Podcasts about Assyria

Oldest Stories Album available here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/oldeststoriesmusic/oldest-stories-vol-1 but also possibly on your favorite music distributor service also. Check it out!This episode examines the middle years of the reign of Sargon II of Assyria (r. 722–705 BCE) during a brief period when the Assyrian Empire faced unusually little large-scale war. Following Sargon's major victory over Urartu in 714–713 BCE, the geopolitical balance of the Near East shifted dramatically. Urartu, long the primary rival to Assyria in the Armenian highlands, was weakened both by Sargon's campaign and by the simultaneous arrival of Cimmerian nomadic groups moving south from the Eurasian steppe. With the northern frontier temporarily stabilized, Assyria was able to redirect attention to other regions of the empire.The episode explores several smaller conflicts and political developments across the western and northern frontiers of the Assyrian state. These include Assyrian responses to Ionian Greek activity in the eastern Mediterranean, tensions involving the kingdom of Phrygia under King Midas, and Assyrian intervention in Que (Cilicia) and surrounding Anatolian regions. At the same time, Sargon dealt with internal revolts and political instability among the Medes, the mountain regions of Ellipi and Karalla, and the frontier kingdoms of Tabal and Melid. These campaigns illustrate the normal functioning of Assyrian imperial policy: suppression of rebellions, deportations of local populations, and the conversion of client kingdoms into directly administered Assyrian provinces.A major focus of the episode is the internal operation of the Assyrian imperial system during periods without major war. The construction of Dur-Sharrukin (Khorsabad), Sargon II's new royal capital, was underway during these years and required enormous logistical coordination. The episode discusses how the Assyrian state mobilized labor through the ilku labor obligation, how deported populations enabled large-scale construction and agricultural expansion, and how provincial governors coordinated the movement of materials such as timber, metals, and stone across the empire. Additional projects included fortress construction along frontier regions, mining expansion in the Zagros and Syrian territories, canal digging, orchard planting, and temple renovation in major Assyrian cities.The episode also examines Assyria's economic structure and trade environment during Sargon's reign. Evidence from administrative letters suggests increased regulation of trade routes and resource flows, including restrictions on certain goods such as iron. Interactions with Arab tribes and desert traders, including references to Queen Samsi of the Arabs, highlight the complex relationship between Assyria and nomadic groups operating on the edges of imperial control.Finally, the narrative turns to renewed instability in the west triggered by rumors of Sargon's death and unfavorable omens. Rebellions in Philistine Ashdod, Gurgum, and Kammanu prompted swift Assyrian retaliation, demonstrating the continuing reliance on rapid punitive campaigns to maintain imperial authority. These events mark the end of the short period of relative calm and set the stage for Sargon's major campaign to reclaim Babylon, which had been lost earlier in his reign after the revolt of Merodach-Baladan and Elamite intervention.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.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      2 Kings 22 2 Chronicles 32 ISAIAH 22   He Promoted Obedience to God's Law   He restored:   * The priesthood * Temple offerings * Tithing systems   The nation became spiritually and economically stable.   How powerful is tithing… when you start it you will see blessing and then the enemy will come at you!  Don't tithe if you don't want to be attacked… oh and if you don't want to be blessed by God.    The Assyrian Crisis (701 BC) The superpower of the day, Assyria, led by King Sennacherib, invades Judah. They conquer 46 cities and surround Jerusalem. This is Hezekiah's "darkest hour," where he takes Sennacherib's threatening letter to the Temple and spreads it out before God in prayer.   The Propaganda War: Sennacherib attempts to demoralize Judah, but Hezekiah encourages his people to trust that "there is a greater power with us than with him".   c. Has not the same Hezekiah taken away His high places and His altars: The Assyrian accuser knew that King Hezekiah had implemented broad reforms in Judah, including the removal of the high places (2 Kings 18:3-4). Yet in the Assyrian's thinking, Hezekiah's reforms had really displeased God, so he should not expect help from the LORD God of Israel. The Assyrian would say, “Look at all the places there used to be where people would worship the LORD God of Israel. Now, since Hezekiah came in, there is only one place. More is always better, so the LORD God of Israel must be pretty sore at Hezekiah!”     The enemy of our souls has an amazing way of discouraging our obedience. If Hezekiah was not careful, this argument of the Assyrian would start to make sense, when really it was demonic logic through and through. Doubt leads to fear and then it leads to our own self building fear and we defeat ourselves before we even fight.    Satan can sound so caring and convincing: You choose to go on a diet and a friend comes to you and says - “Wow, good for you. That shows great discipline and that you want to take care of your body. You will look and feel so much better, way to go. Did you know that sometimes a person on a diet needs extra protein and carbs for energy? Hey you know what… cake has eggs, milk, flour in it. With your daily intake of sodium… boy if you get low on sodium you can cramp up. Plus what I like is that cake gives you an immediate burst of energy… and lets not forget how good it tastes. THIS IS ALL TRUE - BUT THE MOTIVE IS YOUR DESTRUCTION.  

If the Book of Genesis records the personal fall of man (adam) in the Garden, the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land. Originally a single, seamless work in the Hebrew canon, Kings is the autopsy of a spiritual collapse. It tracks the Davidic Promise from its architectural summit in Jerusalem to its apparent dissolution in the fires of Babylon. The Arc of Decay: From Temple to Exile The narrative spans approximately 410 years (c. 970 BCE – 560 BCE), following the tragic trajectory of "YHWH-plus" religion. The Summit (c. 970–930 BCE): The United Monarchy under Solomon. The Word of God is housed in the Jerusalem Temple, the location God chose to place his Name forever if only Israel will hear and obey the voice of their God. Tragically, the philosopher-king Solomon divides his loyalties and his affections. The Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE): As goes the heart of the king, so goes the Kingdom. The North (Israel) under Jeroboam immediately adopts YHWH-plus idolatry, the Golden Calves, leading to its total erasure by Assyria. The South (Judah) struggles to maintain the Davidic "Immune System" amidst a progressive slide into syncretism. The Collapse (c. 722–586 BCE): Despite the radical reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, the culture of compromise - weaponized by Manasseh - becomes terminal. The book concludes with the Babylonian Captivity, as the means devised by God to carry His promise to completion. Authorship While Jewish tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author, conservative scholarship also recognizes the possibility of a 'Scribe of the Exile' (such as Baruch or Ezra) who compiled the royal archives and prophetic eyewitness accounts into a single, unified narrative. In any case, the author is no mere chronicler; he is a covenantal prosecutor. He evaluates every king by a single metric: Did they walk in the way of David and obey God's word, or did they seek a "Plus" to YHWH? History here is the public outworking of a nation's loyalty to the divine message.

Featured Teacher: Daniel Christensen Hosea 9 tells the tragic story of Israel's complete reversal. Every blessing God gave them is systematically stripped away. Their Exodus is undone as they return to captivity in Assyria. Their prophets are mocked, abused, and silenced. Their God-given mandate to be fruitful and multiply is overturned as they sacrifice their own children to Baal. And the covenant itself is reversed — Gilgal, once a place of remembrance, becomes a place of God's hatred. This chapter is a sober warning against apostasy and a call to guard the faith we have received.

If the Book of Genesis records the personal fall of man (adam) in the Garden, the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land. Originally a single, seamless work in the Hebrew canon, Kings is the autopsy of a spiritual collapse. It tracks the Davidic Promise from its architectural summit in Jerusalem to its apparent dissolution in the fires of Babylon. The Arc of Decay: From Temple to Exile The narrative spans approximately 410 years (c. 970 BCE – 560 BCE), following the tragic trajectory of "YHWH-plus" religion. The Summit (c. 970–930 BCE): The United Monarchy under Solomon. The Word of God is housed in the Jerusalem Temple, the location God chose to place his Name forever if only Israel will hear and obey the voice of their God. Tragically, the philosopher-king Solomon divides his loyalties and his affections. The Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE): As goes the heart of the king, so goes the Kingdom. The North (Israel) under Jeroboam immediately adopts YHWH-plus idolatry, the Golden Calves, leading to its total erasure by Assyria. The South (Judah) struggles to maintain the Davidic "Immune System" amidst a progressive slide into syncretism. The Collapse (c. 722–586 BCE): Despite the radical reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, the culture of compromise - weaponized by Manasseh - becomes terminal. The book concludes with the Babylonian Captivity, as the means devised by God to carry His promise to completion. Authorship While Jewish tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author, conservative scholarship also recognizes the possibility of a 'Scribe of the Exile' (such as Baruch or Ezra) who compiled the royal archives and prophetic eyewitness accounts into a single, unified narrative. In any case, the author is no mere chronicler; he is a covenantal prosecutor. He evaluates every king by a single metric: Did they walk in the way of David and obey God's word, or did they seek a "Plus" to YHWH? History here is the public outworking of a nation's loyalty to the divine message.

