(Originally Written May 27, 2008 in the Journal)
Notes on Judges
Chapter 1
Judah and Simeon attacked the Canaanites and Perizzites in Bezek. They caught Adonibezek and cut off his thumbs and big toes. Adonibezek said, 'as I have done to others, God has doen to me'. He was taken and killed at Jerusalem.
The house of Joseph went and took Bethel with the help of the Lord.
Many peoples were not dislodged from their homes, but the Israelites impressed them as laborers.
Chapter 2
Because the Israelites did not remove all the inhabitants from the Promised Land, the Lord sent an angel to tell them that the other gods would now be a snare to them. After Joshua died and his generation passed on, a new generation offended the Lord by worshipping the Baals. The Lord grew angry with Israel for their idolatry and refused to remove any more of the peoples living in the Promised Land.
Chapter 3
The Lord allowed the five lords of the Philistines, the remaining Canaanites, the Sidonians and the Hivites to remain in the land as a test for Israel's fidelity.
The Lord allowed the Israelites to fall under the rule of Cushan-rishathaim, king of Aram Naharaim for eight years. Then they cried out to the Lord and the Lord raised up Othniel, nephew of Caleb. Israel was at peace for 40 years until Othniel died.
The Israelites sinned again and the Lord raised up Eglon, king of Moab who enslaved them for 18 years. The Israelites called out to the Lord and the Lord raised up Ehud, a Benjaminite. Ehud was left-handed. He hid his sword on the right thigh where it would not be checked and stabbed Eglon in the stomach. Eglon was so fat his belly swallowed the sword. The Israelites came down and conquered Moab and reigned over them for 80 years.
Shamgar was raised up by the Lord and rescued the Israelites by killing 600 Philistines with an ox-goad.
Chapter 4
The Israelites abandoned God after the death of Ehud, so the Lord allowed Jabin, king of Hazor to oppress them for 20 years. Debora and Barak gathered 10,000 men from Zebulun and Naphtali and marched to Mt. Trabor where they defeated the chariots of Jabin. Sisera, the general of Jabin fled and was killed by Jael, the wife of Heber, who was allied with Jabin.
Chapter 5
After defeating the chariots there was peace for 40 years.
Chapter 6
The Israelites again offended the Lord. They fell under the reign of Midian. The Lord sent an angel to Gideon and told him to rise up and save Israel. Gideon tore down the altar to Baal and the sacred pole and built an altar to the Lord on its place. Gideon then tested the Lord twice to see if it was really the Lord.
Chapter 7
The Lord told Gideon he had too many soldiers for him to deliver Midian into his hands. Gideon told all who were fearful to leave. 22,000 men left, but 10,000 stayed. The Lord then dwindled the number down to 300 men.
Chapter 8
Gideon then pursued Zebah and Zalmunna with his 300 men and was refused food from the men in Succoth and Penuel. Gideon vowed to crush Succoth and Penuel when he returned victoriously. Gideon caught Zebah and Zalmunna and returned to crush Succoth and Penuel. Gideon told his son to kill Zebah and Zalmunna but he was too afraid to, so Gideo did it himself. After Gideon died the Israelites once again turned to the Baals.
Chapter 9
Abimelech, the son of Gideon through a concubine, went to Schechem and killed all 70 of Gideon's legitimate sons. Only Jotham, Gidoen's youngest son survived. The people of Schechem made Abimelech king. Abimelech made war on cities against him and was killed by a woman who dropped a millstone on his head.
Chapter 10
After the death of Abimelech, the Issacharite Tola rose up to save Israel. After Tola came Jair. After Jair died the Israelites turned away from God and served the Baals once more. They were allowed to be oppressed for eighteen years by the Ammonites in punishment. The Israelites cried out once more but the Lord told them to cry out to the gods they had chosen. When they persisted the Lord grieved over them.
Chapter 11
Jephtah, the son of Gilead by a harlot was driven away for being illegitimate. But, the elders of Gilead called him back to be their leader. Jephtah vowed to the Lord that he would offer up whomever came out of the door to greet him in victory as a holocaust to the Lord if the Lord would grant him victory. When Jephtah returned victoriously his daughter came out to greet him and he tore his clothes in despair. Jephtah then offered her as a holocaust as he had vowed.
Chapter 12
The Ephraimites went to war with Jephtah, but Jephtah defeated them. After Jephtah died, Izban of Bethlehem judged Israel. After Izban, Elon judged Israel. After Elon, Abdon judged Israel.
Chapter 13
After Abdon, the Israelites turned from God so the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for 40 years. An angel of the Lord appeared to a woman and told her that she would bear a son to be consecrated to the Lord from the womb. No razor was to touch his head. The woman bore a son and called him Samson.
Chapter 14
Samson killed a lion with his bare hands.
