By Keith Johnson Well, folks, here we go for the fourth time! I said what I said before last year’s first blood moon and I am sticking with it for this fourth “supermoon” in September 2015. Here is the background on why I am of the “minority opinion” about this Blood Moon Mania.
Prophet Pearls #22-#23 Vayakhel – Pekudei
1 Kings 7:40-8:21
March 13, 2015 This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—combines two passages and covers 1 Kings 7:40–8:21. These Prophet readings accompany the Torah portions Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1–38:20) and Pekudei (Exodus 38:21–40:38). This Haftorah begins by mentioning a number of items that Solomon had contracted with Hiram, king of Tyre, to make for the temple in
Prophet Pearls #21-Ki-Tisa
1 Kings 18:1-39
March 5, 2015 This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Kings 18:1–39. It accompanies the Torah portion Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11–34:35). The Torah reading relates the famous incident of the golden calf. This Haftorah deals with Israel’s worship of the false deity Baal. The prophet Elijah challenges his people to decide, once and for
Join Keith Johnson as he brings his one-man, one-camera mission back from the Middle East to the United States. What he discovered in Manhattan, Washington D.C., and beyond initially caused him to stash his video footage away . . . until now! We are looking for those who are ready, willing, and able to assist
Prophet Pearls #20-Tetzaveh
Ezekiel 43:10-27
February 26, 2015 This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Ezekiel 43:10–27. It accompanies the Torah portion Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20–30:10). The context of this passage is the future restored temple in Jerusalem, giving instructions for the building and dedication of the altar of burnt offerings. The prophet emphasizes the need to carefully avoid the errors
Prophet Pearls #19-Terumah
1 Kings 5:26–6:13 (5:12–6:13 in English)
February 19, 2015 This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Kings 5:26–6:13 (5:12–6:13 in English). It accompanies the Torah portion Terumah (Exodus 25:1–27:19). This Haftorah provides an overview of King Solomon’s construction of the temple in Jerusalem. God promises Solomon that if he faithfully keeps the divine statutes and commandments God will fulfill all
Prophet Pearls #18-Mishpatim
Jeremiah 34:8–22; 33:25–26
February 12, 2015 This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Jeremiah 34:8–22; 33:25–26. It accompanies the Torah portion Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1–24:18). Jeremiah announces God’s impending punishment on the kingdom of Judah as a result of its persistent violation of his covenant. Despite a brief reform led by King Zedekiah, the nation turns its back on
Prophet Pearls #17-Yitro
Isaiah 6:1–7:6; 9:5–6
February 5, 2015 This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 6:1–7:6; 9:5–6. It accompanies the Torah portion Yitro (Exodus 18:1–20:23). This passage records Isaiah’s calling and commission as a prophet, which begins with a dramatic revelation of the throne of God. The prophet then reassures King Ahaz of Judah that a hostile coalition of
Prophet Pearls #16-Beshalach
Judges 4:4–5:31
January 29th, 2015 This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Judges 4:4–5:31. It accompanies the Torah portion Beshalach (Exodus 13:17–17:16). This week’s passage relates the history of the prophetess Deborah, who rallied a coalition of Israelite tribes to fight for their freedom from the harsh oppression of Jabin, a Canaanite king. Responding to the pleas
Prophet Pearls #15-Bo
Jeremiah 46:13-28
January 22, 2015 This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Jeremiah 46:13-28. It accompanies the Torah portion Bo (Exodus 10:1–13:16). This Haftorah continues the theme of the punishment of the nation, the Pharaoh, and the gods of Egypt at the hands of the Babylonians. The passage concludes with God’s promise to Israel that, even though