Psalm

Alexa’s Interpretation of David’s Psalm

Psalm 86

Come close God, hear my voice;

Respond to me! I need your help.

Cover me with your hand, for I am fully yours.

Rescue me, for my life and trust are wrapped up in you. You are my Savior.

Be gentle with me, God, I’m always desperate for you.

Give me abundant joy; for my heart and whole life are yours alone.

O Lord, you are the best! Always eager to forgive me;

Your perfect love surrounds anyone who calls on you.

Hear my voice, Jesus! Its urgent!

There’s no doubt you will be there whenever I need you.

No other god comes close to comparing with you!

They can’t do what you do, perfect God.

You created all the nations;

They’re all coming, God! Coming to submit in worship and exalt your holy name.

You are incredible; no words can express the amazing things you do.

Be my teacher of truth so I can live by your standards!

Give me a pure, white as snow heart,

So that you will be exalted in my life.

With my entire heart I worship you, O Lord my God.

I will glorify you now and for eternity,

For your affectionate, sustaining, faithful love towards me if so wonderful.

You have saved me from death.

O God, jealous people come against me:

Evil people try to take my life.

They give no thought to you, God.

But I know you Lord;

You’re full of compassion and mercy,

Not easily provoked and brimming with love and faithfulness.

Look upon me with your kind eyes,

Strengthen me because I am yours.

Do a mighty act for me in front of my haters.

This will disgrace them and fill them with shame,

For you, my protector, fight for me and console me.

Personal Application

One of the most powerful observations I made throughout the Psalms is the many times “joy” is mentioned! This is a gift I can always receive from God no matter my life circumstances. In sorrow and in happy times I can have constant joy because it flows from the Spirit and is a gift. I want to always choose thankfulness to God throughout life, knowing Ill receive from Him abounding joy! Another thing I love about Psalms are the scriptures referring to seeking God in the morning, or calling on God in the morning. I can so relate to this need for God in

first hour of waking up. I’ve even been given words about seeking God in prayer in the morning. I want to always set aside my morning for the Lord. Giving Him my first affections and focus and aligning my heart with His for the day. Some verses that touched me deeply are:

Psalm 30:5 “Joy comes in the morning.”

Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever.”

Psalm 90:14 “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”

My Psalm

                                                                 You give boundaries to the raging ocean

                                                                 Set stars in place to twinkle bright

Wildflowers bloom for you in full color

The birds of the air fly and sing with pure delight

All of this power; yet God you know me

You formed me in your pure delight

You are closer than my very breath

Your all consuming love 

surrounds me

Creative maker God; source of every life

You give dessert camels humps filled with water to survive

You protect the moose from bears equipping them with antlers of strength and might

You strengthen salmon for their journey home to spawn and give more life

O Lord you are so great; you strengthen me your daughter

In my spinning and confusion you silence my fear with just a whisper

My joy is made complete when I’m resting in you my lover

All my life is yours to keep Jesus your near and close to me

Samuel

Cami Sue "My Jonathan"

The original readers of Samuel would be the Israelites. Samuel contains a few references of it being written long ago and this leads me to believe the original readers were Israelites many years later. “Now in those days…” is one example.(1 Samuel 3:1) This book shows the Israelites history of their nation turning into a monarchy under kings. I believe evidence pointing to the original readers being Israelites is that the main characters (Saul, Samuel, David, Jonathan) are Israelites themselves.

It says Samuel wrote it down on a scroll. I think Samuel was authored and compiled by a group of prophets. The voices of the prophets are exemplified throughout Samuel. I also think Samuel was one of the prophets to write this. He would have been a close friend of David and known his poems to be able to quote them in 2 Samuel 22-23:1-7. It also says Samuel took the duties of a king and “…wrote them down on a scroll and placed it before the Lord.”(1 Samuel 10:25)

A repeated phrase I see throughout Samuel is “...anointed one…”(1 Samuel 24:6,10) This represents an idea seen in the book that God anoints leaders, but regardless of anointing they are still judged by their obedience to God.(1 Samuel 15:22)  We see Saul’s time as king comes to an end because has not “…kept the Lords commands.”(1 Samuel 13:14) I love when God shares what he is looking for in a king. Simply desiring “…a man after his own heart…”(1 Samuel 13:14) to lead His people. Samuel is about a kingdom being established in Israel and the mercy of God to give Israel what they desire, a king to rule.

Samuel was written to a group of Israelites living in disobedience to God and desiring a king. First Samuel 11:1-18 shows the negative consequences of having a king; this would be a warning to Israel. Samuel would also be an example to a godless generation of Israelites to remember how simple it is to have God on your side. An example of this is when Samuel tells the Israelites “…If you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Determine to obey only the Lord; then he will rescue you from the Philistines.”(1 Samuel 7:3) Also, the characters and juicy details of their lives in this book support this idea of God teaching future Israelites to live holy and obediently with Him. For example, Hannah exemplifies a woman of faith in the Lord.(1 Samuel 1-2) David would reveal a lot about obedience and a repentive heart and how God blesses such a man.

