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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.

Isaiah: A Mini Bible? —

Examining if the 66 chapters of Isaiah parallel the 66 books of the Bible.

Isaiah: A Mini Bible? —

Examining if the 66 chapters of Isaiah parallel the 66 books of the Bible.

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Isaiah is the first of the major prophets of the Bible. His book is also the longest of the prophetic books as it is composed of sixty-six chapters.[1] Notably, chapters 1-39 have quite a different style and tone than chapters 40-66 do. While the first
Understanding Balaam, Part I —

What’s the point of the donkey speaking to Balaam? Why would Balak send for Balaam in the first place? Plus more.

Understanding Balaam, Part I —

What’s the point of the donkey speaking to Balaam? Why would Balak send for Balaam in the first place? Plus more.

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The main account of Balaam in the Bible is recorded in Numbers 22-24, then his alternate curse-Israel plan, and his death are recorded in Numbers 31 during Israel’s war with Midian. Throughout the Bible, Balaam’s life and death are used as an example of God’s
Sacredness and the Day of Atonement —

What do sacred people and sacred space have to do with our atonement?

Sacredness and the Day of Atonement —

What do sacred people and sacred space have to do with our atonement?

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Reading about the Day of Atonement in the book of Leviticus brings up all sorts of questions for us in the twenty first century. The idea of sacred space, or holy space, is not a regular feature of today’s Christian worship, but it clearly was
Adopting Occult/New Age Practices —

Are we permitted to do occult and New Age practices in the light of 1 Samuel 28?

Adopting Occult/New Age Practices —

Are we permitted to do occult and New Age practices in the light of 1 Samuel 28?

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I think it’s fair to say that 1 Samuel 28 is a chapter that brings up a lot of questions. This chapter records when King Saul had exhausted all his options for inquiring of God through the priests of God, which are listed as dreams,
Solomon’s Adversaries —

Due to Solomon’s rebellion against the Lord, God raised up three adversaries against him.

Solomon’s Adversaries —

Due to Solomon’s rebellion against the Lord, God raised up three adversaries against him.

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Despite the fact that God expressly warned King Solomon not to multiply wives, that is precisely what he did. And he did so with great defiance as the Bible records that he had a staggering 700 wives and 300 concubines. And the result was exactly
The Patriarchy BC —

Does the Bible support the Patriarchy?! How did the Patriarchal system of the ancient Near East work?

The Patriarchy BC —

Does the Bible support the Patriarchy?! How did the Patriarchal system of the ancient Near East work?

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Our modern western culture is fundamentally different than the culture we see represented in the Bible. We are separated by time, distance, custom, and structure. In the modern West we have endowed our governments or states with considerable responsibility, and the power to enact those