This week, the Revised Common Lectionary offers a choice for the First Reading between Baruch and Malachi. Baruch 5:1-9 The Book of Baruch is not part of the “Canon” (accepted books) of the Hebrew Bible. It is, however, included as part of the Hebrew Scriptures in Roman Catholic and Orthodox Church Bibles as part of […]
Jeremiah 33:14-16 After the good King Josiah (who instituted many Deuteronomic reforms) was killed in battle in 609 BCE at Megiddo (the Greek name for which is Armageddon), the fortunes of Judea took a sharp downward turn. Babylon threatened Judea’s existence, and Judea had a series of hapless kings from 609 BCE until Jerusalem was […]
In some denominations, two different readings from the Hebrew Bible are available, and one is chosen to be read. Track 1 – 2 Samuel 23:1-7 The Book of Samuel is part of the “Deuteronomic History” that includes the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings. These books emphasized that God controls history, and when […]
In some denominations, two different readings from the Hebrew Bible are available, and one is chosen to be read. Track 1 – 1 Samuel 1:4-20 The Book of Samuel is part of the “Deuteronomic History” that includes the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings. These books emphasized that God controls history, and when […]
TODAY’S READINGS IN CONTEXT NOVEMBER 11, 2018 In some denominations, two different readings from the Hebrew Bible are available, and one is chosen to be read. Track 1: Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 The Book of Ruth is one of the shortest books of the Bible (four chapters) and is a beautiful story of a Moabite woman […]
The first reading is from either the Wisdom of Solomon or Isaiah for congregations celebrating All Saints’ Day. Wisdom 3:1-9 The Book of Wisdom, also known as “The Wisdom of Solomon,” is not part of the “Canon” (accepted books) of the Hebrew Bible. It is, however, included as part of the Hebrew Scriptures in Roman […]
Jeremiah 31:7-9 After the good King Josiah (who instituted many Deuteronomic reforms) was killed in battle in 609 BCE at Megiddo (the Greek name for which is Armageddon), the fortunes of Judea took a sharp downward turn. Babylon threatened Judea’s existence, and Judea had a series of hapless kings from 609 BCE until Jerusalem was […]
Isaiah 53:4-12 The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Ancient Israel’s history. The writings were compiled from about 700 BCE to about 300 BCE. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and are the words of a prophet (one who speaks for YHWH) who called for Jerusalem to repent […]
Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 After Solomon died in 930 BCE, the Kingdom of Israel split into two parts, the North (called Israel with 10 tribes) and the South (called Judea with two tribes). Each of the Kingdoms had their own king. The reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel (788-747 BCE) was very prosperous and a […]
Genesis 2:18-24 Genesis is the first book of the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). The Torah also called the Pentateuch (five books) in Greek. Genesis covers the period from Creation to the deaths of Jacob and his 11th son, Joseph, in about 1,650 BCE, if the accounts are historical. The Book of Genesis […]