DOCSLIB.ORG

Unsung Heroines of the Hebrew Bible: a Contextual Theological Reading from the Perspective of Woman Wisdom

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Unsung Heroines of the Hebrew Bible: a Contextual Theological Reading from the Perspective of Woman Wisdom UNSUNG HEROINES OF THE HEBREW BIBLE: A CONTEXTUAL THEOLOGICAL READING FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF WOMAN WISDOM BY FUNLOLA OLUSEYI OLOJEDE DISSERTATION PRESENTED FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH FACULTY OF THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT SUPERVISOR: PROF. HENDRIK L BOSMAN MARCH 2011 DECLARATION I the undersigned, hereby declare that the work contained in this dissertation is my own original work and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it at any university for a degree Signature……………………………………….. Date…………………………………………….. Copyright © 2011 Stellenbosch University All rights reserved ii ABSTRACT This study is based primarily on the presupposition that the conventional definition or description of a biblical heroine does not take into account certain ‘hidden’ women in the Old Testament who could be distinguished due to their wisdom. By using the Yoruba woman as a contextual interpretive lens, the study investigates two female characters in the Old Testament each of whom is named in only one verse of Scriptures – “the First Deborah” in Genesis 35:8 and Sheerah in 1 Chronicles 7:24. The investigation takes its point of departure from the figure of Woman Wisdom of the book of Proverbs, which commentators have characterized as a metaphor for the Israelite heroine – a consummate image of the true Israelite female icon. It is indeed remarkable that Woman Wisdom has been associated with various female figures in the Old Testament such as Ruth, Abigail, the Wise Woman of Tekoa and the Wise Woman of Abel, etc. However, this study calls for a broader definition of wisdom based on the investigation of certain women in Old Testament narratives (e.g. Deborah and Sheerah) who have received only fleeting mention and recognition but whose lives reflect a possible connection to wisdom on a deeper level. It is shown that classical (arguably masculine) ways of reading the text tend to sideline or altogether overlook certain female characters, which are regarded as marginal such as Deborah and Sheerah. However, there are narrative gaps in the units where such women are found that could be filled by a reading of the text that is sensitive to details. It is argued that a more careful examination of the minute details in the texts could break down the metanarratives in a way that shows that they have hermeneutical significance. Therefore, attention to the narrative details unveils new dimensions of meaning and implications between the two texts (women) under investigation that have not been related in previous studies. Of significance is the fact that classical readings of the two verses that mention “the First Deborah” and Sheerah (Gen 35:8 and 1 Chron 7:24) regard them as intrusive in iii their respective contexts. However, a multiplex reading of each of the two verses in this study has shown that, rather than being intrusive, both have been strategically constructed to underscore the importance of the two women, and that the verses actually fit into their present pericope. The references to both Deborah and Sheerah are rooted in strong Old Testament traditions namely Bethel and Ephraimite, respectively, both of which play visible roles within the pericopes. What’s more, both verses are found within significant contexts – one in the middle of a section that closes the Jacob Cycle and introduces the Joseph Cycle, the other in the midst of a theologically driven genealogy that begins with Adam. Again, based on the multifaceted character of Woman Wisdom, in particular, as a teacher, a nourisher and a builder, it is argued that this metaphor of an Israelite heroine