October 28, 2013

Dear Friends,

 

            This week, our journey through the scriptures brings us to the Book of Lamentations, which is one of the more unique books of the Old Testament. Often ascribed to the Prophet Jeremiah since it contains a sequence of five lyrical poems of lament concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, most scholars ascribe these writings to an anonymous author who chronicled the images of the besieged city in graphic terms. The style of writing is quite different than that of the prophetic book, and in the Hebrew canon, Lamentations is included in the Writings rather than the prophetic books. The first four poems are an acrostic, each with 22 lines that begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The final poem is not an acrostic, but in keeping with the previous poems, also has 22 lines. This style of writing is viewed as a literary attempt to control and contain the chaos and suffering God's people endured during this time.

            We will also begin reading the prophecy of Ezekiel this week, but I will postpone my comments on this wonderful book until next week.

            In the New Testament, we will read the short letter of Paul to Philemon regarding the runaway slave, Onesimus, and then begin reading the Book of Hebrews. Although it is termed a letter, Hebrews is best understood as an extended sermon written to encourage the new Christian community to stand firm in their faith, while reminding them of their historic roots in the faith of Israel.

            May God continue to bless us as we move forward in our journey through the scriptures.

 

Grace & Peace,

 

 

Tom Lovell

 

A YEAR WITH THE BIBLE. Below are the daily readings for this week thru Sunday. You may also read or listen online at http://dailyaudiobible.com.

 

Date	Old Testament	New Testament	Proverbs
October 28	Jeremiah 51:54-52:34	Titus 3:1-15	26:18-19
October 29	Lamentations 1:1-2:19	Philemon 1:1-25	26:20
October 30	Lamentations 2:20-3:66	Hebrews 1:1-14	26:21-22
October 31	Lamentations 4:1-5:22	Hebrews 2:1-18	26:23
Nov. 1	Ezekiel 1:1-3:13	Hebrews 3:1-19	26:24-26
Nov. 2	Ezekiel 3:16-6:14	Hebrews 4:1-16	26:27
Nov. 3	Ezekiel 7:1-9:11	Hebrews 5:1-14	26:28