Stone 22 - Isaiah

Now that we have went through the wisdom literature, we go back and meet up with some of the prophets. We will start with Isaiah.

As you may recall, we first met Isaiah back in 2 Kings and in particular his interaction with Hezekiah although he was around during the reign of multiple kings.

Let's remember what was going on at that time.
The nation of Israel had been divided into the tribe of Judah and the northern kingdoms each area having many kings. In fact, Isa 1:1 tells us that Isaiah received his visions over the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. During the reign of the kings, Israel was constantly in a cycle of rebellion and repentance. Prophets came and went with warnings of judgement or other events. Isaiah is often considered to be one of the greatest prophets. As with many other messages from notable people up to this point, Isaiah calls on people to repent and to follow God and his commands.

Right off the bat, we see the nation labeled as rebellious sinners (Isa 1:2-4). OK, nothing new here really - this is a constant theme throughout the Bible - we are sinful by nature and in need of a savior. Can you not hear the frustration that hovers...Verse 10 pleads "Listen to the instruction of our God,..." Instead, even to this day, thousands of years later, we still cling to autonomy and the destruction that it brings.

Again in verses 16 and 17 - a call to repent and to seek justice and what is good. I am brought back to a verse in Proverbs that says there is a way that seems right to a man but that its way leads to death (Prov 16:25). Ugh.

Isaiah 3:1 warns of the removal of security from the nation. They will be judged for their rebellion and sin. In chapter 6, Isaiah tells us of his call to go and share the message but embedded within this message is a message of hope in what is called the 'Holy Seed' (Isa 6:13). I think about how people will sometimes burn their field because it helps improve the fertility of the soil. Isaiah shares the impending burn of the land that will be a part of what ushers in a new and improved Jerusalem.

In fact, Isaiah prophesies some 700+ years prior to the the event, that a virgin would conceive and that his name would be Immanuel. We are told of the coming Assyrian invasion (Isa 8:7-8, 10:5-6). We are reminded of the coming Christ in Isa 9:6 although the people may not have understood this at the time. Assyria as well will fall - an evil nation used to fulfill God's great plan would see their own judgment (Isa 10:12) one day. None of us are immune...

We then read about many judgments against other places such as Babylon, Egypt, Moab, Cush, Damascus, Tyre, and others. However, these many chapters of seemingly morbid visions of destruction are not without hope. Chapter 35 gives us a glimpse of the hope to come. The return to Zion (Isa 35:9-10)!

Next we have a re-visitation of the interaction of Isaiah and King Hezekiah that we had in 2 Kings. King Hezekiah is threatened by Sennecherib of Assyria as he comes and captures several cities in Judah (Isa 36:1). Sennecherib mocks Hezekiah and God (Isa 36:18-20). So Hezekiah seeks out Isaiah and also prays to God (Isa 37:14-15). The Lord responds favorably for Hezekiah and the Assyrians are defeated. However, Hezekiah gets sick some time later and prays to God. God grants Hezekiah some relief from his sickness so that he does not die. but lives an other 15 years (Isa 38:5-6). Then we read about Hezekiah bringing in the Babylonians for a tour of the kingdom. Remember that this is seen as an attempt to make an alliance with Babylon and is therefore foolish for Hezekiah since he is not trusting in God alone for his issues.

Isaiah does a great deal of prophesying about the coming Christ. Remember that Israel has been often in rebellion and often told that they need to follow the commands of the Lord. We get to read about how more than 700 years prior, Isaiah foretold of a way for the entire world to obtain everlasting life.

Watch these two videos about Isaiah from Join the Bible Project and see about the work of Isaiah.

Stone 21 - Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs

Last week we looked at Proverbs and a very brief look at the wisdom found there. This week we will cover two books as part of our attempt to get through 66 books in 52 weeks. This will also wrap up the five books that make up the wisdom literature (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs).

Ecclesiastes
A short, seemingly cynical book with a powerful message. This book begins with the claim that everything is futile (Ecc 1:2). We also will find several references to a "chasing after the wind". The author takes a look at several things and finds them to be meaningless in the grand scheme of things.

Wisdom - Ecc 1:16-17
Pleasure - Ecc 2:1-2
Possessions - Ecc 2:11
Work - Ecc 2:22-23

I appreciate the point being made here. We spend so much time focused on these things - and for what (Ecc 3:19-20)? In the end, when we die, we will have none of it. So then, what is the point of chasing after these things?

