Job 28 - Psalm 6: You chew on Scripture day & night

When God finally answers Job, his words are stunning--strong, powerful, beautiful. The imagery of the horse, the leviathan (a huge sea creature that belches fire), the stockpiles of hail and snow, the boundaries set for the seas, the herds of stars--wow, just wow. Stunning.
- Shut up and listen:  Job responded in two ways, first by deciding to shut up and listen (Job 40:3-5), and next by acknowledging God's sovereignty and his own weakness and limitations (Job 42:1-6). I have a lot to learn from Job about listening to God. I do think God honored Job's honesty and his questions by giving Job an audience and by responding personally.
- Job taking a stand:  When God restored Job's health, family, and possessions (two-fold), I noticed that the passage notes that Job treated his daughters (named Dove, Cinnamon, and Darkeyes) the same as his sons and gave them the same inheritance (Job 42:12-15). In a time where women were treated as property, this godly man took a stand and showed that men and women are equally valuable in God's eyes. Love this.
On to the Psalms!
- Love songs:  Like a fresh breeze come the Psalms. After eons of battles, sin, evil, and judgment come love songs and poetry written to God. Last night Jim Sweetman mentioned that the book of Psalms encompasses over 1000 years. Here are a couple of passages from the Psalms that stood out to me today:

• "You thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, never dropping a leaf, always in blossom" (Psalm 1:2-3).
• "But you, God, shield me on all sides; You ground my feet, You lift my head high" (Psalm 3:3-4).

Elena's verse of the day:  "I heard about your from others; now I have seen you with my own eyes" (Job 42:5).

Why isn't the Bible in chronological order?

I started wondering why the books of the Bible are not in chronological order (ordered according to the date of the events in each book took place) when I realized that the events of Esther took place before Ezra and Nehemiah. Why didn't the compilers of the canon put the book of Esther first? I found this answer on a website called Got Questions.org.

The books of the Bible are primarily divided by the type of literature. For example, Genesis through Esther are primarily historical, Job through Song of Solomon are poetry, Isaiah through Malachi are prophecy. Similarly, Matthew through Acts are historical, Romans through Jude are letters to churches or individuals, Revelation is prophecy. Within the type of literature, the books of the Bible are in basic chronological order. For example, Isaiah's prophecies occurred before Jeremiah's prophesies.

It can be confusing. That is why chronological Bibles can come in so handy. A chronological Bible actually puts the content of the Bible in chronological order. As an example, Isaiah ministered during the times of the kings. So, a chronological Bible puts Isaiah’s prophecies in the appropriate place in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. A chronological Bible also takes the four Gospels and attempts to put all of the events in order.

(from http://www.gotquestions.org/chronological-Bible.html)

Job 6 - 27: Is it okay to question God?

Out of order:  Job was a wealthy desert sheikh who lived during the times of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Not sure why the book of Job appears in this spot, when chronologically it belongs further back. Same with Esther--which belongs before Ezra & Nehemiah chronologically. I'll see if I can find an answer to this.)

Testing, testing:  Job underwent two divine tests: 1) His possessions, wealth, and children were taken away from him. 2) His health was destroyed. Everyone pretty much abandoned him, even his own servants who found him disgusting (he had weeping boils from head to toe). However, several friends came to visit. At first they seem sympathetic, but before long they accuse him of everything under the sun and even begin to mock him.
Questioning God:  Job decides to lay everything out on the table before God (Job 7). He makes several requests of God and begins to ask him questions (Job 14). I can relate to Job. Can you? Do you ever wonder these things or make these requests to God? Job was honest, painfully honest.

• Lay off the afflictions...they are too much for me.
• Address me directly. I need answers! 
• What are my sins (that you would punish me so)?
• If we humans die, will we live again? Will there be a Resurrection? 
• Why do the wicked prosper? Why do good people suffer? (Job 21)

Elena's verse of the day:  "You, the source of my life, showered me with kindness and watched over me. You have not explained all of your mysteries" (Job 10:12-13).

Nehemiah 12 - Esther - Job 5: Queen of Persia

- Righteous reforms:  Nehemiah seemed to have an amazing knack for leadership and administration. He instituted all sorts of reforms in Israel after he finished rebuilding the wall and the temple, including reforms in worship, sacrifices, Sabbath practices, tithes, and more. He was organized and a great record keeper, and as a leader he seemed to inspire loyalty and a spirit of teamwork among the Israelites and the Levites, including Ezra the scholar.
- Queen of Persia:  The book of Esther is my favorite book in the Bible. The way the story plays out, the timing and the details, reveal a God who works in the large and the small events of history (aka Providence). One interesting historical note:  The events of Esther took place a few decades before the events of Ezra and Nehemiah, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
- It's cool to be a Jew:  Esther tells the story of evil Haman and his plot to exterminate the entire Israelite race. His plan to destroy the Jews backfired in so many ways, including one I never noticed before--it became cool to be a Jew. "Many non-Jews became Jews--not it was dangerous not to be a Jew" (Esther 8:15-17). When Mordecai, Esther's cousin, was honored and promoted to second in command of Persia, there was great celebration and laughter. In a breathtaking turn of events, Mordecai was given Haman's position, estate, and wealth. Mordecai was brilliant and wise, Scripture says.
- Esther's heroism still celebrated today:  The Jews still celebrate Purim in honor of the events of Esther.It's called the Feast of Esther or the Festival of Lots.Purim this year was held Feb 28 - March 1. I decided to do some research--here's how Purim is currently celebrated, according to a website called "BeingJewish.com":

