Day 108: Saul's Vanity

 Today's readings: 1 Samuel 13-14 and Psalm 58.

I. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul organized the Israelite army, and his son, Jonathan, attacked the Philistine city of Geba, which provoked a major response. The Israelites are terrified, and after waiting seven days for Samuel, who had been delayed, Saul made a burnt offering himself to God. When Samuel arrived, he was upset and rebuked Saul for this unlawful action, telling him that because of this disobedience, Saul's "kingdom shall not continue" and that another would be found (later known as David). Only 600 men were left with Saul and Jonathan ready for battle. No blacksmiths were to be found in Israel, and the Philistines controlled all blacksmithing, meaning the Israelites were unable to make more weapons. Only Saul and Jonathan were left with swords and spears as the Philistines marched out to meet the Israelites.

In the next chapter, Jonathan surprised and attacked the Philistines at Michmash. Saul sees what Jonathan has done and joins the attack with the rest of his forces, causing the Philistines to panic and be routed. Saul then makes a rash oath binding the Israelites to fast until evening. Jonathan doesn't hear this oath being sworn and proceeds to eat some honey to replenish his strength after the battle. Upon hearing of the rash oath, he criticizes his father for not allowing the Israelite army to eat, as they could have won a bigger victory. The soldiers are starving and slaughter some animals to eat, but they violated God's law as blood was still in the meat. Saul seeks guidance from God on whether he should attack the Philistines again or not, but he receives no answer. He realizes that someone has sinned; Jonathan is identified as the one he declared must die. The people recognized that God had worked through Jonathan, which persuaded Saul to spare him. The chapter finishes with a summary of Saul's reign, from the battles with Israel's enemies to the warriors he gathered, and a listing of his family members.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

Samuel has promised to come to Saul in seven days to offer sacrifice, but he does not. The people are scattering, and Saul begins to falter. Preoccupied as always with the opinions of others, Saul decides to offer the sacrifice rather than wait for Samuel... Although Saul is vain, he still has strengths. Rather than give up, he continues to fight against the Philistines on behalf of the people of Israel. He does not abandon the people or the Lord, even after learning that he will have no kingly dynasty... Saul continues to fight, but he seems to be driven by vanity and the need to succeed. He is a complex character. Since all of us are complex people, we can see some of ourselves in Saul. Hopefully, we can see ourselves also in the goodness and bravery of Jonathan. (p. 232)

II. Psalm 58 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed): 

A lament psalm. The speaker is distressed by corrupt judges who deal in lies and lead their victims to death. He utters several imprecations, pleading with God to hold them accountable for their crimes and to halt their abuse of power. In the end, he is confident that God will give the righteous and the wicked what they deserve. (p. 878)

Also recommended in the BIY Companion today is this video by Fr. Mike Schmitz on vanity:

That's all for today!

Day 107: Samuel's Speech

 Today's readings: 1 Samuel 11-12 and Psalm 55.

I. 1 Samuel 11 recounts Saul's first great public victory as king. Led by Saul, Israel defeats the Ammonites. Some wanted to execute those who had opposed Saul as king, but he showed them mercy. Finally, Samuel called all the people to Gilgal to reaffirm Saul as king and to rejoice in the Lord.

In the next chapter, Samuel gives a farewell address to Israel as he hands over political leadership to Saul as the new king. He remains a prophet of God, but is no longer a Judge over Israel. In his address, Samuel recounts Israel's history, calls them to repentance, warns them about rejecting God's kingship, and finally encourages them to remain faithful.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

God has always taken care of his people in their need, but now they want a king like other nations. While this is not what God wants - he himself wants to be their King - he grants their request due to the hardness of their hearts. Similarly, God permits all of the battles Israel needs to fight, although this is not part of his original plan. God's call is always "higher," but he sometimes allows us to stay "lower" if we choose. It is better to set our minds and hearts "on the heights" - on God's will for our lives. Through Samuel, the Lord promises that he will bless the people only if both they and their king are faithful to him. (p. 230)

At this point, I feel like there should be that music from the movies that clues one in to bad things coming shortly.

II. Psalm 55 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed): 

A lament psalm. The speaker seeks deliverance from his distressing circumstances: he lives in a city where enemies hound him, where he fears for his life, and where a former friend has turned against him. He wishes aloud that he could escape or at least find peace in the demise of his persecutors. Desperate and anxious, he places full confidence in God's power to save. (p. 875)

That's it for today!

Day 106: Saul is Chosen

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 9-10 and Proverbs 6:23-35.

I. 1 Samuel 9 recounts how Saul is chosen and becomes king in Israel. It begins with Saul looking for lost donkeys, and after failing to find them, he is advised to consult a "man of God," the prophet Samuel. At the end of the chapter, and into the beginning of the next, Saul is anointed king by Samuel.

