Bible Study

Bible Study: Leviticus 1-5 (Vayikra)

This week’s study section is the beginning of the book called Leviticus. In it we encounter what is commonly referred to as the Levitical Sacrifices or Offerings. Instead of plowing into the “sacrifices” directly, I will attempt to look at this section in a broader context in order to understand the most basic meaning of the section. In addition, I will consider the origin of the word which English translators call sacrifice. This will help us understand the true significance of this section.

Let us begin with the origin of the word translated as sacrifice. The word in Hebrew is “korban”. Jesus used this word in His teachings to mean something dedicated to God (Mark 7:11). The noun “korban” is formed from the verb “karav” which means “approach”. There are numerous examples of Hebrew nouns formed from a related verb by adding a prefix or a suffix. If we understand “korban” in this way than it means the “approaches” to God. The word “sacrifice” connotes something given to appease an angry god. This is the common pagan understanding of the word. “Approaches” to God carries a totally different meaning and is the meaning that should be understood in this Bible section.

[Read more…]

Why Christians Should Celebrate Purim

Bible Study, History, Prophecy

while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 
—  2 Corinthians 4.18

Paul tells us through the Christians at Corinth that what we see with the eye and what is really happening are two different things. “Things are not what they would seem” is a central theme in the Book of Esther. While the events of Esther do not receive particular emphasis in the Christian calendar, they do in the Jewish calendar as the holiday of Purim (פורים / Porim). As Christians, we can learn a lot about God’s plan of redemption by becoming familiar with the observance of Purim.

What is Purim?

Purim (pronounced “pore-eem” in Hebrew and “pur’m” in American English) is the Biblical holiday that was initiated by and commemorates the events recorded in the book of Esther. The holiday comes in the final month of the Hebrew calendar. In Jewish communities, the day of Purim can look a lot like Halloween – without the whole focus on death and satan – as people dress up in costumes and attend synagogue for an “all-in” reading of Megilat Esther (the Scroll of Esther) found in the Bible. We’ll look at the significance of wearing costumes and other observances in the Jewish community. We’ll also investigate the treasure of meaning the book of Esther and the holiday of Purim offers to Christians seeking to understand God’s plan of redemption.

[Read more…]

Bible Study: Exodus 28-30 (Tetzaveh)

Bible Study

This section of the Bible continues the specifications for the tabernacle, its furnishings and the High Priest’s garments. Last week I emphasized that the tabernacle is the first prophetic type of the church in the Bible. This pattern is continued throughout history. Following the tabernacle was the First Temple in Jerusalem. That was followed by what I call the Living Temple. The Living Temple is made up of Jesus and His church. Finally, there is the city of New Jerusalem revealed in the book of Revelation. In each case, these provide the place for God’s dwelling.

When we consider the reason why God chose to deliver Israel out of Egypt, there are many responses. Some would say that God did it simply to demonstrate His power and dominance over mankind and man’s environment. Of course, this is true. Others might add that God did this for humanitarian reasons because Israel was suffering under the Egyptian tyranny. This would be true also. But what did God say was the reason? God declared:

And I will dwell among the sons of Israel and will be their God. “And they shall know that I am the Lord their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them; I am the Lord their God.” (Exodus 29:45-46)
[Read more…] about Bible Study: Exodus 28-30 (Tetzaveh)

Bible Study: Exodus 25-27 (Trumah)

Bible Study, Hebraic Roots

As soon as the covenant between God and Israel was consummated, God immediately instructed Israel to build a special house that He could dwell in.

“And let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them”. (Exodus 25:8)

Later God declared that He had brought Israel out of Egypt for this very purpose.

“And they shall know that I am the Lord their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them; I am the Lord their God.” (Exodus 29:46)

There are many explanations for God bringing Israel out of Egypt but this is His explicitly stated reason. He desires to dwell in the midst of the human community on planet earth. That plan has not changed throughout the ages.

[Read more…]

Bible Study: Exodus 21-24 (Mishpatim)

Bible Study

God spoke what we call the “Ten Commandments” in the hearing of all of Israel. The people were terrified and requested that Moses hear from God on their behalf. So, God gave the more detailed commandments to Moses who then relayed them to Israel. According to Rabbinical reckoning, there are 613 commandments. These commandments define what I will call a “Biblical lifestyle” for God’s people.

When we consider the commandments, I propose that they fall into two basic categories: the first has to do with commandments defining relationship between God and man, the second category has to do with commandments defining relationship between man and his neighbor. In other words, the first has to do with vertical relationships while the second has to do with horizontal relationships. In a similar manner, we can consider the first five of the “Ten Commandments” are vertical while the last five are horizontal. Jesus recognized these two categories. When asked concerning the most important commandment, He answered:

[Read more…]

Bible Study: Exodus 18-20 (Yitro)

Bible Study, Prophecy

In this section of the Bible the most powerful manifestation of God to this date is recorded. Nothing in history compares to it, however, I believe that it is prophetic of an even greater manifestation in the future.

The timing of Israel’s encounter with God will define the second of the Biblical festivals, Shavuot, described in Leviticus 23. Israel arrived at Mt. Sinai on the first day of the third month (about 42 days after the Exodus from Egypt). After a few days (we will assume seven days total) God descended onto the mountain and a covenant was made between God and the nation of Israel. The exact timing is not specified but after their arrival, there was a three day purification period. Later the festival of Shavuot is specified to occur on the 50th day following the Shabbat after Passover. I therefore arrive at the speculation that an additional four days were spent at Mt. Sinai after their arrival before God initiated the covenant.

[Read more…]

Bible Study

What is Purim?

Search

Tags