Judges 19: 1-10

According to the commentary, the events in this chapter take place before c. 17 &18. The next chapter later mentions Phineas, Aaron's grandson so that puts the historical context to a degree as well (v.28). The concept of concubines existed in biblical times and this is the premise of this section. A Levite from Ephraim's tribe has gone to get his concubine back after she has left him. She was from Bethlehem (yes that one) and she was not his exclusive one evidently.  Evidently she didn't want to be with him. He ended up at her father's house with some animals in hand to woo her back via her father. The father seeing this as a way to rectify the wrong and to save face pleads with him to stay for several days and on the fifth day the Levite wants to leave with the concubine and animals in tow. He was now on route to Jebus (Jerusalem).

All in all, decent day at work and now looking forward to the trip home. Hopefully it will be a relatively smooth day at work and a decent drive home later and dinner out with Irene.

Praise for today: I lift my eyes up to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121: 1-2

Judges 18: 27-31

The victims of this episode was the townspeople that lived in Laish. They were isolated and felt that they had nothing to fear since they kept to themselves. They didn't trade with anyone outside to their community and on top of that their leader, Micah was already on his heels when it came to the tribe of Dan. They were wiped out and thus the new city which was also called Dan was born. Dan was Jacob's son. Idol worship was still prevalent and continued into the new city. Meanwhile, the Lord's tent was still in Shiloh.

Over all good day yesterday with the situation resolved. Was grateful and thankful for the outcome. Still the day was not without incident as I fell off the treadmill yesterday and hurt my right foot and got banged up a bit. So...  no gym for the time being.

Praise for today: Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory, Amen and Amen. Psalm 72: 18-19

Judges 18: 22- 26

The confrontation between Micah and the 5 men was inevitable. The 5 men had the audacity to ask or even demand to Micah why was he opposing them given the fact that they were the thieves and the perpetrators from the outset. They were the ones who took his hospitality and ripped him off of everything that he held "sacred" - his idols and his priest. After realizing that he was outmanned and outgunned, Micah returned back empty realizing  that his "gods" couldn't help him. The incident was indicative of the times and the nature of man at that time. There was no definitive leader so each man and tribe was under their own devices.

Decent day with some promise for the future. Will get further clarification tonight. Weather was weird with the late taste of winter but still without incident. What I really have started to get into has been Downton Abbey. After watching the first season, the second one has been starting equally good.

Praise for today: I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Psalm 143: 6

Judges 18: 14-21

To say that these 5 men were above board and honest would be a miscarriage of justice. While in Laish, they saw Micah and what he had - his own priest, wealth and objects of worship (albeit not of the Lord's solely). As a result, they committed the sin of coveting and stealing. They proceeded to lift the ephod and all of the other paraphernalia that Micah had to worship the Lord and his other gods. The Levite caught them and thus the "appeal" was given to the Levite to join them. It doesn't say but doesn't preclude that his life would be in danger. The appeal to the Levite was that (besides his health and well-being) he would be a priest to a people rather than a family. Obviously the offer appealed to him and he was helping them to the goods. It seems in order to prevent any "trouble" the 5 had 600 men stand watch while they were helping themselves to their host's hospitality.

All in all a good weekend. Still some things popped up that I will have to address before I can proceed. GG home this weekend and the rest of the week. Already looking forward to this coming weekend and hope that these 4 days just breeze by. Sunday was weird since I had a very, very rough night sleeping. I stay home and went to church locally and still was blessed.

Praise for today: Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139: 23-24

Judges 18: 7-13

The 5 men who were at Micah's house proceeded to go to Laish, an area at peace, with no active signs of a military presence or guard for protection. They seemed self sufficient since the people appeared to trade and thrive among themselves. The 5 men returned home and were immediately asked about their long trek and their findings. They relayed that the Laish was ripe for the pickings and place was thriving and the people were easy to overcome. They proceeded to gather 600 men (and their families) to go and capture the land to the north.

Overall another decent day at work. Got back to see Belmont get crushed in its opening round (seems like a routine)  and it was apparent that they were star-struck by the big stage and were totally outplayed and were as cold as ice. Still good to see them. Caught up on more TV since I was away. Praiseful that GG got to my cousin's place in Evanston, IL and will make it back tonight. Looking forward to the weekend. Prayers for my cousin whose heart issues are still with him - hopefully this Thursday's procedures will be the one that works.

Praise for today: It is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore. Praise the Lord. Psalm 115: 18

Judges 18: 1-6

The tribe of Dan at this time was looking for a place to settle down since they couldn't or wouldn't take the land that was promised to them by God. They didn't want to overtake the Amorites or the Philistines that controlled the area even though God did promise it to them via Joshua. They sent out 5 warriors to survey where they might settle ultimately. The five eventually came across Micah's house where they were allowed to stay. They heard the accent of the Levite and were able to ascertain what he was and what his relationship to Micah was. He then was asked to "prophesize" about their journey by God to which he answered for them to go in peace. God was going to be with them. The acknowledgement by God on both ends was critical in both their eyes.

