Old Testament in a Year

Welcome to the OId Testament in a Year Blog!

You are invited to join us on a 10-minute daily journey through the Old Testament! Sign up below for our free daily emails filled with commentary, artwork, worship videos and questions for reflection.

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We are following a Old Testament in a year plan with 10-minute daily readings. Your options for joining us include:
1. Subscribe to our daily readings emails above.
2. Read online using our daily links to Bible Gateway.
3. Read from your own Bible using your preferred translation. You can print out a listing of our entire year's readings in PDF at this link.
4. Email me with any questions at [email protected]

Please note you can find my One Year Bible Blog at this link, Chronological Bible Blog at this link and New Testament in a Year Blog at this link.

God bless!
Mike

p.s. Keep scrolling down to see our latest daily readings blog post and email content below this welcome post. ⬇️

 

March 25th Old Testament Readings

Deuteronomy 4:1-49
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Deuteronomy chapter 4 verse 29 we read: “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” How does this verse speak to you today? Do you believe it is true? Have you sought God with all of your heart and with all of your soul? This verse also reminds me of Jesus’ teaching of one of the two great commands – which he quoted from Deuteronomy chapter 6 verse 5 – “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” So – if you have sought after God and found him, do you now today love God with all your heart and with all of your soul and with all your strength?  What does this look like in your life? How do you love God in your life today?

Worship Video: Today's readings in Deuteronomy remind me of the Matt Maher song "Alive Again:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSTaVmDQP5s

Do you need to be made alive again? Click here for Life!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 24th Old Testament Readings

Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with OT ~

Okay, I think we've come across quite an understatement in our readings today in Deuteronomy chapter 2 verse 1 when Moses says: "We wandered around Mount Seir for a long time." Indeed... it was a long time of 3 decades plus of wandering...  :) But, it's important for us to remember why it was such a long time of wandering - because of the Israelites' sin in not entering the Promised Land when they were first instructed to do so by God.  And, I think about this in our lives today.  When we sin.  And particularly when we consistently sin - with a bad habit or addiction that we know we should not be indulging in - we can become just like the Israelites, wandering around in the wilderness for a long time...  My fear is that we can get so used to our sin and wandering around in the wilderness that we don't ever break free from it.  We stay in bondage to the sin.  And then we stay in the wilderness.  The wilderness for us today may simply be living life half-heartedly in a bit of a haze or a bit of a funk.  With some sort of cloud hanging over us.  It's no way to live life.  I guess I just want to encourage you that if you are struggling with what seems to be an unreleaseable sin to not give up.  Don't ever give up on victory!  Continue to take the sin to Jesus over and over and over again.  Take it to God over and over and over again.  Pray about it continuously.  Seek wise counsel from friends and pastors and professional help.  Freedom awaits you.  You can get out of the wilderness.  The Promised Land awaits you.   Please don't continue to "wander around Mt. Seir for a long time"....  Below is a painting titled "The Wanderer" by German artist George Seir from 1934:

We read some significant verses at the end of Deuteronomy chapter 3 when Moses asks to enter the Promised Land, and God replies in verses 26 through 28: "`Speak of it no more. You can go to Pisgah Peak and view the land in every direction, but you may not cross the Jordan River. But commission Joshua and encourage him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them the land you now see before you.'"  Here we see that God is standing firm in his refusal of allowing Moses to enter the Promised Land - and yet, he does show mercy in allowing Moses to view the land.   

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminds me the amazing song "My Redeemer Lives" by Nicole C. Mullen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QvX4CwSmwY

Do you know our Redeemer lives? Click here for Life!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 23rd Old Testament Readings

Numbers 36:1 - Deuteronomy 1:46
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~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we wrap up the book of Numbers and begin Deuteronomy, the last book of the Pentateuch (or 5 Books of the Law)! And as we all Learned to Love Leviticus this year, my prayer is that each of us will be Diggin’ Deuteronomy as we read through it this year!  :)

