A Humanist perspective on what we can learn about what is morality from the Bible.
Showing posts with label study group. Show all posts
Showing posts with label study group. Show all posts
Ruth 1: We meet Ruth
Synopsis:
A woman from Bethlehem-judah named Naomi goes to Moab with her husband Elimelch and their 2 sons. The 2 sons get married to Orpah and Ruth. The husband and the 2 sons die so Naomi makes plans to go back to Bethlehem-judah. The widows of her sons want to come with her – she tells them go back to your families and have happy lifes. No need to stay with me and morn. Orpah goes back but Ruth refuses and stays with Naomi. They return at the beginning of the barley harvest.In other words:
A moabite named Ruth marries into Naomi’s family and she and Naomi return alone to Bethlehem-judah.Favorite bit:
That we are given the names of all the women involved in this story. Not only that – they are important. The men, not so much. (Ruth 1:2)Least favorite bit:
That all the men die and leave the women without support (Ruth 1:3 & 5)What’s nice:
That Naomi releases both daughter in laws from their obligations. And, it’s doubly nice that Ruth decides to stay with Naomi anyway. (Ruth1:8-17)Moral Lesson Learned:
Women need to stick together (Ruth 1)Judges 11: The Sacrifice of the Unnamed Daughter
Synopsis:
Gilead had a son with a harlot. This son was named Jephthah. His other legitimate brothers didn't like him and sent him away and told him he would not inherit from his father. But then the children of Ammon made war against Israel so the Gileadites sent for Jephthah and promised him – if you lead us – we will make you our leader. So he agreed. He tried to convince the king of the Ammonites to make peace – what did we ever do to you? The king of the Ammonites said – you took our land when you came out of Egypt. Jephthah’s response was – that was over 300 years ago man! Get over it. Our God gave us this land. Tell you what – we will fight and if your god, Chemosh, gives you a win, so be it. Jephthah then makes a deal with God, if you let me win, I will give up the first thing I see in my house as a burnt offering to you. Jephthah and the Israelites win. Jephthah returns home and his only daughter come out to greet him. He is upset and tells her what he promised God. She says, if you promised Him that, I will obey. Just give me 2 months to hang out in the mountains crying about the fact I’m going to die a virgin. After the 2 months were up, she came back and was offered as a burnt offering to God. We never learn her name, but the daughters of Israel are supposed to spend 4 days each year remembering her.In other words:
To thank God for helping them to win a war, they sacrifice a girl whose name we are not given as a burnt offering.Favorite bit:
Judges 11:26: That Jephthah tries to convince the Ammonite King to give up his claim to the land. Why did you wait 300 years to get the land back? Seriously.Least favorite bit:
That the girl who is sacrificed isn’t important enough to remember her name.Moral Lessons Learned:
- Squatters rights must be respected. If you think land is yours, don’t wait to make a claim on it (Judges 11:26)
- Don’t make promises on behalf of other people (Judges 11)
Judges 13: Samson is born
Synopsis:
The Israelites sin and are ruled by the Philistines for 40 years. A Danite named Manoah had a barren wife. One day she was visited by an angel of the Lord who told her she would bear a son who would be a Nazarite for his entire life. They were not to cut his hair and she was not to drink wine or eat unclean things while she bore him. She told her husband and he asked the Lord to bring the angel again so he could talk to him directly. The angel came again when the woman was alone. She ran to get her husband. Her husband Manoah asked the angel for the directions again – and he said, a little bit annoyed he had to repeat it – what he had told the woman – don’t eat unclean things and don’t drink wine. And when the baby is born, don’t cut his hair ever. So Manoah offers him food. Angel doesn’t take it. Manoah - Let me make a sacrifice to you. Angel – make it to the Lord. Manoah – can’t we know your name so when the baby is born we can praise you? Angel – no. Manoah sacrifices a goat on an altar – the angel ascends the flames into heaven and doesn’t return. Eventually the baby is born and named Samson.In other words:
An angel comes to a woman to tell her she will bear a special child so don’t cut his hair, ever.Favorite bit:
