Day 90 - Numbers 26-27 & Psalm 90

 Julie

Today's reading was more census taking. I did not really see anything that stood out specifically was they talked about how many were in each clan.

Today's Psalm is seeking God's blessing on all things within a community.

 

Michelle

The first chapter in today's reading was a second census for this book.  It seems it is another generation of the chosen people as they seem to refer to the previous as if they are now gone.  As you read on there is reference to when God told the people that their generation would die and would not see the promised land but that their descendants would.  That seems to be the case in these chapters.  The second chapter is what I found interesting as it is a group of daughters of Zelophehad who are asking Moses to give them their father's share of the inheritance as he had no son's.  God agrees and then instructs how the inheritance is to go if this is the case in the future.  I find this significant as in these times women don't seem to have authority over anything and don't own anything but are themselves "owned" by their father, husband, brother or some male family member and thus don't have a say in how their life goes.  At least that is what I have understood so far and what I know from learning about this region in history and how it is even to this day in some countries.  The fact that God acknowledges that the females in the line shall inherit their father's portion is a big deal.  

Moses is now being replaced and asks God to appoint a suitable replacement to lead the people as God has told him he will die soon.  Joshua becomes his successor and is anointed before the assembly.  

The psalm seems to be asking for God's favor on the people and to open their eyes to how short life is and "establish the work of our hands".  I am not quite sure what that last bit means but it really stands out to me.   

Day 89 - Numbers 25 and Psalm 89

 Julie

Today's reading seemed out place to me. I did not really understand the meaning behind it and how it fit with the switch that happened yesterday. I may revisit in the morning and see if anything new arises.

Psalm 89 is a rather long one, however this is seems to be a Psalm of praise and worship to God. This was seems to be a prayer and I am sure one that could be useful to us all.

Michelle

So yeah this is confusing, we are back with Moses.  And the Israelites are straying and bowing before other gods and God is mad.  Then one of the priests kills the man who brought the foreign woman, and the woman was killed as well. Which then is considered atonement and a plague is stopped. I didn’t realize there was a plague going on. 

The psalm does appear to be remembering all that God has done for him and then towards the end it sounds like he feels like God has  left him and he is asking to be remembered.  

Day 88 - Numbers 22-24 & Psalm 88

 Julie

I have to admit that I get a little bit confused with who is who...so if I get it a bit mixed up I apologize now. This reading was about the king wanting to curse the Israelites and not being able to. I was a bit confused by the interaction with the angel. It said that Balaam was told by God to go, but then God got mad. If we told him to go, why was he mad?

Psalm 88 seems to be a lament for someone that has a lot of troubles going on and is being shunned by all. This might sound bad, but it almost sounds like someone feeling sorry for themselves. Maybe I am reading too much into that though...

Michelle

Ok who are these people in these passages?  I am completely lost on how we got to new names from Moses. I understood the same that the king wants to curse the Israelites but Balaam follows Gods command only. I was also perplexed by God playing the donkey as he told Balaam to go to the place. It seems to have been a test but it doesn’t make sense. I didn’t really understand the end with all the messages. He basically seems to be saying God will not curse his people and Balak needs to stop. 

I can see how you would interpret this psalm as pitying themselves. The writer seems to be calling out to the Lord but seems to be living in a cloud of darkness. 

Day 87 - Number 20-21 & Psalm 87

 Julie

My lack of sleep did not help with my interpretation or understanding of today's reading. It seems that they are still struggling with the fact that they have not arrived where they are supposed to. Somewhere in all of this Aaron died and I am going to have to come back to that, because I did not see that at all. I will revisit later when the world is a bit quieter.

Psalm 87 is said to be a celebration of Zion. Nothing really stood out from that.

Michelle

I seems the people have forgotten why they have gone this direction and they are once again complaining about what they have been given. In writing that I realize that he may be teaching them contentment. Although they don’t seem to be learning it at all. Aaron does die and at first I wasn’t sure why but I have reread it 3 times now and it seems to be due to the way that he and Moses followed gods direction that wasn’t in a way that honored him and God says that shows distrust in him. Then after take over some areas, they complain yet again and God smites them with some snakes. This part confused me though as God has Moses make a bronze snake so they can touch it and live. I don’t understand this for some reason. It makes me think of idols even though I know that’s not what it is. The people then move on to defeat the Amorites and take over their territory. 

