MUCH OF the Bible’s early history occurred in the land we now call Turkey. Noah’s boat landed there, and Abraham—contrary to what you may have been taught—was from northern Mesopotamia, not Sumer.Continue Reading
We all know the basics of the story of Abraham. What we haven’t been taught is the cultural context behind his distress at reaching old age without a son and heir.Continue Reading
There is a cave underneath the Dome of the Rock, directly below the Foundation Stone. Since the Middle Ages it’s been called the Well of Souls.Continue Reading
In Genesis 15, God made a remarkable and somewhat puzzling promise to Abraham: Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. ButContinue Reading
THE DESTRUCTION of ancient Sodom, which is in the news thanks to a new academic paper, is connected to the promise God made to Abraham and to the battle of Armageddon.Continue Reading
WHEN GOD personally intervenes in human affairs, it’s a big deal.Continue Reading
IF THE Bible had truly been edited to make the apostles, prophets, and patriarchs look better, chapter 38 of Genesis would have disappeared long ago.
WE REACH the end of Abraham’s time on earth this week. We discuss the death of Sarah, Abraham’s purchase of the cave of Machpelah, the marriage of Isaac, the birth of Esau and Jacob, and the short-sightedness of Esau.
THE DESTRUCTION of Sodom and Gomorrah was not about alternative lifestyles—and yes, it really happened.