In Deuteronomy 2, Moses talks about Israel’s relatives in Canaan (Edom, Moab, and Ammon) and the giants they faced to get their land. In this chapter, Moses reveals two things. First, they have no reason to fear the giants dwelling among the Canaanites, as these are only a remnant of the Rephaites (giants) who were there before. The rest of whom were previously defeated by Israel’s relatives, so they are not immortal, nor is defeating them impossible. Second, the promised land is a specific geographical section that God will give to the Israelites, and they shouldn’t attempt to take land from their relatives unless God hands it over, as that is their allotted portion.
Continue readingCategory Archives: Torah Study
A series of writings, summaries, commentaries on the Torah (the first five books of the Bible).
Israel’s Reparations
Some have questioned how the Israelites were able to build the Tabernacle with all of the precious metals and unique fabrics while wandering in the desert.
Continue readingGenesis to Exodus
Some critics suggest that Genesis and Exodus are separate stories from two different sources that were combined. Here is a brief overview and exploration of the transition between Genesis and Exodus, demonstrating a smooth transition between the two.
Continue readingThe Story of Joseph Pt.2 (Genesis ch. 42-50)
Part 2 of the Joseph story in Genesis 42-50 overview with commentary. Read part one here.
Continue readingThe Story of Joseph Pt.1 (Genesis ch. 29-41)
Part 1 of an overview with commentary on the story of Joseph in Genesis 29-41. Read part two here.
Continue readingThe Story of Jacob Pt.2 (Genesis ch. 35-50)
Part 2 of an overview of the story of Jacob in Genesis 35-50 with some commentary. Check out part one here.
Continue readingThe Story of Jacob Pt.1 (Genesis ch. 25-34)
Part 1 of an overview of the story of Jacob in Genesis 25-34 with some commentary. Check out part two here.
Continue readingIsaac vs Ishmael Everlasting Covenant
Abraham had eight sons: Ishmael from Hagar, Isaac from Sarah, and six sons — Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah — all from Keturah, his second wife after Sarah’s death. There is a blessing for all of Abraham’s children, but the special, everlasting covenant is only for Isaac because this promise was made to Sarah’s son, and she had only one son.
Continue readingSodom and Gomorrah Hazing Ritual
Oftentimes people will use the word “sodomy” about same-sex intercourse and “sodomite” about those that engage in it. Let’s make a note that Sodom and Gomorrah were guilty of far more than just that. Sodom and Gomorrah are mentioned in Ezekiel 16:49 for various sins, like pride and abusing the poor. In Jeremiah 23:14, they are compared to the sins of priests in pre-exile Israel who committed adultery and idolatry. In Matthew 11:24, Jesus even compares his generation of Jews to Sodom and says they are more stubborn and hard-hearted. Therefore, Sodom and Gomorrah were guilty of more than just sexual sin.
Continue readingThe Story of Isaac (Genesis chapters 21-28)
This is an overview of the story of Isaac, accompanied by some commentary.
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