As the final act of battle, Israel was sometimes required to dedicate everything in a “ban” (herem), which meant that the people and possessions of an entire city would be set apart for God and destroyed (Deut 7:2; 20:17; Josh 8:2; 1 Sam 15:3). Only the metal objects were saved (Josh 6:18-24). Those who transgressed the ban faced dire consequences (Josh 7).
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (HOLY WAR PT2)
In Ezekiel’s vision, he saw six men from the north arrive in Jerusalem. They probably represented the Babylonian army, whom God had appointed as His instrument of judgement against His people because of their sin and idolatry.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (A MAN WITH AN INKHORN)
Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire, which dominated the Ancient Near East for about 300 years (900 -605 B.C.). It began its rise to world power about the time of the division of the Hebrew kingdom, at the close of Solomon’s reign. It gradually absorbed and destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel.
Continue reading JONAH (AN ERRAND OF MERCY TO NINEVEH)
The Bible is not definitive on this point, so each person, church, and movement must come to peace with its position. Certainly the Bible includes several stories of resistance to government, even armed resistance. Sometimes, as in this passage, no moral judgment is attached to the report of resistance. Warfare is constant throughout of the Old Testament, including warfare ordained by God.
Continue reading IS CIVIL REBELLION EVER JUSTIFIED? (2 CHRONICLES 10:16-19)
5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Continue reading SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY (GALATIANS 5:1-12 “FREEDOM IN CHIRST”)
Enigmatic or puzzling statement, often based on the clever use of the ambiguities of language. The classic biblical example of a riddle is that posed by Samson to the Philistines. This riddle is in poetic form (judg 14:12-12), and the question, “What is it?” is implied. The Philistines’ reply is in the form of another riddle (v 18a) whose original answer was probably “love.” Samson’s retort may reflect yet another commonly known, and rather risque’ riddle (v 18b).
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (RIDDLE)
As the biblical authors address the ethics of political leaders and believers in general, they state that it is the treatment of the most disadvantaged members of society-the orphans-that is to distinguish them as God’s people. The Lord paved the way of this moral high road by identifying himself as the one who is the provider of food and clothing for the fatherless (Deut 10:18). He is the helper, defender, and father of the orphan (Psa 10:14, 18; 68:5; 146:9).
Continue reading EVERYDAY LIFE IN BIBLE TIMES (ORPHAN “FARTHERLESS” PT3)
1.Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.
2 I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.
Continue reading SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY (ECCELESIASTES 8:1-9)
1.And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
Continue reading SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY (REVELATION 20:1-15)
1.Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise?
3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
Continue reading SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY (PSALM 106:1-21 “JOY IN FORGIVENESS OF ISRAEL’S SINS”)