What Does Shivat Haminim Mean?

Found this precious gem shared by a fellow freelance writer at HUBPages.com, an online writing community where many of the writers are experts or have such a passion that they speak with such thorough knowledge on a subject that you would dub them an "authority" on the matter.

"For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths, springing forth in valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, and vines and fig-trees and pomegranates; a land of olive-trees and honey;" (Deuteronomy 8:7-8)

The fruits and grains mentioned in this scripture are called the seven species (shivat haminim). In Israel, they have special status.

Seven Species. Fruits and Vegetables of Holy Land

As many times as I have read this scripture, it's now seen in a new light. That's one of the joys of reading the Bible. Sacred mysteries are constantly revealed.

Seven Species of the Land of Israel (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Women of the Bible : Rahab by Eikonik | Found on DeviantArt

Several years ago I wrote a blog post about the harlot/heroine Rahab.  Her story is told in the Bible book of Joshua.  When I published the post I searched diligently for an image depicting her encounter with the Jewish spies sent to spy out the land of Canaan.  (Josh 2: 1-7)  Found an image in the Wikimedia database.  A few years later, after publishing the post, I found an image on DeviantArt by an artist who shares wonderful depictions of events which occurred in ancient Israel - of people and of places.  


The artwork below (following the link and related image to my 2014 blog post) depicts the part of the biblical account where she hid the Jewish spies on her rooftop.  This is a perfect complement to my post previously published here at My Blog Stop! about the woman in the Bible known as Rahab the harlot. 

Women of the Bible: Rahab - The Noble Harlot

Image credit: See page for author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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Image credit:

Rahabby eikonik

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When is a Minority Group a Problem?

Sweden: Jews are not a "problem", as long as there's only a few of them ..." (Source) Odd quote to start off an article with. ( My opinion. ) But if you don't believe or don't read the Bible, then perhaps the statement is logical. (???)

Memorable Battles in Jewish History

SHILOH (not Jerusalem) was at one time the focal point of Israel's worship, where both the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant resided. The Jews took the Ark from Shiloh to Kiriath-Jearim to the battlefield because they thought it would being them victory. They were wrong!

Ethiopian or Philistine? Am I a Dog?

Published this post February 2015 and although the stats show it had a reasonable amount of views and even a few Plus Ones, the question has still not been answered. The question was prompted because of some dialogue in a Denzel Washington movie.

Ancient History | Military Leaders | Alexander the Great

“My father will get ahead of me in everything, and will leave nothing great for me to do.” 
~ Alexander the Great
 
Historical records indicate this is what Alexander the Great said when others informed him about his father’s conquests.

Alexander the Great: God-King or Mere Mortal?

Image Credit: Close up of Alexander on the Alexander Mosaic, in the Naples National Archaeological Museum. (Wikimedia Commons)

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Real Lost Cities: Ophir or Atlantis?

King Solomon sent ships to Ophir to bring back almug (or algum) trees, along with gold and precious stones.

Research about Ophir's geographical location is scant. 

In short, no one seems to know where it is!

If it is ever found, it will probably be by accident, because everybody keeps searching for Atlantis. 

The last bit of recorded information we have about Ophir is that the ships that set sail to go there which were sent by another king, never made it to their destination!

So I can sort of understand why people would rather go look for Atlantis.  Atlantis disappeared. Not the folks who were looking for it!!!  (O.o)

• 1 Kings 9:28  - And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon. 

• 1 Kings 10:11  - And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones. 

• 1 Kings 22:48  - Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber. 

Photo credit: Wikipedia: Solomon and the Plan for the Temple, as in 1 Kings 6, illustration from a Bible card published by the Providence Lithograph Company


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Where did Ophir go?

• The Lost Continents of Lemuria and Mu (circa71.wordpress.com)
• Most Expensive Hotel (celebritynetworth.com)
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• Atlantis (simonsylvester.wordpress.com)

* * * Anyway, I did manage to find two known places that have the name "Ophir", one in Colorado USA and the other in New Zealand.  Both representing 
magnificent splendor!!!

The world's first ghetto, 500 years later

It is Written … (Celebrate Book Lovers Day!)

