Ancient Israel : 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. 

Shiloh (biblical city) By Abraham Sobkowski OFM - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

The Jews took the Ark from Shiloh to Kiriath-Jearim to the battlefield because they thought it would being them victory. They were wrong! They lost the Battle to the Philistines. It was a slaughter!! The enemy took the Ark as a spoil of war. But it was not the kind of trophy they would be allowed to show off with. There were plagues in every Philistine city where the Ark was taken. In the end, they gave it back to the Jews.  


Where is the Ark NOW?? The Jews don't even know!!!  


What's that? It's in Ethiopia?


Yeah right. And the Chinese invented the fortune cookie.


As if ... any God-fearing Jew on the planet would let the Ark - if it really were there - remain in Ethiopia.
   

References: Ancient Jewish History: The Ark of the Convenant and the Book of Samuel

- INTERESTING HISTORY NOTE:  During the American Civil War, the Union Army under the leadership of Ulysses Grant, achieved a victory at the Battle of Shiloh (April 1862). But that's another battle. :)

Statue-Ark Of The Covenant w/Priests-Gold/Silv-SML

Sometimes I Babble - Can't You Tell?

Sometimes I babble.  But people referred to the Apostle Paul as a babbler too.  The words below in black are my statements.  The blue letters are found in the Bible.

Personification of knowledge (Greek Επιστημη, Episteme) in Celsus Library in Ephesus, Turkey. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

• Ignorance was always a choice. (“… fools hate knowledge”)

• Information was always currency. (“Buy the truth and sell it not.”)

• Knowledge is freely offered and there for the taking or … accepting. (“Choose knowledge rather than choice gold.”)

• Wisdom when rightly applied is the key to not wasting your life way. (“Teach us to number our days.”)

- Sometimes I babble.

- Sometimes I say things that are verifiable truths.

Am I babbling?

Do You Like Talking With the Great Minds of The Century? 

My Opinion Pieces | Curated by Treathyl Fox aka cmoneyspinner | @Medium #lists https://t.co/0jm6w9ImjY

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) May 21, 2024

My Observations, Thoughts, Musings, Humor, Etc. | Curated by Treathyl Fox aka cmoneyspinner | @Medium #lists https://t.co/S92Wpp8mAg

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) May 21, 2024

***

The Black Girl in Search of God and Some Lesser Tales (Guest Post)

Book Review: The Black Girl in Search of God and Some Lesser Tales by Bernard Shaw

By: Philip Spires

The title piece in this anthology is a parable on the nature of religious belief. When first published in 1932 it caused quite a stir and I wondered whether the intervening 75 years might have rendered it something less of a shocker. I found that, apart from one violation of current political correctness and a few inevitable stylistic issues, the message had lost none of its poignancy and perhaps little of its ability to shock.

"The Black Girl in Search of God" is not a novel or a novella. It is not really a short story either. I choose to describe it as a parable because others have, but equally, it could be classed alongside Plato's symposium as a vehicle for examining a philosophical idea. It's not a discourse, but it could be a meditation, albeit a rather energetic one. The idea in question, of course, is the nature of religious belief.

The Black Girl of the title is only cast as such, I think, to provide Bernard Shaw, the author, with a literary vehicle to convey his otherwise naïve questions about Christianity. To this end, The Black Girl is presented as a "noble savage", and thus a tabula rasa. It is here - and only here - that Shaw violates current correctness. The character could have been cast as a child, but then she could not have threatened to wield her knobkerrie, her weapon, and nor could she have been portrayed as bringing no tradition of her own. We must accept, therefore, that there remains a functionality about the role of this character. She does not represent anything, except her ability to ask the questions she is required to ask.

The Black Girl has been converted to Christianity by a young British woman who has taken delight in amorously jilting a series of vicars. She then becomes a missionary, despite her clearly thin grasp of the subject matter. She is, perhaps, an allegory of colonial expansion. She goes abroad to teach others despite not having achieved fulfillment or knowledge in her own life. It might be important that the teacher and the taught are both women.

