We move from the times of the Judges of Israel (where every man did what was right in his own sight) to the period of the united Kingdom. Samuel (the final Judge) will be the interface between the two time periods.

There will be three kings before Israel splinters into north and south: Saul (who had no heart for God), David (who had a whole heart toward God), and Solomon (who had a divided heart regarding God).

Saul was the people’s choice for a king. He was handsome. He was tall. He was strong. He was spiritually weak. David was anointed by the last judge (Samuel) per God’s direction. David was young in stature but quite strong in heart and personal God-courage. Solomon did not finish well, even though he may have been the wisest person to ever live on the earth. Weird.

“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.
To do righteousness and justice is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice.”  – Proverbs 21:1-3

This is a great chance to examine the nature and actions of three different hearts, and these chapters are filled with insight into which choices result in true freedom. It is not about perfection in behavior, but rather resilience of soul. God delivers those who recognize their weakness and call upon His strength. This is huge for an authentic spiritual life, my friend. Enjoy!

• Deeper in 1 Samuel PDF
• Deeper in 2 Samuel PDF
• Teaching on Samuel’s Books #1
• Teaching on Saul
• Teaching on Saul and David
• Teaching on David #1
• Teaching on David #2
• Teaching on Solomon
• “Samuel” Fourthstream Search
• “David” Fourthstream Search
• “Saul” Fourthstream Search
• “Solomon” Fourthstream Search

As the heart war rages during the time of the Judges of Israel there is precious little to be excited about.

“In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.”  – Judges 17:6

Ruth is a spiritual bright spot:

Then she said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the LORD do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.” – Ruth 1:15-17

Much is reported about the hard conditions women have faced through-out history. Not so in Israel, where women were treated with dignity and respect. Even Jesus constructed His inner circle with women. Ruth is a bright spot in a very dark time in Israel’s history. She gives all women hope – in any culture – that by choosing refuge under the wings of God Most High results in honor and reward.

As Peter said, “The same goes for you husbands: Be good husbands to your wives. Honor them, delight in them. As women they lack some of your advantages. But in the new life of God’s grace, you’re equals. Treat your wives, then, as equals so your prayers don’t run aground.” (1 Peter 3 in the Message)

• Deeper in Ruth PDF
• Teaching on Judges (Finishing up Joshua)
• Teaching on Judges #2
• Teaching on Judges #3 (Intro to Ruth)
• “Ruth” Fourthstream Search

Moses and Joshua had led Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness and she was now taking possession of her inheritance. Israel has successfully inhabited the entire land (as God had promised) but her heart was sick. She made alliances with the idolatrous nations within the land and compromised her promise to serve the Lord only.

There are series of cycles of sin: Israel repents, Israel becomes faithless, Israel embraces other gods and finds bondage – and God raises up a judge to deliver them. Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Abimelech, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, Samson, Eli, and Samuel – were all used to both judge and deliver Israel in these years after the death of Joshua.

There is much to be learned from Judges about sin, the personal cost of sin, and the consequences these choices bring about.

“Where will you be stricken again, as you continue in your rebellion? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart is faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head there is nothing sound in it, only bruises, welts and raw wounds, not pressed out or bandaged, nor softened with oil. Your land is desolate, your cities are burned with fire, your fields — strangers are devouring them in your presence; it is desolation – overthrown by strangers. The daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a watchman’s hut in a cucumber field, like a besieged city. Unless the LORD of hosts had left us a few survivors, we would be like Sodom, we would be like Gomorrah.”  –  Isaiah 1:5-9

• Deeper in Judges PDF
• Teaching on Judges (Finishing up Joshua)
• Teaching on Judges #2
• Teaching on Judges #3 (Intro to Ruth)
• “Judges” Fourthstream Search

Joshua is a book of conquest. For the war-wary it is understandable that we would chafe at God taking land away from inhabitants and giving it to His people – and destroying them in the process. But remember that God was not only blessing Israel, He was judging the nations for their idolatry. I guess you can do that when you are God, right?

Consider the pre-explained context in Deuteronomy 9:4-5:

“Do not say in your heart when the LORD your God has driven them out before you, ‘Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land,’ but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is dispossessing them before you. 

“It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD your God is driving them out before you, in order to confirm the oath which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

The book of Ephesians is also a book of warfare…spiritual warfare. As you complete Joshua (there is some pretty repetitive stuff in some of these books) you may wish to spend a little time on Ephesians (it is short but packed-full).

And whether we like it or not:
“The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is His name.” – Exodus 15:3

We were born into a world at war.

• Deeper in Joshua PDF
• Deeper in Ephesians PDF
• Teaching on Joshua #1
• Teaching on Joshua #2
• Teaching on Ephesians
• “Joshua” Fourthstream Search

Warfare is a part of Israel’s history. The world was a dangerous place. God’s people never picked a fight unless God commanded them to.

