Chronological Bible Blog

1 Samuel 4:12-8:22
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Interesting chapters in First Samuel today!  The idol Dagon was no match for the Ark of the Covenant!  You’ll notice in verse 4 that Dagon ends up in a worship position before the Ark: “And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD.”  Dagon was the “god” of the Philistines, and was thought to have been some sort of man / fish combo.  The idol of Dagon may have looked something like this:

Below is a pretty good map of that will show you where three of the Five Cities of the Philistines (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath) that we read about in today’s readings are located in the Philistine territory:

It’s fascinating to see the Philistine’s send back to Israel a “guilt offering” of golden tumors and rats with the Ark.  Not quite what was prescribed for guilt offerings in Leviticus… but, I guess you can give them an E for effort.  🙂  We read in chapter 6 verse 11 – “Then the Ark of the LORD and the chest containing the gold rats and gold tumors were placed on the cart.”

Then we arrive at the people of Beth-shemesh who look in the ark and perish – and then the ark is sent off again to another town.  We then arrive at some wonderful words from Samuel in chapter 7 verses 3 & 4: “Then Samuel said to all the people of Israel, “If you are really serious about wanting to return to the LORD, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Determine to obey only the LORD; then he will rescue you from the Philistines.” So the Israelites destroyed their images of Baal and Ashtoreth and worshiped only the LORD.”  And later in verse 10 we read – “Just as Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines arrived for battle. But the LORD spoke with a mighty voice of thunder from heaven, and the Philistines were thrown into such confusion that the Israelites defeated them.”

Bible.org’s commentary on our 1 Samuel readings today titled “The hands of Dagon and the Hand of God” is at this link.

We have some great dramatic reading today in First Samuel!  Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion today has some good food for thought to the question of Why did Israel want a king? – “1. Samuel’s sons were not fit to lead Israel 2. The 12 tribes of Israel continually had problems working together because each tribe had its own leader and territory.  It was hoped that a king would unite the tribes into one nation and one army. 3. The people wanted to be like the neighboring nations.  This is exactly what God didn’t want.  Having a king would make it easy for them to forget that God was their read leader.”  In First Samuel Chapter 8 we hear Samuel passing on God’s warning to how the king will treat the people…

Worship Video: Today’s readings in 1 Samuel reminded me of Matt Maher’s song “Hold Us Together:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SHXQNfib_M

Do you believe that love will hold you together? Click here for Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “And the LORD told him: ‘Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.’”  1 Samuel 8:7 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never reject Jesus as your King. Pray that you will bow down only to Jesus as your King today and forevermore.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Samuel 1:9-4:11
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Below is a great image for First Samuel chapter 1 verses 24 through 28 today where we read: “When the child was weaned, Hannah took him to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. They brought along a three-year-old bull for the sacrifice and half a bushel of flour and some wine. After sacrificing the bull, they took the child to Eli. “Sir, do you remember me?” Hannah asked. “I am the woman who stood here several years ago praying to the LORD. I asked the LORD to give me this child, and he has given me my request. Now I am giving him to the LORD, and he will belong to the LORD his whole life.” And they worshiped the LORD there.”

Today in First Samuel chapter 2 we read the incredible Prayer of Hannah! In verse 2 we read: “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” This prayer of praise from Hannah really stands out to me these days. Oftentimes I think I “forget” that there is no one holy like the Lord – and I start to seek from other sources what I should only be seeking from God. I have come to realize more than ever lately that if I am feeling a strong emotion or need, I need to really reflect on that emotion or need and ask myself if God can satisfy or quench or dispel that emotion or need. The answer is always an unfailing and beautiful YES. There is no other person, place or being that will always be there for us – that will always be our Rock – that is perfectly consistent – besides God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. God is holy and his holiness can take care of any emotion or need that comes up in our lives. We need to turn it over to him and trust in Him. How about you? Do you sometimes “forget” that God is holy? Do you sometimes seek from other sources what you should only be seeking from God? Do you believe that God can satisfy or quench or dispel any emotion or need that comes up in your life? Is God your Rock? Do you believe there is no one holy like the Lord?  Below is a great painting of Hannah and her prayer!

