Topical
The significance of Melchizedek
Gen 14:18-20; Ps 110:1-7; Heb 5:5-10; 7:1-28 In my last post, I focused on the incident with Melchizedek within Abraham’s story (see my post Becoming people above reproach (Genesis 14)). This is important, I believe, because far too often we…
Learning about God’s justice in the world II (Jer 25:15-38)
Jer 25:15-38 Today we continue our reflections on God’s justice (see my last post Learning about God’s justice in the world I.). Tragedy and difficulties in life can shake our faith in God. It is as if the Lord had…
Learning about God’s justice in the world I. (Jer 25:1-14)
Jer 25:1-14 Judgment is not a popular topic, and many feel a tension between God’s love and grace and the idea that He might judge. At the same time, it is interesting how much the concept of justice has gained…
How to discern true prophecy from false? (Jer 23:23-40)
Jer 23:23-40 In my last post, I focused on the person who speaks for God (see How to tell false prophets from true ones?), today I will look at the messages spoken. Although this section on false prophets (Jer 23:9-40)…
How to tell true prophets from false ones? (Jer 23:9-22)
Jer 23:9-22 At one point as an Old Testament lecturer, I taught in a charismatic Bible college where chapel services included open times of sharing words from God. Strikingly, neither there nor in other contexts have I heard a prophecy…
Does God ever change His mind? (Jeremiah 18)
Jer 18:1-23 The old TV series, Open All Hours, is about a local shopkeeper’s comic machinations to sell rubbish to customers like the indecisive Mavis. When asked if she wants a tin of beans or a tin of lentils, she…
Should we let go of justice when we forgive? (Jer 11:18-12:17)
Jer 11:18-23; 12:1-17 One time when I was giving a lecture on Isaiah 53, the Suffering Servant who was crushed and wounded and endured suffering that we may be healed, someone asked me whether an abused person should keep accepting…
Can a righteous person save a city? (Jer 5:1)
Jer 5:1 When faced with the overwhelming problems and needs of this world, as they come to us through news media, mission organisations or charities, we may feel utterly helpless. What difference can our contributions make? I’ll never forget the…
How best to evaluate biblical characters?
When I was teaching Old Testament in Bible college/seminary, some of my students interpreted biblical characters in a very black-and-white fashion. Either they decided that someone was praiseworthy and played up the good in them while ignoring the shady side…
Were the exiles concerned about racial purity in marriages? Part II.
Ezra 9:1-15 In the first part of this question (Were the exiles concerned about racial purity in marriages? Part I), I explored the reason in Deuteronomy 7, which the exiles used to condemn intermarriages with non-Jews. I now turn to…