If the Book of Genesis records the personal fall of man (adam) in the Garden, the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land. Originally a single, seamless work in the Hebrew canon, Kings is the autopsy of a spiritual collapse. It tracks the Davidic Promise from its architectural summit in Jerusalem to its apparent dissolution in the fires of Babylon. The Arc of Decay: From Temple to Exile The narrative spans approximately 410 years (c. 970 BCE – 560 BCE), following the tragic trajectory of "YHWH-plus" religion. The Summit (c. 970–930 BCE): The United Monarchy under Solomon. The Word of God is housed in the Jerusalem Temple, the location God chose to place his Name forever if only Israel will hear and obey the voice of their God. Tragically, the philosopher-king Solomon divides his loyalties and his affections. The Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE): As goes the heart of the king, so goes the Kingdom. The North (Israel) under Jeroboam immediately adopts YHWH-plus idolatry, the Golden Calves, leading to its total erasure by Assyria. The South (Judah) struggles to maintain the Davidic "Immune System" amidst a progressive slide into syncretism. The Collapse (c. 722–586 BCE): Despite the radical reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, the culture of compromise - weaponized by Manasseh - becomes terminal. The book concludes with the Babylonian Captivity, as the means devised by God to carry His promise to completion. Authorship While Jewish tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author, conservative scholarship also recognizes the possibility of a 'Scribe of the Exile' (such as Baruch or Ezra) who compiled the royal archives and prophetic eyewitness accounts into a single, unified narrative. In any case, the author is no mere chronicler; he is a covenantal prosecutor. He evaluates every king by a single metric: Did they walk in the way of David and obey God's word, or did they seek a "Plus" to YHWH? History here is the public outworking of a nation's loyalty to the divine message.

If the Book of Genesis records the personal fall of man (adam) in the Garden, the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land. Originally a single, seamless work in the Hebrew canon, Kings is the autopsy of a spiritual collapse. It tracks the Davidic Promise from its architectural summit in Jerusalem to its apparent dissolution in the fires of Babylon. The Arc of Decay: From Temple to Exile The narrative spans approximately 410 years (c. 970 BCE – 560 BCE), following the tragic trajectory of "YHWH-plus" religion. The Summit (c. 970–930 BCE): The United Monarchy under Solomon. The Word of God is housed in the Jerusalem Temple, the location God chose to place his Name forever if only Israel will hear and obey the voice of their God. Tragically, the philosopher-king Solomon divides his loyalties and his affections. The Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE): As goes the heart of the king, so goes the Kingdom. The North (Israel) under Jeroboam immediately adopts YHWH-plus idolatry, the Golden Calves, leading to its total erasure by Assyria. The South (Judah) struggles to maintain the Davidic "Immune System" amidst a progressive slide into syncretism. The Collapse (c. 722–586 BCE): Despite the radical reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, the culture of compromise - weaponized by Manasseh - becomes terminal. The book concludes with the Babylonian Captivity, as the means devised by God to carry His promise to completion. Authorship While Jewish tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author, conservative scholarship also recognizes the possibility of a 'Scribe of the Exile' (such as Baruch or Ezra) who compiled the royal archives and prophetic eyewitness accounts into a single, unified narrative. In any case, the author is no mere chronicler; he is a covenantal prosecutor. He evaluates every king by a single metric: Did they walk in the way of David and obey God's word, or did they seek a "Plus" to YHWH? History here is the public outworking of a nation's loyalty to the divine message.