Many of you have probably heard the song Turn, Turn, Turn by The Byrds - did you know that it is based off of chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes?

Of course, the point is that there is a time for everything. Are the Byrds calling us to turn towards peace? Perhaps. That is, after all, the time-frame when the song became popular. While none of us will see peace in our lifetimes the call to turn from our wicked ways, to repent, is wise counsel. Seek God and follow Him that we may have peace after our time here is over. As they sang - "I swear its not too late!" While you still have breath, there is time, but it can change very quickly (Ecc 9:12).

There are parts of life that really suck (Ecc 7:15). Enjoy this life while you can - this is a theme that emerges but it is not some sort of invitation to reckless abandon in pursuit of pleasure. I think, rather, that all of the futility and chasing after the wind that has been mentioned in this book can be summed up this way - Life is meaningless without God.

The book concludes in Ecc 12:13 with a call to fear God and keep his commands as it is for all humanity. This is all that matters.


Song of Songs
Over the years growing up I have thought of this book as simply a mushy book of love but have come to look at it differently as I age and do more study.
I have read about two different messages from this book, though I will only address the first in relatively short form here as it has a current and practical significance that we all struggle with.

First - Rather than just being mushy - there is a very real offer of wisdom to take away from how the relationship between man and woman look.

Second - As an allegorical text it has been viewed as the love that God has for his people Israel or as Christ has for His church.

In the first chapter we can see how strong the attraction is between the two lovers. However, notice that there is no interaction between the two sexually at this point.

In the second chapter and part of the third we see the couple continue to seek each other - a courtship - hard work and effort (SS 3:2). We also notice a charge to the younger women not to stir up love until the appropriate time. One must wait until marriage.

In the rest of the third chapter we have some symbolism of the wedding taking place (SS 3:11).

Chapter four gives us a look at what might be the honeymoon and the happiness between the man and woman.

Chapter five shows some continued love but some struggle as well (Ecc 5:6). It might seem that the intimacy is not always so readily found. Even the young women sort of question the persistence of the bride (Ecc 5:9). Commitment even in times of struggle.

Chapter six may be considered a call to maintain some time with your spouse amid all the busy schedules and interruptions caused by children, work, etc.

Chapter seven might be considered a deepening of the love that the two share.

Finally, chapter eight brings a child born of the love shared by the couple

The marriage described in this book, as mushy as it may seem, paints a real picture of the stages of a relationship. It is not without struggle and it requires a great deal of effort, it requires some boundaries, and it requires faithfulness, dedication, and commitment.

Here is a video on the Song of Songs from the Bible Project. One of the things I thought was a great statement from the video is that love is "...both beautiful but also dangerous. Like fire, love can destroy people if it is abused, or be life-giving if its protected."

Next we will travel back to investigate the prophets within the nation of Israel during the time of Kings. We will start with Isaiah.

Stone 20 - Proverbs

This week we will take a look at the wisdom found in Proverbs.

**A note on Proverbs - as many are aware, Proverbs is a book of wisdom found in the Bible. However, it should be noted that the wisdom found within are not promises per se, but guidelines and attributes of godly character.

As Christians, one of our main goals is to be like Christ. Following the wisdom found in Proverbs is one way to make steps toward that goal.

Meet Wisdom
Proverbs begins with a short plea to avoid sin in a sort of parental tone. Proverbs 1:8 says "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction, and don't reject your mother's teaching."

**It is worth noting right away here that this is a good example of how important it is to discern right from wrong. Certainly we have situations where one parent  instructs their child in direct opposition to how another parent might instruct their child. The Bible presupposes that the instruction provided by the parents is godly instruction.

Verse 1:20 informs us about Wisdom as she calls out in the streets. Wisdom does not hide in the back alleys or lock herself up indoors making it difficult to find her - No - she calls out - let all who have ears hear... Wisdom can be accepted or rejected... Be diligent to seek, diligent to follow.

The way of the sinner is not all it is cracked up to be.

Verse 3:1 instructs us not to forget but to allow our hearts to keep the commands. Internalize and reflect on the wisdom - let it be ingrained in us that it may show when needed.
Chapter 3 also tells us not to lean on our own understanding but to trust in the Lord. We do not have the Mind of Christ - which is a good book by the way... - if we only consider our own understanding we are fated to fail.

To bask in wisdom is to be happy - as we avoid many problems associated with poor choices. Again, this is wisdom and not a promise 3:23 says that our foot will not stumble but this is not a promise that nothing bad will ever happen to us but that we can avoid the consequences of making foolish decisions. For example - I do not feel any restriction or burden by following the posted speed limits. I am freed from the stress of worry and financial loss that comes with getting a ticket.

