2 Nephi 11–25 “We Rejoice In Christ” Jacob saw his Redeemer—The law of Moses typifies Christ and proves He will come. About 559–545 B.C. Isaiah sees the latter-day temple, gathering of Israel, and millennial judgment and peace—The proud and wicked will be brought low at the Second Coming—Compare Isaiah 2. About 559–545 B.C. Judah and Jerusalem will be punished for their disobedience—The Lord pleads for and judges His people—The daughters…

2 Nephi 6–10 “O How Great the Plan of Our God” Jacob recounts Jewish history: The Babylonian captivity and return; the ministry and crucifixion of the Holy One of Israel; the help received from the Gentiles; and the Jews’ latter-day restoration when they believe in the Messiah. About 559–545 B.C. Jacob continues reading from Isaiah: Isaiah speaks messianically—The Messiah will have the tongue of the learned—He will give His back…

2 Nephi 1–5 “We Lived After the Manner of Happiness” An account of the death of Lehi. Nephi’s brethren rebel against him. The Lord warns Nephi to depart into the wilderness. His journeyings in the wilderness, and so forth. Redemption comes through the Holy Messiah—Freedom of choice (agency) is essential to existence and progression—Adam fell that men might be—Men are free to choose liberty and eternal life. About 588–570 B.C.…

1 Nephi 16–22 “I Will Prepare The Way Before You” The wicked take the truth to be hard—Lehi’s sons marry the daughters of Ishmael—The Liahona guides their course in the wilderness—Messages from the Lord are written on the Liahona from time to time—Ishmael dies; his family murmurs because of afflictions. About 600–592 B.C. Nephi is commanded to build a ship—His brethren oppose him—He exhorts them by recounting the history of…

1 Nephi 11–15 “Armed with Righteousness and with the Power of God” Nephi sees the Spirit of the Lord and is shown in vision the tree of life—He sees the mother of the Son of God and learns of the condescension of God—He sees the baptism, ministry, and crucifixion of the Lamb of God—He sees also the call and ministry of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb. About 600–592 B.C.…

1 Nephi 8–10 “Come and Partake of the Fruit” Lehi sees a vision of the tree of life—He partakes of its fruit and desires his family to do likewise—He sees a rod of iron, a strait and narrow path, and the mists of darkness that enshroud men—Sariah, Nephi, and Sam partake of the fruit, but Laman and Lemuel refuse. About 600–592 B.C. Nephi makes two sets of records—Each is called…

1 Nephi 1–7 “I Will Go and Do” Nephi begins the record of his people—Lehi sees in vision a pillar of fire and reads from a book of prophecy—He praises God, foretells the coming of the Messiah, and prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem—He is persecuted by the Jews. About 600 B.C. Lehi takes his family into the wilderness by the Red Sea—They leave their property—Lehi offers a sacrifice to the…

Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” It is important that the actual scriptures be read. The Holy Land and Jewish insights are added to help the teacher and student “go back” to the setting in which the scriptures were given, and to better understand the general Jewish views of those scriptures. Jewish views have varied with time and dispersion. Yet understanding the Jews (basically…

Revelation 12–22 “He That Overcometh Shall Inherit All Things” Summary: John sees the imminent apostasy of the Church—He also sees the War in Heaven in the beginning when Satan was cast out—He sees the continuation of that war on earth. John sees fierce-looking beasts that represent degenerate earthly kingdoms controlled by Satan—The devil works miracles and deceives men. The Lamb will stand upon Mount Zion—The gospel will be restored in…

Christmas “Good Tidings of Great Joy” Summary: Matthew 1: Christ is born of Mary—She conceives by the power of the Holy Ghost—Our Lord is named Jesus. Matthew 2: The wise men are directed by a star to Jesus—Joseph takes the child to Egypt—Herod slays the children in Bethlehem—Jesus is taken to Nazareth to dwell. Luke 1: Gabriel promises Zacharias that Elisabeth will bear a son, whom they will name John—He…

Revelation 1–11 “Glory, and Power, Be unto . . . the Lamb for Ever” Summary: Christ chooses some as kings and priests unto God—Christ will come again—John sees the risen Lord. He who overcomes will gain eternal life, avoid the second death, inherit the celestial kingdom, and rule many kingdoms. He who overcomes will retain his name in the book of life, reach godhood, and be with Jesus as He…