Don't Bow to the Beast (1) (audio) David Eells 3/4/26  I want to talk to you about refusing to bow to the Beast, but we will first go over a little background.  Many Christians are deceived about the Bride and the leadership of the church. We know God is raising up a new leadership, a Man-child ministry in these days that's going to be the first fruits of those to walk in the steps of Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 16 that He was going to come again as a baby, a Man-child, born to a woman. We read in Revelation 12 that the Man-child is born at the beginning of the Tribulation Period and that the Man-child leads the woman through the wilderness. In studying the Book of Esther, we've learned that “Mordecai” in Hebrew means “little man” and in Persian means “little boy.” Persia was the Beast kingdom that he was under at the time. Both of those mean “Manchild.” In Esther 2:5, it says that Mordecai was in Shushan, the palace. He wasn't just a commoner; he was a ruler, somebody under the king who probably had to do with ruling over God's people. In Esther 2:19-20, it says that he also sat in the “king's gate,” which was the place of government, where the rulers of the conquered nations gathered before the king. Mordecai raised up Esther as the Bride and he “nourished her,” the original word says. He prepared her for this time and he continued to guide her steps all the way through the Book of Esther, all the way through their tribulation. Also, Hegai, the king's chamberlain, was very pleased with Esther, and she required nothing but what Hegai provided. And we need nothing but what the Holy Spirit provides us with. (Rom.8:14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. This Bride and Man-child are the “sons of God” for whom the creation has been awaiting, the fullness of the sonship of Jesus Christ manifested in His people. In fact, the Shulamite in the Song of Solomon, the Bride who was chosen from among all the fair virgins of the kingdom, was called his “perfect one” (Song of Solomon 5:2). God is going to perfect, to mature His people. Esther was chosen out of all the fair virgins of the kingdom “because the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her Queen” (Est.2:17). But even then she was under the guidance of Mordecai and in verse (20) … Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him. So we see that the job of the Man-child is to raise up the Bride and guide her. The Man-child is the head of the Bride, much like the False Prophet is the head of the Harlot. There is a corporate body of apostate people, called the Harlot, and the head of that body is its so-called Christian leadership, which is leading it astray. The Bride is Jerusalem and David was the head of Jerusalem. When Jesus came, He sat upon the throne of David and He was the head of the Bride. John the Baptist said, He that hath the bride is the bridegroom (Joh.3:29), as he saw Jesus leading the disciples. That's a short background, somewhat, and there's much more to the Book of Esther. (Est.3:1) After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. These princes were the people who ruled over the kingdoms over which Ahasuerus ruled, and among those princes was Mordecai, who was over the people of God. Now we see that Mordecai and Esther are two entities whom God uses to save the rest of the people of God from destruction by the Beast. The Beast that was to destroy them is represented here by Haman, who is a corporate body, just as Mordecai represents a corporate body of people. Why would God advance Haman above the other princes? Because throughout history, God has raised up a Beast kingdom over His people in times when His people were in apostasy. Why is God calling His people out of the Harlot? (Rev.18:4) … Come forth, my people, out of her…. It's because there is such an apostasy in the Church, and they've turned away from the Word; they've gone after religions. They are in apostasy and God is calling His people out of that.  This is what the Tribulation is for. Every time God's people have become a harlot, He raised up a Beast to come against them: from Egypt, to Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, and now the end-time Rome. We're seeing a worldwide revived Roman Empire being raised up again for the purpose of sanctifying His people and bringing them to repentance. The raising up of Haman, with his authority to destroy the people of God, is what brings God's people to repentance. (Est.3:2) And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate (That's the place where government was, where all the representatives of the nations saw the face of the King.), bowed down, and did reverence to Haman (the Beast); for the king had so commanded concerning him. In Rom 13 we are told to submit to the powers that be. He had given Haman authority over God's people. People don't think that the Lord gives authority to evil in the earth, but He does, and it's for the purpose of bringing repentance. (Job2:10) … What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil… God does bring evil against His people as a chastening and a method to bring them to repentance.  So all the King's servants who were in the King's gate bowed down to the Beast, But Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence (Est.3:2). I would say bowing down with reverence should be given nly to God. However, submitting to man's kingdoms is necessary to obey the Lord.  This is something we find all through the Scriptures. Mordecai, as a type of the man-child, refused to bow down to the Beast. We see the example of Joseph, who was sold into bondage by the Harlot, Potiphar's wife, and came to the position of authority like Mordecai. We see the example of Jesus, who didn't bow down to the Beast; and Moses, who didn't bow down; and Daniel – all these are types of the Man-child, who refused to bow down to the Beast.  (3) Then the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? (4) Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. Who is this accusing Mordecai to the Beast? You remember throughout history how the apostate brethren of Joseph persecuted and came against him and sold him into the hand of the Beast; and the apostate brethren of Jesus, the leadership of apostate Israel, accused Him to the Beast. We're seeing the same thing here; history keeps on repeating. We're not talking about rebellion against Constitutional, political authority here. We're talking about rebellion in terms of not bowing down religiously, of not worshipping the Beast as God. Today, there is a spirit of worship of the Beast by Christians, and there has been for many centuries. Patriotism, pledging allegiance, all these things that saints in past days would never have thought of doing, God's people today think nothing of. They don't understand that there's only one Kingdom – the Kingdom of God – which we should be representing. (5) And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. (6) But he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had made known to him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. Notice that the head over all God's true people is represented here by Mordecai.  In the rest of the story, Mordecai and Esther save all of these Jews from the Beast. Does that mean that all of what we loosely call Christians are going to be saved from the Beast? No, but the true Jews, those who are circumcised in heart, not in flesh, are all going to be saved. All Israel (Romans 11:26) is going to be saved – everybody who is grafted into the olive tree called “all Israel.” They'll be saved from the Beast in one form or another. We see here that Mordecai is one of the princes who sat in the king's gate to represent his people. He was among the other princes who were accusing him. In Ezekiel 17, I've shared a revelation the Lord gave me concerning the Beast of D.S. Babylon, who has brought God's people into bondage. We know that when Babylon conquered the nations, it not only brought apostate Israel into bondage, but they brought people like Daniel and the Hebrews, who were appointed people of God in their time, under the thumb of the Beast kingdom. When we talk about Mordecai, we're talking about the good leadership, but what about the bad leadership that accused him? (Eze.17:2) Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; (3) and say, Thus saith the Lord God: A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers, which had divers colors, came unto Lebanon, and took the top of the cedar: (4) he cropped off the topmost of the young twigs thereof, and carried it unto a land of traffic; he set it in a city of merchants. This represents the Great Eagle of America which is the head of D.S. Babylon, bringing the leadership of God's people into bondage. In the natural, it's happening; natural Israel is more and more under Kazarian D.S. dominion. Something else is also happening, and that is, that spiritual new testament Israel said to be circumcised in heart is being brought more and more under the dominion of the latest Beast government. Media-Persia of Cyrus/Trump is conquering Babylon, thank God. In fact, as we keep reading, it says (11) Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, (12) Say now to the rebellious house…. Why is it that God is permitting  Beast governments to bring under their authority the spiritual people of God and the “letter” people of God, the natural Jews? It is because they are rebellious houses. The letter Israel is a type and shadow for spiritual Israel. They've rebelled against the covenant that God has given. (12) Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, and took the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and brought them to him to Babylon. So the king and the princes of both spiritual and natural Israel have been under the dominion of Babylon. What makes a beast a beast? The flesh is in control over the spiritual. The Alliance of nations under Cyrus/Trump is about to be a GESARA covenant. Although we will benefit from this covenant to rebuild the Kingdom of God, it will not last. The next seven verses go on to talk about a covenant that was broken in the middle, exactly as we would expect if it were Daniel's 70th-week covenant of the end-time broken in the middle. God also rebukes them for breaking His covenant and then He talks about another leadership that He's raising up. We just saw the apostate leadership, the king and the princes, brought under the dominion of Babylon, but He talks about a new leadership here. (22) Thus saith the Lord God: I will also take of the l7ofty top of the cedar (An evergreen type of eternal life), and will set it; I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I will plant it upon a high and lofty mountain. That's referring to the mountain representing the Kingdom of God, spiritual Mount Zion. This was the same description (cropping off the topmost twigs) that God gave in verse four here, referring to the apostate leadership of Israel/Church, but now the Lord speaks of a type of the Israel/Church's new leadership. So, once again, He is talking about a new leadership, “the topmost twig.” (23) In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it; and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all birds of every wing; in the shade of the branches thereof shall they dwell. (24) And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the Lord, have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I, the Lord, have spoken and have done it. God is bringing down a false leadership over the true people of God, and He's raising up a new leadership. This is just as it was in the days of Jesus and Moses, when the apostate leadership persecuted the Man-child Jesus and then His disciples. In the same way, in the end-time, God is going to bring down the high and the lofty and raise up the lowly to take that position who will walk in the steps of the Lord Jesus, the Man-child of Revelation 12. He came as a Lamb but now as a Lion. We just had a prophecy of the coming Lion, who come manifested in His Man-child body.  So we see here two groups in captivity. In the time of Esther, there were two groups in captivity, and the one persecuted the other, just as the False Prophet in Israel, the Sanhedrin, persecuted the Man-child ministry of Jesus. We see the same thing with Mordecai and these servants of the king who accused him to the Beast. Jesus was accused to the Beast by the corporate False Prophet of Israel. Also, we can go to Daniel and see that when Babylon took God's people into captivity, there was the good thrown in with the bad. (Dan.1:1) In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon (the “Great Eagle” in Eze 17.) unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. (2) And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar to the house of his god: and he brought the vessels into the treasure-house of his god. (3) And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in [certain] of the children of Israel, even of the seed royal and of the nobles; (4) youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace…. There it is! These are people whom God is raising up who are spotless and blemishless, and they're not equated with the Jewish king and his princes, who were also taken captive. That's the way it was with Daniel. (6) Now among these were, of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. (7) And the prince of the eunuchs gave names unto them: unto Daniel he gave [the name of] Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, [of] Shadrach; and to Mishael, [of] Meshach; and to Azariah, [of] Abednego. Next, these four had to be proven because they wouldn't be defiled by eating the king's food. They wouldn't partake of the Babylonish king's dainties and, since they wouldn't be defiled, they also didn't bow down to the image of the Beast. It's important to know that what we eat is what we are, and if we partake of a beastly doctrine that enables our flesh to rule, we will become a member of the Beast. Our flesh is a member of the Beast kingdom – it is an enemy of God; it's at enmity with your spirit. Partaking of fleshly doctrines is partaking of the Beast's dainties. Anyway, there was nothing but good said about these four Hebrews. (17) Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. … (20) And in every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his realm. (21) And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus. What we see in the Book of Daniel – twice, in chapters 3 and 6 – is exactly what we see concerning the accusations against Mordecai, the Man-child, by the other leaders. What happened in Jesus' day, when He was accused by the other rabbis, the apostates (and accused to the Roman Beast, too, by the way), we see also in Daniel. The three Hebrews represented the people who would not bow down. Daniel was obviously in leadership, but the three Hebrews refused to bow down to the image of the Beast in Daniel chapter three. It was the image of the Beast because it had the number of the Beast. (Dan.3:1) Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore (60 - there's “6”) cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits (there's “6-6”): he set it up in the plain of Dura…. “Dura” means “a circle,” which reminds us of the earth, and the Gematria for “the earth” or “the world” is 600. So there you have a representation of the world adding up to 666. We're talking about the image of the Beast, and it's made up of, if we look carefully in chapter two, all the peoples and all the kingdoms, one right after another.  Now notice who was commanding the people to bow down to this image: (4) Then the herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages…. The word “herald” is the only Greek word in this text, and it's the New Testament word for “preacher.” So we have apostate preachers over the people of God, commanding them to bow down to the image of the Beast. This is like pledging allegiance. Not everybody bowed down, just as we saw with Mordecai. The other servants of the king who stood in the king's gate bowed down. This was the leadership of the apostate people of God, or the False Prophet. They bowed down to Haman, but Mordecai, the Man-child, refused. We see that they commanded them to bow down, and the people all bowed down, except for the three Hebrews. (8) Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and brought accusation against the Jews. They were accused because they refused to bow down to the image of the Beast. Now, God saved them and brought a witness through them of His power to save, even in the fiery furnace that was heated seven times hotter, as in the seven years of the Tribulation Period. “Times” is used in Revelation 12:14, for instance, as in “a time, times, and half a time,” speaking of years. So “seven times” in this text speaks of the Tribulation Period. The three Hebrews refused to bow down. They served the king, obeyed and submitted to the government of the king, but when it came to bowing down, they refused. The world is going to demand this; they're going to make their generic god, and everyone is going to have to serve it and be at peace with others and not witness to others and so on. We have another witness of Daniel himself, who was a type of the Man-child. Daniel refused to bow down, and the same situation happened. There were others with him, who were leaders, who accused him before the Beast: (Dan.6:1) It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty satraps, who should be throughout the whole kingdom; (2) and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one (“Throughout the whole kingdom” could be an application of what we loosely call “the Kingdom of God.”); that these satraps might give account unto them, and that the king should have no damage. (3) Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. (4) Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Praise God! Those were the false prophets who corresponded to the false prophets in Jesus' day, who sought occasion for false witness against Jesus, and since He had committed no sin, they had to falsely accuse Him. It was the same with Daniel here. The head of the Harlot was the false prophets and false leaders who were accusing Jesus, How is the faithful city become a harlot! … (Isa.1:21). God's people had become a harlot because they had apostatized and were committing fornication with the world. They were receiving the seed of the world, the seed of the Beast kingdom. (Dan.6:5) Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. (6) Then these presidents and satraps assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. (7) All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counsellors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a strong interdict, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Daniel only bowed down to his God; he only asked of his God; he wasn't going to treat the king or the Beast as a god. (8) Now, O king, establish the interdict, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. (9) Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the interdict. (10) And when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem;) and he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. So he only knelt down to the God of Israel. He refused to bow down to the image of the Beast.  (11) Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. (12) Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's interdict: Hast thou not signed an interdict, that every man that shall make petition unto any god or man within thirty days, save unto thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. (13) Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the interdict that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. (14) Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to rescue him. Notice that it wasn't the Beast that wanted to destroy the Man-child; it was his own brothers. Joseph's brothers were the ones who sold him into bondage to the Gentiles. And, accordingly, Pilate wanted nothing to do with crucifying what he called Jesus, this righteous man (Mat.27:24).  The apostates twisted his arm, exactly as they are doing here. We are headed to the exact same time, when the false leadership over God's people is going to be used to persecute the true leadership. Although all of them are going to be under the same Beast government rule, the leadership of the apostate people of God, just as we saw with Mordecai, is going to bow down to the Beast. Amazingly, people whom you and I have called Christians and thought were Christians will be part of a great falling away. The 10 northern tribes worshipped the image of the beast and were part of a great falling away. They bowed down to the golden calf, or the image of a beast. Now the same thing is happening to what we loosely call Christianity; they have built and bowed down to their golden calf. It's a work of man's hands. It has nothing to do with God or His Word that He created in the very beginning, as far as Christianity is concerned. It's something that they have made themselves, and because it's their own, they're going to want to protect it and defend it and their livelihood along with it. The Man-child ministry is going to be a threat to that because of the truths that will come forth, just as they came out of Jesus. The Bible spoke about Jesus, how He opened His mouth, and things that were hidden from the foundation of the world were revealed. Things that have been hidden are going to be revealed, but also, things that have been hidden in God's people are going to be revealed by this great falling away and by the apostates' siding with the Beast against their brethren. They are Judases, sons of perdition, false prophets. The point here in Daniel is that he still refused to do anything but bow down only to the real, true God, not to just any ruler or generic god, not even to any god that they might call “Jesus.” Many religious images of Jesus are not Him at all. When we read the Bible, we see the true Jesus and His crucified life. That contrasts with what we see now in Christianity. Will the current leadership continue to bring a reproach on Christianity by living so lavishly and fleecing so many people? That's not walking in the steps of Jesus; that's not the crucified life. These people defend that lifestyle as spiritual, and it's a shame. How many airplanes can a person use? God is sending the Beast not only because of the leadership, but also because of the people who don't understand that they should not support people who do such things. The crucified life that Jesus and His disciples walked was a simple life without all the accoutrements of Babylon. They didn't have the fancy temple and the big synagogues, but they had the truth. That was part of the trial. There is a great apostasy, a rebellion, in the church. They're in love with the world, and the things of the world, and the Bible says, If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1Jn.2:15). God is proving just who it is who loves Him. The Bride, in the Song of Solomon, ran fanatically after the Bridegroom, so much so that she surprised the other queens, virgins, and concubines. They thought that one Jesus was just as good as another. But the other Jesus' are made by man. They give Jesus a character that's contrary to Scripture, a contrary doctrine, and so on.  Well, Daniel wouldn't bow down, so he had to be thrown into the lion's den and, as you know, God preserved him. God sent His angel. (Dan.6:18) Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting; neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep fled from him. (19) Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. (20) And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? (21) Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. (22) My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. (23) Then was the king exceeding glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he had trusted in his God. (24) And the king commanded, and they brought those men that had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces, before they came to the bottom of the den. That's very similar to Revelation 17:16, where the Beast devours the Harlot.  The apostate leaders who accused Jesus were then destroyed, and as we know, there's a great and terrible Day of the Lord coming, when that's exactly what's going to happen. The Beast is going to devour and destroy the Harlot and burn her flesh with fire. So the Beast was basically made a believer in the God of Daniel, just as in the time of Nebuchadnezzar; and, by the way, Daniel chapter seven speaks of the end-time. We know the timing of Daniel's Tribulation because he gets a revelation of the four Beasts, and from his time, which was the time of Babylon onward, is when his revelation started. His vision didn't start with the Egyptian and Assyrian Beasts, which were two that came before Babylon. The Beasts of Revelation, however, start with those two that came before Babylon. Daniel mentions the four Beasts that lead up to the end-time Beast. There was the lion with eagle's wings (Babylon) that was conquered by the Media-Persian bear, then by Greece, then Rome. He was prophesying again of the image of the Beast.  In today's end-times, these entities are still with us. The Lion with Eagle's wings is the British Empire, and the Eagle's wings are the present head of the British Empire and America. This is the Great Eagle, which was then and will be today conquered by the Medo-Persian Bear. So not only were these historic, from Daniel's day on, but they're also an end-time revelation of what's going to happen. We find that this last Beast that he talks about, which was Rome, devours the whole earth. The last Beast, he tells us, was headed up by 10 horns, exactly like Revelation 17. The 10 horns are the ten kings that rule over the Beast kingdom. Among those 10 horns comes up a little horn (Daniel 7:8) that's different, it says, from the rest of the horns. That little horn is a ruler among rulers that will be diverse from all of the 10, and it is the corporate False Prophet. (Dan.7:21) … The same horn made war with the saints…. There it is again! They'll make war on the Man-child and the saints, which is exactly what we see in the rest of the Book of Esther. (Dan.7:23) Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth…. We have had the United Nations, whose place is being taken by the Alliance of nations. The whole earth is inside the body of the last Beast. GESARA Law was signed unanimously by all 209 countries in 2015. Remember that in Daniel's vision of the legs of the image of the beast, Rome lasted from the thighs all the way down to the toes – the iron that was mixed with the clay. It is different in these days because now it has covered; it has devoured, the whole earth. And among those 10 kings is the little horn that comes up to make war on the saints. (Dan.7:20) ... Before which three fell, even that [horn] that had eyes, and a mouth that spake great things, whose look was more stout than its fellows. (21) I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; (22) until the ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.  So we see the Beast has been given authority to crucify Christ once more. It says that he “prevailed against them.” This False Prophet and the Harlot beneath the False Prophet have been given authority to crucify the flesh of the saints. It doesn't necessarily mean that all will die; that's not the point here. The point is the crucifixion of the flesh of the saints. The Church is in rebellion because the flesh rules. The Beast, in a spiritual way, is ruling over them already because their flesh rules over them already. There has to be a crucifixion for us to bear fruit and come into the Kingdom; therefore, God is raising up this whole worldwide kingdom to come against His people. The little horn represents a religious entity because it's different from the other horns. They are corporate bodies of secular rulers, but the little horn is a corporate body of religious rulers who will bring God's people to their cross, much like they did to Jesus in His day. This is the seed of that same Sanhedrin that's being raised up in our day, no different from the earlier one. The Sanhedrin in natural Israel has been raised up again, and the Sanhedrin in spiritual Israel has been raised up again, too, to crucify the body of Christ again. God just repeats history in larger and larger ways. The spiritual man is not going to be conquered, and the quicker we learn to submit, the more we will be like Daniel, in that the lions' mouths will be closed. The Beast will not be able to devour Daniel. The fire of the fiery furnace, heated seven times hotter, will not be able to devour the three Hebrews because they have refused to eat the king's dainties and they refused to bow down to the image of the Beast, just like Daniel. What we see in Esther is clearly a prophecy of the end-time. The persecution that was raised up against Mordecai, who was over all God's people of the kingdom, will be repeated in our day. Remember, the Beast decided to kill the people of Mordecai. The people of Mordecai, of whom we are speaking, include the Bride, but just as Jerusalem is only part of the Kingdom, the Bride is only part of the people of Mordecai. Not everybody in the Church is going to follow the Man-child. All the righteous Jews in the rest of the kingdom will be delivered from the Beast through the righteous leadership of Mordecai, the Man-child, and Esther, the Bride – a leadership that refused to bow down and a people that refused to bow down, respectively. The true people of God will not bow down. The rest will worship the image of the Beast; they will bow down. God is sending a separation in the form of this image of the Beast. The people who have no faith in their God, no commitment to their God, will find it easier to justify themselves and bow down to the image of the Beast, even change their doctrines, if necessary, and submit to the Beast kingdom. The true people of God are represented by the people of Mordecai, who discover that this leadership is truly the right leadership, like the people who followed Jesus in His day. This represented a people from among natural Israel who were a first fruits to follow Jesus diligently, just as it will be in our day. (Joh.3:29) He that hath the bride is the bridegroom…. Even if a person didn't come up to the standard of the Bride which Jesus raised up, He sent them forth unto every place He was about to go to fulfill the Great Commission. The apostles raised up the five-fold ministry as the leadership for the rest of spiritual Israel, just as the latter-day apostles will for the Church. We have some great days coming, some wondrous days. In Esther 3:7-8, it is also revealed that God's people had been rebellious, and that's the reason this is coming today. The best thing we can do is learn to serve the true and living God. Don't bow down to the Beast.

