Old Testament 150 Reading Challenge week 16

Old Testament 150 Reading Challenge 5 May 2014 to 28th November 2014 Week 16: Bible Reading Plan and Discussion Starters

Welcome to The Salvation Army's Challenge to read
150 popular chapters from the Old Testament within 7 months,

reading just 5 chapters per week. 

Monday, August 18 , 2014 --- Joshua 5 --- The Israelites are circumcised, and observe the Passover, before Joshua meets the ‘commander of the army of the Lord’!  

-        V2, can you remember why the Jews are circumcised? (see Genesis 17)

-        V13-15, if you were to describe (or draw) this angel, the commander of the Lord’s army, would he look anything like the way angels are normally portrayed in contemporary media?

-        How are angels usually described within the Bible?

-        What reaction do angels tend to create within those who meet them?  

Tuesday, August 19 , 2014 --- Joshua 6 --- The walls of Jericho fall down 

-        V1-20, why do you think this plan was so elaborate? Could God have made the city walls collapse after just one day? Was this more about creating confusion and fear within the walls? Or was this another test of the Israelites trust and obedience to God?

-        V23, do you think the seven days gave Rahab time to collect her family? How do you think she felt when she first heard the Israelites marching around the city?  

Wednesday, August 20 , 2014 --- Judges 6 --- The Midianites oppress Israel, and the Angel of the Lord speaks to Gideon  

-        V1-10, In reading this passage, what do you feel was the reason behind Israel’s difficulties?

-        V8, What is the name of the prophet sent by the Lord? Is there anyone that God cannot use to deliver His message? How can we know whether a message is from God or not?

-        V15, Do Gideon’s excuses sound familiar?

-        V16, What can we learn from this reply?

-        V36-40, What are the problems/dangers of using similar ‘fleeces’ to test God’s will today?  

Thursday, August 21 , 2014 --- Judges 7 --- 300 (a true, Biblical version) 

-        V2, What is the reason for God wanting to whittle down the number of soldiers?

-        Are there things we do, or our church does, which brings glory to itself, or relies on its own power, rather than relying on God?

-        Aside from its historical value, what else can we learn about the character of God, and about our purpose with His will, from this story?  

Friday, August 22 , 2014 --- Judges 13 --- The birth of Samson is foretold 

-        V1, Is there a relationship between Israel’s obedience to God and their freedom/security?

-        V4, Why do you think the woman was told not to drink anything fermented, nor eat anything unclean?

-        V24, Why do you think this woman (who remains anonymous!) was chosen to give birth to the Israelites deliverer from the Philistine oppression? What characteristics do you think she would have needed for this long-term plan?