Trying The Patience of God

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting December 5 to study Multiply by Francis Chan.  I'm going to assume you've read Part III, Chapter 1 (or Chapter 7 for consistency).  If you haven't, go back and do that first.  In fact, read it a few times to get a sense of some of Chan's details on who, what, why, and so on.

Next, we're going to study a passage he didn't bring up.  I tried to come up with an example of of the dangers of not doing what he suggests.  Since in these cultures, literacy is not common, specific references in Scripture are difficult.  Instead, I keyed off of what reading the Bible should be to us, hearing from God.  Now that I have plenty of examples of in Scripture.

We're going to look at Exodus 3 and 4 (or parts of each anyway).  This is the conversation at the burning bush.  I think Moses pretty well covers most of our excuses, and finally exhausts God's patience.

Read through Exodus 3:1-17, then 4:1-14.  As a footnote, read 4:24-26.  Read these through several times.  You're looking for peculiarities, but also look at the flow of the conversation.  Consider what is going on with Moses, why he's using the excuses he is.  He's got a lot of issues going on here, but one main one.  Jot down notes and questions as you go through.

After going over the passages a few times, go back through with the questions below:

• If a bush on fire is enough entertainment to divert Moses, does you think that indicates he's bored with his current life, or something like this is truly amazing enough to divert a contented man, or something else?
• What do you think made the ground holy?
• At what point do you think Moses recognizes God and connects Him with his heritage?
• God lays out a lot of detail in His initial description of what He's doing with Moses (v.7-10).  This is pretty much repeated throughout His discussion with Moses.  Moses' first issue is his 'suitability' to go to Pharaoh.  He was raised in Pharaoh's household, so what do you think Moses is questioning here?
•  When Moses asks about his 'suitability', God starts out with, "I will be with you" and gives Moses a sign.  How helpful do you think that particular sign would be in motivating Moses?  When would the sign be confirmed?
• Why do you think God's name would be the second problem Moses points out? What do you think is the assumption in Moses' mind if he wants to know God's name? (it might be helpful to consider his background and current family situation)
• God's answer to Moses' question about His name is not the ordinary deific name.  Consider that God's answer in verse 14 is a little different than in 15.  While there is a possible connection, they are not exactly the same (I'll show you at the group meeting).  What sort of effect do you think this name would have on the elders of Israel?  Is it how they would recognize God?  And if not, how does this solve the problem Moses brought up?
• Moses' third complaint is about his validity before the Israelites.  God answers that with three 'signs'.  So, who are these signs for?  Yet, one is one of the plagues against Egypt.  Why do you think the bloody Nile would be a sign to the Israelites?
• Next Moses' complains that he is not eloquent.  Consider God's answer here.  It isn't like the rest.  What do you think Moses is doing, and what do you think God is doing with His answer?  What I mean by that is why would Moses bring up this particular issue, and why would God answer this particular way?  Assume God knows what's going on in Moses' head even if we don't, so His answer is really the clue to what Moses is getting at.
• Moses literally says, "Excuse me Lord, please send in the hand of you will send."  Imagine some person from another country using broken English were to say this to you.  What do you think they might mean by it?
• God's response to Moses' final question or request is to get angry.  Why?  Considering all that has been involved in this discussion, why do you think now God is angry with Moses?  Also, if you don't think God is all that angry, remember the 'footnote' verses (v. 24-26) I mentioned earlier.
• Now, if God speaks to us primarily through Scripture what do we risk by not being diligent in seeking familiarity with these words?  It's one thing to not do what God has asked us to do well, but to not do it at all, how risky is that for us?
• Go back through the list of complaints of Moses.  How many of these, in some form and/or at some time, have you used to excuse yourself from studying Scripture?

That should keep us busy for an hour.  Remember that this really reinforces the chapter in Multiply, so please read that first.  The main point I'm trying to make will make much more sense if you do.

How can Jerusalem (or my church) Affect "The Whole World"?

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting November 21 to study Chapter 5 of Multiply by Francis Chan.  This chapter is on the 'Global Church', and it challenges small local perspectives of ministry.  In this chapter, Chan specifically references Isaiah 52, and that's where we're going to focus for a bit.

First read the chapter in Multiply a time or two, then read Isaiah 52 through several times.  Hopefully you will be struck with the dissimilarities right off.  On pages 80 and 81 of Multiply, Chan cites Paul's references to this chapter in two places in Romans.  So Paul has used this chapter to support his mission to reach the world with the Good News of Jesus.  Therefore Chan isn't the one responsible for the apparent dissimilarities.  That's what I want us to look at.  So read through Isaiah 52 again a few times.  Then finally with the questions below:

• To whom does the prophet Isaiah address this entry, at least to begin with?
• What is going to happen, what is Isaiah prophesying about?
• This event will fix a problem cited a few times in this chapter.  It's a problem suffered by God Himself.  What is it?
• One of the effects of this event is referred to in verse 15, which is the verse used by Paul (Romans 15:20-21).  Taken in its entirety, what does this verse mean (consider the context of the chapter)?  Is that what Paul means?
• Consider that this text of Isaiah forms part of the only Scripture available to the early church anywhere.  What overall meaning is Paul deriving from this chapter?  How close is that meaning to the one Isaiah had as he wrote?
• How does the event to which Isaiah refers fix the problem suffered by God?
• What will be the effect of this solution on Israel and on the 'nations'/'kingdoms'?
• How does this solution and the effects of it support Paul's use of the passage?

That should give you plenty to work through.  You may also gain an appreciation for the failures of Israel to think globally.  They were somewhat preoccupied with survival much of the time, but you will hopefully see that the mandate was always there.  If it was there for them then, it's there here for us today.

Discipling in Context

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting November 7 to study the fourth chapter of Multiply by Francis Chan.  This chapter is the first of the second section: Living As The Church.  The chapter focuses on the church as the context in which we disciple others.  While it notes that this isn't easy, Chan points to a passage of Scripture that describes how our Master intended for it to work; God's design for church-life in a sense.

In Ephesians 4:1-16, Paul describes how the people of a church are supposed to interrelate and for what purpose.  We're going to spend most of our time in this passage, as it encapsulates well why and how we disciple others within the context of church.

Read the Ephesians 4:1-16 a few times.  Go back and read chapter 4 of Multiply again a few times.  Notice the points of connection with these verses, but also any disconnections.  The chapter uses other verses as well, but no other chunk this big.  Read the Ephesians passage again, critically this time.  Really pick it apart.  Jot down questions and observations.  As you read it a final time, use the questions below to see if any additional light can be shown (perhaps not after reading it for yourself so many times).

• Paul describes the 'manner' of walking (or living) that is worthy of our calling, but what do you think we are called to/from? (you may need to read more than these 16 verses, just saying)
• What does 'bearing with one another in love' mean to you?  See if you can find it worded differently in another translation.
• In verses 4 through 6 Paul lists a series of 'ones'.  What surprises or questions do you discover in the list?
• After the list of 'ones', what contrasting 'many' do you infer in the following verses?
• What differences are there to you in the list of church 'roles' listed in verse 11?
• The job-descriptions of these church positions are 'equipping' and 'building', but consider the goal Paul gives in stages.  Where in this progression of goals do you fit?  And where do you see these goals in our church?
• Right out of the gate, Paul says the purpose to the work of church leaders should result in 'unity of faith' (v. 13).  How do you think of this as the same or different from 'unity of the Spirit' in verse 3 (and consider all of verse three when you compare/contrast the two verses)?
• If the church leaders do their jobs, and if the people are unified in faith, knowledgeable about Jesus, and mature in Christ; what 'no longer' happens?  What would this look like in our church?
• The image of 'building' is used in verse 12 and verse 16.  What do you think connects these ideas (beyond the imagery of construction)?  How might this help you understand the work of church leaders?

There's lots more in this passage that we probably pull out, so feel free to jump in and mix it up; pulling out what you see.  Be sure to then go back and re-read the Multiply chapter.  This passage should illuminate some things in the chapter for you.

What If You're NOT the Pilot?

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting October 24 to study Multiply, Chapter 2: The Command to Make Disciples.  Essentially, we're studying Matthew 28:18-20.  So, while this may be familiar to you, spend some more time with it this week (beyond the time you spend in the chapter of Multiply).

The chapter is broken down into sections where we look at this command in the context of church, our lifestyle, and roles within the church.  It ends with getting out there and doing it, looking for someone to disciple.

I want to stress to you again, this is not another discipleship program.  If you look at it as another program, you will miss the point completely.  The purpose to this study to provide a framework in which you will make disciples for the rest of your life.  The framework simply applies principles from Scripture to create boundaries and a perspective through which to approach your discipling activities covering the remainder of your time here on earth.

