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)Tag Archives: lots
MEN OF THE BIBLE (JONAH “RUNNING FROM GOD”)
Jonah stands alone among the prophets of the Old Testament. Certainly he was the only one (that we know of) to spend three days in the digestive tract of a fish. In the bigger picture, though, he was the only one (that we know of) to flatly refuse an assignment from God.
Continue reading MEN OF THE BIBLE (JONAH “RUNNING FROM GOD”)BIBILE CUSTOMS & CURIOSITIES (THE SCAPEGOAT)

Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest of Israel made atonement for the sins of the entire nation. This ceremony included the offering of two goats as sacrifices to atone for the Israelites’ sins.
Continue reading BIBILE CUSTOMS & CURIOSITIES (THE SCAPEGOAT)BIBLE CUSTOMS & CURIOSITIES (SALT OF THE EARTH)

Salt added flavor to food, and it was also used to preserve meat in a society in which refrigeration and cold storage did not exist.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS & CURIOSITIES (SALT OF THE EARTH)DEFINITION OF THE DAY (LOTS)
Objects of unknown shape and material used to determine the divine will. Often in the ancient Near East people, especially priests, made difficult and significant decisions by casting lots on the ground or drawing them from a receptacle. Several times Scripture mentions the practice. We do not know exactly what the lots look like. Nor do we know how they were interpreted. We do know that people of the OT and NT believe God (or gods in the case of non-Israelites or non-Christians) influenced the fall or outcome of the lots (Prov 16:33). Thus, casting lots was a way of determining God’s will. Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (LOTS)
MAKING DECISIONS BY LOT
This verse refers to the ancient custom of casting lots to settle disputes or make important decisions (read Josh 1:7). We might compare the practice to flipping a coin or drawing straws in modern times. Continue reading MAKING DECISIONS BY LOT