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Monday, April 30, 2012

Z is for Zealots

atoz2012
My A to Z blogging theme is characters in (people from) the scriptures. Since my blog is a book blog, this theme would fit right in and help me strengthen a weakness at the same. How fantastic is that?!  This challenge is a blessing. Thank you A to Z Challenge team!  *Book: LDS quad combo scriptures: KJV Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price. (p)1989, (c)1979.


I'm having a tough time paraphrashing this one so I'll quote it directly:

"Two other groups mentioned in the New Testament grew up during the period between the testaments. A group of Jews favored the reign of Herod Antipas and urged the people to support his sovereignty. For that reason they were called Herodians. The Herodians saw Herod Antipas’s rise to power as the fulfillment of certain messianic ideas then current. They preached these ideas and opposed any whom they felt might upset the status quo. This political party joined forces with the religious sect of the Pharisees to oppose Jesus (see Matthew 22:16 ) since they saw the Master as a threat to their political aims.

In opposition to the Herodians stood the Zealots. This party was formed in A.D. 6 under the head of Judah of Galilee in opposition to Roman taxation. These rebels had some of the spirit of the Maccabees in their opposition to gentile rule and influence and desired to keep Judea free. It was not just to the Maccabees that they looked as a prototype, however, but to Aaron’s grandson Phinehas (see Numbers 25:7–13 ). During the Exodus from Egypt, Phinehas killed a man and a woman who had blatantly violated the laws of God in the wilderness and threatened the safety of the whole house of Israel. The Lord commended Phinehas for his “zeal” in defending the law of God. The Zealots thus reasoned that violence was justified in seeking to overthrow Rome. The Romans called them the Sicarri, from the Latin word for dagger, since they would sometimes mingle in a crowd with daggers under their cloaks. They would then assassinate those known to favor Rome or sometimes Roman officials themselves. Though violent, the Zealots were strictly religious, justifying themselves on the grounds that only through the overthrow of Rome could God’s kingdom come about. Their very name suggested great zeal for the law of Moses. Their initial rebellion in A.D. 6 was successfully suppressed by the Romans, after which the survivors went to the deserts where they continued to put pressure on the Romans through guerrilla tactics during the time of the Savior. After the death of Jesus, it was the Zealots primarily who led the revolt against Rome that resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70." (2003, Old testament Student Manual, Religion 302, pg364-365)

