Psalms

My Psalm

The Lord is mighty and in Him is wholeness;

In an abundance of lack, I have an abundance of Joy.

God Almighty, Your word is truth

and I delight to walk in your freedom.

You created me

and show me my weaknesses’

You guide me to bless me

and You love me faithfully.

When I call on You Lord, You are there,

no matter my feelings, You are there.

In my anger and frustration You

mercifully show me my foolishness.

In worship and praise I raise

Your name, for You are mighty

and the world will see Your name

lifted high in my life.

At the thought of Your greatness

and love for me God, I fall before You.

Yet, You pick me up, embrace me and

heal my pain.

You free me from the enemy.

In Your presence Lord,

I find joy,

I find peace,

I find myself.

Your plans Lord,

oh, they are to wonderful

for me to understand.

Who am I that You see me?

That You love and bless me abundantly?

Thank you God,

for you have brought me through the shadows

and I dance in your company.

I will praise and proclaim Your goodness.

You are God, my God,

The Faithful One who

loves forever.

Rewritten Psalm 121

Whenever I look around me

creation speaks of you God.

You are my helper, the Lord

 who made the stars and the seas.

You do not let me fall,

you hold me and protect me.

You, God, don’t ever need to sleep!

You never tire and have

watched over history forever.

You spread your wings over me.

Nothing can hurt me.

By day I am safe in your sanctuary,

at night you look after me.

Oh, Lord, you keep me

and guide me through troubled times.

You watch over every second.

The Lord covers you with His wings and

takes care of you, where ever you go,

whenever you go there.

The Lord is my eternal refuge.

Samuel

1.       First Impressions

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

The original readers of Samuel would have been living in the time of the division of the kingdom. 10 of the tribes were under the rule of Jeroboam and the tribes of Judah and Benjamin were ruled by Rehoboam.

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The author of Samuel is unknown however Jewish tradition attributes the book to Samuel. It is said that Samuel wrote 1 Samuel 1-24 with the prophets Nathan and Gad finishing the rest of the book, we can see reference of this in 1 Chronicles 29:29 as well. The book is written in the form of stories; we can see that the author knows some of David’s songs (2 Samuel 22).  We see in 1 Samuel 10:25 that Samuel did write down the duties of the king. It is quite possible that an anonymous person compiled the books of Samuel 1&2 from the records of Samuel Nathan and Gad at a later time.

·         What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

In Samuel we see the transition from Eli to Samuel and how he prepares the foundations of the kingdom; Saul tried to establish it but failed; and David succeeded in establishing it. God continues to be the true king of Israel and the earthly king is responsible to Him as His representative on earth. The success or failure of the earthly king depended upon his relationship with the Lord.  In class we discussed some of the following themes seen in Samuel: God raises up and tears down (1 Samuel 13:14 & 2 Samuel 7:12), His invisible hand is at work in our lives, we see the comparison between the fear of God and the fear of man as well as repentance and the lack thereof. I think one of the main themes is relationship, we see this between the prophets and Kings as God passes leadership from Eli to Samuel to Saul to David. We see the importance of relationship with God as well as with the nation. 1 Samuel 2:30 says,” I will honour those who honour me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me.”  This passage shows the importance of the fear of God in our relationship with Him as well as the fact that God’s way is not necessarily our way but His way is right. Time and time again the people didn't obey and they suffered accordingly for their disobedience. I think Samuel can be summed up by saying, the transition from Theocracy to Monarchy beginning with the lives of Saul and David as first kings.

·         What is the primary reason this book was written?

Samuel shows God’s relationship with Saul and David as the first kings through this time when Israel is moving from being a Theocracy in the time of the Judges to being a Monarchy. It traces history which would be important as well as showing the consequences of both faithfulness and disobedience. It records the establishment of the Kingdom and the Davidic Covenant.  It shows to the original readers the rejection of God by their ancestors asking for a king (1 Samuel 8:7) and reminds them of this very important idea that “God will honour those who honour Him, and despise those who think lightly of Him (1 Samuel 2:30).

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

There is so much about God’s nature and character in Samuel! One of the things that stood out to me is the fact that the Lord gives Israel what they ask for, even though it is not His best for them. God saves and rescues those who are faithful to Him; we see this throughout David’s life as he is rescued from his enemies. God is not reliant on man for anything and we see this in 2 Samuel 7:5-7. God is just and keeps His word, we see this with Absalom sleeping with David’s concubines (2 Samuel 16:22)and with the way the man died when He touched God’s holy ark in 2 Samuel 6:6-7.

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Throughout Samuel we see God’s redemptive plan in the way He draws his people back to himself. When they reject Him and want a king He says the following to Samuel: “Do everything they say to you…for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer” (1 Samuel 8:7). God allows them a king but He continues to use the kingship to try and draw Israel back to Him.

Throughout the life of David and the establishing of His kingship there are many comparisons between him and Jesus coming to establish His kingdom. The references below are about similarities between David and Jesus as discussed in class, 1 Sam 16:1/Matt 2:1; 1 Sam 17/Luke 2:41-52 & 2 Sam 5:4/ Luke 3:23.

We also see a bit of God’s redemptive plan in 2nd Samuel 14:14,”All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from Him.” 

