Women of the Bible: Rahab - The Noble Harlot

In the History of the Jews, Rahab was a Canaanite Harlot Who Believed.  The genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew mentions five women. One of them is Rahab.

{Before you read this I have a couple of questions that are not answered in the Bible about Rahab, but it would be interesting to know the answers. QUESTION:  When the spies entered Rahab’s house or “business”, she told them she believed the account of an incident that had occurred 40 years ago.  It was not breaking news on CNN.  So … how old was Rahab?  Was she about 50 years old?  Was she older than 50?  Older than 50 and turning tricks?  (“Turning tricks” means still servicing customers.) ANOTHER QUESTION:  Because of her actions in hiding the spies, she saved her father, her mother and her brothers.  Would you not say her family was incredibly trusting and really had a lot of confidence in her?  But she was a whore!  Hoes get no respect!  Her family put their lives in her hands? To think of it, the story of Rahab is a remarkable story!]
 

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(Image credit: Tissot_The_Harlot_of_Jericho_and_the_Two_Spies.jpg )


Rahab (alternately spelled Rachab) was a Canaanite harlot who lived in Jericho . Her house was on the city wall. Though forty years has passed and Moses, the great Jewish leader and prophet who led the Israelites out of Egypt had died, Rahab spoke to the Jewish spies who came to her house, about the parting of the Red Sea as if it were a current event. (The writers impression.) She mentioned the event along with another happening, the destruction of Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites and informed the spies that the people of Jericho were afraid for their lives, as was she.

Unlike the inhabitants of the land of Jericho, Rahab's heart did not melt. Rahab had decided (because she believed the reports about Jehovah, God of the children of Israel) that since the destruction of Jericho was as certain to become an historical event as had the other two events she referenced, she could only bargain for her life and those with her, and hope that the Israelites would honor the agreement. The Jewish spies promised her protection. They agreed that when they attacked the city of Jericho, she and whoever was in her house with her their lives would be spared. This they promised because Rahab had risked her life by hiding them from the kings messengers and helped them to escape. When the Israelites captured Jericho they kept their promise to Rahab.

Indeed Rahab was afraid but her survival instinct seems to have overruled her fear. Or was it her faith? The kings messengers could have discovered her secret and what would have been her end? The Jewish spies could have just as easily broken their promise and what would have been her end? Why did she do what she did? Was it fear? Or was it faith? Faith in a God she had only heard reports of, about incidents she had not witnessed. No scriptures for her to read. No prophet to guide her. No one to teach her the difference between the gods she likely had been taught to worship versus Jehovah.

In Christian (New Testament) scriptures, Rahab is listed as one of the heroes of faith (Heb 11: 31) and commended for her example of faith (James 2: 25). Rahab was accepted as a proselyte (convert) to the Judaism and became an ancestor of King David, the beloved second monarch who ruled over the united kingdom of Israel. Though Matthew the Apostle and Saint Luke both trace the lineage of Jesus, only Matthew mentions Rahab a prostitute who became the wife of Salmon and the mother of Boaz, the grandmother of Obed, the great grandmother of Jesse, who was the father of David, King of Israel. (Matt 1: 5, 6) 



References:

• The scriptural references provided can be used to piece together Rahab's real life story. JOSH 2: 1; 6:17, 25; MATT 1: 5; HEB 11: 31; JMS 2: 25

• "Seekers of the Promised Land." Great People of the Bible and How They Lived. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Association, 1974.

• Youngblood, Ronald F., F. F. Bruce, and R. K. Harrison. Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville: T. Nelson, 1995. 

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Rahab’s Story: A Novel (Women of the Bible)

Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter

Women of the Bible: Tamar - The Noble Harlot

In the History of the Jews, Tamar was a dutiful widow who played the harlot.  The genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew mentions five women. One of them is Tamar.

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(Image credit: Gelder, Aert de - Tamar and Judah; Public Domain)

Tamar (alternately spelled Thamar) was the wife of Er, the firstborn of Judah, who was the fourth son of Jacob. Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, was the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham. Jacob fathered twelve sons who became the twelve tribes which comprise the nation of Israel. Er died and according to the Law of Moses regarding marriage, a man was required to marry the widow of his brother, if the brother dies with no male heir. (Note 1) This was to be done to preserve the name and estate of the deceased. Therefore, Onan, Ers brother married Tamar. But Onan also died. 