When her convert starts asking questions, fundamental questions that the missionary herself has never heard asked, never mind answered, she reverts to invention, not scholarship. Shaw's intention is clear. She invents myth to mystify myth. And this cloak satisfies the curiosity of the average Christian, but not The Black Girl, who thus goes off in search of God.

And, guided by snakes, she finds Him. And not just once, because there is more than one God in the Bible she carries. There is the God of Wrath, who demands the sacrifice of her child. When she cannot comply, He demands she find her father so he can sacrifice her. A good part of the Bible thus disappears from her new-found faith.

She meets an apparent God of Love, but he laughs at Job for being so naively and blindly devout. More of her book blows away.

She meets prophets who, one by one, deliver their different messages, most of which conflict and communicate individual political positions or bigotry rather than personal revelation.

On the way, she belittles Imperial power and male domination. She learns that most "civilized" countries have given up on God and hears a plea that people like her should not be taught things that the mother country no longer believes.

Scientists offer her equally conflicting opinions. They are careful only to describe, never to conclude or interpret. In a way, they are just modern prophets, each with their own interested positions.

There is an amazing episode where a mathematician implores her to consider complex numbers, the square root of minus x, which The Black Girl hears as Myna sex or perhaps its homophone minor sex, and is clearly a reference to feminism. Along with economic power and male dominance, The Black Girl sees guns as the highest achievement of white society. This anticipates the description of colonialism's trinity in Ngugi's Petals of Blood.

Then, in a strange section, an Arab discusses belief with a conjuror. These appear to be a pair of major prophets in thin disguise. But their discussions merely confuse the girl and their words skirt her questions.

And so she meets an Irishman, marries and settles down. She devotes herself to him, their coffee-colored children and the fruits of their garden. Note that she does not devote herself to herself. She projects out, does not analyze within. And in this utterly humanist universe she finds not only personal happiness, but also fulfillment and, with that, answers to her own metaphysical questions that religion per se could not even address.

And so, as the parable closes, we ponder whether the Irishman she marries is Shaw, and whether The Black Girl is the questioning, non-racist, non-sexist, socialist and humanist vision of the future he has personally espoused.

And as for the Lesser Tales, they are generally lesser. Don Giovanni explaining himself was fun and the Death of an Old Revolutionary Hero was prescient of the role of the Socialist Workers' Party adopted in maintaining Margaret Thatcher in power in the 1980s. A great, historical and fundamentally contemporary read.

* * *

Author Bio
Philip Spires
Author of "Mission", an African novel set in Kenya
www.philipspires.co.uk
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

The Black Girl in Search of God and Some Lesser Tales https://t.co/uhFVYJDhw7 via @amazon #books #BooksWorthReading #reading #readinglist
This book caused #controversy when it 1st appeared in 1932. It provoked a public outcry. #GeorgeBernardShaw was decried as a blasphemer. pic.twitter.com/biFhSiwgx9

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) May 10, 2024

Jesus Taught About the Kingdom of Heaven Through Parables

John the Baptist preached that the Kingdom was "at hand" or close (Matthew 3:2). 

Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom was upon us.

• (Matthew 12:28)  "But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."

The Parables, in His Own Words is one of the ways Jesus taught people about the Kingdom of Heaven. These are the parables that appear only in the gospel of Matthew, and they are all about the Kingdom of Heaven.

• The Wheat and the Tares (13:24-30)
• The Hidden Treasure (13:44)
• The Pearl of the Great Price (13:45-46)
• The Dragnet (13:47-50)
• The Unforgiving Servant (18:21-35)
• The Workers in the Vineyard (20:1-16)
• The Two Sons (21:28-32)
• The Wedding Feast (22:1-14)
• The Wise and Foolish Virgins (25:1-13)
• The Talents (25:14-30)

The Wheat and the Tares (13:24-30)

• When the wheat and tares grow they look the same, but when they are fully grown they look completely different. Some people are in the church and look like other Christians, but Jesus knows the difference and when judgment day comes Jesus will separate the hypocrites from the Christians. The tares that get burned represent the people who go to Hell and the wheat represents the people who go to Heaven.