3.       Application questions

·         Personal application:

There is a lot which I have been able to take from Samuel for my own life this week.  The fear of God which is so clearly seen in David’s life and the lack thereof in Saul’s was a needed reminder for me of how important it is to fear God. Then also I loved seeing the amazing trust and patience David has to wait upon God. He allows God to work in His life on God’s terms and not on his own. When he has the chance to murder Saul, he doesn’t and he waits for God to raise him up as King. I think so often I try taking things into my own hands and having the patience to wait for that which I cannot see. I loved what Bill said about this,” How well we wait can often determined how long we wait.” I have never before been able to make sense of the balance between waiting on God, faith in God and taking action by ourselves. This teaching has got my mind racing on this and has clarified it a lot more. Some of the key questions and statements our speakers made this week really challenged me. Things like Can you trust God and proclaim, the LORD did it in all areas of your life? How does God produce a heart of David...? He gives you a Saul.

The last thing which definitely stood out to me is the fact that God didn’t warn David about Bathsheba. Often in hard times and times of trial I feel as though God is silent and I don’t know why! A teacher is silent during the test! This was needed revelation for me and is definitely something I will remember.

·         Point of Passion:

One of the main things which I learnt from Bill’s message regarding education had to do with this idea that in the world and most education systems we need to achieve and achieve well, before we can receive. However in Samuel we see that it is not the same with God. He equips us and we receive from Him before we have achieved anything then we have what we need to do what He has called us to do.

Ruth

·         Timeless Truth:

I think a truth that we can take from Ruth is that God provides. In Ruth lies the image of the providence of God and in our trusting Him in hard times as we see Naomi lose everything and yet God provides for her. God is at work in all the small details of our lives that we do not realize or understand. We need to whole heartedly trust God for that which we do not see, knowing that He is reliable and will come through for us.

·         Personal application: One of the things which I can apply to my life is definitely relying on God to provide in my life. Not necessarily as much for me as for the people around me. I often need to trust God for the wisdom to know what to say and I love seeing how Ruth trusts Naomi and does exactly what she tells her and it works so well, it is a picture for me of how I am to respond to God…”All that you tell me I will do”(3:5).

Also loyalty is a big theme in Ruth, she has the opportunity and every reason to leave Naomi but she is faithful and decides to walk along her mother in law in this commitment she made not abandoning her in her time of difficulty. This was such a good reminder to me of the importance of supporting people we have committed to in their times of difficulty and in our times of difficulty.  I want to try this week to do just that and really support those people to whom I am committed be it in actions, words or simply in prayer.

·         Point of Passion:

As I focus on education I want to look specifically at an audience of young girls. In Ruth we see two women who seemed to have lost everything. For many girls I think the idea of having a man to rely on is really important. Even in this time of Ruth we see that as widows they are seen as being without hope and what they need is a husband. For many young women this issue is really difficult. What we see in Ruth is that God provides. As women we need to look to God as our source and provider first and when God blesses us with the right man it is an incredible gift but we should never rely on man more than God. Ruth turns to God and Naomi as well and through this God blesses her with security.

Judges

1.       First Impressions

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

The people who would originally be reading this book will be the Israelites and possibly the people living among them at the time of the first kings. These are the people and their children who lived in the time of the Judges and who turned from God many times. Around this time there was instability and disunity among the people because of the kingship moving from Saul to David and Samuel is pro-David mentioning the tribe Judah well and that of Benjamin badly in places like Judges 20 & 21.

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Although the author of Judges is not known, authorship according to Jewish tradition is ascribed to the prophet Samuel. We see in places like Judges 21:25 he says things like “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” Samuel would have wanted to promote the idea of having a king and throughout the book we see that it is written in a manner which portrays David positively which is something Samuel would have wanted to do.

·         What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

One of the main themes of Judges is God’s justice. Israel’s’ failure to obey and God’s judgment and grace is seen repeatedly. Over and over again we see the cycle of Israel doing evil, God punishing them, then they cry out to God from under oppression , God appoints a judge and they have peace but then they turn away again This reoccurs 7 times!  As we can see from Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, the book is broken up into three parts. Up to Judges 3:5 the author describes how the Israelites are now living WITH the Canaanites, from 3:5 to chapter 17 they are at war with the Canaanites and from 17 onwards they are living LIKE the Israelites.  In one sentence Judges can be described as: the continuous fall and rise of Israel as they disobey and cry out for God then He raises up a judge and there is peace but the people return to doing evil.

·         What is the primary reason this book was written?

The history of the 350 years before the time of the kings and the stories of the hero’s, the judges, must be recorded. It is important to be able to learn from the mistakes of ones ancestors. Over and over again the phrase “In those days Israel had no king” is repeated. One of the reasons this book is written is to show what it was like when Israel had no king and to persuade the readers of the value of a King. Also the tribes of Judah and Benjamin are mentioned quite a bit because the author wants to show that it is a good idea in the current times for David who is from the tribe of Judah to be named king over Israel after Saul who is from the tribe of Benjamin.

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

We can see the justice of God in many ways in Judges. In Joshua we saw God bring judgment on nations through having Israel defeat them but in Judges we see several times how God brings judgment on Israel through handing them over to their enemies when they disobey.

