Ecclesiastes - the meaning of life (42)
Qoheleth's is the main voice of this book. He believed that death was "the great equalizer" I find that true and remember Hamlet once again, "dust returns to dust." Here instead of wisdom being great, like what I read earlier, it is viewed as "emptiness" that is odd since wisdom is not a physical thing. I could see wealth and power and pleasure, but not wisdom. Qoheleth says it is the simple pleasures of life that bring true happiness -- SIMPLE.
1: I get the feeling about circular happenings from the beginning. "Nothing new under the sun" is a famous saying and I believe in it. All that has happened has already happened. We must learn from the past, that is why history use to be my favorite subject. I also believe that increased knowledge can bring increased sorrow, but with that can also come happiness. The truth gained from knowledge can set a person free. The intro to Eccles. says that the speaker never speaks as king. I think this helps us read it and understand/accept the teachings because we are on his level.
Job one of the few books I have read completely and actually remember. I love his devotion to God and his ability to be humble even when he has done nothing wrong.
1: He was the perfect father. I wonder if his kids ever got tired of him being so great. I know perfect people bug me because I'm not perfect. Power is given to Satan from God; therefore, he never had power to begin with like people think. Satan presents him before the Lord, showing supplication. This is not the Satan that we think of in modern terms.
It is so great this class and my life because ALL the time things relate to other things. Just recently, we wrote about suffering in Honors and I have been talking to friends about it and now in OT we talk about how to deal with suffering. I agree with the no talking to sufferers because if I were suffering, I would want to be alone and to figure stuff out or just to have a shoulder to cry on. I have never grieved, but 7 days does not seem like a long time....oooooo 7 days, a perfect number, guess it had to be that way.
40: Here is mostly God talking to Job. I'm not quite sure what God is trying to say except that Job is not as powerful as God...but the Behemoth seems interesting. The footnotes say something to the effect of a hippo. But it represents the freedom God has to do what He wants.
That is the end!!! Thank you so much for a wonderful class. I have learned so much and wish I could continue to study the OT all four years so that I could begin to understand what is going on. I hope to keep in touch with you because you bring wonderful insight to the discussion. Thanks again and I hope you enjoy :)
Monday, December 10, 2012
Overview, Psalms; Song of Songs; Lamentations; Proverbs, pp. 65-68 Oxford, 721-25; 773-75; Psalms 148; 86; 80; 138; 106; 109; Oxford, 950-51; Song of Songs 2:1-17; 4:1-8; 7:1-5 Oxford, 895-96 Proverbs 8:1-36
Intro: That is so cool to know that the structure of the Psalms has a name. I always found it odd that they repeated so many thoughts. And, of course being an English major, names of literary devices always interest me. I'm glad these scholars sat down and compared and labeled the different types of Psalms because I could never imagine doing that now, it would take so much time. Again, I enjoy that the books were chosen for personal use - weddings, prayers, literature, etc. I use to not like poetry because I was terrible at writing it and even had my parents write some poems that were due in middle school, but after Brit Lit with Dr. Brunner I have had a new found love. I think that these books will support that new love as well.
Psalm 148: makes me think of that song that repeats "praise the Lord oh my soul, praise the Lord." I grew up in the Church of Christ and the songs did not repeat much because they are hymns. Now, contemporary music, they seem to not know how to praise God. These Psalms, though they use the same phrase, each line has a different meaning. It's not the chorus over and over again.
86: I once heard my grandmother pray and it was unlike any other prayer I had heard. This was because in her age you praised God first and then asked for comfort, safety, or whatever was needed at the time. I feel that they trusted God alot more because they did not linger on things wanted, they knew He would supply. Reading this prayer of David has reminded me what a prayer really means. I have been slacking on how I pray and why I pray. The simple act is not enough, if your heart is not in it. When you hear mega-churches pray, do they really mean all they say when they praise God. Should prayer be a private thing?
80: I think this Psalm is interesting because the people are confused yet they continue to praise God. They put little hints here and there about the great things God has done, so why would He want to destroy that. They keep their hopes high because they know something must be wrong.
Psalm 106: I feel this is a reiteration of history and what God will do for his people. It is very encouraging if I was feeling hopeless or separate from God.
109: when reading these, sometimes I can never think of anything to challenge the scripture with. Anthony Ooi has such a different outlook on the way things are said and written and I wish I could see through my happy-go-lucky way of life. This man is being cursed by his fellow men and is calling out to God. Why was this recorded, how did it even survive?
Solomon: I have never read Song of Solomon [Songs] and many people get that look in their eye about it being about sexuality, so I am interested to see what it holds. After reading some of the poems in Brit Lit it shouldn't be too bad. I don't know why some Christians see sex as a taboo subject. I think the world would be a better place of parents and church members were more open with their experiences and information about sex. Then maybe kids wouldn't experiment so much. If we could teach them early on that God plans for it to be a joy after marriage, they might believe us. I don't know if that is anything this passage is about but it made me think of that. There is actually a funny story about being a librarian and the types of books you find, but it is too long to detail here. Just know: Jewish love...
I do not believe these would be sung to Baal because they never would have made it in to the canon.
2: I see this as a love poem. A woman awaiting her beloved. It is very lovely.
4: Here we know it is the man's bride. He is comparing her to the things of their world because that is all they know. The poetic language is very basic but detailed. He tries to use the best possible, most honorable comparison because she creates something wonderful inside of him. I would not shy away if my husband did this for me. These passages were used in weddings and in celebration, so it is appropriate to have them in the Bible. The verses are a part of tradition.
7: The gazelle is again repeated here. I wonder what was significant about that specific animal.
Proverbs: advice is always nice.
Since this is a journal type thing, Katie (my roommate is sleeping right now)...I just got some gummy octopi from my Secret Santa, so I am super awake. Lots of sugar!! Unfortunately the crash will come.
Back to Bible - Lady Wisdom is what chapter 8 is labeled as. It should be timeless to every generation, lets see if it holds up.
