Ultimate Riddles Spiritual Study

The Word Judgments in Exodus 21:1-32

2008-11-21T00:23:00.000-08:00

An unusual number of inquiries searching for the meaning of the subject of Exodus 21 verses 1-32 brought visitors to the main UltimateRiddles.com site recently, and requires a closer look at the Hebrew for the English word "judgments" in Exodus 21:1. The subject is law being given to the children of Israel, and specifically the word judgments translates to English from the Hebrew word "mishpat".

Exodus 21:1 Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them. (KJV)

Properly translated, mishpat (mish-PAWT) means a verdict or formal decree pronounced judicially and particularly relating to divine law. In general the subject of Exodus 21:1-32 is law relating to persons as opposed to property which are given later in Exodus 21:33 through 22:15, and is directed to the children of Israel ("them" in 21:1) through Moses.

Exodus 21:1 has God speaking to Moses with instructions to give to the children of Israel as a continuation from Exodus 20:22 "And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven."

God spoke often with Moses, including "face to face" which was not meant literally, yet translates properly as "in His presence". The timeframe of most of the book of Exodus is 1491-1490 B.C., as is Leviticus, so many of the laws and ordinances were given by God through Moses in a relatively short period of time.

For Christians, by type we are "Israel" of the Old Testament, and so many of the promises of God, including Jesus Christ the Messiah, are not just historical ancient references but apply to people today.

TAGS: bible Exodus God Jesus Moses study

Halloween Costume and the Bible

2008-10-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

While I get email from readers to clarify points like "How can you date the month, day, and year of the parting of the Red Sea?" or "Where does it gives the age of Moses at the time he was called by God?", an unusual email request arrived today involving a Halloween costume and the Bible.

A reader wrote:

My daughter's school is doing a Halloween special tomorrow. They are allowing each child to dress up like a character from a book. At first I was not going to send her to school, because I really don't care what they call it, I know that is is just a reason to allow all the children to celebrate Halloween in the traditional way.

I do not celebrate Halloween. However I believe this is one of the very few times she will be allowed to speak about anything pertaining to the Bible in school. So, I have decided to let her dress as someone out of the Bible and have explained to her in detail about the entire situation. I have come to a snag. She wishes to dress as Zipporah, Moses' wife and I have no idea what to dress her in. If you can help me in any way please let me know. Thanks so much for at least taking the time to read this.

My email reply offered this advice:

Thank you for writing. While your request is unusual, and on short notice, clothing at that time period was often robes and though you find the word "shoes" in the Bible it really means sandals. From your email address I suspect you are in Florida, and the weather report is mild so being there would be different than northern states.

In the wilderness during the time of Moses clothing included fringes and a blue ribbon by direction from God given in Numbers 15:38 (see below), so an inexpensive princess or other robe-like costume in white could have blue ribbon glued to the bottom hem and perhaps at the end of each sleeve, and then sandals.

Numbers 15:38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribbon of blue. (KJV)

The word "borders" in Hebrew means edge or extremity. Good luck with the last minute costume.

The comment "I do not celebrate Halloween" is an understandable concern for Christians. Peer pressure for children to feel connected to the mainstream often poses a dilemma for Christian parents. My personal belief is that parents who teach the difference between pagan holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter and explain their real meaning do little harm allowing children to participate with costumes, gift giving, or candy eggs.

Commercialization of so-called "holidays" takes away the spirit of celebrating being a Christian and the birth, life, death, and salvation knowing Jesus Christ.

TAGS: Bible Numbers God Moses reader question study

God Instructs Moses About Levite Duties

2008-10-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

The next Bible study in of the book of Numbers was released earlier entitled Separation of Tribe of Levites. Each article presents my personal view and interpretation of Bible facts based on close study of God's Word. The latest article makes reference to rules and punishment quoted as follows:

In a previous study of Leviticus 10:2 we learn about Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, who were struck dead with fire from God for violating rules for priests. Looking ahead in 1 Chronicles 13:9, the tribes are on the move and arriving at Chidon when another person is struck dead. Uzza, a driver of the cart carrying the tabernacle, notices the oxen stumble and reaches out holding on to the ark and immediately dies.

