Monthly Archives: September 2011
Family Ties and Tangles (Judges Continued)
This post is part of a series on the book of Judges. You may want to go back to the first, second, and third posts to catch up.
Ancient inheritance tradition allowed for the firstborn to inherit a double-portion. All remaining sons would then equally divide the remains.
According to this tradition, there should have been twelve portions of land, with a double-portion going to Reuben. Reuben, however, lost his inheritance by sleeping with his father’s concubines. Joseph had died, but his two sons assumed both his inheritance and the portion allotted to Rueben, leaving twelve remaining tribes of Israel.
Of the twelve tribes of Israel, two are not mentioned in the account of conquests (Isaachar and Gad). Of the ten that are mentioned, only two are credited any success (Simeon and Judah). None are credited with complete obedience.
I mentioned yesterday that Caleb may not have been considered a true Israelite. He was a distant descendant of Judah and did receive a large portion of Judah’s land, but there are some interesting details to his story. His name is first listed as Chelubai (1 Chron. 2:9), an Arab derivative. A few verses later it’s changed to Caleb. The first name may indicate that his family left the Hebrew faith in favor of his great-grandmother’s (Tamar’s) Canaanite heritage. The name change to Caleb may have happened when he re-aligned his family with the Israelites during the Exodus from Egypt. Interestingly, “Caleb” means “dog” in Hebrew, and dogs lived on the outskirts of the community.
Regardless of what he was called, Caleb was one of the spies who trusted in God when Israel first approach the Promised Land (Joshua 14:6—15). Because of his faithfulness, he was guaranteed by Joshua and God to receive the land of Hebron. Caleb waited forty-five years for the fulfillment of that promise!
Read more about Caleb in Numbers 13-14, Joshua 14-18, and, of course, Judges. See his genealogy in 1 Chronicles 2.
Another major Bible character lived at the same time as the judges is Ruth. She has interesting ties to Jacob’s family as well.
Ruth was a Moabitess, that is a descendant of Moab who was the fruit of Lot’s incestuous relationship with his daughter.
You may remember that after God saved Lot and his family from destruction in Sodom, Lot’s daughters became distressed that they would never marry and therefore never have children. It’s another typical case of rapid human forgetfulness. Hadn’t God just rescued them? Couldn’t He provide a future for them as well? Anyway, the girls’ great plan was to get their father drunk and sleep with him. Well, it worked. Kind of. The two sisters had two children named Ben-Ammi (which means “son of my father”) and Moab. Those boys grew to become the fathers of the Ammonites and the Moabites, people so hated by the Hebrews that they were forbidden to enter the assembly of the Lord to the tenth generations! Ruth was one of those.
When there was a famine in Bethlehem (a name which ironically means “house of bread”), one particular Israelite family – Elimelech, Naomi and their two sons Mahlon and Kilion – moved to Moab. There the boys married Ruth and Orpah and then all three of the men died. You know the story: Ruth pledges her life and devotion to her mother-in-law and eventually everyone lives happily ever after back in Bethlehem with Boaz as Ruth’s new husband.
Now let’s back up and look at Boaz.
Boaz was the son of Rahab, the prostitute who lived in the wall of Jericho and hid the Israelite spies. She made a deal with them and they rescued her family. She later married Salmon, a man believed to be one of those spies.
And who was the other spy? We don’t know. It could have been Caleb. Scripture doesn’t mention the names of either of the two men. We do know, however, that Caleb and Salmon were contemporaries. By the time of Judges, Caleb was already eighty-five years old.
Now if this isn’t worthy of your favorite reality show or daytime drama, I don’t know what is.
Want more? Check out these books:
- Premium Roast with Ruth by Sandra Glahn – This is part of the same Bible study series as our current workbook on Judges!
- The Gospel of Ruth by Carolyn Custis James – This book is really about Naomi, but, of course, Ruth is well covered, too.
- Lost Women of the Bible by Carolyn Custis James – Great concise character studies of women like Tamar and others
- Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers – Five short novellas of the five women listed in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary — While these are fictionalized accounts, the author also includes Bible studies at the end of each.
