In the middle of the Bronze Age a most extraordinary empire developed and faded. Its capital was nowhere near a major river, sea, or trade route and was barely accessible during the winter months; itsContinue reading
Tag: old testament
Labor Under the Sun
So I loathed all the fruit of my effort, for which I worked so hard on earth, because I must leave it behind in the hands of my successor. Who knows if he will beContinue reading
Phoenicia
Ethnically they were a Canaanite people; they spoke a Canaanite language; they worshiped and served the Canaanite pantheon of gods. Jezebel, architect of Israel’s service to Baal, was among their number. Based on what wasContinue reading
Media
They overran the highlands of modern-day northwest Iran and developed a mighty force which helped to destroy Assyria and maintained a strong influence on the ancient Near East. Their influence would remain for generations, yetContinue reading
Keep Silent Before YHWH
Habakkuk stood at his watch and waited for an answer from YHWH. The answer would come, and it would resonate for generations. The prophet Habakkuk looked upon a sinful Judah and wondered if God wouldContinue reading
Kush
It sat at the southwestern end of the known world of the ancient Near East; what lay beyond seemed impenetrable. Its people were tall and smooth, respected warriors, integrated well into the ancient Near EasternContinue reading
Justice Executed
Be careful regarding what you request in prayer; you may just receive it. The prophet Habakkuk saw a burden, or oracle, at some point before the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE (Habakkuk 1:1). TheContinue reading
Babylon
From its beginning Babylon represented human arrogance and rebellion; it would enjoy fleeting moments of glamour and glory on a global stage. Babylon the city, on the Great River Euphrates in Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq, wouldContinue reading
Assyria
It is a rich and fertile land, fed by the Tigris and Euphrates as they descend from the mountains. The people living there would develop a fighting force which instilled dread and fear throughout theContinue reading