I Samuel 1:4-20 When Elkanah [perhaps a son of Korah who led the revolt against Moses] made sacrifice, he gave some portion to one wife, Penniah, but to another wife, Hannah, he gave a double portion, because he loved her, … Continue reading →

Ruth 3:1-5;4:13-17 The Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth, has cast her future with her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi, who becomes concerned about Ruth’s future “security.”  Naomi instructs her to go to where Boaz could be found at evening.  She also tells Ruth to … Continue reading →

Ruth 1:1-18 Seeking relief from the latest famine, Eliemlech, a Jew from Bethlehem, took his wife, Naomi, and their sons to Moab, (the land occupied with the tribe of descendants from Lot’s incest with his sister), which had become a … Continue reading →

All Faithful Departed: November 2 Wisdom 3: 1-9 Probably written in and for the large Jewish community in the intellectual capital of Alexandria just a few decades before the life of Jesus, The Wisdom of Solomon challenges the beliefs of … Continue reading →

Wisdom of Solomon 3: 1-9 Reflecting extensive exposure to ancient Greek thinking, the “wisdom” attributed to King Solomon in this text develops themes that also became increasingly important in Christian texts, especially Paul’s letters, the Letter to the Hebrews and … Continue reading →

Job 42:1-6, 10-17 All the sophisticated explanations and arguments about good, evil and God by Job and his friends crumble.  Job now acknowledges to God, “I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me….”  He then … Continue reading →

Job 38:1-7,[34-41] The sophisticated arguing among Job’s friends about evil and death in the world vis a vis God has explored many possible answers.  Job makes one final plea to God, defending his honor, (chapter 31).  [Chapters 32-37 are presumed … Continue reading →

Job 23:1-9,16-17 Job’s trials had brought him to near death.  He had argued with his friends, who were convinced Job’s plight was due to some unconfessed sins.  Now Job realizes that all past assumptions about God by him and others … Continue reading →

Job 1:1; 2:1-10 [This Sunday begins a five week sequential reading of the Book of Job as the first option in the RCL.] Although there are more ancient versions from neighboring cultures of a story like this story about  Job, … Continue reading →

Esther 7:1-6,9-10,20-22 The Jewish orphan girl, Esther, whose original name was Hadassah, lived in Persia under the protection of her cousin, Mordecia.  The King of Persia was dazzled by her beauty and took her as his Queen.  In time, the … Continue reading →