Chapter 4 advises us to hold on to wisdom and cherish it for th benefit it brings - to avoid the path of the wicked and to carefully consider the path we do follow. Again, we should internalize and reflect on wisdom. Wisdom is not about following a bunch of rules.

Chapter 5 counsels choices related to sex and marriage. Avoid the infidelity and avoid the problems that come with it. Keep sex within the context of marriage.

Chapter 6 covers a few topics such as finances, laziness, and adultery. We are advised to be wise about entering into financial agreements with others. We are told to consider the hard work that the ant exhibits and to learn from that. We also see again that the act of adultery is something to be avoided. It is wise to avoid the self-destruction that this activity threatens.

Chapter 7 brings continued wisdome against sexual immorality. Focus on God and His truth rather than focus on sex. Surely, sex is enjoyable but the happiness of it is fleeting while the joy of the Lord is everlasting.

In Chapter 8 we see again that Wisdom calls out making herself available to all and pleads with us to listen and take heed.

Chapter 9 sort of wraps up the image of Wisdom as a woman who calls out and briefly points to the idea of attitude versus knowledge. We see that Proverbs tells us that trying to correct others who are foolish will lead to strife through persecution. Certainly this is not true in every single circumstance but it is certainly evident in many places where I have seen it... Just look at a comment thread or a political debate. Oh boy!

**Chapters 10 through 31 share many, many sayings too numerous to address individually. I would like to share one from each chapter and encourage you to meditate on the others. A good strategy is to read through the book of Proverbs every month. There are 31 chapters and for months that have 31 days you can read a chapter a day and for those that have fewer you can double up a couple at the end of the month.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses

Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.

Proverbs 12:15
A fool's way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise.

Proverbs 13:20
The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

Proverbs 16:2
All a man's ways seem right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the motives.

Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning, when he seals his lips.

Proverbs 18:17
The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

Proverbs 19:3
A man's own foolishness leads him astray, yet his heart rages against the Lord.

Proverbs 20:11
Even a young man is known by his actions - by whether his behavior is pure and upright.

Proverbs 21:3
Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Proverbs 22:1
A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 23:23
Buy - and do not sell - truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

Proverbs 24:17-18
Don't gloat when your enemy falls, and don't let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, or the Lord will see, be displeased, and turn His wrath away from him.

Proverbs 25:12
A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.

Proverbs 26:16
In his own eyes, a slacker is wiser than seven men who can answer sensibly.

Proverbs 27:5
Better an open reprimand than concealed love.

Proverbs 28:21
It is not good to show partiality - yet a man may sin for a piece of bread.

Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.

Proverbs 30:12
There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filth.

Proverbs 31:9
Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.

**Again, so much wisdom to be gleaned from this book. Read it often and meditate on portions of it at a time. Remember that they are not promises per se but wise counsel that will help to develop your character. To try and become more like Christ daily, we should try to develop the character that exemplifies Him. We can help do this through the study of Proverbs.

Next week we will try to tackle our first set of two books together - Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs.
That will round out the wisdome books before we go back and look at the prophets.

Stone 19 - Psalms

Last week we took a look at Job and his suffering. This week we will take a brief look at Psalms.

Some interesting facts... Psalms is the largest book in the Bible complete with 150 chapters. Of those 150 chapters, Psalm 119 is the largest of all individual chapters in the Bible as well with 176 verses. We can also find the smallest chapter of the Bible in Psalms - Psalm 117 has only two verses.

That little bit of fun aside - I want to try and just share some thoughts on portions of this enormous book.

**I have always been amazed at how often the Bible, despite how old it is, shares information that is still very reflective of today in regards to culture and behavior. Psalms, the prayer book full of songs is no different.

**Psalms is divided into five smaller books - due to the large nature of the book, This post will begin with Book 1 and the rest of the books will be added over time.

Book 1 - Psalms 1-41

Psalm 1
Aptly titled 'The Two Ways', we find a very straight-forward message. It is an 'either/or' message. A very black and white message with no grey area. There are two ways to go - the way of the righteous or the way of the wicked. We all fall into one of these categories.

Psalm 2
Such a great question to start the Psalm! "Why do the nations rebel and the peoples plot in vain?" Verse 12 here says his anger may ignite at any moment. This reminds me of Matthew 24:36-44 where we are basically told that we do not know when he will come so be prepared.

