The Bible Project @ Kelsey

DAY 76 We're finishing the book of Judges today.  The judges have ruled over Israel, but the people have strayed from God.  Things are not as they should be.  By the book, the tribes of Israel have been fighting against one of their own. DAILY READINGS Judges 19-21 & Psalm 76 DAILY NOTES Judges 19 No one is given a name in this chapter.   A Levite takes a concubine for a wife.  She gets angry and leaves to go back to her father's house. The Levite goes to her and the father-in-law and he enjoy several days of eating and drinking together. The Levite eventually leaves with his wife and they travel to Gibeah; they get no help from anyone else along the way. They stay at the home of a man from Gibeah.  While they are there, the men of Gibeah rise against the Levite.   The man of the house refuses their attack and offers both his daughter and the Levite's wife instead.   The men "wantonly" rape the wife.  ...

DAY 75 Here's a question to ask yourself (or others) as you begin to bring the book of Judges to a close: What did the judges do for the people?   We're finishing reading about Samson today.  He is the last judge written about in the book. DAILY READINGS Judges 16-18 & Psalm 75 DAILY NOTES Judges 16:1-3 The Philistine elders seek to kill Samson while he is with a prostitute.  Yep, that's your Bible! He performs a feat of strength and they are unable to defeat him. Judges 16:4-22 Samson falls in love with Delilah.  There's no indication the love is reciprocated.  Quite the opposite, she willingly, repeatedly works to have him given over to the Philistine leaders. Perhaps Samson just likes jokes.  Remember his riddle at his last marriage?  Maybe he feels as if he is joking around with Delilah when he gives her several false answers to her question. What makes her believe the final time?  Is it the inclusion of...

DAY 74 Samson judged Israel for 20 years and gave us a few interesting stories along the way.  DAILY READINGS Judges 13-15 & Psalm 73 DAILY NOTES Judges 13 Samson's mother is barren, but is visited by an angel  and told she will "bear a son." She is given certain prohibitions and her son is to be a nazarite to God. The parents don't seem to completely realize the angel of the Lord has visited them.  It isn't until he ascends in fire. They believe (trust, hope?) the man's words and look forward to the day they come true. Judges 14 Samson chooses a wife from the Philistines.  The Philistines rule over the Israelites.   His parents ask him why he didn't choose someone from his own people. Samson comes off as pretty bratty, no? Maybe he would have come up with a riddle anyways, but trouble for Samson begins when he defeats a lion and later takes some honey from bees that are flying around its dead body. After Samson marries,...

DAY 73 If you haven't already heard the story, after today, you'll be able tell the story behind this picture.  Blessings! DAILY READINGS Judges 9-12 & Psalm 73 DAILY NOTES Judges 9 This chapter outlines the rise and fall of Abimelech. The chapter opens with his desire to rule over the people.  He is confirmed and immediately kills "70" brothers, except the youngest who is able to hide. The younger brother offers a curse to the leaders who selected Abimelech because he killed his family. Abimelech goes into battle and is, somewhat, successful. He then turns his attention on the people of the city (not the troops).   A woman standing in a tower throws a millstone on Abimelech.  He is close to death, but orders someone to kill him so it can't be said he was killed by a woman.  #MachoMan Judges 10 Two judges, Tola & Jair, are mentioned. The people turn from God again.  This time, when they cry out, God says he will no...

DAY 72 Are you familiar with Gideon?  Do you know why the people who leave Bibles in hotel rooms call themselves the Gideons?   Well, let's read about Gideon first and found out about the Gideons later. DAILY READINGS Judges 6-8 & Psalm 72 DAILY NOTES Judges 6:1-10 The Israelites are oppressed by the Midianites.  They are forced to flee to the mountains and caves.  The Israelites were "impoverished" and the land was "wasted."   The Israelites call out to God.  A prophet arose to confirm their current situation is due to their turning away from God.  Scripture doesn't tell us who the prophet was, but Jewish commentary offers a name. Judges 6:12 Gideon is approached by an angel of the Lord.  He is called a "mighty warrior."   Judges 6:22 After the sign Gideon asks for comes to pass, he believes he has seen the angel of God and believes what he has told him.   Judges 6:25-27 ...

DAY 71 We're focusing on Deborah today.  You'll read about one of her military conquests and what is called The Song of Deborah.  If you want to do a bit of studying of the text, compare Chapter 5's description of things that have happened with Chapter 4's description.  Let us know what you come up with. Happy reading! DAILY READINGS Judges 4-5 & Psalm 71 DAILY NOTES Judges 4 This chapter tells of the prophetess Deborah's military conquest.  There are many conversations to be had about her and her role. How did she become a prophetess? What she the only woman? Are prophets and judges the same? Barak is summoned by Deborah to plan the attack against Sisera. Deborah ensures Barak that the plan will work and that credit will be given to a woman! #GirlPower Sisera is defeated by a woman, but someone we did not think of.   Psalm 71 The psalmist realizes that if he is going to ask for God's continual protection, he shoul...

DAY 70 We're starting the book of Judges today.   DAILY READINGS Judges 1-3 & Psalm 70 Joshua 1 Accounts are given of the tribes failures to drive out all the nations.   Joshua 2 Israel's unfaithfulness is outlined throughout this chapter.  Consequently, God's anger is kindled against them.  There are, however, judges that are raised by God to deliver the people. They are military heroes.   Joshua 3 The account of 2 judges, and a third whose actions are not described. Psalm 70 A prayer of deliverance from enemies. This is an urgent prayer--God do not delay! OTHER OBSERVATIONS You'll notice that the new generations do not know the Lord or what he has done.  I have trouble with that.  How do they not know?  Did they not pay attention to their parents, elders?  Did they not listen.  Did they choose not to know? Answers to those kinds of questions might help us, as the churc...