Feb 19 – 7 Epiphany Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 Ritual and Moral Holiness Background: Leviticus may be better known for its early rabbinic name which translates to the “Priests’ Manual.” While this book may be the Priests’ Manual most, if not all, the regulations in it are meant for the entire community; yet this book does […]
Feb 12 – 6 Epiphany Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Exhortation to Choose Life Background: The book of Deuteronomy is the last book of the Pentateuch – the five books of Moses. This book is often viewed as a series of addresses offered by Moses to the Israelites prior to their entry into the land of promise. Towards […]
Feb 5 – 5 Epiphany Isaiah 58:1-12 False and True Worship Background: This passage is a portion of the book of Isaiah commonly referred to as Third Isaiah (Chapters 55-66). This section is often viewed as a series of oracles from unknown prophets following the Babylonian exile. Third Isaiah can be seen as an exhortation […]
Jan 29 – 4 Epiphany Micah 6:1-8 God Challenges Israel What God Requires Background: The Book of Micah is the sixth of the twelve Minor Prophets. It is broadly categorized as announcements of punishment and salvation. Micah was a prophet during the period 742 to 698 BCE. Some of the latter portion of this book, […]
Jan 22 – 3 Epiphany Isaiah 9:1-4 The Righteous Reign of the Coming King Background: This passage is taken from the portion of the Prophet Isaiah often referred to as First Isaiah (Chapters 1-39). This passage can be tentatively dated to the Syro-Eprhaimite war (735-732 BCE). This passage borrows from other Ancient Near-east eulogies for […]