Intro to Jeremiah
Turmoil had swept across the land like a powerful winter storm. The divided kingdom was functioning, but barely, and all of Israel's existence was on the verge of collapse. King Josiah, though a good king in God's estimation, made the mistake of not preparing the people like Jeremiah was attempting to do. Once Jehoiakim took to the throne in 609 B.C. he immediately set out on the path of the bad kings. He formed an alliance with Egypt and ignored paying the nations "duty" to Babylon, something that would lead to the destruction of the nation and the temple.
El Emunah
The mass of people were gathered at the base of Mount Sinai, Moses was addressing them. The prophet knew the people well. They were stiff-necked and needed many reminders. So he began, saying that God chose them not because of their numbers (they were small), not because of their greatness (they were weak), but because he was fulfilling a promise he made to their ancestors. "So realize that the Lord your God is the true God, El Emunah (the faithful God) who keeps covenant faithfully with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations..." (Deuteronomy 7.9)
Elohe Yisrael
Jacob, the son of Isaac, had a propensity for naming places and things. And for setting up rocks and altars. After wrestling with God he set the stone he'd used as a pillow on its end — making a "standing stone" and called the place "Bethel" (House of God). At that time God had given Jacob a new name, Israel. Later in life he settles down a bit and buys some property near Shechem. While there Israel built an alter and inscribed upon it the name of his God: Elohe Yisrael — the God of Israel. The story is told in Genesis 33.
Into to Psalms
The Psalms (originally titled Tehillim, or "Praises") are a collection of Hebrew poetry of varying styles, purposes, authors and subject matter. Some were written in time of crisis, others for the purpose of public praise, some for personal worship and some for community remembrance. There are many types of psalms and different literary rules for properly studying their intent and purpose. Whole books have been written on the varying types of poems we find in the collection and how to read and understand their proper intent, which can be fruitful and satisfying. There are 10 types of psalms...
Intro to Isaiah
Israel, 740 BC — King Uzziah is dead, long live king Jotham. As the prophet began his new carrier the kingdom was divided, but both Judah and Israel existed. To say the times were troubled would be an understatement, with Assyria on the rise and Israel's military might being taxed and depleted by border skirmishes, if the nation didn't turn things around the land would be taken from them. It was a busy time in history, but especially for Isaiah, who not only began a new career but was involved in burying his cousin, King Uzziah, as well.
El Elyon
Then King Nebuchadnezzar was startled and quickly got up. He said to his ministers, “Wasn’t it three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied to the king, “For sure, O king.” He answered, “But I see four men, untied and walking around in the midst of the fire! No harm has come to them! And the appearance of the fourth is like that of a god!” Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the furnace of blazing fire. He called out, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of El Elyon, come out! Come here!” —Daniel 3.24-26
Intro to Proverbs
When I was 12- or 13-years old I had a very Old Testament theology. I believed that by living according to God's commands one would be blessed with a good life. So when I began to evangelize my middle school and received the persecution that usually follows, I was confused. Thinking that God hadn't lived up to his end of things, I walked away from him. Even then, I never doubted God's existence, so I never went off the deep end by experimenting with drugs, alcohol or sex. I reasoned that if I were going to leave God, I needed to live wisely.
El Bethel
Dinah was a prime candidate for the #MeToo movement. As Jacob was migrating his cattle to a new region in Canaan, his daughter was sexually assaulted by the son of the regional leader. In reaction to the news, her brothers banded together and killed every man in the village. You wouldn't be alone if you thought the punishment was a bit harsh, Jacob thought so too and decided to move everyone, quickly, to another region (Genesis 35). Where did he go? To a place that held many memories already, a place where God had introduced himself as El Bethel.
El Gibbor
The Church of England recently decided to stop using masculine names and pronouns to refer to God, feeling that it alienates women worshipers. Never mind that God always refers to himself as a he, as father, and as son. God never refers to himself as she, mother or daughter. He does liken his protective nature to a hen with her chicks or a mother bear over her cubs, but this is not the same as declaring himself as a female. I suppose what is next is removal of the military names of God, like the one we examine today, El Gibbor.
Intro to Ecclesiastes
If Proverbs was written to the "young man", Ecclesiastes was written for a more mature and experienced man, someone comfortable in circles of power and who lived among the elite. The original audience was expected to be knowledgeable, rich in wealth and material possessions. They were people who needed to hear the message of wisdom this books offers: all the privilege of wealth and power may be intoxicating while you have it but becomes fleeting and meaningless, a "chasing after the wind." Life without God expresses vanity, but with God life has substantially more value, purpose and meaning.
Elohe Chasedi
When tradition clashes with reality it's easy for tempers to flare and opinions to fly. Thankfully, today's name of God is obscure enough that the true meaning of Elohe Chasedi isn't likely to provoke anyone to anger. This particular name is used only once, is found in Psalm 59 and has traditionally been translated as "the God of my mercy." Better scholarship, however, provides the translation "the God who loyally loves me." The verse from which this name is derived reads: "Elohe Chaseddi will help me; God will enable me to triumph over my enemies" (verse 10).
Intro to Job
The story of Job takes place during the times of the Patriarchs — Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as is evidenced by his theology of sacrifice and some of the archaic language used in the text. It is definitely an Israelite work, however, as it uses YHWH as the divine name throughout the book. Job has three distinct sections: the prelude which gives us insider knowledge about Job — especially concerning his righteousness, a conclusion wherein God makes an appearance to answer the questions of Job, and an expansive middle section that presents and destroys the common answers to the question of suffering.