Within the words of the Prophet Isaiah is a description of one / ones who brings good tidings, a harbinger. What is the news? What is the “gospel” of Isaiah? This class covers the message of that ancient gospel message as described in the Hebrew Scriptures.
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Within the texts of Deutero-Isaiah (Chapters 40-66) there is an ancient message referred to as the good news. Several passages within this same section of texts describe the bearer of this news. What can we learn of this redemptive figure? In this class, we carefully cover the relevant texts.
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Interpretation is the action of explaining the meaning of a text, but what happens when interpreters are wrong? This class covers some of the most misunderstood prophecies in the Bible. Does Micah chapter 5 describe the birthplace of a coming ruler? Does Hosea chapter 11 foretell of a redemptive figure’s trip out of Egypt? Does Jeremiah 31:14 have to do with the slaughter of children in Bethlehem? Do Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 describe the original position and subsequent fall of Lucifer? Does Joel 2:32 (3:5 in Hebrew) provide a formula for eternal salvation? Interpretation must begin with the words of the text, and derive meaning from the context of those words.
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This teaching is a continuation of class nine, covering some of the complexity around the subject of Redemptive Figures described in the words of the prophets. The class covers references to “the Stone,” and “the Branch.”
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When it comes to biblical eschatology, we are presented with views of a golden age to come. People of The Book, both Jews, and Christians, generally claim that a single redemptive figure will usher humanity into this coming age. This figure is known as the “messiah.” But does this view line up with what the bible says? Have students of Scripture oversimplified what the prophets said? Have we, in attempts to eliminate ambiguity, glossed over the true meaning of the words of the prophets? Is the “Son of Man” in Daniel about a figure known as the messiah? Does Micah’s reference to Bethlehem Ephratah predict the birthplace of the messiah? These questions and more are discussed in this teaching on Redemptive Figures.
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An ancient imprecation is fulfilled as one of Israel’s most wicked monarchical couples begin their reign, and one of the Bible’s most well known prophets steps on the scene. Who was Elijah? And does the Bible say he is coming again? And who is the mysterious Malakh who appears numerous times in the Bible?
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In this class, we explore methods of connecting words and phrases in order to more fully grasp the intended meaning of prophetic utterances. By way of example, the “messenger” of Malachi 3 is used to illustrate the manner in which we might better comprehend the identity and the mission of this eschatological figure. What can we learn of the messenger from Malachi? What, if anything can other prophets tell us about the messenger?
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The Bible provides various methods whereby God spoke to His people: the Urim and Thummim, from above the ark, and through the agency of the prophet. But where are the Urim and Thummim? Where is the ark? And where are the prophets? Why the silence from heaven? In this class, we explore the subject known in the Bible as the hiding of the Face? What caused the separation and how will it end?
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The prophets of ancient times were given glimpses of events well beyond their own days. These words were recorded and passed down to us. For generations, those who desired to see the world through the vision of the prophets have looked deeply into their words. Daniel studied the words of Jeremiah for instance. Some of their prophecies described events for the time of the end, and some, they were told to seal. We, like Daniel, can look into the words and consider the visions of the prophets.
*The internet connection dropped out a couple of times and therefore the video will contain breaks. The audio file, however, has been edited and is the best way to listen to this teaching.
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After witnessing the fear-inspiring event at Horeb an agreement was reached between Jehovah and the people. He would raise up a prophet to speak His words to the people and they said that they would listen and do what the prophets said. This required a heart to know, eyes to see, and ears to hear, and to bring this about a whole-hearted return was required. But from the beginning, they did not listen. The words of Jehovah, spoken by His servants the prophets were the unheard words.
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When Moses first encounters God at Horeb, at the burning bush, he is told, “Now go! I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say” (Exodus 4:12). The Hebrew, Ehyeh, translated “I will be,” is also associated with the name of God (Exodus 3:14). In this teaching, we learn that Ehyeh indicates God’s presence (I will be with you), His living direction vis à vis the prophets (I will be with your mouth), and His abiding covenants (I will be to you for a God).
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The second class of the PROPHET series develops the idea that hearing the word of Jehovah is essential for the sustaining of human life since man cannot live by bread alone. Examples from the Scriptures are presented in order to begin to show the words of God within The Word of God. The teaching also illustrates that Moses is unique among those called a prophet. What sets the prophet apart from others, and what sets Moses apart from the other prophets?
NOTE – The internet service was interrupted several times during the class and therefore, the videos from YouTube and Facebook, while included in this blog post, are not without breaks. The audio however has been edited and presents a clean version of the class.
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