(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.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Brief Notes on Leviticus 25-27
(Originally Written April 26, 2008 in the Journal)
May the Lord find favor with His ailing servant. May He forgive me of all my sins and transgressions. May He have compassion on me in my great sorrow. My body aches with pain of heart. How can such things occur? Why must I suffer while the wicked go unpunished?
All men are wicked and evil in spirit and heart. I am no different. Lord only you know the full extent of malice and rage in me. I am weak and failing still. My health deteriorates ever more. I taken no pleasure in food or sleep and find no solace in anything anywhere whatsoever. How have I fallen so far?
Did I not follow you to Canada? Did I not relent and return to Taylor? Did I not submit and forgo my earthly ambitions to allow another's? Did I not give in to you? Did I not submit myself humble and prostrate before the Lord? If I did not I do so now. Find favor with me oh Lord my God. Turn me not away broken and ashamed. Grant me the easy yoke and light burden you promised. Do not break me beyond the point of repair.
All and all though and even still through deeper torment and agony I will joyfully declare the goodness of the Lord to all the world. What are these suffering times in comparison to the eternal glory of the Lord? Who am I to complain of such trifles? I am a child of the living God and heir to the Heavenly fortune. That is sufficient for me. The Lord is more than sufficient; He is abundance. May your name be praised by every tongue on earth and in Heaven. The Lord is good and just and righteous. The Lord is King of all and deals with a soft hand. Though our burdens may seem too heavy the Lord carries on through.
Grant me the strength to venture through today. Grant me the peace to make it through this dark hour of my marriage. Let me feel your love and love at all. I am so alone Lord. Come and comfort me. I beg of you. Take pity on me.
Notes on Leviticus
Chapter 25 - Constitutional laws regarding property
Chapter 26 -
If the Israelites are obedient then God will reward them. He will keep trouble away from them.
If the Israelites will not heed the precepts and commandments of the Lord, the Lord will defy them. He will destroy their nation and their confidence. But he will not eliminate them because of His covenant with them.
Chapter 27
Laws on how to redeem things given out to the Lord.
First-borns cannot be redeemed because they already belong to the Lord.
I am a first-born Lord; I belong to you. You may do with me as you see fit. Do not destroy me if you can spare it. But, if you cannot, I will walk willingly into the flames. For I am yours, forever and ever.
May the Lord find favor with His ailing servant. May He forgive me of all my sins and transgressions. May He have compassion on me in my great sorrow. My body aches with pain of heart. How can such things occur? Why must I suffer while the wicked go unpunished?
All men are wicked and evil in spirit and heart. I am no different. Lord only you know the full extent of malice and rage in me. I am weak and failing still. My health deteriorates ever more. I taken no pleasure in food or sleep and find no solace in anything anywhere whatsoever. How have I fallen so far?
Did I not follow you to Canada? Did I not relent and return to Taylor? Did I not submit and forgo my earthly ambitions to allow another's? Did I not give in to you? Did I not submit myself humble and prostrate before the Lord? If I did not I do so now. Find favor with me oh Lord my God. Turn me not away broken and ashamed. Grant me the easy yoke and light burden you promised. Do not break me beyond the point of repair.
All and all though and even still through deeper torment and agony I will joyfully declare the goodness of the Lord to all the world. What are these suffering times in comparison to the eternal glory of the Lord? Who am I to complain of such trifles? I am a child of the living God and heir to the Heavenly fortune. That is sufficient for me. The Lord is more than sufficient; He is abundance. May your name be praised by every tongue on earth and in Heaven. The Lord is good and just and righteous. The Lord is King of all and deals with a soft hand. Though our burdens may seem too heavy the Lord carries on through.
Grant me the strength to venture through today. Grant me the peace to make it through this dark hour of my marriage. Let me feel your love and love at all. I am so alone Lord. Come and comfort me. I beg of you. Take pity on me.
Notes on Leviticus
Chapter 25 - Constitutional laws regarding property
Chapter 26 -
If the Israelites are obedient then God will reward them. He will keep trouble away from them.
If the Israelites will not heed the precepts and commandments of the Lord, the Lord will defy them. He will destroy their nation and their confidence. But he will not eliminate them because of His covenant with them.
Chapter 27
Laws on how to redeem things given out to the Lord.
First-borns cannot be redeemed because they already belong to the Lord.
I am a first-born Lord; I belong to you. You may do with me as you see fit. Do not destroy me if you can spare it. But, if you cannot, I will walk willingly into the flames. For I am yours, forever and ever.
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
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
A Brief Prayer for strength
(Originally Written April 22, 2008 in the Journal)
From the emergency room: Give me strength and rest oh merciful God. Look on me with pity and take notice of my heavy heart.