Psalm 3
A note here indicates that this is a psalm of David as he fled Absalom. However, when I read this I cannot help but think about the spiritual battle that we fight. I think about how when we accept Christ as our Lord and savior that we instantly increase the number of foes we have. Their focus becomes us and to tear us down. Remain in Him. He is our shield and encouragement (v. 3).

Psalm 4
Trust in the Lord and follow his ways. Find joy and peace through Him.

Psalm 5
Consider now a moment longer, Psalms 3 and 4. Our foes increasing and trusting in the Lord for peace. Psalm 5 offers a powerful example of prayer when we are struggling with the enemy. Pray. Communicate to the Lord who is your refuge and your strength in times of trouble. Common theme. Wise words.

Psalm 6
Here we have more prayer but the focus is on sin. We must recognize this and earnestly seek God to deliver us from that sin. Repent. They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. 'Hello, my name is Greg and I am broken and in need of a savior.' Cry out to God that he may give relief from the enemy.

Psalm 7
Continued prayer. God come and fight for me and vindicate me against the wicked. I read verse 16 and think about a common saying about someone digging themselves a hole. Isn't it amazing how much can be found in the Bible?

Psalm 8
I am reminded of an old favorite song with this psalm. Why shouldn't we give credit where credit is due? So low and insignificant are we in light of Him!

Psalm 9
Give thanks to God when He protects you in times of trouble.

Psalm 10
Verse 4 - what a warning for those who view morality as subjective - that right and wrong are relative!

Psalm 11
When the foundations of this world are in ruin, we can still have strong footing in the Lord!

Psalm 12
In the end, we can find safety from our oppressors through the Lord!

Psalm 13
Even when it seems that God is distant or not listening and the enemy appears to be winning, we can still have trust that He will answer and be there on His timing - not ours.

Psalm 14
This would seem to describe the non-believer. The imagery seems to appear harsh but we often view everything we do in light of the world and what our culture says is right and good rather than viewing what we do and say in light of what God says is right and good. To be clear - we are all sinners - even the believers. Hopefully, those who believe are striving to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.

Psalm 15
A contrast to Psalm 14 - this describes the godly person.

Psalm 16
This is a declaration of confidence in the Lord. Verse 4 is clear that those who worship other gods simply ask for more trouble.

Psalm 17
Another call out to God for protection when faced with enemies. In the time of David this may very well have meant for protection and deliverance from foreign armies. This does not mean that it cannot apply to us today though our enemies may be different in nature.

Psalm 18
I had actually thought of another song that is a bit more current when reading this psalm - mostly because of verse 7 but later because of the deliverance that Jesus provided for us paralleled witht he deliverance of the Lord in the psalm as a whole. Praise his name!

Psalm 19
Verse 12 - Wow! Do we not always think that we know so much? That we are soooo smart? Reveal to us, Oh Lord, the wicked ways of our hearts that we may seek cleansing in your name. God has revealed himself to us through His creation. We have but to respond in some way - recall that Psalm 1 informs that there are only two ways to choose.

Psalm 20
A prayer of deliverance in battle.

Psalm 21
A song of praise for the victory with the Lord's help.

Psalm 22
An amazing parallel to Christ and his work on the cross.

Psalm 23
Probably one of the more well known Psalms. It is a message of contentment in the presence of the Lord. He protects and provides.

Psalm 24
He is the Lord of all! Open up and let Him in!

Psalm 25
Seek the Lord in times of trouble. Repent and seek deliverance in the One who is able to provide it.

Psalm 26
A call for protection. Verse 2 is calling here. We should continually seek to know the faults of our hearts that they might be cleansed. While the author appears to think that he is faithful, he asks that his heart and mind be tested.

Psalm 27
Seek God when you are afraid. Be patient and wait on his timing.

Psalm 28
God knows our hearts. Verse 3 provides a cautionary tale in a way. It calls them wicked and evildoers to be one way on the outside and another on the inside. You cannot escape - God knows the heart. Reveal to us, Lord, the evil of our hearts.

Psalm 29
Recognition of the power of the Lord.

Psalm 30
I thought of this song as I read this psalm. Give it all to God! The trials and persecutions of this life are fleeting - there is hope in the Lord!

Psalm 31
Protect us, God - we trust in you! Stress will come. Be prepared.

Psalm 32
The Lord offers forgiveness of sins. We need only to confess them to him and repent. Follow his commands and endeavor to be like Christ.

Psalm 33
Acknowledgement of the Creator.