8: I like that there is a woman portrayal of God, or atleast a part of Him because then when you combine all the parts, God is everything and everyone. Crossroads symbolizes decisions. "Wisdom is better than jewels," I like that verse. Verses 22-23 depict that parallelism that is throughout the psalms and proverbs. I do find that great the wisdom was set up with God. That God is the ultimate Wisdom. Rejoicing is a daily delight. I think a lot of people forget that rejoicing God should bring us delight. Sometimes I get stuck thinking I have to or that I feel guilty for not, but when I do praise Him out of my heart it brings great Joy.
Psalm 148: makes me think of that song that repeats "praise the Lord oh my soul, praise the Lord." I grew up in the Church of Christ and the songs did not repeat much because they are hymns. Now, contemporary music, they seem to not know how to praise God. These Psalms, though they use the same phrase, each line has a different meaning. It's not the chorus over and over again.
86: I once heard my grandmother pray and it was unlike any other prayer I had heard. This was because in her age you praised God first and then asked for comfort, safety, or whatever was needed at the time. I feel that they trusted God alot more because they did not linger on things wanted, they knew He would supply. Reading this prayer of David has reminded me what a prayer really means. I have been slacking on how I pray and why I pray. The simple act is not enough, if your heart is not in it. When you hear mega-churches pray, do they really mean all they say when they praise God. Should prayer be a private thing?
80: I think this Psalm is interesting because the people are confused yet they continue to praise God. They put little hints here and there about the great things God has done, so why would He want to destroy that. They keep their hopes high because they know something must be wrong.
Psalm 106: I feel this is a reiteration of history and what God will do for his people. It is very encouraging if I was feeling hopeless or separate from God.
109: when reading these, sometimes I can never think of anything to challenge the scripture with. Anthony Ooi has such a different outlook on the way things are said and written and I wish I could see through my happy-go-lucky way of life. This man is being cursed by his fellow men and is calling out to God. Why was this recorded, how did it even survive?
Solomon: I have never read Song of Solomon [Songs] and many people get that look in their eye about it being about sexuality, so I am interested to see what it holds. After reading some of the poems in Brit Lit it shouldn't be too bad. I don't know why some Christians see sex as a taboo subject. I think the world would be a better place of parents and church members were more open with their experiences and information about sex. Then maybe kids wouldn't experiment so much. If we could teach them early on that God plans for it to be a joy after marriage, they might believe us. I don't know if that is anything this passage is about but it made me think of that. There is actually a funny story about being a librarian and the types of books you find, but it is too long to detail here. Just know: Jewish love...
I do not believe these would be sung to Baal because they never would have made it in to the canon.
2: I see this as a love poem. A woman awaiting her beloved. It is very lovely.
4: Here we know it is the man's bride. He is comparing her to the things of their world because that is all they know. The poetic language is very basic but detailed. He tries to use the best possible, most honorable comparison because she creates something wonderful inside of him. I would not shy away if my husband did this for me. These passages were used in weddings and in celebration, so it is appropriate to have them in the Bible. The verses are a part of tradition.
7: The gazelle is again repeated here. I wonder what was significant about that specific animal.
Proverbs: advice is always nice.
Since this is a journal type thing, Katie (my roommate is sleeping right now)...I just got some gummy octopi from my Secret Santa, so I am super awake. Lots of sugar!! Unfortunately the crash will come.
Back to Bible - Lady Wisdom is what chapter 8 is labeled as. It should be timeless to every generation, lets see if it holds up.
8: I like that there is a woman portrayal of God, or atleast a part of Him because then when you combine all the parts, God is everything and everyone. Crossroads symbolizes decisions. "Wisdom is better than jewels," I like that verse. Verses 22-23 depict that parallelism that is throughout the psalms and proverbs. I do find that great the wisdom was set up with God. That God is the ultimate Wisdom. Rejoicing is a daily delight. I think a lot of people forget that rejoicing God should bring us delight. Sometimes I get stuck thinking I have to or that I feel guilty for not, but when I do praise Him out of my heart it brings great Joy.
Oxford, 392-93; Ruth 1-4; Oxford, 707-8; Esther 1-7
Ruth
1: Naomi has nothing. In the beginning, I do not see her as desperate. The footnotes call Ruth "noble-minded" but I don't see anything that describes nobility, maybe loyalty. She could have had a better life but maybe Naomi was all she knew and that is why she chose to stay. The beginning of the book Their Eyes are Watching God is sort of like Naomi's greeting when she reaches Bethlehem. No one accepts her and they all talk because she has lost everything. 2: Apparently there are a lot of rules about gleaning that aren't mentioned directly so Pigott filled us in. What Boaz lets Ruth do is almost unheard of because she was a Moabite. Boaz is a noble man. Whether he is doing it for publicity or out of kindness is unknown, but he seems nice. I envision Ruth being the innocent young woman and Naomi the scheming, pushy, pity mother-in-law. 3: If I were Ruth, I would be scared to death that I would be rejected. Luckily there is little nudity and Boaz understands Ruth's actions. 4: I love how Boaz talks to the next-of-kin. He is so sly. What he does is clever and great to honor Ruth and her mother-in-law.