Judah, the father-in-law had a third son, Shelah. At the time of Onans death, Shelah was too young to marry. Being fully aware of the law and its requirements, Judah promised Tamar that when Shelah was old enough, he would give her to him in marriage. But when the time came, Judah did not honor his word and obey the law. In desperation to conceive a son who would preserve her late husbands name and estate, Tamar disguised herself as a harlot (a prostitute) and offered her services to Judah. She became pregnant with twin sons. Months later, when Judah was informed of Tamars pregnancy, he demanded that she brought out publicly and put to death; the penalty for whoredom. IT WAS THE LAW!!! 

When Tamar proved that Judah, her father-in-law, was the father of her unborn, Judah publicly acknowledged his own guilt. Because he had not allowed Shelah to marry Tamar, he was the outlaw. Tamar was fully vindicated. She had obeyed the law and was judged as not having committed any act deserving of punishment; particularly punishment by death. Tamar was acknowledged as being righteous, because she was determined to preserve her late husbands family line. The names of the twin sons were Perez (or Phares) and Zerah (or Zara) recorded in the Gospel of Matthew as follows: And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar (Matt 1: 3) 

Tamar understood her duty, and she also knew her rights and the rights of the dead. The scriptures do not indicate that she conspired or consulted with anyone for advice. She determined what needed to be done in order to right a wrong and had the courage to follow through. 

Note 1: Among the Hebrews marriage with a brother's widow was forbidden as a general rule (Lev. xviii. 16, xx. 21), but was regarded as obligatory (Deut. xxv. 56) when there was no male issue, and when the two brothers had been dwelling on the same family. 


References:

• The scriptural references provided can be used to piece together Tamar's real life story. GEN 38: 6, 24; RUTH 4: 12; 1 CHRON 2: 4; MATT 1: 3

• "Seekers of the Promised Land." Great People of the Bible and How They Lived. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Association, 1974.

• Youngblood, Ronald F., F. F. Bruce, and R. K. Harrison. Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville: T. Nelson, 1995. 

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Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter

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History Lesson: Slavery: The Practice of Human Bondage

When did slavery begin? Its practice was commonplace during biblical times; the Bible weaves intricate details of slavery into the accounts of daily lives. 

Continue reading: 

The Practice of Human Bondage: When Did Slavery Begin?

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Ten Commandments in Christianity - INTRO

Some think or believe that these Divine edicts were done away with via Christianity. This is false. In Christian Scriptures, these Commandments are restated in the gospels by Jesus Christ and in the epistles by His Apostles.

This is a somewhat complicated study which hopefully is presented in a simplified, easy-to-read and understand format. Blessings!

Scriptural references for the Ten Commandments are found in the Jewish scriptures: Exodus 20: 1 -17 and also Deuteronomy 5: 1 - 21.

Some think or believe that these Divine edicts were done away with via Christianity. This is false. In Christian Scriptures, these Commandments are restated in the gospels by Jesus Christ and in the epistles by His Apostles.

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THE TEN COMMANDMENTS Summarily Restated by Jesus Christ as the 1st and 2nd Greatest Commandments:

MATT 22: 36 - 40 * * * * * 36) Master, which is the great commandment in the law?37) Jesus said unto him, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND. 38) This is the first and great commandment. 39) And the second is like unto it, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. 40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

THE 2nd COMMANDMENT Also Summarily Restated by Apostle Paul:

ROM 13: 8 - 10 * * * * * 8) Owe no man any thing but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9) For this, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, THOU SHALT NOT KILL, THOU SHALT NOT STEAL, THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, THOU SHALT NOT COVET; and if there be any other commandment , it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. 10) Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

JESUS DID NOT COME TO DESTROY THE LAW OF MOSES:

MATT 5: 17 - 18 * * * * * 17) Think not that I am come to destroy the law and the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18) For verily I say unto you, Til heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, til all be fulfilled. MATT 16: 16 - 17 * * * * * 16) The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of heaven and preached, and every man presseth into it. 17) It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

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Read the Complete Post Series:

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 1st

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 2nd

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 3rd

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 4th

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 5th

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 6th

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 7th

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 8th

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 9th

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 10th

Ten Commandments in Christianity - Final Post


Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Humble King. Who rides a donkey on his way to die for his enemies.

The Kind Leader. Who enters our cities to serve us not to dominate us.

The Carpenter from Nazareth. Who builds a table of inclusion for all.

Let’s get off our high horses.
And follow him.#PalmSunday pic.twitter.com/hqOCM0ca45

— Carlos A. Rodríguez (@CarlosHappyNPO) April 5, 2020

Ethiopian or Philistine? Am I a Dog?

Published this post 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.

