Apr 2 – 5 Lent Ezekiel 37:1-14 The Valley of Dry Bones Background: The prophet Ezekiel is a major prophet in Israel’s existence. He is a member of the priestly line who was active in the span from 593-571 BCE – the years around Jerusalem’s fall to the Babylonians. Ezekiel offered words of judgment and […]
Mar 26 – 4 Lent 1 Samuel 16:1-13 David Anointed as King Background: The books of Samuel describe the origins of kingship in Israel and detail the reigns of the first two kings, Saul and David. The book of First Samuel begins with the anointing of Saul as King by Samuel, Saul’s fall from God’s […]
Mar 19 – 3 Lent Exodus 17:1-7 Water from the Rock Background: The book of Exodus has two distinct settings each with a distinct portion of Israel’s story. The first 12 chapters detail Israel’s slavery in and deliverance from Egypt. Chapters 19-40 detail the establishment of the cultic practice and Israel’s wandering in the desert. […]
Mar 12 – 2 Lent Genesis 12:1-4a The Call of Abram Background: The first 11 chapters of Genesis set the stage for creation and provide a broad-brush picture of the state of humanity; beginning in the Garden of Eden, traversing the Flood, and finally with the Tower of Babel. Chapter 12 begins the Abraham Cycle […]
Mar 5 – 1 Lent Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 In the Garden The First Sin and Its Punishment Background: Genesis is held by Jew and Christian alike as a book that was dictated by God to Moses; although there is little information in the Hebrew Bible to support this claim. Genesis is a rich book unique […]