The Hidden Treasure (13:44)

• When the man finds the treasure he finds it and the hides it in a field. Then he goes and sells everything he has and buys a field. When he sells everything he has that represents giving up everything you have just to get into Heaven.

The Pearl of the Great Price (13:45-46)

• This parable has the same idea as the parable about the hidden treasure. When he sells everything he has that represents giving up everything you have just to get into Heaven.

The Dragnet (13:47-50)

• The good were put into the vessel and the bad were thrown away. When judgment day comes the Angels will separate the evil from the good and the evil will be thrown into a furnace of fire where there will be whining and gnashing of the teeth.

The Unforgiving Servant (18:21-35)

• Just like the servant who was thrown into prison you will be treated the same way if you do not forgive your brother from the heart.

The Workers in the Vineyard (20:1-16)

• The people who are put on front by other people should humble themselves. They will be the last ones. The people who are humble will be first.

The Two Sons (21:28-32)

• We are all sinners. Some of us are sorry for our sins and repent. Some of us choose to live a life of sin. The two sons show the different attitudes. Those who repent will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Wedding Feast (22:1-14)

• Many people were invited to go to the wedding, but they didn’t want to come. When the man came into the wedding hall he didn’t have a wedding garment meaning he was invited but did not want to wear the right clothing. The Master told his servants tie his hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. Everyone is called to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. But we must all enter the same way. Some people want to be saved but only on their own terms.

The Wise and Foolish Virgins (25:1-13)

• The wise virgins were ready to go to the wedding, but the foolish virgins were not. Be ready for when Jesus Christ comes.

The Talents (25:14-30)

• The Master made the servants who gained more talents and were faithful over a few things rulers of many things. The servant who hid his talent had it taken away and he was cast into outer darkness. Use your talents. The people who use their talents bear good fruit and the people who don’t do not bear good fruit.

Image credits: Jesus: In His Own Words CD Collection by Henry O. Arnold  and Cross GIF.  Content also published Medium.com.

Christianity: Footsteps of Jesus? (And the Sea of Galilee)

Most people know that Nazareth is the hometown of Jesus.  Most Christians have read the account in the gospel of the moment in time when Jesus publicly announced that He was the Messiah.  (Luke 4: 21)

ARTICLE EXCERPT:  “Jesus grew up in Nazareth. He studied and prayed in a synagogue, the ruins of which are believed to lie beneath a church built by the Crusaders in the 12th Century and that is known as The Synagogue Church.”

No doubt a visit to this historic place is a numbered item on the bucket list for many believers.  For me, this wonderful article by a fellow freelance writer and friend, Sheri Oz, puts a wonderful spin on the phrase “footsteps of Jesus”.

Jesus’ Synagogue Church in Nazareth, Israel

* * *

Since we’re on the subject of seeing places where Jesus walked, couldn’t resist sharing this amazing photograph.

Sea of Galilee, Tiberias, Israel

Cross:  glitter-graphics.com

Related Content:

Life-size replica of Tabernacle of Moses on display in Saline ~ https://t.co/61SKjZ5bY4 ~ #history #historicalmarkers #Jewishhistory #historyOfIsrael #tabernacle #Judaism #Moses pic.twitter.com/1KwvuVN3GK

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) March 26, 2020

The Passion - @HubPagesDotCom https://t.co/RSb3hXovAr
Who killed Jesus? That's the wrong question.
The question to ask is:
~ WHY was Jesus willing to lay down His Life?
For those who celebrate: Happy Resurrection Day! ✝️
For those who don't: Happy Resurrection Day! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XZduZm2nau

