The region of Gilead was a mountainous area east of the Jordan river, but south of the sea of Galilee. It is now part of the kingdom of Jordan. Gileadites were people who lived in Gilead. From the time of Joshua, it was largely occupied by the Israelite tribe of Gad. Later it was held […]
What does “shibboleth” mean?
This word occurs in Judges 12:5-6 And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,” they said to him, “Then say Shibboleth,” and he […]
When David defeats Goliath, why does he keep Goliath’s armor?
1 Samuel 17:54: And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent. Goliath’s armor would have been very valuable and useful. The Philistines had the upper hand over Israel, at that time in history, and they didn’t allow blacksmiths to operate in Israel. […]
The theme of the Book of Jeremiah is repentance or removal. How does this idea relate to the church at Ephesus that Jesus wrote to in Revelation 2:1-5?
Revelation 2:1-5 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. (2) “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested […]
Besides Melchizedek and Jesus, were there any other people who filled the role of both “king” and “priest”?
Secular history tells us that the son of Simon Maccabee, John Hyrcanus I, was both king and priest. Simon was murdered in 134 BCE by his son-in-law Ptolemy, and was succeeded as high priest and king by his son John Hyrcanus I. There are no other king/priest combinations recorded in the Bible. In the […]
Why was it impossible for Gehazi to heal the Shunammite woman’s son?
This can be answered simply; Gehazi did not have the faith required. An insight into the character of the man, can be seen in 2 Kings 5:20-27. Looking deeper there is further meaning. Relevant verses — 2 Kings 4:29-36: He said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment and take my staff in your hand and go. If […]
Does the Bible say weed is a sin?
There is no obvious reference to marijuana in the Bible. However there is quite a bit about misuse of alcohol. For example: Pro 23:30-35 Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. (31) Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes […]
Which modern day countries are in the areas Abraham lived?
You can see Bible places overlaid on modern maps at Bible Geocoding. This adds Bible places names to a Google map. The map for Genesis is shown below, including all the places mentioned in the life of Abraham. View Larger Map
Is it a sin to watch ghost shows on television?
There is nothing in the Bible that would suggest this is a sin.
How old were the disciples of Jesus when they joined him?
The Bible does not say explicitly, but there are a few hints that at least some of them were relatively young — probably teenagers or in their early 20s. In Jewish tradition, a young man began following a Rabbi between the ages of 12 and 30, and usually when he was less than 20. So […]