The Meaning and Use of “Amen”

The use of the term “Amen” can be found throughout the Bible. It is a transliteration of the Hebrew word “Amen,” meaning “truly” or “verily,” and signifies “so be it,” “it is true,” or “may it be fulfilled.” Amen was originally used in Judaism and was later adopted by Christianity. Christians frequently use Amen as a conclusion and […]

Introduction and Background to the Book of Numbers

The Book of Numbers (Hebrew: בְּמִדְבַּר‎), the fourth book of the Hebrew Bible and the Torah, gets its name from the two censuses of the Israelites it records. The first took place before they left Mount Sinai, and the second happened 40 years later, just before God’s people entered the Promised Land. The book also […]

The Firstfruits

“Firstfruits” refers to the first part of a harvest to ripen. These firstfruits are the best of the harvest—they mature earliest and the fruit is large. The Old Testament records that the firstfruits were a gift to God, something that He delighted in. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the firstfruits offered to God […]

Notable Jewish Festivals

While reading the Bible, we often come across traditional Jewish festivals. In the books of the Law, in addition to the service in the tabernacle (including matters related to the tabernacle, priests, and sacrifices), God also established seven festivals for His people, referred to as “the feasts of the Lord” (Leviticus 23:1, 4). God established […]

Sacrifices (The Five Offerings)

God did not ask for sacrifices because He was in need. Sacrifices were not meant to be food for God; in His presence, they served as a symbol. It was not God who truly needed the sacrifices, but humanity. Because of His holiness and justice, God instituted sacrifices as a way to redeem humanity, giving […]

The Azazel of Jesus in Leviticus (The Scapegoat)

“He shall cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the Lord and the other for Azazel. But the goat chosen by lot for Azazel shall be presented alive before the Lord to make atonement, and sent into the wilderness to Azazel” (Leviticus 16:8, 10). The Hebrew word ‘azazel’ (עֲזָאזֵל) is a compound of the […]

Background and Introduction to the Book of Leviticus

In the Old Testament, the Book of Leviticus immediately follows Exodus and is the third book of the Pentateuch. The entire book contains all the statutes and regulations that the priests of the tribe of Levi were required to observe. Consequently, the Jews also refer to this book as “the Priests’ Handbook.” The Hebrew name […]

The Tabernacle of God

The Tabernacle (Hebrew: מִשְׁכָּן, Mishkan, meaning “dwelling place”) was the mobile center for worshipping God that the Israelites built according to His instructions after leaving Egypt and before conquering the land of Canaan. The scriptures concerning the Tabernacle are recorded in chapters 26 and 36 of the Old Testament Book of Exodus. The Tabernacle was […]

King Saul

Saul was the first king of Israel. He was the son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin and was described as “a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people” (1 Samuel 9:2). […]

The Golden Calf Incident

In Hebrew, the Golden Calf incident is known as “the sin of the calf.” It is first recorded in Exodus 32:4. The golden calf refers to the idol the Israelites made while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God. According to the biblical account, the golden calf was made by Aaron […]