In the next chapter, after Saul is anointed by Samuel, the latter tells him where to go to confirm God's calling and that his lost donkeys will be found. It is said that "God gave him another heart," and Saul prophesied with the prophets he was supposed to meet, astonishing others. Saul returns home and lets his family know the donkeys have been found, but he says nothing else. Soon afterward, Samuel calls all the people together in Mizpah and lets them know that Israel now has a king, as they wished. It is Saul.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, notes:

When Samuel anoints Saul, he says the Spirit of God will come upon him and make him a new creation. This is what happens in Baptism: through water and anointing, we are made new in the Holy Spirit and are anointed to share in Christ's threefold ministry as priest, prophet, and king. We can identify with Saul. Even though he is not the most heroic of characters, he is not thoroughly corrupt. Like many of us, he is wounded and cares too much about what other people think. (p. 228)

II.  In Proverbs 6:23-35, we again get advice to young men and finally reach the end of this proverb. As the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

Again the young man is warned against the wiles of the adulterous woman. He is put on guard against her seductive speech, her captivating beauty, and her flirtatious gestures. The price of giving in to lustful attraction is nothing less than his "life" (CCC 2351). (p. 969)

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

One does not need to indulge in sexual appetites, so fornication and adultery are always condemned. How often do we sin in seeking things we do not even need? This shows our brokenness. We must always ask the Lord for his mercy and forgiveness, as well as for reconciliation and healing, so we can avoid these sins in the future. (p. 228)

That's all for today!

Introduction to the Royal Kingdom

There are no readings today, but just an introduction video to the next section of the program with Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins. Back to the Old Testament we go and finally finish 1 Samuel! Still weird how they divided this, though I did enjoy re-reading my favorite Gospel. 

The age of the Judges is over, and, per Israel's request for a king, which God grants, a new era begins. Saul will be the first king, followed by David, and then his son Solomon. Ultimately, the descendants of David led to Jesus to fulfill the covenant.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary introducing this period:

The period of the Royal Kingdom, much like Egypt and Exodus, brings significant changes for the people of God. They now have a king like all the other nations, but the king is called to lead and rule as God's sovereign. Jerusalem will become the permanent place where God will place his name. After Jerusalem is established as the capital of a united nation, unrest begins to grow among the ten northern tribes about the way they are being treated by the king. This grumbling will soon become a movement that will have drastic consequences following Solomon's death. (p. 227)

That's it for today!

Day 105: It Is Finished

Today's readings: John 19-21 and Proverbs 6:16-22.

I. John 19 tells of the Passion of Christ. Pilate had Jesus scourged, He was then crucified and died, and was buried.

In the next chapter, Mary Magdalene visits the tomb and finds it empty with the stone rolled away. She ran to tell Peter and John, who then rushed to the tomb (John outrunning Peter) to see for themselves that it was empty and then left. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene outside the tomb. Soon after this, Jesus next appeared to the Apostles, except Thomas, who was absent. Then He appeared to Thomas when he returned.

John 21 recounts how Jesus appeared once more to the Apostles at Lake Tiberias. He reconciles with and restores Peter after this for denying Him. The Gospel ends with a final word about and from John, along with noting that there was much else Jesus said and did that would take many books to write down.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

When Jesus asks Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" (John 21:15), he first uses a Greek word related to agape - self-sacrificial, unconditional love. When Peter responds that he loves Jesus, he uses a word related to philia - brotherly, friendship love. The third time Jesus asks Peter, he switches to philia also. Jesus wants us to love him like he love sus, but even when we do not, he meets us where we are, and accepts our love. When we come back to Jesus, he restores us. Peter betrayed and denied him. But Jesus indicates that he will restore him as he tells him, "Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep." This is a word of hope for us. When we feel like all is lost because of a mess we have made, we can come back to Jesus. (p. 224)

Not exactly a spoiler, but I had forgotten that the death of Judas isn't recorded in this Gospel. Nevertheless, I always think of that when I see Peter restored like this. Imagine if Judas hadn't given in to despair for betraying Jesus, but had repented like Peter? Sadly, he didn't.

II. Proverbs 6:16-22 continues the advice to young men. As the Ignatius Bible notes, this is (verse numbers removed):

One of several numerical proverbs in which objects of praise, censure, or similarity are itemized in a list. This one catalogs seven abominations in the sight of God: arrogance, lying, violence, premeditating murder, eagerness for mischief, perjury, and causing family strife. Most of these sins are associated with specific parts of the body (eyes, tongue, hands, heart, feet). (p. 969)

That's all for today!

Day 104: The Priestly Prayer of Jesus

Today's readings: John 16-18 and Proverbs 6:12-15.

I. John 16 has Jesus teaching many things to the Apostles. First, He warns them that they will face opposition and persecution for His sake and to not lose faith. Jesus predicts His death and resurrection, that their grief will be turned to sorrow. After this, the Holy Spirit will come to their advantage, to convict the world of sin, guide them in truth, and glorify Christ.

