Jeremiah 18 - 22

Jeremiah observes a potter at work molding clay, reworking it as needed.  God's message comes that the nation is His clay, and He uses the trials faced by the nation to fashion them into something useful for His purposes.  The nation, however, rejects God's warnings and inherits the disaster inherent in such foolish actions.  The nation rises up and attacks Jeremiah for being the bearer of such news.  Jeremiah continues to share God's message of coming destruction, even though it landed him in the stocks.  Jeremiah continued to deliver an unpopular message to unwilling hearers, convinced that an unchanging God was in control. The faithful prophet delivers warnings of impending doom to the king about the invading armies of Babylon and the results of their incursion into the land of Judah

Jeremiah 14 - 17

Jeremiah sees a land filled with famine and desolation, yet God tells him not to pray for the well-being of the people, because His intention is to consume them with sword, famine and pestilence.  False prophets had been spreading words of encouragement that God would not destroy His people; but God was intent on punishing His rebellious children.  God's position is so set that not even Moses or Samuel could dissuade Him.  There would be a small preserved remnant, but none should assume they were among that number.  If the preserved remnant would return to God, He would make them strong.  Jeremiah's message to the people was for them to restore the proper observance of the Sabbath as a day set aside for the worship and studied contemplation of God.

Jeremiah 10 - 13

God warns His people about putting their trust in false idols.  The worship practices of the Gentile nations was not to be the pattern for Jewish worship.  Other nations served gods of their own making; Israel was to serve the God that made them.  Israel had not kept the covenant sworn to God in the days of Moses, so God would keep His promises regarding the punishment and correction their actions deserved.  Jeremiah questions God concerning the wicked who seem to prosper.  God answers that He will take revenge on His enemies.  None will escape the judgment they deserve.  His withholding of immediate punishment is one further sign of His great love and mercy towards those who do not deserve it.

Jeremiah 7 - 9

Jeremiah is given a message for the people of Israel.  They were not to trust in those who spoke lies to them.  In fact, Jeremiah was told not to pray for the people who would not obey God's commands.  Even though they went through the rituals of religion, they were not whole-heartedly worshiping anything other than their own selfish lusts.  Those who would return and repent would be spared from judgment; those who refused would know the full force of God's wrath.  Alliance with God brings true victory.

Jeremiah 1 - 3

Jeremiah, the son of a priest, was a prophet of God during the reigns of Josiah to Zedekiah (when Judah was carried into captivity by the Babylonians).  God had plans for Jeremiah well before Jeremiah was even born.  He made His prophet to be what He intended, so that the message would be delivered exactly as God designed it to be.  God spoke to Jeremiah through object lessons to communicate His messages in simple terms - a budding branch and a boiling pot.  These (as interpreted by God) were a message against the nation that they had abandoned Him and questioned His goodness.  Even though God had done great things for His people, they charged Him with cruelty.  God, to demonstrate His great love for His people, allowed them to suffer the consequences of their wrong decisions.  His desire was that they come to the point of agreement with Him - that His way and rule IS best.  The nation had been adulterous in their treatment of God, yet He called them to repent.  If they would return, He would again shower them with evidences of His love and blessing.

Isaiah 64 - 66

Isaiah pleads on behalf of the nation for God's presence, forgiveness and restoration.  Above all, he wants to see God revered in the hearts of the people.  God responds that He has not moved, it is Israel who has abandoned Him.  He promises to bring back the beauty and glory of His people by creating a new heavens and earth for them to enjoy.  This new creation will far surpass the one currently occupied.  Worship will continue and idolatry will result in destruction.  In this restored kingdom, God will reign supremely and permanently.

Isaiah 59 - 63

Israel was in a predicament; God was able to rescue them, but their sins had separated them from Him.  As a result, His ear seemed to not hear and His eye appeared to not notice the people He had chosen.  The nation needed to forsake their wicked ways, thoughts, and deeds in order to return to the One who loved them.  God would send them help, assistance and light for their journey.  Their rescue would not come from foreign powers or domestic ingenuity; their help would come from God Himself.  In fact, God would become the nation's glory - this was good news for the nation.  Isaiah encouraged the people to turn their hearts and minds toward God so that He would bring about this promised time of refreshing and joyfulness.  God would bring victory to His people while exacting judgement from His enemies.

Isaiah 54 - 58

God declares a lasting covenant of peace with His people that will be their blessing in His kingdom.  He invites all to join His kingdom, no restrictions are set for admission - only submission to Him and His rule.  Even those not of the nation of Israel are invited to enter.
Israel, however, seemed satisfied with false idols.  Their idolatrous practices and rituals only invited God's anger and punishment; it did not bring the peace and satisfaction that was anticipated.  God would heal and restore those who returned from their idolatry; but would consume those who refused His correction

Isaiah 49 - 53

God's Servant speaks of the great and mighty task to which God has called Him.  Even from before birth, this Servant will be part of God's plan to restore God's glory to the nation of Israel and reveal God's glory to Gentile nations.  He will appear at exactly the right time - the time of God's choosing.  The Servant will demonstrate clearly that God has kept His promises to His people.  He will be the hope of the nation, even though He will be scorned by many and misunderstood.  The Servant will bring God's comfort to His people because through Him, God will redeem His people!  The Servant, through His suffering, would bring healing and relief to as many as would turn to Him.

