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Every year, as we begin a new Torah cycle, we return to those familiar words, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Most approach Genesis with questions about the origins of...
This week’s Torah portion, Nitzavim, opens with a declaration: “You are standing today, all of you, before Adonai your God.” The Hebrew word nitzavim, from the root natzav, means to be set, stationed, or...
The Exodus is generally remembered as Israel’s great deliverance from Egypt. Pharaoh’s power is broken, the sea opens, and a nation of slaves walks out free. From the sea, Israel’s journey turns toward Sinai,...
The book of Samuel opens with Hannah, a barren woman whose anguish becomes the doorway into Israel’s kingship story. Her situation is familiar. She stands in the line of the barren matriarchs—Sarah waiting for...
What does it mean to be redeemed? We often use the word as another way of saying that someone has been saved or rescued. Rescue is certainly part of redemption, but the biblical story...
One of the great biblical themes is “the place that the LORD your God will choose to put His Name.” Moses directs Israel to one location where sacrifices are offered and covenant life is...
The headlines change every day, but the human story never does. The struggle between God’s Kingdom and the kingdoms of this world has been unfolding since the opening pages of Scripture. The Exodus was...
The book of Deuteronomy opens with Moses looking back over Israel’s forty years in the wilderness. Before he gives Israel new instruction, he reminds them where they’ve been. Years ago, I had the privilege...
Most visitors who come to Petra spend the day marveling at the Treasury, the towering sandstone cliffs, and the remarkable architecture carved into the rose-red rock. Few realize that high above the ancient city...
Joseph’s dream has long been read as a story of family rivalry. The sun, moon, and eleven stars bow before him, provoking jealousy and anger among his brothers. Jacob himself questions whether Joseph expects...