[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel ch7v3-ch8
Here we see Samuel with discernment. How?
Why did Samuel call a meeting at Mizpah?
[Activity] > So, the first hurdle the Israelites had to deal with was idolatry... how had this been their downfall in the past? And how do we, as a society, still struggle with this today?
What is an idol?
“Idols in the heart are far more dangerous than idols in the temple.” Do you agree with this statement? What does it mean?
Samuel was called to be the intercessor between the people and God. What does this mean? What does this foreshadow?
It wasn’t enough just for the Israelites to destroy their idols... they had to confess their sins. Why?
Next we see that the Philistines hear about this big gathering of Jews at Mizpah. What could they be thinking?
Read Psalm 20:7. How does it apply to our story?
God uses thunder to confuse the Philistines. Why is this significant?
God gave the Israelites the victory over the Philistines and kept them from attacking again. He’d allowed Israel to regain cities they’d lost in battle and gain the Amorites as allies. What does this tell us?
Again we see that stones are put in place as a monument or witness. Can you think of other examples of this?
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
1 Samuel 6
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 6 - 7:2
"The providence, wrath and mercy of God"
"The ark of the Lord had been in Philistine territory for seven months." What does this tell us?
Next, we see that the Philistines called for their priests and diviners. What does this tell us?
Why make gold rats and tumours?
Why do the Philistines send the ark back this way?
All the odds were stacked against the cows going to Beth Shamesh. Why?
But the cows did go to Beth Shamesh. What does this tell us?
What might those Israelites working in the field have thought as they saw the ark coming down the road?
What does Leviticus 1:3 tell us and how does this relate to our story today?
What does the Israelites treatment of the ark tell us about them and about God? What should they have done?
After this disobedience from the Israelites, what could God have done and what does He do?
Why did they take the ark to Kiriath Jearim and go to the house of Abinadab? And why did they consecrate Eleazar?
[Activity] > The ark has been compared to Jesus Christ.
Think of all the stories about the ark of the covenant and how the Jews were to tread the ark and how we are to treat Jesus. List any comparisons you can think of...
1 Samuel 6 - 7:2
"The providence, wrath and mercy of God"
"The ark of the Lord had been in Philistine territory for seven months." What does this tell us?
Next, we see that the Philistines called for their priests and diviners. What does this tell us?
Why make gold rats and tumours?
Why do the Philistines send the ark back this way?
All the odds were stacked against the cows going to Beth Shamesh. Why?
But the cows did go to Beth Shamesh. What does this tell us?
What might those Israelites working in the field have thought as they saw the ark coming down the road?
What does Leviticus 1:3 tell us and how does this relate to our story today?
What does the Israelites treatment of the ark tell us about them and about God? What should they have done?
After this disobedience from the Israelites, what could God have done and what does He do?
Why did they take the ark to Kiriath Jearim and go to the house of Abinadab? And why did they consecrate Eleazar?
[Activity] > The ark has been compared to Jesus Christ.
Think of all the stories about the ark of the covenant and how the Jews were to tread the ark and how we are to treat Jesus. List any comparisons you can think of...
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
1 Samuel 5
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 5
"The Lord's hand is heavy"
[Read 1 Sam. 5]
Why put the ark of God inside the temple of the pagan god Dagon?
Dagon was the main god of the Philistines. He was the father of Baal.
But here we see that the statue, the idol of Dagon is flat on it's face before the ark. What doe this mean?
How / What would the Philistines be thinking?
After this happened a few times, the Dagon statue had it's head and it's hands broken off. What could this mean?
So, we've seen what happens to this Philistine false god, and now we see what happens to the Philistine people.
What is God doing in both these instances?
Next, God sent plagues of rats and infected the Philistines with tumours. Read Deut. 28:58-60. What does this tell us?
[Activity] > Draw comic book / storyboards of this story or draw out your favourite scene(s).
Why did they move the ark from Ashdod to Gath, and on and on and on?
After a while, no one wanted the ark anywhere near them!
But the 5 kings had to be careful what they did with it. Why?
1 Samuel 5
"The Lord's hand is heavy"
[Read 1 Sam. 5]
Why put the ark of God inside the temple of the pagan god Dagon?
Dagon was the main god of the Philistines. He was the father of Baal.
But here we see that the statue, the idol of Dagon is flat on it's face before the ark. What doe this mean?
How / What would the Philistines be thinking?
After this happened a few times, the Dagon statue had it's head and it's hands broken off. What could this mean?
So, we've seen what happens to this Philistine false god, and now we see what happens to the Philistine people.
What is God doing in both these instances?
Next, God sent plagues of rats and infected the Philistines with tumours. Read Deut. 28:58-60. What does this tell us?
[Activity] > Draw comic book / storyboards of this story or draw out your favourite scene(s).
Why did they move the ark from Ashdod to Gath, and on and on and on?
After a while, no one wanted the ark anywhere near them!
But the 5 kings had to be careful what they did with it. Why?
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
1 Samuel 4
[MEST] 1 Samuel 4
Israel's defeat...God's victory
[Read 1 Samuel 4]
No sooner does God begin to reveal His word to His people, in this story, then the enemy shows up to attack them. How can we relate to this?
In the initial battle with the Philistines, Israel was defeated and 4000 men were killed.
What questions would the Israelites be asking God and each other?
Even though God clearly told them how to fight their wars (Deut. 20), Israel did it their way. Why?
[Activity] > Lets give them the benefit of the doubt... maybe they were following in the examples of Moses and Joshua, by taking the ark with them into battle.
Check out Num. 10:33-36 / Josh. 3, 4 & 6 for how the "good old boys" did, and then compare/contrast that with what's going on here in 1 Sam. 4. (Focus more on why they are doing it, not what they are doing!)
In verse 4, look at who is taking the ark into battle.What do we think about this?
Between verses 11 - 22 the phrase "the ark of God was (or "is") taken" is used five times. Why was this a big deal?
By allowing the ark to fall into the Philistine's hands, what was God saying to Israel?
What do we see happen in verse 11b, and what does it tell us about God?
In verses 12 - 18, what is Eli's main concern and what does this tell us about him?
The death of Eli and his two sons was important. Why?
In verses 19 - 22 we see a sad, but insightful part of the story. What do we learn from Phinehas' wife?
God's glory didn't return to His people until 1 Kings 8:10, when Solomon dedicated the temple. But then Ezekiel saw God's glory leave as the temple was destroyed. The glory of God didn't return to this earth until Jesus was born, the Saviour of the world. Where is God's glory today?
Israel's defeat...God's victory
[Read 1 Samuel 4]
No sooner does God begin to reveal His word to His people, in this story, then the enemy shows up to attack them. How can we relate to this?
In the initial battle with the Philistines, Israel was defeated and 4000 men were killed.
What questions would the Israelites be asking God and each other?
Even though God clearly told them how to fight their wars (Deut. 20), Israel did it their way. Why?
[Activity] > Lets give them the benefit of the doubt... maybe they were following in the examples of Moses and Joshua, by taking the ark with them into battle.
Check out Num. 10:33-36 / Josh. 3, 4 & 6 for how the "good old boys" did, and then compare/contrast that with what's going on here in 1 Sam. 4. (Focus more on why they are doing it, not what they are doing!)
In verse 4, look at who is taking the ark into battle.What do we think about this?
Between verses 11 - 22 the phrase "the ark of God was (or "is") taken" is used five times. Why was this a big deal?
By allowing the ark to fall into the Philistine's hands, what was God saying to Israel?
What do we see happen in verse 11b, and what does it tell us about God?
In verses 12 - 18, what is Eli's main concern and what does this tell us about him?
The death of Eli and his two sons was important. Why?
In verses 19 - 22 we see a sad, but insightful part of the story. What do we learn from Phinehas' wife?
God's glory didn't return to His people until 1 Kings 8:10, when Solomon dedicated the temple. But then Ezekiel saw God's glory leave as the temple was destroyed. The glory of God didn't return to this earth until Jesus was born, the Saviour of the world. Where is God's glory today?
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Ruth 4
[MEST] Ruth 4
We can see that the book of Ruth is a lovely story... a love story. But this can't just be an interlude between the history of Judges and 1 Samuel. So now we must ask ourselves what God's doing behind all this...
[Read Ruth 4]
Boaz was a direct descendant of Judah, one of the 12 sons of Jacob. Jacob gave a prophecy to Judah on his deathbed _ "The sceptre will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to who it belongs." What does this mean?
Boaz's mom wasn't a Jew, she was Rahab, the first Gentile to love the God of Israel. So, we have a mixed family tree: jamar was raped, Rahab was a Gentile prostitute, Ruth was a Moabite widow. And yet these are the ancestors of Jesus. What could this tell us?
This chapter focuses on 3 people; a bridegroom, a bride, and a baby...
First, the bridegroom...
In Lev. 25:23-34, and Deut. 25:5-10 we see two laws. What are the purposes of these laws? And how do they apply to this story in Ruth?
What is a "redeemer"?
How is Boaz Ruth's redeemer?
And how is Jesus our redeemer?
Now, not just anyone could perform the kinsman-redeemer's duties. It had to be a near kinsman. This was a big problem for Boaz, because someone else in Bethlehem who was closer related to Ruth. How does this parallel to Jesus?
Also, in order for Boaz to become the kinsman-redeemer, he had to be able to pay the redemption price. Ruth and Naomi were too poor to redeem themselves, but Boaz had all the resources needed to set them free. How does this parallel to Jesus?
The kinsman-redeemer had to be willing to redeem. This nearer kinsman wasn't. Why?
From our point of view, salvation is free. But from God's perspective it's a very costly thing. How?
Why take off a shoe? [Gen. 13:17 / Deut. 11:24 / Josh. 1:3]
[Activity]> In the past, we've compared Boaz to Jesus. How else, in this chapter, is Boaz like Jesus?
We can see that the book of Ruth is a lovely story... a love story. But this can't just be an interlude between the history of Judges and 1 Samuel. So now we must ask ourselves what God's doing behind all this...
[Read Ruth 4]
Boaz was a direct descendant of Judah, one of the 12 sons of Jacob. Jacob gave a prophecy to Judah on his deathbed _ "The sceptre will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to who it belongs." What does this mean?
Boaz's mom wasn't a Jew, she was Rahab, the first Gentile to love the God of Israel. So, we have a mixed family tree: jamar was raped, Rahab was a Gentile prostitute, Ruth was a Moabite widow. And yet these are the ancestors of Jesus. What could this tell us?