In Samuel God reveals himself as a jealous God, full of justice. Although God loves the Israelites,  when they rebel he punishes them and judges their sin.(1 Samuel 2:10) Another time we see this perfect jealousy justice is when David commits adultery with Bathsheba and murders her husband Uriah.(2 Samuel 12) As a result, God caused David’s household to rebel against him, his baby with Bathsheba to die, and his wives will be taken by another man in public view.(2 Samuel 12:11-14) In 1^st Samuel 9:5-17 the Israelites desire to be like other nations and have a king. In Gods mercy he warns them of the negative burden a king will put upon them, but they insist. God is merciful to give them a king, a raises up Saul in perfect time to deliverer them from the Philistines.

In the book of Samuel I saw Jesus foreshadowed twice. “He gives power to his king; he increases the strength of his anointed one.”(1 Samuel 2:10) This power would be given to the line of David and the scepter that will be passed to the true anointed Savior and king to come: Jesus! Also 1^st Samuel chapter two a question is asked that shows the desire to have Jesus, a mediator between and us Jesus. “If someone sins against another person, God can mediate for the guilty party. But if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede?”(I Samuel 2:25)

I was struck with excitement and reverence for the power of God in 1 Samuel 14:6 where it says: “…nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” Sometimes when I begin dreaming with the Lord about changing the world and broken people encountering the love of God I find myself discouraged. I doubt his greatness and look to my own strength and ability. But this verse speaks powerfully that not even my disbelief can hinder Gods great plans and that he has the victory if the warrior are few, or just me! I also really understand the special bond of friendship between Saul and David, shown in 1^st Samuel 18:1-4. My heart swells with thankfulness to the Lord that He has given me an incredible friendship and best friend. It says so much of God that He provides friends we can share deeply with the sorrows, joys, boredom, and victories of life with! I will forever cherish my Cami Sue and be thankful for her!

“You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on him. Don’t go back to worshiping worthless idols that cannot help or rescue you—they are totally useless! The Lord will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name. For it has pleased the Lord to make you his very own people.” 1 Samuel 12:20-22 This verse would be a powerful, encouraging verse to women who are oppressed and seeking new life and idenitity in Christ. It speaks of a understanding of forgiveness, releasing all shame and not looking back. Looking forward and fully setting our eyes on Jesus. It extols women to not return to a life of captivity and giving yourself over to idols and worship that will not heal you or give you hope.  Women who are oppressed or abused would find security in the Lord if they knew of his constant love and the truth that it is outside Gods character to ever leave us!

Ruth

The book of Ruth touched my heart deeply! I have more notes and thoughts to share regarding this fabulous book! For this assignment though I only did the Point of Passion aspect and looked at Ruth through the eyes of an oppressed woman. I also personally responded to one (of the many!) revelations I took away!Enjoy!

Oppressed women would really be able to connect with the story of Naomi throughout the story of Ruth. I believe that Naomi ended up in Moab because of the disobedience and lack of faith her husband, Elimelech. His sin greatly effects Naomi; but it is out of her hands. She finds herself in a foreign land with foreign gods. She becomes widowed and childless with. All hope seems to be gone. (Ruth 1:5) She has a choice though. Will she choose to turn back to the Lord; despite her heart retching circumstances, and trust God. In difficult times when the choices of others effects us deeply, will we choose to carry on in our journeys of faithfulness to God? Naomi’s story shows us how God turns ashes into beauty!

Oh my goodness I love the book of Ruth! There’s so much I’m going to take away from this book about covenants, commitment, integrity, discipleship, and obedience. But for right now, I want to focus on the incredible example Ruth displays as she relentlessly chooses obedience over comfort or her understanding. It’s amazing to me how Ruth fully obeys Naomi about going to the threshing floor to see Boaz. (Ruth 3:5-9) Ruth wouldn't have understood the significance or cultural meaning of what Naomi was telling her to do. But in full submission and obedience she simply said “yes.” In my relationship with Jesus I don’t want to be a doubting daughter, always needing clarification or understanding before I obey. I want to be quick to respond in obedience to the commands of God. This heart attitude of “…all that you tell me I will do.”(Ruth 3:5) exemplifies a deep trust in Naomi. Lord, make my trust go deeper in you! I want to be full of trust so that I can say “yes” to anything you’re calling me to!

Judges

The original readers of Judges would have been the Israelites' under King Saul’s reign or the beginning of David’s reign. Chapter 21:25 says: “In those days Israel had no king;…” This reveals that the original reader would have had a king and shows that Numbers would have been history to the original readers.