Psalm 34
Verse 19 informs us that following the Lord is not all smooth sailing. It was never promised that the road would be an easy one to walk. It is, however, a worthwhile road to travel in the end.

Psalm 35
Verse 20 - Deceit runs rampant still to this day - does it not? Seek God for victory in these circumstances.

Psalm 36
Sin is subtle. So much so that we are often deceived to the point of being unable to recognize our own sin and even go to such lengths and to seek it out and plan it. But, Oh Lord, Your love is good!

Psalm 37
Words of wisdom and a call to righteousness. Turn from evil and do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. How many times have we heard this now? Must be important! Listen up!

Psalm 38
Recognition of one's own sin and a plea for mercy and help.

Psalm 39
You have often heard the phrase "You only live once!". In our culture this is generally meant to mean that we ought to then live for the moment and to have fun and be happy. Let me start by saying that having fun or being happy are not bad things in and of themselves. It is the disregard and reckless abandon of all that is good in pursuit of that which might create a fleeting moment of happiness.

I would encourage a different idea here. "You only live once! Live it for the Lord!" You only have one chance to live this life right. Instead of seeking the pleasure of the moment seek the Joy of eternal. As G.K. Chesterton penned - "There are many ways to fall down, but only one way to stand up straight."

Our lives are but a blip on the timeline of eternity - Make it count - not for the blip - but for eternity.

Psalm 40
Again, following God was never promised to be an easy task. We will undoubtedly enconter problems and trials. We must cry out and trust in God's timing. Another song came to mind while reading this one.

Psalm 41
This last psalm in the first of the five books touches on betrayal. Even those of this world in whom we trust may betray us. God, however, is worthy of our trust and will not forsake us.

**One more song to wrap up this section based on Psalm 18.3

Next week we will look at Proverbs and the wisdom found within. I will continue to add to this entry over the next several weeks to finish up Psalms. Be sure to check back.

Stone 18 - Job

Last week we took a look at Esther and her role in helping the Jews escape annihilation. Let us go back further in time to visit Job and how he deals with suffering.

Attacking the Good Guy
So - turns out Job is a pretty good guy with lots of wealth (Job 1:1-3). He has ten kids that like to party and even has burnt offerings for them just in case they might have sinned (Job 1:4-5).

Enter Satan who is allowed by God to attack Job (Job 1:12). Wow! Satan really clobbers Job with four events that if only one happened to a guy they would be pretty devastated.
First a servant comes to say that all the oxen and donkeys along with a bunch of servants got wiped out (Job 1:14-15).
Second, while the first was still talking, another came to say that all the sheep and a bunch more servants got burnt up in a lightning storm (Job 1:16).
Third, while that guy was still talking, another came to say that all the camels were stolen and even more servants got wiped out by some raiding parties (Job 1:17).
Fourth, while that guy was still talking, another guy came to say that all 10 of his children were killed by a house that collapsed on them in a wind storm (Job 1:18-19)

All this because Satan thinks the only reason that Job is so righteous is because God blesses him (Job 1:9-11)

Job responds by praising God... wait... what? Imagine losing every single one of your ten children on the same day... how incredible the pain in that moment for Job - how incredible the response!

So Satan tries again by pleading with God to allow him to physically get to Job (Job 2:4-5). God agrees but does not allow his death. Satan nails Job with some nasty boils over his whole body (Job 2:6-7). Gross! Job just sits there and scrapes them with some chunk of an old broken clay pot (Job 2:8).

At this point Job's wife comes on the scene getting on him for staying true and Job calls her foolish for it (Job 2:9-10) We are not told that he is praising God this time but neither are we told that he was cursing God - just calling his wife foolish. Not sure how that turned out for him...

Friendly Help - Sort of - The Banter
So Job has three buddies that come along in support of all this mess (Job 2:11). They hung out for a week in silence just to support Job (Job 2:13). Wow! How many of our friends would come and lend that kind of support today...? Pretty cool!

At this point, Job begins to banter with each of his buddies for a while. You can really tell that Job is totally crushed and is experiencing some heavy depression. He goes on and on about how he wished that he was never born (Job 3:1-26).

Eliphaz replies first and recognizes his pain (Job 4:5) but pretty much goes on to suggest that Job must have did something bad in order for God to smite him (Job 5:17).

Job comes back claiming to be innocent and that God has turned on him (Job 6:4, 7:20). Job seems even a bit angered that Eliphaz might suggest he had done something.