Isaiah 45 - 48

God sends a prediction of a coming leader named Cyrus.  This one would accomplish God's plans perfectly.  Yet, God would prove that only He could provide safety and salvation.  God stresses over and over that only He can provide salvation because only He is God.  Babylon is slated to feel the wrath of God's punishment because of her refusal to listen to the voice of God.  Even through this, Israel would demonstrate that God can provide and redeem her for His good pleasure.

Isaiah 42 - 44

God begins describing the One who will be His Servant.  This promised Deliverer would bring about the justice that God had promised, yet would still be kind and gentle to those deserving of it.  The land is called to rejoice in God's power, position and person; He would continue to uphold His word and be faithful to His promises.  The nation of Israel had no need to fear; God's protecting power was available and promised to them.  They could boldly endure the hardships and trials they would certainly face, knowing that God would lead them through the process.  Repeatedly God makes the statement "I am God and there is none other."  If only the nation would remember this!  Their proclivity to chase after other gods was their downfall.  God would preserve them, not as a statement of Israel's great faithfulness, but as a testimony to His own great mercy.

Isaiah 36 - 41

During Hezekiah's reign, the leader of Assyria besieged the city of Jerusalem and made boasts about how futile their attempts at battle would be against the mighty army of Assyria.  Egypt would not help and God would not answer them - - according to the Assyrian leader.  Isaiah also sends word to King Hezekiah "Don't be afraid of his words.  He will hear a rumor, return to his own land and fall by the sword there."  
After another round of threats, Hezekiah took the written demands of Assyria before the Lord, laid them out and pleaded for God to demonstrate His strength, power and glory.  God answered Hezekiah's prayer and punished Sennacherib (the Assyrian leader) for his blasphemy.  The Assyrians would not enter the city or even remain to build siege mounds.  An angel went through the camp, killing 185,000 troops in their sleep; Sennacherib returned to Nineveh and was assassinated by his sons while worshiping in the temple of his false god.
Hezekiah was blessed with recovery from an illness, and his life was prolonged 15 years.  The king responds with a psalm of joy for God's merciful dealings with him.  Yet Hezekiah does not always respond with such wisdom.  Later, when an envoy visits from Babylon, the king foolishly displays the entire wealth of Judah, arousing the interest in the Babylonians to siege and plunder the nation.
Yet, even in the midst of this troubling news, God provides words of comfort for His people.  Judah, though doomed to captivity, would have a future day of peace and safety.  God once again promises to send His promised One to rescue His people.  God would punish His people, but He would not abandon them.

Isaiah 31 - 35

Those who place their trust in anything other than the Lord will be disappointed.  God will preserve and protect those who serve and fear Him, while others learn the futility of trusting in items that only disintegrate and decay.  When God establishes His reign, right will prevail and evil will be punished.  Those who have made a living by plundering others will be plundered themselves when God establishes His supreme rule and Ruler.  Enemies will flee while those who trust and love God will be secure in their dwelling places.  In fact, the places where God establishes Himself will blossom and produce like never before - even deserts will become as rose gardens.

Isaiah 28 - 30

While God pronounces judgment on those who will not obey His voice, He also promises to establish One Who will rule correctly and provide true peace and security for those subject to His realm.  The call of Isaiah's prophecy is to listen to God's voice.
Jerusalem is warned about her humiliation at God's hand for disobedience.  It will come swiftly and certainly.  The people who claimed to love God with their words displayed through their actions that their hearts did not have God as their true affection.  Yet God would honor Himself by blessing those who did display proper love for Him with attitudes, words and actions.  Those who trusted in anything else for their joy and security would be greatly disappointed and devastated.  God would destroy those false hopes, dash those improper confidences and graciously exalt those who look to Him alone.  Those who follow His path will always find the proper destination

Isaiah 23 - 27

The city of Tyre is prophesied against.  Her seaport business will be destroyed because they looked to their own strength instead of that which God provides.  He would lovingly restore the city after a period of time but they were to devote themselves to God when He restored them.
God's victory over the earth is decreed.  Though the earth is destroyed because of its dependence and propensity to sin, yet God will purify it with His judgment and restore His glory within it.  Those who try to escape will not find safety.  Position or prominence will not guarantee favor with God.  Only those who recognize God's power and their own impotence will be blessed by Him.  The land of Judah would declare herself strong and blessed because God had favored them due to His own choosing, not their worthiness.  The pains of their suffering have increased their desire for God, not engendered bitterness toward His hand.  When God restores His people, many will come to worship Him for His goodness and majesty.