Can an Ethiopian change his skin? *

My answer is:
“Never been to Oklahoma but do like Sir Paul McCartney.”
(Yep. That’s right. DUH! Totally changed the subject.)

The question was prompted because of some dialogue in a Denzel Washington movie. Had the script been written and instead of saying “Ethiopian”, if the character had hurled his insult by threatening to call Mr. Washington’s character a “Philistine”, the scene in that film would have made sense to me. 


Most Bible students know the menacing Philistines were the enemies of the Israelites. There were constant struggles for control of the land of Canaan (an older name for Palestine). A study, just a quick study, of the people of Philistia might lead one to conclude that if they had not always been battling with the nation of Israel, they would have been at war with another group. They liked to fight!!


WHY? Because they could!!


The Philistines were skilled warriors; on land and at sea. In fact, they were once called Sea Peoples. Their navy consisted of fleets of the finest warships during that time, expertly manned by experienced soldier/seamen. As for their army? The infantry, i.e. trained foot soldiers, possessed superior weapons of iron and wielded them masterfully and mercilessly. 


For hundreds of years, the Philistines waged continuous war against the Israelites. David, Israel’s second king succeeded where the nation’s first king, Saul, had failed. Around 1000 B.C., he finally subdued these fierce fighting men and once crushed, their power began to decline. Other nations coming in afterward, would reap the benefits of David’s military efforts. Somewhere around 800 to 700 B.C., the Assyrians attacked and conquered cities of Philistia. Then between 597 and 586 B.C., when the Jewish people (Israelites) were exiled to Babylonia (as was foretold to them by their prophets), the Philistines were taken away as slaves too.


Not much is known about the origins of this ancient people and none of their literature has survived; just fragments of pottery and coffins, some images on Egyptian reliefs, and what is written about them in Old Testament scriptures. Historians and archaeologists have very little to reconstruct their past.  However, according to an article published in Science News, an ancient cemetery has been found that might yield some clues.

Bower, Bruce. "Ancient Cemetery Provides Peek into Philistines' Lives, Health." Science News. Society for Science & the Public, 22 Nov. 2016. Web. 22 Nov. 2016.  (https://www.sciencenews.org/article/ancient-cemetery-provides-peek-philistines-lives-health). 

Ancient cemetery provides peek into Philistines' lives, health


In our vernacular (American English), to call someone a “Philistine” is not a compliment. It is a term of contempt and means the person has uncultivated tastes or lacks culture (i.e. lacks refined behavior, good manners and/or social graces). That sounds very subjective. Perhaps the easiest way to explain the insult would be to take the question the Philistine giant, Goliath, asked a young shepherd boy, and superimpose it. Imagine that the person you’re staring down asks you this same question and you simply nod your head up and down as an affirmative response, because you don’t want to waste your breath.

“Am I a dog?” **

Image credit: Gebhard Fugel [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons



* Jeremiah 13: 23

* * 1 Samuel 17: 43

D.C.'s Bible Museum to debut with $42M worth of cutting edge technology

Washington, D.C.'s newest religious museum is set to unveil next year with a location only three blocks from the U.S. Capitol. Recently, The Museum of the Bible released information on the $42 million high-tech experience visitors will experience.

Religion within the limits of my reason: ​​Christianity and IS (Reblog)

Below is a link from a blog that I am occasionally invited to read and my comments are being provided in the form of a blog post because it is too much information to be included in a Comments box.  (You can refer to the statements as "my crazy thoughts" if you don't want to call it "information".)

Religion within the limits of my reason: ​​Christianity and IS : max-aschmann-park

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MY COMMENTS:

In Judaeo-Christian history, for the period between the Testaments (which many in our circles refer to as Malachi to Matthew), there were no prophets. Before Jesus arrived there was one prophet, known as John the Baptist, “the voice of one crying in the wilderness”. His “voice” was to let others know the Messiah was come. He accomplished his mission and lost his head. By the time of his death, the ministry of Jesus was in full force. The ministry lasted for 3 years. Jesus also accomplished His mission, was crucified, died, resurrected, ascended back up to heaven and now “has all authority in heaven and in earth”.

By His authority he never authorized the killing of anybody!

Jesus made it very clear to Pontius Pilate and others while He was here on the earth, that His kingdom is not of this world.  

John 18:36

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

His disciples were COMMANDED to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel. He who believes and is baptized and shall be saved.”  Converts are not to be FORCED into conversion.  They must hear the Word, believe it, become convinced and convicted of sin in their life, repent (turn away from the sin), publicly confess that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, and be baptized for the forgiveness of the sins and they are "born again", a new creature, prepared to live a sanctified life and work out their soul salvation.

