Results 41 - 60 of 166
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Results from: Notes Author: Just Read Mark Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
41 | Joseph's iron fist | Gen 47:19 | Just Read Mark | 135817 | ||
I agree that 20 percent is a very fair taxation rate. I am a Canadian so, hey, I acknowledge govenments can have a constructive role. In my first post, I mentioned that that might be a societal benefit worth the suffering they went through. The people were offering their freedom because they had already paid EVERYTHING they had. Can you imagine? Property, livestock, everything. Joseph could have said, "no, there's another way." I suggest that your desire to commend Joseph is preventing you from reading the harshness of the text.... There are more options than "the people starve or they forfeit all they own to the Empire." What about "the people receive the food they grew at an affordable rate, so that all Egyptians will benefit" ? If you were Joseph, and you saw people starving and bankrupt, wouldn't that idea occur to you? |
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42 | Moses product of Incest? | Ex 6:20 | Just Read Mark | 135559 | ||
Hi EdB. Interesting idea. I've heard that approach to the first generations (ie. after Adam and Eve, or after Noah) but never thought of it extending this far along. So, in a sense, the law against incest isn't timeless --- it is context sensitive. Of course, from Mosaic law onwards, we are in the context where it is wrong. Do I have that right? JRM. |
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43 | How do magicians imitate blood plague? | Ex 7:22 | Just Read Mark | 136140 | ||
The magicians humbled. Hi Ray. God made His intention clear: "Take your rod and stretch out your hand over their streams, over their rivers, over their ponds, and over all their pools of water, that they may become blood. And there shall be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in buckets of wood and pitchers of stone." (Ex 7:19) We then see this fullfilled, "so there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt" (7:21). So, yes, my questions was: if all the water is already blood, how can the magicians turn water to blood? It seems that surface water was turned to blood, but if you dug a new well you could find clean water.(v. 24) Perhaps this ground water is what they turned to blood -- at least a sample of it. I am just shocked by this plague. It is so gross. For a country to do without water for 7 days would be devastating --- probably worse than flies, locusts, frogs. I just don't understand these magicians, and why people would be satisfied with their tricks! Turning one container of water to "blood" is one thing, but the entire water system of a nation is quite another. There is an order of magnitude difference here. It seems we are tempted to explain God away, and honour gods of our making. It is informative to see what happens to the magicians over the course of the plagues: -- after the frogs (8:7), the magicians can't keep up. -- With lice, they fail (8:17). They even testify that the plague is God's doing (8:18). -- the magicians are later incapacitated by the plague of boils (9:11). They aren't heard from again. This is seen as a contest between the Egyptians gods and the God of Israel. As Jethro says, "Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them." (18:11) |
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44 | The meaning of "break" | Ex 19:24 | Just Read Mark | 136268 | ||
The Barrier between us and God. I have been deeply moved, thinking through this scene. Just scratching the surface. May we, like the Isrealites, tremble. Here's what I'm thinking... God is holy. The instruction to "set limits around the mountain and keep it holy" reflects the holiness of God. Our sin cannot approach God's throne. Now, it seems God has also set a limit for himself -- a line of self-restraint perhaps? So if they "break" their bounds, God's holiness will "break forth" and consume them. I think this is one of the clearest pictures of the barrier between humanity and our creator. I think, also, of the angels blocking the garden of Eden. What are other clear examples of this barrier? The intimacy of the garden was lost. The events at Mount Sinai make the connection between the barrier, holiness, and the law. We are set for destruction. Addressing this barrier was the purpose of the sacrifices, the priesthood, and ultimately the coming of our Lord. I want to look at the relationship between this scene in Exodus and the book of Hebrews. |
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45 | eye for an eye | Lev 24:20 | Just Read Mark | 137804 | ||
I guess I was thinking that eye for an eye is a little like: "Do not do to others what you would not want done to yourself." It would certainly instill some empathy: " here is the exact suffering the other person went through, so that you understand what it's like." In a brutal way, I can see how you can get from there to the more visionary step of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you..." (Matt 7...) As for art: there is so much! Where faith and art come together, I am just filled with curiosity and joy. I shared a set of representations of Jesus with our church youth group this weekend, and it opened up the best prayer time we have ever had together. The images, spanning centuries and cultures, pulled so much reflective thought out of them. Exhilerating. God Bless! JRM |
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46 | Year of Jubilee for the Land? | Lev 25:24 | Just Read Mark | 137784 | ||
Doc --- I really like your thought about the exile providing the land with a much-delayed Sabbath. Reading further in Leviticus, I found that it is actually made explicit : They will be taken into the land of their enemies (v 41)... And if while they repent in Exile, God will "remember the land. For the land will be deserted by them and will enjoy its sabbaths while it lies desolate without them." (verse 43) Pretty cool, eh? As for the "environmentalism" you referred to, I would suggest there is a Biblical model for caring for the environment that goes right back to the garden of Eden. Somehow, Leviticus pictures the year of Jubilee as freeing slaves, returning property, and also treating the "land" well. I'd like to understand this better. Here is a verse that points to our role as stewards of God's land (rather than owners who can do as we wish): "The land, moreover, shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are but aliens and sojourners with Me." Lev 25:23. Peace. JRM |