I also found more about Zealots online in the 1906 Jewish Encyclopedia.  Go HERE to find out more.

~~~

Hooray!!!  That was the last letter!!! 

Whew!!  I survived the A to Z Challenge!! What a feat!  ~Stay tune ..reflection report on May 7th. 

Brief Reviews

33 Habits of a Really Good Man by Yvonne Swinson, NF, 2010, 79p, rating=3.5
Source: won from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

This is the author's sweet and tender tribute to her father, Bill Wells.  A mini memoir.  Each story prefaced with simple quotes of wisdom then gives examples of how Mr. Wells was inspired by them and then lived them.  A wonderful legacy he left on how to make good principles become habit.  Inspirational.  A Soup for the Soul feel.

I cried at the author's poem.  There lies her talent.

Unlocking the Power of the Spirit by Campbell Gray, NF, 2010, 118p, rating=3.5
Source: won from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

A good book to help recognize and make use of the power of the Holy Ghost.  Mr. Gray gives examples from personal life experiences to make the points.  It's a good refresher course for strong, active LDS members and inspirational for those struggling to find the Spirit. 

Hotel Vendome by Danielle Steele, AF, 2011, Playaway digital audio, 9hrs, rating=3
Source: library

A trying father-daughter story.  Father, Hugues, left by wife for a rock star.  He gets custody of their daughter, Heloise.  He owns and manages a prestigious hotel and Heloise grows up in that life.  No surprise she wants to follow in her father's footsteps ..even though it wasn't what Hugues would have wanted for her.  Overall the story was about growth for the both of them as individuals. 

Character wise, with the exception of Hugues' delay in telling Heloise about Natalie, Hugues seems to be too perfect!  He had all the answers regarding hotel and life.  And Heloise, well, she was down right a spoiled brat when it came to finding out her father's personal affairs.  These qualities I found to be a flaw so it made for a stirring (not the touching kind) read for me.

By the way, Fred Stella did a wonderful job narrating this book.  :)

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks, AF, 2008, audio CDs, 10.5hrs, rating=2
Source: library

Nicholas Sparks love stories usually move me but this one didn't really do it for me as a whole.  The soldier (Logan) and best friend (Victor) angle was a classic lure so that part had potential.  I suppose I didn't completely buy into the premise ..soldier finds a picture of a pretty woman (Elizabeth) and it ends up giving him "luck" in surviving the war, so he goes to seek out the woman to thank her but doesn't tell her the entire story before they fall in love with each other so when the secret finally comes out, yikes, trouble!  Of course, there's got to be other elements to spice things up, like the woman has a son (Ben), a meddling ex-husband (Clayton, who you'd like to smack a few times!), and a wise grandma (Nana).  My favorite character ended up to be Logan's dog, Zeus ..he was consistently genuine.

Looks like the movie version might be better than the book.  Zack Efron looked smokin' on the film trailer!  Reason I wanted to get my hands on this book in the first place.  Bummer that the book wasn't as good as I'd hoped it would be.  Though, I really liked the ending.  It was it's saving grace. 

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Y is for Yoke

atoz2012
My A to Z blogging theme is characters in (people from) the scriptures. Since my blog is a book blog, this theme would fit right in and help me strengthen a weakness at the same. How fantastic is that?!  This challenge is a blessing. Thank you A to Z Challenge team!  *Book: LDS quad combo scriptures: KJV Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price. (p)1989, (c)1979.

Yoke definition according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary: a: a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together b: an arched device formerly laid on the neck of a defeated person c: a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions d: a bar by which the end of the tongue of a wagon or carriage is suspended from the collars of the harness e (1): a crosspiece on the head of a boat's rudder (2): an airplane control operating the elevators and ailerons f: a frame from which a bell is hung.

The term yoke shows up in the Bible a few times and I apologize but it's been a very long day so I won't be able to give it proper justice.  I'll have to go back another time and study it more fully.

Yoke shows up in Jeremiah in reference to the story of Babylonian captivity ...yoke of bondage, Hanniah's challenge.  Sorry, not going there today.

It shows up in Hosea 11:4 ..not going there either.

Okay, so let's just jump to the famous verses in Matthew 11:28-30 , "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.".  This too can be scrutinized but for simplicity, see the above definition and let it metaphorically apply to those persons who accepts Christ's invitation to taking His name and therefore working together with Him in the journey of life.

I know I didn't detail much, but read carefully and ponder Christ invitation to make life easier through Him.

Goodnight!  I'm pooped!!  Turnin' in early.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Book Loot Giddy

I made up for the low book buying last week and got crazy this week!!  Yikes!!  But all these books for $1.99 ..sorta.  Not too shabby, eh?  :D

Won:
Another Piece of My Heartthank you Jen @Crazy for Books



Purchased free from Amazon:
The Bathsheba Deadline: An Original Novel


The Billionaire Wins the Game


