The Study Corner    

Learning from the Past and Stipulations for the Future

(Deut 8:1 – Deut 23:11)

The book of Deuteronomy is interesting to me in the layout.  It is laid out like an ancient treaty. In particular, treaties from the Hittites of the second millennium and treaties from the Assyrians of the eighth century b.c. have clear affinities with the structure of Deuteronomy, though each with differences. Though Deuteronomy does not perfectly match the treaties of the Hittites, it is much closer in structure to them than to the later Assyrian treaties.

Ancient Treaty Structures and Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy is an important book. It concludes the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), drawing together many of its key themes. Deuteronomy brings together the patriarchal promises, the history of the exodus and wilderness, and the laws given at Sinai. It also provides a theological foundation for the history books that follow (esp. Joshua–2 Kings).

All I can really say about many of these stipulations is that I am glad we are allowed freedom in Christ to be redeemed from Sin.  Some of these things seem ridiculous to us, but the Lord had a purpose for them.  Then He sent Jesus who is the our redeemer and our Judge to clear the way for the completion of His work in us.

May your reading time be blessed.

Shalom be with you all.

Boundaries and Mistakes

(Num 32:20 – Deut 7:26)

Ok, I'm completely caught up on reading from my vacation and back on schedule for posting.  Sorry if anyone didn't keep up due to my lack of posts, but please don't wait for my posts to read or comment on it.  Feel free to comment on the page for The Study Corner on Facebook.  

Our reading in Numbers finishes outlining the boundaries of the promised land and how it was divided. I must admit Numbers was a bit tough for me to get through.  I'm not sure if it was just reading extra because of catching up, or the content  While historically interesting, I still did not find it as fun to read as most parts of the Bible.

Let me give a brief intro to Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy, the last installment of Moses' biography, contains his last three sermons and two prophetic poems about Israel's future. Reflecting on the nation's past mistakes, he urges the people not to repeat those mistakes when entering the Promised Land. Israel's entry fulfills the promises made to the patriarchs, but if the people fall into idolatry or fail to keep the law, they will be exiled.

Alrighty folks, let's keep on track with our reading, no matter my posting schedule, although I will try to stay more on top of things.

May your reading time be blessed.

Shalom be with you all.

God's Motivational Speaking

(Exo 1:1 – Exo 15:18)

Sorry for the late post, I'm feeling very under the weather today.  It will be another short one on a section that has so much amazing story to tell.  We have a tendency to try and ignore God's directions so often, and sometimes when we won't listen he uses whatever means is necessary.  My favorite part though is probably ending on the reading on Moses Song, very fitting, and very cool.

May your reading time be blessed.

Shalom be with you all.

Brotherly Love, and God's Plans

(Gen 40:12 – Gen 50:26)

Today will need to be a short post, but the reading was awesome of course.  I've always loved the provision, love, and redemption shown in the story of Joseph.  One thing I find as an important note is the method that God's people come in to being in servitude to Egypt.  It's very cool to see God setting up his own method for showing His greatness and providence later.  

He truly is an awesome God in every way.  No matter where our lives lead us, as long as he is the lamp to light our path, our path will always be the narrow way through Jesus Christ.

Shalom be with you all.

Troubled Home Life.

(Gen 28:20 – Gen 40:11)

The story of Jacob, Laban, Rachel and Leah has always been an interesting one.  Seven years of indentured servitude as a dowry to get your wife only to have her father trick you to get another seven years of servitude to get the wife originally promised.  And guys today think a little courtship and and some nice gifts is tough, sheesh. 

I won't delve too deeply into this story right now as I think it is one of those sections that contains so much to learn that it needs a proper in depth study later, but I would like to note something here. From the outset, Jacob had loved Rachel. Undoubtedly, he found it difficult to love Leah, given the events that had brought them together, and Rachel probably also loathed her sister for the same reason. Yet their treatment of Leah causes the Lord to favor her over Rachel. While Leah is able to have children, Rachel is barren. As Genesis frequently highlights, the Lord is ultimately the One who creates human life. 

We also get into the story of Joseph and his plights and God's provisions for him. God's favor is not something to be taken lightly, so don't squander it.  I wish I had more time for this one today, but I'll try to cover Joseph better tomorrow.  

For now, remember, no matter how messed up, or annoying your family appears.  God has already dealt with some tougher, and probably more messed up,  family situations than most of us will ever see.  Allow Him to guide your path along the path through the storms of everyday family life.  Jesus can calm the storms, and reminds us to always focus on God and no matter what happens in our family lives He will be there making provisions for us in this life or eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:17

17 To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)

Shalom be with you all.