If the Book of Genesis records the personal fall of man (adam) in the Garden, the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land. Originally a single, seamless work in the Hebrew canon, Kings is the autopsy of a spiritual collapse. It tracks the Davidic Promise from its architectural summit in Jerusalem to its apparent dissolution in the fires of Babylon. The Arc of Decay: From Temple to Exile The narrative spans approximately 410 years (c. 970 BCE – 560 BCE), following the tragic trajectory of "YHWH-plus" religion. The Summit (c. 970–930 BCE): The United Monarchy under Solomon. The Word of God is housed in the Jerusalem Temple, the location God chose to place his Name forever if only Israel will hear and obey the voice of their God. Tragically, the philosopher-king Solomon divides his loyalties and his affections. The Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE): As goes the heart of the king, so goes the Kingdom. The North (Israel) under Jeroboam immediately adopts YHWH-plus idolatry, the Golden Calves, leading to its total erasure by Assyria. The South (Judah) struggles to maintain the Davidic "Immune System" amidst a progressive slide into syncretism. The Collapse (c. 722–586 BCE): Despite the radical reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, the culture of compromise - weaponized by Manasseh - becomes terminal. The book concludes with the Babylonian Captivity, as the means devised by God to carry His promise to completion. Authorship While Jewish tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author, conservative scholarship also recognizes the possibility of a 'Scribe of the Exile' (such as Baruch or Ezra) who compiled the royal archives and prophetic eyewitness accounts into a single, unified narrative. In any case, the author is no mere chronicler; he is a covenantal prosecutor. He evaluates every king by a single metric: Did they walk in the way of David and obey God's word, or did they seek a "Plus" to YHWH? History here is the public outworking of a nation's loyalty to the divine message.

