Psalms

The Books of Psalms


A Rewrite of Psalm 25

My life is in your hands, O LORD.
I place my trust in you.
Do not allow me to be dishonored
for I have honored you.
I need your help, O LORD,
show me what to do.
You are the God who saves,
rescue me with your truth.
All day long, I place my hope and my trust in you.
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth
for you are a God rich in mercy and full of compassion and unfailing love.
O LORD, you are good and you always do what is right.
When your people drift off course, you lead them back in the right direction.
You teach the humble your ways
and lead them to do what is right.
All those who obey you and your commands
will be led by you with faithfulness and unfailing love.
For your honor, O LORD,
forgive me of all my sins.
You, O LORD, will lead those who fear you in the right direction.
You will be a friend to them.
You will teach them the covenant you have made with them
and lead them into a life of prosperity.
Right now, my eyes are fixed upon you, O LORD!
I place my hope and my trust in you!
You have always rescued me from my troubles in the past,
and I trust you will save me from my troubles now!
As you can see, I am alone and in great distress!
I am surrounded by enemies who are trying to harm me!
Look upon me now, O LORD!
I need your help!
My situation seems to go from bad to worse!
I cannot defend myself!
You are my Defender!
Defend me!
I cannot protect myself!
You are my Protector!
Protect me!
I cannot rescue myself!
You are my Rescuer!
Rescue me!
I place all of my hope and my trust in you.
Save us from all of our troubles!


A Psalm To Our Father

Thank you God for being our God!
You are such a good, good God!
Thank you Father for adopting us into Your family!
We are now Your sons and we are now Your daughters!
Thank you Father for teaching us what to do and what not to do!
Thank you Father for blessing us when we have been obedient to you!
Thank you Father for punishing us when we have been disobedient to you!
Thank you Father for disciplining us and for loving us the way that you do!
Thank you Father for helping us become more and more like you!
Thank you Father for giving us such good gifts!
Thank you Father for giving us the greatest gift of all -
The gift of spending now through eternity with you!


An Application to the Books of Psalms

In preparation for this assignment on the books of Psalms, I decided to read through all 150 Psalms in one day.  I am so very glad I did so! One of the main themes that stood out to me was the idea of praising the LORD.  We all have so, so much to praise the LORD for!  My application to the Books of Psalms is to write out my own psalm as well as thank the LORD for who He is and what He has been doing in my life.  I realize that I have much to be thankful for!

I'd like to share just a brief example of what the LORD has been doing in my life.  Approximately one year ago, I hit rock bottom as a staff member here at YWAM Kona.  I had failed in different areas of my life.  For example, I had failed in the area of personal finances and fundraising.  At one point, I was still living on campus and my financial debt to the campus had surpassed $2000!  For this reason and others, I decided to text the following words to my supervisor, "I will go."  I did not know where I would go to but I strongly felt that I should go. I really did not think that I should be allowed to live on campus at that time. Fortunately, my supervisor received my text and he immediately called me back.  We talked and we worked on suitable solution together - with God!  This moment marked the beginning of a very dramatic turn around in my life.  Soon afterward, I was able to move off-campus into the Kona Mansions with three of my friends. I temporarily worked part-time off-campus while serving full-time on-campus in the Gateway office.  In March of 2013, I began staffing the Go Asia DTS.  Near the end of June, God allowed me to co-lead a bilingual English-Korean outreach team to South Korea, Togo (Africa), and China! After two months of outreach, God  led me on an exciting journey with Him throughout Asia - South Korea, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Japan!  I was able to travel to many different places and visit with many different friends throughout Asia! On my way back to YWAM Kona, I was able to enjoy three days and nights in Honolulu, Hawaii! I was finally able to visit the YWAM Honolulu campus and reconnect with some of my old friends!  I then flew to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and arrived at YWAM Kona on Arrival Day (Thursday, September 26th, 2013) as a Discipleship Bible School (DBS) student!  Four weeks later, all of my DBS school fees have been paid for thanks to the support of friends and the approval of my staff scholarship!  As I reflect upon all that has happened in my life over the past year or so, I realize once again that I have much to be thankful for! God is all powerful! God is faithful! God is merciful! God is compassionate! God is loving! God is full of grace! God is our Provider! God is our Comforter! God is our wonderful Counselor! God is all these things and so much more! God is good! God is truly the One who deserves all of the honor and the glory! Thank you God for being our God!

1 & 2 Samuel

Books of 1 & 2 Samuel

First Impressions

- What do you see in these books that tells you about the Original Reader?

The Original Readers of the books of Samuel would have been Israelites living in Israel sometime after the reign of King David.  1 Samuel begins with an account of the birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:19-20) and highlights the lives of three men: Samuel, Saul, and David.  2 Samuel highlights the life of just one man: King David.  The original readers of the books of Samuel would have been familiar with Israelite’s history during the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David.  For example, they would have known that Israel had been ruled by judges; however, Israel was now being ruled by a king instead.  They would have known both the successes and the failures of their leaders.  They would have recognized that God is the ultimate ruler over Israel.

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

According to Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts (p. 97), “the two books of Samuel were originally one continuous account in the Hebrew text, but English translations (following the Greek and Latin translations) divide Samuel into two books.”  Further, it states that the author of the books of Samuel “is anonymous but was probably composed by an unnamed prophet who compiled written chronicles of prophets such as Nathan and Gad the seer (1 Chr. 29:29).”  The author of the books of Samuel would have been intimately familiar with Israelite’s history beginning with the birth of Samuel (who would later become priest, judge, and prophet of Israel) through the reigns of both King Saul and King David.

- What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the "main idea"?

God blesses the obedience of His people and punishes the disobedience of His people.  The books of 1 and 2 Samuel record three major transitions in leadership for the nation of Israel.  The first major transition was the transfer of leadership from Eli to Samuel.  Eli and his sons were serving as priests; however, they sinned against God.  In response, God punished Eli and his sons for their sinful disobedience (see 1 Samuel 1:27-36).  However, Samuel did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and God blessed him for it.  Not only did Samuel replace Eli as priest, he became a judge and prophet over Israel as well.  In his old age, Samuel appointed his two oldest sons, Joel and Abijah, as judges over Israel (1 Samuel 8:1).  However, his sons were not like him and the Israelites demanded a king from Samuel (see 1 Samuel 8:4-5).  God recognized that they were really rejecting Him as their king (see 1 Samuel 8:7-9).  God told Samuel to do as they say and give them a king (1 Samuel 8:22); however, God through Samuel warned them about what would happen as a result of their choice.  God then led Samuel to appoint Saul as their first king (see 1 Samuel 17-24).  Initially, King Saul obeyed God and God blessed him; however, King Saul soon disobeyed God and God punished him by removing his kingdom from him (see 1 Samuel 13:13-14). God then led Samuel to appoint David as the next king.  David was “a man after God’s own heart” and he obeyed God.  God richly rewarded David for his obedience (see 2 Samuel 5-16).  However, David also sinned against God (e.g. adultery and murder) and God punished him for his sins as well.  God blesses the obedience of His people and punishes the disobedience of His people. 

