Ruth 1:1-18 Seeking relief from the latest famine, Eliemlech, a Jew from Bethlehem, took his wife, Naomi, and their sons to Moab, (the land occupied with the tribe of descendants from Lot’s incest with his sister), which had become a … Continue reading →

Wisdom of Solomon 3: 1-9 Reflecting extensive exposure to ancient Greek thinking, the “wisdom” attributed to King Solomon in this text develops themes that also became increasingly important in Christian texts, especially Paul’s letters, the Letter to the Hebrews and … Continue reading →

Job 42:1-6, 10-17 All the sophisticated explanations and arguments about good, evil and God by Job and his friends crumble.  Job now acknowledges to God, “I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me….”  He then … Continue reading →

Job 38:1-7,[34-41] The sophisticated arguing among Job’s friends about evil and death in the world vis a vis God has explored many possible answers.  Job makes one final plea to God, defending his honor, (chapter 31).  [Chapters 32-37 are presumed … Continue reading →

Job 23:1-9,16-17 Job’s trials had brought him to near death.  He had argued with his friends, who were convinced Job’s plight was due to some unconfessed sins.  Now Job realizes that all past assumptions about God by him and others … Continue reading →

Job 1:1; 2:1-10 [This Sunday begins a five week sequential reading of the Book of Job as the first option in the RCL.] Although there are more ancient versions from neighboring cultures of a story like this story about  Job, … Continue reading →

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 →