2 Chronicles chapter 32 recounts one of Judah's most intense crises under King Hezekiah. When Sennacherib of Assyria invades and threatens Jerusalem, Hezekiah prepares wisely but ultimately places his confidence in the Lord. He strengthens the city and encourages the people, declaring that God is greater than any enemy. When the Assyrians mock and challenge the God of Israel, Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah pray—and the Lord miraculously defeats the invading army. Yet the chapter ends with a warning: after great blessing and healing, pride rises in Hezekiah's heart. This chapter teaches that faith invites divine deliverance, but humility must guard us even after victory. Hashtags: #2Chronicles32 #Hezekiah #FaithInCrisis #GodDelivers #PowerOfPrayer #StayHumble #TrustTheLord #VictoryBelongsToGodBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.“Thank you for listening to SendMe Radio — where we share the Gospel, inspire faith, and keep you connected with powerful stories and updates from around the world. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a message.And remember — you can listen to SendMe Radio streaming 24/7 at www.sendmeradio.net or simply say: ‘Hey Alexa, play SendMe Radio.'

Welcome to Day 2808 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2808 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 117:1-2 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2808 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand eight hundred eight of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The Title for Today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Shortest Song with the Largest Stage – Calling the Nations Home Today, we are undertaking a fascinating and entirely unique stage of our journey. We are stepping into the absolute center of the Bible to explore Psalm One Hundred Seventeen, covering its entirety—which is just verses one through two, in the New Living Translation. This is a milestone for a couple of reasons. First, Psalm One Hundred Seventeen holds the distinct title of being the shortest chapter in the entire Bible. It consists of only two verses and, in the original Hebrew, a mere seventeen words. Second, it is widely considered the middle chapter of the Protestant Bible. But do not let its brevity fool you. What this psalm lacks in word count, it makes up for in cosmic, earth-shaking theology. In our previous trek through Psalm One Hundred Sixteen, we listened to an intensely personal, intimate testimony. We heard the voice of a single, desperate individual who had been wrapped in the terrifying cords of death. We saw Yahweh, the Most High God, stoop down from heaven to listen to one man's whispered cry for help. It was a beautiful picture of individual salvation, ending with the psalmist paying his vows in the temple courts of Jerusalem. Today, the camera pans out. We move from the microscopic to the macroscopic. The single voice of the rescued individual in Psalm One Hundred Sixteen suddenly turns into a megaphone, broadcasting a summons to the entire planet. Psalm One Hundred Seventeen is still part of the "Egyptian Hallel," the songs sung during the Passover festival. But here, the focus breaks completely out of the borders of Israel. It is a trumpet blast directed at the pagan world. It is a declaration of cosmic warfare, and a radical invitation of grace. So, let us unpack these two massive, monumental verses together. The First Segment is: The Cosmic Summons: Reclaiming the Disinherited. Psalm One Hundred Seventeen: verse one. Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. The psalm explodes right out of the gate with a command: "Praise the Lord, all you nations." To modern ears, this sounds like a standard, generic call to worship. But to the Ancient Israelite, singing this in the courts of the temple, this was a jaw-dropping, radical statement. It requires us to look through the lens of the Ancient Israelite Divine Council worldview, as taught by scholars like Dr. Michael S. Heiser. We must go all the way back to Genesis Chapter Eleven and the Tower of Babel. At Babel, humanity rebelled against Yahweh, refusing to spread out and fill the earth. In response, God judged the nations. But He didn't just confuse their languages; He disinherited them. According to Deuteronomy Chapter Thirty-two, verses eight through nine, God divided the nations and placed them under the authority of lesser spiritual beings—the "sons of God," or the divine council. Yahweh then stepped back and started over with one man, Abraham, to create His own special portion: Israel. From that moment on, the "nations" (the goyim) were viewed as foreign territory. They were under the jurisdiction of rebel gods, hostile principalities, and dark spiritual forces. They worshipped idols of wood and stone, which we saw mocked so thoroughly back in Psalm One Hundred Fifteen. So, when the psalmist stands up and shouts, "Praise Yahweh, all you nations!" he is doing something incredibly audacious. He is crossing enemy lines. He is essentially serving an eviction notice to the rebel gods. He is looking at the people of Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, and Assyria, and he is saying, "Your gods have failed you. They are dead. The time of your exile from the Creator is coming to an end. Yahweh is calling you back!" The parallel phrase, "Praise him, all you people of the earth," uses the Hebrew word ummim, which refers to tribes, clans, and people groups. The psalmist leaves no one out. The invitation is universal. God is not content to simply be the local deity of a small strip of land in the Middle East. He is the Maker of Heaven and Earth, and He demands, and invites, the adoration of every human being on the planet. This is why the Apostle Paul quotes this exact verse in Romans Chapter Fifteen, verse eleven. Paul uses Psalm One Hundred Seventeen to prove to the early church that the inclusion of the Gentiles—the non-Jewish people—was not a New Testament "Plan B." It was God's plan all along. The ultimate goal of choosing Israel was to create a beacon of light that would eventually draw all the disinherited nations back into the family of God. The Second Segment is: The Gravity of Grace: Why the Nations Should Sing. Psalm One Hundred Seventeen: verse two. For his unfailing love for us is powerful; the Lord's faithfulness endures forever. Praise the Lord! If verse one is the Command, verse two provides the Reason. Why should the pagan nations, who have spent centuries worshipping other gods, suddenly turn and praise Yahweh? The psalmist gives two reasons, rooted in two of the most important words in the Hebrew Bible: Unfailing Love (Hesed) and Faithfulness (Emet). Let us look closely at the first phrase: "For his unfailing love for us is powerful." Hesed is God's loyal, covenant-keeping, relentless love. But notice the direction of this love. The psalmist says His love for "us" is powerful. "Us" refers to Israel. This raises a fascinating question. Why should the nations praise God for the love He showed to Israel? If you are a Babylonian, why do you care that God loves the Jewish people? The answer lies in the promise given to Abraham in Genesis Chapter Twelve: "I will bless you... and all the families on earth will be blessed through you." Israel was never meant to be a reservoir of God's grace; they were meant to be a river. God's Hesed toward Israel—rescuing them from Egypt, giving them the law, protecting them from enemies, and bearing patiently with their constant rebellion—was the vehicle through which salvation would reach the rest of the world. When the nations look at how Yahweh treated Israel, they see a God who keeps His promises. They see a God who does not annihilate His people when they mess up. And they realize, "If this God is that intensely loyal and loving to Israel, maybe there is hope for us, too. Maybe we can be grafted into that same covenant." Furthermore, the word translated as "powerful" (gabar) is an incredibly muscular word. It means to prevail, to be mighty, or to overwhelm. It is the same word used in the story of Noah's Ark, when the floodwaters "prevailed" over the tops of the highest mountains. The psalmist is saying that God's unfailing love is a flood. It cannot be contained by the borders of Israel. It prevails over human sin. It prevails over the rebellious spiritual principalities of the Divine Council. It overtops the highest mountains of human resistance, and spills out to cover the entire globe. The Third Segment is: The Eternal Echo: Truth That Outlasts Time. The second half of the reason is just as anchoring: "...the Lord's faithfulness endures forever." The word for faithfulness is Emet, which means truth, reliability, and stability. In a world governed by chaotic pagan gods who were unpredictable, petty, and easily angered, the concept of a God whose truth "endures forever" was revolutionary. The gods of the nations rose and fell with their empires. Where is Marduk today? Where is Baal? They are buried in the dust of history, remembered only in museums and archaeological digs. But the faithfulness of Yahweh remains. His truth does not have an expiration date. Because His love is overwhelmingly powerful, and His truth is eternally stable, the nations have a solid rock upon which to stand. They are invited to leave the shifting sands of the world's chaos, and step into the eternal security of the Creator's household. The psalm concludes with the great bookend of the Hallel: "Praise the Lord!" Or, Hallelujah! When Jesus sang this psalm with His disciples on the night of the Last Supper, He knew exactly what He was about to do. He was about to walk to the cross to demonstrate the ultimate, prevailing power of God's Hesed. He was...

Ahaz is in a pickle: Judah is being attacked on literally every side God brings an encouraging prophecy to Ahaz and tells him to ask for a sign, but Ahaz refuses Ahaz begs the king of Assyria for help - in a similar fashion as one would pray to God Ahaz completely shutters the temple to God and replaces it with idols Why idolatry breeds selfishness, which, in turn breeds violence Hey! Look at this other P40 content! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869 Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more: www.lifeaudio.com Become a member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If the Book of Genesis records the personal fall of man (adam) in the Garden, the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land. Originally a single, seamless work in the Hebrew canon, Kings is the autopsy of a spiritual collapse. It tracks the Davidic Promise from its architectural summit in Jerusalem to its apparent dissolution in the fires of Babylon. The Arc of Decay: From Temple to Exile The narrative spans approximately 410 years (c. 970 BCE – 560 BCE), following the tragic trajectory of "YHWH-plus" religion. The Summit (c. 970–930 BCE): The United Monarchy under Solomon. The Word of God is housed in the Jerusalem Temple, the location God chose to place his Name forever if only Israel will hear and obey the voice of their God. Tragically, the philosopher-king Solomon divides his loyalties and his affections. The Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE): As goes the heart of the king, so goes the Kingdom. The North (Israel) under Jeroboam immediately adopts YHWH-plus idolatry, the Golden Calves, leading to its total erasure by Assyria. The South (Judah) struggles to maintain the Davidic "Immune System" amidst a progressive slide into syncretism. The Collapse (c. 722–586 BCE): Despite the radical reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, the culture of compromise - weaponized by Manasseh - becomes terminal. The book concludes with the Babylonian Captivity, as the means devised by God to carry His promise to completion. Authorship While Jewish tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author, conservative scholarship also recognizes the possibility of a 'Scribe of the Exile' (such as Baruch or Ezra) who compiled the royal archives and prophetic eyewitness accounts into a single, unified narrative. In any case, the author is no mere chronicler; he is a covenantal prosecutor. He evaluates every king by a single metric: Did they walk in the way of David and obey God's word, or did they seek a "Plus" to YHWH? History here is the public outworking of a nation's loyalty to the divine message.

