One of the common questions that arises from the book of Genesis is: Who was Cain’s wife? When Cain is exiled after killing his brother Abel, Genesis 4:17 tells us, “And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch.” This reference to Cain’s wife often raises questions about where she came from and how the early population of humanity grew. The Bible provides insights into the early growth of humanity, God’s purpose in allowing family marriages initially, and when He later commanded against such relationships. The Population in the Time of Cain: Where Did His Wife Come From? The...
The Name of the Lord in the Bible: Its Meaning and Significance
The phrase “the name of the Lord” appears throughout the Bible, representing the power, character, and authority of God Himself. To call upon, proclaim, or revere the name of the Lord is central to the lives of God’s people, signifying an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and an invitation for His intervention and blessing. In this study, we’ll examine specific instances in Scripture where “the name of the Lord” is exactly mentioned and explore its significance in each context. The First Mention: Calling on the Name of the Lord in the Days of Seth The first time “the name of the Lord”...
Understanding Elisha’s Curse on the Mocking Youths: Divine Justice or Coincidence?
The account of Elisha and the youths who mocked him, found in 2 Kings 2:23-25, is one of the Bible’s more surprising stories. In this passage, Elisha, who has recently succeeded the prophet Elijah, is mocked by a group of young people on his way to Bethel. Elisha responds with a curse, and two bears emerge from the woods, mauling forty-two of the youths. This incident raises important questions: Were they killed, hurt, or simply frightened? Did Elisha command the bears, or did God intervene? Let’s delve into the details to understand this passage more fully. The account Recap: Mockery,...
Understanding Tithing: From Melchizedek to Christian Stewardship
Tithing is a significant topic in Scripture, rooted in the Old Testament and practiced by Israel as a part of their covenant relationship with God. However, in the New Testament, the concept of tithing shifts, emphasizing a heart of generosity rather than adherence to a fixed percentage. As believers in Jesus Christ, we understand that tithing as a legal obligation is no longer a part of the church’s mandate, yet the principles of stewardship and cheerful giving remain central to our faith. Let’s explore the journey of tithing through Scripture and understand its role in the life of a...
The Twelve Tribes of Israel: Their Heritage, Roles, and Significance in Scripture
The twelve tribes of Israel trace their origin to the twelve sons of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel (Genesis 32:28). These sons became the patriarchs of the tribes that would make up the nation of Israel. Each tribe held specific roles and responsibilities, forming a community united by God’s covenant and divided according to His purpose. In this blog, we’ll explore each tribe’s unique identity, the responsibilities of the Levites, the system of tithes, and the prophetic list of tribes in Revelation, including those that are notably absent. The Twelve Tribes of Israel: An...
Melchizedek: A Christophany of Christ in the Old Testament
Melchizedek is a fascinating figure in Scripture, appearing briefly in Genesis 14 and Psalm 110, and later explained in great detail in Hebrews 7. Unlike other Old Testament figures, Melchizedek’s attributes and actions reveal characteristics that are unparalleled, leading us to understand him as a Christophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. In Hebrews, the author carefully establishes Melchizedek’s identity, equating him with Christ in profound ways. Let’s explore the rich details in Hebrews 7 and other Scriptures that clarify Melchizedek’s divine nature and relationship to...
The Word of the Lord in the Old Testament and the Revelation of Jesus as the Word in the New Testament
Throughout the Old Testament, we encounter the phrase "the word of the Lord" in numerous places, revealing God’s direct communication with His people. From prophets receiving divine instruction to the psalmists extolling its power, the "word of the Lord" holds a place of profound reverence and authority. By the time we reach the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John, we see this concept brought to life in the person of Jesus Christ, whom John boldly identifies as “the Word.” Let’s explore the appearances and significance of “the word of the Lord” in the Old Testament and the...
Christophanies: Preincarnate Appearances of Christ in the Bible
Throughout the Old Testament, we encounter mysterious appearances of God in human form, foreshadowing the ultimate incarnation of Jesus Christ. These preincarnate manifestations of Christ are known as Christophanies, and they reveal how Jesus was active and present long before His birth in Bethlehem. Let's explore these fascinating encounters and see how they point us to Christ. The Angel of the Lord Appears to Hagar (Genesis 16:7-13) The first Christophany we encounter is when “the Angel of the Lord” finds Hagar in the wilderness. In Genesis 16:7-13, the Angel speaks to Hagar, makes...
The Angel of the Lord: 20 Reasons to Believe He Is the Pre-Incarnate Jesus
Throughout the Old Testament, we frequently encounter a figure referred to as "the Angel of the Lord." Many theologians and Bible scholars believe that this figure is a Christophany — a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. Here are 20 reasons, with examples, to support the claim that "the Angel of the Lord" is indeed the pre-incarnate Jesus.