I think the author is Samuel, and Jewish tradition also accredits Judges to Samuel.  Samuel would have had a unique understanding “..between the period of the judges and the period of the kings.”(Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts)

I think the main theme of this book is that the people of Israel “…failed…”(Judges 1:19,21,29,30,31,33) to obey God, but he continued to deliverer them in His faithfulness and grace. The Israelites repeat a cycle of sin throughout Judges. It started when the Israelites did “…evil in the Lord’s sight and served the image of Baal;”(Numbers 2:11) and “…abandoned the Lord…”(Numbers 2:13) to worship other gods. So in the Lords anger “He turned them over to their enemies…”(Numbers 2:14) and “…fought against them...”, causing them to “…be defeated.”(Numbers 2:15) Then the Lord hears Israel’s cries of distress and takes pity on his people.(Numbers 2:16,18) He raises up judges to “…rescue the Israelites from their attackers.”(Numbers 2:16) So God delivered Israel, but it was always short lived. Once the judge would die the Israelites “…returned to their corrupt ways, behaving worse than those who had lived before them.”(Numbers 2:19) Throughout Judges God stays true to His covenant and faithfully shows Israel grace.

I think the primary reason Judges was written was to document the 350 years the Israelite lived without a king, a fulfillment of Gods intention to be the sole ruler of the Israelites. This history would have been valuable to future generations. Another idea on why Samuel may have written Judges would have been to convince Israel of their need for a king, particularly David. In this book we see David’s tribe, the tribe of Judah, spoken about in a mostly positive light. “The Lord was with people of Judah…they took possession of the hill country.”(Judges 1:19) But we see Sauls tribe, the tribe Benjamin, spoken about in a negative light. First, they “failed to drive out the Jebusites…”(Judges 1:21) and then troublemakers from the Benjamin’s tribe rape and kill a girl(Judges 19:23-28) and are purged of their evil by the other twelve tribes.(Numbers 20:8-13) On a joyful note, Judges also is full of God using unique, seemingly “unqualified” people to act as judges (hero’s) for Israel. This would have been an encouraging message to future Israelites of hope and the redemption of God.

The faithfulness of God is shown throughout Judges. He is so quick to forgive and minister grace to Israel. Even when they were doing detestable things and completely hurting the Lords heart He “…took pity on his people, who were burdened by oppression and suffering.”(Judges 2:18) A specific illustration of Gods grace is powerfully witnessed in the Lords interactions with Samson. After the Lord allowed Samsun to kill 1,000 Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone, Samson starts boasting, as if it was in his own strength.(Judges 15:17) “You have accomplished this great victory by the strength of your servant…”(Judges 15:18) After he did this instead of rebuking Him, God gave him water to drink by causing “…water to gush out of a hollow in the ground…”(Numbers 15:19) God remains faithful and full of grace, even in our pride.

I do not see much of God’s redemptive plan but Jesus is foreshadowed in Judges. Jephthah made a vow with the Lord to sacrifice as a burnt offering whatever comes out of his house to greet him if the Lord gives him victory in battle. His “…one and only child…”(Judges 11:34) came out to greet him. She was a virgin(Judges 11:37) and would be a pure sacrifice. Jesus was God’s one and only son and a pure sacrifice without any sin. In chapter 13:3 the angel of the Lord appeared to Manoahs’s wife and told her she will “…become pregnant and give birth to a son.”(Judges 13:3) The angel of Lord also said “He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines.”(Judges 13:5) An angel of the Lord will also appears to Mary and Jesus will rescue Israel from the Romans.

In Judges God has been deeply speaking the theme of grace over my heart. He is so full of loving grace and it can be seen repeatedly in this book. It gives me such hope that what I try to accomplish for the Lord cannot be done in my own strength. Rather, in my weakness God delights even more to use me so that His power can be revealed. I love how God speaks so patiently and tenderly with Gideon. Gideon repeatedly tells God he isn’t qualified to be used in mighty ways and the Lord encourages Him. Unlike God’s directedness and harshness with Moses, God knows Gideon personally and speaks and has a different approach. The Lord calls him a “Mighty hero…”(Numbers 6:12) and says “I am sending you!”(Judges 6:14) He also tells him “I will be with you.”(Numbers 6:16) In Gideons fears God had done a mighty work of trust in His heart. A work so great the Gideon recognized God as “…the Lord is peace.”(Numbers 6:24) I want God to grow a confidence in me so great that my faith in the Lord’s strength will produce peace in my life.

A weird but amusing story that oppressed women could glean from would be the story of Jael. God uses her femininity and hospitality to lure in, and eventually kill Sisera, the commander of a bad army. Jael did not have a lot to offer the Lord when He wanted to us her. She had a hammer, and a tent peg and an obedient heart and we see the latter is all that really matters to God!(Judges 4:21) Jael is counted as “Most blessed among women.”(Judges 5:24) for her obedience to God. Just like Jael we may be lacking in gifts or weapons we think are valuable for God to use us; but that is simply not what God is after. He’s after our willingness and obedient hearts!

