Podcasts about Near East

Danny and Derek recently reunited with Eleanor Janega and Luke Waters of ⁠We're Not So Different⁠ for a special mailbag episode of their cross-pod collaboration, ⁠Welcome to the Crusades: The First Crusade⁠. We have already posted ⁠Episode 1⁠ and ⁠Episode 2 ⁠in the feed, so we figured we'd give everyone the third episode to further entice you to dig into this miniseries. Enjoy! We leave the Crusaders behind temporarily to grapple with conditions in the Near East of the late 11th century. We'll discuss the emergence and disintegration of the Great Seljuk Empire in Baghdad as well as the rise of the Fatimid Caliphate in Cairo, with additional focus on the situation in Jerusalem as the Crusaders began their journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3/8. In Professor Eric Cline's After 1177 BC, The Survival of Civilizations, the Assyrians are a prime example of resilience post-1177 BC. Their success derived from strong leadership and constant warfare, allowing them to secure resources when traditional trade partners failed. Their complex, on-again-off-again relationship with the Babylonians eventually led to Neo-Assyrian dominance in the Near East for centuries, showcasing the rise and fall of empires.

Het is 3.800 jaar geleden. Mijnwerker Lachisch verstopt zich in een tempel een leert daar vreemde tekentjes. Hoe nuttig kan dat nieuwe alfabet worden? Wilde Eeuwen, het begin. Iedere vrijdag een nieuwe aflevering. Meer informatie: nrc.nl/wilde-eeuwenHeeft u vragen, suggesties of ideeën over onze journalistiek? Mail dan naar onze redactie via podcast@nrc.nl.Tekst en presentatie: Hendrik SpieringRedactie en regie: Mirjam van ZuidamMuziek, montage en mixage: Rufus van BaardwijkBeeld: Jeen BertingVormgeving: Yannick MortierVoor deze aflevering is onder meer gebruikt gemaakt van deze literatuur: Ludwig D. Morenz. ‘El(-GOD) as “Father in Regalness”. Mine M in Serabit el Khadim as a Middle-Bronze-Age (c. 1900 BC). Working Space sacralised by Early Alefbetic Writing' in Working Paper 13 Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies, 2023. Martijn Jaspers en Toon Van Hal. 'Van huisje tot hashtag, van ossenkop tot apenstaart. Een geschiedenis van het alfabet', Maklu uitgever, 2023. Silvia Ferrara. 'The Greatest Invention. A History of the World in Nine Mysterious Scripts', Farrar, Straus and Giroux 2022 (Vertaald uit het Italiaans door Todd Portnowitz). Felix Höflmayer e.a. ‘Early alphabetic writing in the ancient Near East: the ‘missing link' from Tel Lachish' in Antiquity, juni 2021. Philip J. Boyes en Philippa M. Steele (eds). 'Understanding Relations Between Scripts II Early Alphabets', Oxbow books, 2020. Miriam Lichtheim. 'Ancient Egyptian Literature', University of California Press ,2019 (eerste druk 1975).Aaron Koller. ‘The Diffusion of the Alphabet in the Second Millennium BCE: On the Movements of Scribal Ideas from Egypt to the Levant, Mesopotamia, and Yemen', in Journal of Ancient Egyptian Interconnections, in december 2018. Steven R. Fischer. 'History of Writing', Reaktion Books, 2003.Brian E. Colles. ‘The Proto-Alphabetic Inscriptions of Canaan' in Ancient Near Eastern Studies, 1991.Lina Eckenstein. 'A History of Sinai', Macmillan 1921. Zie het privacybeleid op https://art19.com/privacy en de privacyverklaring van Californië op https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Day 2702 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2702 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 82:1-8 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2702 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2702 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. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Supreme Court of the Cosmos – The Judge of All Judges - A Trek Through Psalm 82:1-8 Guthrie Chamberlain: Welcome to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I'm your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and today, we open a powerful and dramatic new chapter in our journey through the Psalms. We're embarking on a trek through Psalm 82 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its entirety, verses 1 through 8. Psalm 82, like many we've explored recently, is attributed to Asaph. But after the celebratory festivals of Psalm 81 and the laments for national restoration in Psalm 80, this psalm introduces us to a truly astounding scene: God Himself, acting as the supreme Judge, standing in judgment over all other authorities. It's a divine courtroom, a cosmic tribunal, where God holds human rulers and judges accountable for their injustice and corruption. This psalm, in just eight short verses, provides a breathtaking glimpse into the heart of God's justice. It delivers a withering condemnation of those in power who abuse their authority, while simultaneously issuing a powerful command to defend the powerless. It reminds us that no matter how powerful or esteemed a human leader may be, they are ultimately accountable to a higher authority, the one true Judge of all the earth. So, let's step into this dramatic scene and listen to the verdict from the Supreme Judge of the cosmos. The Divine Tribunal and the Condemnation of the Unjust (Reads Psalm 82:1-4 NLT) God presides over heaven's court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings: "How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked?" Interlude "Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people." Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalm begins by setting a truly magnificent and sobering scene: "God presides over heaven's court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings." The "heaven's court" or "divine council" was a common literary motif in the ancient Near East, but here it is uniquely appropriated to show God's absolute supremacy. The "heavenly beings" (elohim) in this context are not God's divine rivals, but are often interpreted as human judges and rulers, or perhaps even angelic beings entrusted with the oversight of nations, all of whom are ultimately subordinate to God. God is the one and only supreme Judge, and He is holding all other authorities—divine and human—accountable. He is standing over all the judges of the earth, watching every decision they make. The first question God asks is

Welcome to Day 2700 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomDay 2700 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 81:8-16 – Daily WisdomWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2700Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2700 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.Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Heart's Hardness – A Plea for Unwavering Loyalty - Concluding Our Trek Through Psalm 81:8-16Guthrie Chamberlain: Welcome back to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I'm your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and today, we reach the powerful and poignant conclusion of our trek through Psalm 81 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its final verses, 8 through 16.In our last conversation, we began Psalm 81 with a vibrant, celebratory call to worship, a joyful festival meant to be a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance. The psalmist then recounted a dramatic shift to God's direct voice, recalling His mighty act of removing the "burden from your shoulders" and freeing Israel's "hands from their heavy baskets" of slavery in Egypt (Psalm 81:6). We heard how God answered their cry from the "hidden place of thunder," the awe-inspiring moment at Sinai when He gave them His law.Now, God's direct address continues, moving from a remembrance of His saving acts to a strong command for exclusive loyalty and a heartbreaking lament over His people's persistent disobedience. This section is a profound expression of God's own heart, revealing His deep desire for a relationship of trust and His sorrow over their stubborn rebellion. It culminates in a beautiful, almost wistful, promise of the boundless blessings they would have received if only they had listened.So, let's listen carefully, not just to the words, but to the yearning heart of God as He pleads with His people. A Divine Demand for Exclusive Loyalty(Reads Psalm 81:8-10 NLT)"Listen to me, O my people, if you would only listen to me, O Israel!You must never have a foreign god;you must not worship a foreign god.For I am the Lord your God,who rescued you from the land of Egypt.Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things."Guthrie Chamberlain: God's voice begins with an urgent, repeated, and intimate plea: "Listen to me, O my people, if you would only listen to me, O Israel!" The repetition of "if you would only listen to me" expresses a profound, almost desperate desire for His people to pay attention. He is calling to them as "my people" and "Israel," using covenant names that signify their special, chosen relationship with Him. This is not the voice of a distant commander, but of a personal God who yearns for His people's attention and obedience.The command that follows is absolute and foundational to their covenant: "You must never have a foreign god; you must not worship a foreign god." This is the first and second commandment of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-3). God demands exclusive loyalty and allegiance. In the ancient Near East, it was common for people to worship multiple gods, adding a new god to their pantheon whenever they encountered a new nation or experienced a new need. But God, the God of Israel, forbade this practice completely. He is not one god among many; He is the one true God,...

