the ruminations of aaron eberline

The promised blessing for the people of Israel if they seek out God wholeheartedly. “If  I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I sen pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:13,14  What is the hope here? When we turn back to God and seek Him out no matter where our sin has carried us we can find restoration.

The promised curse for the people of Israel if they turn away from God. “But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will uproot you from My land which I have given you, and this house which I have consecrated for My name I will cast out of My sight and will make it a proverb and a by word among all peoples.” 2 Chronicles 7:19,20  When the people of Israel forsook following God they were uprooted and taken away in exile. When you are given a warning about a consequence for your actions do you move in such a way to avoid the bad outcome? Read more

Dividing the inheritance of each tribe is continuing in Joshua chapters 17 and 18. It was easy for me to think that the division of land was a simple task that would be accomplished quickly and easily. I forgot that there were many thousands of people within each tribe that needed to move all their families, livestock, and belongings into the lands of their inheritance. That would be a major undertaking. What did people think then they moved to take their inheritance? As the tribes moved to the land they inherited was there a sense of loss as they left the camp around the Tabernacle? I would think that this time was bitter sweet because they were inheriting the promised land but everyone encamping around the Tabernacle was ending. Read more

The foundations of life for the Israel are being repeated by Moses to all the people. Why is it necessary to repeat what had been told and recorded previously? God knows the hearts of men and through mans every act of unfaithfulness and rebellions God proved Himself faithful to us. The reservoir of God’s faithfulness is infinite and His love for the people of Israel is being expressed as He reminds the people of how to live their life. Read more