Explore our collection of theological essays, biblical studies, and reflections on faith and culture.
The chronology of the Kings of Judah and Israel can be divided into three periods with clearly defined boundaries. The first period begins with the death of Solomon and the accessions of Rehoboam in the south (Judah) and Jeroboam in the north (Israel). It ends with the deaths of Ahaziah…
Most modern people regard the arts as essentially decorative. They are hardly very important, as compared to business, politics, or religion. Yet, from a Biblical point of view, the arts lie close to the heart of human life. The universe that God created is itself an artistic masterpiece by the…
Before we move into a detailed survey of the history and chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah, let us review the chronological information that leads from creation to the kingdom. This will be helpful both to new readers of these essays, and a reminder for those who have…
We have completed our overall survey of Biblical chronology, and now turn to a detailed examination of the Biblical information regarding the chronology of Israel’s kings. The first piece of chronological information we have regarding Israel’s kings is very cryptic, and it serves as an guide to the interpretation of…
Jonathan Z. Smith, To Take Place: Toward Theory in Ritual (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1987). Reviewed by Peter J. Leithart. The philosophes of the 18th century often attacked Christendom using the tools of anthropology and comparative religion. Rousseau contrasted the idyllic equality of primitive, natural peoples with the bondage…
Valerie I. J. Flint, The Rise of Magic in Early Medieval Europe (Princeton University Press, 1991). Reviewed by Peter J. Leithart. Valerie I. J. Flint, Professor of History at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, is refreshingly candid about her reasons for undertaking a study of The Rise of Magic…
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Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10). That means He cares for His flock, leading them to pasture and water (Psalm 23; 1 Peter 5:2; Revelation 7:17). The Good Shepherd is a gentle, nurturing shepherd. Also a shattering shepherd. Jesus shepherds ( poimaino ) with an iron rod, suitable for…
Revelation 3:1-2 is organized in a new chiasm: A. Thus saith He who has seven Spirits, even the seven stars B. I know your deeds ( erga ) C. You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead D. Wake up and strength the remainder C’. Which…
Psalm 26 is a chiastic text: A. I have walked with integrity and truth, vv 1-3 (Yahweh 3x) B. I don’t sit with the deceifful or wicked, vv 4-5 C. I wash in innocence, process around the altar, love Yahweh’s house, vv 6-8 (Yahweh 2x) B’. Do not take me…
Jesus’ message to Sardis uses the word “name” ( onoma ) four times, first in the sense of “reputation” (Revelation 3:1), then as a stand-in for person (v. 2), and finally twice in Jesus’ promise to those who keep up with their laundry (v. 5). We have the odd phenomenon…
Peter Winch argues that any comparison of social realities across cultures is self-contradictory ( The Idea of a Social Science , 108). We say X is a social fact, that it is what it is only because of the way social actors use and evaluate it. The “natives” deny that…
Bard Eirik Hallesby Norheim summarizes what Practicing Baptism means. It is “about letting oneself to be made a receiver, a beggar over and over again (204). It is about renunciation, the call to give up our lives to gain them (205). Baptism is practiced well only if it is practiced…
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