April 15, 2015
http://www.christianscienceneworleans.org/ArchiveWedReadings2015.html
The story of David and Goliath has an interesting connection to our previous study of Judah since “David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem-judah.” (I Sam. 17:12) Ephrathites were a subgroup from the Caleb clan in the tribe of Judah. (Oxford Annotated, p. 425) What a courageous foundation David had!
And for those of you thinking of taxes today, there is also a reference to being free from taxation in our readings. In I Sam 17:25, one of the rewards for killing the giant Goliath was to make your “father’s house free in Israel.” Being free in Israel meant being exempt from slavery, taxes, and compulsory military service. (Oxford Annotated, p. 426) Just thought you might enjoy knowing what you could do to avoid taxes in ancient Israel!
Comment from a reader – I just read your lesson “The Role of Mastering Fear.” It was wonderful. Thank you for your dedicated work to the cause.
CMoore-Reflections 