Chronological Bible Blog

April 7th Chronological Bible Readings

Ruth 1:1-4:12
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~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Today we are starting up – and tomorrow finishing - the wonderful book of Ruth and then moving into First Samuel. The book of Ruth is a wonderful look at faithful love in human relationships, and in a family in particular. I like how the NIV Study Bible describes this book – “The book of Ruth is a Hebrew short story, told with consummate skill. Among historical narratives in Scripture it is unexcelled in its compactness, vividness, warmth, beauty, and dramatic effectiveness – an exquisitely wrought jewel of Hebrew narrative art.” I hope you are ready for this jewel!

Ruth
Author: Unknown
Date: During the time of the Judges
Content: The book of Ruth portrays another side to the chaotic time of the judges. In it there is a welcome relief from the bloodshed and mayhem that seemed to engulf the land because of Israel’s sin. It is the story of Ruth, who decided to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after tragedy struck that unfortunate woman. God returned good to Ruth in the form of a husband (Boaz) and a child, and also to Naomi in the form of grandchildren. From this family, eventually, came David the king.
Theme: The central point of this book is that even in times of crisis and despair, life may be lived according to the precepts of God and that God abundantly blesses those who do so live. The fundamental values of love, faith, trust, and goodness are greater than the hatred and violence of men, and continue from generation to generation as a light to guide those who look for the true meaning of life. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 4-5)

More commentary on Ruth is at these 3 links –
https://bible.org/page.php?page_id=888
https://bible.org/page.php?page_id=952
https://bible.org/page.php?page_id=1292

The Bible Project: Check out this great video overview of the book of Ruth:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h1eoBeR4Jk

Today in Ruth chapter 1 verses 16 & 17 we will read these beautiful words of Ruth to her mother-in-law Naomi, whose husband & two sons had died - “Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." How’s that for love & commitment! Can you imagine saying these words to someone in your life today? I pray that each of us have this type of love & commitment for our families – or that we will have this in the future with our families. It seems like nowadays families are getting more and more distanced from one another – separated sometimes by geography and I think oftentimes by individualism or other selfish reasons. Perhaps each of us can learn something from Ruth and her dedication to her mother-in-law Naomi about what family love & commitment could and should really look like?

In today's readings in Ruth we are introduced to the incredible man, Boaz, who is really a "type" of Christ figure. Also in chapter 4 verse 16 the name of David is first mentioned in the Bible! It is awesome to read today how David descended from Ruth, and of course ultimately Jesus descended from Ruth! Today in Ruth chapter 2 verse 10 we read - "Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. "Why are you being so kind to me?" she asked. "I am only a foreigner.""

And in chapter 3 verse 15 today we read - "Boaz also said to her, "Bring your cloak and spread it out." He measured out six scoops of barley into the cloak and helped her put it on her back. Then Boaz returned to the town."

Worship God: Today's readings in Ruth reminded me of the song "I will Follow" by Chris Tomlin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ohvhmGSfxI

Are you following God? Click here and follow Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."  Ruth 1:16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have or will have the same time of strong family connection and love that Ruth had for Naomi. Pray that you will stick with your family even during hard times. Pray that your family belongs or will belong to God.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

April 6th Chronological Bible Readings

Judges 19:1-21:25
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Today's readings in Judges 19 about the Levite's concubine being raped and killed really made me tear up today. What a sad story! The evil of the act led to tens of thousands of men dying in battle in chapter 20. Notice the similarities between Judges chapter 19 and Genesis chapter 19?  In Genesis chapter 19 two angels arrived in Sodom in the evening and they planned to spend the night in the town square.  But Lot insisted they go with him and spend the night at his house.  Then, in the middle of the night the men of Sodom came to Lot's house to have sex with the two angels.  Lot offered his two virgin daughters instead...   see the unfortunate similarities?  Social protocol of the time - protecting a house guest at any cost - unfortunately carried more authority in Judges chapter 19 than God's law and moral convictions.  Obviously this is an extreme case in Judges chapter 19.... yet, is it possible that in today's world social protocol of our time can sometimes carry more authority than moral convictions?  Will we stand tall today and protect someone when this is the case?  We will stand up for moral convictions over social protocol today?  An image is below for Judges chapter 19 verses 16 & 17 - "That evening an old man came home from his work in the fields. He was from the hill country of Ephraim, but he was living in Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin. When he saw the travelers sitting in the town square, he asked them where they were from and where they were going."