2 Chronicles 30:1-12 King James Version 30 And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel. 2 For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month. 3 For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem. 4 And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation. 5 So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done it of a long time in such sort as it was written. 6 So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. 7 And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the Lord God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see. 8 Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. 9 For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him. 10 So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. 11 Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem. 12 Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the Lord.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the King of Assyria and his armies prepared to come against the people of Judah, King Hezekiah sought the Lord in prayer. In this sermon we will examine this prayer and see how the king's example applies to our own lives as we seek God in times of need.This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit https://www.LegacyRBC.org.

If the Book of Genesis records the personal fall of man (adam) in the Garden, the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land. Originally a single, seamless work in the Hebrew canon, Kings is the autopsy of a spiritual collapse. It tracks the Davidic Promise from its architectural summit in Jerusalem to its apparent dissolution in the fires of Babylon. The Arc of Decay: From Temple to Exile The narrative spans approximately 410 years (c. 970 BCE – 560 BCE), following the tragic trajectory of "YHWH-plus" religion. The Summit (c. 970–930 BCE): The United Monarchy under Solomon. The Word of God is housed in the Jerusalem Temple, the location God chose to place his Name forever if only Israel will hear and obey the voice of their God. Tragically, the philosopher-king Solomon divides his loyalties and his affections. The Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE): As goes the heart of the king, so goes the Kingdom. The North (Israel) under Jeroboam immediately adopts YHWH-plus idolatry, the Golden Calves, leading to its total erasure by Assyria. The South (Judah) struggles to maintain the Davidic "Immune System" amidst a progressive slide into syncretism. The Collapse (c. 722–586 BCE): Despite the radical reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, the culture of compromise - weaponized by Manasseh - becomes terminal. The book concludes with the Babylonian Captivity, as the means devised by God to carry His promise to completion. Authorship While Jewish tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author, conservative scholarship also recognizes the possibility of a 'Scribe of the Exile' (such as Baruch or Ezra) who compiled the royal archives and prophetic eyewitness accounts into a single, unified narrative. In any case, the author is no mere chronicler; he is a covenantal prosecutor. He evaluates every king by a single metric: Did they walk in the way of David and obey God's word, or did they seek a "Plus" to YHWH? History here is the public outworking of a nation's loyalty to the divine message.

2 Chronicles 30:1-8New International VersionHezekiah Celebrates the Passover 30 Hezekiah sent word to all Israel and Judah and also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, inviting them to come to the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover to the Lord, the God of Israel. 2 The king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem decided to celebrate the Passover in the second month. 3 They had not been able to celebrate it at the regular time because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not assembled in Jerusalem. 4 The plan seemed right both to the king and to the whole assembly. 5 They decided to send a proclamation throughout Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, calling the people to come to Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover to the Lord, the God of Israel. It had not been celebrated in large numbers according to what was written. 6 At the king’s command, couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and from his officials, which read: “People of Israel, return to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that he may return to you who are left, who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria. 7 Do not be like your parents and your fellow Israelites, who were unfaithful to the Lord, the God of their ancestors, so that he made them an object of horror, as you see. 8 Do not be stiff-necked, as your ancestors were; submit to the Lord. Come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the Lord your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the Book of Genesis records the personal fall of man (adam) in the Garden, the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land. Originally a single, seamless work in the Hebrew canon, Kings is the autopsy of a spiritual collapse. It tracks the Davidic Promise from its architectural summit in Jerusalem to its apparent dissolution in the fires of Babylon. The Arc of Decay: From Temple to Exile The narrative spans approximately 410 years (c. 970 BCE – 560 BCE), following the tragic trajectory of "YHWH-plus" religion. The Summit (c. 970–930 BCE): The United Monarchy under Solomon. The Word of God is housed in the Jerusalem Temple, the location God chose to place his Name forever if only Israel will hear and obey the voice of their God. Tragically, the philosopher-king Solomon divides his loyalties and his affections. The Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE): As goes the heart of the king, so goes the Kingdom. The North (Israel) under Jeroboam immediately adopts YHWH-plus idolatry, the Golden Calves, leading to its total erasure by Assyria. The South (Judah) struggles to maintain the Davidic "Immune System" amidst a progressive slide into syncretism. The Collapse (c. 722–586 BCE): Despite the radical reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, the culture of compromise - weaponized by Manasseh - becomes terminal. The book concludes with the Babylonian Captivity, as the means devised by God to carry His promise to completion. Authorship While Jewish tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author, conservative scholarship also recognizes the possibility of a 'Scribe of the Exile' (such as Baruch or Ezra) who compiled the royal archives and prophetic eyewitness accounts into a single, unified narrative. In any case, the author is no mere chronicler; he is a covenantal prosecutor. He evaluates every king by a single metric: Did they walk in the way of David and obey God's word, or did they seek a "Plus" to YHWH? History here is the public outworking of a nation's loyalty to the divine message.

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-d2ee1f7d062c3b3e85d15dbe7467f5e5{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-d2ee1f7d062c3b3e85d15dbe7467f5e5 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-d2ee1f7d062c3b3e85d15dbe7467f5e5 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 03 – February 26Genesis 1 – 2 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – February 26 Genesis 1 – 2 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/03-0226db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible The Creation of the World Genesis 1 1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was undeveloped [1] and empty. Darkness covered the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good. He separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” There was evening and there was morning—the first day. 6 God said, “Let there be an expanse [2] between the waters, and let it separate the water from the water.” 7 God made the expanse, and he separated the water that was below the expanse from the water that was above the expanse, and it was so. 8 God called the expanse “sky.” [3]There was evening and there was morning—the second day. 9 God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together to one place, and let the dry land appear,” and it was so. ⎣The waters under the sky gathered to their own places, and the dry land appeared.⎦ [4] 10 God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathering places of the waters he called “seas.” God saw that it was good. 11 God said, “Let the earth produce plants—vegetation that produces seed, and trees that bear fruit with its seed in it—each according to its own kind on the earth,” and it was so. 12 The earth brought forth plants, vegetation that produces seed according to its own kind, and trees that bear fruit with its seed in it, each according to its own kind, and God saw that it was good. 13 There was evening and there was morning—the third day. 14 God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to divide the day from the night, and let them serve as markers to indicate seasons, days, and years. 15 Let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to give light to the earth,” and it was so. 16 God made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set these lights in place in the expanse of the sky to provide light for the earth, 18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good. 19 There was evening and there was morning—the fourth day. 20 God said, “Let the waters swarm with living creatures, and let birds and other winged creatures [5] fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.” 21 God created the large sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their own kind, and every winged bird according to its own kind. God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed them when he said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the waters of the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 There was evening and there was morning—the fifth day. 24 God said, “Let the earth produce living creatures according to their own kind, livestock, [6] creeping things, and wild animals according to their own kind,” and it was so. 25 God made the wild animals according to their own kind, and the livestock according to their own kind, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its own kind. God saw that it was good. 26 God said, “Let us make man [7] in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that crawls on the earth.” 27 God created the man in his own image. In the image of God he created him. Male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 God said, “Look, I have given you every plant that produces seed on the face of the whole earth, and every tree that bears fruit that produces seed. It will be your food. 30 To every animal of the earth, and to every bird of the sky, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning—the sixth day. Genesis 2 1 The heavens and the earth were finished, along with everything in them. [8] 2 On the seventh day God had finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had been doing. 3 God blessed the seventh day and set it apart as holy, because on it he rested from all his work of creation that he had done. The Creation of Man and Woman 4 This is the account about the development [9] of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens: 5 No bushes that grow in the field were yet on the earth, [10] and no plants of the field had yet sprung up, since the Lord God had not yet caused it to rain on the earth. There was not yet a man to till the soil, 6 but water [11] came up from the earth and watered the entire surface of the ground. 7 The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground [12] and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. 8 The Lord God planted a garden [13] in Eden in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 Out of the ground the Lord God made every kind of tree grow—trees that are pleasant to look at and good for food, including the Tree of Life in the middle of the garden and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. 10 A river went out from Eden to water the garden, and from there it divided and became the headwaters of four rivers. 11 The name of the first river is Pishon. It flows through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold, 12 and the gold of that land is good. Incense [14] and onyx stone are also found there. 13 The name of the second river is Gihon. It is the same river that winds through the whole land of Cush. [15] 14 The name of the third river is Tigris. This is the one which flows along the east side of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates. 15 The Lord God took the man and settled him in the Garden of Eden to work it and to take care of it. 16 The Lord God gave a command to the man. He said, “You may freely eat from every tree in the garden, 17 but you shall not eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, for on the day that you eat from it, you will certainly die.” 18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is a suitable partner for him.” 19 Out of the soil the Lord God had formed every wild animal and every bird of the sky, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them. Whatever the man called every living creature, that became its name. 20 The man gave names to all the livestock, and to the birds of the sky, and to every wild animal, but for Adam [16] no helper was found who was a suitable partner for him. 21 The Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. As the man slept, the Lord God took a rib [17] and closed up the flesh where it had been. 22 The Lord God built a woman from the rib that he had taken from the man and brought her to the man. 23 The man said, Now this one is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She will be called “woman,” because she was taken out of man. [18] 24 For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and will remain united with his wife, and they will become one flesh. [19] 25 They were both naked, the man and his wife, and they were not ashamed. Footnotes Genesis 1:2 Or without form Genesis 1:6 Traditionally a firmament Genesis 1:8 Or the heavens Genesis 1:9 The Greek Old Testament includes the sentence in half-brackets. It is not in the Hebrew text. Genesis 1:20 The Hebrew word oph usually refers to birds, but it means “flyers” and can include other flying creatures such as insects and bats. Genesis 1:24 Or domestic animals Genesis 1:26 The rendering of the Hebrew word adam is a key issue in this section. Adam may refer to man, mankind, or Adam. This translation retains the article where it occurs with adam (the man) and retains singular or plural forms of verbs and pronouns according to the Hebrew text. Genesis 2:1 Literally all their armies Genesis 2:4 The Hebrew word toledoth, which is used in the headings of the ten sections of Genesis, is related to the Hebrew root for give birth, but as used in the section headings of Genesis (such as 2:4; 5:1; 6:9, etc.), toledoth seems to refer to the development more than to the origin of the group being discussed. For this reason, in the section headings of Genesis, toledoth is regularly translated account about the development. Genesis 2:5 Literally every bush of the field was not yet on the earth. This wording seems to refer to the time before the creation of plants on day 3, but the context of chapter 2 seems to be the preparation of the Garden of Eden as a special home for man and woman. Some commentators suggest that this verse refers only to the area of the Garden of Eden, which had been left unfinished, but the wide term on the earth does not seem to be a natural way to say this, so this may be a reference back to day 3. Genesis 2:6 A rare word (ed) is used. It may refer to springs or, less likely, to mist. Genesis 2:10 refers to the presence of rivers. Genesis 2:7 Literally as dust from the ground. This means man is still dust and will return to dust. Genesis 2:8 In Hebrew, the term garden includes groves of trees. Genesis 2:12 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain. It probably refers to a fragrant resin or a precious stone. Genesis 2:13 In the Old Testament, Cush often refers to the land south of Egypt. Here the names of the third and fourth rivers suggest an area in Mesopotamia, today's Iraq. Genesis 2:20 Here the Hebrew word adam without the article becomes a personal name. Genesis 2:21 Part of his side is a more literal translation than the traditional translation rib. Genesis 2:23 Here the Hebrew word for man is ish not adam. Like the English word pair man/woman, the Hebrew words ish/ishah correspond to one another. Genesis 2:24 Verse 24 may be a continuation of the words of Adam or a comment of the inspired writer. In either case, Jesus recognizes them as part of the divine institution of marriage (Matthew 19:4-5). #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

