#Saul great god grove

[a-small-tragedy]

just a poor little gay Soul and trans icon Sunny

[harp00ns]

SMOOTH SAUL!!

[formeandmyfics]

Where Did He Go?

JUGENEA FAN FICTION

1963

Author note: I re-watched a dinner scene from ‘Burton & Taylor’ and it was so very Jugenea that I decide to build a snippet around it. That scene is not mine, just edited to fit the Jugenea universe.*

“You’re going to be great, darling,” Judy said holding June Allyson’s face in her hands adoringly.

They two sat in opposite chairs on the CBS soundstage of The Judy Garland Show during the last rehearsal of episode 5, which would tape in front of a live audience the following day.

June’s husband, Dick Powell, had died earlier that year and it left her good friend deeply depressed. So, Judy invited her to perform on her show. It was the first time she had performed since his passing so it left June nervous on how she’d sound. Judy helped her friend with the melodies and showered her with nothing but love and reassurance. But, the hard work on the show and the energy she had been putting out to others left Judy drained. Not to mention, there was current tension at home with her husband.

Gene was the director of the show, their creative baby, as they called it, and at first everything was amazing. He understood her better than anyone, and he had experienced how she had been treated at MGM. She had been overworked, criticized, scrutinized, it goes on and on. Here, he was patient and understanding and open-minded. They were a ‘hell of a team’, even back to the old days when they acted opposite each other. Plus, Gene absolutely loved directing, especially in this medium. When she did her TV Specials, he was only a producer. Now, he was both and they could call all the shots.

But, a month and a half rolled by, and Judy noticed he would stay at work long after she had left. Most days he would come home and continue working for next week’s episode. She’d go to bed alone and wake up alone, as he’d already be out, or he’d be asleep in the adjoining bedroom. They didn��t go out on their usual date nights and any spare time they had was with the children. She knew this work was important, but she also noticed the two were becoming more like housemates than the lovers that they were.

This past week, however, Gene had started to act harder on the cast and crew. He was irritable, becoming too stern, and not as playful with screw ups as he had been previously. Judy knew Gene was a perfectionist, but she never thought he would treat her like some of his female costars in the movies he was with. Debbie Reynolds, for instance, whom he was very hard on because of her unskilled, ingénue stage.

June replied with relief, “Aw thank you, Judes; we’ll see how it goes tomorrow. That laryngitis really got me this time.”

“Nah, you sound like a bell. See you tomorrow, darling.”

“Bye, sweetheart.”

As the two walked off the stage, Judy looked over at her husband who stood in a group of men going over some things. When she caught his attention from across the way, she motioned to him if she was okay to leave. Gene nodded and shoo’d her away.

When Judy got to her dressing room, she noticed a note taped up on her mirror next to all the pictures of the children hanging there. Leaning in closer, she immediately recognized the handwriting and furrowed her brow as she ripped the paper off to read it.

I’ll be working a little late again tonight. Meet me for a late supper and a drink at Musso and Franks in our usual spot. I’ll be there around 9.

Love you sweetheart,

G

Judy smiled. That was her honey. Feeling better, she left the studio right away to go home and get ready.

Precisely at 9 p.m., Judy walked into the popular bistro on Sunset dressed in a sleek, black cocktail dress with her highest stiletto’s, something Gene thought was sexy ever since she started wearing spiked heels during her concert career. She had washed off her thick stage makeup and applied a more natural look but still had her black lashes and fire red lips, something her husband also loved and her short hair was pulled back to look like a French twist.

Tony, the restaurant’s main maître d, held up his hands graciously as she walked through the door.

The short, bald man’s thick Italian accent filled her ears and she smiled warmly, “Ahh, Mrs. Kelly,”

The two were acquainted since the 40’s, when she first started coming there with Vincente, as it was his favorite restaurant. Tony was a new employee and always addressed her by her husband’s last name. The restaurant was known for its discretion. As a popular celebrity spot, it was always private and respectful to its well-known diners.

“You haven’t been here for months, yes?” he asked taking her hand. “Afraid not. We have been busy with work.”

“New television show. I’ve seen it. Magnifico.”

Judy laughed gleefully, “Thank you, Tony. I appreciate that. Is my husband here?”

“Ah, no. But Mr. Kelly did call ahead. We have your favorite booth over here for you.”

“Thank you.”

He led her to a booth directly behind Charlie Chaplin’s booth, a booth named after the actor, one of the restaurants first celebrity diners.  

She had just ordered a glass of her favorite German wine, when Gene walked in. He was in one of his business suits, but not a dinner suit and his expression looked a little stressed as he walked up to her.

“Hi, doll,” he bent over and gave her a kiss on the cheek before sitting across from her.

“I got your note.”

“I knew you’d see it. Sorry I’m late.”

“You’re not.”

“Can I get you something to drink, sir?”

Gene turned to the waiter, “Scotch rocks, please.”

When the waiter walked away, Judy smiled at her husband in comfortable silence.

When he smiled back just the same she spoke up, “This is lovely. Very intimate.”

Gene noticed a couple across the way staring at them in awe and Judy noticed him staring back and she inquired, “What?”

“Bizarre. I mean, all these years and they’re still interested. You’d think they’d tire, but…”

He looked around again and seemed a little distant and Judy sighed, “Are you going to be like this all night? Just drifting off?”

“I was just thinking of the old times at Ciro’s. It’d mostly be all our friends and such but you’d have some tourists or newcomers come in and they’d sit there staring at all of us like they were watching a movie or something. Do you remember?”

“Sure do.”

“Do you ever think of those times at Ciro’s or The Coconut Grove?”

Judy blinked tenderly at the memories still very much alive for her, “Every day.”

The waiter set his drink down, “Here you are, Sir. Would you like to order?”

“Give us a few, thank you,” Gene took a sip of his drink and perched his lips together, “Did you hear about Saul and Patty?”

“No.”

“They’re getting divorced.”

Judy’s mouth opened a tad, “What? You’ve got to be joking.”

“Nope. They’re the last people I thought would get divorced.”

“Under what pretenses?”

“Not entirely sure. I know a while back he mentioned they were drifting apart.”

Judy raised her eyebrows as she looked down fiddling with her nail, “That’s a shame.”

“It’s funny isn’t it?”

“Hm?”

“What’s at the heart of a good relationship? I mean, love obviously, but that’s a catch-all, really. It’s the main area where all the other bits reside under. The question is: what’s the critical element of a fresh relationship, what keeps a couple together?”

“Err, passion for the heart and soul of one another.”

“Maybe.”

“Sex.”

“Hm. Important. Very.”

“Trust.”

“That’s probably it. I always feel I can trust you when it comes to our relationship.”

Judy smiled mischeviously,“Even before we married?”

“Our affair wasn’t about trust, we both know that. It was about perfect timing.”

“Really? That’s what you think bound us: timing? I always thought it was because of my legs.”

They both chuckled.

“Yes, well, they clearly had a role. They’re still magnificent by the way.”

Gene’s eyes shined as he took another sip of his cocktail and she almost blushed.

“So,” he said breaking the trance, “Are you ready to order or…”

“Darling, listen, listen, listen…” she cut him off gently, “I want to say some things. I’ve wanted to say them for a while. I almost did the other night but you seemed stressed…”

He immediately chimed in with a tired sigh, “I am stressed. I mean, we just got the show going and that damn CBS Aubrey is…”

Judy furrowed her brows a little taken back, “No, I’m not talking about the show, Gene. I’m talking about you and me and how our relationship has been since the show.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re overworking yourself and—“

“Judy, please,” he leaned forward on his elbows and lowered his voice, “Can I say something, now that’s it’s on my mind?” Judy nodded apprehensively and he continued, “There are a couple of things which have crept in over the beginning run of the show. They’re tiny things, but, the way you play to the audience, for instance, you seem too involved in knowing you’re on camera. I don’t mean knowing where to hit your mark, because you do that on point, but your confidence level. I think you should play it as if you are back on stage, you know at the Palace or Carnegie Hall…”

Judy stared at him appalled, “You’re giving me notes? I’m trying to talk to my husband, and instead my director is giving me acting notes?”

“No, I…”

Judy pushed her wine glass away from her not interested in the meal anymore, “Jesus, Gene. Why did you ask me out tonight?”

“What?”

“Why did you ask me out to supper tonight? Why did you do that?” she demanded.

“Because I wanted to have dinner with you and get a drink after a hard week at work.”

Judy giggled almost pathetically shaking her head.

“You’re my wife. It’s perfectly natural for me to want to get dinner with you, isn’t it?”

“I thought my husband was asking me out, not my director. I thought we were going on a date. I got all dressed up and was looking forward to spending time alone with you. You were just flirting with me and now you’re giving me god damn notes.”

Gene let out a heavy sigh and leaned back in his seat, “For Christ sakes, Judy. I was just making conversation.”

Judy leaned forward and lowered her voice pointing at him to prove a point, “When we worked together in the past, you never discussed our work when we went out for dinner. Why now?”

“I told you I’m stressed. It’s a lot of pressure on me to…”

She cut him off, “It’s a lot of pressure on me, too, but you don’t see me giving you notes on how to be a better director.”

Gene clenched his jaw, “I beg your pardon.”

Judy rephrased herself, “You’re a great director, but lately, you’ve started acting the way you promised me you wouldn’t act.”

“Such as?” he demanded back.

“You’ve been hard on me. You’re irritable and impatient with everyone.” He opened his mouth to speak but she put her hand up, “At home, we’re drifting apart. I thought you noticed and that’s why I assumed you asked me out for a date. We haven’t gone out, we don’t spend time alone at home, and we barely even sleep in the same bed for goodness sakes.”

Gene acted like he barely listened as he pound his finger on the table now making a point himself, “I want our show to be perfect.”

Seeing that he didn’t reply to anything she said of them, she hissed, “Fine, in which case, I’ll take that note. Where did my Harry Palmer go, remember?”

Gene looked at her incredibly at the mention of his first on-screen character from their first picture.

“Or Serafin or Joe Ross…the man who would’ve risked everything for me. Who did! He risked his marriage and his career; he tossed it all against the rocks so he could be with me. Where did he go, Gene?” Her voice rose as she stood up, “Tell me where my fucking husband went!”

With that, she threw her napkin down on the table and stormed out as diners stared their way.

The next afternoon, it was past 12 when Gene finally emerged from the spare bedroom. He made his way to the kitchen where Judy was still in a bathrobe and making tea. When he walked in, looking well rested, she turned to look at him as if to see who it was, then turned back to her tea.  

“You slept late,” she said surprised.

“I guess I needed it.”

“You did.”

Gene stared at the back of her a moment as if pondering something before he walked up to her. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and placed his hand on her back, “Hi honey.”

She gave him a side eye, but her expression was soft and she didn’t nudge him away. It was good enough for him so he pulled her closer to speak softly into her ear as she stirred honey into her cup.

