Joshua Briefing

You've read the Pentateuch (5 books), and now you're ready to read Joshua. Some refer to the 5 books of Moses and Joshua combined as the Hexateuch (6 books), but we won't worry about that.

There are a few things to watch for as you're reading. Moses is dead and there's a new sheriff in town - Joshua. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness tending his father-in-law's sheep before taking leadership of the Hebrew people. Joshua had a 40-year apprenticeship under Moses. Now that Joshua is in charge, does he mentor anyone to fill the gap that will exist once he's gone?

There are three military campaigns detailed in the book of Joshua. The first is for the central kingdoms, the second for the kingdoms to the south, and the final campaign for the kingdoms to the north. Notice once the military campaigns are completed, Canaan is still by no means conquered. There are still plenty of enemies to be dealt with, and the work won't be done until the time of King David... if even then.

Notice the covenant at Shechem. This is a major step when Israel and all the people groups they have assimilated join together in pledging their faithfulness to Yahweh. We'll talk more about that in a week or so.

Leviticus Briefing

As it's name implies, Leviticus deals with rules and regulations for the Levitical priesthood, in which the writer(s)' primary concern is holiness. In Leviticus, holiness is ascribed to God, and to people. Regarding God, Levitical holiness has to do with his otherness - his difference from you and me and the rest of creation. Regarding people, Levitical holiness has to do with our obedience to God's commands.

Either way, Leviticus speaks to Israel's interest in holiness.

Leviticus is where we lose some people. Some, understandably, have a little trouble getting through the detailed (and sometimes repetitive) information. Consider Leviticus a guidebook for experiencing God's presence (holiness is required), and for how to be readmitted into God's presence once we've messed up.

Keep reading. It's worth it!

Exodus Briefing

We've read Genesis, which means beginning, and now we're ready for Exodus. It's no secret that a synonym for exodus is exit. This is the story of Israel's exit (stage right) from Egypt. However, Exodus is also a Genesis of sorts. The exodus is where the nation of Israel begins. When Israel looks back over its history, the most pivotal event is their escape from Egypt. It's Moses and the plagues and the Red Sea crossing and Sinai and the wilderness, all culminating at the Plains of Moab across the Jordan from Jericho, waiting on Joshua's command to cross the river and claim the land of promise.

As we read, try and keep in mind that Israeli exile in Babylon, turning over and over in his mind the exodus from Egypt, wondering when God will facilitate a similar exodus from Persia... thinking about Joshua and the Israelites claiming the land, and wondering when he'll get the same opportunity to reclaim the land.

Also, ask the questions: Why did the early church see in the exodus an illustration of our release from sin through Jesus Christ? What promise am I waiting to claim? What can I learn from Moses and the nation of Israel that will aid me in my wilderness journey toward claiming my promised land?

Genesis Briefing

A few days back I encouraged you to ask the right questions.

Consider that what you're about to read, although dealing with events that are undatable (any dates assigned to Genesis 1-11 would be conjecture at best), probably came to its finished written form sometime during the Babylonian exile of Jacob's descendants, or shortly thereafter. We're talking the mid 6th century B.C. (somewhere around 550 B.C.)

Sometimes the Pentateuch (1st 5 books of the Bible, also called the Law, Torah, or the Books of Moses) is referred to as the story of pre-land Israel. Genesis through Deuteronomy tell the story of the people of Israel, their descent into Egypt, the Exodus, receiving the Law, wilderness wanderings, and finally their assembly on the far banks of the Jordan River, ready to go in and take the Promised Land. So what you're reading is the story of one landless Hebrew people as understood by its exiled descendants, also a landless people.

Consider how this story would read to a Hebrew exile, cut off from the land of his ancestors, yet dreaming of returning there soon.

You'll want to explore why God dealt with his people (Adam, Abraham, Jacob and Moses) as he did. Also, inquire as to the message intended for that Israelite refugee. Finally, as you read his story, determine what God might be speaking into your story.