Martin Small
Martin Small was a survivor. He died on Shabbat morning, the twenty-ninth of November, and I believe he has been welcomed home by his Mashiach and Adonai. Check out some of his art and poetry.
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Genesis 25:28
And Isaac loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob. It was not that Isaac hated Jacob or that Rebekah hated Esau, but that they each favored one over the other. To a certain extent, when there is more than one of anything, whether they are children, wives, toys, or tools, one will always be loved more than the others. There is not necessarily anything wrong with that. Isaac apparently approved of Esau's skill in hunting, his manliness if you will, while Rebekah approved of Jacob's more broad-based focus. Of itself, this is not a terrible thing, but taken too far it can cause neglect and jealousy, as in the case of Jacob's relationship with Rachel and Leah. Perhaps Jacob learned this behavior from his parents.
On a related note... I’ve heard it said that there are two kinds of people in the world: those who learn from others’ mistakes and those who have to learn from their own. Esau represents a third type: those who don’t learn from anyone’s mistakes and blame others when things go badly.
And Isaac loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob. It was not that Isaac hated Jacob or that Rebekah hated Esau, but that they each favored one over the other. To a certain extent, when there is more than one of anything, whether they are children, wives, toys, or tools, one will always be loved more than the others. There is not necessarily anything wrong with that. Isaac apparently approved of Esau's skill in hunting, his manliness if you will, while Rebekah approved of Jacob's more broad-based focus. Of itself, this is not a terrible thing, but taken too far it can cause neglect and jealousy, as in the case of Jacob's relationship with Rachel and Leah. Perhaps Jacob learned this behavior from his parents.
On a related note... I’ve heard it said that there are two kinds of people in the world: those who learn from others’ mistakes and those who have to learn from their own. Esau represents a third type: those who don’t learn from anyone’s mistakes and blame others when things go badly.
The Song of Deborah
Judges 5:1-31
The Song of Deborah is a very difficult passage for translators. The sentence construction is unusual, and some Hebrew words are found nowhere else in Scripture. For example, consider some of the ways in which the first clause of verse 5 has been translated:
Judges 5:2-5
Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel... Deborah and Barak did not liberate Israel, but God alone did it. Although he could have defeated Israel's enemies whenever he chose, he did it only when Israel voluntarily took up the role that God had set for them. Many people find success in their endeavors for various reasons, but all of them are more successful if they live according to God's design. Where men conduct military affairs, armies tend to prevail. Where women teach their children and feed their households, families tend to grow strong and numerous. God's Providence empowers them, whether they acknowledge him or not. Within the family, God has designed men and women for different roles. It is possible for a single mother or a single father to bring up healthy, well adjusted children, but it is more difficult than if they were a complete family. It is possible for a woman to run her own affairs effectively, but she would be happier and more effective as a woman if she shared the responsibility with a good man. The same is true for a man without a good woman. God designed us to live according to certain roles and patterns. We can survive outside of them, but we can only be at our best if we conform to his design.
Judges 5:6-7
...until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. The word here translated as "The inhabitants of the villages," perazon, should have been translated "Inhabitants of the countryside." Men in Israel had forsaken their rightful role as lawgivers and protectors, and a criminal element of foreign brigands had taken control of the countryside. The main roads were no longer safe to travel, and the rural farmers all fled to the walled towns. Nature and government both abhor a vacuum, and where no man will lead, a woman will. There is no sin in a woman leading her country or her family when that role is abandoned by patriarchs. However, if the men are doing their jobs, a woman taking charge is a usurper. No matter how good her intentions, she can only cause harm in the end.
Judges 5:8-10
...then was war in the gates. The war in the gates of Israel's towns was not with foreign invaders, but between the men of Israel. From the previous verses, we know that the countryside was unsafe. The people fled to the cities and walled towns. This war in the gates was caused by idolatry and was fought with rhetoric. Men of action had nearly disappeared ("Was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?"), leaving only theologians, philosophers, and lawyers to fight amongst themselves instead of against Jabin and Sisera. When men become cowards or sluggards or "too heavenly minded to be any earthly good," great women such as Deborah rightly take over leadership. I would rather serve a righteous Deborah than an unrighteous Ahab or Omri.
