“What are the twelve tribes of Israel?”……Answer: The Bible lists the twelve tribes of Israel in several locations: (Genesis 35:23-26Exodus 1:2-5Numbers 1:20-431 Chronicles 2:2Revelation 7:5-8). It is interesting that there are slight differences in some places. The 12 sons of Israel (Jacob) were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher and […]

What was the significance of the ephod? In the Old Testament, the ephod has two meanings. In one group of passages, it signifies a garment; in another, very probably an image. As a garment the ephod is referred to in the priestly ordinances as a part of the official dress of the high priest. It […]

“Who was Nero?”……Born LuciusDomitiusAhenobarbus in December of 37, Nero became the fifth emperor of Rome. Along with Rome's first four emperors – Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius – these five made up what is called the "Julio-Claudian" dynasty. Nero was adopted by his great uncle Claudius to become his successor, and upon Claudius's death in […]

“Who was Baal?”……Answer: Baal was the name of the supreme god worshiped in ancient Canaan and Phoenicia. The practice of Baal worship infiltrated Jewish religious life during the time of the Judges (Judges 3:7), became widespread in Israel during the reign of Ahab (1 Kings 16:31-33) and also affected Judah (2 Chronicles 28:1-2). The word […]

“What year was Jesus Christ born?”……Answer: The Bible does not provide the exact day or even the exact year in which Jesus was born in Bethlehem. But a close examination of the chronological details of history narrows the possibilities to a reasonable window of time.……The biblical details of Jesus' birth are found in the Gospels. […]

“What was the Sanhedrin?”……The term Sanhedrin is from a Greek word that means "assembly" or "council" and dates from the Hellenistic period, but the concept is one that goes back to the Bible. In the Torah, God commands Moses Numbers 11:16 Then the Lord said to Moses, "Gather before me seventy men who are recognized […]

Covenant The basic structure of the relationship God has established with His people is the covenant. A covenant is usually thought of as a contract. While there surely are some similarities between covenants and contracts, there are also important differences. Both are binding agreements. Contracts are made from somewhat equal bargaining positions, and both parties […]