Reading for October 7th

 Read 1 Corinthians 12.1-11.In 12.1-14.40: Instructions about spiritual gifts. In 12.1-3: Establishing perspective. In verse 1: The Corinthians had asked about "pneumatikoi," literally "spirituals," rendered as spiritual gifts or spiritual persons. The same term is used in 3.1. In verse 2: Many in the church had non-Jewish backgrounds (6.9-11; 1 Thess 1.9-10). In verse 3: "Let Jesus be cursed!" What circumstances prompted anyone to say this is not clear. It could be based upon Deut 21.23 (Gal 3.13). In verses 4-11: The Spirit's many activities. In verses 4-7: Gifts (charismata") are different ways of describing manifestations of the Spirit. Paul emphasizes their variety, their common source, and their intended purpose--to serve the common good. In verses 8-10: Utterances of wisdom and knowledge describe speech that informs and enlightens. Faith gifts of healing, and working of miracles belong together. Prophecy is paired with discernment of spirits, the ability to evaluate prophetic speech. Various kinds of tongues require the interpretation of tongues. In verse 11: All are spiritual (v. 1) activities because their source is the same Spirit. Comments or Questions...

Reading for October 6th

Read 1 Corinthians 11.17-34. In 11.17-34: The Lord's supper. In verses 17-22: Being divided at worship. In verse 18: They meet in Gaius' house (Rom 16.23). In verses 18-19: The divisions and factions are along social and economic lines. In verse 22: Those who have not are the poor, literally the "have-nots." In verses 23-26: Recalling Jesus' words before his death. In verse 23: From the Lord: The story of the institution of the Eucharist goes back to Christ. Paul's version is closest to Luke's account (Lk 22.14-23; Mt 26.26-29) and is the oldest recorded version. In verse 24: In remembrance of me: Lk 22.29. In verse 25: After supper: a meal is eaten  between the bread and cup (Lk 22.20). The cup of wine symbolized the beginning of the new covenant that began with Christ's death (Jer 31.31-34; Ex 24.8). In verse 26: This verse adds Paul's interpretation to the tradition he received. In verses 27-34: Taking the supper seriously. In verse 27: To eat in an unworthy manner is to engage in the meal without thinking about what it really means. In verse 28: Examine yourselves: Remember the words for you (v. 24). In verse 29: The body is both crucified Lord and the church gathered as the Lord's body (12.27). In verse 30: Some have become sick and died because the church has not cared for them. In verses 31-32: Paul's warning is stern: Our behavior is judged by the Lord, and misbehavior is disciplined (Heb 12.5-7, 10). In verse 33: Wait for one another;: Worship as one church not many groups. In verse 34: Paul expects to visit them soon (16.5-9). Comments or Questions..

Reading for October 5th

 Read 1 Corinthians 11.2-16. In 11.2-34: Some instructions about worship: What to wear and how to observe the Lord's supper. In verses 2-16: Advice about covering the head. In verse 2: Traditions are teachings Paul had received from others (15.3; 2 Thess 2.15). In verse 3: Head may mean source (head of a river ) rather than one with authority over another. For a similar hierarchy, see 3.22-23. In verses 4-5: Prays or prophesies: A worship setting is in view. No distinction is made between what men and women do (14.33b-36. In verse 7-9: Gen 1-2 informs Paul's remarks here. Image and reflection of God uses language from Gen 1.27. Reflection of man: According to Gen 2.18-25, the woman was created from man. Reflection, or glory (Greek "doxa"), draws on the image of a reflecting light: Man reflects God's light, woman reflects man's light (Heb 1.3). In verse 10: The verse is very difficult. Possibly, "The woman ought to have authority over her own head." Because of the angels may recall Gen 6.2. In verses 11-12: For a similar mutuality, see 7.2-4. In verses 13-14: Nature: Paul's remarks accept social and religious customs of his day. Comments or Questions...

