Podcasts about Assyria

I denne delen er det hele fire gode konger på rad i Juda, mens det går unna med tronekuppene i Israel. Assyria kommer også mer på banen i det de utvider riket sitt vestover, og også Israel og Juda kommer da i kontakt med dem. De skattlegger Israel og beleirer dem når Israels siste konge […]

Pastor Tyler's new book "Firebrand" is available NOW! https://www.ironworks.media/bookstore/p/firebrand Check out IronWorks Media, our Christian resource network! https://www.ironworks.media/ Give to support the ministry of Calvary Chapel Trussville! https://tithe.ly/give?c=411758 More info on Calvary Chapel Trussville!

Send a textWhat if the hardest words are the ones that set you free? We trace a through-line from Joseph's mercy to Jesus' shocking claims in John 6 and into Isaiah 10's fierce vision of a God who wields history without excusing human evil. Along the way, we face two truths that Scripture refuses to separate: God is sovereign and people are responsible. Joseph provides for his brothers while naming their sin and God's purpose. Jesus refuses crowd-pleasing shortcuts, calls himself the bread from heaven, and watches many walk away. Isaiah portrays Assyria as a rod in God's hand, judged afterward for its proud and violent motives.We talk about why “church growth by shrinkage” can be grace, how pruning exposes genuine faith, and why real revival often starts with humility rather than hype. Tertullian's line about martyr blood as seed isn't a slogan; it's the sobering report of courage under providence. We share how trust in God's rule shapes bold evangelism, lowers fear, and gives ballast in suffering. You'll hear why omniscience terrifies the unrepentant yet comforts the reconciled, and how Romans 1 explains God's justice in giving people over to desires they already cherish. The cross stands at the center: lawless hands did real evil, and God fulfilled a definite plan for the world's redemption.If you've wrestled with questions about evil, responsibility, and whether God truly holds your days, this conversation offers clarity without shortcuts. Expect a bracing honesty that ends boasting, lifts courage, and invites you to rest in a Father who wastes no pain. Listen, share with a friend who's wrestling, and if it helped you think or hope more clearly, subscribe and leave a review so others can find it too.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

In this episode of Oldest Stories, we cover Sargon II of Assyria and his most famous campaign: the Great Invasion of Urartu (714 BCE), centered on the extraordinary Assyrian text known as Sargon's Letter to Ashur. This episode examines the Neo-Assyrian Empire, Assyrian military strategy, intelligence networks, and imperial warfare in the late 8th century BCE, drawing directly from Assyrian royal inscriptions, letters, and annals.We follow Sargon II (r. 722–705 BCE) from the construction of Dur-Sharrukin (Khorsabad) through his campaigns in Mannea, Zikirtu, Zamua, the Zagros Mountains, and deep into Urartian territory near Lake Van. Special attention is given to Assyrian spy networks and intelligence reports, including letters from the Assyrian agent Assur-resuwa, which provide rare, detailed insight into ancient espionage, reconnaissance, and military planning.The episode analyzes the Letter to Ashur, one of the most detailed narrative texts to survive from ancient Mesopotamia, describing Sargon's march routes, logistics, road construction, mountain warfare, pitched battles, and large-scale destruction. We discuss how this text differs from typical Assyrian annals, why it was written, and how it shaped Sargon's reputation as a conqueror.Major topics include:• Sargon II and the Sargonid dynasty• Assyrian military organization and logistics• Ancient Near Eastern intelligence and espionage• The Assyrian–Urartian rivalry• Mannea, Zikirtu, Musasir, and Nairi• The sack of Musasir (Ardini) and the capture of the god Ḫaldi• Destruction of Urartian cities, orchards, irrigation systems, and tax bases• Imperial propaganda vs historical reality• Ancient warfare in the Zagros Mountains• Neo-Assyrian imperial ideology and kingship• The beginning of Assyria's late imperial “golden age”This episode is ideal for listeners interested in Assyrian history, ancient Mesopotamia, Urartu, biblical-era history, ancient warfare, Near Eastern archaeology, and primary historical sources from the first millennium BCE.Oldest Stories is a long-form history podcast focused on the ancient Near East, especially Mesopotamia, Assyria, Babylon, and the surrounding world. New episodes explore royal inscriptions, letters, myths, daily life, and the political realities behind ancient empires.I am also doing daily history facts again, at least until I run out of time again. You can find Oldest Stories daily on Tiktok and Youtube Shorts.If you like the show, consider sharing with your friends, leaving a like, subscribing, or even supporting financially:Buy the Oldest Stories books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate here: https://oldeststories.net/or on patreon: https://patreon.com/JamesBleckleyor on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCG2tPxnHNNvMd0VrInekaA/joinYoutube and Patreon members get access to bonus content produced when and as I have time.

They were guilty of falsely trusting in world powers, Egypt, Assyria, and Chaldea, and worshiping their gods. They played the part of an harlot.

Imagine standing on the wall of Jerusalem with 300,000 people behind you — men, women, children — all depending on you. And stretched out before you, as far as you can see, is the most powerful army on earth: Assyria. Their general is mocking your God, threatening your people, and promising to slaughter everyone. What […] The post One Angel. 185,000 Soldiers. They Didn’t Stand a Chance. appeared first on Living Faith Missionary Church.

Guided Question  In what ways do I view the message of the cross as "foolish"—and how might God be inviting me to experience its transforming power instead? Summary Dr. Robert Lewis explores the paradox of the Christian faith: the message of the cross—foolishness to the world but power to those being saved. Using Paul's words in 1 Corinthians and a story from Isaiah, he shows how human wisdom repeatedly fails to answer life's deepest questions. Only through Christ's death and resurrection do we find forgiveness, purpose, and power to live differently. The message is not just theoretical—it changes lives. Outline Introduction  Prayer and welcome to visitors Reflections on the presence of God Two Responses to the Cross  Story: restaurant encounter shows contrasting reactions to the gospel 1 Corinthians 1:18—"The word of the cross is foolishness to the perishing" Greek word mōria (foolishness, absurdity) God's Plan for Man  Humanity was created for relationship with God Sin as rebellion and separation Only Christ's sacrifice restores us to God This gift must be personally received Israel's Mistake: Trusting Egypt, Not God  Isaiah 29–30: Historical context—Assyria threatens Jerusalem Israel turns to Egypt instead of repenting God rebukes their reliance on human power Miraculous deliverance follows Hezekiah's surrender to God Application: When You're Out of Options  We, like Israel, often exhaust all options before turning to God C.S. Lewis: God is not proud—He stoops to conquer The Failure of Human Wisdom  Paul asks, “Where is the wise man?” Human wisdom has not improved the human condition Churchill quote: knowledge grows, but virtue does not Real Power: The Gospel Transforms Lives  Augustine: from sinful living to radical transformation Gospel isn't just a theory; it brings power God's kingdom is about transformation, not just words Key Takeaways The Cross Offends Human Pride The message of a crucified Savior seems absurd to the self-sufficient and proud. God's Plan Inverts Human Expectations Salvation comes not through strength, but through what appears weak and foolish. There Is Only One Way Back to God The cross is God's exclusive and sufficient plan for reconciliation. Transformation Is the Evidence Faith in Christ results in real life change, not just new beliefs. God Waits for Our Desperation God often allows us to run out of options so we can finally turn to Him. Skepticism Is Real—But So Is the Evidence From personal stories to archaeology, the gospel is rooted in both power and truth. Scriptural References 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 – The contrast between the foolishness of the cross and God's power Isaiah 29:14 – “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise...” Isaiah 30:1–3 – Rebuke of Israel's alliance with Egypt Isaiah 53:6 – “All we like sheep have gone astray...” Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death...” Acts 4:12 – “There is salvation in no one else...” 1 Corinthians 4:20 – “The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” Recorded 4/19/81

More than 5,000 years ago, a revolutionary script emerged in the fertile lands of Mesopotamia that would transform how people counted, governed, worshipped and told stories. This was cuneiform, the world's earliest known writing system.In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Irving Finkel to uncover how cuneiform actually worked and how you would write it yourself. From humble beginnings as simple pictograms tracking beer and grain, to the wedge-shaped signs that recorded myths, laws and epic tales long before the Bible, this episode explores how cuneiform spread across Sumer, Babylon, Assyria and Persia — and why these clay tablets remain one of archaeology's richest windows into the ancient world.MORENoah's Ark and the FloodListen on AppleListen on Spotify The World's Oldest LettersListen on AppleListen on Spotify Watch this episode on our NEW YouTube channel: @TheAncientsPodcastPresented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic SoundsThe Ancients is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here:https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ISAIAH REPEATEDLY condemned the practice of summoning spirits from the netherworld. It's not always apparent because translators often didn't have an understanding of the cult of the dead that surrounded ancient Israel, and the impact it had on the Israelites. After prophesying the imminent destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel by Assyria, the prophet condemned the people of Judah for turning to mediums and necromancers to ”inquire of the dead on behalf of the living”. Derek wrote about Isaiah 8:18–22 in The Second Coming of Saturn: The prophet described those who looked to the spirit realm for oracles as people who were already dead: They live in darkness, and they're “greatly distressed and hungry,” like the pagan dead of Mesopotamia who are not properly cared for by their descendants. In verse 21, Isaiah makes the connection to the dead explicit, writing that these unhappy souls will “pass through” the land. The Hebrew verb ‘ābar is based on the same root, ʿbr, from which we get ʿōberim—“Travelers,” as in the spirits of the dead who “travel” or “cross over” from the land of the dead to the world of the living; it's the same word used by the pagan Canaanites to describe the Rephaim summoned from the underworld through rituals to the threshing-floor of El on Mount Hermon.What Isaiah described is the punishment for those who defied God by using ritual pits to summon the spirits of the dead—they become like the unhappy dead themselves. When they realize their fate, “they will be enraged.” But in the context of the passage, with an understanding of the cult of the dead and the role of the “king” god in it, a better translation of the following sentence is this: “And they shall curse by Molek and by their ghosts.” (Elohay, the word translated “ghosts,” isn't always a reference to God. The basic meaning is “one who lives in the spirit realm.” Context is king, and here “ghosts” or “spirits” is a more accurate reading than “God.”)-- The Second Coming of Saturn, p. 188. Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, has been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821)Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us!• X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation | @thebiblesgreatestmysteries• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the left-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

ISAIAH REPEATEDLY condemned the practice of summoning spirits from the netherworld. It's not always apparent because translators often didn't have an understanding of the cult of the dead that surrounded ancient Israel, and the impact it had on the Israelites. After prophesying the imminent destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel by Assyria, the prophet condemned the people of Judah for turning to mediums and necromancers to ”inquire of the dead on behalf of the living”. Derek wrote about Isaiah 8:18–22 in The Second Coming of Saturn: The prophet described those who looked to the spirit realm for oracles as people who were already dead: They live in darkness, and they're “greatly distressed and hungry,” like the pagan dead of Mesopotamia who are not properly cared for by their descendants. In verse 21, Isaiah makes the connection to the dead explicit, writing that these unhappy souls will “pass through” the land. The Hebrew verb ‘ābar is based on the same root, ʿbr, from which we get ʿōberim—“Travelers,” as in the spirits of the dead who “travel” or “cross over” from the land of the dead to the world of the living; it's the same word used by the pagan Canaanites to describe the Rephaim summoned from the underworld through rituals to the threshing-floor of El on Mount Hermon. What Isaiah described is the punishment for those who defied God by using ritual pits to summon the spirits of the dead—they become like the unhappy dead themselves. When they realize their fate, “they will be enraged.” But in the context of the passage, with an understanding of the cult of the dead and the role of the “king” god in it, a better translation of the following sentence is this: “And they shall curse by Molek and by their ghosts.” (Elohay, the word translated “ghosts,” isn't always a reference to God. The basic meaning is “one who lives in the spirit realm.” Context is king, and here “ghosts” or “spirits” is a more accurate reading than “God.”) -- The Second Coming of Saturn, p. 188. 

As we continue to study the minor prophets, this week we're back talking about Nineveh, Assyria, and Judah. God does not let injustice go unpunished, yet he is slow to anger, abounding in love and has grace upon grace for you!

