Saul Reads the Bible

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Numbers 11:24-12:16
Poetry/Prophecy: Proverbs 25:1-25:28
New Testament: Matthew 10:1-10:42

Today in Numbers: the people are punished for their whining, and Moses displays his tremendous humility.

In Proverbs, we begin reading the wisdom of Solomon as collected and recorded by the men of King Hezekiah.

And in Matthew, Jesus sends out workers into the harvest: his twelve disciples.

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Numbers 10:1-11:23
Poetry/Prophecy: Proverbs 24:1-24:34
New Testament: Matthew 9:27-9:38

In Numbers, the majestic procession of the people fo Israel moving from place to place with great faith is described – followed closely by an account of the people of Israel whining before God about matters that, at first glance, may seem trivial.

In Proverbs, Saul focuses on the end [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Numbers 9:1-9:23
Poetry/Prophecy: Proverbs 22:1-23:35
New Testament: Matthew 9:1-9:26

In Numbers, we are reminded of the importance of observing the Passover. Also, we are reminded of the amazing spectacle of the cloud by day and fire by night that settled over the Tabernacle, and the faith of the people who followed it from place to place.

In Proverbs, [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Numbers 7:84-8:26
Poetry/Prophecy: Proverbs 21:1-21:31
New Testament: Matthew 8:14-8:34

In Numbers, the gifts for the dedication of the altar described in yesterday’s reading are totaled up, and the priests are commanded to be purified and to join Aaron and his sons as helpers in perpetuity.

In Proverbs, the stressful thought of living with a perpetually quarrelsome spouse.

And in Matthew, [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Numbers 7:10-7:83
Poetry/Prophecy: Proverbs 20:1-20:30
New Testament: Matthew 8:2-8:13

Today in Numbers: a fairly long passage detailing twelve identical offerings & sacrifices brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the Tabernacle.

In Proverbs, Saul focuses on inconsistent scales & measures, and the implications of this.

And in Matthew, Jesus finds a Gentile of [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Numbers 7:1-7:9
Poetry/Prophecy: Proverbs 17:1-19:29
New Testament: Matthew 7:1-8:1

Today in Numbers, some more detail about the consecration of the Tabernacle is given.

In an extended reading in Proverbs, there are many mentions of our words and how we use (and over- and misuse) them.

In Matthew, the end of the Sermon on the Mount. And the crowd, it [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Numbers 6:1-6:27
Poetry/Prophecy: Proverbs 16:1-16:33
New Testament: Matthew 6:1-6:34

In Numbers, we read about the Nazirite vows: a way of being voluntarily holy before God. And yet, even those under Nazirite vows must bring a sin offering to the tabernacle.

In Proverbs, Saul hones in on a verse that forces us to consider our motives.

And in Matthew, Jesus [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Numbers 5:1-5:31
Poetry/Prophecy: Proverbs 15:1-15:33
New Testament: Matthew 5:13-5:48

In Numbers, a (seemingly strange, to our modern eyes) method of determining whether a jealous husband who suspects his wife of having an affair is really guilty.

In Proverbs, Saul notices a repeated theme in two of the verses (15:16-17) that may offer special insight into our modern habits.

And in [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Numbers 4:1-4:49
Poetry/Prophecy: Proverbs 13:1-14:35
New Testament: Matthew 4:25-5:12

In Numbers, the Levites are given instructions for packing up and moving the Tabernacle and its implements and surroundings.

In Proverbs, Saul seizes upon what he sees as a fairly unique and challenging verse.

And in Matthew, a complete paradigm shift: Jesus and the beatitudes.

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Numbers 2:1-3:51
Poetry/Prophecy: Proverbs 12:1-12:28
New Testament: Matthew 4:17-4:24

Today in Numbers, some urban planning: the tribes of Israel are arranged around the Tabernacle and given their places, so that this moving, nomadic city can be well-organized.

In Proverbs, the author jumps from topic to topic (why?), but seems to have many pertinent and timely things to say.

And in [...]