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Bible Q

Why was God so harsh with Uzzah?

The story of Uzzah has often puzzled Bible readers. Here it is: David and all the men who were with him traveled to Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim that are on […]

What is the day of Pentecost?

The day of Pentecost was the 50th day after the Sabbath of Passover week (Leviticus 23:15-16). It is also called the Feast of Harvest (Exodus 23:16), the day of firstfruits (Numbers 28:26) and the Feast of Weeks (Deuteronomy 16:10). It was an Israelite festival in which offerings were made to God, including the firstfruits of […]

Did Israel have priests before Moses got the Law?

Priests certainly existed before the law was given: And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) (Gen 14:18) Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came […]

How many laws are there in the Law of Moses?

The most common figure given by Jews for the total number of laws in the Law of Moses is 613.1 This figure is first recorded in a third-century sermon given by Rabbi Simlai.2 Although the number was possibly not meant to be taken literally,3 it has become part of popular Jewish tradition. The figure has been […]

Is a puffer fish ‘kosher’?

(Before answering this question, it’s worth noting that “kosher” rules — which are part of the Law of Moses — do not apply to Christians. For more on this, see the answer to ‘Is it okay for Christians to eat pork and shellfish?‘.) The Law of Moses said: “Of all that are in the waters […]

What was the purpose for circumcision?

Genesis 17 states that God required that Abraham and those of his house to be circumcised as a sign (NET “reminder”) of the covenant between God and Abraham and those who succeeded him. Why did God initiate this specific procedure? What was its meaning? The Bible does not give a reason why circumcision was chosen […]