In Judges 2:20 to 3:5 we see how God tests His people and responds to their respose, God is an interactive God.   The thing I loved seeing in Judges was almost the softness despite His wrath. In many places God does things or says things which at face value seem to be harsh. However, in Judges, despite all the sad stories and we see how much it pains God to see His people suffer (Judges  10:16).  Over and over again God tries to help the Israelites by raising up Judges but He cannot go against His own character and this cycle showed me such an interesting side to God.

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Judges is not a book which clearly shows God’s redemptive plan. However, there are hints of it. One of the main things we see in Judges is man’s desperate need for deliverance.  The story of the angel of the Lord appearing to Manoah and his wife (Judges 13:3) reminded me of the story of Mary and Joseph and how they were she was to bear a son. Samson is described as a man who will rescue Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5) and we know that Jesus was the rescuer of not only the Israelites but all mankind.

Application questions

·         Personal application: I learnt many things in Judges but I want to focus on the story of Gideon. I don’t necessarily act the way Gideon does but I often feel the way he does and my heart asks similar questions. I feel as though I am not good enough or qualified enough to do what God has called me to and I want to ‘see’ that it is God (6:17). Then also I want to test God the way Gideon does in Judges 6:36-39. What I love most about this passage is not the fact that Gideon is like this but God’s patience with Him and the way God encourages and guides Him. God knows me and how I feel and yet He wants to use me to co-create with Him despite my weaknesses. In all of chapter 6 God says things like, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you”, “Go with the strength you have…”, “I will be with you...”, “It is all right” and “Do not be afraid”.  He walks with Gideon. What I’ve also seen in this is the fact that I need to trust God in all things even if the task at hand seems impossible.

·         Point of Passion: As in Joshua much of what I saw in Judges regarding education had to do with leadership. The leadership in the form of having judges and the specific judges God raises up shows us that He truly uses anyone despite who they are, for example Samson, God used him even though He was selfish and never thought of the role He was playing in the bigger picture. It is important to teach the youth about the truth because each generation will follow in the footsteps of the previous one to a certain extent, especially if they are learning that evil is alright.

Joshua

1.       First Impressions

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

The original readers of Joshua would be the Israelites which have just entered into Canaan and have taken possession of the Land. They fought the battles and have seen the miraculous ways in which God has come through for them. These are the people who will be settling in the Promised Land and have decided to follow God (Joshua 24:21). They are now without a leader (Joshua 24:29) and are held responsible to be faithful to the covenant they have made with God (Joshua 24:20).

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

T he author of Joshua is not clearly known and it is a debated topic. Many people believe that Joshua did not write the book however others say that He did write all of it except for the last few verses about his death and he death of High priest Eleazar. There are many times in the book where God’s words to Joshua are recounted. In Joshua 24:26 it also says, “Joshua recorded these things in the Book of God’s Instructions…” On the following website there is an interesting article presenting both sides of the argument about who wrote Joshua: http://faculty.vassar.edu/jolott/old_courses/class%20of%2051/jericho/joshua.html.

·         What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

The book is divided in to two parts, firstly the campaigns of the Israelites and the conquering of their enemies in central, southern and northern Canaan and secondly the distribution and division of the land between the twelve tribes. This is ended by Joshua’s speech and warning of the need for faithful observance of the Law.

The themes of Joshua include success, leadership, faith and guidance. We see in Joshua that God's idea of success not necessarily what the world's idea of what success is. Moreover, we have success when we have faith in God and when we have faith in God he guides us.

When it comes to leadership Joshua is a good example of a leader who is courageous, strong and confident. Joshua was willing to seek God's advice and to act on it immediately. We see this in the way that Joshua acts immediately after God tells him to do something (8:18 and 11:15).

In one sentence Joshua can be summed up as the story of God leading His people to take possession of the Promised Land as He provides for them and re-establishes His covenant with them.

·         What is the primary reason this book was written?

Joshua is written to record the events that occurred as they go into the Promised Land. It very clearly shows that the reason why the Israelites had such success is because God was with them. This is important information so that future generations do not look at their parents thinking it was because of them that they were able to conquer the land they did but instead that they will recognize God’s hand in it all. The information on the way the land was divided originally will also be very important since the land is to be returned to its owners every 50^th year. Joshua would want o have the information recorded as it happened to give the glory to God and to recognize that Israel chose to follow God.

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

In Joshua we see that God makes covenants with men and He keeps his promises (Joshua 21:45). We again see that God is holy and where He is it is holy (Joshua 24:19 & 5:15). God is relational and He reveals his will to men God expects men to remain focused on whatever has been spoken.
In Joshua 24:20 it says, "If you abandon the Lord and serve other gods, he will turn against you and destroy you, even though he has been so good to you." God has no tolerance for sin and will even destroy His people because of it. He is a jealous God and His ways are higher than our ways but he is always good despite my understanding.

God’s I have also been able to see how God empowers His people to do what they themselves would never be able to do. God is—and always has been—one hundred percent reliable.

God cares about our fears and feelings of insignificance and He stands with us through it. Throughout Joshua God encourages His people by telling them to be strong and courageous and several times He comforts Joshua and tells Him to not be afraid (Joshua 1:9,8:1&11:6)

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

There are no direct messianic prophesies in Joshua. The name Joshua or Yeshua in Hebrew is the same as Jesus. As Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and charts call it, Joshua is a type of Christ. In a similar way to Jesus, he too leads the people in victory.  The scarlet cord which kept Rahab and her family safe (Joshua 2:17-21) signifies the blood of Jesus which keeps us safe (Heb 9:19-22). God’s redemptive plan can be seen in these things but also in the way that He wants to have this covenant with His people.