• The night of Purim we read the Book of Esther in the synagogue immediately after the nighttime prayers. Each time the name of Haman (the bad guy) is mentioned, we make noises, stomp, yell, that sort of thing. We call this practice Klopping Haman -- "Hitting Haman." It is done to remember the commandment of "You shall blot out the name of Amalek." (Haman was an Amalekite, and that was his real motive for hating Jews. It was an "inherited" racism.)
• Afterwards, we go home and eat a festive meal. The custom today is to visit one's Rabbis or anyone who has taught you Judaism lessons. In many places people (often students in a yeshivah) put on plays, usually funny plays, but not always. In general, the theme is fun and happiness. A lot of singing and dancing goes on, but it is forbidden to act wild or dangerous. This happiness is a requirement by Law, except for people who are, G-d forbid, in mourning.
• The next morning, after the morning prayers, we read the Book of Esther again, doing the same thing at the evil Haman's name. Afterwards, we eat a festive breakfast meal, and begin the day's other observances. The day's obligatory services constitute a number of things, including the giving of charity to at least two poor people. This is called Matanos lo'evyonim. It is a requirement and an obligation, and one of the Commandments we are required to fulfill on the day of Purim.
• The Law, however, is that we should give to anyone who asks, and we pray that G-d do likewise to us, to give us whatever we ask just for asking. It is known that Purim is the best day for raising charity, because everyone gives what they can and often more.
• Also among the day's obligatory services is the requirement to give at least one friend two food items that are already prepared and are ready to be eaten. This is called Shalach Manos (though to be grammatically correct it should be called Mishlo'ach Manos, but few people bother with grammar these days, so never mind).
• You can read about these in the Megillah, the Book of Esther, Chapter 9, verse 22: "...as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and the month which had been transformed for them from one of sorrow to gladness, and from mourning to festivity. They were to observe them as days of feasting and gladness, and for sending delicacies to one another, and gifts to poor people."
• We celebrate by having joy and happiness. That's why we make plays, that's why we spend the day in never-ending singing and dancing, going around giving our friends and relatives baskets of goodies and sweets, dressing in costumes, cracking jokes, getting tipsy, giving charity, things like that.
• The primary Festive Purim Meal is eaten in the late afternoon on Purim, after Minchah (the afternoon prayer). One must eat bread (washing as Jewish Law dictates), at least one cooked food, and drink at least one cup of wine. We call this the Purim Seudah.
• The drinking of wine is significant, because many of the events of Purim happened through wine. Ahasueraus got drunk and killed Vashti, paving the way for Esther to be made queen. Esther gave wine to King Ahasueraus and lowered his defenses, which resulted in his killing Haman. Thus the Megillah tells us that we should celebrate by "feasting." The Hebrew words for "feasting" means bread, cooked food, and drinking wine. The Talmud therefore tells us to drink on Purim "more wine than we usually do."
• During this meal, it is customary to begin the study of the Laws of Passover, which is just one month away.
• The day before Purim, the Fast of Esther, we do not eat from morning until after hearing the Megillah at night, because of the fast that Esther ordained.
• At the afternoon service before Purim it is customary to give three coins (preferably silver, and preferably coins with the number ½ on them) to charity in memory of the three "half-shekels" given to the Temple. In many synagogues the coins are provided as loans. We donate one-and-a-half dollars to the synagogue, to purchase the coins. We then pick up the silver coins so that we can take possession of them, and then donate them back to the synagogue. This is called Mach'tzis Hashekel, The "Half-Shekel."
• It is correct not to engage in business or go to work on Purim, if this is possible.
• Before and during Purim we wish each other "ah fraylechin Purim" -- a joyful Purim.

Elena's verse of the day:  "Remember the time when our sorrow was turned to joy and celebration took the place of crying...." (Esther 9:22).

Ezra 9 – Nehemiah 11: A hammer in one hand & a spear in the other

I loved this passage. Finally, Israel seems to have turned a corner from their ungodly ways and is pursuing the godly path. In the books of Kings and Chronicles, I was overwhelmed with the account of their evil ways, especially setting up idols in the temple and allowing religious prostitution in, as well. Every once in a while, a godly king set out to clean up and reform the nation. But as soon as he died, his son reverted back to the old pagan ways with the nation following. After the seemingly endless cycles of sin and judgment, Ezra and Nehemiah are like a breath of fresh air!