Christians don't want to conquer or rule the world!

We just want to live our lives in peace on this earth being a "peculiar people, zealous of good works", and go to heaven when we die! 

If we can not live our lives in peace, without persecution, then whatever happens in this life … it's God's will.  We were also warned that we would be persecuted FOR OUR FAITH.  We trust Him.  All we need to do is stay faithful.

Romans 8:33-39

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

As for ISIS, the establishment of the Caliphate, etc., etc. and any other movement based on religious, philosophical, political or any basis or foundation for their motivations and mission to gain power IN THIS WORLD … as far as faithful Christians KNOW … “this too shall pass”.

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The Passion

Often if an article is about to discuss a topic that can be categorized as "religion", the author may feel the need to state that the writing is not an attempt to convert people to their "way", i.e. beliefs, convictions, faith, etc. Point noted. However that same point can not be made by me.

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.

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 5th

** 5th Commandment:

DISOBEDIENCE TO PARENTS FORBIDDEN

- Stated in the Law of Moses: EXO 20: 12 "Honor thy mother and thy father, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." Penalty for Violating: DEATH: EXO 1: 15-17 ~ Restated or clarified by Jesus Christ: Mark 7: 9 - 13 (and Matt 15: 4 - 6) "And He said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER; and, WHOSO CURSETH FATHER OR MOTHER, LET HIM DIE THE DEATH. But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban (that is to say, a gift), by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free (of his obligations and duties to his parents). And ye suffer him no more to do anything for his father or his mother; making the word of God of none effect through your tradition ..." ~ Restated in NEW Testament: EPH 6: 1 NEW Testament Penalty for Violating: See Comments Marked '+++' in Final Post for this Series.

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 4th

** 4th Commandment:

SABBATH DAY - WORK FORBIDDEN

- Stated in the Law of Moses: EXO 20: 8 "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. --Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: --but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. --For in six days the Lord made the heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and hallowed it." Penalty for Violating: DEATH: Num 15: 32-36 ~ Restated or clarified by Jesus Christ: Matt 12: 5 - 8; 11 - 12; John 7: 21 - 24 "Or have ye not read in the law, how that on sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is One greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I WILL HAVE MERCY, AND NOT SACRIFICE, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath day." "And He said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the Sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days." "Jesus answered and said, I have done one work and ye all marvel. Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision: (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at Me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment." ~ Restated in NEW Testament: COL 2: 16 nullifies The Sabbath was a day of rest. The first day of the week (Sunday) is a day of worship. NEW Testament Penalty for Violating: See Comments Marked '+++' in Final Post for this Series.

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 3rd

** 3rd Commandment:

SWEARING FORBIDDEN

- Stated in the Law of Moses: EXO 20: 7 "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain." Penalty for Violating: DEATH: Lev 24: 15, 16 ~ Restated or application clarified by Jesus Christ: Matt 5: 33 - 37 "Again ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, THOU SHALT NOT FORSWEAR THYSELF, BUT SHALL PERFORM UNTO THE LORD THINE OATHS. But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: nor by the earth; for it is God's footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." Read also Matt 23: 16 - 23 The Jewish leaders, who were supposed to be the spiritual advisers to the people and interpreters of the Law, had so corrupted the interpretation and application of this commandment, Jesus angrily condemned their hypocrisy and iniquity and pronounced WOES upon them. ~ Restated in NEW Testament: JAMES 5: 12 NEW Testament Penalty for Violating: See Comments Marked '+++' in Final Post for this Series.

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 2nd

** 2nd Commandment:

GRAVEN IMAGES FORBIDDEN

- Stated in the Law of Moses: EXO 20: 4 "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. --Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generations of them that hate Me; --and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments." Penalty for Violating: DEATH: Deut 27: 15 2nd COMMANDMENT Summarily ~ Restated by Jesus Christ. See MATT 22: 36 - 38 ~ Restated in NEW Testament: 1 JOHN 5: 21 NEW Testament Penalty for Violating: See Comments Marked '+++' in Final Post for this Series.

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 1st

** 1st Commandment:

POLYTHEISM FORBIDDEN

- Stated in the Law of Moses: EXO 20: 3 "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me." Penalty for Violating: DEATH: EXO 22:20; Deut 6: 13-15 1st COMMANDMENT Summarily ~ Restated by Jesus Christ. See MATT 22: 36 - 38 ~ Restated in NEW Testament: ACTS 14: 15 NEW Testament Penalty for Violating: See Comments Marked '+++' in Final Post for this Series.