Isaiah 18 - 22

Isaiah declares a message from God against those from Ethiopia, telling them that a day is coming when they will honor the God of Judah and those who do not will fall to His great power.  Egypt is warned that her vast resources will not outlast the strength of God; all that they look to for reputation and fame will be destroyed.  However, the land of Egypt, Assyria and Israel will be blessed by God because of those who will remain loyal to Him.  The land may be destroyed, but there will be a preserved segment of the populace of those lands.  Isaiah then makes prophetic statements regarding the fall of Babylon as a world power, and tells of Jerusalem's future honor and glory for those who were obedient to Him.

Isaiah 13 - 17

Isaiah gives a word of warning and judgment to Babylon.  They would be punished by God through the people of Medo-Persia.  In spite of all this, God would remember His people of Israel.  They would speak out against those that had treated them cruelly.  The people of Moab and Assyria are also spoken against.

Isaiah 9 - 12

Isaiah predicts the coming reign of Messiah who will bring judgment to the enemies of Israel and unity to the nation chosen by God.  Israel will return to their land and enjoy the blessing of God once again.  In that kingdom, God will rule sovereignly and will be the strength of His people, giving them many reasons to rejoice.

Isaiah 5 - 8

God continues to mourn for His people who have rejected Him, comparing them to a vineyard carefully planted and cultivated that only produces wild grapes.  The owner will destroy the vineyard and burn the land to purify it from the wild influences.  This is what the nation had done ... and what God would do to purify the land.  He allowed His people to go into captivity and exile so that they would be purified from their evil ways.
Isaiah sees a vision of God's majesty and holiness, a vision that produces the correct effect:  an awareness of sin and a motivation for service.  God commissions Isaiah to speak to the people the words He will provide.  This would be a hard ministry, for the people would not respond the way Isaiah would wish for them to do.
Isaiah is sent to King Ahaz, during a time of siege.  The news is given that God will provide, but Ahaz refuses to listen, so God provides a clear sign of His presence through the birth of a child whose growth will announce events in the nations attacking Judah.  All comes to pass exactly as God predicts.  Isaiah also predicts that the land will eventually be attacked successfully and spoil taken from it.  The desired response is a fear of God and obedience to His Word.

Isaiah 1 - 4

Isaiah the prophet lived and ministered during the time of kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah in the nation of Judah.  God's message to His people was that they had abandoned Him as a wife does while committing adultery.  Their presence at the national worship celebrations was meaningless because their hearts were far away and their affections lay elsewhere.  What was once pure was now defiled and tawdry.  But Isaiah also spoke of the day when God would restore His people and renew His vows with His adulterous bride.  This would not be due to her worthiness but His great love.  In that day, peace would characterize the land and all would dwell in safety.  But until that day arrives, God would lovingly correct His people with discipline to bring them back to Himself.  This punishment would be devastating and severe, yet lovingly designed to create a desire for restoration

2 Kings 23 - 25

King Josiah restored worship in the temple according to God's prescriptions.  The items of idolatry were removed from the sacred ground and burned, the sacred places of worship for these false gods were defiled and those who served as priests to these counterfeit deities were removed.  A Passover celebration was held that had no rival for opulence or majesty.  In spite of all the good that Josiah did, God was still determined to exact punishment for the evil deeds of Manasseh, Josiah's grandfather.  Josiah dies in battle and his descendants rule the nation while it is sieged by Egypt and Babylon, eventually falling to the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar.  The nation of Judah was taken into exile, her lands left and her people scattered.

2 Kings 20 - 22

Hezekiah's life is extended from a fatal illness.  During this time of specially-provided life, Hezekiah makes some serious mistakes.  He flaunts the wealth of Judah to the Babylonian empire - giving them reason to return and siege the city later.  He also fathers his successor, Manasseh, who will one of the most wicked kings of the nation of Judah.  After Hezekiah's death, Manasseh leads the country into idolatry; this action prompts God to take action against His people.  Manasseh's son, Amon, followed his father's wicked ways; yet Amon's son, Josiah, ruled in a magnificent manner.  Josiah restored the dignity and splendor of the temple as the religious center of the nation for the worship of God.  During the renovation, a copy of God's forgotten Word was discovered, read and obeyed.

2 Kings 18 - 19

Hezekiah rules in the nation of Judah.  No king ruled before or after him with a caliber to rival his.  He followed God whole-heartedly.  During his reign, a siege was conducted by Sennacherib, the king of Assyria (the same nation that took the nation of Israel captive).  When the Assyrians threatened Judah, the prophet Isaiah assured King Hezekiah that God would provide for the nation's protection.  Hezekiah leaves the matter with God, and God miraculously provides for the nation's defense by striking down a large portion of the invading force in their sleep.  Sennacherib returns home with no spoils of war and with a depleted army.

