Crowns were worn by kings as symbols of authority and power (2 Samuel 1:10). James compared the believer’s inheritance of eternal life through the atoning death of Jesus Christ to a crown.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS & CURIOSITIES (AN ETERNAL CROWN)
King Ahab of Israel had won a previous battle against the Syrians (1 Kings 20:21), apparently among the hills and mountains of Israel. The victory gave rise to the Syrian claim that the God of Israel was a god of the high country, not of the level plains. The Syrians reflected the typical pagan belief that different nations and different parts of the earth had their own regional gods.
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Both men and women of the Bible times wore outer robes or cloaks that extended almost to the feet (read Gen 37:3; Deut 22:5 and 1 Sam 19:24). These loose-fitting gowns were held tight against the body by a belt or sash (generally referred to as a “girdle” by the King James Version) around the person’s waist.
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The prophet Elijah challenged the prophets of the pagan god Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel. They laid a sacrificial animal on a pile of wood. The prophets of Baal would call on their gods, and Elijah would call on his. The god who answered by sending fire to consume the sacrifice would be declared the superior god (1 Kings 18:22-25).
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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).
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Goliath, the Philistine giant whom David faced in battle, was equipped for close-quarter combat. Several implements of attack and defense are mentioned in these three verses.
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Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy while imprisoned in Rome. Timothy planned to visit him soon, so Paul asked him to bring these three items when he came.
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An annual tax, required of every Jewish male, was designated for maintenance and support of the temple in Jerusalem. Perhaps the temple officials who collected this tax approached Peter about paying it because Jesus and His disciples were hard to pin down. Their teaching and healing ministry kept them moving from place to place.
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Roads of Bible times were little more than paths, rough and crude by modern standards. When a king traveled, his servants would go ahead of him, removing stones, filling in low places, and straightening curves so the king’s journey would be more pleasant.
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The words astrologers, stargazers, and monthly prognosticators refers to people who studied the stars and the movement of the moon in order to foretell the future. This practice was especially popular among the ancient Babylonians.
Continue reading NO HELP FROM STARGAZERS