In this episode of Oldest Stories, we explore the later reign of Tiglath-Pileser III, one of the most transformative kings of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. By the late 8th century BCE, Assyria's power seemed unstoppable, yet beneath the victories lay structural weaknesses.We examine four key failures that reveal how the empire actually worked:The eastern provincial revolts of 737 BCE, exposing the limits of Assyria's new provincial system.The failed Assyrian siege of Tushpa, capital of Urartu, and what it taught about siege warfare and logistics.The Babylonian crisis of the 730s, where Chaldeans, Arameans, and internal rebellions undermined Assyria's southern policy.The succession struggle following Tiglath-Pileser's death, setting the stage for Shalmaneser V and the rise of Sargon II.Along the way we look at Assyrian reforms, deportation policies, eunuch officials, Assyrian-Babylonian relations, and Urartian resistance. We also discuss how propaganda, letters, and oracles shaped royal decisions, and why even the greatest reforming king of Assyria faced real limits to his power.If you are interested in Ancient Mesopotamia, Assyrian history, Babylon, Urartu, Neo-Assyrian military reforms, biblical history, or the geopolitics of the ancient Near East, this episode will give you an in-depth, historically grounded perspective.I am also doing daily history facts again, at least until I run out of time again. You can find Oldest Stories daily on Tiktok and Youtube Shorts.If you like the show, consider sharing with your friends, leaving a like, subscribing, or even supporting financially:Buy the Oldest Stories books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate here: https://oldeststories.net/or on patreon: https://patreon.com/JamesBleckleyor on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCG2tPxnHNNvMd0VrInekaA/joinYoutube and Patreon members get access to bonus content about Egyptian culture and myths.

RFM is joined once more by Kolby Reddish as they break down the Light and Truth Letter. In chapter 10, Austin Fife argues the LDS temple endowment ritual is better explained by links to the ancient Near East, as opposed to the contemporary Masonry going on in Joseph’s own backyard. In presenting his case, Austin… Read More »The Trouble With Temples: RFM: 410

RFM is joined once more by Kolby Reddish as they break down the Light and Truth Letter. In chapter 10, Austin Fife argues the LDS temple endowment ritual is better explained by links to the ancient Near East, as opposed to the contemporary Masonry going on in Joseph’s own backyard. In presenting his case, Austin… Read More »The Trouble With Temples: RFM: 410 The post The Trouble With Temples: RFM: 410 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Resumo:Muito antes das cidades, da escrita ou dos impérios, um povo no Crescente Fértil fez algo radical: escolheu parar. Os Natufianos (também conhecidos como a Cultura Natufiana) foram uma civilização do Epipaleolítico que habitou a região do Levante (atual Israel, Jordânia, Líbano, Síria e Palestina) entre cerca de 15.000 e 12.000 anos atrás. Eles eram caçadores-coletores que, antes da agricultura, estabeleceram-se em aldeias e desenvolveram práticas sociais complexas, como rituais funerários e ferramentas sofisticadas.De Ain Mallaha a El-Wad, suas aldeias revelam indícios de arquitetura, rituais, hierarquias e uma inédita relação com a terra — uma revolução silenciosa que moldou a base do mundo moderno. Criação e produçãoConteúdo escrito, narrado, editado e sonorizado por Waldir Franzini.

PSALM 82 is a courtroom scene in heaven. This psalm is the source of the term “divine council,” a concept well known in the ancient Near East. The high god in the pantheon was believed to preside over a group of lesser gods, who were tasked with carrying out the will of the king of the pantheon. But in the religions of Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Greece, Rome, etc., the lower gods were part of a polytheistic pantheon. This is a twisted version of God's council. We see God's divine assembly in action in Job 1 and 2, and especially in 1 Kings 22, where God asks the council for recommendations on how to lure King Ahab to go to war with the Syrians where he will fall in battle. To be clear, God doesn't need a council to carry out His will. He created one for His pleasure, because He desires family. However, just as with us humans, the spirits in the unseen realm were created with free will, and many of them chose to rebel against His authority. What we see in Psalm 82, then, is God passing judgment on those lesser elohim, the “sons of the Most High,” for exercising their free will to “judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked”. As a result of their mismanagement of creation, which threatened the very “foundations of the earth,” God decreed that these small-G god will die like men. We also discuss the New English Translation's rendering of Psalm 82:1, in which Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, “stands in the assembly of El,” the creator-god of the Canaanites, to pass judgment on the gods of Canaan! Was that a prophecy of the Transfiguration of Jesus on the summit of Mount Hermon? Here's the link to the paper by Dr. Michael Heiser explaining Jesus' quotation of Psalm 82:6 in John 10:34 (link opens a PDF document) Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently 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• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship JOIN US IN ISRAEL! Our next tour of Israel is October 19–30, 2025. For more information and to reserve your place, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. 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 right-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

PSALM 82 is a courtroom scene in heaven. This psalm is the source of the term “divine council,” a concept well known in the ancient Near East. The high god in the pantheon was believed to preside over a group of lesser gods, who were tasked with carrying out the will of the king of the pantheon. But in the religions of Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Greece, Rome, etc., the lower gods were part of a polytheistic pantheon. This is a twisted version of God's council. We see God's divine assembly in action in Job 1 and 2, and especially in 1 Kings 22, where God asks the council for recommendations on how to lure King Ahab to go to war with the Syrians where he will fall in battle.To be clear, God doesn't need a council to carry out His will. He created one for His pleasure, because He desires family. However, just as with us humans, the spirits in the unseen realm were created with free will, and many of them chose to rebel against His authority. What we see in Psalm 82, then, is God passing judgment on those lesser elohim, the “sons of the Most High,” for exercising their free will to “judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked”. As a result of their mismanagement of creation, which threatened the very “foundations of the earth,” God decreed that these small-G god will die like men. We also discuss the New English Translation's rendering of Psalm 82:1, in which Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, “stands in the assembly of El,” the creator-god of the Canaanites, to pass judgment on the gods of Canaan!Was that a prophecy of the Transfiguration of Jesus on the summit of Mount Hermon? 

In 743 BCE, Tiglath-Pileser III—known in the Bible as Pul—led the Assyrian Empire into its most powerful and centralized form. This episode of Oldest Stories chronicles the dramatic military and political resurgence of Neo-Assyria as it faced two major threats: the rising Urartian kingdom of Biainilli to the north and the rebellious patchwork of Neo-Hittite and Aramean states in Syria. With detailed narrative drawn from Assyrian royal inscriptions and biblical texts, we explore Tiglath-Pileser's sweeping campaigns across Kummuhu, Arpad, Ulluba, and the Levant, showcasing how the king combined strategic force marches, sophisticated provincial integration, and unprecedented use of eunuch governors to stabilize and expand imperial rule. From the siege of Arpad to the subjugation of Tyre, Israel, and Simirra, the episode reveals how Assyria subdued the ancient Near East through a fusion of administrative innovation and battlefield supremacy. This pivotal moment in Iron Age history marks the beginning of Assyria's true imperial age—one defined by aggressive diplomacy, relentless warfare, and the creation of a durable bureaucratic state. For listeners seeking historical insight into ancient warfare, Assyrian governance, biblical archaeology, and the real-world geopolitics behind Old Testament narratives, this is an essential deep dive into one of the greatest military campaigns of the 8th century BCE.I am also doing daily history facts again, at least until I run out of time again. You can find Oldest Stories daily on Tiktok and Youtube Shorts.If you like the show, consider sharing with your friends, leaving a like, subscribing, or even supporting financially:Buy the Oldest Stories books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate here: https://oldeststories.net/or on patreon: https://patreon.com/JamesBleckleyor on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCG2tPxnHNNvMd0VrInekaA/joinYoutube and Patreon members get access to bonus content about Egyptian culture and myths.

