It's Dante's fault. Really. Actually it's Dan Brown's fault. Ok, it's my fault. I apologize for no posts so far this week, but I am trying to pin it on someone else. Dan Brown's new novel is Inferno, whose central character (other than Robert Langdon, of course) is 100 Cantos of pure literary genius--the Divine Comedy. And more specifically, the first 33 Cantos, otherwise known as Inferno.
I know, I know. Dan Brown is no friend of the Church, and sadly that hasn't changed in this book. But he can write a cheesy page turner that weaves in art, history, architecture, literature, and some of my favorite cities like no one else--at least no one else I've read. High literature it is not. The plot, like others before, is wacky and extremely far-fetched. A lark! But I quite enjoyed it. It's fiction, people! No matter what the author himself claims. Call it a guilty pleasure.
I will soon return to the great book, resuming our trek through the Bible--restarting at the Book of Tobit.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival
Over the past week, we had leadership lessons from Hezekiah and the end of the exile. Ezra and Nehemiah, each in their own way, oversees the beginnings of the restoration of Jerusalem. Ezra a religious leader; Nehemiah a civic leader. No matter how many times His chosen people stray from the law and from faithfulness of heart, the Lord repeatedly "lets Himself be won over" when the Israelites humbly ask for His forgiveness and help. What a beautiful image. Here are this week's links:
And here is the link for Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival.
Enjoy and have a great week!
And here is the link for Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival.
Enjoy and have a great week!
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Nehemiah 8-13
Nehemiah is in some ways a terribly confusing book. In reading the notes that accompany my translation, it appears that many of the events recounted in this book, including the life of Nehemiah himself, took place before the events in the Book of Ezra. On top of that, some sections of Nehemiah fit together with sections of Ezra, and are otherwise out of place here. It is not, in other words, a straight through narrative, but rather a bit of a patchwork. But that's ok--there are still some nuggets in here.
The Israelites gather together to hear Ezra (right, Ezra, to Nehemiah) read and interpret the Mosaic law. The people are brought to tears, but Ezra instructs them to be joyful:
Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!
There is great rejoicing and celebration. But the text quickly shifts to a continuation of the mourning resulting from the intermarriage of the Israelites and the "people of the land". As a rebuke of sorts, Ezra recounts for the regretful people the story of God's favor and mercy toward the Israelites--beginning with the story of Abram, the slavery in Egypt, the rescue through Moses, the wandering in the desert, the Promised Land, the Israelites' repeated turning away from God, and His boundless patience and mercy:
But you are a God of pardons, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in mercy; you did not forsake them.
Even through the exile from Jerusalem, God did not forget His people, but allowed a remnant to survive. That surviving remnant renews the promise of the covenant, pledging an oath to honor God and His Law.
The Israelites gather together to hear Ezra (right, Ezra, to Nehemiah) read and interpret the Mosaic law. The people are brought to tears, but Ezra instructs them to be joyful:
Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!
There is great rejoicing and celebration. But the text quickly shifts to a continuation of the mourning resulting from the intermarriage of the Israelites and the "people of the land". As a rebuke of sorts, Ezra recounts for the regretful people the story of God's favor and mercy toward the Israelites--beginning with the story of Abram, the slavery in Egypt, the rescue through Moses, the wandering in the desert, the Promised Land, the Israelites' repeated turning away from God, and His boundless patience and mercy:
But you are a God of pardons, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in mercy; you did not forsake them.
Even through the exile from Jerusalem, God did not forget His people, but allowed a remnant to survive. That surviving remnant renews the promise of the covenant, pledging an oath to honor God and His Law.
Nehemiah 1-7
Nehemiah is a very interesting figure, a complement of sorts to Ezra. Ezra was very much a religious leader for post-exile Israelites, setting a powerful example of righteous conduct and insisting on strict adherence to the Mosaic law. Nehemiah is more of a civic leader to this same group. He calls to mind Joseph. Like Joseph, Nehemiah is a trusted servant of a king--cupbearer to Artaxerxes, king of Persia. Nehemiah learns of the struggles of the remnant of the Israelites in captivity (here for the first time referred to as "the Jews"), who are trying to re-establish and rebuild Jerusalem. He mourns and prays and, soon after, has the opportunity to intercede with Artaxerxes on their behalf. The king permits Nehemiah to leave his employ to travel to Jerusalem to assist the remnant there. Because of his fondness for Nehemiah, the king richly provisions Nehemiah and the group who accompany him to Jerusalem.
Arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah rallies the people to engage in the rebuilding effort. Despite the jealousy and intrigue of other communities -- and even some treachery within this remnant itself -- Nehemiah oversees the repair of the great wall around Jerusalem as well as the gates to the city. Nehemiah shows himself to be a faithful servant of God. He is also a dedicated and loving leader to the remnant. For example, he successfully convinces members of the remnant to cease lending money at usurious rates to other Jews, because this has led to poverty and even slavery for some of them. Nehemiah is a bit self-aggrandizing at times, but his heart and his efforts are absolutely in the right place.
Arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah rallies the people to engage in the rebuilding effort. Despite the jealousy and intrigue of other communities -- and even some treachery within this remnant itself -- Nehemiah oversees the repair of the great wall around Jerusalem as well as the gates to the city. Nehemiah shows himself to be a faithful servant of God. He is also a dedicated and loving leader to the remnant. For example, he successfully convinces members of the remnant to cease lending money at usurious rates to other Jews, because this has led to poverty and even slavery for some of them. Nehemiah is a bit self-aggrandizing at times, but his heart and his efforts are absolutely in the right place.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Ezra 7-10
Ezra appears in this section as a major figure among the people of God, during te reign of King Artaxerxes I of Persia. With that king's blessing and support, Ezra leads a band of believers back to Jerusalem to settle there in order to worship God. Ezra is a strong and influential religious leader, holding the people strictly to the law handed down from God to Moses.
