1 Samuel 18 - 20

David strikes up a friendship with King Saul's son, Jonathan, and marries the king's daughter, Michal.  Through specific events, Saul begins to suspect that David is the man God is raising up to eventually take his place.  Saul attempted to end David's life several times in various ways, but David acted wisely and was protected from each attempt.  Jonathan enters into an agreement with David that will help protect and preserve him as well.

1 Samuel 15 - 17

Saul continues to write his own rules for leadership and battle.  He spares those who should not be spared and offers sacrifices that are not his responsibility to offer.  As a result, God rejects Saul as king.  He would continue to reign, but his son would not be his successor.  God would raise up a king from another family.
Samuel is directed to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem, part of the tribe of Judah.  He is further directed to anoint Jesse's youngest son, David, as the new king of Israel.  Again, David's rule would not begin immediately, but God's choice had been made.
Saul, meanwhile, is troubled and suffers from deep anxiety.  Music is thought helpful to soothe him, and he selects David (yes, the same one!) to provide relaxing music for him.  Perhaps Saul's anxiety was partly caused by the presence and oppression of the Philistines.  Their champion warrior, Goliath, taunted the army of Israel until David agreed to fight him.  David was convinced that anyone who blasphemed God as openly as Goliath did would certainly be defeated in battle.  Armed with only a slingshot, David defeats Goliath and puts the Philistine army to flight.

1 Samuel 13 - 14

Saul does great works in the nation, but does not distinguish himself for obedience to God's commands.  He often acted rashly, hurrying along at his own pace rather than following God's timetable for events and activities.  His son, Jonathan, was a mighty warrior and one who inspired people to follow him.  Jonathan was intent on keeping God's commands.

1 Samuel 9 - 12

Israel is set on having a king.  The Lord directs Samuel to the right choice, a man by the name of Saul.  Saul's path crosses with Samuel and the young man is anointed king.  After Saul is named king, Samuel takes his leave from the nation. He has faithfully served God and the nation.

1 Samuel 4 - 8

Israel figures that the Ark of their Covenant with God is a "good luck charm" that will guarantee success in battle.  They take it into the theater of warfare against the Philistines and not only lose the battle, but also lose the ark in the process.  Eli's sons, the wicked ones who distracted people from worship, are killed in the battle.  Eli receives news of the loss of the ark and his sons' deaths at the same time.  In his reaction to the news, he dies as well.
Samuel begins judging Israel; and God judges the Philistines for taking the Ark.  The Philistines return the Ark and Samuel continues to judge Israel.  However, the people do not desire another judge, the demand a king.

1 Samuel 1 - 3

The account is given of the birth of a child to a barren couple.  This child, named as a reminder that he was a 'gift from God', would become the premier priest of his time.  The child, Samuel, was dedicated to the Lord's work by his parents and learned from a very young age to love, obey and serve the God of Israel.  Working as an assistant to the high priest, Eli, Samuel was a stark contrast to the sons of the high priest who used their position for personal advancement despite the sinfulness of their actions.  Eli was warned about his sons' behavior but did nothing to correct them.  Samuel's first prophecy was to pronounce God's judgment on his mentor and his family for their failure to protect and advance God's reputation.

Judges 19 - 21

The chilling account of violence, murder and retribution is given.  A man travelling with his concubine escapes the advances of perverted men only to have them murder his concubine.  He sends a bloody message to the nation and rallies the troops to deal with this problem.  In the course of events, the tribe of Benjamin is almost obliterated due to their failure to deal with sin properly.  Only by God's grace is the family line preserved.  The book of Judges closes with the chilling assessment that "everyone did what was right in his own eyes."  Not a good way to manage any society.

Judges 16 - 18

Samson's incredible power is limited by his weakness for women.  Many times in his life he was brought low due to his associations with women of questionable character and reputation.  His dalliances with Delilah brought him to slavery.  Yes, he destroyed many Philistines in his death; but what a price to pay for low moral character.
Because there was no governing law in the land (all did what they thought best) some decided that worship could be conducted the same way.  A man named Micah hired his own personal priest to travel with him.  Marauding bands raided Micah's home and stole his possessions, including the priest who freely gave his loyalty to these new masters.  The items taken from Micah's house became family idols for these marauders.

