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History

On the context of the ancient world and the Bible ––– from daily life and practices to overarching historical narrative, events, and anthropology of empires, nations, tribes, religions, cultures, and more.

Mercy and Justice —

If God is loving and merciful, how could He order the complete annihilation of certain peoples?

Mercy and Justice —

If God is loving and merciful, how could He order the complete annihilation of certain peoples?

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Although the Bible repeatedly declares that God is longsuffering and kind, and a God of love and mercy, there are several occasions where Divine order is given to destroy—and in some cases to totally and utterly destroy—certain nations and cities. Some of these include the
The Gibeonite Deception —

How a crafty group of Canaanites tricked Joshua into a peace treaty.

The Gibeonite Deception —

How a crafty group of Canaanites tricked Joshua into a peace treaty.

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After forty long years in the wilderness, Israel was chomping at the bit to finally take possession of the Promised Land. But before they could begin their campaign against the Canaanites, God gave them some “dos” and “don’ts.” For instance, while they were permitted to
Where Is Bethsaida? —

Uncovering the precise location of this (in)famous New Testament village.

Where Is Bethsaida? —

Uncovering the precise location of this (in)famous New Testament village.

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Despite being known from the Bible and from history, the precise location of the New Testament village of Bethsaida is still debated. The New Testament gospels record that the apostles Peter, Andrew, and Philip were originally from Bethsaida (John 1:44; 12:21), and that Jesus travelled