Where is Zion?  The psalm talks of the city of God being Zion and I don’t understand if this is a place on earth or his heavenly home. 

Day 86 - Numbers 18-19 & Psalm 86

 Julie

Today's reading was a reiteration of what they need to do to make reparations, how to cleanse after being around the dead. I was always curious about why this was important and I realize now that chapter 19 is actually literal. There were so many people dying at the time and they way the dealt with them wasn't the most sanitary so if someone was around the dead then they really were unclean and needed to take the time to cleanse thoroughly.

Today's Psalm asks for God's help with a difficult situation and also praises him for being a good and faithful God.

Michelle

I had not thought of it being so literal but more ceremonial in nature. It makes sense though what you say. Maybe that’s where the saying “cleanliness is next to godliness” comes from. I don’t understand the significance of reiterating these instructions again other than so much time has passed that the new generation needs to be told.  

The psalm is a prayer of David. It seems to be a prayer asking for Gods help and praising him for all he’s done before. 

Day 85 - Numbers 16-17 & Psalm 85

 Julie

In today's reading I interpreted that Korah thought that he deserved more and it seemed was jealous of what Moses and Aaron have with God. He accuses them of wrongdoing and of bringing them out of the land of milk and honey instead of into it. He also complains that they have received nothing of God's promises. So God smites him. The explanation was a little different in that it said that they wanted to enter the tabernacle of God and were smited. That is not really how I read that, but I guess I could have missed that. It did seem like they were still complaining and not trusting.

Psalm 85 sounds like a prayer that Moses would have made during his time and with what he was experiencing in chapters we have been discussing. He seems to always be asking for God to have mercy in his anger and to forgive them for their grumbling. 

Michelle

I don’t understand why Korah  is questioning but yes it seems he harbors some jealousy and has rallied others to his cause. How far ahead have we jumped cuz we just had Gods wrath against these people and here we are again. They should have learned by now. Something I am wondering about too is the incredible things that happen to these people who are smited by God. In this time they would be unbelievable as they may have been them too. But to be standing in judgment before the masses and see someone swallowed up by the earth as Gods punishment I feel like this should be proof enough. Or even what happened before should have been proof enough. Believing is not easy and it is a choice allowed us so I understand the difficulty and questioning some of the things we read. But actually standing in the presence of these things, to me, would be enough to make me stop grumbling. Or so I think. What in this time has been by Gods hand that we do not realize is his will and power being presented to us?

The psalm does seem to be asking God to forgive and restore his people. It makes me think about what would it have looked like it God had just kept doling out punishment over and over. Would it be more like now?  It seems like the world we live in has strayed so much and that bad after bad thing happens to people all around the world in various ways. Could this be punishment and redemption all happening together like in this days passages?  

Day 84 - Numbers 15 & Psalm 84

 Julie

Today's reading was mostly atonements and offerings for sins. The most telling part of today's reading was the end where God reminds them that he is Lord and the one that removed them from Egypt and give them a way to remember that they should follow him not their own desires.

It's interesting that they call Psalm 84 a hymn because I recall singing a song in church that is apparently written from this Psalm. As I was reading I was reminded of the words and how much I enjoyed singing it. I like this Psalm and think that it is a great reminder for us to praise God for what he does and to believe that being with him and in his presence, even if for a short time, is better than anything else. 

Michelle

I found that interesting as well.  We should all have something to remind us if we need it.  I’m not sure why the offerings are changing a bit as it spoke of these offerings previously. I found it interesting that God had the people stone the man gathering wood on the sabbath. That the people had to carry out the punishment as instructed by God. 

The psalm speaks of Gods house being the ideal place to dwell.  I’m not familiar with the song you speak of. 

Day 83 - Numbers 13-14 & Psalm 83

 Julie

Today's reading was kind of powerful, specifically chapter 14. Verses 11-12 say, "And the Lord said to Moses, 'How long with this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them? I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they.'" While most of this chapter resonated with me this stood out and made me wonder if we are not going through something similar now. It is amazing how quick people are to give up when things get a little difficult. No one likes when things are hard and complicated, but that is generally when our true character shows and by having faith in God during those times shows more than have faith when time are good. 

I feel like Psalm 83 also resonates with our current situation today and that maybe we should be praying this Psalm during this time. I realize that everyone's view of what is happening right now is subjective, but I personally feel that we are slowly losing some of rights as humans and I think that they are trying to remove God from our lives...albeit slowly. Maybe this is a Psalm that we should be praying about those in power trying to remove our right to worship as we want.

