(Originally written June 9, 2008 in the Journal)
Lord I feel deflated, defeated and dejected. The hope in my heart is failing. My strength has left me. Lord see my heart, my soul and my mind, they lie prostrate before you. Will you show me pity? Will you extend your grace?
How long oh Lord must I suffer, whether justly or unjustly? How long will you afflict me? The pain is temporal, but real. The Christian does not allow himself to be driven to the depths of despair by the ills of this world, nor does he cherish the goods of this world because he looks to the eternal and has an endless supply of joy. The Lord is joy. Halleluiah! May all men be so fortunate as I am to see the Lord and know that He is good.
But Lord, my vision is weak. I am near sighted and hampered by this world. This world is the world you have made; it is blessed by your very hand. Though we have polluted it with strife and sin, it still points to your amazing craftsmanship. Lord lift up my eyes to you. May you remove my near sightedness so that I can see your glory.
Show me the path you wish me to walk. Make it plain and clear so that even I, the lowest of minds, may see it.
"So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:7-8).
Lord everyday I try to have sought you. Some days I feel close to you. Other days I feel you are aloof and hide your face from me. Do not turn from me. Your love is all that sustains me. Without that I will surely die! Lord look to your servant here and grant him mercy. Grant me clemency and pardon me of my many iniquities.
See, I walk the narrow path. I walk straight and upright, trying to swerve neither to the left nor the right. I seek righteousness, not for my own sake, but so that your glory may be magnified.
Who am I that the Holy Father, creator and Master of all, should notice me? I am nobody. I am less than that. Even still you speak to me as a son? Do not hide your voice from me, but speak to my heart and I will listen. Remove the stiffness of my neck. I humble myself before you. I ask not for riches or wealth, but only simply to hear your voice and understand your words. You are my treasure. You are my hope, my joy. I give you all that I am, a small gift I know. But, all I have is yours. Counsel me with your words and soothe my anger, fear and despair with your voice.
Notes on Ezra
Chapter 1 - King Cyrus of Persia released the Judahites after years of captivity. He sent them back to rebuild the Temple, which Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed.
Chapter 2 - 42,360 men returned to Judah from exile. When they returned to Jerusalem they gave a free-will offering to the house of the Lord.
Chapter 3 -
They restored the altar of the Lord and began to offer holocausts on it as prescribed in the Law of Moses. Then they laid the foundation for the new temple. Some cried for the old Temple. Others rejoiced for the new.
Chapter 4 -
Men of Israel came down to Judah and demanded they be let to help rebuild the temple. When they were refused they acted to stop the rebuilding process.
Artaxerxes stopped the rebuilding of Jerusalem because the men of Israel tricked him into thinking that Jerusalem would stop paying tribute once the city was rebuilt.
Chapter 5 -
Haggai and Zechariah urged the people to keep rebuilding in the name of God. When the enemies of Jerusalem learned this they sent another letter to the king of Babylon to halt the rebuilding.
Chapter 6 -
King Darius of Babylon issued a decree stating that the Temple should be rebuilt and that any men who interfered with it should have his house reduced to rubble and be impaled on a beam from his own house. The Temple was completed in the sixth year of the reign of Darius. The people then celebrated Passover.
Chapter 7 -
Ezra, a descendant of Aaron came to Jerusalem from Babylon. The hand of God was upon Ezra, who was a scribe. Ezra was put in charge of the Judahites by King Artaxerxes of Babylon.
Chapter 8 -
Ezra gathered many Israelites with him, but no Levites were found so he sent for some. Ezra and his followers arrived in Jerusalem safely and presented the gold and silver from Artaxerxes to the Temple.
Chapter 9 -
Ezra denounced the intermarriage between the Israelites and the surrounding peoples.
Chapter 10 -
The men who had taken foreign wives sent them away, along with all the children born to them.
Showing posts with label Aaron. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aaron. Show all posts
Monday, June 9, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Brief Notes on 1 Chronicles 22-29
(Originally written June 6, 2008 in the Journal)
Oh Lord how long? How long oh Lord must I suffer in anguish and torment? There is an anger and a rage in me that I have never known. Bitterness is knocking at the door of my heart. Where is the joy of righteousness? Where is that easy yoke? May bless me as you blessed Jabez. Jabez prayed, oh that you may truly bless me and extend my boundaries. Help me and make me free of misfortune, without pain". If only you would grant me this prayer oh Lord!
Augustine states that a good man is neither exalted by the goods of this world nor overwhelmed by its ills. My ills are temporal - it is true. And the joy of the Lord, which is eternally written on my heart overshadows these temporary struggles by far, but, my Lord can you not see the immense pain this separation is causing me? Lord see my tears of sorrow and grief and have pity on me. But know that my heart and hope rest with you. You are my rock and shield. You are my strength when I have none and my strength when I feel gallant. May not a day or an hour pass by when my mind does not think on you. Lord teach me to be this good man of Augustine, but grant pity on me in my temporal sufferings. If it is your will reunite us. Do not destroy her, but open her heart to you. May you draw her close to you in love and grace. Lord, if you will, restore us. But, come what may I will serve you in all that I do, until I breathe my last. Teach me in your word.
Notes on I Chronicles
Chapter 22
David gathered materials so that his son Solomon could build the Temple of the Lord.
David could not build the temple because he had shed much blood. Solomon would be a peaceful man for the Lord and he would build the temple. The Hebrew name for Solomon is Shelomo, which is a play on the Hebrew word for peace, Shalom.