Esther
"Miss Persia" contest, that is kinda cool. The beginning is as though you are reading a fairy tale with descriptions of the setting. I am glad Vashti refused because if she hadn't it would have been another example of submission. I find it odd that they think if they do not suppress what the queen did then all the women of the land will act out. Did they have that little control over the women? The way they did this was like how Daniel was thrown in jail because the king's attendants convinced him to make a law. I think it is dumb that the king did not bring her back and abolish the law. Instead, women were expendable and so he simply went out to find another. Verse 9 I was too innocent to understand but it means pleased sexually. Then a pamper party starts! Sweet Mordecai really is the hero of this story. The texts sets up the story well by laying down custom before Esther disobeys so that her actions are understood. Power of women once more as Esther speaks in favor of Mordecai and the men are hung. Haman makes me mad. He is so snooty. Destroying the Jews instead of Mordecai because it was beneath him. I could see chapter 4 happening with all the people running around trying to figure out what is going on. Chaos and confusion but I picture Esther as being calm, planning on how to solve the situation. Or, she is helpless and awaits Mordecai's instructions. When people say God has a reason, this is a great example. I remember the beginning of chapter 5 differently, more dramatic that she might be killed, but the king accepts her quickly. Haman is kinda like Hamlet because he waits so long to do something about Mordecai. Why did the king decide to read the records?? Was that normal? The endish of chapter 6 is another incident where the poor gets the prize over the rich. Haman is too proud and thinks the king wants to honor him but it's really Mordecai. The poor king had not idea that Haman was the bad guy, so I don't feel that he is a coward when he goes to the garden. And then, perfect timing to see Haman on the couch with Esther. The king, luckily had sense enough to be angry about that, preserving his wife.
1: Naomi has nothing. In the beginning, I do not see her as desperate. The footnotes call Ruth "noble-minded" but I don't see anything that describes nobility, maybe loyalty. She could have had a better life but maybe Naomi was all she knew and that is why she chose to stay. The beginning of the book Their Eyes are Watching God is sort of like Naomi's greeting when she reaches Bethlehem. No one accepts her and they all talk because she has lost everything. 2: Apparently there are a lot of rules about gleaning that aren't mentioned directly so Pigott filled us in. What Boaz lets Ruth do is almost unheard of because she was a Moabite. Boaz is a noble man. Whether he is doing it for publicity or out of kindness is unknown, but he seems nice. I envision Ruth being the innocent young woman and Naomi the scheming, pushy, pity mother-in-law. 3: If I were Ruth, I would be scared to death that I would be rejected. Luckily there is little nudity and Boaz understands Ruth's actions. 4: I love how Boaz talks to the next-of-kin. He is so sly. What he does is clever and great to honor Ruth and her mother-in-law.
Esther
"Miss Persia" contest, that is kinda cool. The beginning is as though you are reading a fairy tale with descriptions of the setting. I am glad Vashti refused because if she hadn't it would have been another example of submission. I find it odd that they think if they do not suppress what the queen did then all the women of the land will act out. Did they have that little control over the women? The way they did this was like how Daniel was thrown in jail because the king's attendants convinced him to make a law. I think it is dumb that the king did not bring her back and abolish the law. Instead, women were expendable and so he simply went out to find another. Verse 9 I was too innocent to understand but it means pleased sexually. Then a pamper party starts! Sweet Mordecai really is the hero of this story. The texts sets up the story well by laying down custom before Esther disobeys so that her actions are understood. Power of women once more as Esther speaks in favor of Mordecai and the men are hung. Haman makes me mad. He is so snooty. Destroying the Jews instead of Mordecai because it was beneath him. I could see chapter 4 happening with all the people running around trying to figure out what is going on. Chaos and confusion but I picture Esther as being calm, planning on how to solve the situation. Or, she is helpless and awaits Mordecai's instructions. When people say God has a reason, this is a great example. I remember the beginning of chapter 5 differently, more dramatic that she might be killed, but the king accepts her quickly. Haman is kinda like Hamlet because he waits so long to do something about Mordecai. Why did the king decide to read the records?? Was that normal? The endish of chapter 6 is another incident where the poor gets the prize over the rich. Haman is too proud and thinks the king wants to honor him but it's really Mordecai. The poor king had not idea that Haman was the bad guy, so I don't feel that he is a coward when he goes to the garden. And then, perfect timing to see Haman on the couch with Esther. The king, luckily had sense enough to be angry about that, preserving his wife.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Oxford, 1159-62; Ezek. 1; 36:16-32; 37; Oxford, 1351; Mal. 1:6-14; 3:6-12; 4:1-5; Oxford, 1301-2; Jonah 1-4
Ezekiel will have bizarre visions that encompass a lot of meaning.
1: I can feel for Ezekiel when he is trying to describe his visions. My dreams are sometimes so obscure that only a picture is left in my mind and the more I try to explain it, the more fuzzy the picture gets. Ezekiel has to use comparisons that may or may not be what he actually saw, but to have to people understand he had to make the description lengthy. I am sure there is lots of symbolism involved, luckily no feet..
36: Here God shows a selfish side; He says He is not saving them for their sake but for the sake of His name. It makes sense then to give the people new hearts. All this work would be for nothing if they do not change their hearts. A new creation is coming but it is for the Lord, but isn't everything.
37: We said before that the Prophets were for the time of those people and not of Jesus. But here, the raising of the dead seems to indicate the coming of Christ. Is it? I just realize I probably won't get the answer to some of these questions because it is our final... sad day. Peace is coming to God's people.
Malachi (we skipped quite a few) - apathetic worship is my number one pet peeve about Christians. I know that in Bible times it had to do with sacrifice but tithing and worship still applies today. I feel that people who go to church to be seen as a Christian are wrong. If it is not true in you heart, don't go! I am having trouble right now and am feeling distant from the church so I am not going. I will not sit through service pretending that I want to be there like so many people do. This class is my church for now and if New Testament does not fulfill a need, then I might just come to your church, Dr. Pigott.
1: I like that God compares worldly power to Him and asks the people what they would do in the same situation but with a different master. He knows that they would be more afraid of the present danger than of His unseen works. God does not want them defiling sacrifices because that shows they are not fully following Him.
3: In Brit Lit, we just read about the refining fire, I think in Elliot. But after he converted to Christianity, he felt that the refining fire was one way of being cleansed. The fire and the rose become one! Here it is for purification. Malachi deals with the people personally. He chooses things that they do in their daily life to rebuke them about. Tithing is a big thing in some churches. Some believe that if you give your first fruits God will provide. I am conscious about where my money goes, so I would want to make sure that the church is doing something with my funds, but that is a bad perception to have. God will take care of things if I give to Him freely.