Futile Confidence in Egypt, Rebellious People, Divine Grace, Judgment of Assyria

Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry provides a detailed overview of the Old Testament, tracing its narrative from creation through the major periods of Israelite history. He explains key events including the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Exodus led by Moses, the wilderness journey, and the conquest of Canaan. Fr. Polycarpus highlights the establishment of the priesthood and the significance of the Old Testament laws and sacrifices as foundations for understanding the New Testament. He explores the division of the kingdom into Israel (north) and Judah (south), discussing the succession of kings in both kingdoms, their spiritual and political struggles, and the role of prophets such as Elijah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea. The lecture covers the spiritual decline leading to the exile under Assyria and Babylon, and the eventual return and restoration efforts led by figures like Nehemiah. Fr. Polycarpus emphasizes the value of studying the Old Testament as a guide to the New Testament, providing historical context and enhancing comprehension of biblical themes, liturgy, and the mindset of the disciples. Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

God's judgment is real, and it's coming. When we refuse to turn toward God and the forgiveness He offers, judgment becomes unavoidable. That's what happened in the time of the prophet Nahum, when the nation of Assyria remained proud and unrepentant, so God brought them down. Today, Pastor Ken offers you a sober reminder: judgment isn't just a past reality—it's a future one. Now is your time to turn to God, to receive His mercy while it's still being offered. 

Assyria is but a tool in God's hand, "the rod of [His] anger" (v. 5). The text presents the power and domination of Assyria (I) in human perspective (Assyria's own perspective) and (II) in divine perspective. The sovereign God rules over all history and is working out all things according to His eternal purpose.

In Revelation 13, we encounter one of Scripture's most sobering portraits: the rise of the Antichrist, described as a beast emerging from the sea with seven heads and ten horns. While this imagery might seem distant from our daily lives, the spiritual lessons embedded here are profoundly relevant. This passage reveals how Satan will empower a final world ruler who counterfeits Christ's authority, performing false miracles and demanding worship. The seven heads represent successive world empires—Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and a future revised Roman empire. The ten horns symbolize a confederation of nations under this beast's control. What's striking is how this Antichrist accepts the very offer Satan made to Jesus in the wilderness: all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. Jesus refused; the Antichrist accepts. The deadly wound that's miraculously healed is a counterfeit resurrection designed to deceive the world into worship. For us today, this isn't just prophecy—it's a warning against misplaced admiration. We see the progression: people marvel, then follow, then worship. This happens even now when we elevate leaders, movements, or denominations above Christ Himself. The restraining presence of the Church and the Holy Spirit currently holds back complete deception, but we must remain discerning, testing everything against Scripture, and keeping our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus Christ, the true and only Savior.

The film "Life Is Beautiful" tells the story of a father who uses imagination, love, and sacrifice to protect his son from the horrors of a concentration camp. In the middle of extreme ugliness, he creates an atmosphere of joy and hope. While that story offers a beautiful illusion, scripture reveals something far greater: it is truly possible to live a beautiful life in an ugly world through the good news of God.In the second part of Isaiah, God's people were facing harsh and painful realities. Captured by the Babylonian army, they lived in exile, far from home. Yet Isaiah suddenly speaks words of hope, beauty, and restoration. In the midst of devastation, God announces freedom, joy, and salvation.Isaiah 52:7“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the one who brings good news, who announces peace, who brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'”In Scripture, feet represent action—how faith is lived out on earth.* Feet symbolise service and humility (John 13:14–15)* Feet represent stability and standing firm in faith* Feet point to direction in daily life—walking in God's will* Feet represent dominion and victory, with the enemy under our feet* Feet represent the spread of the gospelIsaiah pictures messengers running across the mountains to announce joyful news to a broken and hopeless people. God would defeat Babylon through King Cyrus and restore Jerusalem and the temple. What looked impossible was about to become reality.This same image appears again in Nahum 1:15, pointing to victory over Assyria, and later in Romans 10:14–15, where Paul applies Isaiah's words to the gospel of Jesus Christ. God's people are called to be bearers of beautiful news in a world full of pain.If a beautiful life is desired, the priority must be to become a messenger of good news in a bad-news world.1. The Beautiful Privilege of Bringing PeaceIsaiah 52:7Peace is something every heart longs for—peace in minds, families, workplaces, communities, and nations. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and through Him, peace with God and peace within becomes possible.John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”The peace of Jesus calms the storms of life. When peace with God is established, fear, panic, despair, and anxiety lose their grip. This is a beautiful message in a troubled world.2. The Beautiful Privilege of Proclaiming God's RuleIsaiah 52:7 “…who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'”Zion represents Jerusalem, but also the Church—the people among whom God dwells. This declaration reminds God's people that no earthly power is ultimate. Babylon was not in control. Persia was not in control. God reigns.The kingdom of God speaks of His sovereign rule, established through Jesus Christ and lasting forever.Mark 1:15 “The kingdom of God has come near.”Because God reigns, no one needs to remain captive to fear, sin, darkness, or the past. God's authority brings freedom and hope. Proclaiming His rule is a powerful and beautiful privilege.3. The Beautiful Privilege of Sharing God's ComfortIsaiah 52:9 “Break forth together into joy… for the LORD has comforted His people.”This continues the message that opens the second half of Isaiah:Isaiah 40:1–2 “Comfort, comfort my people… Speak tenderly to Jerusalem…”God sees human fragility. He knows when hearts are breaking and strength is gone. He comes alongside His people to heal, steady, and restore. This is why the Holy Spirit is known as the Comforter. Sharing God's comfort brings beauty to lives marked by pain and loss.4. The Beautiful Privilege of Proclaiming SalvationIsaiah 52:8–10 “All the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.”The ultimate good news is salvation. God rescues, restores, and redeems. Jesus is the Saviour of the world.Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”Jesus taught that heaven rejoices when what is lost is found (Luke 15). A soul is of greater value than any success, wealth, or position.Mark 8:35–36 “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”True beauty, joy, and fulfilment come from living for the salvation of others.The calling to bring good news requires a response.Romans 10:14–15 “How can they hear without someone preaching? … How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”Pastor Adriana shared how the verse in Isaiah 6:8—“Here am I. Send me!”—changed her life. Saying yes to God led her into difficult places, nations, and new opportunities to proclaim Jesus. Her feet were not just for comfort or personal ambition, but for God's purpose.William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, captured this calling when he wrote:“Some men's ambition is art. Some men's ambition is fame. Some men's ambition is gold. My ambition is the souls of men.”ConclusionA beautiful life in an ugly world is not built on illusion, success, or comfort. It is found in carrying the beautiful message of Jesus—His peace, His rule, His comfort, and His salvation—into a hurting world.This is the calling and DNA of God's people: to speak up, to go out, and to bring His kingdom into homes, communities, and nations. The Holy Spirit empowers this calling and brings joy, purpose, and lasting beauty to those who say, “Here am I. Send me.”

A love that roars and a mercy that corrects; Hosea brings both into sharp focus. We open the text with honest questions about prosperity, pride, and the subtle drift that turns devotion into performance. From God's tender words, “When Israel was a child, I loved him”, to his fierce refusal to abandon his people - we explore how holiness and compassion meet without canceling each other out.The story of Admah and Zeboiim underscores the seriousness of idolatry, yet the promise that God will not utterly destroy points to a restorative purpose - discipline that leads us home.We then trace the modern echoes of “feeding on wind.” Israel's treaties with Assyria and Egypt looked like strategy but functioned as substitutes for trust. That pattern persists when we rely on money, networks, or image to secure what only God can sustain. Hosea's call is unambiguous: turn back, keep mercy and justice, and wait on God continually. Repentance shows up in daily choices; truthful speech over profitable lies, and patience rooted in faith rather than franticly grasping for control.Finally, we reflect on God's reminders: the Feast of Booths, prophetic warnings, and the witness of Moses and Hosea. If remembrance is not chosen, it may be imposed, not as spite but as rescue. The good news is that judgment is not the last word. The Lion's roar is a summons, not a sentence, drawing us from brittle idols to a durable hope.Join us as we wrestle with these ancient words and map them onto real life; work, money, habits, and worship so that our faith becomes integrity in motion.If this journey challenges and encourages you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help others find their way back to steady trust.If you wish to directly support our work; please donate using our Cash App: $TheChristQuarter===Hosea 11:1, 2, 7-10 - King James Version1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.2 As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.8 How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.10 They shall walk after the Lord: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.Hosea 12:1, 2, 6 - 14 - King James Version1 Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.2 The Lord hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.6 Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment and wait on thy God continually.7 He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress.8 And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: in all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that were sin.9 And I that am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernaSend us a textSupport the show=== Please join my team spreading the Word around the whole world; here's my CashApp - $TheChristQuarter. Thank you!

Ancient Israel was thrown into despair and hopelessness in 722 BC when Assyria conquered much of its land in the north (Zebulun and Naphtali). Yet the prophet Isaiah could foresee a time when gloom would turn to joy because “a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder, and of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” In many societies today we find ourselves in such darkness that gloom, fear, and despondency cover our lands. The Good News is that the Son and His invitation have been given: Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

In this episode, we break down the composition of the Neo-Assyrian Army under the Sargonid dynasty (Tiglath-Pileser III, Sargon II, and their successors) and explain why Assyria's battlefield dominance in the 8th–7th centuries BCE was not just “more men” or “more brutality,” but a specific military system built around logistics, organization, and a flexible combined-arms force.You'll learn what the core Assyrian infantryman looked like in practice: a general-purpose soldier equipped for multiple battlefield roles (spear, sword, bow, and shield), and why that versatility mattered for campaigns, garrisons, policing, construction, and sieges. We also examine how Assyrian military service worked, including seasonal call-ups, corvée-style obligations, land-grant service (ilkum), and the expectation of plunder—structures that helped sustain long campaigns without a fully modern “paid army” model.From there, we move to the elite infantry (often associated with the royal guard) and the implications of lamellar armor in the Near Eastern heat. Armor, discipline, conditioning, and unit performance are treated as connected variables, not isolated trivia. We then reconstruct the iconic Assyrian shield-wall-and-archer system: tower shields, spear line behavior, the archer line directly behind the shields, and how this formation changes the psychology of spear-range fighting by making “safe distance” impossible.The episode also covers the auxiliary/light infantry contingents organized along ethnic lines across the Assyrian Empire—why they were valued, how unit cohesion and veterancy can create tactical flexibility, and how these forces complemented the main line. Finally, we examine mounted forces during the Sargonid period: the maturation of true cavalry, the decline of chariotry into more limited roles, early spear cavalry, horse archery, equipment constraints before saddles and widespread horse armor, and how Assyria used mobility to exploit gaps, pursue breaks, and keep operational tempo high.If you are interested in ancient warfare, the Bronze Age collapse aftermath, Neo-Assyrian history, Near Eastern military organization, imperial logistics, siege warfare, and the military reforms that shaped the ancient world, this episode is a deep, practical reconstruction grounded in how armies actually functioned on campaign and in battle.Key topics and terms for search: Neo-Assyrian Empire, Sargon II, Sargonids, Tiglath-Pileser III, Sennacherib, Assyrian army, Assyrian infantry, Assyrian royal guard, lamellar armor, scale armor, tower shields, shield wall, Assyrian archers, composite recurve bow, ancient logistics, corvée labor, ilkum land grants, plunder economy, auxiliary troops, Itu'eans, Arameans, Hittites, Elamites, Urartu, cavalry origins, chariots to cavalry transition, combined arms in antiquity, ancient battle tactics, Near East military history, 8th century BCE, 7th century BCE.Next episode preview: the campaign of 714 BCE against Urartu—one of the best documented operations of the ancient world, including intelligence, logistics, and royal correspondence.I am also doing daily history facts again, at least until I run out of time again. You can find Oldest Stories daily on Tiktok and Youtube Shorts.If you like the show, consider sharing with your friends, leaving a like, subscribing, or even supporting financially:Buy the Oldest Stories books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate here: https://oldeststories.net/or on patreon: https://patreon.com/JamesBleckleyor on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCG2tPxnHNNvMd0VrInekaA/joinYoutube and Patreon members get access to bonus content produced when and as I have time.

Subtitle- The Spiritual Consequences of Delayed YesBackground & ContextBook: Jonah (4 chapters)Author: Traditionally attributed to JonahHistorical setting: Around the 8th century BCAudience: Israel and, prophetically, the nationsKey city: Nineveh (capital of Assyria, Israel's enemy)Unlike other prophetic books, Jonah focuses less on prophecy and more on the prophet's posture of heart toward God's mercy.

Subtitle- The Spiritual Consequences of Delayed YesBackground & ContextBook: Jonah (4 chapters)Author: Traditionally attributed to JonahHistorical setting: Around the 8th century BCAudience: Israel and, prophetically, the nationsKey city: Nineveh (capital of Assyria, Israel's enemy)Unlike other prophetic books, Jonah focuses less on prophecy and more on the prophet's posture of heart toward God's mercy.

