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2017, August 27 ~ Exodus 1:8-2:10; Isaiah 51:1-6; & Romans 12:1-8

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Exodus 1:8-2:10

The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible, and covers the period from the slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh (around 1250 BCE, if the account is historical), the Exodus itself, and the early months in the Wilderness.

Today’s reading is the familiar story of the rescue of Moses by Pharaoh’s daughter from the reeds in the Nile River. The same story was told of Sargon of Akkad (2300 BCE) and likely was the model for the Moses story. In Hebrew, the word for “ark” in the Noah story is the same word used for “basket” (v.2:3) in the Moses story. (Just as Noah’s ark rescued humankind, Moses liberated the Israelites from Pharaoh.) Moses’ priestly role is emphasized by stating that both his father and mother were Levites (v. 2:1). Moses’ sister (v. 2:4 and 7) will later be identified as Miriam (15:20).

Isaiah 51:1-6

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were written by “Isaiah of Jerusalem” in the 20 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading is a powerful affirmation that the promise to Abraham (v.2) will be kept by YHWH, and Israel will be a teacher to the peoples (v.5). The word for “peoples” is sometimes translated as “nations” or “pagans” or “Gentiles” depending on the context.

Romans 12:1-8

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter, written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written. One of Paul’s goals was to reduce tensions and eliminate distinctions between the Jewish Jesus Followers in Rome and Gentile Jesus Followers there.

Today’s reading builds on the theology expressed in earlier chapters, and emphasizes that all members of the Jesus Follower Community in Rome are “brothers and sisters” (v.1). They should not be “conformed to this world” (v.2), which is another way Paul speaks of being “subject to the flesh” – having earthly values. Paul urges the Jewish and Gentile Jesus Followers to be humble (v.3). They are one body in Christ (v.5) with many members with separate roles to play (vv.6-8).

2017, August 20 ~ Genesis 45:1-15; Isaiah 56:1,6-8; & Romans 11:1-2a,29-32

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Genesis 45:1-15

Today’s reading continues the story of Joseph. After being sold into slavery, he was sold to Potiphar, an officer of the Pharaoh who put him in charge of his house. Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph, then falsely accused him and had him imprisoned. When in prison, Joseph (with YHWH’s help) interpreted dreams for the Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. Later, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and Pharaoh placed Joseph in charge of the nation. Joseph’s interpretation of the dreams was accurate and Egypt prepared for (and survived) a famine.

The famine also hit Israel, and Jacob sent his 10 oldest sons to Egypt where they bought grain. Joseph did not identify himself to them. When the grain ran out, and they went to Egypt again. After Joseph accused the brothers of stealing his silver cup, Judah agreed to be Joseph’s slave if Joseph would spare Jacob’s youngest and favorite son, Benjamin. Judah’s selflessness showed he was a true brother to Benjamin and his other brothers.

Hearing this affirmation of brotherhood, Joseph identified himself to his brothers in today’s emotional reading.

Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were written by “Isaiah of Jerusalem” in the 20 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading is part of Third Isaiah and is inclusive in tone. Speaking for YHWH, Isaiah affirms that foreigners who join themselves to YHWH and keep the sabbath will be joyful in YHWH’s house (v.7). The tension between the “exclusivists” (Ezra and Nehemiah) and the “inclusivist” books (Isaiah, Jonah and Ruth) continued into the First Century of the Common Era. Jesus of Nazareth is presented in the Gospels as an inclusivist.

Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter, written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written.

One of Paul’s goals in this letter was to reduce tensions and eliminate distinctions between the Jewish Jesus Followers in Rome and Gentile Jesus Followers there.

In today’s reading, Paul reaffirms that he is an “Israelite” (v.1) and warns against arrogance by Gentile Jesus Followers (v.32). Paul was a Jew all his life and the Temple was active all during Paul’s life. Paul died in 63 CE and the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE.

2016, September 11 ~ Exodus 32:7-14 & 1 Timothy 1:12-17

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Exodus 32: 7-14

Exodus, the second book of the Bible, covers the period from the slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh (around 1250 BCE, if the account is historical), the call(s) of Moses, Exodus itself, and the early months in the Wilderness.

At Mount Sinai (the holy mountain is “Horeb” in some other books), Moses received the Law from YHWH for 40 days and nights. (“Forty” is a euphemism in the Bible for “a long time.”) While Moses was away, the people under Aaron (Moses’ brother) became impatient and cast a calf made from gold earrings that Egyptian women (somewhat curiously) gave them when they left Egypt. Aaron also built an altar and proclaimed a festival to YHWH.

YHWH is presented today’s passage as having very human qualities. At first, the angry God disowns the Israelites, says Moses brought them out of Egypt, and determines to “consume them.” Moses responds that “they are your people” and the Egyptians will question YHWH’s power and motives if the Israelites were rescued by YHWH and then were killed. He reminds YHWH of the promises to the Patriarchs, and YHWH’s mind is changed about bringing disaster on the people.

1 Timothy 1:12-17

The Letters to Timothy and Titus are called “Pastoral Letters” because they concern the internal life, governance and behavior of the early Christian churches and their members. Most scholars agree they were written in the early Second Century in Paul’s name by some of his followers (Paul died in 62 CE). Writing a document in someone else’s name was a common practice in the First and Second Centuries. By then, the Jesus Follower Community had become more institutionalized and concerns about “heresy” had arisen.

In today’s reading, as a prelude to opposing false teachings, “Paul” asserts his authority by saying that his conversion occurred “because [Jesus] judged me faithful and appointed me to his service (v.12). He states that Jesus the Christ made him “an example to those who would come to believe in [Jesus] for eternal life” (v. 16).