- Sons of Encouragement by Francine Rivers — I mentioned this the other day. It includes a short novella on the life of Caleb.
Judges: Chapters 1-3
This post is the third of a series studying the biblical book of Judges. If you’re just joining us, you may want to go back to the beginning. Follow these links to the first and second posts.
The book of Judges opens with one major question: Who will be our leader?
Caleb, Acsah & Othniel
- Judges 1:12—15
- Joshua 15:13—19
As the tribes divide to conquer their different portions of land, the account of Judah’s tribe offers a little sidebar in which Caleb promises his daughter, Acsah, as a bride to anyone who helps him conquer his land. The author of our study frequently reminds us to view Scripture in accurate context and not merely through our own cultural lenses. In light of the culture, this really wasn’t a terrible thing.
Caleb’s offer presents Acsah as a prize, both to be GIVEN and to be WON. Othniel won proving himself to be a worthy husband, a leader devoted to the Lord. He later became a judge and a rescuer of God’s people. (Judges 3:9—11) Sounds like a pretty good husband to me!
Some in our group last night felt that Scripture revealed a good relationship between this father-daughter duo. Others found Acsah to be manipulative and a bit spoiled. While we may not be able to precisely identify Acsah’s character, we know for sure that the men in her life loved the Lord and trusted in Him.
A Pattern of Disobedience
- Judges 1:19—34
The Tribes of Israel were instructed to eliminate the ungodly people living in the region. This passage repeatedly illustrates their consistent disobedience. Look for these two phrases throughout Judges Chapter 1: “did not conquer” and “lived among them.”
There is one point I want to make about the “lived among them” statement. God specifically ordered the Israelites to eliminate all the tribes of Canaan because of their false Gods. It was not a matter of heartless genocide, but rather a measure of protection for the Israelites.
Intermarrying and co-habitation are not sins UNLESS they worship false gods. Consider Rahab (Joshua 2:1—21, 6:22—25), Zipporah (Exodus 2:16—22), and the many Egyptians who joined the Israelites after the plagues against Pharaoh (Exodus 12:38). Even Caleb was descended from a family outside of Israel. All of these are examples of foreigners who left their gods to follow the one, true and living God.
The Mosaic Law allows for the care of foreigners and aliens. God even instructed them to build “cities of refuge” for outsiders, refugees and contrite criminals.
The indication here in Judges that these people were “living among them” does not symbolize hospitality, but rather spiritual compromise. (Judges 3: 5—6; Joshua 24:15) Spiritual compromise is always a sin.
- In what way are we “living among them” with a compromised faith?
Creating a Legacy of Faith
- Judges 2:6—10, 2:16—3:4
- Deuteronomy 4:9
- 1 Corinthians 11:1
- Ephesians 5:1
Joshua, Caleb and the judges serves as leaders and examples. They provided visible, tangible models for the Israelites to imitate. After 400 years of being slaves, of having their every move dictated to them, the Israelites were weak in their faith and immature in their devotion to God. They needed leaders – thus the institution of judges – but, sadly, when those leaders died, so did the faith of their people.
- How can we pass on a sustainable faith to the next generation?
The Dangers of Drifting
- Judges 3:7
- Hebrews 2:1
“One of the greatest dangers of the Christian life is
losing interest in what is familiar.”
Drifting is not something that happens instantaneously. It is a gradual neglect, a slow moving away from what once impassioned us. It is forgetting what once left you awe-struck.
- Think of a time when you drifted from your faith. Did anything bring you there?
- Why signs can you watch for that might indicate you are drifting?
- Drifting happens by simply doing nothing. What are some specific things you can do to keep your “first love” fresh? What are ways to renew a cooled passion?
Extreme Obedience
- Judges 3:15—31
- Hebrews 2:3
“Help me to love people fiercely and to hate evil courageously.”
An incredible sacrifice deserves an incredible response. Ehud and Shamgar offer concise, yet precise examples of extreme obedience.
