Questions tagged [history]
Events in the Bible, the wider cultural background of those events, and the biblical text itself, all have a historical dimension.
292
questions
0
votes
1answer
60 views
In Esther 2:8-18, what would Ahashuerus' “harem” been like during the time of Esther's confinement?
I'm trying to understand the nature of the Harem's during the time period of the Persian and Median empire.
I'm Not trying to be uncouth/brash/offensive but was said Harem like some kind of sex ring?
...
0
votes
2answers
75 views
Wise Men from the East…but not Sheba and Tarshish?
So the two main Old Testament prophecies surrounding the wise men seem to be Psalm 72:10-11 and Isaiah 60:6:
Both of these passages state the kings will come from Sheba, and Psalms mentions Tarshish ...
4
votes
1answer
54 views
Were the trumpets in the NT actually shofars?
This is from the Jewish Encyclopedia article on "trumpets":
In Shab. 36a (comp. Suk. 34a) it is noted that since the destruction of the Temple the names for the shofar and the trumpet had been ...
-1
votes
0answers
32 views
Regarding what historical or prophetic time/situation does Isaiah 29 speak with regard to a union of Egypt, Assyria and Israel?
[NLT Isaiah 19]:
23 In that day Egypt and Assyria will be connected by a highway. The Egyptians and Assyrians will move freely between their lands, and they will both worship God. 24 In that day ...
0
votes
0answers
20 views
Does Exodus 34:12-17 suggest that erecting sacred structures to idols and eating their meals created a kind of political alliance?
[Exo 34:11-17 NLT] (11) But listen carefully to everything I command you today. Then I will go ahead of you and drive out the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. (12) "...
1
vote
3answers
70 views
What was Jesus asking and answering the teachers at the temple?
I have often thought about the exchange that passed between Jesus and the doctors at the temple in Jerusalem. It looks like Jesus was asking questions that were so perspicacious as to astonish the ...
5
votes
5answers
305 views
Why did God hate Esau from the womb when he had done no evil?
In my effort to take a survey on the character of Esau, I seem to be running into more difficulties in unveiling why the All-loving God declared hatred for Esau right from the womb when he had done no ...
1
vote
3answers
58 views
Are Jesus' words in Matthew 23:37 regarding Jerusalem killing prophets historic or predictive?
Are Jesus' words in Matthew 23:37 regarding Jerusalem killing prophets about past murders (which are not documented in history prior to the first century) or to the persecution that he and his ...
7
votes
1answer
77 views
Why was Goliath's sword kept in the tabernacle at Nob?
Then David asked Ahimelech, “Is there not a spear or sword on hand
here? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me,
because the king’s business was urgent.”
9The priest ...
2
votes
1answer
71 views
In the culture of Corinth in Paul's time, what does being “engaged” mean?
1 Corinthians 7:36-38, NIV: "36 If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he ...
0
votes
0answers
22 views
Does Deuteronomy 20:10-14 apply to cases where Israel is the aggressor?
When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim
peace unto it. 11And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and
open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people ...
3
votes
0answers
50 views
Which king of Tyre is mentioned in Ezekiel 28?
This is the chapter in question.
The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, say to the ruler of
Tyre, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“‘In the pride of your heart
you say, “...
0
votes
1answer
54 views
In Galatians 2:11 what is meant by “I opposed him to his face”?
[Gal 2:11 NASB] (11) But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.
[Gal 2:11 MGNT] (11) ὅτε δὲ ἦλθεν Κηφᾶς εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν κατὰ πρόσωπον αὐτῷ ...
3
votes
2answers
92 views
Is what Laban said in Genesis 29:26 true?
In Genesis 29:26, after Jacob asks why Laban deceived him, Laban responds:
"And Laban said, 'It must not be done so in our country, to give the
younger before the firstborn.'"
I've tried ...
1
vote
2answers
54 views
What was the time gap between the event Abraham justified by Faith in James 2:23 a and later Abraham justified by works in James 2:21?
What was the time gap between the event Abraham justified by Faith in
James 2:23 Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for
righteousness
Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the ...
0
votes
1answer
51 views
In Matthew 3:6 was Jesus' interview with John the baptizer modeled after rabbinic protocols for proselyte baptism?
I notice that 2nd temple period Jewish water ablution/baptism for proselytes involved certain protocols, such as:
..Our Rabbis taught: If at the present time a man desires42 to become a proselyte, ...