“Listen, I…”

Suddenly the sounds of the children piling through the front door interrupted them. Then teenage Liza came through the kitchen door.

“Hi, Papa Gene!” Liza exclaimed as she embraced him.

“Hi, baby, when did you here?”

“Yesterday afternoon.”

“How was the park?” Judy inquired.

“Good. The kids behaved themselves.”

“Went to Holmby Park again, huh?”

“Yep. Guess, what, Mama said that she’s going to do a Christmas show and that all of us can perform on there with her.”

“Oh, I know, it was my idea.”

“Was not…” Judy mumbled.

“Was so,” he repeated just the same.

Liza sensed some tension, “Ah, I’m going to make sure the kids get cleaned up,” and she quickly skedaddled out of there.

“I’m the one who mentioned it to you,” she said matter-of-factly.

“I’m the one who set up the sketch.”

“But it was my idea, Gene.”

“Okay, it your idea sweetheart. It always is,” he said quite sarcastically.

“Don’t do that,” she sighed.

“Here is my idea. At the end of the show, I want you to sing Rainbow.”

Judy looked at him to protest but he quickly stopped her, “I know you don’t like doing it much on television, but I think if you do it with the children, it will be very special.”

She gently smiled, “I like that idea.”

“Good. You know, I did a lot of thinking last night about what you said…” he trailed off.

“And?” Judy took a sip of her tea.

“And, I have been quite a jerk haven’t I?”

“I wouldn’t say that, Gene. You’re not vindictive; you’re just being too hard on everyone all of a sudden. Including me.”

Gene hung his head and nodded, “I’m sorry. I know you’re under pressure, too, but I think for me that’s the reason why I’m suddenly short with everyone.”

“Maybe you should find ways to cope with that. Start swimming again. You always did that when you were stressed.”

“I think I will.”

“And what about us?”

“I miss you, too,” is all he said as he leaned over to give her a kiss, “Can I ask my wife out for dinner and dancing tonight after the show?”

“It’s tape night. Won’t you be too tired?”

“Darling, for you, it’s worth it.”

Judy smiled as he gave her another kiss.

[christian-perspectives]

Don't Settle For Less Than God's Best

With the prophet Samuel getting older, the elders of Israel realized they would need a new leader. Instead of depending on the Lord as their King, they were willing to settle for less. Look, they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have. 1 Samuel 8:5 When you go shopping what is the determining factor as to whether you purchase an item or not? I have to admit, for me, it’s usually the price. I will often settle for less only because I don’t want to spend more on the product. Even though the others may be better brands. My mother once told me I was so cheap the buffalo squeals when I squeeze a nickel. I hate to admit it but I guess I have to agree with mom. Settling for less is fine when it comes to buying products. But we must never settle for less when it comes to our spiritual well-being. That, however, was the very thing happening in Israel. They had the very best when it came to a king. But they wanted to settle for something less and far more inferior. They liked the leadership of Samuel, but they realized that he wouldn’t live forever. And his sons weren’t even a consideration to follow in his steps. Joel and Abijah, his oldest sons, held court in Beersheba. But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice. 1 Samuel 8:2-3

Samuel Did Not like What They Were Willing to Settle with

Verse 6 tells us that Samuel was displeased with their request so he went to the Lord for guidance. The Lord replied with this answer. “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for they are rejecting me, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer.   1 Samuel 8:7 God went on to say that Samuel should do as they asked. But He also told him to sternly warn them about the way a king would reign over them. So Samuel passed on the Lord’s warning to the people who were asking him for a king. “This is how a king will reign over you,” 1 Samuel 8:10-11 Samuel laid out God’s warning in great detail - “The king will draft your sons and assign them to his chariots and his charioteers, making them run before his chariots. - Some will be generals and captains in his army, some will be forced to plow in his fields and harvest his crops, and some will make his weapons and chariot equipment. - The king will take your daughters from you and force them to cook and bake and make perfumes for him. - He will take away the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his own officials. - The king will take a tenth of your grain and your grape harvest and distribute it among his officers and attendants. - He will take your male and female slaves and demand the finest of your cattle and donkeys for his own use. - He will demand a tenth of your flocks, and you will be his slaves. - When that day comes, you will beg for relief from this king you are demanding, but then the Lord will not help you.” 1 Samuel 8:11-18 History Confirmed God's Warnings

These warnings given by Samuel proved extremely accurate. And having access to the history of the kings of Israel we have “the rest of the story.” Saul served as the first of the 44 Kings who reigned over God’s people, Israel.  31 of them did evil in the sight of the Lord. 4 others did good and evil before God. Which left only 9 who were labeled as good kings in the sight of God. So Samuel warned the people like God instructed him to. Verses 19 and 20 recorded for us their response. But the people refused to listen to Samuel’s warning. “Even so, we still want a king,” they said. “We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle.” 1 Samuel 8:19-20 And so the Lord told Samuel to give them what they wanted. With that in mind, let’s consider how this account in the Old Testament can relate to us.

Don't Settle for Less when it Comes to Spiritual Things

If we are set on doing things our way while living on this earth, God will usually allow it. With that said, however, the Lord always wants us to live in the center of His will. He knows though, that there are times that we are willing to settle for less. But when it comes to getting into heaven only one option is available. Many people want to go to heaven, yet they want to get there on their own terms. Many believe the lie that says all roads lead to heaven. The Bible though plainly states that Jesus is preparing a place for us. And He is the only way to the Father. So, when it comes to eternity, don’t try to settle for anything less than God’s best. Because if you do you will suffer forever in torment away from the presence of God. Lord, help me to never settle for anything less than relying on you for the best you have for me. Check out this related post from 1 Samuel called How To Overcome Sinful Desires Against God. Read all of 1 Samuel 8. Read the full article

[holyfaithbiblechurch]

What does the Bible say about reincarnation?

The whole thrust of the Bible opposes reincarnation. It shows that man is the special creation of God, created in God’s image with both a material body and an immaterial soul and spirit. He is presented as distinct and unique from all other creatures—angels and the animal kingdom alike. The Bible teaches that at death, while man’s body is mortal, decays and returns to dust, his soul and spirit continue on either in a place of torments for those who reject Christ or in paradise (heaven) in God’s presence for those who have trusted in the Savior. Both categories of people will be resurrected, one to eternal judgment and the other to eternal life with a glorified body (John 5:25-29). The emphatic statement of the Bible, as will be pointed out below, is that “it is appointed unto men once to die and after that the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). This statement and the concept that mankind’s creation in God’s image is unique from the animals and even angels stand totally opposed to the idea of reincarnation—dying and coming back as another person or in the form of an animal or insect. The claim of some that they have information of past history is nothing more than some kind of encounter with demonic powers who have been present throughout history.

Below is information from A Handbook of Christian Apologetics by Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli. (InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove).

Six Basic Theories

The human race has come up with six basic theories about what happens to us when we die.

1. Materialism: Nothing survives. Death ends all of me. Seldom held before the eighteenth century, materialism is now a strong minority view in industrialized nations. It is the natural accompaniment of atheism.

2. Paganism: A vague, shadowy semiself or ghost survives and goes to the place of the dead, the dark, gloomy Underworld. This is the standard pagan belief. Traces of it can be found even in the Old Testament Jewish notion of sheol. The “ghost” that survives is less alive, less substantial, less real than the flesh and blood organism now living. It is something like a “ghost image” on a TV set: a pale copy of the lost original.

3. Reincarnation: The individual soul survives and is reincarnated into another body. Reincarnation is usually connected with the next belief, pantheism, by the notion of karma: that after the soul has fulfilled its destiny, and learned its lessons and become sufficiently enlightened, it reverts to a divine status or is absorbed into (or realizes its timeless identity with) the divine All.

4. Pantheism: Death changes nothing, for what survives death is the same as what was real before death: only the one, changeless, eternal, perfect, spiritual, divine, all-inclusive Reality, sometimes called by a name (“Brahman”) and sometimes not (as in Buddhism). In this view—that of Eastern mysticism—all separateness, including time, is an illusion. Therefore, in this view, the very question of what happens after death is mistaken. The question is not solved but dissolved.

5. Immortality: The individual soul survives death, but not the body. This soul eventually reaches its eternal destiny of heaven or hell, perhaps through intermediate stages, perhaps through reincarnation. But what survives is an individual, bodiless spirit. This is Platonism, often confused with Christianity.

6. Resurrection: At death, the soul separates from the body and is reunited at the end of the world to its new, immortal, resurrected body by a divine miracle. This is the Christian view. This view, the supernatural resurrection of the body rather than the natural immortality of the soul alone, is the only version of life after death in Scripture. It is dimly prophesied and hoped for in the Old Testament, but clearly revealed in the New.

For both (5) and (6), the individual soul survives bodily death. That is the issue we shall argue here. We do not take the time to argue against paganism (2) or reincarnation (3) or pantheism (4) here, but only against modern materialism (1), since that is the source of most of the philosophical arguments against immortality in our culture.

Ten Refutations of Reincarnation

Christianity rejects reincarnation for ten reasons.

1. It is contradicted by Scripture (Heb 9:27).

2. It is contradicted by orthodox tradition in all churches.

3. It would reduce the Incarnation (referring to Christ’s incarnation) to a mere appearance, the crucifixion to an accident, and Christ to one among many philosophers or avatars. It would also confuse what Christ did with what creatures do: incarnation with reincarnation.

4. It implies that God made a mistake in designing our souls to live in bodies, that we are really pure spirits in prison or angels in costume.

5. It is contradicted by psychology and common sense, for its view of souls as imprisoned in alien bodies denies the natural psychosomatic unity.

6. It entails a very low view of the body, as a prison, a punishment.

7. It usually blames sin on the body and the body’s power to confuse and darken the mind. This is passing the buck from soul to body, as well as from will to mind, and a confusion of sin with ignorance.

8. The idea that we are reincarnated in order to learn lessons we failed to learn in a past earthly life is contrary to both common sense and basic educational psychology. I cannot learn something if there is no continuity of memory. I can learn from my mistakes only if I remember them. People do not usually remember these past “reincarnations.”

9. The supposed evidence for reincarnation, rememberings from past lives that come out under hypnosis or “past life regression” can be explained—if they truly occur at all—as mental telepathy from other living beings, from the souls of dead humans in purgatory or hell, or from demons. The real possibility of the latter should make us extremely skittish about opening our souls to “past life regressions.”

Please Note: While I would agree with the demonic aspect, I do not agree with the idea of purgatory nor can I agree with the idea of the souls of dead humans communicating with living people. The dead are confined, according to Scripture, and cannot reveal themselves. This is suggested in the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 and by the extreme surprise of the witch of Endor when she saw Samuel who was dead (see 1 Sam. 28:8f). She claimed to be a medium or one who contacts the dead, but when Saul requested that she contact Samuel and when God brought him forth, it startled her and brought great fear. This appeared to be her first experience with the real thing, i.e., with seeing the dead because this is normally not possible. When people do experience such experiences or contact, what they are seeing or experiencing is better identified as demonic.