In the next chapter, Jesus gives what is often called the High Priestly Prayer because Jesus intercedes for Himself, the Apostles, and all future believers. His comparison of Christian unity to that shared by the Father and the Son (17:21), we have in the Church, but Christians have not done so well with each other.

John 18 begins the Passion narrative. Judas Iscariot's betrayal is completed as Jesus is arrested. I like how they fell down when He gave an "I Am" reply to them. He is brought before Annas, then Caiaphas, and Peter denies knowing Him. He is taken before Pilate, who questions Him, has Him flogged, and later attempts to release Him under a Passover custom. The crowd, however, chose Barrabas, and Jesus was condemned. The whole thing was a sordid mess that many will answer for. At least it helped convert an actor and hopefully many others.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

Jesus does not promise a life free from suffering. During his public ministry, he faces derision, humiliation, and pain - ultimately, the loss of everything except his Father... Jesus is betrayed and handed over to Pilate, who asks him, "What is truth?" (John 18:38). This is a pertinent question for our relativistic age. Today, many say, "You have your truth, and I have mine." Jesus challenges this notion, saying that everyone who hears his voice hears the truth. While Jesus says that he has come to gather the lost sheep of the house of Israel, he makes it clear that his saving mission is for people of every nation. (p. 222)

II. Proverbs 6:12-15 gives more advice to young men, not to be liars and troublemakers, either being one themselves or associating with them, for such will bring them to ruin. I've said this before with some of the Psalms, but the same is true with some of the Proverbs: I don't like how they divide them up like this. Something that should be just one or two days is stretched out over multiple days. It's ridiculous!

That's it for today.

Day 103: Judas' Secrecy

Today's readings: John 13-15 and Proverbs 6:6-11.

I. John 13 begins with Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper. He then foretells His betrayal by Judas Iscariot, as we know afterward. He gives the remaining Apostles, after Judas had left, a new commandment. The chapter ends with Jesus foretelling Peter's denial of Him. This is now known as Maundy Thursday, which begins the Paschal Triduum.

In the next chapter, Jesus teaches them that He is the way to the Father. Right after the confusing foretelling of betrayal by one of them, Judas's leaving for some reason, and Jesus predicting Peter's denial of Him, this must have been a relief to the Apostles, but also overwhelming too. The chapter ends with Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit.

John 15 begins with Jesus teaching that He is the vine and we are the branches as His followers. The world's hatred of the Gospel and believers is told by Jesus.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

Jesus promises his apostles that he will prepare a place for them and send the Holy Spirit. These are the arms of the Father reaching out to embrace us, one arm being the Son and the other being the Holy Spirit. We have the choice of whether or not we want to live in that embrace. God says we can do nothing without him. In him, though, we can do all things. In all of our struggles, we are called to abide in the heart of Jesus. In our weakness, we might betray the love of Jesus, like Judas, or deny him in our actions, like Peter. When we find ourselves betraying or denying the Lord, we need to seek his forgiveness and ask for the grace that will bring us back to him. (p. 220)

II. Proverbs 6:6-11 advises young men to steer clear of laziness.

That's it for today!

Day 102: The Death of Lazarus

Today's readings: John 10-12 and Proverbs 6:1-5.

I. John 10 begins with Jesus teaching that He is the Good Shepherd, that He will save the "sheep" (us), and for whom He willingly lays down His life and takes it up again. Again, the Jews tried to stone Him, but He was able to get away.

In the next chapter, we have perhaps the most dramatic of Jesus' miracles: the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Some witnesses told the Pharisees about this, and with the chief priests, they plotted to kill Jesus.

John 12 begins with Mary anointing Jesus with costly ointment, to which Judas Iscariot objected. When the crowds came to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised, the chief priests plotted to kill him, too. Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, to the delight of the crowds on Palm Sunday. Later, Jesus speaks of His death, and some did not believe. The chapter ends with a summary of His teaching.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, notes:

As the "sheep" of Jesus' flock, we have an Enemy, who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. But Jesus comes that we may have abundant life (see John 10:10). This is the Good News... With everything he says and does, Jesus shows that he cannot be just a holy man or prophet; he must be the divine Son of God. (p. 218)

II. Proverbs 6:1-5 is the first part of this proverb, warning young men not to ensnare themselves with pledges. Essentially, debts.

That's it for today!

Day 101: Signs and Wonders

Today's readings: John 7-9 and Proverbs 5:15-23.

I. John 7 describes the growing controversy about Jesus during the Feast of the Tabernacles. First, family members urged Him to go to Judea and show His wonders there but oddly didn't believe themselves. Next, Jesus goes to Jerusalem privately and teaches at the Temple, where folks debate over who He is. The Pharisees sent guards to arrest Him, but they failed. There is more debate, and Nicodemus urges a fair hearing before judgment.

