the ruminations of aaron eberline

What is happening in Nehemiah 11 and 12? You are faced with many names again which may make you want to tune out the details of the text. What is happening in the story of Israel? “And they offered great sacrifices that and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with a great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.” Nehemiah 12:43 ESV Why are details given about the priests and Levites? Why was there such joy in Jerusalem? Why list the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel? Read more

I love how peoples hearts are filled with joy and thankfulness after an encounter with God. In 1 Chronicles 29 the offerings to be used towards the building of the Temple are collected. How often does a leader request something from the people they lead but they count themselves above following their own recommendation? When David tells the people about collections of materials for the Temple, he is first of all giving abundantly towards the Temple.

“Moreover, in my delight in the house of my God, the treasure I have of gold and silver, I give to the house of my God, over and above all that I have already provided for the holy temple, namely, 3000 talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 7000 talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the buildings; of gold for the things of gold and of silver for the things of silver, that is, for all the work done by the craftsmen. Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the Lord?” 1 Chronicles 29:3-5 Read more

What words of wisdom would you impart to a troubled soul? What charge do you give to people who are continually given over to straying from the commands of God? How do you encourage a people who you have represented before God? How do you sum up God’s desires for a people who are no longer going to be shepherded by you? This is the story seen in Deuteronomy chapters 3 and 4. Moses is forbidden by God to enter the promised land and he now gives last words of advice. Read more