Although this book is generally attributed to the Chronicler, he is believed to have drawn from something called the Memoir of Ezra as one of his sources. This would explain why part of this book is written in the first person voice. Ezra's zeal for obedience to the Law of Moses is understandable. And the fact that he is trying to, in effect, rebuild a once great and numerous people from a small surviving remnant makes clear why he has such a strong aversion to the widespread practice of intermarriage between the Israelites and other peoples. But I must say that I find his own description of his very dramatic reaction to this situation to border on the comical:
When I heard this thing, I tore my cloak and my mantle, plucked hair from my head and beard, and sat there stupefied. . . . I sat there motionless until the evening sacrifice. Then at the time of the evening sacrifice I rose in my wretchedness, and with cloak and mantle torn I fell on my knees, stretching out my hands to the Lord my God.
Although this book is generally attributed to the Chronicler, he is believed to have drawn from something called the Memoir of Ezra as one of his sources. This would explain why part of this book is written in the first person voice. Ezra's zeal for obedience to the Law of Moses is understandable. And the fact that he is trying to, in effect, rebuild a once great and numerous people from a small surviving remnant makes clear why he has such a strong aversion to the widespread practice of intermarriage between the Israelites and other peoples. But I must say that I find his own description of his very dramatic reaction to this situation to border on the comical:
When I heard this thing, I tore my cloak and my mantle, plucked hair from my head and beard, and sat there stupefied. . . . I sat there motionless until the evening sacrifice. Then at the time of the evening sacrifice I rose in my wretchedness, and with cloak and mantle torn I fell on my knees, stretching out my hands to the Lord my God.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Ezra 1-6
The Chronicler continues his narrative of post-exile Israel in this book. The remnant of Israel descending from those captured by Nebuchadnezzar and taken to Babylon are freed by King Cyrus. Cyrus virtually commands them to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of the Lord. The narrative recounts a census taken at the time, which reveals just how small this group of believers has been reduced to. But this group resolutely sets about rebuilding the temple--hiring skilled laborers and arranging for the delivery of the necessary raw materials. Over the years, there is interference from citizens and government officials, until finally King Darius, decades after Cyrus, acknowledges the earlier king's original decree and reiterates it in a decree of his own. Thus ensured royal protection and endorsement, and bolstered by the support of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the people rebuild the altar of the Lord. This is cause for much joy and thanksgiving, and the Chronicler describes an especially joyful Passover celebration as the rebuilding continues.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
2 Chronicles 29-36
Good kings and not so good kings are at the heart of this last section of 2 Chronicles. Hezekiah is a model king, like his ancestor David, at least until late in his life when he succumbed, for a time, to pride. Josiah, too, was an admirable king. Others, such as Manasseh, Amon, and Zedekiah--well, not so much. These kings, good and bad, demonstrate the gifts and responsibilities of leadership. When the king turns to the Lord in humility and obedience, in joy and thanksgiving, the people follow. And when he turns away, disobeying God's commands and worshipping other gods, the people he leads do the same. Either way, they lead by example.
This is a lesson not just for kings, but for leaders of all sorts--business managers, government officials, and, most especially, parents. Do I live in joy and thanksgiving? Do I seek God's help when I need it--as He virtually demands that I do? Do I show trust in Him in my words and actions? Do I strive to be faithful of heart in all that I do? To the extent I don't live this way, I am not being the leader that God calls me to be.
The story of Manasseh shows that it is never too late to reverse course and become the right kind of leader. Having been defeated, captured, and taken as a prisoner to Babylon, Manasseh undergoes a change of heart:
In this distress, he began to appease the Lord, his God. He humbled himself abjectly before the God of his fathers and prayed to him. The Lord let himself be won over: he heard his prayer and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem. Then Manasseh understood that the Lord is indeed God.
Isn't that a great image--that God let himself be won over? I love that expression.
This is a lesson not just for kings, but for leaders of all sorts--business managers, government officials, and, most especially, parents. Do I live in joy and thanksgiving? Do I seek God's help when I need it--as He virtually demands that I do? Do I show trust in Him in my words and actions? Do I strive to be faithful of heart in all that I do? To the extent I don't live this way, I am not being the leader that God calls me to be.
The story of Manasseh shows that it is never too late to reverse course and become the right kind of leader. Having been defeated, captured, and taken as a prisoner to Babylon, Manasseh undergoes a change of heart:
In this distress, he began to appease the Lord, his God. He humbled himself abjectly before the God of his fathers and prayed to him. The Lord let himself be won over: he heard his prayer and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem. Then Manasseh understood that the Lord is indeed God.
Isn't that a great image--that God let himself be won over? I love that expression.
Monday, May 20, 2013
2 Chronicles 17-28
The author of 1 & 2 Chronicles, known (not surprisingly, I suppose) as the Chronicler, covers much of the history already covered in prior books. I did a bit of research and learned that those earlier books are a primary (but not the exclusive) source for these later books. The Chronicler drew from other sources as well, but also seems to bring a different historical and political perspective. More importantly, to my mind, he also brings a more advanced sophisticated understanding of the relationship between God and man.
In earlier books, the critical attribute of the man of God is obedience. Abraham is asked by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac, and he obeys--stopped at the last moment by an angel of God. Noah builds the ark and assembles the menagerie of animals as instructed. They did not question; they obeyed.
The Chronicler shifts the emphasis to "faithfulness of heart". David is the paradigm of the man who is faithful of heart. Did he always obey the Lord's commands? No. But he oriented his life toward God, he begged for God's forgiveness, he sought God's help, and he trusted God's counsel. These last two are emphasized in this section of 2 Chronicles. The Lord expects--indeed, demands--that his faithful people seek His help. He is angered when they seek assistance elsewhere. God does not rest on what He has already done for His people, awaiting their gratitude, but instead insists that we ask for more.
