Who Accuses You?

BySkip Moen, Ph.D.

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins; by the mouth of two witnesses, or by the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. Deuteronomy 19:15 (Hebrew World) Two Witnesses – The legal system of Torah is quite clear. …

Identity Theft (3)

BySkip Moen, Ph.D.

And He said, “Who told you that you were naked?” Genesis 3:11  NASB Naked – Perhaps the real issue in life is not guilt but shame.  It is possible to deal with guilt.  Atonement sets aside guilt.  If we are guilty, the law tells us what must be done to recompense and restore.  Sometimes we…

River Crossing

BySkip Moen, Ph.D.

Their heart is faithless; Now they must bear their guilt.  The LORD will break down their altars and destroy their sacred pillars. Hosea 10:2  NASB Faithless – “Faithless” is a nice abstract noun.  What exactly does it mean?  The NIV gloss “deceitful” isn’t much better.  Both attempts are really paraphrases of the Hebrew word halaq. …

Prophetic Calling

BySkip Moen, Ph.D.

“And you, lie down on your left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel on it.  The number of the days that you shall lie down on it, you shall bear their iniquity.” Ezekiel 4:4  (translation:  A. Heschel) Bear – Who will respond to the call of the Lord?  “Here I am,”…

When Does It Start?

BySkip Moen, Ph.D.

If it is the whole community of Israel that has erred and the matter escapes the notice of the congregation, so that they do any of the things which YHWH commanded ought not to be done, and they incur guilt Leviticus 4:13 (JPS Torah Commentary translation) Guilt – Is a man guilty if he does…

Reluctant Leaders

BySkip Moen, Ph.D.

If it is the anointed priest who has incurred guilt, so that blame falls upon the people,  . . . Leviticus 4:3 Blame – The principle characteristic of a biblical leader is reluctance.  Men and women marked by God for leadership roles almost always wish they were not chosen.  When you meet people who desire…