Ehud’s story initially seems … well, juvenile and a bit gross and graphic. But it’s so cool! He was just one man, and yet he had the faith and the courage to take on the oppressive king then rally his people toward freedom. Sure, there were some details of fat oozing over the embedded sword and confused servants thinking the dying man is really just having bowel issues, but the point of the story is radical. Ehud showed obedience and extreme faith in our God.
Poor Shamgar only gets one verse, but it’s a good one. Though years after most of the other Israelites had forgotten, Shamgar remembered God’s instructions and promises. Not only did he remember, he acted upon them until his obedience was complete.
- Think of a time when you have shown extreme obedience. What were the results?
- How can you exhibit extreme obedience in this time of your life?
In our discussion last night we also talked about the value of extreme obedience. Is there ever a time when it’s not worth it?
Let’s discuss!
Use the comments section to talk about any of the questions posted here. Share any other observations you’ve had from the first three chapters of Judges.
NEXT TIME: This post is already quite long, so I’ll post tomorrow some more thoughts on these characters, including some biblical genealogy and parallel lives. I also have some bonus reading suggestions for bibliophiles like myself. 
In two weeks we’ll dive into chapters 4 and 5.
Bible Study Reminder
Tonight is our second in-house meet for Java with the Judges Bible study! If you’re local, I hope to see you at 8pm. If you’re not, get ready for our discussion here on the website tomorrow.
As a reminder, we’ll be discussing the first “week” in the workbook (pages 1-21).
If you don’t have the workbook, don’t worry! Just read the first three chapters of Judges. You’ll be good to go.
(You can still get the workbook, if you want, by clicking on the cover image.)
Key characters include:
- Caleb
- Acsah (Caleb’s daughter)
- Othniel (Acsah’s husband and the first judge)
- Ehud (the second judge)
- Shamgar (the third judge)
We’ll be discussing the downward cultural spiral that initiated the need for judges (and how that relates to us today). We’ll also talk about the roles of leaders, extreme obedience and the dangers of drifting. I’ll also toss in a few added details about ancient inheritance traditions, family lines and the faithfulness of God’s promises.
Sounds like fun – right? I know I’m looking forward to it!
ps: I just started reading a novelized account of Caleb. Francine Rivers is an historical author who does a fabulous job putting flesh on accurate Biblical study. So far this is a very interesting read.
Right now you can get the whole series — “Sons of Encouragement” — in paperback or on your kindle for a steal. It’s actually five novellas for the price of one! The series includes character studies of Aaron, Caleb, Jonathan, Amos and Silas.
Easy Homeschooling … Or Not.
Yesterday I posted a sort of brain dump. I was having a frustrating moment (in the middle of one of our three-hour homework teeth-pulling sessions) and needed to vent. This morning, however, I feel a more balanced perspective may be in order. (This is a long one, so get ready.)
If you missed yesterday’s rant, click here.
Is homeschooling easier?
Yes and no.
YES: It is designed to work around your family. That means the curriculum is flexible, specific to your child(ren), your goals, your values, and your schedule. You do it when you want to do it and how you want to do it. Aside from state education testing and standards, you really don’t have to answer to anyone for anything. If you want to go to school all summer and then take off the month of February, go for it. If you want to have school at night or only on the weekends, feel free! It’s easy because you don’t have a boss or someone else’s agenda to match. (I mentioned most of the positives to this answer in yesterday’s post.)
NO: It’s a lot of work to coordinate all of the studies, especially if you have multiple children with different learning styles, strengths and subjects. Ellie really struggles with some things that come easily to Zach. When the kids learn at different paces, it can be very difficult to maintain momentum and appropriate skill levels for their ages. It’s a juggling act, one that takes practice to perfect.
On top of that, if you lack personal discipline (which, let’s face it, we all could grow there), homeschooling is definitely not easier. Sometimes we need other people telling us what to do. It can be very easy to sit back and say “I don’t feel like doing school today. Let’s have a field trip instead!” Then before you know it Read the rest of this entry
Homeschooling is easier.
There.
I’ve said it.
I never thought I would — not in a million years — but there it is.
