Judges 21: 16-25

The balance of the chapter was to find a way to have the 200 men without wives get one. The fathers of these potential wives were still under a promise not to have them marry any Benjamite which was perplexing for those who wanted to see the tribe survive despite their foolish vows. Ultimately they would use the Feast of Tabernacles as a way to get these girls not in a manner so that they would be conflicting with their vows. Seems like if they had consulted the Lord in the first place, none of this would have transpired. Still it was a reflection of a land that was unruled and undisciplined. End of Judges....


Yesterday was a long one which was dominated by the pre-op stuff before Tuesday. Trying to get all my ducks in a row was tedious and eye-opening since now I have to take Monday off as well. All in all, I am still at peace with this despite the potential complications. God will see me through this...
Very grateful for Irene and her support yesterday.

Praise for today: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41: 10-11

Judges 21: 9-15

Apparently not everyone or group had felt that the crimes that the rest of the tribes felt were heinous was enough to get involved. They took a poll of the attendees and the supporters and found that among them one didn't show up to the dance. Per the commentary: The Israelites thought again about their actions. They had fought a holy war. But they had made some promises that were too strong. They had promised that their daughters would not marry the men from Benjamin’s tribe. So they had not allowed them to marry them. They were sorry about that. Because it meant that the tribe would not continue. They built an altar. This was probably at Mizpah, because there was already one at Bethel. They could not change their promise. Then they remembered something. If a tribe sent nobody to the meeting, people would declare a curse on that tribe. As a result, the tribe would suffer destruction. Nobody had come from Jabesh-Gilead. (The people in Jabesh-Gilead were relatives of Manasseh, Rachel’s grandson. And so, they were also relatives of Benjamin. Later there was a close connection between Jabesh-Gilead and Benjamin’s tribe.)

This was the backdrop of the events that would follow. They felt that non- attendance was as serious a matter that could and would lead to the destruction of the tribe. They found 400 virgin girls and there were 600 Benjamite men to "restart" their name. Despite their actions, the nation didn't want to see one of the 12 be eliminated. They met at Shiloh which meant that this was early in the nation's history since the writer had to explain where it was.

A day closer to finishing up before I head north. Today will feel surreal and I will be off tomorrow and then in Princeton on Friday and Monday. Hopefully, all the pre-stuff will be over soon... Going to take up with me some books and DVDs to keep me occupied. Just finish RA Dickey's book which was a great and quick read. I rarely finish a 300+ page book in a week or so but this one was such a blessed and good read that I found myself even appreciating the man and our God even more - a must read!

Praise for today: Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice, Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105: 3-4

Judges 21: 1-8

The last chapter of Judges comes with the "judgement" of the tribe of Benjamin. The other tribes had dissected and dismantled the tribe to the point where it could not remain and or survive. They also knew that some of their actions had too far reaching results that would prove disastrous. They declared that the women of Benjamin could not marry and thus doomed them. They built an altar at Mizpah and mourned because of their brash promises. However, one tribe who didn't attend their meeting and agreed to the promise was not bound by it. This was the group from Jabesh-Gilead who didn't. As a result, they were not bound by it. They would be the ones to continue the tribe.

Yesterday was a good day, taxes gone, work was good and did some laundry as well. Overall it was still a rough day as the events of Boston took center stage. My immediate thoughts were terrorism but were somewhat challenged by my co-workers. Somehow I got that uncanny sense that it was not a random and unplanned tragedy but an intent to kill and to make a statement. Still with no one or group taking "credit", only time will tell. Nevertheless, this senseless and violent attack was heinous and brought our nation together. Prayers go out to them...

Also learned of a friend of Irene's that passed away in Texas. Sad but troubled life that seemed to end too early (younger than me).

Praise for today: Righteous are you, O Lord, and your laws are right. The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.  Psalm 119: 137-138

Judges 20: 36b-48

The Benjamites had a false sense of victory as they started to slay 30 of the Israelites but were quick to realize the smoke that was emanating from their towns and that they were now on the verge of defeat so they went to the desert. The town and the people of Gibeah were easily destroyed and defeated. The smoke took away any sense of victory that the Benjamites had. They ran into deserts and 18,000 were slain in the process. More were slain with the total of the Benjamite army being 25,000. They did not cease until the towns and the villages of the Benjamites were destroyed - people and livestock.

