Prophet Pearls #42-Matot – #43-Masei

Jeremiah 1:1-2:28 and 3:4

July 17th, 2015

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Matot

Masei

July 16, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—combines two passages and covers Jeremiah 1:1–2:28 and 3:4. These Prophet readings accompany the Torah portions Matot (Numbers 30:2–32:42) and Masei (Numbers 33:1–36:13).

These passages begin with the calling and commission of the prophet Jeremiah, and God’s assurance that He will strengthen and defend Jeremiah against the contempt and vengeance of his countrymen. God then proceeds to indict the nation of Judah for its abject idolatry, characterized as spiritual harlotry. One of God’s accusations is that His people had turned their backs to Him in order to worship false gods, even to the point of calling them “father.” Listen to Keith Johnson and Nehemia Gordon as they discover priceless gems in this installment of Prophet Pearls: Exploring Biblical Prophecy for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

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Prophet Pearls #41-Pinchas

1 Kings 18:46-19:21

July 9th, 2015

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July 10, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Kings 18:46–19:21. It accompanies the Torah portion Pinchas (Numbers 25:10–30:1).

This week’s Haftorah deals with the aftermath of the prophet Elijah’s epic defeat of the prophets of Baal. Upon hearing Queen Jezebel’s death threat, Elijah flees to Horeb, the mountain of God, where he encounters the Almighty and receives instructions on what he is to do next. The passage concludes with Elijah’s designation of Elisha as his assistant. Listen to Keith Johnson and Nehemia Gordon as they discover priceless gems in this installment of Prophet Pearls: Exploring Biblical Prophecy for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

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Prophet Pearls #40-Balak

Micah 5:6-6:8

July 2nd, 2015

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July 3, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Micah 5:6–6:8 (5:7–6:8 in English versions). It accompanies the Torah portion Balak (Numbers 22:2–25:9).

This passage begins with a prophecy about Israel’s restoration and the punishment of her enemies. Then follows God’s indictment of His people for their infidelity. The Haftorah concludes with a well-known summary of what God requires of us in order to walk in harmony with Him. Listen to Keith Johnson and Nehemia Gordon as they discover priceless gems in this installment of Prophet Pearls: Exploring Biblical Prophecy for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

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Prophet Pearls #39-Chukat

Judges 11:1-33

June 26th, 2015

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June 26, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Judges 11:1–33. It accompanies the Torah portion Chukat (Numbers 19:1–22:1).

This Haftorah is the story of Jephthah, a renegade warrior who is recruited to defend a portion of Israel against an invasion by the neighboring Ammonites. After failing to dissuade the Ammonites, Jephthah leads a successful campaign against them, freeing Israel from their threat. Jephthah is best known for a rash vow he makes before embarking on the military campaign.Listen to Keith Johnson and Nehemia Gordon as they discover priceless gems in this installment of Prophet Pearls: Exploring Biblical Prophecy for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

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Prophet Pearls #38-Korach

1 Samuel 11:14-12:22

June 19th, 2015

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June 19, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Samuel 11:14–12:22. It accompanies the Torah portion Korach (Numbers 16:1–18:32).

This week’s Haftorah begins with the coronation of Saul, the first king of Israel. During the inauguration celebration the prophet Samuel castigates the people for having rejected God as their king in favor of a human monarch. Nevertheless, Samuel assures them that if the people and the king will faithfully obey God it will go well for them. The passage concludes with Samuel’s assurance that God will never abandon His chosen people. Listen to Keith Johnson and Nehemia Gordon as they discover priceless gems in this installment of Prophet Pearls: Exploring Biblical Prophecy for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

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Prophet Pearls #37-Sh’lach

Joshua 2:1–24

June 11th, 2015

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June 11, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Joshua 2:1–24. It accompanies the Torah portion Sh’lach (Numbers 13:1–15:41).

This Haftorah relates the story of the two spies who go to Jericho in advance of Israel’s entrance into the land of Canaan. They are protected by a woman named Rahab, who confesses, “The LORD your God is the only God in heaven above and on earth below.” In turn, the spies promise to protect her and her family when the Israelites invade Jericho. Listen to Keith Johnson and Nehemia Gordon as they discover priceless gems in this installment of Prophet Pearls: Exploring Biblical Prophecy for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

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Prophet Pearls #36-Beha’alotecha

Zechariah 2:14-4:7 (2:10 English)

June 4th, 2015

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June 5, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Zechariah 2:14–4:7. It accompanies the Torah portion Beha’alotcha (Numbers 8:1–12:16).

This Haftorah speaks of a time when God will again dwell among His people in Jerusalem. The passage includes a reference to the function of an “adversary” and also predicts the arrival of one called the Branch. It concludes with the assurance that God’s plans will be brought to fruition, not by human might or power, but by His spirit. Listen to Keith Johnson and Nehemia Gordon as they discover priceless gems in this installment of Prophet Pearls: Exploring Biblical Prophecy for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

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Prophet Pearls #35-Nasso

Judges 13:2-25

May 28th, 2015

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May 29, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Judges 13:2–25. It accompanies the Torah portion Nasso (Numbers 4:21–7:89).

This Haftorah begins the famous story of Samson. After 40 years of Philistine oppression, God promises to raise up a deliverer. A divine messenger announces the birth and mission of Samson and instructs his parents about certain special requirements concerning their son. Samson is to be a Nazirite from the time of his conception to the end of his life. Listen to Keith Johnson and Nehemia Gordon as they discover priceless gems in this installment of Prophet Pearls: Exploring Biblical Prophecy for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

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Prophet Pearls #34-Bemidbar

Hosea 2:1-22

May 22nd, 2015

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May 21, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Hosea 2:1–22 (1:10–2:20 in English). It accompanies the Torah portion Bemidbar (Numbers 1:1–4:20).

The reading for this week is a blend of warnings of severe punishment and profound promises of the ultimate restoration of a beautiful and harmonious relationship between God and His people. Employing the metaphor of a rejected wife, God promises to espouse her forever. Whereas it was once said, “You are not my people,” they will be called “children of the living God.” Listen to Keith Johnson and Nehemia Gordon as they discover priceless gems in this installment of Prophet Pearls: Exploring Biblical Prophecy for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

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Prophet Pearls #33-Bechukotai

Jeremiah 16:19-17:14

May 14th, 2015

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May 15, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Jeremiah 16:19–17:14. It accompanies the Torah portion Bechukotai (Leviticus 26:3–27:34).

This week’s reading speaks of the futility of false gods, religious lies, and trusting in man, followed by God’s promise to teach people about Himself. God speaks of searching men’s hearts and dealing with them according to their deeds. The passage ends with Jeremiah’s request to be healed and saved. Listen to Keith Johnson and Nehemia Gordon as they discover priceless gems in this installment of Prophet Pearls: Exploring Biblical Prophecy for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

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