Joshua

In Joshua 4:21 Joshua it says the instructions are intended for the future generations of Israelites. Joshua made a covenant with the people, “…committing them to follow the decrees and regulations of the Lord.”(Joshua 24:25) This covenant would have been for all Israelites and generations to come. It would have been their history and a book containing the fulfillment of Gods promise to them and how they took the land.

I think Joshua wrote the book of Joshua, but agree with the SourceView insights that the book was composed later and additions may have been by the priest Eleazar.  God speaks directly to Joshua as He appoints him as “…a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites.”(Joshua 3:7) Joshua is also the commander of the army and speaks intimately with The Lord, or an angel of the Lord.(Joshua 6:1-5 ) It also says “Joshua recorded these things in the Book of God’s Instructions.”(Joshua 24:25)

A main theme and repeated idea of Joshua is God fighting powerfully for Israel and giving them the victory as they come into the fulfillment of the promise! God encourages Israel and their leader to “…not be afraid of discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”(Joshua 1:9) This theme of God going with Israel and fighting for them is echoed throughout the whole book. Also, God’s powerfulness is a theme we see. Twice armies come together to fight against Israel and both times God’s gives Israel the victory in His strength.

I think this book was written to remind the future generations of Israelites of God’s faithfulness and to testify to the incredible victorious He won on Israel’s behalf. Joshua said God “…did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.”(Joshua 4:24) This book would also would have been an important document for Israel to know the allotments of land assigned to the tribes.(Joshua 13-24)

Joshua foreshadows Jesus as he leads the Israelites into their promise, just as the Jesus will lead many into salvation. The scarlet cord that provides safety for Rahab and her house(Joshua 2:17-21) represents safety and a covering found in the blood of Jesus.(Hebrews 9:19-20) 

Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy is written for the generation of Israelites’ who stood with Moses “…here today in the presence of the Lord our God…” and also for “…future generations…”(Deuteronomy 29:15) “Repeat them again and again to your children”(Deuteronomy 6:7) also gives us a clue that the contents of Deuteronomy are for generations to come. In chapters 28 and 29 God lists out the curses and blessings so that the Israelites’ destined to posses the Promise land will clearly know what is expected of them!

I believe Moses authored Deuteronomy because of the intimate exchange he has with the Lord concerning the future of Israel after they take the land.(Deuteronomy 31:16-21) I don’t think the Lord would have had this established trust with anyone else to be able to share a prophesy of the future of Israel. Also, the SourceView insights section and Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts both suggest Moses was the author.

The main theme of Deuteronomy is that obedience leads to blessing, and disobedience leads to curses. “…today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today. But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the Lord your God...”(Deuteronomy 11:26-28) Moses boldly reminds the new generation to remember the disobedient example of their parents and admonishes them to go forward in faith and take the promise land!(Deuteronomy 6:1-2) Moses also beautifully communicates his understanding of Gods heart and love for Israel when he repeats himself twice and says “…God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.”(Deuteronomy 7:6, 14:2)

I think the book was written to refresh Israel’s memory of all God had done to give them faith to move into the fulfillment of their promise from God. Deuteronomy is like a “pep talk” from Moses to build up the Israelites’ faith in God. A repeated word we see is “remember.” Remember “…how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness…”,remember”…He is the one who gives you power to be successful.”, and “remember the days long ago.”(Deuteronomy 8:2, 8:18, 32:7) In chapter 27 verses 1-3 Moses tells the people to make memorial stones of “the whole body of instructions” so the people will even have a visual of their commands from the lord to keep once they cross the Jordan and enter their promised land.

Deuteronomy shows the Lord deeply cares for His people. This part of His character is revealed throughout the book when God speaks over His people how he loves and takes care of them. “Indeed, he loves his people; all his holy ones are in his hands.”(Deuteronomy 33:3) This book also affirms that Gods nature is never changing when God says “I know the intentions of these people…”(31:21) but he remains true to giving free will when it’s said “You can make this choice by loving the Lord…”(30:20)

Jesus is foreshadowed in Deuteronomy 18:15-20 when Moses says “I will raise up a prophet like you from among the fellow Israelites.” This prophecy is foreshadowing Jesus who will come for the Israelites as the true deliverer. Some interesting foreshadowing between Moses and Jesus is that: Moses was the leader of twelve tribes and Jesus led 12 disciples, Moses founded the Kingdom of Israel and Jesus founded the Kingdom of God, Moses was the mediator of the old covenant and Jesus becomes the mediator of the new covenant.  