3.       Application questions

·         Personal application:  The combination of trusting god and obeying Him in all things to achieve victory is important in our lives and I am challenged to do this on a smaller scale in my life. I trust God for the big things but often it is the small things I think I can do by myself that I don’t always include God in. One of the most important lessons which I can learn from Joshua is the importance of preparation. Bekah touched on this in class and it really hit home. I am currently in a season of preparation in my life and I am often impatient thinking that the things I am doing are only for myself and are in turn a waste of my time. Reading Joshua and seeing how God prepared Him for most of his life to go and do that which He was called to, has really shown me the importance of fully taking in all you can in phases of preparation because you never know what you might need later. I really want to put in my best and take the time and effort to prepare for what God has for me, I don’t know what it is yet but I understand now the importance of having a firm foundation to stand on and a well to draw from when times get difficult.

·         Point of Passion:  The most important lesson which I can take from Joshua regarding education is one for the teachers. Recently I read this quote and it applies so well to that which I’ve learned regarding education in Joshua: “The individual who shapes the culture for Christ is not the one paralyzed by the challenge, but the one who courageously makes change happen knowing that “greater is He that’s within, than he that is in the world.” Teachers need to be leaders and there are so many lessons regarding leadership in Joshua. Firstly is the fact that you can achieve anything with the help of God.  Over and over again God tells Joshua to “be strong and courageous” (1:9). It is important that teachers are courageous and trust in God to know what wisdom to impart to whom and when. In this process God can use teachers to change lives as they listen to Him and act on His instruction.

Leviticus

1.       First Impressions

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

The book is written to all the Israelites in order that they may know what the laws and practices which God has given them are, especially concerning the priesthood. Due to the extensive details about sacrificing and information regarding the Levites and priests it is fair to say that this book would be really important information for Aaron, his sons and the people to follow them. These are the Israelites which have been led out of slavery in Egypt and have been learning more about God and His ways at Mount Sinai and God is now living among them in the Tabernacle which they built according to His specifications.

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

As a part of the Pentateuch, we believe that the author of Leviticus is Moses. There are many times when the text says that God told Moses… one can find examples of this in Leviticus 1:1; 4:1; 6:1, 24 and 8:1. According to ‘Nelson’s complete book of bible maps and charts’ it is stated that God imparted the laws to Moses fifty six times in the twenty seven chapters.

·         What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

The main theme of Leviticus is sanctification. Throughout the book God says that Israel is to be holy, because He their God is holy (Leviticus 11:44, 45; 19:2 and 20:8, 26).  All of the regulations given in Leviticus are to sanctify the Israelites so that they will be able to grow in closer relationship with The Holy God. In one sentence I would say you could summarize the main idea by saying: The rules given to the Israelites by The Holy God in order to sanctify them and make them holy and able to have relationship with God.

·         What is the primary reason this book was written?

The primary reason this book was written was for instruction. God wanted to give the Israelites instructions for their social and religious lives in order that they may be set apart as His holy people. In the Sourceview Bible it shows how in chapter 8:1 Moses sets the stage saying, ‘This is what the Lord has commanded us to do!” Throughout the book Moses writes of how God reveals His holiness and gives the Israelites guidelines of how to be holy as their God is holy in order to have close relationship with God.

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Well, most clearly we see that God is holy (Leviticus 20:26; 21:8). Holiness is God’s nature, but it is also what he does.  He is just.  He SETS the standard and IS the standard therefore we see that holiness is the standard and yet we all fall short of it. . God requires His people, the Israelites and us under the New Covenant to be set apart for Him as holy. When one commits their life to God and  turns away from a sinful life having their sins washed away, he is not only justified, but also sanctified, i.e., made holy (1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:10, 14). The holiness of God is his perfection and wholeness and possibly on of the things He wants to reveal most about Himself not only through the book of Leviticus but though most of the Bible.

The second thing that stood out to me is that God is who He says He is; he is the God who gives identity. Over and over the phrases “I am the Lord” and “I am the Lord your God” is repeated.  (Lev 18:2, 4, 5, 6, 30; 19:2, 3, 4, 10,….) In chapters 18 and 19 I counted it 22 times! He is God and that fact alone speaks much! I also realized again the extent of God’s righteous anger towards sin. We see His wrath go out against Nadab and Abihu, His selected priests, in Leviticus 10:1-3 for their disobedience. Mostly though I am in awe of the holiness of God and the sacrifice needed to obtain the freedom we have to be in His presence today. That is love!

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

There is so much symbolize in this book which points to Jesus. The text explains the sacrifices required to be in right standing with God.  God explains in much detail what is required of the Israelites in order to become holy and fellowship with God and through giving them all these instructions. He is redeeming them through sanctification. The sacrifices are not enough to permanently redeem all mankind but God takes the Israelites on a path where they can begin to understand the importance of holiness and this all works together in God’s overall plan to redeem mankind through the perfect sacrifice. There is prophetic significance to each of the 5 different types of sacrifices described in Leviticus (Burnt, grain, peace, sin and guilt offerings). For example with the sin offering (Lev 4:1- 5:13; 6:24- 30) we see in 2 Corinthians 5:21 how Christ was made sin for us.  