This chapter focuses on 3 people; a bridegroom, a bride, and a baby...
First, the bridegroom...
In Lev. 25:23-34, and Deut. 25:5-10 we see two laws. What are the purposes of these laws? And how do they apply to this story in Ruth?
What is a "redeemer"?
How is Boaz Ruth's redeemer?
And how is Jesus our redeemer?
Now, not just anyone could perform the kinsman-redeemer's duties. It had to be a near kinsman. This was a big problem for Boaz, because someone else in Bethlehem who was closer related to Ruth. How does this parallel to Jesus?
Also, in order for Boaz to become the kinsman-redeemer, he had to be able to pay the redemption price. Ruth and Naomi were too poor to redeem themselves, but Boaz had all the resources needed to set them free. How does this parallel to Jesus?
The kinsman-redeemer had to be willing to redeem. This nearer kinsman wasn't. Why?
From our point of view, salvation is free. But from God's perspective it's a very costly thing. How?
Why take off a shoe? [Gen. 13:17 / Deut. 11:24 / Josh. 1:3]
[Activity]> In the past, we've compared Boaz to Jesus. How else, in this chapter, is Boaz like Jesus?
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Ruth 3
[MEST] Ruth 3
“Serving others brings us the greatest joy and satisfaction”
Up until now, Naomi was solely concerned with herself and her grief, but now we see that her focus has shifted onto Ruth and her future.
[Read Ruth 3]
Naomi and Ruth’s plan has drastically changed from first entering Bethlehem. What were the two plans?
As we’ve looked at before, this story isn’t just a nice warm love story. It’s an illustration of Christ’s relationship to those who trust Him and love Him...How?
[Activity] > The steps that Ruth takes in this chapter reflect on important milestones of our journey in order to have a deeper relationship with God...
Ruth... a] Washed herself
b] Anointed herself
c] Prepared by changing her clothes
d] Prepared by learning how to present herself to him
e] Promised to obey
A W Tozer said, “If God were to take the Holy Spirit out of this world, much of what the church is doing would go right on; and nobody would know the difference.” What do you think about this?
So, we have looked at how Ruth prepared to meet Boaz. Now we turn to how she would react to him...
Why didn’t Ruth wait for Boaz to propose to her?
When Boaz asked who she was, Ruth didn’t say she was a “Moabitess”, she said she was the “hand maid” of Boaz. Why?
Read Ezekiel 16:8 and 1 Kings 19:19. What do these verses tell us and how do we link them to this story?
Next we see that, not only did Ruth prepare herself correctly and present herself correctly, she now listens to what Boaz has to say (v10-14). What does this tell us?
In verse 16, Naomi’s question is a bit weird. Our version (TNIV) says, “How did it go, my daughter?” and the Living translates as, “Well...what happened, dear?”. But the Authorised version translates the Hebrew the most literally into, “Who art thou, my daughter?” Why would Naomi, her own mother-in-law, ask Ruth who she was?
In verse 18, Naomi tells Ruth to “wait” or another version says, “sit still”. It could’ve been so easy for Ruth to try and get involved in Boaz’s arrangements and try to hurry the process along, but she doesn’t. What does she do instead and how can we apply this to our relationship with God?
Read Psalm 46:10. What does this mean to you?
“It’s when we serve others that we ourselves receive the greatest joy and satisfaction.” Do you agree with this statement? Share personal experiences...
Do you have trouble waiting on God? How do you control your impatience?
“Serving others brings us the greatest joy and satisfaction”
Up until now, Naomi was solely concerned with herself and her grief, but now we see that her focus has shifted onto Ruth and her future.
[Read Ruth 3]
Naomi and Ruth’s plan has drastically changed from first entering Bethlehem. What were the two plans?
As we’ve looked at before, this story isn’t just a nice warm love story. It’s an illustration of Christ’s relationship to those who trust Him and love Him...How?
[Activity] > The steps that Ruth takes in this chapter reflect on important milestones of our journey in order to have a deeper relationship with God...
Ruth... a] Washed herself
b] Anointed herself
c] Prepared by changing her clothes
d] Prepared by learning how to present herself to him
e] Promised to obey
A W Tozer said, “If God were to take the Holy Spirit out of this world, much of what the church is doing would go right on; and nobody would know the difference.” What do you think about this?
So, we have looked at how Ruth prepared to meet Boaz. Now we turn to how she would react to him...
Why didn’t Ruth wait for Boaz to propose to her?
When Boaz asked who she was, Ruth didn’t say she was a “Moabitess”, she said she was the “hand maid” of Boaz. Why?
Read Ezekiel 16:8 and 1 Kings 19:19. What do these verses tell us and how do we link them to this story?
Next we see that, not only did Ruth prepare herself correctly and present herself correctly, she now listens to what Boaz has to say (v10-14). What does this tell us?
In verse 16, Naomi’s question is a bit weird. Our version (TNIV) says, “How did it go, my daughter?” and the Living translates as, “Well...what happened, dear?”. But the Authorised version translates the Hebrew the most literally into, “Who art thou, my daughter?” Why would Naomi, her own mother-in-law, ask Ruth who she was?
In verse 18, Naomi tells Ruth to “wait” or another version says, “sit still”. It could’ve been so easy for Ruth to try and get involved in Boaz’s arrangements and try to hurry the process along, but she doesn’t. What does she do instead and how can we apply this to our relationship with God?
Read Psalm 46:10. What does this mean to you?
“It’s when we serve others that we ourselves receive the greatest joy and satisfaction.” Do you agree with this statement? Share personal experiences...
Do you have trouble waiting on God? How do you control your impatience?
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Ruth 2
[MEST] Ruth 2
Loyalty
"Loyalty" and "Love" are almost the same word in Hebrew. Love that isn't loyal...isn't love. Likewise, God's covenant love for his people means He sticks with us through thick and thin.
[Read Ruth 2]
"Before God changes our circumstances, He wants to change our hearts". Is this true? How can we connect this to the story in Ruth 2? How can we connect this to our individual stories?
What is grace? How do we apply it to Ruth's story? How do we apply it to our own story?
I get the impression that when Boaz saw Ruth, it was love at first sight. Do you agree? Why?
So, if we think that God led Ruth to this particular field, how do we see God working in this scene?
People have compared Boaz and Ruth in this story to Jesus Christ and His bride, the church. Can you think how?
Now, staying on this theme of grace, lets look at the evidence of that grace through the way Boaz related to Ruth...
* Boaz took the initative (v8) >
* Boaz spoke to Ruth (v8) >
* Boaz promised to protect Ruth & provide for her needs (v9, 14-16) >
* Boaz encouraged Ruth (v10-13) >
* Boaz saw to it that she was satisfied (v18 & 18) >
[Activity]>
If we want God to work in our lives and circumstances, and accomplish His purposes, then there are sertain conditions we need to meet. Three of these conditions are illustrated in this 2nd chapter of Ruth. We must live by....
1] FAITH in the Lord >
2] The GRACE of God >
3] In HOPE >
Think about and explain how these three conditions appear in Ruth 2, AND how they apply to us.
The last time we saw Naomi, she was sharing her "bitterness"... now we hear a new word from her lips, "blessed". We have moved from bitterness to blessedness. What's happened? Why the change?
Naomi had hope because of who Boaz was, what Boaz did, and what Boaz had said. How does this show through in this story? How does this relate to Jesus' story?
"When we commit our lives to the Lord, what happens to us happens by way of appointment and not by accident". Do you agree? Give examples from your life.
"One person trusting the Lord and obeying His will can change a situation from defeat to victory". Can you think of examples of this? (Biblical or contemporary)
Loyalty
"Loyalty" and "Love" are almost the same word in Hebrew. Love that isn't loyal...isn't love. Likewise, God's covenant love for his people means He sticks with us through thick and thin.
[Read Ruth 2]
"Before God changes our circumstances, He wants to change our hearts". Is this true? How can we connect this to the story in Ruth 2? How can we connect this to our individual stories?
What is grace? How do we apply it to Ruth's story? How do we apply it to our own story?
I get the impression that when Boaz saw Ruth, it was love at first sight. Do you agree? Why?
So, if we think that God led Ruth to this particular field, how do we see God working in this scene?
People have compared Boaz and Ruth in this story to Jesus Christ and His bride, the church. Can you think how?
Now, staying on this theme of grace, lets look at the evidence of that grace through the way Boaz related to Ruth...
* Boaz took the initative (v8) >
* Boaz spoke to Ruth (v8) >
* Boaz promised to protect Ruth & provide for her needs (v9, 14-16) >
* Boaz encouraged Ruth (v10-13) >
* Boaz saw to it that she was satisfied (v18 & 18) >
[Activity]>
If we want God to work in our lives and circumstances, and accomplish His purposes, then there are sertain conditions we need to meet. Three of these conditions are illustrated in this 2nd chapter of Ruth. We must live by....
1] FAITH in the Lord >
2] The GRACE of God >
3] In HOPE >
Think about and explain how these three conditions appear in Ruth 2, AND how they apply to us.
The last time we saw Naomi, she was sharing her "bitterness"... now we hear a new word from her lips, "blessed". We have moved from bitterness to blessedness. What's happened? Why the change?
Naomi had hope because of who Boaz was, what Boaz did, and what Boaz had said. How does this show through in this story? How does this relate to Jesus' story?
"When we commit our lives to the Lord, what happens to us happens by way of appointment and not by accident". Do you agree? Give examples from your life.
"One person trusting the Lord and obeying His will can change a situation from defeat to victory". Can you think of examples of this? (Biblical or contemporary)
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Ruth 1
[MEST] Ruth
Ruth 1
Intro > Whether you’ve read Ruth a thousand times or never even looked at it, this small book has some big themes. Ruth was written at the same time in Israel’s history as Judges. But that’s where the connection ends, the two books couldn’t be more different...
Judges includes lots of people’s stories _ Ruth has just a few
Judges is a big book _ Ruth is one of the smallest OT books
Judges covers the whole of the Israelite nation _ Ruth covers just one small town
Judges spans 200 years of history _ Ruth spans just one generation
[Read Ruth 1]
[Activity] > In this chapter we see 3 mistakes that were made by the characters, that we must try to avoid as we deal with life’s problems and trials. They are...
