Fearing that someone might inadvertently violate the Sabbath, Jewish religious leaders developed a long document—twenty-four chapters in all—to explain how to observe this “day of rest.” They went into meticulous detail to explain what type of work could be done … Continued
Several stories in the Old Testament are so difficult to fathom that I must pause to contemplate their meaning. One such account can be found in the book of Numbers: While the Israelites were in the wilderness, they found a … Continued
The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the … Continued
The scene was mysterious and confusing. After the exodus from Egypt, and while still in the wilderness, the ancient Israelites found one of their own people gathering firewood on a Sabbath day. In accord with a commandment previously given, God … Continued
At first glance, it appears rather cruel. God had ordered some poor guy to be stoned to death simply for gathering a few sticks for firewood (Numbers 15:32-36). Could this really be the directive of a loving God? Does the … Continued