The readings for the past few days from 1 Samuel demonstrate Davids potential leadership, and how he steps into the role of the king after Saul.  For this part of the story, we catch a glimpse of David, the nomad. … Continue reading

One day Saul was the anointed king of Israel.  The first person to hold the title of a monarch. He appeared to be the one to lead Israel but soon lost favor with Samuel (the prophet).  And the reason he… Continue reading

Much of Hannah’s prayer (1Sam. 2:1-10) is very similar in structure and style to Mary’s hymn of praise (Lk 1:46-55).  The first reading begins “My heart exults in the Lord!” while the New Testament account begins “My soul magnifies the… Continue reading

Today’s reading covers the story of Sampson (Judges 14-16).  The tale reads like something out of a Shakespearean tragedy.  A leader of the people, blessed with outlandish strength, is strong and firm in his commitment to God.  His dedication hits… Continue reading

Throughout the Hebrew Bible, we see a never-ending circle of actions that fail to correct themselves but always face dire consequences.  The repetition of God’s favor, to the people, leads to sin and they do what is displeasing to the… Continue reading

Just when you thought it was safe to get over the endless lists of does and don’ts; rule after rule, there is more to the story.  Joshua 15-17 discusses the boundaries regarding borders in the “Land Flowing with Milk and… Continue reading

“Joshua said to the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, because tomorrow ADONAI is going to work wonders among you.’” (Josh. 3:5). This is a newly found verse that called to me in the reading for Thursday.  We are to prepare our hearts and… Continue reading

“Once you have entered the land the Lord your God is giving you and you have taken possession of it and settled down in it, you might say: ‘Let’s appoint a king over us, as all our neighboring nations have done.’ You can… Continue reading

“Finally ADONAI said to me, ‘You have been going around this mountain long enough!  Head north, and give this order to the people.’” (Deut. 2:2 CJB). We circle the same problems, the same bad relationships, even the same places in a… Continue reading

Thursday’s reading contained some more laws, but nestled in the pages of Chapter 27 lies the first transition of power, the new leader of the Hebrew people (Num. 27:18-21). In the text, God directs Moses to appoint Joshua as the… Continue reading