Escape from Mount Moriah: Memoirs of a Refugee Child's Triumph


This is the image cover of the ebook I purchased, Goodreads didn't have it

Clockwise (Clockwise, #1)(99 cents)


Dodge the Bullet


False Pretenses: A Novel


Letting Go


The New World (Chaos Walking, #0.5)



Purchased in book store:
Same Kind of Different as Me($1)



For review (thank you authors!):
Somebody To Love


Taste



X if for Xerxes

atoz2012
My A to Z blogging theme is characters in (people from) the scriptures. Since my blog is a book blog, this theme would fit right in and help me strengthen a weakness at the same. How fantastic is that?!  This challenge is a blessing. Thank you A to Z Challenge team!  *Book: LDS quad combo scriptures: KJV Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price. (p)1989, (c)1979.

The name Ahasuerus is a Hebrew transliteration of the Persian Khsyayarsha, better known in history as Xerxes, the Greek form of the name. (Old Testament Student Manual, Religion 302, pg 329; also Wikipedia).  Hence, we will revisit the book of Esther in the Old Testament.  As we mentioned in the "V for Vashti" post, Ahasuerus was the great Persian Emperor who banished his wife Vashti for disobeying his call to come to him.  This lead for his search for a new queen which we discover to be Esther, a beautiful Jewish maiden.  Later in the book, we read that Ahasuerus okayed a decree to exterminate Jews under the guidance of Haman at a designated future date.  Unbeknownst to the king that his now wife would be among them.  Moreover, we find that Esther was charged by Mordecai, her uncle/guardian, to go to her husband and plea for her people while there was still time.  At that time though, King Ahasuerus had her on a not to go to him for 30 days, so this charge was not going to be pretty should her visit displease him because such offense would be a capital one.  However, Esther took on the call and asked her people to fast and pray along with her.  She did go to the king and he found favor with her visit.  Esther offered a banquet and another one the next day that led Ahasuerus to read the records which then prepared him to see Haman's wrong doings.  Thus, King Ahasuerus lifted the extermination decree.  Now Esther's heroic story is celebrated by Jews today called The Festival of Purim ..for delivering the Persian Jews from their oppressor, Haman.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

W is for Whale

atoz2012
My A to Z blogging theme is characters in (people from) the scriptures. Since my blog is a book blog, this theme would fit right in and help me strengthen a weakness at the same. How fantastic is that?!  This challenge is a blessing. Thank you A to Z Challenge team!  *Book: LDS quad combo scriptures: KJV Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price. (p)1989, (c)1979.

(By Robert T. Barrett)

Yes, our marine mammal, the whale, shows up in the Bible a few times.  In Genesis 1:21, whales are mentioned in the Creation .."And God created great whales .. ".  In Job 7:12, Job asks, "Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me?".  Ezekiel laments for the fearful fall of Pharaoh and of Egypt in Ezekiel 32:2, "Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say unto him Thou are like a young lion of the nations, and tho art as a whale in the seas ...".  Then of course the famous story of Jonah being swallowed up by our dear mammal, Jonah 1:17, "Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah.  And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights."  And we learn in Matthew 12:40 that the fish fish was a whale, "For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly...".  Finally, in Lamentation 4:3, whales are described as sea monsters (in English the word "monster" meaning "huge animal"; per Wikipedia), "Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones...".

I'm guessing there is something significant for mentioning whales in the Bible.  I don't know if there's a background story.  Is it just to give place for the story of Jonah?  What do you think?  Any insights?  Thanks.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

V is for Vashti

atoz2012
My A to Z blogging theme is characters in (people from) the scriptures. Since my blog is a book blog, this theme would fit right in and help me strengthen a weakness at the same. How fantastic is that?!  This challenge is a blessing. Thank you A to Z Challenge team!  *Book: LDS quad combo scriptures: KJV Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price. (p)1989, (c)1979.

(By Edwin Long)

The story of Queen Vashti can be found in the first couple chapters from the book of Esther.  She was the first wife of Persian king Ahasuerus.  The book starts off with a celebration that King Ahasuerus was throwing, inviting all his princes and servants, lasting 800 days.  When that was over he threw another feast now including all the people in the Shushan palace.  Lots of drinking was involved and one day the king, quite inebriated, summoned his wife Vashti to come so he can show off her beauty to all the people and princes.  However, Queen Vashti refused.  That lead the king to seek the wise men for what the law said about such disobedience.  They counseled that this could lead to other women disobeying their husbands so Vashti should be removed from her royalty.  So Ahasuerus banished Vashti.

Not knowing much about Vashti and specific details of the situation (was she mean, had a bad day, etc?), we can guess at her character as crass or courageous for standing up for herself.  I'd like to see her as the latter.  Her boldness to say no showed strong dignity in matter of how a queen should act and in regards to womanhood in general.  She respected her body enough that it not be used it such a way.  You go girl!!  Thank you for setting a great example.

