One of the big debates in Biblical scholarship is the dating of Isaiah. The consensus position tends to be that there were at least 2:and possibly 3 authors. The first author would then be presumed to have written in the 7th century BC and the later authors during or post exile. Often this position is… Continue reading Cyrus, Isaiah and prophecy
Tag: Old Testament Studies
Draw Closer
What would you do if you won the lottery? Maybe you’re wanting to say to me “but Dave that’s gambling I’d never play it.” I did know of some Christians who used to write down their numbers every week and they would sit in front of the TV to see if they guessed it right,… Continue reading Draw Closer
People Matter: God’s safe and satisfied people
This is a written version of my sermon from last Sunday on Nehemiah 7-8. In the early parts of Nehemiah, one theme seems to get hammered home “walls are important.” If you are trying to put together kids clubs activities, that can become a challenge. There are only so many different ways you can build… Continue reading People Matter: God’s safe and satisfied people
“I will bless you”
There’s something profoundly significant in the statement “From this day on I will bless you” As you read it or hear it, I wonder how you are responding? I wonder if you are asking whether this statement could apply to you and your church right now? If from now on God will bless you, then… Continue reading “I will bless you”
Shaken
How can we find the boldness to persevere, especially when we face disappointments? This is an important question when there is a temptation to look back nostalgically as believers to supposed golden eras or glory days from the past whether that’s a period of revival and renewal or specific preachers, pastors or events. Read Haggai… Continue reading Shaken
Don’t look back in anger
We are coming to the end of the story. In fact w are coming to the end of several stories, the story of famine in Egypt, the story of Joseph and his brothers, the story of Jacob and the story of beginnings, the end of Genesis. We should therefore treat the conclusion here as one,… Continue reading Don’t look back in anger
The future of a family
Joseph has had his own private audience with his father and his sons but as Jacob gets closer to death, he has things to say to his whole family. Read Genesis 49 Jacob assembles his family. Once again note the interchange of names, they are “sons of Jacob”, he is their “father Israel.” He prophesies… Continue reading The future of a family
Echoes of a blessing
I think there was a real sense in which Joseph had died to Jacob when he went to Egypt. He now was more Egyptian that Hebrew and that’s where his priorities in the life lay, even if he still had hope for return to Canaan one day. This fact probably helps us to understand a… Continue reading Echoes of a blessing
Priorities, excuses and a reality check
The Jews who had returned to Jerusalem were arguing that it was the wrong time to rebuild the temple. It seemed that a mixture of economic circumstances and opposition for outsiders had convinced them that even though they didn’t disagree with the plan, that the timing simply wasn’t right. However, God has made it clear… Continue reading Priorities, excuses and a reality check
Servitude
The popular version of the Joseph story runs that Jacob spoils his son and is at fault for the brother’s jealousy. This is exacerbated by Joseph’s arrogant boasting about his dreams. However, being sold into slavery changes Joseph making him good, wise and just. Is that a fair rendition? Well, there have been clues along… Continue reading Servitude
Faithroots 