1–3 John, Jude “Love Is Joy” Summary: The Saints gain fellowship with God by obedience—We must confess our sins to gain forgiveness. Christ is our Advocate with the Father—We know God by obedience—Love not the world—Anti-Christs will come in the last days. The sons of God will become like Christ—Love for others is required to gain eternal life—Obedience ensures us an answer to our prayers. Try the spirits—God is love…

1 and 2 Peter “Rejoice with Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory” Summary: The trial of our faith precedes salvation—Christ was foreordained to be the Redeemer. Converts are newborn babes in Christ—He is the chief cornerstone—Saints hold a royal priesthood and are a peculiar people—Saints are in subjection to the laws of man. Husbands and wives should honor each other—Saints should live by gospel standards—Christ preached to the spirits in…

James “Be Ye Doers of the Word, and Not Hearers Only” Summary: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God—Resist temptation—Be doers of the word—James explains how to recognize pure religion. God has chosen the poor of this world who are rich in faith—Salvation is gained by keeping the whole law—Faith without works is dead. By governing the tongue, we gain perfection—Heavenly wisdom is pure, peaceable, and…

Hebrews 7–13 “An High Priest of Good Things to Come” Summary: The Melchizedek Priesthood brings exaltation and administers the gospel—It is received with an oath and covenant—The superiority of the Melchizedek Priesthood over the Aaronic Priesthood is explained—Salvation comes through the intercession of Christ. Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin—God promised to make a new covenant with Israel. The Mosaic ordinances prefigured Christ’s ministry—Christ is the Mediator of…

Hebrews 1–6 “Jesus Christ: the Author of Eternal Salvation” Summary: The Son is in the express image of the person of the Father—Christ is the Only Begotten Son and thus above the angels. Jesus came to suffer death and save men—He came to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Christ is the Apostle and High Priest of our profession—Jesus, being the Son, is more than a servant—Now is…

1 and 2 Timothy; Titus: Philemon “Be Thou an Example of the Believers” Summary: Counsel is given to teach true doctrine only—Christ came to save repentant sinners. We should pray for all people—Christ is our Mediator—Women should dress modestly—Women are blessed in childbearing and are admonished to continue in faith, charity, and holiness. Qualifications are given for bishops and deacons—Great is the mystery of godliness. Paul describes the latter-day apostasy—Christ…

1 and 2 Thessalonians “Be Not Soon Shaken in Mind, or Be Troubled” Summary: The gospel comes both in word and in power. True ministers preach in a godly manner—Converts are the glory and joy of missionaries. The Saints are told to perfect that which is lacking in their faith. The Saints are told to be holy, sanctify themselves, and love one another—The Lord will come, and the dead will…

Philippians; Colossians “I Can Do All Things through Christ Which Strengthens Me” Summary: All that happened to Paul furthered the gospel cause—Our conduct should be as becometh the gospel. Saints should be of one mind and one spirit—Every knee shall bow to Christ— Saints must work out their salvation—Paul faces martyrdom with joy. Paul sacrifices all things for Christ—True ministers set examples of righteousness. Stand fast in the Lord—We believe…

“For the Perfecting of Saints” Summary: The Saints are foreordained to receive the gospel—The gospel is to be restored in the latter days—The Saints are sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise—They know God and Christ by revelation. We are saved by grace through faith—The blood of Christ saves Jew and Gentile alike—The Church is built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets. The Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel—The…

Galatians “Walk in the Spirit” Summary: Preachers of false gospels are accursed—Paul received the gospel by revelation—He believes, is taught, and preaches to the Gentiles. Paul goes to Jerusalem—He contends for the true gospel—Salvation comes through Christ. God gave the gospel to Abraham—Mosaic law added because of transgressions—The law was a schoolmaster to bring Israel to Christ—The saints are children of god by faith—All who are of the faith, and…

2 Corinthians 8–13 “God Loveth a Cheerful Giver” Summary: True saints impart of their substance to the poor—Christ out of His poverty brought eternal riches. God loves and rewards a cheerful giver—Thanks be to Him for his unspeakable gift. Bring every thought into obedience—Paul glories in the Lord. Maintain the simplicity that is in Christ—Satan sends forth false apostles—Paul glories in his sufferings for Christ. Paul caught up to the…

