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Tag: 2 Kings

Mourning Rituals —

The ancient practice of bemoaning the human condition before God.

Mourning Rituals —

The ancient practice of bemoaning the human condition before God.

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The Bible is very consistent in its portrayal of ancient Israelite mourning. People grieving the loss of loved ones, tragedy in the community, offenses against God, devastating warfare, and the like are described as putting on sackcloth, tearing or rending their clothes, taking off shoes, sitting on dust and ashes,
King Nebuchadnezzar II —

What do we know about Babylon's most famous emperor?

King Nebuchadnezzar II —

What do we know about Babylon's most famous emperor?

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Nebuchadnezzar II, the crowned prince of Babylon and his father’s most trusted general, was in the midst of pursuing the Egyptians when he suddenly has to turn home to take over the throne. His father, King Nabopolassar, had died. Before his death, however, Nabopolassar had managed to establish an alliance
Importance of Salt —

On the usefulness and harvesting of a precious ancient commodity.

Importance of Salt —

On the usefulness and harvesting of a precious ancient commodity.

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It is a commonly known truth in ancient Near Eastern studies that salt was an important staple of everyday life. Salt enhances the flavour of food increasing the enjoyment of the meal, and it had many other practical uses. Salt enabled the preservation of fish and other meats as well
Living in the Babylonian Exile —

An historical look into Israel's captivity

Living in the Babylonian Exile —

An historical look into Israel's captivity

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Beginning in 597 BC, eleven years before the destruction of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar enacted the first wave of deportations of citizens of Jerusalem to his Babylonian Empire. This first exile was a show of his power and an attempt to squash any spirit of rebellion or independence in Judah and Jerusalem.
Esau’s “Blessing” & Fulfillment —

Was Isaac’s prophecy over Esau ever fulfilled?

Esau’s “Blessing” & Fulfillment —

Was Isaac’s prophecy over Esau ever fulfilled?

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With failing vision, the elderly Isaac inadvertently blesses his younger son Jacob rather than the intended recipient, Esau (his firstborn). And he declares over him first a promise of agricultural prosperity: “May God give you of the dew of heaven, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain
Resurrection vs. Resuscitation —

What sets Christ’s bodily resurrection apart from other bodily raisings in the Bible?

Resurrection vs. Resuscitation —

What sets Christ’s bodily resurrection apart from other bodily raisings in the Bible?

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Within the Biblical record are at least nine instances of specific individuals being raised from the dead. Three of these are found in the Old Testament and include the raising up of a widow’s son by Elijah in 1 Kings 17, the raising up of a Shunammite woman’s son by
An Israelite House —

The religious architecture of an ancient Israelite house.

An Israelite House —

The religious architecture of an ancient Israelite house.

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In the field of Biblical archaeology there is an interesting peculiarity that helps define the cities and lands where Israelites lived: a type of house. From the 12th to the 6th centuries BC, called the Iron Age, there was a common floorplan used in most homes throughout the land. Biblically