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in First Samuel titled “The Son and the Psalm of Hannah” is at this link.

First Samuel chapter 2 verse 25 stood out to me today when Eli says to his sons – “If someone sins against another person, God can mediate for the guilty party. But if someone sins against the LORD, who can intercede?”  This is an interesting thing to consider.  When we sin, are we sinning against other people and/or against God?  I think generally speaking the answer is both.  I have heard a pastor teach that “nobody sins in a vacuum.”   Not a literal vacuum of course :), but a “vacuum” meaning that your sin only affects you and you alone.  This pastor went on to say that when we sin – even when we are alone – we end up affecting everyone else around us in our lives in some way.  We may not consciously see how this happens, but our sin affects how we will treat others in the near future.  So, it seems to me that when we sin we pretty much always sin against others, because we’re in one sense letting down the community of people around us and we will behave differently to our community around us because of our sin.  Now, in terms of sinning against God, I always think of Psalm 51 where David writes to God – “against you and you alone have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.”  I think this is true as well – any sin we commit is a sin against God.  It is interesting that David uses the term “you alone” about his sin.  But, obviously, David’s sin of adultery with Bathsheba affected the community around him in a big way.  So, all this to say – I believe that when we sin we are sinning against God and the community of people in our lives at the same time.  Eli asks in this verse above, “who can intercede for our sins against God?”  Well, at that time, that was a very good question.  However, in our time Jesus can and does intercede for our sins against God – if we’ll ask him.  We simply need to confess our sins to Jesus and ask for forgiveness and repent – in faith that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  We are so very fortunate that we have someone – Jesus – who can intercede for our sins…  This is why Jesus is called Savior.  Jesus Saves us from our sins.  Has Jesus saved you from your sins?

An awesome image is below for 1 Samuel 3:10 – “And the LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Yes, your servant is listening.”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s 1 Samuel readings titled “Samuel and the sons of Belial” is at this link.  Commentary titled “The Rise of Samuel and the fall of Eli and Sons” is at this link. 

Worship Video: Today’s readings in 1 Samuel reminded me of Chasen’s song “On and On:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqh9sHTXcAI

Do you believer in Miracles? Click here for a Miracle!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’”  1 Samuel 3:10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will always listen when the LORD speaks to you. Pray that you will listen to His teaching in the Bible and apply them to your life today and forevermore.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Ruth 4:13-22; 1 Chronicles 2:9-55; 1 Chronicles 4:1-23; 1 Samuel 1:1-8
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we begin the book of First Samuel! This is an amazing book of the Bible. I cannot wait to read about Hannah, Samuel, Saul & David!  Below is an image of Samuel anointing Saul, which we will read about later this week:

First Samuel
Author: Unknown
Date: Probably tenth century B.C.
Content: The books of First and Second Samuel comprise one book in the Hebrew Bible because they form one continuous history covering the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David. They were separated into two books for convenience for reading. First Samuel deals with the Philistine wars and Saul’s ultimate failure to deal with the enemy. The book opens with Israel’s being oppressed by the Philistines (a war-like neighboring nation) and the emergence of the two early leaders, Samuel and Saul. Samuel was the religious leader and Saul ultimately became the king. Saul’s early victories are described, followed by his moral decline and tragic end. Balancing the decline of Saul is the rise of the youthful David who will assume leadership after the death of Saul.
Theme: The basic idea that pervades this book is that God does not make his people immune to the changes of human life, but give them grace to see things through to a satisfactory conclusion. The rise and fall of kings, times of peace and war – throughout it all God stays the same and controls human events in such a way that those who trust him will find comfort and the courage to endure. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 5)

More commentary on First Samuel from Bible.org is at this link.
Here’s a great quote from this link: “One might conclude from reading the Book of Judges that the problem was the absence of a king in Israel: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). In First Samuel, Israel will get her king. Saul, Israel’s first king, will be the kind of king the people want, and prove to be the king Israel deserves. David, Israel’s second king, will replace Saul. He is God’s kind of king, a man after God’s heart. First Samuel tells the story of fascinating people like Hannah and Samuel, like Saul and David. There is never a dull moment in this masterfully well written history. The book closes with the death of Saul, and thus the end of David’s flight from the hand of Saul, who seeks to kill him as an enemy.”