God dose not choose to love you based on any earthly standard or by your performance. He chose you simply because He loves you! This message would speak to powerfully to the heart of oppressed women. It would speak to a heart whose been taught you only receive love based on what you do. God shows a completely different message throughout Deuteronomy as he affirms to Israel the reasons He chose to love them. He chose us as the “…objects of his love”(Deuteronomy 10:15) and as His “…own special treasure”(Deuteronom

y 7:6) not because we had a lot to offer or because we had a lot going for us.(Deuteronomy 7:7) He “…set his heart…” on you and chose you because “…The Lord loves you…”(Deuteronomy 7:8)

Numbers

In the book of Numbers we see that the original readers were the Israelites'. The book was written as an account of Israel’s forty years of dessert wandering, therefore these stories would have been for future generations of Israelites'. The whole community of Israel was present in this book.(Numbers 1:18) Also, it lists the tribes who made it to the promise land and so there descendants would have been the original readers as well.(Numbers 34:14-28)

Keeping with the theme of the Pentateuch being authored by Moses, both the SourceView insights section and Nelson’s complete book of maps and charts both agree Moses wrote Numbers. I also agree Moses authored Numbers because it says within the text that at “…the Lord’s discretion, Moses kept a written record of their progress.”(Numbers 33:2) There are also more than eighty claims (Nelson’s complete book of bible maps and charts) that “the Lord said to Moses.”(Numbers 7:11)

The main theme of Numbers is that God judges His people, but also goes to great lengths to restore them and show them mercy and hope. One chapter after the people leave Mt. Sinai and start the journey towards the promise land, they start “…to complain about their hardships, and the Lord heard everything they said.”(Numbers 11:1) They complained about the provisions of the Lord in regards to food and he responds and says I “…will give you meat…”(Numbers 11:18) He gives them what they want, but they continue to complain. God does not allow that generation of complainers to enter the promise land, and punishes them by sending them to the dessert to wander for 40 years.(Numbers 14:29) But keeping in the perfect goodness and mercy of God, the promise remains that the younger generation will be brought “…safely into the land, and they will enjoy what you have despised.”(Numbers 14:31)

I think this book was written to remind the Israelites' forever that obeying and trusting in God is the key to life. “…Will they never believe me?...” asks the Lord in response to Israel’s sin of disbelief.(Numbers 14:11) A great imagery that I believe captures this idea of the Lords disciplining heart is found in the story of the spies. They set out to scope out the land and came back focusing fully on their own disability to take the land,(Numbers 13:32) not focusing on Gods ability to take the land. They disobey God by not trusting and spread this disbelief; causing fear and distrust among the Israelites.  In response to Israel rejecting Gods plan the lord judges Israel “…according to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, for each day you shall bear your guilt one year, namely forty years, and you shall know My rejection.”(Numbers 14:34)  The end of this story would also speak to the future Israelites’ that God uses the sin of His people to create a beautiful ending. God commands to the next generation to “Take possession of the land and settle in it, because I have given it to you to occupy.”(Numbers 33:53)

Numbers gives us a beautiful imagery that within the Character of God He desires to be highly exalted about everything and remain in the center of our lives. In the middle of the camp is where the Tabernacle would always be, just like in everything we do and everything we are God desires to be the center.(Numbers 2:1-31) God is full of patients, is loving, forgiving and merciful.(Numbers 14:18) God is also the provider of everything we need.(Numbers 20:11) Also, in the way God lifts the cloud from the Tabernacle when the people are to move shows that God is a good shepherd and leader and we are to also look to Him in everything we set out to do.(Numbers 9:17)

Numbers points to Gods redemptive plan in 5:7 “They must confess their sins and make full restitution for what they have done…” This points to our need for a Savior and the NT confirms this in James 5:16. Another example of foreshadowing is seen in the prophet Balaam’s oracle when he refers to Jesus. He says (referring to Jesus) “I see him, but not here and now. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel.”(Numbers 24:17) A scepter (or ruler) rising from the Israelites’ would be Jesus. He will be the prophet, deliverer, and king that Israel will be looking for.

In Numbers I feel like God has been speaking to me about not letting my circumstances determine what I believe about the character of God. When the Israelites start looking at their circumstances instead of the promises of the Lord, they start disbelieving God and become irrational in making false claims about the character of the Lord.(Numbers 14) I really feel that is a huge reason the Lord has me here doing DBS. To build a firm foundation of truth, remembering the faithfulness of God always. So when hard times come my trust in the Lord and His character is preserved. God, give me a steadfast heart to pursue your truth. When the storms of life come help me be a daughter who fixes my eyes on you. The ultimate truth and perfector of my faith. I will not fear the raging storm, but believe in your victory over it!”

Oppressed women around the world would connect with Gods heart to protect us from danger and the enemies’ schemes. We see a beautiful example of the Lord protecting Israel from Balaam’s attempt to curse them in Numbers 23 and 24. Four times Balaam tries to curse the people of Israel, and four times the Lord takes Balaam’s words and turns them into a rich blessing over the people of Israel. God is active in protecting us and shielding us from our enemies and can be trusted to take care of us. There is a rest and peace that this truth can activate within our hearts if we can fully believe that God is fighting on our behalf!