A brutal end to a tribe which saw fire as the finality of their towns and which made it very difficult for them to survive. Needless to say, they suffered a big price for the deeds of a few.

Decent weekend despite waiting for the finality of my 2012 taxes. Finally finished them late Saturday and will mail them out today. Finally told my mom and Irene's mom of what will come on 4/23 as well as a few more people (other family members included). Irene also let a few others know as well. Had a great meal at Harold NY with the family worship group - long time coming but also wished others could have made it but were struck with a stomach bug. A few more days here and then Friday and Monday at Princeton.

Praise for today: Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked. Jer. 20: 13

Judges 20: 26-36

The balance of the chapter is how the Israelites defeated the Benjamites. They drew the warriors away from the the city and the Israelites then started a small fire to deceive the warriors thinking their homes were being destroyed. Per the commentary:

The writer now concentrates on the people that destroyed Gibeah. They got into the town easily. The Israelites’ main army had pretended to run away. The men from Benjamin’s tribe rushed out from the city. They left it so that it had no protection. The smaller army that had been hiding went into the city. Then they started a fire there. This was a signal for the main army. When the main army saw the smoke, it would turn round. And it would fight against Benjamin’s men. The people that had been protecting the town chased after the Israelites’ main army. Some Israelites from the smaller army were hiding near Geba. These men attacked Gibeah. Benjamin’s men that ran away went east towards the desert. The Israelites started a fire in the town. They tried to stop Benjamin’s men so that these would not run away. They killed 18 000 men from Benjamin’s tribe. Those that were still alive ran to the rock called Rimmon. This was north-east from Geba. The Israelites killed 7000 more men on the way. 600 men escaped to Rimmon. Then the armies killed many other men from Benjamin’s tribe. They destroyed their towns and villages too. In Deuteronomy 13:12-18, God had given a command to the Israelites. In towns whose people had praised other gods, they should burn all the people, animals and possessions. Perhaps the Israelites now thought that the men from Benjamin’s tribe had done an even worse crime than that.

 

All in all a decent day yet still waiting for the rest of my tax stuff to come so I can finish it off. I am so glad that this the last year that I have to wait for this nonsense. Had a good convo with Daniel and glad for him. Prayers continue for him as he treks for the next 6 weeks to St. Louis. Looking forward to going home later and then the weekend.

 

Praise for today: The Lord helps them and delivers them, he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. Psalm 37: 40

Judges 20: 26-36

The defeats that the other tribes had felt against the Benjamites was devastating and left them reeling and wondering. They truly started to doubt their intentions and went to the only place they could go - before the Lord via the Ark. They started to get serious with God and gave Him the respect that He should have had from the outset. They sacrificed and fasted and then God affirmed their victory. The plan was to get the Benjamites out their comfort zone and then lured them to places were they tasted defeat  at the hands of the Israelites. The Benjamites then realized that the Lord was the cause of their defeat.

Not a bad day but it was hectic. A typical 5 pounds in a one pound bag type of day. Still got a lot done and there is more to come before my time off. So far everyone has been supportive and that has been a blessing. I still am at peace. Very much enjoying the current but temporary weather pattern still a foretaste of warmer weather and NO SNOW!!!.  Praying for GG as he moves to round 2 - St. Louis.

Praise for today: Praise the Lord; all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. Psalm 117

Judges 20: 12-24

The tribes of Israel gathered as one to demand justice and to "remove the evil" from among the land and tribe of Benjamin. What was surprising was that they refused to give up the offenders and were willing to defend them with their whole force. This was perhaps the first civil war that was fought and recorded in history. They were from the hill country and incorporated lefties that were skilled in the art of rock throwing which kept the opponents off guard. The Benjamites had 26,000 men and the 700 lefties. They opposed an army of the 400,000. The first tribe chosen to go fight from the 11 were Judah's and sustained heavy losses. They had their doubts about continuing but they were encouraged by the Lord who told them to fight and still they sustained even further losses.These losses exceeded the size of the Benjamite army.

All in all a decent day at work. Much to do and got done and prepared for the future. Still waiting on the K-1 to finish off my taxes but this is the last year that I have to wait - yahoo! Excellent weather yesterday and today with the Metskis still impressing the naysayers. Glad that David had a great dinner yesterday for his birthday. Now I am in the market for a point and click camera since my old one has died.