10. Reincarnation cannot account for itself. Why are our souls imprisoned in bodies? Is it the just punishment for evils we committed in past reincarnations? But why were those past reincarnations necessary? For the same reason. But the beginning of the process that justly imprisoned our souls in bodies in the first place—this must have antedated the series of bodies. How could we have committed evil in the state of perfect, pure, heavenly spirituality? Further, if we sinned in that paradise, it is not paradisical after all. Yet that is the state that reincarnation is supposed to lead us back to after all our embodied yearnings are over.

If the answer is given that our bodies are not penalties for sin but illusions of individuality, the pantheistic One becoming many in human consciousness, no reason can possibly be given for this. Indeed, Hinduism calls it simply lila, divine play. What a stupid game for God to play! If Oneness is perfection, why would perfection play the game of imperfection? All the world’s sins and sufferings are reduced to a meaningless, inexplicable game.

And if evil is itself only illusory (the answer given by many mystics) then the existence of this illusion is itself a real and not just illusory evil. Augustine makes this telling point.

Where then is evil, and what is its source, and how has it crept into the creation? What is its root, what is its seed? Can it be that it is wholly without being? But why should we fear and be on guard against what is not? Or if our fear of it is groundless, then our very fear is itself an evil thing. For by it the heart is driven and tormented for no cause; and that evil is all the worse, if there is nothing to fear yet we do fear. Thus either there is evil which we fear, or the fact that we fear is evil. (Confessions, VII, 5)

(See also Justin Martyr, Dialog with Trypho [ca. a.d. 180], and Albrecht, Reincarnation, for extended Christian critiques of this idea.)

The following information is from The Bible Has the Answer by Henry M. Morris and Martin E. Clark (Master’s Books, El Cajon).

The first, most glaring dissimilarity between reincarnation and Biblical doctrine occurs in the idea of a recurring cycle of existence. Does each person live many times in the same or different form? The Bible says, “It is appointed for men once to die, and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The Scripture pictures death as a separation of the soul from the world, Christ Himself describing death as God requiring man’s soul (Luke 12:20). When a saint of God dies, rather than merely being promoted to a higher status for another lifetime, he enters his eternal estate, secured for him by God’s grace. The divinely inspired apostle exclaimed, “We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Christ’s record of the rich man and Lazarus shows that both the saved and the unsaved enter their respective rewards following death (Luke 16:19-31).

So then, one’s life is not followed by an indefinite number of succeeding lifetimes. This vital difference established, more tangible differences emerge.

Classical ideas of reincarnation know nothing of a personal God who enters holy relationships with His creatures. In fact, ultimate reality is usually conceived as a cognitive process within man himself, rather than as a personal God.

Further, reincarnation schemes make men’s spiritual advancement contingent upon his mortal efforts, attempting to make merit outweigh demerit. Christianity shows, however, that salvation cannot be earned by sinful man, but rather, it is merited by Jesus Christ’s substitutionary death and resurrection for all who believe. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Also, many theories of reincarnation hold that man’s spiritual, physical, and moral conditions are determined by a former life and therefore not under his control. Physically, this has led to a passive, pessimistic acceptance of untold misery that was actually unnecessary. Spiritually, it is even more devastating. The Bible reveals that no one is bound in his sins against his will, and though born under Adam’s curse, “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Through God’s forgiving grace, “though your sins be as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool” (Isaiah 1:18). Consequently, the Christian does not worry about his merit outweighing his demerit, for his sins have been forgiven, God having promised, “I will remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12).

Finally, some people attempt to equate reincarnation with the Christian doctrine of resurrection, but in doing so, violate the meanings of both reincarnation and resurrection. Reincarnation advances a future life on earth, bound by similar constraints and physical laws, while the resurrection speaks of that time when earthly bodies with all their accoutrements will be transformed and fitted for their eternal estate (John 5:29). Reincarnation holds that matter is essentially evil, while resurrection demonstrates that there is no moral dualism between matter and spirit. Reincarnation posits a future life in a different body (or even a different order of physical life), while resurrection promises that one’s own body will take on a new, incorruptible, glorified form. Describing the resurrection, Paul stated, “It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body . . . it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:42, 44).

[dailychapel]

Lord, when my heart is overwhelmed, overwhelm me with Your peace. Lead me to You, my rock. Guide me to Your Word which gives me strength and refuge. Help me not to run to lesser things. Draw me to run to You first. Help me get into the habit of taking my “overwhelmed” and placing it under your will. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

[Psa 40:1-6 NLT] 1 For the choir director: A psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. 3 He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. 4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. 5 O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. 6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand--you don't require burnt offerings or sin offerings.

[1Sa 15:24-35 NLT] 24 Then Saul admitted to Samuel, "Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the LORD's command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded. 25 But now, please forgive my sin and come back with me so that I may worship the LORD." 26 But Samuel replied, "I will not go back with you! Since you have rejected the LORD's command, he has rejected you as king of Israel." 27 As Samuel turned to go, Saul tried to hold him back and tore the hem of his robe. 28 And Samuel said to him, "The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to someone else--one who is better than you. 29 And he who is the Glory of Israel will not lie, nor will he change his mind, for he is not human that he should change his mind!" 30 Then Saul pleaded again, "I know I have sinned. But please, at least honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel by coming back with me so that I may worship the LORD your God." 31 So Samuel finally agreed and went back with him, and Saul worshiped the LORD. 32 Then Samuel said, "Bring King Agag to me." Agag arrived full of hope, for he thought, "Surely the worst is over, and I have been spared!" 33 But Samuel said, "As your sword has killed the sons of many mothers, now your mother will be childless." And Samuel cut Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal. 34 Then Samuel went home to Ramah, and Saul returned to his house at Gibeah of Saul. 35 Samuel never went to meet with Saul again, but he mourned constantly for him. And the LORD was sorry he had ever made Saul king of Israel.

[Mat 26:36-46 NLT] 36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, "Sit here while I go over there to pray." 37 He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." 39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." 40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Couldn't you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" 42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, "My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done." 43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn't keep their eyes open. 44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said, "Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look--the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Up, let's be going. Look, my betrayer is here!"

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Heb. 13:20-21)

[winter-gale]

