Day 151 - Ruth 2 & Proverbs 1:1-7

 Julie

After a lot of other things that we have read unto this point, this is such a sweet encounter. Boaz is kind to Ruth and brings her in to take care of her for all of the things that she has done for Naomi. 

These first seven verses of Proverbs are instructions for how to read the book. To know wisdom...to receive instruction...to give prudence...let the wise hear and increase in learning...to understand a proverb and saying. Ultimately, that leads to verse 7, "To fear the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

 

Michelle

I agree.  It is refreshing to see some kindness after all the previous readings in which people kept straying.  The fact that someone is willing to take care of her for the kindness she has shown her mother-in-law seemed surprising to Ruth and Boaz blessed her asking for God to reward her for all she had done for Naomi.  There is a devotional that references chapter 1 and reads from Death to New Life.  It talks about after we have experienced the loss of someone close that we can either choose to blame God, live in nowhere land, or weave our grief into a new story, as Ruth chose to do.  While that may not have been her reasoning for why, she did start a new life with her mother-in-law in a new place that had unexpected results.  The devotional talks about sharing your grief experience with others in the hopes that it encourages someone that is struggling to keep moving.  In the hopes that they will see that it's ok to keep moving and to continue into a new chapter of life.

The proverbs is prefaced in my bible with some information.  It states that the Proverbs describe the importance of living wisely and in the fear of the Lord as opposed to following the seductive path of folly.  It also says that Godly wisdom is on of life's most important and valuable pursuits, worth much more that material wealth.  Many people read this book daily to keep the lessons learned at the front of their minds.  The verse that stood out to me right off was vs 5, "let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance...". I have been in this state of discerning wanting guidance for a while and feeling like I am not hearing or getting any direction.  Maybe this will help me in seeing where I am to go and aid me in making decisions.  

Day 150 - Ruth 1 & Psalm 150

 Julie

This was the introduction to Ruth and her beginning. It shows the relationship that she had with her MIL Naomi and that she vows to stay with her instead of returning to her own family. There didn't seem to be any indication as to why she wanted to do that.

Psalm 150 is the final psalm. It is a call to Praise the Lord and for everything that breathes to Praise the Lord. It reminds us to be joyful in our praise.

 

Michelle

It seems that in these days, as a woman, once you left your family if was rare for you to return to them.  But as Naomi is urging these women to go home to their families and gives her blessing for them to marry again, Ruth chooses to stay with her.  

Final psalm of praise in which it says we should use all available instruments to sing praise to God. 

Day 149 - Psalm 149

 Julie

This is another hymn of praise for the things the people get to do. Praise the Lord!!

 

Michelle

Another psalm of praise.  There is a part that I raise an eyebrow at, vs 6-9.  May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them - this is the glory of all his faithful people.  I am perplexed by this one.

Day 148 - Psalm 148

 Julie

Another hymn of praise to the Lord. This one calls on all of the entities of the earth to praise him for their creation and for all that he had has done. Praise the Lord!

 

Michelle

A psalm of praise from all creation.   

Day 147 - Judges 20-21 & Psalm 147

 Julie

These last two chapters are explaining a civil war in that area and the aftermath. There doesn't seem to be any real indication of whether or not this was something that was of God.

Praise to the Lord! Again, this is a praise for the things God does. This one also praises him for healing the brokenhearted.

 

Michelle

This does seem to be a war between the tribes.  There is a part in chapter 20 that they go to the priest and ask for God's direction.  But in 21 it seems they have found a loophole in the don't give your wives to another clan as they are just leaving them out there to be taken.  That seems wrong to me.

Another psalm of praise in which it says at the end that God has only given his laws to the people of Israel. 

Day 146 - Judges 19 & Psalm 146

 Julie

I struggle to understand the importance of this chapter other than to say that it just proves the hideousness of the people during this time.

"Praise the Lord, O my soul!" A continued reminder I linked to a song previously that fits this again. "10,000 reasons."

