The Torah Portion Nitzavim starts with a beautiful passage advancing the Ten Commandments’ collective nature. This post explores whether the collective theme’s passage contains a hidden message. The Nitzavim passage is as follows: “You’re standing today, all of you, in front of the Lord, your God- your heads, your tribes, your elders, and your officers,Continue reading “Nitzavim: Of Rabbit Holes & Rashi: A Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Tag Archives: david
David (Wolpe) on David: Review & Critique
In those days there was no king in Israel, every man did what was right in his eyes Judges 17:6 There are two types of educational books. One can teach you on a foreign topic while the other can inspire you to think. David Wolpe’s David The Divided Heart is one of the latter. ItContinue reading “David (Wolpe) on David: Review & Critique”
Psalm 23a
What does it take write an epic song? Historically, the Hebrew Bible contains many historically enduring compositions. Psalm 23 is perhaps the most well-known. The famous opening line is “The Lord is my shepherd.” The Psalm, traditionally recited at funerals and memorial services, connects with people in that moment of reflection and grief. No ironyContinue reading “Psalm 23a”
A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: Solomon’s Failure
Much wisdom can be imparted from Solomon’s demise. The King’s penchant for many wives and concubines set in motion the united Israelite monarchy’s destruction. Inevitably, a violation of the Ten Commandments brought forth the fracture. The First Book of Kings reports that: “Solomon grew old [and] his wives swayed his heart after gods of others,Continue reading “A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: Solomon’s Failure”
A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Universal God?
The Kohanim brought the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord to its place, to the inner sanctum of the Temple, to the Holy of Holies. 1 Kings 8:6 Upon the Temple of the Lord’s completion, King Solomon addressed the God of Israel’s universality. In 1 Kings 8:41-43, Solomon pronounced “Also a gentile who isContinue reading “A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Universal God?”
Pedukei’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Haftorah
And all the work that King Solomon had wrought in the house of the Lord was finished… And the Lord has established his word that he spoke, and I have risen up in the place of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord spoke, and have built a houseContinue reading “Pedukei’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Haftorah”
A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Payoff
What is the purpose for observing the Ten Commandments? In a poignant moment in Israelite history, the Book of Kings answers. This answer provided is often repeated throughout scripture. Near the end of David’s life, his last reported instructions to Solomon were as follows: “I am going the way of all the earth; be strongContinue reading “A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Payoff”
A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: Vows To Make & Vows To Break
Post-Pentatuch, Scripture must be scrutinized over its treatment the Ten Commandments. This treatment should consider both the reported periods of biblical history as well the period of the text’s composition. In both periods, there was an understanding of Ten Commandments. During various periods of time, it should be appreciated that meanings and applications possibly varied.Continue reading “A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: Vows To Make & Vows To Break”
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: A Ten Commandments’ Re-Boot?
Political scientists must savor reading The Book of Samuel. It uniquely monarchy propaganda as well a cautionary tale to citizenry subjecting themselves to a king’s rule. While Samuel is outside of the Torah and the law, it arguably documented a seismic Ten Commandments’ moment. While other Posts surveying the Commandments addresses specific laws, this PostContinue reading “A Book of Samuel Ten Commandments’ Moment: A Ten Commandments’ Re-Boot?”
The Ten Commandments Project 