In order to help you with this 'framework' here's some thoughts on the Great Commission:

• The verb normally translated, 'go' is actually a passive participle.  It is normally translated as a command because it is possible for participles in Greek to 'borrow' their meaning from the various verbs around them.  But what if this one doesn't, and really is a passive participle referring to a verb describing transiting from one point to another?
• How can you be 'acted upon' and result be moving about from point A to B?
• 'Going' is often a euphemism for 'living your daily life' in Greek and Hebrew.  So what does that do to/for your understanding of the passive participle?
• The 'command' verb in these verses is 'disciple' (or 'make disciples').  If the previous participle forms the 'context' of this command, then what does that mean for your obedience to the command?
• In the carrying out of the command to disciple, are the active participles, baptizing and teaching.  How do these elements help inform your understanding of what goes into obeying the command?
• Why do you think Jesus 'brackets' this command with His authority and then with His constant presence with His disciples?

Sorry, I just couldn't get away from poking around in Bible even though we're reading study material.  It's what I do, just indulge me a bit.  But also read this chapter, probably several times, and be sure to answer the questions.  Really think them through.  Some of them we will not share answers, but some we will (or I will at least ask).

It may also be helpful to read ahead.  You won't ruin any surprises if you do.

Saul Can't Catch a Break With the Slippery Shepherd

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting October 10 to study 1 Samuel 19.  This is a fun chapter.  There are reversals, fun mistakes, deceit, intrigue, mysticism, and Samuel makes a guest appearance.

Read through the chapter several times.  It will be helpful to read ahead, if you can, through the rest of the book (Saul's death).  Read the chapter in as many different versions as you have (a King James Version might be helpful).  As you read, jot down questions and observations.  There are odd cultural quirks, social questions, and just figuring out who is doing what brings up questions.  Read altogether, it's a really entertaining story.  The details are fairly entertaining as well.

After you read through a few times, read through again with the questions below:

• Saul makes known his desire to put David to death (finally).  What does Jonathan's response tell you about how the people around Saul view this desire?
• Jonathan makes a plea for David, and it seems to be effective.  Why do you think it is that while he raves under the influence of the evil spirit from God that he gets angry with David?  Why does that seem odd?
• Now Saul's daughter helps David escape.  Now even those not in the 'king's court' support David.  So what does that tell you about how Saul's attempts to kill David are received or considered?
• Michal puts an idol in the bed to look like David.  Look up the word used in a Strong's Concordance or on "Blue Letter Bible" Website (follow the link at 'idol').  The Hebrew word is 'teraphim', a plural reference, but it's not altogether easy to know to what it refers.  There are articles at this link on the Blue Letter Bible website you can use to read about it.
• After reading the articles and reference, does David worship idols?  Does Saul's daughter?  And therefore does Saul?
• Why do you think that when he learns David is sick, Saul wants him brought to him to kill?
• Why would David go to Samuel when he escapes?
• Why is it so easy for Saul to learn about where David goes?
• How is it that the messengers from Saul all prophesy?  Considering the lessons on the Holy Spirit being given the past Sundays, what do you think this means?
• Finally Saul goes himself, but why send three sets of messengers first?  Why might Saul be hesitant to go himself?
• He prophesies (like before in 1 Samuel 10:10-11), but he goes further.  Why would the prophesying affect Saul so much more intensely?
• Besides keeping Saul occupied, what help does Samuel seem to provide David?  

That should be enough to keep us occupied for an hour.  Be sure to read ahead to gain some sort of context for all these events.  It will help you understand this small piece to fit it into the larger story.  Don't forget to bring your questions and observations.

Enemy Son-In-Law of the King

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting October 3 to study 1 Samuel 18.  We covered the documentary issues with the last chapter.  This chapter has similar issues, but far fewer.  This is simply a study of the odd character of King Saul.  I almost titled the study page, "Paranoid Much?" but thought we could best examine him without the easy improperly applied labels.

Read through the chapter a few times to get a feel for the people and events.  Read ahead a chapter or so to get a better sense of how this chapter helps the development along.  Jot down questions and observations.  You should have quite a few with this chapter.  Some of Saul's behavior is almost inexplicable.  Feel free to theorize about some things, but also focus on the things we do know.  We may not know why he does some of these things, but what does he actually do?  Break it down.

After reading through a few times, read through again with the questions below:

• Why might Jonathan not be mentioned in previous accounts of David and Saul?
• What traits of both David and Jonathan might make them prone to be knit together at the heart?
• What might it mean that Jonathan gives David his robe, armor, and kit?
• Verse 5 contains elements repeated several times throughout the chapter.  Why do you think this is this important?
• The song of verse 7 troubles Saul.  Look up "thousands" and "ten thousands" in a Strong's or online (at the links for each).  What could be some alternatives for Saul's interpretation?
• Why do you think Saul would treat David as he does in verses 12-15?  If he doesn't trust him why set him over the army?
• Why would marrying Saul's daughter endanger David with the Philistines?  What do you think is the connection Saul sees?
• Eventually David's reason for hesitating to be Saul's son-in-law becomes clear (he's too poor for the dowry - v.23), but what might be some other reasons in David's mind/heart?
• Why do you think Saul's request of a dowry of foreskins is more agreeable to David?  Why do you think he doubles the number?
• From verse 30, who esteems David highly? 

There are a lot of other issues and covering the repetition will also take our time, so the short list of questions may not be a good indicator of how long this chapter may take us.

Please remember to bring any notes you make to the study.

Blessings upon you all!

Who Are You Again?

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Small Group meeting September 26 to study 1 Samuel 17.  This is a deceptively simple chapter.  When combined with chapter 16 it seems to repeat the beginnings of David and Saul meeting.

This week I have attached a document to the email to help you get a sense of documentation issues with the chapter.  The .PDF file is the text of 1 Samuel 17 translated from the Greek version of the Hebrew Scriptures (Septuagint or LXX).  This Greek text may preserve an older reading from the Hebrew Scriptures that the Hebrew text normally used.  It's not certain, it's possible.  Read this together with what have in our modern translations, and take careful note of the differences.

Read this chapter in as many translations as you have available.  The differences may surprise you.  Look up strange word usage in a concordance (like Strong's).  Be sure to take notes on what you find as you read through, jot down questions and the answers you come up with.

After reading through several times, go back through again using the questions below:

• Why do you think all the detail about who was on which hill across which valley might be important?
• If a cubit is about 18 inches and a span is about 6, how many fingers does he have on his left hand? (2 Samuel 21:20 - you thought I was kidding didn't you?)
• If a "shekel" is about .5 oz, then about how heavy was Goliath's armor in lbs.?
• How heavy would the head of his spear be?
• Why do you think the ranks of Israel fled from one Philistine?
• Why would we be 're-introduced' to David in verse 12?
• If David goes back and forth from Saul to the flock, how known would he be by Saul?
• Why would the giant come out every day, all day, for forty days?  What's he and the Philistines doing?
•  Why do you think would Jesse send supplies to the commander of his sons, not just his sons?
• If David leaves early, and arrives as the giant is coming out, how long was his trip?  
• Think about the 'scuttlebutt' in the ranks as the giant comes out.  Saul has raised the stakes for a champion, everyone's talking about it, so why doesn't someone try for it?  What's the assumption in the ranks?
• Why might David want to hear the same spiel over and over?
• Why, if David was anointed right in front of him, would his brother be all upset by David now?
• How put off by his older brother is David?
• David volunteers to fight the giant.  What experience has he had with giants?
• What do you think of David's lion and bear fighting technique?
• What would David have been using against the lion and bear?
• If he's not wearing armor, what advantage would he have over the giant?
• David picks up 5 stones not 1.  In light of 2 Samuel 21, why might that have been a good idea?  What's he ready for?
• Back to taunting again.  Why is David's taunt so much better than the giants?
• Look at verse 49 in the attachment.  How does that help explain what the stone did to the giant?
• How did Goliath die?
• Where do you think the shield guy was?
• What does David do with the giant's stuff, like his head and his weapons?
• Why would Saul not know David?  Why wouldn't Abner?
• When David appears before Saul, where is the giant head now?

That should be plenty to fuel a discussion.  I look forward to seeing everyone Thursday!  Blessings upon you until then!

And Now We Meet David

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting September 19 to study 1 Samuel 16.  This chapter begins the ascent of David to the throne.  The account of  Saul has set this up for us, and from here on the narrative is pretty much about David.  This chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book of 1 Samuel.

Read through the chapter several times on your own.  Jot down the funky strange things you will find.  Some will be blatant and really difficult to grapple with.  Others not so much, so be sure to look beyond evil spirits.  We will be working through the obvious ones as well as not so obvious ones; as you know, we don't skip much.  You are going to find ones I miss though, so please don't just rely on the questions below.