Reading for October 4th

 Read 1 Corinthians 10.23-11.1. In 10.23-11.1: What to do in a private setting. Paul resumes the discussion from 8.7-13. In 10.23: The quotations reflect the views of the strong (6.12-20). In verse 24: Your own advantage: the advice in 8.1b becomes concrete. In verse 25: This follows the principle stated in 8.8 (Rom 14.14, 20). In verse 26: The quotation is from Ps 24.1. In verse 27: The setting is a private home. In verse 28: This is probably the weak person speaking. The same advice is given in 8.13. In verse 29: The other's conscience is that of the weak person (8.10). In verses 29b-30: The questions do not logically follow. They sound like questions the strong would ask, defending their right to eat. In verse 31: Glory of God: Col 3.17. In verse 33: This briefly states the principle informing Paul's advice in chs. 8-10. In 11.1: Imitators: 4.16. Christ's example is elaborated in Phil 2.5-11. Comments or Questions..

Reading for October 3rd

 Read 1 Corinthians 10.1-22. In verses 1-13: Israel's example. In verse 2: Baptized into Moses: This unusual phrase reflects Christian retelling of the exodus story. It suggests that Israel participated with Moses in the exodus as Christians participate in Jesus' death and resurrection. In verse 3: Spiritual food and drink: Israel's wilderness experience is reinterpreted in light of the Lord's supper (11.23-26). In verse 6: Examples: 10.11; Rom 14.4. In verses 7-10: These verses draw four lessons from the story. In verse 7: Idolaters recall the golden calf in incident (Ex 32); the quotation is from Ex 32.6. In verse 8: Sexual immorality recalls Baal of Peor incident (Num 25. In verse 9: Putting the Lord (Yahweh, not Christ as in NRSV) to the test recalls the bronze serpent incident (Num 21). In verse 10: Do not complain recalls incidents in Ex 16; Num 14, 17. In verse 11: Ends of the ages: The "last days" has begun with Christ's resurrection (Acts 2.) In verse 13: God is faithful: 1.9; 2 Cor 1.18. In verses 14-22: Avoid worship of idols. In verse 14: Paul develops the first of four lessons (10.7). In verses 16-21: Like other sacred meals eaten in honor of a deity, the Lord's supper unites the worshippers with Christ. Christians must choose between the table of the Lord (Jesus) and the table of demons. In verse 22: Jealousy: Deut 32.21: Ex 34.14. Comments or Questions..

Reading for October 2nd

 Read 1 Corinthians 9.19-27. In verses 19-23: Becoming a slave. In verse 19: Slave: Along with apostle, Paul uses slave as a self-designation (Phil 1.1). Win means to convert. In verse 20: Became as a Jew is surprising, since since Paul was born a Jew (Phil 3.5-6). Those under the law probably refers to Jewish Christians who continue to observe Torah. Paul no longer lived under the law in the same way (Gal 4-5). In verse 21: Those outside the law are gentiles. Christ's law: Rom 8.2. In verse 22: The weak are gentile Christians (8.7). In verses 24-27: Saying no to oneself. Two athletic examples-runners and boxers-illustrate the importance of self-control, the ability to limit our desires (2 Pet 1.6). In verse 27: Punish my body refers to the athlete's training. Comments or Questions..

Reading for October 1st

 Read 1 Corinthians 9.1-18. In 9.1-27: Paul limits his rights as an apostle. In verses 1-14: The apostle's right to be paid. In verses 1-2: Paul experienced God's call to be an apostle in a vision of Christ (15.8; Gal 1.15-16). In verse 3: Paul's practice of refusing pay drew criticism. In verse 7: Everyday examples show that workers deserve pay. In verse 8: Scripture provides additional support (Deut 25.4). In verse 12: Others: Some ministers besides Paul have apparently received pay from the church. In verse 13: Established religious practice provides a third reason. In verse 14: Fourth, a command of the Lord Jesus supports the practice (Lk 10.7; Gal 6.6). In verses 17-18: Paul gives up his right. In verse 15: Boasting: he preached the gospel free of charge. In verse 16: Obligation: he thought his call to the gentiles required special measures. In verse 18: Reward: For Paul, preaching the gospel was it own reward. Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 30th