God makes the rules, and for modern mankind the importance of Bible study and knowing God's expectations is that learning from Scripture allows us to separate the traditions of man to know God's will.

In the course of following this personal spiritual journey, I have encountered others who write about true purpose as Christians and the dangers of accepting the traditions of mankind instead of God's Word. As I consider these opinions, I realize that my choice of non-denominational Christianity is shared by many many others.

Our first priority is a personal relationship with God which requires looking outside the traditional views of worship and institutional churches. While each co-exists comfortably and congregations do great work, true meaning still depends on knowing God on a personal level, and the Bible is His guide to knowing expectations as a Christian. More on home church (HC) compared to institutional church (IC) will be blog topics in the near future.

TAGS: article Bible Numbers God Moses Levites study

Census of 1490 B.C. and Wilderness Miracles

2008-10-10T21:36:00.000-07:00

The next Bible lesson begins the study of the book of Numbers and was released earlier entitled Introduction to the Book of Numbers. This is the 4th book of the Pentateuch and merely two years have passed since the Exodus. The study topic is the census of 1490 B.C. and wilderness miracles.

This book commonly known as "Numbers" was entitled as such by translators but would have been more accurately translated from Hebrew as "in the wilderness". God speaks directly to Moses and names the heads of each tribe by name as the representatives responsible for the numbering, or census.

One of the Bible verses mentioned references the clothing and shoes worn by the Israelis during the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. How they managed to clothe more than 1 million people in that time is answered in the lesson including the meaning of the Hebrew word translated to "shoes". The last line in the article is "Trust God and He will provide".

TAGS: article Bible Numbers God Moses census study

Age When Moses Left His Mother

2008-09-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

A reader wrote asking about the earliest reference to the age of Moses in Exodus, and the emailed reply is given here for others wondering about this riddle. The Bible does not state the age of Moses when he left his mother to be raised as a son of the daughter of Pharaoh. The timeline of his first 40 years happens very quickly in Exodus 2. Moses was born as documented in Exodus 2:2 and that was in 1571 B.C., and Exodus 2:9 points out that he was being nursed. It could have been months or several years before he was weaned based on customs for nursing in those times, yet we would only be guessing.

The next reference to his age is two verses later in Exodus 2:11, and he was suddenly "grown" and within a few more verses (a matter of days, not months or years) he leaves Egypt at age 40. That was in 1531 B.C. The childhood life of Moses and even his adult life to age 40 presents very little detail. Those periods of time reveal as much (or as little) as the Holy Spirit deemed necessary in God's overall plan.

Skipping ahead to the very next chapter in Exodus 3 when Moses meets God in the wilderness, he is now 80 and first called by God into service. The year is 1491 B.C. The rest of Exodus, all of Leviticus, and part of the book of Numbers take place between 1491 and 1490 B.C. The next leap in the timeline will be covered later in Numbers where we learn that between two verses suddenly 37-1/2 years pass which may not be obvious to the casual reader based on the context there.

Details will be provided in a later Bible lesson when studying the book of Numbers. The first verse subject is current to the year 1491 B.C. and the very next mentions the death of Miriam, the sister of Moses. Knowing the year Miriam died (within months prior to Israel entering the Promised Land) provides the clue to accurately calculate those "missing" or undocumented 37-1/2 years between those two verses.

TAGS: Bible Exodus God Moses study

Passover and Easter Compared

2008-08-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

The next Bible lesson from Leviticus was released today entitled Feasts of the Lord for Christians. Here is an excerpt from the article with passover and easter compared:

The word in Greek translated to "Easter" in the New Testament is pascha (PAS-khah), and occurs only once in Acts chapter 12. The person being put in prison in that verse is Peter, the Apostle.

Pascha in Greek originated from pesach (PEH-sakh) in Chaldee, one of the original languages of the Old Testament manuscripts which were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Chaldee. Passover appears in the Old Testament 45 times and the meaning is literally the "passover feast" in each. Of 27 instances of pascha in the New Testament, it is always translated passover except the one tranlation as Easter in Acts 12:4.

The 45 translations of pesach in the Old Testament, and 26 of 27 instances of pascha in the New Testament, with the one exception being "Easter" in Acts 12:4, is an example of KJV mistranslations covered in this new article.

