Yesterday I begin reading the book of Numbers. For those of you who are ignoring your culture, that is in the Bible. I thought I might give a few thoughts on Bible reading for those who might feel tempted from time to time. If you read it regularly then you have your own ways of doing it. Mine are right.
I would not recommend that a beginner in Bible reading start at the beginning and read straight through. It might pay to start with Psalms and Proverbs in the Old Testament and the gospel of Mark along with I John in the NT. I am now on a cycle of reading straight through but I am doing so to pick up the gestalt rather than learn what the book is about. I also use it for a study tool so the reading through is just part of my puzzle.
Feel free to skim certain sections. In the first chapter of Numbers, for instance, I saw a pattern developing.
(Num 1:5 KJV) And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.
(Num 1:6 KJV) Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
(Num 1:7 KJV) Of Judah; Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
(Num 1:8 KJV) Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
(Num 1:9 KJV) Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.
I could look ahead and see that this was repeated again and again so I pretty much skipped over all that. If you have a Ph.D. in The Mystery of Old Testament Names then you might want to really study this part, but not for me. I am getting too old to try to figure out the significance of Nahshon being the son of Amminabad.
You will find this kind of thing frequently. Some times it is lists. Sometimes it is almost word for word repetition of what was just said. There may be a time to focus and meditate on why things are repeated but if you are just starting out feel free to jump ahead.
When you come to something that tickles your sense of wonder or curiosity, pause and think. Look a little closer. Allow the Holy Spirit to stir the ashes and maybe light a fire.
Just a few thoughts. Carry on.
homo unius libri
Monday, April 26, 2021
Opus 2021-151: Bible Reading: Skip and Scan
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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.