Not only do we see the prediction of Jesus in the Sacrifices but also in all the celebrations and festivals of the Israelites. The Passover is a symbol of Christ’s blood, shed in His crucifixion. In 1 Corinthians 15:20 there is reference to Christ being the first of the harvest of the Church, this references the Festival of First Fruits we are introduced to in Leviticus. Most of the festivals have New Testament significance as the sacrifices do. Through all of this we see how God’s redemptive plan plays out from the very beginning all the way through Leviticus to when Christ has come and much after that He continues to bring mankind back into relationship with Himself.

3.       Application questions

·         Personal application: The biggest things I have learnt and want to apply to my life center around identity and holiness. I mentioned before about the verses saying “I am the Lord your God” (Lev 18:2, 4, 5, 6, 30; 19:2, 3 , 4, 10). That statement carries so much power and I want to make that a part of my identity more than before. God is God; He is my God…end of story. I am a daughter of the Lord God. This means that whenever I feel small and insignificant I find my identity in my very LARGE God.

  God made His home among the Israelites in the tabernacle, in my life however He lives inside me. That is astounding to me; I am to be holy to honor the Holy God. The ‘bigness’ of the sacrifice needed to atone for all my sins is highlighted throughout Leviticus and brings so much thankfulness and joy to me in seeing what Jesus did.   

Then the final thing I realized in Leviticus is something so closely linked with God’s holiness and that is the fear of God. The fear of the Lord is the hatred of all evil. I think there are many times in my life where I compromise and thus do not fully hate evil and in the process I am not aware of the holiness of our great God. I can change this area by changing the small areas in my life where I compromise.

·         Point of Passion:

As we see God emphasize His holiness in Leviticus a specific principle started to stand out to me. As God is teaching the Israelites to be holy as He is holy, He is enforcing the “Do first then teach” principle. Doing things gives authority to our words when we teach them and increases the understanding of the specific thing being taught. This is an education principle which we see God displaying not only in Leviticus but throughout His Word.

Deuteronomy

1.       First Impressions

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

Deuteronomy is written to the younger generation (2^nd generation) of Israelites who came out of Egypt and their children. They are about to cross the Jordan River into Canaan after wandering in desert for 40 years. They are finally about to enter into the Promised Land God promised their ancestors (Deuteronomy 8:1).

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The book of Deuteronomy is written by Moses, the man who has led the Israelites out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. Most of the book is Moses recounting the story, God’s instructions and preparing the Israelites for going into the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 31:9 it is said that Moses writes the book of instruction. In Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts we are told that the book itself has about forty claims of being written by Moses and the details of the geographical and historical knowledge we see in Deuteronomy also supports Moses as the author.

·         What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

The book of Deuteronomy is about God reconfirming His covenant with the people of Israel before they enter the Promised Land. It is divided into 3 main parts; first Moses reminds the people of God’s provision as the left Egypt, then He explains what God wants them to do from now on and the final speech is prophetical and tells about the future. The point is that if they obey God’s commands, He will bless them and if they disobey, He will curse them (11:27-28; 27:10 28:2). God puts the Sabbath in place again as a sign of this covenant.  God wants the Israelites to be completely devoted to Him as they enter this land He wants to give them. In one sentence we can sum up Deuteronomy by saying: The reconfirmation of God’s covenant with His people to obey His command and be blessed or disobey and be cursed.

·         What is the primary reason this book was written?

The book is written to challenge the Israelites to obey God’s commands that they may be blessed (Deut 30:14). It serves as a warning to them and Moses urges them to move forward with God. It is important for the future generations to have the information in this book as a reminder of what God has done for the Israelites and to have the terms of the covenant in written form.

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

One thing which really stuck out to me was in Deuteronomy 9:6, “You must recognize that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land because you are good, for you are not – you are a stubborn people.” God doesn’t bless us because of who we are or what we do, He blesses because He is good. God also blesses those who obey (11:27-28; 27:10 28:2) and curses those who disobey.  It stands out that God allows us to decide, he does not decide for us (11:13). God is all powerful. He is our provider (8:4) but more than that He is a supernatural provider.

There are many other attributes of God which we can see in Deuteronomy, things such as God’s grace and His justice.

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

In Deuteronomy 32:4 there is a foreshadowing of Jesus as Moses speaks of God as being The Rock saying, His deeds are perfect. God chose to bring about His redemptive plan through Abraham and it is here in Deuteronomy that we see the promises made to Abraham about to be fulfilled. The whole plan of God stepping into this old covenant with His people is a step to Him being able to bring about a new better covenant. This is how I see God’s redemptive plan play out through Deuteronomy.

3.       Application questions

·         Personal application: Obey God keeps his promises.

For me personally just the reminder that God keeps His promises and is faithful to us even when we fail Him has been refreshing. It is one of those truths which continuously change your life as you walk with God.

Micah 6:8 is a verse that has been on my heart for a long time and I have never before noticed the similarity to Deuteronomy 10:12. Seeing this repetition was amazing.

MICAH: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

DEUTERONOMY: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love and serve Him with all your heart and soul.”

Because this verse in Micah has been so special to me for a long time and I have tried to live a life that displays that, seeing what Moses says God requires of the Israelites there has just made me want to combine those verses into a challenge for my daily life. To fear God, acting justly and loving mercy as I follow Him humbly, serving and loving Him with my whole heart and soul.