— Joie de Vivre Magazine (aka My Fox Nooze) (@FoxMarks_ATX) March 20, 2024

Pilate Ring discovered in 1969 at Herodium. Translated in 2018 contains the Greek equivalent of "Pilate." Luke 23:12 states Pilate & Herod Antipas became friends on the very day that Jesus stood trial https://t.co/6PBo60VA1p #epicarchaeology #archaeology #Jesus #HeisRisen #truth pic.twitter.com/y94v4HDI4i

— Epic Archaeology (@EpicArchaeology) April 18, 2019

Where in Jerusalem was #Jesus' trial? New archaeology point away from traditional Via Dolorosahttp://t.co/2IzSS2DVk6 pic.twitter.com/vEYOyvToeL

— Chris Riedel (@medievalhistory) January 5, 2015

Quotes and Notes : Women in History: Countess of Blessington

Quotes found at Thoughtful Mind that may provide a peek into this gentle lady’s true nature:

• “Prejudices are the chains forged by ignorance to keep men apart.”

• “Superstition is only the fear of belief, while religion is the confidence.”

If you like to collect quotes or short biographical notes about women throughout history in various walks of life, please add this post to your collection.

Margaret, Countess of Blessington (1789 – 1849); Artist: Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769 – 1830); Wikimedia Commons

Marguerite (Power) Gardiner, Countess of Blessington was an Irish novelist.  A woman of high society, she was well known, particularly among literary circles as she had a literary salon at Gore House, Kensington.  One might think from the portrait she led a protected and cherished life, but a quick review of a few biographical facts will reveal much that can not be seen just looking at pretty face.  Deemed a woman of “rare beauty, generosity, and wit”, she wrote essays and sketches of London life.  She and the Romantic English poet, Lord Byron, appear to have been very close friends.  Her husband introduced them.  She wrote a book about their conversations.  There was at least the “appearance” of a friendship, however, some say she lived in her own world of make-believe when it came to their relationship.

To know more about the Countess here are a few suggested bio links:

• Wikipedia;
• Encyclopedia Brittanica;
• The Wallace Collection;
• HistoryToday.com;
• Famous Affinities of History.

A Journal Of The Conversations Of Lord Byron With The Countess Of Blessington (1893)

(NOTE:  Blog post first appeared at Dispensable Thoughts, Fri, 7 Mar 2014.) 

Related articles

• Top Ten Male Authors(thetoptens.com)

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• Famed phrases were wrongly credited to William Shakespeare by Oxford English Dictionary(dailymail.co.uk)

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What is a Universal Language of Light?

Sharing a link to an article written by a fellow freelance writer. 

What is a Universal Language of Light?

• Quote extracted from the article: “Modern research confirms the most ancient form of Hebrew to be a natural language; the alphabetic forms emerging from the phosphate flare patterns of the brain.”

(NOTE:  Link to an archived copy.  The article was unpublished.) 
This is my first time learning, hearing or reading about a “Universal Language of Light”. The research results do make you wonder. However, I am convinced that God invented all human languages because I believe the biblical account of the tower of Babel. If Genesis 11 is true, then any human language is a “language of The Light”.

• The article also contains an interesting question: “Is DNA the next Internet?”

It seems that Russian scientists have made some claims. Next? I’m not trying to split hairs or “strain at a gnat and swallow a camel”, but DNA was here first! Just sayin’. This article is fascinating!!

Love in 44 Languages

What is a Universal Language of Light?

Some call it the Language of Consciousness or the living language of light. Many people worldwide are now re-discovering this ancient Language that lies at the heart of so many spiritual traditions. Modern research confirms the most ancient form of Hebrew to be a natural language; the alphabetic forms emerging from the phosphate flare patterns of the brain.

*** Related Posts:

• Biblical Third Metric Quotes Show How Ancient Wisdom Can Help Redefine Modern Measures Of Success (huffingtonpost.com)

* * *

The History of Astrology and the Gifts of the Magi

Some people celebrate the Adoration of the Magi every year on January 6.  Read an interesting article about the history of astrology and how it was applied in the beginning. (Reference: Good Heavens! Oldest-Known Astrologer's Board Discovered | Live Science) 

Per Wikipedia "Astrology is a pseudoscience that claims to divine information about human affairs and terrestrial events by studying the movements and relative positions of celestial objects."