- What is the primary reason this book was written?

The primary reason the books of Samuel were written was to remind the Israelites of their history connecting the time of judges with the time of kings.  The Israelites would be reminded of their covenant with God.  They would be reminded that God is faithful to His people.  They would be reminded that God blesses the obedience of His people.  They would be reminded that God punishes the disobedience of His people as well.  The Israelites would be reminded that God loves them.

Theme Tracing

- What do these books show about the character and nature of God?

These books of Samuel reveal a great deal about the character and nature of God.  They reveal that God is faithful to His people and He keeps His covenants with them.  They reveal that God blesses the obedience of His people and God punishes the disobedience of His people.  They reveal that God is the Most High God.  For example, God made Dagon, the god of the Philistines, bow down to the Ark of the LORD (see 1 Samuel 5:1-5).  Further, God struck the Philistines with a plague of tumors.  God is holy.  God killed seventy men because they looked into the Ark of the LORD (1 Samuel 6:19).  God also struck Uzzah dead when he reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God (2 Samuel 6:6-7).  God will not abandon his people even when they do wrong.  For example, Samuel reassured the Israelites when they asked for a king by saying to them, “Don’t be afraid. You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the LORD with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on him.  Don’t go back to worshiping worthless idols that cannot help or rescue you – they are totally useless! The LORD will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name.  For it has pleased the LORD to make you his very own people.” (1 Samuel 12:20-22).  God loves His people and God desires relationship with His people.  God seeks men and women “after His own heart” (see 1 Samuel 13:14). 

- What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

According to Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts (page 86), “David is one of the primary Old Testament types of the person of Christ. He was born in Bethlehem, works as a shepherd, and rules as king of Israel.  He becomes the forerunner of the messianic King; the New Testament specifically calls Christ the ‘seed of David according to the flesh’ (Rom. 1:3) and ‘the Root and the Offspring of David’ (Rev. 22:16).  There are many similarities between David and Jesus.  David was born in Bethlehem.  Jesus was born in Bethlehem.  David was a shepherd of sheep.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd of His people. David was the king of Israel.  Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords!  Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to David (see 2 Samuel 7:16).

Application questions

- Personal Application

While I was studying the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, I found myself focusing on the life of David.  I observed that David possessed many strengths; however, he possessed some weaknesses as well.  In other words, David was an imperfect man.  As an imperfect man myself, I could readily relate to David.  Despite his imperfections, David was indeed “a man after God’s own heart” whom God used in a mighty way to accomplish His purposes.  While studying David’s life in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, I could not help but think about my own life as a man.  What kind of man am I?  What are my strengths?  What are my weaknesses?  What kind of man would I really like to be?  What would be written about me if someone were to write a book about my life?  Would I be remembered as “a man after God’s own heart”?  Would I be remembered as a man of great faith?  Would I be remembered as a man who truly loved God with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength?  Would I be remembered as a man who truly loved others as himself?  My personal application of the books of 1 and 2 Samuel is to continue studying the life of David.  Further, I will be writing down a description of the kind of man I would really like to be.  For now, I will simply state that I truly desire to be “a man after God’s own heart.”

- Point of Passion

My point of passion is to know God and to make Him known.  While studying the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, I noticed that the author highlighted the lives of three men: Samuel, Saul, and David.  Each of these men possessed both strengths and weaknesses.  None of them was perfect.  Neither are we.  However, we can learn from them by studying their lives.  We can learn from their successes.  We can also learn from their failures.  We can then apply what we have learned to our own lives.  Since my passion is to know God and to make Him known, I want to help others get to know Him by encouraging them to really study the lives of individual men and women in the Bible. 

Judges

Book of Judges

First Impressions

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

It appears that the original readers (or hearers) of the book of Judges were the Israelites during the time of their first kings, Saul and David.  It repeatedly states in the book of Judges that, “in those days Israel had no king” (See Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25).  This statement implies that the readers would have been familiar with the history of the Israelites.  It also implies that there would be a kingdom after the period of the judges. 

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

It is not clear from the text who the author of the book of Judges is; however, that person would have been very familiar with the history of the Israelites during the time period of judges.  According to the introduction to the book of Judges in the Sourceview Bible, the author of the book of Judges has been traditionally credited to the prophet, Samuel; however, it may have been written by one of his associates. 

- What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the "main idea"?

“In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” (Judges 17:6, Judges 21:25).  After their leader, Joshua, had died, a “generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. (Judges 2:10).  God reminded the Israelites that they had a covenant with Him and they failed to uphold their part in the covenant. God then declared to the Israelites that He “will no longer drive out the people in your land. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you.” (See Judges 2:1-3).  After the death of Joshua and before the arrival of their first kings, Saul and David, the Israelites entered into a repeated cycle of sin and redemption.  The Israelites would do evil in the sight of the LORD by abandoning God and His ways and committing idolatry with pagan gods such as Baal.  God would become angry with them and punish them for their disobedience by allowing them to be defeated by their enemies.  After years of oppression from their enemies, the Israelites would cry out to God for deliverance.  God would respond to their cries for help by rescuing them through a hero called a judge.  The judge would rule over them and the Israelites would enjoy a time of peace.  However, the Israelites would quickly revert back to their old ways of doing evil in the sight of the LORD once their judge had passed away.  This cycle would repeat itself for approximately 350 years throughout the time period of judges.  A lack of faith in God leads to sinful disobedience to God.  Sinful disobedience to God leads to punishment from God.  Punishment from God leads to crying out to God for mercy and deliverance.  One of the main ideas in the book of Judges is that people tend to do what is right in their own eyes when they take their focus off God and His ways.  As a result, people tend to suffer the painful consequences of being disobedient to God.

- What is the primary reason this book was written?

The primary reason that the book of Judges was written was to remind the Israelites of their history during the time period of judges.  Hopefully, the Israelites would remember what they did right in God’s eyes as well as what they did wrong in God’s eyes.  Hopefully, the Israelites would choose to do what is right in God’s eyes and enjoy His blessings rather than do what is wrong in God’s eyes and suffer His punishment.