4: God does use a lot of fire I have noticed. God will save them once more. God's mercy is unfathomable to humans. I would have killed them all centuries ago. Luckily, I am not God. And am thankful that He spared us.
That brings us to Jonah, the ultimate example for why humans are not in charge.
1-4: Something I learned in class is that Tarshish is the furthest most known place from Nineveh. Jonah really wanted to get away. The ship-mates wanted to have compassion on Jonah even though he was the one causing the storm. They did not want the wrath of this powerful God upon them for killing Jonah.
Jonah's prayer is not one of pleading for forgiveness, he is simply stating that God was always there for him and that he will always remember God in times of trouble. I do not think that he is telling God he will go to Nineveh but I think he was contemplating it if God had waited any longer.
I do think that is a little ridiculous that Jonah says one line and the people repent. This is suppose to be the worst city ever and that's all it took. Some would say that is the power of God and I would believe them because maybe Nineveh had never felt threatened, maybe they were always the top-dog so when fear came they cowered.
The more the idea is in my head and after reading how the book ends, I could see how people would believe that it is fiction, a parable or satire of humans. However, that is too challenging for my faith. I believe that everything God does can be miraculous. Many of the miracles Jesus does could be seen as simply a lesson learned, but I believe those are true. Is there a difference. I know the main focus is on the meaning and I understand it - compassion. I'm just not ready to admit that stories could be false without proof.
3: In Brit Lit, we just read about the refining fire, I think in Elliot. But after he converted to Christianity, he felt that the refining fire was one way of being cleansed. The fire and the rose become one! Here it is for purification. Malachi deals with the people personally. He chooses things that they do in their daily life to rebuke them about. Tithing is a big thing in some churches. Some believe that if you give your first fruits God will provide. I am conscious about where my money goes, so I would want to make sure that the church is doing something with my funds, but that is a bad perception to have. God will take care of things if I give to Him freely.
4: God does use a lot of fire I have noticed. God will save them once more. God's mercy is unfathomable to humans. I would have killed them all centuries ago. Luckily, I am not God. And am thankful that He spared us.
That brings us to Jonah, the ultimate example for why humans are not in charge.
1-4: Something I learned in class is that Tarshish is the furthest most known place from Nineveh. Jonah really wanted to get away. The ship-mates wanted to have compassion on Jonah even though he was the one causing the storm. They did not want the wrath of this powerful God upon them for killing Jonah.
Jonah's prayer is not one of pleading for forgiveness, he is simply stating that God was always there for him and that he will always remember God in times of trouble. I do not think that he is telling God he will go to Nineveh but I think he was contemplating it if God had waited any longer.
I do think that is a little ridiculous that Jonah says one line and the people repent. This is suppose to be the worst city ever and that's all it took. Some would say that is the power of God and I would believe them because maybe Nineveh had never felt threatened, maybe they were always the top-dog so when fear came they cowered.
The more the idea is in my head and after reading how the book ends, I could see how people would believe that it is fiction, a parable or satire of humans. However, that is too challenging for my faith. I believe that everything God does can be miraculous. Many of the miracles Jesus does could be seen as simply a lesson learned, but I believe those are true. Is there a difference. I know the main focus is on the meaning and I understand it - compassion. I'm just not ready to admit that stories could be false without proof.
Oxford, 1057-58; Jer. 1; 7; 20:7-18; 31:31-34; Oxford, 1321; Hab. ch. 3; Oxford, 1327; Zeph. ch. 3
Overview: There was a lot of fluctuation between kings. I wonder what God's purpose was in all of that. How much did this change of kings effect the people? Did everyone know who the king was all the time, or did it take a few years?
I would just like to say when reading the online overview, I was really confused as to who Nahum was...I didn't know it was a book in the Bible, sad day. This book holds a lot of the characteristics of God.
Zephaniah focuses on judgement, but God includes some hope which is always nice. It actually makes me think of the Hunger Games because they bad government guy says the only thing that makes the districts rebel is hope; therefore, it must be squashed. Luckily for us, God gave us hope and a choice to trust in Him.
Habakkuk is for the people. It is questions they would be asking. I would like to read these minor prophets someday. Hopefully I would be able to understand them. That is the only reason I wish I had gone to a Christian school because maybe I would know the history of Biblical people a little better and be able to know what is going on. I feel that since I took American and World history that Bible should also be included in my studies. Habakkuk continued to have faith when God did not give details of His plan. I think this is good for the people to hear. They might not be able to understand or control situations, but they can control their faith.
Jeremiah could be an example for the young people because he questioned God about his age and God said not to worry. Judgement --> hope --> confession.
1: I would love for God to tell me directly that I will not fail in my quest to further His kingdom for He will be with me. I can envision God calling to Jeremiah and Jeremiah responding will faithfulness. Not much to say.
7: Verse 11b is kinda funny because that is how we justify not doing bad things: God is watching you. I can see God's anger and frustration. All He asked these people to do is to follow Him and trust in His ways, and they deliberately disobeyed. Then He says to Jeremiah, "they will not listen" because God knows their hearts. He must win them over once more through terror in order for them to see His goodness. I get scared just reading what God wants to do to these people, utterly destroy them. I wonder why God feels this way. I mean I would be mad, too but He seems angry all the time. She we be this angry with the people today that they are not following God? That they will receive worse punishment than this in Hell if they do not turn to Christ? That's a little much I think. But, God's anger is justified. Will He have mercy? Does He always have mercy during these times?
20: This is a serious consequence for throwing Jeremiah into the stocks...Why is Jeremiah complaining?? I would have thought it should be the Pashhur. This is very confusing.
31: I don't quite understand the grape part. The last part that is so famous about writing the law on our hearts seems to me as though God will put His word in us and we are not to say to someone that they must know God. That is contradictory to what our purpose on Earth is. Why is it phrased this way? Am I missing a link to why God is saying we are not to tell others to know Him?
