In a previous post, I discussed the unprecedented suffering the people of Judah experienced as the result of the destruction of the temple and of the city of Jerusalem. The book of Lamentations portrays Jerusalem as a lonely widow appealing for sympathy and comfort from anyone, especially from God.The writer of Lamentations vividly emphasized the horrors of the devastation caused by the Babylonians and the helplessness of the population of Judah by speaking on behalf of the people and lament... Read Full Story

Benjamin Ledford, a student at the University of Idaho discusses the theme of Biblical feminism in this video, which is a companion to his article, “Is God a Chauvinist?” which was published in the Argonaut, the university’s school paper.Claude MariottiniProfessor of Old TestamentNorthern Baptist SeminaryTags: Chauvinism, Feminism, Misogyny, Women Read Full Story

Benjamin Ledford, a student at the University of Idaho and a columnist for the Argonaut, the university’s student paper, has written an article dealing with the treatment of women in the Old and New Testaments.The following excerpt is the introduction to the article:One accusation often leveled at God and the Bible is that of oppressive paternalism. The Bible, so the argument goes, does not convey any unique “truth,” but was written by and for powerful, selfish men in a backwards, male-domina... Read Full Story

Brent Emery has written an interesting article: “On faith: Learning to pray from a Jewish perspective,” in which he discusses Jewish prayers and how Christians can learn to pray from a Jewish perspective.One section of his article caught my attention:We as Gentiles have much to learn from our Jewish friends who have been praying for several millennia. Allow me an example of what we can learn from our Jewish roots:Growing up in a Christian home, we always “blessed the food” before we ate. Ther... Read Full Story

According to a news report, ancient coins dating from the time of the Jewish revolt 2,000 years ago are on display in Jerusalem:JERUSALEM – Israel displayed for the first time Wednesday a collection of rare coins charred and burned from the Roman destruction of the Jewish Temple nearly 2,000 years ago.About 70 coins were found in an excavation at the foot of a key Jerusalem holy site. They give a rare glimpse into the period of the Jewish revolt that eventually led to the destruction of the S... Read Full Story

Several bloggers have posted on the recent news that archaeologists have found the remains of Cambyses’s army lost in the western deserts of Egypt to a sandstorm 2,500 years ago. According to news reports, a large number of human bones as well as bronze weapons and jewelry were found in the Egyptian desert and it was believed that the bones were the remains of the legendary Persian army of Cambyses.Andie, at Egyptology News has made the following announcement:Thanks to Bob Partridge, editor... Read Full Story

The archaeologists in charge of the Tel Dor excavation are looking for volunteers to excavate at Tel Dor next summer. An archaeological dig needs people who are willing to work and provide the support needed to carry out the project. You do not need to have experience in archaeological work to volunteer. People of both sexes and of all ages are welcome. Recently, I received a letter from the archaeologists leading the excavation inviting people to apply to dig at Tel Dor. I am posting the ... Read Full Story

Review of Biblical Literature has published its latest edition of review of books in the area of biblical studies. Review of Biblical Literature is a publication of the Society of Biblical Literature.The following reviews are of interest to students of the Old Testament:Jim W. AdamsThe Performative Nature and Function of Isaiah 40-55Reviewed by Ulrich BergesDescription: Among linguistic philosophers, speech act theory has illuminated the fact that uttering a sentence does not merely convey in... Read Full Story

Archaeologists have found a 4,500-year-old circular city has that was buried on the banks of the Euphrates river, in the Syrian region of Tall Qabr.According to a news report, among the artifacts uncovered at the site was a collection of ceramics that will allow researchers to understand life and culture from a place for which little information is available.Archaeologists also found a stamp of great artistic beauty, probably belonging to one of the city’s dignitaries.According to the archaeo... Read Full Story

The other day, one of my students asked me whether I believe in extraterrestrials. That is a loaded question and in whatever way one answers it, the answer will not please some folks.For those people like me and millions of others who were fans of Star Trek and enjoyed Mr. Spock, the half-human and half-Vulcan, the character who played a major role in the TV series and in the movies, and who served as the science officer and the first officer of the USS Enterprise, the existence of extraterr... Read Full Story