 

Michelle

I also do not understand the significance.  The actions of these men seem terrible and it appears the concubine is now dead, but why did he allow this to happen to her.  

The psalm appears to be another of praise. 

Day 145 - Judges 17-18 & Psalm 145

 Julie

I think that today's reading was about the corruption of Micah, his family, and then his community...I am not sure if I just wasn't reading well or if this is just seemed like something random in this book.

This psalm is definitely praising God for all his good works. It basically says if you ask in truth and faith you will receive. It reminds us that God provides what we need when we need it, and to reminds us to ask for what is needed. If we trust and are faithful he will be merciful to us and provide everything we need.

I also want to mention that again we see the "steadfast love." 

 

Michelle

I don't understand today's reading.  At first it seems that Micah is trying to insert a priest to lead his family but then it also seems that it is done in the wrong way and that he is serving many idols.  But then the Danites come into play and overtake what appears to be a peaceful community but not necessarily by God's instruction?  I don't know what is happening here.

The psalm talks of God's love and if you remain faithful and trust in him, he will provide all you need.  

 

Day 144 - Judges 15-16 & Psalm 144

 Julie

I am failing to understand why Samson was so enthralled with Delilah that he could not see that she was deceiving him, or that he ignored that fact. Obviously, she was working against him, so why did he continue to give her the information that she wanted. In the end, he does ask God for help and God does grant him that, however, it's been suggested that he wasn't really asking because of his trust in God, but for revenge purposes. Although that might be accurate, maybe God did not care about the reason behind the request as it was getting the desired result.

Regardless of what these psalms seem to be about they all mention the "steadfast love of God." It makes me wonder how far back that actually started. When we read these again, my hope is that I will remember and from the beginning see where it starts...

 

Michelle

I too am lost on why Samson allowed himself to be deceived so many times by Delilah.  But people do stupid, crazy things when they love someone.  You are right in that the result that God wanted happened, although not in the ways we think it should have.  Maybe this is a lesson in God uses those in unexpected ways to do his good works.  We never know how things will turn out but God's will is done regardless.

The devotional attached to this passage talks about Femme Fatales and how women so often use their feminine wiles to manipulate the men in their lives.  It speaks of how Delilah manipulated Samson into telling her of his strength so that she could get a reward.  So often women appear like this.  While I don't think I knowingly do this, that is not to say that it doesn't happen on occasion when we want to get our way.  At the end of this devotional it asks the questions, are these methods honest or loving?  Shouldn't we strive to be a woman that others could look up to.  Especially when you have children that need your good example.  

This psalm seems to be another of David asking for God to deliver him from his enemies. 

Day 143 - Judges 13-14 & Psalm 143

 Julie

These chapters introduce and talk about Samson, who is the last judge in the book of Judges. It seems that although Samson was chosen by God he is also an extremely sinful man. 

This psalm seems to be a cry for mercy and asking God to put them on the right path. They actually ask for God to teach them how to follow his path for them. It's something that we should do in that moment where we give ourselves to God and confess or sins.

 

Michelle

This part of the Samson story I do not remember, but it does seem like he is doing many bad things.  And it's confusing a little.  There is alot of revenge going on.

The psalm seems to be a cry for help and to be lead in the way God wants.  Like he should be lead by God and saved from his enemies. 

Day 142 - Judges 10:6 - 12 & Psalm 142

 Julie

Again, the Israelites rebuke God and worship others so he places them in the hands of others and allows them to be enslaved and treated poorly. This causes the Israelites to, again, ask him to save them. This just seems to be a constant cycle, and unfortunately, one that has gone on for many years. The only thing that stood and I really didn't understand with the vow with the daughter. 

Psalm 142 is taking refuge in the Lord and asking for his protection from those the would persecute. Another prayer of protection in time of need for those that believe in the Lord.