is embodied in both “the First Deborah” and Sheerah. Whereas Deborah was a wet nurse who must have nourished and nurtured the offspring of Rebekah, her mistress, Sheerah has been identified as the only female builder throughout Scriptures. The identification of the role of a wet nurse as a nurturer and nourisher as well as the role of a daughter as a builder with Woman Wisdom points to two silent heroines, one in the private domain and the other in the public sphere, who have remained unrecognized and uncelebrated in Old Testament scholarship. Furthermore, the roles of Deborah and Sheerah, respectively as wet nurse and builder, indicate that women participated in various spectrums of societal life especially in the Second Temple period when it is assumed that the texts reached their final forms. Not only did they perform roles that were associated with women, they equally participated in roles that were regarded as traditionally masculine. In this regard, a study of the women in the book of Chronicles offers a fresh glimpse into the roles and positions of women in the Second Temple period as well as into the Chronicler’s purpose and emphasis, in particular, regarding his concept of laer"f.yI-lk'. On a theological level, the achievements of the two women demonstrate God’s penchant for supporting the weak and the marginalized and for affirming those who are iv regarded as less likely to succeed. The mention of the First Deborah in the Old Testament proves that in God’s script, there are no little people. In the case of Sheerah, the point that there is a laer"f.yI-lk' that includes outstanding female achievers indicates that, theologically speaking, there is no barrier against what women can do. v OPSOMMING Die vertrekpunt van hierdie studie is die veronderstelling dat konvensionele beskrywende definisies van Bybelse heldinne sekere 'versteekte' vroue in die Ou Testament, wat uitstaan danksy hulle wysheid, verontagsaam. Met die Yoruba-vrou as kontekstuele interpretatiewe lens word twee vroulike karakters in die Ou Testament bestudeer wat elk in slegs een vers genoem word – “die Eerste Debora” in Genesis 35:8 en Seëra in 1 Kronieke 7:24. Die vertrekpunt is die figuur van Vrou Wysheid uit die boek Spreuke, wat deur kommentators gekenmerk is as 'n metafoor vir die Israelitiese heldin – 'n volkome beeld van die ware Israelitiese vroulike ikoon. Dit is merkwaardig dat Vrou Wysheid met verskeie vroulike figure in die Ou Testament vereenselwig word, soos Rut, Abigail, die Wyse Vrou van Tekoa en die Wyse Vrou van Abel, ens. Hierdie studie betrek egter 'n breër definisie van wysheid, gebaseer op 'n ondersoek na sekere vroue in Ou Testament-narratiewe (byvoorbeeld Debora en Seëra) wat slegs kursoriese erkenning geniet maar wie se lewens dui op 'n moontlike konneksie met wysheid op 'n dieper vlak. Daar word aangedui dat klassieke (aanvegbaar manlike) wyses om die teks te lees, neig om sekere vroulike karakters soos Debora en Seëra, oor die hoof te sien, en hulle sodoende te relegeer tot marginale figure. Die narratiewe gapings in die eenhede waar hierdie vroue figureer, kan oorbrug word deur 'n lees van die teks wat sensitief is ten opsigte van detail. Die argument word gestel dat nader ondersoek na die fyn besonderhede in die tekste die metanarratiewe kan dekonstrueer op 'n wyse wat hulle hermeneutiese betekenis belig. Sulke aandag aan die narratiewe detail ontbloot nuwe dimensies van betekenis en implikasies tussen die twee relevante tekste (vroue) wat nog nie in vorige navorsing weergegee is nie. Dit is betekenisvol dat huidige navorsing van die twee verse wat na “die Eerste Debora” en Seëra verwys (Gen 35:8 en 1 Kron 7:24) beide as toevoegings beskryf in hulle verskeie kontekste. 