Bible Project: Here is a great video overview of 1st Samuel!

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Third Day’s song “Show Me Your Glory:”

Do you want God to show you His Glory? Click here for Glory!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!”  Ruth 4:14 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving if Jesus is your guardian-redeemer!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Ruth 1:1-4:12
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we are starting up – and tomorrow finishing – the wonderful book of Ruth and then moving into First Samuel. The book of Ruth is a wonderful look at faithful love in human relationships, and in a family in particular. I like how the NIV Study Bible describes this book – “The book of Ruth is a Hebrew short story, told with consummate skill. Among historical narratives in Scripture it is unexcelled in its compactness, vividness, warmth, beauty, and dramatic effectiveness – an exquisitely wrought jewel of Hebrew narrative art.” I hope you are ready for this jewel!

Ruth
Author: Unknown
Date: During the time of the Judges
Content: The book of Ruth portrays another side to the chaotic time of the judges. In it there is a welcome relief from the bloodshed and mayhem that seemed to engulf the land because of Israel’s sin. It is the story of Ruth, who decided to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after tragedy struck that unfortunate woman. God returned good to Ruth in the form of a husband (Boaz) and a child, and also to Naomi in the form of grandchildren. From this family, eventually, came David the king.
Theme: The central point of this book is that even in times of crisis and despair, life may be lived according to the precepts of God and that God abundantly blesses those who do so live. The fundamental values of love, faith, trust, and goodness are greater than the hatred and violence of men, and continue from generation to generation as a light to guide those who look for the true meaning of life. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 4-5)

More commentary on Ruth is at these 3 links –
https://bible.org/page.php?page_id=888
https://bible.org/page.php?page_id=952
https://bible.org/page.php?page_id=1292

Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of the book of Ruth!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h1eoBeR4Jk

Today in Ruth chapter 1 verses 16 & 17 we will read these beautiful words of Ruth to her mother-in-law Naomi, whose husband & two sons had died – “Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” How’s that for love & commitment! Can you imagine saying these words to someone in your life today? I pray that each of us have this type of love & commitment for our families – or that we will have this in the future with our families. It seems like nowadays families are getting more and more distanced from one another – separated sometimes by geography and I think oftentimes by individualism or other selfish reasons. Perhaps each of us can learn something from Ruth and her dedication to her mother-in-law Naomi about what family love & commitment could and should really look like?

In today’s readings in Ruth we are introduced to the incredible man, Boaz, who is really a “type” of Christ figure. Also in chapter 4 verse 16 the name of David is first mentioned in the Bible! It is awesome to read today how David descended from Ruth, and of course ultimately Jesus descended from Ruth! Today in Ruth chapter 2 verse 10 we read – “Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “Why are you being so kind to me?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.””

And in chapter 3 verse 15 today we read – “Boaz also said to her, “Bring your cloak and spread it out.” He measured out six scoops of barley into the cloak and helped her put it on her back. Then Boaz returned to the town.”