My heart is toward the governors of Israel... Deborah rejoiced in those few men who remained to judge righteously and did not fear the incriminations of idolaters.
Speak, ye that ride on white asses... "Speak" here means to speculate or debate. Deborah was calling on the proud and wealthy philosophers who had taken over the gates to emulate those men who were still capable of acting on behalf of their people, who could still command troops in real war instead of only words in verbal sparring.
Judges 5:12
...utter a song...and lead thy captivity captive... God's direction to Deborah was to galvanize the nation to war through her prophetic singing, while God's direction to Barak was to lead the armies of Israel to liberation. Deborah judged Israel, but she did so only because there was no one else. When a masculine leader arose, Deborah sought to step out of the limelight, but even then, Barak did not fully accept his place. Deborah's extraordinary character shines through this entire story. Throughout, she continues to praise Barak and the other reluctant deliverers of Israel even as they hid behind her proverbial skirts.
Judges 5:13
...dominion over the mighty. God rewarded those men who stood for Israel by giving them glory and authority over the pacifist philosophers who occupied the places of honor in the gates. He rewarded Deborah's courage and strength by placing her in authority even over those warriors.
Judges 5:24-26
Blessed above women... Jael was alone in her tent when she killed Sisera. While Barak needed Deborah to give him courage, Jael needed neither woman nor man. She lured Sisera with charm and comfort and killed him when the greatest warriors of Israel could not.
Judges 5:27
At her feet he bowed... Here and in other places in Scripture, the feet are a euphemism for genitalia. Deborah was emphasizing Jael's use of feminine wiles to conquer a great general. He did not fall beneath her sword, but beneath her promises of succor. This is one example of the differing strengths of men and women. Men are superior at feats of arms, while women excel at feats of charm.
The Song of Deborah is a very difficult passage for translators. The sentence construction is unusual, and some Hebrew words are found nowhere else in Scripture. For example, consider some of the ways in which the first clause of verse 5 has been translated:
- King James Version: "They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water..."
- English Standard Version: "To the sound of musicians at the watering places..."
- Brenton English Septuagint: "Ye that are delivered from the noise of disturbers among the drawers of water..."
- Jewish Publication Society: "Louder than the voice of archers, by the watering-troughs!"
- Douay-Rheims Bible: "Where the chariots were dashed together, and the army of the enemies was choked..."
- Young's Literal Translation: "By the voice of shouters between the places of drawing water..."
Judges 5:2-5
Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel... Deborah and Barak did not liberate Israel, but God alone did it. Although he could have defeated Israel's enemies whenever he chose, he did it only when Israel voluntarily took up the role that God had set for them. Many people find success in their endeavors for various reasons, but all of them are more successful if they live according to God's design. Where men conduct military affairs, armies tend to prevail. Where women teach their children and feed their households, families tend to grow strong and numerous. God's Providence empowers them, whether they acknowledge him or not. Within the family, God has designed men and women for different roles. It is possible for a single mother or a single father to bring up healthy, well adjusted children, but it is more difficult than if they were a complete family. It is possible for a woman to run her own affairs effectively, but she would be happier and more effective as a woman if she shared the responsibility with a good man. The same is true for a man without a good woman. God designed us to live according to certain roles and patterns. We can survive outside of them, but we can only be at our best if we conform to his design.
Judges 5:6-7
...until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. The word here translated as "The inhabitants of the villages," perazon, should have been translated "Inhabitants of the countryside." Men in Israel had forsaken their rightful role as lawgivers and protectors, and a criminal element of foreign brigands had taken control of the countryside. The main roads were no longer safe to travel, and the rural farmers all fled to the walled towns. Nature and government both abhor a vacuum, and where no man will lead, a woman will. There is no sin in a woman leading her country or her family when that role is abandoned by patriarchs. However, if the men are doing their jobs, a woman taking charge is a usurper. No matter how good her intentions, she can only cause harm in the end.