'n Meerdimensionele lees van elk van die twee verse in hierdie vi studie toon egter dat veel anders as toevoegings, beide verse die vroue as strategiese konstrukte stel om hulle belangrikheid aan te dui binne die perikope. Die verwysings na beide Debora en Seëra is geanker in vaste Ou-Testamentiese tradisies, naamlik die Bet-El en Efraimitiese tradisies respektiewelik, wat beide figureer binne die perikope. Wat meer is, beide verse word aangetref binne beduidende kontekste – een in die middel van 'n gedeelte wat die Jakob-siklus afsluit en die Josef-siklus inlei, die ander midde in 'n teologies-gedrewe genealogie wat vertrek vanaf Adam. Weer eens, ooreenkomstig die veelsydige karakter van Vrou Wysheid, spesifiek in die rolle van onderrigter, voeder en bouer; word geargumenteer dat hierdie metafoor vir 'n Israelitiese heldin beliggaam word in “die Eerste Debora” en Seëra. Debora was 'n soogmoeder wat die nageslag van haar meesteres, Rebekah, gevoed en opgevoed het; daarenteen word Sheerah geïdentifiseer as die enigste vroulike bouer in die Bybel. Die identifikasie van Vrou Wysheid deur die rol van 'n soogmoeder as voeder en opvoeder, sowel as dié van 'n dogter as 'n bouer, wys op twee stille heldinne, een in die private domein en die ander in die openbare sfeer, wat geen erkenning of verering in Ou- Testamentiese besinning geniet nie. Verder dui die rolle van Debora en Seëra, respektiewelik as soogmoeder en as bouer, daarop dat vroue aktief was in verskeie sektore van die sosiale lewe, veral tydens die Tweede Tempel-periode waartydens aanvaar word die tekste in hul finale weergawes geformuleer is. Vroue was dus aktief nie alleen in rolle wat met hulle geassosieer is nie, maar ook in rolle wat tradisioneel aan mans toegeskryf is. 'n Studie van die vroue in die Kronieke-boek bied vars insae in die rolle en posisies van vroue tydens die Tweede Tempel-periode, asook in die Kronis se doel en beklemtoning, veral betreffende die konsep van laer"f.yI-lk'. Op teologiese vlak illustreer die prestasies van die twee vroue God se voorliefde vir ondersteuning aan die swakkes en gemarginaliseerdes, en vir bemagtiging van dié wat beskou word as minder waarskynlike presteerders. Die verwysing na “die Eerste Debora” in die Ou Testament bewys dat in God se teks, daar geen klein mensies vii bestaan nie. In die geval van Seëra, bewys die feit dat daar 'n laer"f.yI-lk' is wat besondere vroue insluit, dat daar teologies-gesproke, nie perke is aan die potensiaal van vroue nie.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • SS Volume 2.Book
    Selected Scriptures from the Holy Bible Readings for the Young Volume II: Books of Old Testament History Compiled by Genelle H. Porter Searcy, Arkansas Copyright © 2006 by Genelle H. Porter All rights reserved. ISBN: 0-9755777-5-1 All scriptures are from the ACV: A Conservative Version Published by Still Voices Publishing Searcy, Arkansas www.stillvoicespublishing.com 3 Table of Contents Joshua . 13 Jehovah Encourages Joshua. 13 The Spies at Jericho . 14 Israel Crosses the River Jordan. 15 Israel Arrives in the Promised Land . 18 The Men Are Circumcised . 18 The Battle of Jericho . 19 Achan’s Sin and Israel’s Defeat . 21 Ai Is Finally Destroyed . 23 The Inhabitants of Gibeon Deceive Israel . 25 The Moon and Sun Stand Still . 27 Many Kings and Their Cities Defeated. 28 Instructions for Dividing the Land. 30 Special Requests for Land . 30 The Land Is Shared . 32 Cities of Refuge . 33 Cities for the Levites. 33 The Men of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh Go Home. 34 Misunderstanding About an Altar . 34 Joshua Warns Israel To Be Faithful. 36 Jehovah Warns Israel To Be Faithful . 38 The People Make a Covenant to Serve Jehovah. 38 The Death of Joshua . 39 Judges . 41 Judah Fights Against the Canaanites . 41 Israel Fails to Drive Out All the Nations . 42 Jehovah Rebukes the People . 42 Israel Serves Other Gods. 43 Jehovah Raises Up Judges . 43 Judges Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar . 44 Deborah Is Judge. 45 The Death of Sisera . 46 The Song of Deborah and Barak . 47 The Midianites Oppress Israel . 49 Jehovah Calls Gideon . 49 Gideon Destroys the Altar of Baal .