Judges 13:19,20 So Manoah took a kid with a meat offering, and offered it upon a rock unto the Lord: and the angel did wondrously and Manoah and his wife looked on. For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar that the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar: and Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to the ground. Only then did Manoah realize they were talking to an angel.Least favorite bit:
That Manoah’s wife is never named. Sure, she gave birth to Samson, but she isn’t important enough to have a name. Sexist. Manoah isn’t even important here – aside from the fact he doesn’t believe is wife.Moral Lesson Learned:
Women aren’t idiots (Judges 13)Judges 14: Samson kills a lion and 30 people
Synopsis:
Samson falls for a Philistine girl and his parents aren’t happy about this. But he convinces them he wants to marry her. So they go down to Tinmath where she lives. On the way – he sees a lion and the “spirit of the lord” comes over him and he slays the lion with his bare hands, but his parents don’t notice this. As he returns with the girl he sees the carcas has honey in it. This he takes and gives to his parents to eat. Eventually they return to get the girl and they arrange a feast for 7 days. The girl’s family sends 30 men to be Samson’s companion for the feast. He tells them a riddle. They can’t figure it out – and convince his bride to get the answer for them. She hassles Samson for 7 days to get the answer, which he gives her. He then gets mad when the companions know the answer. The spirit of the lord enters him once again and he kills 30 men in Ashkelon to take their “spoils” so he can pay off the debt of losing the bet from the riddle. When he returns, he find his wife had been given to one of his friends.In other words:
Samson falls in love, but the girl is given to someone else.Favorite bit:
Judges 14:6 – the spirit of the lord comes over him and he kills a lion with his bare hands – as if it were nothing more than a goat. I’m guessing that this is a blind psychotic rage – he’s not in control of.Least favorite bit:
That Samson’s wife is given to one of the companions. (Judges 14:20)Bizarrest bit:
Judges 14: 8,9) Bees in the carcass of the lion, and honey – which he eats and gives to his parents as well. And he doesn’t tell them where he got the honey.Most annoying bit:
That Samson was not prepared to lose the bet. He had to go kill 30 people in order to make good on the bet. (Judges 14:19)Moral Lesson Learned:
Don’t make bets you aren’t prepared to lose (Judges 14)Judges 18: Micah has his stuff stolen
Synopsis:
The children of Dan sent out spies to find land they could settle. They came upon Micah’s house for a bit, got a blessing from the priest and then travelled on to Laish. They saw that the land was good and they could take the place so they went back and got there brethren. 600 men of valor from Dan once again came to Micah’s house and stole his image, ephod and terraphim and then convinced the priest to come with them and serve them. Micah gathered the men around him and caught up with the men from Dan. They told him to leave or they would kill him and his followers. He saw he was outnumbered and left. Dan defeated the people of Laish and settled there and set up the graven and molten images and terraphim they had stole from Micah and the tribe of Dan set up Jonathan, the son of Gershom, son of Manasseh as priests to the tribe until the day of the captivity of the land.In other words:
The Danites steal Micah’s idols, molten images, ephod and priest and take over the city of Laish.Favorite bit:
Judges 18:24, 25–when Micah confronts the theives of Dan asking for his stuff back – and they basically say – don’t raise your voice – otherwise some of the more angry among us will kill you. Go away quietly and you won’t get hurt.Least favorite bit:
Judges 18:27 the smiting of Laish – Laish didn’t get any help because they were too remote for Zidon to protect them. Sad.Moral Lesson Learned:
Pick your fights wisely (Judges 18)Deuteronomy 3: Remember when we kicked Bashan’s butt
Synopsis:
This chapter recounts the war with Bashan that the Israelites won. It also recounts the land given to Reuben and Manasseh and includes a bit about Moses lamenting how he is not allowed to cross the Jordon into the promised land. However, don’t worry. God is putting Joshua in charge to take care of everyone.In other words:
Moses gives everyone a pep talk and tells everyone that Joshua is now their new ruler (per God’s will).Favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 3:11 – For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? Nine cubits was the length thereof and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man. I love that there is this aside about a giant that they defeated. His bed was huge 13 ½ feet by 6 feet and made of iron. Imagine a bed twice as long as a standard king sized bed.Least favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 3:28 – but charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.Moral Lesson Learned:
A little bit of bragging is ok – just don’t go overboard (Deuteronomy 3)Deuteronomy 4: Hearken
Synopsis:
Moses once again tells everyone to obey the rules. They have seen the wonders of God. The fact that they are alive when so many didn’t survive the journey is a testament to that. We are reminded of the 10 commandments. Not to make graven images and remember how mad God was when you disobeyed? If you don’t obey his rule, you will be scattered across the earth and made to suffer. But don’t worry about that because God loves you so keep his commandments.In other words:
Moses once again lays out the rules with appropriate threats if they are not obeyed.Favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 4:21 – But I must die in this land, I must not go over Jordan: but ye shall go over and possess that good land.Least favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 4:24 – For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. – I like the imagery – but don’t like this image. This is the start of the threats of what will happen if they don’t obey.My moral take away:
Morality should not require threats of obedience. (Deuteronomy 4)Deuteronomy 5: Restating the Commandments
Synopsis:
Moses tells everyone again how he stood before God because everyone else was afraid and received the 10 commandments. Here are God’s rules, all 10 (I mean 11) of them. These were important enough to write in stone.1) Have no other gods before me
2) Don’t make any graven images
3) Don’t bow down to other gods
4) Don’t take my name in vain
5) Keep the Sabbath
6) Honor your father and mother
7) Don’t kill
8) Don’t commit adultery
9) Don’t steal
10) Don’t lie
11) Don’t desire your neighbor's things
In other words:
We are once again told the 10 commandments that are really 11 commandments.Favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 5:5 - (I stood between the Lord and you at that time, to show you the word of the Lord: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount,) I love that here Moses is reminding them that they were afraid and he was brave.Next favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 5: 24 – Behold, the Lord our God hath showed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. I like this because a) it’s so clearly a magic trick involving smoke and fire to obscure the guy behind the fire talking on behalf of God. And because it is also clear that people weren't impressed with the statement – God talks to me – they had to have it proven to them. There were skeptics in their midst.Least favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 5:25 which roughly translates as: Ok – we believe you, we don’t need to be in God’s presence anymore lest we be consumed with fire. We agree – you can do this task for us.Moral Lesson:
Beware of charlatans who claim to speak with God. (Deuteronomy 5)And yes, I am aware that perhaps, since this has the 10 (11) commandments that perhaps what we are supposed to learn is not to lie. But all I got out of this was that this guy was a charlatan.
Deuteronomy 6: Obey or Else
Synopsis:
Moses reminds everyone; God brought you out of Egypt and is going to give you the land he promised Abraham. So when you take the cities you didn't build and the vineyards you didn't plant and the wells you didn't dig, remember your god. Don’t go chasing the other gods, or this god will get angry with you. And for goodness sake, please teach your children to keep these laws as well because they need to know.In other words:
They are about to go steal some land and claim God gave it to them, so be sure to thank God for eternity for this gift.Favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 6:16 – Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God, as ye tempted him in Massah. Obey or else! Don’t make Him come down here!Least favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 6:11 – this is the passage where they are told what they will get, without having worked for it – because they will steal it from others.Moral Lesson Learned:
Greedy people are easily manipulated. (Deuteronomy 6)Deuteronomy 7: We shall be mighty! Just don’t touch the gold.