2 Kings 15 - 17

Israel is taken captive by the Assyrians and their land plundered.  This exile occurs due to their prolonged idolatry and failure to obey God's commands.  Judah was also guilty of disobedience, but was given the example of Israel to warn her.  The Assyrians resettled Samaria with their own people, turning the inhabitants into the Samaritans of New Testament literature.

2 Kings 12 - 14

Joash's reign is characterized by obedience to God's laws.  He seeks to restore the temple and is successful in seeing the repairs accomplished.  Joash is assassinated and succeeded by his son, Amaziah.  Meanwhile in Israel, Jehu's son reigns yet continues to lead his people to do evil.  Elisha the prophet dies and is buried.
Amaziah the king of Judah reigns over the land when an assault takes place from Israel.  Much of the land is ransacked and valuable resources taken.  Amaziah is succeeded by Uzziah.

2 Kings 9 - 11

Elisha, at God's command, has a man named Jehu anointed to be king of Israel.  Jehu then exacts vengeance on the current king, Joram, for the wicked deeds of his grandfather Ahab concerning Naboth's property.  Jehu continued to carry out God's justice by killing the king of Judah (Ahaziah), the queen mother of Israel (Jezebel), the extended families of both royal families (seventy sons of Ahab, forty-two brothers of Ahaziah, and the remaining members of Ahab's family), and the worshipers of the false god, Baal.
One would think that Jehu would have learned the high cost of idolatry.  However, he fell into the same sins as other kings of Israel.  For his obedience, God allowed his family to rule for four generations, but he died and was succeeded by his son, Jehoahaz.
Meanwhile, in Judah, Athaliah - Ahaziah's mother - was ruling as queen after destroying all Ahaziah's heirs.  God allowed one heir, a boy named Joash, to be spared and raised to fear God.  At the appropriate time, Joash (age 7!) was installed as king of Judah, and queen Athaliah was executed.

2 Kings 5 - 8

Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army was sick.  Leprosy turned him into an outcast and social pariah.  However (don't you love that word in the Bible?), in his household was a captured Israeli girl who informed her mistress that the prophet in Israel would heal the master of the house.  Naaman departs, is instructed to wash in the Jordan River seven times and go home.  Appalled at this, Naaman almost leaves until another servant convinces him to follow the prophet's orders.  As God would have it, the washing completely removed the leprosy from Naaman.  Although the prophet refused payment, his servant greedily tried to profit from the commander.  He received silver, changes of garments, and - oh yes - the leprosy of Naaman.  Greed also brings more than is expected.
Elisha continues ministering throughout the land, assisting miraculously as a sign that God has not forsaken those who fear Him.  Elisha even works to assist the Israeli army through spectacular means - leading blind armies through the land, calming the city of Samaria during a siege and subsequent famine, and restoring the land to a family that had abandoned it during the famine.  Elisha also foretold the death of the Syrian king Ben-Hadad and the subsequent coup of Hazael in that land.  While all these events were taking place, Jehoshaphat, Joram and Ahaziah were ruling in the land of Judah.

2 Kings 1 - 4

Ahaziah, Ahab's son, shows little regard for God or His commands.  He is judged quite severely for his disobedience.  As he had no heir, another man - Jehoram - was made king of the northern kingdom of Israel.  Once again, God had kept His promises.
The prophet Elijah reaches the end of his life and his legacy is passed on to and continued by Elisha.  Elisha is empowered by God to do mighty actions verifying that God's presence rests upon him.;
Meanwhile, Jehoram is not faring any better than his predecessors to the throne.  He walks in evil ways.  He made an alliance with Jehoshaphat (king of Judah) to wage war against Moab (a nation to the south).  Elisha, for the sake of Jehoshaphat, gives the alliance a winning strategy that totally crushes the army of Moab.
Elisha continues demonstrating God's power to those in need of encouragement and assistance.  He aids a widow by increasing her oil supply, raises the deceased son of a couple from Shunem, protects a group of prophets from injurious stew and feeds one hundred men with 20 loaves of bread.  God was still at work among His people!

1 Kings 21 - 22

King Ahab (king in Israel) attempts to use his position as king to take a neighbor's property as his own.  His wife Jezebel - yes, the lady who made that name into a descriptive one - stooped to lies and murder to achieve the land.  As punishment, Ahab was sentenced by God to die and his family eliminated.  His wife would be killed and the family legacy ended and tarnished for all history.  Ahab repented at this news and God promised to not fulfill all His promises immediately - but it would take place during the lifetime of his son.  Soon Ahab sought to go to battle against Syria and forged an alliance with the nation of Judah to wage war.  Ahab is warned by a prophet that if he goes into battle he will die.  Ahab, rather than heed God's warning, goes into battle in disguise. A warrior, not knowing he was aiming at the king of Israel, successfully slays the disguised monarch who returns home and dies exactly as God promised he would.  Ahab's son, Ahaziah, reigns in succession of his father.  In Judah, the good king Jehoshaphat rules and is followed by his son, Jehoram.

