Between chapters 8 and 15 in 1 Samuel, Israel has received the king she requested in the person of Saul. From the beginning, we know that Saul was not a man “after God’s heart” and although Saul has some military successes against Israel’s enemies, especially the Philistines, his disobedience of God’s commands would eventually cause … Continue reading Commentary on 1 Samuel 15-16 (God Rejects Saul and Anoints David)
Some critics of the Bible complain that Joshua must have killed numerous innocent Canaanite adults during the conquest recorded in Joshua 1-12. Because of this, what Joshua did was nothing more than genocide. But the biblical picture is painted quite differently, and if we are going to accuse Joshua of killing innocent Canaanites, shouldn’t we … Continue reading Did Joshua Kill Innocent Canaanite Adults During the Conquest? Part 1
In chapter 5 of Deuteronomy, Moses reviewed again with Israel the Ten Commandments. After this review, chapter 6 begins with Moses reminding the Israelites why they must follow the Law given to them by God, through Moses. It is “so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God … Continue reading Commentary on Deuteronomy 6 (Love the Lord your God)
In chapter 23 of Leviticus, God summons the Israelites to worship and to celebrate seven annual feasts he has appointed. Walter Kaiser and Duane Garrett, in the NIV Archaeological Study Bible: An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture, explain that “during these holy convocations the priests presented sacrifices and other offerings, while the common … Continue reading Commentary on Leviticus 23 (The Feasts of Israel)
Chapters 18-20 of Leviticus give moral instruction to the Israelites that separate them from the surrounding cultures. Chapter 18 deals primarily with the institution of marriage and sets strict boundaries around sexual intercourse. Chapter 19 gives positive instruction to the people about how to treat each other in their everyday lives. Chapter 20 spells out … Continue reading Commentary on Leviticus 18-20 (Laws and Punishments)
If God commanded Moses to ordain a high priest, then why is it we aren’t doing that today? After all, the book of Leviticus recounts a 7-day ceremony meant to inaugurate the priesthood, and the high priesthood in particular, for the Israelites. If the Bible commands it, then why aren’t we doing it? Although the … Continue reading Why Don’t Christians Ordain a High Priest?
If you are a Christian, how many times have you heard a skeptic say, “If you believe that the Bible is really the Word of God, then why don’t you [fill in the blank with a divine command from Leviticus]?” Since the first five books of the Bible (aka the Pentateuch, Torah, or Law) contain … Continue reading #3 Post of 2014 – Why Don’t Christians Stone People to Death?
We’ve already seen, from William Tucker, in his book Marriage and Civilization: How Monogamy Made Us Human, how polygamy breeds violence. The largest religion in the world that endorses polygamy is Islam. Tucker takes a look at how polygamy and Islam have interacted. Through the Koran and the Hadith (thousands of pages of commentary by people … Continue reading What Role Does Polygamy Play in Islam? Part 1
Post Author: Bill Pratt One of our favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Unfortunately, we typically wrench this verse totally out of its original context and misapply … Continue reading Does God Have Plans to Prosper You? Part 1
Post Author: Bill Pratt Although God is not the author of evil, he certainly allows it. Humans routinely commit evil acts against each other. We have been sinning against God and our fellow men ever since Cain killed Abel. Given all this evil, what does God do about it? Because of His omniscience (all-knowingness) and omnipotence … Continue reading Can God Use Evil?