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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.

Siege Warfare —

Offensive and defensive strategies in the ancient Near East.

Siege Warfare —

Offensive and defensive strategies in the ancient Near East.

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From very early times, people have found it necessary to build walls around their living spaces. For cities, these protective fortifications could be quite elaborate, including double walls systems with steep space between that provided a defensive advantage, moats, towers, complex gate structures, and thick
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