More than a decade of war has reshaped Syria and the wider region. With Bashar al-Assad no longer in power and a fragile transitional government now in place under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the country stands at a historic turning point. This panel brings together leading experts to explore what the future holds for Syria: from rebuilding institutions and seeking justice to managing sectarian tensions, regional influence, and refugee return. As Syria re-emerges on the international stage, what will it take to move from survival to stability — and can a lasting peace ever be built on the ruins of the past?

This week I'm uncovering a lost city that was left out of my lost cities two parter (episodes 131 and 132). Nineveh, the capital of the ancient Assyrian Empire, is mentioned in the Bible no less than 19 times. But, for millennia we weren't sure if it was a fictional setting or a real place. All of that changed in the 1840s when British explorer Austen Henry Layard discovered the ruins of a vast metropolis on the banks of the Tigris River that could only be Nineveh. Within those ruins he found a palace and within that palace a library, the Library of Ashurbanipal. The information held within Ashurbanipal's library told us everything we never knew about the Assyrian Empire, once the largest empire in the world. So, what did those clay tablets say? Join me to find out! Support the show! Join the Patreon (patreon.com/historyfixpodcast)Buy some merchBuy Me a CoffeeVenmo @Shea-LaFountaineSources: British Museum "Sparking the imagination: the rediscovery of Assyria's great lost city"British Museum "Historical city travel guide: Nineveh, 7th century BC"British Museum "A library fit for a king"British Museum "Who was Ashurbanipal?"Got Questions "What is the significance of the city of Nineveh in the Bible?"Shoot me a message! Join me January 28th at 6 pm at College of the Albemarle in Manteo, North Carolina for the first ever History Fix live show! Support the show

Friday Bible Study (1/16/26) // Ezra 6:13-22 (ESV) // The Temple Finished and Dedicated // 13 Then, according to the word sent by Darius the king, Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates did with all diligence what Darius the king had ordered. 14 And the elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia; 15 and this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.16 And the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. 17 They offered at the dedication of this house of God 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel 12 male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. 18 And they set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their divisions, for the service of God at Jerusalem, as it is written in the Book of Moses.Passover Celebrated19 On the fourteenth day of the first month, the returned exiles kept the Passover. 20 For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were clean. So they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the returned exiles, for their fellow priests, and for themselves. 21 It was eaten by the people of Israel who had returned from exile, and also by every one who had joined them and separated himself from the uncleanness of the peoples of the land to worship the Lord, the God of Israel. 22 And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had made them joyful and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW USFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Venmo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/mbchurch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DAF Donations: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://every.org/mbc.chicago⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PayPal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join us this week as we continue our thru the Bible, verse by verse study. In the next 4 chapters of Isaiah, we see the focus on Hezekiah - both his faith and his folly. In tonight's study, we read that Assyria has come up against Judah. We also see the Rabshakeh's taunt and he tried to undermine Hezekiah's response is to seek prayer for Isaiah, who tells him to not be afraid - God will deliver them. In our Thru the Bible study, we are journeying through the Bible, at a pace of around a chapter a week! We invite you to join us in this discovery of God's Word! Calvary Roswell Roswell, NM Pastor Jim Suttle

Message by Doug Bunnell, recorded live January 11, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Laurie Bunnell.BrokennessWe are created to be people of relationship and connection.What is the significance of God forming man from dust and breathing life into him?Why was it “not good” for man to be alone when everything else was good?What does Genesis 2 teach about God's personal involvement with humanity?What does work look like before the fall? How does this shape a biblical view of work?What does the phrase “one flesh” imply spiritually, emotionally, and physically?Genesis 2 : 1-251 And so the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their heavenly lights. 2 By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. 4 This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made earth and heaven. 5 Now no shrub of the field was yet on the earth, and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the Lord God had not sent rain upon the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground. 6 But a mist used to rise from the earth and water the whole surface of the ground. 7 Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living person. 8 The Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. 9 Out of the ground the Lord God caused every tree to grow that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.10 Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers. 11 The name of the first is Pishon; it flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 The gold of that land is good; the bdellium and the onyx stone are there as well. 13 The name of the second river is Gihon; it flows around the whole land of Cush. 14 The name of the third river is Tigris; it flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.15 Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and tend it. 16 The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for on the day that you eat from it you will certainly die.” 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” 19 And out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all the livestock, and to the birds of the sky, and to every animal of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. 2 1So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. 22 And the Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said, “At last this is bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called ‘woman,' Because she was taken out of man.” 24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked, but they were not ashamed.

What does Bildad say that is right?1.He says God does not pervert justice.If this were not true, there would be no moral order to the universe. There would be no hope that righteousness would ultimately prevail. Thankfully, God's throne is built on righteousness and justice (Ps. 33:5; 89:14; 97:2; 99:4). These qualities are what God expects of His rulers (II Sam. 8:18; I Kings 10:9; Jer. 22:15-16) and His people generally (Isa. 5:7; Amos 5:24).Sin and suffering are connected Biblically. The blessings of the covenant in Lev. 26:6-13; Deut.28:1-14 and the curses of the covenant in Lev. 26:14-39; Deut. 28:15-68 illustrate the link between blessing and righteousness and sin and suffering. Much of the story of Israel's history recorded from Joshua- II Kings demonstrates the working out of those principles. But what does this mean to Bildad? Does he mean that a righteous person will not suffer? Ecclesiastes 3:16-17; 7:15; 8:14 show that this is no true. It is the very fact that things do not always work out in this life that drives us to a life beyond this one where wrongs are righted and the wicked and righteous are given the results of the different paths they have pursued.  2. He says that the godless will perish. He says that the confidence of the wicked is placed in things as fragile as spider's webThe fundamental question of life is Where is our confidence? On whom do we rely? On whom do we depend?Isaiah 36-37 deals with the days Assyria was attacking Jerusalem in the days of Hezekiah. Sennacherib asks Hezekiah why he is rebelling against him. Where is your confidence? Word “confidence” (36:4), “rely” (36:5, 6, 6, 9), “trust” (36:7, 15) are all from the same Hebrew root word. The word is used 8 times in Isaiah 36. It is used as a verb except in 36:4 where it is translated with the noun confidence. The question that the king of Assyria asks is a fundamental question in the book of Isaiah and to the Bible as a whole and it is the foundational question of our lives. To put our place in the wrong place means that we will inevitably be clothed with shame.  3. There will an ultimate separation of the righteous and the wicked in eternity8:18 Ultimately that the statement that it place does not know it anymore will be God's pronouncement on the wicked (Matt. 7:13-14, 23; 25:12).8:21 In God's presence our mouths will be filled with laughter.  Job 8 and JesusBildad says that God does not reject the blameless in 8:20. He anticipates those who will cry to Jesus, “He trusts in God. Let God deliver him” in Matt. 27:43. “Job has a lesser Calvary, and each person has his own. But when we know of God's rejection of Jesus, our dereliction can never be as dark as Job's again”[1]It is through the suffering of God's perfect servant, Jesus, that God ultimately showed His justice and righteousness (Rom. 3:21-26). Job's battle foreshadows the even greater battle and the more intense suffering that God's servant, Jesus, would endure.  [1] Anderson, 142-143.

The story of Jonah is often remembered as a children's tale about a runaway prophet and a great fish. But when we slow down and read Jonah within the larger biblical story, it becomes something far more interesting.In this episode, we begin not with the book of Jonah itself, but with Jonah's first appearance in 2 Kings 14:23–29. There, Jonah is introduced as a prophet who announces the future military expansion and restoration of Northern Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II. This is important to note because Jonah is not a neutral messenger. He is deeply embedded in the national hopes of Israel and Judah, proclaiming good news about Israel's territorial recovery at a time of political instability and moral compromise.That background helps us understand why Jonah's later calling to prophesy against the Assyrians would have been so offensive—and so threatening. To be sent to Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, was not simply inconvenient. Assyria was infamous for its brutality, its expansionist violence, and, probably unknown to Jonah, its eventual role in Israel's destruction. If Jonah believed Israel's future restoration was still possible, then announcing judgment to Nineveh—and risking their repentance—could mean empowering the very nation God might later use to discipline Israel. From Jonah's perspective, obedience to God's command could undermine the destiny of his own people, not to mention short-circuit the judgment he thought they deserved. From there, we turn to Jonah 1:1–3 and 1:17, where the familiar story unfolds: God's call, Jonah's refusal, his flight toward Tarshish, the storm at sea, his descent into the waters, and three days and three nights inside the great fish. Beneath the drama lies a profound theological claim—that God's justice and mercy are not limited to Israel alone. The Lord is deeply concerned with the moral condition of the nations, even those outside the covenant, and He acts decisively within their histories.Finally, we move to the New Testament, where Jesus references Jonah's story in Matthew 12:38-40. Jesus declares that Jonah's experience functions as a sign—one that ultimately points beyond Jonah to Jesus himself. This episode sets the stage for a multi-part exploration of Jonah, Jesus, and the nations. In the episodes ahead, we will wrestle with themes of sin and repentance, divine judgment and mercy, Israel's role among the nations, and how God works through—and sometimes apart from—His people to accomplish His purposes in the world.Key Passages: 2 Kings 14:23-29Jonah 1:1-3, 17Matthew 12:38-40Explainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Video⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on how to use ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.biblehub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.blueletterbible.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave us a question or comment at our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally walk through 2 Kings 17:6–23 and 2 Kings 18:10–12, passages that recount the fall of Samaria and the exile of Israel. Together, they reflect on how years of persistent disobedience, idolatry, and refusal to listen to the Lord ultimately led to Israel being swept away from His presence. The conversation traces Israel's gradual spiritual decline—following pagan nations, introducing new forms of worship, rejecting God's covenant, ignoring prophetic warnings, and placing trust in lies rather than in the Lord who had rescued them from Egypt. Curtis and Sally highlight two key themes: Israel's choice to follow the ways of the world (or invent their own) instead of God's ways, and their stubborn refusal to believe and trust the Lord despite repeated invitations to rest in Him. Drawing connections to Isaiah 28 and the broader biblical story, the episode explores what this account reveals about God's heart, His patience, and His faithfulness to remove sin when His people refuse to turn back. Curtis reflects on how these passages point disciples back to the core of God's law—loving God and loving people—while Sally emphasizes the importance of trust and belief in God's promises amid the lies that compete for our allegiance. This episode invites listeners to examine where they place their trust, to heed the Lord's voice, and to find hope in His grace, forgiveness, and redemptive work—even when the process is difficult.

In Iron Age Jerusalem, finding a tiny bit of a cuneiform tablet is a big deal, since in that town, they use the alphabet. But when the Neo-Assyrian authorities ask, hey, where's our tax money, they can do it in any script and language they want. So you'd better read the email, otherwise -there- will be a meeting, and you won't like it.

On this episode of Unsupervised Learning, Razib again talks to George Washington University archaeologist Eric Cline. The author of 1177 B.C. - The Year Civilization Collapsed and After 1177 B.C. - The Survival of Civilizations, Cline has a new book out, Love, War, and Diplomacy: The Discovery of the Amarna Letters and the Bronze Age World They Revealed. While 1177 B.C. closed with the end of the first global civilization, that of the Eastern Mediterranean at the end of the Bronze Age, and After 1177 B.C. tells the story of those who picked up the pieces, Love, War, and Diplomacy puts the spotlight on the Late Bronze Age at its peak. Razib and Cline discuss the two major threads in Love, War, and Diplomacy: the decipherment of cuneiform and the emergence of the field of Assyriology, and the diplomatic world of Bronze Age Great Powers. Cline addresses the reality that 19th-century archaeology was not an idealized enterprise, and scholars had to compete with treasure hunters, and negotiate difficult nationalist sensitivities. He also explains how they deciphered cuneiform decades after hieroglyphs, providing an alternative view of the earliest antiquity. The discussion then focuses on the intricate and tense relationship between Egypt, Assyria, the Hittites, and the Mitanni. Cline also highlights the reality that the Amarna Letters also shed light on the bickering between the petty states of the Levant and their relationship to their hegemon, Egypt.

In this session, we explore the historical account of the division of the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah. We witness the consequences of the rebellion and sin of both kingdoms, leading to their ultimate downfall at the hands of foreign empires. Despite warnings from prophets, the Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC, and later the Kingdom of Judah suffers the same fate at the hands of the Babylonian Empire. However, amidst the devastation, God promises a future restoration and introduces the New Covenant, offering forgiveness and a transformation from within.Suggested Reading:1 Kings 12:25-33Jeremiah 29:4-14Jeremiah 31:31-37Episode HighlightsThe split of the united kingdom after Solomon's deathThe northern kingdom's descent into idolatryThe fall of Israel to Assyria (722 BC)Judah's similar path to destructionGod's promise of the New Covenant through JeremiahSupport the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://bibli...

