This probably means I have some sort of illness, but when I read the Bible I start making lists. My oldest Bible has a dozen or more lists that I've jotted down and as I've made my way through Genesis, I've started more lists: How often does someone say, "Here I am!" -- so far, 5 times. How often does God restate the covenant -- so far, 11 times. What are the different names of God -- so far, El, El Elyon, El Shaddai, Yahweh, Adonai.
It could be that the way the Bible is written encourages this kind of list-making. The Bible often repeats ideas and images and with each repetition the image/idea gains meaning and importance. I love trying to follow the path of an image as it makes its way through several stories, like the way wind/breath/spirit is found throughout the first few chapters.
So, if you don't share my compulsion for lists, I'll be glad to share mine with you as we keep going. After all, we do have 65 more books to go before we reach Revelation!
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