The vision of messianic hope within Jewish communities was dynamic, responding to shifting historical and political landscapes. Early visions of a Davidic monarch ruling a restored Israel gradually expanded into expectations of a cosmic redeemer with a role in universal restoration. Jewish communities interpreted and reimagined messianic hope in response to their lived experiences. As... Continue Reading →
Introduction to Christology in the Hebrew Bible
The idea that the Hebrew Bible tells a story that ultimately leads to Jesus is not new. It is how the earliest followers of Jesus understood it. From the moment He began teaching, Jesus reshaped how people read their Scriptures. He told His disciples that the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms were all pointing... Continue Reading →
What Did It Mean to Be “Devoted to Destruction”?
There is a phrase that comes up often in the Old Testament: “devoted to destruction.” It sounds heavy, and, well, it is. The Hebrew term behind it is ḥerem (חֵרֶם), a word that carried serious weight in the ancient world. When something or someone was ḥerem, it was not just condemned. It was handed over to God, often through total destruction.
“Hard-Working Preacher?”
What Does a Hard-Working Preacher Actually Do? A while back, someone asked what it would take to define a hard-working preacher. Not just someone with a title, but a minister who really puts in the work. The New Testament has plenty to say about that. It paints a picture of someone who is dedicated, persistent,... Continue Reading →
Hezekiah’s Tunnel
View overlooking the City of David near the entrance to Hezekiah's Tunnel Hezekiah's Tunnel, also known as the Siloam Tunnel, is an ancient water channel carved through solid rock under the City of David in Jerusalem. Dating back to the 8th century BCE, this impressive engineering feat is attributed to King Hezekiah of Judah, who... Continue Reading →
Phillip W. Martin 