Taking the Promised Land (1) (audio) David Eells – 1/4/26   Tsunami Coming to Flood the Land Anonymous - 07/29/2007 (David's notes in red) This is like an open vision within a dream. This was probably one of the most emotional dreams I have ever experienced so far, which is normally not the case for me. I knew God would keep me safe from the flood, but I felt the fear of God's coming wrath, which made me to tremble. I saw myself in what looked like a viewing gallery made of glass. I could see miles into the ocean. I saw huge, extremely high waves approaching the land. It approached like a tsunami and entered inland. I then heard the voice of God saying, “Go and tell David Eells these words which must be highlighted in red, Warning: Judgment is Coming”. I then saw myself in a huge hall-like sanctuary, and you were preaching. There were people from different parts of the world. I saw Christians that I knew from my nation. These people started approaching me and asking me whether I was the one who saw the “Judgment dream” as they had read about it on the Internet. They could not believe that God could speak through a nobody like me! Praise God for that! The carnal church doesn't understand why God chooses to use nobodies like us. They only respect the great and notable important ones of the worldly church. But God's power is made perfect in weakness. I saw a group of careless Christians in this sanctuary who did not believe that God would send judgment to the wicked nations. They started to walk away in different directions out of this sanctuary to go about their daily affairs, such as work. But what was so amazing was that you were running before these people, with me running alongside, and you would stand in front of their paths and block their way and speak to them the Word about God's impending judgment. You really tired me with all that running in different directions away from the sanctuary! This is our ministry, reaching out to those who have not learned to abide in the safety of Christ. But I admired your persistence. I told God I had never met a persistent preacher like you! Because of the nature of our ministry: Internet, radio and access TV, we can preach day and night, non-stop, even beyond the confines of abiding in Christ, even as we ourselves abide in Christ. I saw that you would not let anyone pass you until you warned them! I was different. I only spoke about God when people approached me about God. Some repented; however, it is sad to say there were many who refused to believe, and they wanted to go back to work instead of staying in that sanctuary. It's time for people to think more about abiding in Christ than their livelihood. If we lose our life before the time we wont need a job. We had strayed way from this sanctuary due to warning the people. We were anticipating the floods at any time. This place was full of rocks/boulders. We had to climb down a boulder, then up again to make our way to safety. Suddenly, there appeared a fair woman (she looked western) dressed in white flowing garments. (The true church of Revelation 12:1.) She was holding a fair baby swaddled in white cloth. I quickly climbed down, and she told me to take her baby because she would not make it. (The church, as it is, will be brought to spiritual death to self through the coming judgments so that it may manifest resurrection life.) That baby was sleeping in her arms peacefully. However, as she handed me that baby, she spoke to it that she would not make it, but someone else would take care of it, and then it started to cry violently. (The man-child's warning to the church of coming crucifixion.) I took that baby, which was extremely tiny. I'm single, but I'm sure babies don't come in that size! (A small body of people in comparison to the mother.) It was so tiny yet very powerful that when its head and body started to wriggle, I had difficulty holding it, and it nearly dropped out of my hands. Fortunately, the lady made it down just in time to catch hold of that baby! (In humbling themselves to the Lord, they will receive the ministry of the man-child they have previously given up.) I can't remember seeing that woman and baby at this point. Because the floods were expected to come, I entered into a huge, tall hotel built upon a rock. It could be as tall as 100 floors. (The 100-fold fruit of those who abide fully on the rock of Christ.) I have never seen such a superstructure like this before in my life. I entered that hotel, and I saw many Christians there who believed in the impending judgment of God. We wanted to change our rooms from the lower floors to the highest floors. (More heavenly, less earthly, 100 fold fruit.) The desk clerk checked and acceded to our request because the highest floors were all vacant. He said that it would cost $89 per person. (The Lord sent me to Matthew 13 when I read this, and immediately showed me the 8th and 9th verse. Mat.13:8 and others fell upon the good ground, and yielded fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He that hath ears, let him hear. Also Psa.89 brings us to the Man-child.) My sister prepaid for all of these Christian families with her credit card. The Christian families told my sister that they would settle the bill for their share of the hotel fees. (We have heavenly credit because of the sacrifice of Jesus but also we have to count the cost of losing our life in this world to have our heavenly life.) The dream ended here. I have been having visits of fallen angels recently. I can sometimes see them with my naked eyes! I just had a visit last Tuesday. I would just rebuke them in Jesus name and they would dissipate immediately from view. I wonder why? (To show we have authority over them in Jesus' name.) Spoken to me: Floods/tsunamis spiritually speak of judgments. I believe you are reaching many nations through your ministry. Your ministry is primarily preparing people to escape the coming tribulation. God is no respecter of persons, and He can speak through whom He chooses. I believe that the coming judgment is around the corner, maybe sooner than some may conceive. As usual, there will be those who are just careless in their Christian life, and like in Noah's time, they want to eat, drink, marry, and go about their daily routine until it is too late for them to repent of their folly. I believe the lady speaks about the church, and the baby speaks of the man-child.   Promised Land or Beast Land? Father sent me five words given to the saints at the same time, which He showed me are related.   A Detention Camp D.L. - 06/18/2013 (David's notes in red) On January 12, 1994, I had a dream in which the Lord told me to go and anoint a detention camp. (His name means “world ruler”, which probably represents the Man-child who anoints the camp. The camp represents that Beast bondage is coming to God's people, apparently for their good.) It was to be a place where many Christians would suffer in their bodies, putting an end to sin 1Pe.4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. After anointing the camp, I was to run away as fast as I could. The only part I saw in the dream was me looking down upon myself running down a path or road as fast as I could. So I have no idea what the camp looked like or where in the camp I did the anointing. (This is a worldwide camp of beast bondage anointed and ordained to bring repentance and purity to God's people.) Note: There is a warning here for Christians to get their lives in order before the Lord, so they can enjoy the Lord's protection for whatever dangers there are in the future and avoid, if possible, places like this. (You can escape through holiness.)   Deb Horton - 06/16/2013 For the past few days, I kept getting repeated in my mind this phrase: “for I watch over my word to perform it”. But I didn't know it was for UBM. Sorry! (I told Care about it on Friday, so I have a witness.) This phrase is from Jer.1:12 Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I watch over my word to perform it. (What Word will the Father watch over to perform? How and why will He do this?) (Below is the text and some interpretation.) Jer.1:1 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin: 2 to whom the word of Jehovah came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. 3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month. (As we see, this will be the carrying away unto the Beast captivity of God's apostate people.) 4 Now the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations. 6 Then said I, Ah, Lord Jehovah! behold, I know not how to speak; for I am a child. 7 But Jehovah said unto me, Say not, I am a child; for to whomsoever I shall send thee thou shalt go, and whatsoever I shall command thee thou shalt speak. (This is the same conversation God had with Moses the Man-child. Jeremiah represents the Man-child who basically said he didn't know how to speak, and God said, “Fear not. I will speak through you”.) 8 Be not afraid because of them; for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith Jehovah. 9 Then Jehovah put forth his hand, and touched my mouth; and Jehovah said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth: (To release a sword against God's people to bring them to repentance.) 10 see, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant. 1011 (the gematria for the Man-child) Moreover the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod (the “rod of my son” - Ezekiel 21:10 below) of an almond-tree (almonds are first-fruits). Here is Ezekiel 21:10 in context: Eze.21:8 And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, 9 Son of man (Jesus manifested in His Man-child body), prophesy, and say, Thus saith Jehovah: Say, A sword, a sword, it is sharpened, and also furbished; 10 it is sharpened that it may make a slaughter; it is furbished that it may be as lightning: shall we then make mirth? the rod of my son, it contemneth every tree (The rod of God's Son will speak judgment on God's people through the Man-child who speaks not for “Churchianity” but God.). 11(again) And it is given to be furbished, that it may be handled: the sword, it is sharpened, yea, it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer. (Authority given to the Beast to slay the flesh of God's rebellious people.) 12 Cry and wail, son of man; for it is upon my people, it is upon all the princes of Israel: they are delivered over to the sword with my people; smite therefore upon thy thigh. 13 For there is a trial (or tribulation); and what if even the rod that contemneth shall be no more? saith the Lord Jehovah. (If the rod of the Lord's son was not there to chasten them, they would be lost. We must lose our life to gain our higher life.) 14 Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thy hands together; and let the sword be doubled the third time (Third world kingdom to conquer God's people; there was Egypt, Assyria, and third was Babylon. Likewise, World Wars I and II brought New World Orders, the League of Nations and the United Nations, and WW III will bring the tribulation Dragon of Revelation 12. This third time, a sword will come against God's rebellious leadership and people.), the sword of the deadly wounded: it is the sword of the great one that is deadly wounded, which entereth into their chambers. 15 I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! it is made as lightning, it is pointed for slaughter (God chastens every son that He receives; a humbling is coming.). Back to our Jeremiah text. Jer.1:12 Then said Jehovah unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I watch over my word to perform it. (According to God's will, the Beast will once again make war on the saints to bring them to their cross.) 13 And the word of Jehovah came unto me the second time, saying, What seest thou? And I said, I see a boiling caldron; and the face thereof is from the north (the Beast from the north makes war against God's people). 14 Then Jehovah said unto me, Out of the north evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land. 15 For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north (the seven-headed Beast kingdom), saith Jehovah; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem (the apostate leadership of God's people today), and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah. 16 And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, in that they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods (Elohim), and worshipped the works of their own hands (religions, doctrines, church buildings, of men). 17 Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at them, lest I dismay thee before them. (i.e. The Lord was saying, “Man-child, be strengthened to do battle against the apostates. Pay no attention to their disapproval; just speak what I say”.) 18 For, behold, I have made thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. (As it was when Jesus was strengthened to come against the entrenched Pharisees who warred against Him. And I received this same treatment for myself and got these same verses.) 19 And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee, saith Jehovah, to deliver thee. (I received this same text when called on the carpet by an old order religion I was asked to speak at.) So what do we do? M. L. received this word this morning: Neh.9:2 And the seed of Israel separated themselves (sanctified themselves) from all foreigners (This separation is happening. Those who act foreign to God's Kingdom are.), and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers (Confession of sins always brings the grace of God in deliverance and healing.). 3 And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of Jehovah their God a fourth part of the day (humility to the Word brings mercy); and [another] fourth part they confessed, and worshipped Jehovah their God. So they confessed their sins of their fathers which they had inherited through the blood for “the life of the flesh is in the blood”: 13 Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right ordinances and true laws, good statutes and Commandments (He gave us His Word), 14 and madest known unto them thy holy sabbath (His rest through faith), and commandedst them commandments, and statutes, and a law, by Moses thy servant (a Man-child type), 15 and gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and commandedst them that they should go in to possess the land (or take dominion over the flesh) which thou hadst sworn to give them. (They rebelled and left the old man ruling the land.) 16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly and hardened their neck, and hearkened not to thy commandments, 17 and refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage (A factious leader, for they loved the fleshpots of Egypt where they were ruled over and fed by the carnal man). But thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness, and forsookest them not. 18 Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations (So they made their own Jesus after their own likeness who smiled upon their sinful lives.); 19 yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of cloud departed not from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way wherein they should go. And they confessed their sins: 26 Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their back (they ignored the Word, as today), and slew thy prophets that testified against them to turn them again unto thee, and they wrought great provocations. (They weren't satisfied to just walk away when they rebelled against the Word of God; they had to silence the Word at all costs; they had to kill the men who sacrificed their lives to bring them the Word. At the same time as receiving this word, M. L. received Psalm 55:12-19 about this, and closed her Bible because she was tired of hearing this. She asked for another word and opened her Bible and put her finger down on the same verse. Psa.55:12 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; Then I could have borne it: Neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; Then I would have hid myself from him: 13 But it was thou, a man mine equal, My companion, and my familiar friend. 14 We took sweet counsel together; We walked in the house of God with the throng. 15 Let death come suddenly upon them, Let them go down alive into Sheol; For wickedness is in their dwelling, in the midst of them. 16 As for me, I will call upon God; And Jehovah will save me. 17 Evening, and morning, and at noonday, will I complain, and moan; And he will hear my voice. 18 He hath redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me; For they were many [that strove] with me. 19 God will hear, and answer them, Even he that abideth of old, Selah [The men] who have no changes, And who fear not God. 20 He hath put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him: He hath profaned his covenant. 21 His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war: His words were softer than oil, Yet were they drawn swords. 22 Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee: He will never suffer the righteous to be moved. 23 But thou, O God, wilt bring them down into the pit of destruction: Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in thee.) Because of this great provocation: 27 Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their adversaries, who distressed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours who saved them out of the hand of their adversaries. 28 But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee; therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies, 29 and testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law. Yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thine ordinances, (which if a man do, he shall live in them,) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear. 30 Yet many years didst thou bear with them, and testifiedst against them by thy Spirit through thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the peoples of the lands (to be ruled over and oppressed by the Beast). So what do we do to have God's blessing and come out from under the curse? We walk in the light of God's Word. On 6/16/13 a sister received Eze.47:21 So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of Israel. But she sent this whole text, which shows us how to possess the Promised Land of rest, milk, and honey: Eze.47:1 And he brought me back unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward (for the forefront of the house was toward the east); and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the house, on the south of the altar. (The Word is the waters from the House of God to bring salvation and healing to the peoples.) 2 Then he brought me out by the way of the gate northward, and led me round by the way without unto the outer gate, by the way of the gate that looketh toward the east; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side. 3 When the man went forth eastward with the line in his hand, he measured a thousand cubits, and he caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the ankles. (What is the depth of the Word you walk in?) 4 Again he measured a thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the knees. (30-fold fruit of the waters walked in) Again he measured a thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the loins. (60-fold fruit of the waters walked in) 5 Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass through; for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. (Waters of baptism go over the head to put to death the mind of flesh. 100-fold fruit of the waters walked in.) 6 And he said unto me, Son of man (the Man-child walking in 100-fold fruit), hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the bank of the river. 7 Now when I had returned, behold, upon the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. (Those witnesses who bring the healing waters of the tongue to the peoples, as below. And as Jesus the Man-child witnesses did.) 8 Then said he unto me, These waters issue forth toward the eastern region, and shall go down into the Arabah; and they shall go toward the sea (the Dead Sea, representing the dead peoples of the world); into the sea shall the waters go which were made to issue forth; and the waters shall be healed. 9 And it shall come to pass, that every living creature which swarmeth, in every place whither the rivers come, shall live (a great revival of the Word coming when many church people reject it.); and there shall be a very great multitude of fish; for these waters are come thither, and the waters of the sea shall be healed (The word and understanding of lost people shall be cleansed), and everything shall live whithersoever the river cometh. (Out of your innermost being shall flow rivers of living waters -- John 7:38.) 10 And it shall come to pass, that fishers shall stand by it: from En-gedi even unto En-eglaim shall be a place for the spreading of nets; their fish shall be after their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many. (many evangelists will fish for them) 11 But the miry places thereof, and the marshes thereof, shall not be healed; they shall be given up to salt. (Living waters are moving waters; dead waters are stagnant waters, as the Pharisees walk in. They will be reprobated, like Lot's wife, who turned to salt when she looked back.) 12 And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow every tree for food, whose leaf shall not whither, neither shall the fruit thereof fail: it shall bring forth new fruit every month, because the waters thereof issue out of the sanctuary; and the fruit thereof shall be for food, and the leaf thereof for healing. (As Revelation 22 shows, the waters give life to the trees whose leaves are for the healing of the nations.) Rev.22:1 And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, (Only the living Word can do this) 2 in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life (Pro.15:4 The healing of the tongue is a tree of life... In Hebrew), bearing twelve [manner of] fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no curse any more (the waters of the Word are to deliver us from the curse): and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him; 4 and they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] on their foreheads. 5 And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light (if we walk in the light as He is in the light): and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6 And he said unto me, These words are faithful and true: and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angels to show unto his servants the things which must shortly come to pass. If we walk in the light of the water of the Word, we will be blessed to take the land of rest, God's promised land of milk and honey. If we continue to rebel against the Word, we shall see a terrible beast bondage. Now back to Ezekiel text: 13 Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: This shall be the border, whereby ye shall divide the land for inheritance according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions. (The land is divided among the 12 tribes [verse 21] by lot [in verse 22]. We are the spiritual 12 tribes. (1Co 10:11) Now these things happened unto them by way of example [Greek: figure or type]; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come.) 14 And ye shall inherit it, one as well as another; for I sware to give it unto your fathers: and this land shall fall unto you for inheritance. (The promises are our Promised Land of rest from our enemies.) 15 And this shall be the border of the land: On the north side, from the great sea, by the way of Hethlon, unto the entrance of Zedad; 16 Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazer-hatticon, which is by the border of Hauran. 17 And the border from the sea, shall be Hazar-enon at the border of Damascus; and on the north northward is the border of Hamath. This is the north side. 18 And the east side, between Hauran and Damascus and Gilead, and the land of Israel, shall be the Jordan; from the north border unto the east sea shall ye measure. This is the east side. 19 And the south side southward shall be from Tamar as far as the waters of Meriboth-kadesh, to the brook of Egypt, unto the great sea. This is the south side southward. 20 And the west side shall be the great sea, from the south border as far as over against the entrance of Hamath. This is the west side. 21 So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of Israel. 22 And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you and to the strangers that sojourn among you, who shall beget children among you; and they shall be unto you as the home-born among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. (These strangers could well be your lost loved ones who you are believing for and will inherit the land with you.) 23 And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord Jehovah. When I finished the above, I received this note:   Anonymous - 06/19/2013 The broader church is about to go into the captivity of the Beast system to separate the wheat from the tares: Psa.53:6 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Then shall Jacob rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. The Man-child among us will lead the way out of spiritual captivity: 54:1 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David; when the Ziphites came and said to Saul Doth not David hide himself with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, And judge me in thy might. Pray fervently! 2 Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth. The factious will again rise up through the tribulation: 3 For strangers are risen up against me, And violent men have sought after my soul: They have not set God before them. The Word sanctifies the soul: 4 Behold, God is my helper: The Lord is of them that uphold my soul. The Word will overcome for us and through us: 5 He will requite the evil unto mine enemies: Destroy thou them in thy truth. The “name” (nature, character and authority) of the Lord brings the “living sacrifice!” 6 With a freewill-offering will I sacrifice unto thee: I will give thanks unto thy name, O Jehovah, for it is good. Which brings the deliverance from the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places: 7 For he hath delivered me out of all trouble; And mine eye hath seen my desire upon mine enemies.   