In the next chapter, the controversy over Jesus grows. The Pharisees try to trip Him up by bringing an adulterous woman and saying that under the Law she should be stoned. He brilliantly deflects the challenge and saves her life, telling her to "go, and do not sin again." He gives one of the great "I Am" statements, and those who reject Him die in their sin, much to the Pharisees' chagrin. He tells those who do believe, "you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Some in the crowd object that they are descendants of Abraham and not slaves, but Jesus explains that they are slaves to sin and only He can free them. The debate grows, and Jesus makes one of the clearest claims of divinity, "before Abraham was, I AM." They seek to stone Him for blasphemy, but He leaves unharmed.

John 9 begins with the healing of a blind man who was born blind. This occurred on the Sabbath, which really irked the Pharisees. They conduct an investigation to discredit Him, but, though pressed, the healed man stands firm, declaring, "one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see." He is cast out. Jesus finds the healed man, who confesses his belief and worships Him.

II. Proverbs 5:15-23 finishes out this proverb. The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

Proverbs 5 gives advice to a son about the kind of woman he should marry. It is also general advice regarding the kind of people with whom we should associate. We should spend time with those who have depth of character. As we see in the final verse of Proverbs 5, a person can die due to lack of discipline. (p. 216)

That's all for today!

Day 100: This Is My Body

Today's readings: John 4-6 and Proverbs 5:7-14.

I. John 4 has a really good story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well and the healing of a government official's son in Capernaum.

In the next chapter, Jesus heals a paralytic man but is criticized for doing so on the Sabbath. He responds to them of His authority and witnesses to who He is.

John 6 has the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, Jesus walking on water, and the bread from heaven discourse (the Eucharist).

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this last one:

Jesus makes it clear in John 6:51 that he is the living bread that has come down from heaven and that anyone who eats of this bread will live forever. Here, Jesus makes a connection with the Lamb of God. When the people ate the flesh of the lamb, they were given freedom and life - and if they eat the bread of heaven, which is his flesh, they will have freedom and life... For more than 1,500 years, every Christian believed in the Eucharist as the true Body and Blood of Christ. If this teaching is wrong, then every Christian was guilty of idolatry, and Catholics and Orthodox Christians are guilty of idolatry today. Recall how quickly God put a stop to the worship of the golden calf on Mount Sinai. Would God have allowed Christians to idolatrously worship mere bread and wine since the beginning of the Church? (p. 214)

II. Proverbs 5:7-14 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

Involvement with a "loose woman" ultimately brings social disgrace, financial loss, and painful regret. However, fidelity to one's "wife" brings opportunity for lasting happiness and love. The chapter combines practical advice with a marked esteem for marital chastity (CCC 2339, 2349). (p. 967-68)

That's it for today!

Day 99: The Word Became Flesh

 Today's readings: John 1-3 and Proverbs 5:1-6.

I. In the unexpected switch to the New Testament, we begin with perhaps my favorite Gospel. John 1 is one of the most pivotal chapters of the Bible: the Logos is God, fulfilling Scripture when He "became flesh and dwelt among us." John the Baptist "bore witness to Him," baptized Christ, which gives us one of the first theophanies in the New Testament, and the first Apostles were called by Him. 

In the next chapter, Jesus performs His first public miracle at a wedding in Cana upon the urging of Mary. In this, He revealed something of His divine authority and glory. Then He cleanses the Temple, driving out the traders and money-changers, telling them that "you shall not make my Father’s house a house of trade." In this, He showed His authority and zeal for proper worship. A sign is demanded from Him, which he replies, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (meaning His body). 

John 3 has one of the most important conversations in Scripture. Nicodemus visits Jesus at night and is told how a person enters the Kingdom of God. Probably the most famous verse from the New Testament is given:

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (3:16)

John the Baptist notes about Jesus that "He must increase, but I must decrease."

The chapter ends by emphasizing that eternal life is found in Christ: "He who believes in the Son has eternal life."

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

In its opening words, John's Gospel establishes Jesus' identity... Jesus is not just another prophet, healer, or wise teacher. He is the Word made flesh - the divine Son of God... When John the Baptist sees Jesus coming toward him, he exclaims: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). To the Jews, a lamb is a sacrifice. Jesus is the Lamb who will be sacrificed on the Cross for the forgiveness of sins. He offers himself up to the Father on our behalf for our salvation... When Moses lifts up the bronze serpent in the wilderness, the sign of the people's sin becomes a sign of hope. (See Numbers 21.) This foreshadows Jesus lifted up on the Cross. The sign of sin and death becomes the sign of hope for all who believe in him. (p. 212)

II. Proverbs 5:1-6, we only have the first part of this. We see that, as the Ignatius Bible notes:

The dangers of adultery are contrasted with the delights of married life. (p. 967)

That's all for today!