Astarte

Astarte is the name of a goddess as known from Northwestern Semitic regions, cognate in name, origin and functions with the goddess Ishtar in Mesopotamian texts. Another transliteration is 'Ashtart; other names for the goddess. According to scholar Mark S. Smith, Astarte may be the Iron Age (after 1200 BC) incarnation of the Bronze Age (to 1200 BC) Asherah. Astarte was connected with fertility, sexuality, and war. Her symbols were the lion, the horse, the sphinx, the dove, and a star within a circle indicating the planet Venus. Pictorial representations often show her naked. Astarte first appears in Ancient Egypt beginning in the Eighteenth dynasty of Egypt along with other deities who were worshipped by northwest Semitic people. She was worshipped especially in her aspect of a warrior goddess, often paired with the goddess Anat. In the Contest Between Horus and Set, these two goddesses appear as daughters of Re and are given in marriage to the god Set, here identified with the Semitic name Hadad. Astarte also was identified with the lioness warrior goddess Sekhmet, but seemingly more often conflated, at least in part, with Isis to judge from the many images found of Astarte suckling a small child. Indeed there is a statue of the 6th century BC in the Cairo Museum, which normally would be taken as portraying Isis with her child Horus on her knee and which in every detail of iconography follows normal Egyptian conventions, but the dedicatory inscription reads: "Gersaphon, son of Azor, son of Slrt, man of Lydda, for his Lady, for Astarte." Plutarch, in his On Isis and Osiris, indicates that the King and Queen of Byblos, who, unknowingly, have the body of Osiris in a pillar in their hall, are Melcarthus and Astarte (though he notes some instead call the Queen Saosis or Nemanus, which Plutarch interprets as corresponding to the Greek name Athenais). Astarte was accepted by the Greeks under the name of Aphrodite. The island of Cyprus, one of Astarte's greatest faith centers, supplied the name Cypris as Aphrodite's most common byname. Other major centers of Astarte's worship were Sidon, Tyre, and Byblos. Coins from Sidon portray a chariot in which a globe appears, presumably a stone representing Astarte. In Sidon, she shared a temple with Eshmun. At Beirut coins show Poseidon, Astarte, and Eshmun worshipped together. Other faith centers were Cytherea, Malta, and Eryx in Sicily from which she became known to the Romans as Venus Erycina. A bilingual inscription on the Pyrgi Tablets dating to about 500 BC found near Caere in Etruria equates Astarte with Etruscan Uni-Astre that is, Juno. At Carthage Astarte was worshipped alongside the goddess Tanit. Donald Harden in The Phoenicians discusses a statuette of Astarte from Tutugi (Galera) near Granada in Spain dating to the 6th or 7th century BC in which Astarte sits on a throne flanked by sphinxes holding a bowl beneath her breasts which are pierced. A hollow in the statue would have been filled with milk through the head and gentle heating would have melted wax plugging the holes in her breasts, producing an apparent miracle when the milk emerged. The Syrian goddess Atargatis (Semitic form 'Atar'atah) was generally equated with Astarte and the first element of the name appears to be related to the name Astarte. Astarte appears in Ugaritic texts under the name 'Athtart', but is little mentioned in those texts. 'Athtart and 'Anat together hold back Ba'al from attacking the other deities. Astarte also asks Ba'al to "scatter" Yamm "Sea" after Ba'al's victory. 'Athtart is called the "Face of Ba'al". Astarte described by Sanchuniathon In the description of the Phoenician pantheon ascribed to Sanchuniathon Astarte appears as a daughter of Sky and Earth and sister of the God El. After El overthrows and banishes his father Sky, as some kind of trick Sky sends to El his "virgin daughter" Astarte along with her sisters Asherah and the goddess who will later be called Ba'alat Gebal, "the Lady of Byblos". It seems that this trick does not work as all three become wives of their brother El. Astarte bears to El children who appear under Greek names as seven daughters called the Titanides or Artemides and two sons named Pothos "Longing" and Eros "Desire". Later we see, with El's consent, Astarte and Hadad reigning over the land together. Astarte, puts the head of a bull on her own head to symbolize Her sovereignty. Wandering through the world Astarte takes up a star that has fallen from the sky (meteorite) and consecrates it at Tyre. Astarte in Judea The Masoretic pointing in the Hebrew Tanach (bible) indicate the pronunciation as Astoret instead of the expected Asteret, probably because the two last syllables have here been pointed with the vowels belonging to boshet "abomination" to indicate that word should be substituted when reading. The plural form is pointed Astoret. For what seems to be the use of the Hebrew plural form Astoret as the name of a demon, see also Astaroth. Astarte, or Ashtoret in Hebrew, was the principal goddess of the Phoenicians, representing the productive power of nature. She was a lunar goddess and was adopted by the Egyptians as a daughter of Ra or Ptah. In Jewish mythology, She is referred to as Ashtoreth, supposedly interpreted as a female demon of lust in Hebrew monotheism. The name Asherah may also be confused with Ashtoreth, but is probably a different goddess. Astarte means "she of the womb" in Canaanite and Hebrew. When the Hebrews turned from goddess-worship to a religion centered on the male Yahweh (or Jehovah), her name Athtarath was deliberately mis-rendered as Ashtoreth ("shameful thing") and confused with Asherah (see Monaghan). Depicted variously as a death-dealing virgin warrior, a life-giving mother, and a wanton of unbridled sexuality, her emblems were the moon and the morning and evening stars (the planet Venus). Astarte was a warrior goddess of Canaan and Syria who is a Western Semitic counterpart of the Akkadian Ishtar worshipped in Mesopotamia. In the Egyptian pantheon to which she was officially admitted during the 18th Dynasty, her prime association is with horses and chariots. On the stela set up near the sphinx by Amenhotep II celebrating his prowess, Astarte is described as delighting in the impressive equestrian skill of the monarch when he was still only crown prince. In her iconography her aggression can be seen in the bull horns she sometimes wears as a symbol of domination. Similarly, in her Levantine homelands, Astarte is a battlefield goddess. For example, when the Peleset (Philistines) killed Saul and his three sons on Mount Gilboa, they deposited the enemy armor as spoils in the temple of "Ashtoreth". Like Anat, she is the daughter of Re and the wife of the god Seth, but also has a relationship with the god of the sea. From the fragmentary papyrus giving the legend of Astarte and the sea we learn that Yamm, the sea god, demanded tribute from the gods, particularly Renenutet. Her place is then taken by Astarte called, in this aspect, "daughter of Ptah". The story is lost from that point on but one assumes this liaison resulted in the goddess tempering the arrogance of Yamm. It should also be noted that outside of Egypt, as well as being a warlike goddess, Astarte seems to have had sexual and motherhood attributes and is sometimes identified with Isis. Asherah, Athirat ("Lady Asherah of the Sea", "she who gives birth", "wet-nurse of the gods") (Canaanite and Hebrew). Her name seems to come from a root meaning "straight," perhaps signifying both moral rectitude and the upright trees or pieces of wood in which her essence was believed to dwell. In homes, she was represented by a simple, woman-shaped clay figurine with, instead of legs, a tapered base which was inserted in the floor of the home. She was also depicted as a naked, curly-haired goddess standing on her sacred lion and holding lilies and serpents in upraised hands. According to one source, she was "the force of life, experienced as benevolent and enduring, found in flocks of cattle and groves of trees, evoked in childbirth and in planting time." She was also called Elat ("Goddess"). Her dying-god consort may have been Yahweh. After the shift among the Hebrews to the worship of the male Yahweh, a centuries-long campaign to stamp out her worship began, in which she was deliberately confused with the more wantonly sexual Astarte. A later, Babylonian form of the Sumerian Inanna, but also identified with Asherah and Astarte. Like Inanna, she loved a dying and reborn vegetation god (Tammuz), whom she descended into the underworld in rescue of after his death. There, she supplicates herself before the queen of the Underworld, Erishkegal (no doubt, the death form of herself). Her emblems were the moon and the morning and evening stars (the planet Venus). Ishtar ("light-giving queen of heaven") (Babylon) Ishtar, also known as Htar (or Inanna in Sumerian mythology), the name of the chief goddess of Babylonia and Assyria, the counterpart of the Phoenician Astarte. The meaning of the name is not known, though it is possible that the underlying stem is the same as that of Assur, which would thus make her the "leading one" or "chief." At all events it is now generally recognized that the name is Semitic in its origin. Where the name originated is likewise uncertain, but the indications point to Erech where we find the worship of a great mother goddess independent of any association with a male counterpart flourishing in the oldest period of Babylonian history. She appears under various names, among which are Nana, Innanna, Nina and Anunit. As early as the days of Khammurabi we find these various names which represented originally different goddesses, though all manifest as the chief trait the life-giving power united in Ishtar. Even when the older names are employed it is always the great mother-goddess who is meant. Ishtar is the one goddess in the pantheon who retains her independent position despite and throughout all changes that the Babylonian-Assyrian religion undergoes. Even when Ishtar is viewed as the consort of some chief - of Marduk occasionally in the south, of Assur more frequently in the north - the consciousness that she has a personality of her own apart from this association is never lost sight of. With Adbeel may be identified Idibi'il (-ba'il) a tribe, employed by Tiglath-Pileser IV. ('l33 B.c.) to watch the frontier of Musri (Sinaitic peninsula or Northern Arabia). This is suggested by the fact that Ashurbanipal (7th century) mentions as the name of their deity Atar-Samain (i.e. "Ishtar of the heavens"). We may reasonably assume that the analogy drawn from the process of reproduction among men and animals led to the conception of a female deity presiding over the life of the universe. The extension of the scope of this goddess to life in general - to the growth of plants and trees from the fructifying seed - was a natural outcome of a fundamental idea; and so, whether we turn to incantations or hymns, in myths and in epics, in votive inscriptions and in historical annals, Ishtar is celebrated and invoked as the great mother, as the mistress of lands, as clothed in splendor and power - one might almost say as the personification of life itself. But there are two aspects to this goddess of life. She brings forth, she fertilizes the fields, she clothes nature in joy and gladness, but she also withdraws her favors and when she does so the fields wither, and men and animals cease to reproduce. In place of life, barrenness and death ensue. She is thus also a grim goddess, at once cruel and destructive. We can, therefore, understand that she was also invoked as a goddess of war and battles and of the chase; and more particularly among the warlike Assyrians she assumes this aspect. Before the battle she appears to the army, clad in battle array and armed with bow and arrow. In myths symbolizing the change of seasons she is portrayed in this double character, as the life-giving and the life-depriving power. The most noteworthy of these myths describes her as passing through seven gates into the nether world. At each gate some of her clothing and her ornaments are removed until at the last gate she is entirely naked. While she remains in the nether world as a prisoner - whether voluntary or involuntary it is hard to say - all fertility ceases on Earth, but the time comes when she again returns to Earth, and as she passes each gate the watchman restores to her what she had left there until she is again clad in her full splendor, to the joy of mankind and of all nature. Closely allied with this myth and personifying another view of the change of seasons is the story of Ishtar's love for her son and consort Tammuz - symbolizing the spring time - but as midsummer approaches her husband is slain and, according to one version, it is for the purpose of saving Tammuz from the clutches of the goddess of the nether world that she enters upon her journey to that region. In all the great centres Ishtar had her temples, bearing such names as E-anna, "heavenly house," in Erech; E-makh, "great house," in Babylon; E-mash-mash, "house of offerings," in Nineveh. Of the details of her cult we as yet know little, but there is no evidence that there were obscene rites connected with it, though there may have been certain mysteries introduced at certain centres which might easily impress the uninitiated as having obscene aspects. She was served by priestesses as well as by priests, and it would appear that the votaries of Ishtar were in all cases virgins who, as long as they remained in the service of Ishtar, were not permitted to marry. In the astral-theological system, Ishtar becomes the planet Venus, and the double aspect of the goddess is made to correspond to the strikingly different phases of Venus in the summer and winter seasons. On monuments and seal-cylinders she appears frequently with how and arrow, though also simply clad in long robes with a crown on her head and an eight-rayed star as her symbol. Statuettes have been found in large numbers representing her as naked with her arms folded across her breast or holding a child. The art thus reflects the popular conceptions formed of the goddess. Together with Sin, the Moon god, and Shamash, the Sun god, she is the third figure in a triad personifying the three great forces of nature - Moon, Sun and Earth, as the life-force. The doctrine involved illustrate, the tendency of the Babylonian priests to centralize the manifestations of divine power in the universe, just as the triad Anu, Bel and ha - the heavens, the earth and the watery deep - form another illustration of this same tendency. Naturally, as a member of a triad, Ishtar is dissociated from any local limitations, and similarly as the planet Venus - a conception which is essentially a product of theological speculation - no though of any particular locality for her cult is present. It is because the cult, like that of Sin and Shamash, is spread over al Babylonia and Assyria, that she becomes available for purposes of theological speculation. source: http://www.crystalinks.com/astarte.html Offerings: honey, beer, wine, incense source: http://www.spiralgoddess.com/Astarte.html

[hymnrevival]

WARFARE PRAYER FOR THE PRESIDENT

HOW TO PRAY AGAINST WITCHCRAFT

In the name, authority and power of the LORD Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we agree with and send this prayer throughout the earth and the heavens to stand together against this mass witchcraft attack directed over the next few days against President Trump, his family and friends, his advisors and his cabinet, and us, whether the effects are intended to be immediate or delayed. We are seated in the heavens with God, are saved by Jesus Christ, and have the Holy Ghost indwelling us. We have power and the victory against satan and his minions, agents, allies, and servants because of the victory of the cross of Jesus Christ. It is finished. They are defeated. We are victors. We come in His power, not ours.

We cover ourselves and every person coming in prayer against this mass witchcraft attack with the blood of the Lamb of God. We loose warrior angels to protect and guard us. We armor ourselves with the whole armor of God, and ask the Holy Ghost to turn our swords of the Spirit into flaming swords of power, might and swiftness. We lock our shields of faith into a collective shield wall that will cover every man, woman and child coming in prayer and intercession against this mass witchcraft attack that may be directed against us at any time or from any place. We are more than conquerors in this battle. We rebuke and bind the intentions, efforts and works of every participant in this mass witchcraft attack to automatic and total failure. We loose angels of God's choice to mar every letter, marking, drawing, sigil and symbol, confuse every syllable, vowel, and word muttered, spoken, chanted or prophesied, and block and disrupt every bodily gesture, movement and stance of every one of these practitioners that are participating in this mass spell, whether they are solitary or joined in a group or coven.

We cover every instrument of witchcraft with the blood of Jesus Christ to discharge its power and disconnect it from its satanic power source. God, please destroy every instrument of witchcraft being used for this attack. We ask you to crush their stones and crystals, splinter and break their wands and rods, shatter their mirrors and crystal balls, rend and tear their clothing and regalia, render powerless any doll, image or effigy being utilized, and otherwise make all these instruments of evil useless forever and ever. We cover with the blood of the Lamb of God to discharge the power of every magical hex mark, pentagram, hexagram, septagram, octogram, circle, triangle, square, pyramid, cube, platonic solid or matrix used to gather and concentrate their magical power. We cover every participant in this mass witchcraft attack with the blood of the Lamb of God, to nullify their personal power, and disconnect them from their satanic power source.