Another decent day at work despite hearing some of the layoffs that occurred this past Monday. Feel bad for those who lost their jobs especially those who I have known for the past 6+ years.

Praise for Irene's safe return yesterday and now continued prayers for GG's trek home.

Praise for today: Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Psalm 85: 9

Judges 17: 7-13

The story progresses as a man from Bethlehem where Judah's tribe lived and he ventures into Micah's town and house. They exchange pleasantries and ultimately the request is made for him to find a place to live and that he is from the tribe of Levi so he has no real home. Micah takes this as a sign that God has sent him this man and arranges for him to live since he will perform the priestly duties for him and the town. Micah took care of the young man as a son. Each year, Micah would pay him 10 pieces of silver on top of providing him room and board to be his priest. He was totally convinced that God would bless him under this arrangement.

Decent day at work yesterday. Irene made it to VA last night with no incidents and GG flew his last Lakes flight and will start his trek homeward today. Prayers for them as they continue their driving treks home.

Praise for today: The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. Psalm 97: 1

Judges 17: 1-6

This section is a departure from the tales of foreign rule that was a result of God's wrath upon the Israelites. The story centers around a man named Micah who was from the hilly country where the tribe of Ephraim lived. There was no time frame attached so this could have occurred earlier than the stories that were recorded. Still the story tells of the sad state of how the people were spiritually and their warped concept of worship.  Evidently, he was a judge but he was the culprit of the crime when he stole 1,100 pieces of silver from his mother. His mother put a curse on the criminal and unbeknown to her - it was her own son. He confessed his crime because of the "curse" and thus the mother nullified the curse given the situation. Despite her claims, she only used 200 pieces of silver to "worship" God by having an idol built to be worshipped rather than God himself. Micah was the recipient of this object and as a result he built an ephod as a article of worship where his sons acted as priests. v. 6 summarizes the sad state of affairs of the nation spiritually.

Got back yesterday without fanfare and got down here to Delly relatively easily even though it was via toll roads to avoid the nonsense. Overall, it was a good week away and got to see my dear friends at a private event and pray with them. Seems weird going back to work and the gym this morning but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Hearing of some layoffs at work that will be happening but hopefully this will be minimal.

Praying for Irene and GG as they trek homeward this week.

Praise for today: Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us , that we may be saved. Psalm 80: 3

Judges 16: 23-31

As the story progress, Samson is the continued fodder of the Philistines. He is the still working in the crushing of corn and is now the amusement of the Philistines and their leaders.  The Philistines are having a feast for their god, Dagon who is associated with corn and their primary source of entertainment for the feast is their number one slave - Samson.The Philistines credited Dagon for subduing Samson and for the harvest. The building that housed this gathering had nearly 3,000 men and women who were enjoying the show. Samson asked to put between the two pillars that was the foundation of the building. He asked to Lord to "remember" him so that he can exact his vengeance upon them and ultimately so he can bring glory to the Lord for his misgivings. He was willing to die with the Philistines in the process. The Lord "remembered" him and he thus killed more people in his death than in his life. His remains were returned by his family and was buried by his father. He ruled for 20 years.

When God "remembers" someone, as Chuck Swindoll once said - He acts decisively on one's behalf. This is true in the OT when Hannah wanted God to remember her and she got Samuel. The same is true in the NT when the thief on the cross ask Jesus to remember him when Jesus got to his kingdom. The Lord said that " today you will be with me in paradise". This has stayed with me for decades and is still true today.

Good day yesterday and very low-key. Saw Oz at the Fork and Screen in DD. Came back after going to Sam's club and chilled. Finally got my laptop to be able to access the workplace as well. Good day overall... Looking forward to picking up GG later and heading to Tampa to see the NYY and the Sillies.

Praise for today: May the favor of the Lord rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90: 17

Judges 16: 15-22

It seemed that all a woman had to do with Samson to get her way was to pester and nag him for a prolonged period of time and he would give in to the pressure. What he never really got was that he was always being played despite how much he felt he was in control. The cat and mouse game finally came to head even after the Philistines grew impatient and left Samson and Delilah for a period of time. She was determined to learn his secret and truly in the end she was the adulteress portrayed in Proverbs that would bring his downfall. After finally learning his secret, she called for the Philistines who promptly shaved his locks and were able to capture their longtime foe. He felt that he could always escape as in the past but he didn't realize that the Lord had left him. This occured similarly as it did for the Israelites when they denied the Lord and he allowed them to be captured by their adversaries. They removed his eyes and made him work the threshing floor to crush corn as a punishment and a symbol of their conquest. They too were complacent as they allowed his hair go grow back which gave him back his strength.

So far it has been a relaxing and good time down here. My BP has been much lower and that's a good thing. Yesterday we went to the Studios park and stayed until Fantasmic which was really good. Today, we'll see Oz and do some shopping for the place. Just looking forward to the rest of the week and seeing my buds perform on Sunday.