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Ruth reminded me of the song “I will Follow” by Chris Tomlin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ohvhmGSfxI

Are you following God? Click here and follow Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”  Ruth 1:16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have or will have the same time of strong family connection and love that Ruth had for Naomi. Pray that you will stick with your family even during hard times. Pray that your family belongs or will belong to God.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Judges 19:1-21:25
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today’s readings in Judges 19 about the Levite’s concubine being raped and killed really made me tear up today. What a sad story! The evil of the act led to tens of thousands of men dying in battle in chapter 20. Notice the similarities between Judges chapter 19 and Genesis chapter 19?  In Genesis chapter 19 two angels arrived in Sodom in the evening and they planned to spend the night in the town square.  But Lot insisted they go with him and spend the night at his house.  Then, in the middle of the night the men of Sodom came to Lot’s house to have sex with the two angels.  Lot offered his two virgin daughters instead…   see the unfortunate similarities?  Social protocol of the time – protecting a house guest at any cost – unfortunately carried more authority in Judges chapter 19 than God’s law and moral convictions.  Obviously this is an extreme case in Judges chapter 19…. yet, is it possible that in today’s world social protocol of our time can sometimes carry more authority than moral convictions?  Will we stand tall today and protect someone when this is the case?  We will stand up for moral convictions over social protocol today?  An image is below for Judges chapter 19 verses 16 & 17 – “That evening an old man came home from his work in the fields. He was from the hill country of Ephraim, but he was living in Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin. When he saw the travelers sitting in the town square, he asked them where they were from and where they were going.”

And another image is below for Judges chapter 20 verses 4 through 7 – “The Levite, the husband of the woman who had been murdered, said, “My concubine and I came to Gibeah, a town in the land of Benjamin, to spend the night. That night some of the leaders of Gibeah surrounded the house, planning to kill me, and they raped my concubine until she was dead. So I cut her body into twelve pieces and sent the pieces throughout the land of Israel, for these men have committed this terrible and shameful crime. Now then, the entire community of Israel must decide what should be done about this!””

Today we finish the book of Judges!  What a powerful and telling verse the book closes with in chapter 21 verse 25: “In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.”  Unfortunately, so true then.  And perhaps so true for us today if we don’t have a king.  Fortunately, we do have the opportunity to have a king – through faith in Jesus.  Otherwise, without Jesus as our king, we will surely do whatever seems right in our own eyes.  I know I did for many years…  sad years they were.  Is Jesus your King?

An image is below for verse 23 – “So the men of Benjamin did as they were told. They kidnapped the women who took part in the celebration and carried them off to the land of their own inheritance. Then they rebuilt their towns and lived in them.”

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Judges reminded me of the song “Savior Please” by Josh Wilson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxhNVEUY55c

Do you have a savior? Click here and be Saved!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” Judges 21:25 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that Jesus is your King. Pray that you will do as Jesus sees fit in His holy eyes.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Judges 16:1-18:31
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

In Judges chapter 16 verse 3 we continue to see Samson’s strength – “But Samson stayed in bed only until midnight. Then he got up, took hold of the city gates with its two posts, and lifted them, bar and all, right out of the ground. He put them on his shoulders and carried them all the way to the top of the hill across from Hebron.”

And then we get to the famous story of Samson & Delilah.  In verse 21 the Philistines finally overpower Samson by cutting his hair – a symbol of Samson’s relationship with God.

Judges chapter 17 & 18 are sad chapters to read!  In these chapters we see how far a Levitical priest had wandered from his original call to serve God – by accepting money, idols, and position in Micah’s house.  And we see how far the tribe of Dan had wandered from God’s plan for the tribes of Israel by killing the citizens of Laish – a city that did not fall under God’s judgment due to serving idols or wickedness – and Laish was outside the geographical boundaries of the tribe of Dan.  Unfortunately, we see Dan’s tribe worshiping idols.  Verse 6 in chapter 17 stood out to me – “In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.”  This verse certainly seems to be building up to the kings of Israel that will soon be coming.  But, this verse also indicates to me the importance for each of us to have a king – so that we don’t just do whatever seems right in our own eyes.  Fortunately, today, we have Jesus Christ as our king.  He is the best king we could ever hope for.  Do you consider Jesus to be your king?

An image is below for Judges 18 verses 22 & 23 – “When the people from the tribe of Dan were quite a distance from Micah’s home, Micah and some of his neighbors came chasing after them. They were shouting as they caught up with them. The men of Dan turned around and said, “What do you want? Why have you called these men together and chased after us like this?””

