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Writing

Explore our collection of theological essays, biblical studies, and reflections on faith and culture.

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Revelation

The Seven Thunders, An Interpretive Suggestion

And He cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars; and when He had cried out, the seven thunders spoke their voices (Revelation 10:3). In Revelation 10 John sees Jesus come down to him from heaven with a little book in His hand. Jesus cries out with…

by James B. JordanOctober 7, 1994
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Biblical Chronology

Genesis 5 & 11: Chronological-Theological Reflections

The numbers found in Genesis 5 & 11 display characteristics that indicate a complex and meticulous symbolic schematization operating at several levels. Because these numbers are so potent symbolically, unbelieving scholars have universally (as far as I know) treated them as artificial. Believers take them literally, but believers must also…

by James B. JordanOctober 7, 1994
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Revelation

The Kings From the East

And the sixth angel poured out his bowl upon the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, that the way might be prepared for the kings from the east [sunrising]. (Revelation 16:12) The kings from the east in Revelation 16:12 are generally assumed to be enemies of…

by James B. JordanSeptember 10, 1994
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Biblical Studies

Covenants and Dates

During my brief sojourn as a pastor during the 1980s, I had several occasions to be involved in settling disputes between men in the congregation I served. A typical dispute went like this: Two men formed a company to do business. After a few years, the business went sour, and…

by James B. JordanSeptember 10, 1994
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Revelation

The Grape Harvest of Revelation 14:17-20

The two harvests of Revelation 14:14-20, of grain and of grapes, are most often understood as symbolic of God’s judgment against the wicked, or against Babylon, as amplified in chapters 16 & 17. Some commentators, however, notice that the gospels speak of the grain harvest as a reaping of the…

by James B. JordanAugust 10, 1994
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Deuteronomy

The Chronology of the Pentateuch (Part 6)

(Conclusion of Chapter 16 in the previous Biblical Chronology Article) Month 3, 2513 According to Leviticus 23:15-16, Pentecost was to be observed 50 days after the sabbath after Passover, or 49 days after the Feast of First Fruits. I initially based my reflections on the Jewish tradition that the Law…

by James B. JordanAugust 10, 1994

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BodyCatholicism

Theology of the Body

Today is the centenary of the birth of Pope John Paul II , who was far and away the greatest Christian leader of the twentieth century. In honor of his birth, here are some notes on the first section of his monumental Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology…

May 18, 2020
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Exodus

Garments of Glory and Beauty, 1

Exodus 28 has a fairly clear surface structure: A.Garments of glory and beauty, 28:1-5 B. Ephod and onyx stones, 28:6-14 C. Breastpiece of judgment, 28:15-30 D. Robe of the ephod, 28:31-35 E. Golden crown, tunic, turban, 28:36-39 F. Tunics and caps for Aaron's sons, 28:40 G. Breeches to cover flesh,…

May 13, 2020
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Coronavirus

New Normals

Much remains uncertain about the new coronavirus, including its infection rate and its fatality rate. As if the natural uncertainty of such things weren't confusing enough, we're battered with conflicting narratives about the numbers, accusations of "fake news" tossed in every direction. Thus far, it seems healthy people without any…

May 11, 2020
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Exodus

Priesting Aaron

Jim Jordan likes to talk about the " Enoch Factor ." The phrase refers to the historical phenomenon laid out in Genesis 4. Cain fathers Enoch and builds a city by the same name. In the line of Enoch are Jabal, the first animal husbandman, and Jubal, father of music,…

May 6, 2020
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Coronavirus

Let My People Go!

Alabama's Governor Kay Ivey loosened the shutdown last week, allowing more businesses to operate and opening the Gulf coast beaches. I appreciate the complexity of the issues governors face. They must make life-or-death decisions, without the kind of information they need to be certain their decisions are right. Governors throughout…

May 4, 2020
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Exodus

Continuous Light

Exodus 25-30:10 is a single speech of Yahweh (cf. 25:1; 30:11), the "First Day" section of the Seven-Day tabernacle description. The most obvious structuring principle of the first speech is spatial. In general, the speech begins in the Most Holy Place, moves out, then moves back in. 1. Contribution from…

April 29, 2020

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