TAGS: article Christian Easter God Leviticus Passover study

Hebrew Definitions within Spiritual Laws

2008-07-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

The next Bible study from Leviticus entitled Bible on Spirituality and the Occult takes a close look at Bible verses that warn about mediums who purposefully attempt to communicate with the dead. Here is an excerpt from the full article that provides insight into what is really happening with those who pursue the occult.

Occult experiences are more often dealing with purposeful communication with the dead, and there is no shortage of talk shows that feature spiritual experts willing to demonstrate their psychic abilities. In truth, the Bible is very specific that we cannot speak with loved ones that have passed away, yet evil spirits can impersonate any voice, and will communicate to those open to their deception.

Supernatural evil spirits that are 1000's of years old have witnessed every moment in the life of that loved one they impersonate, so the accuracy of statements and the deception is very persuasive.

The Bible study also reveals Satan's purpose to deceive, divide, and destroy. Two verses from Proverbs conclude the article with advice for action to take when facing evil.

TAGS: article Bible Leviticus spirituality study

God Forgives and Forgets Sin

2008-07-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

The next Bible study from Leviticus entitled Understanding the Bible Meaning of Scapegoat was just released, and the translation of Hebrew words clarifies the definition of scapegoat. Repentence means that God forgives and forgets sin, and Christians can enjoy peace and joy knowing when they repent they should not feel guilt or dwell on past transgressions.

The article concludes making points about Judgment Day, and why true Christians should anticipate that day with joy, not fear of condemnation. Repent and God will forget your sins forever never to be mentioned again. Do the same for yourself and fellow mankind. Forgive and forget and then enjoy the inner peace and confidence of salvation and eternal life.

TAGS: article Christian forgiveness God Leviticus sin study

Two Latest Bible Studies from Leviticus

2008-07-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

The two latest Bible studies from Leviticus cover additional laws and ordinances given by God to Moses, and another is about the second irruption of fallen angels to explain their role in the laws of Leviticus prior to crossing into the Promised Land.

The first Bible study from Leviticus entitled Bible Laws for Food and Health released earlier today covers chapter 11. One point made in this new article reviews food items found on some restaurant menus that include various creatures called abominations in the Bible.

The article includes translations of "neighbor" from Hebrew in the Old Testament and Greek in the New Testament with a slight twist comparing the meaning in English.

The second article is about the Nephilim or Fallen Angels in Leviticus. Here's an excerpt with a hint at future lessons which explains why expulsion or extermination of the occupants of the Promised Land was just as ordered by God to Moses.

In future studies we will cover lands conquered where the Hebrews were to destroy all property and exterminate every living being, human and animal. In others, they spoil the cities of goods and domestic livestock and kill all males or all adult males. To the casual Bible student the brutal treatment of men, women, and children may seem shocking. Knowing the inhabitants of the Promised Land were intermingled offspring of fallen angels helps explain the form of divine justice being meted out.

The half human half supernatural descendants are gone. The article mentions the last descendant of the fallen angels, Og the King of Bashan, and quotes Scripture as evidence of where fallen angels are located today.

TAGS: article Bible Leviticus God Moses law study

Visitor Questions Christ and Dinosaurs

2008-07-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

A recent visitor searched "was jesus christ born first or dinosaurs" and landed on the first lesson in Genesis about the earth ages in the Bible. The information in that Bible study article did not provide a complete answer, so more has been added here, yet first please understand our privacy policy.

By checking statistics of visitors to this site we are able to determine search phrases made and the landing page. The stat tracking does not include any personal identifying information, only very general data, so visitors cannot be identified and remain anonymous.

After dinosaurs were created Jesus Christ was born in the flesh as foretold when the Old Testament documents Immanuel, God with Us, being promised as the Messiah, and that did happen after He created dinosaurs. Yes, Jesus created the dinosaurs. Follow the link in the next paragraph for evidence.

The first earth age article landing page for the search phrase "was jesus christ born first or dinosaurs" explains that period of time without answering the dinosaur question. The existance and presence of Jesus as the Creator of all things including dinosaurs is better explained in another article: Finding Jesus in the Old Testament.

Readers are welcome to email me from any page with specific questions if they do not find an answer here.