Leviticus

The SoureView insights section tells us Leviticus was written to the Israelites'. I also believe Leviticus was written to the Israelites' because the whole book is full of rules that show them how to live with God, one another and as a society as they build a nation. In the first chapter God tells Moses to give these instructions “…to the people of Israel.”(Leviticus 1:2) He says the same thing again throughout the book that the laws and contents are for “…the people of Israel.”(Leviticus 4:2)

Internally within Leviticus there is outstanding evidence that Moses is the author. One example is the number of times it tells us the “Lord said to Moses.”(Leviticus 4:1, 5:14)  Nelson’s complete book of Bible maps and charts says God imparted the laws directly to Moses “Fifty-six times in the twenty-seven  chapters…”

I believe the main theme of Leviticus is Gods holiness and how we, his chosen people, can be made holy and in remain in communion with Him. “You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.”(Leviticus 20:26) Gods’ heart in building the people of Israel up in His holiness is so they will be an example of holiness before all people. (Leviticus 10:3)

“It has been said it took God only one night to get Israel out of Egypt, but it took forty years to get Egypt out of Israel.”(Nelson’s complete book of Bible maps and charts) The Israelites' have been slaves for four hundred years and God see there need to learn the basics of governing, and living as a nation. God is setting a new standard of living for them when He tells them “…do not act like the people of Egypt, where you used to live, or the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. (Leviticus 18:3) There problem is that God has called them to be priest, but they are far from this. God is going to teach them how this calling can become a reality. Again God tells them to “…keep the decrees and regulations…” and to “…not live according to the customs of the people I am driving out before you.”(Leviticus 20:22) These rules and standards are set out from the Lord to the Israelites because God is going to entrusts them with a great land and wants them to be prepared with the correct world view, identity and rules before they take the promise land.

This book shows the merciful character of God and the holy nature of God. An illustration of God merciful character is shown in the story of Aaron and his sons in Leviticus ten. The chapter starts out with two of Aarons sons disobeying the Lord, resulting in their death.(Leviticus 10:1-2) Then Aaron's other two sons were told to make a piece offering to the Lord for their deceased brothers sin, and they too, disobeyed.(Leviticus 10:12-18) But instead of also killing them, the Lord (who perfectly laid out law and rules) is full of compassion and understanding. He spares Aaron's sons’ lives and shows He is full of mercy. God’s holiness is a huge theme and God himself says twice: “Be holy because I… am holy.”(Leviticus 19:2, 20:26)

In Leviticus there is a powerful call to be holy and sanctified people. This reveals a need for a perfect atonement for our sins to come: Jesus! In Leviticus God requires animal sacrifices be made to provide a covering of sin.(Leviticus 4:35, 4:2) The Lord tells the Israelites' that to atone for their sins they must put their hand on the animals head and he will “…accept its death in your place to purify you, making you right with him.”(Leviticus 1:4) This shows that blood must be shed for atonement of our sins and the New Testament says “…blood confirms the covenant God has made with you.”(Hebrews 9:20)  

Leviticus speaks deeply to my heart the reality of Gods desire to be so near to me. He dosent want anything to come between us and He will always have a plan for me to stay in right, intimate fellowship with Him. In Leviticus it says we will be purified of our sins, making us “…right with the Lord.”(Leviticus 5:13) I feel like I have fresh insight into this idea that I can be holy and right with the Lord! How amazing! What other god invites me to be like him in holiness? ONLY JESUS! I think I will be meditating on this idea of holiness that Leviticus communicates for the rest of my life.

Leviticus has a powerful message of Gods desire to set us completely free in an “…open field to fly away.”(Leviticus 14:7) This message of ultimate freedom unto intimacy with Jesus would be transforming news to oppressed women living in bondage. My favorite illustration of this is when God tells Moses how to perform a purification ceremony for people who have been healed of skin disease.(Numbers 14:1-7) In the ceremony two live birds are brought to the priest who then slaughters one bird over a clay pot of fresh water and then sprinkles the fresh water and blood mixture over the healed person. Once the person is purified the priest …”will release the live bird in the open field to fly away.”(Numbers 14:7) This is just such a powerful imagery of God not just healing us but going above that to completely set us free to fly! 

Job

Seven Questions that Determine a Worldview

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      I intervewed Kristin from the Kona De Pele coffee shop downtown Kona (answers given in black) and my Daddy (answers given in purple.)

1.What is really real?

God.

I can perceive that which is real and contemplate it.  

2. What is the nature of the universe?

It is structured by God who created it.

God's Disneyland! Created for his pleasure and he said 'it is good!' 

3. What is a human being?

A body, soul, spirit, mind.

God's AMAZING creation.

4.What happens after death?