Chapter 23 - The Classes of the Levites
Chapter 24 - The classes of priests, who were the sons of Aaron
Chapter 25 - The musicians of the Lord
Chapter 27 -
The gatekeepers, treasurers and magistrates of the Lord
The divisions of the army.
I find it interesting that there are 12 tribes of Israel and 12 months, 12 lunar cycles. Of course one could say that the cult of Israel established 12 tribes because there are 12 months, but how much easier could we say that the Lord, in His divine plan ordained 12 months to correspond to the coming of the twelve tribes (and then the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ)? All things must be considered as to God and His plan and with God there is only purpose, not coincidence.
The 12 heads of the tribes
The overseers of Israel
David's court
Chapter 28
Serve God with a perfect heart and a willing soul, "for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the mind's thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let Himself be found by you; but if you abandon Him, He will cast you off forever" (1 Chronicles 28:9, New American Bible).
Oh Lord how long? How long oh Lord must I suffer in anguish and torment? There is an anger and a rage in me that I have never known. Bitterness is knocking at the door of my heart. Where is the joy of righteousness? Where is that easy yoke? May bless me as you blessed Jabez. Jabez prayed, oh that you may truly bless me and extend my boundaries. Help me and make me free of misfortune, without pain". If only you would grant me this prayer oh Lord!
Augustine states that a good man is neither exalted by the goods of this world nor overwhelmed by its ills. My ills are temporal - it is true. And the joy of the Lord, which is eternally written on my heart overshadows these temporary struggles by far, but, my Lord can you not see the immense pain this separation is causing me? Lord see my tears of sorrow and grief and have pity on me. But know that my heart and hope rest with you. You are my rock and shield. You are my strength when I have none and my strength when I feel gallant. May not a day or an hour pass by when my mind does not think on you. Lord teach me to be this good man of Augustine, but grant pity on me in my temporal sufferings. If it is your will reunite us. Do not destroy her, but open her heart to you. May you draw her close to you in love and grace. Lord, if you will, restore us. But, come what may I will serve you in all that I do, until I breathe my last. Teach me in your word.
Notes on I Chronicles
Chapter 22
David gathered materials so that his son Solomon could build the Temple of the Lord.
David could not build the temple because he had shed much blood. Solomon would be a peaceful man for the Lord and he would build the temple. The Hebrew name for Solomon is Shelomo, which is a play on the Hebrew word for peace, Shalom.
Chapter 23 - The Classes of the Levites
Chapter 24 - The classes of priests, who were the sons of Aaron
Chapter 25 - The musicians of the Lord
Chapter 27 -
The gatekeepers, treasurers and magistrates of the Lord
The divisions of the army.
I find it interesting that there are 12 tribes of Israel and 12 months, 12 lunar cycles. Of course one could say that the cult of Israel established 12 tribes because there are 12 months, but how much easier could we say that the Lord, in His divine plan ordained 12 months to correspond to the coming of the twelve tribes (and then the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ)? All things must be considered as to God and His plan and with God there is only purpose, not coincidence.
The 12 heads of the tribes
The overseers of Israel
David's court
Chapter 28
Serve God with a perfect heart and a willing soul, "for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the mind's thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let Himself be found by you; but if you abandon Him, He will cast you off forever" (1 Chronicles 28:9, New American Bible).
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Brief Notes on I Chronices 1-21
(Originally Written June 5, 2008 in the Journal)
Lord I am so feeble and weak. My soul is in anguish. My temper flares and I hurt from longing. Why has she forsaken me? Why would you cause this to happen? What must I learn from you? Do I not trust you? Do I not bless your name? Where is the easy yoke? Lord may your will be done and may the whole world come to see that you are just and good. Lord I struggle, but I thank you for the struggle. For if I die, I will be with you and if I live I will be even stronger in you for it. May you restore my wife to me or otherwise show me your plan for me. You have my heart, my soul, my mind, my all. 'Tis a small offering I know, but what I have is yours. Comfort me in the readings today. Do not look on me in anger or disgust, but deliver me from my anguish. Thank you Lord for all you have done. May the whole world praise you ceaselessly. May every tongue sound of the Holiness of the one true God. Thank you for your love and care.
Notes on I Chronicles
Chapter 1 - Genealogy from Adam to the Edomites
Chapter 2 - Genealogy of the sons of Israel, that is Jacob
Chapter 3 - The line of David
Chapter 4 -
The sons of Judah
Jabez prayed to the Lord, "oh that you may truly bless me and extend my boundaries! Help me and make me free of misfortune, without pain!" The Lord answered his prayer.
The sons of Simeon
The sons of Reuben
Reuben, though firstborn, lost his birthright to Joseph. The king came from Judah because Judah was powerful.
The sons of Gad.
The sons of East Manasseh.
These men angered God by idolatry and were deported to Assyria.
The sons of Levi
Chapter 6 - The descendants of Aaron
Chapter 7
The sons of Issachar
The sons of Benjamin
The sons of Dan, Naphtali and Manasseh
The sons of Ephraim
The sons of Asher
Chapter 8 - The sons of Benjamin
Chapter 9 -
Judah had been carried away into Babylon as exiles.
Jerusalem still had some Israelites in it from Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh and also some Levites dwelled in Jerusalem.
The Genealogy of Saul
Chapter 10
Saul and his three sons were killed in battle by the Philistines because Saul rebelled against the Lord.