1] UNBELIEF : Trying to run from our problems
2] DECEPTION : Trying to hide our mistakes
3] BITTERNESS : Blaming God for our trials
Look at this chapter and try to give evidence for these and explain them. Also, think of other biblical examples to compare...
What reasons or circumstances might cause us to try to run from our problems as Naomi & Elimelek did?
When troubles come in our lives, we can do one of three things; endure it, escape it, or enlist it. What could these mean?
Elimelek means “my God is king”. How is this a bad name to give this man?
Why would Naomi, a God-fearing Jew, encourage two pagan women to worship false gods?
It was the barley harvest when the 2 widows arrived in Bethlehem, a time when everyone expressed joy and thanked God for His goodness. It was also spring, a time of new life and new beginning. How is this significant?
Do you think Naomi was exaggerating her situation? Did she have any reasons to be thankful?
How does Elimelek and Naomi’s choices relate to their situation and what does this tell us about their relationship with God?
Naomi means “pleasure”, but on returning to Bethlehem she asked to be called Mara, meaning “bitter”. Explain this change.
Despite the fact that Ruth is both a woman and a gentile, her name appears in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:5-6. What does this tell us?
After some persuading by Naomi, Orpah goes back home. But Ruth stays with her mother-in-law. What does this tell us about their 2 personalities?
Ruth 1
Intro > Whether you’ve read Ruth a thousand times or never even looked at it, this small book has some big themes. Ruth was written at the same time in Israel’s history as Judges. But that’s where the connection ends, the two books couldn’t be more different...
Judges includes lots of people’s stories _ Ruth has just a few
Judges is a big book _ Ruth is one of the smallest OT books
Judges covers the whole of the Israelite nation _ Ruth covers just one small town
Judges spans 200 years of history _ Ruth spans just one generation
[Read Ruth 1]
[Activity] > In this chapter we see 3 mistakes that were made by the characters, that we must try to avoid as we deal with life’s problems and trials. They are...
1] UNBELIEF : Trying to run from our problems
2] DECEPTION : Trying to hide our mistakes
3] BITTERNESS : Blaming God for our trials
Look at this chapter and try to give evidence for these and explain them. Also, think of other biblical examples to compare...
What reasons or circumstances might cause us to try to run from our problems as Naomi & Elimelek did?
When troubles come in our lives, we can do one of three things; endure it, escape it, or enlist it. What could these mean?
Elimelek means “my God is king”. How is this a bad name to give this man?
Why would Naomi, a God-fearing Jew, encourage two pagan women to worship false gods?
It was the barley harvest when the 2 widows arrived in Bethlehem, a time when everyone expressed joy and thanked God for His goodness. It was also spring, a time of new life and new beginning. How is this significant?
Do you think Naomi was exaggerating her situation? Did she have any reasons to be thankful?
How does Elimelek and Naomi’s choices relate to their situation and what does this tell us about their relationship with God?
Naomi means “pleasure”, but on returning to Bethlehem she asked to be called Mara, meaning “bitter”. Explain this change.
Despite the fact that Ruth is both a woman and a gentile, her name appears in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:5-6. What does this tell us?
After some persuading by Naomi, Orpah goes back home. But Ruth stays with her mother-in-law. What does this tell us about their 2 personalities?
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
Judges 21
[MEST] Judges
Judges 21
“Finding the loopholes”
[Read Judges 21]
Why did the men of Israel make an oath not to give their daughters to the Benjaminites?
Verses 2 and 3 show us a change in the Israelites. How and why?
In verse 5, again we see that the Israelites had acted in the heat of the moment and made another oath. This continued to complicate things. How?
Why the change of mind in verses 6 -9?
And how do they remedy this?... By killing everyone in the town of Jabesh Gilead except any young virgin girls, who they would then give to the Benjaminites! What do we think of this?
Next we discover that there is only 400 virgins, but 600 men of Benjamin. That means 200 men are still without wives. Surely more must be found?! ... Why do we see this weird idea of justice for the Benjaminites and reconciliation between the tribes?
Verses 20 – 23 shows us this strange ‘loophole-finding’ and ‘responsibility-dodging’ by the Israelites. What do we think about this?
The last sentence sums up the craziness that’s been going on in the last few chapters. What can we gather from this?
Judges 21
“Finding the loopholes”
[Read Judges 21]
Why did the men of Israel make an oath not to give their daughters to the Benjaminites?
Verses 2 and 3 show us a change in the Israelites. How and why?
In verse 5, again we see that the Israelites had acted in the heat of the moment and made another oath. This continued to complicate things. How?
Why the change of mind in verses 6 -9?
And how do they remedy this?... By killing everyone in the town of Jabesh Gilead except any young virgin girls, who they would then give to the Benjaminites! What do we think of this?
Next we discover that there is only 400 virgins, but 600 men of Benjamin. That means 200 men are still without wives. Surely more must be found?! ... Why do we see this weird idea of justice for the Benjaminites and reconciliation between the tribes?
Verses 20 – 23 shows us this strange ‘loophole-finding’ and ‘responsibility-dodging’ by the Israelites. What do we think about this?
The last sentence sums up the craziness that’s been going on in the last few chapters. What can we gather from this?
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
Judges 20
[MEST] Judges
Judges 20
Chapter 19 deals with hospitality and how it had gone a bit wrong...
In this chapter we see the topic of justice being addressed. What issues (right or wrong) about justice do we see here?
Even though this chapter is dealing with the tragic events of the last chapter, what good do we see come from it? How could this be related to our lives?
Not every tribe turned up at Mizpah. Who was missing and why?
Verses 4 – 6 shows the Levite re-telling the tragic story. But it looks a bit different from the version in chapter 19. How does it differ and why?
Even though most at the Israelite council want to act quickly and punish these men from Gibeah, it’s suggested that the absent Benjaminites are given the opportunity to “sort out” their own mess. Why could this have been a good idea? But what actually happened?
And this point in history there was no king, no judge and no heathen oppressors. What does this tell us?
[Activity]> As we near the end of Judges, similarities and differences can be drawn between this chapter and chapter 1. What are they?
The 3 conversations between Israel and God are interesting. What things do they tell us?
600 Benjaminite men escaped. Why was this important?
Judges 20
Chapter 19 deals with hospitality and how it had gone a bit wrong...
In this chapter we see the topic of justice being addressed. What issues (right or wrong) about justice do we see here?
Even though this chapter is dealing with the tragic events of the last chapter, what good do we see come from it? How could this be related to our lives?
Not every tribe turned up at Mizpah. Who was missing and why?
Verses 4 – 6 shows the Levite re-telling the tragic story. But it looks a bit different from the version in chapter 19. How does it differ and why?
Even though most at the Israelite council want to act quickly and punish these men from Gibeah, it’s suggested that the absent Benjaminites are given the opportunity to “sort out” their own mess. Why could this have been a good idea? But what actually happened?
And this point in history there was no king, no judge and no heathen oppressors. What does this tell us?
[Activity]> As we near the end of Judges, similarities and differences can be drawn between this chapter and chapter 1. What are they?
The 3 conversations between Israel and God are interesting. What things do they tell us?
600 Benjaminite men escaped. Why was this important?
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Judges 19
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Judges 19
[Read Judges 19]
From the 1st three verses, what do we find out about the Levite and his concubine?
Verses 4 – 9 speaks to us about hospitality and it’s place in ancient Hebrew culture. There are positives and negatives to this, what are they?
In verse 12, why would the Levite not want to stay at Jebus?
So they decide to stay at Gibeah. What were their assumptions about that place?
When entering Gibeah, certain things would have caused them to be suspicious. What are they?
What’s ironic about their choice of place to stay the night?
The Ephramite visiting Gibeah offers a warning, “whatever you do, don’t spend the night in the square!”. What could the Levite be thinking at this point?
What happens next is hard to read, let alone think about. We can only compare it to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19). But there are differences, what are they?
Next we see the Ephramite home owner saying something weird and shocking. Why would he even suggest this?
Just when you thought this story couldn’t get any worse, the Levite threw his concubine out to the gang. Why might the Levite have done this?
Next morning the Levite finds the woman dead on the doorstep. So he takes her body with him back home and when he gets home, he chops her up and sends bits of her to each of the 12 tribes of Israel... Why?
Judges 19
[Read Judges 19]
From the 1st three verses, what do we find out about the Levite and his concubine?
Verses 4 – 9 speaks to us about hospitality and it’s place in ancient Hebrew culture. There are positives and negatives to this, what are they?
In verse 12, why would the Levite not want to stay at Jebus?
So they decide to stay at Gibeah. What were their assumptions about that place?
When entering Gibeah, certain things would have caused them to be suspicious. What are they?
What’s ironic about their choice of place to stay the night?
The Ephramite visiting Gibeah offers a warning, “whatever you do, don’t spend the night in the square!”. What could the Levite be thinking at this point?
What happens next is hard to read, let alone think about. We can only compare it to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19). But there are differences, what are they?
Next we see the Ephramite home owner saying something weird and shocking. Why would he even suggest this?
Just when you thought this story couldn’t get any worse, the Levite threw his concubine out to the gang. Why might the Levite have done this?
Next morning the Levite finds the woman dead on the doorstep. So he takes her body with him back home and when he gets home, he chops her up and sends bits of her to each of the 12 tribes of Israel... Why?
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Judges 18
[MEST] Judges
Judges 18
In verse 1 what issues do we see the Danites dealing with and how might their current situation effect them?
Read verses 2a and 7 – 9. What does this part of the story remind us of? What comparisons can be drawn?
In verse 3 we see that the Danites “recognized the voice of the young Levite”. What could this mean?
The Gadites then ask Jonathan, the priest, to “inquire of God”. How? What might this include?
Verse 7 tells us that the people of Laish were like the Sidonians ( a peaceful Phoenician people who had no army and no need for one, they were involved in trade, business and commerce throughout the med.) and they had no relationship with anyone else. What does this mean for the Gadites?
Following this link between the 5 spies of Gad and the 12 spies of Isreal, how does verse 11 compare to what happened to Isreal in Numbers?
Picture the scene, 600 armed men arrive at Micah’s house. What could Jonathan be thinking?
[Activity] >
If you are tempted to feel sorry for Micah at this point, stop and think things through... up until this point, what do we know about the characters involved in this story?
What does verse 24 tell us about Micah?