This section of 2 Chronicles is filled with leaders who did not seek the Lord in this way, leading to their failures and to the suffering of Israel and Judah as a result. Asa and Jehoshaphat are the best examples of faithfulness of heart in this section, although they too are flawed, but the other kings turn away from the Lord (and lead their people there, too), thus displeasing Him.
In earlier books, the critical attribute of the man of God is obedience. Abraham is asked by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac, and he obeys--stopped at the last moment by an angel of God. Noah builds the ark and assembles the menagerie of animals as instructed. They did not question; they obeyed.
The Chronicler shifts the emphasis to "faithfulness of heart". David is the paradigm of the man who is faithful of heart. Did he always obey the Lord's commands? No. But he oriented his life toward God, he begged for God's forgiveness, he sought God's help, and he trusted God's counsel. These last two are emphasized in this section of 2 Chronicles. The Lord expects--indeed, demands--that his faithful people seek His help. He is angered when they seek assistance elsewhere. God does not rest on what He has already done for His people, awaiting their gratitude, but instead insists that we ask for more.
This section of 2 Chronicles is filled with leaders who did not seek the Lord in this way, leading to their failures and to the suffering of Israel and Judah as a result. Asa and Jehoshaphat are the best examples of faithfulness of heart in this section, although they too are flawed, but the other kings turn away from the Lord (and lead their people there, too), thus displeasing Him.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival
It's that time again! During the week, I covered 1 Chronicles and about half of 2 Chronicles. These historical books retrace much of the ground covered in 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings. The life of Saul is briefly covered, followed by the reigns of David and Solomon. On reflection, David and Moses are clearly the central figures of the Old Testament to this point. Not that others were not great or important (Abraham, Isaac, Noah, Joseph, Jacob, and Solomon, to name just a few). But David and Moses are clearly the key figures: Moses, the recipient of the Law, the embodiment of obedience and trust in God, and David, the paragon not of perfection, but of faithfulness of heart. The importance of faithfulness of heart is a central theme in this week's readings.
So, here you go (in reverse chronological order this week):
Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival
Enjoy and have a great week!
So, here you go (in reverse chronological order this week):
- 2 Chronicles 7-16
- 2 Chronicles 1-6
- 1 Chronicles 22-29
- 1 Chronicles 15-21
- 1 Chronicles 11-14
- 1 Chronicles 1-10
Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival
Enjoy and have a great week!
2 Chronicles 7-16
King Solomon's greatness is widely known and universally acknowledged. He builds the temple of the Lord, a place to house the ark as well as a special place for prayer. The temple serves as an important sign of the greatness of God and the importance of His Law. But it is also a way for God to communicate a profound message: That He listens for and hears the prayers of His people. He promises Solomon that, in a special way, the prayers offered in the temple by the Israelites will be heard and will be responded to. The Lord does not suggest that He will not hear prayers offered elsewhere--for after all He knows the minds and hearts of His people. But there is special about this sacred place, and a singular importance about seeking the Lord there and laying before Him the needs of His people.
A strong theme in this section is the Lord's hope--His expectation; His demand--that His people come to Him in their need and ask for His help.
The eyes of the Lord roam over the whole earth, to encourage those who are devoted to him wholeheartedly.
Indeed, God is angry that Asa, king of Judah, does not come to Him when Judah is threatened by enemies, and again when Asa falls ill near the end of his life. Asa's failure in this regard is seen as a sign of infidelity on his part. What an interesting idea--that God not only tolerates our asking Him for help, but He demands it!!
A strong theme in this section is the Lord's hope--His expectation; His demand--that His people come to Him in their need and ask for His help.
The eyes of the Lord roam over the whole earth, to encourage those who are devoted to him wholeheartedly.
Indeed, God is angry that Asa, king of Judah, does not come to Him when Judah is threatened by enemies, and again when Asa falls ill near the end of his life. Asa's failure in this regard is seen as a sign of infidelity on his part. What an interesting idea--that God not only tolerates our asking Him for help, but He demands it!!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
2 Chronicles 1-6
The early chapters of 2 Chronicles repeat the story of Solomon's early days as king, his fidelity to God, his request for wisdom from God so as to be a good ruler, and, of course, the building of the temple and the holy of holies within to house the ark. God keeps His promises; He honors the covenant. He is good and kind, and His mercy endures forever. There is no other god like Him. He alone knows the hearts of men. Solomon and the Israelites are to honor God by being faithful of heart, seeking to keep the Lord's commands. They also do Him honor by building the temple, and by worshipping God according to the ways revealed to the people through David and Solomon.
I am struck here and elsewhere by the emphasis on the heart. It is inevitable that a man will sin, as David did. Yet the man who is faithful of heart recognizes his sin, has remorse, seeks forgiveness, endures penance, and is made whole in the eyes of God.
I am struck here and elsewhere by the emphasis on the heart. It is inevitable that a man will sin, as David did. Yet the man who is faithful of heart recognizes his sin, has remorse, seeks forgiveness, endures penance, and is made whole in the eyes of God.
1 Chronicles 22-29
David passes the throne of kingship to his son, Solomon. He prays that God will give Solomon "prudence and discernment" so that Solomon may rule wisely and follow God's law. David counsels Solomon: Be brave and steadfast; do not fear or lose heart. And to the leaders among the people, David exhorts them: Devote your hearts and souls to seeking the Lord your God.
David assigns responsibilities to various tribes and groups, making them responsible for a variety of religious tasks--the Levites, the priests, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the rest. David then calls to Jerusalem all of the leaders of Israel, and reminds them again to be faithful to God and keep His commands. To Solomon, David speaks these inspiring words:
Know the God of your father and serve him with a perfect heart and a willing soul, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the mind's thoughts. If you seek him, he will let himself be found by you.
