Working Notes
by
Sylvia Dooling
*These are my own working notes*
Let me remind those that are referring to these ‘Random Notes,” that they
are my own working documents. They are some of what I will use as I assist
the PW Bible Study Leaders in my own church prepare to teach Dale Lindsay
Morgan’s lessons in their individual circles. They are not intended to be a
negative criticism of Dr. Morgan’s work. Rather it is merely my intent to
add some thoughts and insights that I believe to be important.
*Note # 1 What is the key idea?*
I would add the following to the key idea that is stated in the study on
Page 13: the entire Bible is primarily about God restoring his creation to
its original purpose and design. One of the marks of that original creation
is equality man created as male AND female. As Paul said to the Galatians,
‘There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is
no longer male and female; *for all of you are one in Christ Jesus*.” Gal.
3:28 (emphasis my own). We serve and worship our Lord together as
equalsdaughters and sons of the King. Glory be to God!
*Note #2 Miriam’s Call to Worship*
It is important to read and learn from what is written rather than to
conjecture about what is not there. Page 14, for example, refers to ‘some
scholars” speculation as to why Miriam’s song is so brief. This is mere
guesswork with no basis except the assumptions of those who see patriarchy
wherever they look
This is what we, in fact, know about Miriam;
1. She was the daughter of Amram and Jochebed, and the sister of Aaron
and Moses (Nu. 26:59).
2. She watched the baby Moses in the bulrushes and suggested her mother
as his nurse.
3. The term the prophetess’ was used to describe her as she led the
women in music, dancing and singing a praise to celebrate the crossing
of the Red Sea (Ex.15:20ff).
4. Miriam and Aaron rebelled against Moses because they were jealous of
his position. Divine judgment descended upon Miriam and she became
leprous. Moses interceded for her and she was cleansed, but she was
excluded from the camp for 7 days (Nu. 12).
5. She died at Kadesh and was buried there (Nu. 20:1).
The emphasis of reclaiming female authority today is really not the point of
Miriam’s song. Rather, she is praising God for the peoples’ deliverance from
the Egyptians.
*Note #3 ‘Say What” Page 14*
First and foremost, a ‘prophet” was someone who was designated by God to
speak his Word to his people. In the biblical sense of the word, since the
time of the Apostles, ‘seers” and ‘poets” have not been, and are not
prophets.
*Note #4 – Deborah’s Call to War*
In addition to the background material that Dale Lindsay Morgan provides, it
is important to point out the pattern of Israel’s lack of faithfulness to
God and God’s response to their unfaithfulness, set forth in the book of
Judges.
1. The Israelites do what is evil in the sight of the LORD.
2. The LORD allows them to fall into the hand of their enemies to
discipline them for their lack of faithfulness.
3. Israel cries out to the LORD for help.
4. The LORD delivers them from their enemies.
5. Israel has rest from conflict for a short period of time until the
pattern of unfaithfulness begins, once again.
*Note #5 Questions Page 20*
Several of the questions on Page 20 tend to blur the lines between biblical
prophets and ‘prophets” of today. It is important to emphasize that God
spoke his Word directly through biblical prophets. The pattern for
proclaiming God’s Word was most often prefaced with the phrase, ‘Thus says
the LORD.”
At best, contemporary ‘prophets” proclaim the message given in scripture
whether they are poets, hymn writers, pastors, or teachers. God is not
giving new information through them. The Bible has a back cover on it for a
reason. The canon is closed.
*Final note*
There’s much to learn about these women, the history of Israel, and the
poetry that was used to teach and praise God for his mighty deliverance.
Prepare carefully, and it will be a productive time for you and the friends
you will lead in this study.