2 Corinthians 1–7 “Be Ye Reconciled to God” Summary: God comforts and cares for His saints—The saints are sealed and given assurance by the Spirit in their hearts. Saints should love and forgive one another—They always triumph in Christ. The gospel surpasses the law of Moses—Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Gospel light shines on the saints—Mortal trials are nothing as contrasted with eternal glory. Saints…

1 Corinthians 14–16 “God Is Not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace” Summary: People should desire spiritual gifts—Tongues and prophecy are compared—Prophecy is the greater gift—Paul says, You may all prophesy; covet to prophesy. Christ died for our sins—He rose from the dead and was seen by many—All men will be resurrected—Paul speaks of baptism for the dead—The three degrees of glory are described—Victory over death comes through Christ.…

1 Corinthians 8–13 “Ye Are the Body of Christ” Summary: There are many gods and many lords—To us there is one God (the Father) and one Lord, who is Christ. Paul rejoices in his Christian liberty—He preaches the gospel to all without charge—He is all things to all men to gain converts. Christ is the God of Israel and the spiritual Rock that guided them—Ancient Israel rebelled against Christ—Paul contrasts…

1 Corinthians 1–7 “Be Perfectly Joined Together” Summary: True Saints are perfectly united in the same mind and in the same judgment—Preach the gospel and save souls—The gospel is preached by the weak and the simple. The gospel is preached by the power of the Spirit—The Spirit reveals all things to the Saints—The unrepentant natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God. Milk comes before meat in…

Romans 7–16 “Overcome Evil with Good” Summary: The law of Moses is fulfilled in Christ—Paul delights in the law of God after the inward man. The law of Christ brings life and peace—Those adopted as children of God become joint heirs with Christ—God’s elect are foreordained to eternal life—Christ makes intercession for man. Paul explains how the law of election (foreordination) operates—The people of Israel are chosen (foreordained) to receive…

Romans 1–6 “The Power of God unto Salvation” Summary: The gospel is the power of God unto salvation through Jesus Christ—The wrath of God rests on those guilty of murder, homosexual practices, fornication, and other sins if the guilty do not repent. God will render to every person according to his or her deeds—Both Jews and Gentiles will be judged by gospel laws. Man is not justified by the law…

Acts 22–28 “A Minister and a Witness” Summary: Paul recounts the story of his conversion and also tells of seeing Jesus in a vision—He is accorded some privileges as a Roman citizen. Paul is smitten at Ananias’s order—The Lord again appears to Paul—Forty Jews plot his death—He is delivered over to Felix. Paul is accused of sedition—He answers in defense of his life and doctrine—He teaches Felix of righteousness, temperance,…

Acts 16–21 “The Lord Had Called Us for to Preach the Gospel” Summary: Paul is directed in a vision to preach in Macedonia—He casts an evil spirit out of a woman—He and Silas are imprisoned, and they convert the jailor—They admonish all to believe on the Lord Jesus and be saved. Paul and Silas preach and are persecuted in Thessalonica and in Berea—Paul, in Athens, preaches from Mars’ Hill about…

Acts 10–15 “The Word of God Grew and Multiplied” How are Sight, Sound and Motion used in the scriptures? The imagery of sight, sound, and motion used in the New Testament is a powerful part of doctrine and history being studied. “Sight” refers to the visual aspects; “sound” is in the doctrinal message that is spoken; and “motion” refers to the feelings as well as the movement of hours of…

Acts 6–9 “What Wilt Thou Have Me to Do?” What is the similarity in religious offices throughout time? The organization and growth of the Church in the Meridian of Times parallels the organization of the Church in ancient and modern times. These were and are offices and the men who were called to fill them, in their respective times, who had authority from God to bring light and truth to…

Acts 1-5 “Ye Shall Be Witnesses Unto Me” How analogous are Old and New Testament Pentecost days? The profound gift of the Holy Ghost was given to provide a witness of the completion of the Savior’s atonement. Being “set at liberty from our bruises” and happy to share our new-found freedom, we need the gift of the Holy Ghost to be witnesses. Fifty days after the Passover when Jesus was…

Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20–21 “He Is Risen” How do death and burial practices contrast the resurrection? The resurrection is so exceptional and such a “antithesis of death,” that an added insight to Jewish burial practices may be of value. “There is no explicit biblical evidence as to how soon after death burial took place, but it is likely that it was within a day after death.…

Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19 “It is Finished” How did the Atonement suffering continue from Gethsemane? Late that night, Jesus was betrayed, arrested, and taken to Caiaphas the High Priest. The incarceration and interrogation were not part of an official trial. Both were illegal under the circumstances. That evening was the beginning of the Preparation Day. “And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve…

Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 18 “Not as I Will, but as Thou Wilt” What key words help us understand the atonement? The key words in this lesson are mercy, forgiveness, and the color red. There is also a significant illustration using the color red. Unfortunately, the rich Jewish tradition of mercy, forgiveness and atonement has lost the identity of the Atoner, yet in the last days, the…

John 13–17; “Continue Ye in My Love” How does Passover echo the ordinance of the sacrament? The central issue in this lesson was foreshadowed by the Children of Israel through the Passover meal, the Seder, for almost three and a half thousand years. In fact, the substantive elements of that Seder, “fruit of the vine” (wine) and “unleavened bread” preceded the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. It is important to…

Joseph Smith–Matthew 1; Matthew 25; Mark 12–13; Luke 21 “The Son of Man Shall Come” How is anointing used in life and death? Anointing is done as one of the respectful ways of preparing a body for burial. Perhaps Jesus, knowing that Mary of Bethany would not have the chance to prepare His body in death as she and other women surely would have desired to do, appreciated her anointing…

Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 18–20; John 12 “Behold, Thy King Cometh” How is anointing used in life and death? Anointing is done as one of the respectful ways of preparing a body for burial. Perhaps Jesus, knowing that Mary of Bethany would not have the chance to prepare His body in death as she and other women surely would have desired to do, appreciated her anointing Him while He…

Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18 “What Lack I Yet” How is marriage viewed in the Bible by Jews of today? “Marriage is not merely an agreement between two individuals which can be dissolved at will, it is a union of souls. The same God who prescribed a formula for the fusion of souls — the formula followed beneath the wedding canopy — also gave detailed instructions how these two…

Luke 12–17; John 11 “Rejoice with Me; for I Have Found My Sheep Which Was Lost” How can word-insights help me find that which is lost? The study chapters include key words that represent our blessings and responsibilities. Some Jewish thoughts on forgiveness, leprosy, gratitude, work and burial may add insights to the parables and scriptures to be studied this week. How can I better understand forgiveness? “Repentance consists of…

John 7–10 "I Am the Good Shepherd" Who is the Light of Your Life? The great “I Am” is the “Light.” Every bit of light is a reflection of Him. That light is all around us. The teachings and traditions of light may be ways of better recognizing Him. “Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the…

Matthew 18; Luke 10 "What Shall I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?” What is the difference between stewardship and ownership? I participated in an archaeological survey close to Jericho discussing the odd nature of a beautiful first century synagogue floor. What was odd was that almost every ancient mosaic floor found in Israel has the signature of the donor with his family name and title. This one simply had an…

Easter "O Grave, Where Is Thy Victory?” What misunderstanding is there of “three-days and three-nights?” Many Christians struggle with the symbolism due to a mainstream Christian tradition of Good Friday as the crucifixion day and Easter Sunday as the resurrection day. That, according to the scriptural way of calculating twenty-four hour days, still is only two nights and two days. What did the Savior say about his death and resurrection?…

Matthew 16—17; Mark 9; Luke 9 How does the literary rendering teach us a greater meaning for the transfiguration? The following verse excerpts show the chiastic teaching pattern in the chapter of Matthew 16. “. . . I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be…

Matthew 14–15; Mark 6–7; John 6: 5–6 What meanings do you see in the metaphors of water and rock? Moses struck the rock and out came water. It became the Rock of Salvation. Simon, son of Jonah (Bar Jonah in Aramaic) was affectionately nicknamed Petrus (“rock” in Greek) by Jesus. In that sense, Simon became “Rocky-1” in the scriptures! Jesus, knowing that He was the “Rock of Salvation,” was establishing…

Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13 What are three tools of learning?They are seeing (visual), hearing (audio) and feeling (kinesthetic). These meta-programs (human perception modes) are reflected in the words we use to describe our reactions: “I see,” “Sounds right to me,” “I feel all right about this.” “. . . then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5) “And Moses…

