Original Publication Date
April 23, 2016
Updated
Jan 10, 2023 1:37 AM
Tags
NumbersChapter StudyMoabAnimalsMessianic ProphecyProphecyFalse Deities and Prophets
Bible References
Numbers 22-24
📅
This page was originally posted on my Blogger version of the blog on April 23, 2016
The content below has a few minor tweaks for clarity, and additional references, and some updated information.
Introduction
The next series of events that are recounted are extremely interesting and place the Israelites almost as secondary characters. We see these events from the point of view of Balak, king of Moab, and Balaam. Balaam is summoned to the king in the hopes of placing a curse on the Israelites.
Balak's Decision
Balak fears Israel after he witnesses them defeat the Amorites. Since Moab was a tribal confederation to which Midian also belonged,[1] Balak calls for elders from Midian to discus the issue. He decides to send for Balaam (who must have been known as a sorcerer or priest sorts), with the desire for Balaam to curse the Israelites and grant favor to Moab in battle.
Balaam Seeks God
The princes of Moab take Balak's request to Balaam, who does not rush into a decision. Instead, Balaam consults God before deciding on the matter. This is the manner in which we should make our decisions today. While, it does appear that Balaam may be pagan, he hears from the one true God when he seeks consul. I'm not sure if Balaam sought out the God of Abraham, though we do know that some of the Midianites worshipped the God of the Israelites (e.g. Moses' father-in-law) and where descended from Abraham. Overall, Balaam reminds me of the false prophets of today. They speak of God, claim to commune with God, but when it came time for action, Balaam did what Balaam wanted.
Naturally, when God speaks to Balaam, He tells him not to curse Israel—Balaam doesn't have the power to strip Israel of God's love or protection. God asks Balaam who the men with him are, likely God's way of putting things in to perspective and showcase God's position of authority over all. On top of not cursing Israel, God tells Balaam not to go with the men (presumably back to Balak). The princes, who were likely afraid to take Balaam's "no" back to the king, begin to barter with him to get a "yes."
At the promise of great power, Balaam says he will check again with God. Though he reminds the princes that he can't go against God's will, this is a pointless action. Balaam isn't going to God for the sake of Balak or because he truly wants what he's asking for. When Moses interceded to "change" God's mind for the sake of Israel, he went humbly with a heart for the people he interceded on behalf of. There is nothing humble about Balaam's inquiry; he simply wanted the power promised to him by Balak's men.
In response, God comes to Balaam at night. God instructs Balaam to only go with the princes if they ask him. The next morning when Balaam wakes, he saddles his donkey leaves with princes without prompt. Angry at Balaam's disobedience, God sends the Angel of the Lord.
A Talking Donkey
The Angel of the Lord stands in Balaam's way, but Balaam is unable to see the angel. The donkey, on the other hand, could see the angel and knew to be afraid. She turns from the path and goes into the adjacent field. Unaware of what is occurring, Balaam strikes the donkey for leaving the path and tries to force her back in the direction he insists upon going. The angel then appears in a vineyard, presumably blocking Balaam's new direction. This time, the donkey thrusts herself into a wall, injuring Balaam's foot in the process. Again he strikes the donkey in ignorant anger. Determined to continue, Balaam forces the donkey on. When the angel appears again, the donkey lays down beneath Balaam. In anger, Balaam strikes the donkey with his staff—presumably he used his hand the first 2 times.
Perhaps feeling sorry for the donkey, or simply wanting to show Balaam the error of his ways, God grants the donkey the ability to speak. Immediately, the donkey confronts Balaam about his mistreatment of her. As the two talk, the Lord opens Balaam's eyes so that he can see the angel. Upon seeing the sword wielding angel, Balaam falls to his face (presumably in both shame and adoration). Like the donkey, the Angel questions Balaam regarding his treatment of the donkey. The angel also explains the donkey's behavior and warns Balaam that he is going against God's instruction. Admitting to his sin, Balaam offers to return home. Surprising, the angel does not agree to this, but instead sends him forward with the warning to only speak that which God commands.