Michelle

This does seem to relate to times now as you stated. I’m not sure why but every time it talks of the chosen people grumbling against god I get irritated. Like how many times does his glory need to be shown you?  Then I remember that I fall into this trap myself sometimes. I get led astray and return. I do find it interesting that while he does forgive them he still strikes down those who were spreading lies and then some of them still go out against his instructions. When I think about this and relate it to life I can see how this has happened in our daily lives. If we follow gods direction, we come out in a better place, if we don’t or choose to get there a different way we fall victim to our choices and the consequences of these actions which tend to be unfavorable. Not that god makes life easy but that we need to be obedient. Sometimes I don’t see or know or feel the direction. I’m working on that. But overall I try to do what is right. 

The psalm does seem to be asking God to strike down those who are against him.  And to show his might as done before. 

Day 82 - Numbers 11-12 & Psalm 82

 Julie

Is it human nature to question things when they aren't going the way we want them to or when we don't agree with the way someone is doing things? In today's readings they are questioning why this journey is not the same as their previous one and why they do no have all of the things that they "desire". I say it that way because it seems that they were provided was they needed, but they were more upset and talking poorly about God because they were not receiving what they desired. I would assume it's out of jealousy, but Aaron and his wife start questioning why Moses is "the" prophet of God and they bring upon themselves the anger of God for questioning this. 

This must be a reminder that we need to trust in all whether we agree or are receiving the things that we desire. 

Psalm 82 is asking to rescue the weak and needy. I am a bit confused because it sounds like it is questioning why God is not judging those that are treating others poorly and then asking for him to change that and to protect the weak and needy. I may be misunderstanding that though.

Michelle 

I guess you are right. This isn’t the first time they complained about stuff. It seems to be an ongoing issue. I think we do tend to not be content and that is a struggle for most. Arguing with god about it isn’t going to change things but we do need to find contentment and know that what we have is what we need and what he is allowing for where am we are in life. It’s interesting the Aaron and his wife start questioning gods choices and direction. Especially since Aaron has been with Moses from the beginning of this journey and has known the direction for some time. I think you are right that it’s a reminder to be content with what God has provided and to be obedient to his direction. 

I find myself confused as well. It starts with saying that God renders judgement among the “gods”, is this referring to man who makes himself Godlike? Is it because these godlike men are being wicked?  At the end he’s asking God to rise up and judge everyone. 

Day 79-81 - Numbers 7-10 and Psalms 79-81

 Julie

While I caught up today, I am not sure I can say that there was much to comment on in the readings for today. Chapter 7 was listing the sacrifices from the different houses, chapter 8 talked about the lamps, chapter 9 discussed passover and chapter 10 talked about the trumpets. Nothing particular stood out. 

Each of today's Psalms were obviously different, two were considered laments, one was considered a hymn. I wish I could say that something stood out in those today, but I am not sure my mind is in the right place. While I read, I am not sure I really listened. 

Michelle 

I am feeling the same. As I’ve done some catching up, I realized that I am just summarizing what I’ve read be really understanding or hearing what God has to say to me.  It seems to be that we are still talking about obedience to the lords direction.  And I’m not sure the significance of the discussion Moses has with his father in law. 

The psalms sound like they are warring with others and they think God has left them, but the last one sings Gods praises. 

Day 78 - Numbers 5-6 and Psalm 78

 Julie

Struggled a bit with today's reading in wondering why it focused only on the adulterous woman. It seems that is generally the focus when discussing adultery as if women are the only ones that do that. I also didn't understand why even if a woman did not commit adultery but was suspected if it that she still had to undergo all of the things mentioned in this book. I did struggle with this one in understanding the specificity as well as what seemed like being guilty until proven innocent.

Today's Psalm was a historical one as it recounted all of the things God did for the Israelites and how he provided and took care of them even through their continued sinfulness. It reminds us that God is with us until the end.

Michelle

This reading is about keeping the camp pure and restitution for wrongs to others, and then goes on about testing for an unfaithful wife.  I find this last one interesting as it’s the wife that seems to take on the punishment even if the husband is just jealous and there was no unfaithfulness.  Some of the things it speaks of seem more ceremonial or superstitious?  I can’t think of the right word, maybe cooky?  Anyway I don’t remember if the Nazarites are not part of the chosen people but it seems they aren’t and it speaks of how to handle dedicating them to the Lord. 