·         Point of Passion: Throughout Deuteronomy we see the importance Moses places on passing down God’s words to the next generation and spreading them that they may be known in the future. God wants to educate people in His ways and wants His words to be preserved. In Deuteronomy we 6:7 and 11:19 we see Moses telling the Israelites to teach God’s truth to their children. This is such an important part of biblical education.

Numbers

1.       First Impressions

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

The original readers of Numbers would have been the Israelites who God had taken out of Egypt. The book covers a long time period so although all the Israelites who left Egypt are recorded in the beginning of Numbers. The book would have been written to the younger generations of the Israelites because in chapter 26:64 it says” Not one person on this list had been among those listed in the previous registration taken by Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai.”  

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The author of Numbers is Moses. He keeps very detailed accounts and records throughout Numbers. In Numbers there are eighty claims that the Lord spoke to Moses or instructed him (Numbers 33:2). The Sourceview Bible claims that Moses wrote Numbers around 1406 BC, about 40 years after the exodus.

·         What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

·          

The main idea of Numbers has to do with God disciplining His rebellious people. The Israelites are disobedient and then we see God’s wrath come upon them. In many ways we see Gods judgment and mercy in the way He deals with the Israelites. In chapter 14:34 we see God’s divine judgment come upon them because of their unbelief. God teaches them and punishes them for their sin however in His punishment He is just and merciful each time, for example in Numbers 21:6-8 God justly punishes the people but He is merciful in the midst of everything. In one sentence I would sum up Numbers as “The journey of God disciplining His rebellious people as they continuously disobey and God pours out righteous anger on them as they wander the desert for 40 years.”

·         What is the primary reason this book was written?

Numbers is written for several reasons. One of these is to keep record of the number of people counted and to document the journey of the Israelites including important historical information like the places they went through but also the stories of what they endured. It covers a time span of about 40 years of wandering in the dessert. The Sourceview Bible says it well: It is to document their story, a story of their past to shape their future.  The content of the book would have been very important to the original readers so that they too can obey and be disciplined through what they read. Keeping record for future generations is also important. We can learn from the disobedience of the Israelites as well, we learn to trust God and His faithful provision and exceptional patience.

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Numbers highlights many different parts of God’s nature and character. We see God’s wrath so clearly in this book, He gets angry however His anger is always righteous.  In Numbers 16, God’s wrath is poured out on Korah, Dathan, Abiram and the other 250 people who rebel against Moses as God’s appointed leader. The other thing I saw in that story is the fact that God comes to our defense. He will defend the righteous.

God is faithful and He keeps His word. Although He gets angry with the Israelites He still plans to give them the land He promised them. God is also a God of discipline, not only does he want his people to be self disciplined but He disciplines His children when they are sinning (Numbers 11:1). After all the complaining, unbelief and processes of God disciplining His people we see how patient God is with the Israelites. Although He punishes them there are times when they complain and yet God just provides for example in Number 20:2-13.

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

The rock which was hit and provided water to the Israelites is a symbol of Jesus coming. In the fourth oracle proclaimed over Israel (Numbers 24:17) there is possible reference to Jesus although it could have been said to be literally fulfilled during the time of David, the spiritual fulfillment points to Jesus.

Possibly the most clear example of God’s redemptive plan is found in Numbers 21:8. God tells Moses to make a snake and put it on a pole to heal the people. The next reference of this incident is in John 3:14, Jesus himself indicates that it was a foreshadowing of Him. The snake, a symbol of sin was lifted from the ground and put on a pole (pole made from wood, this is a symbol of a curse- Gal 3:13). Therefore the snake lifted up and cursed, healing those who turn to it is a symbol of Christ who takes away sin from anyone who looks to Him in faith.

3.       Application questions

·         Personal application:  There are so many timeless truths which I can apply to my own life found within Numbers. Ideas such as putting God at the centre of all we do as the Israelites are told to do in the way they camp (Levites in the center – 2:17).  Possibly one of the most important lessons I can learn from Numbers lies in learning from Moses to vent my anger with God and not with people. I so easily fall into the trap of speaking out in frustration and yet by coming to God with our anger and frustration we not only get to share with someone who genuinely is interested but we can also leave with peace and trust in God to take control. We will have much more wisdom to handle situations well. Then I also saw the importance God places of celebrating the festivals He gives the Israelites. Most of the festivals are celebration of good things God has done for them or blessings they have received from God. It has really spoken to me to celebrate and share the blessings and good things God does in my life on a daily basis. Other than these things there are many other lessons to be learned from Numbers. Things we discussed such as the fact that time is not the essence but God is and we can learn not to abuse God’s grace.

·         Point of Passion:

Throughout the whole book of Numbers God is disciplining the Israelites. Discipline is a key part of education not necessarily only in schools but specifically in the life lessons young people learn from those in authority around them. It is a quality that younger generations increasingly lack just as the Israelites did.  As God works among His children we see that some of the reasons we have discipline is in order motivate repentance from the guilty person (Numbers 12: 10,11), to warn others (Numbers 16:30) and to have us obey His commands (Numbers 16:22-27, 16:41-50 & 35:30-34).Discipline is also important in order to maintain respect. 

