WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? Samuel’s place in redemptive history is often overlooked; he is both a transformative and transitional figure. His life and ministry serve as a high point in the history of Israel. Under his leadership, a revival of true worship is ignited (7:3-6), and Israel was freed from Philistine oppression (7:12-14). Samuel was... Continue Reading →
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? Although Abimelech’s father, Gideon, initially resisted the offer of kingship, his actions betray him and reveal his true intentions. He may not have used the royal title, but Gideon lived like royalty. Abimelech, whose name means “my father is king,” provides further evidence of the failures of Gideon. Upon his father’s... Continue Reading →
Who tempted the man and woman to disobey God by eating of the forbidden tree? Although popular Christian authors often take for granted the identity of Eden’s serpent, some scholars believe that the serpent is either Satan[1] himself or at least a representation of Satan.[2] This view suggests that the modern reader should assume the... Continue Reading →
Micah and His Personal Priest: When every man creates his own religion. (Judges 17:1-18:31) WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? Micah, whose name ironically means, “Who is like Yahweh,” ignores the religious precepts revealed by God and attempts to establish his own cultic system. First, he had idols built with money that had been dedicated to the... Continue Reading →
This is part three of a three-part series. Read part one "Interpretation of Genesis 3" Read part two "Satan in the Old Testament." Satan in the New Testament The theological understanding of the person and work of Satan is expanded during the intertestamental period. This development is reflected in the numerous pseudographs and apocryphas written... Continue Reading →
This is part two of a three-part series: Read part one, "Interpretation of Genesis 3" Satan in the Old Testament The Old Testament contains three direct references to Satan, each presents him as the supernatural enemy of both God and humanity (Job 1-2; 1 Chr 21:1; Zech 3:1-2).[1] The following synopsis of these three passages... Continue Reading →
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? Eli was both a priest and a judge in Israel for 40 years (1 Sam. 2:27-28; 4:18). Compared to the downward spiral of the previous judges (some of whom were deliverers and others were governors), Eli’s governorship may seem like a breath of fresh air. To his credit, Eli cares for... Continue Reading →
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? As the cycle of rebellion, oppression, and deliverance continues, a new deliverer is introduced: Gideon, the farmer. The Midianites and Amalekites raids of Israelite farmlands caused Gideon to hide in a winepress to beat out his wheat, which certainly makes him look like a coward. However, when the angel of the... Continue Reading →
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? Othniel, the nephew of Caleb, is portrayed as a conquering warrior, a family man, and a faithful servant of the LORD. His tenure as a judge (deliverer) of Israel will be the pattern that each successive judge will be weighed against. Although his story may be viewed as boring and lacking... Continue Reading →