The Promised Land is not for Enemies These dreams are similar to those we have received in the past, which speak of fear moving people out of the area, in this case by train, which would only be necessary if the fault lines to the east and west opened up and main highways were cut off as we have dreamed. And then repositioning us in the area in preparation for many more Christians to come.   Moving and Trains Sandy Shaw - 08/22/2015 (David's notes in red) In a dream, a sister was talking to me, saying, “Everyone in the circle is moving”. (This means the local UBM circle. I asked the Lord if we were all moving and got three heads for YES.) I asked, “How does everyone feel about that?” She said, “We are ready to go; we are at peace with the idea”. (A word received for this dream: Isa.26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.) (M. L. had a dream called “Getting Ready” on 6/16/15, which is about them being in a large house, rather than the mobile home they are now in and getting it ready because all their children and grandchildren were coming. The coming children could have a spiritual meaning, as well as a physical meaning. Many children are coming. Michael L. dreamed that UBM people were moving into housing close together, which is outside the city. Bill had a dream we were there, too. M. L. had a dream that I was moving into an office there, too. We have always known that our housing is temporary at first and we are all renting. Housing has been provided.) Then, from the Walmart parking lot, I saw the following: A train, a document on special paper, and chaos and fear here in the local area, but we were at peace. (Walmart stores are reported to be staging areas to separate the Christians and, according to Eve's dream, a place where some may never be seen again. The fear represents the hornet of fear that drives the inhabitants from the Promised Land ahead of God's chosen. Pray for God's people among them! We do not make God's plans; we merely obey them.) I could not see the message on the document. Then I saw a man's hand as he pointed at it. He shouted, “Can't you see it?” He asked three times and continued to point, “It's right there!” (Could it be that the earthquakes have happened, and as seen before, the faults cut off the interstate and main road, leaving the area. The hornet of fear will drive people from our Promised Land. A false warning from geologists that the peninsula could sink into the waters that have filled in the faults?) I asked in frustration, “Lord, why can't I see it?” (Because Sandy doesn't hear the message of fear, she is not going with them. In one of her recent dreams, she was hidden in Christ, in the underground, when the people were leaving.) Then T. C. popped up with outstretched arms. She said, “Sandy, you know God is sovereign. He will reveal it to you when He is ready”. (In other words, He will reveal what you need to know on a need-to-know basis.) Sandy said, “I see a train that is not moving (I asked Sandy if this could be the train we are used to seeing. The only one that goes north and south through the valley. She thought so.), but I hear a train that is moving (the people out). Then the feeling of dread, like oh, no, came over me”. (I asked her if the moving train could be a passenger train and she said she felt it was. It is a possibility that this train could represent a train of cars leaving town. You can't get many people on a normal passenger train, but of course, the Nazis moved the Jews in boxcars. Then again, if they are going to a FEMA camp, they may not take their cars, and if the interstate and main highway are taken out, possibly the train is the only way out of the area. That way, they couldn't take much with them, which is what was already revealed to us. Sandy's dream of all the people walking or riding bikes to this central city [trains] while she ducked into the woods with others to a hiding place underground could be a clue. They wouldn't need their cars if they were boarding a train. But they may not know they are not coming back.) Amazing words by faith at random this same morning: This morning, Michael L. got Ezr.2:70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities. 3:1 And when the seventh month (on the Hebrew Biblical calendar, this is September) was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. We used to talk about our Jerusalem in this area. The Man-child David and his men took Jerusalem after he was anointed. Notice the same amazing words in the next verse. Also, this morning B. A. got Ezr.10:9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within the three days; it was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month: and all the people sat in the broad place before the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain. (The outpouring of God's Spirit?) P. O. asked the Father for a verse to share. She said, “I felt led to ask Him for a verse that we needed to hear. He put my finger down on Isa.54:1 Sing, O sing ye barren... The whole chapter seemed appropriate. Then I felt like singing. The song that came out of the blue was Christ Arose”. Low in the grave He lay; Jesus my Savior; Waiting the coming day, Jesus Our Lord. Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph over His foes. He arose a victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign!   Many People Coming to UBM M. L.- 08/21/2015 It was a sunny day with blue sky and an atmosphere of rejoicing. People, people everywhere. Where did they all come from? How did they get here? How did they find us? What is their story? My dream opened up at seeing hundreds and hundreds of people coming to us. And I saw some more in the distance coming toward us, too. (This could be the call to go into the wilderness after the earthquakes and Man-child anointing. Those in the distance are those coming later.) I saw quick glances of people like snapshots seated at makeshift tables. More in the foreground were small, white, round tables; it seemed four could sit at each. At a section of white table, close to my observation point, there was a woman who caught my attention. She had finished eating and had kept looking to the right. She had blond hair that was long and was brought from her face to the sides in a becoming way. Her face was radiant as she watched the people about her. She looked familiar but she was different, taller, lighter hair. She will return and she will show radiance, too. (We knew this woman as a righteous woman but she was deceived into the faction by her husband. We had dreams this would happen to her but we also have had dreams she would return very humbled but without her husband who would die. So we think she is a type of many who will repent and return as the Lord has said to us.) This was all outside and people were eating. Everyone had a plate and something to drink. Believe it or not, the food just appeared as people were waiting in line. (Jesus, as a type of the end time Man-child in whom He lives by His Word and Spirit, multiplied the food in the wilderness.) Rectangular bountiful tables were end upon end and row upon row, just to hold the food. The people were patient and kind and loving to one another. (The only kind of people who will escape the Beast.) I saw close-up shots of lasagna being put on a plate. Crispy chicken, salad, greens, biscuits and on and on. The food dishes were replaced as the last piece or spoonful was taken. Where did it come from? I saw no one carrying food to the table. (Manna comes out of heaven.) Since we were outside, where were the ovens that baked everything? I knew our local body was serving but never really saw anyone. It was a busy time and we were servants to all. (A Marriage Feast in the wilderness.) I didn't see any buildings nor could I see if we were in a field or a grassy area because I saw everything from a table-height up. The edges were also blurred slightly, as I took in the scene before me. In the area, I saw no debris from damaged buildings (which will be needed). When people had finished eating, they talked excitedly and were patiently waiting for the meeting to start. This had to be on a raised area so people could see who was speaking. Then again, I didn't see this but just knew that the area on the right was where things were set up. People were looking in that direction. It was then that I noticed the people sitting at the white tables who were close to me had a special glow on their faces. Their faces had a sheen like oil on them that went into their hair. There were dozens of these tables. Then I saw more and more with the glow. (Those who manifested the glory of God by seeing Jesus in the mirror, the Gospel. 2Co.3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.) They had come here. They had been revived by rest and food. Now they were anticipating the spiritual food for their souls, they had hungered and thirsted for so long. (Jesus, as a type of the end-time Man-child in whom He lives by His Word and Spirit, fed that food for the soul in the wilderness, too. Oh, come, Lord Jesus; we need You.) Some applicable verses: Mat.11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Php.4:19 And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Luk.9:12 And the day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and country round about, and lodge, and get provisions: for we are here in a desert place. 13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more than five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy food for all this people. 14 For they were about five thousand men. (Not including the women and children.) And he said unto his disciples, Make them sit down in companies, about fifty each. 15 And they did so, and made them all sit down. 16 And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake; and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17 And they ate, and were all filled: and there was taken up that which remained over to them of broken pieces, twelve baskets. (We have seen food multiplied.) Gal.5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.... Mar.9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve; and he saith unto them, If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all. Exo.34:35 And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses face shone: and Moses put the veil upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him. Psa.34:5 They looked unto him, and were radiant; and their faces shall never be confounded. 42:1 As the Deer Pants for the Water, So panteth my soul after thee, O God....   Are You Ready? Here They Come!  Sandy Shaw - 08/26/2015 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I saw huge wooden double doors that were several inches thick. They had hinges and handles like those of an old castle. On the inside, there was a large, thick wooden arm that was down to bar the doors. Local UBM was inside, hurrying to get final preparations done. Everyone knew what they were to do, and they did it. There was a man at the doors. Then the wooden arm was raised up, and he shouted, “Get ready, get ready, get ready!” Then he opened the doors and shouted, “R-E-A-D-Y!” And there were hundreds and hundreds of people coming inside!   A Nation of Refugees Moving Toward God Michael L. - 09/07/2015 (David's notes is red) I was on top of a mountain. It was mostly grassy, but the elevation looked to be 4,000 to 5,000 feet. I could see for many miles. It appeared as though this mountain was higher, as it allowed me to look over to the other mountains that were lower. I also saw thousands of people walking across the lands. They were traveling from left to right. (Jesus put the goats on the left and the sheep on the right, so this means to go from rebellion to submission, from goats to sheep.) None of them was saying anything. They seemed very sober or maybe tired. (The U.S. will be a nation full of refugees seeking help from God, Who will answer miraculously.) They were carrying things that they could easily handle. (It will be a wilderness experience for God's people. Many will come to know Him. When they do, He will give them a place of rest. Abraham was a sojourner: “he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God”. He searched out his Promised Land.) After seeing this, I thought that I should take my car, as it might make it easier (it was possibly a green 1960s Chevy Impala). I looked everywhere for some kind of road to travel down the mountain, but I couldn't find one. (No road down means you should stay on top of the mountain, close to God. Don't take the Chevy; it's a goat that only goes to the left.) Chevy is from French, German (Swiss) origins from chèvre meaning “goat” and, if you use the full name Chevrolet, we get lait meaning “milk”, possibly meaning for the immature. An impala is a reddish-brown African antelope with long, curved horns in the male, and is known for its ability to leap. They are food for the lion or beast.   God's Promise of Protection and Provision B. A. - 01/01/2012 (David's notes is red) I dreamed I was sitting in my den with my Bible in my lap and my laptop computer open to my concordance; I often study this way. Suddenly, from the view of the west window in the den, I saw a big black Hummer vehicle pull up right outside the window. I saw five men dressed in military clothing get out of the vehicle; I could see that one of them was a high-ranking officer. My husband was standing in the kitchen between the refrigerator and the island. I stood up out of my chair and told him not to move or speak, no matter what happened. I then began to pray this prayer: “Heavenly Father, please make everything in this house invisible except me, these two chairs in the den and the table, the mattress, blankets and pillows on the floor, and the four slices of bread and two small potatoes in the cupboard. Father, please make our enemies be at peace with us, and please make our enemies bless us. Thank you, Lord. Amen.” As I finished my prayer, the officer approached the sliding glass door to the den and entered the room. He looked straight at me, then, without saying a word, he began to search the house. What happened next was amazing. The officer began to walk into the kitchen between the refrigerator and the island where my husband was standing; the officer passed right through my husband and proceeded into the dining room and all of the other rooms on that side of the house. Then, the officer came back into the kitchen and opened the cupboard, and saw the four slices of bread and two potatoes. He gently closed the cupboard doors and walked over to the sliding glass door and opened the door. In a strange language I had never heard before, he commanded one of the young men to retrieve a large sack from the front seat of the Hummer. I was actually able to understand what the officer said to this man. The young man got the sack and brought it to the officer. The officer then came back into the house and placed the sack on the counter in the kitchen, and then went back outside. Then the officer reached inside the Hummer and had something in his hand as he walked over to the west window; he placed something that looked like a seal across the window, then got back into the Hummer and left. All of this transpired without one word being spoken. I then looked back at my husband, and I was amazed at what I saw. His hair, which was sandy blond before, was now snow white. I asked him, “Do you understand what just happened?” He looked at me and fell to his knees in sobbing tears, and he cried out to the Lord to forgive him for his sins. After a while, he got up, and we discussed what all had taken place. I then asked my husband to pour out the contents of the sack onto the counter. The sack contained two bottles of water, two apples and a large bag of peanuts still in the shell. My husband then said to me, “Everything you prayed for in your prayer was granted by the Lord”. We then sang and praised the Lord together. We then went outside to see more clearly what was on this seal that was placed on the window. There was writing in a foreign language, but I was able to read and understand it as it read, “This house is clean”. I looked up the driveway and could see that there was another one of these seals on the gate at the front of the driveway, so we went up to the gate to take a closer look at that seal; this seal read, “This property has been inspected and is clean. No further inspections required”. Then I awoke from the dream. I got up from bed and just sat for hours thinking about this dream. Tears of joy ran down my face, as I believe the Lord was reassuring me that all would be well with my family and me; just believe. Mar.11:23 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. 24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.   The Righteous Remain in the Land M. Y. - 12/05/2012 (David's notes in red) Background note: We know there is a spiritual Promised Land of our lives, which is taken possession of as the old man is conquered by the sword or Word of the spiritual man who then rules this life. However, this dream has a special and more physical meaning to the brethren involved with it because we are in a LAND that was promised to us and others by the Lord, and He has told us that only the righteous will remain. The testings of the Lord and the temptations of self, have proven some people unworthy to remain in the Refuge Land, and they are being removed, just like in this dream. We have heard this warning many times and received some of the verses below from the Lord before. In my dream, a group of people were lying down in an open area and I was lying on my side. I saw (what I thought was in the spirit) an image of me with my right arm ripped almost entirely off my shoulder and barely hanging on by a piece of flesh or muscle. I was told that if I lay that way (on my side), I would not be protected from the strong wind and the result would be damage to my arm. (The strong wind is the tribulations to come and the arm represents the works of the Christian that will not survive the trial unless they overcome. In other words, their works will fail to be works of faith. Mat.7:24 Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock: 25 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and if fell not: for it was founded upon the rock [of rest in the promises]. 26 And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: 27 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof. Another way of saying this is their works were burned up in the fiery trial. 1Co.3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble [the dark man]; 13 each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire. (He will continue in the fire for the flesh to be burned up.) I was then instructed (in the spirit or in my mind) on how to lie properly and in what direction to lie my head to avoid any damage. I practiced this a few times and knew that I had to remember it. I had to lie flat with all my members against the ground. (In other words, we have to have all of our works [arms], walk [legs], head [mind] and torso [heart] resting from our own works through faith in the promises.) I had to keep my eyes away from the wind. (In other words, get your eyes off the problem and on the Lord.) There was a black or dark man lying to my left when I held up my hand toward him in the shape of or forming the letter C. (The Christian is trying to teach the dark man who walks in darkness how to survive the coming curse. This dark man represents either the flesh or others who walk in it.) I thought that the C was a type of sign language, or I was telling myself to “see”. (Or it could also mean that we must keep our eyes away from the problem or curse and put them on C for Christ.) As I lay there in the shape I was shown, with one hand I began to pat each part of my body, as if to verify its position or to draw attention to it for instruction (to the dark man). At some point, there were no other people around, and I started wondering what would cause the strong wind. (Notice that the dark man was taken away. This is what the wind and fire do.) I considered a nuclear blast or other disasters that would cause a strong wind. I awoke and had the strong feeling that the C-shape made with my hand was telling me to see or pay attention. (The strong wind is any trial that tempts us to get into our own works and so fail to stay in the rest of faith that saves us.) When we heard this dream, there were three other people in the room with me, and I asked them to get a Word from the Lord by faith concerning this wind and what it would do by opening their Bible randomly and putting their fingers down. I was first to find a verse. Pro.2:21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, And the perfect shall remain in it. 22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the land, And the treacherous shall be rooted out of it. Notice those who are in the rest of faith will remain in the Promised Land. But, just as in the dream, the dark man is gone. This land that all four of us are in and has been promised to us is the Boat/Ark/Refuge, etc. M. Y.'s wife, got Psalm 73, which is all about the end of the wicked and survival of the righteous. Psa.73:18 Surely thou settest them in slippery places: Thou castest them down to destruction. 19 How are they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors ... 27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: Thou hast destroyed all them that play the harlot, [departing] from thee. 28 But it is good for me to draw near unto God: I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge, That I may tell of all thy works. Then M. Y. got astounding verses about what would happen to the wicked who opposed our building of the spiritual temple. In this text, those who persecuted the Jews as a faction stopped them from building the temple of God (as is happening now) were made to help them or be destroyed as is happening. Ezr.6:10 that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savor unto the God of heaven [the sacrifice of the flesh or dark man burning up in the fiery trial], and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. 11 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon [in other words, let him be crucified]; and let his house be made a dunghill for this. Then M.Y. got a text that speaks of the backsliding people of God from the Spirit-filled and non-Spirit-filled groups that were taken captive out of their land by the Beast because of their spiritual idols and spiritual fornication: Jer.3:8 And I saw, when, for this very cause that backsliding Israel (non-Spirit filled) had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a bill of divorcement, yet treacherous Judah (Spirit-filled who had the House of God in their midst.) her sister feared not; but she also went and played the harlot. 9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that the land was polluted, and she committed adultery with stones and with stocks. 10 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not returned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith Jehovah. In the rest of the text, the overcomers who came out of bondage were brought to the Bride, Jerusalem. 14 Return, O backsliding children, saith Jehovah; for I am a husband unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: 15 and I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding ... 17 At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of Jehovah; and all the nations [gentiles] shall be gathered unto it, to the name of Jehovah, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart. Notice the overcomers shall escape and be given the LAND. 19 But I said, How I will put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of the nations! and I said, Ye shall call me My Father, and shall not turn away from following me. Notice, once again, that the wicked will not stay in the Land; the righteous who walk by faith will. S. Y. asked for one more verse and it was about the wicked breaking their arms, just like the dream. Psa.37:17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken; But Jehovah upholdeth the righteous. The rest of the text fits, too. 18 Jehovah knoweth the days of the perfect; And their inheritance shall be for ever. 19 They shall not be put to shame in the time of evil; And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. 20 But the wicked shall perish, And the enemies of Jehovah shall be as the fat of lambs: They shall consume; In smoke shall they consume away. A dear friend, Bolivar, asked God what would happen to the carnal Christians in the coming days and got: Isa.65:9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains; and my chosen shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there. 10 And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor (troubling) a place for herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me. 11 But ye that forsake Jehovah, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for Fortune [to profit the flesh], and that fill up mingled wine unto Destiny; 12 I will destine you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter; because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but ye did that which was evil in mine eyes, and chose that wherein I delighted not. 13 Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry; behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty; behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be put to shame; 14 behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall wail for vexation of spirit. Psa.125:3 For the sceptre of wickedness shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; That the righteous put not forth their hands unto iniquity. 4 Do good, O Jehovah, unto those that are good, And to them that are upright in their hearts. 5 But as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, Jehovah will lead them forth with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel. Zep.3:11 In that day shalt thou not be put to shame for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me; for then I will take away out of the midst of thee thy proudly exulting ones, and thou shalt no more be haughty in my holy mountain. 12 But I will leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall take refuge in the name of Jehovah. 13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Amo.9:10 All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, who say, The evil shall not overtake nor meet us. 11 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old; 12 that they may possess the remnant of Edom [the Davids will conquer those who sold their birthright to be sons of Abraham], and all the nations that are called by my name, saith Jehovah that doeth this.

