Edom had a grandson named Amalek (Genesis 36:12) who walked in his grandfather’s spiritual boots. Amalek also had murderous hatred and jealousy against Jacob’s seed (Genesis 27:41). Moses and Joshua had to confront the seed of Amalek on the desert battlefield of Rephidim (Exodus 17:8). Here is where the famous Bible story came to pass, […]
Approximately 2,930 years ago, the ten tribes of Israel rebelled against David’s family and dynasty (1 Kings 12:1-19). Led by Jeroboam ben Nevat (1 Kings 11:26-40), a special forces commander, 84% of the Jewish people rejected YHVH’s chosen and anointed king. The Bible lets us in on the secrets of Jeroboam’s heart: Jeroboam said in […]
The Bible is chock full of prophecies specifically given to the Jewish people. What happens when Gentile believers re-interpret those Jewish promises away from the Jewish people? Most Christian use of Scripture ignores its Jewish context and simply replaces it with a Gentile Christian context. This is Replacement theology, practically speaking. Even my best friends […]
It’s fifty years on since a half a million young Americans flowed down the Interstates to converge at Bethel in western New York State. Smack dab in the middle of Max Yasgur’s cow pasture, the Woodstock Aquarian Festival of Music and Art morphed into a muddy stage which would showcase the counterculture generation. Hundreds […]
One day in the Hebrew calendar is connected to devastation. The fifth month (known as Av or Ab) witnessed the destruction of two Jewish Temples – Solomon’s and Herod’s. That catastrophe (ḥurban in Hebrew) and its spiritual significance are unpacked in the prophetic Scriptures. These tragic lessons still resonate for us today. Building the Temple […]
God, like the U.S. Marines, is always looking for a few good men. “For the eyes of YHVH move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His” (2 Chronicles 16:9). Men and women judge by outward appearances and behavior, but the God of Jacob sees deeper […]