1 Kings 18 - 20

God sends Elijah to king Ahab (in Israel) after the drought had continued for three years.  Elijah summoned the priests of Ba'al to a showdown of sorts on Mount Carmel.  Two sacrifices were prepared and the god Ba'al was petitioned to consume his sacrifice.  When the priests failed to produce the requisite fire, Elijah proved decidedly that Jehovah was the one true God.  The drought then ended, proving that God was able to answer Elijah's prayers.
Queen Jezebel sought to destroy Elijah (who had put her priests of Ba'al to death) but Elijah escaped.  Elijah then commissions a young man named Elisha to train under him and to succeed him.
King Ahab defeats the Samarians, but not entirely.  God pronounces judgment on the king for his disobedience.

1 Kings 15 - 17

The kings of Judah lead the people, but do not follow the ways of God's law.  They engage in wars and battles, but do not readily acknowledge God's presence and provision.  Meanwhile, in Israel, things are not much better.  The kings that lead the people continue to displease God with their actions, attitudes and decisions.
God, however, did have His spokesmen.  The prophet Elijah predicted a drought in the nation of Israel - and it came to pass.  While the nation suffered, God provided for His prophet by feeding him supernaturally. Elijah encounters a widow and provides for her needs, too - including raising her son from the dead.

1 Kings 12 - 14

Rehoboam took his father's throne but did not inherit his father's wisdom.  When asked for tax relief, he increased the burden on the people.  This led many to revolt - 10 of the 12 tribes split off from Judah and formed their own nation of Israel under the rebellious Jeroboam.  Jeroboam, seeking to make a complete break from the southern kingdom (called Judah) even established places for his citizens to worship.  Never mind the fact that they were golden idols, he provided a way for them to "stay in touch with God without staying in touch with God's people in the south".  Jeroboam was confronted about his sin, refused to repent and was physically judged for his disobedience.  Jeroboam died and was succeeded by his son, Nadab.
Rehoboam, meanwhile, failed to live according to God's ways.  He died and was succeeded by his son, Abijah.

1 Kings 10 - 11

Solomon's fame for wealth and knowledge gained the attention of the Queen of Sheba (a country in modern-day Ethiopia) who traveled to see first-hand if the reports were accurate. She left in astonishment, realizing that she had only grasped a small portion of Solomon's total value and resources.
But what "buying power" did Solomon have?  In spite of his wealth, he could not purchase loyalty to God.  His material holdings seemed to garner him shaky alliances.  Oh, they were good for political and military opportunities, but these alliances - usually formed through marriage - placed Solomon in too close proximity to idolatry.  The builder of the great and marvelous Temple fell victim to false idolatry.  Because of this, God raised up enemies against him, including one of his servants who led a coup against the wise and wealthy king.  King Solomon died, leaving the throne to his son Rehoboam but also leaving him in a terrible political mess.

1 Kings 8 - 9

Solomon continued furnishing the temple by bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the temple site.  This article had traveled with the nation since their days in the desert after leaving Egypt.  The symbol of God's presence with them now had a permanent home in the temple.  When the Ark reached its place, God's presence filled the building in such amount that the priests could not continue ministering due to the undiluted presence of God's glory.  Solomon dedicates the temple to the Lord, and consecrates the people to the temple.  He reminds the people of their responsibilities to worship God alone and seek God's forgiveness when they sin.  At the conclusion of the formal dedication of the temple, a 14-day feast was held.  God appeared again to Solomon and promised to bless his descendants if he would walk before God as his father David had.  Solomon continued to prosper in his endeavors.

1 Kings 6 - 7

Four hundred eighty years after leaving Egypt, construction began on the permanent place of worship for Israel.  An exquisite feat of construction, the blocks to assemble the building were mined away from the temple site so that no sounds of hammers or chisels were heard during construction.  Solomon constructs the temple with elaborate ornaments fitting a national cathedral, taking seven years to complete the task.  He also built other projects to furnish and complement the temple structure.

1 Kings 3 - 5

Having proven himself to follow God's directions, Solomon is approached by God and told to ask for anything - and it will be given to him.  With a myriad of possibilites open to him, Solomon asks for wisdom.  God is pleased with this request, grants it and adds in addition the blessings of wealth and riches.  Solomon's wisdom is tested and proven to be unequalled.  His wealth garners him attention and prominence in the land.  With a vast amount of resources available, Solomon prepares to begin constructing the temple - a permanent place for the nation to worship.

1 Kings 1 - 2

Shortly  before his death, David announces that Solomon will succeed him, ending a debate over the line of succession.  Solomon is given instructions for successful ruling, including how to respond to the surrounding nations based on their treatment of David.  David, the faithful Shepherd king, dies and is succeeded by his son, Solomon.  Immediately, several men who have been troublesome during David's reign are executed to prevent them from causing further problems.