1
vote
1answer
68 views
What's the basis for the Book of Job being history and not a parable?
And in addition, what is the basis behind the popular notion that it was set in the 2000s BC, also the same time period that Abraham allegedly lived in according to a conservative model of the Bible's ...
1
vote
1answer
26 views
Was it the fathers or sons of the rebels who were being addressed by Moses in Deuteronomy 11:1-7?
When they came into the wilderness of Arabah Moses addresses the descendants of the rebels.Most of the things he makes reference to were actually seen and experienced by the rebels rather than their ...
0
votes
0answers
17 views
How is the “period of time” when someone mentioned in the Bible lived estimated?
I do not doubt that, for example, there are estimated "periods of time" when some people from the Bible lived for all or almost all of the people mentioned there.
But, I think that also there is at ...
0
votes
1answer
49 views
Looks or keeps looking at a woman: Matthew 5:28
ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 5:27-28 1881 (WHNU)
28 εγω δε λεγω υμιν οτι πας ο βλεπων γυναικα προς το επιθυμησαι
[αυτην] ηδη εμοιχευσεν αυτην εν τη καρδια αυτου
English translations usually render the verse ...
1
vote
1answer
122 views
How were scrolls sealed in the time of Revelation?
In Revelation 5:1, John introduces a scroll with seven seals:
Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.
The Lamb is ...
1
vote
4answers
121 views
In Hebrews 12:23, what does it mean that the firstborn (plural) are “enrolled”?
[Heb 12:23 ESV] (23) and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
[Heb 12:23 MGNT] (23) καὶ ...
1
vote
1answer
92 views
In ancient Rome who were the many “lords” (KURIOI)?
Some think that calling Jesus "one KURIOS" in verse 6 that he is referring to the Tetragrammaton (IE: "YHVH"). However, he seems to be saying that the Romans considered many to be KURIOI, so it seems ...
1
vote
0answers
63 views
History: Might Herod Agrippa have prosecuted Christians as being an illegal religion?
From what I understand Roman law had two very significant statutes regarding religion:
a law requiring that the Roman deities be acknowledged by a periodic sacrifice
a law permitting Judaism to ...
0
votes
1answer
213 views
History: Per Leviticus 19:27 would the apostles have had side locks? [closed]
[Lev 19:27 ESV] (27) You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard.
Note:
Related article from Jewish Encylopedia.
0
votes
0answers
21 views
What was Gideon's relationship to the Ishmaelites in Judges 8:24?
I want to know how Gideon was associated with the Ishmaelites in Judges 8:24. I have researched this and what the majority of the web sites talked about was the gold earrings Gideon asked the ...
2
votes
2answers
51 views
Where does the second part of the proverb 2 Peter 2:22 come from?
"But it happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." 2 Peter 2:22 (KJV)
The part about the ...
4
votes
3answers
186 views
What are God's voice, charge, commandments, statutes & laws that Abraham kept?
What are God's voice, charge, commandments, statutes & laws that Abraham obeyed & kept
Genesis 26:4-6 and I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of
heaven, and will give unto thy ...
2
votes
2answers
169 views
Why did the Israelites lose the battles to the Benjamites after receiving the green light from God?
In Judges 20:18,23. The men of Israel enquired and sought counsel from the Lord to fight with the Benjamites because of their wickedness towards the concubine of the Levite(Judges 19:25-26,20:4). The ...
0
votes
2answers
42 views
Verse Division in 1 Peter 3:15-16 / μετά πραΰτητος καί φόβου in
In 1 Peter 3, the Greek phrase μετά πραΰτητος καί φόβου appears in verse 15 in the Textus Receptus (https://www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1pe/3/15/t_conc_1154015), but in verse 16 in the GNT (https://...
1
vote
1answer
53 views
In 1 Kings 11:43 and 1 Kings 12:1 why was Rehoboam the only one listed as a son of Solomon?
What happened to all of king Solomon’s sons?
Solomon had many wives and concubines:
[1Ki 11:3 ESV] (3) He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his ...
2
votes
4answers
127 views
How ought we to understand Zeresh's response in Esther 5:14?
Esther 5 describes how Haman was incensed by Mordechai’s arrogance and couldn’t tolerate his existence anymore. V. 10 describes how Haman convened with his cronies to plot and devise a plan how to ...