This is the most sophisticated formulation of the relationship between God and man we have seen so far in the Old Testament. The relationship th God is about keeping is commands, but with David there is a shift in emphasis toward what is in one's heart.
David assigns responsibilities to various tribes and groups, making them responsible for a variety of religious tasks--the Levites, the priests, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the rest. David then calls to Jerusalem all of the leaders of Israel, and reminds them again to be faithful to God and keep His commands. To Solomon, David speaks these inspiring words:
Know the God of your father and serve him with a perfect heart and a willing soul, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the mind's thoughts. If you seek him, he will let himself be found by you.
This is the most sophisticated formulation of the relationship between God and man we have seen so far in the Old Testament. The relationship th God is about keeping is commands, but with David there is a shift in emphasis toward what is in one's heart.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
1 Chronicles 15-21
Joy, praise, and thanksgiving. David is not simply righteous and obedient, but his relationship with the Lord is such that he is joyful. He commands that there be music, and singing and dancing to celebrate the transporting of the ark to a new, more permanent home. He participates in that celebration personally. He rejoices in God's law. This sets David apart from the other heroes and leading figures in the Old Testament to this point.
But not everyone is amused. Michal, one of David's wives and the daughter of Saul, for one:
When she saw King David leaping and dancing, she despised him in her heart.
Why, I wonder, does the writer mention this? Well, not everyone appreciates when others are happy or when others find meaning in their lives. I assume that is driven, in many cases, by an emptiness or lack of meaning in their own lives. Whatever the reason, those of us who find that meaning, who experience and express the joy that comes with the knowledge that God is with us, should be prepared for some negative backlash, some hatred or scorn, at some point. That comes as the price (or part of the price, at least) for all the victories the Lord will secure for us, as He did for David. And with David we can and should continue to sing joyfully:
Sing to him, sing his praise,
Proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Glory to his holy name;
Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord!
Look to the Lord in his strength;
Seek to serve him constantly.
Joy, praise, and thanksgiving.
But not everyone is amused. Michal, one of David's wives and the daughter of Saul, for one:
When she saw King David leaping and dancing, she despised him in her heart.
Why, I wonder, does the writer mention this? Well, not everyone appreciates when others are happy or when others find meaning in their lives. I assume that is driven, in many cases, by an emptiness or lack of meaning in their own lives. Whatever the reason, those of us who find that meaning, who experience and express the joy that comes with the knowledge that God is with us, should be prepared for some negative backlash, some hatred or scorn, at some point. That comes as the price (or part of the price, at least) for all the victories the Lord will secure for us, as He did for David. And with David we can and should continue to sing joyfully:
Sing to him, sing his praise,
Proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Glory to his holy name;
Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord!
Look to the Lord in his strength;
Seek to serve him constantly.
Joy, praise, and thanksgiving.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
1 Chronicles 11-14
Upon Saul's death, the people of the tribes of Israel universally agree to anoint David the king. His bravery and greatness draw to him many thousands of warriors from all the tribes, including the so-called Chiefs--exceptionally great military commanders. David, in turn, makes a covenant with the people. The people recognize that the Lord is David's champion and they pledge their loyalty to him:
We are yours, O David, we are with you, O son of Jesse. Peace, peace o you, and peace to him who helps you; your God it is who helps you.
David transports the ark, and leads the Israelites in music and dancing as the ark is moved. Even this great warrior king is moved to sing and dance with joy and gratitude for God's gift of the law and His special love for Israel.
We are yours, O David, we are with you, O son of Jesse. Peace, peace o you, and peace to him who helps you; your God it is who helps you.
David transports the ark, and leads the Israelites in music and dancing as the ark is moved. Even this great warrior king is moved to sing and dance with joy and gratitude for God's gift of the law and His special love for Israel.
Monday, May 13, 2013
1 Chronicles 1-10
1 Chronicles begins with a long enumeration of the genealogy of David, firmly establishing him as the heir of God's covenant with Abraham. It is a long, and frankly tedious, slog through the roll call of each of the twelve tribes of Israel. But if you are going to read the Bible straight through, it comes with the territory I guess. It does serve to reiterate a key theme of what has gone before: God is faithful and He keeps His promises from generation to generation. When these chosen people put their trust in Him, God is with them and they find freedom and victory--they thrive. And when they do not...well, bad things happen. Saul finds this out for himself. He rebels against the Lord and engages in necromancy, and for that he suffers humiliating defeat and, after death, desecration.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival
It's a great day to be alive! So said a speaker at a fundraising event yesterday for the Ace in the Hole Foundation. Established by my brother-in-law and one of his sons, Ace in the Hole is a fundraising organization that honors the memory of my nephew, 1st Lt. Michael LiCalzi of the United States Marine Corps, who was killed in Iraq seven years ago yesterday. The speaker is part of the Wounded Warrior Project, himself a former Marine who was seriously injured in Iraq.
Yesterday was a sad, difficult day, but likewise a great day to be alive--to thank God for the many gifts and blessings. Including mothers--mine, of course, and for my wife, the (wonderful) mother of my children. I am very thankful for them today and every day. Happy Mother's Day to all!
As for the this week past, it was all about the kings in 2 Kings. Some good and inspiring, like Josiah, but many more were men who misled their people and displeased the Lord. Ultimately, due to the inconstancy of the kings and the people of Israel and Judah, the kingdom and the temple of God are destroyed and the people exiled. All that, and a Quentin Tarantino cameo.
2 Kings 1-5
2 Kings 6-10
2 Kings 11-16
2 Kings 17-21
2 Kings 22-25
Here is the link to the Sunday Snippets for May 12.
Enjoy and have a great week!
