A 1189 Day Journey Through the Bible

I am writing from my desk in Seattle, WA. Deuteronomy 22: Welp, this chapter is not a good one.  It is a classic example that someone points to when expressing that the Bible is barbaric and immoral.  Lets dive in. It starts out okay with a reminder to return a lost item if you find it; whether this be an animal or a piece of clothing. Then we have some bizarre rules. A woman must not wear men's clothing, and vice versa.  We are told that God detests this.  Does anyone actually believe the creator of the universe is genuinely disgusted when a woman wears a man's sweatshirt?  The short answer is no. If you find a bird's nest, you can take the young but not the mother. So we have a part about returning lost items, then not wearing certain clothes, then a bird's nest. LOL. If you build a house, make sure you put a wall around the roof so no one falls in and you feel guilty. What? Don't plan two kinds of seeds in your vineyard?  Anybody do...

I am writing from my couch in Seattle, WA. Deuteronomy 21: This one is a bit odd.  It opens with some bizarre instructions.  If you find a dead body in a field and the killer is unknown, you have to go get a cow and break its neck. In the midst of war, if you find a beautiful woman that you’re attracted to, then you can take her and marry her if you want.  Because she’s property.  If you aren’t pleased with her, you can let her go whenever you want.  Is this isn’t clear that women were property, I’m not sure what is. Then a part about what kind of inheritance your sons get based on whether you love your wives or not. If you don’t listen to your parents, your parents can take you into town and have you executed via stoning. Lastly, if a dead body is put on a pole, you can’t leave it there overnight.

I am writing from my desk in Seattle, WA. Deuteronomy 20: I like the first half of this chapter. This is about going to war, but lets read it metaphorically. We start off with a reminder not to be afraid when you go into battle and you see that your enemies are bigger than you, because God is with you. Now I don't know what God is.  Some mystery perhaps. Trials in your life are going to seem insurmountable at times.  When you lean into that mystery, an inexplicable courage is found.  You will find a faith that says the future is full of hope. “Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.” Your courage can be contagious, but so can your fear.  Surround yourself with people who can move into the future with you. The second half of this chapter is messed up.  If you capture a city, kill the men and plunder the rest.  As for the cities that are inheritance, you must ...

I am writing from my couch in Seattle, WA. Deuteronomy 19: More recap.  First we got those refuge cities.  The main reason is so you can escape there if you accidentally kill someone.  Are there really that many people accidentally knocking people off? Then some stuff about being a good witness to a crime.  If a witness lies, then you “show no pity.” This chapter closes with a reminder that you should seek revenge. Don’t do this lol.

I am writing from my bed in Seattle, WA. Deuteronomy 18: Well I wrote this last night but didn’t post it for some odd reason. This chapter opens with some stuff about some offerings and inheritances.  Not interesting. Also, no witchcraft or sorcery.  Which suggests that sorcery is a thing, which is odd lol.  This one closes with some stuff about prophets, and how you’ll know they are real if what they say comes true.  Hmm.  Mostly recap stuff, kinda boring.

I am writing from my bed in Seattle, WA. Deuteronomy 17: This chapter has some weird rules that no one does. Don’t sacrifice any defective animals.   If you worship other gods and this can be proven, well you get executed by stoning.  But you need at least two witnesses to approve the execution, one won’t cut it.  Interestingly, the witnesses must throw the first stones. If a case is too difficult to judge, go to some priests and they’ll decide for you since they are speaking on behalf of god.  I can’t imagine how many times this has been abuse throughout human history.  It also instructs to obey every word of these priest people.  If you speak up to them, well you get put to death.  Sounds like a power structure.  It even says that the people will hear and be afraid, so it’s pretty obvious that fear is the motivator here. Next, when you get some new land, you need to appoint a kind and he’s supposed to come from fellow Is...

I am writing from an undisclosed location on planet earth. Deuteronomy 16: This is another recap chapter.  We are reminded of Passover, the festival of weeks and the festival of tabernacles.  Appoint some judges and don’t worship other gods. 

I am writing from the Casbeer home in Haddon Township, NJ. Deuteronomy 15: Alright student loan people, it says right here that debts need to be cancelled every seven years.  I except a zero balance. Additionally, the writer tells the reader to be openhanded towards the poor.  To give generously.  Because there will always be poor among us.  How are you doing this? When you let your slave go, don’t let them go empty handed.  People often point to the Bible condoning slavery, but let’s think about that.  To even free a slave, let alone give them something, was a radical thought.  Without context, this doesn’t make any sense to a modern reader. This chapter closes with a recap about firstborn animals.

I am writing from the Pierce home in Morgantown, WV. Deuteronomy 14: This chapter opens with a lot of weird rules about what and what not to eat; mostly recapped. Not much going on in this chapter, but it closes with tithing.  This is where giving 10% comes from. I used to think giving money to a church was absolute nonsense.  It wasn’t until I found a place that was actually doing good in the world that I wanted to give.   Don’t be guilted into giving; it should never be like that.  Find something you believe in, and give there. 