If you have ever watched the movie “Lawrence of Arabia”, you will likely the remember the scene where Lawrence (played by Peter O' Toole) uttered the words: “Nothing! … is written.”  Evidently, it was a memorable scene because if you do an organic search, you will find several movie clips. 

The words of Lawrence, instantly called to my mind a contrast between words often uttered by Jesus Christ:
“It is written.”

Jesus spoke these words so confidently, and as a matter of fact, as if being literate was a given.

Of course, among the Jews, there were Scribes and their job was to write down the scriptures for future posterity. It was clear that many of the Jews could read and write. Although it is possible that some of the Apostles were not literate. In the book of Acts, they were referred to as men who had not “learned letters”.

But beyond the Jewish people, what about the Gentile world?

Many non-Jewish civilizations had a written language, but not all of the inhabitants could read and write.

But Lord!  The gospel message? Isn't it for ALL?

~ Did Jesus already know that in this world there would be many people who could read and write? At least enough people to spread the good news to all the world.

~ Did He already know that men would die in order for the Bible – both Old and New Testaments - to be printed in multiple languages and circulated so that people all around the world could read it?

~ Did He know that Google would partner with the Israel Museum to convert the Dead Sea Scrolls into a digital format?

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Being illiterate is not a social matter these days. Right? At least, not in the USA. That may be a problem for undeveloped countries. Right?

One would think that in a country like America, literacy would not be an issue. Think again.

Both first ladies – Barbara Bush and Laura Bush – chose as their platform to focus on literacy and education.

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Efforts to address the problem of illiteracy?

• World Over - 2016-07-28 – America's Literacy Crisis, Kyle Zimmer with Raymond Arroyo

• Integrating Technology in Early Literacy: A Snapshot of Community Innovation in Family Engagement

• NEA - Read Across America Partners and Supporters (“Reading Buddies”)

• National Coalition for Literacy (“... advancing adult education, family literacy”)

Those 3 words: "It is written."

It's really not a casual statement to be taken lightly, is it?

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This post was inspired by a friend who published a post in a blogging community, Literacy Base, where I used to be an active member.

National Book Lovers Day isn’t the only book holiday. Each year on April 23, the day Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died in 1616, the United Nations holds World Book and Copyright Day. In 2017, Conakry, Guinea was the World Book Capital.

There is also World Book Day, which is sponsored by the U.K.’s National Book Tokens.

SOURCE:  Celebrate National Book Lovers Day 2017

National Book Lovers Day is always celebrated on August 9th.

* Entertainment trivia:

The film “Lawrence of Arabia” won 7 Academy Awards. Peter O'Toole did NOT get the award for Best Actor. (REF: Academy Awards, USA 1963 ) Hey! When he accepted the lead role, maybe he should have got it writing that the Oscar for Best Actor was going to be a given. :) Gregory Peck won that year for his portrayal of the lawyer, Atticus Finch, in “To Kill a Mockingbird”. (REF: The 35th Academy Awards | 1963 ) I say the decision of the Academy was fair. What say you?

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Lawrence of Arabia

© Photographer: Nadalinna | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Thoughts and Opinions : Global Warming Versus Global Returning? Science?

THOUGHT: Suppose global warming is actually global returning?

Sharing these wacky thoughts of mine. Hoping you don’t run away from me even though I speak my mind which is often … kind of weird, strange and Krazee with a capital “K”!


OK So! It’s the year 2017 and it’s spring time here in Austin, Texas, and I never know what kind of weather to expect each day. When we moved to this city in 1998, people use to describe the weather as “climatically perfect”. The weather was terrific!

See Also:

My kids have grown accustomed to my standard excuse that I use to point the finger of blame at … everything!

If something happens, no matter what … I say:

• “IDK!  I blame global warming. Whatever!”

♦ ♦ ♦

Most of you know I believe/read the Bible a lot and as a result, my rationale and reasoning or explanations may come across to others as somewhat “peculiar”. Like this particular thought.

THOUGHT: Suppose global warming is actually global returning?


Follow my thought process (if you can).

According to the Bible, when the earth was first created, Adam and Eve used to walk around in their birthday suits. Naked! The reason they were given clothes didn’t have anything to do with a change in the weather.  Also, Noah preaching about a coming flood was disregarded by the masses because … Why?  Because it had never rained before! Water had never come down from the sky! It would take faith to believe such a thing could happen.

