Jephthah’s father is Gilead. His mother is a prostitute. The Bible doesn’t even bother to give her name. So begins the life of Jephthah. When he is older, his half brothers, sons of his father’s wife, chase Jephthah away. They don’t want him sharing in their inheritance. He leaves, carrying with him the stigma of […]
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We don’t know the name of Jephthah’s daughter. But we lament what happened to her. We applaud the steadfast confidence in how she accepts her fate, revealing her deep faith in God. The elders of Gilead ask Jephthah to lead them into battle against their enemies. He agrees, but then makes a rash vow. He […]
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Biblical People: Rahab
Rahab is a prostitute two spies stay with when they scope out Jericho. We don’t know if they seek her for her services or merely for a place to hide from public view. Hearing of their presence, the king of Jericho commands Rahab to turn over the two men. Instead, in an act of treason, […]
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Biblical People: Aksah
Caleb is one of the twelve spies sent to scope out the land the nation of Israel plans to conquer, but he is only one of two men who bring back a positive report. For his ability to look beyond the strength of the peoples they need to overcome and for his confidence in God’s […]
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Biblical People: Deborah (2)
Though called a judge, Deborah is primarily a prophetess, a person who hears from God and proclaims his words to others. She is the only female judge in the Bible. Deborah receives a prophetic message for Barak. Through her, God commands him to raise an army and attack their enemy. God even promises that Barak […]
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Biblical People: Jael
When Barak and the Israelite army rout Sisera’s army, Sisera escapes and takes refuge with Jael because her family has a connection with his country. Pretending to protect him, Jael takes him in and cares for him. Once he falls asleep, she impales him with a tent peg through his temple. Though gruesome, it’s likely […]
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Expanded Daniel
Some versions of the Bible include additional text for the book of Daniel, which isn’t found in most Protestant versions of the Bible. This additional text rounds out the story of Daniel and gives deeper insight into his life and faith. This complete text of Daniel includes three additional sections inserted into the book: Prayers […]
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Susanna
The Revised Standard Version (RSV), Ethiopian Bible, and original Authorized King James Version (KJV) all include the book of Susanna, but it isn’t found in most other versions of the Bible. Susanna focuses on the pious life and crooked trial of the righteous Susanna, wrongly accused of adultery and sentenced to die. A young Daniel […]
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Bible Term: Yeast
Yeast is used symbolically in the Bible to represent influence, often negatively. Just as a little bit of yeast, permeates dough and produces a noticeable result, so does influence, be it good or bad. In the Books of Moses, there are thirty-two references to not using yeast (and more for its counterpart, leaven) in various […]
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Bible Term: Old Testament
The Bible is a book of books, 66 books* altogether, written over a period of hundreds of years by many different authors. These 66 books are divided into two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament contains 39 books** and addresses the formation, existence, and demise of the nation of Israel, […]