The first book of Samuel opens with the story of Hannah and her feelings as she struggles with infertility. But there is more to the story. Hannah is married to Elkanah, who has two wives. The other wife of Elkanah, Peninnah – is adversarial towards Hannah. The text seems toContinue Reading
Through an act of war, the Philistines take away the ark of the covenant from the nation of Israel. The text suggests that the Philistines believed the power of the ark would help them in battle. The ark serves as a reminder that gadgets work inasmuch as the person usingContinue Reading
Ruth is a great book for teenagers. So many of them can relate to a person who has had so many difficulties. We began the study of the book of Ruth by writing on the white board all of the characters from chapter 1 – Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon, Ruth, Chilion,Continue Reading
The account of Samson in the book of Judges is an excellent example of how one story in a scriptural text can be a microcosm for the entire book. The story of Samson is also an illustration of how the Lord allows us to make decisions for ourselves – ourContinue Reading
Judges takes place roughly between 1250-1050 BC. The last judge in this book is Samuel, after which the nation of Israel chooses to be led by King Saul. Tribal loyalty replaced national unity as the children of Israel formed a loose confederation of tribes. This description of the book fromContinue Reading
The book of Joshua outlines the capture of strongholds in Canaan. From the miracle of the destruction of the walls of Jericho to the hailstones descending on the Amorites in Joshua 10, the record indicates the fact that the “Lord fought for Israel” (Joshua 10:14). From the first 11 chaptersContinue Reading
Joshua 6 tells the story of the walls of Jericho coming down. The story is miraculous in many ways. Taking a fortified city was always a challenge, usually ending in more casualties for the attacking force due to the difficulty of taking a fortified position. The Israelites follow the instructionContinue Reading
Deuteronomy 7 discusses the importance of making the right decisions with respect to marriage. From the text we read: Neither shalt thou make amarriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will aturn away thyContinue Reading
In class as we were going through some of the chapters in Numbers I had several students ask about the casting out of the lepers in Numbers 5. Although not just lepers were “put out of the camp” (Numbers 5:2), this brought out the idea – what leprosy represented. LeprosyContinue Reading
Numbers chapter 9 illustrates how the Lord instructed Israel when they were to move the camp. “So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.” (Numbers 9:16) As long as the cloud rested upon the tabernacle, Israel stayed where they were campedContinue Reading
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