A Lamp for Today

In this second reading of Tobit, we see its connection with Amos 8:10, Daniel 3:51-90, Revelation 21:18-21, and notice how the prophecies and prayers of the book both accompany its action, and speak in times of distress today.

This week we do an overview of the delightful story of Tobit, concentrating on its supporting characters, and stressing God’s unexpected provisions for us on the natural level.

In this episode we read Esther 3:13a-g, 5:1-13 LXX, and 8:12a-I, considering the royal decrees of the king, the dramatic scene where Esther enters his presence without invitation, and the misinformation about the Jewish people which he finally rejects. We are helped in seeing the significance of these fascinating scenes by recourse to Psalm 85/6, Phil 2:5-11, and 1 Timothy 2:1-2

In this episode, we read Esther 4: 4:17a-x, which contains the remarkable prayers of Mordecai and Esther. We see these in the context of salvation history by reference to Psalm 1, Psalm 150-151, Daniel 3:2-45; 2 Kings/4 Kingdoms 19:14-19, Nehemiah 1:5-11, and the instruction of ancient theologians.

This week we consider the structure of LXX Esther in general, and hone in on its introductory and concluding vision and Interpretation (,Esther 1:1a-1l; 10:3a-3k) which put the agency of God front and center for us to praise! We are helped by considering parallels and differences with Job 40-41; Daniel 1, 7-8, Luke 1:46-55, Rev. 12, and Psalm 15 LXX/16MT: 5-7.

This week we read the three episodes of Bel and the Dragon (found at the end of the book of Daniel), appreciating the story’s ancient pedigree, its humor, and its sharp reminder to worship God alone. We are helped by comparing its words to Jeremiah 50:2 (LXX 27:2), Jeremiah 51:44 (LXX 28:44), Habakkuk 2:4, and 1 Cor 10:19-20.

This week we read the story of Susanna, found either in the prologue of Daniel or Daniel 13 (dependent upon the version used). Susanna is an excellent example of the charms and depth of the Readable Books, adding to doctrine and morals an appreciation for the domestic life and the spunkiness of its heroine, whose story is here analyzed with reference to Daniel 3:17-18, Romans 4, and Psalm 3:1-4.

In this episode, we enter into Daniel 3:51-90, in which the three youths give voice to the whole of creation, which praises God. We also wonder at the appearance of the glorious Man, who prefigures the humility and love of our Lord, descending to the depths to save us from death and sin ( 1 Peter 3:18-20). Listeners are encouraged to read the entire song, which is prominent in our Paschal liturgy and has been sung for centuries by the Church.

We read the rest of Azariah’s prayer, followed by a short narrative, found in Daniel 3:37-50, with the help of Psalm 50/51 and Ezra (in the OSB, 2 Ezra) 8:71-87.

Azariah’s utter honesty and trust in the philanthropic LORD leads to God’s answer—His presence with them in the furnace, as Azariah and his friends offer the fruit of their lips.

In this first episode of the series, we consider the Readable Books (aka Deuterocanonical, Apocryphal) in general, and how they are esteemed by Orthodox, and then read the poignant prayer of Azariah (Daniel 3:25-36), seeing it in the light of Genesis 15, Psalm 79, Romans 3:4, and Rev 16:7.