TAGS: Bible dinosaurs creation Christ Jesus life

Comparing Hebrew and English in Leviticus

2008-07-04T02:13:00.000-07:00

The book of Leviticus in the Bible presents more laws, statutes, and ordinances beyond those given in Genesis and Exodus. A new article released on the main site entitled Book of Leviticus and Ceremonial Law includes Hebrew words from the original manuscripts with explanations comparing Bible translations and modern English.

A review of verses about following instructions and the death of Nadab and Abihu stresses the importance of understanding God's expectations, and talks about the only time in Leviticus that God spoke directly to Aaron. Here's an excerpt from the article:

The rules and covenants broken often in the Old Testament were replaced by the new covenant when God offered His Son as a sacrifice for the atonement of sin.

This salvation by grace, freely given, replaces much of the law in the Old Testament and certainly the ceremonial offerings, yet it does not void all Old Testament law. The Ten Commandments are one exception that still apply.

In comparing Hebrew and English in Leviticus, clearer meaning is given to words translated into English over 400 years ago, and this article features more about their definition in current English. Readers are encouraged to read their Bible daily, and consider a Companion Bible or Strongs Concordance to review unfamiliar words. These Bible study resources allow you to search English words to learn details about the meaning in Hebrew, Aramaic, Chaldee of the Old Testament and Greek in the New Testament.

TAGS: article Bible Leviticus God Moses law study

Bible Translation of In Our Image

2008-07-02T00:25:00.000-07:00

Visitors have arrived at this site after searching for the meaning of phrases with the word "image" in Genesis chapter 1, verses 26 and 27, and specifically they wanted to know the Hebrew word as translated into current English from "Let us make man in our image". Here are the verses from the sixth day of creation.

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26 (KJV)

So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. Genesis 1:27 (KJV)

The Hebrew for image in the phrases "in our image", "in his own image", and "in the image of God" were translated from the word tselem (TSEH-lem) which means resemblance. The phrase "after our likeness" is from the Hebrew word demuth (dem-OOTH) which means resemblance, or shape.

This leaves no doubt from the plural form in "our image" that this refers to God and the angels, and later "in his own image" in reference to God that our human form resembles our spiritual body in shape, likeness, and resemblance to God and the angels.

Readers may want to learn more about the word "man" in these verses as taken from the Hebrew adam (aw-DAWM) which means "mankind" including all of mankind, male and female as cited in verse 27. This reference to man during the 6th day creation from Genesis 1 was all the races including men and women. In Genesis chapter 2 the word "man" in English (from the Hebrew adam) in reference to Adam as in "Adam and Eve" translates from the Hebrew "eth ha adam", or the specific person named Adam.

An article on the main site explains the difference between man in Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 in more detail.

We won't feel out of place in heaven, and for now consider each face you see in the diversity of human races is a glimpse of faces seen in heaven. The essence of the meaning of "image" or "likeness" as translated in the King James Version of the Bible is accurate, yet by today's English knowing the Hebrew definitions of "resemblance" and "shape" provides an even clearer meaning.

TAGS: Bible Genesis God Hebrew study

More Laws and Tabernacle in Exodus

2008-06-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

Another article and Bible study from the book of Exodus was just released and discusses additional laws beyond the 10 commandments as given to Moses, plus instructions for building the ark of the covenant and tabernacle. A list given in the article identifies the key chapters and verses of Exodus with these additional laws:

Exodus chapter 21:1-32 are laws regarding persons.
Exodus verses 21:33 to 22:15 are laws regarding property.
Exodus expands on these in more detail in chapters 22 and 23.

Moses ascended Mount Sinai 6 times and met personally with God. Though the Bible states "face to face", Moses was in His presence and never did see the face of God. He is told later in Exodus that "No man can see the face of God and live.", so there is no contradiction in Scripture as some skeptics try to prove.

TAGS: article Bible Exodus God Moses law study

10 Commandments First Given Verbally

2008-05-31T23:04:00.000-07:00

In the Hebrew month Sivan in 1491 B.C. the ten commandments were first given to the children of Israel verbally prior to them being written in stone by God. A new article on the main site entitled Ten Commandments and Bible Structure is a study of the 10 commandments as spoken by God from Mount Sinai, and then a look at this and other examples of divine Bible structure from the original manuscripts in Hebrew.

