Old Testament

"The Great God Success" by David Graham Phillips explores themes of ambition, morality, and the pursuit of wealth in early 20th-century America. The novel follows the life of a young man who becomes entangled in the world of corporate greed and social climbing, ultimately questioning the values of success and the cost it demands. Through his journey, Phillips critiques the societal obsession with materialism and the sacrifices individuals make in the name of success. The narrative serves as a commentary on the moral dilemmas faced in the relentless pursuit of personal and financial achievement.

The Medianites, often referred to as Midianites, were a group of nomadic tribes mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Exodus and the Book of Numbers. They were descended from Midian, a son of Abraham and his wife Keturah. The Midianites are known for their interactions with the Israelites, both as adversaries and allies, and they played a significant role in various biblical narratives, including the story of Moses and the conquest of Canaan. Historically, they inhabited regions in northwest Arabia and were involved in trade and pastoralism.

Canaan was an ancient region located in the Near East, encompassing parts of modern-day countries such as Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. It was situated along the eastern Mediterranean coast and included various city-states and territories inhabited by different peoples throughout history. The term "Canaan" is often associated with the biblical narrative, where it represents the Promised Land for the Israelites.

Cain lied to God when asked about the whereabouts of his brother Abel. After murdering Abel, Cain responded to God’s inquiry by saying, "Am I my brother's keeper?" This statement not only denied his responsibility for Abel's fate but also demonstrated his defiance and reluctance to acknowledge his wrongdoing.

No. There's only a limited amount of people that go to Heaven: 144,000. These are all handpicked by Jehovah God and Jesus. (Revelation 14:1-4) So what happens to everyone else, since there's more than that many righteous/good people on the Earth?

According to the Bible, the majority of the righteous people will live forever on Earth in the future. This will be the case after Jehovah destroys all of the evil people of the world during Armageddon. (Psalm 37:10, 11, 28-29; Proverbs 2:21-22; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9) In both cases, following the 10 Commandments (and more importantly, following the commandments that Jesus highlighted while on Earth) will assist in helping a person to be seen as righteous by Jehovah, as well as giving us the opportunity to have a personal friendship with Him. (Psalm 15:1-5)

(New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures)

In 587 B.C., Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II. This event marked the culmination of a siege that led to the conquest of Jerusalem. The temple, which was central to Jewish worship and identity, was burned, and many of the inhabitants of Jerusalem were exiled to Babylon, initiating a period of Babylonian captivity for the Jewish people.

King Solomon is primarily known for his wisdom, which is famously exemplified in the biblical story of his decision to split a baby in two to determine the real mother. His ability to make fair and insightful judgments earned him a reputation as a wise ruler, and he is often associated with the proverbs and writings attributed to him in the Bible. Additionally, Solomon is known for his wealth, architectural achievements, including the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, and for fostering trade and alliances.

The Fa Yue Temple, also known as the Fayue Temple, was built during the Tang Dynasty, specifically in the year 747 AD. It is located in the Wutai Mountain area of Shanxi Province, China, and is known for its beautiful architecture and significance in Chinese Buddhism. The temple has undergone various renovations and expansions over the centuries, reflecting its historical importance.

The historical division of the New Testament primarily includes the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which narrate the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Following the Gospels, the Book of Acts details the early Christian church's formation and the spread of the Gospel after Jesus' ascension. This division emphasizes the foundational events and figures of Christianity, providing a narrative context for the teachings found in the epistles that follow.

The distinguishing feature of the Sinai Covenant was that it established a formal agreement between God and the Israelites, characterized by the giving of the Ten Commandments and laws at Mount Sinai. This covenant defined the Israelites as God's chosen people and outlined their responsibilities and ethical conduct in exchange for divine protection and blessings. It emphasized a unique relationship based on obedience, loyalty, and worship to Yahweh.

The value of the Dead Sea Scrolls is difficult to determine precisely due to their historical and cultural significance. However, estimates suggest that fragments of the scrolls could be worth millions of dollars each on the antiquities market. In 2002, a single fragment sold for over $1 million, highlighting their immense value to collectors and scholars alike. Ultimately, their worth transcends monetary value, representing a critical connection to ancient history and religious texts.

Moses, Abraham, and Noah prefigure Christ through their roles as mediators and covenant-bearers in the biblical narrative. Abraham is seen as the father of faith, with God's promise of a great nation foreshadowing the coming of Christ, who fulfills the promise of salvation. Moses, as a deliverer who leads his people out of bondage, symbolizes Christ's role in liberating humanity from sin. Noah represents a new beginning through the covenant of the rainbow, paralleling Christ's establishment of a new covenant through His sacrifice, offering hope and redemption to all.