John
Yesterday was a sad, difficult day, but likewise a great day to be alive--to thank God for the many gifts and blessings. Including mothers--mine, of course, and for my wife, the (wonderful) mother of my children. I am very thankful for them today and every day. Happy Mother's Day to all!
As for the this week past, it was all about the kings in 2 Kings. Some good and inspiring, like Josiah, but many more were men who misled their people and displeased the Lord. Ultimately, due to the inconstancy of the kings and the people of Israel and Judah, the kingdom and the temple of God are destroyed and the people exiled. All that, and a Quentin Tarantino cameo.
2 Kings 1-5
2 Kings 6-10
2 Kings 11-16
2 Kings 17-21
2 Kings 22-25
Here is the link to the Sunday Snippets for May 12.
Enjoy and have a great week!
John
Thursday, May 9, 2013
2 Kings 22-25
Josiah, king of Judah, pleases the Lord as Davd had. The kings that follow? Well, not so much. Josiah is presented with the book of laws, discovered by the high priest in the temple. When the book is read to him, Josiah is filled with anguish, because he realizes ho far the Israelites have strayed from their covenant with God. So he undertakes to set things right. It is not enough to rescue the Israelites from the end they have earned, but the Lord does promise to put off that day until after Josiah dies.
Before [Josiah] there had been no king who turned to the Lord as he did, with his whole heart, his whole soul, and his whole strength, in accord with entire law of Moses; nor could any after compare with him. Yet, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had given, the Lord did not desist from his fiercely burning anger against Judah.
In time, Judah is defeated, overrun, and her people scattered--driven into exile. The temple of the Lord is dismantled and destroyed.
What a sad story of unrequited love. Not romantic love, of course, but God's love for His people. I find the ending of this book to be particularly frightening. God is angry and His people suffer. He seems to have abandoned them. Yet He is also clearly willing to acknowledge and reward the man (Josiah) who strives to be righteous and obedient by loving God and observing His commands.
Before [Josiah] there had been no king who turned to the Lord as he did, with his whole heart, his whole soul, and his whole strength, in accord with entire law of Moses; nor could any after compare with him. Yet, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had given, the Lord did not desist from his fiercely burning anger against Judah.
In time, Judah is defeated, overrun, and her people scattered--driven into exile. The temple of the Lord is dismantled and destroyed.
What a sad story of unrequited love. Not romantic love, of course, but God's love for His people. I find the ending of this book to be particularly frightening. God is angry and His people suffer. He seems to have abandoned them. Yet He is also clearly willing to acknowledge and reward the man (Josiah) who strives to be righteous and obedient by loving God and observing His commands.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
2 Kings 17-21
With one notable exception, the next group of kings of both Israel and Judah displease the Lord greatly. In the case of the kings of Israel, so much so that the Lord permits the king of Assyria to capture Israel and carry its people off to a distant land. Only Hezekiah, a king of Judah, acts in a way pleasing to the Lord.
He put his trust in the Lord, the God of Israel, and neither before him nor after him was there anyone like him among all the kings of Judah. Loyal to the Lord, Hezekiah never turned away from him, but observed the commandments which the Lord had given Moses.
The Lord rewards Hezekiah with a long life. The Lord sends to him Isaiah, a prophet, to guide him. Isaiah advises Hezekiah when the king of Assyria tries to conquer Judah. Isaiah's counsel, and Hezekiah's heartfelt prayers to God, help turn back the Assyrians. But Isaiah also foretells the ruin of Judah--of its future conquest by Babylon. After Hezekiah's death, his son, Manasseh, succeeds him. Manasseh displeases the Lord greatly, pushing Him past the breaking point, and He speaks through the prophets, promising the destruction of both Jerusalem and Judah: "I will wipe Jerusalem clean as one wipes a dish, wiping it inside and out."
He put his trust in the Lord, the God of Israel, and neither before him nor after him was there anyone like him among all the kings of Judah. Loyal to the Lord, Hezekiah never turned away from him, but observed the commandments which the Lord had given Moses.
The Lord rewards Hezekiah with a long life. The Lord sends to him Isaiah, a prophet, to guide him. Isaiah advises Hezekiah when the king of Assyria tries to conquer Judah. Isaiah's counsel, and Hezekiah's heartfelt prayers to God, help turn back the Assyrians. But Isaiah also foretells the ruin of Judah--of its future conquest by Babylon. After Hezekiah's death, his son, Manasseh, succeeds him. Manasseh displeases the Lord greatly, pushing Him past the breaking point, and He speaks through the prophets, promising the destruction of both Jerusalem and Judah: "I will wipe Jerusalem clean as one wipes a dish, wiping it inside and out."
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
2 Kings 11-16
The focus shifts from prophets back to kings, as this section is a catalog of the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah. For the most part, the kings of Israel displease the Lord, as they worship--and lead the Israelites in Samaria to worship--false gods. The kings of Judah are mostly pleasing to the Lord, although not as pleasing as the great King David, since they do not destroy the "high places" nor do they prevent the people from burning incense there.
There are various battles between the kings of Israel and Judah. At times, they join forces to fight a common enemy; at other times they fight each other. There is a great deal of palace intrigue and even murder in the name of ambition. Seems ripe for a cable TV miniseries.
There are various battles between the kings of Israel and Judah. At times, they join forces to fight a common enemy; at other times they fight each other. There is a great deal of palace intrigue and even murder in the name of ambition. Seems ripe for a cable TV miniseries.
Monday, May 6, 2013
2 Kings 6-10
Today is something of a milestone (or a millstone, depending on your perspective). This is the 100th blog entry of On Jacob's Ladder! And they said it wouldn't last!!
Elisha is the key figure in the victory over Ben-hadad and the Arameans. Samaria is attacked, but saved through Elisha's miracles. Elisha weeps for Israel as he foretells the death of Ben-hadad to the king's servant, Hazael, because he sees that Hazael will succeed the current king and bring gray suffering upon the people of Israel. Jehoram and then his son, Ahaziah, become king of Judah in turn. They are evil and displease God, as Ahab had before them.