The psalm talks about how the generations need to share what their ancestors have told them about all the praiseworthy deeds of God. It goes on to say how the people strayed and spoke against god and put him to the test only to be shown his might but continued to not believe and that he became angry and rose against the people only to later forgive them again.  At the end it speaks of God choosing David. I am interested to learn about David as he’s referenced a lot in the psalms. 

Day 77 - Numbers 3-4 & Psalm 77

 Julie

Today's reading was more counting of the Levites. Nothing stood out as highly significant in that.

Today's Psalm was a lament where there are troubled but are focusing on the good that God has done.

Michelle

So this days reading is about who is responsible for the various parts of the tent of meeting.  Is this just the place Moses meets with God or is this like a sanctuary for the people to worship?  I’m still confused about this. 

The psalm starts out as a cry for help but then goes on to of the wonders done by God. I don’t understand what some of these psalms mean. 

Day 76 - Number 1-2 & Psalm 76

Julie

All of today's reading, including the Psalm, did not have much that really stood out above all else. The first two chapters in numbers included the census of all the peoples of Israel and then how they were arranged to protect the tabernacle. The Psalm was a prayer of gratefulness for the protection of Zion. Hoping to understand, at some point, the significance of Zion. 

Michelle

I’m not sure the significance here. It’s a census and arrangement of the clans when they are encamped together. 

The psalm references Zion which always makes me think of the Matrix cuz their city is called Zion.  It’s almost like it’s a holy place. The only part that stands out is vs 7 that says “It is you alone who are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry?”. It goes on to say god is judge over all.  

Day 75 - Psalm 75

 Julie

Today's Psalm is hymn of thankfulness and praise for God and a show of faithfulness that he will protect and defend. 

Michelle

This psalm seems to be a song of praise. I’m not getting much from it. 

Day 74 - Psalm 74

 Julie

Since today is a catch up day I read about the Pentateuch, because like Michelle I wasn't really sure what exactly it was, however I hear it all the time. One of the things that the ESV Study Bible does is explain, in great detail what some of these different things are. The Pentateuch is the first 5 books of the Bible and is basically the laws or instructions that God provides. It is also considered to be the foundation of the Bible and is meant to orient the reader for the rest of the biblical storyline. It shows God's promises in history and lays the groundwork for the coming of Christ. 

Today's Psalm is a lament and it's suggested that it is a cry of anguish because God has judged these people. The people seem to asking God why he allowed this to happen to them and want to know what they have done wrong to be going through this. 

Michelle

I haven’t done my study in a while and am catching up starting today, it’s the 27th now. I’m not sure what has held me back. Stress, being distracted by life, losing my focus, I don’t know. There’s been a lot going on in life and I know I should not have strayed from this as it actually helps me.  The last book was hard to get thru though and that might have been part of it but that’s no excuse really. 

So the psalm, seems to be asking why god has left them. Like they feel deserted as they are going thru trials again. It then speaks of all the things God has done for them in the past. 