Theme Tracing

- What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

The book of Judges shows that God is faithful.  God had established a covenant with His people, the Israelites, and He upheld His part in the covenant.  When His people chose to disobey Him, they suffered the painful consequences for doing so.  For example, God told the Israelites, “you were not to make any covenants with the people living in this land; instead, you were to destroy their altars. But you disobeyed my command. Why did you do this? So now I declare that I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you.” (see Judges 2:2-3).  God is holy. God hates the sin of idolatry.  For example, Judges 3:7-8 states, “The Israelites did evil in the LORD’s sight. They forgot about the LORD their God, and they served the images of Baal and the Asherah poles. Then the LORD burned with anger against Israel, and he turned them over to King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram-naharaim. And the Israelites served Cushan-rishathaim for eight years.”  This book also shows that God is merciful.  After suffering years of oppression, the Israelites would cry out to God and God in His mercy would deliver them and lead them into a time of rest and peace.  God is faithful to bless His people when they are obedient to Him and God is faithful to punish His people when they are disobedient to Him.  God loves His people.

- What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

Throughout the book of Judges, the Israelites would do evil in the sight of the LORD.  The LORD would then punish them for their sinful disobedience.  The Israelites would then cry out to the LORD for deliverance from their oppressors.  The LORD would then appoint a judge who would deliver them and lead them into a time of rest and peace.  The judges who are listed in the book of Judges point to our ultimate Judge who is Jesus.  Jesus is our true Deliverer!

Application questions

- Personal Application

The book of Judges reminds me of just how important it is to keep my focus on God and to do His will.  This book serves as a warning to me that if I take my focus off God then I may simply do what seems right in my own eyes and become disobedient to God.  I am reminded yet again that if I choose to be obedient to God and His ways then I will enjoy His blessings; however, if I choose to be disobedient to God and His ways then I will suffer His punishment.  I love God; therefore, I desire to be obedient to God.  I also desire to be blessed by God; therefore, I choose to be obedient to God.  In the book of Judges, the Israelites were commanded by God to completely drive out the Canaanites from their land.  From a human standpoint, the Israelites may have appeared to be somewhat successful in that they did indeed drive out some of their enemies.  However, from a Godly standpoint, their partial obedience is really disobedience.  They failed to drive out their enemies as God had commanded them to do.  As a result, they suffered the consequences for their disobedience.  As I reflect on my own life, I realize that I too have been disobedient to God in that I have allowed myself to make compromises when I should not have.  I endeavor to keep my focus on God and to do His will.  Toward this end, I will continue to read, study, and meditate upon His Word daily.

- Point of Passion

It is my desire to know God and to make Him known.  As I have studied the book of Judges, I am reminded of just how important it is for us as believers to keep our focus on God and on doing His will.  I am reminded of just how easy it is for us to take our focus off God and begin doing what seems right in our own eyes.  I am reminded of just how easy it is for us to be disobedient to God.  I am reminded that our disobedience to God results in painful consequences from God.  I am choosing to be obedient to God and His ways and I will continue to encourage others to be obedient to God and His ways as well.  I will encourage others to keep their focus on God and on doing His will so that they may enjoy His blessings rather than suffer His punishment.

Joshua

Book of Joshua

First Impressions

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

The original readers (or hearers) of the book of Joshua were the Israelites who had been led by God through Joshua and were now living in the Promised Land.  Joshua 25:1 records, “So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day at Shechem, committing them to follow the decrees and regulations of the LORD.”  Joshua 24:28-29 states, “Then Joshua sent all the people away to their homelands. After this, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the LORD died at the age of 110.”  The original readers were the Israelites who had been led by God through Joshua and were now living in the Promised Land after the death of their leader, Joshua.

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

According to the introduction to the book of Joshua in the Sourceview Bible, the book of Joshua was written by Joshua about 1390 BC.  Joshua 1:1 states, “After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses assistant.”  The phrase, “The LORD told Joshua” or “the LORD said to Joshua” is repeated numerous times throughout the entire book of Joshua (see Joshua 3:7, 4:1, 5:2, etc).  Near the end of the book, Joshua 24:26 states, “Joshua recorded these things in the Book of God’s Instructions.”  It strongly appears that Joshua is indeed the author of the book of Joshua.

- What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the "main idea"?

God told Joshua to “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.  Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (see Joshua 1:6-9).  This passage summarizes some of the main themes contained within the book of Joshua.  For example, God blesses His people when they are obedient to Him.  God would give His servant, Joshua, a command.  Joshua would obey God and command his people accordingly.  The people would then obey Joshua and be blessed by God.  For example, Joshua and the Israelites obeyed God and God allowed all of them to cross over the Jordan River on dry ground (see Joshua 3:15-16).  Joshua and the Israelites obeyed God and God allowed them to conquer their enemies and occupy their land.  However, God also punishes disobedience.  For example, God punished Achan (and his family and the rest of the Israelites) for his sinful disobedience (see Joshua 7:1-26 for more details).  God blesses His people for being obedient to Him and punishes His people for being disobedient to Him. 

- What is the primary reason this book was written?

The primary reason the book of Joshua was written was to remind the Israelites of all that God had done for them and to remind them of their covenant with God (see Joshua’s speech in chapters 23 and 24).  Joshua wanted the Israelites to remember all the things that God had done for them to bring them into the Promised Land.  Joshua also wanted to remind them of their covenant with God and the terms of their covenant.  Simply stated, Joshua reminded the Israelites that God will continue to bless them if they remain obedient to Him.  However, Joshua also warned the Israelites that God will punish them if they rebel and become disobedient to Him.

Theme Tracing

- What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

The book of Joshua demonstrates that God is faithful and He keeps His covenants with His people.  This book shows that God blesses His people when they are obedient to Him.  God blessed the obedience of His people when He allowed them to conquer their enemies.  For example, God allowed His people to conquer Jericho when they were obedient to Him (see Joshua 6:1-27). God blessed His people when He allowed them to cross over the Jordan River on dry ground.  God also punished His people when they were disobedient.  For example, God punished Achan (and his family and the Israelites) for his (their) sin (see Joshua 7:1-26 for more details). These events and other signs, wonders, and miracles throughout the book of Joshua demonstrate that God is also all powerful!  For example, God honored Joshua’s prayer of “Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon” (see Joshua 10:12) so that Joshua and the Israelites could defeat the Amorites.  God is holy and He desires purity.  In Joshua 3:5, Joshua told the people, “Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you.”  God is Provider.  Joshua 5:12 states, “No manna appeared on the day they first ate from the crops of the land, and it was never seen again.  So from that time on the Israelites ate from the crops of Canaan.”  God had provided manna for His people to eat.  Now, God is providing the crops of Canaan for His people to eat.  The book of Joshua teaches us that God desires His people to rely on Him rather than on themselves in order to experience true blessings in life. 