- A moment to remember:  Ezra was a Bible scholar and teacher. He worked together with Nehemiah to bring the holy city of Jerusalem back to life and health.  Part of the work involved rebuilding the temple. At the temple rededication, Ezra was overcome with sadness at Israel’s past rebellion and sinfulness. He wept, prostrate in front of the temple. As he prayed and confessed, huge numbers of men, women, and children joined him, weeping as if their hearts would break.

- Making things right:  After this powerful moment of repentance, Ezra and the people mourned and fasted. They also divorced their foreign spouses; God had forbidden intermarriage with pagan tribes because the people seemed to be too easily swayed into idol worship (Ezra 10:1ff).

- Let’s get to work:  Nehemiah is a book of action. Nehemiah was cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. He seemed to have a strong relationship with the king. He asked for the king’s permission, and the king’s help, to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem and begin the rebuilding of the city. The king granted his request.

- Golden Age of Greece:  Some historical context. The events in the book of Nehemiah took place from 446-433 BC, a time when Athens was booming. Pericles was building the Parthenon (a temple to the goddess Athena) on the Acropolis. The philosopher Socrates was a young man.

- Fast tracking:  The wall around Jerusalem was a group effort by Israelites newly returned from exile. Rebuilding the wall took just 52 days. In construction, expediting building projects is called “fast tracking.” Especially impressive given that the workers had to work with a tool in one hand and a spear in the other to ward off attackers.

- Celebration:  When the wall was completed, a celebration began, featuring repentance, worship, confession, and readings from Moses’ writings. A powerful sermon reflected back on Israel’s history, especially the cycles of sin, judgment, and repentance. This verse struck me: “As soon as they had it easy again, they were right back at it—more evil” (Ezra 9:26-31). The Israelites had a hard time staying on the straight and narrow.

Elena’s verse of the day:  "Our God, you are powerful, fearsome, and faithful, always true to your word" (Nehemiah 9:32).

2 Chronicles 33 - Ezra 8: Tragedy, then a new beginning

Bad news, good news:  Manasseh was one of the most evil kings Israel ever had. He even set up an Asherah idol in the temple itself. But 2 Chronicles adds some detail that was not included in 2 Kings--Manasseh repented! After he was captured, removed from the throne and carted off to Babylon in chains, he repented. "Total repentance," according to 2 Chronicles 33. God responded by restoring him to his throne in Jerusalem. He recognized that God had done it, and he followed God the rest of his life, removed the pagan paraphernalia from the temple and the city, and undid some of the damage he'd done earlier in his life. I like this story--there's hope even for someone as evil as Manasseh.
- Solomon's work undone:  God judged Israel via Nebuchadnezzar, who destroyed and burned the temple. He knocked down the Jerusalem wall, then took the Jews off to Babylon to live in exile.There's not much detail here, but it's heartbreaking just the same.
- A new beginning:  The book of Ezra tells the story of a wise biblical scholar named Ezra, a descendant of the wonderful Phinehas and his grandfather, Aaron. Ezra was put in charge of leading the Israelites back to repopulate Jerusalem and to rebuild the temple. Through God's miraculous workings, the King of Persia commanded the temple to be rebuilt and helped to pay for it. Ezra was a remarkable man--he committed himself to:

• studying God's Word
• living it, and
• teaching Israel to live its truth and ways (Ezra 7:8-10).

Elena's verse of the day:  "Many wept bitterly because they remembered seeing the first temple years before. Others were so happy they celebrated with joyful shouts" (Ezra 3:12).

2 Chronicles 19 - 32: Clasp that outstretched hand

- Secret strength:  King Jotham had a secret source of strength--it "was rooted in his steady and determined life of obedience to God" (2 Chronicles 27:6). I want that for my life!

- Hang on:  When King Hezekiah called the people of Israel back to repentance, he exhorted them wtih this: "Clasp God's outstretched hand....Your God is gracious and kind and won't snub you--come back and he'll welcome you with open arms" (2 Chron 30:6-9). This reminds me of a scene in my favorite movie, Man From Snowy River, when a woman falls over the edge of a cliff in a storm. She ends up stranded on a ledge. The next day, she is found and her rescuer holds his whip over the edge. All she has to do is clasp it.
- God listened:  Hezekiah was a godly man and repaired the decrepit temple. They had a big festival of dedication including sacrifice and worship. The result? "And God listened, listened as the ascending sound of their prayers entered his holy heaven" (2 Chron 30:27). I picture the prayers as birds, gliding, climbing on a spiraling column of warm air into the heavens where God opens the window to his throne room and lets them in, embracing them with open arms.


Elena's verse of the day:  "The priests and Levites asked God to bless the people, and from his home in heaven, he did" (2 Chron 20:27).