The Value of Order

“The righteous person shall live though his faith” Habbakuk Laws are merely words. Whether set in stone, written on papyrus, or printed on paper, they standing alone are meaningless. The Prophet Habakkuk addresses this matter in this Ten Commandments’ moment. Is the Decalogue alone of no value? This article explores what gives meaning to law.Continue reading “The Value of Order”

The Visionary End

While the Ten Commandments addressed the Israelite nation’s internal affairs, international policies were also necessary. Foreign policy expression was no easy task; it became further confounded when the Israelite nation splintered into Northern and Southern Kingdoms. As with the Decalogue, was foreign policy also influenced by divine input? The Hebrew Bible contains scripture in whichContinue reading “The Visionary End”

“You Just Don’t Get It!” A Kings’ TCM

“You Just Don’t Get It! You Just Don’t Get It!” My Former Client testifying Most people “don’t get it”. Is it possible that a two sentence story dismissed for being too gory can be a pathway to enlightenment? Long before Goldilocks and the Bears, there was Elisha and the Bears. While Goldilocks went to theContinue reading ““You Just Don’t Get It!” A Kings’ TCM”

If Prophecy Was Country Music? A Book of Joel Ten Commandments’ Moment

To My Email Readers: I apologize for the prior incomplete post. My dog hit the publish key! Country Music walks a line. On one side, there is brilliant lyric of “exes living in Texas” to “the time i get to Phoenix” to the roads with “Mountain Mamas”. These country songs paint pictures rivaling those workingContinue reading “If Prophecy Was Country Music? A Book of Joel Ten Commandments’ Moment”

A Book of Hosea Ten Commandments’ Moment: Revelations on the Decalogue

I’ve been told that it wasn’t until Philo of Alexandria that the Decalogue was coined “the Ten Commandments.” Thus, as we search through the scripture in search of Ten Commandments’ moments, we do so with no expectation that biblical figures would reference the Decalogue in that fashion. Thus, we put on our detective caps andContinue reading “A Book of Hosea Ten Commandments’ Moment: Revelations on the Decalogue”

A Footnote or Addendum? A Book of Isaiah Ten Commandments’ Moment

The Book of Isaiah offers a “by the way…” moment elaborating on the Ten Commandments. When the Ten Commandments were delivered by Moses from Mt. Sinai, the covenant was established with the God who brought the Children of Israel out of Egypt. They accepted that this deity would be their only god and there wouldContinue reading “A Footnote or Addendum? A Book of Isaiah Ten Commandments’ Moment”

A Ten Commandments’ Moment From Vayakhel: Sabbath Rules

The Torah Portion Vayakhel begins with the following: “and Moses assembled all of the congregation of the Children of Israel and said to them, “These are the things that the Lord commanded to do them: Six days work shall be done, and in the seventh day you shall have a holy thing, a Sabbath, aContinue reading “A Ten Commandments’ Moment From Vayakhel: Sabbath Rules”

A Second Book of Samuel Ten Commandments’ Moment: Another Ten Commandments Re-Boot?

The Second Book of Samuel details King David reign as Israel’s king. Prior to his monarchy, Samuel had conceded to the Israelites’ demand for a king. With this, Saul was made king. With this governance change from tribal confederation to monarchy, Samuel laid out the terms and costs. As the Saul’s monarchy failed the Lord’sContinue reading “A Second Book of Samuel Ten Commandments’ Moment: Another Ten Commandments Re-Boot?”

A Book of Samuel Ten Commandments’ Moment: Hannah

As far as present day impact, Hannah may be the Book of Samuel’s true superstar. While David, who is credited with writing the Psalms, also appears in Samuel, Hannah inspired generations as to devotional prayer. Hannah’s zeal is emulated by worshipers daily around the world as they pray. Beyond her ability to wax out aContinue reading “A Book of Samuel Ten Commandments’ Moment: Hannah”

A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: Micah Part II

With Part I of Micah’s saga, thanks to his mother, he came to possess a graven image of the Lord. Judges’ Chapter 17, continues Micah’s tale.  Micah was reported to have a house of idolatry. There, he made ephods [religious garments] and icons. He even installed one of his sons to be his priest. [note: Micah, in Judges, wasContinue reading “A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: Micah Part II”