- What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

In the book of Joshua, God used Joshua to lead the Israelites into their Promised Land.  In the future, God will use His Son, Jesus, to lead His people into their inheritance.  According to Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts (page 63), “the scarlet cord, which provided safety for Rahab and her house (Josh. 2:17-21), portrays safety through the blood of Jesus (Heb. 9:19-22).”  God has a plan to redeem His people.  God had established a covenant with the Israelites. Joshua reminded them of the terms of their covenant with God. In the future, God will establish a new covenant with His people.

Application questions

- Personal Application

While studying the book of Joshua, I am reminded once again of God’s faithfulness.  I am reminded of God’s covenant with His people.  I am reminded that God blesses the obedience of His people.  I am reminded that God punishes the disobedience of His people as well.  I am also reminded that I am to rely on God rather than on myself to experience true success and blessings in life.  One of the ways in which Joshua encouraged the Israelites about their future was to remind them of what God had done for them in their past.  As a personal application for this book, I will write down what God has done for me in the past.  More specifically, I will write down how God had provided for me so that I was able to lead an outreach to South Korea, Togo, and China with the Go Asia DTS.  Additionally, I will write down how God had provided a way for me to travel throughout Asia (South Korea, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Japan) after outreach as well.  Observing how God has faithfully provided for me in the past will help me to believe that God will faithfully provide for me in the future as well. 

- Point of Passion

My passion is to know God and to make Him known – especially among teenagers and young adults.  While studying the book of Joshua, I am reminded yet again of God’s covenant with His people.  God is faithful and He will always be faithful.  God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do.  God says that He will bless the obedience of His people; therefore, that is what God will do.  God says that He will punish the disobedience of His people; therefore, that is what God will do.  God is faithful to who He is. God will uphold His side of the covenant.  I would like to remind believers – especially teenagers and young adults – of the covenant that they have with God. I would like to encourage them to be obedient to God so that they may receive His blessings rather than be disobedient and receive His punishment.  Further, I would like to encourage them to rely on God rather than on themselves in order to be truly blessed. 

Deuteronomy

Book of Deuteronomy

First Impressions

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

Deuteronomy 1:1-3 states, “These are the words that Moses spoke to all the people of Israel while they were in the wilderness east of the Jordan River . . . Moses addressed the people of Israel, telling them everything the LORD commanded him to say.” It is clear from these verses as well as numerous others throughout the book of Deuteronomy that the Israelites were the original readers (or hearers) of this book. 

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

According to the introduction to the book of Deuteronomy in the Sourceview Bible, Moses wrote the book of Deuteronomy around 1406 BC.  Nearly the entire book of Deuteronomy is a written record of what Moses had said to the Israelites (see Deuteronomy 1:5-2:9; Deuteronomy 2:13-19; Deuteronomy 2:24-4:40, etc).  It is very clear that Moses is the author of the book of Deuteronomy.

 - What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the "main idea"?

God desires relationship with His people.  God has made a covenant with His people and God is faithful to keep His covenant with them.  God loves His people and He greatly desires to bless His people.  Accordingly, God through Moses carefully instructs the Israelites on what they are to do and what they are not to do.  God will greatly bless them for their obedience to Him (see Deuteronomy 4:39-40; Deuteronomy 5:28-29; Deuteronomy 5:32-33, etc); however, God warns them that He will curse (punish) them for their disobedience to Him as well.  Deuteronomy 11:26-28 states, “Look, today I [Moses] am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the LORD your God and turn away from him and worship gods you have not known before.”  God through Moses tells His people that He will greatly bless them if they fully obey Him and His ways (see Deuteronomy 28:1-14); however, God also warns them that He will curse (punish) them if they disobey Him and His ways (see Deuteronomy 28:15-68).  God has given each of us a choice. We can either choose to obey God and receive His blessings or we can choose to disobey God and receive His curses.

- What is the primary reason this book was written?

The primary reason that the book of Deuteronomy was written was to remind the Israelites that God had made a covenant with them and to encourage them to keep their side of the covenant by being obedient to God and His commands so that God may greatly bless them.

Theme Tracing

- What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

The book of Deuteronomy reveals a lot about the character and nature of God.  This book reveals that God is personal and desires a loving relationship with the people of Israel.  It also reveals that God is merciful.  Deuteronomy 13:18 states, “The LORD your God will be merciful only if you listen to his voice and keep all his commands that I [Moses] am giving you today, doing what pleases him.”  God makes covenants with His people and He is faithful to keep His covenants with them. God will bless their obedience to Him; however, God will curse (punish) their disobedience to Him as well.  God will not tolerate people His people worshiping idols (see Deuteronomy 4:15-20).  God desires His people to be wholeheartedly devoted to Him.  In Deuteronomy 6:4-6, Moses said, “’Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.  And you must commit yourself wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.”  God loves His people and He greatly desires to bless His people.

- What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

The book of Deuteronomy demonstrates that God makes covenants with His people and God is faithful to keep His covenants with His people.  God through Moses gave His people, the Israelites, detailed instructions on what they are to do and what they are not to do when they enter into the Promised Land.  For example, God through Moses gave the Israelites detailed instructions regarding their offerings to the LORD.  These sacrificial offerings to the LORD made them right and acceptable before the LORD.  These sacrificial offerings were just a foreshadowing of what was to come.  In the future, Jesus would offer up himself as the sacrificial offering for our sins.  Jesus’ death on the Cross provided a way for us to be made right and acceptable with God.

Application questions

- Personal Application

Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, God through Moses emphasized God’s love for us and God’s desire to bless us.  He reminded us that we all have a choice to make.  We can either choose to obey God and be blessed by God or we can choose to disobey God and be cursed by God.  As a personal application, I am choosing to immerse myself into God and His Word.  I am choosing to obey God and His commands.  I am choosing to love the LORD our God with all of my heart, soul, and strength and I am choosing to do so wholeheartedly (see Deuteronomy 6:4-6).

- Point of Passion

It is my passionate desire to know God and to make Him known – especially among teenagers and young adults.  In the book of Deuteronomy, God through Moses made it very clear to the Israelites that God loves them and He greatly desires to bless them for their obedience to them.  I strongly desire to experience more and more of God’s love and receive more and more of His blessings.  I would like to teach others how they too may experience more and more of God’s love and receive more and more of His blessings.  May we all know God and make Him know to others. May we all represent God well with our words and with our actions. May He receive all the honor and the glory!

