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Articles by: Corie Bobechko

On Sacrifices —

A quick look at the early history of sacrifices in the first five books of the Bible.

On Sacrifices —

A quick look at the early history of sacrifices in the first five books of the Bible.

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In the ancient Near East, religious sacrifices were extremely common. They were offered to various deities and consisted of valuable consumable resources like animals, grains, drink and oil, as well as culturally prized items like incense, clothing, jewelry, precious metals and stones. When thinking of
The Golden Calf —

Why did ancient Israel worship a golden calf in Exodus 32 and 1 Kings 12?

The Golden Calf —

Why did ancient Israel worship a golden calf in Exodus 32 and 1 Kings 12?

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Two major instances of idolatry in the Bible are directly connected with ancient Egypt. One occurred under the leadership of Aaron while Moses was delayed on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 32), and the other was initiated by Jeroboam after he successfully took control of a fragmented
On Crucifixion —

What is the cultural and Christian significance of death by crucifixion?

On Crucifixion —

What is the cultural and Christian significance of death by crucifixion?

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It is difficult for the modern reader of the Bible to fully understand many of the New Testament references to crucifixion. Today, crucifixion isn’t primarily associated with the ancient practice, but rather as synonymous with Jesus Christ. The cross has become an enduring symbol of
Ancient Signatures —

How did the ancient world sign important documents before ink, pen and paper?

Ancient Signatures —

How did the ancient world sign important documents before ink, pen and paper?

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In the times of the Bible, documents like peace treaties, sale of land certificates, business transactions, adoptions, marriages and the like were authenticated using the ancient version of the signature: a seal. Ancient seals as we know them came in two forms: (1) the signet