Messiah Checkpoint #1: The Gospel of John

There are no readings today, but there is an introductory video to the next material with Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins. It seems rather odd to me that we are taking a break from the Old Testament narrative and jumping into the Fourth Gospel. Yet, that's the program, so I'm going with it and hopefully will understand this detour later.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, gives some good commentary on this "Messiah Checkpoint":

John shows that Jesus is the One who fulfills all of the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament. In Jesus, God "has a face" and dwells among his people. As Jesus says, "He who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). In the Old Testament, to see the face of God would result in death, but in his Son Jesus, God reveals himself completely and brings us into an intimate relationship with him. (p. 211)

That's all for today! 

Day 98: Israel Asks for a King

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 6-8 and Psalm 86.

I. 1 Samuel 6 recounts how the Philistines returned the Ark of the Covenant to Israel after suffering severe plagues while it was in their possession. They take two cows and a cart, putting the Ark atop it with a "guilt offering" to stave off the plagues that had ravaged them. They released the cows, who immediately headed back to Israel, specifically Beth Shemesh. The Israelites were overjoyed, of course, but unfortunately, some had "looked into the Ark" and were slain by the Lord for doing so.

In the next chapter, some men from Kiriath-Jearim took the Ark to Eleazar, who was consecrated to guard it. The Ark remained with him for 20 years. Samuel called Israel to repent of their wickedness, which they did. The Philistines, of course, saw this as an opportunity to attack, and they fell upon Israel. God, however, intervened, and Israel was victorious. After the battle, Samuel set up a memorial stone and assumed leadership as judge over the Israelites.

1 Samuel 8 describes how Samuel's sons were not like their father, engaging in sin. Israel called for a king to rule over them instead. That in itself wasn't a problem, but their motivation was "to be like other nations." Samuel was displeased and warned them of the problems of having a king, to no avail. He prayed to God, who granted the Israelites' request.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

We are told that Samuel is a good judge and prophet. His sons, though, turn out to be wicked. As Christians, we hear the expression that God has only children, not grandchildren. Every generation must choose to follow him as the Father... At the end of 1 Samuel, the people ask for a king. They want to be like other nations. God's plan was for him to be their King, yet they want a human king. (p. 208)

II. Psalm 86 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. It begins with petitions for God's help, continues with a hymn of praise to God's greatness, and ends with further petitions for God's help. The Psalmist cries out to be rescued from ruthless men who seek his life. His prayer is fueled by the conviction that God is good (= attends to prayer and personal needs), merciful (= moved to pity by suffering and ready to forgive faults), and powerful (= more than capable of saving his people from trouble). Psalm 86 is the only psalm attributed to David in Book III of the Psalter. (p. 904)

That's it for today!

Day 97: Samuel's Prophecy

 Today's readings: 1 Samuel 3-5 and Psalm 150.

I. 1 Samuel 3 tells the story of God calling young Samuel while he was serving in the tabernacle under Eli the priest.

In the next chapter, it recounts Israel's defeat by the Philistines, the capture of the Ark of the Covenant, and the deaths of Eli and his sons as was foretold. It shows that God cannot be treated as a lucky charm, but service to Him requires more than religious objects and avails one nothing while living in disobedience.

1 Samuel 5 shows that even though the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant, God was not defeated. Instead, He demonstrates His power over the pagan god Dagon and over the Philistines themselves. Everywhere the Ark was sent by the Philistines, it suffered from plague as punishment. Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron all paid the price for Philistine arrogance in challenging God.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

The people of Israel treat the Ark as a weapon rather than a presence of the Lord himself. God cannot be manipulated. The Israelites are defeated by the Philistines because they try to use the Lord's Ark rather than relying on the Lord... Almighty God can fight his own battles. The battle he fights today is for you and for me. He invites us into his presence like Samuel so that he can fight for us. God calls us to repentance. If Eli had changed and corrected his sons Hophni and Phinehas, the story could have turned out differently. (p. 206)

II. Psalm 150 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes: 

A psalm of praise. It brings the Psalter to a resounding crescendo by inviting Temple musicians to lead the whole of creation in a symphony of praise. String, wind, and percussion instruments are all represented. Psalm 150 serves as a final doxology that concludes Book 5 of the Psalter (Pss 107-50) as well as the book as a whole (Pss 1-150). (p. 957)

That's all for today!

Day 96: Hannah's Prayer

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 1-2 and Psalm 149.

I. 1 Samuel 1 begins with introducing Hannah, the second wife of Elkanah. She had been barren and repeatedly mocked for that fact by the other wife. Yet, God heard her prayers and blessed her with the birth of Samuel, who was dedicated to Him and later became His prophet.

In the next chapter, Hannah gives a beautiful prayer/song of thanksgiving to God, reminiscent of the Magnificat much later. Young Samuel went to serve the Lord under Eli at Shiloh. Poor Eli has "worthless sons," though, who sinfully abused their own priestly offices. Samuel remains faithful, doing his duties with diligence and care. His mother would visit, and she was also blessed with more children. Eli rebukes his sons to no avail. At the end of the chapter, a "man of God" visits and gives a prophecy of judgment: Eli's priestly line would suffer and die prematurely. His sons would both die on the same day, and God would raise up a faithful priest to serve Him. 