I always thought homeschooling was too much work and that I could never do it. That the pressure would drive me insane, and the lack of personal time and space would drive me to DYFS. I felt unqualified and stifled by the possibility. The mere thought made me nervous, like a thousand little ants crawling beneath my clothes.
But I was wrong. I can do it. And I did do it. And I actually really liked it. In fact, I can now admit that homeschooling is easier.
The truth is that I hate being at the mercy of not one, but multiple teachers’ schedules and agendas. I hate being responsible to someone else for my kids’ presence at all times. I hate having to explain myself to others and submit to their policies and requirements. (Seriously? My kids can’t have cupcakes at a birthday party any more?) I hate knowing that the public school works for me and is paid by me yet believes they know better than I what’s best for my children.
I hate forcing my kids to do homework that I know is too easy for them. It takes hours — I kid you not. — of cajoling, bribery and raw frustration to get them to finish their boring assignments. And I don’t blame them. The poor kids have been stuck in an institutional brick building for six hours after which I immediately ask them to sit down and do more work. It’s torture for them, but perhaps more for me. I don’t blame the teachers, either! They’re doing their jobs and I’m thankful for it. Read the rest of this entry
A New Book and a Giveaway from Susan May Warren
Susan May Warren is one of my very favorite authors. I have read more than ten of her books in the past two years. I love her spunky contemporary characters and am thrilled to see this same strength applied to her latest historical drama, Heiress.
About the book: A richly complex historical romance, Heiress is the first in Susan’s three book Daughters of Fortune series.
The beautiful and wealthy heiress daughters of August Price can buy everything their hearts desire. But what if their desire is to be loved, without an enormous price tag attached? When one sister betrays another for the sake of love, will she find happiness? And what happens when the other sets out across the still untamed frontier to find it—will she discover she’s left it behind in the glamorous world of the New York gilded society? What price will each woman pay for being an heiress?
Set in the opulent world of the Gilded Age, two women discover that being an heiress just might cost them everything they love.
Find out what the reviewers are saying here.
About the author: Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan and her husband returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where their family is active in their local church. She’s also busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) Read the rest of this entry
J with the J: Intro
I wish I were a rapper. Well, not really, but a title like that makes me wish I had at least some rhythmic skills to speak of. I don’t. I can’t even clap and sing at the same time. My daughter — God bless her! — has inherited my distinct “whiteness” and yet, thanks to The Electric Company, is convinced she has a career as a beat-boxer. Oh, Shock, you have no idea what you’ve inspired.
And with that lovely and not-at-all relevant segue, let’s talk about Judges!
(This post is part of a series. Those not privy may want to see where it started. Click here.)
Last week I started a study on the book of Judges. Our first meeting consisted mostly of logistics: handing out workbooks, discussing the schedule, introducing one another and the topic. The real meat and potatoes will start at our next gathering which will be on September 28th. (We’ll have the online discussion on the 29th.)
First things first: What is our purpose? Why do this?
Sounds like a simple question, right? Well, yes, until you acknowledge how many questions are hidden within those two little ones. Let’s take a closer look. Read the rest of this entry
Java with the Judges
Do you want to do a Bible study with me? C’mon. Say “yes.” I know you want to.
This blog has hosted series about specific Biblical characters (Bathsheba, for one) or hot topics (like prayer). We also did the two-year Read with Me Challenge which encouraged accountability with daily devotions and Scripture reading goals. But we’ve never done an actual, interactive Bible study. I think it’s time.
Last night I kicked off a new study. A small group of women will be gathering at my home twice a month to dive into Scripture, specifically the book of Judges. However, a number of people can’t make it. They live too far away; the night doesn’t work with their schedule; there are lots of reasons. So we’re expanding the group with an online extension, and we would love to have you join us.
Here’s how this will work.
- We all get the same workbook. (More on that in a minute.)
- We do the homework individually.
- The in-house group will meet and discuss twice a month.
- I will post here the morning after each meet. For copyright reasons I cannot divulge too much from the actual workbook study, so my posts will consist of extra material I add to the study and highlights from the group discussion the night before.