On June 13th, Israel launched attacks on several military and nuclear facilities in Iran, marking the beginning of a 12-day war between the two countries. The United States followed with targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power and posing a threat to regional and global stability. China's involvement in the conflict was limited to condemning the Israeli and US use of military force and calling for de-escalation. Beijing offered only rhetorical support for Tehran. To discuss what the Israel-Iran war reveals about China's relationship with Iran, its evolving strategy in the Middle East, and the broader implications for US-China competition, we are joined by Yun Sun on the podcast today. Yun is a Senior Fellow, co-Director of the East Asia Program and Director of the China Program at the Stimson Center. Her recent piece in The Wire China entitled “How China Sees Iran's Future” offers provides a nuanced take on Beijing's calculus during and after the war. Timestamps[00:00] Start[01:34] China's Diplomatic Strategy Toward the Middle East[05:00] A Limited Chinese Response and China's Regional Role[08:19] Chinese Perceptions of Iran's External Strategic Blunders[15:00] Trickling Chinese Investment into Iran[20:10] Chinese Concerns About a Nuclearized Iran[25:09] Implications of the Israel-Iran War for China's Energy Security[32:04] Trump's Response Shaping Chinese Views of the United States 

Shalom Truth-Seekers in Yeshua Messiah. This is the first installment in a series of detailed teaching on the Hebrew concept of “covenant” (or “Berit”) and its foundational role in the faith and salvation of God's (i.e. Yehovah's) chosen ones. In this installment we introduce the Hebrew concept of covenant by exploring the term's meaning. We also emphasize its significance as a sacred, legally binding relationship between Yehovah (God) and His chosen people, Yisra'el/Yasharal, with its physical and spiritual implications for all humanity. The teaching critiques denominational misunderstandings and highlights covenant's Torah roots and its wider scriptural (i.e. both Tanach and Brit HaDashah) importance. Introduction to the Covenant Series We begin by recalling a previous post on Genesis 12:3. The title of that post is: Does "I Will Bless Those Who Bless and Curse Those Who Curse," Apply to the Modern Nation of Israel? (If you've not had the opportunity to listen to or read that post, we humbly invite you to do so by clicking this link https://www.themessianictorahobserver.org/2025/06/28/does-i-will-bless-those-who-bless-and-curse-those-who-curse-apply-to-the-modern-nation-of-israel/) In that post we clarified that the verse is not a command to bless the modern nation-state of Israel. But rather the verse is a prescriptive covenant provision. This provision states that those who treat God's chosen people, according to Torah principles, receive Yah's favor, while those who mistreat them face divine harm. And thus, covenant is central to God's relationship with His covenant people, Israel/Yisra'el/Yasharal. And it was that post that has prompted this covenant teaching series. In this series, we will explore the refined and broader principles of covenant that link it to God's/Yah's Grand Plan of Salvation, Restoration, and Redemption through the Person and Ministries of Yeshua HaMashiyach. Also in this post, we stress that denominational Christianity often fails to grasp the true Hebrew concept of covenant's significance because of their overall rejection of Torah and Hebraic principles. Because of denominationalism's wholesale rejection of Torah and Hebraic principles, they fail to recognize that the covenant is the sole pathway to a true relationship with God/Yehovah. That God-human relationship was established originally with Abraham and came to its fullest realization in the Person and Ministries of Yeshua Messiah. We will see that faithfulness to Torah and covenant obedience are essential for salvation and entry into the Kingdom of Heaven (Mat 7.22-23). Understanding the Hebrew Concept of Covenant Covenant, or "Berit" (in Hebrew), is a set apart, legally binding relational agreement between God/Yehovah and His chosen people. (Later on in this series we will see that Yah's chosen people are not limited to just the biological descendants of Avraham, Yitschaq, and Ya'achov.) But covenant frames the established relationship between God and His chosen ones with rules/behavioral expectations, obligations, and promises. Secularists may view a covenant much like a contract. But we will see as we delve deeper into the covenant Yah established/cut with His chosen ones that the concept of covenant is deeper. It's akin to a marriage-like partnership that is characterized by love, grace, and mercy. Both parties of the relational covenant agreement are bound to uphold the tenets of the established covenant. But God's faithfulness ensures the covenant's integrity, even when the covenant's human-signatory to the covenant, fail to keep their end of the covenant agreement. This faithfulness on God's/Yehovah's part is an immutable trait of God. Moseh described this character trait accordingly:  “Yehovah/God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man (i.e. a human being) that He should repent (i.e. change His mind). Has He said and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not establish it?” (Numbers 23:19; LSB) The covenant (sometimes referred to as a blood covenant) is solemnly "cut" or established through an ancient middle eastern ritual that involves animal sacrifices. This bloody, solemn act symbolizes the serious and binding nature of the agreement (Gen 15). The Hebrew word "Berit" pictographically combines elements representing family, leadership, work, and consent. These elements underscore the covenant's relational and purposeful dimensions. Key Biblical Covenants We furthermore outline the five major expansions of Yah's covenant with His chosen ones: The Noahic Covenant (Genesis 6 and 9) The Patriarchal Covenant with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12, 15, 17) The National Covenant given through Moses at Sinai (Exodus 19-24) The Davidic Covenant with King David (2 Chronicles, Psalms, Isaiah) The New or Renewed Covenant prophesied by Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-38) Each covenant expansion reveals aspects of God's/Yah's immutable character and the love He has for His set apart people. These expansions include expectations Yah for His covenant people. These expansions of covenant shape Israel's identity and sacred mission on the earth. The Commonness and Uniqueness of Covenants While covenants were common in the ancient Near East, often understood by scholars as treaties that various kings established with their vassals, the Hebrew covenant is unique. For we find that it is initiated solely by God acting from a position of sovereignty. God/Yah offers to His chosen ones a non-negotiable invitation to enter into a relationship with Him that is based on grace and love. Humans may accept or reject that invitation, but they cannot alter the terms of that covenant. Why? Because it is God/Yah Who carries the covenant's weight. Not from a position of subjugating His people, but from an expression of His desire for loving communion with His people. The covenant is thus a sacred bond with rules that both parties must honor. Those who accept the terms of the covenant commit to loving God (and loving God/Yah comes through faithful obedience to Him) and loving one another (Luk 10:27). The prophet Jeremiah's words to the Babylonian captives illustrate God's faithfulness to His covenant despite Israel's failures (chapter 29). Because of Yah's steadfastness to His Covenant, He promises Judah restoration and a future of peace. Greek Understanding of Covenant and Terminology In this teaching we also contrast the Hebrew "Berit" with the Greek "diatheke" that is used in the New Testament and in the LXX/Septuagint. While "diatheke" can refer to a “will” or “testament,” the Greek version of covenant does not capture the rich spiritual depth of the Hebrew, which involves an enduring, intimate relationship that has far-reaching implications for humanity's salvation. Varying Definitions of Covenant We list several scholarly definitions for covenant, some of which emphasize covenant as an alliance, compact, treaty, or sacred kinship bonds. The Hebrew understanding of covenant, however, centers on relationship, promises, and expectations established uniquely by God/Yehovah with Israel/Yisra'el/Yasharal. Conclusion We conclude our discussion by emphasizing the necessity of understanding covenant from a Hebrew perspective that is rooted in Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings. A Greek-only or New Testament-only view limits comprehension of this critical concept and the one that embraces it from that Greek perspective risks missing the covenant's full significance for individual believers and the collective identity of Israel. The covenant remains the foundation for humanity's salvation and our entry into the Kingdom of God (i.e. the Malchut Ahlohim).  

THE BOOK OF 1 ENOCH describes journeys by the patriarch to the places of punishment for fallen angels and sinful humans. The author of 1 Enoch described rebellious angels, called “stars of heaven,” as “great mountains… burning with fire.” This is consistent with other descriptions of angels in the ancient Near East as burning mountains (for example, the “stones of fire” in Ezekiel 28:14, 16).  Enoch also describes the “mountain of the dead,” a place with four chambers holding the spirits of the departed—one for the righteous, with a fountain of water, one for sinners, and one for the godless. One chamber is reserved for “them that make suit” (in other words, arguing their cases to Heaven). We also get the names of the seven archangels: Uriel (or Suru'el), who is in charge of the world and Tartarus; Raphael, who oversees the spirits of men; Reuel (or Raguel), who takes vengeance on “the world of the luminaries”; Michael, in charge of “the good ones of the people”; Sariel (or Saraqa'el), in charge of the spirits who sin against the spirit; Gabriel, who is in charge of paradise (Eden) and the serpents (probably the seraphim) and cherubim; and Remiel, who is in charge of “them that rise” (the resurrected?). Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently 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• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship JOIN US AND SPECIAL GUEST CARL TEICHRIB IN ISRAEL! Our next tour of Israel is October 19–30, 2025. For more information and to reserve your place, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. 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 right-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

THE BOOK OF 1 ENOCH describes journeys by the patriarch to the places of punishment for fallen angels and sinful humans. The author of 1 Enoch described rebellious angels, called “stars of heaven,” as “great mountains… burning with fire.” This is consistent with other descriptions of angels in the ancient Near East as burning mountains (for example, the “stones of fire” in Ezekiel 28:14, 16).  Enoch also describes the “mountain of the dead,” a place with four chambers holding the spirits of the departed—one for the righteous, with a fountain of water, one for sinners, and one for the godless. One chamber is reserved for “them that make suit” (in other words, arguing their cases to Heaven). We also get the names of the seven archangels: Uriel (or Suru'el), who is in charge of the world and Tartarus; Raphael, who oversees the spirits of men; Reuel (or Raguel), who takes vengeance on “the world of the luminaries”; Michael, in charge of “the good ones of the people”; Sariel (or Saraqa'el), in charge of the spirits who sin against the spirit; Gabriel, who is in charge of paradise (Eden) and the serpents (probably the seraphim) and cherubim; and Remiel, who is in charge of “them that rise” (the resurrected?).