Today we attempt an immersive historical reconstruction of Dur-Sharrukin, the short-lived but astonishing capital built by Sargon II of Assyria in the late eighth century BCE. Set primarily in 706 BCE, this episode takes the listener on a guided tour of the city at the height of its splendor, using a fictional Urartian envoy as a narrative lens to explore what may be the most ambitious urban project of the ancient Near East.Drawing closely on archaeological evidence, royal inscriptions, and comparative material from Assyria and Babylonia, the episode reconstructs the experience of approaching Dur-Sharrukin along the royal roads, passing through its immense fortifications, and moving from the regimented lower city into the elevated palace and temple complex. Along the way, it examines Assyrian logistics, deportation policy, urban planning, law courts, sacred gates, monumental reliefs, and the social reality of an imperial capital populated almost entirely by relocated peoples from across the empire.Particular attention is given to the unprecedented scale and order of the city, its rigid grid layout, state-allocated housing, massive walls, and the palace platform crowned by the ziggurat of Nabu. The episode also explores the hydraulic engineering that made the upper complex possible, including early screw-pump technology that anticipates later traditions surrounding the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Dur-Sharrukin emerges not merely as a capital, but as an ideological statement: a city designed to embody kingship, divine favor, and imperial domination in stone, water, and labor.Although the central figure of Aramu is fictional, the city is not. The episode uses historical fiction as a disciplined tool to illuminate daily experience, perception, and scale in a way that conventional narrative history often cannot. It also reflects on the tragedy of Dur-Sharrukin's fate, abandoned only months after completion following Sargon II's death, and largely erased from living memory despite rivaling the great wonders of the ancient world.This episode sets the stage for the next installment, which turns from the city to the engine that made it possible: the mature Assyrian army of the Sargonid period, examining its organization, equipment, tactics, and logistical systems in depth.I am also doing daily history facts again, at least until I run out of time again. You can find Oldest Stories daily on Tiktok and Youtube Shorts.If you like the show, consider sharing with your friends, leaving a like, subscribing, or even supporting financially:Buy the Oldest Stories books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate here: https://oldeststories.net/or on patreon: https://patreon.com/JamesBleckleyor on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCG2tPxnHNNvMd0VrInekaA/joinYoutube and Patreon members get access to bonus content about Egyptian culture and myths.