They were not warriors. They had been slaves but now they were free. As they make their way to the promised land – God teaches them to live by faith. He prepares them to be soldiers, just as He prepares us for the spiritual battle of our lives.

Each chapter of Joshua animates principles of warfare. Israel did not fight the way other nations fought. Their battles were God’s battles. Their victories were God’s victories!

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”  – Ephesians 6:12

Check out Exodus 15:1-13 to see how Moses felt about His warrior King!

       “Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the LORD, and said, “I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will extol Him. The LORD is a warrior; The LORD is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; and the choicest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea.”  

And according to Paul…
       “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”  – Ephesians 6:10-13

• Deeper in Joshua PDF
• Into the Land Teaching – Transition from Moses to The Kings
• Teaching on Joshua #1
• Teaching on Joshua #2
• “Joshua” Fourthstream Search

This week we are completing the “books of Moses.” Genesis has taught us about our origins: both of the human race (chapters 1-11) and the chosen race (12-52).

Exodus displays God’s power as He delivers millions from the Pharoah’s bondage in Egypt.

Leviticus helps this chosen people know how to worship as they begin the journey to the “promised land.” This 40 day journey takes 40 years, and Numbers is the account of the grumbling disobedience of Gods people.

The broken tablets of commandment are given a second time (Deuteronomy means “second law.”). It is a historical review of all that God did in the process of bringing Israel out of Egypt, and how He used the events in the wilderness to get Egypt out of the people. It is important to understand that GRACE and the LAW are not in opposition but harmony.

The Law was given through Moses to explain God’s grace in inviting humanity to experience forever freedom. Grace and truth were realized in Jesus Christ. He satisfies the requirements of the Law, and through faith provides a way for a human heart to be set free. The Law was given to clarify how far we fall short of the glory of God. Jesus was sent to bridge the chasm.

“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.”  – John 1:16-18

• Deeper in Deuteronomy PDF
• Deuteronomy Teaching – The Drink Offering: Am I devoted?
• Into the Land Teaching – Transition from Moses to The Kings

Israel was filled with complainers. Belly-achers. Deliverance from their humbled position in Egypt had done little to diminish their natural pride and desire for power and recognition. This pride begins to ramp up into a series of conflicts that could have had even more devastating consequences – if not for the long-suffering kindness of God.

In his own way even Moses is caught up in the rebellion when he strikes the rock over the rebellion of others. This is one of the chief benefits of the stories and teachings of Numbers for Christ-followers in any century. In this book we learn the ins and outs of personal pride, and how to avoid the traps contained within adversity and relationships.

Take care to observe and listen my friend! The teachings and insights of this book have delivered me more times than I would like to admit.

“Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “the people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.” 

Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 

Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”
– 1 Corinthians 10:6-13

• Deeper in Numbers PDF
• Numbers Teaching #1 – Being Humbled by Life
• Numbers Teaching #2 – History is Not a Mess to God

Consider what Israel has experienced leading up to this moment. A rich human history in Adam (Genesis 1-11). A new understanding of what it means to honor God through suffering (Job). A new nation birthed through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. A supernatural deliverance from bondage in Egypt (Exodus). A new way of living explained through the sacrifices, priests, and ceremonies in Leviticus.

Now we turn to the things Israel will learn from their wanderings. A journey that was meant to take about 40 days (to the promised land) ended up taking closer to 40 years.

This is the nature of our spiritual journey. We are empowered to leave our own Egypt and trust our Father. We are invited to grow deeply during our journey and to learn things we would never be able to find without following God’s design for the path of faith.

Numbers is loaded with journey principles that can help us as we leave our own Egypt and head for the promised land. Yes!

“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 

And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.”  – Hebrews 11:13-16

• Deeper in Numbers PDF
• Numbers Teaching #1 – Being Humbled by Life
• Numbers Teaching #2 – History is Not a Mess to God

Israel had become a nation of millions of souls. Can you imagine caring for such a group – let alone shepherding them into a heart-understanding connection with God?!

This is what Leviticus is all about. How can a group who are so pagan learn to leave their gods and attach themselves to the Living God? Is this story really any different from God’s work among the Gentiles? (I am a gentile – this is everyone who is a non-Jew.)

The sacrifices provided access to the Father. The priests encouraged personal worship as they pointed the nation to God. The ceremonies were potent reminders of the big things that were going on – not the least of which was the coming of the One Whose blood would cover and deliver countless souls. Moses brought God’s Law to the people (twice). Leviticus explains what they were to do with it!

As you read, translate each element you see into a greater principle. Leprosy is a picture of the curse of sin. Egypt is a metaphor for bondage – and so on. If we can gaze into the heart-needs of the Jews, we can find principles which will help us find our way as “true Jews.”