Numbers

Book of Numbers

First Impressions

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

According to the introduction to the book of Numbers in the Sourceview Bible, the book of Numbers was written “To God’s people – the children of Israel.  Numbers is Moses’ memoirs about the Israelites’ 40 years in the desert. He wrote it to document their story, a story of their past to shape their future, to show God’s judgment against sin, in the context of his constant faithfulness and patience with his beloved Israel.”  Throughout the book of Numbers, God is giving instructions to Moses to give to the people of Israel (see Numbers 8:23-26; Numbers 9:2-3; Numbers 9:9-10, etc).  The book of Numbers concludes with the following verse, “These are the commands and regulations that the LORD gave to the people of Israel through Moses while they were camped on the plains of Moab beside the Jordan River across from Jericho.” (Numbers 36:13).  It is clear from these verses and many others throughout the book of Numbers that the Israelites were the original readers (or hearers) of this book.

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

According to the introduction to the book of Numbers in the Sourceview Bible, Moses wrote the book of Numbers around 1406 BC.  There are numerous instances throughout the book of Numbers which state that, “the LORD said to Moses” (see Numbers 3:5; Numbers 3:11; Numbers 3:40, etc).  It is very clear from these Scripture verses in Numbers as well as many others throughout the Bible that Moses is indeed the author of the book of Numbers.

- What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the "main idea"?

Some of the main themes or repeated ideas in the book of Numbers include the following: belief versus unbelief, obedience verses disobedience, faith versus fear, clean versus unclean, blessings versus curses.  Numbers 1:2-4 states, “From the whole community of Israel, record the names of all the warriors by their clans and families. List all the men twenty years old or older who are able to go to war. You [Moses] and Aaron must register the troops, and you will be assisted by one family leader from each tribe.” Numbers 1:54 concludes with, “So the Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”  This is an example of the Israelites being obedient.  However, there are examples of the Israelites being disobedient as well.  For example, the LORD said to Moses, “Send out men to explore the land of Canaan, the land I am giving to the Israelites. Send one leader from each of the twelve ancestral tribes.” (Numbers 13:1-2).  Moses did as the LORD commanded him and sent out the twelve spies.  The spies explored the land for 40 days and returned to Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of Israel and gave them a report (see Numbers 13:25-14:9 for more details).  In summary, ten of the spies gave a bad report while two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, gave a positive report.  The bad report led the people of Israel to whine and complain.  The people of Israel then became filled with fear and unbelief.  Their faith faltered and the people of Israel became rebellious and disobedient to the LORD.  What was the LORD’s response?  Numbers 14:34-35 states, “’Because your men explored the land for forty days, you must wander in the wilderness for forty years – a year for each day, suffering the consequences for your sins. Then you will discover what it is like to have me for an enemy.’ I, the LORD, have spoken! I will certainly do these things to every member of the community who has conspired against me. They will be destroyed here in this wilderness, and here they will die!”  (See Numbers 14:10-11 and Numbers 14:20-35 for more details regarding the LORD’s response).  God was very angry with these Israelites and did not allow them to enter into the Promised Land.  However, God was very pleased with Caleb and Joshua and allowed them to enter into the Promised Land.  God expects His people to believe in Him.  God expects His people to have faith in Him.  God expects His people to trust Him.  God blesses the obedience of His people and punishes the disobedience of His people.  In this way, God is disciplining His people. God disciplines those He loves. 

- What is the primary reason this book was written?

The primary reason the book of Numbers was written was to document the Israelites’ 40 year journey through the wilderness and instruct them on how they are to live their lives as set apart for Him.  Throughout the book of Numbers, God through Moses gives His people, the Israelites, instructions on what they are to do and what they are not to do.  God blesses their obedience yet God punishes their disobedience.  God loves His people; therefore, He disciplines His people so that they may learn how to live their lives as set apart for Him.

Theme Tracing

- What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

The book of Numbers demonstrates that God is holy and He desires His people, the Israelites, to be holy as well.  God desires His people to be set apart for him.  God desires to bless His people.  For example, Numbers 6:22-27, states, “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: ‘May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you peace’. Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.’”  However, God is holy and He will not tolerate sin. God will punish rebellion and disobedience.  For example, see Numbers 14:34-35 to read God’s punishment of the Israelites’ sin against Him.  Fortunately, God is patient and merciful and desires to bless us.  For example, the LORD said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: Throughout the generations to come you must make tassels for the hem of your clothing and attach them with a blue cord. When you see the tassels, you will remember and obey all the commands of the LORD instead of following your own desires and defiling yourselves, as you are prone to do. The tassels will help you remember that you must obey all my commands and be holy to your God. I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt that I might be your God. I am the LORD your God!” (Numbers 15:38-41).  This passage in the book of Numbers demonstrates many things about God.  For example, God is holy and He expects His people to be holy as well. It also shows that God knows His people and He cares for His people; therefore, He teaches them how they can remember to be obedient to Him and His commands.  Their obedience to Him will result in His blessing them and God desires to bless His people.

- What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

Throughout the book of Numbers, God through Moses, teaches His people how they are to live their lives as set apart for Him.  For example, God through Moses teaches the Israelites what they must do if one of the individuals commits an unintentional sin.  That guilty individual must bring a one-year old female guilt for a sin offering (see Numbers 15:27-29 for more details).  Throughout the book of Numbers, God through Moses teaches His people what they must do in order to be made right and acceptable with God.  God through Moses instructs them on how they are to make sacrifices to God.  This is just a foreshadowing of what Jesus will do for all of us on the Cross.  Jesus will make the ultimate sacrifice so that all of us may be in right relationship with God.  

Application questions

- Personal Application

Studying the book of Numbers has really challenged me to examine my faith in God.  What would I have done if I was one of the Israelites who was about to enter into the Promised Land?  Would I have joined the vast majority?  Would I have complained like them?  Would I have given into my fears and unbelief like them?  Would I have been rebellious and disobedient to the LORD like them?  Or would I have joined Caleb and Joshua?  Would I have believed in and have had faith in God like them?  Would I have been obedient to God like them?  Of course, I would like to think that I would have joined with Caleb and Joshua and entered into God’s Promised Land.  When I examine my own life, I often see that I have allowed my fears, unbelief, and disobedience to prevent me from entering into the inheritance that God has in store for me.  I am a long-term, full-time volunteer staff member with YWAM Kona; however, I am a DBS student for this fall quarter of 2013.  As a volunteer YWAM staff member, I rely on God (through others) for my personal financial support.  For far too long, I have allowed myself to settle for far less than I believe God has for me.  As an application, I am choosing to believe what God has told me regarding personal financial support. I am choosing to obey God and do what He leads me to do. 