Job Interviews

Worldview interviews

Earlier today I approached a lady called Ganine at a coffee shop near the water. She was scruffy looking and seemed quite unhappy; however, I introduced myself asking if she would be willing to answer a few questions for me. As I sat down and jumped into the following conversation I started to realize why she looked and acted the way she did… She simply had no hope. The importance of our worldview and the gift of knowing the Truth just became so special to me once more as we went through these questions.

1. What is really real?

Only your senses. We know what is real through mind and body coordination. The environment is also real.

2. What is the nature of the universe?

The universe is ordered but it has room for spontaneity.

3. What is a human being?

I don’t know it is like an animated form of limbs put together somehow.

4. What happens after death?

Nothing. Your corps extinguishes and you disappear.

5. How do you know right from wrong?

You can’t really know but the good side has better natural movement and energy.

There is no movement in the bad side.

6. How can you know anything at all?

You can’t really, you know from your genetic registry and it is in your blood. You know from bio rhythms.

7. What is the purpose of history?

We have history so that we know what has happened. History has patterns and we can see the places that need work and are not finished.

Later, I asked a friend, Annalise from YWAM to answer the same questions…

1. What is really real?

Only change is real.

2. What is the nature of the universe?

God created the universe to be ordered but when sin entered the world to some degree it became more chaotic.

3. What is a human being?

Not an ape! A human being has a soul; we have higher thought and are valuable. We are different to animals even if we have similar structures.

4. What happens after death?

You go to either heaven or hell for eternity.

5. How do you know right from wrong?

God tells us in His word what is right and wrong.

6. How can you know anything at all?

I guess you don’t… you take what you know on faith.

7. What is the purpose of history?

We have history so that we can learn from it and not repeat it.

Exodus

1.       First Impressions

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

The original readers of Exodus would be the Israelites in the wilderness at the time after the Tabernacle had been built. They had just become free from slavery and were almost ‘new’ believers. Throughout Exodus we see how God teaches them more of himself. Still in Egypt Moses knew they would ask him who the God was that sent him and they did. These people still had a polytheistic Egyptian mindset and Exodus attempts to start changing that. These Israelite's are not yet sure of how to worship the Living God and attempt to in ways that are known to them doing evil in the process (Exodus). The Israelite's are a redeemed people delivered by God.

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The author of Exodus is Moses. He has been chosen by God to lead the Israelite's out of Egypt. In this process Moses learns more and more about God and God uses him to do several miracles. Moses gives information of the details of Pharaohs household, information he knew because of his upbringing. In large parts of Exodus Moses recounts that which the Lord has said. In places such as Exodus 25-31 it is only God and Moses thus He is the only eye witness. In Exodus 33:6 we also see the close relationship Moses has with God as God reveals himself to Moses by passing in front of him.

·         What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

Exodus is divided into two main themes. Chapter one through nineteen speaks about the redemption of the Israelite's as God leads them out of Egypt, rescuing them from slavery. Chapters 20-40 show the revelation from God. In these chapters God introduces Himself to them as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He starts to mold the Israelite's and teach them more about His ways. In one sentence one can say the book of Exodus is about the rescue of the Israelite's from slavery in Egypt and their growth from revelation from God to become a more holy nation.

·         What is the primary reason this book was written?

This book is written to remind the Israelite's of all the ways the Lord had provided for them to be freed from Egyptians. All the laws and requirements for the building of the Tabernacle are recorded. The obedience of the Israelite's plays a part in the writing of Exodus. It is important for the future generations to know how God delivered their ancestors and for the Israelite's to be reminded of how much God values His holiness.

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

The first attribute of God that stands out to me is the fact that He is merciful. He hears the cries of the Israelite's in slavery and in His mercy leads them out of Egypt. Then in several different ways God provides for them and is merciful to them and provides even when they don’t understand and only complain. (Exodus 15:24; 16:3; 16:12). As in Genesis we can clearly see Gods desire to have relationship with His people and dwell among them. the extent to which He goes in giving them the details of how to make a home for Him among them is astonishing (Exodus devotes more verses to the tabernacle than to any other object. Within the Book of Exodus, all of 25:1-31:18 and 35:1-40:38 deals with the tabernacle, its furnishings, its priesthood, and related issues.) Then we also see God as a deliverer, He steps in to the story and delivers the Israelite's not only from their physical slavery but He also delivers them from ‘evil’ and turns them towards himself.

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

The entire story of the exodus is such an example about the lengths God will go to, to redeem the people He loves. In Exodus God delivers the Israelite's from slavery in Egypt just as Gods redemptive plan was to deliver all mankind from slavery to sin. The way in which God deals with His chosen people in Exodus is an indication of His character in redeeming humanity years later.

3.       Application questions

·         Personal application:

I have loved reading about the journey on which God takes Moses. He helps him overcome his inferiority and molds him into a leader and a man of God. This is a process which God has taken me through and I am still learning. I have been able to learn much about the incredible blessings of obedience. The book of Exodus also highlights Gods holiness. The realization again that God is all powerful and completely holy just becomes almost overwhelming to me when you combine it with His immense love for us and the freedom we now have to approach Him. Exodus has been an incredible reminder to me of the fact that God is Almighty and yet He will go to great lengths for relationship with us.