So IF in the beginning, man and woman were able to walk around au naturel, that must mean that the weather was terrific! All the time! Everywhere on planet earth!!

Today it like 79 degrees in Austin, Texas but the day is over.  Earlier this morning it felt a little chilly. Yesterday the heat from the sun was beating me down!

• Maybe global warming is not disastrous.
• Maybe it’s a good thing.
• Maybe … ? Our weather is just going back to the way it was in the beginning.
• Maybe … global warming is actually global returning.  (O.o)

JAOOMPT! Just another one of my peculiar thoughts.


glitter-graphics.com

It's a thought.  Previously published May 2017, at Literacy Base.

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Science and Politics of Global Warming VS Climate Change

Once upon a time, I used to watch the Discovery Channel but no more. No point crying over spilled milk. Today I made a wonderful discovery. Discovery News which is under the corporate umbrella for the Discovery Communications, LLC , has a Tumblr blog, as do I.

Science and Politics of Global Warming VS Climate Change

Once upon a time, I used to watch the Discovery Channel but no more. No point crying over spilled milk. Today I made a wonderful discovery. Discovery News which is under the corporate umbrella for the Discovery Communications, LLC , has a Tumblr blog, as do I.

Character Study: Ruth: The Beautiful Gleaner

RUTH

How many stories have you heard of a woman begging to live the rest of her life with her mother-in-law?

Image credit: Debby McCann on Flickr.com

   the  



Ruth is a shortened version of ‘retut’, which means “lovely friend”. Ruth was a Moabitess, who married into a family of Israelites. She was subsequently widowed. The Book of Ruth is a short book in the Old Testament that tells the story of this “beautiful gleaner”. She is remembered for her loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and her conversion to Judaism. The earnestness of her plea and her sincerity was expressed almost in the form of a prayer.

Ruth in Boaz's Field (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

They were both destitute and Naomi tried to convince Ruth that she could offer her nothing but bitterness. Yet to Naomi she pleaded: “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God, my God.” (Ruth 1: 16) Ruth’s steadfastness ultimately resulted in her marriage to her deceased husband’s wealthy kinsman Boaz, who was the father of Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of King David, the shepherd boy who became an anointed king of Israel.

Bible References:  RUTH – RUTH 1: 1 – 4: 22; MATT 1: 5

The Book of Ruth (Oprah’s Book Club)

Beautiful | Forward this Image

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Global Warming or Global Returning?

Happy last day of February!!  Yes.  It is still Monday.

The winter months here in Austin, Texas, have not been winter-like at all.  Started the new year this way.  Some days it was like 70+ degrees in January! 
 
My kids have grown accustomed to my standard excuse that I use to point the finger of blame at … everything! 
 
If something happens, no matter what … I say:

• “IDK! I blame global warming. Whatever! ”

So here is my Krazee with a capital "K" thought for today. (FYI.  This content was previously shared at PersonaPaper, Jan 25, 2016).

Have to write it down now because it might be forgotten by tomorrow. Have these momentary bursts on inspiration and … sometimes they don't stick. Brain neurons don't spark like they used to and I forget! 
 
Most of you know I believe/read the Bible a lot and as a result, my rationale and reasoning or explanations may come across to others as somewhat “peculiar”. Like this particular thought. 
 
THOUGHT: Suppose global warming is actually global returning?


Ah hah! Think about it. 

 
When the earth was first created, Adam and Eve used to walk around in their birthday suits. Naked! The reason they were given clothes didn't have anything to do with a change in the weather. Also, Noah preaching about a coming flood was disregarded by the masses because it had never rained before! Water had never come down from the sky! It would take faith to believe such a thing could happen. 
 
So if, in the beginning, man and woman were able to walk around au naturel , that must mean that the weather was terrific! All the time! Everywhere on planet earth !!

So today it like 72 degrees in Austin, Texas and it really should be a little chilly. After all, it's January!

• Maybe global warming is not disastrous.
• Maybe it's a good thing.
• Maybe … ? Our weather is just going back to the way it was in the beginning.
• Maybe … global warming is actually global returning. (O.o)

JAOOMPT! Just another one of my peculiar thoughts.


