Jonah 3: 1-5 Using broad strokes, the author of Jonah makes a precise point.  He presents Jonah as fighting God at every step, but he finally accepts God’s call, if begrudgingly.  Nineveh was one of the neighboring superpowers which was … Continue reading →

I Samuel 3: 1-10 (11-20) Samuel plays a pivotal role in a time of transition of epochal change from old systems of authority– prophets and judges– to something totally new for God’s people– monarchy.  As a young boy he is … Continue reading →

Genesis 1: 1-5 Unabashedly using a Babylonian creation myth for his own purpose, the author of this account emphasizes God’s initiative and beneficence.  The Hebrew “bara” (“create”) is used exclusively as an act of which only God is capable.  Creation … Continue reading →

II Samuel 7: 1-11, 16 Now that King David is settled in a permanent home, he wants to build a permanent home for the “ark of God,” which had always been housed in a tent or in a portable vehicle … Continue reading →

Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11 After decades of intimidation, war and finally the total destruction of Jerusalem and then captivity by the Babylonians, every aspect of the personal and social life of God’s people is in shambles.  The people of God … Continue reading →

Isaiah 40: 1-11 After decades of threats from neighboring super  powers and then invasion by the Assyrians followed by the Babylonians, “Isaiah” hears an unidentified voice that announces, “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord….  Then the glory … Continue reading →

Isaiah 64: 1-9 The Book of Isaiah concludes by recalling two distinct and seemingly contradictory traits of God’s behavior.  When God reveals God’s-Self, it is the equivalent of creation erupting– “mountains quake,” “fire kindles.”  Yet, this same God whose self-revelation … Continue reading →

Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24 Using familiar experiences  from everyday life, the Hebrew prophets and poets describe God as a potter (Jeremiah, Isaiah), a gardener (Jeremiah), mother (Isaiah), healer (Jeremiah) and, most frequently, a shepherd.  Writing in a time of complete … Continue reading →

Deuteronomy 8: 7-18 The Book of Deuteronomy was compiled and edited as the farewell sermon/address by Moses to God’s people in which he reviews all that God had done for God’s people with a recurring admonition– Keep all the Lord’s … Continue reading →

Judges 4: 1-7 A victim of Joshua’s victory over him, Jaban the King of Hazar, now wants revenge.  He mobilizes a large, well-equipped army for the conquest of Israel.  The alarmed Israelites turn to a well-respected leader, the prophetess and … Continue reading →