We either go to heaven or hell and live forever.

Your spirit leaves your body and you go to be with God where you face trial judgement.

5. How do you know right from wrong?

Based on Gods word.

We are all born with a desire for God and in that is an intuitive right or wrong. Gods very existence gives us a standard.

6. How can you know anything at all?

Based on Gods truth and hearing his voice.

Because I have a mind that can perceive and contemplate. 

7. What is the purpose of history?

We learn from it so we can grow and do things better. 

To show us what to do or what not to do.

Exodus

The original readers of Exodus would be the Israelites. More specifically the generation of Israelites that would take the promise land. As seen in the SourceView insight section Genesis was written for the Israelites as a reminder of how “…God has rescued them from oppression.” There are new festivals and laws spoken and God repeatedly tells the Israelites to “tell your children from generation to generation!(Genesis 12:17, 13:8.)

The SourceView insights suggest “Moses wrote it around 1440 BC.” I believe there is substantial evidence within the book showing it was indeed Moses who authored Exodus. One example we see in Genesis 1:10 reveals Moses was raised in Pharaohs house, therefore he was educated and understood both Hebrew and Egyptian. I also believe Moses reveals he is the author through intimate details of his time with the Lord. (Exodus 32:11) when he is interceding for His people Israel reminding God of his promises and character, and the intimacy of Moses’ interaction as God gives Moses  a glimpse of him (Exodus 33:22.)

The main theme I see in Exodus is obedience. God lays out his plan for a Tabernacle to be built.(Exodus 20-23) In the end of the book the people of Israel have fulfilled all the requirements and fully obeyed God.(Exodus 36-40) “Moses proceeded to do everything just as the Lord had commanded him.”(Exodus 40:16) God is using the Tabernacle as a test of the Israelites obedience and to build faith in the generation that will take the promise land.

I think the primary reason Exodus was written was to build the Israelites faith that God would provide everything they needed. The original reader would have still been trying to break free from the slave mindsets and we see them gravitating back to it. An example of this is when God sends manna and tells them to take it for just one day but some of them “didn’t listen and kept some for morning.”(Genesis 20:16) The authors’ motive would have been to encourage the Israelites that God will provide.

Exodus shows the nature of God when it reveals his great holiness. God is warning Moses to make sure no person or animal gets even close to the mountain for they would “…certainly be put to death.”(Exodus 19:12-13)  Exodus shows the character of God in that he is friend to the people of Israel. “…the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” (Exodus 33:11)

Gods extensive plan to build the tabernacle as a place for his people to communion with him foreshadows a new covenant where we will be able to have the holy spirit living within us and we will be a temple for God. Also, the events around Moses’ birth (Exodus 1:8-22) and the events around Jesus’ birth are similar. We see in both cases that from this God will raise up a savior for His chosen people a midst major persecution.

Through Genesis god has been speaking to me about His grace. It is so endless and perfect! A story that really speaks deeply of Gods grace is when Moses is up on the mountain speaking with the Lord about the Tabernacle and how Aaron will be Gods’ priest.(Exodus 28:1) At this same time Aaron is down leading the Israelites in corrupt worship to a gold calf.(Exodus 32:5-7) In the end of the story though Aaron and his sons minister to the people and become Priest. God has great grace for me, His chosen daughter!

I think a message I see in this book that would speak deeply to oppressed woman around the world is trusting in Jesus. A beautiful picture of this can be found in the story of Moses’ mother. We don’t know her name, but see from her story that she was a woman of great trust in the Lord. When she gave birth to Moses, Pharaoh ordered that every Hebrew baby boy be killed (Exodus 1:22) She noticed Moses was a “special baby”(Exodus 2:2) and kept him hidden for three months until she entrusted him with the Lord. She put the baby in a basket among the reeds and released this seemingly small thing to the Lord. God powerfully used her small sacrifice and trust to spare Moses’ life and make him a great leader for the Israelites.

Genesis

I believe the original readers of Genesis were the Israelites’. The stories and history within this book consistently follow the accounts and Gods plan for the Israelites. (Genesis 15) These genealogies are can be found in Genesis chapters 10, 25, 35 and 46. God tells Abraham about his plan for his ancestors and readers of this book his ultimate plan. (Genesis 15:13) In the rarity of shifted focus from the Israelites’ history to that of other nations we can understand God was giving the Hebrews insight into who their future “promise land neighbors will be.” One example of this is found in Lots story. As the Lord destroys the wicked people of Sodom and Gomorrah he spares Lot and his two daughters. Once in safety Lots daughters “…get him drunk…” and “…have sex with him...” (Genesis 19:34) Out of this perversity Lots daughters’ give birth to sons who become ancestors to the Moabites (Genesis 19:37) and the Ammonites (Genesis 19:38.) For the Israelites’ to know the sinful beginnings of these nations (and others mentioned in Genesis) would have greatly prepared them for dealing with these nations birthed in perversity.

