Reading the Bible for the Very First Time

The subject header here is a paraphrase of Marcus' Borg's book "Reading the Bible Again for the Very First Time." In my case, I've been reading the Bible for the "first" first time as part of my inquiry into the roots of Quakerism. I've started mainly with the Old Testament, which has been often fascinating and rewarding. On the other hand, the slaughter, threats, curses, and extreme punishments get can be hard to take. (I understand things lighten up a bit in the NT). However, I came across this nugget today from Ch. 30 of Deuteronomy:

"11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it."

Sounds Quakerly to me!

(thanks to biblegateway.com for the text)