By the way, her banishment lead to Esther becoming the next queen and as you may know, Esther is revered highly for saving her people from destruction (we'll talk more about that later).  So, looks like Queen Vashti's bold move also lead the way to other great things.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

U is for Uzzah

atoz2012
My A to Z blogging theme is characters in (people from) the scriptures. Since my blog is a book blog, this theme would fit right in and help me strengthen a weakness at the same. How fantastic is that?!  This challenge is a blessing. Thank you A to Z Challenge team!  *Book: LDS quad combo scriptures: KJV Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price. (p)1989, (c)1979.

(Depiction by James Tissot)

We can find Uzzah's story in the Old Testament, 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13.  There we read that Uzzah was struck dead by God after touching the Ark of the Covenant.  As you may recall, the Ark of the Covenant was a sacred vessel that housed some of the holiest objects in Israel's history, like the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, the Mercy Seat, etc.  God gave strict orders not to touch the ark or its contents, except those authorized Levites and under specific conditions (Numbers 4:15).  Well, in the aforementioned chapters, we find that the Ark of the Covenant was on its way back to Jerusalem under David's lead.  It so happen that on the journey, the cart carrying the Ark of the Covenant was tipping and Uzzah, one of David's servants, son of Abinadab, reached out his hand to steady the contents.  Yikes, he was not one authorized to touch!  So right there and then he suffered the  consequence. 

Seemed pretty harsh, huh?  Uzzah after all was trying to keep the holy ark from falling to the ground.  But the point was that God's rules are absolute.  His commands are sacred and must be observed precisely.  There's no wiggle room despite what may seem sensible at the moment.  Surely, the Lord could steady His own ark, right?

So what is the take away?  Well, how about, obey God's commandments because He keeps His end of the deal ..blessings or punishments will surely follow.  Scary but also comforting because we can be assured that the Lord's truth is absolute and if we but follow precisely, we will come out well.

"Hope's Journey" Review and Blog Tour/Giveaway Info

Welcome to my stop in this book's Spring Blog Tour.  I am honored to be part of showcasing this beautifully written novel.  Hope's Journey is a wonderful book that gives an honest look at the power of carnal appetites and its consequences.  But of course, also the greater power of God's influence.  I thoroughly enjoyed the read and I think you will too.

by Stephanie C. Worlton, YA, 2011, Kindle ebook, 287p, rating=4.5
Source: from author in exchange for honest review

A life-changing mistake. A soul-changing journey. Sydney is a straight-A student heading to college on a scholarship, and Alex is a quiet jock preparing to serve an LDS mission. But their dreams are shattered on the eve of their high school graduation when they find out that Sydney is pregnant. Separated, they must both trust in God as they search for the worth they once found in each other. (author's website)


I would venture to say that it is innate in us to seek after a mate.  The teenage years seem to be the stage for the practical draft of that quest.  Physical and biological changes during these tender years allow for exploration of all sorts of emotions, including carnal appetites.  Oh, the power of those lascivious desires are so underestimated!  Even in the hands of seemingly two strong Christian minded individuals, can fall victim to it's influence.  And so the case was for Alex and Sydney.  They succumbed.  The result was a pregnancy.  Their future, tainted.  Their journey, to unfold. 

Wow, I was surprised at how alive the story was presented.  Little did I know that this might have been so because it was the author's personal story (after the end of the book, in the Author's Note, does the author state this) so the events and feelings were real, under the umbrella of fictional novel.  Oh, I could imagine the tears that she must have shed while writing this novel.  Anyway, I really was captivated.  I was not liking Alex's reaction to the pregnancy (among few others).  But as the story progressed, I was getting that he needed that stay-away-from-me time.  Truly this young couple had a lot of soul searching.

Although, this was from a point of view of LDS individuals, the storyline was not preachy.  It really was a raw take on issues of teen pregnancy ..the emotional spiritual battle, the social humiliation and rejection, contemplating what is the right thing to do now, questioning a place in society, finding a support team, etc.  There were distinct side characters that you loved and disliked.  There were mean people, surprisingly even church members!  But I sure loved Sydney's grandmother.  She so rocked!  But, I wondered where grandpa was.  He was not around when Sydney came to visit.  Was he at work, chillin' in another room, or what? ..my silly little pet peeve. ;)

The prologue was strong and solid.  The follow through was meaty perhaps because the author did not want to leave anything out but unfortunately it also provided some disjointments.  The main focus was Alex and Sydney so the other characters lost details.  Then the ending was quickly wrapped up but it worked for me.  Overall, it was a story that edified me.  Well done, Ms Worlton!