- Everyone (in-house and online) can then engage in a lively discussion via the comments section.
Sound good?
If you’re in, get yourself a copy of Sandra Glahn’s Java with the Judges. Your local Christian bookstore should have it. If they can’t get it for you, you can purchase it online at Amazon.com or Christianbook.com.
The study is designed with daily readings throughout the week and encourages once a week group meetings. We’re stretching it out a bit. You’ll have two weeks to do one week’s worth of “homework.” This makes it very, very do-able, even for those of us with chaotic, overbooked schedules.
Our in-house group will meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Our online discussions will be the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. With six “weeks” of study, we’ll be done before Christmas.
I’ll post some more about last night’s meeting soon. In the meantime, please allow the Fabulous Bentley Brothers to introduce you to our Bible book of choice.
The 10-Minute Post
I am giving myself precisely ten minutes to write something here and I’m going to try my best not to edit it.
Why would one do this, you ask. Well, I don’t know exactly, except that I feel a nudge to post something and I that’s all the time I have before I must leave to get in line for pick-up at school. (I really miss being able to walk to school.)
My last post was about this awkward idleness that seems to have overtaken me. Some of you mistaken took my ramblings to mean I have nothing to do. (HA!) I actually have a butt-load lovely host of activities that should be occupying my time and I am trying to be disciplined and methodical about attacking them. No, I haven’t created a written list (or as is typical in my case, an overly-elaborate spreadsheet), but I have ticked logged a number of mental notes. Some wise, experienced moms who have already survived this first phase of empty nest have begged me strongly encouraged me to take my time in filling my time. My brilliant husband has advised the same. So I’m trying to revel in this time, take it slow and prayerfully consider how best to fill these silent hours.
And they will be filled, I have no doubt.
For starters, I am teaching a new Bible study this fall. A group of women from my community will be joining me every other Wednesday night for a dive into the Old Testament book of Judges. If you care to join us, we’ll be using this book. I plan to post our progress and major discussion points on the Thursdays following our meetings.
Three minutes left. I’ve already failed at the “no editing” challenge.
The kids have completed their first week (four days, actually) of school. During that time I thought of many, many things I could do while they’re there. Things I haven’t done in a very long time. Some things I don’t remember ever doing.
Like getting my hair cut on a weekday afternoon.
Or going shopping without first checking my purse’s supply of juice boxes, raisins and/or graham crackers.
I could drive into the city and hit a museum or two.
Or go to Victoria’s Secret and actually buy the things I want to buy without having people give me that “Hey, woman behind the double stroller! Haven’t you had enough yet?” look.
Oh, the possibilities … Of course, the things most forefront in my mind are finishing up the hundred projects started around the house, writing reviews for the two rather large stacks of books beside my bed and keeping up with a new year of public school. And one of these days I will eventually get back to those books I’ve started but never completed.
Time. It is stretched out before me with endless possibilities.
God, grant me an abundance of wisdom so that I may not waste a drop.
And time’s up.
Awkwardly Idle
I woke with great aspirations of becoming a highly successful matchmaker for lonely socks. You know that basket that has hidden in the back of my closet for months wishing children valued quarters just a little bit more? Bribery has ceased to be effective. What’s worse?
This is my first full day at home alone in more than seven years. Seven years, six months and four days, to be exact.
I haven’t a clue what to do.
Yes, I know there are millions of things I could be doing. After my dreams of becoming Yente, I thought maybe I should purge and re-organize the abyss of plastic taking up an entire corner of my kitchen cabinets. My house is already clean, and the laundry is going. I know there are more tasks around here than those. I could sew that quilt I’ve been planning for months or finally hem the curtains in the bathroom. Or finish a few more purses. Or write. Or read. Motivation eludes me.
While talking with the kids the other night I asked them “What am I going to do when you’re gone all day?” Ellie suggested that I relax.
How does one do that again?
One more experienced and well-intentioned friend suggested I take up shopping. That’s what she did. Another suggested going to the movies. That’s what she did. Neither of those options appeal to me too much. And so I sit awkwardly idle waiting until it’s time to collect my precious charges from school.