Matthew 10—12; Mark 2; Luke 7; 11 How is leading sheep done is Israel today? Near Jerusalem is an Arab house with more than a hundred sheep. A boy shepherd leads them out every morning and returns in the late afternoon. Leading sheep is typical in this country. Usually there are about a dozen lead sheep, older ones from last year's flock. The shepherd often has them marked with bells…

Matthew 8—9; Mark 2—5 Do you believe in Miracles? Miracles are usually viewed with public amazement. Judaism sometimes views miracles as a part of God’s work with His people. The further a people stray from knowing God, the more their explanations of miracles become nebulous. In modern times, the late Israeli General and statesman, Moshe Dyan, was asked if he believed in miracles. He said, "No, we just count on…

Matthew 6—7 What is the significance of studying Jewish Values? Judaism reflects a great history of instructions and traditions in giving charity and making offerings to assist the less fortunate. Philanthropy is a basic part of Biblical life, and hence, a religious life. To devout Jews, Biblical life means a Jewish life. "The obligation to help the poor and the needy and to give them gifts is stated many times…

Matthew 5; Luke 6 Focusing Attention on Him: Most discussions of the Sermon on the Mount concentrate on our "attitudes." There may be an underlying and supporting doctrine teaching a higher law. Could it be that the Savior is saying, "No matter who you are, rich or poor, mournful or happy, popular or persecuted, come unto me and I will give you the Holy Ghost?" Mount of Beatitudes - A…

John 2-4 The Land of Israel: There are many people who mistakenly think of Israel as a flat, dry and dangerous land. In contrast to popular opinion, Israel is mountainous, the rainfall equals that of London (average of 26-inches per year), and peaceful feelings envelope visitors the moment they arrive! Abundant Rainfall – "40-Days and 40-Nights!:"Water has always been a concern because most of the 26-inches of rainfall occurs within…

Matthew 4; Luke 4-5 Summary:Jesus fasts forty days and is tempted—He begins His ministry, calls disciples, and heals the sick.Jesus fasts forty days and is tempted by the devil—Jesus announces His divine sonship in Nazareth and is rejected—He casts out a devil in Capernaum, heals Peter’s mother-in-law, and preaches and heals throughout Galilee.Peter, the fisherman, is called to catch men—Jesus heals a leper—He forgives sins and heals a paralytic—Matthew is…

Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3 Summary: John the Baptist preaches in Judæa—Jesus is baptized, and the Father acclaims Him as His Beloved Son. Jesus is baptized by John—He preaches the gospel, calls disciples, casts out devils, heals the sick, and cleanses a leper. John the Baptist preaches and baptizes—Jesus is baptized, and God acclaims Him as His Son—Jesus’ genealogy back to Adam is given. Christ is the Word of…

What and Who is the Word? Gospel writers had different approaches in describing Jesus’ life. John’s purpose is to explain WHAT He is and begins by describing Him as the WORD. To the Jews, the scriptures, the words of God, are so special they must never touch the ground. Many use a pointer to read the words rather than touch the scrolls with their fingers. The scroll cabinet, the “Ark,”…

Bethlehem: Today many people travel to the Holy Land to look for Jesus in traditional spots. They expect a stable behind an inn. They come looking for scenes learned from Christmas cards. Let’s draw our attention to the East where it really happened. The traditional site for Jesus’ birthplace was established only 175 years after His birth. Three Christian churches, the Greek Orthodox, Armenian, and Catholic, hold separate services here…

Levitical Cities Zacharias, a worthy priest in the temple, his wife Elisabeth, and John the Baptist initially lived in a city of “Judah.” Being priests, they likely lived in a town that was disciplined by priestly rules of cleanliness. “. . . there were 48 Levitical cities which were traditionally set apart, usually four from every tribe, for the exclusive residence of the Levites. Included in these were the six…

How to Recognize the Truth in the Holy Lands: The 2019 New Testament study material has numerous Christian traditions to consider. Most traditional Holy Land sites significant to Jesus’ life were established hundreds of years after his mortal mission. Let me reiterate that there are four considerations which have helped me ascertain the truth as I guide thousands through Israel. They are (1) archaeology, (2) written accounts (especially scriptures), (3)…