Chapter 11
David was made king of Israel.
David conquered Jerusalem.
Chapter 12 - David gathered many warriors around him
Chapter 13 - David brought the Ark to Jerusalem
Chapter 14 -
David settled in Jerusalem, took wives and had sons.
David conquered the Philistines who attacked him. The Lord made all nations fear David.
Chapter 15 -
David danced in the streets and his wife Michal, daughter of Saul, despised him for it.
Chapter 16
"Glory in his holy name; rejoice, o hearts that seek the Lord" (I Chronicles 16:10, New American Bible).
"Sing to the Lord, all the earth, announce his salvation, day after day" (I Chronicles 16:23, New American Bible).
Chapter 17
Nathan had a vision that David's son would build the temple of the Lord and David rejoiced at this.
Chapter 18
David subdued the Philistines and the Moabites. He defeated the king of Zobah and the Arameans.
Chapter 19
David defeated the Ammonites for shaming ambassadors he sent them. David then crushed the Arameans for aid the Ammonites.
Chapter 20
David went to battle with the Philistines again and the Israelites defeated three giants that were sons of the Rephaim.
Chapter 21
David then sinned and took a census of Israel. David was given three choices of punishment and chose pestilence. 70,000 men died on account of David's sin.
Lord I am so feeble and weak. My soul is in anguish. My temper flares and I hurt from longing. Why has she forsaken me? Why would you cause this to happen? What must I learn from you? Do I not trust you? Do I not bless your name? Where is the easy yoke? Lord may your will be done and may the whole world come to see that you are just and good. Lord I struggle, but I thank you for the struggle. For if I die, I will be with you and if I live I will be even stronger in you for it. May you restore my wife to me or otherwise show me your plan for me. You have my heart, my soul, my mind, my all. 'Tis a small offering I know, but what I have is yours. Comfort me in the readings today. Do not look on me in anger or disgust, but deliver me from my anguish. Thank you Lord for all you have done. May the whole world praise you ceaselessly. May every tongue sound of the Holiness of the one true God. Thank you for your love and care.
Notes on I Chronicles
Chapter 1 - Genealogy from Adam to the Edomites
Chapter 2 - Genealogy of the sons of Israel, that is Jacob
Chapter 3 - The line of David
Chapter 4 -
The sons of Judah
Jabez prayed to the Lord, "oh that you may truly bless me and extend my boundaries! Help me and make me free of misfortune, without pain!" The Lord answered his prayer.
The sons of Simeon
The sons of Reuben
Reuben, though firstborn, lost his birthright to Joseph. The king came from Judah because Judah was powerful.
The sons of Gad.
The sons of East Manasseh.
These men angered God by idolatry and were deported to Assyria.
The sons of Levi
Chapter 6 - The descendants of Aaron
Chapter 7
The sons of Issachar
The sons of Benjamin
The sons of Dan, Naphtali and Manasseh
The sons of Ephraim
The sons of Asher
Chapter 8 - The sons of Benjamin
Chapter 9 -
Judah had been carried away into Babylon as exiles.
Jerusalem still had some Israelites in it from Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh and also some Levites dwelled in Jerusalem.
The Genealogy of Saul
Chapter 10
Saul and his three sons were killed in battle by the Philistines because Saul rebelled against the Lord.
Chapter 11
David was made king of Israel.
David conquered Jerusalem.
Chapter 12 - David gathered many warriors around him
Chapter 13 - David brought the Ark to Jerusalem
Chapter 14 -
David settled in Jerusalem, took wives and had sons.
David conquered the Philistines who attacked him. The Lord made all nations fear David.
Chapter 15 -
David danced in the streets and his wife Michal, daughter of Saul, despised him for it.
Chapter 16
"Glory in his holy name; rejoice, o hearts that seek the Lord" (I Chronicles 16:10, New American Bible).
"Sing to the Lord, all the earth, announce his salvation, day after day" (I Chronicles 16:23, New American Bible).
Chapter 17
Nathan had a vision that David's son would build the temple of the Lord and David rejoiced at this.
Chapter 18
David subdued the Philistines and the Moabites. He defeated the king of Zobah and the Arameans.
Chapter 19
David defeated the Ammonites for shaming ambassadors he sent them. David then crushed the Arameans for aid the Ammonites.
Chapter 20
David went to battle with the Philistines again and the Israelites defeated three giants that were sons of the Rephaim.
Chapter 21
David then sinned and took a census of Israel. David was given three choices of punishment and chose pestilence. 70,000 men died on account of David's sin.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Brief Notes on Numbers 18-29
(Originally Written May 16, 2008 in the Journal)
A lot has happened in the last week and a half. She left me on Wednesday May 7th and today she put down her deposit to live in a coed house. Is it not enough to make me suffer the loss of my wife that I must writhe in pain and agony over her unfaithfulness? Why does the Lord hate me so? Why must He put me in such misery? Why do I face such trials and tribulations. I am merely a man. I am a weakling who is going to be crushed by this. Why have I been set upon a path to be destroyed? What sins have I committed to bring so much shame and hurt upon my head? Where is the mercy of the Almighty? Why have you looked upon me with scorn? I am wicked and growing ever more wicked. There is hate and malice in my very breath. This is why the Lord has struck me down. My pride and arrogance are decimated. The glory of the Lord has reduced me to ashes. May He now, if it is His will, resurrect me from this death. It is in your power Lord, if it is in your will.
