of the land of each tribe – ensuring a foundation for peace and justice.  ( SVB… NB.p.63)

Theme tracing:                                                                                                                                                                                               

5.What does the book show about the character and nature of God?                                                                                                                         

Encouraging. Josh 1.5, Deu.31.23 and 3.7

Preparation time is good  ( Beca1s lecture) - be obedient in small things

Favors faith like Rehab, ch.2 – is mentioned in Hebr. 11.31

He renews the covenant when Israel commits herself to serve the Lord and they reject the worship of all false gods.  (ch .24)

The people of Israel is meant to be set apart for the lord (ch.7.13)

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

It shows us Faith in the one and only God! – Rahab.ch.2.9, Hebr.11.31

Her scarlet rope may also be a symbol of the blood of Jesus (Hebr.9.19-22)

Very interesting that this woman is found in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matt 1.5)

The name Joshua meaning “Yahweh is salvation” – is in the Hebrew equivalent of the name of “Jesus” NB.p.62 – in leading the people into their Promised Land Joshua foreshadows Jesus.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Application questions                                                                                                                                                                                 

7.Personal application:

Ch.4.6 – build a memorial. This has been one of my favorite “pictures” how we build memorials along our Life path – in fact in my CDTS journal I made a whole drawing of my life – putting up the memorial stones to remember the highlights. I like the verse in Jer 31.21  - and we talk quite a lot about it in our family, to remember God’s ways in our lives. Ch.24. 15 “But as for my family, we will serve the Lord”

I class today Wednesday, it was a refreshing time to write it down again - and as always, good to share the good things the Lord has done in our life. It is also encouraging to listen to the others sharing.

8.Point of passion:

Concerning the “Right to make a reservation for doctors”

I just found out that the Norwegian doctors had now in the beginning of October been able to gain back the right to reserve themselves for referring to treatment they do not have a conscious to do.

It was a great victory – and as in Joshua – when a new leader was taking (in Norway our new prime mister) her place  - then the time was wright to take back the possibilities. In fact our Christian Democrats party was the one who made this be added to an agreement between the new collaborate of parties.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Deuteronomy

Renewal of the Love covenant 

He covenanted with his people.

First impression:                                                              

1.What do I see in this book that’s tells me about the Original Reader

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

The pivot of their story where they trust the scouts more than God

Afraid of the giants 1.28

They still want to go back to Egypt

No reason to doubt him – he has shown his faithfulness, his care, his promises doing miracles – but the people still doubt the character and walked in unbelief ( Jo)

2. What do I see in this book that tells me about the author

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Most scholars would still reason it to be Moses who wrote this book (NB.p.53) He is now an old man, app 120 years old.

He is summarizing the history again. He is in a way telling his farewell story. Almost the entire book is his voice we are reading.

Moses urge a new generation to move forward with God. It is Moses final words

I was questioning it if there is an other author also, since Moses death is recorded, and he could not have done that himself. Ch. 34.6

He wants to tell them God is faithful to the promise he gave to Abraham.

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

“Devote yourself wholeheartedly to God” SVB p.225

In the introduction to this book it says that in some ways it is similar to other book about Kings from the same period – it is an agreement between the KING and His people!

Ch-1-4 is about what he ha done

Ch.4.44-27.1 What God expected of Israel

Ch.27- 34.12 What God will do.

One sentence. Moses farewell book. God is repeating the blessing that will come on Israel if they obey, and the curse if they don’t.

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

A renewal of Gods covenant with his people – to make sure the young generation knows it.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Still they refused to trust the Lord 1.32

Believed the reports more than in His promise

Sermon of ratification in ch 28 – the heaven and earth are witnessing. Is an expression that the covenant is legal – has witnesses.

Theme tracing:                                                                                                                                                                                               

5.What does the book show about the character and nature of God?                                                                                                   

I will be with you.

If they obey – he will keep His part of the covenant ch.4.1-4.

Those who seek Him find him. Ch.4.29

Cares like a father – 1.31

Believes in the new generation 1.39

He keeps his part of the covenant ch.7.9, – but man fail again and again.

He is behind His words – and they create life. Ch. 32.47

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

Moses/Jesus, ch.18: 15-19 – there will come a prophet like Moses – and Jesus

The covenants foreshadow the final covenant God made with man through Jesus.

Rom Jo’s lecture:

Moses was the leader of the 12 twelve tribes – Jesus leader of twelve disciples

Moses meditated Old Covenant – Jesus meditated New Covenant

Moses founded the kingdom of Israel – Jesus founded the kingdom of God

No other prophet equated Moses –Jesus compares and surpasses Moses

2.cor 3.7-9, Rom. 8.3

New covenant  - sins removed and eternal forgiveness. Hebr.10.11-12.

How will he do that? because it says : “ I will write the law on their heart. Jer.31.33

In ch 8.3 People do not live by bread alone, rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord – this subject is referred to in Joh.6.32-36,

In ch 10.12-13 we see the same verse as Jesus is quoting in Matt 22.37-38 as the first and most important command. (Also similar in ch. 13.3)

In ch. 18.17 Moses tells about a prophet will be raised up and tell the people everything – Joh.4.25-26.

When I read about the yoke that God describes here is in big contrast to the yoke Jesus talks about in Matt.11.29-30, which will be easy to bear. Amen!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Application questions                                                                                                                                                                                 

7.Personal application:

Is till have to learn to trust God. My devotion book (Jesus Calling. Sarah Young) for Thursday really talked to me – about “trust me enough” the verses referred to was Psalm 37.3-6, Phil 4.19 – some of my favorite verses  - and I felt they came straight to me only. Thank you Lord

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

8.Point of passion:

Praying out of this book this weekend will be specially for the doctor and his family – my good friend – who by the calling of God, started to work on this important issue to change the law, so will as health works to say no to still will have then possibility to say no to preform treatment which has a matter of conscience.