Habakkuk
3: That was encouraging, sort of. I see these men of God who have such faith and when you read it in a book, it feels as though time goes by quickly but they had to endure this for years. Comparing myself to these people, would I be able to withstand the test?
Zephaniah
3: I don't have much to say about this.I feel like God repeats the same thing in these Minor Prophets. Is it the same event spread out or is it different events and the people never learn? All this hope and they still don't trust God. They deliberately disobeyed God so they deserve what was coming, so there should not be a question of why.
I would just like to say when reading the online overview, I was really confused as to who Nahum was...I didn't know it was a book in the Bible, sad day. This book holds a lot of the characteristics of God.
Zephaniah focuses on judgement, but God includes some hope which is always nice. It actually makes me think of the Hunger Games because they bad government guy says the only thing that makes the districts rebel is hope; therefore, it must be squashed. Luckily for us, God gave us hope and a choice to trust in Him.
Habakkuk is for the people. It is questions they would be asking. I would like to read these minor prophets someday. Hopefully I would be able to understand them. That is the only reason I wish I had gone to a Christian school because maybe I would know the history of Biblical people a little better and be able to know what is going on. I feel that since I took American and World history that Bible should also be included in my studies. Habakkuk continued to have faith when God did not give details of His plan. I think this is good for the people to hear. They might not be able to understand or control situations, but they can control their faith.
Jeremiah could be an example for the young people because he questioned God about his age and God said not to worry. Judgement --> hope --> confession.
1: I would love for God to tell me directly that I will not fail in my quest to further His kingdom for He will be with me. I can envision God calling to Jeremiah and Jeremiah responding will faithfulness. Not much to say.
7: Verse 11b is kinda funny because that is how we justify not doing bad things: God is watching you. I can see God's anger and frustration. All He asked these people to do is to follow Him and trust in His ways, and they deliberately disobeyed. Then He says to Jeremiah, "they will not listen" because God knows their hearts. He must win them over once more through terror in order for them to see His goodness. I get scared just reading what God wants to do to these people, utterly destroy them. I wonder why God feels this way. I mean I would be mad, too but He seems angry all the time. She we be this angry with the people today that they are not following God? That they will receive worse punishment than this in Hell if they do not turn to Christ? That's a little much I think. But, God's anger is justified. Will He have mercy? Does He always have mercy during these times?
20: This is a serious consequence for throwing Jeremiah into the stocks...Why is Jeremiah complaining?? I would have thought it should be the Pashhur. This is very confusing.
31: I don't quite understand the grape part. The last part that is so famous about writing the law on our hearts seems to me as though God will put His word in us and we are not to say to someone that they must know God. That is contradictory to what our purpose on Earth is. Why is it phrased this way? Am I missing a link to why God is saying we are not to tell others to know Him?
Habakkuk
3: That was encouraging, sort of. I see these men of God who have such faith and when you read it in a book, it feels as though time goes by quickly but they had to endure this for years. Comparing myself to these people, would I be able to withstand the test?
Zephaniah
3: I don't have much to say about this.I feel like God repeats the same thing in these Minor Prophets. Is it the same event spread out or is it different events and the people never learn? All this hope and they still don't trust God. They deliberately disobeyed God so they deserve what was coming, so there should not be a question of why.
Oxford, 1282-83; Amos 1-2; 4:1-5; 5:21-24; Oxford, 1259-60; Hosea chs. 1-3; Oxford, 965-67; Isa. 6; 7; 8; 20; 40
Amos seems to be a true historical reading: the climax of an empire beginning to collapse and the rebels who wanted to change society's ways. I am excited to see what Amos has to offer in his retelling of the state of the nations and how he will describe it. Books such as these are why I could see the Bible as literature and not exactly fact. From reading poetry in Brit Lit, I have come to recognize that true events can be written in radically different ways.
Continuing the thought of present justice is the presence of Amos for the fall of the Northern Kingdom. This shows that the prophecies were for that time and not later on.
1-2: This is a sermon. I think that is neat the way Amos takes how the people see power - the ruling of many lands - and puts the characteristic on God. By stating that God will condemn other nations, He is demonstrating His rule over them. There is a lot of effective literary devices from numbers to structure to persuasive diction. The structure is especially funny when Amos builds the people up and gets them thinking they will not be condemned for their own actions, and then crushes their hope by saying that God delivers justice to everyone. I wonder if there is any significance in the certain destruction God plans for the nations. God's chosen nation also gets the longest rebuke. I think he does this because God cares about the nation more and wants them to know their every wrong.
4: Here the women of Bashan are called cows. It was really interesting because the women are not often rebuked. It makes me think of the "Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift. Many people think that the women had little power, but in reality they had power through manipulation. I am glad this is included to show a somewhat equality between men and women's wrongs. I want to know when this punishment was carried out; the taking away with fishhooks.
5: I think that these verses are God rejecting the people's acts because their heart is not in it. They are not carrying out the acts the way God first intended to be. Nor are they punishing people for false acts. That is what verse 24 is for. They are letting people get away with things. God wants the people to change and to be righteous in their heart, not just go through the motions.
Hosea: the first odd thing is God telling Hosea to find a promiscuous woman for a wife. Why would he do this? Could he not have used children from a normal woman? What a sad name Lo-ruhamah. It seems as though God wants punishment on these lands, but then the end of chapter one I get the feeling that he will make them prosperous and gather together. Is this a bad thing that they are together; will there be war?