* NO BLOOD SACRIFICE FOR INTENTIONAL SINS As we saw in this lesson the sin sacrifice is only for UNINTENTIONAL SINS (Lev. 4:1); those sins committed mistakenly or in error or with no understanding by the one doing the act.  The Hebrew word used is Shag-ah-ga שְׁגָגָה (H7684) which means a mistake or inadvertent transgression, and error, a act of sin done in ignorance, an act done with the "sinner" unawares, or a sinful act done unwittingly.  This is not our understanding of sin as Christians.  To us as Christians we have been taught that all sin, every sin is an act disobeying the Lord on purpose or INTENTIONALLY.  No one teaches in the church today that in the Hebrew scriptures there are two types of sin UNINTENTIONAL and INTENTIONAL.  And it is so clear, so precise, so exact that יהוה Yahvay, the LORD, our God teaches in His TORAH in Leviticus that the sin sacrifice is ONLY for UNINTENTIONAL sin.  I have done a number of lessons on this and have gone more in depth.  I will again come back to this again and again especially when we reach Exodus 34 and Leviticus 16.  So, you may not want to wait till I get there in this podcast series.  So, below are links to resources to help you dig deeper into this Torah concept of sin; that is, sin that is unintentional and intentional.  You'll be able to see that Jewish theologians as far back as 100 years or so after Jesus said there was NO ritual, no sacrifice, no atonement for intentional sin.  One might say the תורה Torah which brings us the NEW COVENANT at Sinai was incomplete.  How is it made complete?  How will it be FINISHED?  Ready?  Here's the links. Link 1 - a podcast on unintentional and intentional sin as it relates to the Lord's special appointed time of YOM KIPPUREEM - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/fall-feasts-of-the-lord-yom-kippureem-episode-1-it-is-finished/ Link 2 - a short 5 minute video that gets into this topic and shows the connection of the Sinai Covenant and that Yeshua completes the covenant at the cross - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/five-small-stones-episode-9-rom-104-it-is-finished/ Link 3 - this is a chapter from one of my class books that focuses on the Lord's special day of Yom Kippureem and the issue of unintentional and intentional sin -  https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/za1ss9s0gcmp7evzp5ops/Lsn2-Fall-Feasts-2019-31-...74.pdf?rlkey=0tt9vhgfl50joiaskt2tzjqea&st=86mkwjfd&dl=0 * ATONEMENT, FORGIVENESS, PROPITIATION, EXPIATION - Jesus and Yom Kippureem This is an appropriate place to go into the definitions of these words. I have heard sermons on these words but never did I understand what they meant.  I was never taught the subtle nuances of these critical words as they relate to our salvation the very words of the Lord.  In this lesson about the "mercy seat" and how it connects to Leviticus 16 and the Lord's special appointed time of Yom Kippureem, it seems appropriate to explain these words in some detail.   * ATONEMENT - it is an act(s) done by the guilty party, the sinner, to appease or satisfy the one you sinned against.  If I have hurt someone - whether it is unintentional or intentional - and I want to regain my relationship with that person I hurt I will atone for my "sin."  I will do things that hopefully will be enough for the one I hurt to accept my actions that I do to prove I am atoning and thus make things right again.  But, between us and God things are different.  In the rituals of Yom Kippureem the atonement to make ourselves "right" before the LORD, the actions, are not done by the people but by Aaron the KOHEN HAGADOL כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל - High Priest.  This was only for unintentional sins since God commanded the use of a bull and a goat for the sacrifices as one can read in Leviticus 16.  When we consider Jesus we find He did the atonement for us.  He did the act - His sacrificial death on the cross - to do what was necessary as an act of atonement for us.  As Christians we do not atone for our sins, our INTENTIONAL sins.  As the Hebrew Scriptures shows there is no ritual, no sacrifice, that can be used as the act to bring us back in righteousness before the Lord.  It is only the act of Jesus, His death, that is the act of atonement.  Yes, we should confess our sin.  Yes, we should realize our guilt and bring this to the LORD in a prayer of admittance or contrition - contrition is not just a recitation of words; it's a personal act that involves both the heart and will. It expresses a sincere desire to be forgiven and to change one's behavior.  And. yes, we should know that by GRACE the LORD has given us the blood sacrifice, the crucifixion of the LAMB, as the act for our atonement.   * FORGIVENESS - this is an acceptance of the atonement of the sinner by the one sinned against and an act by the one sinned against to show that the sinner is once again in good standing.  Atonement is done by the sinner.  Forgiveness is done by the person who was sinned against.   Yom Kippureem the atonement is done by Aaron the KOHEN HAGADOL כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל - High Priest.  Again this is only for unintentional sins since God commanded the use of a bull and a goat for the sacrifices as one can read in Leviticus 16.   And in Leviticus 4 and 16 we read the actual words of the Lord that the UNINTENTIONAL sins of Israel are cleansed, done away with, or, in other words, forgiven.    But, there is NO act or acts that one can do as our personal atonement to be forgiven for our INTENTIONAL sins against the Lord in the Torah and in the New Covenant, the Sinai Covenant, we are studying.  The Sinai Covenant was "incomplete" and it is FINISHED only in Jesus and this is proven in the very words of God ... Yes, the Bible teaches that sins can be forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ. Several Bible verses say that through Jesus' sacrifice, believers can receive forgiveness for their sins and be reconciled to God. [1, 2, 3, 4] Here are some key verses that support this: 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [2, 3, 5, 6] Acts 2:38: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." [7] Ephesians 1:7: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." [8] Colossians 1:14: "in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." [4] Luke 7:48: "Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”" [1] These verses highlight that through faith in Jesus and confession of sins, believers can experience the forgiveness of God and be cleansed from unrighteousness. [2, 5]   [1] https://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/7-48.html [2] https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog/forgiveness-bible-verses/ [3] https://www.openbible.info/topics/jesus_forgave_us_for_all_sins [4] https://www.truegospelofjesuschrist.org/forgiveness_verses [5] https://www.quora.com/Where-in-the-Bible-does-it-say-all-sins-are-forgiven [6] https://www.josh.org/fully-forgiven-god-sees/ [7] https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/forgiveness-bible-verses/ [8] https://www.countryliving.com/life/g32083109/bible-verses-about-forgiveness/ This brings us to an excellent question.  If someone sins against another person with a sin that is also against God (sin against another person and God simultaneously), can the one who was sinned against "forgive" the sinner when the act was also against God?  The Bible is clear - only God can forgive sin, sin that is INTENTIONAL. We can't.  But, with a sin there is a debt that is owed, a price that needs to be paid, so that the sin can be erased, cleansed, and the "debt" paid.  Perhaps in the "Lord's Prayer" this is what it means in GREEK and not in English when we say, "forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us."  In Greek the word is not sin or sins but debt and debtor.  Interesting.  We should forgive the debt or our debtor, that which we require so that the debt of the sin is "paid."  But, the actual sin, the actual guilt of the sin is only between the sinner and the LORD.  Check this out in one of the lessons I did on the Lord's Prayer.  Here's the link to the lesson entitled, "The Lord‘s Prayer - Lesson 8 - Debts & Sins & Debtors & Sinners" - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/truth-nuggets-14-part-8-the-lords-prayer-debts-sins-debtors-sinners/   * PROPITIATION - this is the act of appeasing the one who was sinned against.  In other words it is an act that the one sinned against agrees is sufficient to erase the debt of the sin and the guilt of the sinner and restore the sinner and the one who was sinned against.  So, atonement is an act done by the sinner to again be restored to the one who they sinned against.  But the one who atones may not d the right thing to appease the one sinned against.  The one sinned against says what the price is to be paid - the propitiation is determined by the one sinned against not the one who atones.  We want to be forgiven by the LORD and so we atone.  But, the propitiation is beyond our doing.  The only act to appease the Lord is the death of His Son, the sacrificial death of Yeshua for us.  Yeshua then takes our sin upon Himself and He does the act of atonement.  His atonement results in His obedience to go to the cross and die as the act, the only act, the only blood sacrifice, or the propitiation for our sin.   * EXPIATION - this definition is quite simple.  It is the process which erases the guilt and the debt.  One of the best explanations I have read on the difference between EXPIATION and PROPITIATION is from Ligonier Ministries.  Here it is.   Let‘s think about what these words mean, then, beginning with the word expiation. The prefix ex means “out of” or “from,” so expiation has to do with removing something or taking something away. In biblical terms, it has to do with taking away guilt through the payment of a penalty or the offering of an atonement. By contrast, propitiation has to do with the object of the expiation. The prefix pro means ”for,” so propitiation brings about a change in God‘s attitude, so that He moves from being at enmity with us to being for us. Through the process of propitiation, we are restored into fellowship and favor with Him. (https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/two-important-words-good-friday-expiation-and-propitiation) In this podcast lesson I mentioned that the KH ROO VEEM (in English Cherubim) are a familiar concept in the 15 century B.C.  Here are some pictures of various winged creatures used to guard and prevent access to that which they are protecting ...  All these images are used by permission.  They are easily accessed at Wikimedia. I had mentioned that one of my resources was Dr. Craig Keener.  He is a proven trustworthy source as we study the Bible in it historical context.   He discusses cherubim in his writings, particularly in the context of Genesis 2-3 and Ezekiel's prophecies. He notes that cherubim, as depicted in the Bible, are powerful beings associated with God's presence and holiness. They are often depicted with multiple wings and faces, and are linked to themes of guarding and protection, as seen with the cherubim guarding the Garden of Eden. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] Ancient Near Eastern Context: Keener emphasizes that understanding cherubim requires considering their context within the ancient Near East. While some aspects of the cherubim are similar to imagery found in other temples, the cherubim in the Bible also have unique characteristics. [1, 2] Gradation of Holiness: Keener suggests that the cherubim's placement and the materials used near the ark in the tabernacle reflect a gradation of holiness, emphasizing the reverence for the divine presence. [1] [1] https://www.logos.com/grow/live-craig-keener-johannine-literature/ [2] https://craigkeener.com/gods-goodness-messed-up-genesis-2-3/ [3] http://pneumareview.com/rightly-understanding-gods-word-learning-context-part-1-by-craig-s-keener/7/ [4] 