Judges 13 - 15

The Israelites continued to sin, so God allowed them to serve the Philistines for 40 years.  At the end of that time, a couple who were previously barren were given the gift of a son - a male heir for their family.  This child would be raised as a Nazarite - indicating he had been set aside specially for God.  The child, Samson, is born and grows to be a man of great physical strength, but subject to many physical temptations.  He marries a Philistine woman and uses that relationship to torture the Philistines who have enslaved the Hebrews.

Judges 10 - 12

Once again, the nation decides to turn from serving the God Who had faithfully blessed them and pursue foreign gods.  After repenting of their sin, God raised up a man named Jephthah to deliver His chosen people.  Jephthah was not above making his own mistakes, and he foolishly took a vow to sacrifice whatever first greeted him upon his return home.  He remained faithful to his vow, even though it meant sacrificing his only daughter.  Jephthah was not the last judge of Israel.  After his death, the nation continued their cycle of disobedience, judgment, repentance and deliverance.

Judges 8 - 9

Gideon made a complete defeat of the Midianites and the nation enjoyed rest while he lived.  He did, however, make a mistake in allowing his garments to be worshiped as a source of power.  His sons also ruled.  After his death, the nation returned to worshiping the Baals.  Further punishment from God resulted and the people soon tired of their oppressors.  God, once again proving His faithfulness, raised up another deliverer named Abimelech, who delivered the people.  Would they prove faithful this time?

Judges 6 - 7

Israel again disobeys God's commands; this time they are punished by the people of Midian.  When the people repent, God raises up an unlikely hero in the man of Gideon.  God again and again proves that He has enough power to win the battles, and it does not matter how many (or few) warriors are in Gideon's band.  Gideon's army wins a devastating victory over the Midianites and the land once again enjoys rest.

Judges 3 - 5

God did not want the nation to go through life without a realistic view of the damage sin causes.  Therefore, He did not totally eliminate all their enemies at once.  He left several nations for His people to remove from the land.  This would test their resolve to following God's commands and reliance on His strength.
The nation did NOT obey.  They fell into the hands of Mesopotamia for 8 years, until they repented and God raised up a man named Othniel to deliver them.  The disobeyed again and were put under the oppression of Moab for 18 years.  God delivered them from Moab by the hands of a man named Ehud.  After Ehud's death, the people returned to their sin - and God returned them to subjugation, this time from a Canaanite king.  God used two leaders, Deborah the prophetess and Barak (and a woman named Jael) to defeat the forces of Canaan.  The land then temporarily enjoyed a period of rest.

Judges 1 - 2

The nation begins conquering their individual territories.  However, they do not completely eliminate the people God had told them to expel from the land.  For one reason or another, the task went unfinished.  God voiced His displeasure and the people wept.  Joshua died at the age of 110.  The nation then began serving the gods of the peoples around them - in direct violation of God's commands, Joshua's edicts and their own historic judgment.  God delivered them into the hands of their enemies as punishment.  As the people repented and returned to God, He would raise up a deliverer who would lead them away from their sinful ways, practices and conquerors.  Too soon, though, the people would neglect to listen to the voice of this new leader (called a judge) and the process would repeat.

Joshua 22 - 24

With the formal land conquest ended, the tribes with inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan returned to their families and land.  As they reentered their land, they made a careful and cautious choice to erect an altar.  This prompted the tribes on the western side to prepare for war against their infidel brothers.  It was soon explained that the altar was not to honor or worship a strange god, but to remind the eastern tribes that they identified with and owed their allegiance to the God served and worshiped on the other side of the Jordan.
Joshua delivers his farewell address, reminding the nation of what has been done for them and what remains for them to do.  He encourages them to take God's side on every issue; and they agree to his proposal.  Joshua dies, as does Eleazar the priest.  The nation was now in their land but without any clear human leader.  Would they remain faithful to God as they promised?