2 Samuel 22 - 24

A psalm of praise for God's deliverance is uttered by David, thanking God for His protection from the enemies faced.  David gives his last public address, thanking God for all that He has done for him.  David seeks to leave something of a legacy in tribute for all God has done, and purchases a plot of ground on which the temple will one day be constructed.

2 Samuel 19 - 21

King David returns to Jerusalem after mourning for his slain son, Absolom.  He forgives and pardons those who have wronged him in the past.  He does not, however, pardon everyone.  Those responsible for leading the insurrection were severly punished and lost their lives.  The Philistines raised their hands again against Israel, and were beaten back by David and his troops.

2 Samuel 16 - 18

David, in exile from the attempted coup led by his son, returns to Jerusalem and deals with those who dealt treacherously with him.  Hushai and Ahithophel both gave advice, but only one was consistently loyal to David.  David pursues after his son, giving the army orders to capture him alive at all costs.  One general, Joab, refuses to follow orders and assassinates the prince.  David's mourning continued for an extended period.

2 Samuel 14 - 15

The exiled prince Absolom returns after a brief exile from Jerusalem.  Although he is back in the capital city, he does not see his father's face for quite some time.  The murderous deeds, while officially forgiven, were not forgotten.  Rather than acting in light of his forgiveness, Absolom begins sowing seeds of treason and sedition against his father in an attempt to win the throne in a coup.  To escape those who sought his life, David fled from the city of Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 11 - 13

For as noble and courageous as David was, he was not immune from succumbing to temptation.  He falls to the temptation of adultery, and uses his position as king to commit murder to try to hide the evidence.  David is confronted by God's messenger and confesses to the sin.  The sin, though confessed, still spawns severe consequences.  The child dies, another of David's children commits incest and is killed by a half-sibling in revenge.  The sibling guilty of murder then flees to avoid further retribution.  David's family pays a high price for his sin.

2 Samuel 7 - 10

David desires to show gratitude to God for installing him as king.  He begins to plan for the construction of a permanent place for God's presence to dwell - a temple to replace the temporary and transient tabernacle structure.  God, however, has other plans.  David cannot construct this edifice; his life is one of bloodshed and not one to be associated with the construction of such a building.  God DOES, though, promise to establish David's bloodline as the permanent source for all of Israel's kings, including the One King who would eventually come in fulfillment of all God's promises to make things right.
Encouraged by this promise, David continues to subdue the nation's enemies in the surrounding lands.  He shows kindness to the surviving descendents of Saul, and exacts revenge on Saul's enemies.

2 Samuel 4 - 6

When the last of those with a claim to inheriting Saul's kingship is removed from the scene, David is crowned king of Israel.  He begins what will be a 40-year reign by waging war with the Philistines and seeking to relocate the ark of God's presence to the capital city of Jerusalem.  During the process of transporting the ark, a well-intentioned man is punished by death for seeking to touch the sacred ark.  When the ark is finally at its destination, David celebrates whole-heartedly - much to the dismay of his wife.

2 Samuel 1 - 3

News of Saul's death reaches David in Ziklag.  He mourns the death of the king, and executes the messenger who claims responsibility for giving the king a fatal blow.  When one of Saul's descendants is named king, a battle ensues.  The battle is quickly decided, but further skirmishes continue to pit the family of Saul against the forces of David.  David's strength increases as Saul's influence decreases.  The transfer of power from Saul to David was anything but smooth.  Murder and mayhem characterized the day.

1 Samuel 28 - 31

Saul visits a witch and is told that he will die within 24 hours.  David is expelled from the Philistine nation and goes to battle against the Amalekites.  Meanwhile, Saul is killed in battle with the Philistines.  David is now king.

1 Samuel 25 - 27

David continues to fight battles and gain a following of loyal supporters.  He encounters a man named Nabal who almost causes him to commit acts of vengeance.  What Saul could not provoke by his pursuit, Nabal almost instigated by his foolishness.
David is given another opportunity to closely encounter Saul.  He again refuses to take action against this man who is out to kill him.  Since Saul could not be trusted to keep his peace treaty with David, David found it safer to live among the Philistines.  While living there, he attacked their cities, leaving no one alive to betray the identity of their attacker.  God allowed Israel's enemies to be defeated "from within" in a matter of speaking.

1 Samuel 21 - 24

David, on the run from Saul, takes refuge in the town of Nob where he procures food and a weapon (Goliath's sword).  He then fled to Gath, Goliath's hometown, to try to avoid Saul.  When he was discovered and recognized by the local citizenry, he pretended to have lost his mind in order to escape.
Saul, on David's trail, discovers that David has been given shelter in Nob.  He goes to that city and has the priests and citizens executed.  David, on the other hand, is fighting battles against the nation's enemies and is winning stunning victories.  All the while, David was kept from being captured by Saul.  An opportunity arose for David to take action against Saul, as God brought them within arm's reach of one another.  David, however, refused to strike the man God had anointed to reign over the nation.  Saul exacts a peace treaty from David (but David wasn't the one trying to kill Saul - it was vice versa!).