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47 | Balaam's Plot? | Num 31:16 | Just Read Mark | 140738 | ||
I think that's true: basically, we aren't told how Balaam influenced the idolatry.... the clearest moment is Numbers 31:16. I have been considering the significance of this story, and want to share this thought: Perhaps, when they heard a pagan prophet had blessed them, the Israelites dropped their guard against blending with the local cultures... just as we are prone to do: when we see those around us doing right, we are tempted to soften the exclusive claims of our Lord. JRM |
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48 | Balaam's Plot? | Num 31:16 | Just Read Mark | 142267 | ||
Reading Revelation, I came across another mention of Balaam. In the words of Jesus, it refers directly to Balaam's role in Israel's sexual immorality and idol worship. (Rev 2:14). It is just as explicit as Numbers 31:16. So I started to look for other references to Balaam, and see what aspect of his actions they emphasize. Most emphaize that he was hired to curse, but God caused him to bless instead. He is also used as an example of someone who chooses to act immorally for the sake of money. Some refer to his role in the Israelite's fall into idol worship and sexual immorality. I only found one mention of the donkey. Also: in the old testament, the story is just recounted as part of Israel's story (although this is still a cause for action, esp. Nehemiah). In the New Testament, Balaam is mentioned more like a "sermon illustration," in a wider setting of teaching. Here's what I found: Deuteronomy 23:4 --- recounts how Balaam was hired to curse Israel. Emphasizes the need to keep separate from Moabites --- this is also the verse the people would have read in Nehemiah. Joshua 16:22 --- discussing division of land among tribes of Israel, and mentioned the death of Balaam. Joshua 24:9 --- Recounting Israel's story, Balaam's blessings are mentioned, but not the idolatry/sexuality issue. Nehemiah 13:2 --- How God turned Balaam's curses into blessing... also, how Israelites and Moabites should not mix... Micah 6:5 --- Balaam blesses Israel, instead of the curses Balak wished for. 2 Peter 2:15 --- Balaam's foolishness, and the donkey's rebuke. Jude 1:11 ---Balaam's greed leading to error Revelation 2:14 --- refers directly to Balaam's role in Israel's sexual immorality and idol worship. |
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49 | Are faithful Jews saved? | Deut 7:9 | Just Read Mark | 168301 | ||
I certainly agree with the broad sweep of your post. It is good, and clear. Could you help with the verses that indicate some special place for the Jews in God's heart, that are contained even in the same context as the verses quoted above. I am thinking of: "And so all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:26) --- I recognize that it is talking about branches being pruned off, but then grafted back in. "Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable" (Romans 11:28,29) |
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50 | Jewish understanding of "Salvation" ? | Deut 7:9 | Just Read Mark | 168324 | ||
Thanks for the link. A very interesting read. Would you say that the views Josephus put forward were largely shaped by scripture, or by developments in thought through the inter-testimental period? JRM |
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51 | Jewish understanding of "Salvation" ? | Deut 7:9 | Just Read Mark | 168374 | ||
Let me explain the relevance of my question. It was NOT to determine the truth about heaven or afterlife. Rather, in was in the context of this whole thread on whether Jews can be "saved." I was just thinking that the Old Testament picture of what "salvation" means is quite concealed, compared to what we find in the new.... So, I was interested to discover Josephus' statements, and how they echo NT scripture, even though Josephus would have held only the OT as scripture. Thank you for pointing out Hillel. I would like to learn more about these things. JRM |
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52 | God's intent for man | Deut 30:20 | Just Read Mark | 83773 | ||
Blessings and Curses. Hello Wrightmor. I love this text, and it's good to look at it again. It strikes me that this is the culmination of the Pentateuch -- the climax in a way. And, in the books that follow, we see Israel be blessed when they pursue God, and we see calamity - even exile - when they pursue false roads to a full life. I like your parent image. That ties in with Hosea 11 as well. Peace to you. |
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53 | Lying justified? | Josh 2:5 | Just Read Mark | 225017 | ||
Thanks, Steve. I understand the clarity of God's law-- but in the messiness of life, sometimes its not so clear. This story, for example, seems like performing a lesser evil in order to perform a significant good. Rahab is remembered as a hero for this act. She is listed in the list of Gentiles who have done great things for Israel. She enters Jesus' family tree (Matt 1:5) and is praised for this act (James 2:25). Is that not condoning her decision to lie? | ||||||
54 | Lying justified? | Josh 2:5 | Just Read Mark | 225021 | ||
Could you check that against James 2:25? | ||||||
55 | Claiming victory too soon? | Josh 21:43 | Just Read Mark | 208800 | ||
