Proverbs 9-10
As was common during the time, Wisdom throws a meal at which sages would gather and talk, but this meal is for all. Wisdom sets the table and provides and just asks that it be attended in Proverbs 9. Wisdom has built a house and set it up by the "seven pillars" which could refer to the mythical foundations of the earth.
As Wisdom sends out servants to issue her call to attend the banquet, she notes that there is no point in inviting scoffers or the wicked but that she seeks those who fear the Lord and will instruct them in wisdom.
Finally the chapter ends with a warning against Folly, a seductress who probably represents many of the fertility cults of the Persian period. The contrast between Wisdom and Folly is clear, and the struggle between the two was real in the world during this time in Jerusalem. Jerusalem has been resettled following the Exile but now Judea must find its way under the Persian Empire.
Proverbs 10 begins a section that is usually referred to as Sayings of Solomon, which means it was probably an independent "book" that was incorporated into Proverbs. The sayings are usually small, two lines that are offered in parallel with righteous behavior being contrasted with wickedness. Most of the sayings might seem appropriate and universal and are as valid today as yesterday.
Psalm 90
This psalm is very unique for it is ascribed to Moses, perhaps because it's theme seems to take in Moses' prayer in which he pleads to God to turn back from judgment against Israel. The psalmist proclaims the grandeur and power of God and compares it to the frailty of humanity. The human condition is laid out in full, it is fleeting and full of pitfalls. It speaks to the reality that without God's grace we would all fall short. Yet, it is with confidence that the psalmist approaches God and asks for God's favor.
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2 Chronicles 29-30
Finally we are introduced to a new David, a new Solomon in 2 Chronicles 29 for King Hezekiah now reigns. A period of renewal begins in Judah that corresponds with Hezekiah's rule. The prophet Isaiah proclaims a coming day when Emmanuel will be born, God with us, well in Hezekiah, that day has come. (I know that we, Christians, view Jesus as Emmanuel, but Hezekiah is the promised child in Isaiah's original prophecy.)
What takes place is a typical renewal cycle: Hezekiah calls forward the Levites and priests and leads a cleansing of the Temple and then the people re-consecrate the Temple and once again commit themselves to the covenant with God.
The chronicler portrays Hezekiah very favorably, much more so than Kings even though Kings as views Hezekiah as good for the most part.
The Temple stored and reconsecrated leads Hezekiah now to reach out to all of Israel in 2 Chronicles 30, including the regions conquered by the Assyrians to celebrate the Passover as one people. He sends messengers to all the reaches of the people of Israel and asks them to come to Jerusalem to celebrate. Some come, but many stay away. However, since many participate in Passover in a way that was not proscribed we can see how far away from God the people have fallen. The priests and Hezekiah witness to this and help to make things right, even Hezekiah offers a prayer to help cover this iniquity, but overall the work was well received.
Ephesians 6
The author opens the final chapter continuing the theme of honoring family relationships but this time focusing on children. While this might seem minor, and while we might assume that families were cherished, it was not necessarily always the case. By emphasizing the need to care and support families, the Christian community is making a unique claim to the value of wives and children that is more than just economic.
The status code comes next, a rather difficult passage to read for it heads with human slavery which has not been an easy thing for the church to deal with. The early church lived with the reality of slavery, it was a norm and a standard in society. The code makes note of this reality but also speaks of how Christians can improve this reality. Slave should be honorable in how they relate to their masters but so should masters care for their slaves in way keeping with Christ. While we might not like the reality of slavery, the church position on it was unique and as humane as possible in the day.
Finally the closes with an exhortation to arm oneself for the cosmic battle between good and evil, between God and powers and authorities of this world. To arm oneself is to clothe oneself in Christ's word and teachings, as well as to turn to the Spirit in prayer. Evil can be overcome but one must be vigilant at all times and be in Christ in order for it to happen.
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