Synopsis:
Moses tells everyone, they are about to go on the warpath and dispossess 7 mighty nations from their lands. The congregation is warned to not allow intermarriage with the conquered groups because it will encourage people to leave the flock. Everyone else is going to suffer horribly from disease, but you will be healthy, wealthy and wise if you keep His commandments. Oh, and by the way, the gold and the silver on the graven images that these people we conquer have, yeah – don’t touch it – it’s an abomination. Bring it to us to be burned instead.In other words:
Moses gives a pep talk and warns them not to touch any gold or silver they find.Favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 7:1 – the listing of the nations that they plan to conquer. I love the names and the fact that – they only really conquer the Canaanites.2nd Favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 7: 25 – Warning against taking the gold and silver from the graven images. Those have to be burned and are an abomination. Detest it because it is cursed. Seems like a scam to make sure all the gold and silver is given to the priests (you know, for “proper disposal”).Least favorite bit:
That this whole chapter is a call to pillage and plunder.Moral Lesson Learned:
When people are trying to talk you into committing crimes, they aren't really planning to share the wealth with you. It’s a scam. (Deuteronomy 7)Deuteronomy 8: This was all a test
Synopsis:
We are now reminded about all the suffering that occurred over the past 40 years in the desert. This, we are told, was a test to make sure only those whose hearts were pure would enter the Promised Land. Everyone else who suffered and died, apparently did so because they weren't holy enough. But you .... you all are the elite and will get a land that is amazing to behold.In other words
Everyone is told that they are special and deserve to enter this new land. How do we know they are special? Everyone else died.Favorite bit:
The entire chapter. You know all that suffering we went through and the whole eating of manna thing that was so annoying? Yeah, that was done on purpose to humble you and prepare you for entry into this wondrous new land you are getting.2nd favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 8: 7-10 – I love how a rosy picture is painted for us about what this new land is going to be like. There are brooks, water and fountains, wheat, barley, vines, fig trees and pomegranates. It is a land of oil and honey. You shall be able to eat without scarceness and you will not lack for anything. (Deuteronomy 8:9)Least favorite bit:
That not only is this all a lie, it’s a lie that has been causing continued conflict over this very land for millennium.Moral Lesson Learned:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is (Deuteronomy 8)Deuteronomy 9: Pep Talk with Guilt
Synopsis:
Moses starts to pep people up by telling them that they get to cross the Jordan and even the children of Anak (the giants) will fall before them because God is on their side. But he isn’t doing it because you are righteous but because these other people are wicked. Think about all the times you pissed God off. Like that day we came out of Egypt or that day in Horeb, or that time when I was on the mount getting the 10 commandments and you all went and had a naked bacchanal. Or remember the times in Taberah and Massah and at Kibrothhattaayvah ye provoked the Lord to wrath? Yeah – I had to talk him down. I reminded him that you are his people and he did make a promise.In other words:
Moses gives everyone a guilt trip for being so horrid and repeatedly denying God and pissing him off.Favorite bit:
The entire chapter. It’s a litany of all the times they made God mad. It’s pretty awesome. They made God mad A LOT!2nd favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 9:2,3 – A people great and tall, the children of Anakm, who thou knowest and of whom that has heard say, Who can stand before the children of Anak. Understand therefore this day, that the Lord thy God is he which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and she shall bring them down before they face: so shall thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the Lord hath said unto thee.Least favorite bit:
The ending of this chapter. It’s a bit of a letdown after the repetition of all the injustices and grievances God has against this people. It’s kind of like – you don’t deserve it – but He made a promise. So there you go.Moral Lesson Learned:
Keep your promises, even if you don’t want to (Deuteronomy 9)Deuteronomy 10: It’s not all bad
Synopsis:
Moses then retells the story of the making of the 2nd 10 commandments and how he made an ark and how they all started their journey and how the Levites won’t get an inheritance because they have to take care of the ark and therefore circumcise your heart and be not stiff-necked. Love your God for he made you multiple. Only 63 people went into Egypt and now look at how many of you there are.In other words:
Moses reminds everyone that despite how horrid they are, God loves them like a father and, by the way, the Levites are sacrificing so that you may inherit land.Favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 10:16 – Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked.Least Favorite bit:
Deuteronomy 10:8,9 – The reminder that the Levites were separated (by God) to care for the Ark and they won’t get a land inheritance, so you all have to support them. Clever way to set up a priest class that has to be supported by everyone else.Moral Lesson Learned:
When people go on and on about how much they are selflessly sacrificing so that you may benefit, it’s a scam. (Deuteronomy 10)No Camels in the Bible
So it turns out that there should have been no camels in the Bible. Yet there are. There is a prohibition on eating them. They are talked about and used as pack animals on occasion. But according to scholars camels weren't used in the area the events of the Bible take place in until centuries after King David - which is centuries before Moses and Abraham.