- Point of Passion

My point of passion is to know God and to make Him known – especially among teenagers and young adults.  As I study the book of Numbers, I realize that the vast majority of us (myself included) have allowed ourselves to stop short of entering into God’s Promised Land.  I would like to learn from Caleb and Joshua’s example and enter into God’s Promised Land.  I would like to help others enter into God’s Promised Land as well.  May we all enjoy God’s Promised Land together!

Leviticus

Book of Leviticus

First Impressions

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

According to the introduction to the book of Leviticus in the Sourceview Bible, “God wanted the people of Israel to have instructions for their social and religious life. He wanted to show them how to live in harmony with each other and with him.”  There are numerous Scripture references in the book of Leviticus that suggest that the Israelites were the original readers (or hearers) of the book of Leviticus.  For example, Leviticus 1:2 states that Moses was to “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.”  Leviticus 18:1-2 states, “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.  I am the LORD your God.’” It is very clear from these Scripture verses and others contained in the book of Leviticus that the Israelites were the original readers of this book.

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

According to the introduction to the book of Leviticus in the Sourceview Bible, Moses wrote the book of Leviticus around 1440 BC.  There are numerous Scripture references in the book of Leviticus that suggest that Moses is the author of the book of Leviticus.  For example, Leviticus 1:1-2 states, “The LORD called to Moses from the Tabernacle and said to him, ‘Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.”  Leviticus 18:1-2 states, “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.  I am the LORD your God.’”  Throughout the entire book of Leviticus, it states the following phrase, “the LORD said to Moses,” (see Leviticus 4:1, Leviticus 5:14, Leviticus 6:1, etc).  The book of Leviticus concludes with the following Scripture verse, “These are the commands that the LORD gave through Moses on Mount Sinai for the Israelites.” (Leviticus 27:34). It is very clear from these Scripture references from the book of Leviticus and other sources that Moses is indeed the author of the book of Leviticus.

- What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the "main idea”?

Some of the main themes and repeated ideas in the book of Leviticus include the concepts of holy and holiness as well as clean versus unclean.  God is holy; however, people are not holy.  Throughout much of the book of Leviticus, God through Moses gives the Israelites detailed instructions on how they are to approach God who is holy.  For example, Leviticus 1:2-17 gives detailed instructions regarding burnt offerings. Leviticus 2:1-16 gives detailed instructions regarding grain offerings. Leviticus 3:1-17 gives detailed instructions regarding peace offerings. Leviticus 4:1-5:13 gives detailed instructions regarding sin offerings, and Leviticus 5:14-6:7 gives detailed instructions regarding guilt offerings.  God through Moses also gives the Israelites detailed instructions regarding what is considered clean versus unclean.  For example, Leviticus 11:1-47 gives the Israelites detailed instructions on what animals are considered clean and may be eaten and what animals are considered unclean and may not be eaten.  God through Moses makes clear distinctions between what is clean and what is unclean.  God repeatedly states that we are to be holy because He is holy.  For example, Leviticus 20:26 states, “You must be holy because I, the LORD, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.” God expects His people to be holy because He is our LORD and He is holy. 

- What is the primary reason this book was written?

The book of Leviticus was written to the Israelites in order to give them clear instructions on how they are to live.  God is holy and He is LORD.  As LORD, He expects His people to be holy as He is holy (see Leviticus 19:1-2, Leviticus 20:26).  This book gives the Israelites detailed instructions on how they are to live lives that are acceptable to God.

Theme Tracing

- What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

The book of Leviticus clearly demonstrates that God is holy.  This book also makes it clear that God is relational and He desires a relationship with the Israelites.  For example, Leviticus 20:26 states, “You must be holy because I, the LORD, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.”  Since He is LORD and He is holy, He expects His people to be holy as well. Throughout the entire book of Leviticus, God makes it very clear to His people (through Moses) what they are to do in order to be acceptable to Him.  These actions on the part of the Israelites will allow them to approach God and be in relationship with their God who is holy.

- What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

The book of Leviticus demonstrates that God is holy yet He desires a relationship with the Israelites who are unholy.  In this book, God through Moses gives detailed instructions to the Israelites on how they may become acceptable to God.  God gives them clear instructions as to how they may have a relationship with Him.  This sacrificial system used by the Israelites allowed them to draw near to God.  This old sacrificial system was just a foreshadowing of the new system that was to come.  Jesus’ death on the Cross provided a new and better way for His people to draw near to God.

Application questions

- Personal Application

While I was reading and studying the book of Leviticus, I was reminded time and time again of God’s instruction to His people to be holy as He, our LORD, is holy.  This study of the book of Leviticus rekindled my desire to live a holy life.  What a challenge!  As a Christian man, I strive to live a holy life.  As a son of God, I desire to represent my Father well with both my words as well as with my actions.  God’s command (for me) to be holy as He, our LORD, is holy is such a challenge for me!  Even though I earnestly desire to be holy and I strive to live a holy life, I am keenly aware of just how unholy and sinful I truly am!  God has commanded me to be holy as He is holy; therefore, that is what I strive to be.  However, I am well aware of the fact that I cannot possibly be holy as He is holy on my own.  I clearly recognize that I absolutely need God to make me holy! For my part, I will do what I can in order to enter into and remain in His presence. I will do my best to keep my focus on God and be obedient to God and His ways.  

- Point of Passion

My point of passion is to know God and to make Him known – especially among teenagers and young adults.  This study of the book of Leviticus reminded me of just how very important it is for us, His children, to be holy as He, our LORD, is holy.  When we compare ourselves with those around us, we may be tempted to think that we are holy.  However, when we compare ourselves with God, we quickly realize just how unholy we really are!  God expects us to be holy as He is holy. I desire to communicate this truth to others – especially among teenagers and young adults. 

Exodus

Book of Exodus

First Impressions

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

Exodus 1:1-7 states, “These are the names of the sons of Israel (that is, Jacob) who moved to Egypt with their father, each with his family: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. In all, Jacob had seventy descendants in Egypt, including Joseph, who was already there. In time, Joseph and all of his brothers died, ending that entire generation. But their descendants, the Israelites, had many children and grandchildren. In fact, they multiplied so greatly that they became extremely powerful and filled the land.”  These descendants eventually became enslaved by Pharaoh in Egypt.  One of these descendants, Moses, was lifted up out of the water (see Exodus 2:10) as a baby and eventually became God’s chosen vessel to deliver the Israelites from their bondage to the Egyptians.  The original readers of the book of Exodus would have been descendants of Israel (Jacob).  They would have been very knowledgeable of the fact that the Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for many years and that God through Moses had delivered them from their Egyptian bondage in unmistakably miraculous ways.  