 

Michelle

So at the beginning of this passage God tells them he will not save them again as they continue to disobey and worship other gods.  He is angry with his people.  He allows them to be enslaved and tells them it's their own fault even after they agree they will return to him in worship.  The vow he made with the Lord in which he said he would give as a sacrifice whatever came out his door when he returned if the Lord would give the enemy in to his hands proved to be devastating to Jephthah.  As his only child, his daughter is the one that came out the door and she does not appear upset that her father will have to sacrifice her, instead she asks to have time to spend with her friends before carrying out his vow.  Her faith and sacrifice is surprising especially in a time when the people are not following God's commands. 

The psalm is prefaced saying a prayer of David when he was in the cave.  It does appear to be a prayer of protection.  It seems he is also sharing he loneliness with the lord.  

Day 141 - Judges 9-10:5 & Psalm 141

 Julie

I had trouble with this one today. Not sure if my mind just was not on it or if I just couldn't really understand. The explanation was that it was kind of like a hostile takeover. 

This psalm is a prayer of protection against those that are evil or that might cause harm. I know that these are personal feelings, but it seems that some of these psalms (like this one) are good prayers for the time we are in. It feels like the world is in a similar place as it was during the time of Joshua, Judges and some of the psalms that we are reading. These prayers feel like they would be good prayers for where we are now.

 

Michelle

It does kind of sound like that.  I also felt like God was punishing everyone in this passage.  I have found myself looking up these towns to see if any of them still exist today.  There are some areas that are on the map and I was also doing this when the people were going into the promised land.  

This psalm sounds like they are asking the Lord to aid or help them in maintaining righteous behavior.   

Day 140 - Judges 8 & Psalm 140

 Julie

Oh how quickly people forget and turn away from God. In the 40 years that Gideon was the judge, they slowly seemed to be returning to their old ways so that when he died they were back where they started. Why are corruption and evil so much more attractive?

This could be a good psalm to pray during the time we are in. It sometimes feels like we are under attack from evil people and we could praying something like this as protection from that evil. It would also show our trust in God's path and direction for us.

 

Michelle

Valid question.  If only we had the answer.  But I think we are not meant to know for what reason I don't know.  All this back and forth over and over is terrible.  Is this the cycle of humans for all time?

This is a psalm for the ages.  As there are and have been evil doers and those that follow God have been persecuted over the ages.  It does sound like a protection prayer. 

Day 139 - Judges 6-7 & Psalm 139

 Julie

Today the Lord helps the judge, Gideon in his triumphs. Gideon does ask the Lord why he has forsaken them when his ancestors had told him that God is with them. God doesn't really explain, but gives him a task and asks him to trust. Gideon does follow God's direction and God helps them triumph over those that are oppressing them.

This psalm suggests that God always knows his people and that regardless of their thoughts and what they are doing that he will know their true selves. You cannot hide yourself from God.

 

Michelle

So this passage is about Gideon and how God uses him to overtake the Medianites.  He does test God 3 times to make sure he is really getting instruction from God, but does follow his command.  God then lessens his army to a smaller number so that the people do not confuse the victory as strength in numbers vs lead by God.  The devotional attached to this passage explains it as God giving you what you NEED to fight your battles and not what you think you need.  You need only remember that he is with  you and will give you what you require and not more.  You only need to have faith and follow his commands.  

I agree with you assessment of this psalm.  God is all knowing.  The part that stood out to me is vs 23-24, "Search me, God, and know my heart;  test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting".  This reminded me of the Grateful devotional I read today and my response about my awful thoughts and where they lead me.  It reminds me that God is all knowing and he already knows my thoughts and the anxiety that lives inside.  I don't wish to be tested though but thinking about it maybe that is what is happening when those feelings arise.  I need to remember this verse and pray it that he leads me in the way everlasting.  

Day 138 - Judges 3:7 - 5 & Psalm 138

 Julie

This reading focused mostly on the judge Deborah. She seemed to be trying to get the Israelites to change their ways and follow God. Her hymn in chapter 5 was a praise to God for saving the Israelites, again. I did have to go back and read about this a little and is said that she was the godliest of all the judges. 