Here's an excerpt from the article:

Soon after the verbal presentation of the ten commandments, Moses ascends Mount Sinai for 40 days and receives the first set of tablets formed and written by God with the commandments etched in stone. It is incredible that in 6 weeks after God telling the children of Israel, in person, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" that they grew impatient waiting for Moses to return, and molded a golden calf to worship.

The word "before" in the commandment above does not mean "ahead of", but is translated from the Hebrew phrase al paniym (al paw-NEEM) with al meaning above, over, upon, or against, and paniym meaning the face. No wonder 3,000 men were put to death by the sword (Exodus 32:28) and another 20,000 died immediately from pestilence (1 Corinthians 10:8) as punishment for violating this commandment so soon after it was given.

There are consequences for violating what God expects, and this ancient lesson is valid for people today. The death of 23,000 may not be a story you hear in Sunday School, yet seek God by reading the Bible for wisdom and understanding to learn the reasoning and importance of these lessons for modern times.

TAGS: Bible 10 commandments Exodus God Moses study

Creation Day in Genesis and 1000 Years

2008-05-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

The six day creation in Genesis chapter 1 of the Bible is unimaginable on a human scale with 24 hours in a day, and a recent comment from a visitor to the Ultimate Riddles website confirms this difficulty of human perception. They, and others, reference a verse about time and eternity in the New Testament as evidence that the universe in Genesis 1 was created in 6000 years.

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 Peter 3:8 (KJV)

The word in 2 Peter for "day" in Greek is hemera (hay-MER-ah), and translates to the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole of 24 hours. In other words, this is the same as our 24 hour day, yet time for our eternal God is infinite which explains why 1000 years pass like the blink of an eye. This visitor has correctly understood the meaning of one day in that verse.

Next, consider the conclusion of each day of creation in Genesis that ends with the definition of day, as well. The Hebrew of the Old Testament properly translated without making assumptions about time is likewise speaking of days as 24 hours, not 1000 years or eons of time. God is omnipotent with the power to create by spoken word, and the six day creation was literally human 24 hour days. Here's the evidence.

And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. Genesis 1:5 (KJV)

The phrase "the evening and the morning were the first day" is repeated for each day replacing "first" with second, third, etc., including the sixth in the last verse of Genesis 1. The Hebrew word for day is yom (pronounced YOME), and means literal days from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next.

When Bible students encounter the word day with a cardinal or ordinal number, for example one or first, this is a literal day of 24 hours. Each day of creation in Genesis emphasizes this fact by including the phrase "the evening and the morning...", so there's no reason to imagine God created the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all things within them in any amount of time longer than six 24 hour days.

TAGS: Bible creation eternity Genesis God study

Stiffnecked People to the Point of Mutiny

2008-05-24T05:03:00.000-07:00

Another article and Bible study of the book of Exodus continues with the journey of Israel into the wilderness after the parting of the Red Sea. Despite miracles shown to the people of Israel in Egypt, leaders Moses and Aaron are faced with stiffnecked people to the point of mutiny.

The lesson for Christians in the article Israel Murmuring Against Moses and Aaron is to recognize the tiny miracles and thank God for what you do have instead of worrying about what you lack.

Hebrew words including place names as used in Exodus that were not translated to English, are explained for clearer meaning of some verses. One in particular is interesting. Manna, food from heaven, literally means "What is that?".

Complaints to the point of mutiny are unnecessary for Christians. God will never leave you or forsake you. In times of trouble when all seems hopeless, He may be forming some aspect of your character in preparation for eternal life, yet He promises that there will always be a way out. Be patient and have faith by putting full trust in Jesus Christ.

TAGS: article Bible Exodus God Moses Sinai study

Five People You Meet in Heaven

2008-05-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a movie review for people looking for spiritual purpose. The made for television movie "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" was broadcast on ABC in 2004, and adapted from the book of the same title, a NY Times bestseller, written in 2003 by Mitch Albom. The movie stars Jon Voight as an 80 year old man who leads what he considers a simple life without significant purpose, dies, and then meets five people from his past in heaven.