 Read 1 Corinthians 8.1-11. In verse 1: Instructions about eating food sacrificed to idols. In 8.1-6: Balancing knowledge with love. The quotations in vv. 1 and 4 express the views of the spiritually mature (3.1). In verse 1: Love builds up: The edifying power of love ("agape") is further developed in chs. 12-14. In verse 2: Necessary knowledge: Knowing often means not knowing (13.12). In verse 6: Here Paul quotes a two-part confession acknowledging God as Creator and Christ as God's agent of creation (Rom 11.36; Col 1.16). In verses 7-13: Obligations to the weak. In verse 7: Gentile converts are in view. In verse 8: The quotation expresses the view of the spiritually mature.. Food is food. If the quotation continues, it should read, "We are no worse off if we do eat, no better off if we do not eat." In verse 9: Liberty is the freedom that the strong people have, based on their enlightened attitude. Stumbling block: Rom 14.30, 20-21. In verse 11: Knowledge without love has destructive power. In verse 12: You sin against Christ because the church limits one liberty than cause the weak Christian harm (Rom 14.20-21). Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 29th

17.32-Read 1 Corinthians 7.32-40. In verses 32-35: Being free from anxiety. Paul explains the basis for his advice in vv.25-31. Marriage makes practical demands not directly concerned with the affairs of the Lord. Single people may focus exclusively on such things. In verse 35: Restraint: rather than discouraging marriage, Paul is encouraging good order and devotion to the Lord. In verses 36-38: Advice for those engaged to be married. In verse 36: Fiancee translates the Greek word for virgin ("pathenos"). It may refer to a father's engaged daughter. The Greek of vv. 36-38 is much less clear than the NRSV translation, which expresses one interpretation. In verse 38: Refrains from marriage: Paul's advice here is consistent with the rest of the chapter. In verses 39-40: Advice to widow. This extends the advice of v. 8. The death of one married partner dissolves the marriage (Rom 7.1-3). In verse 40: Remains as she is: Paul follows the principle expressed in vv. 17-24. Spirit of God: Paul claims prophetic authority for his view (14.37). Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 28th

 Read 1 Corinthians7.17-31. In verses 14-24: Paul's principle: remain as you are. Vv. 17, 20 and 24 state the principle informing Paul's advice in ch. 7. In verses 17-20: Circumcision signified being Jewish. Remove the marks: Some Jewish males under went a surgical procedure to become uncircumcised (1 Macc 1.15). In verse 19: Paul's experience of Christ radically changed his view (Gal 5.6). In verses 21-24: V. 21 is ambiguous in Greek. The alternate rendering is possible, but the NRSV rendering is more consistent with his overall advice. In verse 22: Conversion to Christ redefines loyalties. In verse 23: Bought with a price: See comments on 6.20. In verses 25-31: Advice to the unmarried. In verse 25: Virgins are probably young unmarried women. No command: Paul cannot quote Jesus on the matter. Trustworthy: 4.2. In verses 26-28: Impending crises, possibly present crisis, probably refers to the soon expected return of the Lord (vv. 29,31), which would be preceded by social and cosmic upheaval (Mk. 13.4-8). In verses 29-31: Expecting the end soon created a sense of urgency that changed all relationships-domestic, personal, and economic. A world passing away does not make demands like a world thought to last forever. Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 27th

 Read 1 Corinthians 7.1-16. In 7.1-40: Questions about marriage. In verses 1-7: Responsibilities within marriage. In verse 1: Again, The quotation comes from the Corinthians. They probably asked, "Should married Christian couples stop having sexual intercourse?" In verse 3: Conjugal rights: Spouses should fulfill each other's sexual needs. In verse 4:  Mutual ownership of each other's body is unusual. In verses 5-6: Command: Paul cannot quote the Old Testament or Jesus on the matter. In verse 7: As I myself am: Paul is unmarried (7.8). In verses 8-9: Advice to unmarried and widows. Self-control: if they cannot control their sexual desires, they should marry. In verses 10-11: Advice to the married. Command: Jesus spoke directly to this question (Mk 10.11-12). Separate and divorce refer to the same action, not two stages of a divorce proceeding. In verses 12-16: Advice to those with non-Christian spouses. In verse 12: Not the Lord: Jesus no where addressed this question. In verses 12-13: In view is a married couple where one spouse becomes a Christian. In verse 14: Made holy: the moral influence of the Christian spouse extends to the unbelieving spouse, thereby ensuring the spiritual welfare of the children. In verses 15-16: Compared with Jesus (Mt 19-3-9: Mk 10.10-12), Paul broadens the basis for divorce. In verse 16: The Greek is not clear as the NRSV. It can read you might not save, which would support his advice in v. 15. Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 26th