Now Bildad pipes in and declares God just and points a finger at his recently dead children (Job 8:2-4). Ouch.

Job replies with a sort of 'what good will it do to confront God with my issues' attitude (Job 9:14-20). Nonetheless, Job still declares his innocence (Job 10:2-3).

Zophar is third to speak up. This guy pretty much straight up tells Job that he is lucky that God has not punished him for all of his sins (Job 11:5-6). He tells Job to pray and ask God to take his sin (Job 11:13-15).

Job is pretty much fed up at this point as he replies to Zophar (Job 13:1-5) and says he would rather go toe to toe with God instead (v. 3).

Eliphaz comes back again with a sort of 'who do you think you are' response and that his sin is speaking (Job 15:2-6).

Job says they suck at this (Job 16:2). Job is like 'Look at me - what did I do to deserve this?' (Job 16:16-17).

Bildad come back again to say 'Dude, quit calling us stupid and when you are ready to listen we can try again' (Job 18:2-3)

Job rallies by indicating his hurt at what his friends are saying (Job 19:2-3). We even read in the first chapter about the righteousness of Job and his integrity (Job 1:1) He details the struggles as he sits there decaying from his wounds (Job 19:13-22) and begs for mercy from them. He is innocent.

Zophar comes back with anger that Job is not having any of their counsel (Job 20:2-3).

Job indicates his frustration that good things happen to those who are wicked (Job 21:7-16).

Eliphaz gets a little more direct and straight up accuses some sin in Job's life (Job 22:5) and is like 'Dude, let it go and get right with God already!' (Job 22:21)

Job is convinced that he can go to court with God and win (Job 23:4-7) and continues to gripe about the wicked getting away with things.

Bildad tells Job that there is pretty much no way that he is sinless in the eyes of God (Job 25:4-6).

Job blames God and still clings to innocence (Job 27:2-6). He longs for the old days when he rested in God's favor (Job 29:4).

Job's friends pretty much gave up because he was righteous in his own eyes (Job 32:1). So Elihu comes from somewhere and he is upset because Job keeps justifying himself rather than God and because his buddies failed to set him straight and condemned him (Job 32:2-3).

Elihu says he has heard Job proclaim innocence (Job 33:8-9) and in verse 12 says he is wrong. He says that God listens to prayer and that it is probably not a good idea to blame God as unjust (Job 33:26, 33:33-37).

Now comes God! He responds with many questions which might all be boiled down to one.
Who do you think you are?

Job recognizes his folly and declares it before the Lord (Job 40:3-5) and later repents (Job 42:6).

Interestingly, God speaks to the three friends and tells them he is angry because they did not speak the truth as Job had (Job 42:7).

So Job was innocent after all but he was also clearly wrong to accuse God as being unjust. God forgives and restores Job and his family.

**One takeaway here is that I think it is easy to praise God when things are going well but how well do we continue to praise God when things are not going so well?

Next week we will look at the largest book in the Bible: Psalms

Here is a video from Join the Bible Project on Job.

Stone 17 - Esther

Last week we looked at Nehemiah and his burden to help rebuild the wall at Jerusalem. This week we begin our journey backwards on the timeline of history and look at the role of Esther.

Wanted: Queen of Persia
The book of Esther begins with a description of King Xerxes having a big celebration. At some point during the lengthy celebration, the King was getting a buzz on and decided to bring out his wife to parade around for the guys (Est 1:10-11). The king wanted to show off basically. We do not know how drunk he may have been and we don't have any details on how she was to parade around. The fact that Vashti was beautiful was all the king needed to show off as part of the "look what I got" mentality that he had. Vashti the Queen, however, would not have any of it which really made the king angry (Est 1:12). Again, we do not know for sure why she declined - just that she did. So now the king is at least sober enough not to make an immediate rash decision and gets together with his lawyer friends and tries to figure out how to deal with this (Est 1:13). The concern is brought up that the queen has set a precedent that would have all the wives disobeying their husbands (Est 1:17-18). So Vashti gets the boot so that another queen can be established (v. 19) and a decree is issued to make each man the master of his own house (v. 22).

**You know, this is another one of those areas of the Bible that records the events of history as they happened - this does not mean that the actions are condoned by God

Eventually, the king begins the search for a new queen by sending out some reps to gather the beautiful women of the kingdom and bring them to the palace (Est 2:2-4).

**By this point we have pretty much found out what kind of guy the king is... pompous and self-centered - interested in image alone rather than substance.