Joshua 19 - 21

The tribes of Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and Dan receive their land inheritances.    Dan actually increased their land by conquering the city-state of Leshem.  Finally, Joshua received a special portion of land as his inheritance:  the city of Timnath-Serah.  The cities of refuge were appointed throughout the land, as were the cities in which the Levites would dwell.  At the end of the process it was clearly seen that God had kept His promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - the land was theirs and their enemies were kept at bay.  All that God had promised had come to pass!

Joshua 16 - 18

Joseph's sons' descendants, Manasseh and Ephraim, receive their inheritance.  When they attempt to make a case for needing more room, they are told "There is plenty of room; just remove the current occupants!"  The task of conquest still remained.  Benjamin's offspring also receive their promised land.

Joshua 12 - 15

After defeating a litany of 31 kings, Joshua realizes there is still land to conquer.  He charges the nation to redouble their efforts in rousting the inhabitants, according to God's command. As he divides the land by tribe, Caleb (his partner from years ago) asks for a difficult patch of ground to conquer.  Old Caleb still longs to see God do extraordinary things with his life!

Joshua 9 - 11

The neighboring kings tremble at the thought of what Israel will do as they invade their Promised Land.  The Gibeonites, however, decide to try deceit as an insurance policy.  They trick the nation into an alliance before Joshua can discover that they actually ARE inhabitants of the land.  Joshua honors his covenant, yet makes the Gibeonites tabernacle assistants.


A fierce battle with a consortium of kings culminates with Joshua commanding the sun to stand still in the sky while the battle is fought.  Due to the lengthened day, a total victory is gained for Israel.  Joshua then leads the nation through the southern portion of the land before heading north in his path of conquest.

Joshua 5 - 8

For an invading force, the Hebrew nation of Israel went about things differently!  Immediately after entering the land, they (following God's commands) circumcised those males who had not yet entered into that covenant with God and then celebrated the Passover.  Usually an army makes sure they are medically fit BEFORE invading; but God continued to demonstrate His faithfulness in protecting His people.  The city of Jericho is defeated, though Rahab is spared as promised.  The city of Ai proves to be more difficult due to the sin of one citizen named Achan.  After sin is successfully and completely dealt with, the nation does defeat the city of Ai.

Joshua 1 - 4

God instructs Joshua almost immediately after the death of Moses.  His words are comforting to this newly appointed leader, reiterating the promises made to other leaders of the nation.  Continued blessing would be enjoyed if the people would remain obedient to God's commands.


The command is given to prepare for entering the Promised Land.  Spies are sent to investigate the entry points, and meet with a woman named Rahab who protects the Hebrew men and secures for herself amnesty from the coming destruction of her city.


The people cross the Jordan River at flood stage on dry ground by God's miraculous provision.  Large memorial stones are brought up from the river bed to stand as silent testimony to the mighty workings of God experienced by the nation that day.

Deuteronomy 32 - 34

Moses delivers his final address to the nation.  He reiterates all that God has given Him to say.  He reminds the nation of God's perfections and expectations for them.  He stresses the fact that they have not proven themselves to be as faithful as hoped in the past; and asks that fact to spur them to more diligent obedience in the future.  God had been so good to Israel, blessing them with protection, provision and His presence; yet the nation had responded arrogantly, not thankfully.  God would reward His followers and His enemies in due time, each receiving what was just for their actions toward Him.


Moses then blessed the people, each by their tribe.  He asked for God's continued favor and blessing to be their experience.  He then ascended into a mountainous place to which God directed him where he observed the Promised Land and then died.  Joshua was now the leader of the nation.  The people were at the verge of another great chapter in their history.  Would this chapter be any different with regards to their obedience to the Lord?

Deuteronomy 30 - 31

Should the nation depart from following God and then experience the removal of His hand of blessing, all would not be lost.  God even provided a way for His people to return to His good graces.  The nation now faced a choice:  would they choose life or death?  Moses urged his followers to choose wisely, and to choose life.  Joshua, Moses' assistant was then appointed to be his successor.  The law was appointed to be read every 7 years, to remind the people of their promises and God's expectations.


God then called Moses to complete his ministry and prepare to die.  He told Moses that the people would eventually rebel against Him; but that some would remain faithful.  Moses compiled his words and preserved them for the people.  He then gathered them together for one last address.

