The ordered, predictable world of Psalms 1 & 2 disappears in Psalm 3. Life can be difficult, peppered with loss, betrayal, tribulation, sickness, and much more. How do we react? Do we get angry, shout at God, and give up? Or, do we hold fast in faith and trust? Psalm 3 affords a partial answer. As we face our own personal anguish, the words of this psalm can become our own.
Psalm 3: Enemies Surround Read More »
The nations rage in vain. This second psalm is and was a bold prophetic statement of defiance in times of distress. Throughout the millennia the faithful sung, recited, and even shouted its words. It referred first to David as the Ammonites and Philistines conspired against him. Exiled Jews relied on it after Babylon brought destruction to their nation and to the temple of Yahweh. Early Christians clung to it amid harsh Roman persecutions. Even today, the words becomes ours as wars and rumors of wars swarm social media and as traditional norms shatter.
Psalm 2 The Nations Rage Read More »
This first psalm sets the tone for the entire book. Saint Basil (329–379 CE) writes:
“Like the foundation in a house, the keel in a ship, and the heart in the body of an animal, this brief introduction seems to me to possess that same force in regard to the whole structure of the psalms.”
Psalm 1: Two Paths Read More »
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:
Whenever the Psalter is abandoned, an incomparable treasure vanishes from the Christian church. With its recovery will come unsuspected power.
One might ask: “How do we do this? This article is an introduction. How does the Book of Psalms relate to our generation? How can we apply its wisdom to our lives?
Psalms – Introduction Read More »
This article summarizes the Book of Judges, its purpose, and how it fits into history.
The Book of Judges – Summary Read More »
: Samson is an enigma. He was the one judge who wanted nothing to do with his calling. Samson was self-centered, easily provoked, vindictive, and he rebelled at every step. He was his own worst enemy. Despite this, he was God’s servant who could not help but accomplish his life’s mission. Paradoxically, his life has many comparisons to Jesus, Israel, and even humanity. What a riddle he is.
The Book of Judges – Samson Read More »
Jephthah, the unwanted judge. The tribes west of the Jordan refused to be dominated by anyone from the east. His family labeled him the illegitimate son of a prostitute. But Jephthah was a survivor. He was a competent seasoned warrior, a resourceful charismatic natural leader with great potential and diplomatic skill. When he fled northeast to the land of Tob, a place where those without community assembled, he gathered and led a band of plunderers. This article tells his story.
The Book of Judges – Jephthah Read More »
Abimelech is gone, but the people are weary from the disastrous upheaval he caused in the heartland of ancient Israel. The twelve-tribe alliance is on the verge of falling apart. Most no longer even call Yahweh their God. Things look grim despite there being no immediate outside threat. Here comes the judge Tola (translation: worm). Who was he? What do we know?
The Book of Judges – Interim Leaders Read More »
Great turmoil followed the death of Gideon. Although he refused the title of king, he ruled as if he was one. He even named one of his sons Abimelech, which translates to “My father is king.” The question was: “Who among his legitimate seventy sons would be his successor?” What would come of Gideon’s legacy? Judges chapter 9 answers.
The Book of Judges – Abimelech Read More »
The Deborah episode in the Book of Judges left us with hope. Certainly now after God’s direct intervention, Israel will remain faithful. But no; for the fourth time the cycle repeats. “The children of Israel did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight.” Again a threat emerges. Again the people cry out. Again God responds. Again the oppression lifts. Again rest comes to the land. But there are differences. Israel faces a stormy future.
The Book of Judges – Gideon Read More »