We also loose escape and evasion into every animal and human that would be used in this mass witchcraft attack as a blood sacrifice, and ask that warrior angels be loosed to protect these intended sacrifices from capture, and release them if they are already being held. We bind to utter failure and fruitlessness every single charm, chant, incantation, spell, curse and ritual that is coming from any source (be it human, demonic, or fallen angel) against President Trump, his family, friends, and his cabinet. By no means shall any weapon formed against them succeed. LORD, we loose legions of armored and armed warrior angels of sufficient authority, power, rank and number to go attack immediately every demon, devil, or fallen angel sent forth from these witches, or that are aiding and/or being commanded by them.

We loose singing angels singing praises and songs unto God and Jesus Christ to fill the houses, buildings, groves, convocations, conference calls, chat rooms, websites, social media sites, and every gathering place where these witches are coming together for their evil work. We loose civil war between every member in every coven, so that they will attack each other with rage and fury. We bind every thread and stream of their magick to unravel like a rotting cloth. We hereby cancel and nullify every demonic assignment against President Trump, his family and friends, his advisors and cabinet, and us also.

We loose 1,000 shekinah light missiles at every single participant in this mass witchcraft attack, ground zero being their hearts, minds and souls. LORD, blind them as you did Saul on the road to Damascus. Break their concentration. Distract their mind. Turn off their electricity. Put out their fires. Storm on their procession. Bring fire down on their groves. Impede, hinder and hamper them in every way, shape, form or fashion pleasing to You, O LORD of Hosts. We pray for the salvation of every participant in this mass witchcraft attack (be they small or great), that in Your mercy, LORD, you will convict them of their sins, and break every heart with Godly sorrow which works repentance unto their salvation. To GOD ALONE be the glory!!!

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS PLEAD THE BLOOD OF JESUS OVER YOURSELF AND FAMILY, AND ASK FOR ANGELIC PROTECTION AGAINST ANY ATTEMPS OF RETALIATION FROM THE ENEMY AFTER ENGAGING IN THIS TYPE OF PRAYER!

Here is a link to a good prayer of protections: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/RmSvvM" rel="noreferrer nofollow">flic.kr/p/RmSvvM</a>

https://flic.kr/s/aHskSVGGjP

[thingsfallapartpod-blog]

Episode 1 Fall From Grace Sources and Corrections:

Episode Sources:

Aslan, Reza. Zealot. Random House, 2013.

Cline, Eric H. Jerusalem Besieged: From Ancient Canaan to Modern Israel. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2010.

Goodman, Martin. Rome and Jerusalem: The Clash of Ancient Civilizations. London: Penguin, 2008.

Goodman, Martin. The Roman World 44 BC-AD 180. Florence: Taylor and Francis, 2013.

Goodman, Martin. Jews in a Graeco-Roman World. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press, 2006.

Josephus, Flavius. The Jewish War. Compiled by Henry St. John. Thackeray. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1997.

Josephus, Flavius. Antiquities of the Jews. West Valley City, UT: Waking Lion Press, 2006.

Smallwood, E. Mary. The Jews under Roman Rule: From Pompey to Diocletian: A Study in Political Relations. Atlanta: SBL Press, 2015.

Smith, Mark S. The Early History of God: Yahweh and the Other Deities in Ancient Israel. Grand Rapids, MI: William Beerdmans, 2002.

Historical Clarifications and Corrections:

8:30: Jacob’s descendants were the Twelve Tribes of Israel; Levi was one of his sons, and Aaron was Levi’s descendent; Levites and Aaronids comprised the priestly class of the nation of Israel.

11:14: The idea that the Jews “Made their way up into Canaan” is disputed; in fact the entire Exodus narrative is. Scholars tend to be “Maximalists” who trust the biblical account implicitly, “Minimalists” who discount it entirely, or somewhere in between.

13:40: The Menerptah Stele (r.1213-1204 B.C.E) has a line of Hieroglyphs on it that is generally translated as “Israel.”

14:16: The Babylonian Captivity was in the early 6th Century, 568 B.C.E to be precise.

14:44: In the Biblical account, Saul, first King of Israel, was anointed by the Prophet Samuel. Samuel indeed warned the people of Israel that kings would “take their things and use their children.”

27:06: Alexander’s death is disputed; it could have caused by various diseases, by arsenic poisoning, or by pancreatitis brought on by overconsumption of food and wine, which is the theory we put forth here.

30:45: Here, there are two different events being explained; one is the view of the Jewish tradition, and the other is a view held by many historians.  Jewish traditions hold that the Temple was looted and violated, and an altar to Zeus was set up in it, which inevitably led to the Maccabean revolt. Historians often hold that Antiochus IV’s decision to use divine epithets on coins was a further irritant to the Jewish people’s sense of divine propriety.

55:03: One theory about anti-Semitism in the Roman empire is that it sprung from the privileged religious position of the Jews. Many emperors were deeply lenient towards the Jewish religion; they sometimes irritated their Gentile subjects because of their tendency to side with the Jews when religious disputes occurred between the two groups. Other theories tend to cite Jewish nonparticipation in Greek religious and civic ceremonies, and the puritanical, separatist attitude of some Judeans as other possible reasons for anti-Jewish sentiment.

1:03:49: Flavius certainly plays a part in this perception of Judaism as a religion of great and mysterious antiquity. However, it is far from clear whether his account was the main factor, or even a prominent factor in the creation of this ideological construct.

1:04:28: Thucydides, not Herodotus, served as an Athenian general in the Peloponnesian war.

1:10:01: Many is an exaggeration; there were multiple compiled Biblical texts that were found in an archeological expedition, all in the same library.

1:20:28: Menahem ben Yehuda and Eleazar ben Ya’ir were the revolt-era leaders of the Sicarii.

1:21:05: There is a theory that implicate the Roman governor in the assassination of the High Priest Jonathan. While it is not implausible, the theory is mostly unsubstantiated.

1:21:13: Actually, the Balsam groves of Judea were given to Cleopatra by Mark Antony, as part of the Egyptian Queen’s bid to extend her wealth and territories.

1:24:36: Menahem is the person both of us are attempting to describe here. Eleazar and his party accosted Menahem and his followers when he walked into the temple adorned in royal robes.

1:26:23: The sources don’t conflict, the translations just have weird wording. We misread/misremembered the sources, plain and simple.

1:27:20: Josephus’s account and modern archeological findings conflict over various issues, such as the number of dead, the extent of fire damage, and the manner of death among the defenders of Masada.

1:33:39: Vespasian appointed Titus to finish the Jewish War.

1:36:43: This is partially true; some Jews still maintained hope of rebuilding the Temple after the Great Revolt. However, the historical memory of the Diaspora focused on the fall of the Temple as the event which signaled the end of the Jewish Nation.

1:42:15: It is not conclusive when Christians began to outnumber Jews in Palestine. It is probable that the increase in conversion and decrease in persecution under Constantine allowed Christian populations there to multiply.

1:49:37: An Ethnarch is a ruler of a people.

1:49:39: The Idumeans were Edomites, a Semitic people who established an empire south of Palestine, and east of the Sinai. Calling them Arabs is a questionable claim, but the ambiguous interrelation of Semitic peoples makes it impossible to talk about their ethnic identity with any precision.

1:49:55: The Idumeans were conquered and assimilated in both 163 B.C.E and 125 B.C.E. However, in the era of Roman occupation, Jewish contempt and racism for Idumeans remained potent, to the point that Herod, an Idumean, was condescendingly called “Half a Jew” and resented for his position of authority.

[a-small-tragedy]

He's such a sweet man I'll eat him yum yum yum >:3

[poetryofchrist]

1 Chronicles 11

David and Israel. The kingdom that was disunited is briefly united through David and Solomon's reign. The divisions between kin go back to the beginning.