The Lord is great and good in His dealings with me. He is fair and just. Though I now walk through such pain and strife I know that He has not abandoned me. Draw me closer to your love my sweet God so that I can begin to heal. Restore my faith and my heart for I am weak and faint. Fear has gripped my heart and soul and I long to be free of it. The Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want. Thank you Lord for your tests. May it strengthen my resolve for you. May you be praised for your very Being. You alone are worthy of my praise. Teach me patience and trust here, for I am in failing health and spirit. My mind betrays me and my heart stops. I have sunk beneath all else. I am the lowest of the lows. Restore me to you Lord. I will trust your unfailing judgment in all matters. Amen.
I hurt so bad Lord. Give me some comfort.
Numbers 18 - The priesthood is given to Aaron and his descendants as a gift.
Tithing - only the best portion is acceptable.
Numbers 19 -
The cleansing of the unclean men and women.
The importance of days number three and seven.
Numbers 20
Moses sinned by not trusting God and struck the rock twice.
Aaron passed away and the priesthood went to his son Eleazar.
Numbers 21 -
The Lord led the Israelites to victory over the King of Arad.
The Israelites complained against God and the Lord sent serpents to kill them. They repented and the Lord showed mercy.
What is the Book of the Wars of the Lord?
The Lord led the Israelites into victory over King Sihon and the Amorites.
The Israelites settled in the lands of the Amorites and then captured Jazer.
Numbers 22
Balak, the king of Moab sought out Balaam who feared the Lord. Balak wanted Balaam to curse the Israelites. The Lord told Balaam to go, but to do only as He said. The ass Balaam was riding saw the angel of the Lord and turned back three times and spoke to Balaam.
Numbers 23
Balaam blessed Israel to Balak's consternation.
Numbers 24
Balaam gave the oracle that no descendants of Ishmael shall survive.
Numbers 25
Some Israelites worshiped Baal of Shittim and were executed before the Lord. 24,000 died that day.
The Lord told Israel to crush the Midianites for bringing Baal worship to them.
Numbers 26
Another census of the 20 year old males and older is taken.
From Reuben came the Hanochites, the Pallvites, the Hezronites and the Carmites: 43,730 men.
From Simeon came the Nemuelites, the Jaminites, the Jachinites, the Soharites and the Shaulites: 22,200 men.
From Gad came the Zephonites, Haggites, Shunites, Oznites, the Erites, the Arodites, and the Arelites: 40,500 men.
From Judah came the Shelahites, the Perezites, the Hezronites, the Hamulites: 76,500 men.
From Issachar came the Tolaites, the Puvahites, the Jashubites, the Shimuonites: 64,300 men.
From Zebulun came the Seredites, the Elonites, the Jahleelites: 60,500 men.
From Joseph came the Manassehites, the Machirites, the Gileadites, the Abiezrites, the Helekites, the Asrielites, the Shechemites, the Shemidaites, the Hepherites: 52,700 men.
From Ephraim came the Shuthelahites, the Bechrites, the Tahanites, the Eranites: 32,500 men.
From Dan came the Shuhamites: 64,400 men.
From Asher came the Imnites, Ishvites, Benites, Heberites, Malchielites: 53,400 men.
From Naphtali came the Jahzeelites, Gurites, Jezerites, Shillemites: 45,500 men.
601,730 men were registered.
The Levites were the Gershonites, Kohathites, Merarites, Libnites, Hebronites, Mahlites, Mushites, Korahites: 23,300 men.
Only Joshua and Caleb were counted in both censuses.
Numbers 27 - The Lord showed Moses the Promised Land though he could not enter. He then told Moses to anoint Joshua as his successor.
Numbers 28 & 29
Offerings and festivals.
Thank you for this day. I always feel so much better after reading your Word. You are my strength and solace. May my lips never stop praising your Holy name.
A lot has happened in the last week and a half. She left me on Wednesday May 7th and today she put down her deposit to live in a coed house. Is it not enough to make me suffer the loss of my wife that I must writhe in pain and agony over her unfaithfulness? Why does the Lord hate me so? Why must He put me in such misery? Why do I face such trials and tribulations. I am merely a man. I am a weakling who is going to be crushed by this. Why have I been set upon a path to be destroyed? What sins have I committed to bring so much shame and hurt upon my head? Where is the mercy of the Almighty? Why have you looked upon me with scorn? I am wicked and growing ever more wicked. There is hate and malice in my very breath. This is why the Lord has struck me down. My pride and arrogance are decimated. The glory of the Lord has reduced me to ashes. May He now, if it is His will, resurrect me from this death. It is in your power Lord, if it is in your will.
The Lord is great and good in His dealings with me. He is fair and just. Though I now walk through such pain and strife I know that He has not abandoned me. Draw me closer to your love my sweet God so that I can begin to heal. Restore my faith and my heart for I am weak and faint. Fear has gripped my heart and soul and I long to be free of it. The Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want. Thank you Lord for your tests. May it strengthen my resolve for you. May you be praised for your very Being. You alone are worthy of my praise. Teach me patience and trust here, for I am in failing health and spirit. My mind betrays me and my heart stops. I have sunk beneath all else. I am the lowest of the lows. Restore me to you Lord. I will trust your unfailing judgment in all matters. Amen.
I hurt so bad Lord. Give me some comfort.
Numbers 18 - The priesthood is given to Aaron and his descendants as a gift.
Tithing - only the best portion is acceptable.