We are then introduced to Mordecai and Esther (Est 2:7) and learn that Esther is an attractive young woman and enters the interview process for the queen position (v. 8). So from verse 12 we learn that this is a pretty lengthy interview process and in the end she was chosen as queen (Est 2:17).

Plotters
Now up to this point, Esther has not revealed that she is a Jew (Est 2:20) and that Mordecai hangs out at the gate and overhears of a plot to kill the king (Est 2:22) which he reports to Esther. The plot is foiled and the plotters are hung.

Enter Haman - who is promoted to a prominent position. At some point, Haman and Mordecai meet and Mordecai refuses to pay the proper respects to a man of rank. When called out on it, Mordecai gives the excuse that he is a Jew.

**Now I have read that there are a couple of competing explanations of this book. One side says that Mordecai is a model Jew and chose not to violate his God by bowing to Haman. The other side states that bowing to Haman would not have been an act of worship but respect of position and thus Mordecai was in sin of pride and rebellion. In light of the fact that God is never mentioned in the book of Esther and considering the timeframe (Ezra) where other Israelites have returned to Jerusalem because the exile was over - this seems reasonable. Mordecai and Esther did not return to Jerusalem but chose to stay where they were. Esther was hiding her identity as a Jew and Mordecai was claiming to be a Jew when he saw benefit from it. Unfortunately, many Christians today do the same thing. They hide it or claim it when it suits their personal interests.

So Haman becomes upset and decides he is going to take care of the Jews and plots to have them all killed throughout the region (Est 3:5-6). Verses 9 and 10 tell us that the king, like Burger King, pretty much let Haman have it his way. Haman drafts the commands and sends it out and then sits down for drinks with the king (Est 3:14-15)

Of course, those in the city where Haman issued the commands were the first to hear. Mordecai learns of the news and is grieved. Soon after, Esther learns of the news and sends someone out to meet with Mordecai and learn more (Est 4:5-7). Mordecai wanted Esther to appeal to the king over this news (v. 8) but she was concerned for her life in doing so (v. 11). Mordecai pleads further and eventually convinces her to try it (v. 15-16).

Plot Breakers
Esther  then goes before the king and was extended the scepter meaning she would not be killed for entering the king's presence unsummoned (Est 5:2). Esther invites the king as well as Haman to a banquet that she has prepared. Interestingly, she does not make her requests known yet but invites them back for a second banquet (Est 5:7-8). After the first banquet, Haman heads home but runs into Mordecai on the way and that pretty much rained on Haman's parade (Est 5:13-14) and he follows some advice of building a gallows to have Mordecai killed.

What seems divine here is that the king is not able to sleep well that night and has someone come and read some of the records for him (Est 6:1). Interestingly, they come across the event of Mordecai breaking the plot of those who wanted to kill the king earlier (v. 2) and learn that nothing had been done to honor Mordecai for having saved the life of the king (v. 3).

Now Haman just happens to be walking in and so the king asks him what should be done for a man that the king wants to honor (v. 6). Haman, the pompous, prideful man that he is thinks he is the one to be honored and so he gives a lavish description of what should be done that would probably make him feel like he was the king (v. 7-9).

Can you imagine the look on Haman's face when the king tells him to go and honor Mordecai - the one he just built a gallows in order to kill? Dang...!

**Here is where we see Haman following the king's orders and honoring Mordecai - this is something that Mordecai would not do for Haman but accepted himself. This is part of the evidence suggested for Mordecai being more prideful and rebellious than being godly.

Afterwards, it was time for the next banquet (Est 6:14). This time Esther delivers her request to save her people (Est 7:3-4). When asked who would do such a thing she replies that it was Haman (v. 5-6). The king was upset and left for a moment - when he returned, one of the eunuchs informed the king that Haman had built a gallows to hang Mordecai on and so the king ordered that Haman be hung on his own gallows (Est 7:9). Oh, the irony!

Spoils of Victory
To add to the irony, the ring and estate of Haman are given over to Mordecai (Est 8:2). However, even though Haman was dead, the command to kill all the Jews was still out there and Esther pleaded with the king to revoke the decree (Est 8:5).

Remember at that time a king's order could not be revoked. So instead we find that an order was given that the Jews could defend themselves (Est 8:11).

The Jews were later successful in defending themselves and a celebration called Purim was established by Mordecai (Est 9:20-22).

Mordecai became a popular man in the land (Est 10:3).