Judges 5:8-10
...then was war in the gates. The war in the gates of Israel's towns was not with foreign invaders, but between the men of Israel. From the previous verses, we know that the countryside was unsafe. The people fled to the cities and walled towns. This war in the gates was caused by idolatry and was fought with rhetoric. Men of action had nearly disappeared ("Was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?"), leaving only theologians, philosophers, and lawyers to fight amongst themselves instead of against Jabin and Sisera. When men become cowards or sluggards or "too heavenly minded to be any earthly good," great women such as Deborah rightly take over leadership. I would rather serve a righteous Deborah than an unrighteous Ahab or Omri.
My heart is toward the governors of Israel... Deborah rejoiced in those few men who remained to judge righteously and did not fear the incriminations of idolaters.
Speak, ye that ride on white asses... "Speak" here means to speculate or debate. Deborah was calling on the proud and wealthy philosophers who had taken over the gates to emulate those men who were still capable of acting on behalf of their people, who could still command troops in real war instead of only words in verbal sparring.
Judges 5:12
...utter a song...and lead thy captivity captive... God's direction to Deborah was to galvanize the nation to war through her prophetic singing, while God's direction to Barak was to lead the armies of Israel to liberation. Deborah judged Israel, but she did so only because there was no one else. When a masculine leader arose, Deborah sought to step out of the limelight, but even then, Barak did not fully accept his place. Deborah's extraordinary character shines through this entire story. Throughout, she continues to praise Barak and the other reluctant deliverers of Israel even as they hid behind her proverbial skirts.
Judges 5:13
...dominion over the mighty. God rewarded those men who stood for Israel by giving them glory and authority over the pacifist philosophers who occupied the places of honor in the gates. He rewarded Deborah's courage and strength by placing her in authority even over those warriors.
Judges 5:24-26
Blessed above women... Jael was alone in her tent when she killed Sisera. While Barak needed Deborah to give him courage, Jael needed neither woman nor man. She lured Sisera with charm and comfort and killed him when the greatest warriors of Israel could not.
Judges 5:27
At her feet he bowed... Here and in other places in Scripture, the feet are a euphemism for genitalia. Deborah was emphasizing Jael's use of feminine wiles to conquer a great general. He did not fall beneath her sword, but beneath her promises of succor. This is one example of the differing strengths of men and women. Men are superior at feats of arms, while women excel at feats of charm.
The Thankless Job of a Bible Translator
Bible translators have a fascinating, but thankless job. They receive little to no reward for their many years of labor, but there is always more than enough blame to go around when they get a word or two wrong. They inevitably get some wrong. Take a look at Judges 5:11 and the many different ways in which the first clause has been rendered:
(ASV) Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water...
(BBE) Give ear to the women laughing by the water-springs...
(Brenton) ye that are delivered from the noise of disturbers among the drawers of water...
(CEV) Even those who carry water to the animals will tell you...
(DRB) Where the chariots were dashed together, and the army of the enemies was choked...
(ESV) To the sound of musicians at the watering places...
(HCSB) with the voices of the singers at the watering places...
(HNV) Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water...
(JPS) Louder than the voice of archers, by the watering-troughs...
(KJVA) They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water...
(LITV) Louder than the voice of the dividers between the watering places there...
(MKJV) Louder than the voice of the dividers between the watering places...
(WEB) Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water...
(Webster) They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water...
(YLT) By the voice of shouters Between the places of drawing water...
Since the KJV, Webster, and JPS all translate Khatsats as "archer," I susect they are correct. But what in the world does that mean!? What noise do archers make besides "twang" and "woosh"? And how does that relate to watering holes?
(ASV) Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water...
(BBE) Give ear to the women laughing by the water-springs...
(Brenton) ye that are delivered from the noise of disturbers among the drawers of water...
(CEV) Even those who carry water to the animals will tell you...
(DRB) Where the chariots were dashed together, and the army of the enemies was choked...
(ESV) To the sound of musicians at the watering places...
(HCSB) with the voices of the singers at the watering places...
(HNV) Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water...
(JPS) Louder than the voice of archers, by the watering-troughs...
(KJVA) They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water...