Once you've been through the chapter a few times, go back through again using the questions below:

• Why do you think Samuel mourns Saul so long when Samuel didn't even want a king in the first place?
• To get Samuel out of his funk, God gives him a job (not unlike Elijah later on).  Why, after facing down Saul at Gilgal, would Samuel fear him?
• God accommodates Samuel's fear (or excuse) by telling him to use a ruse.  Why would He do that?  Why not push Samuel to simply be obedient in faith alone?
• The elders of Bethlehem tremble when Samuel shows.  What might they be thinking to come out that way?  How do you think they perceive Samuel if this is how they go out to greet him?  What might we have missed to explain their behavior?
• What do you think Jesse might have thought that Samuel pays his family such attention?  After such attention by Samuel, why leave David out?
• What are the obvious similarities between Eliab and Saul (1 Samuel 9:2)? Do you think that God is using a different standard now than he did with Saul?  Why or why not?
• How many sons does Jesse have?
• When David arrives, how different is his description from Saul's (1 Samuel 9:2)?
• Who witnesses the anointing?  Keep that in mind for the next chapter.
• From this time on, the Spirit of Yahweh is on David.  How different is this from Saul in 1 Samuel 10 and 11?
• Verse 14 begins a totally separate account, but the connection is obvious.  Try reading chapter 17 entirely, and then coming back and reading the rest of 16.  How does that work in the literary flow of the story?
• God sends an evil spirit to terrorize Saul.  There's really no other way to translate this account, the spirit is evil, and it comes from God.  What does that say about God's character, what do you learn from that?
• The servants of Saul know what's going on with Saul, they realize both the spirit's evil, and that it came from God.  How strange is this sort of thing if they recognize it, and have a solution?
• Consider the sort of 'musician' they look for, why would these qualities beyond the ability to play an instrument/harp be so important?  
• So how old is David in this description?
• Jesse sends David with 'gifts' for Saul beyond his son.  Why do that if he's already sending his son?
• How does Saul view David?  What job beyond 'court musician' does David get?  Considering the guy that does that for Jonathan, how safe is such a job?
• Saul sends to Jesse to have David stay with him, so David is now employed full time.  How does that mesh with the following chapter?
• Read verse 23 in as many versions as you can.  If you have a Strong's Concordance, look up 'refreshed' (H7304) or look it up on the Blue Letter Bible website.  Look how similar it is to 'spirit' (H7307).  In fact, on the Blue Letter Bible website, you can listen to the pronunciation of both, and see how close they are to each other.  Why might this be an important literary element to this specific account of David and Saul?

I suspect that there is way more than enough in this chapter to discuss for one night.  Going forward the story gets more familiar, but still with plenty of peculiarities.  I look forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks!

What God Regrets

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting September 5 to study 1 Samuel 15.  This is a very interesting chapter.  It recounts one of Saul's victories listed in chapter 14, but also the final failure and rejection of Saul as king.  There is no "time-table" so we don't know how far into his reign this happens.  It could be a decade or more of his twenty or so years reign.  Since for this account, timing is not important, we'll just study it as it's presented.

Read through the chapter several times, and note items like where are people when they are doing what is described.  It may be helpful to trace Saul's route on a map (or two maps perhaps - there's one down below).  Be sure to read the chapter in a few translations.  They read differently, and those differences are your clues to "difficulties" and the various possible solutions.  Make some note and bring them - we had some real good ones last week.

After reading through a few times, read back through using the questions below:

• Samuel gives Saul some instructions from God.  How explicit and clear are these instructions?  How much "room for error" did Samuel/God leave Saul?
• How long did Saul wait to start out?
• Who are the Kenites?  Look them up here.  Why let them go?  What "kindness" did they show Israel in the desert wandering?
• Verse 7 sounds good, then verses 8 and 9 depart from his instructions.  In the previous chapter (14:48), Amalek is described as ones having plundered Israel.  What difference might this make in influencing their obedience to the command of God?
• In verse 11, we are introduced to a word ascribed to God, a characteristic of His.  Look up H5162 in Strong's Concordance (your own or online).  Think about what this means, essentially all the meanings have a common thread.  What does this mean that God can do this?  Why might that be a problem "theologically" for people?
• This is where we trace Saul's route to Gilgal.  He comes back and goes to Carmel first.  Look at the map below.  Why is that a strange route to take?  Consider what he does there.  Hold that thought.
• When Samuel shows up at Gilgal, how does Saul greet him?  Consider that along with the thought you were holding from the previous question.  Now, how does Saul seem to view the situation?
• When Samuel asks Saul about the sheep and cattle, Saul says they are for sacrifice.  In such an act of worship, what happens to the sacrifice?  (think about this from previous references in Samuel).  So what is the intent of the people/Saul?
• In all the places where "utterly destroyed" or "completely destroyed" is used, it refers to this word at H2763, listen to it in addition to reading about it. Does the word sound familiar, but from a different context in the Middle East?  What is allowed to escape the "ban"?  Why or why not?
• Even through verse 16, Saul doesn't seem to grasp the situation.  Why might that be?  How could he not know he's done something wrong?
• Even as he answers Samuel, he still protests his innocence.  What is it the difference between Saul's intent, and the intent of the "ban"?  Wouldn't the end result be the same?
• In Samuel's response to Saul, he uses two words for "sacrifice", one the "whole burnt offering" where nothing is spared, all is burned, and then the word Saul has used throughout.  What's the difference?  How does this illuminate more about what is really wrong here?  But what would have been different had they intended a "whole burnt offering"?
• If God delights more in obedience than offerings, what does that say about our worship on Sunday's?  What is supposed to characterize us throughout the week?
• Read verse 23 in as many versions as you can find.  Saul's sins are rebellion (as bad as divination), and what?  What is as bad as idolatry?  Why might that be true, and connected to idolatry?
• Samuel calls what Saul has done, "rejection of God's command/word".  How aware was Saul of what he was doing and what it really meant?  Does God take that into account?
• Read both verses 24 and 30.  From Samuel's response, how much difference does it seem to make whether Saul is sincere or not?
• When Saul grabs Samuel's robe and it tears, consider what he says to Saul, what will God not do? This word "change His mind" or "relent" or "repent" is the same word used previously for God in verse 11 (H5162).  What's the difference here?  Why not here, but before God does?  Hold that thought.
• Samuel does go back with Saul, but he has other reasons than making Saul look good to the elders and the people.  What does Samuel do to Agag?  Look at verse 33 in as many versions as you have.  The NIV is "nicer" but the others are more accurate.  How does this influence your thinking about God?
• In verse 35, God again is said to "repent" or "regret", and it's our same word.  Again, why here, but not in verse 29?  What does Samuel's claim mean in verse 29?
• How does Samuel feel about all this?  Consider verses 11, along with 35.  Keep this in mind, because it comes back around in the next chapter.

That should keep us busy Thursday.  I look forward to studying with you then.

Rashness: Both Good and Bad

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting August 29 to study 1 Samuel 14.  There are peculiar twists and confusing descriptions in this chapter.  And it gives us probably the most positive view of Saul, and it's not all that good.

Read through the chapter several times to get a sense of the flow of events.  There is a part at the beginning that is sort of an annotation/interruption in the narrative, but it's not hard to pick up the flow of events immediately following.  It was supposed to give more detail on the setting, but so far from the events, it's almost obscuring rather than clarifying.  We have to trust that it meant something at the time of writing/compiling.

Jot down notes, questions, and insights into God's character, Saul's character, Jonathan's character and the people.  Note relationships and imagine what it would have been like to be there and hear what was said, see what was done, and see who was doing it.  After reading it through enough to get a good feel for it, and jotting down your insights, read it through again with these questions:

• As with the prior chapter, Jonathan starts the conflict.  In verse 1, it doesn't sound bad, but through verse 5, the situation is shown to be really lopsided.  What sort of character do you think it takes in a person to face such circumstances with just your "buddy"?
• Jonathan has a reason for his faith, that Yahweh isn't hindered by lack of numbers, he has history to demonstrate this (Gideon for example).  What is your faith based in, what sort of personal history?  And does that history support such acts of faith as Jonathan's?
• Jonathan chooses a sign to know if Yahweh has given the Philistines into his hand, but what does he use as his fall-back if the sign isn't given?  What does it mean for his character?  What do you think would have happened had the Philistines come down to him?
• Considering bravery and cowardice, so far in this account, the numerous Philistines versus the paltry few Israelites, who is courageous and who is cowardly?  Why might that be surprising?  What might support "caution" on the part of the Philistines?
• Read verse 15 in as many translations as possible.  Look up "trembling"/"panic" in the Strong's Concordance.  Then look up "trembled" in the Strong's Concordance.  These words have the same root, and the first (noun) is used at the end of the verse.  What do you imagine happening in the Philistine camp?  What does this have to do with Jonathan?
• What do the "spies/lookouts" for Saul see, what do you think it looked like?
• Saul figures out who is missing, so what does he do immediately?  There is debate about whether the "Ark of God" is referred to or whether it is the "Ephod" of the priest (long story).  What would make the Ephod make more sense in light of verse 18?
• Regardless of how confusing verse 17 and 18 are (and they are confusing), Saul decides not to inquire of God through the priest.  Why?  Think in terms of character and circumstance and don't be too quick to judge harshly.
• What do Saul and the army find when they reach the battle?  Where is Jonathan?
• Who are these "Hebrews", and where did they come from?  The Greek version uses the term "slaves", how does that influence your understanding?
• Who else joins the battle?  Where did they come from, and how did they know what was happening in Benjamin?
• Why would Saul swear an oath on the people to not eat?  What "military" value would that have had?
• When Jonathan's eyes shine from eating the honey, someone tells him of his father's oath.  How does Jonathan interpret his father's action?  What does that tell you of Jonathan's character?
• So at some point the people fall on the plunder and begin sinning by eating blood.  How do you imagine this scene?  When Saul is told, he says they are being treacherous.  What do you think about what happened and why?  If you had to ascribe fault, how would you do it (not who, but how would you decide)?
• Saul's solution is to roll a big rock to use to slaughter the animals.  It also says he built an altar, his first.  Do you think the large stone and the altar are the same?  What would that mean for what he did?  What does that say about his character?
• Saul wants to continue to pursue the Philistines, but what does it mean that the priest contradicts him?  Why would the priest do that?
• So what does God answer Saul?  What does that mean?  Saul decides what he thinks it means, so lots are cast, but why does Saul say the person offending will die?
• Prior to this the people say, "Do what is good in your eyes." But not here, what do you think they are thinking?
• Jonathan owns what he did, and whatever consequences.  What do we learn about his character here?
• The people stand up for Jonathan against the king.  If (or since) Yahweh brought victory through Jonathan, what can we guess is His opinion of what has gone on?
• The rest of the chapter summarizes Saul's reign and his family.  What do you think of Saul's victories and success?  What does that reveal of God's perspective of Saul?
• Saul's family will be important later, but a son is missing (2 Samuel 2:8), why might that be?
• Considering that "ab" means "father" in Hebrew, what do you think of Abner's name versus his father's name?  Why would someone name the child that way?
• So Saul's reign is characterized by conflict with the Philistines, so what is his usual practice?  Good idea or bad idea?  Or is it a necessity?