Day 73 - Leviticus 27 & Psalm 73

 Michelle

This has been a very hard book to read.  I don't understand today's reading.  It talks of redeeming what is the Lord's.  It talks of dedicating people, property, and animals to the lord and the the process of redeeming them and the cost involved.  I'm not quite sure the meaning here.  Why are we dedicating people and then redeeming them?  This seems different from the sacrifices given for atonement of sin.  I just couldn't wrap my head around this, so I went back and read the introduction to this section in my bible and it says this is a book focused on holiness.  The book highlights the need for personal and moral purity of God's people and it describes the provisions to deal with the inevitable lack of purity.  Sin is costly and was treated seriously, but that God provides a way for his people to return to him.  I guess I did not understand all this while reading the passages.  I then went back to the book that accompanies this reading plan and it gave more information that helps to understand the book of Leviticus as a whole.  It says that the name of this book translates to "pertaining to the Levites", and that it is part of a larger narrative of the Pentateuch.  While I don't know what that is, it does help me understand that there is more to this than what we have read so far.  It goes on to say that this is where we are to learn what it means to be holy and the beginning of learning to love your neighbor as yourself, as there were Hebrews that accompanied the chosen people when they left Egypt for the promised land and chose to follow God and his people.  It also talks of the sacrifices and gives more of an explanation.  While in the passage it doesn't explain what they mean but more how to do them properly, the book explains them a little better.  The covenantal nature of the sacrifices appears in 3 ways:  First, the sacrifice is a gift from the worshipers to their covenant Lord; second, the sacrifices imply fellowship of the worshiper with God; third, sacrifice can sometimes function as a way of healing a broken relationship, atonement.  It goes on to say that holiness is not just rituals and being clean but also is compassion for his people, which is connected to us living in his likeness, to be holy as he is holy, and to display his character in relation to your neighbors.  This book is helpful in that it kind of translates the parts that are difficult to understand without proper context.  I also went back thru my bible and read the devotionals that accompany Leviticus.  These have been helpful in giving perspective on certain sections as well.  There is one about guilt that references the guilt offering and that it required a blood sacrifice, which then talks of Jesus fulfilling that so that now when we are burdened by guilt, we can make offerings of gratitude, repentance, praise and service.  The next one talks of the Holy Fire that took Aaron's sons when they didn't follow the protocols given.  This one speaks of not always knowing or seeing the reason for God's requirements but that obedience is the key here.  One talks of the Day of Atonement and the scapegoat.  That this was the most solemn holy day as it was a way for sinful people to set things right with God and how Jesus became the scapegoat so that we didn't have to provide the sacrifice and scapegoat any longer.  One about loving the foreigner which speaks of loving your neighbor as yourself.  The last one is about the Sabbath and how this is meant to enter solitude and silence in order to reconnect yourself to God.   Perhaps the next book will provide further information, I am not sure, but this extra stuff I read today has proved to be helpful in better understanding what we have gone thru in Leviticus.  

I went back to the accompanying book and read about the book 2 psalms.  It wasn't too helpful in understanding other than it did explain the different sections and that it was set during the Davidic dynasty and that Soloman was the son of King David.  They were mostly prayers and praise.  What did stand out in this explanation was the section of psalms 54-59 that stated, "what is common to these laments, namely, that they assume the king's presence in Jerusalem, that they assume Yahweh's presence in Jerusalem, that they are all complaints against enemies, and that the chief weapon of attacks is the mouth (slander, lies, etc.).  This section was the one section that I actually understood in reading the psalms.  Maybe because I was struggling with something related myself.  

Today's psalm sounds like the person is struggling to understand why the wicked prosper and the righteous are afflicted.  At the end the writer shows faith in the lord and promises to share of his goodness with others. 

Julie

I agree that this was a hard book to read, but I like what you found and it really does help put it into perspective. Regarding today's reading, the explanation in my Bible for this chapter was that it was kind of like an addendum to the entire book because it doesn't necessarily fit with the theme of the book, but that is was put there to explain the funding of the sanctuary. I am not entirely sure that completely explains, but might show some context if nothing else.

Today's Psalm is basically that and praying for God to keep the righteous from falling into that same path as the wicked. 

Day 72 - Leviticus 26 and Psalm 72

 Julie

Today's reading was all about the sanctions imposed on the people as a whole for not following the rule of God. While I know that some of the punishments God laid on the Israelites were extreme and changed once Jesus died on the cross, I wonder if some of the things from this chapter specifically might still happen. If enough of the people in the world are living sinfully with no guilt, remorse or ever asking for forgiveness or not trying to live in God's way that God might actually impose some of these things on us. As I was reading this I thought about all of the things that have happened in the last year and wonder if what we have and are still going through is not something similar to these sanctions mentioned in this chapter.

Psalm 72 - this is the end of book two. The thing I found interesting about this Psalm was that it is apparently used quite a bit in hymns and the NT. It is implied that Jesus ultimately becomes the king being prayed for in this Psalm, although it does affect all that come between this time and the time of Jesus.

Michelle

I think you could be right. It does seem like so many are not following his commands and we are being punished for disobedience. And as I said in yesterday’s post I wonder if we’ve strayed so far that he’s given up on us as a people. 

At the end of the psalm is say this concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse. Who is this? And is it Jesus they are speaking of?! It says of Solomon at the beginning in this Bible version. Why am I always confused with these things?  I am feeling lost today I think. It sounds like we are praising someone here and that he will be rescuing those in need and that kings and nations will now down and serve him. Is this Jesus they are speaking of?  

