How Tall Was Goliath — Really? 10 Feet or 7 Feet?

I learned in church as a child that Goliath was about 10 feet tall. I was impressed! According to the King James Version (KJV), based on the Hebrew Masoretic Text, Goliath was “six cubits and a span” (1 Sam. 17:4). “Cubit” comes from Latin meaning “elbow.” A cubit is the length from the tip of … Continue reading How Tall Was Goliath — Really? 10 Feet or 7 Feet? →

You Can’t Hide from the Lord

We all have a fight/flight response. Whenever we are threatened our adrenalin surges and we either confront the threat or we run away. This is human nature. The Bible contains three memorable stories of people who unsuccessfully tried to run away and hide from the Lord. Adam and Eve Hiding Among the Trees Adam and Eve were … Continue reading You Can’t Hide from the Lord →

Sacred Friendship – David and Jonathan

Quotes on Friendship C.S. Lewis, British scholar, author, and Christian apologist, declared:            “To the ancients, friendship seemed the happiest and most fully human of all loves: the crown of life and the school of virtue.  The modern world, in comparison, ignores it.” (Four Loves, p 87)   King Solomon “The Wise” wrote:            “A friend loveth at … Continue reading Sacred Friendship – David and Jonathan →

The Role of Counselors – Moses, Aaron, and Hur (Exodus 17:8-13)

Moses instructed Joshua, his military commander, to prepare the Israelites for battle against Amalek and his people. While Joshua fought in the plains, Moses oversaw the battle from a hill top. “I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.” Aaron and Hur accompanied Moses. Whenever Moses … Continue reading The Role of Counselors – Moses, Aaron, and Hur (Exodus 17:8-13) →

“Where there is no vision, the people perish” — Proverbs 29:18

"Sunday Sermon" There are at least two interpretations of this important verse.  First, people perish if they lack the guidance of prophetic vision and revelation.  Second, people perish if they lack their own vision, foresight, direction, and goals.   Prophetic Vision The English Standard Version (ESV) warns that the people perish, “where there is no … Continue reading “Where there is no vision, the people perish” — Proverbs 29:18 →

The Number “8” in Scriptures Means “New Beginnings”

One of the challenges of studying the scriptures, especially the Old Testament, is knowing which verses were meant to be interpreted literally and which verses were intended to be interpreted figuratively. Studying ancient literature, I learned that certain numbers were intended to be figurative, symbolic, or even magical. One key to spotting these figurative numbers is their repetition.  Their too frequent use goes beyond mere coincidence. The Number “8” is … Continue reading The Number “8” in Scriptures Means “New Beginnings” →

Law of Noah (Telestial), Moses (Terrestrial), and Jesus (Celestial)

Introduction I attended the National Conference on Jewish Law for several years.  The participants were devout Jewish law professors, rabbis, judges, lawyers, and one non-Jew -- me.  On Saturday, I was taking notes on one of the lectures. The man seated to my right nudged me with his elbow and snapped, “It’s Shabbat.”  In other … Continue reading Law of Noah (Telestial), Moses (Terrestrial), and Jesus (Celestial) →

Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus (List)

                                    Micah 5:2                   Christ was born in Bethlehem Num 24:17-19           Star out of Jacob, Scepter out of Israel Job:19-23-27             Redeemer lives and resurrection Hosea 11:1                Parents fled with Jesus to Egypt   Jeremiah 31:15         Herod orders babies killed Isaiah 7:14                 A virgin conceived                           Isaiah 40:3–5            John Baptist prepared the way      Isaiah 9:1–2              Christ labored in … Continue reading Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus (List) →

Old Testament Symbols/Types of Jesus (List)

Adam son of God, Jesus is last Adam (Rom 5:12-14; 1 Cor 15:45) Sacrificial lamb (unblemished innocent lamb) (Num 1) Noah Savior of mankind Baptism, cleansing of sin (Gen 6:13-22; 1 Pet 3:20-21) Isaac Only begotten son (Heb 11:17; John 3:16) Miraculous birth (Gen 17:15-19; Lk 1:34-35) Offered as sacrifice (Gen 22; Rom 8:32) Escaped … Continue reading Old Testament Symbols/Types of Jesus (List) →