This episode is the essential starting point for understanding the Neo-Assyrian Empire. In 745 BCE, a relatively obscure man named Tukulti-Apil-Esharra—better known by his biblical name Tiglath-Pileser III—seized the Assyrian throne in what would become one of the most transformative moments in ancient Near Eastern history. This episode explores how Tiglath-Pileser's revolutionary reforms reshaped the military, administration, and ideology of the Assyrian state, laying the foundation for the largest and most durable empire the world had yet seen.We delve into the political collapse that preceded his rise, the obscure origins and contested legitimacy of Tiglath-Pileser himself, and the sudden consolidation of power that enabled him to bring Assyria back from the brink of fragmentation. We then examine his first campaigns in Babylonia, where Assyrian intervention brought order to the chaos left by years of Chaldean misrule, and consider the complex relationship between Assyria and Babylon—one rooted in reverence, rivalry, and shared civilization.This episode also introduces the deep structural changes Tiglath-Pileser initiated: the expansion of a professional standing army, the shift from vassalage to direct imperial administration, and the rising use of Aramaic alongside Akkadian. We explore the rise of eunuch officials, the growing importance of taxation within the core territory of Mat Assur, and how these policies would strengthen the empire in the short term while sowing the seeds of long-term resentment.From palace coups to temple politics, from highland conquests in the Zagros Mountains to the quiet rise of Nabonassar in Babylon, this episode places 745 BCE at the center of a vast historical transformation. It is a turning point not only in Assyrian history, but in the history of the entire ancient Near East, with consequences that would echo into the rise of the Babylonians, Persians, and Greeks. For students of ancient history, biblical history, Assyriology, and the origins of empire, this episode provides a detailed and foundational account of the birth of the Neo-Assyrian world order.I am also doing daily history facts again, at least until I run out of time again. You can find Oldest Stories Daily on Tiktok and Youtube Shorts.If you like the show, consider sharing with your friends, leaving a like, subscribing, or even supporting financially:Buy the Oldest Stories books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate here: https://oldeststories.net/or on patreon: https://patreon.com/JamesBleckleyor on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCG2tPxnHNNvMd0VrInekaA/joinYoutube and Patreon members get access to bonus content about Egyptian culture and myths.

Welcome to Day 2658 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2658 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 72:6-14 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2658 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2658 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. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: A Reign Like Rain, A Compassion Unbound - A Trek Through Psalm 72:6-14 Guthrie Chamberlain: Welcome to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I'm your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and today, we continue our majestic trek through Psalm 72 in the New Living Translation, delving deeper into its prophetic vision of an ideal king, covering verses 6 through 14. In our last trek, we began this royal psalm, a prayer for a king, which also serves as a profound prophecy of the Messiah's righteous reign. We saw how the psalmist appealed to God to grant the king divine justice and righteousness, enabling him to rule impartially and, most importantly, to give justice to the poor. Now, as we move into this next section, the vision expands dramatically, detailing the pervasive blessing, universal dominion, and boundless compassion that characterize this ideal king's rule. This psalm would have stirred the hearts of ancient Israelites with hope, painting a picture of a ruler truly aligned with God's heart – a king whose reign brings flourishing to the land and protection to the vulnerable, extending his influence far beyond Israel's borders. It points us forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies every aspiration of this prayer. So, let's immerse ourselves in this beautiful portrayal of righteous kingship and consider its implications for a world longing for true peace and justice. (Reads Psalm 72:6-8 NLT) May the king's rule be like rain upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. May all the godly flourish during his reign; may there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more. May he rule from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist begins by describing the refreshing and life-giving nature of the king's reign: “May the king's rule be like rain upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth.” This is a powerful and deeply significant metaphor, especially in an ancient agrarian society in the Near East, where rain was absolutely essential for life and prosperity. Imagine a field of grass, freshly mown or parched from drought. When gentle, abundant rain falls upon it, it brings immediate refreshment, new growth, and renewed vitality. The king's rule is envisioned not as a destructive flood or a harsh storm, but as life-giving rain – gentle, pervasive, and beneficial. It brings refreshment and renewal to the land and its people, fostering growth and flourishing. This signifies a reign that is benevolent, restorative, and brings true well-being to all it touches. The direct result of such a reign is flourishing: “May all the godly flourish during his reign; may there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more.” “The godly” (or “righteous”) are those who align themselves with God's ways, seeking to

Teaching on background leading up to Passion Week (e.g. Jesus' claims about Himself, ancient Near-East culture, Sadducees vs. Pharisees)

This is where to start for the Neo-Assyrian Empire's epic tale. In this foundational episode, we return to the heartland of Assyria at its lowest point—between the conquests of Shalmaneser III and the revolutionary rise of Tiglath-Pileser III. It is a time of political decay, military paralysis, and divine silence. We explore the full sweep of Assyrian history from its founding in the third millennium BCE through the Middle Assyrian period, and into the long Adaside dynasty that shaped Mesopotamia for over eight centuries. Focusing on the reigns of Shalmaneser IV, Assur-Dan III, and Assur-Nirari V, this episode examines how royal weakness gave way to magnate rule, how figures like Shamshi-Ilu and Bel-Harran-Beli-Usur governed like kings, and how cosmic disorder—eclipses, plagues, and revolt—shook the religious foundations of the empire. With key themes of political fragmentation, institutional decline, and prophetic resonance, this episode sets the stage for the military and administrative reforms that would forge the Neo-Assyrian Empire into the most powerful state the ancient Near East had ever seen. Ideal for new listeners and essential context for longtime fans, this is the beginning of Assyria's final and most legendary age.I am also doing daily history facts again, at least until I run out of time again. You can find Oldest Stories on Reels, Tiktok, and Youtube.If you like the show, consider sharing with your friends, leaving a like, subscribing, or even supporting financially:Buy the Oldest Stories books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate here: https://oldeststories.net/or on patreon: https://patreon.com/JamesBleckleyor on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCG2tPxnHNNvMd0VrInekaA/joinYoutube and Patreon members get access to bonus content about Egyptian culture and myths.