1 Chronicles 11 Fn Min Max Syll וַיִּקָּבְצ֧וּ כָֽל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל אֶל־דָּוִ֖יד חֶבְר֣וֹנָה לֵאמֹ֑ר הִנֵּ֛ה עַצְמְךָ֥ וּֽבְשָׂרְךָ֖ אֲנָֽחְנוּ 1 And all Israel collected themselves to David toward Hebron, saying, Behold, your bone and your flesh we are. 3c 4B 16 11 גַּם־תְּמ֣וֹל גַּם־שִׁלְשׁ֗וֹם גַּ֚ם בִּהְי֣וֹת שָׁא֣וּל מֶ֔לֶךְ אַתָּ֛ה הַמּוֹצִ֥יא וְהַמֵּבִ֖יא אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיֹּאמֶר֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ לְךָ֗ אַתָּ֨ה תִרְעֶ֤ה אֶת־עַמִּי֙ אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאַתָּה֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה נָגִ֔יד עַ֖ל עַמִּ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 2 Even yesterday, even the day before yesterday, even when Saul was king, you were the one who brought forth and brought in Israel, and Yahweh your God said to you, you yourself will shepherd my people Israel, and you yourself will be herald over my people Israel. 3d 4C 26 35 וַ֠יָּבֹאוּ כָּל־זִקְנֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל אֶל־הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ חֶבְר֔וֹנָה וַיִּכְרֹת֩ לָהֶ֨ם דָּוִ֥יד בְּרִ֛ית בְּחֶבְר֖וֹן לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַיִּמְשְׁח֨וּ אֶת־דָּוִ֤יד לְמֶ֙לֶךְ֙ עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כִּדְבַ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה בְּיַד־שְׁמוּאֵֽל 3 ~ And all the elders of Israel came to the king toward Hebron, and David cut for them a covenant in Hebron in the presence of Yahweh, and they anointed David king over Israel according to the word of Yahweh by the hand of Samuel. 3d 4C 32 23 וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ דָּוִ֧יד וְכָל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם הִ֣יא יְב֑וּס וְשָׁם֙ הַיְבוּסִ֔י יֹשְׁבֵ֖י הָאָֽרֶץ 4 And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, (this is Yebus), and there were the Jebusites, those inhabiting the land. 3c 4B 17 10 וַיֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ יֹשְׁבֵ֤י יְבוּס֙ לְדָוִ֔יד לֹ֥א תָב֖וֹא הֵ֑נָּה וַיִּלְכֹּ֤ד דָּוִיד֙ אֶת־מְצֻדַ֣ת צִיּ֔וֹן הִ֖יא עִ֥יר דָּוִֽיד 5 And the inhabitants of Yebus said to David, You will not enter here. But David conquered the fortress of Zion. This is the city of David. 3e 4C 15 15 וַיֹּ֣אמֶר דָּוִ֔יד כָּל־מַכֵּ֤ה יְבוּסִי֙ בָּרִ֣אשׁוֹנָ֔ה יִהְיֶ֥ה לְרֹ֖אשׁ וּלְשָׂ֑ר וַיַּ֧עַל בָּרִאשׁוֹנָ֛ה יוֹאָ֥ב בֶּן־צְרוּיָ֖ה וַיְהִ֥י לְרֹֽאשׁ 6 And David said, Anyone who strikes the Jebusite at the beginning will be the head and the chief. And Joab child of Tseruyah went up at the beginning and he became the head. 3c 4C 21 17 וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב דָּוִ֖יד בַּמְצָ֑ד עַל־כֵּ֥ן קָרְאוּ־ל֖וֹ עִ֥יר דָּוִֽיד 7 And David settled in the fortress. Therefore they call it the city of David. 3e 4A 7 7 וַיִּ֤בֶן הָעִיר֙ מִסָּבִ֔יב מִן־הַמִּלּ֖וֹא וְעַד־הַסָּבִ֑יב וְיוֹאָ֕ב יְחַיֶּ֖ה אֶת־שְׁאָ֥ר הָעִֽי�� 8 And he built the city on every side, from the Millo and to the surroundings, and Joab revived the physical power of the city. 3e 4C 17 11 וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ דָּוִ֖יד הָל֣וֹךְ וְגָד֑וֹל וַיהוָ֥ה צְבָא֖וֹת עִמּֽוֹ 9 And David went on and became greater, and Yahweh of hosts was with him. 3e 4B 10 7 וְאֵ֨לֶּה רָאשֵׁ֤י הַגִּבּוֹרִים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לְדָוִ֔יד הַמִּתְחַזְּקִ֨ים עִמּ֧וֹ בְמַלְכוּת֛וֹ עִם־כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְהַמְלִיכ֑וֹ כִּדְבַ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 10 And these are the heads of the valiant that David had, who encouraged themselves with him in his kingdom with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of Yahweh over Israel. 3c 4C 33 8 וְאֵ֛לֶּה מִסְפַּ֥ר הַגִּבֹּרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר לְדָוִ֑יד יָשָׁבְעָ֣ם בֶּן־חַכְמוֹנִ֗י רֹ֚אשׁ הַשָּׁ֣לִישִׁ֔ים הֽוּא־עוֹרֵ֧ר אֶת־חֲנִית֛וֹ עַל־שְׁלֹשׁ־מֵא֥וֹת חָלָ֖ל בְּפַ֥עַם אֶחָֽת 11 And this is the record of the valiant that David had: Yashavam child of Xakmuny, head of the adjutants, he unleashed his spear over three hundred profaned at one time. 3c 4C 14 31 וְאַחֲרָ֛יו אֶלְעָזָ֥ר בֶּן־דּוֹד֖וֹ הָאֲחוֹחִ֑י ה֖וּא בִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה הַגִּבֹּרִֽים 12 And after him Eleazar, child of Dodo the Axohite, he was an adjutant of the valiant. 3d 4A 14 8 הֽוּא־הָיָ֨ה עִם־דָּוִ֜יד בַּפַּ֣ס דַּמִּ֗ים וְהַפְּלִשְׁתִּים֙ נֶאֱסְפוּ־שָׁ֣ם לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה וַתְּהִ֛י חֶלְקַ֥ת הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה מְלֵאָ֣ה שְׂעוֹרִ֑ים וְהָעָ֥ם נָ֖סוּ מִפְּנֵ֥י פְלִשְׁתִּֽים 13 He was with David at Fingertip of Blood where the Philistines gathered to battle, and there was a parcel of a field full of barley, and the people withdrew before the Philistines, 3d 4B 35 10 וַיִּֽתְיַצְּב֤וּ בְתוֹךְ־הַחֶלְקָה֙ וַיַּצִּיל֔וּהָ וַיַּכּ֖וּ אֶת־פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים וַיּ֥וֹשַׁע יְהוָ֖ה תְּשׁוּעָ֥ה גְדוֹלָֽה 14 And they presented themselves in the midst of the parcel and delivered it, and struck the Philistines. And Yahweh saved with a great salvation. 3e 4C 21 11 וַיֵּרְד֡וּ שְֽׁלוֹשָׁה֩ מִן־הַשְּׁלוֹשִׁ֨ים רֹ֤אשׁ עַל־הַצֻּר֙ אֶל־דָּוִ֔יד אֶל־מְעָרַ֖ת עֲדֻלָּ֑ם וּמַחֲנֵ֣ה פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים חֹנָ֖ה בְּעֵ֥מֶק רְפָאִֽים 15 And three from the thirty heads came down to the rock, to David, to the cave of Adullam, and the army of the Philistines was encamped in the valley of the titans. 3e 4C 24 15 וְדָוִ��יד אָ֣ז בַּמְּצוּדָ֑ה וּנְצִ֣יב פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים אָ֖ז בְּבֵ֥ית לָֽחֶם 16 And David was then in the fortress, and the post of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 3e 4B 7 10 וַיִּתְאָ֥יו דָּוִ֖יד וַיֹּאמַ֑ר מִ֚י יַשְׁקֵ֣נִי מַ֔יִם מִבּ֥וֹר בֵּֽית־לֶ֖חֶם אֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּשָּֽׁעַר 17 And David intensely desired, and said, Who will give me a drink of water from a cistern of Bethlehem that is at the gate? 3e 4C 8 15 וַיִּבְקְע֨וּ הַשְּׁלֹשָׁ֜ה בְּמַחֲנֵ֣ה פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים וַיִּֽשְׁאֲבוּ־מַ֙יִם֙ מִבּ֤וֹר בֵּֽית־לֶ֙חֶם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּשַּׁ֔עַר וַיִּשְׂא֖וּ וַיָּבִ֣אוּ אֶל־דָּוִ֑יד וְלֹֽא־אָבָ֤ה דָוִיד֙ לִשְׁתּוֹתָ֔ם וַיְנַסֵּ֥ךְ אֹתָ֖ם לַיהוָֽה 18 And the three split in two the camp of the Philistines, and they drew water from a cistern of Bethlehem that was at the gate, and they bore, and they came to David. But David did not consent to imbibe, and he spilled it out to Yahweh. 3e 4C 39 15 וַיֹּ֡אמֶר חָלִילָה֩ לִּ֨י מֵאֱלֹהַ֜י מֵעֲשׂ֣וֹת זֹ֗את הֲדַ֣ם הָאֲנָשִׁים֩ הָאֵ֨לֶּה אֶשְׁתֶּ֤ה בְנַפְשׁוֹתָם֙ כִּ֣י בְנַפְשׁוֹתָ֣ם הֱבִיא֔וּם וְלֹ֥א אָבָ֖ה לִשְׁתּוֹתָ֑ם אֵ֣לֶּה עָשׂ֔וּ שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת הַגִּבּוֹרִֽים 19 And he said, Far be it from me with my God to do this, to imbibe the blood of these persons in their integrity, because in their integrity, they have brought it, and he did not consent to imbibe it. These things the three valiant have done. 3e 4C 45 11 וְאַבְשַׁ֣י אֲחִֽי־יוֹאָ֗ב ה֤וּא הָיָה֙ רֹ֣אשׁ הַשְּׁלוֹשָׁ֔ה וְהוּא֙ עוֹרֵ֣ר אֶת־חֲנִית֔וֹ עַל־שְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת חָלָ֑ל וְלוֹ־שֵׁ֖ם בַּשְּׁלוֹשָֽׁה 20 And Abishai, brother of Joab, himself was head of the three, and he unleashed his spear over three hundred profaned. And he had a name among the three. 3e 4C 28 6 מִן־הַשְּׁלוֹשָׁ֤ה בַשְּׁנַ֙יִם֙ נִכְבָּ֔ד וַיְהִ֥י לָהֶ֖ם לְשָׂ֑ר וְעַד־הַשְּׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה לֹֽא־בָֽא 21 From the three, among the two he was more glorious, and he became their chief, but till the three, he had not entered. 3e 4C 14 6 בְּנָיָ֨ה בֶן־יְהוֹיָדָ֧ע בֶּן־אִֽישׁ־חַ֛יִל רַב־פְּעָלִ֖ים מִֽן־קַבְצְאֵ֑ל ה֣וּא הִכָּ֗ה אֵ֣ת שְׁנֵ֤י אֲרִיאֵל֙ מוֹאָ֔ב וְ֠הוּא יָרַ֞ד וְהִכָּ֧ה אֶֽת־הָאֲרִ֛י בְּת֥וֹךְ הַבּ֖וֹר בְּי֥וֹם הַשָּֽׁלֶג 22 Benaiah, child of Jehoiada, son of a man of ability, of many works from Qavtseil. He himself struck two lion-men of Moab, and he himself came down and struck the lion in the midst of the pit on the day of the snow. 3c 4C 20 31 וְהֽוּא־הִכָּה֩ אֶת־הָאִ֨ישׁ הַמִּצְרִ֜י אִ֥ישׁ מִדָּ֣ה ׀ חָמֵ֣שׁ בָּאַמָּ֗ה וּבְיַ֨ד הַמִּצְרִ֤י חֲנִית֙ כִּמְנ֣וֹר אֹרְגִ֔ים וַיֵּ֥רֶד אֵלָ֖יו בַּשָּׁ֑בֶט וַיִּגְזֹ֤ל אֶֽת־הַחֲנִית֙ מִיַּ֣ד הַמִּצְרִ֔י וַיַּהַרְגֵ֖הוּ בַּחֲנִיתֽוֹ 23 And he himself struck the Egyptian man, a man of measure five cubits, and in the hand of the Egyptian was a spear like a weaver's beam, and he went down to him with a sceptre, and robbed the spear from the hand of the Egyptian, and slew him with his own spear. 3e 4C 37 21 אֵ֣לֶּה עָשָׂ֔ה בְּנָיָ֖הוּ בֶּן־יְהוֹיָדָ֑ע וְלוֹ־שֵׁ֖ם בִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה הַגִּבֹּרִֽים 24 B These things Benaiah, child of Jehoiada, did, and had a name as an adjutant of the valiant. 3e 4B 13 10 מִן־הַשְּׁלוֹשִׁ֗ים הִנּ֤וֹ נִכְבָּד֙ ה֔וּא וְאֶל־הַשְּׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה לֹא־בָ֑א וַיְשִׂימֵ֥הוּ דָוִ֖יד עַל־מִשְׁמַעְתּֽוֹ 25 From the thirty, behold him, he was glorious, but to the three he had not come. And David set him up concerning his fame. 3e 4C 15 10 וְגִבּוֹרֵ֖י הַחֲיָלִ֑ים עֲשָׂה־אֵל֙ אֲחִ֣י יוֹאָ֔ב אֶלְחָנָ֥ן בֶּן־דּוֹד֖וֹ מִבֵּ֥ית לָֽחֶם 26 And the valiant of the forces, Asael brother of Joab, Elxanan child of Dodo from Bethlehem, 3e 4B 8 17 שַׁמּוֹת֙ הַהֲרוֹרִ֔י חֶ֖לֶץ הַפְּלוֹנִֽי 27 Shamah the Harorite, Rescue the Pelonite, 3e 3g 11 עִירָ֤א בֶן־עִקֵּשׁ֙ הַתְּקוֹעִ֔י אֲבִיעֶ֖זֶר הָעֲנְּתוֹתִֽי 28 Ira, child of Devious, the Tekoan, Abiezer the Antothite, 3e 4C 16 סִבְּכַי֙ הַחֻ֣שָׁתִ֔י עִילַ֖י הָאֲחוֹחִֽי 29 Thicket the Xushty, Ilai the Axohite, 3e 4B 12 מַהְרַי֙ הַנְּטֹ֣פָתִ֔י חֵ֥לֶד בֶּֽן־בַּֽעֲנָ֖ה הַנְּטוֹפָתִֽי 30 Swiftie the Dropper, Weasel, child of Baanah the Dropper, 3e 4B 16 אִיתַ֣י בֶּן־רִיבַ֗י מִגִּבְעַת֙ בְּנֵ֣י בִנְיָמִ֔ן בְּנָיָ֖ה הַפִּרְעָתֹנִֽי 31 Itai, child of Contention of Gibeah, the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, 3e 4B 21 חוּרַי֙ מִנַּ֣חֲלֵי גָ֔עַשׁ אֲבִיאֵ֖ל הָעַרְבָתִֽי 32 Hurai from the torrents of Gaash, Abiel the Arbatite, 3e 4B 15 עַזְמָ֙וֶת֙ הַבַּ֣חֲרוּמִ֔י אֶלְיַחְבָּ֖א הַשַּׁעַלְבֹנִֽי 33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, 3e 4B 16 בְּנֵ֗י הָשֵׁם֙ הַגִּ֣זוֹנִ֔י יוֹנָתָ֥ן בֶּן־שָׁגֵ֖ה הַהֲרָרִֽי 34 The children of Hashem the Gizonite, Yonathan, child of Reel the Harorite, 3e 4B 18 אֲחִיאָ֧ם בֶּן־שָׂכָ֛ר הַהֲרָרִ֖י אֱלִיפַ֥ל בֶּן־אֽוּר 35 Axiam, child of Wage the Harorite, Eliphal, child of Ur, 3c 3g 15 חֵ֚פֶר הַמְּכֵ֣רָתִ֔י אֲחִיָּ֖ה הַפְּלֹנִֽי 36 C Xefar the Mecherathite, Achiyah the Pelonite, 3e 4C 12 חֶצְרוֹ֙ הַֽכַּרְמְלִ֔י נַעֲרַ֖י בֶּן־אֶזְבָּֽי 37 Xetsro the Carmelite, Naarai, child of Ezbai, 3e 3g 12 יוֹאֵל֙ אֲחִ֣י נָתָ֔ן מִבְחָ֖ר בֶּן־הַגְרִֽי 38 Joel, brother of Nathan, Mibxar, child of Hagari, 3e 4B 11 צֶ֖לֶק הָעַמּוֹנִ֑י נַחְרַי֙ הַבֵּ֣רֹתִ֔י נֹשֵׂ֕א כְּלֵ֖י יוֹאָ֥ב בֶּן־צְרוּיָֽה 39 g Tseleq the Ammonite, Naxari of Cypress Grove, the bearer of cargo for Joab, child of Tseruyah, 3e 4B 6 16 עִירָא֙ הַיִּתְרִ֔י גָּרֵ֖ב הַיִּתְרִֽי 40 Ira the Yiterite, Scab the Yiterite, 3e 3g 10 אֽוּרִיָּה֙ הַחִתִּ֔י זָבָ֖ד בֶּן־אַחְלָֽי 41 Uriah the Hittite, Jozebad, child of Ahlai, 3e 3g 11 עֲדִינָ֨א בֶן־שִׁיזָ֜א הָרֽאוּבֵנִ֗י רֹ֛אשׁ לָרֽאוּבֵנִ֖י וְעָלָ֥יו שְׁלוֹשִֽׁים 42 Adina, child of Shiza the Reubenite, a head of the Reubenites, and with him, thirty, 3d 3g 21 חָנָן֙ בֶּֽן־מַעֲכָ֔ה וְיוֹשָׁפָ֖ט הַמִּתְנִֽי 43 Chanan, child of Makah, and Yoshephat the Mithnite, 3e 3g 13 עֻזִיָּ֖א הָעֲשְׁתְּרָתִ֑י שָׁמָע֙ וִֽיעִיאֵ֔ל בְּנֵ֖י חוֹתָ֥ם הָעֲרֹעֵרִֽי 44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel, the children of Hothan the Aroerite, 3e 4A 8 14 יְדִֽיעֲאֵל֙ בֶּן־שִׁמְרִ֔י וְיֹחָ֥א אָחִ֖יו הַתִּיצִֽי 45 Jediael child of My-Keeper, and Joha, his brother, the Titsite, 3e 3g 15 אֱלִיאֵל֙ הַֽמַּחֲוִ֔ים וִירִיבַ֥י וְיוֹשַׁוְיָ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י אֶלְנָ֑עַם וְיִתְמָ֖ה הַמּוֹאָבִֽי 46 Elyel the Maxavite, and Contention and Joshaviah, the children of Elnaam, and Yitmah the Moabite, 3e 4B 19 7 אֱלִיאֵ֣ל וְעוֹבֵ֔ד וְיַעֲשִׂיאֵ֖ל הַמְּצֹבָיָֽה 47 Elyel, and Obed, and Yasiel the Metsobite. 3e 4B 15

