This veil, or curtain, separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Jewish temple at Jerusalem. Only the high priest was allowed behind this curtain, and he could go into the Most Holy Place only once a year-on the Day of Atonement-to offer sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people (Lev 16:34).
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS & CURIOSITIES (EQUAL ACCESS TO GOD)
Paul wrote this letter to his missionary helper Titus, whom he had placed in charge of the church on the island of Crete.
One purpose of this letter was to instruct Titus in how to deal with the false teachers who had infiltrated the church.
Continue reading MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN THE BIBLE (FAITH, NOT FABLES)
This statement from Jesus is what is known as hyperbole-a deliberate exaggeration in order to make a point. We might compare this to the modern statement, “It’s raining cats and dogs.” We don’t mean that actual cats and dogs are falling from the sky. We are saying that the rain is coming down in a torrential downpour.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (JESUS AND HYPERBOLE)
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.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTMOS AND CURIOSITIES (TUCKING IN THE CLOAK)
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
In Paul’s time, slaves were branded with distinctive marks to show that they belonged to their masters, much as cattle are branded in modern times (Psa 40:6). Paul declared that his body bore marks from the persecution he had endured in Christ’s service. These showed the he belonged to the Lord Jesus.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS & CURIOSITIES (MARKS OF PERSECUTION)
Because of Rebekah’s kindness to him, Abraham’s servant presented her with gifts of jewelry. The “earring” was actually a nose ring. The servant said later that he had put this piece of jewelry “upon her face” (Genesis 24:47). Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (JEWELRY FOR THE NOSE AND ARM)