The prophecy referred to in Matthew 2:18 originates in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. Specifically, it is found in Jeremiah 31:15, which says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.” This passage refers to Rachel, one of the matriarchs of Israel, weeping for her “children” – meaning the people of Israel who have been taken into exile by the Babylonians. Ramah was a town located just north of Jerusalem, and it was at Ramah that the captives…
Author: Nicole Sands
Walking in the light is a biblical metaphor that refers to living according to God’s commands and following the path of righteousness. Here is an in-depth look at what the Bible says about walking in the light: Walking in Darkness vs. Walking in Light The Bible presents two ways of life: walking in darkness or walking in the light. Walking in darkness represents living in sin and rebellion against God. The prophet Isaiah described those who walk in darkness: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way…” (Isaiah 53:6). Ephesians 5:8 says, “For at…
The language Jesus spoke during his earthly ministry has been a topic of debate and speculation among scholars for centuries. The Bible itself does not explicitly state what language(s) Jesus used, but analysis of the historical and linguistic context of first-century Judea can provide some clues. Most scholars agree that Jesus likely grew up speaking Aramaic as his primary language. Aramaic was the common language of Jews in Galilee and Judea at the time of Jesus. Hebrew was used primarily for religious purposes and scholarship. Greek was also widely spoken, especially in major cities due to the influence of Roman…
Ecclesiastes 9:4 states, “But anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” This proverb contrasts the state of being alive, even in humble or lowly circumstances, with being dead. Even if someone is alive but considered insignificant, like a dog, they are still better off than a lion that is dead. This verse teaches that life itself is valuable and not to be squandered. Even in the midst of difficult circumstances, there is always hope when one has life. Here are 9 reasons why a living dog is better than…
The race of Jesus Christ is a topic that has been debated for centuries. While the Bible does not explicitly state Jesus’ race, there are some clues that can help us understand the racial and ethnic background of Jesus. It’s important to note that our modern conceptions of race did not exist in biblical times. Ancient peoples were more focused on ethnicities, cultures, and nationalities than the color of one’s skin. So when examining Jesus’ race or ethnicity, we have to avoid imposing modern racial categories on a 1st-century Jewish context. Jesus was Jewish The clearest indication of Jesus’ ethnicity…
The question of whether Jesus is the Messiah is central to Christianity. The word “Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word “Mashiach” which means “anointed one.” In the Old Testament, prophets foretold the coming of a promised Messiah who would redeem God’s people. Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled these messianic prophecies and is the long-awaited Messiah and Savior of the world. There are many reasons to believe that Jesus is the Messiah based on biblical evidence: 1. Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah There are over 300 prophetic passages in the Old Testament that foretell the coming of the…
Should a Christian Go Into Business with an Unbeliever? The Bible does not explicitly prohibit or discourage Christians from going into business with non-Christians. However, it does provide wisdom and principles for Christians to consider when contemplating business partnerships, especially with those who do not share their faith. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal discernment, being led by the Holy Spirit, and seeking godly counsel when making such decisions. Unity of Spirit The Bible emphasizes the importance of unity for Christians. We are called to be unified in spirit and purpose (Philippians 2:2). When considering a business partnership, it…
The story of Uzzah’s death for touching the Ark of the Covenant is found in 2 Samuel 6:6-7 and 1 Chronicles 13:9-10. Here is a summary: King David had the Ark of the Covenant brought from the house of Abinadab to Jerusalem on a new cart. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the cart. When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark and was struck dead by God for touching it. This angered and confused David, who was afraid to move the Ark any further. To understand why Uzzah was struck dead, we need to…
Who was Og king of Bashan? Og king of Bashan was a mighty king who ruled over the region of Bashan during the time of Moses and the Israelites. Though not much is written about him, the Bible presents Og as a formidable foe who stood in opposition to God’s people. Here is an overview of key facts the Bible reveals about Og king of Bashan: – Og was an Amorite king. The Amorites were a powerful people group who inhabited Canaan before the Israelites entered the land. As an Amorite, Og ruled over the region of Bashan, located east…
What is Contemplative Prayer? Contemplative prayer is a form of Christian prayer that seeks to quiet the mind and emotions in order to focus on the presence of God. It emphasizes silence, stillness, and simply “being” rather than petitioning God for things. Contemplative prayer has a long history in Christianity, especially in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. Some of the key aspects of contemplative prayer include: Silence and Solitude – Setting aside time for silent prayer, away from noise and distractions. The aim is to still the inner chatter of the mind and be fully present to God. “Be still,…