And another image is below for Judges chapter 20 verses 4 through 7 - "The Levite, the husband of the woman who had been murdered, said, "My concubine and I came to Gibeah, a town in the land of Benjamin, to spend the night. That night some of the leaders of Gibeah surrounded the house, planning to kill me, and they raped my concubine until she was dead. So I cut her body into twelve pieces and sent the pieces throughout the land of Israel, for these men have committed this terrible and shameful crime. Now then, the entire community of Israel must decide what should be done about this!""

Today we finish the book of Judges!  What a powerful and telling verse the book closes with in chapter 21 verse 25: "In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes."  Unfortunately, so true then.  And perhaps so true for us today if we don't have a king.  Fortunately, we do have the opportunity to have a king - through faith in Jesus.  Otherwise, without Jesus as our king, we will surely do whatever seems right in our own eyes.  I know I did for many years...  sad years they were.  Is Jesus your King?

An image is below for verse 23 - "So the men of Benjamin did as they were told. They kidnapped the women who took part in the celebration and carried them off to the land of their own inheritance. Then they rebuilt their towns and lived in them."

Worship God: Today's readings in Judges reminded me of the song "Savior Please" by Josh Wilson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxhNVEUY55c

Do you have a savior? Click here and be Saved!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit." Judges 21:25 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that Jesus is your King. Pray that you will do as Jesus sees fit in His holy eyes.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

April 5th Chronological Bible Readings

Judges 16:1-18:31
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

In Judges chapter 16 verse 3 we continue to see Samson's strength - "But Samson stayed in bed only until midnight. Then he got up, took hold of the city gates with its two posts, and lifted them, bar and all, right out of the ground. He put them on his shoulders and carried them all the way to the top of the hill across from Hebron."

And then we get to the famous story of Samson & Delilah.  In verse 21 the Philistines finally overpower Samson by cutting his hair - a symbol of Samson's relationship with God.

Judges chapter 17 & 18 are sad chapters to read!  In these chapters we see how far a Levitical priest had wandered from his original call to serve God - by accepting money, idols, and position in Micah's house.  And we see how far the tribe of Dan had wandered from God's plan for the tribes of Israel by killing the citizens of Laish - a city that did not fall under God's judgment due to serving idols or wickedness - and Laish was outside the geographical boundaries of the tribe of Dan.  Unfortunately, we see Dan's tribe worshiping idols.  Verse 6 in chapter 17 stood out to me - "In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes."  This verse certainly seems to be building up to the kings of Israel that will soon be coming.  But, this verse also indicates to me the importance for each of us to have a king - so that we don't just do whatever seems right in our own eyes.  Fortunately, today, we have Jesus Christ as our king.  He is the best king we could ever hope for.  Do you consider Jesus to be your king?

An image is below for Judges 18 verses 22 & 23 - "When the people from the tribe of Dan were quite a distance from Micah's home, Micah and some of his neighbors came chasing after them. They were shouting as they caught up with them. The men of Dan turned around and said, "What do you want? Why have you called these men together and chased after us like this?""

Worship God: Today's readings in Judges reminded me of the Tait song "Lose this Life:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCLX8OKsWlM

Have you lost your life? Click here and find it forever!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit." Judges 17:6 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that Jesus is your King. Pray that you will do as Jesus sees fit in His holy eyes.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

April 4th Chronological Bible Readings

Judges 11:29-15:20
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Today we read about Jephthah and his daughter - and the related vow.  It is interesting to note that some Biblical scholars do not think that Jepthah actually killed his daughter, but that she simply died a virgin, as verse 38 says.  However... verse 38 also says he kept his vow. Keep in mind that oftentimes the Bible reports "just the facts," which does not necessarily mean the "facts" or actions of what us humans did was pleasing in God's sight.  Human sacrifice was not part of God's laws or plans.  It is clearly forbidden in Leviticus chapter 20 verses 1-5 and in Leviticus chapter 18:21 - " 'Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD."

Today we begin reading four chapters about Samson, the last of the judges.  You'll notice that the author of Judges often compares the story of Samson's birth and life with the story of Israel.  Samson was a Nazirite, which meant he could drink no alcohol, could not cut his hair, and could have no contact with the dead.  I found it interesting that Samson's mother was commanded by the angel in Judges 13 today to not drink any alcohol during her pregnancy.  Obviously this is important for health reasons, but also it seems it is important because Samson was a Nazirite - whose life began in his mother's womb. 