Elisha, at the Lord's instruction, anoints Jehu, son of Jehoshaphat, the king of Israel. Jehu leads men loyal to him to Jezreel, where both kings--of Judah and of Israel--are staying. He kills them both. He then sees to it that Jezebel is killed, and her body is left in the street to be torn apart and eaten by dogs. As Elisha had foretold, Jehu has the entire line of Ahab's descendants killed. Indeed 70 of them are killed, their heads put in baskets, and the baskets sent to Jehu. Soon after, Jehu oversees the destruction of the Temple of Baal, and the slaughter of all the Baal worshipers within it.
So very Quentin Tarantino!
Elisha is the key figure in the victory over Ben-hadad and the Arameans. Samaria is attacked, but saved through Elisha's miracles. Elisha weeps for Israel as he foretells the death of Ben-hadad to the king's servant, Hazael, because he sees that Hazael will succeed the current king and bring gray suffering upon the people of Israel. Jehoram and then his son, Ahaziah, become king of Judah in turn. They are evil and displease God, as Ahab had before them.
Elisha, at the Lord's instruction, anoints Jehu, son of Jehoshaphat, the king of Israel. Jehu leads men loyal to him to Jezreel, where both kings--of Judah and of Israel--are staying. He kills them both. He then sees to it that Jezebel is killed, and her body is left in the street to be torn apart and eaten by dogs. As Elisha had foretold, Jehu has the entire line of Ahab's descendants killed. Indeed 70 of them are killed, their heads put in baskets, and the baskets sent to Jehu. Soon after, Jehu oversees the destruction of the Temple of Baal, and the slaughter of all the Baal worshipers within it.
So very Quentin Tarantino!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
2 Kings 1-5
The focus shifts away from the kings to the prophets as 2 Kings opens. Elisha is the faithful follower and heir apparent to Elijah. He travels with him wherever he goes--"I will not leave you," he promises. And he keeps that promise until Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, riding in a flaming chariot drawn by flaming horses. Elisha takes up Elijah's mantle--literally and figuratively.
Although I believe that Elisha is ultimately a less significant prophet than Elijah, Elisha's actions nonetheless echo and prefigure those of Moses and Jesus, respectively, in many ways. He divides the river so that he may cross it on dry land; he provides water for the people when they are thirsty; he appears to turn a body of water to blood; he multiplies oil (instead of wine) into many jars and a small number of loaves (instead of loaves and fish) into enough for a hundred men to eat; he brings someone back from the dead (as both Elijah and Jesus did); he cures a leper.
This last is an especially moving story. Naaman, the army commander of the king of Aram was highly respected and esteemed. But he had leprosy. A little girl is the one who suggests that Naaman go to Elisha. When Naaman presents himself, Elisha does not see him in person, but instead sends a message to Naaman instructing him to bathe seven times in the waters of the Jordan. Naaman is angry that Elisha did not deign to meet him in person, and leaves, intending to ignore the instruction. But Naaman's servants prevail on him to follow Elisha's direction, and Elisha is cured. Indeed, "his flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean." When Naaman returned to Elisha to accept a thanksgiving offering, Elisha would not accept it. Elisha, instead, tells him (as Jesus often did) to "go in peace."
The cure of Naaman speaks to me about God's work in our lives, about the power of the sacraments--mysteries that we believe, whose power we witness, but that we don't "see" in the traditional sense. Baptism and Reconciliation wash us clean, as Naaman was washed clean. As adults we can somehow "feel" the renewing power of Reconciliation, yet we cannot point to the how or the where of it.
Although I believe that Elisha is ultimately a less significant prophet than Elijah, Elisha's actions nonetheless echo and prefigure those of Moses and Jesus, respectively, in many ways. He divides the river so that he may cross it on dry land; he provides water for the people when they are thirsty; he appears to turn a body of water to blood; he multiplies oil (instead of wine) into many jars and a small number of loaves (instead of loaves and fish) into enough for a hundred men to eat; he brings someone back from the dead (as both Elijah and Jesus did); he cures a leper.
This last is an especially moving story. Naaman, the army commander of the king of Aram was highly respected and esteemed. But he had leprosy. A little girl is the one who suggests that Naaman go to Elisha. When Naaman presents himself, Elisha does not see him in person, but instead sends a message to Naaman instructing him to bathe seven times in the waters of the Jordan. Naaman is angry that Elisha did not deign to meet him in person, and leaves, intending to ignore the instruction. But Naaman's servants prevail on him to follow Elisha's direction, and Elisha is cured. Indeed, "his flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean." When Naaman returned to Elisha to accept a thanksgiving offering, Elisha would not accept it. Elisha, instead, tells him (as Jesus often did) to "go in peace."
The cure of Naaman speaks to me about God's work in our lives, about the power of the sacraments--mysteries that we believe, whose power we witness, but that we don't "see" in the traditional sense. Baptism and Reconciliation wash us clean, as Naaman was washed clean. As adults we can somehow "feel" the renewing power of Reconciliation, yet we cannot point to the how or the where of it.
Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival
Jumpin' Jehoshaphat! This week was spent reading through 1 Kings, where we find some of the Old Testament's more memorable characters and stories--including Solomon, Jezebel, Ahab, Elijah, and, yes, Jehoshaphat. We find God everywhere, from the impossibly ornate temple built by Solomon to the whispering wind in Elijah's ear. And a cameo by Michael Corleone (yup, really).
1 Kings 1-5
1 Kings 6-10
1 Kings 11-14
1 Kings 15-19
1 Kings 20-22
Here is the link to the Sunday Snippets:
http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/2013/05/sunday-snippets-catholic-carnival.html
Enjoy and have a great week.