 Read 1 Corinthians 6.1-20. In verses 1-11: dealing with internal disputes. In verse 1: The grievance is not specified, but being defrauded suggests lawsuits involving money, perhaps rents or loans. In verse 2: In 5.12, saints judge each other. This probably refers to future judgment, when saints will judge angels ( 2 Pet 2.4). In verse 5: The question is sarcastic (4.8-10) In verses 9-10: Sins of sex and greed are prominent here, since chs. 5-6 address them ( Rom 1.29-31; Gal 5.19-21). In verse 11: Washed (Titus 3.5), sanctified (2 Thess 2.13), and justified (Rom 3.24) are different ways of referring to their conversion. In verses 12-20: Avoiding sexual sins. In verses 12-13: The slogans in quotation marks express views of the "spiritual people" (3.1) wh emphasize their freedom and independence. Fornication ("porneia," vv. 13-18; 5.1) is sexual morality of any kind. In verse 14: God's action in Christ governs Christian conduct (Rom 14.7-9). In verses 15-16: Prostitute ("prone") is a woman who practices sexual immorality as a  profession. In verse 16: Gen 2.24. In verses 19-20: The individual's body is in view (compare 3.16-17). Temple ("naos") may be the Jerusalem Temple (Mt 25.61) or a pagan shrine ( Acts 17.24). In verse 20: Bought with a price: Christ purchased their  freedom from slavery (7.23; Rom 6.17). Comments or Questions...

Reading for September 25th

 Read 1 Corinthians 5.1- 13. In verses 1-8: A case of sexual immorality. In verse 1: Sexual immorality ("porneia") is a general term including a variety of sexual sins (6.13, 18). The Old Testament forbade sexual relations between son and stepmother (Lev 18.8). In verses 3-5: The language of these verses may indicate a formal procedure for discipling wayward members (Mt 18.20). In verse 4: The alternative translation makes the offense even more serious. In verse 5: Hand over to Satan: Paul thinks Satan is still an active force (Rom 16.20). In verses 6-7: Removing leaven in preparation for Passover provides the background for Paul's remarkshere (Ex 12.14-20). Christ's death is seen as the lamb sacrificed at Passover (Ex 12.21-27; Rom 3.25). In verse 8: Celebrate the festival: The image of Passover observance is extended to Christian worship and practice. In verses 9-13: Relating to immoral Christians. In verse 9: This previous letter is lost, unless it is preserved in 2 Cor 6.14-7.1. In verse 11: Refusing to eat with someone had great symbolic significance (Mt 9. 10-13; Acts 11.3). In verse 13: Deut 17.7. Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 24th

 Read 1 Corinthians 4.1-21. In verses 1-7: How to think of God's ministers. In verse 1: More important than their personal characteristics is how ministers relate to Christ and God. Servants and stewards are roles defined by superiors. In verse 3: Some were sitting in judgment on Paul (9.3). In verse 4: The Lord establishes the true perspective for judging behavior (6.13). In verse 5: Paul expects the Lord's coming very soon (1.7; 7.29, 31). Judgment is a time of unveiling secrets (Rom 2.16; see Lk 8.17). In verse 6: The meaning of the saying is uncertain; it may refer to 1.31. Puffed up suggests an inflated self-image that leads to boasting (3.21). In verse 7: The alternate rendering makes more sense. In verse 8-13: The illusion of having already arrived. This ironic language applies to the "spiritual people" (3.1) who claim superior wisdom (6.5). In verses 9-10: Apostles are like prisoners of war, last in the victory parade, a spectacle to everyone. In verses 11-12: The missionary lives a  vagabond's existence. In verses 14-21: Paul appeals to his children. In verses 14-15: Starting churches was like having children (Gal 4.19; 1 Thess 2.11). In verse 16: As their father, Paul expected the church to imitate his behavior (11.1; Phil  3.17). In verse 17: Timothy: The alternative rendering am sending is preferred, since Timothy is apparently still with Paul (16.10-11). My way in Jesus Christ are what Paul taught and how he behaved. In verses 18-21: Arrogant behavior is a root problem in the church (5.2; 13.4) Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 23rd

