14
Aug
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“but those who hope in YHWH will renew their strength, they will soar aloft as with eagles’ wings; when they are running they won’t grow weary, when they are walking they won’t get tired.” Isaiah 40:31
We have all suffered loss in our lives. Where was God when it happened? In this week’s haftarah, Isaiah sends a message to those who suffered in his day that is just as applicable to those of us who suffer today: A message of hope and that there is someone in control.
12
Aug
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As Jono and Yoel open the study of the book of Samuel, we learn more about ancient practices in Israel through the account of Samuel’s parents, Elkanah & Hannah, and Eli the High Priest.
8
Aug
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From our Weekly Bible Group, we begin this introduction to Deuteronomy with understanding its literary structure–that of an Ancient Near East vassal treaty; and more specifically, a Hittite treaty.
7
Aug
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“Come now,” says YHWH, “let’s talk this over together. Even if your sins are like scarlet, they will be white as snow; even if they are red as crimson, they will be like wool.”
We read from Sennacherib’s annals and the historic backdrop of the prophet Isaiah–the prophet of hope–as we look at Isaiah chapter 1.
31
Jul
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“For my people have committed two evils: they have abandoned me, the fountain of living water, and dug themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water!”
Haftarah Masai brings us Jeremiah’s first prophecy for Israel and appeal for her return.
24
Jul
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Jeremiah is dedicated by God to be a prophet in Haftarah Matot. We will look at the historic context of his day, his predestination, and the visions of the almond branch and boiling pot.
17
Jul
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Is it possible to get worn out in the service of God? Is it possible that Elijah misunderstood his mission? Elijah runs away from Jezebel and wants to die after the spectacular events at Mt Carmel in this week’s haftarah Pinchas.
10
Jul
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From Micah’s prophecy to Israel, Yoel examines Cultural influence/Cultural Imperialism, YHWH’s legal plea against Israel, as well as a critical and deadly mistake people make in trying to understand the bible in this week’s haftarah Balaq.
3
Jul
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“Now Yiftach, a brave soldier from Gil‘ad, was the son of a prostitute.” Judges 11:1
Who is Yiftach (Jephthah)? Why was the name of another god on his lips and what are we to make of his shocking vow? Yoel fleshes out his backstory from what the biblical text and ancient culture tell us about his birth, home, upbringing and social life, and offers insight on these questions.
26
Jun
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“When you saw that Nachash the king of the people of ‘Amon was attacking you, you said to me, “No, we want a king to rule over us” — when YHWH your God was your king.”
The prophet Shmu’el (Samuel) gives a speech to the people at the end of his life as Shaul (Saul) is inaugurated as Israel’s first earthly King. Yoel walks us through the Hebrew text and introduces us to the motif of speeches in the bible and kingship in Israel in Haftarah Qorach.
