Jeremy Thompson

Category: Old Testament Study

  • Psalm 72:10 – Tarshish Again

    Last week I wrote a learner centered blog post on the significance of Jonah fleeing to Tarshish.  And, Tarshish shows up again in today’s responsive reading.  To understand the symbolism of gifts coming from there, try out the “activity” from the first part of the previous post using the maps.  Then, consider the text. Psalm…

  • Why Did Jonah Flee to Tarshish? (Learner-Centered)

    A while back I wrote a post answering the question of why Jonah fled to Tarshish (if you’re a more advanced reader you probably would not have learned anything).  Yesterday, however, I started to think about what it would mean to take a more learner-centered approach to my blogging.  And, I thought a re-write of…

  • The Contrast Between Judges and Samuel on Kingship

    I was re-struck this morning as I was reading in the Book of 1 Samuel by the contrast between some of the views of kingship in it and in the Book of Judges.  The books of Samuel are certainly not a monolith on this topic, however, since there are positive views of kingship found therein. …

  • Psalm 96:5 – Word Play

    Today’s responsorial Psalm is Psalm 96.  In verse 5, there is a word play between the words translated “gods of the peoples” and the word translated “idols” (or “worthless idols” or “worthless” dependent on which translation you are reading).  I wanted to see if you can hear it. Psalm 96:5 For all the gods of…

  • 1 Samuel 5 – Hemorrhoids & the Wrath of God

    I have been reading each morning recently from the Old Testament in the NJPS.  And, it seems like each day I’ve been noticing things I’ve not seen before.  And, today is certainly no exception. I suppose when I have read through 1 Samuel before, I probably read from the NASB or ESV.  And, I believe…

  • What I've Been Reading

    I’ve been posting quotes from a lot of books here recently and wanted to consolidate.  I’ll post here what I’ve been reading along with if I’d recommend reading it by a scale of 1-10, with 10 being “yes, read it” and 1 being “don’t bother.”  5 might mean something like “only if your interested in…

  • 1 Samuel 1 – Some Background

    In the rare occurrence that the reading I do throughout the day has some bearing the lectionary reading, I like to share that.  Today’s lectionary reading was verses 24-28 of 1 Samuel 1 (the responsive reading was from chapter 2).  In the reading, Hannah has dedicated her son, Samuel, to the Lord and she hands…

  • Judges 11.31 – "Whoever" or "Whatever"

    I was reading in the Book of Judges again this morning and was reminded of the interesting translation issue in Judges 11.31. Parallel Translations of Judges 11.31 then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the LORD’s, and I will…

  • Does the Bible Justify Violence? – Review

    This morning I finished reading John Collins’ Does the Bible Justify Violence? It is a very short monograph that (obviously) seeks to answer the question contained in the title. Pros of Does the Bible Justify Violence? First off, I think this little book has some important points to make, though I am sure they are…

  • Betting Most Churches Go with Zephaniah

    Interesting … today there is a choice of Old Testament lectionary readings between Song of Songs 2.8-14 or Zephaniah 3.14-18.  If most parishes are in any way like mine, I’m guessing they will probably go with Zephaniah.  I think the priests in my parish know enough about Biblical Studies to recognize we do not so…