For the first time in my life, I read through the Bible in 2010. I wanted to get a better sense of the patterns and narratives and themes in the Bible. In honor of the year 2010, I’ve written 10 patterns I found repeated in the Bible; let me know any additions, thoughts, or corrections you have for this list.

1. Faithful patience over long periods of time is rewarded. Old Testament characters get promoted to greater responsibilities after proving themselves faithful in trials. For instance, Joseph faithfully endures slavery and prison, and both trials result in gaining great honor. The same is true for Daniel and David who are tested and prove themselves faithful before gaining great esteem in their respective cultures.

2. God’s people overcome giants, both literally and figuratively. While many of the circumstances the Israelites overcome qualify as figurative giants, it is also the case that God’s people face literal giants such as Goliath and the enemies whom the 10 spies were too afraid to fight (while only Caleb and Joshua hoped in God). I’m not sure why the giants are always bad in the Old Testament, but I can’t think of any exceptions; even Saul (an apostate king) was head and shoulder bigger than the rest of Israel.

3. God sometimes uses his enemies to judge his people and then turns round and punishes these enemies. For instance, if I understand correctly, the Egyptians Assyrians, and Babylonians all conquered the Israelites and were later punished. Please fill me in if I’m misreading this history.

4. Idolaters become like their idols. For instance, in Isaiah 6:10, God calls upon some idolaters the curse of being spiritually deaf and blind – the same traits exhibited by their false gods.

5. Righteous and wicked characters can change places. Ezekiel 18:21-24 provides warning for anyone resting on their laurels and hope to anyone willing to repent.

6. Important leaders emerge from previously barren women. Examples include John the Baptist, Isaac, and Sampson.

7. God destroys people with a fill of an idol when they won't repent. If I recall correctly, some Israelites die of eating meat after complaining that God was not giving them any meat.

8. The messianic line is frequently in danger, sometimes by tyrants. For instance, Pharaoh tries to kill all the baby boys, but Moses escapes; Jesus escapes when Herod tries to do the same. The line is also in apparent danger when God calls for the sacrifice of Isaac.

9. The wicked get de-funded, and their wealth goes to the righteous. This isn’t always the case, but it’s a general pattern, as evidenced throughout the Proverbs. A narrative example of this is when Laban loses much of his flock to Jacob.

10. Death brings life. This pattern is so frequent in the Bible that I can't even think of where to start. The ultimate example of this theme, of course, is the life and death of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Again, please let me know your thoughts, additions, or corrections. Thanks for reading!