I think from this psalm we can continue to see that his steadfast love endures forever. I think it's interesting that we keep seeing that over and over in the psalms. This psalm is specifically praising God for be a faithful and loving God and for still loving and protecting even when we don't always make the best decisions. It seems to show that they understand his forgiveness. 

 

Michelle

I think your assessment is accurate.  She did seem to be trying to get them all back in the Lord's favor and trying hard to get them to have faith and follow God's commands.  This passage does go thru a few other judges/leaders and it seems that once they find peace and are following God's commands, the judge dies and then they quickly turn back to evil deeds.  The devotional attached to this says that Deborah is the only female judge discussed in this book.  But it seems her story is significant over the others.  There is a part when she is telling Barak to follow God's instruction and go overtake a group and he doesn't want to go without her, so she says she will go but he will not be the one to overtake the other leader and that it will be a woman who Sisera falls to.  There are 2 devotionals attached to this one passage of Deborah.  The first talks about how she is like a prickly pear, covered in spikes and toughness but sweet on the inside.  It says her name literally translates to wasp and in reader her story reveals that she was willing to sting if need be, even leading the army, but she also blessed those that followed the Lord.  The other talks of her being a spiritual mother to the Israelites as described by her.  She does not speak of herself as a leader but as a mother in Israel.  She had many roles;  prophet, ruler, mediator, and warrior.  

I agree with your assessment of this Psalm.  It does speak of his steadfast love for us and repeats that in vs 8.  Verse 7 stood out and says, "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life", which is similar to other verses we have read.  God is with us in all times of good, bad, praise, trouble, all things and his love endures forever. 

Day 137- Judges 2:6 - 3:6 & Psalm 137

 Julie

This is where the judges are introduced into the story. While they are not yet named, it is highlighting that God brings them in to help change the ways of the Israelites back to his ways. It appears to be a short-lived change and when the judge dies they return to their evil ways. It's amazing that no matter what has happened historically we are doomed to repeat our mistakes. Why?

While it doesn't explicitly say it, the psalm seems to go in line with where we are in Judges. In that, it is talking about Israelites being punished by the Babylonians, but at the time this was God's way of punishing the Israelites. 

 

Michelle

So reading this passage confirms what I thought previously, that they didn't have a "leader" to guide them and remind them of their covenant.  Although I think the priests and such should have been enough for that.  It does seem that their ancestors did not teach them the ways of the Lord and their history though as it speaks of the next generation not knowing the Lord or what he had done for the people.  I find it interesting too that God puts the Judges in place and for a short time the people kind of obey but then quickly turn back to their evil ways.  I can't deny it is easy to do bad, but it is harder in the long run to go that route.  Doing the right thing can be hard sometimes but makes life better in the long run.  It seems the people don't see this either.  I am unsure how the Judges are used here though.  Maybe there will be more explanation.  It also says that God eventually uses those groups left among them to punish the people and teach them. 

This psalm disturbs me a little at the end. But I feel like they are questioning why they should sing songs of the Lord I feel like they should do it.  Maybe it's God's way of testing their faith and obedience to share their faith and love from God.  At the end it says "Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks".  This is disturbing like they are harming the babies and are happy about it.  That is awful.

Day 136 - Judges 1.1 - 2.5 and Psalm 136

 Michelle

So it seems that the people were not given another leader after Joshua, but were left with the knowledge that they still needed to follow God's commands, without an appointed person to oversee them.  I don't think this caused their downfall, it was the choices they were making.  They also didn't follow God's command to rid the land of the people there when they overtook them, instead they allowed them to stay there and live with them.  They had been warned that this would be their downfall and it seems that is what is happening.  At the end of the passage it says that God tells them, I told you they will become traps for you and their gods will become snares for you.  It also states at the beginning of this chapter that this is the next generation after Joshua.  It's as if their ancestors are not teaching them the past so they don't make the same mistakes in the future.  

