Week of December 20 Readings

Merry Christmas!

Here are our readings for the upcoming week:

Dec 20: 1Sam 7-9; Luke 9:18-36
Dec 21: 1Sam 10-12; Luke 9:37-62
Dec 22: 1Sam 13-14; Luke 10:1-24
Dec 23: 1Sam 15-16; Luke 10:25-42
Dec 24: 1Sam 17-18; Luke 11:1-28
Dec 25: 1Sam 19-21; Luke 11:29-54
Dec 26: 1Sam 22-24; Luke 12:1-31

We are in 1 Samuel and the Gospel of Luke.

Some comments about 1 Samuel. The book is set geographically in the territory of Canaan or Israel. Occasionally the action moves into coastal Philistia or east of the Jordan River. Chronologically, the book covers the last years of Israel's tribal confederacy and the reigns of Israel's first and second kings -- Saul [1020-1000 BC] and David [1000-961 BC].

1 Samuel adheres to what is known as the Deuteronomic History. Namely, if the nation is faithful to God, it will prosper. If the nation is unfaithful to God, the nation will suffer military defeats. If the nation does not repent of its unfaithfulness, it will cease to exist. 1 Samuel shares this understanding of history with the other books of the Former Prophets -- Joshua, Judges, 2 Samuel, and Kings.

Biblical scholar Carol Grizzard notes that 1 Samuel has two interlocking themes. One, the importance of good government. Two, the complexity of relationships -- between people and God and among people.

Happy reading.