Some commentators break down the Ten Commandments into two sections, five-and-five. The first group of five are laws detailing one’s relationship with God; the second set dealing with purely human relations. Does the Torah Portion Vayikra’s Ten Commandments’ moment dispel this assertion? Vayikra includes the following passage relevant to the Decalogue: “And the Lord spokeContinue reading “A Ten Commandments’ Moment From Vayikra: A Legit Split?”
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A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: Question Authority?
Questioning authority and choosing correct counsel are critical life skills. To question authority, courage, confidence, bravery and confusion are important traits. The same is with taking counsel. Seeking and receiving advice should not reflexively rubberstamp the suggestions imparted. The First Book of Kings offers an example which is a masterclass in failure. Likewise, it isContinue reading “A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: Question Authority?”
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: 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”
Lost In Translation? “Shall” or “May”
Legalese is full of magical incantation; alchemous word precision can secure financial victory or exact an extended incarceration. With these stakes, Judges and Lawyers use their words wisely. Ambiguity within legalese is the murky moat of despair. As such, translations of legal works can serve as bucketfuls of polluted moat water. Unclear, imprecise and biasedContinue reading “Lost In Translation? “Shall” or “May””
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: 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 