Day 139 One Year Bible Read Along

1 Chronicles 7-9

These chapters of 1 Chronicles are part of the historical record that provides an account of the genealogies of the tribes of Israel, which is a crucial aspect of Jewish culture and history. Chapter 7 details the lineages of several significant tribes: Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. These tribes, which formed a substantial part of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, had considerable influence and power. Each tribe's lineage is documented meticulously, underscoring their distinct roles and contributions to the larger narrative of the Jewish nation.

In Chapter 8, the chronicler dives deeper into the genealogy of Benjamin. This tribe holds a unique position in Israel's history, as it was from this tribe that Israel's first king, Saul, emerged. The chapter outlines Saul's lineage, extending to his descendants, and underlines the historical significance of his reign.

Chapter 9 returns to the genealogy of the Levites, reflecting on their dedicated service in the temple. Their genealogy emphasizes their sacred role as ministers and custodians of worship in the Jewish religious system. The chapter concludes with a listing of the residents who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, marking a pivotal moment of restoration in Israel's history.

Key People/Places/Events: Tribes of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Asher, Saul, Jerusalem, the tribe of Levi, the Babylonian exile.

Questions to Consider:

1. How do the lineages of the different tribes reflect the diversity and complexity of Israel's history and culture?
2. Why might the lineage of Benjamin, with a focus on King Saul, be emphasized in these chapters?
3. How does the inclusion of the tribe of Levi in the genealogies highlight their significant role in the religious life of Israel?
4. What does the return of the exiles to Jerusalem symbolize in terms of Israel's identity, faith, and hope?

John 6:22-44

In this section of John's Gospel, Jesus elaborates on the spiritual implications of the feeding of the 5000, which is a pivotal event showcasing Jesus's miraculous powers. He starts to reveal more about his divine nature and mission, making profound statements that both challenge and enlighten his audience.

Jesus refers to himself as the "Bread of Life," a potent metaphor indicating that he is the source of spiritual nourishment and eternal life. He makes a stark contrast between the physical bread that perishes and the spiritual bread that he offers, which leads to eternal life. This metaphor extends the understanding of the miracle of feeding the 5000, showing it as not merely a physical provision but a sign pointing towards Jesus's divine identity and purpose.

However, Jesus's words stir confusion among the crowd, mainly because they know his earthly parents and find it hard to reconcile this knowledge with his claim of having come down from heaven. The crowd's struggle to understand Jesus's teaching illuminates the challenge of comprehending Jesus's divine identity and mission from a purely earthly perspective.

Key People/Places/Events: Jesus, crowd of followers, the concept of "Bread of Life".

Questions to Consider:

1. How does Jesus's metaphor of the "Bread of Life" deepen the spiritual interpretation of the feeding of the 5000 miracle?
2. Why does the crowd find it challenging to understand Jesus's teaching, and what does this reveal about the difficulty of grasping divine truths?
3. How does this passage contribute to the broader themes of faith, salvation, and the divine nature of Jesus in the Gospel of John?
4. In what ways does Jesus's discourse challenge the crowd (and us) to shift focus from temporal