Sojourning Under the Sun: Ironic Cleansing (Judges 16)

Hopefully Samson has learned that his desires and his departing from his nazarite vow has not brought him the relief that he wanted.  In fact, his trying to be an ordinary man has not made his life easier, but more difficult.  Will Samson fulfill his mission?  Will Samson be able to rise up and fulfill his mandate?

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Sojourning Under the Sun: Sabbath Stall…. Again (Judges 13)

Joshua left God’s people in a good place as people who can find rest in the land.  In many ways they were tasting a promised sabbath rest in the land that God had given them.  The Lord has been merciful to His people and has given them judges to rule over them, to deliver them, and to provide some wise guidance.  Judges records for us a tragic history of Israel continually sliding down away from the Lord, but the Lord still gives them a judge.  What is the significance of Samson?  How does he represent the current state of Israel? 

Sojourning Under the Sun: Sabbath Restoring (Deut. 32)

Deuteronomy is Moses’ farewell address to Israel.  This address is tragic as Moses is about to die.  However, the day Moses delivers this speech is not just a day of mourning because this is a context where Moses is close to passing the baton to Joshua. Israel is about to finally enter into the promised land.  Is this finally a time when the Sabbath will be fully realized?  Is Moses optimistic about Israel’s performance?  What does Moses have to say as he says goodbye to this exodus people?

Sojourning Under the Sun: Sabbath Stall (2) (Numbers 20)

What is so rebellious about Moses striking the rock two times?  We might think that this is a question that is out of line, but Moses is commanded to strike the rock in Exodus 17.  Why is it okay for him to strike the rock in Exodus 17, but not okay for him to strike the rock in Numbers 20?  What does Moses do that is so bad?  Is God just a moody being who judges people in a very vindictive and unpredictable way?  What did God intend the people to see through Moses?