This is an interesting question that many Bible readers have wondered about. In 1 Samuel 17, we read the famous story of David and Goliath. David, a young shepherd boy, bravely faces the Philistine giant Goliath in battle and defeats him with just a sling and stone. After this great victory, Saul asks his commander Abner in verse 55, “Whose son is this youth?” This seems puzzling since we know from chapter 16 that Saul had already met David when he was brought to the king to play music and soothe Saul’s distressing spirit. There are a few possible explanations…
Author: Mike Solis
The Chemarim (also spelled Chemarims) are mentioned only once in the Bible, in Zephaniah 1:4 which states: “I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will destroy every remnant of Baal worship in this place, the very names of the idolatrous priests.” The Hebrew word translated as “Chemarim” refers to idolatrous priests or pagan priests. The Chemarim were most likely priests who served false gods and led the people of Judah astray into idolatrous practices. Some key things to know about the Chemarim: They were pagan priests who promoted idol worship and…
Blaise Pascal was a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer and Catholic theologian who made important contributions to several fields during the 1600s. He had a profound impact on the Christian faith through his influential writings, most notably his work of Christian apologetics called Pensées (Thoughts). Some of the key ways Blaise Pascal influenced Christianity include: Defense of the Christian Faith One of Pascal’s most significant contributions was providing a rigorous defense of the Christian faith at a time when skepticism and opposition to religion were growing. In Pensées, Pascal presented a philosophical and theological argument for the reasonableness of believing…
The depiction of Moses with horns in ancient art and sculpture has intrigued and puzzled many people over the years. Where did this unusual artistic choice come from? A look into the Bible and its original languages provides insight into the meaning behind these horned portrayals of Moses. In the book of Exodus, after Moses descends from spending 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God, his face is said to shine or radiate beams of light. Exodus 34:29 (ESV) states, “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony…
In what ways was Moses like Jesus? Moses and Jesus were similar in a number of important ways, as both were central figures in God’s plan of salvation and redemption for humanity. Here are some of the key ways in which Moses foreshadowed and paralleled the life and ministry of Jesus: They were both deliverers sent by God Moses was used by God to deliver the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3:7-10). Similarly, Jesus came to deliver humanity out of the slavery of sin (Luke 4:18-19). Moses led God’s people out of physical bondage, while Jesus provides spiritual…
Mental health is an important topic that is discussed throughout the Bible. God cares deeply about our emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Here is an overview of some key biblical principles related to mental health: We are created in God’s image Genesis 1:27 states that God created human beings in His own image. This means we reflect God’s nature in our spirits, souls, and bodies. As image-bearers of God, our minds and emotions have great value and significance. We are more than just physical beings – we also have spiritual and psychological facets that need care and development (1 Thessalonians…
Stem cell research is a complex and controversial topic that intersects science, ethics, and theology. As Christians, how should we think about this issue? Here is an overview of key considerations from a biblical perspective: The basics of stem cells Stem cells are special cells in the body that have the ability to develop into different cell types. For example, stem cells in bone marrow can form blood cells, while stem cells in the intestine can form intestinal lining cells. There are several types of stem cells: Embryonic stem cells come from 4-5 day old human embryos and can form…
Belief is a central theme in the Bible. Here are some key Bible verses about belief: Belief in God and Jesus Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” This verse emphasizes the importance of believing in God’s existence. Our faith pleases God. John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Believing in Jesus Christ as the…
The Bible does not explicitly prohibit or permit Christian women from wearing makeup or jewelry. However, there are principles and examples in Scripture that can guide women in making wise, godly choices about their appearance and adornment. Principles for Christian Women’s Appearance Modesty and Propriety Christian women are called to dress and present themselves modestly, with decency and propriety (1 Timothy 2:9). Makeup and jewelry should not be worn lavishly or to draw inappropriate attention. The focus should be on developing inner beauty more than overdone outward adornment. Avoiding Ostentation and Excess In both the Old and New Testaments, God’s…
Demythologization refers to the critical analysis of biblical narratives to discern the actual historical events behind the mythological and supernatural elements. It involves separating the historical facts in the Bible from the mythological framework they are presented in. The goal is to uncover the kerygma or central message behind the mythological stories and supernatural claims. Demythologization was popularized by the German theologian Rudolf Bultmann (1884-1976). Bultmann argued that the worldview of the New Testament was mythical in nature, reflecting ancient perspectives on cosmology, anthropology and soteriology. For instance, the New Testament speaks of demonic powers, miracles, and a three-tiered universe…