    [Show full text]
  • Congratulations! UUI/GCI Scholarships 150 Awarded
    2013-2014 Congratulations! UUI/GCI Scholarships 150 Awarded Akiachak: Erma Peter, Dominick Ekomrak. Mekoryuk: Erin Kiokun Alakanuk: Donovan Phillip Mountain Village: Elena Beans, Denise Hunter, Daniel Wasky Arctic Village: Tisheena Frank Napaskiak: Francis Nicholai, Zacnarias Evan, Jerome Williams, Jonica Williams, Howard Nicholai, Atmautluak: Jamie Jacob Amber Riley Bethel: Tracy Asicksik, Chelsey Beans-Polk, Mary Dyment, Newtok: Gilbert Charles, Megan John Emerie Fairbanks, Lauren Forbes, Erin Fox, Jolene Herron, Patrick Hopstad, Tillie Kaiser, Isaac Nightmute: Christina Tulik Kalistook, Audrey Leary, Krystal Lincoln, Rebecca Nunapitchuk: Tamara Tobeluk, Zechariah Chaliak III Lupie, Elin McWilliams, Ashleigh Naneng, Christian Osentoski, Peri Sanders, Andrea Allen, Oscarville: Nick Joekay Rosheille Benlot, Helen Roehl, Trevour Chavez, Pilot Station: Steven Alick, Carolyn Heckman, Alexie Nick, Jbruce Crow, Mitchell Forbes, Willie Green, Elliott Emery Alick Hoffman, Jesse Kiejka, Sabrina Moses, Emma Pitkas Point Gwendolyn Francis, Josehine Wasky Reichard-Finger, Taylor Richards, Carly Romer, Charles Strickland, Ashley Johnson, Jaclyn Nelson, Quinhagak: Lynn Church, Zane DeBitt, Lonny Strunk, Wilson Naneng. Reha Cleveland, Linda Hansen Central: Matthew Symons Russian Mission: Daniel Edwards, Kimberly Minock Chefornak: Janelle Kinegak, Eric Tunuchuk, Jeffery Agimuk, Scammon Bay: Felicia Wassillie, Shelaya Kaganak. Jacqueline Mathew. Chevak: Clarissa Tall, Susie Friday-Tall St. Mary’s: Andrea Alstrom, Katelyn Johnson, Stefan Eek: Miranda
    [Show full text]
  • Scholars' Transcription
    Jan. 1836. 60 To the Hon. Senate & House of Representatives, in General Court assembled, As we, the Undersigned, Proprietors & Inhabitants of the District of Marshpee, are informed, that request is made to you, by part of our people to alter the Parsonage, Meeting House, &c– We wish, respectfully to raize our voice against it, in your hearing. We believe it will do most good as it now is. Our Fathers, being as capable of discerning what is good as any of us, solemnly set this off for a good end!– The Committee of your Hon. Body, who looked into our affairs, and, as we thought, settled them, say of this Property, that, "the former Acts respecting it, would operate as a dedication of it, with which it would be inexpedient for the Legislature to interfere," and, we hope your Honours are still of the same mind. We know not what pretence our Opposites have set forth, but we assure your Honours, that if this property goes back to Commons, it will soon be over consumed, & a very few, will feel the benefit–or–if it is once divided, there will be no end to the like doings,– & we shall be left without a provision for Religious Means. We declare our Satisfaction with what our Fathers have done, and wish that our Teacher be left to the un- disturbed use of his privileges. We are of the same mind with our Fathers. we have not changed as many have done, - & we beg this Hon. Court not to put us to the sorrow of seeing this sad change in our affairs, but that you will afford us firm support against the restless attempts of some, at home & abroad, who, we fear, are seeking their own selfish ends, and not the general good.
    [Show full text]
  • Female Prophets New Testament
    Female Prophets New Testament Switch Rajeev usually rendezvous some putto or disguised negligibly. Enow Pincas renegates whereto. Holograph and violative Giffie always unbox tonelessly and wits his procurement. Marg has let every new testament or as the discussion provides both male in the many of this portrayal is the He has revealed but we see visions, their primary functionof childcare they have. Some say about to female prophetic revelation had been based on her sexual immorality, for seventy miles from them to take place over external adornment. Misfits Leaders Disciples and Prophets 12 Amazing Women from the Bible Part 1 Misfits by Rev Dr Eric Elnes April 2 2019 Each blow our major rooms at. It is that true candy for the sake of eight the spirits of the prophets are subject. But stillthe primary reason some female noteworthiness in the Bible is who. The 7 Prophetesses of Judaism Jewish History Chabadorg. 1 Corinthians 112-16 On Women Prophesying in Worship. Women interpret the Bible Anna CEPAD. And infamous has appointed in after church first apostles second prophets third teachers then miracles then gifts of healing. Her vision is easier not because they have made you are ready for he must not turn our blog cannot validate your prophet? Misfits Leaders Disciples and Prophets 12 Amazing Women. Sign up new testament all that post, following year to look to. The Twelve Old Testament Britannica. From female nudity would at least we comparing men, how specific situation to open to prophesy, or new testament ministry to ordain or tend to. Moses after elijah, be expected that would that prophesieth speaketh unto men? Huldah A Cunning Career Woman Brill.
