The Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. Genesis 2:8 NASB Planted – YHVH planted a Garden. The verb is nata (to plant, to fix, to establish). In Hebrew agricultural life, this verb is very common. But when it is used to…
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: Proverbs 1:1 NASB Proverbs – The Hebrew word translated “proverbs” is mishle, plural of māšāl. What is a mashal? “To translate māšāl simply as ‘proverb’ misses the wide sweep of the word, suggested by the many suggested translations. We are accustomed to think of…
Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Genesis 2:18 ESV Alone – We have examined this verse intensely. We have pointed out its powerful implications for the role of the woman. We have spent effort investigating its impact…
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21 NASB To die – Jack Nicholson delivered the classic line in the movie, The Departed. “We all die. Live accordingly.” But how many of us think like this? We are so busy with life that we forget its true meaning is…
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, Deuteronomy 30:19 ESV Choose – Do it early! Choose when you are young. Isn’t it interesting that the Hebrew verb bahar (to choose,…
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, Deuteronomy 30:19 ESV Choose – What are you choosing when you decide to follow the Torah of YHVH? Did you think you were…
He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” Genesis 22:2 NASB Take – This verse is universally acknowledged as the pivotal example of Abraham’s…
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. Psalm 120:1 ESV Answered – Tell me about the last time that God answered your distress call. Did you hear His voice? Did you see His mighty arm defeating your enemy? Did you smell the aroma of His presence? What was it that…
The Lord sustains all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:14 NASB All – Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see this happening in my world. I don’t see YHVH sustaining those who fall and raising up those who are bowed down. I see chaos, agony, oppression and abuse,…
The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Genesis 2:23 NASB Shall be called – When did you become self-aware? Before you try to think back to your infancy, let’s ask the question a different way….