Praise for today: The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121: 7-8

Judges 20: 1-11

The message has been sent to the whole country and many respond. They came to meet at Mizpah, where the Lord was. All 12 tribes were represented and came bearing swords. They wanted an account and the Levite addressed them and recounted the events and what had led up to this gathering. They wanted this resolved and taken care of so they designated 10% of the force (400,000) to be sent to Gibeah to take them down for their allowance of the crime. This must have been done early in the nation's history where the tribes were still united.

Decent weekend with the Mets game and dinner at the Wongs on Saturday. The traffic was horrendous around lower Manhattan both coming and going but overall great day and the weather was great as well. Good day at church as well. Caught up on my shows and enjoying this stretch of weather. Wishing Dave a wonderful birthday and prayers for GG as he embarks on St. Louis for more training.

Praise for today: Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Psalm 127: 3

Judges 19: 22-30

The rest of the chapter shows the depravity of the times and the people. The people were enjoying themselves in the company of the old man. Meanwhile, some men gathered around the home and wanted the old man for homosexual activities. The host refused and offered his daughter who was  a virgin instead. They refused and continued to demand for him despite the offering of the daughter and the concubine. The Levite cared only for himself and threw the concubine out the door to be the sacrifice for the savages. What ensued was the raving of the poor girl and was so violent that she ultimately died from the attack. There was an apparent disregard for her health and her welfare since the Bible doesn't record any remorse or concern for the girl. She died while en route to their next stop - home. The Levite sent a message to the 12 tribes by cutting her up into 12 pieces and sending the pieces with a note explaining what had happened. This was the most severe message and action taken since they had left Egypt. It was a way to test the morals of this disjointed nation.

Overall, a good few days away with Irene and David as we spurred the economy to a small degree. Got back at noon yesterday and saw GI Joe and made dinner in the slo-cooker (ribs and chicken). That should last  few meals. Keeping GG in my prayers both for his physical wellbeing and his training as well. Looking forward to coming home for the weekend and seeing the Mets tomorrow with KO and David.

Praise for today: Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with righteousness. Psalm 48: 9-10.

Judges 19: 16-22

Finally an old man invited the man and his concubine into his home after he found them in the town square. The old man came from the same town that the Levite came from so they had a connection. The Levite was forthright with his intentions to the man which included going into the "house of the Lord" and give thanks. Perhaps he wanted to express his gratitude to the Lord for the renewed relationship between himself and his concubine. Each wanted to show his generosity toward the other as a sign of fellowship but each refused the other's offering. All seemed tranquil and serene.

Pretty decent day at work with various stuff getting done. Made dinner reservations at the Borgata for the fam and got my ironing done as well. Looking forward to getting away and with free rooms, it makes it better. Prayers for GG as he continues his training - a little older, wiser and under the Lord's wing. Baseball started yesterday for me and it was  great start with the Metskis getting the W.

Praise for today: For you make me glad by your deeds O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts! Psalm 92: 4-5

Judges 19: 11-16

The story progresses with the man, woman and the servant continuing their journey as they leave the safety and the hospitality of the woman's father. They were adamant that they wanted to go and they did. After a while they were looking for a place to spend the night. The man's servant wanted to go to the town of Jebus where the Jebusites lived. The man refused since they were foreigners and he felt that their own people is where they should stay the night. So they pushed on to Gibeah or Ramah. They arrived at Gibeah where the Benjamites settled. What they found was a town that wouldn't have anyone to greet them which was a ominous sign. He came to this area because his feeling was that he could trust his own kind but this was soon to have disastrous results.

Overall a decent weekend as we celebrated GF and Easter (albeit without GG who had to fly out yesterday morning). Sandwiched in between, we had a family dinner with my niece who celebrated a new job and passing her actuarial exams. Served at a Father's Heart soup kitchen and had an elders' meeting also. Looking forward to getting the rest of the tax returns done and heading to the Mets game this Saturday. Leaving tomorrow night for a few nights at the Borgata with Irene and David. Thankful that Ping fared well during his surgery and will progress towards rectifying his issues. Heading to gym after last week's tumble and hopefully getting back into it.

Praise for today: Show us your unfailing love and grant us your salvation. Psalm 85: 7

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