Category: Bible Study
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Study Guide: The Escape (Matthew 2:13-23)
Hosea 11:1-12 Hosea 11 is one of many Old Testament passages where God laments through his prophet over the numerous ways Israel sinned and turned away from their calling as God’s people. Jeremiah 31:15 Jeremiah’s prophecy was written just before King Nebuchadnezzar conquered the city of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Jeremiah spoke of a coming…
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“The Lord is Salvation”: The Meaning of the Bible’s Miracle-Births
Jesus wasn’t the first “miracle baby” in the Bible; there are actually seven people in the biblical account who were born by way of miraculous pregnancy. Isaac – Promised to Abraham and Sarah (Gen. 15) Jacob – Miraculously given to Rebekah, along with his twin brother Esau. (Gen. 25:19-23) Joseph – Miraculously given to Rachel…
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Study Guide: The Plot (Matthew 2:1-12)
Micah 5:2-4 Study Notes This is the prophecy of the prophet Micah. At the time it was written (between 750 and 687 B.C.) Judah faced a growing threat from the neo-Assyrian Empire. Micah interpreted the impending invasion as a wake-up call from God and a just punishment for the many injustices committed by the nation’s…
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Study Guide: The Incarnation (Matthew 1:18-25)
Read: Isaiah 7:14 Study notes At the time of Isaiah’s writing, Judah was under threat of attack and would eventually be conquered by the Assyrian Empire. In the midst of this dark period of Israel’s history, God promised to restore justice, peace, and order through a savior known as the Messiah (Hebrew for “anointed/chosen one”). …
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The Prophecies of Zechariah. Chapter 5.
In chapter 5, Zechariah is shown two related visions: a vision of flying scroll, and then a vision of a woman in a basket. These oracles begin a series of visions depicting God setting up his eternal kingdom on earth: first, by preparing his people (5:1-11), secondly by dealing with Israel’s enemies and establishing his…
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The Divine Pursuit: Seeking Love and Holiness in the Song of Songs (Part 8)
Another Frantic Search (Song 5:2-8) Song 5:2-8 begins a lengthy poem which bookends what many scholars understand to be a distinct poetic unit beginning with Song 3:1-5 and ending with 6:3. There are obvious similarities between the poems in 3:1-5 and 5:2-8, but more notable are the contrasts. Here’s what I mean: 3:1-5 5:2-8 1.…
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Study Guide: The Prophecies of Zechariah. Chapter 4.
The Olive Trees and the Lampstand (Zechariah 4:1-14) Zechariah is confronted with a fourth vision of a golden lampstand, topped with a bowl and flanked by olive trees on its left and right. The lampstand was a ritual object that adorned both the tabernacle and the former Temple of Solomon. One of the duties of…
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Study Guide: The Prophecies of Zechariah. Chapter 3.
Joshua the High Priest and the Branch (Zechariah 3:1-10) Zechariah’s third vision takes place in a heavenly courtroom, of sorts. The High Priest, Joshua (Haggai 1:1), has been brought before the Lord by Satan (Heb. ha satan; literally, “the accuser”). Satan is the adversary of God’s people, bringing their sin and uncleanliness before God and…
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Study Guide: The Prophecies of Zechariah. Chapter 2.
The Lord returns to Jerusalem (Zechariah 2:1-5) Zechariah is shown a third vision, this time of a man with a measuring line. The man tells Zechariah that he is off to measure the width and length of Jerusalem so that it may be rebuilt to its original dimensions. Suddenly, Zechariah’s angelic interpreter is met by…
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Study Guide: The Prophecies of Zechariah. Chapter 1.
A Call to Renewal (Zechariah 1:1-6) As Israel continues to pick up the scattered pieces of their homeland, God speaks through his prophet Zechariah and invites the nation to renew their covenant vows to him. He makes it clear that the exile was a direct result of the sins of their ancestors, but the return…
Kingdom Ethos 