That should do for now.  Blessings upon you all until Thursday!

Inauspicious Prep for Battle

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting August 22 to study 1 Samuel 13.  This is one funky chapter.  Linguistically, it's full of really strange words only used once or twice for technical items, odd grammatical structures, and my Hebrew program left things out and mistranslated others a few times.  The essence of what's going on is hard to follow regardless of whatever problems I had working through it.

Read through the chapter a few times.  Read forward to Chapter 14 to get context.  This chapter is short, and the next one is way long, but really completes the story started here.  Read through chapter 13 a few times, and jot down odd things and questions (you will probably have plenty).  Go through again using the questions below:

• Verse 1 is missing in older texts, when it does appear has various numbers for his age, the length of reign is often missing, and when it is there is 2 years.  What do you think it changes if we ignore it entirely?
• Cities are one of the hard parts of this chapter.  Remember the starting positions: Saul in Michmash, Jonathan in Gibeah, and the Philistines in Geba.  Find these on a map, think about how much space is being referenced.  So why might everything happen in Benjamin when it's so small?
• Since Jonathan starts the conflict, what might that reveal about Jonathan's character?
• In this chapter (and throughout the book) two terms are used for the people, "Hebrews" and "Israel".  What clues do you see that there may be a distinction between these terms?
• Where is Gilgal from the rest of the events in this chapter?  Consider the difference in elevation, why might this be a bad idea?  So, why meet there?
• What is odd about where the Philistines make their camp?  Why there?
• Again in verse 6 and 7, there seems to be a difference between Hebrews and Israel.  Who does what, and what do you think that means about the difference?
• In verse 8 we're given the reason they meet in Gilgal, and what does this "appointed time set by Samuel" refer back to?  What do you think that means about the historical timing of Saul's reign?
• Saul offers the offerings without waiting for Samuel, what does this say about Saul's character?
• Considering the punishment described by Samuel, does it seem to fit the crime?  Why do you think it would it be so severe for not waiting?
• So, now Saul is in Gibeah, but then he and Jonathan are in Geba and the Philistines are in Michmash.  We've traded places.  Why might that have happened?
• Why do you think the Philistines would send out raiding parties instead of assaulting 600 men across the gorge from them (see 1 Samuel 14:5)?
• What do you think the point about the "blacksmith's" is about?  Why do you think this detail is important here?  
• Again, the term used here is "Hebrews".  How does this help us understand differences in terms?
• What sort of weapons would the people have if not swords and spears?
• What do you think it means that Saul and Jonathan have swords and spears?

So Long, And Thanks For All The Headaches

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting August 15 to study 1 Samuel 12.  This is the final chapter of the Establishment of the Monarchy.  After this, Samuel and Kings follow a literary formula used for the remainder of the kings.  Here is the final address of Samuel to the people.

Read through the chapter a several times.  Look for things that jump out at you that don't make sense.  Some of what Samuel says refers to the Book of Judges which we haven't gone through yet.  Most though is a rehash of things he has said before with slight differences.  Look for and note the differences; and ask yourself why they might be different.

After reading through and jotting down some notes, consider the questions below as you read through again.

• Samuel starts by stating the current situation.  Then he asks who might have a charge against him.  Why do you think he'd ask that question?  What do you think might be his point in doing so?
• After the people respond that they have no charges, he calls God into it as a witness that they have no charges, and they agree.  Now what might he be doing?  Why do you think he would take it to this extra step?
• Then Samuel recounts the series of failures and subsequent deliverances by God.  Now what might he be doing?  He's cleared himself, now he's clearing God; but why might he be doing this?
• What does Samuel say prompted the people's request for a king?  Why use that?  Do you think that was the issue all along, or just a convenient recent issue?
• So, now they have a king, and Samuel charges them to serve and fear God; but what is the benefit, the other side of the "covenant" so to speak?  Read verse 14 in as many translations as you have access.  Consider the differences and similarities as you answer the question.
• Consider the consequences for disobedience.  It's not specific, but generally, how bad does that sound to you?  Think about how it could be worse.  How much worse can you imagine?
• As a sign to them of the truth of his words, Samuel calls on God for thunder and rain during the harvest.  Your study commentaries won't be able to pass that up.  What is the significance of the rain at harvest time?  There may be some disagreement over the significance.
• The people are panic-stricken over the rain/thunder (or voice).  But why would they think they will die, who said anything about that?
• The response of Samuel to their fearful plea is my central teaching from this chapter.  Consider the pieces of what Samuel says in verses 20-23, and consider what this says of the character of God, not just of Samuel.  What do you learn of your relationship with God from this?  How does He see you?
• How does verse 25 and verse 22 fit into the same context?

That should help us through the passage.  Be sure to bring your own questions and comments to the group.  See you Thursday!

Second Verse, Somewhat Like the First

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting August 8 to study 1 Samuel 11.  This is a short chapter, but still full of interesting stuff.  It continues the establishment account of the monarchy of Israel.  There's one more chapter of this then the narrative of the monarchy begins.  This narrative (from chapter 8 through 12) seems to be made up of two or more different accounts blended together.  It's not all that important to determine where they were blended, but if you keep that in mind, it helps to follow the storyline and account for oddities.

Read the chapter through a lot (hopefully you have been, it's very short).  Look for pieces that seem to be at odds with other parts we've already covered.  Jot down notes and questions.  Please ask these questions at the group, we really need your perspective to get a better view of our Master's character.

After a few passes through and your own notes/questions, review the chapter again with these questions:

• Read the article on the Ammonites.  Why do you think this leader wanted to embarrass Israel?
• What "role" does Nahash play in Ammon? Who is this guy?
• Why do you think Nahash would let the elders of the city send messengers throughout Israel?
• The Spirit of God causes Saul to be angry.  What do you think about that?
• What do you think is the significance of the threat of slaughtered oxen?  Why would that work?
• Think about the response of the people.  What sort of "fear" is this?  
• This is probably one of the largest armies fielded by Israel.  But why do you think they were numbered separately for Judah?
• Why do you think the men of Jabesh would tell Nahash what they did?  
• Why do the people want to kill the "naysayers" against Saul now?
• What sort of character do you see in Saul that he doesn't want to kill them?
• Now where do they establish the kingdom?  Is this where Saul waits seven days?
• What differences do you see between this establishment and the prior one at Mizpah?

Consider these along with your own notes and questions.  Between us, I'm sure some interesting qualities of God will emerge.  I look forward to seeing you all Thursday!

An Odd King and His Baggage

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting July 25 to study 1 Samuel 10.  This is an interesting chapter.  It has some elements in it that are remarkable, and some that reveal unexpected character.

Read the chapter through several times.  There are plenty of places that should generate questions.  Be sure to use a couple of translations if you have them.  Jot down questions about events that strike you as strange or unexpected.  Look up what you can about any of them.

