The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham: Matthew 1:1 NASB David – Before the world adopted Arabic numerals, many ancient languages used the written alphabet as a counting system. The first letter of the alphabet would also be the number 1; the second 2, etc. Of course, you needed…
And Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. Matthew 13:11 NASB The mysteries – Do you know the mysteries? According to the Messiah, knowing secrets has been granted to you. So, when you open your Bible, are…
Righteous are You, O Lord. When I dispute with You, my brief will speak against You. Why does the way of the wickedprosper, all who deal treacherously rest tranquil? Jeremiah 12:1 Robert Alter The way of the wicked – Do you remember “The Twilight Zone”? If you do, you must remember the episode where a…
God heard the lad crying; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter with you, Hagar? Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Genesis 21:17 NASB The lad – You know the story. Sarah can’t stand the…
Then God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” Genesis 1:6 NASB Expanse – Remember this? “. . . the Ishmaelian reading of experience is, like all logical readings, subject to refutation and falsification,” while “Akiva’s esoteric reading of experience is, like all…
Then God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” Genesis 1:6 NASB Expanse – Birth is painful. If you’re the mother, I don’t have to tell you that, but I’m not talking about birthing. I’m talking about being born. It’s a blessing that…
For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. Deuteronomy 30:11 NASB Out of reach – Are the commandments “out of reach”? If you grew up under Augustine, Aquinas, and Luther, you would be compelled to say, “Yes. No one can really keep them.” …
God heard the lad crying; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter with you, Hagar? Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Genesis 21:17 NASB Crying– I’m reading a book by Julia Blum. It purports to be an examination…