Chapter 15
Samson's wife was married to another man. In anger Samson destroyed the Philistine town with foxes and fire. Samson then killed a thousand men with the jawbone of an ass. Samson judged Israel for 20 years.
Chapter 16
Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah who wished to find out the secret of his strength for money she was offered. Finally she betrayed him and cut off his hair. The Philistines captured Samson and gouged out his eyes. The put him on display as a prisoner in the temple of Dagon. Samson collapsed the temple, killing everyone inside.
Chapter 17
Micah had an image made of the true God and consecrated a Levite as his personal priest.
Chapter 18
A group of Danites stole Micah's image of God and his priest and attacked a town and sacked it. They rebuilt the city and lived there until they were taken captive.
Chapter 19
A Levite from Ephraim went to get his unfaithful concubine. After getting her he stayed in Gibeah where he gave his concubine to the men of the town to save his own skin. When he returned home he cut her into twelve pieces and sent them throughout Israel.
Chapter 20
The men of Israel rose up and went to this Levite's house and he relayed the story of what had happened. The men of Israel rose up against Gibeah but the Benjaminites refused to give over the wicked men. The Benjaminites went to war with Israel. The Benjaminites defeated the Israelites on the first two days but were crushed on the third day.
Chapter 21
The Israelites were distraught over having destroyed their brother Benjamin. They had sworn an oath not to give wives to Benjamin and so the tribe was in danger of dying out. But the Lord provided a way.
Showing posts with label Caleb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caleb. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Brief Notes on Joshua 11-24
(Originally Written May 27, 2008 in the Journal)
Lord I am weak. She is packing to leave me for good. If this separation must come to pass I pray you make it temporary. Day and night I will worship you and meditate on your Word. I will follow your Law and neither stray to the left nor to the right. Return her to me and you, most importantly to you. Stir in her the love you have for us. I beseech you as my Lord and King, do not forsake me in my time of desperation. You bound us here on earth; strengthen that binding and draw us closer to each other and close to you. This is all so easy in your power, if you would just touch down a finger on her she would be mine again. But your will be done for who am I to question your methods or wisdom? Lord save us, if you will. Give me strength and comfort today.
Last night you spoke to me and for what reasons I do not know. II heard a still, small voice in my heart speaking to me in the same tone as when I was told to fast. I heard "eat bread and water" and I will obey until the end of August. That is my sacred vow to you. I will honor your call.
Notes on Joshua
Chapter 11
The king of Hazor, Jabin, called to other kings to join him against the Israelites. Jobab, king of Madon, the kings of Shimron and Aehshaph and the kings of the northern mountains and the kings in Arabah and those to the west joined with Jabin. The eastern and western Canaanites, the Amorites, Perizzites and Jebusites united against Israel.
Joshua attacked them by surprise and killed all of them. He followed the Lord's instructions and hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots. Joshua doomed all the cities and did not stray from the commands of the Lord through Moses. Joshua exterminated the Anakim in the land. But, some survived in Gaza, Gath and Ashdod.
Chapter 12
A survey of the conquered kings:
- Sihon, king of the Amorites from Heshbon
- Og, king of Bashan
- The kings of Jericho, Ai, Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, Eglon, Gezer, Debir, Geder, Hormah, Arad, Libnah, Adullam, Makkedah, Bethel, Tappuah, Hepher, Aphek, Lasharon, Madon, Hazor, Shimron, Aehshaph, Taanach, Megiddo, Kedesh, Jokneam, Dor, Gilgal and Tizrah, 31 in all.
Chapter 13
The Lord told Joshua in old age there was much yet to be conquered but to divide the conquered and unconquered land among the tribes.
The Eastern tribes: Reuben, Gad and the other half of Manasseh
Chapter 14
The Western Tribes: Judah
Chapter 15
Caleb drove from his portion the three sons of Anak (the Anakim) Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai.
Judah was given a large portion on behalf of the faith of Caleb when he spied on the cities when the Israelites were still in the desert.
Chapter 16
The tribes of Joseph
Chapter 17
The Josephites, Manasseh and Ephraim complained about the size of their share and Joshua told them it would enlarge when they drove the Canaanites out.
Chapter 18
Joshua then divided the land into seven parts for the other seven tribes. He then cast lots to see who would pick first. The Benjaminites drew first.
Chapter 19
The Simeonites received their portion next, which was bound within that of Judah. Next came Zebulun, then Issachar, then Asher, then Naphtali and was finished by Dan. The Israelites gave to Joshua the city he asked for: Timnah-Serah.
Chapter 20
Kedesh in Galilee, Shechem in the mountains of Ephraim and Hebron in Judah were set up as asylum cities. Beyond the Jordan River, the cities Bezer in Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead, and Golan in Bashan were set apart as cities of asylum.
Chapter 21
The Levites were then allotted cities by the other tribes in accordance with the will of God.
