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Discussions Torah

Numbers 15-17: Tzitzitot a sign against rebellion; rebellions of ‘stick man,’ Korah and Reubenites

This section could be titled, “The Three Stories of Rebellion”: of a man collecting firewood on Shabbat, of Korah, of two families of the tribe of Reuben. God dealt with each rebellion in a different way. All imprinted in the minds of the people over and again God was the one in charge, and it was God’s prerogative to choose Moses and Aaron.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

2nd Samuel 15: Absolom names himself king of Israel

Absolom’s political life begins after he retuned to Israel after his exile. He quickly gains the favor of many and he usurps David’s throne for a time. He stole the hearts of the people by claiming he just wanted to be a judge of Israel as Samuel and his predecessors had been judge. However, it is in Absolom’s heart to become king all along by crowning himself in Hebron, the city where David had become king. David leaves behind 15 people including five spies and 10 concubines.

Categories
Discussions Prophets and Writings

1st Samuel 15 — Saul disobeys the LORD’s command to annihilate Amalek

Saul is given another test by the LORD but Saul doesn’t know it was his final test. Saul’s acquiescence to peer pressure became his downfall and Samuel tells Saul that the kingdom will be given to another.

Categories
Discussions Prophets and Writings

1st Samuel 12 — Samuel’s ‘farewell’

1st Samuel 12 records a sad and foreboding “farewell” for one of ancient Israel’s most influential prophets and judges. The leaders tell Shmuel (Samuel) to retire, because they want a powerful ruler like the other nations.

This treatment is similar to the rebellion centuries earlier against Moses (Numbers 16–18) and centuries later against Yeshua the Mashiakh (Jesus the Christ).