Balaam & Balak Meet
The first order of business when the two men meet, is for Balak to ask Balaam why he didn't come to him. I'm not sure if Balak is referring to the fact that Balaam initially refused or that Balaam arrived after the princes returned. We don't know if the princes were there for Balaam's encounter with the angel or not, though it seems unlikely. If they were not present, it stands to reason they arrived without Balaam and assumed he'd changed his mind. Once this situation is cleared up for Balak, the two converse and Balaam maintains that he can only do what God commands. The two men then journey to Kirjath-huzoth, where Balak hopes to begin the process of cursing the Israelites.
The First Sacrifice & Prophecy
One of two things happens when Balaam and Balak reach their destination. Either Balak's pagan origins leads him to believes he can persuade God to change His mind by offering sacrifices, or knowing that the sacrifices wouldn't work, Balaam extorted Balak to perform sacrifices anyway (similar to preachers today charging outrageous prices for their insight to the word of God). Balak offers sheep and oxen to Baal in hopes of gaining favor, unaware that it is God who is making the decision. Balaam instructs Balak to build seven altars. On each altar, Balaam sacrifices one ox and one ram. Balaam either means for these to be sacrificed to God or God comes on behalf of Israel despite Balaam dabbling paganism.
When God comes to Balaam, he gives him a prophecy. Balaam recounts the prophecy to Balak, stating that the Israelites will live in the land alone. He reiterates the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, in which Abraham's seed would be uncountable like the dust. Balak becomes upset that not only does Balaam not curse Israel, but he did the opposite and pronounced a blessing on them. Balak still thinks he can change God's mind; it is unclear whether Balak knows he is dealing with God or still thinks he is dealing with Baal.
The Second Sacrifice & Prophecy
The second time, Balak takes Balaam to Zophim and the top of Pisgah (Mt. Nebo). Again, they build seven altars, offer seven bulls, and offer seven rams. Then, Balaam consults with God. Balaam tells Balak the words God revealed to him, which are some of the most important assertions about God's character we have. God informs Balaam (and Balak, through Balaam) that He is not a man, He doesn't lie, and He will do what He says.
19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? 20 Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.
Balaam informs Balak that God didn't bring the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt only to fail; therefore, nothing (and no one) can stand against Israel. Balaam says that they will rise up as a great lion and lift up a young lion. The young lion is prophesied to eat the prey and drink the blood of the slain. Balak begs Balaam not to bless Israel, or even curse them, as he wants another chance to convince God to curse the Israelites.
The Third Sacrifice & Prophecy
The third time, the pair journey to Peor to repeat the persuasion ritual of Balak's choice. Again, they build seven altars, sacrificing one bull and one ram on each altar. God, unchanging, still means to bless Israel. Balaam heads toward the wilderness where he can see the Israelites. Here, the Spirit of God comes upon him and gives another prophecy. Balaam learns that the Israelites will be more powerful than Agag, king of the Amalekites. He is told of the land's abundance under Israel's dominion. Again, Israel is compared to a lion who will conquer and prosper.
Balak's Anger
It is understandable that Balak was angry at Balaam; he went out of his way to summon Balaam, sacrificed 21 bulls and 21 rams (the poor animals died for nothing), and was still rejected. On top of not gaining a curse for Israel, Balak watches Balaam bless the Israelites multiple times. When viewed from Balak's point of view, he was doing everything he could to make his goal a reality. The problem wasn't how hard he worked or how much effort he put it, but the fact that it simply wasn't meant to be. We must remember this as we walk through life, as well.
Lesson to Learn
Balak walked contrary to God, so he was destined to lose, just as we are when we embark on paths that do not align with God's plan. Balak could have listened the first time and chosen a different course, but he kept knocking on the same door, hoping God would change His mind. This is something we must watch for today; God will always tell us when we are taking the wrong path, just as He stood in Balaam's way and refused to grant Balak's request. It is up to us to listen.
Sent Away
Balak sends Balaam away in anger, though Balaam reminds him that from the beginning, Balaam had warned Balak that he could only do that which God commanded. Interestingly, we aren't told if Balaam was actually one of God's people or just followed God's word that one time. In any case, we are reminded that when those around us say things we do not want to hear, we have to consider whether God is speaking to us through that person or if that person is just spouting nonsense.