    [Show full text]
  • The Sons of Keturah – Islam in Prophecy
    mark h lane www.biblenumbersforlife.com THE SONS OF KETURAH – ISLAM IN PROPHECY Is the Prophet Mohammed in Scripture? Yes he is. He is called the 'Blessed Guide'. But he is no blessing. The Biblical account of Keturah will explain this. There was a marriage problem between Abraham and Sarah. We don't know if due to her age Sarah lost interest or rebuffed Abraham for other reasons, but we know they stopped sleeping together. To meet his physical and emotional needs, Abraham took a concubine named Keturah and fathered children by her. Some translations of Genesis 25 verse 1 say “Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah”. This is a mistranslation. The Hebrew word in this verse is ‘ishshah’ which means ‘woman’. It can mean ‘wife’ in some contexts but not in this context. We know Keturah was not the wife of Abraham because it is written in verse 5 and verse 6: “Abraham left everything to Isaac. But while he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the East”. The Hebrew word is ‘piylegesh’ and it has the unmistakable meaning of ‘concubine’ or ‘paramour’. The image above is of a belly-dancer, a harlot of Arabia. You will notice the harlot has her face covered by a veil. According to the Bible, wearing a full-face veil is the mark of a harlot. Concerning another harlot, Tamar, the Bible says: “she took off her widow’s clothes, covered herself with a veil to disguise herself, and then sat down at the entrance to Enaim…” (Genesis 38:13).
    [Show full text]
  • STUDIES in MALACHI No
    STUDIES IN MALACHI No. 6 February 23, 2003 Review Tonight we begin our study of the third of Malachi’s six disputations, or stylized conversations between God and his people. In each case the prophet is exposing some way in which Israel is being unfaithful to the Lord and so bringing down upon herself the threat of God’s judgment. The first disputation concerned unfaithful and half-hearted worship. The second concerned the infidelity of the priests who were not only allowing the people to worship God in a disobedient and irreverent way, but were actually encouraging them in their worldliness. Now comes the third disputation which concerns marital unfaithfulness among the people of God. We are going to familiarize ourselves with the text tonight and with one problem of translation and then, next Lord’s Day evening, God willing, we will take up the main burden of Malachi’s message. Text Comment v.10 In the third disputation, Malachi returns to the sins of the people in general. The same format is followed that we have seen in the previous disputations: The Lord asserts through his prophet that his people have violated the covenant (vv. 10-13); the people’s questioning reply (v. 14a); the Lord’s response (v. 14b); and the implication or application (vv. 15-16). Malachi begins by reminding the people of their special relationship to God. He is their father, their only father. That means that Israel must live in obedience to God. But, it also may imply several things. Fathers had much to do with arranging marriages in that culture and so disobedience to the Lord in the matter of choosing a marriage partner would be a serious violation of filial trust and duty.