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.

Deuteronomy 3 - 4

Moses recounts the journey through the desert, the defeat of kings, the division of the land, his own inability to enter the land due to sin, and an immediate plea for Israel to obey God's commands.  The nation is warned to give careful attention to God's instructions.  Following their direction will provide blessing; failure to obey will result in the removal of God's blessing.

Deuteronomy 1 - 2

Deuteronomy recounts for the nation the final addresses of their leader, Moses, prior to the nation's entrance into their promised land.  Moses reminds the nation that God's plan was for them to enter the land 40 years previously; but, due to their rebellion and refusal to trust Him, He allowed them to wander around the desert wilderness to learn to trust their God.  Each turn in the journey, each defeat of the kings in the area were proof of God's care and concern for His people.

Numbers 35 - 36

Cities are designated in which the Levites will live among the people they serve.  Cities of refuge, places where those guilty of manslaughter can receive a hearing, are also established.  The process for determining guilt or innocence is also laid out so that each case could be given a fair trial.  A process is also established for passing along a father's inheritance when no male heir is present.

Numbers 33 - 34

A summary is given of the nation's travel from Egypt to the very border of the Promised Land.  Now that they had arrived at the ending point of their journey through the desert, God gave careful instructions for the next step:  drive out all the inhabitants of the land and take possession of it for yourself.  Failure to do so would produce future problems.  The nation was given specific boundaries to restrict their movements; and a process was put into place to divide the land among the 9 1/2 tribes who would occupy it (2 1/2 took their land on the east side of the river, remember?).

Numbers 31 - 32

Moses was instructed to go to battle against the Midianites, and that after the battle he would come to the end of his life.  The kings of Midian were defeated, as well as Balaam the prophet who had brought trouble upon them by his pronouncements to king Balak.  The spoils of war were carefully considered, so that no further contamination would be brought into the population.  Several of the tribes petitioned Moses to have their inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan.  Moses granted their request on the condition that they would not fully receive their land until they had assisted their fellow countrymen in the battles to conquer the western side of the river.

Numbers 28 - 30

God laid out the requirements for the different sacrifices that were to be offered by His people.  Some were offered daily, some each Sabbath, others once a month or once a year.  During the holy days of the nation other offerings were to be made.  Each one pointed to the fact that God was the holy leader of His people and they were following His instructions to remind themselves of their position in His economy.  Even the feasts, joyous occasions that they were, were intended to be reminders of God's provision for His people.  The promises He made to His people were serious ones that would be kept.  The promises the people made to one another were also to be kept.

Numbers 26 - 27

The people were numbered, so that the land could be divided proportionally.  The total census of those able to defend the nation numbered 601,730.  These were all people who were under the age of 20 when the nation decided to NOT enter the Promised Land when God wanted them to do so.  Of that generation, only Joshua and Caleb (and Moses) remained alive.  Joshua was then selected to be Moses' successor.

Numbers 23 - 25

Balaam speaks out at the request of king Balak.  Instead of the expected curses against Israel, Balaam pronounces blessings three times; he tells Balak that he can only pronounce what God gives him to say about the nations.  Balak finally learns from Balaam that Israel will be weakened only when they neglect to follow and worship God as He has commanded.  When Israel begins to sin, a plague breaks out against the nation.  A zealous man named Phineas takes drastic action to stop the sin-caused plague and halts the divine punishment in its tracks.

Numbers 21 - 22

The nation of Israel continues their way through the wilderness, complaining as they travel.  They are not permitted into some areas, due to the way God had provided for them in the past.  One king, Balak, even went as far as bringing in a consultant named Balaam to advise him on how to destroy the Hebrews through passive means.  God instructed Balaam to only give the advise that He wanted passed to Balak.

Numbers 18 - 20

The privilege enjoyed by the Levites (working in the physical presence of God) brought extreme responsibilities as well.  They stood bearing the iniquity of the people before God, they ministered with a real sense of the cost and stench of sin.  They were responsible for making the sacrifices necessary for the appeasement of God's offended holiness.  They would be supported by the offerings of the people, but those offerings were first offered to God.  The procedure for atonement was laid out, providing a way to restore pure fellowship with an offended God.


As the journey continued, Miriam and Aaron died.  Moses kept leading a people that wanted to be selfishly served.  Due to his own sin, Moses was denied the blessing of entering the Promised Land.  Due to their reputation, other kingdoms would not extend favor to the wandering Hebrews.  Sin continued to exact a higher price than originally estimated.

Numbers 16 - 17

Opposition continued to mount against God.  This time, the opposition was to the leadership God established in Moses and Aaron.  One of the priests, Korah, accused Moses of overstepping his authority; his argument was that if the entire nation was holy to God, why was Moses needed?  When Moses sought to address the accusation, these men refused to meet for reconciliation.  God demonstrated clearly that Moses and Aaron were His choices for leadership by allowing the earth to open up and destroy only those who were in opposition to His leadership.  Two hundred fifty men were killed that day!


