Deuteronomy 15 – Every seven years
the people shall have a “relaxation of debts” for kinsmen.” The NAB notes that
we are not sure if this meant a suspension of interest or of payments on debt,
or release from the full amount of any debt. There should be no one of you in need.” Kinsmen who sell themselves for debt
shall be freed every 7th year.
They are also to watch that they do not get resentful when the year of
“release” approaches (15:9). You need to look beyond the seeming loss to the
blessing God will bestow (15:10).
The saying “the needy will always be among you” (15:15) is here as it is
in the NT, but a periodic dealing with the issue is provided for here. Remember you were once slaves. So when you offer him freedom every
seventh year, you are also to offer him food-stuffs to sustain him in his
freedom as the Israelites also took goods with them from Egypt. (15:13) He may
choose to stay and be your for life though. If he does you are to pierce his
ear (15:17).
Deuteronomy 16 – The month of Abib
[later Babylonian Nisan] around Mar/Apr is set for celebration of Passover. Eat only unleavened bread (the bread of affliction—in memory
of the fear they felt in leaving so hurriedly) for seven days. Meat [in Exodus lamb was specified, but
not here] for Passover may only be sacrificed in the place God chooses. On the 7th day, a solemn
meeting in honor of God. Seven
weeks from the day of first harvest comes Pentecost
(Feast of Weeks – the day after 7 X 7 days) giving what you can out of whatever God has granted you. This is a time for making merry,
remembering also orphans, widows and aliens. Today the festival is called Shavuot – the time of the giving of the
Torah.
The Feast of Booths or
Shelters,
a seven-day holiday commemorating the wandering in the desert when they lived
in shelters, at completion of the harvest is a pilgrim feast – “do nought but
make merry.” Today it is call Sukkot, commemorating God’s providence
and miraculous survival of His people. Three times a year then—at these three feasts--every
male shall appear before the Lord with an offering. The people must also appoint judges; they “must be impartial. . . Justice and
justice alone shall be your aim, that you may have life. . .” (16:20).
Matthew 27:55-66 - Jesus is buried in a tomb belonging
to Joseph of Arimathea and a guard posted (27:64). Mary Magdalene and the other
Mary, the mother of James and Joseph, keep watch too (27:61).
The Words of Jesus
on the Cross Compared in the Gospels:
·
Matthew and Mark
o
“My God, my God, why have
you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34)
·
Luke
o
“Father forgive them, they
know not what they do” (Luke 23:34 – not in oldest papyruses].
o
“Amen, I say to you, today you
will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
o
“Father, into your hands I
commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
·
John
o
“Woman, behold your son. .
.Behold your mother” (John 19:26).
o
“I thirst” (John 19:28).
o
“It is finished [or
accomplished]” (John 19:30).
§ See my piece on John: http://catholicquaker.blogspot.com/2011/05/genesis-and-john.html
No comments:
Post a Comment