Numbers 19 -
The cleansing of the unclean men and women.
The importance of days number three and seven.
Numbers 20
Moses sinned by not trusting God and struck the rock twice.
Aaron passed away and the priesthood went to his son Eleazar.
Numbers 21 -
The Lord led the Israelites to victory over the King of Arad.
The Israelites complained against God and the Lord sent serpents to kill them. They repented and the Lord showed mercy.
What is the Book of the Wars of the Lord?
The Lord led the Israelites into victory over King Sihon and the Amorites.
The Israelites settled in the lands of the Amorites and then captured Jazer.
Numbers 22
Balak, the king of Moab sought out Balaam who feared the Lord. Balak wanted Balaam to curse the Israelites. The Lord told Balaam to go, but to do only as He said. The ass Balaam was riding saw the angel of the Lord and turned back three times and spoke to Balaam.
Numbers 23
Balaam blessed Israel to Balak's consternation.
Numbers 24
Balaam gave the oracle that no descendants of Ishmael shall survive.
Numbers 25
Some Israelites worshiped Baal of Shittim and were executed before the Lord. 24,000 died that day.
The Lord told Israel to crush the Midianites for bringing Baal worship to them.
Numbers 26
Another census of the 20 year old males and older is taken.
From Reuben came the Hanochites, the Pallvites, the Hezronites and the Carmites: 43,730 men.
From Simeon came the Nemuelites, the Jaminites, the Jachinites, the Soharites and the Shaulites: 22,200 men.
From Gad came the Zephonites, Haggites, Shunites, Oznites, the Erites, the Arodites, and the Arelites: 40,500 men.
From Judah came the Shelahites, the Perezites, the Hezronites, the Hamulites: 76,500 men.
From Issachar came the Tolaites, the Puvahites, the Jashubites, the Shimuonites: 64,300 men.
From Zebulun came the Seredites, the Elonites, the Jahleelites: 60,500 men.
From Joseph came the Manassehites, the Machirites, the Gileadites, the Abiezrites, the Helekites, the Asrielites, the Shechemites, the Shemidaites, the Hepherites: 52,700 men.
From Ephraim came the Shuthelahites, the Bechrites, the Tahanites, the Eranites: 32,500 men.
From Dan came the Shuhamites: 64,400 men.
From Asher came the Imnites, Ishvites, Benites, Heberites, Malchielites: 53,400 men.
From Naphtali came the Jahzeelites, Gurites, Jezerites, Shillemites: 45,500 men.
601,730 men were registered.
The Levites were the Gershonites, Kohathites, Merarites, Libnites, Hebronites, Mahlites, Mushites, Korahites: 23,300 men.
Only Joshua and Caleb were counted in both censuses.
Numbers 27 - The Lord showed Moses the Promised Land though he could not enter. He then told Moses to anoint Joshua as his successor.
Numbers 28 & 29
Offerings and festivals.
Thank you for this day. I always feel so much better after reading your Word. You are my strength and solace. May my lips never stop praising your Holy name.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Brief Notes on Numbers 1-17
(Originally Written April 26, 2008 in the Journal)
Numbers
Chapter 1
Moses and Aaron took a census of every male from every tribe 20 years of age and older.
46,500 of the tribe of Reuben
59,300 of the tribe of Simeon
45,660 of the tribe of Gad
74,600 of the tribe of Judah
54,400 of the tribe of Issachar
56,400 of the tribe of Zebulun
40,500 of the tribe of Ephraim
32,200 of the tribe of Manasseh
35,400 of the tribe of Benjamin
62,700 of the tribe of Dan
41,500 of the tribe of Asher
53,400 of the tribe of Naphtali
A total of 603,550
The Levites were not counted because they are priests.
Chapter 2 - The tribes are arranged by the Lord.
Chapter 3
The Levites are counted, males one month and older. They were separated into their smaller camps and given specific duties with the Dwelling of the Lord. The Levites numbered 22,000.
The number of first-born Israelites was 22,273. The Levites were ransomed for the first-borns and money was paid for the 273 others. Thus, the Levites belonged to the Lord.
Chapter 4
The Levite clans were given specific tasks:
- The Kohathites carry the most sacred items, but cannot touch them
- The Gershonites carry the coverings of the Dwelling
- The Merarites carry the poles and boards of the Dwelling
Each Levite was assigned an individual task as well
Chapter 5
The Israelites expelled all unclean persons from the camp.
The Israelites were instructed to give all ill-gotten goods back and pay restitution.
Men who suspected their wives of adultery were instructed to bring her to the priest to be cursed or acquitted.
Chapter 6 - The Vow of the Nazirite
Chapter 7 - Each Prince of each tribe brings sacrifices to the Lord
Why do you allow me to be tormented so? What have I done to incur such wrath, such pain? Why does my mind not rest? Why is my soul not quieted? Where is your fucking love? Where is your gentleness? Why have you tied me to a woman who has no feeling for me? Why have you made me to love such a mean-spirited woman? The Lord is always right and always benevolent. Everything that is is just and true. But I, I suffer so hard. Is this fair and true? Is that right and just? I suffer; she cares not. I weep; she feigns interest. I am an alien in my own house. I am mistreated, yet not avenged. I am unloved and whipped by the woman the Lord gave me. I am abused by the one I love. I am cut deeper and deeper everyday to be sewn up and have the stitches ripped again and again. My heart is an open wound and no healing takes place. Kill me now or heal me. Hear my cry because you are merciful. Hear my cry because you are the Lord God!