~Deuteronomy~
Author: Moses
Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C.
Content: The book consists of a series of addresses given by Moses in the plains of Moab prior to their entering into Canaan, as well as some specialized regulations and the appointment of Moses’ successor, Joshua. In Moses’ addresses he summarized the events that led up to that day, exhorted the people to faith and obedience, called the Israelites to rededicate themselves to the task God had given them, and then led them in worship and song. After the appointment of Joshua, Moses left the people and, after viewing the Holy Land from afar one last time, he died. With Moses’ death the old order passed away and the destiny of Israel moved into the hands of the next generation.
Theme: The faithfulness and power of God to save are stressed throughout the book. A look at Israel’s past shows that God led his people through their darkest days and gave them hope for the future. What God did in the past he could do again. The need for faith and obedience on the part of God’s people is also stressed. God’s richest blessings are given only to those who will use them for his glory. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 3) Great commentary on Deuteronomy is at this link: https://bible.org/article/introduction-deuteronomy

In Deuteronomy chapter 1 verse 1 today we read: "This book records the words that Moses spoke to all the people of Israel while they were in the wilderness east of the Jordan River." This image below sets the stage incredibly well for the book of Deuteronomy! Here is Moses giving the address to the Israelites! 

Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Jeremy Camp’s song "The Answer:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n-bSz515qM

Do you want to know the answer? Click here for The Answer!

Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 22nd Old Testament Readings

Numbers 33:40-35:34
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~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Numbers chapter 33 we read about the other nations in Canaan.  In chapter 34 we read about the boundaries of the Promised Land.  Below is a map of how the tribes will divide Canaan - which we will read about later in the Bible in more detail:

In chapter 35 verses 10-12 we read about the Cities of Refuge - "`When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, designate cities of refuge for people to flee to if they have killed someone accidentally. These cities will be places of protection from a dead person's relatives who want to avenge the death. The slayer must not be killed before being tried by the community."  Reading about the Cities of Refuge reminds me of our current day laws of "innocent until proven guilty."  It seems like the Cities of Refuge idea still lives on in our justice system today in some regards.

Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of the Britt Nicole song, "The Lost Get Found." Here's a great live version of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXi709LCKWk

Are you Lost? Click here and be Found!

Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 21st Old Testament Readings

Numbers 32:1-33:39
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~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Numbers chapter 32 verse 23 we read this strong warning from Moses to the Reubenites & Gadites about their promise to fight with Israel and their desire to settle in the land east of the Jordan river: "But if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the LORD, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out."  I think this is powerful for us to keep in mind in our lives today as well!  It's important for us to keep our word!  If we're not sure we can keep our word, we shouldn't give it.  But if we do give our word, and we fail to keep it, we have sinned.  And I do believe the sin will still find us out today.  How are you at keeping your word these days?  Is there an area of your life where you gave your word and you now are wavering?  Can you keep your word in that area?  Will you pray to God to give you strength to do so?  Let us not be people who fail to keep our word or who stretch the truth!

Chapter 33 is a great re-cap of Israel's journey!

Worship God: Luke chapter 5 reminds me of Steven Curtis Chapman's great song "For the Sake of the Call:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sb4RrF9VxI

Will you abandon it all for the sake of the call? Click here for the Call!

Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 20th Old Testament Readings

Numbers 30:1-31:54
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~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Numbers chapter 30 we read about the various complexities of vows, particularly related to women making vows. (and how their fathers or husbands can void them on day 1, etc.)  Apparently the Jewish system and tradition of vows and what counts and didn't count got even more complex over the years between this chapter in Numbers and when Jesus was born.  I love that in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus simplifies the whole complex system of vows!  Check out Matthew chapter 5 verses 33 through 37 where Jesus says: "“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one."  Let's let our yes simply mean yes and our no's simply mean no's!

Below is an image for Numbers chapter 31 verses 11 & 12: "After they had gathered the plunder and captives, both people and animals, they brought them all to Moses and Eleazar the priest, and to the whole community of Israel, which was camped on the plains of Moab beside the Jordan River, across from Jericho." 

Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of the song "Lord I Need You" by Matt Maher. Here's a great live version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG5O5TSIaE4

Do you need God? Click here and be with Him forevermore!

Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 19th Old Testament Readings

Numbers 28:16-29:40
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

I read an interesting commentary today that said the giving of the instructions of the offerings for the festivals in today's readings was done as part of the transfer of power from Moses to Joshua that was coming up soon.  As we saw in yesterday's readings with the census, there are 600,000 men about to enter the Promised Land - potentially 2 million or so total including women & children - who these instructions for the offerings for the festivals were given by Moses from God, as we see in chapter 29 verse 40 today: "So Moses gave all of these instructions to the people of Israel, just as the LORD had commanded him."  Below is a nice image of the Jewish calendar and major festivals that I've posted up before, but I think serves well for today's readings to review again:

An image is below for Numbers chapter 29 verse 1: "The Festival of Trumpets will be celebrated on the appointed day in early autumn each year. You must call a solemn assembly of all the people on that day, and no regular work may be done."

Worship Video: Today's readings reminds me of Casting Crowns song "If We are the Body."  Here's a great live version of that song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYbGMQ5Y3Uo

Are you the Body? Click here to meet the Head of the Body!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 18th Old Testament Readings

Numbers 26:52-28:15
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Numbers we read a powerful narrative about how Joshua was to succeed Moses. Jesus' name comes from Joshua, which means, "Jehovah is salvation." Makes a lot of sense for Jesus' name... Is Jesus your salvation? Below is a great image for Numbers Chapter 27 verses 16-17:

Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Dive:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXqXIicm8uU

Have you dove into the life of faith yet? Click here and dive in!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 17th Old Testament Readings

Numbers 26:1-51
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Numbers chapter 26 we read about Israel's second census, which was commanded by God.  (We'll read later in the Bible a census conducted by David that was not commanded by God, which was a sin.)  This 2nd census in numbers was taken approximately 38 years after the first census.  The first census in Numbers chapters 1 & 2 was taken after Israel had left Egypt.  This second census is being taken just before the conquest of the Promised Land.  In verse 51 today we read: "So the total number of Israelite men counted in the census numbered 601,730."  This total of the second census compares to 603,550 from the first census, so is very comparable.  These second census numbers obviously reflect the 24,000 deaths we read about in chapter 25 - so this number would have been higher.  To me, overall, to see the numbers so similar over 38 years in the wilderness shows that God's hand of blessing was so clearly upon the Israelites.  They were flourishing in the desert.  Hopefully this is encouraging to us today.  If we are in right relationship with God, I believe our lives will clearly flourish in whatever circumstances we might find ourselves in - even if we are in the desert!

Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of Zach Williams song "Old Church Choir:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOEviTLJOqo

Do you have an old church choir in your soul? Click here and Sing!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 16th Old Testament Readings

Numbers 24:1-25:18
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Numbers chapter 24 we read about Balaam’s prophecies!  Verse 17 is thought to be prophetic of Jesus: "I see him, but not in the present time.  I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel. It will crush the foreheads of Moab's people, cracking the skulls of the people of Sheth."  Tyndale's commentary today suggests that the star rising from Jacob may be the prophecy that convinced the wise men to travel to Israel in search of the newborn Jesus.  Here's an image of Balaam prophesying over Israel's camp:  (and of course Balak looking horrified over this blessing that Balaam is giving)

And just when it looks like Balaam was turning out to be maybe not so bad in chapter 24... we get to chapter 25...  In chapter 25 we read about Israel's sin in worshiping Baal and their sexual immorality.  What we don't find out until Numbers chapter 31 verse 16 is that Balaam was the principal instigator of the idea of leading Israel toward this sexual sin & idolatry: "They were the ones who followed Balaam's advice and were the means of turning the Israelites away from the LORD in what happened at Peor, so that a plague struck the LORD's people." Revelation chapter 2 verse 14 also refers to Balaam's hand in the incidents that took place: "Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality."  Reading about these incidents in chapter 25 today - do you think people today still live in this tension of serving God versus being seduced by idols?  What saves us from this tension?

Bob Deffinbaugh's take on Chapter 25 and Balaam's behind the scenes work is at Bible.org at this link and leads off with, "Balaam’s Advice: “If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em!”" is at this link.

YouTube: Today's readings reminded me of Luke Chapter 2 and this classic video from Charlie Brown:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eff0cqYefYY

Do you know the true meaning of Christmas? Click here for your Christmas today!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!