One would think that the people would respond humbly to Moses' leadership and God's authority. They did not.  They accused Moses of "killing the people of the Lord." God immediately summoned Moses and Aaron for instruction, and told them to (my paraphrase) "step a little to the left ... a little more ... see, I don't want you harmed when I destroy these people."  Moses and Aaron immediately begin interceding for the preservation of God's people (the very people accusing him of murder and tyranny).  God destroyed 14,700 people before the plague was halted.  God takes His authority seriously; He will not share His glory with anyone!  He demonstrated quite clearly that Moses and Aaron were His representatives.  One would trust that the people had learned this valuable lesson.  Only time would tell.

Numbers 14 - 15

The people do not like the prospect of facing formidable foes in Canaan.  They weep, mourn and plan to elect a leader who will take them back to Egypt.  While Moses and Aaron plead before God for the people, Joshua and Caleb (the two spies convinced that victory was possible) attempted to encourage the people with reminders of God's protection and faithfulness to show them favor.  Moses asks God to not slay the people for their unwillingness to obey; and God promises that those who refused to go where He lead would not enter the promised land.  Only Joshua and Caleb would survive among those who were over the age of 20.  For the next forty years, the nation would wander through an area that would have only taken several weeks to traverse in a straight line.  In the mean time, God continues laying out the laws and regulations that would govern His people.

Numbers 11 - 13

The journey of the Hebrews was filled with wonderful provisions from the Lord.  Yet, there were still those who complained that all was not to their liking.  Some remembered the foods of Egypt and longed for what they considered to be "better provisions" than what God had given.  God provided for them, yet punished them for not trusting His supply.


The complaints also came from others in leadership.  Moses' siblings spoke out against his leadership; God promptly cursed Miriam with leprosy.  Moses prayed for her healing and restoration - what an example of how to treat those who mistreat you!


Men were also sent to perform a reconnaissance mission on the land of Canaan.  The reports brought back spoke of a land that was plenteous in what it could provide materially.  Many of the spies reported formidable enemies in the land and suggested that the small band of Hebrews would be easily defeated.  Two spies, Joshua and Caleb, spoke of how the Lord would provide for even the defeat of these impressive enemies.  The nation was faced with a choice.

Numbers 8 - 10

The Levites were presented to the Lord and ceremonially cleansed.  A system was established to call the nation for important matters and quickly disseminate instructions.  After a prolonged period encamped at Sinai, the Hebrew nation left and began wandering through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land.  God guided them by day with a cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire.

Numbers 7

The leaders of the priests offered sacrifices for themselves and the people of Israel.  In this way the tabernacle and its leaders were dedicated and consecrated for God's use.  Moses would enter the tabernacle and speak directly to God.

Numbers 5 - 6

God continues to give His commands for the social structure of Israel.  The procedures for judging the faithfulness of a spouse are given; as well as the rules for making, keeping and fulfilling vows made to the Lord.  The famous words of blessing are also given:  "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

Numbers 3 - 4

Aaron's sons are named and their commissioning to the priesthood is recorded.  They would stand for the firstborn of the nation that God commanded were consecrated to His service due to His deliverance of them from Egypt on the night that the firstborn were slaughtered by the Angel.  The 2,750 sons of Kohath were responsible for the care and transportation of the holy items in the tabernacle  The 2,630 sons of Gershon were responsible for the care and transport of the curtains and coverings of the tabernacle structure, while the 3,200 sons of Merari cared and transported the hardware used to erect the tabernacle.

Numbers 1 - 2

Moses is told to take a census of the people, to determine how many are eligible to fight in battle for the nation.  The report brought back a total of 603,550 men of fighting age.  The nation was then divided into groups and placed in quarters around the central component of their encampment - the tabernacle of meeting.  Everything had a place; and God expected them in their places.

A return to blogging ...

I have returned from my recent blogging hiatus.  Those familiar with me and my ministry were aware of my whereabouts.  I was out of the country for approximately 3 weeks, working alongside 2 missionary families that our church considers part of our church family.  In the coming days, perhaps I will post pictures and thoughts from my journey to Chile.  It was transforming, to say the least.  I returned home with a greater desire to pastor well and champion the causes of our missionary families spread across the globe.

Leviticus 25 - 27

God continues to outline His plans for the Hebrew society.  Every detail is described, nothing is left to speculation.  God demands that His holiness be respected, reverenced and even celebrated by His people.  He used elaborate ceremonies and rituals to remind His people that they were powerless to do anything without His help and assistance.  Their actions to one another were to be reflections of His dealings with them.  If they would keep His ordinances, all would be well with them.  If they chose to disobey, He would exact justice on them for their failure to respond properly to Him.  All aspects of life were to be reflections of God's holiness and greatness.