From the outside, the Gadites seem to have done everything right and proper. They spied out the land, used the information correctly, looked for God’s will from a Levite priest, acted on God’s word, “obtained” a priest (and a bunch of liturgical junk!) and God gave them the land to inhabit. So, what do we think?
Judges 18
In verse 1 what issues do we see the Danites dealing with and how might their current situation effect them?
Read verses 2a and 7 – 9. What does this part of the story remind us of? What comparisons can be drawn?
In verse 3 we see that the Danites “recognized the voice of the young Levite”. What could this mean?
The Gadites then ask Jonathan, the priest, to “inquire of God”. How? What might this include?
Verse 7 tells us that the people of Laish were like the Sidonians ( a peaceful Phoenician people who had no army and no need for one, they were involved in trade, business and commerce throughout the med.) and they had no relationship with anyone else. What does this mean for the Gadites?
Following this link between the 5 spies of Gad and the 12 spies of Isreal, how does verse 11 compare to what happened to Isreal in Numbers?
Picture the scene, 600 armed men arrive at Micah’s house. What could Jonathan be thinking?
[Activity] >
If you are tempted to feel sorry for Micah at this point, stop and think things through... up until this point, what do we know about the characters involved in this story?
What does verse 24 tell us about Micah?
From the outside, the Gadites seem to have done everything right and proper. They spied out the land, used the information correctly, looked for God’s will from a Levite priest, acted on God’s word, “obtained” a priest (and a bunch of liturgical junk!) and God gave them the land to inhabit. So, what do we think?
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Judges 17
[MEST] Judges
Judges 17 >
“Bookends for one book”
Right back at the beginning of Judges (1:1) we read, “After the death of Joshua...” and right at the end of Judges we read, “In those days Isreal had no king”.
This book is all about mess.
The mess we get in without leadership or direction.
The last 5 chapters find us in a place in Isreal where they’ve lost their obvious leader, Joshua... and are yet to find their king, David.
How will God’s chosen people fair?
Throughout the lives of the 12 judges, God has been playing a major role, but now he seems to have left, only showing an obvious appearance once in all 5 chapters.
Lets see how they get on “going it alone”...
Verses 1 and 2 are 2 brilliant sentences that tell us loads, but at the same time leave us with questions. What?
Micah heard his mom’s curse and then gave the silver back. Why?
After the silver was returned why did Micah’s mom speak a blessing on him?
Verse 3 conflicts with the end of verse 2. How and why?
If this returned silver was to be “consecrated to the Lord”, why did Micah’s mom only actually use 200 shekels of silver?
Next we see that this “idol” is put in an already existing shrine in Micah’s house. What does this tell us?
Micah then makes an ephod. Does this remind us of anyone else? What parallels can we draw between them?
Then Micah installs one of his own sons as his priest! What issues could we have with this?
“Everyone did as they saw fit” kinda sounds like our situation in 2010. How do the two compare?
Next we see a Levite from Bethlehem, who we later find out is called Jonathan, who is looking for a new home and a new job. So, he’s a man looking for a job and Micah has a job and is looking for a man...coincidence?
Even though this priest-position was already filled, when a Levite comes along looking for a job, the position is made available to him. What could this tell us?
This “chance meeting” was seen by Micah as a sign from God. Is this the right assumption?
Judges 17 >
“Bookends for one book”
Right back at the beginning of Judges (1:1) we read, “After the death of Joshua...” and right at the end of Judges we read, “In those days Isreal had no king”.
This book is all about mess.
The mess we get in without leadership or direction.
The last 5 chapters find us in a place in Isreal where they’ve lost their obvious leader, Joshua... and are yet to find their king, David.
How will God’s chosen people fair?
Throughout the lives of the 12 judges, God has been playing a major role, but now he seems to have left, only showing an obvious appearance once in all 5 chapters.
Lets see how they get on “going it alone”...
Verses 1 and 2 are 2 brilliant sentences that tell us loads, but at the same time leave us with questions. What?
Micah heard his mom’s curse and then gave the silver back. Why?
After the silver was returned why did Micah’s mom speak a blessing on him?
Verse 3 conflicts with the end of verse 2. How and why?
If this returned silver was to be “consecrated to the Lord”, why did Micah’s mom only actually use 200 shekels of silver?
Next we see that this “idol” is put in an already existing shrine in Micah’s house. What does this tell us?
Micah then makes an ephod. Does this remind us of anyone else? What parallels can we draw between them?
Then Micah installs one of his own sons as his priest! What issues could we have with this?
“Everyone did as they saw fit” kinda sounds like our situation in 2010. How do the two compare?
Next we see a Levite from Bethlehem, who we later find out is called Jonathan, who is looking for a new home and a new job. So, he’s a man looking for a job and Micah has a job and is looking for a man...coincidence?
Even though this priest-position was already filled, when a Levite comes along looking for a job, the position is made available to him. What could this tell us?
This “chance meeting” was seen by Micah as a sign from God. Is this the right assumption?
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Judges 16
[MEST] Judges
Judges 16 >
“Why Why Why... Delilah?”
[Read Judges 16]
After all that’s gone on, why would Samson go back to Gaza?
When Samson isn’t busy saving Isreal , he’s busy being Isreal. What could this mean?
When we looked at Jephthah’s story, we saw that his mouth was both his strength and weakness. How can we apply this idea to Samson?
What’s all this business with Gaza’s gates in verse 3? What’s all that about?
Verses 6 – 17 might seems a bit like déjà -vu. We’ve been in this same situation before, what can this tell us?
“He did not know that the Lord had left him” is one of the saddest sentances in the whole book. What does this tell us about Samson, and how does this act as a caution for us?
[Activity] > Again, there was a “seizing”, this time of Samson; again a seductive woman had betrayed him; again he “went down to Gaza”, but this time as a prisoner. Samson’s story is full of repetition. Find as many example of this, and what does this tell you?
The Philistines were at a disadvantage. They didn’t know what we know. That the God of Isreal, who does the unexpected (Ehud), whose strength is made perfect in weakness (Gideon), and who never breaks His word (Jephthah). Made a promise back in 13:7. What does this mean for Samson?
Parallels can be drawn between Samson, the last judge in Judges, and Jesus Christ, the last Judge. What are they?
Verse 24 shows the Philistines making a bold statement. This was in a way, both right and wrong...How?
As we’ve already seen, certain parallels can be drawn between Samson and Jesus. How does Samson’s end point towards Jesus?
[Conclusion]
Along with what Samson teaches us and points us towards (Jesus). He also gives us an opposite example too... the Isrealites (and ultimately, us). We, like the Isrealites, are repeatedly called, empowered and gifted. And yet we mess up, we are selfish.
The big idea we need to take away from Samson’s story is that God is here and God is the Judge. Before Samson’s birth the Lord prepared everything, throughout his life the Lord is masterminding everything, at his death the pagan god is defeated and the God of Isreal triumphs.
On a personal level, Samson is a harsh warning to us all. We are all given grace and mercy and gifts and talents and it is up to us what we do with them.
Judges 16 >
“Why Why Why... Delilah?”
[Read Judges 16]
After all that’s gone on, why would Samson go back to Gaza?
When Samson isn’t busy saving Isreal , he’s busy being Isreal. What could this mean?
When we looked at Jephthah’s story, we saw that his mouth was both his strength and weakness. How can we apply this idea to Samson?
What’s all this business with Gaza’s gates in verse 3? What’s all that about?
Verses 6 – 17 might seems a bit like déjà -vu. We’ve been in this same situation before, what can this tell us?
“He did not know that the Lord had left him” is one of the saddest sentances in the whole book. What does this tell us about Samson, and how does this act as a caution for us?
[Activity] > Again, there was a “seizing”, this time of Samson; again a seductive woman had betrayed him; again he “went down to Gaza”, but this time as a prisoner. Samson’s story is full of repetition. Find as many example of this, and what does this tell you?
The Philistines were at a disadvantage. They didn’t know what we know. That the God of Isreal, who does the unexpected (Ehud), whose strength is made perfect in weakness (Gideon), and who never breaks His word (Jephthah). Made a promise back in 13:7. What does this mean for Samson?
Parallels can be drawn between Samson, the last judge in Judges, and Jesus Christ, the last Judge. What are they?
Verse 24 shows the Philistines making a bold statement. This was in a way, both right and wrong...How?
As we’ve already seen, certain parallels can be drawn between Samson and Jesus. How does Samson’s end point towards Jesus?
[Conclusion]
Along with what Samson teaches us and points us towards (Jesus). He also gives us an opposite example too... the Isrealites (and ultimately, us). We, like the Isrealites, are repeatedly called, empowered and gifted. And yet we mess up, we are selfish.
The big idea we need to take away from Samson’s story is that God is here and God is the Judge. Before Samson’s birth the Lord prepared everything, throughout his life the Lord is masterminding everything, at his death the pagan god is defeated and the God of Isreal triumphs.
On a personal level, Samson is a harsh warning to us all. We are all given grace and mercy and gifts and talents and it is up to us what we do with them.
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Judges 15
[MEST] Judges
Judges 15
“Revenge is a dish best served with a donkey’s jawbone and 300 burning foxes”
[Read Judges 15]
Why might Samson still think (or want to) that all was well with his “wife” after activities at the end of chapter 14?
300 foxes?! What’s up with that?!
What’s the significance of loosing them in the fields and vineyards?
How is verse 6 ironic?
When the Philistines went up to Judah, why didn’t they just go to war with Isreal? They obviously had greater numbers, better weapons and battle knowledge. Not to mention that at this point in history, Isreal lay trampled beneath Philistine boots. So why not finish them off and be done with it?
Taking the metaphor that Isreal = Church and the Philistines = the world. What do the questions posed by the Isrealites in verses 10 and 11 tell us?
So again, we find Isreal back at the bottom of the spiral, in a similar place to Judges 1:1-20. They are more concerned with just getting along then doing what’s right. They are anxious to live and let live and would rather bind and betray their saviour then have him upset the balance. What does this point us towards?
Here we have the 3rd time that “the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson” and again it’s for questionable effect. The “unusual” choice of weapon tells us stuff. What?
At the end of this chapter we see some very interesting things. What are they?
What does this story tell us about revenge?
Judges 15
“Revenge is a dish best served with a donkey’s jawbone and 300 burning foxes”
[Read Judges 15]
Why might Samson still think (or want to) that all was well with his “wife” after activities at the end of chapter 14?
300 foxes?! What’s up with that?!
