Are there any black people mentioned in the Bible?
We can say with a fair degree of certainty that, yes, the Bible does mention black people, although the Bible does not explicitly identify any person as being black-skinned. Neither does the Bible specifically identify any person as being white-skinned. A person’s skin color is rarely mentioned in the Bible; the color of one’s skin…
What is a blessing according to the Bible?
A blessing, according to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, is “the act or words of one that blesses,” or “a thing conducive to happiness or welfare.” In the Bible, there are several words that are usually translated as “blessing” or “bless.” The Hebrew word most often translated “bless” is barak, which can mean to praise, congratulate, or…
Is there any significance to a full moon in the Bible?
The moon is one of the “great lights” that God made on the fourth day of creation (Genesis 1:14–18). These great lights were to help mankind mark the passing of time and the rotation of the earth. Ancient cultures based their seasons, and even celebrations, upon the moon’s phases. We’ve heard much lately about “blood…
Why did the Old Testament Law command against the eating of pork?
Many of the prohibitions and requirements in the Old Testament seem pointless to the modern Western mind. A case in point is the ban on eating pork (Leviticus 11:7). After all, to most people, a good pork loin served with apples and nuts makes for a very fine meal! Understanding the purpose of the Mosaic…
What was calamus in the Bible?
Calamus is a plant mentioned several times in the Bible. In most cases, it is mentioned in the context of being a fragrant plant or one used in making incense. There is probably no connection between calamus and marijuana. Exodus 30:23 says, “Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much…
What is the meaning of pestilence in the Bible?
Pestilence is a deadly disaster, usually a disease, that affects an entire community. Pestilence is contagious, virulent, and devastating. For example, the Black Plague in Europe that killed over thirty percent of the population during the late Middle Ages was a pestilence. In the Bible, pestilence is usually a sign of God’s judgment on a…
Why is the birthright so emphasized in the Bible?
The birthright is emphasized in the Bible because it honored the rights or privileges of the family’s firstborn son. After the father died, or in the father’s absence, the firstborn son assumed the father’s authority and responsibilities. However, the Bible also shows that the father could rescind the birthright and pass it on to a…
What is the significance of acacia wood in the Bible?
Acacia wood is often mentioned in reference to objects used in the construction of the tabernacle in the book of Exodus. Of greatest importance is its use in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. Why acacia wood? Does it have any special significance? From a practical standpoint, acacia trees would have been one…
What does the Bible say about being left-handed?
The Bible presents the right hand as the hand of strength (Exodus 15:6; Psalm 118:16). Sitting at someone’s right hand is considered a position of honor (Psalm 110:1). The right hand is consistently valued over the left hand in Scripture (Genesis 48:13-18; Galatians 2:9). What does this mean about left-handedness? Is being left-handed considered a…
What was the practice of casting lots?
The practice of casting lots is mentioned seventy times in the Old Testament and seven times in the New Testament. In spite of the many references to casting lots in the Old Testament, nothing is known about the actual lots themselves. They could have been sticks of various lengths, flat stones like coins, or some…