Esther 7:1-6,9-10,20-22 The Jewish orphan girl, Esther, whose original name was Hadassah, lived in Persia under the protection of her cousin, Mordecia.  The King of Persia was dazzled by her beauty and took her as his Queen.  In time, the … Continue reading →

Proverbs 31:10-31 The collection of teachings and aphorisms borrowed from Egyptian and other neighboring sources, included in the Hebrew canon as Proverbs now turns to a depiction of an ideal wife/mother.  She is clever, industrious, wise in the ways of … Continue reading →

Proverbs 1:20-33 This collection of teachings intended for the instruction of young people opens with “wisdom,” personified as a woman who goes out into the street and confronts people at random with the startling question, “How long… will you live … Continue reading →

Proverbs 22:1-2,8-9,22-23 Many of the wisdom sayings in the canonical Book of Proverbs were borrowed from Egypt and other neighbors, some verbatim and others as variations.  They were used to educate the young in the ways of a happy life.  … Continue reading →

Song of Solomon 2:8-13 Although later given spiritual and religious interpretations, the Song of Solomon is firstly a lyrical poem about human love.  The poet compares her lover to a “gazelle or a young stag.”  She finds him sneaking looks … Continue reading →

I Kings 8:(1,6,1011), 22-30,41-43 David’s deferred dream to build a permanent place worthy to house the “ark” is now fulfilled by his son, King Solomon.  A grand procession conveys the”ark” from its tent-tabernacle to “the inner sanctuary of the house, … Continue reading →

I Kings 2:10-12,3:3-14 The nine Sundays in which we have followed David’s life and reign as King conclude.  Now the story of the reign of the son David had with Bathsheba, Solomon, commences.  David now “sleeps with the ancestors.”  Although … Continue reading →

II Samuel 18:5-9 The King’s generals, Joab, Abihai and Ittai, persuade David to remain in the city while they go out to battle.  He gives them a special order: Deal gently with my rebellious son, Absalom.  Despite the fact that … Continue reading →

II Samuel 11:26-12:13a The denouement of King David begins.  Having successfully plotted the death of Uriah, David takes his widow, Bathsheba, as his wife, who gives birth to a son.  The prophet Nathan is sent by the Lord to tell … Continue reading →

II Samuel 11:1-15 Favored since his youth by the Lord and known for his bravery, David’s conniving starts his downfall.  He sends his army out to battle while he stays safely at home in Jerusalem.  His wandering eye lands on … Continue reading →