It’s been said that the great challenge of diplomacy is to do and say the nastiest things in the nicest ways. Frank Lowenstein uses his experienced eye to consider if this challenge rings true for the United States under the second Trump administration. Lowenstein is an international policy expert with a concentration in policy development, strategic communication and legal practice. He has served as a special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations for the U.S. department of state and worked as a senior foreign policy advisor to Secretary of State John Kerry. He also directed the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East and South and Central Asian Affairs, a position which allowed him to travel extensively throughout the Middle East. Prior to this role, he was the director of national security policy for the Kerry-Edwards presidential campaign and practiced law in Boston, Massachusetts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this rare appearance from a former Central Intelligence Agency operative, Michele Rigby Assad details how she, as a young woman from small town America, went on to work in one of the world's most misunderstood and dangerous geopolitical climates — the Middle East. Working across a handful of undisclosed locations throughout the Arab world, Rigby Assad shares the difficulties she faced while successfully infiltrating and gathering intelligence from terrorist cells known for their stern anti-Western beliefs.   About Michele Rigby Assad: Michele Rigby Assad began her career in the government relations department of an international relief and development organization in Washington, DC, in 1995. After obtaining a master's degree in contemporary Arab studies from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service she joined the CIA in 2002 to work as an intelligence officer in the Directorate of Operations, the covert arm of the agency. Specializing in counterterrorism and counterintelligence issues, Rigby Assad worked in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations. To date, Rigby Assad has lived in six countries in the Near East region and traveled to more than 45 others.   Buy Michele Rigby Assad's book Get off the X  Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual's perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.  

In episode 490 professor M. Willis Monroe joins the podcast to discuss the history of astrology in ancient Mesopotamia. Willis is a historian of the ancient Near East and scholar of Cuneiform Studies with a focus on the science and scholarship of first millennium Mesopotamia, and he did his doctoral thesis on the use of zodiacal subdivisions in cuneiform sources. During the course of the episode we give an overview of the origins of western astrology in ancient Mesopotamia, starting with the earliest surviving sources around 2000 BCE, and then working our way forward until cuneiform writing died out around the 1st century CE. We end up discussing the earliest evidence for astrology in eclipse omens from the 2nd millennium BCE, the high point of state supported astrology under the Neo-Assyrian kings in the 7th century BCE, and eventually the development of the zodiac and natal astrology in the 5th century BCE. This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode on Mesopotamian astrology on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkcM6wOJBZY - Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

Welcome to Day 2638 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2638 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 69:1-8 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2638 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2638 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. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we're embarking on a trek through a different kind of terrain – the deep, often turbulent waters of lament. We're opening our Bibles to Psalm 69, starting with verses 1 through 8 in the New Living Translation. Psalm 69 is one of the Bible's most poignant and powerful lament psalms. It's a raw cry from a soul in deep distress, feeling overwhelmed by suffering, enemies, and profound reproach. While it speaks to the personal agony of the psalmist, often attributed to David, it is also a profoundly Messianic psalm, with many of its verses finding their ultimate fulfillment in the suffering of Jesus Christ. For our trek today, however, we'll primarily focus on the psalmist's immediate experience, allowing his desperate plea to resonate with our own moments of overwhelming hardship. Lament is a vital part of faith. It's the language we use when life doesn't make sense, when we feel abandoned, attacked, or misunderstood. The ancient Israelites understood this well; their psalms provided a divine vocabulary for every human emotion, including profound sorrow and confusion. This psalm offers us a sacred space to bring our deepest pain and rawest emotions before God. So, let's immerse ourselves in the opening verses of Psalm 69. (Reads Psalm 69:1-4 NLT) Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can't find a foothold. I am drowning in deep waters; the floods overwhelm me. I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is hoarse. My eyes are swollen red from weeping for my God. Those who hate me without cause are more numerous than the hairs on my head. These enemies who want to destroy me are powerful. They make me pay for crimes I didn't commit. I am forced to return what I didn't steal. Guthrie Chamberlain: What a visceral, immediate cry for help! The psalmist wastes no time in conveying the urgency and desperation of his situation. He uses powerful, evocative imagery of being consumed by water: “Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can't find a foothold. I am drowning in deep waters; the floods overwhelm me.” This is more than just a metaphor for trouble; it speaks to a profound sense of being utterly submerged and losing control. In the ancient Near East, deep waters, floods, and mire often symbolized chaos, death, and overwhelming peril. When the psalmist says the waters are “up to my neck,” it means he is on the verge of suffocation, barely clinging to life. He's not just in the water; he's sinking into “mire,” thick mud that offers no solid ground, no hope of escape. He's being “overwhelmed” – completely overcome and consumed by the torrents of his troubles. Have you ever felt like that? Like you're sinking, unable to find firm ground, with the pressures of life threatening to swallow you

In the seventh century BC, the ancient Assyrian king Ashurbanipal created a gigantic library in his capital city – one that contained centuries of wisdom. And this vast wealth of ancient knowledge can reveal a lot about how the people of the Near East thought about their gods. Dr Selena Wisnom tells David Musgrove more about the Assyrians' religious views, including how they tried to keep gods – and other supernatural entities – happy. (Ad) Selena Wisnom is the author of The Library of Ancient Wisdom: Mesopotamia and the Making of History (Penguin, 2025). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fthe-library-of-ancient-wisdom%2Fselena-wisnom%2F%2F9780241519639. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Day 2630 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2630 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 68:1-6 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2630 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2630 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. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we're embarking on a powerful and vivid trek through the opening verses of Psalm 68 in the New Living Translation. Psalm 68 is a magnificent hymn, often associated with processions involving the Ark of the Covenant. It's a celebration of God's triumphant power, His leadership of His people, and His unique character as both a formidable warrior and a compassionate protector of the vulnerable. The imagery is strong, reflecting an ancient Israelite worldview where God was seen as actively involved in the battles and circumstances of His people. As we delve into verses 1 through 6, prepare to encounter a dynamic picture of God – one that might challenge our modern sensibilities but offers deep truths about His nature and His unwavering commitment to those who are His. Let's begin by reading Psalm 68, verses 1 through 3: (Reads Psalm 68:1-3 NLT) Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered. Let those who hate him flee before him. As smoke is blown away by the wind, let them disappear. As wax melts in the fire, let the wicked perish at the sight of God. But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God's presence and celebrate with joy. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalm explodes with a dramatic call to action: “Let God arise!” This isn't a suggestion that God is dormant or unaware. Instead, it's an ancient liturgical or military cry, invoking God's powerful presence and intervention. It echoes the words Moses would speak whenever the Ark of the Covenant set out during the Israelites' wilderness journey: “Rise up, O Lord! Let your enemies be scattered!” (Numbers 10:35). The Ark symbolized God's presence among His people, and this cry was a prayer for Him to go before them, clearing the way and defeating their foes. In the ancient Near East, the concept of a “divine warrior” was common. Many cultures had myths of their gods fighting battles, often against forces of chaos or other deities. However, the Israelite understanding of God as a divine warrior was distinct. Their God, Yahweh, was not one among many; He was the supreme and only God. His battles were fought not out of divine conflict among equals, but out of His sovereign power to defend His people and execute justice against wickedness and those who opposed His righteous rule. So, when the psalmist cries, “Let God arise,” he is calling upon the all-powerful God to manifest His presence and unleash His might against His adversaries. The immediate consequence is clear: “let his enemies be scattered. Let those who hate him flee before him.” This is a picture of utter rout and dispersal. When God acts, opposition crumbles. His enemies cannot stand against His power; they are compelled to scatter and flee in disarray. The psalmist uses two vivid similes to illustrate the complete destruction of the wicked in God's...