Chapter 8 - The purification of the Levites
Chapter 9 - The Israelites moved or encamped according to the command of the Lord.
Chapter 10 - Silver trumpets are made to call the Israelites or sound the alarm for war. God will hear the horn and remember His people.
Chapter 11 -
Moses was distressed by all the people complaining. He asks God to kill him if that was the way he would be treated. Moses gathered 70 elders and the Lord shared the burden of Moses with them. They all began to prophesy. The Lord bestowed quail on the people of Israel. Then they became greedy so the Lord hit them with a plague.
Chapter 12 - Aaron and Miriam became jealous of Moses' power. Miriam was struck with leprosy by the Lord and had to be removed from the camp for seven days.
Chapter 13 -
The Lord told Moses to send out 12 men, one prince from each tribe to scout the land of Canaan. The spies returned and told Moses that the land was full of giants and turned the people away from overtaking the land.
Chapter 14
The people revolted against Moses, Caleb and Joshua. They wished to return to Egypt. The Lord doomed all those who revolted and wished to destroy Israel. Moses persuaded him not to. The Lord doomed the whole generation to wander for forty years in the desert. When Moses told the Israelites this some of them marched into the land but were defeated by the Amalekites and Canaanites.
Chapter 15
Rules regarding sacrifice.
A man is stoned for breaking the sabbath.
Men must wear tassels on their cloaks as a visual reminder of the Lord's commandments.
Chapter 16
Korah rebels against Moses and Aaron. Korah and his 250 men were consumed by fire for their punishment.
Dathan and Abiram rebel against Moses. They are swallowed by the earth as punishment.
Chapter 17
God sought to blot out the sinful community but Aaron made atonement for them. Still, more than 14,000 died.
Numbers
Chapter 1
Moses and Aaron took a census of every male from every tribe 20 years of age and older.
46,500 of the tribe of Reuben
59,300 of the tribe of Simeon
45,660 of the tribe of Gad
74,600 of the tribe of Judah
54,400 of the tribe of Issachar
56,400 of the tribe of Zebulun
40,500 of the tribe of Ephraim
32,200 of the tribe of Manasseh
35,400 of the tribe of Benjamin
62,700 of the tribe of Dan
41,500 of the tribe of Asher
53,400 of the tribe of Naphtali
A total of 603,550
The Levites were not counted because they are priests.
Chapter 2 - The tribes are arranged by the Lord.
Chapter 3
The Levites are counted, males one month and older. They were separated into their smaller camps and given specific duties with the Dwelling of the Lord. The Levites numbered 22,000.
The number of first-born Israelites was 22,273. The Levites were ransomed for the first-borns and money was paid for the 273 others. Thus, the Levites belonged to the Lord.
Chapter 4
The Levite clans were given specific tasks:
- The Kohathites carry the most sacred items, but cannot touch them
- The Gershonites carry the coverings of the Dwelling
- The Merarites carry the poles and boards of the Dwelling
Each Levite was assigned an individual task as well
Chapter 5
The Israelites expelled all unclean persons from the camp.
The Israelites were instructed to give all ill-gotten goods back and pay restitution.
Men who suspected their wives of adultery were instructed to bring her to the priest to be cursed or acquitted.
Chapter 6 - The Vow of the Nazirite
Chapter 7 - Each Prince of each tribe brings sacrifices to the Lord
Why do you allow me to be tormented so? What have I done to incur such wrath, such pain? Why does my mind not rest? Why is my soul not quieted? Where is your fucking love? Where is your gentleness? Why have you tied me to a woman who has no feeling for me? Why have you made me to love such a mean-spirited woman? The Lord is always right and always benevolent. Everything that is is just and true. But I, I suffer so hard. Is this fair and true? Is that right and just? I suffer; she cares not. I weep; she feigns interest. I am an alien in my own house. I am mistreated, yet not avenged. I am unloved and whipped by the woman the Lord gave me. I am abused by the one I love. I am cut deeper and deeper everyday to be sewn up and have the stitches ripped again and again. My heart is an open wound and no healing takes place. Kill me now or heal me. Hear my cry because you are merciful. Hear my cry because you are the Lord God!
Chapter 8 - The purification of the Levites
Chapter 9 - The Israelites moved or encamped according to the command of the Lord.
Chapter 10 - Silver trumpets are made to call the Israelites or sound the alarm for war. God will hear the horn and remember His people.
Chapter 11 -
Moses was distressed by all the people complaining. He asks God to kill him if that was the way he would be treated. Moses gathered 70 elders and the Lord shared the burden of Moses with them. They all began to prophesy. The Lord bestowed quail on the people of Israel. Then they became greedy so the Lord hit them with a plague.
Chapter 12 - Aaron and Miriam became jealous of Moses' power. Miriam was struck with leprosy by the Lord and had to be removed from the camp for seven days.
Chapter 13 -
The Lord told Moses to send out 12 men, one prince from each tribe to scout the land of Canaan. The spies returned and told Moses that the land was full of giants and turned the people away from overtaking the land.
Chapter 14
The people revolted against Moses, Caleb and Joshua. They wished to return to Egypt. The Lord doomed all those who revolted and wished to destroy Israel. Moses persuaded him not to. The Lord doomed the whole generation to wander for forty years in the desert. When Moses told the Israelites this some of them marched into the land but were defeated by the Amalekites and Canaanites.