The SourceView insights suggests Moses wrote Genesis“…around 1446-1406 BC.” I believe Moses authored Genesis because he included details which would have only been important to and understood by someone with a Hebrew and Egyptian heritage Moses separates his Hebrew brothers from himself and the other Egyptians for dinner. (Genesis 43:42) Another example can be seen in the last verse of Genesis (Chapter 50:26) when Joseph dies and is embalmed by the Egyptians. Moses would have known the embalming practices unique to Egypt and would have included this detail.

I think the main theme of Genesis is Gods Redemption. Along with Gods redemptive plans for His people I see the repeated idea of covenants. God makes a covenant with Noah, his family, and “…every living creature on earth…” (Genesis 9:10) that he will never send a flood to destroy all life and a rainbow in the clouds is an eternal covenant. Another powerful covenant is given to Abraham in Genesis 17:4-8. Through this covenant Gods plan for salvation for all people is released. No matter the circumstances we are tangled in God has a redeeming plan to bring about good!

The primary reason Genesis was written was to restore to the Israelites a godly worldview and their true identity. Genesis 15:13 explains the Israelites are “…strangers in a foreign land…” and “oppressed as slaves for 400 years.” Within four to six generations of bondage in a foreign kingdom the Israelites accepted the polytheistic religion of the Egyptians. Genesis would have informed the Israelites that God is the powerful creator and that mankind was the big crescendo of all his magnificent creation. This book to the enslaved Israelites would have shown the loving and caring nature of their God who see them, provides for them and has a magnificent plan for them. 

Genesis is a book brimming with amazing examples of the character and nature of God. One of the most mind blowing accounts of Gods nature is found in Genesis chapter one when God creates the heavens, earth, plants, animals and human beings in his image. As the Lord tests Abraham in chapter twenty-two we witness an incredible picture of Gods character. In reckless obedience to the Lord Abraham takes his beloved son Isaac to the mountain top to sacrifice him to the Lord. After Abraham ties Isaac on the alter and picks up his knife God intervenes and stops him from sacrificing Isaac. God provided a ram for the sacrifice in place of Isaac. “Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide.” Genesis 22:14

Within the first book of the bible God is already scheming a beautiful rescue for his children. Jesus is foreshadowed when Jacob prophesies that the bloodline of the Israelites will contain the ruler intended to rule who …”all nations will honor…” (Genesis 49:10) We also see that the bloodline of Abraham will contain the messiah. God tells Abraham that “All the families on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3.)   The story of Abraham and Isaac reveals Gods redemptive plan for mankind. Just like God will give his only son who he loves as a sacrifice for all mankind, he demands the same of Abraham. God tells Abraham to take his only son Isaac “…whom you love so much…” and sacrifice him. (Genesis 22:2)

In Genesis God has been speaking to me about His loving faithfulness despite our unbelief. A character God used to speak to me was Abraham. Abraham receives a promise from God that he will have a son. (Genesis 15:4) When he receives this promise he first tries to make it happen on his own, through his wife’s servant Hagar (Genesis 16:3.) Instead of rebuking Abraham, God gently reminds him of his promise and clarifies his son will come through his wife Sarai. (Genesis 17:16)  The text tells us Abraham “…laughed to himself in disbelief.” (Genesis 17:17.) Abraham then has a supernatural encounter with the Lord where he appears and confirms (for the third time!) that he will indeed give him a son. While Sarah’s listening to God and Abraham she overhears this news and “…laughed silently to herself…(Genesis 18:12) I was so encouraged by the end when Abraham is full of trust and belief. God asks him once to sacrifice his son, the fulfillment of a promise, and Abraham doesn’t question but fully obeys. (Genesis 22:2) I’m in awe that I get to serve a Lord full of patience and goodness. I want to keep my heart fully opened and humbled before the Lord. I want to continue to be available for the Lord to use me and grow in responding to the Lord the first time he asks something of me!

“Our God fully sees us and will always rescue us” would speak powerfully to oppressed women around the world.  After Eve sins in the garden and is overwhelmed by her shame, she tries to hide from God when he comes to look at her. God quickly disciplines her, but doesn’t dismiss her need. (Genesis 3:21) God tenderly rescues Eve from her shame and makes her clothes. In the midst of brokenness and shame God is fully attentive to our every need and will dress us up in what we really need. Another example can be found in the story of Hagar.(Genesis 16)  After Hagar become pregnant with her masters husband she begins to have a major attitude with Sarah.(Genesis 16:5) Sarah becomes harsh towards Hagar and she runs away! In her complete brokenness and distress God sends an angel to encourage her. After this encounter Hagar is deeply moved and proclaims “You are the God who sees me.”(Genesis 16:13) That God Hagar is referring to is still the same right now. For every woman oppressed around the world God fully sees them!