Summer of the Bible 2014 - Week 5

"Sunrise from Mt. Sinai" - photo by Sara Holben, May 2009

Week 5:  In the Wilderness

Background:

 Traveling through “the Wilderness” requires a lot of endurance – not only for the Israelites who did it for “40 years” in the Sinai, but for all of us for whom it can sometimes feel like 40 years while we wander our way through Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Maybe that’s a helpful reminder that in the Bible numbers are often used symbolically rather than literally – thus, the number “40” can be used to symbolize “a long time” rather than meaning an exact count of days, months or years.

In any case, it is the “Exodus” from Egypt (God’s deliverance of Israel from the hands of Pharaoh – we read about that last week) and it is the wilderness experience in Sinai (this week) that helps to form Israel’s identity as a nation and as the people of God.

It is “in the wilderness” that God clearly establishes a covenant relationship with Israel and defines “the structures of covenant life.” It is here in the wilderness that they learn through God’s “commands” how the community is to relate to God, to each other, and with all other creatures and people.

This section in the wilderness ends with Moses on Mount Nebo – looking down on but unable to enter the Promised Land (you’ll have to read that part to find out why!). On Mount Nebo Moses leaves the 12 tribes of Israel in the hands of the next generation of leaders under Joshua – but that’s next week’s readings.

Readings for Week #5:

·      Exodus 22:21-27 – The demands of a covenant life

·      Exodus 29:38-46 – God’s promise to be with Israel

·      Leviticus 19:1-18 – “Holy living” for those in covenant with God

·      Numbers 6:22-27 – the “Priestly Benediction”

·      Numbers 20:2-13 – Water from the Rock

·      Deuteronomy 8:6-18 – Remember the Lord your God

There’s a lot of reading this week, but to go further:  the most familiar passage is the Ten Commandments themselves – Exodus 20:1-17.  And if you want to follow the story of Moses, read about his death in Deuteronomy chapter 34.

Question for reflection:

1.     An important part of Exodus is the “proclamation” that God hears and responds to the cries of people who are in need.  How is God’s response experienced by Israel? By us?

2.     How do we experience God’s presence with us in the year 2014?  In what ways do we show our “holy living”?

Additional Resources for Study:

Walking the Bible by Bruce Feiler.  This is a terrific book (and PBS 3-part series) as author Bruce Feiler follows in the footsteps of Abraham, Moses, and the Exodus.  Someone has posted all 3 parts from the PBS series on youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu5Pb1QS4t8.  The DVD of the series and a copy of the book is available at PCC - talk to Sara.  

www.enterthebible.org - a great website for more information on any book of the Bible.  Check out the information on Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy

http://www.enterthebible.org/periods.aspx?rid=902 - for background on Egypt, Exodus and the Land