Old Testament Community
Mar 02, 2003
Dave Johnston
Introduction: What is community?
1. Discuss form and function.
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Form |
Function |
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2. What is the relationship between community and covenant?
Israel understood that they are a people given life by YHWH, summoned to live in obedience and praise in response to YHWH. “Covenant is an articulation of that relationship.” Walter Brueggemann, Reverberations of Faith, 2002, pg. 35.
3. In small group discuss one of the three major shifts in Israel’s history.
a. Mosaic
Here we find a loose network of tribes that are beginning to become a unified people. Also, during this time Israel experiences the wilderness wanderings. These 40 years were pivotal in Israel’s understanding of community. The tabernacle became a symbol of God’s presence among his people.
Summarize God’s message to Moses.
b. Davidic
During the height of Davidic rule the people’s worships became centralized in the temple. We also find the beginning of the prophetic voice with Nathan’s promise to David that his kingdom will be eternal.
Summarize God’s message to David.
c. Prophetic
After the fall of the monarch and the loss of their temple and security, the people of God begun to experience an identity crisis and had to deal with failure.
Summarize the message of the prophets.
Conclusion:
· What would it be like to worship during these times?
· What would be the benefits of community during these times?
· How would the form and function be different during these times?
· How do each of the areas relate to our community today?