I am writing from the Pierce home in Morgantown, WV. Deuteronomy 13: Don’t worship other gods.  Sounds megalomaniacal? Nah. Worship material possessions and see how empty you feel.  It won’t be fun.  And I don’t say that shameful whatsoever; I just hate to see someone put all their stock in fame / adoration and come up short. There’s wisdom here.  Be smart about where you place your value. 

I am writing from my desk in Seattle, WA. Deuteronomy 12: More of the same stuff.  Nothing interesting.  Do what god says.  Eat some meat.  Don't eat blood.  Blah blah.  Just a recap of some ancient rituals.

I am writing from my desk in Seattle, WA. Deuteronomy 11: This chapter basically says if you love and obey God, then you get all the good stuff. If you disobey and worship other gods, well the shit goes down.  Terror, fear, curses... all that noise. Well this certainly sounds like god is dictator, right? What does this actually mean? Love and obey god = love people.  Help others achieve their dreams.  Truly love people.  Bring out the best in others.  Make others feel important.  When you do this, the world will open up to you and you can begin to live your most abundant life.  This is your path to being fully alive. Disobey and worship other gods = consume people.  Attempt to convince yourself that fulfillment is in material possessions.  Try this and tell me how you feel.  It may feel like a curse.  It may feel like terror upon you. The language used by the Old Testament writers paints a picture for us. Metaphors...

I am writing from my hotel room in Central Point, OR. Deuteronomy 10: This chapter recaps the commandments being put on the second set of tablets.  Remember the first set got broken. Additionally, we are reminded that Moses was told to lead the people into their promised land. This one closes with a big paragraph on why god is cool. Nothing interesting happened in this chapter, just recaps. 

I am writing from my hotel room in San Francisco, CA. Deuteronomy 9: This chapter opens with Moses speaking to the Israelites.  Telling them they are about to cross the Jordan and take nations greater and stronger than them.  There will be large cities with huge walls.  But because god is with them, god goes first and will destroy them. Hold up.  God isn’t destroying anyone.  These Israelites believe in something bigger than themselves that calls them into their future, because of that, they can conquer whatever obstacle is in front of them, regardless of how daunting.  That is the point of what is happening here in our story. We continue with a triple warning:  They aren’t getting the land because of their righteousness.  Meaning, there’s nothing they did to inherently deserve this other than create a future for themselves. The rest is just some Exodus recaps about stuff that Moses did.

I am writing from my desk in Seattle, WA. Deuteronomy 8: Remember all that God did for you or be destroyed.  Sounds harsh. But, perhaps this is about being grateful. If we are not grateful for what we have, we will most certainly be destroyed by greed, among other things.  I don't mean actually destroyed, but dead inside.  Always left wanting more.  Unfulfilled. Gratitude goes a long way.

I am writing from my bed in Seattle, WA. Deuteronomy 7: This one opens with a reminder that when you drive out a nation, you must totally destroy them.  There’s some instructions on proper destruction. There’s also a reminder about how the Israelites are the (let’s be honest, arbitrary) chosen people.  As long as people love god, they are good.  But if you don’t, well, good luck. #grace More about following rules.  No new material yet, sadly. A bit more about god talking about how awesome god is.

I am writing from my couch in Seattle, WA. Deuteronomy 6: This is just another recap chapter of how you’re supposed to love god, which sounds nice; but it also says god will roast you if you suck.  Again, ancient people trying to make sense of the world.  This time period is as far from us today than the year 5000. The Bible is not a to-do list or an owners manual.  It’s a collection of stories written by people who were struggling to make sense of life.

I am writing from my bed in Seattle, WA. This chapter is just a recap of the Ten Commandments and that you better behave. 

I am writing from my bed in Seattle, WA.  Deuteronomy 4: This chapter is a long recap, basically reminding the Israelites that God killed a lot of people so they better stick to the rules.  This fear based approach to obedience doesn’t work, and we are seeing this today as churches who do this continue to close their doors. It is only when we step back and see that this is a story of redeemed people who pushed through their fear do we see the actual meaning in this story. Your best future is on the other side of your greatest sacrifice.

I am writing from 21F on my flight back to Seattle. Deuteronomy 3: The tense here can be a bit confusing but it is being told from the prospective of Moses, as it has been in this book so far.  This one starts off not so good for Og king of Bashan and his army.  God tells Moses not to be afraid, and then gives the orders:  “Do to him what you did to Sihon king of the Amorites.” So Moses and the crew wiped them out, no survivors; and they took all sixty of their cities.  It is written that everything was destroyed - men, women and children. #thoushallnotkill This is one of the toughest parts of the Bible to swallow if you read it literally.  You have to accept that God commanded (and helped) Moses and the Israelites kill a whole lot of people, including children.  Atheists often point to this story and say, “See!  God is a genocidal monster!”  And if you read this literally, they aren’t wrong.  The Red Lady said th...

