This is a good description of an ancient Middle Eastern meal in Old Testament times. The meal consisted of bread baked from wheat flour (Genesis 18:6), milk, butter or curds, and meat from a freshly slaughtered calf (Genesis 43:16). A typical meal of this period consisted of a vegetable stew with no meat, so Abraham probably provided the meat as a special delicacy for his guests. The milk was probably goat milk.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (AN ANCIENT MEAL)
The apostle Peter declared in this verse that Jesus the Messiah had been foretold in the Old Testament. These prophecies were like “a light that shineth in a dark place.” But when He arrived on earth, the full light of His glory burst forth, like the dawning of a new day.
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This watchman had been posted on the city wall above the gates of Mahanaim to relay news about the battle against Absalom to King David (read 2 Samuel 18:24).
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (WATCHMEN AND PORTERS)
This charge by Jesus against the Pharisees is a perfect example of how they had replaced the original law with their own traditions (Matthew 22:15 and Mark 7:3).
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS & CURIOSITIES (GETTING AROUND THE LAW)
This verse is also part of Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. He contrasted the self-righteous attitude of a proud Pharisee with the humble and penitent attitude of a tax collector.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS & CURIOSITIES (GRIEF OVER SIN)
The Old Testament law taught that crimes such as slander and murder were wrong. But Jesus went beyond these actions to the thought, motives, or words behind them. Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS & CURIOSITIES (WATCH YOUR WORDS)