The Readings in Week Three cover three dramatic changes in
leadership for those who follow the Lord. First the transition from Moses to
Joshua, then the transition through numerous judge-leaders, then the transition
to kings.
As the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, the Lord commands Joshua to lead them across the Jordan, saying: “Be strong and courageous.” Across the Jordan, there are many battles for the land. Some of them are familiar through stories or songs, like Joshua’s battle in Jericho where the walls came tumbling down.
Joshua delineates not only the battles but the interactions
between other people and the Israelites, the constant challenge to follow one
Lord, and the relationships among the people of the tribes of Israel –
relationships that will continue to be challenging.
Here are some things to notice along the way.
1. What musical instrument played a role in the tumbling of
the Jericho walls?
2. Now that the Israelites were settling in their lands and
no longer wandering together, where did the Ark of the Covenant rest?
3. Who says: “As for me and my household, we will serve the
Lord?” Be aware, it’s a long way between the Jericho story and these statements
of faith, and some of the passages read like a land survey report. Just keep
reading!
Bonus: What happens to manna in the Promised Land?
God-sent leaders/
Judges
Covering a period of about 300 years following the death of
Joshua, “the Lord raised up judges…” (Judges 2:16) to lead the people in
disputes/battles with their enemies and disputes with one another.
This book along with Joshua, Samuel and Kings is part of
what is known as the Deuternomistic History, writings that capture a history of
the people between their entry into the Promised Land and their later defeat
and exile.
In the Book of Judges, each time the Lord raises up a judge, stability and
peace follow until the people turn from their faith in the Lord.
Here are some things to notice along the way.
1. Were there any women among these leaders?
2. How does the story of Samson compare to what you know
about him?
Bonus: For each judge/leader something occurs. What is it?
A Family History/
Ruth
The Book of Ruth tells a beautiful story of family devotion,
of strangers welcomed in another land and of generosity and care for one
another. It is a welcome break in the midst of the military histories. Read it
as reward for making it to this point. And then realize this is not just any
family’s orgin story.
Bonus: Whose family origin story is this?
God-chosen Kings/
1 Samuel
Both the leadership of the Israelites and the leadership of
worship change dramatically in the Book of Samuel. (1 Samuel and 2 Samuel were
originally one continuous text.)
In a revelation to Samuel, a young boy, the Lord ends the
priestly role of the Levites and begins to call others into ministry.
In a response to the people’s desire for a king like the
leaders of other lands, the Lord begins to chose kings for the Israelites, but
God is not happy about it! “They have rejected me as their king.”
Here are some things to notice along the way.
1. Who is the first king and how does he rule?
2. What role does David play in the reign of the first king?
3. Look for the scriptural example/precedent for blessing a
meal before eating.
Bonus: What instrument was David known for?
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