The BIY Companion, Vol I, gives some commentary on this:

We will hear much about Eli, whose actions are not always exemplary... Instead of following through in disciplining his sons for their bad behavior, Eli just rebukes them and lets them be. As a result of Eli's negligence, the blessing will pass away from his family, as we will see. (p. 204)

II. Psalm 149 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A psalm of praise that interweaves themes of worship and warfare. The faithful of Israel, called the "sons of Zion," sing praise to the Lord and express their readiness to serve the Lord, even by means of military action. (p. 957)

That's all for today!

Day 95: The Sin of Benjamin

Today's readings: Judges 19-21 and Psalm 148.

I. Judges 19 is an odd and disturbing story that shows how far Israel had fallen spiritually and morally during this period. It begins with a Levite having a dispute with his concubine, who leaves him to go to her father's house. After a bit, he goes after her to reconcile and is welcomed by the father, who delays his departure a few times (why, I don't know). Eventually, the Levite does leave, with his concubine. They stay in Gibeah, thinking that it would be safer than Jerusalem for the night. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't find anywhere to stay, and no one offered them hospitality (a big taboo in the Ancient World). An old man finally did and brought them to his house. In a scene reminiscent of Sodom in Genesis, some wicked men surrounded the house and demanded that the Levite be handed over so they could have their way with him. The old man refused, but then offered his own daughter and the concubine to them instead. The wicked men abuse them all night, and in the morning, the concubine falls dead at the doorway. This was bad enough, but now it gets even darker. The Levite takes her body home, carves it up into 12 pieces, and sends these remains throughout Israel to evoke outrage over what had happened.

Disturbing.

It worked though. In the next chapter, the other tribes of Israel attack the tribe of Benjamin for the atrocity at Gibeah. They demanded that the wicked men be handed over, but were refused. The Israelites seek God's guidance and then attack. They were defeated, consulted the Lord again, and then were victorious. Thousands died on both sides, and Gibeah was destroyed by fire. The wicked men should have been handed over, but instead they deemed tribal loyalty more important than justice. More tragically, Israel is spiritually compromised and tearing itself apart.

Judges 21 concludes the book with a sense of tragedy instead of triumph. The tribe of Benjamin was nearly wiped out in the civil war. Israel regretted the bloodshed but felt trapped by their rash oath to not give their daughters to any Benjaminites. To resolve the problem, they attacked Jabesh-Gilead, slew the men, and gave the 400 female survivors to the Benjaminites. To get the other 200 wives they needed for them, the Israelites abducted dancing young women at a festival in Shiloh. All the tribes return home.

Yeah, deeply compromised morally.

II. Psalm 148 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A psalm of praise in which all creation is called to glorify God. The summons begins at the top of the created order with the angelic realm and works down from the sky above to the earth below, reaching to the depths of the sea. Living and nonliving creatures are participants in this cosmic chorus of praise. Israel, in particular, is the people whose mission is the worship of the one true God. Psalm 148 is one of the primary inspirations behind the Song of the Three Young Men in Dan 3:28-68. (p. 956)

That's it for today!

Day 94: Samson and Delilah

Today's readings: Judges 16-18 and Psalm 147.

I. Judges 16 recounts the final events in the life of Samson. He falls in love with another Philistine woman, this time Delilah. Unbeknownst to him, Delilah was bribe her to learn the secret of Samson's strength. He apparently doesn't fully trust her, so he misleads her three times, defeating Philistine soldiers who thought they had found out the secret. 

At this point in the story, I have to wonder just how smart Samson really is, or perhaps how much he was thinking with the "other head" instead of the one on his shoulders. First, she's a pagan from the enemy nation. He gets clear evidence of her betraying him three times, yet doesn't leave her. Samson wouldn't have known that she was being bribed, but her betrayals should have given him a clue. On the other hand, we all can be blinded by our sins and passions, so it's difficult not to feel for the guy since his weaknesses are still being shared around the world about 3,100 years later.

Back to the story. Samson finally tells Delilah the real secret, which she passes on to the Philistines, then he is captured, has his eyes gouged out, and is forced to grind grain in prison. The Philistines gather at the temple of their pagan god to celebrate Samson's capture. He repents and cries out to God, and pushes apart the temple's supporting pillars, causing the building to collapse. He dies and, by this act, kills more Philistines than all those during his life. 