Isaiah 7:10-17 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: 11 "Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven." 12 But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test." 13 And he said, "Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? 14Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey when He knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. 17 The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father's house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria!"   Key Words: Ask, Sign, House, David, Virgin, Bear, Immanuel Keystone Verses: Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)     DOWNLOAD BULLETIN

Our Sovereign God May Not Return to Us If Jesus Followers Do Not Lead America's Return to God; You Are Here for These Times MESSAGE SUMMARY: If enough of us get serious with God, then, perhaps, God will heal us and this land. When we, as both individual Jesus Followers and as a country, turn to the Lord, will we hear God's call and answer as in Isaiah 6:8: “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.'”. As Jesus Followers but in our non-Christian behavior: we are mean; we are angry; we are judgmental; and we are selfish and self-centered. Also, in our non-Christian behavior, we are often in bondage to debt, drugs, and extramarital sex. In all these non-Christian behaviors, we are not different from the unbeliever next door. Therefore, we are not very different from God's people in the time of Hosea described in Hosea 11:7,10-11: “My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High {God}, he shall not raise them up at all . . . They shall go after the LORD; he will roar like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west; they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria, and I will return them to their homes, declares the LORD.". We need to ask ourselves: “Am I being faithful to Jesus Christ and what needs to change in me and my life? Also, we need to ask ourselves “how am I disobeying the Lord?”. Will you then say to God: “Here am I! Send me.” If NOT ENOUGH “Self-Identifying Christians” answer God's call to lead America in our “return to God”, then God, in His sovereignty, will not return to America – you are here for times like these!   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I come this day inviting you to cut those deeply entrenched chains that keep me from being faithful to my true self in Christ. In doing so, may my life be a blessing to many. In Jesus' name, amen.      Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 44). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Insensitivity. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Gentleness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Hosea 11:1-11; Isaiah 6:8-13; Matthew 13:13-17; Psalms 13:1-6. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Christmas Message – What God Has Done For Us” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

This is the final week in our study of 400 years of Kings and Prophets from Solomon to Jeremiah. King Josiah     •    Young King seeks God     •    Spiritual cleansing of Jerusalem     •    Book of the Law discovered     •    Reform beyond Judah     •    Passover observance  - King Josiah gives an order to all people to observe God's Passover. This had not been celebrated according to what was written, not even in the days of the judges, nor in the days of any of the kings of Israel and Judah. Josiah made sure the celebration was carried out according to what was written in the Book of the Covenant. He, like David, was a man after God's own heart. He reads the scriptures and applies them and a time of revival begins.  We read in 2 Kings 23:25 "Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did - with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses."     •    Death at Megiddo - A prophetic word comes from Huldah telling Josiah of the judgment that is coming from God against the people, but that because Josiah's heart was repentant he would not see the judgment that would come.  During this time there was great international upheaval between Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon.  2 Kings 23:29 "While Josiah was king, Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt went up to the Euphrates River to help the king of Assyria. King Josiah marched out to meet him in battle, but Necho faced him and killed him at Megiddo."  Jeremiah and the nation were devastated by the loss of king Josiah. Then Josiah's 3 sons reign. None were the king that their father was. They returned to the old ways for faithlessness to God. Josiah's 3 Sons     •    Jehoahaz - 2 Kings 23:31-33; 2 Chronicles 36:1-3 - reigned 3 month doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. He was imprisoned by Pharaoh Necho of Egypt, who was the one who had killed his father. Jehoahaz dies in Egypt.     •    Jehoiakim - 2 Kings 23:34 - 24:7; 2 Chronicles 36:4-8 - reigned 11 years and did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He was an evil and inefficient ruler. Constructed a new palace and Jeremiah denounces him for ignoring the people and ignoring God. Jehoiakim rejects Jeremiah and even burns the first copy of the book of Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 36:23) The city of Jerusalem is overtaken in 605 BC by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and many of the people are deported to Babylon. (Daniel was one that was taken - Daniel 1:1-2). When Jehoiakim dies he is given the "burial of a donkey." Jeremiah 22:13-19. Johoiachin, his son reigns for 3 months doing evil like his father and was taken captive by Babylon - 2 Kings 24:8-16; 2 Chronicles 36:9-10     •    Zedekiah - 2 Kings 24:17 - 25:21; 2 Chronicles 36:11-21; Jeremiah 39:1-10 - reigns for 11 years and he did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Zedekiah breaks the treaty with Babylon (Ezekiel 17:18). He looks to Egypt for deliverance but didn't receive any. The false prophets encouraged him in his evil ways. Jeremiah warns Zedekiah of coming suffering and prophecies. But Zedekiah does not change his way and Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians and Zedekiah dies in a tragic way. Jeremiah 39:6-7.  And so ends our study with the nation, the city of Jerusalem a the Temple destroyed in 586 B.C.  Interestingly enough the Temple would once again be destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. in the same month, on the same day. This was a day Jesus predicted because they did not recognize Him and had rejected Him. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Isaiah expert and Old Testament scholar Dr. John Oswalt is our guest again this week on the Profile. On this episode John discusses the discovery of the Great Isaiah Scroll in Qumran in 1947, more of Isaiah 53, and the prophecy of Cyrus the Great in chapter 45. Dr. John Oswalt Asbury served on the faculty of Asbury Theological seminary from 1970 to 1982 as professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages, and again from 1989 to 1999 as Professor of Old Testament. He rejoined Asbury in 2009 as visiting distinguished professor of Old Testament studies. He has also served as research professor of Old Testament at Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Miss., from 1999 to 2009, was president of Asbury College from 1983 to 1986, a member of the faculty of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill., from 1986 to 1989, and  Interim President of Wesley Biblical Seminary, Ridgeland, MS from April 2019 through March 2020.He is the author of 16 books, most notable of which is the two-volume commentary on the book of Isaiah in the New International Commentary of the Old Testament. His most recent book is The Holy One of Israel: Studies in the Book of Isaiah, released in 2014. He has also written numerous articles that have appeared in Bible encyclopedias, scholarly journals and popular religious periodicals. Dr. Oswalt is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, with membership in the Kentucky Annual Conference. He has served as a part-time pastor in congregations in New England and Kentucky, and is a frequent speaker in conferences, camps and local churches. Oswalt received a B.A. from Taylor University; a B.D. and Th.M. from Asbury Seminary; and a M.A. and Ph.D. from Brandeis University.The Bible Among the Myths Isaiah CommentaryResources from Watchman Fellowship Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.The complete Profile Notebook (Digital Edition, PDF, over 600-pages): www.watchman.org/DigitalNotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In What Child Is This?, we explore the powerful prophecy of Isaiah 9:1–7, a Christmas passage that reaches far beyond the manger and into the heart of God's redemptive plan for the world. Isaiah reveals that the first rays of Messiah's light did not shine in Jerusalem's temple but in despised Galilee, a region crushed by Assyria and mocked by the world. God intentionally chose the darkest and most overlooked place to announce the coming of His Son, proving that divine hope shines brightest where human hope has failed. Galilee would later become the launch point of Jesus' earthly ministry, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy and revealing God's grace to the humble, the broken, and the forgotten. Isaiah also unveils the identity of the Child: Wonderful Counselor, divine wisdom beyond human understanding. Mighty God, fully God in human flesh. Everlasting Father, the source and sustainer of eternal life. Prince of Peace, the One who will ultimately end all war and rebellion. This Child is not merely a baby in a manger. He is the rightful King who will sit on David's throne, rule the nations, and establish a kingdom of justice, righteousness, and everlasting peace. Scripture declares that the zeal of the Lord will accomplish this without fail. Christmas is the down payment of the Kingdom. The cradle guarantees the crown. The First Advent assures the Second. This message calls us to see Christmas not only as a moment in history, but as a promise of what is still to come.

Click here to WATCH LIVE STREAM Worship Service on our Youtube Channel. “Christmas, Part 2” Matthew 2 Micah 5:2-6 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. 3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. 4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. 5 And he shall be their peace. When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads in our palaces, then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men; 6 they shall shepherd the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod at its entrances; and he shall deliver us from the Assyrian when he comes into our land and treads within our border.   Matthew 2:1-2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”   Numbers 24:17 …a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel…   Matthew 2:3-4 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.   Matthew 2:5-6 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'”   Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.   2 Samuel 5:2 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.'”   Matthew 2:7-8 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”   Matthew 2:9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.   Matthew 2:10-12 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.   Matthew 2:13-15 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”   Exodus 4:21-23 And the LORD said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. 22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the LORD, Israel is my firstborn son, 23 and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.” If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son.'” Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.   Galatians 3:16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.    Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.   Genesis 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.   Matthew 2:17-18 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”   Jeremiah 31:15-17 Thus says the LORD: “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.” 16 Thus says the LORD: “Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work, declares the LORD,   and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. 17 There is hope for your future, declares the LORD, and your children shall come back to their own country.   Jeremiah 33:14-16 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.'   Mathew 2:19-21 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.   Matthew 2:22-23 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene. John 1:46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”   Jesus is our true deliverer.   Colossians 1:13-14 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.   Jesus is our true comforter.   Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.   Jesus is our true King.   Isaiah 11:1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. Isaiah 53:2-3 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Respond | Connect | Next Steps The post Christmas 2 appeared first on Charleston Baptist Church.

