Synthesis Questions

1. Describe the courtroom scene at the beginning of Job and the effects it has on your theology.

Synthesis Questions

What are the recurring themes of Ezra-Nehemiah? Give examples of each.

-Marriage

-Conflict

What are the parallels between Micah 4 and Isaiah 2?

-fig tree and vine

-all have own land

-wine luxary/crop like fig sweet crop

-all capable with no fear of anyone

-livable wage with no fear

Ezekiel

I have been reading this for awhile and doing projects on this book. Growing up I was never told half the things I have learned now. While I am sure that can be said for many things it has really been fascinating. I never had a clue the domestic violence and abuse that is found here. Obviously as a child one can see why this was not taught. However, having gone through abuse myself this book and text really reached out to me. It is nice to know that there truly is every topic to be found in the Bible. I was told that my whole life but some people have said certain topics like abuse is not there and I am so glad to know where it is found. This issue is such an increasingly reality for the many women and men more so now than ever before. I would argue it seems that way but back then many did not report it. So there is no telling how much this is going period. It is scary to think of how bad this was then and how similar it is to society now. Read Ezekiel 16 it is quite disturbing.

Jeremiah

No where before to my record does God ever reach out and put his hand over anyones mouth. Whether good or bad how awesome to have such an encounter. Jeremiah throughout his book often sounds like an echo of Moses. Leading out of Egypt, putting words in the mouth etc. I wonder if this on purpose? Would they have had access to the previous books?

ISAIAH

Isaiah is a very long book. I find it interesting that the first title introduces the entire book as a vision. Basically the author is laying it out for you for what to expect from the text. God seems harsh in verse 15 “When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you, even though you make may prayers, I will not listen, your hands are full of blood.” All I can say to that is I hope I never have to experience this absence from God. The judgment on enemies is often called the Isaiah apocalypse. I find this interesting because as I am reading Isaiah I am also reminded of the gospels in some sense. It is almost like Isaiah is the gospel of the Old Testament. Thoughts?

getting up to date

Feel like a slacker…not really behind or anything but just not motivated right now and do not know why. I love my classes and am doing well just feel run down.

Pondering

Why is it some people do not know what it means to give others the right to their own beliefs? Is it not why we have many different denominations? This week i have been told that i was denying christ by not judging others in part because of their religious beliefs. I find it striking that the phrase i am not the ultimate judge makes one less of a christian and for the matter denying christ. What does it truly mean to deny Christ? I for do not believe making the statement i am not the judge does not make anyone less a christian nor do they deny christ. honestly, i find it very bold and mature to be able to remain neutral and poised in having such a conversation.

Why does there always have to be a right and wrong answer or position? God is a God of mystery and has given us all the ability to doubt and wonder. If God is the ultimate judge then it is not my duty to go around telling everyone I am right and they are wrong. It is my role in ministry to spread the word and bring others to Christ. Living by example and not by force has much greater of an affect on others and on God’s kingdom. We were given a choice shouldnt others be given the same?

Questions

Q: Who is David’s great grandmother?

A: Ruth

Q: the scrolls belong to what formal category?

A: Ketubim

Q: what does Phillis Trible say about Dong of Songs?

A: It is expressions of sexual relations without feelings or guilt

Q: What premise is mentioned in Job?

A: morality and honor

Q: a confessional basis describes what term?

A: Kataphatic

Q: What does prophecy mean?

A: a strategy of how you know what to do poetically and politically

Q: checks and balances is a good description of what archy?

A: dyarchy

Q: A prophet can do this because “thus says the Lord?”

A: innovation

Q: Whose name was Eliakim?

A: Jehoakim

Q: what contains embedded curses?

A: Lament Psalm

Q: hasatan means what in hebrew?

A: the accuser

Q: “The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord.”

A: Job 1:21

5 scrolls

I love the scrolls. Ruth and Esther have always been some of my all time favorites. It always cracks me up to hear people freak out over Song of Solomon. Yes it has many details and talks very graphically but it gives a wonderful message of love and what marriage and love should look like. Esther is an inspiration that family is more than a word. However, Ruth gives a different image of what family and compassion look like. It is amazing the bond Naomi and Ruth had. Ruth was practically her daughter. Neither turned their back on one another. However, i did notice the manipulation or seduction rather that did take place.

Job

Much over due post I know. However, I find last week that I really related with Job and the anger that is revealed in the book. That being said it is hard for me to wrap my mind around someone using this book to provide grief counseling. I worked at Hillcrest this past summer as a chaplain and encountered many deaths and never once would I ever consider Job. Yes scripture comes to mind and I reveal the scripture in a manner in which is best fitting the patient or loved ones. Further more, I did realize that like Job i too have troubled. not in the same manner but yet I am getting frustrated by others and not doing anything about it. I bottle it in and never take it to the source.

On another note a thought came to mind when reading Job 2:10…(not the foolish woman part) How many people only expect good to come from God and not bad? How does this play into the idea of theodicy and God’s sovereignty? My first question is a big one. Many may be denying christianity because they only see either how “good” we have it or how “bad” we have it. People go into christianity believing it to be an easy task and easier life. The reality is that it is not always good or easy.