Welcome to Day 2628 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2628 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 67:1-7 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2628 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2628 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. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we're embarking on a radiant trek through Psalm 67 in the New Living Translation. This psalm is a beautiful and concise prayer and song of praise, brimming with hope for God's blessing to extend far beyond the borders of one nation and encompass the entire world. It's a vision that was truly revolutionary in the ancient world, where most people believed in tribal or national gods. The Israelites, however, had a God whose plan from the beginning involved the blessing of all peoples on earth. Psalm 67 is closely linked to the ancient Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26, a blessing that was a cornerstone of Israelite worship and a powerful declaration of God's favor and protection. As we explore these verses, we'll see how the psalmist expands on this priestly blessing, envisioning its impact reaching the farthest corners of the globe. Let's begin our trek by reading the first two verses of Psalm 67: (Reads Psalm 67:1-2 NLT) May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us. Interlude May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere.   Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalm opens with a prayer that would have been instantly recognizable to any Israelite: “May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us.” This echoes the ancient priestly blessing. “May God be merciful” acknowledges their dependence on God's grace and compassion. It's a recognition that any blessing they receive is not earned, but flows from God's character. The phrase, “May his face smile with favor on us,” is a rich and powerful image in the ancient Near East. In many cultures, the king's face symbolized his disposition towards his subjects. A frowning or hidden face could indicate displeasure or rejection, while a smiling or shining face conveyed favor, acceptance, and warmth. For God's face to “smile with favor” on His people meant they were experiencing His approval, His presence, and His active goodness in their lives. It was a desire for tangible evidence of God's blessing – prosperity, protection, peace, and fruitfulness. Think about the feeling of someone you admire deeply looking at you with warmth and approval. It's uplifting, affirming, and empowering. How much more so is it when the Creator of the universe, the King of all kings, looks upon you with favor? For an Israelite, this was the ultimate source of security and well-being. The “Interlude” here, like the “Selah” in Psalm 66, likely indicates a pause for reflection or a musical transition. It's a moment to absorb the weight of this prayer for divine blessing and favor. But the psalmist doesn't stop with a prayer solely for the blessing of Israel. The very next verses reveal the profound purpose behind this request: “May your ways be known...

In ancient Near East construction of temples, palaces, and cities, the use of a foundational "cornerstone" was not just functional, but sacred and symbolic. It consecrated the structure, it stabilized the structure, and it determined the level and plumb and direction of everything built upon it. As we build the culture of our households, are we stable, strong, and unified in purpose and meaning? What keeps our families strong? What determines and directs us in how to treat those around us? What defines and directs us in how to relate to God? Is there a single, solid, immovable cornerstone in our lives that we can measure everything off of? The prophets, the apostles, and Jesus Himself all point to Jesus as the ultimate cornerstone! Design and build your life upon Christ, the solid rock amidst the ever-shifting troubles of the world!

The National Security Hour with LTC Sargis Sangari USA (Ret.) – We examine the Near East's evolving political landscape amid reflections on Holocaust Remembrance Day and the Seyfo genocides. They explore challenges faced by Assyrians, Armenians, and Israelis, analyze radicalism's regional threats, and dissect funding ties between Turkey, Qatar, and the Muslim Brotherhood influencing domestic and foreign policy decisions.

The National Security Hour with LTC Sargis Sangari USA (Ret.) – We examine the Near East's evolving political landscape amid reflections on Holocaust Remembrance Day and the Seyfo genocides. They explore challenges faced by Assyrians, Armenians, and Israelis, analyze radicalism's regional threats, and dissect funding ties between Turkey, Qatar, and the Muslim Brotherhood influencing domestic and foreign policy decisions.

The Way Home Podcast returns from hiatus! Today, we have Knox Thames on The Way Home Podcast! Dr. Eric Patterson is the current Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South / Central Asia at the U.S. Department of State. Today on The Way Home Podcast, Dan and Knox discuss the unique […] The post The Way Home Podcast: Knox Thames on the Foreign Policy and Religious Freedom appeared first on Daniel Darling.

Religious Addiction – 4 of 4 This Episode “Questions for Enablers 5-7 Robert Minor holds a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and has done research in India,Japan, Taiwan, the Near East, and Europe. Besides his interest in history of religions methodology, he concentrates on Indian religious thought and texts, and religion and gender. Among […]

In this episode we continue our conversations with Dr. John Walton on his book The Lost World of Torah. Description:Our handling of what we call biblical law veers between controversy and neglect.On the one hand, controversy arises when Old Testament laws seem either odd beyond comprehension (not eating lobster) or positively reprehensible (executing children). On the other, neglect results when we consider the law obsolete, no longer carrying any normative power (tassels on clothing, making sacrifices). Even readers who do attempt to make use of the Old Testament "law" often find it either irrelevant, hopelessly laden with "thou shalt nots," or simply so confusing that they throw up their hands in despair. Despite these extremes, people continue to propose moral principles from these laws as "the biblical view" and to garner proof texts to resolve issues that arise in society. The result is that both Christians and skeptics regularly abuse the Torah, and its true message often lies unheard.Walton and Walton offer in The Lost World of the Torah a restorative vision of the ancient genre of instruction for wisdomthat makes up a significant portion of the Old Testament. In the ancient Near East, order was achieved through the wisdom of those who governed society. The objective of torah was to teach the Israelites to be wise about the kind of order needed to receive the blessings of God's favor and presence within the context of the covenant. Here readers will find fresh insight on this fundamental genre of the Old Testament canon.The books in the Lost World Series follow the pattern set by Bible scholar John H. Walton, bringing a fresh, close reading of the Hebrew text and knowledge of ancient Near Eastern literature to an accessible discussion of the biblical topic at hand using a series of logic-based propositions.Buy the book: https://a.co/d/dzWtMFN

Religious Addiction – 3 of 4 This Episode “Quesions for Enablers 1-4” Stay tuned for part 4 with Robert N. Minor, PhD Robert Minor holds a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and has done research in India,Japan, Taiwan, the Near East, and Europe. Besides his interest in history of religions methodology, he concentrates on […]

Michael Heiser is one of the most influential Old Testament scholars over the past decade. In this video, Sean is joined by Talbot Old Testament professor Charlie Trimm to discuss Heiser's best-selling book “The Unseen Realm.” They discuss these questions and more: Why has Heiser been so influential? Are his ideas orthodox? Should Christians read his works? What does it mean to biblically embrace the supernatural realm? Charlie Trimm received his Ph.D. from Wheaton College in 2012, writing his dissertation on God acting as a divine warrior in the exodus. His research interests include warfare in the ancient Near East, difficult topics relating to the ethics of God in the Old Testament, Exodus, and J.R.R. Tolkien. He is also a director of Every Voice: A Center for Kingdom Diversity in Christian Theological Education. When he is not teaching or writing, he can often be found spending time with family or watching Arsenal, his favorite football (soccer) team.==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California. Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

Religious Addiction – 2 of 4 This Episode “The Challenges of Addiction” Stay tuned for part 3 and 4 with Robert N. Minor, PhD Robert Minor holds a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and has done research in India,Japan, Taiwan, the Near East, and Europe. Besides his interest in history of religions methodology, he […]

In this episode, we explore one of the most dramatic and mysterious transformations in ancient Near Eastern history: the sudden rise of the Kingdom of Urartu—known to its own people as Biainilli—under the leadership of Sarduri I, son of Lutipri. From roughly 835 BCE, Sarduri doesn't merely shift a capital; he constructs an entire state system seemingly from the ground up on the eastern shore of Lake Van.We examine the enigmatic origins of the Bia people, Sarduri's audacious construction of the fortress city of Tushpa, the revolutionary engineering and water management systems he introduced, and the profound Assyrian influence embedded in his kingship. Drawing from sparse but powerful inscriptions, including one carved into Tushpa's very walls, we uncover a kingdom that appears almost overnight—built with massive cyclopean stones, complex administrative systems, and a new vision of political unity.Also discussed is the religious unification initiated by his successor, Ishpuini, and the powerful adoption of the warrior god Khaldi from the holy city of Ardini, a site now lost to history.Urartu's rise isn't just the birth of a kingdom—it's a case study in statecraft, innovation, and resilience at the edge of empire.Keywords: Urartu, Sarduri I, Tushpa, Lake Van, Biainilli, Ishpuini, Khaldi, Musasir, Assyrian Empire, ancient Near East, Iron Age, Armenian Highlands, archaeology, ancient engineering, lost cities, Oldest Stories podcastI am also doing daily history facts again, at least until I run out of time again. You can find Oldest Stories on Reels, Tiktok, and Youtube.If you like the show, consider sharing with your friends, leaving a like, subscribing, or even supporting financially:Buy the Oldest Stories books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate here: https://oldeststories.net/or on patreon: https://patreon.com/JamesBleckleyor on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCG2tPxnHNNvMd0VrInekaA/joinYoutube and Patreon members get access to bonus content about Egyptian culture and myths.