Day 71 - Leviticus 24:10 - 25 and Psalm 71

 Julie

Today was pretty easy to understand, at least the first part as it was the absolute laws; an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. It explained how justice should be carried out for certain things. The second half just talked about the years of jubilee. Not too sure about the relevance...

Psalm 71 is singing a song of praise to God while asking for protection.

Michelle

I wonder why God changed from an eye for an eye to forgiveness. Does anyone else ever wonder if the New Testament was a farce and we strayed so far from Gods instruction that he gave up on us and that is why the world is in its current state?  I am not sure why but this thought came to mind this morning. This passage seems pretty clear about the punishments as has the recent readings. As for the jubilee I am not sure I understand this section and why we are forgiving debts and returning everyone and everything to its previous owners. What is the purpose of the timeframes and all these instructions?

The psalm sounds like he is praising god and confirming that he will do so all his life and that he turns to God in times of trouble.

Day 70 - Leviticus 23 - 24:9 and Psalm 70

 Julie

Today's reading was about all of the holy days and feast days. I don't know that I understand the timing completely for all of them, and I don't think that we still practice most of them, although they are mentioned in the calendar. We don't seem to still practice all of these fests in the way they are mentioned here, or at least it doesn't seem so. I also wonder how Sunday become the Sabbath when Saturday is supposed to truly be the Sabbath. 

Psalm 70 is another lament asking for God's protection from wrongdoers. It really seems to be a theme, but I feel like I am getting in lost in them and maybe not seeing what stands out in them.

Michelle

I was wondering if any of these relate to things we celebrate now. I didn’t know some were referenced in the calendar. If I remember correctly the Jewish people still observe the sabbath on Saturday. I’m not sure at what point that changed for most of the Christian world. 

I am with you on the psalms. They all are sounding the same. This one sounds like a plea for help. But nothing else comes from most of them. 

Day 69 - Leviticus 21-22 and Psalm 69

 Julie

These chapters tend to be hard to read because the consequences seem so harsh, and it's hard to not take it so literally and to try and look at it in the perspective of our current time. These two chapters were just more lists of statutes and consequences.

Psalm 69 is another lament that is said the be used frequently in the NT. However, it seems to be a cry to God asking for saving grace for wrongdoing and saving from those that would harm him.

Michelle

I laughed a little at this days passage. I’m curious at what point God decided to forgive everyone of their sins vs them being put to death. Cuz it’s been a while since we have burned prostitutes in the fire. And I wonder what the beard and side hair symbolizes that it can’t be cut. Something else they stood out was that no one with defect or deformity is allowed to offer the food to god or it will desecrate his sanctuary. We know now that inbreeding can develop some of these deformities but what about the others and why was this detestable at that time. The deformities I mean not the inbreeding as he has already said familial relations are not allowed. But was there an issue with maimed testicles in this time? That is referenced a few times in these chapters. Something I see repeated is “I am the Lord” like they need to be reminded. 

The psalm seems to be a prayer for help but then goes on to ask for Gods wrath to come upon his enemies. 

Day 68 - Leviticus 19-20 & Psalm 68

 Julie

Chapter 19 reiterates the 10 commandments as statutes that the followers of God must follow. After every one he states, "I am the Lord God".  It seems that it is a reminder that he saved them, and is now asking them to follow his rules to continue to live in peace. Chapter 20 lists all of the ways that sexual immorality is sinful and the consequences for those actions. God does tell the Israelites that he condemns the Gentiles for all of these acts and that he expects more from the people that he saved, and if they stray he has given them consequences for those actions.

Psalm 68 is another one of thankfulness. However, this one is apparently more specific to the Israelites and God leading them out of Egypt.

Michelle

I do see the commandments listed here. But I also see some other things added in. The punishments are very harsh but when you think about it that would deter people from sinning. We don’t put adulterers to death these days but if we did there would likely be less adultery.  

Maybe it’s me but I don’t always understand the psalms and then at the end it will say something like praise be to god and that makes me think that’s what’s going on. I feel this way with this one. 

Day 66 & 67 - Leviticus 15-18 and Psalm 66 & 67

 Julie

The readings for yesterday did not elicit much more than I was I have been saying for the last few days. Today we moved into a new set of rules regarding the drinking of the blood of animals and those of sexual immorality. I cannot say much stood out from this that wasn't already understood or expected. One thing, however, did catch my eye and I don't really remember reading this before, but in Leviticus 17 when he is talking about killing an animal and that it needs to be brought to the Tabernacle and not whored out to the Goat Demon, I realized where the likeness comes from for the pagan depictions that are out there in the world. I had never noticed the specificity before, so apparently they really did dress up that way during that time.

