Shannon Evans Bible as Literature

12/4/2011 Professor Dauber

The Spirit of the Lord Spake by Me, and His Word Was in My Tongue. Gods Chosen Leaders; Their Struggles and Strengths in the Imperative Task of Preserving His Nation.

Remember when God almost smote the Israelites for worshipping that molten calf? (Exodus 32:19). Or how about the multiple times they bitterly rebelled in the desert? (Numbers 14:4). Oh, and how could one forget the time the people turned their backs on both their king and their God? (2 Samuel 15:14). It is not at all astounding that time and time again The Israelites, Gods own people, succumb to their human weaknesses and wants. Even after God makes his covenant there are well over a handful of times he is disappointed and contemplates doing away with them all together. Enter the heroes of the early Old Testament: Moses, Aaron, Eleazar, Phinehas, Samuel, David and Nathan! All are not without flaws but they remain to be heroes in their own right, they are the ones who salvage the people in all three of the above situations (and more). But one may wonder why do they exist? What is their defining purpose? How Come God will not communicate and handle directly with his creations? No one can Play God and know positively but by appointing these leaders one sees how the Israelites are a work in progress. They must learn to obey and follow the word and instructions of their God without force. They need the free will that comes with having human leaders to test their righteousness. This is a test the people often fail and their shortcomings do not go unrecognized. God repeatedly threatens and attempts to annihilate his people, yet he is always humbled when one of his leaders reasons with him. Although the Israelites become bitter in the desert, in spite of Moses and Aaron, they

fail to see they are only alive because of them. Later on, the tribes again are blinded by their own wants. They request a king. Many still do not realize that it is through Sauls failure and Davids commitment that only a King who honors and rules with Gods principles will save them from their enemies. For example, David could have never defeated Goliath without the grace of God (1 Samuel 17:50). This shows that even a lesson explicably said by Matthew in the New Testament With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). holds true throughout the entire Bible and also resonates in all who are blessed by God. Without the Prophets, Priests, and Kings the Israelites would not have made it very far. They would have been wiped out either through warfare or God himself had he not establish just leaders. They take on the trying task of educating, leading, and preserving a less than obedient nation. Their relationship allows God to become merciful and somewhat humanized. His appointed rulers also help to clarify and enforce his power. They serve as a reminder that God is infinitely watchful but most importantly they show how their existence is ultimately the backbone of the Israelites.

By reaching the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament one can most likely make some conclusions as to what it means to take on the role of Prophet. Moses successfully delivers the people from the wrath of both Pharaoh (departure from Egypt) and God (golden calf) but it is in the next three books that one really delves into Moses lifelong commitment to the Israelites, even in their trials he never abandons them. The daily duties are reminiscent of both a babysitter and a teacher. Moses receives direct instructions and laws from God (Repetition of Speak unto the children of Israel (Leviticus)) and must not only relate them to everyone but also enforce them. He is also dealt an additional task in Numbers, As the Lord commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai (1:19). Like a herder keeping track of his sheep he tries to make sure they oblige Gods every rule and command (and there is one for almost

everything). Thankfully he is not alone. Through Gods wish Aaron and his sons are anointed into priesthood. They help Moses to watch over everyone but in addition they relay and carry out all the sacred procedures such as various offerings, rituals, and atonements. The latter of the three holding the most weight in terms of the Israelites salvation. Gods direction And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the Lord commanded Moses (Leviticus16:34). gives the priests the power to free the people of their sins, to cleanse them of their un- holiness (16:19). They now, on top of fulfilling offerings and helping the Levites with the Tabernacle, become responsible for keeping Gods promise of immortal life intact. Although they know it is an honor to be blessed by God they are often overwhelmed and dont always desire their appointments. This is first shown in Exodus when Moses tries to refuse the burning bush and later in his crying out to God Wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all his people on me? Have I conceived all this people? (Numbers 11:11-12). The burden is a heavy one to carry. They are presented with struggle upon struggle but together they continue to honor and oblige Gods bidding. When God depicts to Moses how the priests must conduct sacred procedures one sees the rational, precise, and thoughtful side of his directions And the priest shall offer the burnt offering, and make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed from his uncleanness; and afterward he shall kill the burnt offering (Leviticus 14:19). But one also sees God make a rapid departure from this when something angers him. The judicious, careful ways are utterly forgotten when the Israelites begin to conduct themselves foolishly. In Numbers, they again start to show their lack of faith and disobedience. They begin to rebel, And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron; and the whole congregation said unto them, Would

God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! (14:2). This enrages God and he is ready to smite them for their disrespect but yet again Moses is there to save the day. He reasons with God telling him that his name will become tarnished and he reminds him of his mercy and forgiveness (14:19). God does not kill his people but he takes away their opportunity to ever see the promise land (Even Moses and Aaron will not because of Moses brash actions (20:11). The episode of the Israelites unrest is not quite over though. Aaron takes a turn saving the people when God sends forth a plague (16:47). He shows that he, like Moses, has the sacred power to save his people. His act shows the physical manifestation of what his atonements accomplished spiritually. He dies soon after this but Eleazar carries on his priesthood. Nothing angers God especially again for a little while until the Israelites begin fraternizing with the Midianites. He sends yet another plague. This time it is stopped by Eleazars son Phinehas when he angrily kills, Cozbi, a Midianite woman (25:8). An action God commends since the Midianites were corrupting the Israelites into worshipping false gods. These actions show how God needs a human intercessor to stop him from completely killing everyone in rage (as he did Before Noah and in Sodom and Gomorrah). The Israelites need to have faith and be obedient to prevent future predicaments. Without prophets or priests there would have been no hope at saving the nation. Moses and Aaron especially dedicated their whole life to acting out Gods plans, they know they have to keep trying to influence the people in order to avoid Gods wrath. They are imperative in both reminding God of his mercy and on the other hand trying to convince the Israelites on a personal level to listen out of love and gratitude, not fear. In Deuteronomy, Moses reiterates the importance of the Ten Commandments and reaffirms the priority of the covenant and following Gods laws. He reminds them of Gods love for his people and counsels them to love in return with devotion. (5:1-6:24).