Judges chapter 13 verses 19 & 20 are awesome to consider - "Then Manoah took a young goat and a grain offering and offered it on a rock as a sacrifice to the LORD. And as Manoah and his wife watched, the LORD did an amazing thing. As the flames from the altar shot up toward the sky, the angel of the LORD ascended in the fire. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell with their faces to the ground."

Interesting story today about Samson & the lion!  Pretty gross that he ate the honey made in the lion's carcass on the way to his wedding!  :)   You'll note in our readings of Samson that he is drawn to Philistine women, which was against God's law and the Philistine's were Israel's enemies then.  Hence, his parents did not approve of the marriage early in chapter 14.  Okay - back to the lion, and verses 5 & 6 - "As Samson and his parents were going down to Timnah, a young lion attacked Samson near the vineyards of Timnah. At that moment the Spirit of the LORD powerfully took control of him, and he ripped the lion's jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat. But he didn't tell his father or mother about it."

Judges 15 today is quite a chapter!  Whew...  Samson is a whirlwind in this chapter... I know I probably should not chuckle about this - but a donkey's jawbone??  Who would have ever thought this could be a lethal weapon.  Well, now we all know it can be indeed.

Worship God: Today's readings in Judges reminded me of the Hillsong song "God of Ages:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1U8Fj-Lgb4

Do you know our God of ages? Click here and meet Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, so the LORD delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years." Judges 13:1 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you won't ever do evil in the eyes of the LORD.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

April 3rd Chronological Bible Readings

Judges 9:22-11:28
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Old Testament - Allright, I don't know about you, but I'm seeing quite a bit of pride flowing around in Judges recently - particularly in today's readings.  And we all know the old saying, "Pride goeth before the fall."  And indeed we are seeing people fall after their prideful fits.  In fact, Satan himself was guilty of the sin of Pride.  He wanted to be equal with God.  He thought he was all that and a bag-o-chips.  But he ain't.  Never will be.  So, maybe the saying in regards to Satan certainly is "Pride goeth before the Fall."  And that's Fall with a capital "F" unfortunately.

We saw Abimelech's deadly pride in yesterday's readings when he had killed 70 of Gideon's sons - his half brothers - so that he could rule the people of Schechem.  Pride & Power.  Deadly combination then - and still is today.  We then read Jotham's parable in yesterday's readings and see that his words came true in today's readings.  I am amazed at the depth of Abimelech's sin of pride even in his dying moment when we read in chapter 9 verses 52 through 54 today: "Abimelech followed them to attack the tower. But as he prepared to set fire to the entrance, a woman on the roof threw down a millstone that landed on Abimelech's head and crushed his skull. He said to his young armor bearer, "Draw your sword and kill me! Don't let it be said that a woman killed Abimelech!""  Wow...  Now - don't get me wrong.  I think for me to say that Abimelech was completely prideful and that I am not is the same sin - pride.  It would be prideful for me to put myself above Abimelech.  He's not a lot different than we are today.  I think pride is something we all probably struggle with at some level or at some point in our lives.  I know I do.  We are all sinners.  And as I read about Abimelech in Judges today - or reflect upon Satan's Fall - I realize that pride is a sin that we really must vigilantly watch our entire lives.  If we don't, I think we can get blinded to the fact that we're prideful - and we'll say dumb things like "don't let it be said that a woman killed (fill in your name as if you were to say this about yourself in the 3rd person, cuz that's how you refer to yourself when you are prideful)!"  :)  Pride kills...  let us pray for humility in our lives today.  God can redeem and heal us from our pride!

Even poor Gaal - who I think was trying to do the right thing fell prey to pride as we see in verse 29 today - "If I were in charge, I would get rid of Abimelech. I would say to him, `Get some more soldiers, and come out and fight!'""  Unfortunately, Gaal got his wish and it did not turn out well for him.  Pride goeth before the fall...   An image is below for verses 37 & 38 - "But again Gaal said, "No, people are coming down from the hills. And another group is coming down the road past the Diviners' Oak." Then Zebul turned on him triumphantly. "Now where is that big mouth of yours?" he demanded. "Wasn't it you that said, `Who is Abimelech, and why should we be his servants?' The men you mocked are right outside the city! Go out and fight them!"

Worship God: Today's readings in Judges reminded me of Kristian Stanfill's song "Day After Day:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYW3eT0RZ9Y

Are you worshiping God day after day? Click here and worship Him today!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "But the Israelites said to the LORD, 'We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.'" Judges 10:15 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you always confess your sins to the LORD. Pray that you confess ALL of your sins to the Lord. Pray for rescue from your sins.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!