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What about the mezuzah?
In our study on the use of tefillin we came to the conclusion that it is not possible to defend either side of the argument. In the same scriptures we also see the reference to the writing of the words on the doorpost. This leads to the next question – should we interpret this part literally?
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Tefillin – To use or not to use?
After our previous article on prayer, we have done some study on the traditions and customs that surround prayer. One of the topics that have come up in our discussions about prayer, is the use of tefillin or phylacteries. People wonder if the Jewish interpretation of Scripture is valid. Should we interpret the verses literally as they do? Should we also be using these black boxes when we pray? Or, did the church fathers get it right when they said this is not to be taken literally? We investigate what Scripture really says to see if we can come to a conclusion.
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Evangelize as Y’Shua did
We often meet people who are convinced of their truth and are willing to share this with everybody willing to listen. If these people sense any disagreement, it can usually lead to long and heated debate. When you go on the internet onto social sites like Facebook, you find the exact same pattern. In the Scriptures we find some good examples of how we should be acting. What can Y’Shua teach us in His encounter with the Samaritan woman?
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Who are the Samaritans?
Recently I saw the importance of context again when I was doing some Bible study. I wanted to get a good understanding of the changes that had happened in the world between the books of Malachi and Matthew. The purpose of this study was not to be a history lesson, but purely to understand how the people of Jerusalem went from a small group of people led by a High-Priest and Governor, serving under the Persians, to a mighty nation lead by the High-Priest, Pharisees, Sadducees and scribes under Roman rule. While studying the Persian period after Nehemiah and Ezra, I stumbled across a part in the book of Josephus that described the building of the temple on Mount Gerizim. This small bit of information lead me to a more complete study on the Samaritans. This provided me with lot more insight into two incidents in the Apostolic Scriptures. I have decided to write up this study as an example of how the context could lead us to a more complete understanding of the text.
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Joshua’s Altar has been found on Mount Ebal
During our latest trip to Israel for the feast of Sukkot, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit Mount Ebal. This is normally impossible as this is part of the “occupied territories” also better known as Samaria (Shomron in Hebrew). Before I continue, let us back up a little. During one of our previous trips, we made another visit to the Shomrom, we visited Elon Moreh on Mount Kabir. In the Bible, Elon Moreh is where YHVH told Abraham, “To your descendants will I give this land†(Genesis 12:6). When we did the view from Mount Kabir to look at Shechem, the tour guide also made a comment regarding the altar of Joshua being found on Mount Ebal. Little did we know then, that exactly a year later we would have the privilege to stand on the other side and look back at Mount Kabir! What made the trip even more special is that we were in the wonderful position to hear it first hand! With this article, I will attempt to give you a brief summary of what I have learned and seen when visiting the site.