After the death of Moses, Aarons sons, and the prophet Joshua, there came a time when the emergence of a monarchy seemed to loom imminently, threatening the whole balance of the Israelites structure. The prophet Samuels story, who was chosen by God as a child (1 Samuel 3:1-21), differentiates itself from all others because he was the man who had to successfully keep God and religion a main focus for the nation, even with a king. The Israelites fail to see that God is all the protection they need. They insist on a having powerful governing figure to feel safe and legitimate to other nations. Samuel attempts to warn the people by telling them that a king can easily become corrupt and unjust, unlike their God (8:11-8:18), but the people would not listen. They were persistent. So with much haste Samuel reiterates their request to God. He answers, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king (8:22). A condition of them getting their king was for God to bless the king of his choosing. Samuel also must play a big part in this because he knows he must be the constant presence who keeps the king in check in order for things to go smoothly. Samuel shows no slack. When Saul (the first king) fails by conducting offerings he is quick to say Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue (13:13-14). Saul neglects the power and position of the priests and Samuel by committing this act. It was a mistake but a costly one that took away his kingdom. The checks and balances system is needed so a king cannot obtain too much power. Sauls punishment seems harsh but it must be done to make an example. Kings must understand the restrictions they have, they are not all-powerful. Sauls human error is a lesson that the next king, David, needs to comprehend before taking up

the throne. In turn David also sins greatly, however his is more of a personal failure rather than threatening the absoluteness of God. Davids goodness is contested by his adulterous affair with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:2-5). He sleeps with and impregnates the married woman. He also carries out a plan to get her husband killed. There is still a system of checks and balances in place to make him know of his wrongdoing. The prophet Nathan comes to him and tells him a parable and at the end says Thou art the man (12:7). He repents but as punishment God still takes away his future child. David however is lucky to still possess the kingdom. Although his sin seems just as great, if not greater than Sauls, God shows us again it is not up to our mortal minds to judge his ways. Though if one was attempting to understand the difference it would most likely be because Davids sin was a personal one and did not affect his ability to govern the nation according to Gods wishes. With both Saul and David it is easy to see how the prophets are still a complete necessity to the Israelites survival, even hundreds of years after the death of Moses. Although David had his shortcomings he was still the epitome of what God wanted in a king. He helped the people win their wars, governed them fairly and still made sure to do everything according to God and his principles. He made it widely known that his allegiance would always lie with God. Throughout his whole life he puts his trust and strength in him. Even when he is young he fully trusts God to help him slay Goliath. It shows how he has always put God first. One sees this theme again when David is dancing when the Ark is brought to Zion (6:1-6:16). He even defends his dancing to his wife, Michal (Sauls daughter); and says It was before the Lord, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel: therefore will I play before the Lord (6:21). Not only does David love God he is also tries to be forgiving like God. He has the opportunity to take

revenge and kill Saul (since Saul tried to kill him) twice, yet he doesnt, which gains him both favor in the eyes of God and the people. Another instance where you see Davids humility is when he mourns over his dead son, even though his son tried to violently seize the kingdom from him. When he hears of his death David weeps O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son! (18:33). He remains to be sympathetic, he is not proud of what has happened but it was necessary for Davids reign to create any sort of legacy. David emphasizes how politics and religion need to coexist and how especially in Gods kingdom they need to correlate but still have some boundaries. David remains to be Gods ideal king, an example for those who serve after him. He is a king who helps the Israelites to survive in both war and in faithfulness to God. A passage from Davids last words says The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God (23:2-3) and this is exactly what David had tried to do. The leaders had a profound number of effects on the Israelites history. Each job presented its own obligations and its own separate problems but with each others guidance and strong faith they all managed to make an immeasurable impact. They were the key components in preserving Gods nation. Moses, Aaron and his sons saved the Israelites from certain extinction. While Samuel, David and Nathan maintained Gods presence and rule. All of these men, priests, prophets, and kings alike kept the spirit of God and protected his people from various demises. They also managed to reiterate his laws and portray him as a merciful, fair God. One who is not above using leaders to talk to his people on a more personal level. The covenant God made was his promise, a promise we will never fully decode, but still a promise from God none the less. This act alone shows God doing something he does not have to in order to try and

begin to talk to us personally. The establishing of leaders and allowing appointed officials to govern his people adds to this sentiment. God wants his people to be led thoroughly and personally. A goal which can only be attained through using human language, repetition of his word, and the monitoring of behaviors. The prophets and priests follow every law and relay the word of God so people will always have this knowledge. Kings, like prophets and priests share the word and also govern according to Gods wishes. Of course corruption is somewhat inevitable (As we have seen throughout the Israelites tumultuous journey), but it doesnt mean it is not important to establish them. They all must exist to aid the world in trying to know and understand God, as he wishes.

Works Cited
Campbell, Gordon. King James Bible. Oxford [u.a.: Oxford Univ., 2010.