Answers to Christianity Questions
The word, separate, means to divide, to have a gulf in between. In other words, there is a wide gap that one is walking one direction and the other party is walking in the opposite direction. There is the lack of agreement or oneness. As one reads Isaiah 59, here are some thoughts for one’s … Read More “What does it mean in Isaiah 59:2 that sins separate us from God?” »
Thank you for the question on the Book of Lamentation, “Why was the Book of Lamentations included in the Old Testament? What is the significance of the book of lamentations?” As I was reading again the Introductions to the Book of Lamentation in the NIV, I found the Introduction very helpful and good reminder of the … Read More “Why was the Book of Lamentations included in the Old Testament? What is the significance of the book of lamentations?” »
Thank you for the question on Hagar’s submission to Sarai, “Why did the Angel of the Lord demand that Hagar return to Sarai (Genesis 16: 9) if she mistreated Hagar (Genesis 16: 6)?” Here are some thoughts for your consideration as why the Angel of the LORD commanded Hagar to submit to Sarai. A. The role … Read More “Why did the Angel of the Lord demand that Hagar return to Sarai (Genesis 16: 9) if she mistreated Hagar (Genesis 16: 6)?” »
Thank you for the interpretative question, “What does it mean in Isaiah 59:2 that sins separate us from God?” The word, separate, means to divide, to have a gulf in between. In other words, there is a wide gap that one is walking one direction and the other party is walking in the opposite direction. There … Read More “What does it mean in Isaiah 59:2 that sins separate us from God?” »
Thank you for the question on the cultural influence on Bible writers, “To what extent do you think the mores, culture, and the world view of the ancient biblical writers colors the Bible’s morality? How does one put that into context for modern believer?” As one reads the Old Testament and New Testament, the Scriptures are … Read More “To what extent do you think the mores, culture, and world view of the ancient biblical writers colors the Bible’s morality? How does one put that into context for modern believers?” »
Thank you for the question on God hardening Pharaoh’s heart, “Why did the Lord harden Pharaoh’s heart in the Bible? I just don’t understand why God would go to all the trouble of the plagues and harden Pharaoh so the people wouldn’t leave?” The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is one of those Biblical challenging questions. It … Read More “Why did the Lord harden Pharaoh’s heart in the Bible? I just don’t understand why God would go to all the trouble of the plagues and harden Pharaoh so the people wouldn’t leave?” »
Thank you for the interpretative question on translation of Isaiah 9:6 on “Eternal Father or “Father of Eternity”. As a Christian, I am not a Hebrew scholar. My comments below do not represent other Christians or other churches, but rather a perspective on the passage. Both Hebrew and Christian scholars debate on the interpretation of … Read More “Why is the Hebrew word אֲבִיעַ֖ד in Isaiah 9:6, more often translated as “Eternal (or Everlasting) Father” rather than “Father of Eternity”, which most Hebrew scholars seem to agree is the more literal meaning?” »
Thank you for the question on the enslaved Jews deliverance from Egypt, “Why did the Hebrew god take so long to save his people from Egyptian enslavement?” I would like to suggest for one’s consideration the reasons why God declared that the descendants will enslaved 400 years. Read Exodus 15. A. The reason for the 400 … Read More “Why did the Hebrew god take so long to save his people from Egyptian enslavement?” »
Thank you for the question on the Book of Lamentation, “Why was the Book of Lamentations included in the Old Testament? What is the significance of the book of lamentations?” As I was reading again the Introductions to the Book of Lamentation in the NIV, I found the Introduction very helpful and good reminder of the … Read More “Why was the Book of Lamentations included in the Old Testament? What is the significance of the book of lamentations?” »
Thank you for the question on sacrifices, “If God commanded to make animal sacrifices in the Tanakh, then why does He says in Jeremiah 7:22 “For when I freed your fathers from the land of Egypt, I did not speak with them or command them concerning offerings or sacrifice”? As I read the broader context … Read More “If God commanded to make animal sacrifices in the Tanakh, then why does He say in Jeremiah 7: 22 “For when I freed your fathers from the land of Egypt, I did not speak with them or command them concerning burnt offerings or sacrifice”?” »