Prophet Pearls #8-Vayishlach

Obadiah 1:1-21

December 4th, 2014

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This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Obadiah 1:1-21. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4–36:43).

The book of Obadiah is a prophecy against Edom, the people descended from Esau, twin brother of Jacob. God’s anger stems from Edom’s violence against the people of Israel and Judah in their days of calamity and punishment. The prophecy foretells the ultimate destruction of Edom/Esau and the restoration of Israel under God’s sovereign rule. 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 #9-Vayeishev

Amos 2:6-3:8

December 11th, 2014

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December 12, 2014

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Amos 2:6–3:8. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1–40:23).

This passage addresses some of the sins of the kingdom of Israel, where social, moral, and religious perversions were rife. Through His prophet the Almighty reminds Israel that she was specially chosen from among all the families of the earth, and for that very reason she will be called to account for her sins. 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 #10-Mikeitz

1 Kings 3:15-4:1

December 16th, 2014

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December 19, 2014

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Kings 3:15–4:1. It accompanies the Torah portion Mikeitz (Genesis 41:1–44:17).

In this passage we read a famous example of the God-given wisdom of King Solomon. The king’s life-saving solution to a bitter dispute inspired his people and demonstrated his special ability to administer divine justice. 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 #11-Vayigash

Ezekiel 37:15-28

December 17th, 2014

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December 25, 2014

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Ezekiel 37:15–28. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayigash (Genesis 44:18–47:27).

Relating a vision from God, the prophet Ezekiel foretells how the scattered peoples of Israel and Judah will ultimately be brought back to their ancestral land and be reunited as a single nation. They will come to recognize their sin and God will cleanse them. They will forever be His people and He will be their 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. Our thanks go out to artists who submitted some amazing original works of art for this week’s episode. The picture below of the depiction of Ezekiel’s stick was submitted by Anna Jakubowski

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Prophet Pearls #12-Vayechi

1 Kings 2:1-12

January 1st, 2015

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January 3rd, 2014

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Kings 2:1–12. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayechi (Genesis 47:28–50:26).

This passage relates some of the final words of King David. Shortly before his death he admonished his son and successor Solomon to faithfully walk in the ways of God, keeping all His instructions as written in the Torah of Moses. This, he assured Solomon, would guarantee great success in all his undertakings. 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 #13-Shemot

Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23

January 8th, 2015

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January 8, 2015
This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 27:6–28:13; 29:22–23. It accompanies the Torah portion Shemot (Exodus 1:1–6:1).

This week’s passage contains some sharp contrasts between God’s stern chastisement of his people Israel, and his undying love for them. In order to have her sins removed, Israel must wholeheartedly turn from her idolatry. Ultimately, Israel will accept God’s instruction, sanctify his name, and once again worship him on his holy mountain in Jerusalem. 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 #14-Vaera

Ezekiel 28:25-29:21

January 15th, 2015

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January 16, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Ezekiel 28:25–29:21. It accompanies the Torah portion Va’era’ (Exodus 6:2–9:35).

Echoing the theme of the Torah portion, this passage speaks of the punishment of Egypt, this time at the hands of the Babylonians. The punishment is attributed to the Pharaoh’s extreme arrogance and self-deification, as well as Egypt’s unreliable support of Israel. This Haftorah also reiterates God’s promise to regather his scattered people and restore the kingdom of Israel. 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 #15-Bo

Jeremiah 46:13-28

January 22nd, 2015

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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 her adversaries will be destroyed and she will be punished for her own sins, she will be preserved and her exiles regathered to live at peace in their own 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.

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Prophet Pearls #16-Beshalach

Judges 4:4–5:31

January 30th, 2015

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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 of his people, God led them to a decisive victory over a far-superior Canaanite force. The defeat of Jabin was the beginning of a 40-year period of peace. 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 #17-Yitro

Isaiah 6:1–7:6; 9:5–6

February 5th, 2015

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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 Syria and Israel will not succeed in dethroning him. The Haftorah concludes with the promise of a righteous king who will occupy the throne of David. 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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