He knew each of the 5 directly, or indirectly, and not realizing the impact of our actions on other people's lives was the big lesson. One point I liked said in effect "We are all connected and some people are simply strangers we have not met". This is an inspiring movie and fun look at one possibility of how people might spend some of their time in heaven.

The DVD is available without commercials, not rated, and the run time is approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes. Personally, I would suggest previewing the movie before showing to children. If rated in my home it may have been PG-13 due to some graphic violence. For teenagers and adults, this movie takes an imaginary view of heaven not referenced in the Bible, yet the fiction could easily be a realistic view of some aspects.

In heaven we will recognize people we knew. The joy and experience is beyond imagination. Five People You Meet in Heaven is a warm and inspiring story, and recommended to anyone who feels trapped or distracted by everyday problems. No doubt our lives affect those around us, and this movie shows how average people living average lives actually influence others, including strangers, in ways we don't realize.

I viewed this movie twice in one week, and intend to watch it at least once a year as a reminder of spiritual purpose and what's really important in life. Do you need another reason to be kind to strangers? Read Hebrews 13:2.

TAGS: Bible heaven movie review spiritual purpose

Purpose and Idea to Offer Free Bibles

2008-05-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

The real purpose of the ultimate riddles Bible study website is to captivate nonbelievers with interesting religious concepts that most may never have heard. For Christians, the last great commission from Christ before His ascension was instructing the disciples and us to witness the Gospel to the world.

Most nonbelievers cannot be converted in one encounter. No human can actually convert a sinner. The best a Christian can do is peak interest and if it's God's will and that person is truly sincere, the Holy Spirit will take over the conversion.

For believers, some of the topics being covered on this site may be controversial when compared to what many are taught in Sunday School. My point is not to debate issues that go beyond that very basic truth of Christ in John 3:16 and John 14:6, plus the first verse quoted on the main study directory . "They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentence." Mark 2:17 (KJV)

To document this Bible study cover to cover may take 5 years, so no one topic is cross referenced to every verse that supports a given conclusion. I want to spark interest and plant seeds. Hopefully believers who may have drifted away will take up their Bibles again to discover the importance of staying daily in His Word, or to research Scripture and compare their take on points made and my reasoning.

When looking into the cost of Bibles I was surprised to learn that you can buy a case of 32 with imitation leather for less than $100. I'd like nothing better than having sponsors to help finance free Bibles and giving away a million Bibles every year. Readers, or potential sponsors, are encouraged to email me or post comments with ideas and opinions.

TAGS: Bible God Jesus Christ study

First Week of Exodus Day by Day

2008-05-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

The next Bible study article covering Exodus was released entitled Exodus and Parting of the Red Sea, and documents the first week of Exodus day by day from the departure, journey, and the freedom of Israel from bondage in Egypt with the parting of the Red Sea.

As a young man I waterskied and swam in the Red Sea on the western coast of what is now Eritrea. A group of us snorkled from shore to an island 3 miles out, also, and although this site is 100's of miles south of the place where the children of Israel passed over on dry land, the experience helps put the miracle in perspective.

The entire first week of Exodus article is here, and concludes with an analogy comparing crossing the Red Sea and Christian baptism.

TAGS: article Bible Exodus God Moses Red Sea study

Bible References to Jesus in Genesis

2008-05-12T02:52:00.000-07:00

A new article on the main site of Ultimate Riddles explores Bible references to Jesus in Genesis, beginning with the very first verse of the Bible in Genesis 1:1. From personal experience hearing comments from others, some Christians focus less on the Old Testament or entirely in the New Testament because it documents the birth and life of Jesus in human form. Here's an excerpt:

God spoke and things were created. There was no action or work that compares to our human creativity which we physically work and struggle over. "And God said..." means by spoken word alone He created everything in the heavens, the earth, and the sea. Continue to the New Testament for evidence that this reference to God refers to Jesus Christ, also called the Word.

Read the full article Finding Jesus in the Old Testament here, with Scripture verses about creation, and learn why these references to God in the Old Testament literally refer to Jesus Christ.