Title Seems Foreboding, Yet Only for the Unprepared: Preparations are being made that include beautiful and sacred "Houses of the Lord" throughout the world. (There will be at least two temple cities, Jerusalem and Zion). ". . . his voice out of Zion, and he shall speak from Jerusalem . . ." (D. & C. 124:35, 133:21) The "dress rehearsal" of today’s preparation and building – was before his "first"…

Some 1917 Parallels with Cyrus: The respect and honor Cyrus has in Jewish History is reflected by the Foreign Minister of England, Sir Arthur James, Earl of Balfour. His "Balfour Declaration" called for the return of the Jews to their homeland in 1917. Why Not Uganda? "In 1903 the Zionist movement was shaken by the introduction of the Uganda Scheme . . . rather than the disputed territory of Palestine.…

Historical Takeovers of the Little Land of Israel: Archaeology reveals close to thirty major different levels of conquering and habitation. The conqueror's quest was to secure the "Crossroads of the East." It reached from the north, sometimes governed by Assyrians, Babylonians and others and extended south to Egypt and the gateway to Africa. Babylon (today’s Iraq), was one of the major conquerors. Daniel Interprets: Prayer, alone as well as by…

Biblical Word of Wisdom: The Lord gave the Children of Israel a law of health. It could be called a "Word of Wisdom." The Jews call it the correct, proper or fit way of living, the Kashrut, or being kosher. The word kosher is also used as meaning correct. In this modern age, there are some Jews who will not eat meat because there are no sacrifices and the meat…

Doom to Consolation: "Although the Book of Ezekiel starts on a note of doom, it continues with consolation, and the news of Jerusalem's fall is followed by consolatory prophecies of its restoration. Ezekiel is transported in a vision to the future Jerusalem and describes the future Temple in detail." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) Salt and Water: Ezekiel gives us the imagery of water and salt as he envisions living water coming…

Flock with Bells: One day on the Mount of Beatitiudes, we were surrounded by a flock of sheep. There were about a dozen older sheep, the "lead sheep" and they were fastened with bells. After about ten minutes of the flock spreading out and milling around us, I noticed that almost everyone had tears in their eyes. We were in the midst of experiencing a Biblical metaphor. The shepherd began…

Higher or Lesser Law? Could it be that Israelites preferred to follow Moses the man rather than Jehovah the Lord when they said, "Moses, let God talk to you, and you'll talk to us?" Unable to recognize that with higher responsibilities (statutes) they would receive higher rewards (judgments), they chose a lesser way, resulting in many written commandments, rules and regulations. Instead of relying on the "Rock of Salvation," the…

Metaphor of Containing Things: Iron and clay are the most notable materials that were made into vessels. "Isaiah describes the smith's technique of working iron with the help of charcoal to produce a metal suitable for making vessels." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) The Lord "formed" Jeremiah as a vessel to represent the Lord. "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the…

Living in the "City of Our Lord" with Our Lord: Dwelling places such as tents with their poles (stakes) and curtains may represent the organized facilities and order of heaven. ". . . The city of the LORD (Ether 13:5) The "camp" of Israel was organized in a "City of the Lord," likened to the "House of the Lord." The families were on the outside; the priests (Levites) were next.…

"Everlasting" Hills Testify of the Lord: In ancient times, the word of the Lord came from the "tops of the mountains," Jerusalem, where the tribe of Judah and the prophets of Israel lived. These mountains create a backbone of the country of Israel. In fact, the land of Israel has mountains from its northern to its southern borders. It is a mountain range that is "everlasting." "Utah" – Tops: In…

Isaiah Said What He Meant: The other day at the Western (Wailing) Wall, a young Orthodox Jew was observing and listening to us, said "Isaiah could not be understood in English, you are interpreting it incorrectly." Even though we were not reading about a "virgin birth," he said that there are different meanings for "virgin." I thought, what made him refer to the virgin when we were reading something completely…

Isaiah Uses Simple Symbolisms and Metaphors: As he reports history in the making that becomes prophecy of the future, the knowledge of his surroundings and history removes the complications many people usually associate with his wonderful literature. Some of his meanings can still be seen in Jewish thought as subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) names of the Lord. Mercy, Justice: "The Hebrew word for justice is zedek . . . another…