In the next chapter, there is an odd story about a man named Micah who stole silver from his mother and returned it after hearing that she had put a curse on whoever took it. There seems to be confusion about the law at this time because she takes some of the silver to have a graven image made for the Lord. Micah has a private home shrine to household gods? He hires a Levite to be the priest for this shrine. It's all a bit confusing to me and strikes me as very superstitious behavior. It could be that the latter is partly what was meant in this verse:

In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes. (Judg 17:6)

Judges 18 continues the story of Micah and shows that the chaos had spread throughout Israel. The Danites wanted new territory and sent out spies to look for it. Laish was deemed vulnerable, and they conquered it, renaming it for their tribe. On the way there, they stopped off at Micah's shrine and stole the images and valuable items, and persuaded the Levite priest to join them. He did. The chapter ends with a shrine being established in Dan to house the stolen images and with the Levite priest appointed.

II. Psalm 147 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A psalm of praise. Four calls are issued to the covenant people under the names Jerusalem/Zion and Jacob/Israel. The Lord is worthy of lauds because he is the Builder, Protector, and Benefactor of the city and of people chosen by him. His care and attention to the natural world mirror his goodness to the nation of Israel... (p. 956)

That's all for today!

Day 93: Strengths and Weaknesses

Today's readings: Judges 12-15 and Psalm 146.

I. Judges 12 recounts the final events of the leadership of Jephthah and then briefly mentions three judges after him: Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon. Of course, there was violent intertribal rivalry, which plagued Jephthah to be sure before his death.

In the next chapter, we find the story of Samson, one of the most famous judges of Israel. His father, Manoah, and his wife both received an angelic visit telling them that they would bear a son who would be a Nazirite. The chapter concludes with the birth of Samson.

Judges 14 begins with Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman (mistake), his public career, and introduces the conflict between his divine calling and his own personal weaknesses. He was quite a character, what with slaying a lion, eating honey from its carcass, and killing Philistines to pay off a debt to others of their countrymen.

In today's last chapter, Samson has conflict with the Philistine rulers over Israel. First, his father-in-law had given away his wife to Samson's companion, offering a younger sister instead. He refused and, through some animal cruelty, destroyed Philistine fields with crops, vineyards, and olive groves. They were outraged and burned to death Samson's wife and father-in-law in retaliation. He slaughtered many of them in return, and after being handed over to the Philistines, killed many more with the "jawbone of an ass."

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

Samson is not a particularly "good guy." He is a "hero" because he is strong, but he is not wise. He is consecrated, but he is not living a consecrated life... Though strong, Samson has many weaknesses, particularly his passions: his anger and lust will get him into trouble. Like Samson, we all have certain strengths and weaknesses. Rather than despairing about our weaknesses or dismissing them, we take them up to the Lord and ask him to heal us and purify us. We humbly ask him to help us so our weaknesses will not be our downfall, as they will be for Samson. (p. 198)

II. Psalm 146 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A psalm of praise. It invites the covenant people to look for help, not in earthly aristocrats, but in the God of Jacob. Trust in princes is misplaced and bound to disappoint; but trust in the Lord is a firm basis for hope. He is the world's all-powerful Creator as well as its all-benevolent King, who helps those who are powerless to escape their plight, such as those who are poor, oppressed, hungry, imprisoned, blind, sojourning, widowed, and orphaned. (p. 955)

There is a lot of wisdom in this psalm. Every mortal ruler or politician will let us down, for they too are human and fallible, capable of sin like the rest of us. Our complete trust, therefore, is far better for the Infinite, with God alone. 

That's it for today!

Day 92: Jephthah's Vow

 Today's readings: Judges 9-11, Ruth 4, and Psalm 137.

I. Judges 9 tells the story of Abimelech, one of Gideon's sons, and describes his rise and fall as a ruler in Israel. He began his usurped reign by murdering his brothers, which reminds me of many Ottoman rulers who would seize the throne centuries later. Yet he missed one, the youngest: Jotham, who would curse Abimelech and Shechem for this murderous sin. God must have heard him, because rivalry between the two arose within 3 years. Shechem rebels, Abimelech destroys it, and finally, Abimelech was killed while laying siege to Thebez.

In the next chapter, we are first given two judges who arose: Tola and Jair, leaders of Israel for 45 years of relative stability. What happened next shouldn't be too surprising given the narrative to date: Israel fell into idolatry again. God allows them to be oppressed by the Ammonites and Philistines as punishment. When the Israelites call out to Him in distress, He delivers this rather biting line:

Go and cry to the gods whom you have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your distress. (Judg 10:14)

Yet, when they repent and "serve the Lord," God "became indignant over the misery of Israel." The chapter ends with the forces of Israel's foes encamped at Gilead, while Israel was at Mizpah, wondering who would lead them in battle.

In Judges 11, the answer is found. Jephthah, who had been driven out by his brothers for being illegitimate, was nevertheless chosen to lead Israel's forces. He was victorious, but had made a rash vow to sacrifice the first thing that came out of the door of his house. I'm sure he was thinking it would be one of his animals, but it wasn't. His daughter, his only child, was the first out the door. She was sacrificed as per his thoughtless vow.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, agrees:

"Heroes" of the Bible can be good and strong in some ways but can also be foolish and unfaithful. This rash vow of Jephthah is an example to avoid. We always want to make wise promises to the Lord rather than acting rashly. God does not desire the death of the living but that all might have fullness of life. (p. 196)

II. Ruth 4 concludes this charming short story of Ruth and Boaz with redemption, marriage, and the birth of a child who becomes part of the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus Christ. Boaz redeems Ruth, the two marry, and they have a son, Obed. The book ends with the genealogy of David down through Obed.