2: I had to remind myself that this is God talking and not a husband to his wife. In theoretical terms it is but not literally, and it makes the message different. Sometimes it is hard not to believe that the Bible was written straight from God because of passages like this and Leviticus because it is so direct from God. The wilderness in this passage has a lot of symbolic meaning, from judgement to transformation. I like that metaphor. I feel that chapter two is not about sexuality at all; it is about straying from God. In the end, God accepts them back in faithfulness after they already were unfaithful, so I feel he is talking about their spirituality. He is going to break us down until we realize He is all we need. I have always had an odd feeling about seeing God as a husband or a lover. I could see Jesus because he is younger and lived in this world, but God will forever be my Father. He is a caretaker and a provider, a justice man and a merciful one, to me, He is not a lover. How do people think of Him in that way? What is their language towards Him? Loyalty to a father is just as strong as loyalty to a spouse is it not? Well maybe...it's a little different. Anyway, this passage was really good and I liked it because I thought of it as spiritual, not talking about sexual impurities.
3: raisin cakes?? That's odd. This is sort of like a fast. They have to take days away from the good because of the bad.
Isaiah: I have noticed that most of the books are set up in stages. I'm glad the authors thought of this; it makes it easier to follow if I were to read the whole thing. Threat, exile, restoration. There are a lot of questions that I feel I would never have thought about. I take things as they are and am unfortunately not very good at making connections over long works such as this. The questions they are asking are about the character of God, something I feel we can never know.
6: Feet here is not feet! I always envisioned the angels as having wings covering their feet because they were Holy or something... The footnotes say that Isaiah was influenced by the flickering lights in the Temple. Why do they say that? So, does God want to tear down these people to show them His power, or is this also punishment? The history was a little confusing but I know there will be restoration. Trees are always great imagery because there are so many different types. I did notice that Isaiah did not challenge God, but I feel that is because he saw the seraph so powerfully. I have not read the beginning of the chapter and do not know Isaiah's character that well but he seems compliant.
7: There's those trees again. Chapters like these are why I do not like studying the Bible alone. I want to know what the text says, but churches have turned youth Bible class into Life class from the Bible. I do not quite understand if I was suppose to glean something significant from this passage or if it is there to add to the history and reasoning. I'm thinking reasoning. The king rejected Isaiah, but Isaiah continued anyway. He seems to be a passive man with not much anger.
8: The name has changed from "God with us" to "spoil seeds, prey hastens" Why are they saying Oracle? Is that how Isaiah received his messages? I always envisioned it as a vision when he was simply standing around or worshiping God in the Temple. See now we have a rock versus the previous tree. Both symbols are grand because they can mean positive and negative support. Here, God is a rock that is an obstacle. Why does God want to present Himself as a trap?
20: I would never want to walk around naked... All the uncleanliness that comes with not wearing clothes, especially at that time is nasty. Why could he not have fasted? Is going hungry not the same punishment as going without clothes?
40: Restoration of Zion - I have a feeling there will be lots of symbolism with all these nature images. Permanence if God's word. Role as a creator: I see more of power than a creator. The imagery of the nations being like dust does not convey to me that God created them, but that He is greater than anything they include. I am glad that verses 28-31 have not been taken out of context. I feel they can mean the same thing today that they did during this time of restoration of the nations. God promises to be great.
Continuing the thought of present justice is the presence of Amos for the fall of the Northern Kingdom. This shows that the prophecies were for that time and not later on.
1-2: This is a sermon. I think that is neat the way Amos takes how the people see power - the ruling of many lands - and puts the characteristic on God. By stating that God will condemn other nations, He is demonstrating His rule over them. There is a lot of effective literary devices from numbers to structure to persuasive diction. The structure is especially funny when Amos builds the people up and gets them thinking they will not be condemned for their own actions, and then crushes their hope by saying that God delivers justice to everyone. I wonder if there is any significance in the certain destruction God plans for the nations. God's chosen nation also gets the longest rebuke. I think he does this because God cares about the nation more and wants them to know their every wrong.
4: Here the women of Bashan are called cows. It was really interesting because the women are not often rebuked. It makes me think of the "Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift. Many people think that the women had little power, but in reality they had power through manipulation. I am glad this is included to show a somewhat equality between men and women's wrongs. I want to know when this punishment was carried out; the taking away with fishhooks.
5: I think that these verses are God rejecting the people's acts because their heart is not in it. They are not carrying out the acts the way God first intended to be. Nor are they punishing people for false acts. That is what verse 24 is for. They are letting people get away with things. God wants the people to change and to be righteous in their heart, not just go through the motions.
Hosea: the first odd thing is God telling Hosea to find a promiscuous woman for a wife. Why would he do this? Could he not have used children from a normal woman? What a sad name Lo-ruhamah. It seems as though God wants punishment on these lands, but then the end of chapter one I get the feeling that he will make them prosperous and gather together. Is this a bad thing that they are together; will there be war?
2: I had to remind myself that this is God talking and not a husband to his wife. In theoretical terms it is but not literally, and it makes the message different. Sometimes it is hard not to believe that the Bible was written straight from God because of passages like this and Leviticus because it is so direct from God. The wilderness in this passage has a lot of symbolic meaning, from judgement to transformation. I like that metaphor. I feel that chapter two is not about sexuality at all; it is about straying from God. In the end, God accepts them back in faithfulness after they already were unfaithful, so I feel he is talking about their spirituality. He is going to break us down until we realize He is all we need. I have always had an odd feeling about seeing God as a husband or a lover. I could see Jesus because he is younger and lived in this world, but God will forever be my Father. He is a caretaker and a provider, a justice man and a merciful one, to me, He is not a lover. How do people think of Him in that way? What is their language towards Him? Loyalty to a father is just as strong as loyalty to a spouse is it not? Well maybe...it's a little different. Anyway, this passage was really good and I liked it because I thought of it as spiritual, not talking about sexual impurities.
3: raisin cakes?? That's odd. This is sort of like a fast. They have to take days away from the good because of the bad.
Isaiah: I have noticed that most of the books are set up in stages. I'm glad the authors thought of this; it makes it easier to follow if I were to read the whole thing. Threat, exile, restoration. There are a lot of questions that I feel I would never have thought about. I take things as they are and am unfortunately not very good at making connections over long works such as this. The questions they are asking are about the character of God, something I feel we can never know.
