Thank you for the question, “How far did the Israelites travel from Egypt to the Red Sea?” As one reads Exodus 12–14, the distance is difficult to calculate from Egypt to the Red or Reed Sea. The Scriptures states the places of encampment. Enclosed are the stopping point: A. Rameses to Succoth (Exodus 12:27) B. Succoth … Read More “How far did the Israelites travel from Egypt to the Red Sea?” »
Thank you for the question, “Was it really necessary for the Israelites to destroy all the people living in Canaan?” There is a misconception that the Israelites destroyed all the Canaanites. The Israelites were commanded by the LORD God to destroy the inhabitants of the Promised Land but they failed to obey his command. The Israelites … Read More “Was it really necessary for the Israelites to destroy all the people living in Canaan?” »
Thank you for the question, “I have a question for historians, was the book of Genesis meant to be taken literally?” The Book of Genesis can’t be separated from Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. It is one continuous record of the beginning of mankind to one person who became a people group. Although I am not … Read More “I have a question for historians, was the book of Genesis meant to be taken literally?” »
Thank you for the question on the origin of the Mosaic Law, “How do we know that God gave laws to the Israelites rather than the Israelites creating laws based on their own understanding of God?“ As one reads the the Torah or the Pentateuch, the Mosaic Law can’t be separated from the historical setting of … Read More “How do we know that God gave laws to the Israelites rather than the Israelites creating laws based on their own understanding of God?” »
Thank you for the question on the population of the Israelites who left Egypt, “How did the population of the ancient Israelites go from Jacob and his 12 sons and their families to over a million people by the time God freed them from Egypt? The subject of the growth of the population of the Israelites … Read More “How did the population of the ancient Israelites go from Jacob and his 12 sons and their families to over a million people by the time God freed them from Egypt?” »
Thank you for the question on reading the Bible, “What book in the Bible would you recommend to read first if someone is seeking out God or a new believer?” I would recommend reading the Gospel of John followed by reading the Gospel of Luke. The reason is that the whole Old Testament and New Testament … Read More “What book in the Bible would you recommend to read first if someone is seeking out God or a new believer?” »
Thank you for the question on the historicity of Esther, “Why do some scholars say the Book of Esther is fiction?” As a Christian, I do not believe that the Book of Esther is fiction. The primary reason for some scholars questioning the historicity of Esther is the reconciliation of history with the events stated … Read More “Why do some scholars say the Book of Esther is fiction?” »
Thank you for the question about the 12 disciples of Jesus, “Which of the 12 disciples mentioned in the Bible understood Greek?” As one reads the Gospels and the New Testaments, there is little doubt that the 12 apostles spoke Aramaic, probably some Hebrew and Greek. As one look at their occupation before they encountered Jesus, … Read More “Which of the 12 disciples mentioned in the Bible understood Greek?” »
Thank you for the question on understanding, “What does the Bible say understanding is based on?” As I thought about your question, a passage came to my mind that may help us gain insight to your question about understanding. I hope Isaiah 6 in the commissioning of Isaiah and the message that he was to proclaim … Read More “What does the Bible say understanding is based on?” »
Thank you for the interpretative question, “Is Matthew 16:25 teaching the way to eternal life?” As one reads the larger context of Matthew 16:25, the text speaks about discipleship, not having or earning eternal life. Matthew 16 says this, “21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem … Read More “Is Matthew 16:25 teaching the way to eternal life?” »