Old Testament Prophecy, Divination, and Magic
Biblical prophecy is not completely unique. It resides in a long history of ancient Near Eastern prophecy. John Walton identifies three different ancient Near Eastern texts that provide parallels to biblical prophecy: the Mari Letters, oracles from the Neo-Assyrian...Exodus: Geography and Archaeology
IntroductionThe archaeological data relevant to the book of Exodus spans from small pieces of papyri to the Sphinx Dream Stele in front of the magisterial Great Sphinx of Giza. The historical geography relevant to Exodus provides insight into some of the most hotly...Biblical Covenants, Laws, & Treaties
A correct interpretation of the Mosaic Covenant depends on a proper understanding of the structure or arrangement of the covenant. As a prologue to the discussion, William Barrick importantly explains that all biblical covenants were “promulgated by the divine...Exodus: Comparative Literary Analysis
IntroductionThe number of literary parallels between the ancient Near Eastern literature and the book of Exodus likely eclipses the parallels within many of the other Old Testament books combined. The comparative literature that encompasses the book of Exodus features...Old Testament Cognitive Environment Criticism
IntroductionFrom Friedrich Delitzsch’s Babel-Bibel lectures that accused the biblical writers of crass plagiarism to the name calling of Thomas Thompson, who applies the fundamentalist label to anyone who believes that the historicity of the Old Testament, the...Canonical Importance of Exodus
The canonical importance of Exodus is evident in the entirety of Scripture, from Genesis through the New Testament. First, Exodus pulls together the covenant narrative of Genesis and moves it forward. The Israelites cry out to help from God due to their bondage and...The Spirit in Biblical Interpretation
The role of the Holy Spirit in the hermeneutical process rests on an understanding of both objective and subjective authority. Millard Erickson explains that for Christians the objective basis of authority is Scripture, whereas the subjective basis of authority is the...Philippians 4:13 Misinterpretation
The verse that I incorrectly interpreted was Paul’s optimistic statement in his letter to the Philippians: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).[1] My original interpretation simply took the English translation at face...Typology of Habakkuk 2:4
The Apostle Paul’s quotation of Habakkuk 2:4 in Galatians 3:11 provides an example of typology. Darrell Bock dichotomizes typology into typological-prophetic and typological-prophetic.[1] The latter appears to align with the type or pattern found in Paul’s...
Freedom: How Grace Transforms Your Life Now
Minds on Fire: What Is Wrong With Our Thoughts..And How To Fix It