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

According to the introduction to Exodus in the Sourceview Bible, the author of the book of Exodus is Moses. In Exodus 24:1-2, the Lord instructed Moses, “Come up here to me, and bring along Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of Israel’s elders.  All of you must worship from a distance. Only Moses is allowed to come near to the LORD. The others must not come near, and none of the other people are allowed to climb up the mountain with him.” Exodus 24:3-4 states, “Then Moses went down to the people and repeated all the instructions and regulations the LORD had given him.  All the people answered with one voice, ‘We will do everything the LORD has commanded.’ Then Moses carefully wrote down all the LORD’s instructions.” Additionally, Exodus 34:27 states, “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Write down all these instructions, for they represent the terms of the covenant I am making with you and with Israel.”  Exodus 34:28 states, “Moses remained there on the mountain with the LORD forty days and forty nights. In all that time he ate no bread and drank no water.  And the LORD wrote the terms of the covenant – the Ten Commandments – on the stone tablets.”  Exodus 40:16 states, “Moses proceeded to do everything just as the LORD had commanded him.”  It is clear that the author of the book of Exodus was Moses.  It is also clear that Moses had a strong desire to do everything that the LORD commanded him to do. 

- What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the "main idea"?

One of the main themes in the book of Exodus is that God desires our very best.  For example, the LORD said to Moses, “Dedicate to me every firstborn among the Israelites. The first offspring to be born, of both humans and animals, belongs to me.” (Exodus 13:2).  God desires to reveal His glory.  Exodus 14:17-18 states, “And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the LORD!”  God desires to communicate with His people and He expects them to be obedient to Him.  For example, God through Moses gave His people the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20:1-17).  Exodus 24:12 states that the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain. Stay there, and I will give you the tablets of stone on which I have inscribed the instructions and commands so you can teach the people.” God desires relationship with His people; therefore, God communicates to His people what He expects them to do and what He expects them not to do.  Further, God expects His people to be obedient to Him. God desires to have an intimate relationship with His people and He clearly communicates to His people what He expects them to do in order to enjoy intimate relationship with Him.  

- What is the primary reason this book was written?

According to the introduction of the book of Exodus in the Sourceview Bible, the reason the book was written was “to remind the Israelites how God had rescued them from oppression.”  God had made covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  God is faithful to keep His covenants; therefore, God did what He said He would do and delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. 

Theme Tracing

- What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

The book of Exodus reveals a lot about the character and nature of God.  For example, this book demonstrates that God is holy.  In Exodus 3:5, the LORD commanded Moses to “take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.”  God refers to Himself as “I AM” (Exodus 3:14) and as “Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:15).  God demonstrates that He is capable of performing miraculous signs such as turning Moses’ shepherd’s staff into a snake and turning it back into a shepherd’s staff again (see Exodus 4:2-4), infecting Moses’ hand with a severe skin disease and making his hand healthy again (see Exodus 4:6-7), and turning water from the Nile into blood when it is poured onto dry ground (see Exodus 4:9).  We are reminded that God is our Creator (see Exodus 4:11).  In Exodus 6:2-8, God said to Moses, “I am Yahweh – the LORD.  I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai – ‘God Almighty’ – but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them. And I reaffirmed my covenant with them.  Under its terms, I promised to give them the land of Canaan, where they were living as foreigners. You can be sure that I have heard the groans of the people of Israel, who are now slaves to the Egyptians. And I am well aware of my covenant with them. Therefore, say to the people of Israel: ‘I am the LORD. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God who had freed you from your oppression in Egypt. I will bring you into the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as your very own possession. I am the LORD!’”  This one passage in Exodus describes so very much about the nature and character of God! The LORD demonstrated His great power when He sent ten plagues upon Pharaoh and the people of Egypt (see Exodus chapters 7 – 12) yet He simultaneously protected His people, the Israelites, from these same plagues.  God is relational.  God gave us His Ten Commandments through Moses at Mt. Sinai (see Exodus 20:1-17).  These commandments teach us, His people, how to relate to God and how to relate to one another.  These Scripture references and others within the book of Exodus reveal much about the nature and character of God. 

- What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

Nelsen’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts does an excellent job of outlining God’s redemptive plan for the Israelites in the book of Exodus.  According to this book, the book of Exodus may be outlined as the following:

Part One: Redemption from Egypt (1:1-18:27)

1.      The Need for Redemption from Egypt (1:1-22)

2.      The Preparation of the Leaders of the Redemption (2:1-4:31)

3.      God’s Redemption of Israel from Egypt (5:1-15:21)

4.      The Preservation of Israel in the Wilderness (15:22-18-27)

Part Two: Revelation from God (19:1-40:38)

1.      The Revelation of the Old Testament (19:1-31:18)

2.      The Response of Israel to the Covenant (32:1-40:38)

The book of Exodus demonstrates God’s redemptive plan for the Israelites.  It began with the Israelites need for redemption and concluded with God filling the Tabernacle with His glory.  This plan is just a foreshadowing of what Jesus will do to redeem mankind in the future.

Application questions

- Personal Application

While studying the book of Exodus, I am reminded that God desires an intimate relationship with His people.  I am reminded that God desires an intimate relationship with me.  God knows His people and He knows what is best for His people. God knows me and He knows what is best for me.  In the book of Exodus, God through Moses gave us, His people, the Ten Commandments.  These Ten Commandments show us how to relate to God and how to relate to other people.  I am reminded that I am to obey God and His commandments in order to successfully relate to God and to successfully relate to other people. 

- Point of Passion

My passion is to know God and to make Him known.  I am especially passionate about making Him known to teenagers and young adults.  In the book of Exodus, I am reminded yet again that God desires an intimate relationship with His people.  Fortunately, God has provided a way for each of us to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him.  For example, we can enjoy greater intimacy with God when we choose to be obedient to God and His commandments.  Conversely, we feel less intimacy with God when we choose to be disobedient to God and His commandments.  We all have a choice to make.  We can either choose to be obedient to God and His ways or we can choose to be disobedient to God and His ways.  Obedience to God tends to lead to greater intimacy with God while disobedience to God tends to lead to lesser intimacy with God.  I desire to live my life in an intimate relationship with God and encourage others to do the same.