    [Show full text]
  • New Testament and the Lost Gospel
    New Testament And The Lost Gospel Heliometric Eldon rear her betrayal so formerly that Aylmer predestines very erectly. Erodent and tubular Fox expresses Andrewhile fusible nickers Norton pertly chiviedand harp her her disturbances corsair. rippingly and peace primarily. Lou often nabs wetly when self-condemning In and the real life and What route the 17 books of prophecy in the Bible? Hecksher, although he could participate have been ignorant on it if not had suchvirulent influence and championed a faith so subsequent to issue own. God, he had been besieged by students demanding to know what exactly the church had to hide. What was the Lost Books of the Bible Christianity. Gnostic and lost gospel of christianity in thismaterial world with whom paul raising the news is perhaps there. Will trump Really alive All My Needs? Here, are called the synoptic gospels. Hannah biblical figure Wikipedia. Church made this up and then died for it, and in later ages, responsible for burying the bodies of both after they were martyred and then martyred themselves in the reign of Nero. Who was busy last transcript sent by God? Judas gospel of gospels makes him in? Major Prophets Four Courts Press. Smith and new testament were found gospel. Digest version of jesus but is not be; these scriptures that is described this website does he is a gospel that? This page and been archived and about no longer updated. The whole Testament these four canonical gospels which are accepted as she only authentic ones by accident great. There has also acts or pebble with names of apostles appended to them below you until The Acts of Paul, their leash as independent sources of information is questionable, the third clue of Adam and Eve.
    [Show full text]
  • THRESHING FLOORS AS SACRED SPACES in the HEBREW BIBLE by Jaime L. Waters a Dissertation Submitted to the Johns Hopkins Universit
    THRESHING FLOORS AS SACRED SPACES IN THE HEBREW BIBLE by Jaime L. Waters A dissertation submitted to The Johns Hopkins University in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Baltimore, Maryland August 2013 © 2013 Jaime L. Waters All Rights Reserved ABSTRACT Vital to an agrarian community’s survival, threshing floors are agricultural spaces where crops are threshed and winnowed. As an agrarian society, ancient Israel used threshing floors to perform these necessary activities of food processing, but the Hebrew Bible includes very few references to these actions happening on threshing floors. Instead, several cultic activities including mourning rites, divination rituals, cultic processions, and sacrifices occur on these agricultural spaces. Moreover, the Solomonic temple was built on a threshing floor. Though seemingly ordinary agricultural spaces, the Hebrew Bible situates a variety of extraordinary cultic activities on these locations. In examining references to threshing floors in the Hebrew Bible, this dissertation will show that these agricultural spaces are also sacred spaces connected to Yahweh. Three chapters will explore different aspects of this connection. Divine control of threshing floors will be demonstrated as Yahweh exhibits power to curse, bless, and save threshing floors from foreign attacks. Accessibility and divine manifestation of Yahweh will be demonstrated in passages that narrate cultic activities on threshing floors. Cultic laws will reveal the links between threshing floors, divine offerings and blessings. One chapter will also address the sociological features of threshing floors with particular attention given to the social actors involved in cultic activities and temple construction. By studying references to threshing floors as a collection, a research project that has not been done previously, the close relationship between threshing floors and the divine will be visible, and a more nuanced understanding of these spaces will be achieved.
    [Show full text]
  • Israel's Conquest of Canaan: Presidential Address at the Annual Meeting, Dec
    Israel's Conquest of Canaan: Presidential Address at the Annual Meeting, Dec. 27, 1912 Author(s): Lewis Bayles Paton Reviewed work(s): Source: Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol. 32, No. 1 (Apr., 1913), pp. 1-53 Published by: The Society of Biblical Literature Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3259319 . Accessed: 09/04/2012 16:53 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected]. The Society of Biblical Literature is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Journal of Biblical Literature. http://www.jstor.org JOURNAL OF BIBLICAL LITERATURE Volume XXXII Part I 1913 Israel's Conquest of Canaan Presidential Address at the Annual Meeting, Dec. 27, 1912 LEWIS BAYLES PATON HARTFORD THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY problem of Old Testament history is more fundamental NO than that of the manner in which the conquest of Canaan was effected by the Hebrew tribes. If they came unitedly, there is a possibility that they were united in the desert and in Egypt. If their invasions were separated by wide intervals of time, there is no probability that they were united in their earlier history. Our estimate of the Patriarchal and the Mosaic traditions is thus conditioned upon the answer that we give to this question.