 Read 1 Corinthians 3.1-23. In verse 1-9: Rightly viewing God's servants. In verse 1: Like infants, people of the flesh think only of their own needs and self-interests. In verse 2: Heb 5.12-14. In verse 3: Jealousy and quarreling are among the desires of the flesh (Gal 5.20). In verses 5-9: The emphasis throughout is on God's initiative. In verses 10-17: Paul as master builder. In verse 10: Paul experienced the grace of God when God called him (15.10-11; Rom 15.15-16). In verse 11: Eph 2.19-22; Mt 16.18. In verse 13: The Day of judgment is often envisioned as destruction of the world by fire (Mal 4.1; 2 Thess 1.8). In verses 16-17: The building metaphor now becomes specific: God temple. You refers to the congregation. in 6.19-20. The individual's body is a temple. In verses 18-23: becoming truly wise. In verse 19: Job 5.12. In verse 20: Ps 94.11. In verse 21: Rather than following human leaders who claim to be wise, belonging to Christ gives them all they need. Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 22nd

 Read 1 Corinthians 2.1-16. In verses 1-5: Paul's preaching illustrates God's power. Here Paul recalls his founding visit (Acts 18.1-18). Mystery of God is not a puzzle but something hidden that God can reveal (compare Rom16.25-26). The alternate reading, testimony of God, suggests that God bears witness through Paul's preaching. Jesus Christ, and him crucified includes Paul's preaching and manner of life (compare Gal 2.19-20). Demonstration of the Spirit and of power: Paul saw himself as a channel for the Holy Spirit exerting power (1 Thess 1.5; 2.13). In verses 6-16:Wisdom for the mature. Now Paul speaks of wisdom positively. This age and the rulers of this age refers to Paul's world and those who control it, probably heavenly forces rather than earthly rulers. In verse 9: As it is written: Paul mixes several Old Testament passages (Isa 64.4; 52.15; 65.16). In verse 14: The unspiritual ("psychikos"), or "natural" person is a two dimensional figure living in a three-dimensional world. In verse 15: The spiritual ("pneumatikos") person is guided by God's Spirit ("pnemua"). In verse 16: Isa 40.13. The mind of Christ, guided by God's spirit, seeks what is truly God's (v. 11; Phil 2.5-11). Comments or Questions.. 

Reading for September 21st

 Read 1 Corinthians 1.18-31. In verses 18-25: The cross, God's folly. Seen one way, the story of Christ's death, the message about the cross, seems foolish. Crucifixion was a shameful way for anyone to die, especially someone embodying God's hopes. Jews and Greeks represent two ways of knowing or relating to God-demanding signs and desiring wisdom.the one stresses dramatic displays of power by God, the other gradual, intuitive learning about God. The cross, however, locates God somewhere else, at the intersection of human foolishness and weakness. In verses 26-31: the Corinthians themselves prove God's power and wisdom.  The Corinthians own call shows God's capacity for upsetting human expectations. to boast in the presence of God suggests arrogant behavior (compare 4.6; 5.2). to boast in the Lord is to recognize God as the source of life in Christ Jesus (v. 31; compare Jer 9.24). Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 20th

 Read 1 Corinthians 1.10-17. In 1.10-17: Appeal for unity. Full divisions have not yet occurred, but quarrels have. Chole's people, members of her household, are mentioned nowhere else. To belong to someone means looking only to that person for spiritual guidance. Apollos ministered to the Corinthian church after Paul's founding visit (3.5-6; Acts 18.24-19.1) and is now with Paul as he writes this letter (16.12). Whether Cephas (Peter) has actually been in Corinth or was only known by reputation is not clear. Crispus was a prominent synagogue official (Acts 18.18), and Gaius hosted Paul and the Corinthian house church (Rom 16.23). The household of Stephanas later receives high praise from Paul for devoted service to the church (16.15-18). Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 19th