The psalm is reminding us that God's love endures forever.  It says in the devotional that this was a song sung between the people and the priest in which the people's reply was that His love endures forever.  If you think about what we have read so far this proves accurate.  No matter what the people did God loved them and stayed with them even when he didn't help them because of their disobedience.  It is unconditional thru all things.  He loves us no matter the choices we make and he strives to return us to him when we stray.  It seems a never ending cycle for his people.  We only need to find our way and maintain our focus on God. 

Julie

I think that you found the theme of this reading. While it explained the different areas that they conquered, it shows that they did not complete the process as commanded by God. As usual, worldliness overtakes godliness.

"for his steadfast love endures forever," is the basis of this psalm. I love the way that you put it Michelle, by looking back and showing that regardless of what happened "his steadfast love endures forever." I think that verse 26 is one to continue to use as a reminder of this.

Day 135 - Psalm 135

 Julie

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord, for the Lord is Good!

Praise the Lord!

I think that was the basic theme of this psalm. In all things, we should praise the Lord. We are always asking the Lord for help and to work in our lives, but we also have to remember to praise him for what he does...even if the answer is not what we expected. 

 

Michelle

I think you are right.  It seems a psalm of praise and reminds all the things God has done for the people.  

Day 134 - Psalm 134

 Julie

This is a short psalm today. It is basically saying to bless the Lord. This is said to be used in the opening or closing of a ceremony or at the end of a service.

 

Michelle 

This psalm seems to be asking the Lord to bless those that praise him. 

Day 133 - Joshua 24 & Psalm 133

 Julie

Today's reading showed the Israelites recommitting to following the laws of God before they went off to their inheritance. It also talks about the death of Joshua and what his inheritance was. 

Psalm 133 could be a good prayer about uniting communities. It begins by saying, " Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" That verse should be convicting, especially in a time where there is so much tension and strife in the world. 

 

Michelle

Today's passage is the renewal of the Covenant with God and the people and the death of Joshua.  What is interesting is he goes thru all they have endured, along with their ancestors, and then gives them the choice.  Verse 15 that states, ...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods of your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living.  But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.  The fact that we are always given a choice.  We choose to believe and follow Gods word.  And that is the most important choice we can make.  

I agree with your assessment of the psalm.  It is great when we live in unity.  If only everyone could strive to do this the world would be a better place.

Day 132 - Joshua 22-23 & Psalm 132

 Julie

Today is a tough day for concentration. It seems though that in this reading they were really pointing out that they have done well at following God's law and the God is with them. 

This psalm was about God's covenant with the house of David and how he would bless them.

 

Michelle

In today's passage a couple things stand out.  The Eastern tribes are being sent home as they have fulfilled their agreement.  Verse 5, "But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you:  to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul".  This verse simplifies all that we should be.  It's very clear what we are to do in this verse and that it should apply to all aspects of your life.  The other thing that stood out was that assumptions were made and the immediate thought was that war needed to take place because the other side of the Jordan had built an alter of their own.  So they prepared to war with them, only to then find out that it was not done in disobedience but in remembrance for the future generations.  This makes sense to me and makes me think of all the historical monuments and statues that get removed as time goes on.  I have never thought of them as celebrating events or people in history but more as a reminder of what happened and a way to share that with future generations so that the same mistakes are not made going forward.  As we have seen in the bible, the same mistakes are made over and over and I think this unused alter was their way of presenting a reminder for the future.  The next chapter makes it sound as if Joshua is coming to the end of his life.  

While I don't recall the story of David, I think you are right in your assessment of this psalm.  

Day 131 - Joshua 20-12 & Psalm 131

 Julie

Today's reading named the cities of refuge that God commanded so that there would be justice for those accused. Chapter 21 names all of the cities that have been given and to whom and basically shows that God has given all that was promised as far back as Moses.

This psalm is a song of confidence in God. The line, "But I have calmed and quieted my soul," is what really stands out in that confidence. Being so confident and trusting in God and his works that you can release yourself from worry.