(LITV) Louder than the voice of the dividers between the watering places there...
(MKJV) Louder than the voice of the dividers between the watering places...
(WEB) Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water...
(Webster) They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water...
(YLT) By the voice of shouters Between the places of drawing water...
Since the KJV, Webster, and JPS all translate Khatsats as "archer," I susect they are correct. But what in the world does that mean!? What noise do archers make besides "twang" and "woosh"? And how does that relate to watering holes?
Approaching Absurdity
War, Inc. is a twisted, cynical caricature of America's commercialized foreign adventurism. The invasion and occupation of an imaginary Middle Eastern country (Turaqistan) has been contracted out to a private company who sells advertising space on tanks and formulates bombing campaigns based on profit potential. Cusack is an assassin/project manager who has been assigned to kill a Tadjik oil man, while he also hosts the wedding of an American-made, Turaqi pop princess (Hillary Duff) at the grand opening of an American-made shopping mall in the ruined national capital. Marisa Tomei is a reporter trying to get behind the commercial facade to find out what's really going on in Turaqistan. Twenty years ago this would have simply been absurd comedy, something from Mel Brooks. Today, it's still absurd, but it's not so funny. It's too close to our absurd reality.
Cusack and Tomei don't deliver very inspiring performances, but Duff was better than I expected. That's probably not saying much. Nobody gets any respect in this movie. Rodney Dangerfield would have approved. It wasn't great, but still worth watching just for the insane portrayal of America's national past-time.
Cusack and Tomei don't deliver very inspiring performances, but Duff was better than I expected. That's probably not saying much. Nobody gets any respect in this movie. Rodney Dangerfield would have approved. It wasn't great, but still worth watching just for the insane portrayal of America's national past-time.
On Hearing, Obedience, and Faith
I will probably never have perfect faith in this life, but mine has radically improved in recent years. I have commanded healing for people who were then healed (though I have difficulty calling on that same power for myself). I have prayed against people who then suffered. I have seen words spoken into the air influence decisions and circumstances. I have asked and received.
More than a month ago I asked some friends for prayer about something I wanted. I wasn't sure if it was the right thing, and I didn't want to make a major mistake. I wisely did not trust my own judgment on this matter. One friend replied about a week later saying that God wanted me to get out of the burbs and become an integral part of a real community of believers who are involved in each other's lives and committed to one another's well being. The exact community was my choice, but I had to move soon.
That fit with what I wanted for myself, but it's a big step, especially when my ex and I share custody of our son. I couldn't legally move with my son without her consent, and I knew that going to court would almost certainly be a disaster for everyone. Before plunging into such a risky venture, I needed to be sure that this was truly a word from God. I asked several other people for prayer, and I began fasting. After nearly two weeks agonizing over this, my mother gave me some excellent advice: Quit praying so hard and just listen. I continued to seek God, but relaxed somewhat, trying to keep my eyes and ears open for whatever God might have to say.
11/6
My son told me that maybe God is just waiting for me to step out in faith. "Why not take a leap of faith?" he asked.
11/7
On Friday, my pastor told me that he didn't have a word from God, but (for a reason I won't divulge at this time) moving sounded like the right thing to do.
11/8
At about the time I had started down this road, I had been asked to read the Torah portion to the congregation on November 8th. I was already familiar with the parsha, so I didn't review it ahead of time. On Saturday, I stepped up to the podium and was still quite surprised to read in the very first verse, "Now Yahweh said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.'"
Later that same day I was speaking to one of the older men in the congregation. I told him about the word I had received and wondered out loud if this Torah reading was the confirmation. He replied, "You should have asked me before. I knew months ago that you were going to leave." That's when I decided it was definitely time to go.
A few minutes later, my ex called to tell me she was expecting a baby. I knew it was something she had been wanting for years. I also knew it meant she would be OK if my son and I moved further away.
On Monday, I learned that my real estate agent had received a bid on my house for the full asking price. The bid actually came in on Saturday, but he knew I kept a seventh day sabbath, so he didn't call me then. He keeps a first day sabbath, so he told me on Monday.