·         Point of Passion:

In Exodus we see God as He educates His people. His love for them gives them much grace but He also very clearly sets out the laws and consequences of disobedience before the Israelite's. The way He teaches them holds many timeless truths and examples in the area of education.  One of the main things I saw in Exodus was Gods focus on holiness. The Israelite's were to be set apart for His purpose and we too as God’s people are to look and act differently. In educational terms, this is spiritual growth and character development.

In order to make wise decisions we must be instructed with God’s principles. Godly education means that we equip students with not only the knowledge they need but the character and mindset to fulfill their destiny and shine their lights in the community.

Genesis

1.       First Impressions

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

 As stated in the Source View Bible in Genesis 12:3 it says that “all the families of the earth will be blesses” thus it seems fair to conclude that the author thought all people could benefit.  The book however, is assumed to be first written to the Israelite's, descendants of Jacob who live in Egypt. For them it would have been important to have the history and stories of their forefathers in written form. In Genesis 15:13 God tells Abraham that his descendants will be enslaved in a foreign land (Egypt) and this is important considering that the original readers are then slaves in Egypt. From chapter twelve onward the story is of Abraham and his family in their relationships with God and the roles they fulfill in His plan. For the Israelite's in Egypt this is an account of the generations before them. Genealogies then as mentioned in places such as Genesis 4, 5 and 11 will be valuable to these readers.

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Based on several different facts the widespread belief is that Genesis was written by Moses. One of the key things that stand out in his writing is the knowledge of specifically the Egyptian culture and beliefs. Due to the area in which Moses grew up it is understandable that he has knowledge of both the Hebrew and Egyptian cultures. He speaks of other places such as Sodom and Gomorrah however the story of Joseph is very descriptive with cultural details for example the embalming and mourning periods of the Egyptians in Genesis 50:3 or the way meals would be served in the Egyptian home in Genesis 43:32.

·         What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea”?

The book of Genesis tells of Creation, the fall and then the stories of the family through which God chooses to redeem man. Much of the book entails the history of Abraham and his family. The book repeatedly highlights the faithfulness of God throughout generations as God reaffirms His promises and covenant. In one sentence the book of Genesis can be summed up as follows: After man, the highest of God’s good creation was separated from him through sin, God chose a family through which to bless the world, he walked with them defending them and developing them in godliness.

·         What is the primary reason this book was written?

There are many reasons for the writing of Genesis however the main reason would probably be to alter the Polytheistic worldview of the Israelites in Egypt at the time. Through the generations of Israelites living in Egypt the God of their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had become lost along with the testimonies of these men. Through Genesis God reassures the people of His character and reintroduce them to the truths of who He is and what he has done.

               

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Throughout the book of Genesis we can see many different parts of Gods character. From the creation of the earth we can clearly see the intelligence and creativity of God in that which He has created. His desire to have relationship with man is evident in the Garden of Eden. God is just and protects the righteous; this is something I saw through God saving Noah and his family from the flood and Lot’s family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In later parts of Genesis the main thing that stood out to me was Gods faithfulness especially to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. What I love about Genesis is the different parts of Gods character that is revealed through the names certain characters have for him, for example “God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1), “the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13) or “God the provider” (Genesis 22:14). However, I would say that the main message of God’s character and nature that is prevalent in Genesis is that He is the all powerful, sovereign creator.

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

One of the main examples of the plan God has of sending Jesus to redeem mankind is seen in the story where God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22:2. The story of how God provides is a foreshadowing of Jesus. Genesis focus is on the lives of the patriarchs which repeatedly are told that they will be a blessing to all the people of the earth as God plans to use them to bring about His redemptive plan.

3.       Application questions

·         Personal application:

Throughout Genesis God speaks to the patriarchs and promises those things which they do not see happen in their life time as well as things which they do see but have to wait for. In my life God has promised me several things which I hold dear yet sometimes when I don’t understand, then I too laugh at that which God has promised the way Sarah did in Genesis 18:12. Not only is God faithful to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob but in Josephs life he too. Most of Joseph’s life passed before the dreams God gave him realized and he had to endure hardships where he also possibly didn't know how God was to provide. This blind trust in God is the beauty of relationship with God!  There are many challenging timeless truths throughout Genesis however the idea of pleading with God for the life of someone else as Abraham does in Genesis 18:23-32 is something which I can definitely apply in my own life. I know the importance of intercession however the big change or result it can bring about has stood out to me.

·         Point of Passion:

One thing which is very near to my heart is helping young people. A point of passion for me is to inspire, ignite and reclaim purpose in the lives of others. I specifically want to do this through education and the mentoring of adolescent girls.

Throughout Genesis there are things which apply to this, as a start Genesis is the book in which we find our purpose. In Genesis 1:26 - 2:25; 15:1-2:1 we see we are created for intimate relationship with God. From here on out the journey is simply discovering how we will live this out in day to day life. It is a pity that Genesis 1:26,27 has been so widely proclaimed that often Christians fail to recognize the power of these verses. When one takes time to sit down and think upon the fact that we are all created in the image of God it has to change your world. This simple truth has stood out to me once more in the area of Education. Every single human being has the ability to learn. We were created to be intelligent beings! In Genesis 18:18, 19 we see God entrusting the generations to Abraham to direct and teach in the ways of the Lord. One of Gods principles for education is for parents to nurture their children in the ways of God, bringing them up in His love, giving their hearts and minds to love, obey, and serve Him, and commissioning them to go teach and disciple all nations.