Good Day , Monday | Forward this Image

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

Ten Commandments in Christianity - Final Post

This concludes my study of the Ten Commandments in Christianity. Hope others find it helpful.

 

NEW Testament Penalty for Violating the Commandments: +++ Scrip Ref(s): Matthew 5: 19; Hebrews 10: 28 - 31"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.""He that despised Moses' Law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: --of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy , who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite to the Spirit of grace? --For we know Him that hath said, VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL RECOMPENSE, says the Lord. And again, THE LORD SHALL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE. --It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 10th

** 10th Commandment:

COVETOUSNESS FORBIDDEN

- Stated in the Law of Moses: EXO 20: 17 "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's." Penalty for Violating: NONE. Covetous is a sin of the heart. No one knows it is being committed except the person coveting. Whenever covetous is manifested, one of the other commandments is usually broken - theft, adultery, murder, etc. Examples of covetousness in the Bible: Achan (Joshua 7); Saul (1 Samuel 15:9, 19); Judas (Matthew 26:14, 15); Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11); Balaam (2 Peter 2:15 with Jude 1:11). 10th COMMANDMENT Incorporated/Summarily ~ Restated by Jesus Christ as the Second Greatest Commandment. See MATT 22: 39 and refer also to ROM 13: 8 - 10 ~ Restated in NEW Testament: EPH 5: 3   NEW Testament Penalty for Violating: See Comments Marked '+++' in Final Post for this Series.

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 9th

** 9th Commandment:

FALSE WITNESS FORBIDDEN

- Stated in the Law of Moses: EXO 20: 16 "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." Penalty for Violating: DEATH: Deut 18: 16-21 9th COMMANDMENT Incorporated/Summarily ~ Restated by Jesus Christ as the Second Greatest Commandment. See MATT 22: 39 and refer also to ROM 13: 8 - 10 ~ Restated in NEW Testament: COL 3: 9, 10   NEW Testament Penalty for Violating: See Comments Marked '+++' in Final Post for this Series.

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 8th

** 8th Commandment:

THEFT FORBIDDEN

- Stated in the Law of Moses: EXO 20: 15 "Thou shalt not steal." Penalty for Violating: DEATH: EXO 21: 16 8th COMMANDMENT Incorporated/Summarily ~ Restated by Jesus Christ as the Second Greatest Commandment. See MATT 22: 39 and refer also to ROM 13: 8 - 10 ~ Restated in NEW Testament: EPH 4: 28   NEW Testament Penalty for Violating: See Comments Marked '+++' in Final Post for this Series.

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 7th

** 7th Commandment:

ADULTERY FORBIDDEN

- Stated in the Law of Moses: EXO 20: 14 "Thou shalt not commit adultery." Penalty for Violating: DEATH: Lev 20: 10 7th COMMANDMENT Incorporated/Summarily ~ Restated by Jesus Christ as the Second Greatest Commandment. See MATT 22: 39 and refer also to ROM 13: 8 - 10 ~ Restated or clarified by Jesus Christ: Matt 5: 27 - 32 "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY. But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh upon a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if they right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. It hath been said, WHOSOEVER SHALL PUT AWAY HIS WIFE, LET HIM GIVE HER A WRITING OF DIVORCEMENT. But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery." READ also Mark 10: 2-12; and Luke 16: 18. ~ Restated in NEW Testament: 1 COR 6: 9, 10   NEW Testament Penalty for Violating: See Comments Marked '+++' in Final Post for this Series.

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 6th

** 6th Commandment:

MURDER FORBIDDEN

- Stated in the Law of Moses: EXO 20: 13 "Thou shalt not kill." Penalty for Violating: DEATH: EXO 21: 12 6th COMMANDMENT Incorporated/Summarily ~ Restated by Jesus Christ as the Second Greatest Commandment. See MATT 22: 39 and refer also to ROM 13: 8 - 10 ~ Restated or clarified by Jesus Christ: Matt 5: 21 - 26 "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, THOU SHALT NOT KILL: and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee: leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time he deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, til thou hast paid the uttermost farthing." ~ Restated in NEW Testament: 1 JOHN 3: 15 NEW Testament Penalty for Violating: See Comments Marked '+++' in Final Post for this Series.