 

Michelle

This passage starts with the Cities of Refuge being assigned.  The rest is towns for the Levites.  The rest just goes thru all these towns and then ends with it stating that God had fulfilled his promise to the people.

That is a good explanation.  Confidence.  I would like to feel this.  I think I have lost a bit of this with myself.  This psalm really called to me.   

Day 130 - Joshua 18-19 and Psalm 130

 Julie

So today was more about the inheritance and division of land. Not sure what more to say than that.

This psalm is asking for and trusting in God's mercy.

 

Michelle

This was more about the division of land for the various tribal clans of the Israelites.  There is one part that I am more curious about, in the Allotment for Dan it says "when the territory of the Danites was lost to them, they went up and attacked Leshem, took it, put it to the sword and occupied it.  They settled at Leshem and named it Dan after their ancestor", this makes it sound like it's a later time but doesn't go into why it was lost to them.  

The psalm seems that they are crying out to the Lord waiting for something. 

 

 

Day 129 - Joshua 16-17 & Psalm 129

 Michelle

This seems to be a continuation of the allotment of land given to the various tribes.  At the end of chapter 17, there is a tribe complaining that their allotment isn't large enough.

The psalm seems to be a song speaking about their oppressors and that the Lord had freed them from these people. 

Julie

I was so glad to see this post today. I am also glad that you are reading as I am not really seeing anything more than what is there. I concur about today's reading...

That is how I read that psalm too. The explanation in my Bible says that it is a psalm of confidence for the community or a community thanksgiving.

Day 128 - Joshua 14-15 & Psalm 128

 Julie

Today's reading was more about the land that is inherited and how it is split between the clans. I did not really see anything that stood out...

Psalm 128 blesses those who fear and walk in the Lord. 

 

Michelle

The passage goes thru how the land was divided amongst the tribes.   It made me want to look at the map, which I did, to see if some of these places are still in existence today and how big this land was that he gave the chosen people.  

The psalm says that those who walk in fear of the Lord and in obedience to him will prosper and they will live to see their children's children. 

Day 127 - Joshua 13 & Psalm 127

 Julie

Today's reading discusses how God wants Joshua to divide the land and explains who will inherit which parcel.

Psalm 127 is called a psalm of wisdom. I feel like this is the first time we have heard that. It's a reminder that without God's blessing or without God in your life the things that you do and the things that you have are meaningless. 

 

Michelle

This passage seems to be an accounting of what tribe has been allotted what land they have conquered, going back to when Moses was leading as well.

That is a good interpretation of the first section of this psalm.  The second half is interesting as it seems to imply that children are a reward from God for following him.  I am not sure I am reading this correctly, as it also feels like it says children are a gift from God.   

Day 126 - Joshua 11-12 & Psalm 126

 Julie

Today's reading just talked more about their conquests of the lands and all of the kings that have been defeated.

Psalm 126 is praising God for his goodness. The explanation that it could be referring to just about anything that they might have needed God's help for.

 

Michelle

This passage was a listing of all the kings and the areas that were conquered in the name of God.  It seems a long list.  

The psalm seems to be one of joy for God restoring them to their fortunes. 

Day 125 - Joshua 9-10 & Psalm 125

 Julie

Today I will start with chapter 10 and just mention that it just talks about how they conquer the land. In chapter 9 they talk about how they make a deal with the Caananites, which is interesting because they were instructed not to do that. However, they were tricked. I am curious to see if this comes back to cause them trouble with God as they did not follow his instructions.

In Psalm 125 the Lord is taking care of those that follow his ways, and he will show others how much better things are when they don't fall to their evil ways.

 

Michelle

I was thinking the same about the treaty and why God allowed it.  I understand that they made the treaty in the name of the Lord, but God knew they were being tricked or I would assume that and then allowed it.  Could it be a test?  And a test of what exactly?  The rest of the passage just went thru all the areas they conquered in the name of God.   

The psalm says those that trust and follow God will be under his protection always, but if they turn to evil ways they will be dealt with accordingly.

