Chapter Twelve - Quick Notes and Facts

• In the Jewish law, it was strictly prohibited to do any kind of work on the Sabbath. Picking grain definitely fell into that category. However to relieve suffering is permitted, and anything to save a life is commanded.


• The bread of the Presence was special bread placed each week in the sanctuary of the Temple.


• "I desire mercy and not sacrifice" is a paraphrase of Hosea 6:6. Hosea was a prophet from the north who preached in eighth century before Jesus. The prophetic tradition often critiqued the Jerusalem Temple, accusing the worshipers of not obeying the true spirit of the Law, but resorting to expensive sacrifices thinking that this would appease God.


• Jesus worshiped at the Temple, but he criticized the hypocrisy of some who also worshiped there. The prophets did, as well.


• Jonah preached (reluctantly) to pagans, who listened to his word about God. The "Queen of the South" was the Queen of Sheba, who came to be one of Solomon's wives.