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Josh Baldwin’s song “Evidence:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgNIeTPXBq4

Do you see God’s Evidence in your life? Click here for Evidence!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” Judges 17:6 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that Jesus is your King. Pray that you will do as Jesus sees fit in His holy eyes.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Judges 11:29-15:20
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~>
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we read about Jephthah and his daughter – and the related vow.  It is interesting to note that some Biblical scholars do not think that Jepthah actually killed his daughter, but that she simply died a virgin, as verse 38 says.  However… verse 38 also says he kept his vow. Keep in mind that oftentimes the Bible reports “just the facts,” which does not necessarily mean the “facts” or actions of what us humans did was pleasing in God’s sight.  Human sacrifice was not part of God’s laws or plans.  It is clearly forbidden in Leviticus chapter 20 verses 1-5 and in Leviticus chapter 18:21 – ” ‘Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.”

Today we begin reading four chapters about Samson, the last of the judges.  You’ll notice that the author of Judges often compares the story of Samson’s birth and life with the story of Israel.  Samson was a Nazirite, which meant he could drink no alcohol, could not cut his hair, and could have no contact with the dead.  I found it interesting that Samson’s mother was commanded by the angel in Judges 13 today to not drink any alcohol during her pregnancy.  Obviously this is important for health reasons, but also it seems it is important because Samson was a Nazirite – whose life began in his mother’s womb. 

Judges chapter 13 verses 19 & 20 are awesome to consider – “Then Manoah took a young goat and a grain offering and offered it on a rock as a sacrifice to the LORD. And as Manoah and his wife watched, the LORD did an amazing thing. As the flames from the altar shot up toward the sky, the angel of the LORD ascended in the fire. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell with their faces to the ground.”

Interesting story today about Samson & the lion!  Pretty gross that he ate the honey made in the lion’s carcass on the way to his wedding!  🙂   You’ll note in our readings of Samson that he is drawn to Philistine women, which was against God’s law and the Philistine’s were Israel’s enemies then.  Hence, his parents did not approve of the marriage early in chapter 14.  Okay – back to the lion, and verses 5 & 6 – “As Samson and his parents were going down to Timnah, a young lion attacked Samson near the vineyards of Timnah. At that moment the Spirit of the LORD powerfully took control of him, and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat. But he didn’t tell his father or mother about it.”

Judges 15 today is quite a chapter!  Whew…  Samson is a whirlwind in this chapter… I know I probably should not chuckle about this – but a donkey’s jawbone??  Who would have ever thought this could be a lethal weapon.  Well, now we all know it can be indeed.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings remind me of Third Day’s song “Soul on Fire:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giuLT8UUO-U

Are you a soul on fire? Click here for Fire!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, so the LORD delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years.” Judges 13:1 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you won’t ever do evil in the eyes of the LORD.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Judges 9:22-11:28
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Old Testament – Alright, I don’t know about you, but I’m seeing quite a bit of pride flowing around in Judges recently – particularly in today’s readings.  And we all know the old saying, “Pride goeth before the fall.”  And indeed we are seeing people fall after their prideful fits.  In fact, Satan himself was guilty of the sin of Pride.  He wanted to be equal with God.  He thought he was all that and a bag-o-chips.  But he ain’t.  Never will be.  So, maybe the saying in regards to Satan certainly is “Pride goeth before the Fall.”  And that’s Fall with a capital “F” unfortunately.