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[romancatholicreflections]

12th January >> Daily Reflection/Commentary on Today’s First Reading for Roman Catholics on Friday of Week One in Ordinary Time (1 Samuel 8:4-7,10-22).

Samuel – the democratic republican! We begin reading today about Samuel and his involvement with Saul and the institution of the monarchy in Israel.

The institution of the monarchy was a major turning point of Israel's political and religious history. The sanctuary of the ark of Shiloh had been destroyed and unity was in danger as the Philistine threat increased. A section of the people began asking for a king “such as other nations have'” but others held the opposite view that Yahweh, Israel's only lord, should be left to provide leaders as circumstances required, as he had done in the days of the Judges.

These two schools of thought find a voice in anti-royalist (ch. 8; 10:17-24; 12) and royalist (9:1-10:16; 11) versions of the institution of the monarchy, here placed side by side. The royalist view (which we will see tomorrow) will ultimately prevail, but Saul, the first king, is scarcely distinguishable from the judges who preceded him. The monarchy will only achieve its full development in David. He is one of the outstanding characters of the whole Bible and in him the religious and civil functions of the Israelite monarchy will be harmoniously combined. He will be able to combine his political responsibilities with his service of the Lord. However, none of his successors will achieve this ideal. David, and really David alone (in spite of his serious weaknesses), remains the model of the future King through whom God is to bring about the salvation of his people, namely the Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed of the Lord.

As today’s reading opens we find the elders of the people approaching Samuel and telling him that, in view of his old age (and, it might be added, the corrupt behaviour of his sons) they should have a king. It soon becomes apparent, however, that the more basic reason for their request was a desire to be like the surrounding nations – to have a human king as a symbol of national power and unity who would lead them in battle and guarantee their security. As a loose conglomerate of tribes they would never be able to deal effectively with their enemies (who had kings). Israel had suffered a number of calamitous defeats at the hands of its old nemesis, the Philistines, and the people saw that what was needed was a powerful leader as a strong unifying and rallying point.

There were two reactions to this innovation of having a king – one against and one in favour. Some would say they were forgetting that they were not like other nations. By their desire to appoint a human king they were, in a way, setting aside their real Lord. Israel had always been a theocracy where only God was its King and Lord and the idea of a human king seemed almost blasphemous. On the other hand, there were those who, for political reasons and even for the people’s survival, emphasised the need for a single, strong ruler.

In today's reading we see the anti-royalist view, while tomorrow the royalist arguments will be put forward. The misgivings of the anti-royalists are seen in Samuel's displeasure at the people asking for a king. God, too, is not happy but tells Samuel to let the people have their way: "It is not you they reject, they are rejecting me as their king." The sin of Israel in requesting a king did not rest in any evil inherent in kingship itself, but rather in the kind of kingship the people envisioned and their reasons for requesting it.

Their desire was for a form of kingship that denied their covenant relationship with the Lord, who himself was pledged to be their saviour and deliverer. In requesting a king "like all other nations" they broke the covenant, rejected the Lord, who was their King and forgot his constant provision for their protection in the past.

In a rather sarcastic tone, Samuel proceeds to tell the people all the “advantages” that will accrue to them by having a king. His description reflects not so much what happened under Saul or David but in a later period, beginning with Solomon, and reflects the bitter experience of the writer’s own generation. Later on, we will see how terrible some of those kings really were.

Samuel warns them that having a king will reduce them to virtual slavery:

Their sons will become the king’s charioteers and minions

They will become ‘war fodder’ to fight his battles for him

They will become serfs on their own land

They will become weapon makers for the king’s armies

They will become labourers to provide his needs

He will commandeer their vineyards and olive groves and give them out to his favourite eunuchs and slaves

He will take over their best servants and all their herds for his own use.

He will tax them to the point of reducing them to slaves.

Then – and only then – will the people complain to God but it will be too late. They have made their own bed and will have to sleep in it. Only the king will enjoy rights; the people will have duties and obligations. In fact, the demands of the king would parallel all that Israel was expected to consecrate to the Lord as her Great King (persons, lands, crops, livestock) – even the whole population. But now it going to be given to a very fallible – and sometimes – wicked human being.

For now, the people will not listen to Samuel's arguments. They are determined to have a king like their neighbours who will lead them to war and fight their battles. And God said: "Let them have their way." Samuel is told to appoint someone as king and he tells the people to go back to their own cities and towns.

We, too, can be very insistent in asking God to give us something we feel we really need. Yet, when it comes we may bitterly regret the consequences. Sometimes what we take to be the answer to a prayer may only be the fruit of our own persistence. But, whatever happens, wherever our choices have led us, God is always there and it is always in our present situation, in the here-and-now, that we must learn to respond to his call. Even our mistakes can become moments of grace and enlightenment.

[a-small-tragedy]

wip ohhhhhh god I'm so tired right now.... BUT I thought, what if HMMMM???? and i haven't grasped how to draw Sunny yet...

[dailychapel]

Father, today I ask forgiveness of all the negative and harmful words I have spoken about myself. I do not want to abuse myself in such a way again. Transform my thoughts and let me understand how marvelously you made me. Change my habits so I use my tongue to speak hope and favor upon my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 18:1-7 NLT - 1 For the choir director: A psalm of David, the servant of the LORD. He sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang: I love you, LORD; you are my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. 3 I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. 4 The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. 5 The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. 6 But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. 7 Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger.