• I believe the initial use of the real science of astrology (as opposed to pseudoscience), "in the beginning", i.e. used to predict the weather for agriculture purposes, natural disasters, etc., is the correct use or application of astrology. 

The article goes on to state that people began to say they could apply astrology in human affairs for success. 

• I believe that "beginning" (of when people started saying how astrology could be applied) could possibly be the beginning of when scam and con artists began to leave their indelible marks on the history of mankind, i.e. deceivers started telling people they could predict their future success by the stars and that deception has continued to this day (psychic readings, hotlines, etc.). 

• I believe there is only one exception where, not the stars, but a single star, was applied to human affairs for salvation and its appearance lent itself to the prediction of the rise (success) and fall (failure) of many.

*The star that led the wise men to Jesus.* 

Image credit: Star Of Bethlehem by FullMoonMaster on DeviantArt
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

The visit of the Magi may be a part of the so-called Christmas tradition but more importantly … it's a true story.  

It's an integral part of the most beautiful story ever told.  

Christmas Tradition: The Gifts of the Magi

Christmas Tradition: The Gifts of the Magi

Every year during the month of December, many people direct their minds to the story about the birth of Jesus, revered by faithful Christians as the Savior of the world. Although the nativity scene always shows the three wise men (also called the three kings) adoring a newborn baby and bearing gifts, the biblical account indicates that their visitation did not occur on the night that Mary gave birth.

Should We Get Rid Of Religion? | Response to Article by HUBPages Contributor Nell Rose

Whenever people ask a question and use the word “religion” my response is always the same. I have followed this definition for religion ever since I read it in the epistle written by James the apostle.

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27)

In the first part of the definition, you're lending a helping hand to the needy. 

In the second part of the definition, the only person whose way of life and behavior you're responsible for “controlling” is your own!

Even if there were not a God looking down at what you do, why wouldn't you do it anyway? So why get rid of it?

• Don't you want to exercise your own free will over your own life?
• Don't you have compassion for those who are less fortunate and want to help them if you can?

It's a neat and simple rule, principle, or guideline to follow.

You want to get rid of something? 

Get rid of people who abuse, oppress, and kill other people and claim they have the “authority” to do it in the name of “religion”.

Of course … that's not so simple.



♦♦♦♦♦♦
Good HUB! Very thought-provoking. 
A lively discussion going on over at:

Should We Get Rid Of Religion? | HUBPages.com

How would you answer this question??

* * *
The above remarks are my comments left behind. Re-sharing here at my blog because when “thought bursts” like these come to me, sometimes it's good to keep a backup record of them elsewhere.  :)

HUBPages is an online writing community that has been around for several years. But you don't have to be a writer or Contributor to participate in the discussion and leave a comment. You can just join the network to read the articles and supply any additional information you may have, and/or your thoughts, opinions, and perspectives.  It's a great way to meet people and make friends. 

Sign up free and create a HubPages Network account. 

Do you like to write? Become a HUBPages Contributor?  View Sample Writer Profile

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.

* * *

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.

♦
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

Society and Culture: 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. (???)  When the Jews multiplied in Egypt they weren't a problem then, until the Pharoah who did not know of and/or did not choose to remember Joseph, decided that the Israelites were a "problem".  Other than the fact that they were having a lot of babies and lived in the Land of Goshen.  That was their home.  They weren't trying to spread themselves out because there wasn't enough room.  They were settled and weren't exactly messing with anybody! They weren't trying to overthrow the ruler and set up a new government or anything.


So what is written in the Exodus, is that like - the product of a great imagination?


