But these go to eleven This is Spinal Tap The Prophet Zephaniah- whose book is located in the Hebrew Bible’s Book of Twelve Prophets-delivered some brilliant wisdom. This post-Torah scripture passage is Decalogue-worthy. If the Ten Commandments had not been written in stone and codified in the Torah, this Prophet’s declaration – in the spiritContinue reading “It Could Have Been Eleven”
Category Archives: torah
The Metaphor
“Who is in charge?” “Who is not?” The Hebrew Bible includes much content addressing the relationship between God and Humanity. With the Ten Commandments, a covenant between a deity and the Children of Israel was established. With this covenant, the deity- authority- propounded directives upon the people. These directives- th Decalogue- were further expanded uponContinue reading “The Metaphor”
Procedural Values
You Can Read The Bill After It Passes Nancy Pelosi The mere act of transmission can impart values. While the Decalogue- stand alone- is rich with laws and morals, the wonderous delivery of Ten Commandments to the Children of Israel at Mt. Sinai provides deep and impactful message. With a Rock Star Prophet-Moses- and aContinue reading “Procedural Values”
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”
Where No Man Has Gone…A Ten Commandments’ Moment from Metzora
Once in awhile, I catch a re-run of the television series Star Trek, The Next Generation. This Star Trek sequel went out of its way to express new world visions beyond those of the original. For example, while the original Enterprise crew engaged in clashes, dark humor and comedic put downs, the Next Generation crewContinue reading “Where No Man Has Gone…A Ten Commandments’ Moment from Metzora”
Emotions? Amos’ Ten Commandments Moment
Love is love? Unlike other Torah passages, the Ten Commandments does not express how one should feel about the Decalogue’s shalls or shall nots. The Prophet Amos places emotions in the balance concerning Humanity’s dealings. Should Amos’ words apply to the Ten Commandments? Are there consequences for failing to assert emotional interest in the dealingsContinue reading “Emotions? Amos’ Ten Commandments Moment”
Shemini’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Entire Bible Summed Up in One Word?
How do you describe the Hebrew Bible in one word? Shemini’s Second Torah Reading- instructions concerning the Passover celebration- offers a bread crumb to the answer. The Children of Israel are told: “On the tenth of this month, let them each take a lamb for the fathers’ houses, a lamb per house. And if theContinue reading “Shemini’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Entire Bible Summed Up in One Word?”
A Book of Isaiah Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Ultimate Sacrifice?
“Why do I need your numerous sacrifices?” The Book of Isaiah 1:11 Beyond two tablets with laws set in stone, the Decalogue has external factors. The scheme establishes relationships: God-Human and Human-Human. The Torah provides two unique tracts of administering justice/morality. For God-Human relations, sacrifices were instituted. Some of these sacrifices, i.e. sin or guiltContinue reading “A Book of Isaiah Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Ultimate Sacrifice?”
Tzav, A Ten Commandments’ Moment?
Finding “Ten Commandments’ Moments” within each and every weekly Torah Portion is challenging. Cubits, genealogies and the instructions for priestly sacrifices offer impediments. The Portion Tzav ironically is one involving priestly sacrifice. Tzav discusses burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings in much detail. Is there a connection between these sacrifices and the Ten Commandments?Continue reading “Tzav, A Ten Commandments’ Moment?”
The Ten Commandments Project 