After reading through and making a list of your questions, review the chapter again using the questions below:

• Samuel gives three signs to affirm his anointing of Saul, meetings along the road; how might each of them affirm Samuel's selection of Saul as king?
• What significance might there be to the places these meetings take place?
• Read the article at this link.  In paragraph 4, Saul is mentioned in his "prophetic" experience here.  But the comment is that he is "entirely estranged" from God.  Why would you agree or disagree with this assessment?
• What are the prophets from the "Hill of God" doing as they come down the "hill"?  What do you imagine it to look and sound like?
• Look at verse 6 in a few translations.  What does that mean for Saul?
• If you were told that you could do anything because God was with you, what would you do?
• The places don't match (Gilgal and Mizpah), why might that be?
• When does the change referred to in verse 6 happen to Saul?  What might be significant about the timing?
• Of the three signs, only 1 is described actually happening.  What might be the significance of this one being described?
• Saul ends up on the high place of worship once he's done prophesying.  His uncle asks him about what he's been doing or what has been happening to him.  Why might Saul's answers not completely answer his uncle's curiosity?
• What do you think about the people's reaction to Samuel's description of why they're there?  Why do you think no one thinks twice about selecting a king?
• Why do you think Saul is scarce now?  What might his reluctance reveal about him?
• What would you call the quick inquiry of God to find Saul's hiding place?
• Who writes the ordinances of the king, and where do they go?  Why might that not have been a good idea?
• Read verse 26 in as many translations as you can.  What is different about the description of the young men?  Why might that be so different?
• Think about verse 27, besides the worthless men, what else is revealed here that wasn't before?
• What does Saul's silence say about his character at this point?

These questions will hopefully get you thinking about the chapter a little differently.  There aren't wrong answers, the point is having an answer for yourself, not guessing mine.  Hopefully, this is where we can see God piecing together views of His character that we all need to better understand Him. 

A King Found Seeking Donkeys

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting July 18 to study 1 Samuel 9.  This chapter is clearly part of a larger narrative, and ends rather abruptly.  It should still give us plenty to chew on for the coming week.

Read through the chapter several times.  You may find it helpful to read on ahead through the next two as well since they complete the establishment of Israel's first king.  As you go through chapter 9, be thinking of the themes that came up in the previous chapter; "being like the other nations", "a king to judge us", "someone to fight our battles", and so on.  Also look for things that seem odd elements to include in the narrative, ask why the editor/author included them.  Jot down your observations and questions and bring them to the study.

After reading through the chapter a few times, read through again using these questions:

• Why do you think the Tribe of Benjamin is significant here?
• Why do you think valor is an important element of Saul's family here?
• What might be the author/editor's point in the comment about Saul?
• Why would the author/editor include such details about Saul's quest?
• Where is Shalishah, Shaalim, and Zuph on a map? (see below - double-click to enlarge it)
• How about "Baal-Shalishah", "Shaalbim", and "Ziph", could these be the places?
• If Samuel lives in Ramah, why would the author/editor provide the details about him living in Zuph?
• What can you deduce from the goings on in Zuph that tell you what Samuel does on his "circuit"?
• Since Zuph isn't listed on his circuit, what are some possible explanations of his being there?
• Look at this article on the topic of seers and prophets.  What do you see as the major differences between the two? 
•  Samuel's comments to Saul indicate prior knowledge from God (and that is plainly stated), so why would Samuel proceed the way he does, why not just come out and  say it?
• What do you think is going on in Saul's mind throughout all this?  When do you think he finally "calms down" a bit and goes with the circumstances?  What does that tell you about him?
• He and Samuel spend a lot of time together that day.  Who do you think did most of the talking?
• The chapter ends right as something important is about to happen.  Why here?

That will do for now.  If you read ahead, you know something more about Saul, and while we'll cover that later, it does help inform you about his character here.  Be sure to jot down your own questions and observations and bring them to the study.

We'll Have What They're Having: One King to Go

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting July 11 to study 1 Samuel 8.  First Samuel is mostly about the transition of Israel from a confederation to a monarchy.  Chapters 8 through 12 are the account of Israel getting their first king.  His reign then continues from 13 through the rest of the book (Chapter 31).

There are details in this chapter that reflect an attitude toward a monarchy, consider that tone as you read through it.  Hold that thought as you read through the rest of the book as well.  Next consider the motivation of the people to ask for a king.  What sort of problem are they trying to solve here, and what makes a monarchy the preferred solution?

After reading through the chapter a few times with the above considerations, read through again with the questions below:

• Where is Beersheba in relation to Ramah on a map (see below)?
• Why do you think Samuel sent both sons to the same place?
• What affect do you think the distance had on Samuel's sons as they judged?
• What prompts the elders of Israel to visit Samuel?
• What is the problem they are having?
• So, if they went 20 years without a judge after Eli (1 Samuel 7:2), why do you think this is a problem now for them now?
• The solution for the elders is a king.  What reasons do they mention?  What do you think might be reasons they aren't mentioning?
• Samuel goes to God, what does God say about this?  How often has He been putting up with such things?
• The "procedure" or "ways" of the king is actually the word for "judge" which the people have been using.  What different things do you notice that this word refers to in this chapter?  
• What sort of things make up this "procedure"?
• The people's response adds a reason to why they want a king.  What is the added reason?  Is that really how it works?
• What are God's instructions to Samuel?

This begins the narrative of the monarchy.  From here on, it is a system of prophets and kings. 

Success Outside the Box

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting June 27 to study 1 Samuel 7.  This is an excellent contrast to the preceding three chapters.  It also flies in the face of assertions made in the "Bible" episode we saw last Sunday.  It is interesting for what it includes, and for what it doesn't.

Read through the chapter several times (even if you have already - you can never read it too much).  Look for details of sequence of the events.  Consider the timing of each element.  Remember that timing was not such a huge deal to Hebrew thought of this period (of writing, not of the events), but dramatic placement of those elements was most important.  Also look at a map for where these things take place.  How close or far from each other are they?  Then jot down your observations, questions, and comments you like from study Bibles or other commentary you find.

After reading through several times, consider the questions below:

• Verses 1 and 2 probably go with Chapter 6, but still, what do you see that might be odd about what is done with the Ark?
• Samuel's call in verse 3 is much like the call of the judges before him.  When you think about the previous battle (go back and read 4 if you need to) what do you think was missing then, because it certainly wasn't fixed by the Ark?  What are ways we try and substitute devotion to Jesus?  How well does that work?
• What connection between verse 2 and verse 4 do you see?
• Mizpah means "the watchtower" in Hebrew.  Why might that be meaningful?  How might that explain the Philistines response?
• Why might a "drink" or water offering show devotion to God? Why would they fast, and what might that mean?
• What might be significant about Samuel judging Israel at Mizpah?
• Why would the Philistines come to fight the Israelites when they gathered?  How fast would they be able to make that happen?
• Now Samuel offers a different offering/sacrifice, how long might that take?
• As the sacrifice is happening, the Philistines attack, so what do you think the people of Israel are doing as their enemies begin to attack?
• Consider what it looks like as the battle begins, then what did the thunder have to sound like to have the effect it did?
• Beth-Car means "House of the Sun" so who might this city belong to or be associated with?
• Why do you think it was important to set up the stone? 
• So why do you think the Philistines were never able to get over Israel during Samuel's judging Israel?
• What do you think it means for Israel that they recovered the cities of the Philistines?

That's plenty to work with at the moment.  Keep going over it because other things will occur to you as you do.  Be sure to right them down and bring them to the group.

See you in a week!

Serious Holiness

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Study group meeting June 13 to study 1 Samuel 5 & 6.  These chapters reveal a lot about how God views His ark.  The themes of holiness and sovereignty are pretty clear, but grace is also visible with careful looking.

Read through these chapters several times.  They go together very well.  And chapter six could either end at verse 18 or 7:1 (I prefer 7:1).  The paragraph breaks in Hebrew make little sense actually, so much of the break and rests seem more visually inspired rather than prompted by the narrative.

But there are peculiarities throughout, some of which I will bring out in my questions, but others you have hopefully already found reading these chapters through this past week.  As you read through, look for where God shows grace to the Philistines, then grace to Israel.  Look also for where He demonstrates His holiness before the Philistines, and then to Israel.  Lastly, look for examples of God demonstrating His sovereignty over Philistines and Israelis.

Finally read through again using the questions below.  Be sure to find and write down your own as well.

• Where did the Philistines put the Ark in Ashdod?  Why there?
• What happened to Dagon overnight?
• What is different the next day?  Why the threshold?  Why the head and hands?
• What else did God do to the people of Ashdod?
• What is their answer to the problem of God's "heavy hand"?
• Where does it go next?
• What is different about what happens in Gath?
• Where does it go from there?
• What happened in Ekron different from the other cities?
• How long had the Ark been with the Philistines?
• Who do they ask for a solution?  Why them?
• Why the "mice"?  What would a plague of mice look like?
• In verse 5, what will they do in addition to giving the gold items?
• What warning and who's example do the priests and diviners include in their suggestion?
• How will they return the Ark?  Why a "new" cart?  What is key about the "milch cows"?
• Once the cart is sent away, what are the people watching for?
• What do the cows do once hitched to the cart with the Ark and box and released?
• What happens when the people of Beth-Shemesh see the Ark coming?
• Who "took down the Ark"?  Where did they come from? (read Joshua 21)
• What did the Philistines do when they saw what happened?
• What did God do to the people of Beth Shemesh?  Why?  What did they do?
• What do the people of Beth Shemesh do in response to the "slaughter"?
• Why send it there? What's different about Kiriath Jearim?  Is it in Joshua 21?
• What is it about God and the Ark that is so difficult for the people of Beth Shemesh?
• What do they request the people of Kiriath Jearim do?  Why is that peculiar?