Day 124 - Joshua 8 & Psalm 124

 Julie

So I had to go to the Bible explanation for today's reading to try and understand the significance of the extensive explanation of this battle. In yesterday's reading, it talks about how they were defeated in Ai because they were not following God's law. However, the repented and those that were doing wrong were punished, and their return to Ai ended in them winning the battle. The explanation says that the reason for this story is to show that when you are following God's word and instruction there is more of a likelihood for success.

This psalm focuses on the fact that "Our help is in the name of the Lord." Had the Lord not been on the side of the Israelites they would have likely perished in many different ways. These are words that we should carry with us, especially when we are unsure of the outcome of situations that might be causing us trouble.

 

Michelle

I can understand that explanation.  They did repent and move on to victory as God had told them.  What still gets me is that God is still having them kill everyone in these cities they are overtaking.  It seems wrong somehow.  I understand that God doesn't want them to be influenced by other cultures (?) or religions (?), and that they are very bad about straying at this point, but it still seems wrong.  

The psalm does appear to be a reminder that without the lord they would have perished. 

Day 123 - Joshua 5:13 - 7 & Psalm 123

 Julie

The Israelites are now in their new land and are setting out to conquer it. They live up to their promise to Rahab and remove her from the city before they burn it. It did not take long for some of the Israelites to anger and God by stealing. While this might not be what the point it is, it is what stands out to me...that no matter what you do or what laws there are to follow, there will always be those that will do the wrong thing or not follow the rules/laws. 

Psalm 123 is a community lament asking God for safety from those that have contempt for them. This could be a good psalm to be praying during this time since people on both sides of the issues seem to have this time of contempt for each other.

 

Michelle

That did stand out to me as well.  The fact that they just went thru a similar situation as their predecessors and they saw the power of God and yet they still do something they shouldn't and I don't know why Joshua so quickly started to question God bringing them there.  But God was quick to reprimand them.  

The psalm seems to be asking for mercy from something they are going thru. 

Day 122 - Josh 3 - 5:12 & Psalm 122

 Julie

I have read these chapters before, but don't remember them. I don't remember this story where God stopped the waters of the Jordan so that they could cross. That is a powerful story and his way of showing the Israelites that Joshua would be the "voice" of God. 

This psalm is talking about traveling to the house of the Lord. Not sure if I see the significance...

 

Michelle

I vaguely remember this story.  It is a powerful visual for the people to have as they were not there for the previous river crossing.  There are 2 devotionals in this passage in my bible.  The first one starts by saying "I believe that, in guiding us, God deals with us as he dealt with the Israelites as he led them out of Egypt".  The first crossing was easy, the sea was divided before the people had to cross, but the second was different.  The priests were instructed to go into the water.  This is yet another example of faith.  We may walk right into our own "rivers" and have to get our feet wet, but we must follow God's guidance.  God's word comes first and his promise that he is always with us.   The other devotional speaks of memorial stones.  A visual reminder of what God has done.  That may be something helpful in remembering the things that God has done for you.   

The psalm seems to be speaking of praying for peace within the house of the Lord. 

Day 121 - Josh 2 & Psalm 121

 Julie

I cannot say that anything really stood out in the reading today. The place that they chose to stay was interesting, and the fact that she asked them to spare her and her family for helping them. I cannot say that I really understand the significance yet.

I was not sure of what the psalm was really saying today either. The explanation is that it is a prayer for those traveling and instills confidence in God's goodness with their safe travels.

 

Michelle

I think it's another example of God using various types of people.  It states she is a prostitute, which is frowned upon even today.  But even as a sinner, God is using her to help his people and she seems already a believer in a way before they get there as she has heard of all the wonders of God.  And the men that have been sent to spy have been told the people are already in fear of them as they too have heard of God's power and that he has given this land to his people.  So it's just reassurance to them that God's word is truth.

The psalm seems to be saying that the Lord is always watching over you and that help comes from the Lord.