What’s the significance of loosing them in the fields and vineyards?
How is verse 6 ironic?
When the Philistines went up to Judah, why didn’t they just go to war with Isreal? They obviously had greater numbers, better weapons and battle knowledge. Not to mention that at this point in history, Isreal lay trampled beneath Philistine boots. So why not finish them off and be done with it?
Taking the metaphor that Isreal = Church and the Philistines = the world. What do the questions posed by the Isrealites in verses 10 and 11 tell us?
So again, we find Isreal back at the bottom of the spiral, in a similar place to Judges 1:1-20. They are more concerned with just getting along then doing what’s right. They are anxious to live and let live and would rather bind and betray their saviour then have him upset the balance. What does this point us towards?
Here we have the 3rd time that “the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson” and again it’s for questionable effect. The “unusual” choice of weapon tells us stuff. What?
At the end of this chapter we see some very interesting things. What are they?
What does this story tell us about revenge?
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Judges 14
[MEST] Judges
Judges 14 >
As we begin our journey with Samson, the 12th and last judge, we continue to be confused and second guessed by the God of the unexpected. Just as we draw parallels between Samson and the other judges, as well as comparisons to other biblical characters whose births were proclaimed, we yet again find something completely new. This “judge” that emerges as Samson, hardly looks like a judge at all...
[Read > Judges 14]
Earlier in Judges, we’ve seen Jephthah’s mouth get him into trouble. What parallels can we draw Jephthah’s and Samson’s stories?
What does verse 4 tell us about God?
From the get go, we see Samson with his eyes on a lady. But 3 times in as many verses, the woman’s “Philistineness” is mentioned (she was a Philistine / “she’s a Philistine”, says Samson / “She’s a Philistine?” asks his parents). What does this tell us?
Samson says, “I’ve seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife”. What does this tell us about Samson and his parents?
Next we see Samson and his mom and dad going down to Timnah and a crazy episode with a lion! Why didn’t his mom and dad see this going on? Why was Samson so far in front or behind that they didn’t see? And what was Samson (a Nazarite) doing in a vineyard?
What’s the deal with the lion carcass and the honey?
[Activity] > Samson is a man of action. This can have good and bad connotations... (split into groups and discuss what these good and bad things are)
Why does Samson “riddle-me-this” with the Philistines at the party?
Again we see that “the Spirit of the Lord came upon him” and Samson murders 30 innocent men at Ashkelon. This is paired with the killing of the lion, which incidentally there’s no mention of the lion attacking/threatening Samson. What do we think about the killing of these “innocents” in the power of the Spirit?
Judges 14 >
As we begin our journey with Samson, the 12th and last judge, we continue to be confused and second guessed by the God of the unexpected. Just as we draw parallels between Samson and the other judges, as well as comparisons to other biblical characters whose births were proclaimed, we yet again find something completely new. This “judge” that emerges as Samson, hardly looks like a judge at all...
[Read > Judges 14]
Earlier in Judges, we’ve seen Jephthah’s mouth get him into trouble. What parallels can we draw Jephthah’s and Samson’s stories?
What does verse 4 tell us about God?
From the get go, we see Samson with his eyes on a lady. But 3 times in as many verses, the woman’s “Philistineness” is mentioned (she was a Philistine / “she’s a Philistine”, says Samson / “She’s a Philistine?” asks his parents). What does this tell us?
Samson says, “I’ve seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife”. What does this tell us about Samson and his parents?
Next we see Samson and his mom and dad going down to Timnah and a crazy episode with a lion! Why didn’t his mom and dad see this going on? Why was Samson so far in front or behind that they didn’t see? And what was Samson (a Nazarite) doing in a vineyard?
What’s the deal with the lion carcass and the honey?
[Activity] > Samson is a man of action. This can have good and bad connotations... (split into groups and discuss what these good and bad things are)
Why does Samson “riddle-me-this” with the Philistines at the party?
Again we see that “the Spirit of the Lord came upon him” and Samson murders 30 innocent men at Ashkelon. This is paired with the killing of the lion, which incidentally there’s no mention of the lion attacking/threatening Samson. What do we think about the killing of these “innocents” in the power of the Spirit?
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Judges 13
[MEST] Judges
Judges 13 >
[Read > Judges 13]
Even though the story of Samson can be viewed as a separate story, we are reminded that it is just another part of a bigger story in Judges. The oh too familiar words set the scene...
“Again the Isrealites did evil in the eyes of the Lord”.
But the link to the rest of the book doesn’t stop there... Isreal has been sold into the hands of the Philistines and the hands of the Ammonites. Jephthah had dealt with the Ammonites and now it’s time for Samson to step up and deal with the Philistines.
Like Gideon’s story, here we have an angel and a burning sacrifice AND a troop of 300 pyromaniacs to harass the enemy (granted, this time they aren’t human!). Like Deborah’s story, there’s a dangerous woman “thrusting a peg” with evil intent and bees AND torches. Like Shamgar’s story, this one has a judge who is known for killing Philistines personally (AND with weird weapon choices!). And like Othniel’s story, this one sees the judge’s wife playing an important role.
The tribe of Dan were boarder neighbours with the Philistines. What could this have meant for this tribe?
Dan’s rightful land is occupied by Philistines and no matter what they did, they couldn’t get rid of them. How would this affect the people from that tribe?
Here we see Isreal up to it’s same old trick, but there’s no mention of repentance or “crying out”, and God is sorting it out. What’s going on?
[Activity] > Here we see an angel proclaiming a future birth. What other examples of this can you find in the bible? And how might they relate to each other?
Why does God chose to use Manoah and his wife?
Check out Numbers 6:1-21. So, that’s a Nazarite. Why did God want Samson brought up in this way?
Why is Manoah such a dumbass? He seems to not totally believe his wife, but then when he does believe her, he questions the angel, but asks all the SAME questions. What’s going on?
Verse 12 tells us some interesting things about Manoah. What are they?
Why might Manoah ask the angel’s name?
The angel’s name is “beyond understanding” and the original Hebrew translates to “wonderful”. This is linked with Isaiah 9:6. What could this tell us about the angel?
Verse 24 shows us that Samson “grew and the Lord blessed him”, this is echoed in 1 Samuel 2:26 AND in Luke 2:52. What comparisons can we make? What does this tell us?
Judges 13 >
[Read > Judges 13]
Even though the story of Samson can be viewed as a separate story, we are reminded that it is just another part of a bigger story in Judges. The oh too familiar words set the scene...
“Again the Isrealites did evil in the eyes of the Lord”.
But the link to the rest of the book doesn’t stop there... Isreal has been sold into the hands of the Philistines and the hands of the Ammonites. Jephthah had dealt with the Ammonites and now it’s time for Samson to step up and deal with the Philistines.
Like Gideon’s story, here we have an angel and a burning sacrifice AND a troop of 300 pyromaniacs to harass the enemy (granted, this time they aren’t human!). Like Deborah’s story, there’s a dangerous woman “thrusting a peg” with evil intent and bees AND torches. Like Shamgar’s story, this one has a judge who is known for killing Philistines personally (AND with weird weapon choices!). And like Othniel’s story, this one sees the judge’s wife playing an important role.
The tribe of Dan were boarder neighbours with the Philistines. What could this have meant for this tribe?
Dan’s rightful land is occupied by Philistines and no matter what they did, they couldn’t get rid of them. How would this affect the people from that tribe?
Here we see Isreal up to it’s same old trick, but there’s no mention of repentance or “crying out”, and God is sorting it out. What’s going on?
[Activity] > Here we see an angel proclaiming a future birth. What other examples of this can you find in the bible? And how might they relate to each other?
Why does God chose to use Manoah and his wife?
Check out Numbers 6:1-21. So, that’s a Nazarite. Why did God want Samson brought up in this way?
Why is Manoah such a dumbass? He seems to not totally believe his wife, but then when he does believe her, he questions the angel, but asks all the SAME questions. What’s going on?
Verse 12 tells us some interesting things about Manoah. What are they?
Why might Manoah ask the angel’s name?
The angel’s name is “beyond understanding” and the original Hebrew translates to “wonderful”. This is linked with Isaiah 9:6. What could this tell us about the angel?
Verse 24 shows us that Samson “grew and the Lord blessed him”, this is echoed in 1 Samuel 2:26 AND in Luke 2:52. What comparisons can we make? What does this tell us?
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Judges 12
[MEST] Judges
Judges 12 >
“Go on!...say Shibboleth!”
[Read Judges 12:1-7]
Here we see the Ephraimites doing what they do best. From this (and other) example(s), what does this tell us about their character?
How did Gideon deal with this same situation?
Given what we’ve seen of Jephthah so far, how would we expect him to deal with this situation?
Here we see Isreal fighting against Isreal. What could this tell us?
What’s the deal with this “magic word” Shibboleth?
One phrase is missing from the Isrealite’s battle. What is it? What could this mean?
Verse 7, along with Hebrews 11:32-34, tells us our final information about Jephthah. What is it? And
what could it mean?
[Read Judges 12:8-15]
Following straight on from Jephthah, we see Ibzan. What does Ibzan do to secure peace between tribes? How?
Remembering our previous study on the Significance of Insignificance. What final thoughts can we grasp from the end of this chapter?
[Activity] > It’s interesting to see just how and why God uses these different Judges in different ways... Othniel, after rebuking was given purpose. Ehud gives us God’s method and through his left-handedness shows us God’s unexpected/unorthodox deliverance. God shows us through Deborah and Barak, His requirement is for straightforward obedience. Through Gideon He shows His principle is to use weakness as strength. These Judge’s methods/skills/abilities speak to us about who God is. So what about Jephthah? What/How does his story reflect things about God?
Judges 12 >
“Go on!...say Shibboleth!”
[Read Judges 12:1-7]
Here we see the Ephraimites doing what they do best. From this (and other) example(s), what does this tell us about their character?
How did Gideon deal with this same situation?
Given what we’ve seen of Jephthah so far, how would we expect him to deal with this situation?
Here we see Isreal fighting against Isreal. What could this tell us?
What’s the deal with this “magic word” Shibboleth?
One phrase is missing from the Isrealite’s battle. What is it? What could this mean?
Verse 7, along with Hebrews 11:32-34, tells us our final information about Jephthah. What is it? And
what could it mean?
[Read Judges 12:8-15]
Following straight on from Jephthah, we see Ibzan. What does Ibzan do to secure peace between tribes? How?