John
1 Kings 1-5
1 Kings 6-10
1 Kings 11-14
1 Kings 15-19
1 Kings 20-22
Here is the link to the Sunday Snippets:
http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/2013/05/sunday-snippets-catholic-carnival.html
Enjoy and have a great week.
John
Saturday, May 4, 2013
1 Kings 20-22
Ahab continues to displease the Lord, failing to follow His instructions and commands, worshipping Baal, and taking the vineyard of a good man, Naboth.
Indeed, no one gave himself up to the doing of evil in the sight of the Lord as did Ahab, urged on by his wife Jezebel. He became completely abominable by following idols, just as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord drove out before the Israelites.
When he is confronted (again) by Elijah, Ahab is (finally) repentant and humbles himself. The Lord shows mercy by deciding that He will not punish Ahab directly, but rather will deliver justice to Ahab's son.
Ahab and Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, join together to make war on the Aramites, despite the prophetic warning of Micaiah. Ahab is killed in the battle, and is succeeded by his son, Ahaziah. Ahaziah follows in his parents' dishonorable footsteps, further displeasing the Lord. Jehoshaphat follows the righteous path blazed by his father, Asa, doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord.
I love the name of Asa's son. I seem to remember some TV show (a cartoon?) or a movie when I was younger where a character would say "Jumpin' Jehoshaphat!!" I wish I could remember what it was.
One other thing I found humorous in this passage is Ahab's response to the threat of Ben-hadad to slaughter the Israelites in battle (relayed to Ahab by the king of Aram's messenger):
It is not for the man who is buckling his armor to boast as though he were taking it off.
I guess that's the Old Testament way to say: "Don't count your chickens before they're hatched."
Indeed, no one gave himself up to the doing of evil in the sight of the Lord as did Ahab, urged on by his wife Jezebel. He became completely abominable by following idols, just as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord drove out before the Israelites.
When he is confronted (again) by Elijah, Ahab is (finally) repentant and humbles himself. The Lord shows mercy by deciding that He will not punish Ahab directly, but rather will deliver justice to Ahab's son.
Ahab and Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, join together to make war on the Aramites, despite the prophetic warning of Micaiah. Ahab is killed in the battle, and is succeeded by his son, Ahaziah. Ahaziah follows in his parents' dishonorable footsteps, further displeasing the Lord. Jehoshaphat follows the righteous path blazed by his father, Asa, doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord.
I love the name of Asa's son. I seem to remember some TV show (a cartoon?) or a movie when I was younger where a character would say "Jumpin' Jehoshaphat!!" I wish I could remember what it was.
One other thing I found humorous in this passage is Ahab's response to the threat of Ben-hadad to slaughter the Israelites in battle (relayed to Ahab by the king of Aram's messenger):
It is not for the man who is buckling his armor to boast as though he were taking it off.
I guess that's the Old Testament way to say: "Don't count your chickens before they're hatched."
1 Kings 15-19
After Solomon's death, God's people remain split into two kingdoms--Judah and Israel. The kings that follow in those two kingdoms are, with one notable exception, men who continue to disobey and anger the Lord. Men who keep their people turned away from the true God. The exception is Asa, who reigns 41 years as the king of Judah and who pleases God just as his ancestor David had. "Asa's heart was entirely with the Lord as long as he lived." But even during Asa's reign, and after it, there is continuous warfare between Judah and Israel.
Ahab is one of the kings of Israel who displeases the Lord. He is married to Jezebel, who turns him away from God to the worship of Baal. She is responsible for the murder of many priests of the true God in her quest to keep the people (and her husband, the king) committed to Baal.
The Lord sends a prophet, Elijah, to rescue his people. Ahab and Jezebel seek to kill Elijah, but the Lord protects him. Elijah trusts in the Lord and, does as He commands, finds a widow and her son with whom he lives for some years. His first words to her--Do not be afraid!--are words we later hear Jesus speak often in the New Testament. Words of greeting; words of comfort. The Lord sustains the three of them with water and food. When her son falls sick and stops breathing, Elijah takes the boy's body to the upper room of the house and prays to God to breathe life back into the boy. The Lord hears Elijah's prayer and the boy is restored. This story reminds me of other miracles Jesus performs, including perhaps most obviously the raising of Lazarus.
Elijah meets Obadiah, a servant of Ahab who nevertheless has remained true to God, and instructs him to announce Elijah's return. Although afraid, Obadiah does as Elijah asks him. When they meet, Elijah challenges Ahab and the prophets of Baal to a test to demonstrate whose god is the true God. The God of Elijah prevails, and Elijah has the people of Israel kill the prophets of Baal. There is a great moment describing their fruitless efforts being made by the prophets of Baal to summon their god to show his power: But there was not a sound; no one answered, and no one was listening.
When she learns of this, Jezebel sends a messenger to Elijah promising to kill him; Elijah flees. Elijah becomes discouraged and fearful and hides in a cave. But God comes to Elijah in his distress and calls him from the cave to witness God's power and presence:
A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord--but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake--but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire--but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak.
Elijah recognizes the Lord's voice in the soft whisper of the wind, and obeys the Lord's instructions. He takes the road to the desert near Damascus and meets Elisha, the prophet the Lord has selected to succeed Elijah. Upon meeting Elijah, Elisha leaves all that he has behind to follow Elijah.
So often, I wish the Lord would speak to me in a loud, strong, clear voice. I need to listen for Him in the whispers of life--to recognize His voice in the unexpected place, as Elijah did.
Ahab is one of the kings of Israel who displeases the Lord. He is married to Jezebel, who turns him away from God to the worship of Baal. She is responsible for the murder of many priests of the true God in her quest to keep the people (and her husband, the king) committed to Baal.