Chapter 15
Rules regarding sacrifice.
A man is stoned for breaking the sabbath.
Men must wear tassels on their cloaks as a visual reminder of the Lord's commandments.
Chapter 16
Korah rebels against Moses and Aaron. Korah and his 250 men were consumed by fire for their punishment.
Dathan and Abiram rebel against Moses. They are swallowed by the earth as punishment.
Chapter 17
God sought to blot out the sinful community but Aaron made atonement for them. Still, more than 14,000 died.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Brief Notes on Leviticus 14-25
(Originally Written April 25, 2008 in the Journal)
Why do you continue to test me Lord? Why must I go through this daily? Is it not enough to have her be unsure of her commitment to me that you allow her to continue to test the boundaries of marriage time and time again? A man must not divorce his wife. I will obey, but marriage should be joyful, is it not ordained by you? Why do I have to suffer so much? Hear me Lord? Reach out your hand and rescue me! May your will be done and may you keep me in your favor. Protect her tonight from the enemy and cast this doubt out of my heart. May you be praised forever and ever.
Notes on Leviticus
Chapter 14 - Ritual purification of individuals and houses with leprosy
Chapter 15 - Personal uncleanness
A person who is unclean cannot enter the Dwelling of the Lord for if they do they will die.
Who is Azazel?
Chapter 16 - Ritual atonement for Israel's sins
Chapter 17 - No more shall Israel sacrifice to satyrs.
No one can offer sacrifices anywhere but the Dwelling
No one can partake of blood
Chapter 18
Men will find life through keeping the commandments and decrees of the Lord.
There shall be no sex with any relative, blood or by marriage, because that is disgraceful.
You shall not have sex with a man because that is an abomination.
No bestiality. It is abhorrent.
Doing sexually immoral things defiles the land where it happens.
Chapter 19 - Moral decrees
Why are they moral, not legal decrees? Because they defile?
Chapter 20 - Penalties for sin
"Sanctify yourselves, then, and be holy; for I, the Lord, your God, am holy" (Leviticus 20:7, New American Bible).
Sins that demand death demand so because the committers forfeit their lives in the act. Those put to death have no one to blame but themselves.
Chapter 21
Priests must follow special rules because they offer up food for God.
The sons of Aaron who are deformed may not serve as priests, but may partake of the sacred food.
Chapter 22 - Ritual regulations pertaining to sacrifice
Chapter 23 - Holy Days
The Sabbath belongs to the Lord.
Passover/Feast of the unleavened bread
Pentecost
New Year's day
The Day of Atonement
The Feast of Booths
Chapter 24
The laws are for natives and aliens alike.
Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, and a life for a life.
Chapter 25
The Sabbatical Year (7th)
The Year of Jubilee (50th)
The land belongs to the Lord, the Israelites are merely tennants.
Why do you continue to test me Lord? Why must I go through this daily? Is it not enough to have her be unsure of her commitment to me that you allow her to continue to test the boundaries of marriage time and time again? A man must not divorce his wife. I will obey, but marriage should be joyful, is it not ordained by you? Why do I have to suffer so much? Hear me Lord? Reach out your hand and rescue me! May your will be done and may you keep me in your favor. Protect her tonight from the enemy and cast this doubt out of my heart. May you be praised forever and ever.
Notes on Leviticus
Chapter 14 - Ritual purification of individuals and houses with leprosy
Chapter 15 - Personal uncleanness
A person who is unclean cannot enter the Dwelling of the Lord for if they do they will die.
Who is Azazel?
Chapter 16 - Ritual atonement for Israel's sins
Chapter 17 - No more shall Israel sacrifice to satyrs.
No one can offer sacrifices anywhere but the Dwelling
No one can partake of blood
Chapter 18
Men will find life through keeping the commandments and decrees of the Lord.
There shall be no sex with any relative, blood or by marriage, because that is disgraceful.
You shall not have sex with a man because that is an abomination.
No bestiality. It is abhorrent.
Doing sexually immoral things defiles the land where it happens.
Chapter 19 - Moral decrees
Why are they moral, not legal decrees? Because they defile?
Chapter 20 - Penalties for sin
"Sanctify yourselves, then, and be holy; for I, the Lord, your God, am holy" (Leviticus 20:7, New American Bible).
Sins that demand death demand so because the committers forfeit their lives in the act. Those put to death have no one to blame but themselves.
Chapter 21
Priests must follow special rules because they offer up food for God.
The sons of Aaron who are deformed may not serve as priests, but may partake of the sacred food.
Chapter 22 - Ritual regulations pertaining to sacrifice
Chapter 23 - Holy Days
The Sabbath belongs to the Lord.
Passover/Feast of the unleavened bread
Pentecost
New Year's day
The Day of Atonement
The Feast of Booths
Chapter 24
The laws are for natives and aliens alike.
Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, and a life for a life.
Chapter 25
The Sabbatical Year (7th)
The Year of Jubilee (50th)
The land belongs to the Lord, the Israelites are merely tennants.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Brief Notes on Leviticus 1 - 13
(Originally Written April 23, 2008 in the Journal)
Lord, I feel drained and lonely. I have no joy, no hope and am struggling to maintain faith. Why would you join me to a woman who would do nothing but rip me apart? Are you not the all-good God? Are you not the merciful one?