“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.
– Romans 2:28-29

• Deeper in Leviticus PDF
• Exodus Teaching #3 – Into the Wilderness: The Sacrifice System
  • Intro to Leviticus
• Leviticus Teaching – Living with a Clear Conscience

Wow – the golden calf story is so creepy, isn’t it? What a contrast to the story of the ark of the covenant. I guess I need to show a little understanding. Israel didn’t know God very well. How fitting that a man who had received His Father’s mercy (Moses) was so willing to give the same grace to his companions.

As the journey is resumed the people make their contributions to preparations for the tabernacle and everything in it. It is important to keep sight of the fact that Yahweh’s dwelling was, and is, within the hearts of His people. The tabernacle was a visible reflection of the glory of God. Everything placed within it and around it was a copy of what is in heaven. This is key as you read, because it is easy to focus on this earthly “tent” rather on the one in heaven (passages below).

We also begin the book of Leviticus. Exodus is the context for understanding the purpose of the tabernacle. The Jews had spent 430 years in bondage in Egypt. Now it was time to shift focus. The sacrifices, the priests, and the ceremonies of Leviticus were given to enhance the people’s connection with God. And there were millions of people!

Check these out as you read, providing some major insight and perspective!

“We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’”   – Mark 14:58

“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands”  – Acts 17:24

“You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all.”  – Acts 19:26

“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” – 2 Corinthians 5:1

“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation…” – Hebrews 9:11

“For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” – Hebrews 9:24

Think about this as a summary for Leviticus:
“For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth. For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.’”  – Leviticus 11:44,45

• Deeper in Exodus PDF
• Deeper in Leviticus PDF
• Exodus Teaching #1 – Intro to Exodus: How we fit in the story
• Exodus Teaching #2 – The Blood Thread
• Exodus Teaching #3 – Into the Wilderness: The Sacrifice System
  • Intro to Leviticus
• Moses: Builder’s Heart
• Jesus & Moses

There is so much in Exodus that is foundational to authentic faith. Egypt is a parallel to being hopelessly in bondage to sin. Pharaoh perfectly exhibits the pride of mankind even in the face of terrible judgement. The power Moses wielded originated from God, just as all Good emanates from our heavenly Father.

The grumbling of the people perfectly encapsulates the ongoing response of mankind to the conditions of our lives. The glory of God led them in the wilderness, just as God’s Spirit continues to lead us today.

So many of the principles we follow as Christ-followers find roots in the books of the Law (Genesis – Deuteronomy), in the history books and the prophets, and in the writings and stories of the kings of Israel. This is the rich backdrop upon which Jesus lived His life, taught the Words of God, and did the works of His Father. Amazing!

In Genesis we see the origins of the human race, and those of the chosen race. In Job we are given insight into the greater purposes of God. In Exodus we are taught the basics (and the heart) of what it means to be delivered “by a Mighty Hand!”

“If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”  – Genesis 4:7

“But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”  – Romans 6:17,18

Read on my adventurous friend!

• Deeper in Exodus PDF
• Exodus Teaching #1 – Intro to Exodus: How we fit in the story
• Exodus Teaching #2 – The Blood Thread
• Exodus Teaching #3 – Into the Wilderness: The Sacrifice System
  • Intro to Leviticus
• Moses: Builder’s Heart
• Jesus & Moses

Joseph’s story is hard to beat for drama. Job’s story is filled with deep insight into the purposes of God. How can it get any better?! The 70 family members of Jacob’s tribe find themselves numbering in the millions after a span of 430 years. Wow. The organizational headaches. The human drama.

God deals with nations but always tells His Story through everyday people like you and me. So – now it is time to meet Moses. And what a crazy ride. So much of spiritual life is waking up to the fact we are in the middle of a very purposeful and active story. And even though we may never find the notoriety of a Moses – does this really matter when we consider the source of true meaning?

“Whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent; and the LORD would speak with Moses. When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would arise and worship, each at the entrance of his tent. Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.” – Exodus 33:9-11

By placing Exodus and Leviticus side by side we can learn much about the spiritual transition we also can make, as we leave Egypt in the rear-view mirror and head to the promised land. Genesis: Origins of the Human Race/Origins of the Chosen Race. Exodus: Exit from the Bondage of Sin. Leviticus: Worshipping God from the heart!

Prepare to encounter some of the God Story’s deepest teaching on what it means to trust and connect with God. And to not. Check this out:

“And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!” – Revelation 15:3

Dave & Burnadette

• Deeper in Exodus PDF
• Exodus Teaching #1 – Intro to Exodus: How we fit in the story
• Exodus Teaching #2 – The Blood Thread
• Exodus Teaching #3 – Into the Wilderness: The Sacrificial System
  • Intro to Leviticus
• Moses: Builder’s Heart
• Jesus & Moses