MWR : Articles : Regina Shands Stoltzfus

Last updated August 07.

Send letters to the editor, or suggestions for our stories or Web site, to MWR‘s editors.

Articles : Regina Shands Stoltzfus

Three prophets comfort and warn

The Book of Isaiah opens with an indictment against Israel for its lack of faithfulness to the covenant with God (Isaiah 1:2). A particular grievance is the cleavage between religious ritual and the upholding of justice toward the poor and defenseless. If justice is not meted out to the oppressed, then worship celebrations are meaningless; indeed, they are a burden (1:17).

Purpose higher than ourselves

Second Chronicles is the account of the southern kingdom of Judah and the reigns of the monarchs there, including Asa, Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah. Scholars agree that this part of Israel’s history is written from a post-exile perspective and recognizes the ways in which Israel has not adhered to the covenant with God.

King’s wisdom, prophet’s power

The Book of 1 Kings continues with the story of Israel’s monarchy. The beginning chapters describe the transition of power to Solomon after David’s death. On his deathbed, David charges his son with keeping the commandments of the Lord (1 Kings 2:2) so that he may rule in peace and maintain unity among the people. Solomon, however, acts ruthlessly, orchestrating the deaths of those who might weaken his power base, including his own brother.

We want a king!

In the Old Testament (the Hebrew Scriptures), Joshua through Esther make up what are known as the historical books. 1 and 2 Samuel tell the story of the origin and development of ancient Israel’s monarchy, beginning with the birth of Samuel and the story of Samuel’s career.

All of life belongs to God

Leviticus 25 details the initiation of a regular period of rest — Sabbath — for the land (25:2). Here we see the interconnectedness of all creation; people, land and animals all enter into a rhythm of productivity and rest.

God’s justice more than fair

In Exodus 23, the formerly enslaved Israelites continue to remember the mighty act of salvation that God has performed on their behalf and receive concrete teachings concerning justice. This chapter comes on the heels of a series of commandments regulating worship and ceremonial life, and laws that protect those who have few legal and economic protections — aliens, widows, orphans and the poor.