The Sabbaths were issued by God as a witness to the fact that God has made them holy.
From the emergency room: Give me strength and rest oh merciful God. Look on me with pity and take notice of my heavy heart.
The Sabbaths were issued by God as a witness to the fact that God has made them holy.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Brief Notes on Exodus 22-23
(Originally Written April 18, 2008 in the Journal)
Forgive me Father for I am sin. Teach me to love my wife as Christ loves the Church. Teach me to be upright and steadfast. Remove the blemishes from my soul. Strengthen me for the life you wish me to lead. Fill me with your love so that I may love as you love.
Notes on Exodus
Exodus 22:1-5 Laws concerning thieves and fire
Exodus 22:6-14 Laws concerning loans
Exodus 22:15-30 Societal Laws
Exodus 23:1 Do not repeat a false report
Exodus 23:1-9 These are moral and legal obligations
Exodus 23:10-19 Religious Purity Laws
Forgive me Father for I am sin. Teach me to love my wife as Christ loves the Church. Teach me to be upright and steadfast. Remove the blemishes from my soul. Strengthen me for the life you wish me to lead. Fill me with your love so that I may love as you love.
Notes on Exodus
Exodus 22:1-5 Laws concerning thieves and fire
Exodus 22:6-14 Laws concerning loans
Exodus 22:15-30 Societal Laws
Exodus 23:1 Do not repeat a false report
Exodus 23:1-9 These are moral and legal obligations
Exodus 23:10-19 Religious Purity Laws
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Brief Notes on Exodus 12-21
(Originally Written April 17, 2008 in the Journal)
Why do you test me so severely Lord? I feel as though I can struggle no further. This hurt, this pain is too much. Where is your easy yoke? But, I will praise you nonetheless and evermore.
There are 4 elements of Scripture:
1. Literal - What Happened
2. Allegorical - A Hidden Theological Meaning
3. Analagoical - Heavenly Scene
4. Moral/Tropological - Significance for Individual Behavior
Notes on Exodus:
Chapter 12
There will be no eating of leavened bread during Passover. The penalty for infractions is to be cut off from Israel.
Passover Regulations:
1. No foreigner may partake of it
2. Slaves may partake if they have been bought and circumcised.
3. You cannot take the flesh outside.
4. You cannot break the lamb's bones.
5. The whole community must partake.
6. If foreigners wish to participate they must be circumcised
Chapter 13
The first born is to be consecrated to God because he belongs to God.
Chapter 14
14:14 "The Lord himself will fight for you; you only have to keep still" (New American Bible).
Chapter 20: The Ten Commandments
1. You shall have no gods before me
2. You shall have no idols
3. You shall not take the Lord's name in vain
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy
5. Honor your father and mother
6. You shall not kill
7. You shall not commit adultery
8. You shall not steal
9. You shall not bear false witness
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's possessions
Do not make anything equal to God (Exodus 20:23)
Exodus 21:1-11 Laws concerning slavery
Exodus 21:12-32 Punitive laws concerning bodily harm
Exodus 21:33-37 Punitive laws concerning property
Why do you test me so severely Lord? I feel as though I can struggle no further. This hurt, this pain is too much. Where is your easy yoke? But, I will praise you nonetheless and evermore.
There are 4 elements of Scripture:
1. Literal - What Happened
2. Allegorical - A Hidden Theological Meaning
3. Analagoical - Heavenly Scene
4. Moral/Tropological - Significance for Individual Behavior
Notes on Exodus:
Chapter 12
There will be no eating of leavened bread during Passover. The penalty for infractions is to be cut off from Israel.
Passover Regulations:
1. No foreigner may partake of it
2. Slaves may partake if they have been bought and circumcised.
3. You cannot take the flesh outside.
4. You cannot break the lamb's bones.
5. The whole community must partake.
6. If foreigners wish to participate they must be circumcised
Chapter 13
The first born is to be consecrated to God because he belongs to God.
Chapter 14
14:14 "The Lord himself will fight for you; you only have to keep still" (New American Bible).
Chapter 20: The Ten Commandments
1. You shall have no gods before me
2. You shall have no idols
3. You shall not take the Lord's name in vain
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy
5. Honor your father and mother
6. You shall not kill
7. You shall not commit adultery
8. You shall not steal
9. You shall not bear false witness
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's possessions
Do not make anything equal to God (Exodus 20:23)
Exodus 21:1-11 Laws concerning slavery
Exodus 21:12-32 Punitive laws concerning bodily harm
Exodus 21:33-37 Punitive laws concerning property
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