Prophet Pearls #39-Chukat

Judges 11:1-33

June 26th, 2015

Download this audio (Members Only)

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.

Continue Reading…

Prophet Pearls #38-Korach

1 Samuel 11:14-12:22

June 19th, 2015

Download this audio (Members Only)

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.

Continue Reading…

Prophet Pearls #37-Sh’lach

Joshua 2:1–24

June 11th, 2015

Download this audio (Members Only)

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.

Continue Reading…

Prophet Pearls #36-Beha’alotecha

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

June 4th, 2015

Download this audio (Members Only)

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.

Continue Reading…

Prophet Pearls #35-Nasso

Judges 13:2-25

May 28th, 2015

Download this audio (Members Only)

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.

Continue Reading…

Prophet Pearls #34-Bemidbar

Hosea 2:1-22

May 22nd, 2015

Download this audio (Members Only)

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.

Continue Reading…

Prophet Pearls #33-Bechukotai

Jeremiah 16:19-17:14

May 14th, 2015

Download this audio (Members Only)

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.

Continue Reading…

Prophet Pearls #32-Behar

Jeremiah 32:6-27

May 7th, 2015

Download this audio (Members Only)

May 8, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Jeremiah 32:6–27. It accompanies the Torah portion Behar (Leviticus 25:1–26:2).

The context of this passage is the impending destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. It recounts God’s instruction to Jeremiah to purchase a parcel of land, an act that presages the eventual restoration and rebuilding of the city. Before the nation went into captivity God said, “Houses and fields and vineyards shall yet again be bought in this land.” 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.

Continue Reading…

Prophet Pearls #31-Emor

Ezekiel 44:15-31

May 1st, 2015

Download this audio (Members Only)

May 1, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Ezekiel 44:15–31. It accompanies the Torah portion Emor (Leviticus 21:1–24:23). This Haftorah looks forward to the restoration of a faithful priesthood, whose principal responsibility can be summed up as teaching the people “what is sacred and what is profane, and what is clean and unclean.” 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.

Continue Reading…

Prophet Pearls #29 and #30 Achrei Mot and Kedoshim

Ezekiel 22:1-19 and Amos 9:7-15

April 24th, 2015

Download this audio (Members Only)

April 24, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—combines two passages and covers Ezekiel 22: 1–19 and Amos 9:7–15. These Prophet readings accompany the Torah portions Achrei Mot (Leviticus 16:1–18:30) and Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1–20:27).

In the first of these two passages Ezekiel is commissioned to sit as a judge over the city of Jerusalem. He enumerates the crimes that have led to God’s displeasure, but also explains that His punishment will ultimately bring about the purification of His people. The second passage echoes the theme of sin and punishment, also ending with a striking promise of restoration, peace, and abundance. 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.

Continue Reading…