So that statement that Nehemiah made earlier in the book asking God to remember how he did such a good thing is starting to make more sense. He makes a similar statement again, and it doesn't read so much like boasting when it is once again surrounded by people making a mess of things and … Continue reading Nehemiah 12-13
Tag: christian
Nehemiah 10-11
If the word curse was explicitly used in reference to the covenant before this, I glossed right over it. I know the language of the covenant is very clearly if...then from the very beginning. God makes the consequences of breaking the covenant extremely clear. It simply isn't possible that anyone ever entered the covenant without … Continue reading Nehemiah 10-11
Nehemiah 1-3
Now, I'm not entirely clear on why the wall wasn't rebuilt after the temple. Did they just not have explicit permission to rebuild anything more of the city than the wall and they were too afraid to do so? It would make sense. They were surrounded by some pretty nasty people. I only wonder because … Continue reading Nehemiah 1-3
Ezekiel 40-44
Man. Okay, I know exile is pretty extreme. Siege and the horrible things that are done within the walls of a starving and frightened city are extreme. Judah faced pretty harsh judgment for their idolatry and profanity. But the personal nature of this judgment on the Levites is special. They are to tend the temple, … Continue reading Ezekiel 40-44
Ezekiel 13-15
God is a very jealous god. He really does not tolerate idolatry. All of this destruction and suffering is the result of the people violating their covenant and worshipping other gods. But there are few things that will escalate God's jealousy to full wrath. He will not tolerate the corruption of justice, which the people … Continue reading Ezekiel 13-15
Ezekiel 1-4
Several different things today. First, his vision is so bizarre, so, well, disturbing. I don't think that's actually what anything looks like. I doubt if anyone else were to see the exact same creatures, the exact same revelation, it would look exactly the same. I think it's just to make it very clear how very … Continue reading Ezekiel 1-4
Jeremiah 30-32
"I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts." "And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord." He's talking about the coming of … Continue reading Jeremiah 30-32
Jeremiah 14-17
Here we have mention of false prophets again, those that say what the people want to hear. "Destruction isn't coming. You're perfectly safe!" It's so much easier to give a message you know will be received well. There's no fear of recrimination. There's no fear of reprisal. You know you get to keep your job. … Continue reading Jeremiah 14-17
Jeremiah 10-13
So I looked it up because it was weird: the loincloth here could have basically been a belt, a sash tied about the waist to hold other garments in place. Which would also make sense with the linen connection to priestly garments. And with the metaphor of value while worn and ruination when cast aside. … Continue reading Jeremiah 10-13
Jeremiah 4-6
This isn't the first time I've discussed the command to circumcise the heart. It came up in Deuteronomy. My understanding has had time to develop. My understanding hasn't changed, exactly. I still believe it requires a removal of reservations, a cutting away of the defenses that come between us and surrender to God. However, I … Continue reading Jeremiah 4-6
Pieces of the Mosaic 