    [Show full text]
  • Narrator, God, Samuel, David, Jesse, Goliath, Saul, Israelite Soldier, Eliab
    1 God Chooses David 1 Samuel 16-17 Characters: Narrator, God, Samuel, David, Jesse, Goliath, Saul, Israelite Soldier, Eliab Narrator: God had warned his people that a human king could easily be corrupted. After Samuel had anointed Saul as king, Saul began turning away from God. Because of Saul’s sins, God let the Philistines to begin to invade and take over the lands of the Israelites. Before the end of Saul’s life, God decided that it was time for the next king to be chosen. God: Samuel! How long will you be upset about Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Do not worry, for I have chosen a new king—one of the sons of Jesse of Bethlehem. Fill your horn with oil so you can go to Bethlehem and anoint this new king. Samuel: Lord, how can I go to Bethlehem? Saul will surely find out that I am going to anoint the new king, and kill me for it. God: Take a cow with you, and tell Saul that you are going to sacrifice the cow at Bethlehem to the Lord. Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and anoint the person I indicate. Narrator: Samuel went to Bethlehem, and did was God had said. He had invited Jesse and his family to the sacrifice, and began looking among Jesse’s sons for the one he was to anoint the new king. Samuel saw each of Jesse’s eldest seven sons, and noticed they were big, strong, and handsome. Samuel prayed about each of the sons, asking if he was to anoint him to be king.
    [Show full text]
  • Genesis 25-50
    31th ANNUAL 2014 BIBLE BOWL COVERING GENESIS 25-50 USING THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION HOSTED BY THE WEBER ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS CONTENTS Information and Rules Letter to Parents and Coaches Letter to Bible Bowl Students Study Questions Scoring for Bible Bowl Samples of Find the Verse Questions Memory Work 2014 BIBLE BOWL INFORMATION AND RULES 1. Date of Competition: Saturday, November 8th , 2014 2. Time: 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. 3. Ages: Children from the 2 nd - 12 th Grades 4. Open to any church who wants to participate 5. Material Covered: The Book of Genesis, chapters 25-50 • Bible Memory Lists are at end of study guide 6. Bible Translation: New King James Version 7. Competition: • One “Find the Verse” Round worth 30 points • Two “General Question” multiple choice rounds worth 75 points each - Over the covered material - Also over Chapter Headings found at the end of the Student Guide - Sample Questions are available at: www.webercofc.com • Two Matching Tests are given to 3rd - 12 th Grades • Tests for 2 nd Graders are read aloud and the tests are shorter 8. Awards: • Trophies for the top five scores in nine age groups (45 total) • Ribbons for 6 th - 13 th place in nine age groups (72 total) • Team Award Certificates • On-line Practice Certificates • All participants receive a participation ribbon 9. Cost • The cost is $8 per participant to offset the cost of awards, lunch, etc. (If money is a problem, please contact Christian Torres) • The fee should be sent by Monday, November 3 rd .
    [Show full text]
  • Jewish Roots Page
    Welcome to Jewish Roots Page iii - Minitestimony Now we are at the beginning of one of the most important studies you will ever undertake for Y’shua Hamashiach (Jesus the Messiah). The writer of Christianity-Its Jewish Roots is Dr. Jack Sternberg, an Oncologist from Little Rock Arkansas. His enthusiasm for the Messiah was found in a non-denominational church in Little Rock Arkansas. It led him to gather information from various sources so that he could understand the whole story of God and His Messiah. Dr. Jack discovered that knowledge in and of itself will not get you redeemed unto God. Instead it will puff you up and give credence to your reasoning to take offense to the beliefs of others. Judaism has its understandings and Christianity does as well. However, one thing stands out as Dr. Jack points toward FAITH. One of the blessings of this teaching that grabbed me is the intention not to offend anyone but to bring an almost unknown dimension of the Gospel to light; that of Jesus’ Jewishness. Most Christian seminaries pay little or no attention to Judaism as a source of New Covenant learning. From the Jewish point of view, a Gentile or the “Goyim” is anyone who is not Jewish. Even if you are a Jew who has accepted Y’shua as your Messiah, you are still labeled a Christian. Anti-Semitism has raised its ugly head many time in the world and continues to do so. However, it rarely raises its head from Christianity. More often it comes from the Gentile population that are basically the unredeemed people in the world.
    [Show full text]