Remembering our previous study on the Significance of Insignificance. What final thoughts can we grasp from the end of this chapter?
[Activity] > It’s interesting to see just how and why God uses these different Judges in different ways... Othniel, after rebuking was given purpose. Ehud gives us God’s method and through his left-handedness shows us God’s unexpected/unorthodox deliverance. God shows us through Deborah and Barak, His requirement is for straightforward obedience. Through Gideon He shows His principle is to use weakness as strength. These Judge’s methods/skills/abilities speak to us about who God is. So what about Jephthah? What/How does his story reflect things about God?
Judges 11
[MEST] Judges
Judges 11 >
“A brother from another mother”
[Read > Judges 11]
Jephthah is illegitimate. What does this mean for him? What are the consequences?
Is it right that someone with this type of background should be a Judge of Isreal? Not to mention appearing in the famous “Faith” passage in Hebrews 11!
In verse 1-3, do we see Jephthah sinning or being sinned against?
What is Isaiah 53:3 talking about?
The Lord “raised up” Othniel and Ehud (3:9 & 15), “The Lord...commands you” said Deborah to Barak (4:6), “I send you” said the Lord to Gideon (6:14). Is Jephthah’s call really from God?
God agrees to play Isreal’s spiral game, by following rebellion with retribution and then repentance with rescue. How is this evident here?
Throughout the book of Judges, God is continually changing the characteristics for a saviour/judge of Isreal. How? And why?
How could Jephthah to the Gileadites call to “be our leader in fighting the Ammonites”?
They then change their “call to be their leader” into a request for him to “fight and rule”. What does this tell us about the Gileadites approach?
So what started as a contrived, manipulated, and preconstructed offer on the part of the elders of Gilead, quickly gets flipped over to Jephthah getting them to give him what he wanted AND on his terms. What does this tell us about Jephthah?
Why did Jephthah “repeat all his words before the lord”?
[Activity > 4 elements] Here in verses 12-28, we see Jephthah (the mighty warrior) dealing with an enemy, not with swords but with words. His argument has 4 elements... History / Theology / Precedent / Silence. How are these 4 elements revealed in this argument?
I don’t think the Ammonite king had any intention of changing his mind about waging war with the Isrealites. So why does Jephthah engage in this diplomatic discussion?
In verse 29, why did they pass through Gilead, Manasseh, and Mizpah?
What was Jephthah thinking making a vow like that?! What does this horrific part of the story tell us about Jephthah and Isreal?
How is the conclusion to this part of Jephthah’s story ironic?
What Jepthah did is a thing that all scripture condemns. Why Jephthah did it is a thing that all scripture commends. Have you ever made a vow to God?
Judges 11 >
“A brother from another mother”
[Read > Judges 11]
Jephthah is illegitimate. What does this mean for him? What are the consequences?
Is it right that someone with this type of background should be a Judge of Isreal? Not to mention appearing in the famous “Faith” passage in Hebrews 11!
In verse 1-3, do we see Jephthah sinning or being sinned against?
What is Isaiah 53:3 talking about?
The Lord “raised up” Othniel and Ehud (3:9 & 15), “The Lord...commands you” said Deborah to Barak (4:6), “I send you” said the Lord to Gideon (6:14). Is Jephthah’s call really from God?
God agrees to play Isreal’s spiral game, by following rebellion with retribution and then repentance with rescue. How is this evident here?
Throughout the book of Judges, God is continually changing the characteristics for a saviour/judge of Isreal. How? And why?
How could Jephthah to the Gileadites call to “be our leader in fighting the Ammonites”?
They then change their “call to be their leader” into a request for him to “fight and rule”. What does this tell us about the Gileadites approach?
So what started as a contrived, manipulated, and preconstructed offer on the part of the elders of Gilead, quickly gets flipped over to Jephthah getting them to give him what he wanted AND on his terms. What does this tell us about Jephthah?
Why did Jephthah “repeat all his words before the lord”?
[Activity > 4 elements] Here in verses 12-28, we see Jephthah (the mighty warrior) dealing with an enemy, not with swords but with words. His argument has 4 elements... History / Theology / Precedent / Silence. How are these 4 elements revealed in this argument?
I don’t think the Ammonite king had any intention of changing his mind about waging war with the Isrealites. So why does Jephthah engage in this diplomatic discussion?
In verse 29, why did they pass through Gilead, Manasseh, and Mizpah?
What was Jephthah thinking making a vow like that?! What does this horrific part of the story tell us about Jephthah and Isreal?
How is the conclusion to this part of Jephthah’s story ironic?
What Jepthah did is a thing that all scripture condemns. Why Jephthah did it is a thing that all scripture commends. Have you ever made a vow to God?
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Judges 10:6-18
[MEST] Judges
Judges 10:6-18 >
Not only is this the start of Jephthah’s story, but it’s also the middle of the book of Judges. Right from the off we see the Isrealites stumbling at the same old hurdles....
[Read > Judges 10:6-18]
Verse 6 tells us that “again the Isrealites did evil in the eyes of the Lord”, this echoes way back to chapter 2 verse 11, “then the Isrealites did evil in the eyes of the Lord”. What does this tell us?
What could be the reasons for his rebellion?
[Activity > Foreign gods/False idols]
Why do the Isrealites keep slipping further and further down this downward spiral of disobedience? And what does this tell us about us?
To show how severe Isreal’s rebellion has got we see here that they have not only turned away from the Lord and began worshiping false gods, but they do it seven times worse! > baal, ashteroth, and gods of Sidon, Syria, Moab, Amon, and Philistine. ALL THIS despite that the Lord had delivered them seven times > Egyptians, Amorites, Ammonites, Philistines, Sidonians, Amalekites, and Maonites.
With such a merciful God, who keeps rescuing them, what wrong mindsets could the Isrealites have?
How can we in 2010 relate to this?
What could this mean, if a people could continue to turn their backs on a God who has helped them so often?
In the exchange between the Isrealites and God in verses 10-16, we see something we’ve seen many times before...”the Isrealites cried out to the Lord”. This is usually followed by, “when the people cried out, the Lord raised up a deliverer”, as in 3:9, and again in 3:15, and again in 4:3-7, and again in 6:7-14. But for the first time now, it looks as though the Lord isn’t going to help them. Why might God react this way?
“We have sinned against you , forsaking our God and serving the baals” shows us that the Isrealites recognized their sin against the Lord. But recognition isn’t the same as repentance. How?
What does God’s reply [10:14] tell us?
God wants the Isrealites to turn away from the baals and back towards Him. Do the Isrealites ‘get’ this?
In verse 18, we find the Isrealites crying out for a leader. Is this a good idea?
Judges 10:6-18 >
Not only is this the start of Jephthah’s story, but it’s also the middle of the book of Judges. Right from the off we see the Isrealites stumbling at the same old hurdles....
[Read > Judges 10:6-18]
Verse 6 tells us that “again the Isrealites did evil in the eyes of the Lord”, this echoes way back to chapter 2 verse 11, “then the Isrealites did evil in the eyes of the Lord”. What does this tell us?
What could be the reasons for his rebellion?
[Activity > Foreign gods/False idols]
Why do the Isrealites keep slipping further and further down this downward spiral of disobedience? And what does this tell us about us?
To show how severe Isreal’s rebellion has got we see here that they have not only turned away from the Lord and began worshiping false gods, but they do it seven times worse! > baal, ashteroth, and gods of Sidon, Syria, Moab, Amon, and Philistine. ALL THIS despite that the Lord had delivered them seven times > Egyptians, Amorites, Ammonites, Philistines, Sidonians, Amalekites, and Maonites.
With such a merciful God, who keeps rescuing them, what wrong mindsets could the Isrealites have?
How can we in 2010 relate to this?
What could this mean, if a people could continue to turn their backs on a God who has helped them so often?
In the exchange between the Isrealites and God in verses 10-16, we see something we’ve seen many times before...”the Isrealites cried out to the Lord”. This is usually followed by, “when the people cried out, the Lord raised up a deliverer”, as in 3:9, and again in 3:15, and again in 4:3-7, and again in 6:7-14. But for the first time now, it looks as though the Lord isn’t going to help them. Why might God react this way?
“We have sinned against you , forsaking our God and serving the baals” shows us that the Isrealites recognized their sin against the Lord. But recognition isn’t the same as repentance. How?
What does God’s reply [10:14] tell us?
God wants the Isrealites to turn away from the baals and back towards Him. Do the Isrealites ‘get’ this?
In verse 18, we find the Isrealites crying out for a leader. Is this a good idea?
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Judges 10: 1-5
[MEST] Judges
Judges 10: 1-5
Significance in insignificance
Last week we kinda laughed at these two seemingly trivial leaders/judges in Isreal. We joked at how there’s people like Deborah [2 chapters], Gideon [3 chapters], Samson [4 chapters] and even Ehud [19 verses] but so much packed into his crazy story. And now these two dudes have to share 5 verses! I took it as a personal challenge to base a study around these two insignificants to try to find some significance...Bring it on!...
[Read > Judges 10: 1-5]
Do you think the amount of words written about someone in the bible can equate to how important they are?
[Activity] > Along with Tola and Jair, the other “minor” Judges include Shamgar [Chapter 3], Ibzan, Elon & Abdon [chapter 12]. Can you find anyone in the bible who has seemingly small insignificant parts to play...but actually they were significant?
What could be the reason(s) for the lack of detail about Tola & Jair?
Tola & Jair’s stories follow Abimelek’s without any kind of break. What could this tell us?
These short, seemingly insignificant few verses may not tell us much about these 2 characters, but they do tell us something about the character of God. In particular, about this God of Isreal in her low fortunes at this time...
This man, Tola “rose to save Isreal” (or “was sent to deliver Isreal”). Can you find any other Judges who were “called”, “rose” or were “sent” in the same way?
Regardless of if Tola had been called as a military leader or as an administrator or both, what does this tell us about Tola, God & us?
How is the link/comparison to Deborah significant?
Next we see Jair. What is the importance of his 30 sons with 30 donkeys in 30 cities?
Following last weeks story where the Isrealites chose a tyrant king, slip back into idolatry AND ignore the warnings of Jotham, they deserve to be wiped off the face of the earth. Instead, they get 45 years of peace under Tola & Jair. Why?
What does this tell us about God?
How is this applicable to us in 2010?
