The Bible never explicitly condemns polygamy. Many Old Testament leaders accumulated wives in a manner similar to the pagan kings of the ancient Middle East without divine disapproval. A closer look, however, reveals that God originally defined marriage as “a man
Continue reading WHY DID DAVID (“A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART”) KEEP SO MANY WIVES?
Ezekiel loved his wife, but God told him not to grieve publicly when she died. This was to be a living message to the people concerning their abandonment of God. Yes, grief would come to them, the grief of captivity. They would suffer at the hands of Babylonian conquerors, and their homes, lands, and precious temple would be destroyed. Would they be as mute as Ezekiel, or in grief repent of sin and return to the worship of God?
Continue reading WHY WAS EZEKIEL TOLD NOT TO GRIEVE THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE?
In the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, we meet a woman named Hannah. She was married in a man named Elkanah, of the tribe of Ephraim. They lived in the hill country, in a little town with a big name-Ramathaim-zophim.
Continue reading WOMEN OF THE BIBLE (HANNAH “THE MOM WHO LET GO”)
If we could interview Michal-the daughter of Saul and first wife of David-what might she say about her crazy, complicated life?
We could have to ask about her experience of being “a royal.” the youngest of King Saul’s five children (read 1 Sam 14:49). No doubt the could regulate us with jaw-dropping stories of wealth and privilege.
Continue reading WOMEN OF THE BIBLE (MICHAL “A CRAZY, COMPLICATED LIFE”)
Chapter 15 and 16 of Isaiah contain the prophet’s declaration of God’s judgment against the Moabites, enemies of the Israelites. The Lord would humiliate these people. Isaiah declared, by making them bald and cutting off their beards.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (HAIRLESS MOABITES)
Mentioned in numerous Old Testament passages, the concubine was not a prostitute but an auxiliary marriage partner who was both similar to and different from the wife. She was similar in that the Bible describes her marriage partner as her “husband” and includes her along with sons, daughters, and wives as a member of the ancient household (Judg 20:4-6; 2 Sam 19:5).
Continue reading EVERYDAY LIFE IN BIBLE TIMES (CONCUBINE PT1)
It’s one thing to speak the truth to people in power when you have nothing to lose. It’s quite another to speak the truth when you have everything to lose. The Old Testament prophet Nathan faced the prospect of losing everything, including his life, if he spoke the truth to the most powerful man in Israel. Yet that was exactly what God called him to do.
Continue reading MEN OF THE BIBLE (NATHAN)
The Bible say why God selected Abraham to serve as the progenitor of this people, the “father of all who believe” (Rom 4:11). But it’s likely that the man’s willingness to obey, regardless of circumstances, played a role in the Lord’s decision. Abraham’s bold faithfulness and fearless approach to serving God certainly set him apart from his contemporaries.
Continue reading MEN OF THE BIBLE (ABRAHAM “BOLD AND FAITHFUL”)
It’s impossible to think of Priscilla apart from her husband, Aquila. In six New Testament mentions, they are always named together. And while we don’t have a lot of information about them, some “forensic Bible study” uncovers one of the more fascinating and inspiring couples in Scripture
Continue reading WOMEN OF THE BIBLE (PRISCILLA “A MARRIAGE WITH A MISSIOIN”)
This is the only place where the word firkin appears in the Bible. It was the main liquid measure of the Roman would in New Testament times. A firkin was equal to about nine gallons.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (WATER INTO WINE)