Jehovah God blessed mankind with the ability to display His core attributes to a certain extent-Love, justice, wisdom and power. This is because mankind was made in His image. (Genesis 1:27) He also gave mankind an understanding of and desire for spirituality, enabling them to get to know Him on a more personal level. This is why He invites everyone to draw close to Him, and in turn, He would do the same. (James 4:8)

Jehovah gave mankind the capacity to learn for eternity (Ecclesiastes 3:11), since we were made to live forever. Adam's disobedience doomed us all, introducing sin and death. (Romans 5:12) However, Jesus' sacrifice enabled us to be able to attain everlasting life again if we exercised faith in it. (John 3:16; Romans 5:18)

(New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures)

During Gideon's life, judges served as key figures in the legal system, responsible for overseeing court proceedings, making rulings on legal matters, and ensuring justice was administered fairly. They interpreted laws, assessed evidence, and determined the outcomes of cases, including those involving defendants who could not afford legal representation. The landmark Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) highlighted the necessity for judges to provide legal counsel to indigent defendants, reinforcing the principle of fair trial rights in the American judicial system.

When God offered Solomon the choice between knowledge and wealth, Solomon chose wisdom. He asked for the ability to discern and govern his people effectively, demonstrating his desire for understanding over material riches. This choice pleased God, who granted Solomon both wisdom and wealth, making him one of the most renowned kings in history. Solomon's decision highlights the value of wisdom as a foundation for leadership and prosperity.

In the New Testament, Jesus does not directly mention Jacob and Esau in the womb. However, the Apostle Paul, in Romans 9:10-13, references the story, indicating that before they were born, God chose Jacob over Esau, highlighting divine election. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty in choosing individuals for His purposes. The narrative underscores the idea that God's plans can transcend human circumstances and expectations.

When Moses went to receive the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, the Israelites grew anxious in his absence and feared he might not return. They approached Aaron, asking him to make them a god to worship. In response, Aaron fashioned a golden calf from their jewelry, and the people began to worship it, engaging in revelry and idolatry, which led to severe consequences when Moses returned.

Solomon's failure as a king can be attributed to several factors, including his heavy taxation and forced labor policies, which led to discontent among the Israelites. His later years were marked by a decline in adherence to the covenant with God, as he allowed foreign influences and idol worship to infiltrate Israel. This shift weakened the kingdom's unity and faith, ultimately contributing to its division after his death. His legacy is thus a mix of great wisdom and significant failures that sowed discord among his people.

The three sons of Alunsina and Halowed are named Labaw Donggon, Humadapnon, and Datu Paubari. They are central characters in various Visayan epics, particularly in the "Hinilawod" epic from the Panay Island in the Philippines. Each son embarks on their own adventures, showcasing themes of heroism, love, and the struggle against malevolent forces.

The Gazites planned to kill Samson by surrounding the city of Gaza and waiting for him to leave the city in the morning. They intended to ambush him and capture him, as they believed he would be vulnerable outside the city. However, Samson outsmarted them by escaping during the night, lifting the city gates and carrying them away, thereby thwarting their plan to kill him.

"Anointed and sent forth" typically refers to a person who has been chosen, empowered, or consecrated for a specific purpose or mission, often in a religious context. "Anointed" signifies being blessed or set apart, often through a ceremonial act, while "sent forth" indicates being dispatched or commissioned to carry out a task or spread a message. This phrase is commonly associated with leaders, prophets, or spiritual figures who are believed to have a divine mandate.

In Psalm 102, the psalmist contrasts the transient nature of human life with God's eternal existence by highlighting human suffering and mortality. The psalmist laments that human days are like grass, which withers and fades away, emphasizing the brevity of life. In stark contrast, God is depicted as eternal, unchanging, and sovereign, whose years will never end. This juxtaposition serves to remind the faithful of their reliance on God's everlasting nature amidst their own temporal struggles.

No, Ezra did not build the Temple in Jerusalem; that was done by Zerubbabel and others after the Babylonian exile. Ezra was a priest and scribe who played a crucial role in the spiritual and religious restoration of the Jewish people and the reestablishment of the Torah. He is known for leading a group of exiles back to Jerusalem and reinforcing the Law among the returned community. Ezra's contributions were more focused on religious reforms and teaching rather than the physical construction of the Temple.

The Bible only refers to "the wife of Lot". She is unnamed. (Genesis 19:26)

(New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures)

King David was in exile from Saul for approximately seven years. After Saul became increasingly jealous of David's popularity and success, David fled to escape Saul's attempts on his life. This period of exile included time spent in various locations, such as the wilderness of Judah and the city of Ziklag, until Saul's death, which ultimately allowed David to ascend to the throne.