That should get us started in our study.  There's a lot more than this in there, and I hope you've been digging for it all week.  Bring your questions Thursday!

Failure to Manipulate God

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting June 6 to study 1 Samuel 4.  Fascinating chapter, not only for what does happen, for what is not recorded.  Consider the timing of the previous chapter, and this one.

Read through the chapter several times.  It's a sad story, but full of interesting detail.  Try to imagine the setting as best you can.  Jot down observations and questions.

After reading through a few times, go through using these questions:

• What is strange about the first two sentences?
• Where does Israel camp before the battle?
• How does the battle go for Israel?
• How do they arrive at a solution for the defeat?
• Consider the various names for the Ark.  At first it's inconsistent, then finally a name is used consistently.  What significance might there be that the final name matches the term used by the Philistines?  What difference is there in meaning from the same word used?
• What is the Philistine reaction when the Ark arrives in the Israelite camp?
• What is different about this battle from the previous one?
• What happens to the Ark and the sons of Eli?
• What does the messenger from Benjamin look like?
•  Where was Eli?
• What does the city of Shiloh do at the news?
• Eli asks for news, and what does he do when he hears it?
• What is the final comment about Eli?
• What does Eli's daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas do when she hears the news?
• What does she do in response to her son's birth?
• What does she name him, and why?
• With all the people dying, what is the issue that has killed the last two?

That should work for now.  Please think of and bring questions I didn't ask.  This turned out to be a shorter chapter than I thought.  Read through it, and possibly ahead, ask questions, and make comments and observations.

Good News, Bad News

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting May 30 to study 1 Samuel 3.  This is a famous chapter for Samuel's call, and not nearly enough for the content of God's message.  We'll be comparing Samuel's message with the "man of God" from chapter 2, so look over that one too.  As you read through this chapter, try to imagine what is happening, imagine the setting as best you can.  Think about what things might look like and so on.  It might be helpful to look up Shiloh excavations in Israel on Google to give you a sense of what things may have looked like in Samuel's day.

After reading through several times on your own, jotting down questions and observations, consider the questions below as you go through a few more times:

• The word normally translated as "rare" really misses an important element of the meaning.  Look up the Hebrew word used for "rare".  What's the difference?
• What does it mean that the "lamp of God had not yet gone out"?  Read Leviticus 24:2-4.  What might it mean if the lamp does go out?
• Where was Samuel sleeping? Read Exodus 26:30-35, and Leviticus 16:2-13.  Why might Samuel's place of sleeping be considered dangerous?
• It was said of Eli's sons that they did not know God (1 Samuel 2:12), so what is different about Samuel here?
• What might it mean that "nor had the word of the LORD yet been revealed to him"?
• What is it that takes Eli three times to figure out?  Why would it have taken three times?
• Where is God when He calls to Samuel?
• How does Samuel's response differ from Eli's instructions?  Why might that be?
• The message seems shorter than the one given to the "man of God" in the previous chapter.  But what is the point here?
• In 1 Samuel 2:22 the word for "tent" is used specifically for the place of worship.  But now "doors" are being opened.  And the word "palace" is again used to refer to it.  So, what sort of place is this?  How do you imagine it?
• What is Samuel's feelings about the "word" he has been given by God?
• Eli calls him and tells him not to hide anything from him, what does he say will happen if Samuel does?
• Samuel tells him and what does Eli say?  Why say that?  How might he have said it?
• From the final three verses of Chapter 3 how much times elapses between the "word of God" coming to Samuel, and the events in Chapter 4?  So, what does it mean when God says He's about to do something?
• How "rare" is the word of God now?

That should be enough to start.  Be sure to bring your questions and observations.  Obviously I miss stuff (like the boiling sacrifice from Leviticus last week - Thank you for catching that Don!).  We're beginning to see more and more that we are much better at seeing Scripture together than we can ever be alone.  That's a big part of what we do every Thursday.  It's that way by the design of our Master.

Good Boy, Bad Boys

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting May 23 to study 1 Samuel 2.  This chapter has a lot in it; lofty praise, debased worship, a faithful servant, and unfaithful ones.  In it is the foreshadowing of much what happens in this book, and the prophecy at the end is seen fulfilled in stages throughout.

Read through the chapter several times.  It's good to read ahead a bit as well.  There are interesting descriptions, strange happenings, and harsh judgments.  After reading through a few times, read through again with the questions below:

• What is a "horn" refer to here?
• Hannah didn't go into battle, so to what is she referring here?
• In verse 8 what is God doing to everyone?
• What king?
• What is immediately strange about Eli's sons?
• Read Leviticus 3 and 7 about offerings.  Does this sound like the "custom" described here?
• On the other hand, read Number 6.  Now why does this sound so familiar?
• How did the sons of Eli deviate from the custom?  What was it they weren't waiting for?
• What is the reason they chose to get raw meat instead of cooked?
• What about not waiting was "despising" the offering of Yahweh?
• How often did Samuel see his mother?
• What did Eli think of this arrangement?
• What happens to Hannah after dropping off Samuel?
• What else were Eli's sons up to?
• What sounds odd about what Eli says about sin?
• Why didn't his sons listen?
• What does verse 26 sound like?
• Who comes to visit Eli?  What is he?  Keep this in mind as we get into the next chapter (or read ahead), it's peculiar.
• What is the charge of Yahweh against Eli?
• If you have an NASB version, what does all the italics in verse 32 mean?  Read the verse leaving those words out, what does that do to the meaning?
• Why won't Yahweh cut off every man of Eli from the altar?
• What sign does Yahweh give that these things will begin happening?
• Who is this "faithful priest"?

That should be enough for now.  Be sure to be reading and jotting down your own questions as well.

The Beginning of the End of the Judges

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting on May 16 to study 1 Samuel 1.  This chapter sets the stage for the transition of the people of God from a confederacy into a monarchy.  It is a difficult time, and the people are far from God in many ways.  In the midst of this waywardness of the people, there is also righteousness and faithfulness to God.  There are a lot of contrasts and ironies throughout this book, and ones that follow, many of them are very sad, some extremely shameful.

As you read this chapter be sure to ask questions about the text.  Look for curious things which could be cultural, but are unexplained.  Try to imagine the places things happen.  Pay close attention to descriptions of places because they are so rare.  Details of locations are common, details of places are not; and there is a difference.

After reading through the text several times, consider the questions below as you read through again.  It may be helpful to read through again after considering these questions because you may find things I didn't think to ask.

• What is the meaning of Elkanah's name?  Keep that in mind as we continue.
• What is the meaning of Hannah's name?  Keep that in mind too.
• What is the meaning of Peninnah's name?  You get the idea.
• What is the major difference mentioned between these two wives?
• What was Elkanah's yearly custom, and who was at Shiloh when he went?  Keep those people in mind for later (like next week or the week following).
• What does it mean that Elkanah would give "portions" to his wives and children?  What does that tell you about the sacrificial custom?
• Why would he give double portions to Hannah?
• Look up the word often translated as "rival" or "adversary".  How is it used most often?  How often is it used for a "person"?  Why use that word here, and like that?
• Look up the word for "irritate" or "fret" (KJV).  To what does this normally refer?  What does this tell you about what Hannah does when she's angry?
• How often would this happen?
• What was it that Hannah would not eat?  So is Peninnah successful?
• What does Elkanah say every time this happens?  How is that supposed to help?
• What is the meaning of Eli's name?  Is that what you expected it to mean?  What's missing from his name?
• Where is Eli sitting?  So, where is Hannah praying?
• Hannah makes a vow to God.  What does she want God to do for her, how does she phrase it?
• What does she vow she will do if God gives her a son?
• Why is the "razor" important?  What does that mean?
• What sort of attitude do you detect in her prayer?  So, what sort of attitude is missing?
• What does Eli see and and think is happening?
• What does Hannah reply to him?  What sort of attitude do you detect in her response?
• What does Eli reply, and what is interesting about his reply?
• Now how does Hannah feel?
• What does God do for her, how is it phrased?
• What is the meaning of Samuel's name?  Why does Hannah say she names him that?  What connection do you infer from the name and the explanation?
• How old does he seem to be when he's weaned?
• Why the extra sacrifice when she leaves Samuel with Eli at the temple?

That should be enough to sort through.  Consider any questions that my questions brought up.  Write them down and bring them Thursday.

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Unhindered by Hindrances

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Small Group meeting May 2 to study Acts 28.  This is the final chapter of Acts, and the chapter where we finally assess the point of Luke's writing.  Hopefully we will see more clearly for what reason Luke writes to, and perhaps what role Theophilus plays.  But we may not.