Genesis

Book of Genesis

First Impressions

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

The Original Readers of the book of Genesis were descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  One of Jacob’s sons was named Joseph.  In Genesis 50:24, Joseph told his brothers, “Soon I will die . . . but God will surely come to help you and lead you out of this land of Egypt. He will bring you back to the land he solemnly promised to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”  Earlier in the book of Genesis, the LORD said to Abram, “You can be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. But I will punish the nation that enslaves them, and in the end they will come away with great wealth.” (see Gen 15:13-14).  The original readers (or hearers) of the book of Genesis were descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who were being oppressed as slaves in Egypt. 

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

According to the introduction of the book of Genesis in the Sourceview Bible, the author of the book of Genesis was Moses.  Additionally, it states that Moses wrote it around 1446-1406 BC and “relied on revelation from God and, perhaps, earlier oral or written records.”  The author must have relied on revelation from God in order to write authoritatively about the creation of the world.  Throughout much of the book of Genesis, the author writes in great detail about the family line of Abram/Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob/Israel.  For example, the author recorded what God told Abram in Genesis 13:14-17, “Look as far as you can see in every direction – north and south, east and west. I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession.  And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.”  The author recorded many similar conversations between God and Abraham, God and Isaac, God and Jacob, etc.  The author was also familiar with the ways of the Egyptians.  For example, Abraham’s wife, Sarah, died when she was 127 years old in the land of Canaan.  Abraham desired to give his wife a proper burial; therefore, he said to the Hittite elders, “Here I am, a stranger and a foreigner among you. Please sell me a piece of land so I can give my wife a proper burial.” (Gen 23:1-4).  The author was very familiar with both the Hebrew and the Egyptian cultures. 

- What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the "main idea"?

God is our Creator.  He created the heavens and the earth (Gen 1:1).  He created all of the plants  (Gen 1:11) and animals (see Gen 1:20; Gen 1:24).  God created males and females in His image (Gen 1:27).  God desires relationship with His people.  God makes and keeps covenants with His people.  For example, God made a covenant with Noah (see Gen 9:9-17).  The book of Genesis also records covenants made between God and Abram/Abraham, God and Isaac, and God and Jacob/Israel.  Another example can be found in Genesis 17:1-2 which states, “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, ‘I am El-Shaddai – God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” God is who He says He is and He desires an intimate relationship with His people. 

- What is the primary reason this book was written?

The book of Genesis was written so that people may come to know and understand who God really is and His great desire to have an intimate relationship with us.  God is our Creator and He created us in His own image (Gen 1:27). He desires relationship with us.  God makes and keeps covenants with His people.  The book of Genesis was written so that we may come to know who our Creator God really is and His great desire to enjoy an intimate relationship with us. 

Theme Tracing

- What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”  God is our Creator.  He is the One who created light and separated it from the darkness (see Gen 1:3-5).  Genesis 1:6 states, “Let there be space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.”  Genesis 1:9 states, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.”  Genesis 1:14-15 states, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years. Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.”  God is the One who created all of the vegetation on earth (see Gen 1:11-12).  God is the One who created all of the animals on earth (see Gen 1:20-25). God is the One who created human beings in His own image (see Gen 1:26-27).  God is our Creator.   God created us and He knows what we need.  For example, He knows that we need food to eat; therefore, He provided food for all of us to eat (Gen 1:29).  He knows that we need rest; therefore, he created the Sabbath.  Genesis 1:18 states, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”  God created us for relationships.  We have all been created to have relationships with God and with one another. We all need God and we all need each other.  We are not meant to live our lives apart from Him or apart from others.  God is the One who created us and He is the One who knows our needs and how to best meet those needs.  God is also the One who makes covenants with His people and keeps His covenants.  God is faithful.  For example, God made a covenant with Noah and with all of the living creatures on earth (see Gen 9:9-17) that He will never again use floodwaters to destroy all of the living creatures on earth.  In Genesis 35:11, God told Jacob (renamed Israel), “I am El-Shaddai – God Almighty.”  God is who He says He is!

- What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

God desires relationship with His people.  As our Creator, God knows us and He knows what is best for us.  Throughout the book of Genesis, God makes it clear to His people what He expects them to do and what He expects them not to do.  For example, God warned Adam in the Garden of Eden that he “may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden – except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” (Gen 2:16-17).  Later in the book of Genesis, we read that Adam and his wife, Eve, disobeyed God and ate of the forbidden fruit.  As a result of their act of disobedience, God banished them from the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:23).  They no longer enjoyed the intimate relationship they once enjoyed with their LORD.  Adam’s sinful action led to more and more sinful actions among the men and women on earth.  Eventually, the LORD told Noah that he will destroy every living thing on earth (see Gen 6:7).  However, the LORD told Noah that he alone was righteous; therefore, He would save Noah and his wife along with their three sons and their wives (see Gen 6:13 – Gen 7:5).  God desires relationship with His people.  He desires that His people lead righteous lives – lives that are right with Him. 

Application questions

- Personal Application

As I have been studying the book of Genesis, I am reminded that God is who He says He is.  I am reminded that God is our Creator.  God is my Creator.  I am reminded that we are created in God’s own image.  I am created in God’s own image.  I am reminded that it is not good for man to be alone.  As a single man who is twenty-five plus years old, I am often reminded of this truth!  I am reminded once again just how vital it is for me to cultivate an intimate relationship with God and with other people. It is my heartfelt desire to grow in my relationship with God and with other people.  While studying the book of Genesis, I am reminded that God clearly communicates to His people. God clearly communicates to them what He expects them to do and what He expects them not to do.  I am reminded that there are very real consequences to our words and our actions.  Words and actions that are obedient to God tend to result in positive consequences (blessings) while words and actions that are disobedient to God tend to result in negative consequences (curses).  As a man who desires to grow in his relationship with God and with others, the book of Genesis reminds me just how vital it is for me to be obedient (not disobedient) to God and His ways. 

- Point of Passion

My point of passion is to know God and to make God known.  I strongly desire to know the truth and communicate the truth to others – especially among teenagers and young adults.  In the book of Genesis, I am reminded that God is who He says He is and we are who He says we are.  In Genesis 1:26-27, God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us . . . So God created human beings in his own image.  In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them . . .” The truth is that there is a God and God created us in His own image.  This truth is just one of the many truths that are contained within the book of Genesis.  My desire is to clearly communicate to others the truth of who God is and the truth of who we are.  My passionate desire is to know God and to make God known.