Saul Reads the Bible

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 28:1-28:13
Poetry/Prophecy: Isaiah 33:1-34:17
New Testament: Hebrews 9:1-9:15

In Deuteronomy, Moses gives the people promises of blessings in return for their faithfulness, in stark contrast to the curses promised for unfaithfulness in yesterday’s reading.

In Isaiah, the redemption of Zion is further described. Then, the destruction of Edom is detailed using two powerful themes.

In Hebrews, the finality [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 26:16-27:26
Poetry/Prophecy: Isaiah 31:1-32:20
New Testament: Hebrews 8:1-8:13

In Deuteronomy, Moses begins to wind up his speech. Plans are made for crossing the Jordan, and doing a bit of theater to illustrate the stakes that the children of Israel will be playing for.

In Isaiah, Egypt is again exposed as a false hope, unable to help the [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 25:1-26:15
Poetry/Prophecy: Isaiah 30:19-30:33
New Testament: Hebrews 7:1-7:28

In Deuteronomy, Moses again addresses a variety of topics: legal sentences, the responsibilities of brothers-in-law, fair and honest measures, the treatment of the Amalekites, and the presentation of tithes and offerings.

In Isaiah, deliverance is prophesied for Zion, but it will take some doing and suffering on the part of [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 23:1-24:22
Poetry/Prophecy: Isaiah 30:1-30:18
New Testament: Hebrews 6:12-6:20

In Deuteronomy, Moses teaches on a variety of topics: who is allowed in public worship, purity in hygiene and worship, and respect for neighbors, their property, and their dignity.

In Isaiah, the people of Israel are warned that Egypt will be no refuge for them in their time of trouble.

And [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 22:1-22:30
Poetry/Prophecy: Isaiah 29:1-29:24
New Testament: Hebrews 5:1-6:11

In Deuteronomy, Moses tries to foster a spirit of cooperation and respect for the property of others. He then talks about rules governing marriage and sexual misdeeds.

In Isaiah, more prophecy of doom followed by renewal for Israel.

And in Hebrews, the writer conveys encouragement (and warning?) to move forward [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 21:1-21:23
Poetry/Prophecy: Isaiah 28:1-28:29
New Testament: Hebrews 3:14-4:16

In Deuteronomy, more about the justice system: what to do in the case of an unsolved murder, how to marry a foreign woman, what to do with a rebellious child, and how to deal with the remains of a criminal.

In Isaiah, judgments against both Samaria (capital of the kingdom [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 19:1-20:20
Poetry/Prophecy: Isaiah 26:1-27:13
New Testament: Hebrews 3:1-3:13

In Deuteronomy, first a reminder about the cities of refuge which have been mentioned several times before, and then guidance about forming an army, making lean and mean, and conducting the appropriate sort of warfare in the Promised Land.

In Isaiah, more Psalms-like verse from the prophet, who seems to [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 17:1-18:22
Poetry/Prophecy: Isaiah 25:1-25:12
New Testament: Hebrews 2:1-2:18

In Deuteronomy, Moses talks about keeping civil order: the justice system, obedience to the Levitical priests and to God’s prophets. Plus this interesting tidibt: Moses predicts (correctly, as it turns out) that the people will demand a conventional king, and gives rules and guidance for that future king [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 16:1-16:22
Poetry/Prophecy: Isaiah 23:1-24:23
New Testament: Hebrews 1:1-1:14

In Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the people about the Passover, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Temporary Shelters (or Tabernacles or Booths).

In Isaiah, two prophecies: one against Tyre, the other against the Earth as a whole.

And in the New Testament, we begin the book of Hebrews with a [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 15:1-15:23
Poetry/Prophecy: Isaiah 22:1-22:25
New Testament: Matthew 27:57-28:20

In Deuteronomy, Moses commands the people to be gracious to the poor, and to present to God the best of everything they have as a sacrifice.

In Isaiah, more tumult in Jerusalem is prophesied, along with the rise and fall of Eliakim son of Hilkiah.

And the end of the book [...]