Psalm 66 & 67 go well together as they are both songs of thankfulness to God and praising him for his good and mercy and all that he provides. I feel like it's possible that the song "Shout to Lord" might have stemmed from one, if not both of, these Psalms.

Michelle

So 15 talks of cleansing from discharges, 16 about the Day of Atonement which is to atone for the priest and the communities sins.  17 is about the people being forbidden from eating blood which seems weird to me. Why are we eating blood.  18 is about unlawful sexual relations which appears to be mostly about dishonoring your family by having relations with family members and how that is forbidden and that they will be cut off from the people.  

I am not familiar with the song you are referring to. I’ll have to look it up.  The psalm seem to be again singing gods praises and speaks of all the things that he’s done for them.  The psalm 67 seems more of a prayer.   

Day 65 - Leviticus 13-14 & Psalm 65

 Julie

I feel like I am being a bit repetitive right now, but I am not really sure what to say about some of what is being discussed. Today's reading talks about leprosy and what is considered clean and unclean, as well as the ways in which sacrifice is necessary to return to the community. I am sure that there must be some significance to this, but I am not seeing it quite yet.

Psalm 65 appears to be a prayer of thanks for all that God provides, including salvation.

Michelle

Agreed. I am unsure the significance. It seems medically related but then it talks about regulations for defiling molds and I’m unsure the purpose of this passage. It then goes on the explain the cleansing which seems to be separate from the atonement and requires more sacrifices. There is a lot of sacrificing going on so these people better be good or they will be broke as they have to give up all their good animals for these things.

The psalm seems to be singing Gods praises pointing out all the wonderful things provided. 

Day 64 - Leviticus 11-12 & Psalm 64

 Julie

Today we learn what is considered clean and unclean. They make sure in the explanation to point out that unclean does not mean evil, but that you don't meet the requirement for certain things. I am curious about that fact that some of the animals that are considered unclean are some of the ones that we consume today. Did this change after some time to allow for that?

Psalm 64 is a continuation of what we have been seeing. A request for got to protect from wrongdoers and thanking him for taking care of them.

Michelle

This was an interesting passage. I had to look up some of these animals we eat to see if they relate. And apparently we shouldn’t be eating pig but we do. So yes I wonder if it changes at some point later in the Bible or if it got lost as to following the rules as generations went on. It’s interesting though that in general this is still basically what is eaten. 

I also found chapter 12 interesting as it discusses being unclean after childbirth. I mean I know it’s gross and all but why does it make a woman unclean when she menstruates or has babies?  What’s also interesting is the timeframe required before being purified and how it reminds me of how they did things in medieval times and thereafter. In some of the historical things I’ve read women would basically go into isolation for a few months surrounding birth and would have to be purified by the church before allowed interaction with others. This reminds me of that and I am glad we don’t do that now. But is this also related to timeframes in which we baptize or the timeframe we take maternity leave?  It all seems to stem from this Bible passage when you think about it. 3 months maternity leave is standard practice these days. I am curious why we need to make atonement for child birth though. 

I feel bad saying this but the psalms are starting to bore me. I feel like they are repeating the same thing over and over. And sometimes I don’t understand what they are saying. But this one seems to be saying the same as the last few we’ve read. 

Day 63 - Leviticus 10 & Psalm 63

 Julie

If I understood today's reading correctly, Aaron's sons made an unauthorized offering to the Lord and they were killed for it. There is also indication a Aaron tried to make and offering to the Lord that was rejected. I don't particularly understand the significance in all of this.

Psalm 63 is showing faith and trust in God and his works.

 

Michelle

This passage was confusing to me as well.  I actually didn't understand any of it except they did something they weren't supposed to and God took them out as he said he would.  The devotional in my bible shed some light on it as it speaks of obedience to God's commands and that even though there are/were good intentions, they don't always align with what is asked or commanded.  We don't always see the reasons for God's requirements, we are just asked to follow them.  The closer we come to God, the more we must honor his holiness by obeying his commands.  It goes on to say your actions reflect your heart toward God.  The practice of obedience will align your heart with God's own desire.  

