A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: Samson

Samson’s tale of martyrdom has a few Ten Commandments’ moments. While his beginnings are quite promising, his life devolves into an endless cycle of suffering and vengeance. At the beginning, his barren mother encounters an angel who promises her a special son. She is instructed that the child would be raised as a Nazarite and thatContinue reading “A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: Samson”

A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: Rahab & The Spies

The tale of Rahab & the Spies is one of the Book of Joshua’s Ten Commandments’ moment. The event offers readers insight as to how the Children of Israel addressed the Decalogue during the period of their conquest of the Promised Land. Rahab & the Spies addresses the commandment concerning the prohibition of using the Lord’sContinue reading “A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: Rahab & The Spies”

Shemot’s Ten Commandments’ Moments

Two epic Ten Commandments’ moments happen in the Shemot Torah portion. “Shemot”, in hebrew, means names. While the title refers to the names of the Children of Israel who went down to Egypt, the Torah Portion contains bigger names. Shemot also reveals the first commandment’s background story. The Burning Bush encounter in Shemot includes a historical introduction:Continue reading “Shemot’s Ten Commandments’ Moments”

A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Gibeonites

With the Torah’s completion and all 613 Commandments in writing, the Children of Israel’s tale- post-Pentateuch- continues. As Joshua leads them through the conquest of the Promised Land, he is also confronted with issues of commandment adherence, interpretation. This post addresses the Gibeonite crisis.  Fearful of the Children of Israel and what they had done toContinue reading “A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Gibeonites”

Vayechi’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

If the Torah was psychologically analyzed, an abundance of obsessive compulsiveness would be found. Is there a reason for this pathology to be present? Are there positive that can arise from such behavior? Can ocd acts serve a visionary or prophetic role? Answers to these questions revolve around one of Vayechi’s Ten Commandments’ moments. With Jacob’s passing, his sonsContinue reading “Vayechi’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Chayeh Sarah, A Ten Commandments’ Teaching Moment

You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain, for the Lord will not hold blameless anyone who takes His name in vain. exodus 20:7 the prohibition of using god’s name in vain is one of the most puzzling of the ten commandments. the torah portion chayeh sarah, however, may assistContinue reading “Chayeh Sarah, A Ten Commandments’ Teaching Moment”

A Commandment With Due Dilligence? A Ten Commandments’ Tale

scholars, such as professor richard elliott friedman, point to the toldot torah portion with respect to the commandment prohibiting the use of god’s name in vain. in toldot, isaac, deceived, erroneously blesses jacob. the blessing was intended for esau, isaac’s first born child. professor friedman essentially points out that, in biblical times, when you usedContinue reading “A Commandment With Due Dilligence? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

Thou Shalt Not Burn My Name In Vain? A Ten Commandments’ Tale

You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain, for the Lord will not hold blameless anyone who takes His name in vain. exodus 20:7 was mr. abou an artist or arsonist when he burned god’s name? the term “artist” is a title with no qualification. no academic program bestows theContinue reading “Thou Shalt Not Burn My Name In Vain? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”