But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 6:8 NASB Found favor – Now this is important, so pay close attention. We have examined the Hebrew word hesed, discovering that it isn’t accurately portrayed by the single idea of “lovingkindness” or “mercy.” That’s because hesed presupposes obligation established by mutual relationship. Hesed,…
What is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Psalm 8:4 NASB What is man – It’s the wrong question, isn’t it? We would ask “Who is man?” We expect a list of personal attributes like “free will agent,” or “sinner,” or “decision-maker.” But the…
But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. Genesis 39:21 NASB Gave him favor – Did you know that the Old Testament also contains language about Law and Grace? We often think that this issue began with Paul. We think it…
Therefore Sheol has enlarged its throat and opened its mouth without measure; Isaiah 5:14 NASB Opened its mouth – How many commandments must be violated before a man is condemned? Would God sentence me to death for the tiniest infraction? Am I lost because I ate a ham sandwich or wore a garment of…
having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us, and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:14 NASB It – What is “it”? What is nailed to the cross? According to the Greek text in this verse, it…
“I, YHWH, search the heart, I try the kidneys, and give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” Yirmeyahu 17:10 (ISR) According To – The Hebrew here is not difficult, at least not on the surface. It is simply the letter bet attached to the nouns for “ways” and…
“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; . . .” Jonah 1:2 Cry Out Against It – Jonah knew the heart of God. That’s why he ran in the opposite direction. Jonah knew the power of God’s word. That’s why he refused to preach the message. But if you thought…
For not the hearers of the law are justified with God but the doers of the law shall be justified. Romans 2:13 Doers – This is a nearly impossible verse for Augustine and Luther (and those who follow their lead). It’s impossible because Paul unequivocally says that those who do the commandments of God are…
And it shall come to pass, if you carefully listen to my commandments which I command you today, . . . Deuteronomy 11:13 Carefully Listen To – Rabbi Joshua ben Karha said, “Why does the section, Hear, O Israel (Deut 6:4-9) precede the [section] and it shall come to pass if ye shall harken [diligently…
Baruch Levine emphasizes one of the most important characteristics of the Hebrew view of law when he says: . . . the laws of the Torah did not permit Israelites to expiate intentional or premeditated offenses by means of sacrifice. There was no vicarious, ritual remedy – substitution of one’s property or wealth – for…