 The psalm talks of praising God and saying he will continue praising him and will remember all that he's done for him and that his enemies will be taken down but that he will continue to rejoice in God. 

Day 62 - Leviticus 8-9 & Psalm 62

 Julie

Today's reading was Moses anointing the new priests and the first service in the tabernacle. I was surprised to find out that Chapter 9 was the first service since the entire chapter was just sacrifices. Does that mean that the early services were just that or is it possible that this is how it started and they become more about talking about God from here? Will be interested to see where this goes, because that was a little strange to me. 

Psalm 62 could be one that we pray now as it's a song of confidence in God as the people are being oppressed by those that govern them. I feel like we are experiencing this right now and it might just be a personal opinion, but I do feel like some of our liberties are slowly being taken away and people are not noticing.

 

Michelle

If I am understanding correctly, everything previous was just instruction.  I thought it was them doing the things as well, but after going back it just seems like a lot of instruction and it was just in preparation for the start of the gathering.  I am also interested to see where this goes.  As it doesn't speak of them doing anything other than sacrificing on behalf of the people.  

I had a hard time reading this psalm for some reason. I have had to read it 3 times now and am still lost.  What most stood out is that God is his rock and his salvation.   A reminder I think that we need to keep our focus on God at all times.

Day 61 - Leviticus 6:8 - 7 & Psalm 61

 Julie

If I am being honest, this part of Leviticus is a little hard to read. While I know it's not repeating itself (although it sounds that way), it is hard to keep up with all of the different sacrifices and how they work. Maybe there is not a need to understand them in detail?? Not sure though if there is something to glean from these specific chapters.

Psalm 61 is asking for God's protection. I feel like this could be something useful to pray regularly just asking for God to hear us and to protect us. 

 

Michelle

It is hard to read.  And I have no idea how they remembered what they were supposed to do for each one as there is alot going on and there are small differences for each.  I wonder if this is why they still take offering at church and that it seems different than tithing.  Are we offering to atone for our sins with money as that is what most people now have in place of these things?  I can see the symbolism behind it after reading this.  But why is tithing different than the offering?  I always thought it was the same but read something recently that had me questioning it.  

The psalm seemed to have 2 parts.  One that he is praising God and asking to take refuge in his wings.  The other is that he is asking for the King's days to be increased and that God watches over him.  I find it interesting as this king appeared to have been his enemy pursuing and persecuting him all this time but now he is asking God to bless the king.  Something to think about as I remember mom saying to bless your enemies, not in those words exactly but that is the basis I think.  This is hard to do I think for most people.  We would rather they suffer as we suffer and I admit I have felt this way before so this is a good reminder that we should bless everyone whether we like what they are doing or not.

 

Day 60 - Leviticus 5:14 - 6:7 & Psalm 60

 Julie

I hope it's not just me, but even these have been a bit difficult to read and understand. While it sounds like it's repetitive it turns out it's not. For instance, in today's reading it is still talking about unintended sin, but ones that are worse than the ones from yesterday's reading and they require a higher price. We are beginning to learn about how to treat our neighbors as well and being told how to make reparations for any wrong that we might cause them.

Psalm 60 is a lament for the community and is suggested that it is an instruction to them for how to pray for help with their enemies. Again, that seems to be a common theme right now.

 

Michelle

It is not just you.  I found that the previous passage I was just skimming thru the details of the offering as it seemed the same as all the others.  This one was a much shorter passage describing what needed to be sacrificed before the Lord.  I do find the Guilt offering an interesting thing.  Often times we feel guilt for things we are not doing that we should be doing.  I do anyway.  There are times that I beat myself up for it and then someone tells me it's ok don't be so hard on yourself.  And while there are times I shouldn't, the times I am certain I should have handled something differently, is where I feel the most guilt.  Or if my actions or words have hurt someone.  While there are a large amount of very sensitive people in the world today, I have learned that there are times when I need to be more mindful of my bluntness and honesty.  The 10 commandments don't necessarily include this guilt thing, but I can also see how it would relate.  The second part of today's passage is about being neighborly and how we should treat others and that we should not be deceitful.  There has been a lot of deceiving in the beginning of the bible up to now so I can see why this is an important one to remember.   

 I have to be honest.  Some of these psalms don't make sense until the end when they are praising God and asking for help.  I hate that I have no real context of what is happening to them.  But what I got from this is that he turns to God yet again, first questioning and then praising and asking for help.