TAGS: article Bible creation God Jesus Jesus Christ study

Pass Over and Death of All Firstborn

2008-05-04T04:35:00.000-07:00

The next Bible study article covering Exodus was released entitled Tenth Devastating Plague in Egypt here, and discusses the pass over or death of all firstborn in Egypt. In addition, it compares Passover and Easter with the following excerpt about Easter:

The Greek word translated to Easter is pascha (PAS-khah) which is of Chaldee origin, and it means "passover" to include the meal, day, and festival. In the original Greek manuscripts of the New Testament the word "pascha" occurs in 27 verses 29 times. In each instance it is translated to English as "passover" except for the single occurence of "Easter" in Acts 12:4.

The earliest Christians only had the original manuscripts in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Chaldee for the Old Testament and Greek for the New Testament. Easter was introduced in the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible long before the first English translation or later King James Authorized Version (KJV) in 1611.

Easter was a pagan holiday introduced in part to the church to attract unbelievers to Christianity, and it became tradition. The King James authors used the Latin Vulgate which is how the word pascha was mistranslated as Easter in Acts 12:4. By knowing the difference now, it makes sense for Christians to celebrate Passover, yet keep in mind that our true Passover sacrifice is now Christ. Be wary of the traditions of mankind, and keep in His Word to understand that some Old Testament traditions were nailed to the cross, and today communion is the Passover celebration for Christians.

Bible translations in English contain errors, yet by going back to the original manuscript languages Bible students gain clearer understanding of truth in God's Holy Word. Read the full Bible study article on Passover and Easter here.

TAGS: article Bible Exodus Easter God passover study

Darkness So Dark You Can Feel It

2008-05-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

In a recent Bible study about Moses and the first nine plagues in Egypt, a point not made but worth noting in Exodus is about darkness so dark you can feel it. Imagine senses beyond ordinary sight that we use viewing dark or light, and this verse may provide a clue about heightened or new senses we will experience in heaven. Here's what I mean as referenced in the ninth plague documented in Exodus 10:

And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.
And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: Exodus 10:21-22 (KJV)

Darkness which may be felt lasted three days! This may support the promise made in the New Testament revealing unimaginable sensations beyond what we know.

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

Realizing our human life is temporal like the blink of an eye gives good reason to seek God and stay in His Word in preparation for eternal life in heaven. Things await us beyond human imagination.

TAGS: Bible Exodus heaven Moses plague study

Lessons from Exodus for Christians Today

2008-04-30T03:00:00.000-07:00

The next Bible study from Exodus was released earlier. Read the full article First Nine of Ten Plagues in Egypt on the main site.

This study provides lessons from Exodus for Christians today, and reviews the actions of Aaron and Moses in 1491 B.C. when demanding that the Pharaoh of Egypt "let my people go" from bondage. The first 9 plagues are explained from a historical perspective with insights as to their structure and significance.

The origin and meaning of certain Hebrew words and phrases translated to English is presented, as well. As one example, the recurring concept in Exodus that God "hardened" Pharaoh's heart comes from three different words in Hebrew, each with slightly different yet similar meanings.

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Two Thirds of the Life of Moses

2008-04-28T00:13:00.000-07:00

As one of the greatest prophets in Bible history, the life of Moses from birth to age 80 is short on details. Two thirds of the life of Moses is all captured in Exodus chapter 2, and this is before he became a prophet and servant of God. As the author of the first 5 books of the Bible, the Pentateuch, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, it's amazing when you learn about Moses and realize his close relationship to God began at such a late point in his life.

More details were just released on the main site in a new article, so read about the Life of Moses from Birth to Age 80 here.

Taken from Exodus 2 and 3, phrases in English taken back to the original languages of the manuscripts include explanations of Hebrew for "I AM WHAT I AM", and an interesting study of the word "of" in reference to the "angel of the LORD".

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Jesus was More than a Mere Human

2008-04-21T03:09:00.000-07:00

Another article on the main site was just released entitled Fifteen Bible Verses for Understanding Christ, and is intended for persons who have doubts about Christ as the Messiah, or who want to share their Christian faith with non-believers.

The article has headings followed by Scripture covering His purpose, sin and salvation, Jesus as God, Christ's return and judgment, and eternal destiny. After reading the article I invite readers to share this by bookmarking the page or emailing the link to people who may not understand the divine nature and purpose of Jesus Christ.

The sense of peace and joy knowing the truth as revealed in the Bible is something that God wants us all to learn.

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