That was six confirmations in three days, but there remained one big hurdle. I knew that my ex wasn't happy about me considering leaving the state. We had come to an uneasy agreement earlier in the year, but I hadn't acted on it, and there were dramatic changes in circumstances between then and now. I prayed for softened hearts and peace between us and then called her on 11/12. She held to that same agreement with no anger and no fighting. My son and I will move to Texas, and he will spend a substantial part of each year with his mother. It's not an ideal situation, but it allows both of us to follow our hearts without resorting to lawyers and expensive legal maneuvers.
God is good, "and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." I'm headed south for the Winter.
I don't have a job in my new location, yet. I have some promising leads, but I am committed to moving regardless of my employment situation. God doesn't give direction without also giving the means to follow through. This is yet another opportunity to develop greater faith. "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief."
More than a month ago I asked some friends for prayer about something I wanted. I wasn't sure if it was the right thing, and I didn't want to make a major mistake. I wisely did not trust my own judgment on this matter. One friend replied about a week later saying that God wanted me to get out of the burbs and become an integral part of a real community of believers who are involved in each other's lives and committed to one another's well being. The exact community was my choice, but I had to move soon.
That fit with what I wanted for myself, but it's a big step, especially when my ex and I share custody of our son. I couldn't legally move with my son without her consent, and I knew that going to court would almost certainly be a disaster for everyone. Before plunging into such a risky venture, I needed to be sure that this was truly a word from God. I asked several other people for prayer, and I began fasting. After nearly two weeks agonizing over this, my mother gave me some excellent advice: Quit praying so hard and just listen. I continued to seek God, but relaxed somewhat, trying to keep my eyes and ears open for whatever God might have to say.
11/6
My son told me that maybe God is just waiting for me to step out in faith. "Why not take a leap of faith?" he asked.
11/7
On Friday, my pastor told me that he didn't have a word from God, but (for a reason I won't divulge at this time) moving sounded like the right thing to do.
11/8
At about the time I had started down this road, I had been asked to read the Torah portion to the congregation on November 8th. I was already familiar with the parsha, so I didn't review it ahead of time. On Saturday, I stepped up to the podium and was still quite surprised to read in the very first verse, "Now Yahweh said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.'"
Later that same day I was speaking to one of the older men in the congregation. I told him about the word I had received and wondered out loud if this Torah reading was the confirmation. He replied, "You should have asked me before. I knew months ago that you were going to leave." That's when I decided it was definitely time to go.
A few minutes later, my ex called to tell me she was expecting a baby. I knew it was something she had been wanting for years. I also knew it meant she would be OK if my son and I moved further away.
On Monday, I learned that my real estate agent had received a bid on my house for the full asking price. The bid actually came in on Saturday, but he knew I kept a seventh day sabbath, so he didn't call me then. He keeps a first day sabbath, so he told me on Monday.
That was six confirmations in three days, but there remained one big hurdle. I knew that my ex wasn't happy about me considering leaving the state. We had come to an uneasy agreement earlier in the year, but I hadn't acted on it, and there were dramatic changes in circumstances between then and now. I prayed for softened hearts and peace between us and then called her on 11/12. She held to that same agreement with no anger and no fighting. My son and I will move to Texas, and he will spend a substantial part of each year with his mother. It's not an ideal situation, but it allows both of us to follow our hearts without resorting to lawyers and expensive legal maneuvers.
God is good, "and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." I'm headed south for the Winter.
I don't have a job in my new location, yet. I have some promising leads, but I am committed to moving regardless of my employment situation. God doesn't give direction without also giving the means to follow through. This is yet another opportunity to develop greater faith. "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief."
Marshall Fritz Has Died
Marshall Fritz, president of the Alliance for the Separation of School and State and founder of the Advocates for Self Government, died of pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, November 4th. At least he didn't have to watch America choose which anti-freedom, anti-family candidate they wanted for PotUS again.
In honor of Mr. Fritz, go read his obit, take the World's Smallest Political Quiz, and sign the Proclamation.
In honor of Mr. Fritz, go read his obit, take the World's Smallest Political Quiz, and sign the Proclamation.
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