1
vote
1answer
141 views
Were Samson and Samuel as great as John the Baptist? [closed]
The Bible mentions about three people who were dedicated by their mothers to be nazirites already from birth. These people were Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist. Jesus said:
Mat 11:11 (NIV) "...
1
vote
1answer
72 views
Were Roman Soldiers allowed to Marry? The Word παῖς in Matthew 8:5 implies that Roman Centurion had offspring [closed]
Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10 mentions a story of Centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus. Matthew in 8:5 uses the word pais which may mean son. However, Luke 7:2 uses the word dulos specifying ...
6
votes
2answers
428 views
How did authorities know that Paul was really a Roman citizen?
A previous answer to a different question ventured into the territory of my question here, quoting from The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (which in turn, cited from some commentaries) that ...
5
votes
1answer
93 views
What does the sentence “their grapes are filled with poison” in Deu 32:32,33 (NIV) mean?
Sodom is known for having been more decadent than Israel. And judging on the below Bible verses, their decadence seem to have had something to do with their drinking culture. Was their grapes ...
1
vote
1answer
144 views
Boat's speed in Jesus days
In Mark's gospel we read about Jesus and his disciples moving in a boat from Capernaum to Dekapolis, to a place in the other side of the Sea of Galilee about 20 kilometers away south. They set out in ...
5
votes
4answers
474 views
Use of leap years in the bible
As we can clearly see, the bible relates to a month as a 30 days period: 150 days of the flood which are five month (genesis 7,8), the feast of Ahasuerus of 180 days that are 6 months and so on. We ...
4
votes
2answers
152 views
Why was Ishbosheth absent from the battle that killed Saul and his brothers?
1 Samuel 31:6 states that all of Saul's men died:
So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day.
So Ishbosheth surviving them would suggest he wasn't ...
1
vote
2answers
322 views
Why are there only four kings of Persia in Daniel 11:2? [closed]
Daniel 11:2,
Now then, I tell you the truth: Three more kings will arise in Persia,
and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. When he
has gained power by his wealth, he ...
2
votes
2answers
59 views
In 1st Samuel 17:55 how is it that Saul and Abner did not know who David was?
In 1st Samuel 16:13 Samuel anointed David with oil. There is no indication that he said anything upon doing that. Did anyone but Samuel even know it was a Kingly anointing? Why didn't Samuel give ...
3
votes
5answers
592 views
Did The Amalekites survive?
There seems to be a contradiction is scriptures. 1 Samuel 15:15 says:
And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the
people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to ...
0
votes
0answers
31 views
Is it possible that the soldiers near Pontius Pilate were less in number than the people in the crowd at Jesus' trial?
Matthew 27:24 KJV — When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but
that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands
before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood ...
2
votes
2answers
59 views
Could Moses's instructions have indirectly lead to the bad report of the ten spies in Numbers 13:17-20?
Numbers 13:17-20 NASB
17 When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, he said to them, “Go up [b]there into the [c]Negev; then go up into the hill country. 18 See what the land is like, and ...
1
vote
2answers
340 views
In Acts 26:1 why does Paul stretch out his hand before beginning his defense?
In a courtroom setting and facing serious charges before King
Agrippa II Paul is permitted by the king to make his defense. Luke says "Paul stretched out his hand" and began his defense:
[Act 26:1-...
0
votes
3answers
124 views
Why was Jesus' message so attractive?
I'm just a beginner in studying origins of Christianity.
I know Jesus emerged in a Jewish state where people already believed in a monotheistic religion and one God. So my question is: What was the ...
1
vote
3answers
381 views
In Leviticus 15:8 why are husband and wife unclean temporarily after emission of semen?
We see in Leviticus 15:18 where the man and woman are unclean until evening after a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen. Why does this make them unclean?
[Lev 15:8 KJV] 8 And ...
1
vote
2answers
99 views
Who are the “tortured and refused their release…world was not worthy of them” people in Hebrews 11:35?
Hebrews 11
Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might
gain a better resurrection.
Still others endured mocking and
flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.
They were ...
0
votes
1answer
39 views
In Mark 14:43 what were the staves the mob was carrying?
[Mark 14:43 KJV] 43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
...
0
votes
1answer
75 views
Did the event spoken of in Jude 9 literally happen? [duplicate]
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. — Jude 9
This event ...