6: Feet here is not feet! I always envisioned the angels as having wings covering their feet because they were Holy or something... The footnotes say that Isaiah was influenced by the flickering lights in the Temple. Why do they say that? So, does God want to tear down these people to show them His power, or is this also punishment? The history was a little confusing but I know there will be restoration. Trees are always great imagery because there are so many different types. I did notice that Isaiah did not challenge God, but I feel that is because he saw the seraph so powerfully. I have not read the beginning of the chapter and do not know Isaiah's character that well but he seems compliant.
7: There's those trees again. Chapters like these are why I do not like studying the Bible alone. I want to know what the text says, but churches have turned youth Bible class into Life class from the Bible. I do not quite understand if I was suppose to glean something significant from this passage or if it is there to add to the history and reasoning. I'm thinking reasoning. The king rejected Isaiah, but Isaiah continued anyway. He seems to be a passive man with not much anger.
8: The name has changed from "God with us" to "spoil seeds, prey hastens" Why are they saying Oracle? Is that how Isaiah received his messages? I always envisioned it as a vision when he was simply standing around or worshiping God in the Temple. See now we have a rock versus the previous tree. Both symbols are grand because they can mean positive and negative support. Here, God is a rock that is an obstacle. Why does God want to present Himself as a trap?
20: I would never want to walk around naked... All the uncleanliness that comes with not wearing clothes, especially at that time is nasty. Why could he not have fasted? Is going hungry not the same punishment as going without clothes?
40: Restoration of Zion - I have a feeling there will be lots of symbolism with all these nature images. Permanence if God's word. Role as a creator: I see more of power than a creator. The imagery of the nations being like dust does not convey to me that God created them, but that He is greater than anything they include. I am glad that verses 28-31 have not been taken out of context. I feel they can mean the same thing today that they did during this time of restoration of the nations. God promises to be great.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Oxford, 531-32; 2 Kings 4-5; 22-23; 24:1-25:11
4: This miracle makes me think of the one when a woman was told to make bread for a man of God and the man blessed her and told her she would never run out of food for her or her son. Obviously, I cannot remember the names, but I am sure you know who I am talking about. The miracle could also be seen as similar to the water into wine, filling the vessels.
What does the woman's answer in verse 13 mean, "I live among my own people?" Women are always surprised and doubtful when people tell them they are to have a child. The text shows little time passage through verse 16 to 17, whereas with previous couples, they had to wait a bit before the child arrived. I wonder why the woman did not tell her husband. My guess is that she knew he would get angry and harm Elisha, when the wife had faith that Elisha could heal the boy. I find it so interesting the woman's calm demeanour until she reaches Elisha, but then she is still composed when she confronts him about what he has promised. I question the actions and commands of Elisha when he says do not talk or answer to anyone. Of course, Elisha knew that Gehazi's presence would not heal the child and makes Elisha's presence more meaningful.
In class some people mentioned the question about where does the child's soul go when he was dead. I do not think about that stuff because it really doesn't matter to our lives now. We know that Jesus has died so we have a pathway to Heaven. I am not worried about my soul being trapped or what not because God is in control of that, not me, thankfully. I believe souls are not of this world and that their part in our lives does not come until death.
I have always said that sharing a meal with someone is almost the most intimate thing you could do to get to know someone. Anytime I want to know someone better or further a relationship I invite them to eat with me. There are two food stories side by side and I think that it is significantly important. We get to know the character of Elisha and how the people react to him. Again one of his stories parallels to Jesus; he is able to feed hundreds from a small meal.
5: I find it good that the young girl was devoted to her king after being taken captive. Though her life might have been better, she showed no contempt in her words that were recorded. I don't understand why the Israeli king thinks the Aramean king wants war. He overreacts and Elisha has to calm him down. Apparently the Jordan was not the cleanest river and that's why Naaman was so appalled. I like that it was his servants, however, that talked him into completing the task. It is as though Elisha knew Naaman wanted a scene, so instead he gave him the simple task of washing to prove that God does not have to work in grandeur ways. I think it was very smart of Naaman to mention that his job requires him to bow to other gods. If I had just been healed, I do not know if my job would be the first thing I would think about.
The last line of this chapter makes me think of a saying "washing me white as snow." It's kind of nasty now to see that they compare leprousy to snow... One of the questions in class was if followers of God should be wealthy. I believe it is a personal question because of how people deal with the wealth. Gehazi wanted the wealth only for himself. Elisha uses this to show how that kind of attitude will only lead to destruction. Wealth can be inticing and if we fall into its trap then we will be made unclean.
22: Josiah was the greatest because he did what the other kings could not do, and destroyed the high places. When it says that he was 8 years old, did he truly reign or was it the high officials until he was competent. How did Josiah turn out so well? Being a psychology person I would look to his up-bringing, and the events around his childhood. Are there stories in the Bible or other texts that share that information? The footnotes say that the book found might have been Deuteronomy because of the clothes tearing and his realization that they were doing wrong, but that part is a little confusing. When Josiah says that their ancestors did not obey the law, is he realizing the source of their misfortune?
Here again we have a woman prophetess who delivers the word of the Lord. Also, a description of a merciful and just God. Because Josiah was ignorant but also penitent God spared him and his people, but would continue the judgement on later generations. That is a long time. Makes me wonder how long it took God to avenge the wrong that the Israelites did years ago.
23: I love the opening imagery with all the people gathered around their king worshiping their true King. After gathering he destroys all the temptations of the people from the high places. I bet a lot of people were grateful - the sons and daughters of Topheth - and angry at the same time, especially since these idols had been around for centuries. All this defiling and progress makes me think a little of FDR's 100 days. He got so much done and helped so many people, though it was reconstruction and not deconstruction it was still helpful. It is so cool to read that this one man changed the path of the people that had been going on for generations. By keeping the passover, he radically altered these people's lives. He was a great king.
heehee teraphim...under the saddle.