I am writing from my hotel room in Ashland, VA. Deuteronomy 2: First of all, writing out the word Deuteronomy sucks. This one opens with a bit of a flashback.  We are in a bit more details of the Israelites wandering through the wilderness.  God is telling them not to mess with the already established tribes that are there. Thirty eight years pass and all the originals are dead (as we were told previously).  After that, another warning not to provoke one of the -ites tribes. And the next part, if you take literally, is terrible.  There's no way around it.  With God's help, they killed everyone and took their land.  Including women and children. William Wallace kills a lot of people in Braveheart, but he's still a hero.  You find yourself rooting for him. Why? I don't believe God helped the Israelites kill women and children. I believe this is a story about how an oppressed people overcame slavery to step into a future that they could'...

I am writing from my hotel in Ashland, VA. Deuteronomy 1: Well, we have a new book! This one starts with Moses telling the Israelites to leave the camp and go take their land.  Moses says he can't lead them alone, and for them to choose some leaders.  He is recapping what already happened when we had the chapter of leaders from a few days ago in Numbers. Moses reminds them that when judging disputes among people, be sure to do it fairly.  Whether it is between two Israelites or one Israelite and a foreigner, not to show partiality.  Let us remember that. Back to the story.  Moses also recalls the spies that were sent (from earlier in Numbers) to check out the promised land. This chapter closes with Moses retelling the part about how the people didn't want to go because they were too scared.  How he told them God would be with them, and they still didn't want to go.  So then they wandered. This is basically just a recap chapter, with a rem...

I am writing from my hotel room in Morgantown, WV.  Numbers 36: Last day of Numbers! Not much going on in this chapter.  Basically, these daughters have to marry within their father’s tribe because you can’t cross tribe marry.  The reason is so you don’t distribute your inheritance to another tribe. Kinda boring. 

I am writing from my hotel room in Ashland, VA. Numbers 35: This one kicks off with God telling Moses to tell the Israelites to give some towns to the Levites. They need to give them forty eight towns, but six of those towns will be cities of refuge. Sounds nice, except that a city of refuge is where you can escape to when you accidentally kill someone lol. Just an accident though!  If you do it on purpose, well you need to be put to death.  We've gone over this before. It does say that you cannot be put to death if there was only one witness.  Hmm. Also don't accept ransom. This one closes with a warning not to pollute the land in which you live. So pick up your trash.

I am writing from my hotel room in Ashland, VA. Numbers 34: This one opens with God telling Moses to tell the Israelites what the borders of Canaan are. Then one leader from each tribe is appointed, and this is listed. And that is it!  Short chapter.  Not much going on. Only two more days of Numbers left!

I am writing from my hotel room in Ashland, VA. Numbers 33: This chapter is just a recap of the Israelites' journey up to this point. Starting with leaving Egypt -- ending where we left off with God telling them to cross the Jordan and take their promised land. Remember:  If you focus on whether or not this story is literal, you will miss the point; and its a good one.

I am writing from my hotel room in Ashland, VA. Numbers 32: I actually love this chapter. So some of those -ites (Reuben and Gad) asked Moses for some land (for their flocks) so they didn't have to cross the Jordan.  Basically trying to take the easy path. Moses ain't down with this and is asking why they are discouraging people of taking the land that was promised to them. If you thought Moses was upset, God was super pissed.  So we are told that God made sure that none of them would get any of that promised land, and to add insult to injury, have them wonder around for forty years.  Basically until the entire generation was dead. Now before we get all caught up in this bizarre story, take a step back and think about what is happening here.  Rather than pursue what it is difficult and ultimately more rewarding, they are trying to take the easy way out.  These ancient folks tend to blame God for a lot, and say that God is saying all this stuff. ...

I am writing from my hotel room in Ashland, VA. Numbers 31: This is pretty dark.  I bet they don't read this one on Sundays lol. God is telling Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites. #grace #mercy Well took vengeance they did, and they killed every last Midianite man at the request of God. GoT style, they captured the women and children, as well as herds, flocks and goods as plunder. They brought all this back to Moses, who was pissed because they let the women live. Moses instructs them to kill all the boys and kill all the non-virgin women.  They get to keep the virgins for themselves. Remember, women were property at this time.  A non-virgin was used up property and therefore had no value. The chapter ends with details on how they divided up the loot. Well, that was a doozy.

I am writing from my hotel room in Ventura, CA. Numbers 30: Today's chapter is about vows, which is pretty cool because I'm about to go see Vince and Kelley get married. It is important to remember that this was written a LONG time ago, and the way women were culturally treated is certainly (and sadly) reflected here. But perhaps we should take a step back and see what is really being said: Your word matters.

I am writing from my hotel room in Ventura, CA. Numbers 29: A bit more of the same stuff. Kick it off with a party and some offerings, as usual. Another party, and A LOT of detailed offerings. Bulls, rams, goats and lambs; oh my.