Read the chapter through several times.  Consider things that are explained, but look for things that aren't.  Consider why Luke selected the things he did for explanation.  What things about Paul do you discover in this chapter that you may not have considered previously?  Jot down observations and thoughts that come to you as you read.  Since this is so late, I hope you've already been doing this.

After several times through read through again with these questions in mind:

• Look at a map (like the one below).  How far is Malta from anything else?
• Why might you expect them to find a jewel encrusted gold bird?  Perhaps painted black... Maybe a fluffy white dog?
• What do you think is meant by "natives"?  Like aborigines?
• How are the castaways treated?
• What is Paul doing in the midst of the Islanders hospitality?  Why?
• What did the Islanders think when Paul was bitten?  Why think that?
• In verse 6, Luke uses a technical medical term. Can you guess which word?
• Look up "swell up" in the Strong's Concordance.  Is this the best translation of the word? Be sure to check out Thayer's Lexicon entry.  Buried in it is a better explanation.
• When the expected doesn't happen, what do the Islanders decide?
• What can you deduce from the name of the "leading man of the island"?  How "aboriginal" are these Islanders?
• What does Paul do for Publius' father?
• Now what do the Islanders do?
• How long were the castaways on Malta?
• What was the other Alexandrian ship doing there?  So how "remote" is this place?
• Where did they go next? (New York State? Really?)
• What two stops do they make on the way to Rome? What sort of "cities" do they sound like?
• Who comes to meet Paul along the way to Rome?
• What was Paul's living conditions like in Rome?  Why would that be?
• Why would Paul call the Jews together rather than go to the synagogue? Now how nice are his conditions?
• What do the Jews say about him after he tells them why he's there?  Why is that odd?
• Why are the Jews interested in hearing him?  Why is that odd?
• What does Paul use to support his testimony about Jesus being the Messiah?
• How long does he "testify"?
• What happens among those listening?
• Read Isaiah 6 (it's not that long).  How does Paul's citation from that chapter fit these people?  What ironies do you see in his use of this passage?
• Who does Paul say salvation will go to?  And what does he say they will do?
• How long was Paul in Rome?
• What is he doing during that time?
• The final word is "unhindered" (NASB) or "without hindrance".  Why would that be a significant way to end Acts?

That should be plenty for now. See you all Thursday (tomorrow)!

Always Listen to the One Closest to God

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting on April 25 to study Acts 27.  This chapter is a lot like Luke's former narrative on Paul's voyage to Jerusalem.  The major differences are the events themselves, and the places...and the people involved actually.

Read through the chapter a few times, and feel free to go and include chapter 28 (we'll get to that next week).  Look for odd things whether explained or not.  Ask "why" questions; try to imagine who says what, what things and places look like, especially pay attention to Julius.

After reading through a few times read through again considering the questions below:

• What does "Augustan Cohort" suggest about the centurion?
• Where is Adramyttium?
• Who travels with Paul?
• Look at the route Paul takes from Caesarea (see map below). How much of this is familiar ocean for Paul?

• Where is the second vessel from?  Where is that?
• What seems different about the second part of the voyage right off the bat?
• When they reach "Fair Havens" what does Paul say, and how does he say it to them?
• Look up "admonish" in the Strong's Concordance.  What sort of emotion is Paul feeling as he speaks to the sailors and soldiers?
• Who does the centurion listen to instead of Paul?  What would you have done?
• What was wrong with Fair Havens?  What was so "great" about Phoenix (besides spring training baseball)?
• What was the storm called?  Look the name up in the Strong's Concordance. Be sure to "listen" to it pronounced.  What does it mean?
• What was done at Clauda?  What was it supposed to do?  What did they use to do it?
• After hope is abandoned, what does Paul say?
• Where does Paul find his hope?
• Where is the Adriatic Sea?  Does that seem to be where they were on the map?  What explains the difference (click through to the complete article)?
• In a huge storm, why would the sailors try to escape?
• What does Paul do?  What do the soldiers do? (so, now who's in charge of the ship?)
• What is Paul's next word and deed of encouragement?
• How many people are on the ship?  Do you need to revise how big you imagined it to be?
• Consider all three words used for "ship", what do you think of the third one?
• What does the ship hit on its way to the beach?  Look up 'a place where two seas met' or 'reef', 'sandbar' or 'shoal' in Strong's Concordance.  It's really made of two words, the other one is 'place' which may look or sound familiar if you like maps.  This is one of many technical nautical terms Luke uses.  So where do you think Luke learned all these terms?
• Why would the soldiers want to kill the prisoners?
• What does the centurion do to change their plans?
• Where do they all end up?

This should be a fun study, and we're almost done!  This is the exciting part though, the dramatic climax.  After this the account calms down, but also closes to a point (again, we'll get to that next week).  I look forward to studying with you Thursday!

Of Cabbages and Kings

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting April 18 and studying Acts 26.  This chapter represents the most detailed testimony of Paul, and the last recorded.  From here on is the trip to Rome.  Some excellent elements are touched almost unnoticed, like repentance.  Others, like Paul's desire to pull others into his faith in Jesus are obvious.

Read through the chapter several times noting various things that make you wonder why, what, how, or who.  Jot those questions down.  Imagine you are in the court room, don't just read, listen to Paul; watch him deliver his defense, note his gestures and expressions.  Look around at the crowd, watch their expressions and behaviors.  Read through again reading slow and intentionally.

After jotting down some questions, be sure to look around for some contextual pieces that may help explain various curiosities in the chapter.  After you have a good handle on the chapter, go back through with these questions.  You may have asked them already or ones very like them, consider what you learn from the view from a different 'knot-hole'.

• Why does the king give permission to Paul and not Festus?
• How does Paul begin his defense (in verse 1)?
• Where does Paul begin to explain himself?  What does he say about his "origins" that seems surprising?
• What does Paul claim forms the basis of the accusations against him?  Why go back to this?
• What does Paul say his belief has in common with all Jews?
• In verse 9 what does Paul begin to unpack from his past?  Why bring that up?
• In verse 14, what part of his vision do those with him experience?  How does that correspond with Acts 22:9?  Or with Acts 9:7?
• How does the charge God gives to Paul differ here from the wording in Acts 22?  Who gets the gist of this charge in Acts 9?
• In verse 20, the wording is typically "repent and turn to God", but really, what's the difference?
• Look up "repent" and "turn" in the Strong's listing on the Blue Letter Bible.  What's the difference between them?  Which one do we typically think of as "repentance"?
• How does Paul view repentance?  What else is necessary?
• In verse 21, for what reason did the Jews seize Paul in the temple?
•  What has enabled Paul to stand and speak in that place?
• What support does Paul claim for his faith?
• And what does Paul claim they support?  What is his faith in?
• Who can't stand his testimony any further?  Of whom does his response remind you?
• What does Festus claim has happened to Paul?
• Toward whom is Paul's testimony focused?  What does Paul claim about him?
• What does King Agrippa say?  What is odd about his comment?
• How does Paul respond?  Who is trying to convince?
• How is this defense a legal defense?
• How does the king respond to Paul's reply?
• What seems to be the consensus of everyone there?
• Why is King Agrippa's comment odd?

Be sure to go back over your questions and fill in gaps in my set.  Consider all of them, and be ready for a lot more 'knot-hole' views on Thursday.

Two Governors, An Incestuous King, and a Another Cliff-Hanger

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting April 11 to study Acts 24 and 25.  I suspect we will get through both chapters since the events aren't that problematic.  There are some interesting issues in the text, and the characters (especially the Roman governors) are really interesting.

Read through both chapters (and continue on if you just can't stand it, and even if you can) several times.  This is nearly the end of the book, so Luke is wrapping up the final elements.  He spends considerable time on both Roman governors, Felix and Festus.  Think about that, and why.  Imagine being in on the conversations, and speeches.  What do things look like, and who says what?

After reading through the chapters a few times, consider the following questions as you read through a final few times:

Chapter 24

• Who makes up the group from Jerusalem?
• Who is Tertullus?  What does he say happened?  How accurate is his account?  Read the article about him on the Blue Letter webpage. What do you think of his argument after that?
• Read the argument of Tertullus in as many translations as you can find.  What is in some, but not in others?  What do the "footnotes" say about that (there should be footnotes regardless of the translation)?
• Paul has several elements to his defense, how long ago did he go up to Jerusalem?
• What did he studiously avoid his whole time in Jerusalem?
• So what does he claim they cannot prove?
• With what about the charges does he agree?
• How does he describe his belief?  Consider what he says here with what is recorded in the rest of Acts about how Paul spreads the Good News.  How does this affect your understanding of what he was doing and how?
• Where does Paul get the support for his beliefs?  What does he claim about his beliefs and those of his accusers?
• What parts are similar to his defense in Jerusalem?
• Who does Paul name as having accusations, but not being present?  Why should that be significant?
• What might Paul be admitting in verse 21?  Read it in a few translations.
• What does verse 22 mean about Felix?  How is this borne out in the rest of the chapter?
• What disturbs Felix about Paul's discussions?
• What is Felix waiting for?  Why not render judgment?
• How long does Felix wait?
• So what happens after that?  Why does Paul remain in custody?