All the promises the Lord made to Israel, He fulfilled.
Chapter 22
The half tribe of Manasseh, the Reubenites and the Gadites were blessed and sent back home across the Jordan River. After crossing the Jordan these three tribes built a very large altar to the Lord. When the other tribes heard of this they scrambled to declare war on them. They accused the Gadites, Reubenites and the half tribe of Manasseh of seceding from the Lord. These three tribes explained that it was meant only as a witness to the one true altar of the Lord, not a place for holocausts.
Chapter 23
Joshua warned the community not to stray from the Lord at all because as He fulfilled every promise so too would he fulfill every threat.
Chapter 24
Joshua renewed the covenant with Israel. Joshua died at 110 years old. Eleazar also died. The bones of Joseph were buried in Schechem.
Lord I am weak. She is packing to leave me for good. If this separation must come to pass I pray you make it temporary. Day and night I will worship you and meditate on your Word. I will follow your Law and neither stray to the left nor to the right. Return her to me and you, most importantly to you. Stir in her the love you have for us. I beseech you as my Lord and King, do not forsake me in my time of desperation. You bound us here on earth; strengthen that binding and draw us closer to each other and close to you. This is all so easy in your power, if you would just touch down a finger on her she would be mine again. But your will be done for who am I to question your methods or wisdom? Lord save us, if you will. Give me strength and comfort today.
Last night you spoke to me and for what reasons I do not know. II heard a still, small voice in my heart speaking to me in the same tone as when I was told to fast. I heard "eat bread and water" and I will obey until the end of August. That is my sacred vow to you. I will honor your call.
Notes on Joshua
Chapter 11
The king of Hazor, Jabin, called to other kings to join him against the Israelites. Jobab, king of Madon, the kings of Shimron and Aehshaph and the kings of the northern mountains and the kings in Arabah and those to the west joined with Jabin. The eastern and western Canaanites, the Amorites, Perizzites and Jebusites united against Israel.
Joshua attacked them by surprise and killed all of them. He followed the Lord's instructions and hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots. Joshua doomed all the cities and did not stray from the commands of the Lord through Moses. Joshua exterminated the Anakim in the land. But, some survived in Gaza, Gath and Ashdod.
Chapter 12
A survey of the conquered kings:
- Sihon, king of the Amorites from Heshbon
- Og, king of Bashan
- The kings of Jericho, Ai, Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, Eglon, Gezer, Debir, Geder, Hormah, Arad, Libnah, Adullam, Makkedah, Bethel, Tappuah, Hepher, Aphek, Lasharon, Madon, Hazor, Shimron, Aehshaph, Taanach, Megiddo, Kedesh, Jokneam, Dor, Gilgal and Tizrah, 31 in all.
Chapter 13
The Lord told Joshua in old age there was much yet to be conquered but to divide the conquered and unconquered land among the tribes.
The Eastern tribes: Reuben, Gad and the other half of Manasseh
Chapter 14
The Western Tribes: Judah
Chapter 15
Caleb drove from his portion the three sons of Anak (the Anakim) Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai.
Judah was given a large portion on behalf of the faith of Caleb when he spied on the cities when the Israelites were still in the desert.
Chapter 16
The tribes of Joseph
Chapter 17
The Josephites, Manasseh and Ephraim complained about the size of their share and Joshua told them it would enlarge when they drove the Canaanites out.
Chapter 18
Joshua then divided the land into seven parts for the other seven tribes. He then cast lots to see who would pick first. The Benjaminites drew first.
Chapter 19
The Simeonites received their portion next, which was bound within that of Judah. Next came Zebulun, then Issachar, then Asher, then Naphtali and was finished by Dan. The Israelites gave to Joshua the city he asked for: Timnah-Serah.
Chapter 20
Kedesh in Galilee, Shechem in the mountains of Ephraim and Hebron in Judah were set up as asylum cities. Beyond the Jordan River, the cities Bezer in Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead, and Golan in Bashan were set apart as cities of asylum.
Chapter 21
The Levites were then allotted cities by the other tribes in accordance with the will of God.
All the promises the Lord made to Israel, He fulfilled.
Chapter 22
The half tribe of Manasseh, the Reubenites and the Gadites were blessed and sent back home across the Jordan River. After crossing the Jordan these three tribes built a very large altar to the Lord. When the other tribes heard of this they scrambled to declare war on them. They accused the Gadites, Reubenites and the half tribe of Manasseh of seceding from the Lord. These three tribes explained that it was meant only as a witness to the one true altar of the Lord, not a place for holocausts.
Chapter 23
Joshua warned the community not to stray from the Lord at all because as He fulfilled every promise so too would he fulfill every threat.
Chapter 24
Joshua renewed the covenant with Israel. Joshua died at 110 years old. Eleazar also died. The bones of Joseph were buried in Schechem.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)