We saw Abimelech’s deadly pride in yesterday’s readings when he had killed 70 of Gideon’s sons – his half brothers – so that he could rule the people of Schechem.  Pride & Power.  Deadly combination then – and still is today.  We then read Jotham’s parable in yesterday’s readings and see that his words came true in today’s readings.  I am amazed at the depth of Abimelech’s sin of pride even in his dying moment when we read in chapter 9 verses 52 through 54 today: “Abimelech followed them to attack the tower. But as he prepared to set fire to the entrance, a woman on the roof threw down a millstone that landed on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull. He said to his young armor bearer, “Draw your sword and kill me! Don’t let it be said that a woman killed Abimelech!””  Wow…  Now – don’t get me wrong.  I think for me to say that Abimelech was completely prideful and that I am not is the same sin – pride.  It would be prideful for me to put myself above Abimelech.  He’s not a lot different than we are today.  I think pride is something we all probably struggle with at some level or at some point in our lives.  I know I do.  We are all sinners.  And as I read about Abimelech in Judges today – or reflect upon Satan’s Fall – I realize that pride is a sin that we really must vigilantly watch our entire lives.  If we don’t, I think we can get blinded to the fact that we’re prideful – and we’ll say dumb things like “don’t let it be said that a woman killed (fill in your name as if you were to say this about yourself in the 3rd person, cuz that’s how you refer to yourself when you are prideful)!”  🙂  Pride kills…  let us pray for humility in our lives today.  God can redeem and heal us from our pride!

Even poor Gaal – who I think was trying to do the right thing fell prey to pride as we see in verse 29 today – “If I were in charge, I would get rid of Abimelech. I would say to him, `Get some more soldiers, and come out and fight!’””  Unfortunately, Gaal got his wish and it did not turn out well for him.  Pride goeth before the fall…   An image is below for verses 37 & 38 – “But again Gaal said, “No, people are coming down from the hills. And another group is coming down the road past the Diviners’ Oak.” Then Zebul turned on him triumphantly. “Now where is that big mouth of yours?” he demanded. “Wasn’t it you that said, `Who is Abimelech, and why should we be his servants?’ The men you mocked are right outside the city! Go out and fight them!”

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of Matthew West’s awesome new song “Don’t Stop Praying:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r0eA49MZ0w

Have you stopped praying? Click here and pray!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But the Israelites said to the LORD, ‘We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.’” Judges 10:15 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you always confess your sins to the LORD. Pray that you confess ALL of your sins to the Lord. Pray for rescue from your sins.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Judges 7:1-9:21
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Okay, the big question from today’s readings in Judges is are you the type of person that cups water in your hands and laps it up like a dog or are you someone who kneels down and puts your mouth directly in the stream to drink??  🙂  I confess I’m option #1, so I guess I would have gone on with Gideon for the battle. In all seriousness, a commentary suggested that God chose those that cupped water in their hands rather than kneeled down, because it meant those who didn’t kneel down were always ready for any emergency situation that might come up.  I guess I can buy that…  Nowadays perhaps the person who is always ready may be the person who drinks directly from the water cooler like this guy?? 🙂

Much of our readings in Judges chapter 7 & 8 today are like Braveheart! Quite action packed readings today!  An image is below for Judges chapter 7 verses 19 & 20: “It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the one hundred men with him reached the outer edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the horns and broke their clay jars. Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands and shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!””

Judges chapter 8 verses 23 & 24 are an intriguing look at beautiful humility mixed with a unique request – “But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD will rule over you! However, I have one request. Each of you can give me an earring out of the treasures you collected from your fallen enemies.””  It is awesome that Gideon says he will not rule over the Israelites- but that God will.  But then, his ask for a piece of gold from each person is intriguing.  We read in verse 27 that Gideon made a sacred ephod from the collected gold – so, this does appear worshipful perhaps at first glance.  But then verse 27 tells us: “But soon all the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping it, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family.”  Yikes!  Not exactly what should have happened here…  It’s interesting.  I wonder if we do this in our lives today as well.  Perhaps we are very humble in one regards – but then maybe we make some sort of unique request of those around us… and that unique request goes awry.  I don’t know if I can give you a good example of this.  But perhaps this will ring true for you in some area of your life?  If so, can you abandon the false idol you are worshiping as quickly as possible?  Particularly if this false idol was born out of something that was initially worshipful.  Will you let it go?