Hi Doc. I do not question the faithfulness of God to fulfill the promises, and I understand that tension is caused by the fickleness of the tribes. But here is the question: would it not have been more honest of Joshua to say something like "look how faithful God has been --- and see that the whole of the promised land is within our grasp if we continue! Take courage, be faithful, so that we may see God's promises fulfilled!" That would be much more in keeping with Calvin's interpretation, but is strikingly different from Joshua's actual speach: "Not one of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass." (22:45) What truth or merit did Joshua have in this statement? I am beginning to wonder if it is the hubris of an aging general... | ||||||
56 | Ezra and Family Values? | Ezra 10:3 | Just Read Mark | 118449 | ||
Bloodlines. Hello Angel. Thanks for your post. I agree that is important to see each Bible passage in light of others. While the goal in Ezra is certainly purity, this is understood in racial terms. They were to keep the bloodline pure to prevent the split allegiances that come from marrying pagan partners. (Throughout Chronicles, we see Kings get wrapped up with idolatry through their family ties.... so this rule is not without reason.) As for the explicit concern with race, see how the officials report the situation to Ezra: “For they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons. Thus the holy seed has mixed itself with the peoples of the lands, and in this faithlessness the officials and leaders have lead the way.” (Ezra 9:2) The phrase “holy seed” would refer, I think, to Abrahams bloodline. So, this is difficult to hear. Some other questions I have: How are we to understand family, when priveleging ancestral family leads to breaking marriage bonds? Since Ezra takes action regarding Jewish men with gentile wives, what of the Jewish women with gentile husbands? |
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57 | Ezra and Family Values? | Ezra 10:3 | Just Read Mark | 118450 | ||
Love and War Thanks, Rowdy, for setting Ezra in a larger context. The passage about Solomon is particularly clear about the dangers they faced. To destroy an opponent in war seems like a different thing than splitting your own family. I agree that they are related: there is a concern for purity and total devotion to God --- and also that following God is costly. Part of my concern is about vows. To be married is to be committed for life --- and I assume they understood marriage in that way? To have children initiates a huge commitment to caring for them. These are relational covenants --- and, in Ezra, these covenants of love are broken by the deeper covenant with God. What are we to learn from this? In my worldliness, I would prefer the Bible to be different ---- to show families converting to the faith; to show a great covenanting ceremony where the people "Beyond the River" would turn to God in unity. Instead, the Bible is gritty and harsh... and unity is not happening, so the Jews salvage their battered identity as the "people of God" through separation. JRM. |
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58 | Ezra and Family Values? | Ezra 10:3 | Just Read Mark | 118636 | ||
Thanks, Kalos. The discussion of OT inclusion of foreigners has been interesting in this thread. It still is not reflected in Ezra, however. For this scene of rededication, there is no talk of converting family members --- only of divorcing "foreign wives." This is very different than what we see in Paul's writing. For Paul, if someone becomes a Christian, he or she shouldn't end the marriage bond with the unbeliever -- but instead, remain faithful to God and faithful to the spouse, praying that God would work in their lives. 1 Cor 7:12 ff. "But to the rest I say, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he must not divorce her. And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, she must not send her husband away. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy. Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace. For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?" This is pretty different from the mass divorce in Ezra, don't you think? And about the children: Paul says that one Christian parent is enough to produce "holy" children. In Ezra, the children of foreign parentage are "sent away". Again, in an effort to understand this, I look at the context. The Jews have been scattered, and taken into captivity. Now, after their identity as God's people has been so challenged, they are trying to rebuild Jerusalem, the Temple, and their relationship with God. They are countering the dilution of their covenant identity by expelling foreign influences --- including marriages and children. No distractions. But also, by tightening their identity as God's people in this way, certain elements of their people are cast aside. This is why I asked about daughters that married foreign men --- they are not called upon to divorce their husbands (which they would have been powerless to do, no?). It seems like they are just abandoned to the pagan culture of their spouses. And think of all the children that are "sent away." I guess it is saying there are times when a small focused group is more benefitial than a larger group with mixed alegiances. JRM. |
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59 | Ezra and Family Values? | Ezra 10:3 | Just Read Mark | 118698 | ||
Thanks, Kalos, for the excellent note. I feel like it addresse the brutality of the situation, and the hard position the people were in. How to move forward from the brink of destruction? How to solidify the remnant as a faithful community? Interesting comment about stoning. Thanks. JRM |
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60 | Can Nehemiah help in rebuilding of our y | Nehemiah | Just Read Mark | 119269 | ||
I love your list of lessons, Searcher. Here are a few more, from the latter part of the book: - Don't just read the Word, act on it (chapter 8) - Remember your community's spiritual history, including highs and lows, and learn from it (chapter 9) - Draw your community into renewed covenant with God (chapter 10) The list of names shows the people's commitment to the covenant (not just a leaders), epitomized by "we lay on ourselves the obligation...." (10:32) - The importance of tithing (compare 10:32ff to 13:10 ff) A question, however... please see my question at Nehemiah 13:25. JRM. |
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