Prophet Pearls #18-Mishpatim

Jeremiah 34:8–22; 33:25–26

February 12th, 2015

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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 the righteous requirements of the covenant. The passage concludes with the reassurance that God’s faithfulness to Israel is as sure as the rising and setting of the sun. 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 #19-Terumah

1 Kings 5:26–6:13 (5:12–6:13 in English)

February 19th, 2015

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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 the promises made to David and will dwell among his people Israel. This passage also includes a vital detail of biblical chronology, a benchmark for dating the exodus from Egypt as well as other important events. 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 #20-Tetzaveh

Ezekiel 43:10-27

February 26th, 2015

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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 and unfaithfulness that led to the destruction of the previous temples. God assures his people that when the Levitical priests faithfully offer burnt offering on the altar he will accept his 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 #21-Ki-Tisa

1 Kings 18:1-39

March 6th, 2015

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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 all, who they will follow: Baal or Yehovah. Seeing God’s dramatic answer to Elijah’s prayer, the people proclaim, “Yehovah, he is God; Yehovah, he is 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 #22-#23 Vayakhel – Pekudei

1 Kings 7:40-8:21

March 13th, 2015

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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 Jerusalem. The passage goes on to relate how Solomon oversaw the placement of the Ark of the Covenant into the temple, followed by his blessing over the nation. The king declared that day how God had made it possible for him to build a house where the name of God might dwell among His 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.

Note: The remaining portions are read with
Sephardic Hebrew pronunciation. Recordings provided by Mechon Mamre.

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Prophet Pearls #24 Vayikra

Isaiah 43:21-44:23

March 19th, 2015

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March 20, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 43:21–44:23. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1–5:26).

In this Haftorah the prophet castigates Israel for its idolatry and unfaithfulness, at the same time offering encouragement by assuring the people of God’s willingness to forgive their sins. This passage contains some of God’s powerful monotheistic declarations, along with marvelous promises about the redemption of His servant nation. 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 #25 Tzav

Jeremiah 7:21-8:3

March 26th, 2015

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March 27, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Jeremiah 7:21–8:3 and 9:22–23. It accompanies the Torah portion Tzav (Leviticus 6:1–8:36).

This Haftorah contains Jeremiah’s scathing rebuke of the nation of Judah for its desecration of the temple called by God’s name. He also announces the coming punishment. The reading concludes with a familiar passage in which God admonishes us not to trust in our own wisdom, strength, or riches, but to walk in harmony with Him by adopting His character attributes of faithfulness, justice, and righteousness. 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 #26 Shemini

2 Samuel 6:1–7:17

April 9th, 2015

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April 10, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 2 Samuel 6:1–7:17. It accompanies the Torah portion Shemini (Leviticus 9:1–11:47).

This passage relates the story of moving the Ark of God to the City of David. David wanted to build a temple or house for God, but was not permitted to do so. In fact, God promised that He would be the one to build a “house” for David, and that David’s royal line would be perpetuated through his son Solomon. 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 #27 and #28 Tazria and Metzora

2 Kings 4:42–5:19 and 7:3–20

April 17th, 2015

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April 17, 2015

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—combines two passages and covers 2 Kings 4:42–5:19 and 7:3–20. These Prophet readings accompany the Torah portions Tazria (Leviticus 12:1–13:59) and Metzora (Leviticus 14:1–15:33).

These Haftorahs relate the history of two miracles. The first caused the Syrian general Naaman to declare: “Now I know that there is no God in the whole world except in Israel!” The second was the supernatural rescue of the city of Samaria from a Syrian invasion. 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 #29 and #30 Achrei Mot and Kedoshim

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

April 24th, 2015

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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.

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