The Fourth Prophecy
Balaam's final prophecy foretells of both King David and Jesus.[1] Likely, the intent was for Jesus, since Balaam says he will see the person one day. Balaam also foretells the star of Bethlehem, a great king, and the destruction of the children of Sheth. Sheth is likely a reference to Seth, which would make the final prophecy a reference to all people.[1][2][3] It is also possible that the word "sheth" was not a person's name but meant "tumult" thus rendering the prophecy valid for the sons of tumult.[4]
Jesus will destroy everyone at His second coming, which would definitely apply to the destruction of the children of Seth, so perhaps this is what Balaam was speaking of. David, also associated with a star, defeated Moab and Edom. Technically, he fulfilled the prophecy, but to a lesser extent than Jesus. Balaam prophesies that the one who will be given dominion will be from the progeny of Jacob. Finally, he predicts the fall of Amalek, the Kenites, Assur, and Eber.
References and Footnotes
- Holman Bible Publishers. Holman KJV Study Bible. pg. 271-275. 2014
- Uittenbogaard, Arie. "The name Sheth in the Bible". Abiram Publications. 2016
- "Sheth". Bible Hub. 2016
- "Sheth". Bible Study Tools. 2016
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PSALMS to God is a blog, podcast, and YouTube channel that discusses many topics and issues, always keeping YHWH as the anchor. Hosea 4:6 says “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”—here, the aim is to always ask questions and study to find the answers. You can keep up with new content by signing up for the weekly newsletter.
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This page is under construction
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This page was originally posted on my Blogger version of the blog on June 1, 2015
The content below has a few minor tweaks for clarity, and additional references, and some updated information.
Introduction
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Would You Rather?: Fatherly TreatmentWould You RatherEdomJacobJosephGenesisRelationshipsTheft
LeahJacobGenesisRelationshipsLeviJudahZebulunIssacharDinahSimeonRuebenCharacter StudyRachel
JosephMiracle BirthMental HealthGenesisCharacter Study
Character StudyGenesisWomenSexual AssaultDinahJacobLeahLeviSimeonYouTube
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Genesis 37-50: The 12 Tribes of IsraelGenesisChapter StudyJosephBenjaminLeviJudahRuebenSimeonZebulunIssacharGadDanManassehEphraimAsherNaphtaliRepentance and ForgivenessFamineEgyptWomenSexual ImoralityGenealogyIncestTamarDreams and Visions
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Genesis 27-36: Jacob & Esau, Two NationsGenesisChapter StudyWomenJacobLeahEdomRachelTithesFalse Deities and ProphetsDinahSexual AssaultCircumcisionLeviSimeonGenocideTheft
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Genesis 24-26: Isaac, the Second PatriarchGenesisChapter StudyIsaacRebekahJacobEdomIshmaelCovenantGenealogyPhilistine
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Genesis 11-23: Abraham and the Destruction of Sodom & GomorrahGenesisChapter StudyAbrahamSarahJudgementLotHagarIshmaelCircumcisionSexual ImoralityIsaacMoab
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Genesis 11: The Tower of BabelGenesisChapter StudyBabylonNimrodCommunication
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Genesis 6-9: Noah and the FloodGenesisChapter StudyNoahWaterJudgementCovenantClean and UncleanAnimalsNephilim and Giants
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Genesis 4 & 5: The Progeny of AdamGenealogyAdamEveCainAbelNoahEnochGenesisChapter Study
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Genesis 4: Cain and AbelCainAbelSacrificeMurderJealousyAngerGenesisChapter Study
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Genesis 3: The Fall of ManAdamEveSatanGarden of EdenMessianic ProphecySacrificeGenesisChapter Study
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Literary Devices in the BibleFeatured TopicLiterary Devices
Literary DevicesAllegoryGarden of EdenGenesisFeasts & Holy DaysTempleEsther
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You Are What You Eat: IntroductionFood and DietClean and Unclean
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Homosexuality in the BibleLeviticusSexual ImoralitySexual AssaultRelationshipsLawCommandmentsLove
Literary DevicesAnthology
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Would You Rather?: Ask or DisobeyWould You RatherEstherDaniel
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Numbers 33: Record of the JourneyNumbersChapter StudyCanaanFalse Deities and Prophets
NumbersChapter StudyRuebenGad
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Numbers 31: Spoils of WarNumbersChapter StudyClean and UncleanFalse Deities and ProphetsMidian
PsalmsStudy the WordFaith