This episode explores how the Neo-Assyrian Empire actually functioned at the administrative level under Sargon II, focusing on imperial bureaucracy, logistics, and governance. Using surviving Assyrian letters and court records, we examine the real machinery of empire: provincial governors, royal magnates, intelligence networks, military command structure, taxation, construction logistics, and the role of officials like the Rab Shaqe, Turtan, Sukkallu, Sartinnu, Ummanu, and Masennu.Rather than focusing on warfare alone, this episode shows how Assyria maintained control through record-keeping, resource management, legal authority, and centralized oversight. Topics include Dur-Sharrukin's construction, Assyrian spy networks, provincial administration, legal appeals, slavery and fines, river ordeals, divination in government, and the logistics behind canal building, armies, and royal projects.Primary sources from Neo-Assyrian archives reveal how officials negotiated with the king, managed shortages, tracked materials, and enforced justice across a multi-ethnic empire. This is a deep dive into Assyrian imperial administration, ancient Near Eastern bureaucracy, and the practical realities of ruling one of history's first true empires.Keywords: Neo-Assyrian Empire, Sargon II, Assyrian administration, ancient bureaucracy, Mesopotamian government, Assyrian letters, Dur-Sharrukin, Assyrian logistics, ancient empires, Near East history, Assyrian law, provincial governors, ancient military organization, Assyrian records, Mesopotamian history.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.

If the Book of Genesis records the personal fall of man (adam) in the Garden, the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land. Originally a single, seamless work in the Hebrew canon, Kings is the autopsy of a spiritual collapse. It tracks the Davidic Promise from its architectural summit in Jerusalem to its apparent dissolution in the fires of Babylon. The Arc of Decay: From Temple to Exile The narrative spans approximately 410 years (c. 970 BCE – 560 BCE), following the tragic trajectory of "YHWH-plus" religion. The Summit (c. 970–930 BCE): The United Monarchy under Solomon. The Word of God is housed in the Jerusalem Temple, the location God chose to place his Name forever if only Israel will hear and obey the voice of their God. Tragically, the philosopher-king Solomon divides his loyalties and his affections. The Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE): As goes the heart of the king, so goes the Kingdom. The North (Israel) under Jeroboam immediately adopts YHWH-plus idolatry, the Golden Calves, leading to its total erasure by Assyria. The South (Judah) struggles to maintain the Davidic "Immune System" amidst a progressive slide into syncretism. The Collapse (c. 722–586 BCE): Despite the radical reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, the culture of compromise - weaponized by Manasseh - becomes terminal. The book concludes with the Babylonian Captivity, as the means devised by God to carry His promise to completion. Authorship While Jewish tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author, conservative scholarship also recognizes the possibility of a 'Scribe of the Exile' (such as Baruch or Ezra) who compiled the royal archives and prophetic eyewitness accounts into a single, unified narrative. In any case, the author is no mere chronicler; he is a covenantal prosecutor. He evaluates every king by a single metric: Did they walk in the way of David and obey God's word, or did they seek a "Plus" to YHWH? History here is the public outworking of a nation's loyalty to the divine message.

If the Book of Genesis records the personal fall of man (adam) in the Garden, the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land. Originally a single, seamless work in the Hebrew canon, Kings is the autopsy of a spiritual collapse. It tracks the Davidic Promise from its architectural summit in Jerusalem to its apparent dissolution in the fires of Babylon. The Arc of Decay: From Temple to Exile The narrative spans approximately 410 years (c. 970 BCE – 560 BCE), following the tragic trajectory of "YHWH-plus" religion. The Summit (c. 970–930 BCE): The United Monarchy under Solomon. The Word of God is housed in the Jerusalem Temple, the location God chose to place his Name forever if only Israel will hear and obey the voice of their God. Tragically, the philosopher-king Solomon divides his loyalties and his affections. The Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE): As goes the heart of the king, so goes the Kingdom. The North (Israel) under Jeroboam immediately adopts YHWH-plus idolatry, the Golden Calves, leading to its total erasure by Assyria. The South (Judah) struggles to maintain the Davidic "Immune System" amidst a progressive slide into syncretism. The Collapse (c. 722–586 BCE): Despite the radical reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, the culture of compromise - weaponized by Manasseh - becomes terminal. The book concludes with the Babylonian Captivity, as the means devised by God to carry His promise to completion. Authorship While Jewish tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author, conservative scholarship also recognizes the possibility of a 'Scribe of the Exile' (such as Baruch or Ezra) who compiled the royal archives and prophetic eyewitness accounts into a single, unified narrative. In any case, the author is no mere chronicler; he is a covenantal prosecutor. He evaluates every king by a single metric: Did they walk in the way of David and obey God's word, or did they seek a "Plus" to YHWH? History here is the public outworking of a nation's loyalty to the divine message.

Last week, we wrestled with the fallout when a respected leader falls and the question it leaves behind: what hope is there for the rest of us?This week, Brody looks at the life of King Hezekiah. He tore down idols, trusted God under the threat of Assyria, and saw miraculous deliverance, yet later stumbled in pride before Babylon. His story holds both faith and failure.Brody also talks about approaching Scripture with humility, the daily fight with sin, and the kind of accountability that restores. It's not about a spotless record, but about a life being continually conformed to God through sanctification.What My Father's Fall Taught MeSend a textPlease leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help improve No Sanity Required and help others grow in their faith. Click here to get our Colossians Bible study.