**Again, is it not interesting that God or prayer or repenting were never mentioned? God can use anyone to serve his will - not just those who follow him. The events that took place in the book of Esther helped to prevent the Jews who did go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple during the time of Ezra from getting wiped out. Whether or not Mordecai and Esther were true followers of God or not, He used them to protect those who were.

Next week we will look at Job and his case with God.

Stone 16 - Nehemiah

Last week we looked at Ezra who returned to the land of Judah after many had already returned from exile. This week we will look at Nehemiah and his return a bit later.

Side Note
Up to this point, all of the books we have covered have been for the most part in chronological order. The exception being 1 and 2 Chronicles which overlapped with 1 and 2 Samuel as well as 1 and 2 Kings. After Nehemiah, we will move on to books that contain events along the timeline and history we have established between Genesis and Nehemiah - at this point we are brought up to a bit before 400 B.C.

Responding to a Burden
During what migh seem as a casual conversation, Nehemiah learns of the plight of those who had returned to Jerusalem from exile (Neh 1:3). **It is worth noting here that Nehemiah probably already knew the wall had been destroyed since it happened well over 100 years prior to this conversation. Perhaps Nehemiah was most troubled by the fact that it had not been repaired and that the people were struggling.

Nehemiah's response was to weep, fast, and pray (Neh 1:4). He was clearly burdened by this news and was compelled to help. Part of Nehemiah's prayer was related to appearing before the king (Neh 1:11). We also see here that Nehemiah states his profession - he was the king's cupbearer - an extremely honorable and influential position. The king trusted Nehemiah.

Some time later, the king notices that Nehemiah is not himself and inquires about it (Neh 2:2). Nehemiah says he was overwhelmed with fear. My understanding is that you don't dare be anything other than happy in front of the king - that could mean bad news. Recall that we have some trust here between men - which is helpful - had Nehemiah been a nobody, it may not have went well. Nehemiah asks to return to Jerusalem and help rebuild and the king agrees (Neh 2:4-6).

After getting to Jerusalem, Nehemiah does a little recon and recruiting in order to get the project of working on the wall moving (Neh 2:15-18). Several groups of people took different sections of the wall as described in chapter 3.

Abundant Adversity
This project was not without critics (Neh 4:1-3). Much like today, they were mocked for their efforts by those who did not approve. However, this did not deter them and they continued to build the wall (Neh 4:6). This made the adversaries even more angry and the mocking turned physical (Neh 4:11). Again, this did not stop them from rebuilding but they fortified themselves (Neh 4:18).

In the middle of all these attacks - Nehemiah has to deal with some internal conflicts as well (Neh 5:1). Ugh!

The enemy was not going to give up easily. This time they came in the form of deceptive means by seeking a peace meeting (Neh 6:2). Several times they tried and were denied. The tactics then changed to intimidation and trickery. They tried to get Nehemiah to run and hide in the temple (Neh 6:10). It would have been a sin for Nehemiah to enter the temple because he was not one of the priests and was not likely ritually pure at the time. Likewise, the enemy would have used the sin and fear to give Nehemiah a bad rep as he was aware (Neh 6:13).

The walls were completed in an amazing 52 days despite all the adversity that the people faced. Ironically, this caused the enemy to feel intimidated and lose confidence since they recognized that God was in on it all (Neh 6:15-16).

Remember Your God
The people ask Ezra to come with the Book of the Law (Neh 8:1). He read from it for all the people and they celebrated the Festival of Booths and had a time of confession as a nation. Afterwards the Israelites renew their vow with the Lord (Neh 9:38).

Okay - so can you guess what happens next? What has been the recurring theme in several previous books?

Yup - you guessed right. After Israel renews their vow - they eventually slip into their old habits.

Nehemiah had went back to his old job as cupbearer (Neh 13:6) but later returned to find how much the people had let slip the vows they had renewed earlier. Nehemiah doesn't mind giving them a thorough rebuking (Neh 13:25) for some of it.

**As bad as some of this might sound as we read it - Nehemiah is really concerned with their spiritual well-being. This is not about love and marriage but about joining with those who will bring the nation of Israel into idolatry. Nehemiah appeals to the past and how this all happened before and where that got them.

Being a good leader, Nehemiah, confronts them with the truth of the matter regardless of what they might think of it at the time. He tries to guide them with truth.

Just like Nehemiah's adversaries - the enemy likes to camouflage truth and lies to entice us into sin and discredit us.

Lord, I pray that you would give us the wisdom to see through the camouflage that the world puts up in front of us.

Next week we will take a look at Esther.