Read 1 Corinthians 1.1-9. In 1.1-3: Greeting. This opening greeting reflects the basic structure of greetings used in ancient letters. The writers of the letter (Paul and Sosthenes) address the church of God that is in Corinth and wish them grace and peace, standard forms of greetings among gentiles and Jews. In verses 4-9: Prayer of thanksgiving. Paul's letters usually begin with an extended prayer (see Rom 1.8-15; Phil 1.3-11). In a reassuring tone, he introduces themes developed later in the letter. All, not just a few, have enough speech and knowledge to be confident of their faith (compare 8.1). Nor do only an elite few experience spiritual gifts (Chs. 12-14). Everyone has been strengthened by the testimony of Christ,the preaching about Christ, continues to be strengthened by God. The prayer looks forward to the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, when Christ would return (ch. 15; 16.22). Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 18th

 Read Esther 10.1-3. In 10.1-3: Mordecai honored. In verse 2: Like other key events of the book of Esther, Mordecai deeds are recorded in the annals of the kings of Media and Persia. In verse 3: The closing tribute to Mordecai, as opposed to Esther for whom the book is named, is sometimes considered a latter addition to the book, though Purim is called "Mordecai's Day" in 2 Macc 15.35. Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 17th

 Read Esther 9.18-32. In 9.18-32: Purim celebrations. In verses 18-21: The different days  on which the fighting took place here explains why purim is celebrated for two days. In verse 22: In keeping with the book's strong emphasis on banqueting, Purim observances include gifts of food. In verses 24-26: Ironically, the festival is named after Haman's plot, first begun in 3.7 with the casting of a lot. In verses 27-28: Because Purim is not found in the Torah (Pentateuch), its acceptance would have needed explanation and support. In verses 29-32: The titles of the Jew Mordecai (as in 8.7) and Queen Esther suggest their different, though complementary, authority for sending letters. Comments or Questions.

Reading for September 16th

 Read Esther 9.1-17. In 9.1-17: The events of Adar. In verse 1: On the very day underlines the reversal of fates that has taken place in the book. In verses 5-16: Jewish self-defense begins in the citadel of Susa (vv. 6-12). Fighting in Susa (vv. 13-15) may refer to the same locale or the unfortied city; fighting spreads to other Persian provinces (v. 16). The violence of these verses is variously assessed: Is the killing justified resistance to a planned pogrom? Is it a troublesome commentary on the excesses of revenge? They did not touch the plunder (vv. 10, 15, 16), though Mordecai's edict allowed it, suggesting a religious motive for the fighting. In 1 Sam 15, Saul loses kingship because he took plunder and spared Agag. Comments or Questions.

Reading for September 15th

 Read Esther 8.1-17. In 8.1-17 Esther and Mordecai issue edicts. In verses 1-2: Yet more reversals: Esther receives Haman's house, and the signet ring that Ahasuerus gave to Haman to issue a decree (3.10) is now given to Mordecai to issue a counter-decree. In verse 3: The king has saved Esther and Mordecai, but now asks the he save the whole Jewish people. In verse 8: The irrevocability of a royal edict is both the cause and the solution to the Jews problem. In verses 9-11: Sivan (Babylonian "Simanu") was still 9 months from the execution of the original edict. Given free reign to draft the decree, Mordecai allows Jews not only to defend themselves but also to take plunder (though they do not, see 9.10). In verse 15: Mordecai's blue and white robes (as in 1.6) link him with royalty, as foreshadowed in 6.11. In verse 17: Persians professed to be Jews, suggesting that Jewish identity could be chosen for oneself. Comments or Questions,..