We read Nahum and Obadiah to face the edge where justice meets mercy. We explore Nineveh's fall, Edom's pride, and our urge to gloat, then turn our hearts toward refuge, humility, and prayer.• Nahum's oracle against Nineveh and Assyria's cruelty• God as just judge and sure refuge• Vivid siege imagery and empire collapse• Wrestling with judgment and divine goodness• Obadiah's charge against Edom's betrayal• The danger of gloating over another's pain• The Day of the Lord and restoration of a remnant• A call to humility, empathy, and prayer At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

If the Book of Genesis records the personal fall of man (adam) in the Garden, the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land. Originally a single, seamless work in the Hebrew canon, Kings is the autopsy of a spiritual collapse. It tracks the Davidic Promise from its architectural summit in Jerusalem to its apparent dissolution in the fires of Babylon. The Arc of Decay: From Temple to Exile The narrative spans approximately 410 years (c. 970 BCE – 560 BCE), following the tragic trajectory of "YHWH-plus" religion. The Summit (c. 970–930 BCE): The United Monarchy under Solomon. The Word of God is housed in the Jerusalem Temple, the location God chose to place his Name forever if only Israel will hear and obey the voice of their God. Tragically, the philosopher-king Solomon divides his loyalties and his affections. The Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE): As goes the heart of the king, so goes the Kingdom. The North (Israel) under Jeroboam immediately adopts YHWH-plus idolatry, the Golden Calves, leading to its total erasure by Assyria. The South (Judah) struggles to maintain the Davidic "Immune System" amidst a progressive slide into syncretism. The Collapse (c. 722–586 BCE): Despite the radical reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, the culture of compromise - weaponized by Manasseh - becomes terminal. The book concludes with the Babylonian Captivity, as the means devised by God to carry His promise to completion. Authorship While Jewish tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author, conservative scholarship also recognizes the possibility of a 'Scribe of the Exile' (such as Baruch or Ezra) who compiled the royal archives and prophetic eyewitness accounts into a single, unified narrative. In any case, the author is no mere chronicler; he is a covenantal prosecutor. He evaluates every king by a single metric: Did they walk in the way of David and obey God's word, or did they seek a "Plus" to YHWH? History here is the public outworking of a nation's loyalty to the divine message.

This passage from Zephaniah reveals God's sovereign judgment on the nations that pridefully persecute His people, illustrating a divine response to human arrogance and hostility. Centered on the themes of prideful persecution, awesome justice, and ultimate desolation, the text portrays God as the living, omnipresent Judge who hears every taunt and boast against His people and will vindicate them through decisive, transformative judgment. The destruction of Moab, Ammon, Cush, and Assyria—symbolized by barren wastelands and abandoned cities—serves as a prophetic picture of God's final triumph over all false gods and self-exalted powers, culminating in universal acknowledgment of His lordship. The passage calls believers to live in constant awareness of God's presence, to reject pride, to stand firm in faith amid persecution, and to find assurance in Christ's victory over Satan, whose accusations are rendered powerless by the finished work of redemption.

If the Book of Genesis records the personal fall of man (adam) in the Garden, the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land. Originally a single, seamless work in the Hebrew canon, Kings is the autopsy of a spiritual collapse. It tracks the Davidic Promise from its architectural summit in Jerusalem to its apparent dissolution in the fires of Babylon. The Arc of Decay: From Temple to Exile The narrative spans approximately 410 years (c. 970 BCE – 560 BCE), following the tragic trajectory of "YHWH-plus" religion. The Summit (c. 970–930 BCE): The United Monarchy under Solomon. The Word of God is housed in the Jerusalem Temple, the location God chose to place his Name forever if only Israel will hear and obey the voice of their God. Tragically, the philosopher-king Solomon divides his loyalties and his affections. The Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE): As goes the heart of the king, so goes the Kingdom. The North (Israel) under Jeroboam immediately adopts YHWH-plus idolatry, the Golden Calves, leading to its total erasure by Assyria. The South (Judah) struggles to maintain the Davidic "Immune System" amidst a progressive slide into syncretism. The Collapse (c. 722–586 BCE): Despite the radical reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, the culture of compromise - weaponized by Manasseh - becomes terminal. The book concludes with the Babylonian Captivity, as the means devised by God to carry His promise to completion. Authorship While Jewish tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author, conservative scholarship also recognizes the possibility of a 'Scribe of the Exile' (such as Baruch or Ezra) who compiled the royal archives and prophetic eyewitness accounts into a single, unified narrative. In any case, the author is no mere chronicler; he is a covenantal prosecutor. He evaluates every king by a single metric: Did they walk in the way of David and obey God's word, or did they seek a "Plus" to YHWH? History here is the public outworking of a nation's loyalty to the divine message.

Welcome to Day 2801 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Ancient Kings and Giants: Were the Sumerian Rulers the Nephilim? Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2801 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2801 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled  Ancient Kings and Giants: Were the Sumerian Rulers the Nephilim? In the earliest layers of Mesopotamian literature, the Sumerian King List stands as a remarkable record of legendary rulers. These kings, beginning with Alulim of Eridu, are said to have reigned for tens of thousands of years. Alulim ruled for Twenty-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred years, while others, such as En-men-lu-ana of Bad-tibira, are credited with reigns of Forty-Three Thousand Two Hundred years. The list presents eight antediluvian kings in total, whose rule was said to have lasted for Two Hundred Forty-One Thousand, Two-Hundred years before the heavens brought a great flood. These numbers are not historical in the modern sense. They are symbolic and rooted in the Sumerian sacred use of numbers, especially the sexagesimal base-sixty system. Lifespans were often structured as multiples of Three Thousand, Six Hundred, a unit known as a sar. The theological point is clear. Kingship was believed to have descended from heaven, and these early rulers were seen not merely as political figures but as mediators between gods and mortals. Their reigns reflect divine favor, cosmic order, and a time when humans stood closer to the divine realm. The flood marks a dividing line in the narrative. After it, reigns become shorter and more grounded. The mythic age gives way to something closer to recognizable history. Cities shift, dynasties rise and fall, and the divine distance from humanity becomes more evident. What survives is a memory of a time when the lines between human and divine were blurred, when kings were more than men, and when the age before the flood carried an aura of sacred timelessness. The First Segment is: Echoes from Akkadian and Babylonian Tradition. The Akkadian-speaking cultures of Babylon and Assyria preserved an expanded version of the Sumerian memory in two major works, the Atrahasis Epic and the Epic of Gilgamesh. These texts also recall a time before the flood, inhabited by extraordinary beings, divine-human figures, and a collapse of order that led to judgment. In the Atrahasis Epic, the gods create humans to relieve themselves of labor, but humanity quickly multiplies and becomes noisy and disruptive. Enlil, the chief god, decides to destroy them. A series of plagues and famines fails to work, so a flood is sent to wipe out the human race. The god Ea (or Enki) warns Atrahasis, a righteous man, who builds a boat to survive. After the flood, humanity is restructured and reduced, and a new social and spiritual order is established. The Epic of...

If the Book of Genesis records the personal fall of man (adam) in the Garden, the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land. Originally a single, seamless work in the Hebrew canon, Kings is the autopsy of a spiritual collapse. It tracks the Davidic Promise from its architectural summit in Jerusalem to its apparent dissolution in the fires of Babylon. The Arc of Decay: From Temple to Exile The narrative spans approximately 410 years (c. 970 BCE – 560 BCE), following the tragic trajectory of "YHWH-plus" religion. The Summit (c. 970–930 BCE): The United Monarchy under Solomon. The Word of God is housed in the Jerusalem Temple, the location God chose to place his Name forever if only Israel will hear and obey the voice of their God. Tragically, the philosopher-king Solomon divides his loyalties and his affections. The Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE): As goes the heart of the king, so goes the Kingdom. The North (Israel) under Jeroboam immediately adopts YHWH-plus idolatry, the Golden Calves, leading to its total erasure by Assyria. The South (Judah) struggles to maintain the Davidic "Immune System" amidst a progressive slide into syncretism. The Collapse (c. 722–586 BCE): Despite the radical reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, the culture of compromise - weaponized by Manasseh - becomes terminal. The book concludes with the Babylonian Captivity, as the means devised by God to carry His promise to completion. Authorship While Jewish tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author, conservative scholarship also recognizes the possibility of a 'Scribe of the Exile' (such as Baruch or Ezra) who compiled the royal archives and prophetic eyewitness accounts into a single, unified narrative. In any case, the author is no mere chronicler; he is a covenantal prosecutor. He evaluates every king by a single metric: Did they walk in the way of David and obey God's word, or did they seek a "Plus" to YHWH? History here is the public outworking of a nation's loyalty to the divine message. The Warning The Book of Kings stands as a warning that a "double-minded" heart inevitably leads to a shattered land. It is the record of how a people with the Word of Life chose the silence of the idols, and how God, in His sovereignty, preserved a "Hidden Seed" even in the ashes of exile.

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 […]

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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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

2 Kings chapter 17 explains the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel and its exile by Assyria. The chapter makes clear that this was not sudden or random—it was the result of persistent disobedience, idolatry, and refusal to heed God's warnings through the prophets. Though God had delivered Israel repeatedly, they chose other gods and adopted the practices of surrounding nations. The chapter stands as a sobering reminder that spiritual compromise, when left unchecked, leads to loss—but also that God had patiently called His people to return before judgment came. Hashtags: #2Kings17 #FallOfIsrael #SpiritualCompromise #GodsWarnings #Exile #FaithfulnessMatters #LearnFromHistoryBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.“Thank you for listening to SendMe Radio — where we share the Gospel, inspire faith, and keep you connected with powerful stories and updates from around the world. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a message.And remember — you can listen to SendMe Radio streaming 24/7 at www.sendmeradio.net or simply say: ‘Hey Alexa, play SendMe Radio.'

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...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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.

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...