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Numbers 28-29: Feasts & OfferingsNumbersChapter StudyFeasts & Holy DaysSacrifice
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1 Samuel 28-31: Saul’s Last Battle1 SamuelChapter StudyAmalakitesPhilistineDavidWitchcraftSaul
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2 Samuel 11-12: David and Bathsheba2 SamuelChapter StudyRelationshipsAdulteryJudgementDavidMurder
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1 Samuel 25: Samuel’s Death and David’s Wives1 SamuelChapter StudyAbigailRelationshipsWomenDavidSamuelMichal
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1 Samuel 18-27: Saul Tries to Kill David1 SamuelChapter StudyJonathanRelationshipsSaulDavidPhilistineMurderMichal
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1 Samuel 23: David Saves Keilah1 SamuelChapter StudyDavidBetrayalPhilistine
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1 Samuel 11: Saul Defeats the Ammonites1 SamuelChapter StudyAmmonSaul
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1 Samuel 8-10: A King for Israel1 SamuelChapter StudyRelationshipsProphecySaulLeadership
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1 Samuel 4-7: The Ark of the Covenant1 SamuelChapter StudyPlaguesBenjaminPhilistineFalse Deities and ProphetsTemple Furnishings
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1 Samuel 1-3: Introducing Samuel1 SamuelChapter StudyPriesthoodHannahWomenIntercessory PrayerSamuel
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1 Samuel 13-14: Saul’s Army1 SamuelChapter StudyPhilistineJonathanSaulGenealogy
1 SamuelChapter StudySamuelRepentance and Forgiveness
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1 Samuel 17: David and Goliath1 SamuelChapter StudyPhilistineDavidNephilim and Giants
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1 Samuel 16: David is Anointed1 SamuelChapter StudySaulDavidSamuelRelationships
1 SamuelChapter StudyAmalakitesSaulRepentance and ForgivenessSamuel
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Jeremiah 1: Jeremiah’s CallJeremiahChapter StudyDreams and VisionsProphecyJosiah
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Daniel 2: Nebuchadnezzar’s DreamDanielChapter StudyBabylonNebuchadnezzarProphecyPersiaRomePapal RomeDreams and Visions
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Ezra 9-10: Confessions of SinEzraChapter StudyRelationships
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Ezra 5-6: Darius’ DecreeEzraChapter StudyPassoverTemplePersia
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Ezra 7-8: Introducing EzraEzraChapter StudyLeviTemplePersia
EzraChapter StudyBabylonCaptivityTemple
Character StudyRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesPsalms
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Revelation 2-3: The 7 Churches📖
Nehemiah 7-11: Restoration of JerusalemNehemiahChapter StudyTithesGenealogyRepentance and ForgivenessSalvationFeasts & Holy Days
EstherChapter StudyPurimFeasts & Holy Days
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Nehemiah 12-13: Dedication of the Wall📖
Ezra 2: Those Who ReturnedChapter StudyEzraGenealogy
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Nehemiah 4-6: OppositionNehemiahChapter StudyMoneySatan
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Nehemiah 3: Rebuilding the WallNehemiahChapter StudyJerusalemWomenMessianic Prophecy
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Nehemiah 2: Back to JerusalemNehemiahChapter StudyApologeticsJerusalemLeadershipPersia
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Nehemiah 1: Who is Nehemiah?Chapter StudyNehemiahJudahPersiaCaptivityJerusalemLeadership
EstherChapter StudyWomenPersia
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Esther 3-5: The Threat to the JewsEstherChapter StudyWomenFastingRacismGenocide
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Esther 2: The Rise of Queen EstherEstherChapter StudyBenjaminWomenPersia
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Do Not Bear False WitnessCommandmentsFalse Deities and ProphetsLaw
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Judges 1: Judah’s ConquestChapter StudyJudgesCanaanJudah
JudgesChapter StudyFalse Deities and ProphetsCommandmentsCanaan
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Judges 3: Othniel and EhudJudgesChapter StudyCanaanFalse Deities and ProphetsRelationshipsCaptivityBenjaminMoabAmalakites
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Judges 4-5: Deborah, Jael, and BarakJudgesChapter StudyDeborahWomenLeadership
JudgesChapter StudyManassehMidianAmalakitesHoly SpiritEphraim
Character StudyJudgesWomenSexual Assault
JudgesChapter StudyAmmonEphraimOaths and Vows
JudgesChapter StudyRelationshipsSamsonWomenPhilistineOaths and VowsDan
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Judges 17-18: Micah and the Tribe of DanJudgesChapter StudyDanMoneyLeviFalse Deities and ProphetsTheft