Chapter 25

• What is Festus' first order of business?
• What is the chief priests and elders' first order of business?
• What does Festus offer to do?  Why can't/won't he do what they ask?
• What do the Jewish leaders want to do...again?
• What is Festus' second order of business once he arrives back in Caesarea?
• What is the problem with the charges brought against Paul?
• What is the essence of Paul's defense?
• Why does Festus want to defer the trial to Jerusalem?
• From Paul's response, what is his opinion of the new governor?
• How long before the arrival of King Agrippa and Bernice?  Why do they come?
• Who is King Agrippa? Who is Bernice? Read the article in the Blue Letter Bible about them (it's at the bottom of the "Herod" article).  What bothers both Jews and Gentiles about this "king"?
• What interest and prior knowledge would Agrippa have about Paul and Christians in general?
• What does Festus tell Agrippa?  How accurate is he?  What is his dilemma now?
• What do they decide to do?
• Who all comes to this hearing?
• What does Festus claim here?  Again, really?

So that should do it for these two chapters.  There are obviously lots of stuff in there not included in these questions.  You will hopefully have come up your own and will bring them to the group.

When Slap-Fights Go Horribly Wrong

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Group meeting on April 4, to study Acts 23.  We will begin with Paul's defense before the Sanhedrin, and move to his eventual removal to the Judean coast.

Read through Chapter 23 several times.  It will be hard not to continue on to the succeeding chapters, and continuing may be a good thing to do.  Chapter 24 is fairly short and the story moves quickly to its conclusion from here.  We have two governors, a king and a boat trip left after this chapter.

As you read through the chapter, slow down, re-read difficult sentences, try and imagine yourself in the event. Ask yourself questions about what it would have been like to have been there, what it looked like, what are the expressions on faces, what do their voices sound like.  Once you can put together some idea of a "setting" using your imagination, ask yourself the "why" questions.  This is narrative, and fast-moving narrative.  You have to think and imagine in order to slow it down to really observe.  This is inspired of God, so it's worth the effort; there's a goal in mind here, find it.

Once you've sifted through the chapter a few times, and come up with some questions, read it through again, and consider these.  They're not replacements, or the "right questions", they're ones from my different perspective.  We need your perspective in order to get a more full view of these events; we can't really understand the game with just the view from one "knot-hole".

• Paul's opening statement seems to offend the high priest, why?
• To whom does Paul address his "rebuke" when he is struck?  What tells us he knew who the man was?
• When Paul is told who the man was to ordered he be struck, how does he respond, with what sort of attitude?
• Paul then changes tactics dramatically.  Why?  What about how he started won't work with this group?
• What does his declaration about the resurrection do to the assembly?
• If you're the "commander", what has happened to your dilemma?  Now what do you do?
• Who appears to Paul to encourage him?  What is remarkable about that?
• What is really "stupid" about the oath the Jews take concerning Paul?  What is really important if they are going to live out this oath?
• What do the "oath-takers" do to try to get to Paul?
• Why would the council, divided the night before, play along with the conspiracy?
• Who hears of the plot?  Where must he have been?  Why might he have been there?
• What does that tell you of Paul's family?  This is really the first we hear of any of them, so where are some or many of them?  How is Paul viewed by his family?
• To whom does Paul send his nephew?  Why not go himself or with his nephew?
• How does the commander respond when the boy is brought to him?  Why this way?
• What does the commander do when he hears what the boy has to say?
• What does he tell the Sanhedrin?  When does he tell them?  Where is Paul when the Sanhedrin hears from the commander?
• What does that mean for the oath-takers?  I suppose that's "more than forty" fewer problems for Paul?
• What does the commander tell the governor about Paul?  What does he leave out or change about his involvement?

So we leave Paul, again waiting on another "trial" and will have to wait until next week to continue the story.  It may be possible to get chapters 24 and 25 done at once since 24 and 25 are so short.  Chapters 26, 27 and 28 will not be so easy.  So, possibly 4 weeks after this.

In Search of Facts

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Group meeting March 28, when we will be covering Acts 22.  This chapter continues the events of Chapter 21, and again leaves us with a "cliff hanger".

Again, there are plenty of elements to this chapter, like 21, that are rather peculiar.  It would be helpful to go back and read Paul's conversion in chapter 9.  Some of the details Paul relates seem different, some way more than others.

Read the chapter through several times.  Look for things that spark questions or seem to require some further explanation.  Jot them down as you go through.  Some of these may be answered as you go through the chapter, some won't, and there will be some for which we won't be able to find answers (get used to it, if you aren't already).

After reading through a few times, read through again considering the questions below:

• Through verse 5, it all sounds familiar.  At what point do things begin to sound different from Chapter 9?
• How many points of difference between Paul's account here and chapter 9 can you find?  (I found at least 8 depending on how some are combined)
• At what point do the Jews stop listening?  What does that tell you about what they think this is about?  How accurate is their assumption?
• What does the commander order done to Paul?  Why?
• What does Paul bring up at this point?  Luke set us up for this in chapter 16, but it was brought up differently there, why would that be?
• The conversation between the centurion, the commander, and then Paul is short, but what do we learn about the commander?  What sort of situation is he in?  What's the problem he faces?
• What does he decide to do?  What does it tell you about the Romans in Jerusalem that he can do that?  What do you think the council will be thinking and feeling as they arrive?

We're left, again, without Paul's defense which will be where we begin next week.  Be sure to bring your questions and notes!

Struck Down, But Not Destroyed

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Group meeting on March 21 to study Acts 21.  This is a very busy chapter with a "cliff-hanger" ending.  The ending is so abrupt it provides a good example of how arbitrary these chapter breaks can be.

Read through the chapter several times (if you haven't already, and I hope you have).  Jot down points of interest, and peculiarity.  Make notes and questions.  Look especially at things Luke mentions but does not explain, but still try to put yourself in the activity, observing.

Once you've been through a few times, go through again using the questions below:

• What is Paul being continually warned about?  What sort of literary device might Luke be using here?
• With whom do they stay in Caesarea?  Remember him?  What note about Philip does Luke include which is somewhat surprising/different?
• Where does the prophet come from?  What does he do with Paul's belt?  What does he say about this, who told him to say this?
• What does everyone do when they hear the prophecy?  What does Paul do?
• What was already arranged before they arrived?  In fact who goes with them to Jerusalem?
• What is the comment about their reception in Jerusalem?  Hang on to that for a sec.
• With whom does Paul and his company meet the next day?  Who is present?
• What does Paul relate to this "august" group?
• Look carefully at the response of the Jerusalem elders.  Look at what they say to Paul in a few translations. Where are these "thousands of Jews who have believed..." located, or at least now?
• What do you gather about the elders view of these Jewish believers?  For whom are they a problem?  What problem are the elders trying to solve?
• Considering this view, where these Jewish believers not from, or at least likely not from?
• What have these Jewish believers been told about Paul?  Who would have told them?  Again, where would this most likely have happened (considering the reception the elders gave Paul)?
• Think about the elders' solution, where had we heard of this before concerning Paul? (hint: Luke noted it in passing in a normal narrative, oh and Paul was in "Europe")
• What will this prove?  If this is such good proof, then what does that mean for Paul's previous experience with it?  So what is Paul's personal view/practice concerning the Law of Moses?
• What do you think of the repetition of their decree concerning the Gentile believers?  Why here?
• How long does Paul wait to follow their advice?  What does it tell you that he does follow their advice?
• How long is he in this process?  So for these days what could be surmised about his view of the Law of Moses by any observer?  Why then did these people miss what was supposed to be obvious?
• What do they claim Paul did (on top of everything else they claimed)?  And why would they claim such a thing?
• If Paul was with a Gentile in town during the week, how "pure" would he have been after the week?  How would the people know someone in town was a "Gentile" anyway?
• Where do think these Jews are from?  So, did Paul make it for Pentecost?
• How did the city respond?  How did the "city" know?
• As the mob gets going, who reacts?  Who does he bring with him?  Who is he anyway?
• How does the crowd respond to his arrival?
• What does this Roman commander do when he arrives at the mob center?
• What does the mob's information tell you about them?
• If they don't know why they are beating someone, why beat him?
• Where is Paul taken?  How is he taken?
• What does Paul tell the commander before he enters the barracks?  What does he want to do?
• If he was being beaten by a crowd, why is he so "cognizant" now?  What does that tell you about Paul, or about the beating?
• Who did the commander think Paul was?  What seems odd about that?  Who are these "assassins"? (look them up)
• How does Paul quiet the crowd?  What does that tell you about the crowd and where Paul is?

That should be plenty for this Thursday.  There's a lot of detail that Luke seems to have left out, but we will try to fill in some blanks, and see if we can complete a better backdrop to this events.  We also learn some things about Paul that were either assumed or hinted at in previous passages of Acts.  Bring your questions and notes to the meeting.

See you there!