Praise for today: Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Psalm 96: 9

Judges 16: 4-14

Delilah - a name synomous with deception and beauty. Samson - a name that was marked for strength but also brashness and pride. A deadly combination at best. She was beautiful and at the same time looked out for number one. It was easy to see where her allegiance was when approached by the Philistines for her help in overcoming their enemy. On the other hand, Samson didn't learn his lesson from his first "deep" encounter with a woman where she betrayed him as well. Still this was the classic case of cat and mouse where she tried to learn the secret of his strength and he was succumbinng to the source of his weakness. Still the parallels to Proverbs is astonishing.

Was good to speak to GG last night and catch up with him briefly. Also glad that Irene made it down to FL without incident. Looking forward to going home later and the weekend.

Praise for today: The Lord indeed will give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps. Psalms 85: 12-13.

Judges 16: 1-3

A short passage but with a lot of meaning. Samson as a "virile" man had urges and wanted to satisfy them. He went to seek the local prostitute while in Gaza. The people who heard of his arrival and intent wanted to kill him but they wouldn't do the deed at night but rather at dawn at the gate of the city. The Bible is unclear how he found out but when he did his dirty deed he left at midnight rather than stay the night. He then proceeded to lift and carry the gate where the attack would take place as well to a hill a distance away as a mockery to to townsmen.

I have been reading a chapter of Proverbs a day for the past few months and yesterday's was the chapter on the warnings against adultery. The symbolism of Israel and Samson was pretty startling however his "wife" was killed leaving him with no outlet to satisfy his desires. How easily we are distracted from God's plan and desires for us when we think that something or someone is better when it's our eyes and hearts that distract us. Samson didn't follow the wisdom of his parents that were laid out in Proverbs 5:15-19 when he looked to seek a wife and in many instances, could be called the fool that the book refers to.

Prayers for Irene if she decides to drive down to FL today with the storm. Also continued prayers for SC and her family.

Praise for today: Restore us, O Lord God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. Psalm 80 : 19.

Judges 15: 18-20

Even the mighty Samson realizes his limitations and that he can't fulfill all of his needs and desires. Somethings are beyond what humanly can be possible no matter how big, strong, rich or influencial you are. Such was the case after his latest episode where he found himself thirsty. This was the first time he had asked God for something. Up until now, things came easy but now he was asking for something that humanly could not be produced - water in the desert. According to the commentary:

Here is another story that shows us the origin of a name. This was the first time when Samson had to ask for God’s help. Usually he just thought that he had it. God answered his prayer. This is an example of when Samson was feeling weak. The prophet Elijah behaved in a similar weak way after he had defeated a false god’s prophets at Carmel. (Look at 1 Kings 19:4.) Samson thought that he would die because he did not have any water. Then he thought that the Philistines would cut up his body. A spring came from a hollow place in the ground. So he called the place ‘Caller’s Spring’, or ‘the well of the man who called’.

All in all a decent day. Prayers continue for SC and the McBrayers - I am committed to pray for them until she is healed. Aslo prayers for Irene as is driving tomorrow down to FL and that she will get there safely over the course of a few days and that she takes her time.

Praise for today: Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! Psalm 66: 20

Judges 15: 9-17

Samson after doing his deeds went to Etan to hide out. There was obvious fear on the part of the Philistines when it came with dealing with Samson. Their intent was not to kill him initially but to suffer pain. Their relationship with the Israelites were such that they didn't want to kill them either but they want them to subdue him. Countless men were sent and suffered a bad fate. They sent 3,000 men from the tribe of Judah to reason with him. He agreed reluctantly to be bound and sent to the Philistines for what he did since the Israelites agreed not to kill him. They bound him with ropes which as the Lord's spirit came upon him were easily broken. The legendary jawbone from an ass was used to slay the Philistines as they approached what they felt was an easy prey. He slayed 1,000 men that day. That I guess is what legends are made of ...

Decent weekend since we had FW and also on Saturday got the majority of the taxes done for the family. Also made dinner as well. Sunday was decent but had to do a lot of the elder function stuff which in turn made me miss Adult Ed for the most part. Long day from that perspective. Got down here in decent time and with a decent parking spot. Watch the Bible on the History channel and so far I would give it a 2.5 on a scale of 4. Spent a decent time in prayer for a friends' daughter who has been sick as well. Looking forward to heading down to FL next week for baseball and Disney.

Praise for today: Exalt the Lord our God and worship him at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.  Psalm 99:9

Judges 15: 1-10

The story now moves to months in the future (commentary says May) where Samson gets the urge to consummate the marriage. So now he brings a goat as a gift when he goes down to see her and the family. Her father tries to dissuade him from doing the deed and tells him the truth that he gave her to the best man as a bride instead. He then offers another daughter to him to marry instead. Samson was enraged and proceeded to attach 300 "foxes" or what the commentary calls " jackals" which were more prevalent at the time by the tails and sets them on fire which in turn destroys the fields during their harvest season. The Philistines get wind of who was responsible and the reason why. They killed the daughter (wife) and the rest of the family which infuriated Samson further. He in turn killed an unrecordable amount of the Philistines in the process.

Decent day home yesterday albeit the car cost me more than I expected for maintenance - (ouch!). Surgery seems like the best course of action for my issue and thus I will succumb on 4/23. Still very much at peace with it.

Praise for today: Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.  Psalm 63: 3,4