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Acts 1-5: The Early Days of the ChurchChapter StudyActsCainAbelDiscipleshipLyingProphecyMoneyThe ChurchPeterTheft
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Acts 9: From Saul to PaulActsChapter StudyPaulRepentance and ForgivenessHoly SpiritTheft
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Judges 19-21: A Call to WarJudgesChapter StudySexual AssaultWomenLeviBenjamin
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2 Samuel 21-24: Contradictions on David's Final Days?2 SamuelChapter StudyDavidSaulDoctrinePhilistine
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2 Samuel 19-20: Israel and Judah2 SamuelChapter StudyDavidDivision of Israel
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2 Samuel 5-10: David’s Military Success2 SamuelChapter StudyDavidRelationshipsMessianic Prophecy
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2 Samuel 1-4: After Saul’s Death2 SamuelChapter StudySaulDavidDivision of Israel
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Acts 16: Timothy Was Biracial…Sort OfActsChapter StudyTimothyGenealogyCircumcisionPaulWomenBaptism
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Acts 15: Disagreements in the ChurchActsChapter StudyPaulPeterLeadershipCommandmentsSalvationCircumcisionRepentance and Forgiveness
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Acts 13-14: The First Missionary Journey of PaulActsChapter StudyLeadershipThe ChurchPaulGenealogyDiscipleship
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Acts 12: Peter, Rhoda, and HerodActsChapter StudyWomenPeterPersecutionRomeHolidayPassover
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Acts 6-8 & 10-11: The TransitionActsChapter StudyCommunicationPaulLeadershipBaptismThe ChurchPeterEthiopiaFalse Deities and ProphetsSymbolism
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Daniel 1: Taken to BabylonDanielBabylonCaptivityNebuchadnezzarFastingChapter Study
Chapter StudyObadiahEdomProphecy
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Esther 1: The Demise of a QueenWomenEstherPersiaChapter Study
RuthChapter StudyWomenBoazMessiahRahabTamarGenealogy
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Ruth 3: The Redeeming RelativeRelationshipsBoazRuthChapter Study
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Ruth 2: The Fields of BoazPovertyRelationshipsBoazRuthChapter StudyAllegoryMessiah
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Ruth 1: In the Land of MoabChapter StudyRuthWomenMoabBoazRelationshipsFamine
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Tamar, daughter of DavidCharacter StudyTamarWomenSexual Assault2 Samuel
2 SamuelCharacter StudyDavidTamarSexual ImoralitySexual Assault
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2 Samuel 13-19: Absalom’s CoupChapter Study2 SamuelDavidRelationshipsTamarWomenSexual ImoralitySexual AssaultRepentance and Forgiveness
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You Are What You Eat: Colossians 2Food and DietClean and UncleanColossians
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You Are What You Eat: Romans 14Food and DietClean and UncleanRomans
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You Are What You Eat: Acts 10Food and DietActsPeterDiscipleship
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You Are What You Eat: 1 Timothy 4:1-71 TimothyTimothyFood and DietClean and Unclean
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You Are What You Eat: Mark 7:15Food and DietClean and UncleanMatthewMark
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You Are What You Eat: Isaiah 66Food and DietClean and UncleanIsaiahProphecy
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Why ‘The Bride of Christ’ is the Perfect DescriptionRelationshipsRevelationMessiahProphecy
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Would You Rather?: Betray or DenyWould You RatherJudasPeterRepentance and ForgivenessLuke
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Would You Rather?: Feed vs. HealWould You RatherSpiritual GIftsJohnMatthew
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Would You Rather?: Marriage vs. SinglenessWould You RatherRelationshipsLoveRepentance and ForgivenessHoseaPaul
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Would You Rather?: Rahab vs. MaryWould You RatherRahabMary & JosephWomen
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Comparison and Contrast Essay🙏🏽
PSALMS to God is a blog, podcast, and YouTube channel that discusses many topics and issues, always keeping YHWH as the anchor. Hosea 4:6 says “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”—here, the aim is to always ask questions and study to find the answers. You can keep up with new content by signing up for the weekly newsletter.