See: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/11/science/camels-had-no-business-in-genesis.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0
Their conclusion is that these books where written down after these folks knew about camels and so the original stories were changed to include this common pack animal. Seems reasonable. But then I start to think, they did spend a LOT of time in Egypt.
But then I think, they couldn't possibly have had corn either - that was a new world crop. Unless our history is wrong and that guy from America Unearthed is right.
Regardless, I thought this was cool and related to the study here - so enjoy.
See: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/11/science/camels-had-no-business-in-genesis.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0
Their conclusion is that these books where written down after these folks knew about camels and so the original stories were changed to include this common pack animal. Seems reasonable. But then I start to think, they did spend a LOT of time in Egypt.
But then I think, they couldn't possibly have had corn either - that was a new world crop. Unless our history is wrong and that guy from America Unearthed is right.
Regardless, I thought this was cool and related to the study here - so enjoy.
Numbers 1: Get Out Your Abacus
Synopsis:
God commands Moses to count all the men 20 years and older so they can prepare for war. They are to be counted by tribe.Reuben - 46,500
Simeon – 59,300
Gad – 45,650
Judah – 74,600 (3 score 14 thousand and 600)
Issachar – 54,400
Zebulun 57,400
Joseph (Ephraim) – 40,500
Manasseh – 32,200
Benjamin – 35,400
Dan – 62,700 (3 score 2,00 and 700)
Asher – 41,500
Naphthali – 53,400
Total – 603,550
The Levites were not includes in this number. The reason is because the Levites are in charge of the temple, they aren’t part of the army getting ready for war.
In other words:
One year after they left Egypt with 6,000 people – they counted up the men they have who can fight and they now have 603,500 men of fighting age – not including the women and children living in an encampment in the desert.Why I think these numbers are wrong:
First, the largest city in Egypt at this time probably had 40,000 to 60,000 people in it (Memphis or Thebes). So having an encampment 10 times the size of a huge city isn’t likely.Second: 603,500 is a city the size of Denver CO. It’s a huge number. And this is only the fighting age men. In reality – to support them and to include the women – you probably had double that so close to 1.2 million people – which is a city the size of Dallas Texas – living in an encampment in the desert.
Third: Even with a really robust sexual propagation program and including the slaves these people probably took with them, it’s unlikely you could get a 100 fold increase of people in 1 year.
