|
Book Review: Walking with God Continued form page 6 Also, if you have ever wondered why the Israelites looked down on Samaritans with such distaste, this relates to the fact that Samaria was the capitol of the Northern Kingdom. When the north fell, the Assyrians took these people into exile (10 lost tribes of Israel) later repopulating the area with five pagan tribes. Remnant Jews then intermarried with these pagans and from that point on, Samaritans were considered unclean by their brethren in the South. New Testament readings become even richer as you tie in references to prophets, kings, priests, and customs of the Old Testament. We learn that all the Old Testament covenants are replaced by the New Covenant in the form of Jesus. Mary represents a new Eve and because her body cradled Jesus, she is also seen as the Ark of the Covenant which also held God. The gospels contain many references to Old Testament writings such as the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. After she draws water, he tells her to go call her husband. She replies that she has none, and he answers, “Rightly so, for you have had five”, referencing once again the five pagan tribes which occupied Samaria. As you become familiar with the literary forms of the time, you will be surprised to find that their diversity of focus, depicting epic battles, tales of greed and lust, wisdom and even beautiful love poetry, contains elements every bit as entertaining as TV and the movies. It is the authors’ hope that “Walking with God” will help you taste and see God’s word anew and discover how enriching it is to explore the deeper mysteries of sacred scripture. |
