Scribing Your Scroll — Strengthening Through Scripture

“... he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law.” Deuteronomy 17:18b

The above scripture comes from Moses’ final instructions to the new generation. They are just about to enter the promised land when Moses gives this instruction. Write his own scroll? Yes, that’s what it says. The King will write a scroll, “so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.” (Deut 18:19-20) That’s a hefty promise.

I tried scribing last summer as a way to strengthen my study of scripture with a small group. I found the practice of writing out the text to be invaluable. It helps me to concentrate on each word and also allows me discover repeated words and patterns of speech that are easily lost when reading.

How it works:

Using a simple, inexpensive composition notebook write the text on the right page — word for word. (I included the smallest letters and strokes of the pen as in reference to Matthew 5:18)! On the corresponding left page, you can write questions, definitions and discoveries.

Join In!

I am going to introduce this practice to my group. One way to do this is by having members scribe the text and then answer the study guide questions. How might impact discovery and discussion? Let’s learn together how to revere and follow the Lord.

Let us know if you join the experiment by leaving a comment below, emailing [email protected], or by commenting on our Coffee Break Facebook page.