Deuteronomy 28 - 29

There would be tremendous blessings for those who obeyed God's commands.  They would be blessed in all areas of life.  Those who chose to disobey the commands would receive tremendous cursing.  Every area of life would also be affected; but instead of good, only evil would result.  Moses then began reviewing the covenant between God and His people.

Deuteronomy 24 - 27

Various laws are given to the nation governing marriage, disease, labor laws and inheritance dispersals.  Instructions are given to annihilate the Amalekites for their behavior towards the nation when they left Egypt.  As God's specially chosen people, they were to behave with utmost care.  They were to carefully inscribe the laws on pillars of stone.

Deuteronomy 21 - 23

More societal instructions are given to the nation.  Procedures for resolving unsolved murders are outlines, the proper handling of war prisoners, laws governing inheritances - even the steps to take with rebellious children are spelled out.  God did not desire for His people to live in ignorance of what He expected.  Moral codes were given in detail to ensure that proper relationships between the sexes were maintained.  Sanitation practices were given so that the health and well-being of the people would not be hindered.

Deuteronomy 17 - 20

God takes His holiness seriously.  Those who transgress His holiness are to be punished.  God lays out for His people the steps to be taken against those who commit specific sins - and even provides for cases too difficult to decide.  When the time comes for the nation to have a king, God prescribes activities for the monarch to avoid so that even then God is seen as the ultimate Sovereign power of the nation.  God promises to continue in His care for His people, providing them with leadership both politically and spiritually.  The Cities of Refuge are again mentioned, as are other tenants of the law meant to maintain harmony among the populace.  When the nation went to battle against another people, certain men were excused from military service.  Procedures for seeking peace are also outlined, for when peace was to be sought.

Deuteronomy 14 - 16

The nation of Israel would demonstrate their devotion to God in every avenue of their society.  Even such "normal" activities as mourning for the dead, foods enjoyed, giving of sacrifices, charitable giving, personal debt and employment practices were to be conducted in such a way that it would be very clear that they were submissive to God and His directions.  The celebrations of the national festivals were reviewed so that the nation would remember their significance.

Some Chilean Photos

I have received lots of questions this week regarding the 8.8 earthquake in Chile.  The short answers are as follows:  

• It was NOT where I was, but they DID feel it.
• Everyone there that I know, and most of the folks that they know are safe.
• My immediate contacts suffered some property damage, but otherwise are fine.
• Two churches in their sphere of contacts DID lose buildings.  
• We are pursuing options to best help our colleagues in Chile.  Stay tuned for more details.

So, without further delay, here are some photos from my trip.  Consider this a series of snapshots of Chile BEFORE the quake.  The country today is quite different from many perspectives.

Deuteronomy 11 - 13

Moses addresses his comments to those who had first-hand experience with God's dealings, not to their children who had only heard accounts of what took place in Egypt.  This older generation was well aware of the seriousness nature of not obeying God Who had delivered them from their bondage.  If they would teach their children to obey and honor Him, great blessings would follow.  The responsibility lay with them as much as with God; would they choose to follow, serve and obey God?  Would they abandon all the false gods encountered along the way through the Promised Land?  Would they cease from their self-serving style of living to worship God with the totality of their lives?  Would they refuse to listen to those who claimed to speak for God while propagating a message of falsehood?  Quite simply, would they follow God singularly?

Deuteronomy 8 - 10

Israel was instructed to always remember the good benefits God had provided them while they wandered through the desert wilderness.  Their memory was to encourage their continued obedience to God's continued leading and instruction.  The nation had not always obeyed God, and they were reminded about their failures, too.  They punishments they endured were also to encourage their future behavior.  The expectations for the nation are simply laid out for them:  fear God, walk in all His ways, love Him, serve Him, keep His commands.

Deuteronomy 5 - 7

Moses reminds the nation of the commands God gave them at Mount Sinai.  The consequences for obedience and disobedience are once again stated for the nation's consideration. They are reminded of the fact that God is unique; no other god is like Him and He will not share glory with any other.  The people He chooses to bless will be blessed for no other reason than because God has showed favor to them.