This is the first time I have seen a name for the Pharaoh in Egypt. The one who kills Josiah should be known since Josiah was such a great man.
How could his son be so terrible? Was Josiah neglectful? The footnotes mention that no religious faults are stated, only poor treatment of the people. I wonder why that is, normally the authors blame bad things on the gods. It is sad to read the lines "just as his ancestors had done" because it is as thought the sin will never stop, which it won't. Makes me wonder if my biography would say that...
24: I am not a history person because I can never remember; therefore, most of these chapters are the history of why things happened and how the land got to be as it is. It's hard for me to stay focused on the religious aspect with the frequent change in power. I think about all the bad times during this era and how the people must have felt. Here in America, our change in power is some-what smooth without war or revolution, but all of these kings and different laws must have been exhausting.
25: It is ironic, as the footnotes state, that Israel's first victory - Jericho - will become a place of their defeat. I would not want to be taken by a guy whose name means "chief of the butchers..."
All in all, a lot of change in hands and killings and revolts have taken place. I think there will be a turn of events soon because God doesn't let things go on too long and the authors don't either.
What does the woman's answer in verse 13 mean, "I live among my own people?" Women are always surprised and doubtful when people tell them they are to have a child. The text shows little time passage through verse 16 to 17, whereas with previous couples, they had to wait a bit before the child arrived. I wonder why the woman did not tell her husband. My guess is that she knew he would get angry and harm Elisha, when the wife had faith that Elisha could heal the boy. I find it so interesting the woman's calm demeanour until she reaches Elisha, but then she is still composed when she confronts him about what he has promised. I question the actions and commands of Elisha when he says do not talk or answer to anyone. Of course, Elisha knew that Gehazi's presence would not heal the child and makes Elisha's presence more meaningful.
In class some people mentioned the question about where does the child's soul go when he was dead. I do not think about that stuff because it really doesn't matter to our lives now. We know that Jesus has died so we have a pathway to Heaven. I am not worried about my soul being trapped or what not because God is in control of that, not me, thankfully. I believe souls are not of this world and that their part in our lives does not come until death.
I have always said that sharing a meal with someone is almost the most intimate thing you could do to get to know someone. Anytime I want to know someone better or further a relationship I invite them to eat with me. There are two food stories side by side and I think that it is significantly important. We get to know the character of Elisha and how the people react to him. Again one of his stories parallels to Jesus; he is able to feed hundreds from a small meal.
5: I find it good that the young girl was devoted to her king after being taken captive. Though her life might have been better, she showed no contempt in her words that were recorded. I don't understand why the Israeli king thinks the Aramean king wants war. He overreacts and Elisha has to calm him down. Apparently the Jordan was not the cleanest river and that's why Naaman was so appalled. I like that it was his servants, however, that talked him into completing the task. It is as though Elisha knew Naaman wanted a scene, so instead he gave him the simple task of washing to prove that God does not have to work in grandeur ways. I think it was very smart of Naaman to mention that his job requires him to bow to other gods. If I had just been healed, I do not know if my job would be the first thing I would think about.
The last line of this chapter makes me think of a saying "washing me white as snow." It's kind of nasty now to see that they compare leprousy to snow... One of the questions in class was if followers of God should be wealthy. I believe it is a personal question because of how people deal with the wealth. Gehazi wanted the wealth only for himself. Elisha uses this to show how that kind of attitude will only lead to destruction. Wealth can be inticing and if we fall into its trap then we will be made unclean.
22: Josiah was the greatest because he did what the other kings could not do, and destroyed the high places. When it says that he was 8 years old, did he truly reign or was it the high officials until he was competent. How did Josiah turn out so well? Being a psychology person I would look to his up-bringing, and the events around his childhood. Are there stories in the Bible or other texts that share that information? The footnotes say that the book found might have been Deuteronomy because of the clothes tearing and his realization that they were doing wrong, but that part is a little confusing. When Josiah says that their ancestors did not obey the law, is he realizing the source of their misfortune?
Here again we have a woman prophetess who delivers the word of the Lord. Also, a description of a merciful and just God. Because Josiah was ignorant but also penitent God spared him and his people, but would continue the judgement on later generations. That is a long time. Makes me wonder how long it took God to avenge the wrong that the Israelites did years ago.
23: I love the opening imagery with all the people gathered around their king worshiping their true King. After gathering he destroys all the temptations of the people from the high places. I bet a lot of people were grateful - the sons and daughters of Topheth - and angry at the same time, especially since these idols had been around for centuries. All this defiling and progress makes me think a little of FDR's 100 days. He got so much done and helped so many people, though it was reconstruction and not deconstruction it was still helpful. It is so cool to read that this one man changed the path of the people that had been going on for generations. By keeping the passover, he radically altered these people's lives. He was a great king.
heehee teraphim...under the saddle.
This is the first time I have seen a name for the Pharaoh in Egypt. The one who kills Josiah should be known since Josiah was such a great man.
How could his son be so terrible? Was Josiah neglectful? The footnotes mention that no religious faults are stated, only poor treatment of the people. I wonder why that is, normally the authors blame bad things on the gods. It is sad to read the lines "just as his ancestors had done" because it is as thought the sin will never stop, which it won't. Makes me wonder if my biography would say that...
24: I am not a history person because I can never remember; therefore, most of these chapters are the history of why things happened and how the land got to be as it is. It's hard for me to stay focused on the religious aspect with the frequent change in power. I think about all the bad times during this era and how the people must have felt. Here in America, our change in power is some-what smooth without war or revolution, but all of these kings and different laws must have been exhausting.
25: It is ironic, as the footnotes state, that Israel's first victory - Jericho - will become a place of their defeat. I would not want to be taken by a guy whose name means "chief of the butchers..."
All in all, a lot of change in hands and killings and revolts have taken place. I think there will be a turn of events soon because God doesn't let things go on too long and the authors don't either.
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