Friday Bible Study (12/12/25) // Ezra 4 (ESV) // Adversaries Oppose the Rebuilding 4 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple to the Lord, the God of Israel, 2 they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of fathers' houses and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria who brought us here.” 3 But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers' houses in Israel said to them, “You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we alone will build to the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.”4 Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build 5 and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.The Letter to King Artaxerxes7 In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam and Mithredath and Tabeel and the rest of their associates wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia. The letter was written in Aramaic and translated.[a] 8 Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows: 9 Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates, the judges, the governors, the officials, the Persians, the men of Erech, the Babylonians, the men of Susa, that is, the Elamites, 10 and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar deported and settled in the cities of Samaria and in the rest of the province Beyond the River. 11 (This is a copy of the letter that they sent.) “To Artaxerxes the king: Your servants, the men of the province Beyond the River, send greeting. And now 12 be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you to us have gone to Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are finishing the walls and repairing the foundations. 13 Now be it known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and the royal revenue will be impaired. 14 Now because we eat the salt of the palace[b] and it is not fitting for us to witness the king's dishonor, therefore we send and inform the king, 15 in order that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will find in the book of the records and learn that this city is a rebellious city, hurtful to kings and provinces, and that sedition was stirred up in it from of old. That was why this city was laid waste. 16 We make known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls finished, you will then have no possession in the province Beyond the River.”Website: https://mbchicago.org FOLLOW US Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but... #Ezra #DanielBatarseh #BibleStudy #mbchicago #mbcchicago #Bible #versebyverse #church #chicago #livechurch #churchlive #chicagochurch #chicagochurches #sermon #bibleexplained #bibleproject #bibleverse #bookbybook #oldtestament #explained

Apologies for my voice and the lack of graphics. Been sick again and barely got this out today.Episode 179 examines the founding, construction, abandonment, and rediscovery of Dur-Sharrukin (Khorsabad), the short-lived royal capital built by Sargon II of Assyria in the late eighth century BCE. The narrative begins with the history of early Mesopotamian excavation through the career of Paul-Émile Botta, whose 1843–1844 work near Mosul and Khorsabad helped inaugurate Assyriology and introduced Europe to monumental Assyrian palace architecture, relief sculpture, and royal inscriptions. The episode follows Botta's unusual path into Near Eastern exploration, placing his expeditionary background within wider nineteenth-century networks of travel, collecting, and emerging archaeological method, and contrasts the French discoveries at Khorsabad with the subsequent British excavations associated with Austen Henry Layard at Kalhu and Nineveh.From this modern historiographical prelude, the episode turns back to 717 BCE and reconstructs Dur-Sharrukin as an ideological and administrative project of empire. It discusses the city's location, scale, labor regime, deportee settlement, and the programmatic symbolism of a purpose-built capital dedicated to the “true king.” Particular attention is given to the citadel complex—palace, temples, and ziggurat—alongside the logistical systems required to sustain rapid construction, long-distance procurement of materials, and the production of large-scale court art such as lamassu guardians and carved orthostats. The episode also engages changing archaeological interpretations of the site, including how later excavations and recent geophysical survey have revised older claims that the city was never fully completed or inhabited by demonstrating a substantial lower town and more complex occupational history.The final section addresses the political and religious implications of Sargon II's death in 705 BCE and the resulting abandonment of the city under Sennacherib, framing Dur-Sharrukin as a case study in the relationship between royal charisma, omen interpretation, and the volatility of capital cities in the Neo-Assyrian world. In doing so, the episode situates Dur-Sharrukin within broader Near Eastern patterns of state power, forced migration, monumental construction, and the archaeological afterlives of imperial projects.I am also doing daily history facts again, at least until I run out of time again. You can find Oldest Stories daily on Tiktok and Youtube Shorts.If you like the show, consider sharing with your friends, leaving a like, subscribing, or even supporting financially:Buy the Oldest Stories books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate here: https://oldeststories.net/or on patreon: https://patreon.com/JamesBleckleyor on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCG2tPxnHNNvMd0VrInekaA/joinYoutube and Patreon members get access to bonus content about Egyptian culture and myths.

"Of all the books in the OT, Isaiah is perhaps the richest. Its literary grandeur is unequaled. Its scope is unparalleled. The breadth of its view of God is unmatched. In so many ways it is a book of superlatives. Thus, it is no wonder that Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the NT, and along with Psalms and Deuteronomy, one of the most frequently cited of all OT books. Study of it is an opportunity for unending inspiration and challenge…it comes to us as a word from God, a revelation of the inevitable conflict between divine glory and human pride, of self-destruction which that pride must bring, and of the grace of God in restoring that destroyed humanity to himself. To read the book with the open eyes of the spirit is to see oneself, at times all too clearly, but also to see God whose holiness is made irresistible by his love." - Dr. John Oswalt from his two-volume commentary on the book of Isaiah. Dr. John Oswalt is our very special guest this week and next on Apologetics Profile. He will be taking us through some of the highlights of this magisterial theological work. His insights will better equip you to give a defense to non-believers who doubt the history and authorship of Isaiah. Dr. John Oswalt Asbury served on the faculty of Asbury Theological seminary from 1970 to 1982 as professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages, and again from 1989 to 1999 as Professor of Old Testament. He rejoined Asbury in 2009 as visiting distinguished professor of Old Testament studies. He has also served as research professor of Old Testament at Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Miss., from 1999 to 2009, was president of Asbury College from 1983 to 1986, a member of the faculty of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill., from 1986 to 1989, and  Interim President of Wesley Biblical Seminary, Ridgeland, MS from April 2019 through March 2020.He is the author of 16 books, most notable of which is the two-volume commentary on the book of Isaiah in the New International Commentary of the Old Testament. His most recent book is The Holy One of Israel: Studies in the Book of Isaiah, released in 2014. He has also written numerous articles that have appeared in Bible encyclopedias, scholarly journals and popular religious periodicals. Dr. Oswalt is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, with membership in the Kentucky Annual Conference. He has served as a part-time pastor in congregations in New England and Kentucky, and is a frequent speaker in conferences, camps and local churches. Oswalt received a B.A. from Taylor University; a B.D. and Th.M. from Asbury Seminary; and a M.A. and Ph.D. from Brandeis University.The Bible Among the Myths Isaiah CommentaryResources from Watchman Fellowship Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.The complete Profile Notebook (Digital Edition, PDF, over 600-pages): www.watchman.org/DigitalNotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Ranking Resilience and the Importance of Water: Colleague Eric Cline uses definitions from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change—coping, adapting, and transforming—to rank ancient civilizations, attributing the survival of Egypt and Assyria partly to their access to major river systems, a resource the failed Hittite empire lacked; the Phoenicians and Cypriots are ranked highest for "transforming" and becoming antifragile, while Egypt is described as merely "coping," and the Cypriots eventually lost their independence to Assyrian expansion despite their initial post-collapse success. 1953 Retry

Genesis 25-26   25:1 Now Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. 2 She bore to him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3 Jokshan fathered Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 4 The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All of these were the sons of Keturah. 5 Now Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac; 6 but to the sons of his concubines, Abraham gave gifts while he was still living, and sent them away from his son Isaac eastward, to the land of the east. 7 These are all the years of Abraham's life that he lived, 175 years. 8 Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people. 9 Then his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre, 10 the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth; there Abraham was buried with his wife Sarah. 11 It came about after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac lived by Beer-lahai-roi. 12 Now these are the records of the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's slave woman, bore to Abraham; 13 and these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 16 These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their villages, and by their camps; twelve princes according to their tribes. 17 These are the years of the life of Ishmael, 137 years; and he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people. 18 They settled from Havilah to Shur which is east of Egypt going toward Assyria; he settled in defiance of all his relatives. 19 Now these are the records of the generations of Isaac, Abraham's son: Abraham fathered Isaac; 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife. 21 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children; and the Lord answered him, and his wife Rebekah conceived. 22 But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is so, why am I in this condition?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 And the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb; And two peoples will be separated from your body; And one people will be stronger than the other; And the older will serve the younger.” 24 When her days leading to the delivery were at an end, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 Now the first came out red, all over like a hairy garment; and they named him Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding on to Esau's heel, so he was named Jacob; and Isaac was sixty years old when she gave birth to them. 27 When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a civilized man, living in tents. 28 Now Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for game; but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 When Jacob had cooked a stew one day, Esau came in from the field and he was exhausted; 30 and Esau said to Jacob, “Please let me have a mouthful of that red stuff there, for I am exhausted.” Therefore he was called Edom by name. 31 But Jacob said, “First sell me your birthright.” 32 Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so of what use then is the birthright to me?” 33 And Jacob said, “First swear to me”; so he swore an oath to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and got up and went on his way. So Esau despised his birthright.   26:1 Now there was a famine in the land, besides the previous famine that had occurred in the days of Abraham. So Isaac went to Gerar, to Abimelech king of the Philistines. 2 And the Lord appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; stay in the land of which I shall tell you. 3 Live for a time in this land and I will be with you and bless you, for to you and to your descendants I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to your father Abraham. 4 I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give your descendants all these lands; and by your descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed Me and fulfilled his duty to Me, and kept My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” 6 So Isaac lived in Gerar. 7 When the men of the place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say, “my wife,” thinking, “the men of the place might kill me on account of Rebekah, since she is beautiful.” 8 Now it came about, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down through a window, and saw them, and behold, Isaac was caressing his wife Rebekah. 9 Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Behold, she certainly is your wife! So how is it that you said, ‘She is my sister'?” And Isaac said to him, “Because I thought, ‘otherwise I might be killed on account of her.'” 10 And Abimelech said, “What is this that you have done to us? One of the people might easily have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.” 11 So Abimelech commanded all the people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife will certainly be put to death.” 12 Now Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundred times as much. And the Lord blessed him, 13 and the man became rich, and continued to grow richer until he became very wealthy; 14 for he had possessions of flocks and herds, and a great household, so that the Philistines envied him. 15 Now all the wells which his father's servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham, the Philistines stopped up by filling them with dirt. 16 Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are too powerful for us.” 17 So Isaac departed from there and camped in the Valley of Gerar, and settled there. 18 Then Isaac dug again the wells of water which had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham; and he gave them the same names which his father had given them. 19 But when Isaac's servants dug in the valley and found there a well of flowing water, 20 the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with the herdsmen of Isaac, saying, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they argued with him. 21 Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over it too, so he named it Sitnah. 22 Then he moved away from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it; so he named it Rehoboth, for he said, “At last the Lord has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.” 23 And he went up from there to Beersheba. 24 And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants, For the sake of My servant Abraham.” 25 So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the Lord, and pitched his tent there; and there Isaac's servants dug a well. 26 Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath, and Phicol the commander of his army. 27 Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?” 28 They said, “We have seen plainly that the Lord has been with you; so we said, ‘An oath must now be taken by us,' that is, by you and us. So let us make a covenant with you, 29 that you will do us no harm, just as we have not touched you and have done to you nothing but good, and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.” 30 Then he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 31 In the morning they got up early and exchanged oaths; then Isaac sent them away, and they left him in peace. 32 Now it came about on the same day, that Isaac's servants came in and told him about the well which they had dug, and said to him, “We have found water.” 33 So he called it Shibah; therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day. 34 When Esau was forty years old he married Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite; 35 and they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah.     BIBLE READING GUIDE - FREE EBOOK - Get the free eBook, Bible in Life, to help you learn how to read and apply the Bible well: https://www.listenerscommentary.com     GIVE -  The Listener's Commentary is a listener supported Bible teaching ministry made possible by the generosity of people like you. Thank you! Give here:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com/give     STUDY HUB - Want more than the audio? Join the study hub to access articles, maps, charts, pictures, and links to other resources to help you study the Bible for yourself. https://www.listenerscommentary.com/members-sign-up   MORE TEACHING - For more resources and Bible teaching from John visit https://www.johnwhittaker.net 

Like Jonah before him, the prophet Nahum preaches devastation and ruin for Ninevah, the capital of Assyria, a place of unparalleled power and wealth. Though they thought themselves to be secure from danger, their downfall came after nearby rivers flooded the city and destroyed part of the city wall, allowing Babylon to enter easily and set it ablaze. Later in Habakkuk, the prophet of the same name is recorded speaking to the Lord on behalf of his people. He openly and honestly struggles with understanding why God would allow injustice to prevail. By his conversation with the Lord, we are reminded of the sovereign power and authority of God, who calls the righteous to live by faith.Nahum 1 - 1:15 . Nahum 2 - 4:27 . Nahum 3 - 7:20 . Habakkuk 1 - 12:54 . Habakkuk 2 - 16:20 . Habakkuk 3 - 20:55 . Psalm 149 - 25:02 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

This chapter marks a transition, as the prophet shifts his attention from Israel to the nations. The Lord has sworn to judge the nations for their unbelief. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss Isaiah 13–14.

Philemon IntroductionThanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcastYou're the reason we can all do this together!Discuss the episode hereMusic by Jeff Foote

Sam Shamoun gives a powerful lesson on the Assyrian people through biblical history, explaining how God judges nations for sin yet preserves those who turn back to Him. He connects prophecy, Israel's exile, and Assyria's survival as proof of divine mercy, arguing their endurance is a sign that Christ never abandoned them.