Judges 10: 1-5
Significance in insignificance
Last week we kinda laughed at these two seemingly trivial leaders/judges in Isreal. We joked at how there’s people like Deborah [2 chapters], Gideon [3 chapters], Samson [4 chapters] and even Ehud [19 verses] but so much packed into his crazy story. And now these two dudes have to share 5 verses! I took it as a personal challenge to base a study around these two insignificants to try to find some significance...Bring it on!...
[Read > Judges 10: 1-5]
Do you think the amount of words written about someone in the bible can equate to how important they are?
[Activity] > Along with Tola and Jair, the other “minor” Judges include Shamgar [Chapter 3], Ibzan, Elon & Abdon [chapter 12]. Can you find anyone in the bible who has seemingly small insignificant parts to play...but actually they were significant?
What could be the reason(s) for the lack of detail about Tola & Jair?
Tola & Jair’s stories follow Abimelek’s without any kind of break. What could this tell us?
These short, seemingly insignificant few verses may not tell us much about these 2 characters, but they do tell us something about the character of God. In particular, about this God of Isreal in her low fortunes at this time...
This man, Tola “rose to save Isreal” (or “was sent to deliver Isreal”). Can you find any other Judges who were “called”, “rose” or were “sent” in the same way?
Regardless of if Tola had been called as a military leader or as an administrator or both, what does this tell us about Tola, God & us?
How is the link/comparison to Deborah significant?
Next we see Jair. What is the importance of his 30 sons with 30 donkeys in 30 cities?
Following last weeks story where the Isrealites chose a tyrant king, slip back into idolatry AND ignore the warnings of Jotham, they deserve to be wiped off the face of the earth. Instead, they get 45 years of peace under Tola & Jair. Why?
What does this tell us about God?
How is this applicable to us in 2010?
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Judges 9
[MEST] Judges 9
Again we see the Isrealites messing up, but this time their usual pattern doesn't follow... We don't see the "Sin > Punishment > Cry for help > Rescue." Abimelek, the leading figure in this chapter hasn't been raised up by God to rescue...quite the opposite.
[Read Judges 9]
Abimelek stands as quite a contrast to Gideon. How?
Verse 5 mentions the place Abimelek killed his brothers as "one stone", what could this mean?
Judges 9:1-6 stands in stark contrast to Joshua 24:1 & 16. How?
Verse 8-15 tells a strange story. What does this remind you of?
[Activity] > Take some time to discect this strange story in verses 8-15 and write down what you think it means.
What does verse 26 tell us about the people of Schechem?
In verse 45 we see that Abimelek, after capturing the city, scattered salt over it. Why?
Verse 49 was a fulfilment of something that had been promised earlier in this chapter. What is it?
While men used weapons like spears, bows and arrows to defend towers, women helped by dropping stones. Why?
What does this part of the story remind you of?
Grinding grain was seen as women's work. Too lowley for men to perform. But, defending your city, fighting and killing pagan tyrants and enemies was definately a man's job. How is this story significant?
In verse 54 what's going on with the armour-bearer and this whole "a woman killed him" business?
From chapter 8:34 - 9:55 God isn't mentioned at all. What could this twll us about Abimelek's story?
The last 2 verses in chapter 9 wrap up this story and give a good "God conclusion". How and why?
Again we see the Isrealites messing up, but this time their usual pattern doesn't follow... We don't see the "Sin > Punishment > Cry for help > Rescue." Abimelek, the leading figure in this chapter hasn't been raised up by God to rescue...quite the opposite.
[Read Judges 9]
Abimelek stands as quite a contrast to Gideon. How?
Verse 5 mentions the place Abimelek killed his brothers as "one stone", what could this mean?
Judges 9:1-6 stands in stark contrast to Joshua 24:1 & 16. How?
Verse 8-15 tells a strange story. What does this remind you of?
[Activity] > Take some time to discect this strange story in verses 8-15 and write down what you think it means.
What does verse 26 tell us about the people of Schechem?
In verse 45 we see that Abimelek, after capturing the city, scattered salt over it. Why?
Verse 49 was a fulfilment of something that had been promised earlier in this chapter. What is it?
While men used weapons like spears, bows and arrows to defend towers, women helped by dropping stones. Why?
What does this part of the story remind you of?
Grinding grain was seen as women's work. Too lowley for men to perform. But, defending your city, fighting and killing pagan tyrants and enemies was definately a man's job. How is this story significant?
In verse 54 what's going on with the armour-bearer and this whole "a woman killed him" business?
From chapter 8:34 - 9:55 God isn't mentioned at all. What could this twll us about Abimelek's story?
The last 2 verses in chapter 9 wrap up this story and give a good "God conclusion". How and why?
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Judges 8: 22 -35
[MEST] Judges
Judges 8: 22 - 35
So, in the words of John Lennon, "war is over". And even though we see that there is peace for 40 years, Gideon's choices are about to put an end to all that! ...
[Read] > Judges 8: 22 - 35
In v22, the Isrealites say, "rule over us...be our king!" What does this show us?
Next, Gideon seems to get it. He refuses their offer of royal praise and points them back towards God, but then in his next breath Gideon does something weird. What is it and what does it show us about Gideon?
What does this episode in Gideon's life tell us about us?
By refusing kingship but then taking an "offering" for himself, what essentially has Gideon done?
What's an ephod?
So, if it was ok to make an ephod in the past, what's wrong about making this ephod?
What does the way the Isrealites treat / react to the new shiney ephod, tell us about us as humans?
Our strengths can easily become our weaknesses. Gideon's strength was that he was able to hear from God. Gideon's weakness was that he had to hear from God. What could this mean?
[Activity] >
Can you think of other examples in the bible, where someones strength was also their weakness?
What is the result of Gideon's actions? How is this ironic?
We read that Gideon had 70 sons! But it also mentions that Gideon took a concubine who bore him a son, Abimelek. This was to mark trouble for Gideon's family. Can you think of other examples in the bible of when doing similar to this bore similar results?
Gideon is weak in ch6, because of his inexperience. Gideon is weak in ch8, because of his pride. What can an overview of Gideon's story tell us about him? And ultimately, about us too?
Judges 8: 22 - 35
So, in the words of John Lennon, "war is over". And even though we see that there is peace for 40 years, Gideon's choices are about to put an end to all that! ...
[Read] > Judges 8: 22 - 35
In v22, the Isrealites say, "rule over us...be our king!" What does this show us?
Next, Gideon seems to get it. He refuses their offer of royal praise and points them back towards God, but then in his next breath Gideon does something weird. What is it and what does it show us about Gideon?
What does this episode in Gideon's life tell us about us?
By refusing kingship but then taking an "offering" for himself, what essentially has Gideon done?
What's an ephod?
So, if it was ok to make an ephod in the past, what's wrong about making this ephod?
What does the way the Isrealites treat / react to the new shiney ephod, tell us about us as humans?
Our strengths can easily become our weaknesses. Gideon's strength was that he was able to hear from God. Gideon's weakness was that he had to hear from God. What could this mean?
[Activity] >
Can you think of other examples in the bible, where someones strength was also their weakness?
What is the result of Gideon's actions? How is this ironic?
We read that Gideon had 70 sons! But it also mentions that Gideon took a concubine who bore him a son, Abimelek. This was to mark trouble for Gideon's family. Can you think of other examples in the bible of when doing similar to this bore similar results?
Gideon is weak in ch6, because of his inexperience. Gideon is weak in ch8, because of his pride. What can an overview of Gideon's story tell us about him? And ultimately, about us too?
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Biblestudy...denied!
This week sees the first of our 2010 Prayer Gatherings taking place on thursday.
So there will be no notes this week.
Please feel free to attend our prayer meeting where we will be focusing on individuals for prayer / the churches future in 2010 / Haiti.
If, for whatever reason, you can't attend this meeting then please pray for these issues in your own time.
Sorry again for no post this week!
ste
So there will be no notes this week.
Please feel free to attend our prayer meeting where we will be focusing on individuals for prayer / the churches future in 2010 / Haiti.
If, for whatever reason, you can't attend this meeting then please pray for these issues in your own time.
Sorry again for no post this week!
ste
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Judges 7:24 - 8:21
[MEST] Judges
Study Guide > Judges 7:24 – 8:21
[Read Judges 7:24 – 8:21]
It should’ve been a moment of celebration. High-fives and back-slaps and end-zone dances. Both tribes had much glory to share in. Manasseh’s 300 had put an end to the Midianite hoards. And Ephraim had sealed off the enemies escape route and finished them off...
What is the significance of Gideon’s 300 and Ephraim’s army working together?
Why were the Ephraimites happy and angry at the same time?
Why wasn’t Ephraim asked for help?
What might Gideon have thought about being presented with Oreb and Zeeb’s severed heads?
In response to Ephraim how could have Gideon reacted?
Gideon’s actual response could’ve been seen as kissing ass, but it was quite wise [Pr. 15:1]. How?
Succoth was a town right on the border between the Midianites and the Isrealites. What would this mean for the people of Succoth?
What kind of welcome was Gideon expecting in Succoth?
Why didn’t Succoth make Gideon and his 300 welcome?
Gideon is pretty cross! Why?
In verse 7, is Gideon right or wrong to threaten and judge the people of Succoth?
[Activity > Gideon’s actions = For & Against]
4 miles to the next town... Peniel [where Jacob wrestled with God]. Surely they would receive a better welcome party here?...But no. How might Gideon be feeling by this point?
Why did the Midianites think they were safe in Karkor?
What might the officials in Succoth be thinking as they see Gideon and the 300 returning with Zebah and Zalmunna in their possession?
Why give the men in Succoth a “spanking” and then go and kill all the men in Peniel and pull down it’s tower?
How would you feel / react in Gideon’s position? He now knows that Zebah and Zalmunna were responsible for killing his brothers. What would you do?
Why did Gideon want his son, Jether, to kill the them?
In the 2nd half of vs21, we see something that could be quite innocent OR it could mark the beginning of the end for Gideon. What is it and why?
Study Guide > Judges 7:24 – 8:21
[Read Judges 7:24 – 8:21]
It should’ve been a moment of celebration. High-fives and back-slaps and end-zone dances. Both tribes had much glory to share in. Manasseh’s 300 had put an end to the Midianite hoards. And Ephraim had sealed off the enemies escape route and finished them off...
What is the significance of Gideon’s 300 and Ephraim’s army working together?