Isaiah 1:21-31 NLT - 21 See how Jerusalem, once so faithful, has become a prostitute. Once the home of justice and righteousness, she is now filled with murderers. 22 Once like pure silver, you have become like worthless slag. Once so pure, you are now like watered-down wine. 23 Your leaders are rebels, the companions of thieves. All of them love bribes and demand payoffs, but they refuse to defend the cause of orphans or fight for the rights of widows. 24 Therefore, the Lord, the LORD of Heaven's Armies, the Mighty One of Israel, says, "I will take revenge on my enemies and pay back my foes! 25 I will raise my fist against you. I will melt you down and skim off your slag. I will remove all your impurities. 26 Then I will give you good judges again and wise counselors like you used to have. Then Jerusalem will again be called the Home of Justice and the Faithful City." 27 Zion will be restored by justice; those who repent will be revived by righteousness. 28 But rebels and sinners will be completely destroyed, and those who desert the LORD will be consumed. 29 You will be ashamed of your idol worship in groves of sacred oaks. You will blush because you worshiped in gardens dedicated to idols. 30 You will be like a great tree with withered leaves, like a garden without water. 31 The strongest among you will disappear like straw; their evil deeds will be the spark that sets it on fire. They and their evil works will burn up together, and no one will be able to put out the fire.

Luke 20:19-26 NLT - 19 The teachers of religious law and the leading priests wanted to arrest Jesus immediately because they realized he was telling the story against them--they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the people's reaction. 20 Watching for their opportunity, the leaders sent spies pretending to be honest men. They tried to get Jesus to say something that could be reported to the Roman governor so he would arrest Jesus. 21 "Teacher," they said, "we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully. 22 Now tell us--is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" 23 He saw through their trickery and said, 24 "Show me a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?" "Caesar's," they replied. 25 "Well then," he said, "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God." 26 So they failed to trap him by what he said in front of the people. Instead, they were amazed by his answer, and they became silent.

Lord Jesus Christ, send us out with confidence in your word, to tell the world of your saving acts, and bring glory to your name. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, send us out with confidence in your word, to tell the world of your saving acts, and bring glory to your name. Amen.

[hymnrevival]

Warfare Prayer For President by hymn Revival Via Flickr: HOW TO PRAY AGAINST WITCHCRAFT PRAYER FOR THE PRESIDENT In the name, authority and power of the LORD Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we agree with and send this prayer throughout the earth and the heavens to stand together against this mass witchcraft attack directed over the next few days against President Trump, his family and friends, his advisors and his cabinet, and us, whether the effects are intended to be immediate or delayed. We are seated in the heavens with God, are saved by Jesus Christ, and have the Holy Ghost indwelling us. We have power and the victory against satan and his minions, agents, allies, and servants because of the victory of the cross of Jesus Christ. It is finished. They are defeated. We are victors. We come in His power, not ours. We cover ourselves and every person coming in prayer against this mass witchcraft attack with the blood of the Lamb of God. We loose warrior angels to protect and guard us. We armor ourselves with the whole armor of God, and ask the Holy Ghost to turn our swords of the Spirit into flaming swords of power, might and swiftness. We lock our shields of faith into a collective shield wall that will cover every man, woman and child coming in prayer and intercession against this mass witchcraft attack that may be directed against us at any time or from any place. We are more than conquerors in this battle. We rebuke and bind the intentions, efforts and works of every participant in this mass witchcraft attack to automatic and total failure. We loose angels of God's choice to mar every letter, marking, drawing, sigil and symbol, confuse every syllable, vowel, and word muttered, spoken, chanted or prophesied, and block and disrupt every bodily gesture, movement and stance of every one of these practitioners that are participating in this mass spell, whether they are solitary or joined in a group or coven. We cover every instrument of witchcraft with the blood of Jesus Christ to discharge its power and disconnect it from its satanic power source. God, please destroy every instrument of witchcraft being used for this attack. We ask you to crush their stones and crystals, splinter and break their wands and rods, shatter their mirrors and crystal balls, rend and tear their clothing and regalia, render powerless any doll, image or effigy being utilized, and otherwise make all these instruments of evil useless forever and ever. We cover with the blood of the Lamb of God to discharge the power of every magical hex mark, pentagram, hexagram, septagram, octogram, circle, triangle, square, pyramid, cube, platonic solid or matrix used to gather and concentrate their magical power. We cover every participant in this mass witchcraft attack with the blood of the Lamb of God, to nullify their personal power, and disconnect them from their satanic power source. We also loose escape and evasion into every animal and human that would be used in this mass witchcraft attack as a blood sacrifice, and ask that warrior angels be loosed to protect these intended sacrifices from capture, and release them if they are already being held. We bind to utter failure and fruitlessness every single charm, chant, incantation, spell, curse and ritual that is coming from any source (be it human, demonic, or fallen angel) against President Trump, his family, friends, and his cabinet. By no means shall any weapon formed against them succeed. LORD, we loose legions of armored and armed warrior angels of sufficient authority, power, rank and number to go attack immediately every demon, devil, or fallen angel sent forth from these witches, or that are aiding and/or being commanded by them. We loose singing angels singing praises and songs unto God and Jesus Christ to fill the houses, buildings, groves, convocations, conference calls, chat rooms, websites, social media sites, and every gathering place where these witches are coming together for their evil work. We loose civil war between every member in every coven, so that they will attack each other with rage and fury. We bind every thread and stream of their magick to unravel like a rotting cloth. We hereby cancel and nullify every demonic assignment against President Trump, his family and friends, his advisors and cabinet, and us also. We loose 1,000 shekinah light missiles at every single participant in this mass witchcraft attack, ground zero being their hearts, minds and souls. LORD, blind them as you did Saul on the road to Damascus. Break their concentration. Distract their mind. Turn off their electricity. Put out their fires. Storm on their procession. Bring fire down on their groves. Impede, hinder and hamper them in every way, shape, form or fashion pleasing to You, O LORD of Hosts. We pray for the salvation of every participant in this mass witchcraft attack (be they small or great), that in Your mercy, LORD, you will convict them of their sins, and break every heart with Godly sorrow which works repentance unto their salvation. To GOD ALONE be the glory!!! IMPORTANT: ALWAYS PLEAD THE BLOOD OF JESUS OVER YOURSELF AND FAMILY, AND ASK FOR ANGELIC PROTECTION AGAINST ANY ATTEMPS OF RETALIATION FROM THE ENEMY AFTER ENGAGING IN THIS TYPE OF PRAYER! Here is a link to a good prayer of protections: flic.kr/p/RmSvvM HymnRevival.com

[hymnrevival]

HOW TO PRAY AGAINST WITCHCRAFT

PRAYER FOR THE PRESIDENT

In the name, authority and power of the LORD Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we agree with and send this prayer throughout the earth and the heavens to stand together against this mass witchcraft attack directed over the next few days against President Trump, his family and friends, his advisors and his cabinet, and us, whether the effects are intended to be immediate or delayed. We are seated in the heavens with God, are saved by Jesus Christ, and have the Holy Ghost indwelling us. We have power and the victory against satan and his minions, agents, allies, and servants because of the victory of the cross of Jesus Christ. It is finished. They are defeated. We are victors. We come in His power, not ours.

We cover ourselves and every person coming in prayer against this mass witchcraft attack with the blood of the Lamb of God. We loose warrior angels to protect and guard us. We armor ourselves with the whole armor of God, and ask the Holy Ghost to turn our swords of the Spirit into flaming swords of power, might and swiftness. We lock our shields of faith into a collective shield wall that will cover every man, woman and child coming in prayer and intercession against this mass witchcraft attack that may be directed against us at any time or from any place. We are more than conquerors in this battle. We rebuke and bind the intentions, efforts and works of every participant in this mass witchcraft attack to automatic and total failure. We loose angels of God's choice to mar every letter, marking, drawing, sigil and symbol, confuse every syllable, vowel, and word muttered, spoken, chanted or prophesied, and block and disrupt every bodily gesture, movement and stance of every one of these practitioners that are participating in this mass spell, whether they are solitary or joined in a group or coven.

We cover every instrument of witchcraft with the blood of Jesus Christ to discharge its power and disconnect it from its satanic power source. God, please destroy every instrument of witchcraft being used for this attack. We ask you to crush their stones and crystals, splinter and break their wands and rods, shatter their mirrors and crystal balls, rend and tear their clothing and regalia, render powerless any doll, image or effigy being utilized, and otherwise make all these instruments of evil useless forever and ever. We cover with the blood of the Lamb of God to discharge the power of every magical hex mark, pentagram, hexagram, septagram, octogram, circle, triangle, square, pyramid, cube, platonic solid or matrix used to gather and concentrate their magical power. We cover every participant in this mass witchcraft attack with the blood of the Lamb of God, to nullify their personal power, and disconnect them from their satanic power source.

We also loose escape and evasion into every animal and human that would be used in this mass witchcraft attack as a blood sacrifice, and ask that warrior angels be loosed to protect these intended sacrifices from capture, and release them if they are already being held. We bind to utter failure and fruitlessness every single charm, chant, incantation, spell, curse and ritual that is coming from any source (be it human, demonic, or fallen angel) against President Trump, his family, friends, and his cabinet. By no means shall any weapon formed against them succeed. LORD, we loose legions of armored and armed warrior angels of sufficient authority, power, rank and number to go attack immediately every demon, devil, or fallen angel sent forth from these witches, or that are aiding and/or being commanded by them.

We loose singing angels singing praises and songs unto God and Jesus Christ to fill the houses, buildings, groves, convocations, conference calls, chat rooms, websites, social media sites, and every gathering place where these witches are coming together for their evil work. We loose civil war between every member in every coven, so that they will attack each other with rage and fury. We bind every thread and stream of their magick to unravel like a rotting cloth. We hereby cancel and nullify every demonic assignment against President Trump, his family and friends, his advisors and cabinet, and us also.

We loose 1,000 shekinah light missiles at every single participant in this mass witchcraft attack, ground zero being their hearts, minds and souls. LORD, blind them as you did Saul on the road to Damascus. Break their concentration. Distract their mind. Turn off their electricity. Put out their fires. Storm on their procession. Bring fire down on their groves. Impede, hinder and hamper them in every way, shape, form or fashion pleasing to You, O LORD of Hosts. We pray for the salvation of every participant in this mass witchcraft attack (be they small or great), that in Your mercy, LORD, you will convict them of their sins, and break every heart with Godly sorrow which works repentance unto their salvation. To GOD ALONE be the glory!!!

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS PLEAD THE BLOOD OF JESUS OVER YOURSELF AND FAMILY, AND ASK FOR ANGELIC PROTECTION AGAINST ANY ATTEMPS OF RETALIATION FROM THE ENEMY AFTER ENGAGING IN THIS TYPE OF PRAYER!

Here is a link to a good prayer of protections: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/RmSvvM" rel="nofollow">flic.kr/p/RmSvvM</a>

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