The Lord sends a prophet, Elijah, to rescue his people. Ahab and Jezebel seek to kill Elijah, but the Lord protects him. Elijah trusts in the Lord and, does as He commands, finds a widow and her son with whom he lives for some years. His first words to her--Do not be afraid!--are words we later hear Jesus speak often in the New Testament. Words of greeting; words of comfort. The Lord sustains the three of them with water and food. When her son falls sick and stops breathing, Elijah takes the boy's body to the upper room of the house and prays to God to breathe life back into the boy. The Lord hears Elijah's prayer and the boy is restored. This story reminds me of other miracles Jesus performs, including perhaps most obviously the raising of Lazarus.
Elijah meets Obadiah, a servant of Ahab who nevertheless has remained true to God, and instructs him to announce Elijah's return. Although afraid, Obadiah does as Elijah asks him. When they meet, Elijah challenges Ahab and the prophets of Baal to a test to demonstrate whose god is the true God. The God of Elijah prevails, and Elijah has the people of Israel kill the prophets of Baal. There is a great moment describing their fruitless efforts being made by the prophets of Baal to summon their god to show his power: But there was not a sound; no one answered, and no one was listening.
When she learns of this, Jezebel sends a messenger to Elijah promising to kill him; Elijah flees. Elijah becomes discouraged and fearful and hides in a cave. But God comes to Elijah in his distress and calls him from the cave to witness God's power and presence:
A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord--but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake--but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire--but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak.
Elijah recognizes the Lord's voice in the soft whisper of the wind, and obeys the Lord's instructions. He takes the road to the desert near Damascus and meets Elisha, the prophet the Lord has selected to succeed Elijah. Upon meeting Elijah, Elisha leaves all that he has behind to follow Elijah.
So often, I wish the Lord would speak to me in a loud, strong, clear voice. I need to listen for Him in the whispers of life--to recognize His voice in the unexpected place, as Elijah did.
Friday, May 3, 2013
1 Kings 11-14
Unlike his father David, Solomon turns away from God and worships false gods. The narrative seems to place some of the blame for this on the many (as in hundreds) of foreign wives and concubines Solomon took in his lifetime. Wow, when did he have time to rule?! Seriously, though, I am grappling with the difference between David and Solomon. David obviously and spectacularly violated God's commandments--recall, for example, the story of Uriah and Bathsheba, during which David trampled on a least three of the Ten Commandments. Yet even the Lord later identifies him as one who remained faithful, and David is contrasted favorably to Solomon in this regard. I suppose the difference is that David was always devoted to God, did not worship false gods, recognized and was sorry for his failings, sought forgiveness for them, and accepted God's punishment for them. Solomon was not faithful to God in that he worshipped false gods, and caused others to do so as well.
The result of Solomon's lack of faithfulness is rebellion within the kingdom of Israel and, ultimately, its dissolution upon his death. Rehoboam becomes king of the cities of Judah and settles in Jerusalem, while Jeroboam becomes king of ten other tribes of Israel. They remain at war with each other. Both rule badly, ignoring the Lord's commands and leading His people astray. They and the people of Israel are eventually punished.
The result of Solomon's lack of faithfulness is rebellion within the kingdom of Israel and, ultimately, its dissolution upon his death. Rehoboam becomes king of the cities of Judah and settles in Jerusalem, while Jeroboam becomes king of ten other tribes of Israel. They remain at war with each other. Both rule badly, ignoring the Lord's commands and leading His people astray. They and the people of Israel are eventually punished.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
1 Kings 6-10
In the 480th year after the Israelites left Egypt under Moses' leadership, the Israelites began construction of the temple to house the ark of the covenant. This signals a conversion of sorts--from a nomadic tribe to a settled people; from a nation surrounded by hostile enemies to a powerful nation at peace. Solomon oversees construction of a glorious temple to honor God, and then supervises the building of an opulent palace to reflect his earthly power.
God reminds Solomon and the Israelites again and again during this period that what He asks, what He expects and demands is their obedience:
If you observe my statutes, carry out my ordinances, keep and obey all my commands, I will fulfill toward you the promise I made to your father David. I will dwell in the midst of the Israelites and will not forsake my people.
When the temple is completed and appropriately furnished, Solomon leads a grand ceremony to install the ark in the holy of holies, giving it, finally, a resting place. Solomon offers a long, moving prayer to the Lord, which begins:
Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below; you keep your covenant of kindness with your servants who are faithful to you with their whole heart.
Later during the ceremony, Solomon prays:
May [God] draw our hearts to himself, that we may follow him in everything and keep the commands, statutes, and ordinances which he enjoined on our fathers.
I love that imagine of God drawing our hearts to Him. How often I have felt that pull. How many times I have ignored it, tried to escape it. Yet in love, at least, God is relentless. He doesn't give up on us. Thankfully, he doesn't make it easy to walk away from Him.
God reminds Solomon and the Israelites again and again during this period that what He asks, what He expects and demands is their obedience:
If you observe my statutes, carry out my ordinances, keep and obey all my commands, I will fulfill toward you the promise I made to your father David. I will dwell in the midst of the Israelites and will not forsake my people.
When the temple is completed and appropriately furnished, Solomon leads a grand ceremony to install the ark in the holy of holies, giving it, finally, a resting place. Solomon offers a long, moving prayer to the Lord, which begins:
Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below; you keep your covenant of kindness with your servants who are faithful to you with their whole heart.
Later during the ceremony, Solomon prays:
May [God] draw our hearts to himself, that we may follow him in everything and keep the commands, statutes, and ordinances which he enjoined on our fathers.
I love that imagine of God drawing our hearts to Him. How often I have felt that pull. How many times I have ignored it, tried to escape it. Yet in love, at least, God is relentless. He doesn't give up on us. Thankfully, he doesn't make it easy to walk away from Him.
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