Why do you allow me to suffer so? You know my struggles Lord. This prayer does not fall on deaf ears. You are the living God, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, of Jacob and of Moses. Am I not part of the Chosen now? Have I not been redeemed by the blood of Christ? Why then do I still suffer? Why are my cries not answered? How many tears must I shed? How much hurt must I feel?
But, you are the all-good God. You are my shepherd. You are my solace. In you alone I trust. You alone do I bow to worship. You alone I praise. I praise you in the good and the bad. I thank you for my struggle and my trials. I relish these as chances to grow closer to you. Lord take this pain away. Restore my marriage. Restore her to me and to you. But if I must suffer this I will do so gladly. Give me a little comfort and a little strength to make it through today. Hear my prayers.
Exodus 39
The book of exodus sets out the rules and regulations for the Israelites to remain ritually pure. God set these up to make the Israelites holy, to set them apart from all humanity. The holiness of the Israelites is a witness to the Glory and Holiness of God.
Leviticus
Chapter 1 - Holocaust offering instructions
Chapter 2 - Cereal offering instructions
Chapter 3 - Peace offering instructions
Chapter 4 - Sin offering instructions for the priests, the community, the princes and private persons
It is interesting that sin offerings are made for those who inadvertently sin.
Chapter 5 - Sin or unclean offerings are made for those who cannot afford animals.
In order to be forgiven, one must first confess.
Even if one sins inadvertently he is guilty and must make a sacrifice
Chapter 6 - Daily offerings explained
Holiness is an all encompassing, overarching commitment. The fire must be kept burning on the altar.
Chapter 7 - Guilt and sin offerings are similar
The priest who makes the sacrifice may keep the hide for himself and eat it in a sacred place.
The Israelites cannot eat any fat or blood. The blood and fat are sacrifices to the Lord.
Chapter 8 - Aaron and his sons are anointed.
"This is what the Lord orders you to do that the glory of the Lord may be revealed to you" (Leviticus 9:6, New American Bible).
Lord, what must I sacrifice to have your glory revealed to me? No question will be refused. No request is too great. Life and limb I offer you. Even her, whom I love more deeply than anything else in this world, I offer you to see your glory.
Chapter 10 - Aaron's son Nadab and Abihu are killed by the Lord for offering an unsacred offering.
Priests are responsible for themselves, but also for the people. They must be able to distinguish between clean and unclean, between sacred and profane. They must teach the people the Laws of the Lord. The priests eat the portion of the offering allotted to them to bear the guilt of the people and make atonement.
Chapter 11 - Clean and unclean foods
The people must be holy because the Lord is holy.
Chapter 12 - The uncleanness of child birth
Chapter 13 - The uncleanness of leprosy
Lord, I feel drained and lonely. I have no joy, no hope and am struggling to maintain faith. Why would you join me to a woman who would do nothing but rip me apart? Are you not the all-good God? Are you not the merciful one?
Why do you allow me to suffer so? You know my struggles Lord. This prayer does not fall on deaf ears. You are the living God, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, of Jacob and of Moses. Am I not part of the Chosen now? Have I not been redeemed by the blood of Christ? Why then do I still suffer? Why are my cries not answered? How many tears must I shed? How much hurt must I feel?
But, you are the all-good God. You are my shepherd. You are my solace. In you alone I trust. You alone do I bow to worship. You alone I praise. I praise you in the good and the bad. I thank you for my struggle and my trials. I relish these as chances to grow closer to you. Lord take this pain away. Restore my marriage. Restore her to me and to you. But if I must suffer this I will do so gladly. Give me a little comfort and a little strength to make it through today. Hear my prayers.
Exodus 39
The book of exodus sets out the rules and regulations for the Israelites to remain ritually pure. God set these up to make the Israelites holy, to set them apart from all humanity. The holiness of the Israelites is a witness to the Glory and Holiness of God.
Leviticus
Chapter 1 - Holocaust offering instructions
Chapter 2 - Cereal offering instructions
Chapter 3 - Peace offering instructions
Chapter 4 - Sin offering instructions for the priests, the community, the princes and private persons
It is interesting that sin offerings are made for those who inadvertently sin.
Chapter 5 - Sin or unclean offerings are made for those who cannot afford animals.
In order to be forgiven, one must first confess.
Even if one sins inadvertently he is guilty and must make a sacrifice
Chapter 6 - Daily offerings explained
Holiness is an all encompassing, overarching commitment. The fire must be kept burning on the altar.
Chapter 7 - Guilt and sin offerings are similar
The priest who makes the sacrifice may keep the hide for himself and eat it in a sacred place.
The Israelites cannot eat any fat or blood. The blood and fat are sacrifices to the Lord.
Chapter 8 - Aaron and his sons are anointed.
"This is what the Lord orders you to do that the glory of the Lord may be revealed to you" (Leviticus 9:6, New American Bible).
Lord, what must I sacrifice to have your glory revealed to me? No question will be refused. No request is too great. Life and limb I offer you. Even her, whom I love more deeply than anything else in this world, I offer you to see your glory.
Chapter 10 - Aaron's son Nadab and Abihu are killed by the Lord for offering an unsacred offering.
Priests are responsible for themselves, but also for the people. They must be able to distinguish between clean and unclean, between sacred and profane. They must teach the people the Laws of the Lord. The priests eat the portion of the offering allotted to them to bear the guilt of the people and make atonement.
Chapter 11 - Clean and unclean foods
The people must be holy because the Lord is holy.
Chapter 12 - The uncleanness of child birth
Chapter 13 - The uncleanness of leprosy
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