Reading for September 14th

 Read Esther 7.1-10. In 7.1-10: Haman's downfall. In verses 3-4: Esther strategically heaps up deferential comments to the king and focuses on his loss ((damage to the king) in her death. In verse 8: Reclining was a common posture for banqueting. Haman's act of supplication is interpreted by Ahasuerus as a sexual attack on Esther. In verse 9: A eunuch "happens" to be on hand and suggests a "measure for measure" punishment for Haman. Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 13th

 Read Esther 6.1-14. In 6.1-14: Royal insomnia benefits Mordecai. In a comic scene, the king passes a sleepless night listening to royal annals. In keeping with the theology of the book, "it just happened" to be the same night Haman "happens" to be in the court; and Haman's desire for royal treatment "happen" to be given to the very man he wished to hang. In verse 10: The Jew Mordecai: The king makes no connection between Mordecai's ethnicity and the people he had condemned to death in ch. 3. In verse 13: If Mordecai ... is of the Jewish people: Since Haman had already revealed this in 5.13, the statement is likely intended as a preview of what is to come. Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 12th

 Read Esther 5.9-14. In 5.9-14: Haman's mood swings. In good spirits after the queen has shown him honor, Haman is infuriated by Mordecai's repeated refusal to bow. In verse 11: Haman's bragging to people who already know him suggests an ego out of control. In verse 14: Because the pogrom is still months from its execution, the plan to kill Mordea immediately on a gallows 50 cubits high (75 ft) leaves Haman in good spirits once again. Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 11th

 Read Esther 5.1-8. In 5.1-8: Esther requests two banquets. In verse 1: Esther, while bold, shows (respect for the king). In verse 3: Half of my kingdom: Another example of Ahasuerus' impulsive style. In verses 4-5: A clear strategist, Esther feeds the ego of both the king (throwing him a banquet) and Haman (honoring him with an invitation). In verses 6-8: Esther requests another banquet, the seventh of the book. By postponing her ultimate request, she leaves the reader in suspense and puffs up Haman, preparing him for a yet more dramatic fall. Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 10th

 Read Esther 4.1-17. In 4.1-17: Mordecai petitions Esther. In verse 1: Torn clothes, sackcloth, and ashes are typical gestures of mourning and distress. In verses 4-5: Why Esther was distressed is not explained: did she fear for Mordecai's safety. In verse 11: Despite her status as queen, Esther remains under the authority of the king and of the ever present Persian law. In verses 12-14: Mordecai is the face of Esther's Jewishness. His speech reminds her that she shares the fate of her people. Another quarter may be veiled reference to God, who is not named explicitly in the book. Perhaps ... for just such a time as this summarizes the book's theme: Esther rise to power just in time to save the Jewish people. In verses 16-17: For the first time, Esther commands Mordecai, and he does everything she says (compare 2.20). The fast is one of the few religious observances in the book and prepares the people for the danger Esther is to face. Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 9th

 Read Esther 3.1-15. In 3.1-15: Mordecai angers Haman. In verse 1: Haman's Agagite identity puts him in tension with the Benjamite Mordecai (1 Sam 15.7-9). In verse 2: As in the case of Vashti's refusal, Mordecai's refusal to bow down is not explained. In verses 4-6: Mordecai having revealed his identity, Haman hatches a plan against all Jews. In verses 7-11: Nisan: As in other post-exilic books, month names are based on the Babylonian calendar. Pur: Akkadian for "lot" (singular, unlike the English usage of "lots"). The date chosen for the pogrom is 11 months hence. In verse 8: Haman does not identify the rebellious people, but argues their danger to the empire. In verse 10; Signet ring: Sign of royal authority. In verse 11: As it seems good to you: As usual, the king lets others decide. In verses 12-15: The edict, which bears the all the royal trappings, allows destruction and plunder of the Jewish people. Coldly, the men drink after issuing a decree of death. Comments or Questions..

Reading for September 8th

 Read Esther 2.12-23. In 2.13-23: Esther and Mordecai's successes. The elaborate procedures portray Esther's chances as a longshot. In verses 15-18: Why savvy Esther follows the instructions of the eunuch who has favored her. Her victory is celebrated by the fourth banquet of the book. In verses 19-23: Mordecai's protection of the king, while not yet rewarded, will serve as his salvation from Haman's plot in ch. 6. In verse 21: Threshold: of the king's private room Greek sources relate that Ahasuerus died from this type of conspiracy. Mordecai's access to the eunuchs may indicate that he held some official position. Comments or Questions..