Why were the Ephraimites happy and angry at the same time?
Why wasn’t Ephraim asked for help?
What might Gideon have thought about being presented with Oreb and Zeeb’s severed heads?
In response to Ephraim how could have Gideon reacted?
Gideon’s actual response could’ve been seen as kissing ass, but it was quite wise [Pr. 15:1]. How?
Succoth was a town right on the border between the Midianites and the Isrealites. What would this mean for the people of Succoth?
What kind of welcome was Gideon expecting in Succoth?
Why didn’t Succoth make Gideon and his 300 welcome?
Gideon is pretty cross! Why?
In verse 7, is Gideon right or wrong to threaten and judge the people of Succoth?
[Activity > Gideon’s actions = For & Against]
4 miles to the next town... Peniel [where Jacob wrestled with God]. Surely they would receive a better welcome party here?...But no. How might Gideon be feeling by this point?
Why did the Midianites think they were safe in Karkor?
What might the officials in Succoth be thinking as they see Gideon and the 300 returning with Zebah and Zalmunna in their possession?
Why give the men in Succoth a “spanking” and then go and kill all the men in Peniel and pull down it’s tower?
How would you feel / react in Gideon’s position? He now knows that Zebah and Zalmunna were responsible for killing his brothers. What would you do?
Why did Gideon want his son, Jether, to kill the them?
In the 2nd half of vs21, we see something that could be quite innocent OR it could mark the beginning of the end for Gideon. What is it and why?
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Judges 7:1-23
[MEST] Judges
Study Guide > Judges 7:1-23
As Gideon viewed the task ahead of him, the sheer size of the enemy would have been discouraging. Before any reducing was done, the Midianites outnumbered the Isrealites 4 to 1.
[Read Judges 7:1-23]
Gideon needed comfort and assurance when his army was 32’000 men, imagine how his heart would’ve sank when 22’000 of those went home! What might Gideon have been thinking?
They were now outnumbered 13 to 1. Then another 9’700 were sent home! That’s 300 against 135’000. NOW they were outnumbered 400 to 1. Impossible odds?
In v1-8, we see God reducing down Isreal’s army. Why?
In Deut 20:8 and in v3 here, we see that any afraid soldiers are sent home. What could be the reasons for this?
How would the remaining 10’000 have felt as 22’000 went back home?
Was this 2nd test just another means of reducing numbers or was there more to it?
Why did God tell Gideon to take Purah along?
V13-14 shows dreams and interpretations. This is quite common in the OT. Can you think of other examples?
The use of barley bread was because it was considered an inferior grain and only half the value of wheat. Why might this be significant?
Why was the “beginning of the middle watch” a good strategic time to attack?
The 300’s “weapons” were jars, torches, and trumpets. What would they think of these weapons?
What would the 300 think of the “battle plan”? How would you feel in this situation?
Why did the 300 go along with the plan?
Study Guide > Judges 7:1-23
As Gideon viewed the task ahead of him, the sheer size of the enemy would have been discouraging. Before any reducing was done, the Midianites outnumbered the Isrealites 4 to 1.
[Read Judges 7:1-23]
Gideon needed comfort and assurance when his army was 32’000 men, imagine how his heart would’ve sank when 22’000 of those went home! What might Gideon have been thinking?
They were now outnumbered 13 to 1. Then another 9’700 were sent home! That’s 300 against 135’000. NOW they were outnumbered 400 to 1. Impossible odds?
In v1-8, we see God reducing down Isreal’s army. Why?
In Deut 20:8 and in v3 here, we see that any afraid soldiers are sent home. What could be the reasons for this?
How would the remaining 10’000 have felt as 22’000 went back home?
Was this 2nd test just another means of reducing numbers or was there more to it?
Why did God tell Gideon to take Purah along?
V13-14 shows dreams and interpretations. This is quite common in the OT. Can you think of other examples?
The use of barley bread was because it was considered an inferior grain and only half the value of wheat. Why might this be significant?
Why was the “beginning of the middle watch” a good strategic time to attack?
The 300’s “weapons” were jars, torches, and trumpets. What would they think of these weapons?
What would the 300 think of the “battle plan”? How would you feel in this situation?
Why did the 300 go along with the plan?
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Judges 6:19-40
[MEST] Judges
Study Guide > Judges 6:19-40
So, the angel of the Lord has just dropped the bombshell that Gideon is a “mighty warrior” and that “the Lord is with you”. How does Gideon respond? > “Who, me?!”...”Wait!”...” I need a sign that it’s you really talking to me... I’ll get an offering. Please don’t leave! Will you wait?”
How could the angel have responded?
[Read Judges 6:19-40]
Even though food is scarce, in v19 Gideon uses a load of flour (22 pounds!) to make the bread to offer to the angel. What could this tell us about Gideon?
“Pour the broth out on the ground. Put the bread and the meat on that rock over there!” How might Gideon feel about this reaction to his offering?
In v21 the angel completely cremates the offering. How might this make Gideon feel?
In v22 Gideon exclaims “I have seen God face to face!” Why is this a big deal?
In v25 the Lord tells Gideon to take an axe to his father’s alter. Does this section of the story remind you of another event in the Isrealite’s history? And how is that important?
This was Gideon’s dad’s livelihood, his life. How could Gideon have reacted to such a command?
Here we see Gideon being invited to become a partner with God. How might Gideon feel about this?
This invitation, this “calling” comes with 2 heads. FRIENDSHIP and FUNCTION. How does this show itself in Gideon’s calling? And can you think of other examples in the bible?
In our Christian lives we need to have these 2 elements in equal balance. If you become too friendship-centred, then you LOVE to sing worship songs and read your bible, but you have no intention or desire to “dirty” your hands with evangelism or mission, and ultimately become irrelevant. On the other hand, if you become too functional-centred, then you throw yourselves at everything 100 miles an hour working for God, but you’ll soon burn out because you’re not being sustained from the word, prayer, and worship.
God can speak in different ways. Sometimes he commands [ie > the voice from the burning bush or Paul being ordered to go to Macedonia]. At other times God allows His servants to offer “suggestions”. Like in Gideon’s story. Can you think of any other examples of when God takes suggestions from people?
This winepress episode also included negotiation. God wants Gideon to destroy the baal alter, but Gideon wants to wait until it gets dark. This isn’t a monologue > God speaking and commanding and Gideon rushing to obey. Instead, it’s an ongoing conversation.
In v27 we see Gideon go to this baal temple with 10 men. Why take others along? Why not go alone?
In v29, how did the mob come to the conclusion that Gideon was guilty?
[Activity > Mob/Joash/Gideon = points of view]
Why might Joash have had a change of heart?
In v31 Joash asks the mob, “are you going to plead baal’s cause? Are you trying to save him?” What is Joash’s question actually asking? And what is meant by, “If baal really is a god, then he can defend himself when someone breaks down his alter”?
“Jerub baal” was given to Gideon as a curse, but seemed to have a different effect. Explain...
What is the progression of Gideon’s calling? How is this progression meaningful to us?
So, the fleece thing... why did Gideon need more signs?
So, fear was keeping Gideon in the winepress and now despite the numerous conversations with God, visitations from an angel, signs and wonders, a heart-changed father AND 32’000 men ready to follow him into battle! > Gideon is STILL afraid.
Take some time to think about what you’re afraid of.
What’s holding you back?
Study Guide > Judges 6:19-40
So, the angel of the Lord has just dropped the bombshell that Gideon is a “mighty warrior” and that “the Lord is with you”. How does Gideon respond? > “Who, me?!”...”Wait!”...” I need a sign that it’s you really talking to me... I’ll get an offering. Please don’t leave! Will you wait?”
How could the angel have responded?
[Read Judges 6:19-40]
Even though food is scarce, in v19 Gideon uses a load of flour (22 pounds!) to make the bread to offer to the angel. What could this tell us about Gideon?
“Pour the broth out on the ground. Put the bread and the meat on that rock over there!” How might Gideon feel about this reaction to his offering?
In v21 the angel completely cremates the offering. How might this make Gideon feel?
In v22 Gideon exclaims “I have seen God face to face!” Why is this a big deal?
In v25 the Lord tells Gideon to take an axe to his father’s alter. Does this section of the story remind you of another event in the Isrealite’s history? And how is that important?
This was Gideon’s dad’s livelihood, his life. How could Gideon have reacted to such a command?
Here we see Gideon being invited to become a partner with God. How might Gideon feel about this?
This invitation, this “calling” comes with 2 heads. FRIENDSHIP and FUNCTION. How does this show itself in Gideon’s calling? And can you think of other examples in the bible?
In our Christian lives we need to have these 2 elements in equal balance. If you become too friendship-centred, then you LOVE to sing worship songs and read your bible, but you have no intention or desire to “dirty” your hands with evangelism or mission, and ultimately become irrelevant. On the other hand, if you become too functional-centred, then you throw yourselves at everything 100 miles an hour working for God, but you’ll soon burn out because you’re not being sustained from the word, prayer, and worship.
God can speak in different ways. Sometimes he commands [ie > the voice from the burning bush or Paul being ordered to go to Macedonia]. At other times God allows His servants to offer “suggestions”. Like in Gideon’s story. Can you think of any other examples of when God takes suggestions from people?
This winepress episode also included negotiation. God wants Gideon to destroy the baal alter, but Gideon wants to wait until it gets dark. This isn’t a monologue > God speaking and commanding and Gideon rushing to obey. Instead, it’s an ongoing conversation.
In v27 we see Gideon go to this baal temple with 10 men. Why take others along? Why not go alone?
In v29, how did the mob come to the conclusion that Gideon was guilty?
[Activity > Mob/Joash/Gideon = points of view]
Why might Joash have had a change of heart?
In v31 Joash asks the mob, “are you going to plead baal’s cause? Are you trying to save him?” What is Joash’s question actually asking? And what is meant by, “If baal really is a god, then he can defend himself when someone breaks down his alter”?
“Jerub baal” was given to Gideon as a curse, but seemed to have a different effect. Explain...
What is the progression of Gideon’s calling? How is this progression meaningful to us?
So, the fleece thing... why did Gideon need more signs?
So, fear was keeping Gideon in the winepress and now despite the numerous conversations with God, visitations from an angel, signs and wonders, a heart-changed father AND 32’000 men ready to follow him into battle! > Gideon is STILL afraid.
Take some time to think about what you’re afraid of.
What’s holding you back?
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