~~~~~~
During this Spring Blog Tour, there is a giveaway for a chance to win Hope's Journey.  There will be three winners (1 signed copy, 2 digital copies).  Plus, if she gains 100 followers during the tour, she will add a $25 gift card to Amazon!  Go HERE to enter.

Want to read more reviews for Hope's Journey?  Then check out the following participants on the tour.  Go HERE for the links.

March 20 - From the Other Side of the Mirror
March 21 - Cami's Books
March 22 - I'm So Funny
March 23 - Mormon Mommy Writers
March 26 - The Write Path
March 27 - Cindy C. Bennett, author
March 28 - Interview by A.L. Sowards
March 30 - Taking It One Page at a Time  
April 2 - Preserving the Past
April 3 - Getting Your Read On
April 4 - Books and Sensibility
April 5 - Two Kids and Tired
April 6 - Maria Hoagland, LDS Novelist
April 9 - Renae's Writespot
April 10 - I write I read I review
April 11 - Why Not Because I Said So
April 12 - Minding Spot
April 16 - I'd So Rather Be Reading
April 17 - Blkosiner Book Blog
April 19 - Bookworm Lisa
April 24 - Jinky is Reading
April 25 - So Simply Sara
April 26 - Bees Knees Reviews
April 27 - Feminist Mormon Housewives

Find Author:
Website | Facebook

Stephanie Connelley Worlton pursued a degree in Architecture before turning her creative energy towards other forms of artistic expression including writing. Through her many associations with youth, Stephanie felt prompted to channel her own experience as a teenage mother into a work that might open the eyes of understanding, break down stereotypes, cause youth to reevaluate their relationships, and ultimately provide hope for those in the trenches of an unplanned pregnancy. Aside from the busy schedule she keeps as a wife and mother of four, Stephanie enjoys interior design, gardening, carpentry, painting, and being involved with the youth of our rising generation.

Monday, April 23, 2012

T is for Tamar

atoz2012
My A to Z blogging theme is characters in (people from) the scriptures. Since my blog is a book blog, this theme would fit right in and help me strengthen a weakness at the same. How fantastic is that?!  This challenge is a blessing. Thank you A to Z Challenge team!  *Book: LDS quad combo scriptures: KJV Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price. (p)1989, (c)1979.


The Tamar we will be discussing today is the woman found in 2 Samuel 13 (Tamar and Amnon), and not the Tamar in Genesis (Tamar and Judah).  Coincidentally these two Tamar shared a similar assault ..both were raped.  Anyway, our Tamar was the daughter of David by his wife Maacah and half sister of Amnon.  Amnon was David's eldest son by wife Ahinoam and heir to the throne.  Amnon lusted after Tamar and wanted her badly.  His friend Jonadab suggested a way to get them together.  Amnon pretended to be sick and asked his dad to send Tamar to look after him.  So Tamar did go and while tending to him, Amnon dismissed his staff so that he can be alone with Tamar.  He then forced himself on her.  After the deed, Amnon cast her off.  Tamar had been a virgin and this rape had been a disgrace since Amnon would not honor her by marrying her or accept her as a concubine.  This left Tamar stating that such casting was more evil that the sexual assault, leaving her to mourn in a manner of a widow since the disgrace would deprive her of a husband. 

Tamar's brother Absalom upon hearing of the rape was wroth with Amnon but waited two years before carrying out his revenge.  Absalom invited David and all his sons to a shearing and feast.  David didn't go but all his sons did.  During the feast, when Amnon was "merry with wine", Absalom gave the order to kill Amnon.  Then Absalom flees to Geshur.

Side note:
Although David was angry with Amnon for what he did, he could not rebuke him because he too committed a sexual transgression ..remember our "B" post ..Bathsheba?  Go HERE for the story.