Jotham’s parable is quite good in Judges chapter 9 today!  Good idea that he got out of Dodge after telling that parable!  Particularly after the horrendous act Abimelech committed as shown below by artist Gustave Dore…

Worship God: Today’s readings in Judges reminded me of Kathryn Scott’s singing “Your Name is Holy:”

Do you know our Holy God? Click here for Holiness!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But Gideon told them, ‘I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you.’” Judges 8:23 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never rule over anyone. Pray that you will point people to the true Ruler of creation, Jesus Christ, our King.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Judges 3:31-6:40
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Wow, the past 3 months seem to have flown by…  It’s now April 1 and we are officially 25%, or one quarter, of the way through the Bible!  Congratulations! Give yourself a pat on the back!  High-five God!  Your marathon pace is going great!

Okay, women rule in today’s readings in Judges!! 🙂  Deborah basically tells Barak that he’s being a wimp, so she’ll help lead the military victory, and does.  Below is a map someone put together of the whole Deborah / Barak v. Sisera battle, with Mt. Tabor in the middle highlighted being a focal point of the battle:

And then Jael, who is likely not an Israelite, finishes off Sisera, the commander of the enemy army of the Israelites, with a tent peg!  Don’t mess with Deborah or Jael!  Below is a painting by Italian Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi (yes, also a woman) from the year 1620 titled “Jael and Sisera”:

Before this fateful scene above, an image is below for Judges chapter 4 verses 17 & 18: “Meanwhile, Sisera ran to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because Heber’s family was on friendly terms with King Jabin of Hazor. Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Come into my tent, sir. Come in. Don’t be afraid.” So he went into her tent, and she covered him with a blanket.”

In Judges chapter 5 we read the wonderful song of Deborah and Barak, and it is of note in verse 31: “Then there was peace in the land for forty years.”  Quite a song!  Below is artist Gustave Dore’s engraving of Deborah’s song:

Bob Deffinbaugh with Bible.org’s commentary on Joshua chapters 4 & 5 today titled “The Prophetess Deborah” is at this link.

Today in Judges chapter 6 verses 1 we read – “Again the Israelites did what was evil in the LORD’s sight.”  It is so interesting to see the back-and-forth relationship of the Israelites with God in the Old Testament.  The Israelites did evil.  They cried out to God.  God saved them.  Then… The Israelites did evil again…  And I wonder – are we so different from the Israelites today?   Should we be?  Could we be?  How?  I do believe that through a growing and loving relationship with Jesus, we can be spared of this back-and-forth relationship with God.  I believe this is the only Way.  Let us not have to spend our lives running back and forth to “caves” as we will see below…  Let us only run into the arms of the Jesus!

An image is below for verses 1 & 2: “So the LORD handed them over to the Midianites for seven years. The Midianites were so cruel that the Israelites fled to the mountains, where they made hiding places for themselves in caves and dens.”

Today read about Gideon and the fleece. We also read about how the angel of the Lord comes to Gideon and tells Gideon he will save Israel out of Midian’s hands, because he is being sent by God. In verse 15 Gideon replies, “But Lord, how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” You’ll notice how this reply of Gideon’s is reminiscent of Moses’ reaction to God’s call to serve in Exodus chapters 3 & 4 – “Why me? How can I?” etc. etc. And I think it is very useful for each of us to note that God often calls the seemingly lowly – like Moses and Gideon – rather than the seemingly mighty to act for him. This should be encouraging to us! I wonder if you and I are sometimes like Gideon and Moses? I wonder if perhaps we are being called to do something incredible for God in our lives, and we are making excuses like Gideon and Moses made excuses? Should we instead act in obedience to God’s call and trust that he will lead us? If God has called us to something, shouldn’t we have enough faith to believe he will give us the strength and wisdom needed for the journey? What is God calling you to do in your life that you are not doing? Are you making excuses like Gideon and Moses did? Will you instead move forward in faith and obedience to God in this holy calling in your life?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Judges reminded me of Third Day’s song “You Are Mine:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o-JPkq5rvE

Have you God’s? Click here and be His!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Then Gideon said to God, ‘Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.’” Judges 6:39 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not put the Lord your God to the test.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!