III. Psalm 137 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. Its setting is the Babylonian Exile in the sixth century B.C., when Jewish captives wept over the fall of Jerusalem and refused to sing songs of joyful praise at the behest of their captors. It ends with an imprecatory prayer in which the Psalmist expresses an intense desire for justice. His hope is that God's punishment on Zion's conquerors will equal the magnitude of the atrocities committed against its inhabitants. (p. 948) 

That's all for today!

Day 91: Gideon's Story

Today's readings: Judges 6-8, Ruth 3, and Psalm 135.

I. Judges 6 introduces Gideon, called by God during a period when Israel was being oppressed by Midian. Israel's plight was due to its sin against the Lord. Yet Gideon, who, in his own words, was from a clan that's "the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family," but was still called. This will happen again and again in Scripture, where God will use what the world considers weakest or lowest to do His bidding, as seen most clearly in the life of Jesus here on earth. That aspect is something I've always enjoyed. Gideon then took a bull, tore down his town's altar to Baal and the Asherah pole, built an altar to the Lord, and made a sacrifice to Him. The next morning, the townspeople were outraged, but Gideon's father defended him. The chapter ends with Gideon asking God for a sign that He will deliver Israel, which He grants.

In the next chapter, Gideon gathers an army of 32,000 to fight the Midianites and the Amalekites. Yet, God winnows Gideon's forces down to just 300 men by various methods. With this small force, Gideon attacks his enemies, who fled in terror. Two princes of Midian were captured and executed.

Judges 8 recounts how Gideon pursued two Midianite kings, routing their army again and capturing them. He also took revenge upon Sukkot and Penuel, who had refused food to his men. Then the Midianite kings were executed for killing his brothers. Gideon is offered the opportunity to rule over Israel, which he turns down. However, he falls into idolatry, whether intentionally or not, by fashioning an ephod out of captured gold. In his later years, Gideon subdues Midian, Israel enjoys peace for forty years, and he dies an honored man. Israel soon after, though, goes back to worshipping Baal instead of God and fails to show gratitude to Gideon's family.

II. Ruth 3 gives the climax of the story, with Naomi coming up with a plan for Ruth to seek marriage and protection from Boaz.

As the BIY Companion, Vol I, notes:

In Ruth 3, we see the "kinsman-redeemer" (goel) as a defined role in the life of Israel. If an Israelite falls into slavery, loses land, or is killed, a kinsman-redeemer will rescue him or her or ensure justice (see Lev 25:25, 25:48, Num 35). A kinsman-redeemer will also carry on the family name by marrying a childless widow (see Deut 25:5-10) - like Ruth. The role of the kinsman-redeemer is to buy people out of slavery. Through his passion, death, and resurrection, this is what Jesus has done. He has redeemed us from the slavery of death by dying and rising from the dead so that you and I can have eternal life. (p. 194)

Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer, a type of Christ foreshadowing His greater acts.

III. Psalm 135 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed): 

A psalm of praise. The Lord is worshipped for his sovereignty over the natural world and for his goodness toward Israel, evidenced by the election, deliverance, and victories given to his people in early biblical history. He is a God far superior to the idols of the nations, which are nothing but the lifeless creations of men. The psalm ends with invitations for the whole congregation to bless the Lord. (p. 946)

That's all for today!

Day 90: Ruth and Boaz

Today's readings: Judges 4-5, Ruth 2, and Psalm 134.

I. Judges 4 tells the story of Israel's deliverance from oppression through Deborah and Barak, and the defeat of the Canaanite commander Sisera. The end of this chapter reads a bit like Judith, in that Jael kills Sisera in his sleep, or perhaps the other way around. It's almost as if there were female Jewish assassins of the oppressors of Israel!

In the next chapter, we find the Song of Deborah, one of the oldest poetic passages in the Bible. It celebrates the victory over the Canaanites and praises God for delivering Israel. After the song, the chapter ends with this:

And the land had rest for forty years. (Judg 5:31)

A very violent, brutal time, but it does show that God can use unexpected instruments and rules over all creation.

II. Ruth 2 tells how God begins providing for Ruth and Naomi through the kindness of Boaz. It is fitting that Boaz's compassion will become ancestral to Jesus. He serves as a type or foreshadowing of Christ.

III. Psalm 134 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes:

A liturgy for nighttime prayer in the Temple. Continuing the theme of "blessing" from 133:3, it invites worshippers to bless the Lord in prayer (134:1-2) and invokes the Lord's blessings upon them in return (134:3). (p. 946)

That's it for today!