Let's say the Exodus from Egypt account is fictional. You know if you watch the "wandering Jews" or the " diaspora " (hope that term is used properly), wherever they move to, they usually just settle down and live quietly, do business, observe their religious customs, practices, and traditions. Whether there are millions or just a "minority", they don't create the impression they came to take over! It seems like the only land they are ever willing to fight over is Palestine. 


The rest of the earth? Jews be like - Whatever!

It's just an observation. Please correct me if you see flaws.

* * * * *

Image credit: "Jews praying in a synagogue on Yom Kippur."

Maurycy Gottlieb , [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Related or Similar links from around the web:

The Real Exodus: End of Israel

Israel Palestine Conflict In A Nutshell

• Women of the Bible: Rahab - The Noble Harlot

Ted Cruz Woos Jews (4-17-2015)

• Black Israelis Are Protesting Against Institutional Racism, Police Brutality

Originally published at personapaper.com on Jan 2, 2016.

The Welcoming Culture of the Bedouin Peoples

Bedouin tribes have a central welcoming culture that is very open to visitors. They use this welcoming of guests to show their respect to God and welcome people into their homes through the uses of tea and coffee.
 

The Welcoming Culture of the Bedouin Peoples  By Brian J Thomas
» Read on »

Coffee Time - 

 Traditional Bedouin melodies. 

***

Related articles (???) (I think.)

(I think these are “related”.  It’s an outsider’s perspective.  Me, being the one on the outside.  It’s a matter I pray about, but don’t have a clue on how to rectify or reconcile it, other than through conversion to Christianity.)

• Modern Day Arabs and Their Father Abraham (wizzley.com)

• Bedouin Village Demolished For 63rd Time
• Israeli government kills plan to uproot Bedouin

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.

What is Religion? (It's a Straight Forward Question with a Straight Forward Answer.)

Two topics they say people should never discuss because it will likely always end in a heated argument: politics and religion. 

- Hard not to discuss politics. The media does a good job of keeping it in your face.

- Hard not to discuss religion. It's close to one's heart. Atheists, wiccans, devout believers all have convictions. The media helps a little. Didn't you hear all those reports about pope Francis?

When it comes to religion, there is a definition that everybody can agree with and should not cause controversy.

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1: 27)

How hard can it be to follow this guideline?


Content first shared at myLot.com, Sept 2015.

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Similar content:

Restore Our Religious Freedom (Say what now?)

One World - Multiple Space Colonies 

Who Got Da Power? 

Yeah but … Religion and Refusal both start with the letter 'R' 

Is Turning the Other Cheek Really a Practical Solution? 

Difference Between Politics and Religion

Difference Between Politics and Religion

Politics and religion. What's the difference?

In case one might think the lines are blurred. They're not!

Continue reading:

Politics Versus Religion: It's About Faith.
- 100 Springs

 


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Be My Valentine? Did You Say "My Religion is Love"?

Not your usual Valentine, I know.

But I think it's a perfect valentine.

So who was it that said “My religion is love”? Wasn’t it one of the sons of Bob Marley?

Ooops!  Looked it up.  My bad.  It was the title and song lyrics by Ziggy Marley that said "Love Is My Religion".  Close enough!

It was the late Bob Marley himself who said: "Overcome the devils with a thing called love."

I believe in giving credit where credit is due, but they were both just rewording the wisdom of Jesus.

No matter who you want to give the credit to, you would all be hard-pressed to say that it isn't a golden rule to live by!


SIDE NOTE:

~ Born: February 6, 1945, Nine Mile, Jamaica ~ Died: May 11, 1981, Miami, FL. Had he lived to see this day, the legendary reggae artist, Bob Marley would have been 70+ years old.  He and his music live on through his children.  They make sure of that!

Happy belated birthday, Mr. Marley!

Birthday confetti:  glitter-graphics.com

(*Blue Sacred Heart)

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• Bob Marley - Rastaman Trivia 2

• NOTE: Republished content. Blog post published at my other blog "My Next 50 Years" which is no longer available online.  (Keep getting a "bad gateway" message.  I don't know why! (O.o))

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.