What now makes sense about Leviticus
Even if the number of people in the encampment was a fraction of this number, it does explain why they had so many rules about cleanliness. The logistics of keeping feces out of your drinking water and taking away waste and getting clean water and preventing the spread of disease in an encampment of this size would have been enormous.Moral Lesson Learned:
Always double check your numbers (Numbers 1)Numbers 2: Pitch Your Tent
Synopsis:
God tells Moses and Aaron where everyone should pitch their tents in relationship to the Tabernacle. For the record here is how the encampment was laid out:East of the Tabernacle: (186,400 men – 1st rank)
Judah (Nashon is captain)
Issachar (Nethaneel is captain)
Zebulum (Eliab is captain)
South of the Tabernacle: (151,450 men – 2nd rank)
Reuben (Elizur is captain)
Simeon (Shelumiel is captain)
Gad (Eliasaph is captain)
The Levites are to camp around the Tabernacle and take care of it – so they are in the center
West of the Tabernacle: (108,100 men – 3rd rank)
Ephraim (Elishama is captain)
Manesseh (Gamliel is captain)
Benjamin (Abidan is captain)
North of the Tabernacle: (157,600 men – 4th rank)
Dan (Ahiezer is captain)
Asher (Pagiel is captain)
Naphtali (Ahira is captain)
In other words:
The armies are organized and people are given their sleeping assignments.Favorite bit:
That the numbers add up correctly.Moral Lesson Learned:
Stay organized. Everything has it’s place.(Numbers 2)Numbers 3: The Levites get their assignments
Synopsis:
The Levites belong to God so he wants every male child over 1 month counted. Here are their numbers, assignments regarding care of the Tabernacle and where they are to sleep. There are 22,000 males over 1 month old, except that there are more like 22,273 males, except that the numbers counted add up to 22,300.Gershon Family: 7,500
Sleep west of the Tabernacle.
Chief is Eliasaph.
Responsible for Tent and door hangings and cords
Kohath Family: 8,600
Sleep south of the Tabernacle
Chief is Elisaphan
Responsible for care of Ark, table, candlesticks, altars and vessels.
Merari Family: 6,200
Sleep north of the Tabernacle
Chief is Zuriel
Responsible for boards, pillars and sockets
Moses and Aaron:
Sleep east of the Tabernacle
Responsible for the Sanctuary – kill any stranger that comes nigh
The last bit of this chapter is confusing because the odd number over 22,000 (273) is given 5 shekels each 1,365 and this money is given to Aaron and his sons.
In other words:
The Levites are given their assignments.Moral Lesson Learned:
Double check your math (Numbers 3)Numbers 18: Payment for Service
Synopsis:
God tells Aaron that all the stuff that is given to the tabernacle actually belongs to him and to the children of Levi. All the meat, all the bread, all the best oils, all the money belongs to them. It is their payment for dedicating themselves to the care of the tabernacle. The only exception is the firstling of the cows. Those are to be slaughtered and their blood sprinkled on the altar. But aside from that. Everything given in offering belongs to the Levites. Oh – except 1/10th of the money – that goes to the tabernacle.In other words:
God tells the Levites how they are to be paid. Hint, everything that is given to the tabernacle in offering belongs to them.Favorite bit:
Numbers 18:17 – where the firstling cows are exempted from what Levites can claim as their own.Least favorite bit:
Numbers 18;26 – where they have to give to the temple 1/10th of the tithes they collect from the children of Israel. It is very clear this is a financial scam that makes it so the Levites never have to do real work. Not really.Moral Lesson Learned:
Make sure you know how you are being paid. (Numbers 18)Numbers 19: Killing a Red Cow To Clean The Dead
Synopsis:
God commands that a red cow without blemish be given to Eleazor who is to take the cow out of the camp and to slay her, then take her blood and sprinkle it directly before the tabernacle. The other person shall then burn the cow completely down to ashes. At which point they are to clean their clothes and take a bath. Another person who is already clean is to take the ashes and put them in a clean place so they will be available to people to use to cleanse themselves if they touch a dead body. The rest of the chapter explains the rules of using the ashes of the cow as “water of separation” to clean yourself after coming in contact with someone who is dead. It comes down to this. Three days after someone dies, you have to clean yourself with the “water of separation” which is the ashes of the dead cow, and then on the 7th day you will be considered “clean” again.In other words:
The ashes of a dead burned cow are used to clean away disease that might come from touching or handling a dead body.Favorite bit:
Don’t have one. This chapter is a little wierd. I understand the need to have some rules to keep disease transmission at bay after a death, I just don’t get how the ashes of a dead cow would help.Moral Lesson Learned:
Be careful around dead people, they can carry disease (Numbers 19)
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