Sunday, April 22, 2012

Book Loot Giddy

Still loving browsing the freebie Amazon Kindle isle but was good and didn't go crazy.  Actually nothing new this batch but missed a couple books I forgot to add on last week's book loot post.  Oh, I did win a book!  Also, read wonderful reviews from a librarian friend, Julia, so I added those on my TBR list.  Goodness, so many books so little time!  :)

Won from author/Fire and Ice ..thank you!:
(dis)Abilities and the Gospel: A Guide for Parents and Teachers

(pdf format)


Missed this on my last BLG post ..purchased free from Amazon for my Kindle:
The Indolence of the Filipino


Philippine Folklore Stories



Added to my TBR list:
The Good Daughter: A Memoir of My Mother's Hidden Life


Pomegranate Soup


Rosewater and Soda Bread



Saturday, April 21, 2012

S is for Samson

atoz2012
My A to Z blogging theme is characters in (people from) the scriptures. Since my blog is a book blog, this theme would fit right in and help me strengthen a weakness at the same. How fantastic is that?!  This challenge is a blessing. Thank you A to Z Challenge team!  *Book: LDS quad combo scriptures: KJV Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price. (p)1989, (c)1979.


Forgive me but I am super pressed for time so I'm just going to provide directs quotes found in my study manual:

  • Intro: Samson could have been one of the greatest leaders in Israel since Joshua if he had been true to his Nazarite vows and to his Lord. If Samson, foreordained and chosen by the Lord, had been able to master himself, he could have set an example of spiritual and physical courage that would rank with the finest in history. But we can learn from Samson’s failure to avoid self-justification and uncontrolled passion so that we might join modern Israel in becoming a mighty and pure people before the second coming of the Lord.
  • Example of his moral failure: At Samson’s seven-day wedding celebration he proposed a riddle. When his wife revealed the answer to the thirty Philistine guests to save her own life  and Samson lost the wager, he was furious and wreaked havoc on the Philistines at Ashkelon to get the spoils necessary to pay his debt. Probably for spite, his father-in-law gave Samson’s wife to the man “used as his friend” that is, his best man at the wedding. Here is an excellent glimpse of the moral state of the Philistines and of Samson’s own moral failure. The angel had told his mother that her son “shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines”. Instead, Samson married a Philistine, interacted with them, and smote them only when it suited his personal desire.
  • Delilah delivers him to Philistines: To offer Delilah a treasure of eleven hundred pieces of silver was a striking indication of the desperate state in which the five lords of the Philistines found themselves after the depredations wrought by Samson. These lords were the rulers of the five major cities of the Philistines. These cities—Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath—were significant in Old Testament history. Gaza was where Samson had visited a harlot and was also the scene of his death. Gath was the hometown of the later Philistine champion Goliath
  • About his hair: Samson’s superhuman strength did not reside in his hair but in his confidence in God and in the Nazarite oath, of which the hair was the outward symbol. Delilah’s treachery and the shaving of Samson’s hair signified the final betrayal of his vows. Thus, he became a miserable, broken man with no power left.   
  • God strengthens him again: The claim of the Philistines that “our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy” referred to their belief that their success in capturing Samson proved the Philistine deity Dagon was greater than Jehovah. Thus, the people did not fear to make sport of Samson, the champion of Jehovah, in the temple of their god. In this setting, Samson once again exercised that kind of courage through which God could have used him as a tool. But again the self-centeredness of Samson is evident. Even in his final opportunity, when Samson used his restored strength to destroy the temple of Dagon and the Philistines who were there, he thought only of getting revenge for what had been done to him. In the destruction of his very temple, what better proof could there be that the power of Dagon was nothing? And yet how much more powerfully could Samson have borne witness to the power of Jehovah if he had fulfilled his calling to overthrow the power of the Philistines.  
  • He pulled down entire temple: “The character of [this] building is illustrated by discoveries at Gezer and Gaza. The roof was supported by wooden pillars set on stone bases. It was flat, consisting of logs of wood stretching from one wall to beams supported by the pillars and from these beams to other beams or to the opposite wall. The temple at Gezer had a forecourt leading into a paved inner chamber, separated from it by four circular stones, on which the wooden pillars stood. Samson probably stood between the two central pillars, if there were more than two. The Philistine lords and ladies were in the inner chamber; the crowd watched from the roof. Samson made sport, in the forecourt, and then asked the boy to lead him to the central pillars to rest against them. Then, putting an arm round each, and bending forward so as to force them out of the perpendicular, he brought the roof down. The weight of people on the roof may have made the feat all the easier.” (Guthrie, New Bible Commentary, p. 272.)  
  • This destructions killed 3,000 people and himself.  (Judges 16:30)  :(

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