King David, Act 1: Bible Reading Plan, Week 17

Our reading this week begins with the coronation, the second anointing of David, this time as King of Israel, entrusted not only as the prince of God's people, but also (and foremost) as their shepherd (1 Chr 11:2). As the readings continue, we will alternate between the parallel accounts of 2nd Samuel and 1st Chronicles, interspersed with many of David's Psalms that sound instructional and exultant. We will read how David secured his kingdom militarily, returned the Ark to Jerusalem. We will also meet a new person, Nathan the prophet.

Davidic Genealogies: Bible Reading Plan, Week 16 (Selected Psalms, and 1 Chronicles 3-10)

Biblical genealogies are not everyone's favorite. I doubt many, if any, Christians have picked a verse from 1 Chronicles 1-9 to be their favorite verse of the Bible. A long list of names that are hard to pronounce do not make for a great Bible study either. Many readers often skip over 1 Chronicles 1-9...

A Tale of Two Kings Bible Reading Plan, Weeks 14-15 (1st/2nd Samuel, Selected Psalms, and 1 Chronicles 1-2)

Last week, the book of Judges ended with the words, "In those days there was no King in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). Our Bible reading plan for these two weeks introduces a change of governance for the nation of Israel and introduces two very different men, Saul and David, who will serve as the first kings.

“Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel!”: 2022 Bible Reading Plan, Week 13 (Judges 10 – 1 Samuel 8)

Our Bible reading plan this week begins halfway through the book of Judges and ends in the beginning of 1 Samuel. However, sandwiched in the middle we will read of the account of Ruth. At just four chapters, the book of Ruth is the shortest book we will have read through so far, but don't...

“And there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD…”: 2022 Bible Reading Plan, Week 13 (Joshua 16 – Judges 9)

Last week we read of the death of one of the greatest leaders in the nation of Israel, Moses. This week we will read of the death of Moses' successor, Joshua. Immediately after Joshua's death we find these words in Judges 2:10, "And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose...

“Joshua fit the battle of Jericho…”: 2022 Bible Reading Plan, Week 12 (Deuteronomy 28 – Joshua 15)

This week we will finish the last words of Moses in the book of Deuteronomy, which ends with his death and the passing of earthly leadership of the children of God to his disciple, Joshua. God then commands Joshua to do what he called on Israel to do 40 years earlier - go across the Jordan into the land God had promised to them.

“Hear, O Israel!”: 2022 Bible Reading Plan, Week 11 (Deuteronomy 5 – 27)

Deuteronomy is Moses' farewell speech to the people of Israel. Remember that due to Israel's unfaithfulness (Numbers 14), God caused them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years - promising that none of the generation that refused to enter the Promised Land (save the faithful men, Joshua and Caleb) would live to see its blessings. Moses' own unfaithfulness at Meribah (Numbers 20) barred him from entering as well. Now, after these four decades of wandering, God is about to lead the people into Canaan, and Moses is preparing to die.

“The other lamb you shall offer at twilight…”: 2022 Bible Reading Plan, Week 10 (Numbers 26 – Deuteronomy 4)

As we continue through the book of Numbers in our Bible Reading Plan this week, I want to highlight a passage that may seem insignificant, but it actually foreshadows Jesus Christ - the Lamb slain for the sins of the world: 1The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2“Command the people of Israel and say to them, ‘My...

“Teach us to number our days…”: 2022 Bible Reading Plan, Week 9 (Numbers 8-25; Psalm 90)

This week, we will read of acts of faithfulness and unfaithfulness. Moses' own brother and sister will challenge his authority and credibility. The people in general (and later many of the people's leaders) will rebel against him. Israel will lose and win battles. Moses will receive punishment for failing to trust in God. Aaron will die. The people will be disciplined with fiery serpents and Jesus' sacrifice will be foreshadowed. A soothsayer will be asked to curse Israel, but will bless the nation instead... and his donkey will talk.