On this week's 8th Anniversary Pledge Drive edition of the program, we bring you an insightful community conversation held on March 25, 2025 about “American Foreign Policy: An Assessment” with veteran diplomat, Dr. Richard Haass, and moderator Ambassador Marcie Ries, two Oberlin College alumni from the early 1970s. Dr. Richard Haass is a veteran diplomat, respected scholar of international relations, and president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations. In this program, he offers his observations about the changing course of American foreign policy and the repercussions for the post-World War II world order. He comments on scenarios and implications of what might come next. Ambassador Marcie Ries served as moderator. Dr. Richard Haass ‘73 served as president of the Council on Foreign Relations for twenty years before retiring in 2023, and is now a senior counselor at Centerview Partners, LLC. From January 2001 to June 2003, Dr. Haass was director of policy planning for the Department of State and a principal advisor to Secretary of State Colin Powell. From 1989 to 1993, he was special assistant to President George H.W. Bush and senior director for Near East and South Asian affairs on the staff of the National Security Council. Previously, he served in the Departments of State (1981–1985) and Defense (1979–1980), and was a legislative aide in the U.S. Senate. A Rhodes Scholar, Dr. Haass holds a bachelor's degree from Oberlin College and master's and doctorate of philosophy degrees from Oxford University. He has also received numerous honorary degrees and was a member of the faculty of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and Hamilton College. Dr. Haass is the author or editor of fourteen books on American foreign policy, one book on management, and one on American democracy. He is as well the author of a weekly newsletter Home & Away published on Substack. Marcie B. Ries '72 is a retired Ambassador with more than thirty-five years of diplomatic experience in Europe, the Caribbean and the Middle East. She is a three-time Chief of Mission, serving as Head of the U.S. Mission in Kosovo (2003-2004), United States Ambassador to Albania (2004-2007) and as United States Ambassador to Bulgaria (2012-2015). She was a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs from 2020-2021, where she co-authored the report “A U.S. Diplomatic Service for the 21st Century.” She was also co-author of Blueprints for a More Modern Diplomatic Service, published by Arizona State University in 2022. She graduated from Oberlin in 1972 and earned a master's degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Truth to Power airs every Friday at 9pm, Saturday at 11am, and Sunday at 7pm on Louisville's grassroots, community radio station, Forward Radio 106.5fm WFMP and live streams at https://forwardradio.org

Religious Addiction – 1 of 4 This Episode “The High of Righteousness” So it begins, our 4 part interview with Robert N. Minor, PhD Robert Minor holds a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and has done research in India,Japan, Taiwan, the Near East, and Europe. Besides his interest in history of religions methodology, he […]

Building the Mosaic Dance Theatre Company with Morgiana Celeste Varricchio & Samara Adell Every dance company has its own unique journey and characteristics, from how it was founded to the style of dance it specializes in. Today, we're joined by the Producing Artistic Director and Founder of the Mosaic Dance Theatre Company (MDTC), Morgiana Celeste Varricchio, and the Artistic Director for Dance and Choreographer, Samara Adell. MDTC showcases the vibrant dance and folkloric heritage of the Mediterranean, spanning North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. Through captivating performances and educational initiatives, MDTC brings to life the region's music, myths, and traditions, preserving and sharing its cultural tapestry. In this conversation, Morgiana and Samara share how they discovered their affinity for Middle Eastern dance, why they felt it wasn't adequately represented in the US, and how they formed the Mosaic Dance Theatre Company. We discuss the many shows they've produced, including their special upcoming 20th-anniversary show, Visions of the Near East, how they manage their creative partnership, and the challenges of running a nonprofit. Tune in to hear the full scope of Morgiana and Samara's beautiful journey, from becoming friends to running a thriving company together! Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to Morgiana Celeste Varricchio and her dance journey. How she became involved with Middle Eastern dance and met Samara Adell. The success of Morgiana's production of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. How Morgiana and Samara founded the Mosaic Dance Theatre Company in 2005. Their mission to ensure Middle Eastern Dance was properly represented in the US. An overview of their productions, including their original show, Caravan to Cairo. Their upcoming production, Visions of the Near East Some background on Samara and how she became interested in dance. Her time working in New York and the extensive global touring she did as a dancer. The inner workings of Samara and Morgiana's creative partnership. How they prepare for, plan, rehearse, and arrange all the different elements of their shows. Standout experiences during their two decades with Mosaic. “We both agreed that Middle Eastern Dance was not represented properly in the professional world of dance. It is a very legitimate dance form, but not looked upon that [way] here in the US. It was our mission, then, to bring this dance to the public.” — Morgiana Celeste Varricchio Morgiana Celeste Varricchio is the Producing Artistic Director and Founder of Mosaic Dance Theater Company.  Samara Adell is Artistic Director for Dance & Choreographer of Mosaic Dance Theater Company. For more on this episode, Morgiana, and Samara: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast For the latest, follow us on Instagram & Facebook Support this podcast with a tax-deductible donation! themovingarchitects.org/support  

Watch Call me Back on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcastTo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: https://arkmedia.org/Dan on X: https://x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dansenorArk Media on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkmediaorgFor this special episode of Call Me Back, Dan sat down with two long-time friends, Dina Powell McCormick and Senator Dave McCormick, to speak about their new book, Who Believed in You: How Purposeful Mentorship Changes the World. We also discussed Senator McCormick's work on Israel/Middle East foreign policy. Dina Powell McCormick is a partner senior executive at BDT & MSD Partners and was formerly a partner and member of the management committee at Goldman Sachs. She has served in various roles in government, including Deputy National Security Advisor in the first Trump administration, and a number of senior positions in the White House and State Department of in the George W. Bush Administration. David McCormick is a US Senator of Pennsylvania and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, Counterterrorism. He is the former CEO of Bridgewater Associates and also served in high-ranking positions in the George W. Bush administration. Dina & David McCormick's new book, Who Believed in You: How Purposeful Mentorship Changes the World: https://a.co/d/0uvZceYORhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/who-believed-in-you-david-mccormick/1144556623?ean=9781400235919CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorMARTIN HUERGO - Sound EditorYARDENA SCHWARTZ - Executive Editor, Ark MediaGABE SILVERSTEIN - ResearchYUVAL SEMO - Music ComposerZiv Gedzelman - Additional Research

In this episode we will lean about the life and significant intellectual contributions of George of the Arabs, a Syriac Orthodox bishop who lived from the mid-7th to early 8th century. Serving Arab Christian tribes during the early Islamic period, George was a prolific scholar known for his translations and commentaries on Aristotle, his completion of Jacob of Edessa's Hexaemeron, and various theological and liturgical writings. His work bridged Greek philosophical thought with Syriac intellectual traditions during a time of major cultural and political change in the Near East. As a key figure in this era, George's legacy highlights the continued intellectual exchange across linguistic and religious boundaries. check our online courses: www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com

On this episode, we welcome back to the program, journalist and author, Joshua Hammer who was our guest back on episode 112 in September 2016.  Joshua's career has included serving as Newsweek Bureau Chief in, Nairobi, Buenos Aires, LA, Berlin, Jerusalem and Cape Town.  His work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, The New Yorker, National Geographic and the Smithsonian just to name a few publications. He is a New York Times bestselling author of six books, including The Falcon Thief and The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu (which we talked about in our last conversation). Joshua's just released and latest book is: The Mesopotamian Riddle: An Archaeologist, a Soldier, a Clergyman, and the Race to Decipher the World's Oldest Writing, published by Simon & Schuster. In the course of the conversation we dive deep into this fascinating book – everything from the Royal Asiatic Society's 1857 Great Cuneiform Challenge and the gentlemen who took part in it, to the difficulty of the digs in the Near East, to the “Assyrian Fever” (as Joshua calls it) that swept London in 1851- 1852, to the origins of the British Museum, to the topic of cultural appropriation of a country or people's national patrimony, and more. In keeping with the theme of the show, should he take a one way ticket back in time, Joshua shared what he would tell scholars and archeologists in the mid 19th century about how their work resonates today.   As for Joshua's own one way ticket destination, it's still to Manhattan in 1967. Do check out Joshua's other books: Chosen by God: A Brother's Journey; A Season in Bethlehem: Unholy War in a Sacred Place; and Yokohama Burning: The Deadly 1923 Earthquake and Fire that Helped Forge the Path to World War II. 

In this episode Dr. Will Ryan and Dr. Matt interview Dr. John Walton on his book The Lost World of the Flood: Mythology, Theology, and the Deluge Debate by John H. Walton and Tremper Longman III. Buy the Book: https://a.co/d/hnn7XJ4About the Book:In modern times the Genesis flood account has been probed and analyzed for answers to scientific, apologetic, and historical questions. It is a text that has called forth "flood geology," fueled searches for remnants of the ark on Mount Ararat, and inspired a full-size replica of Noah's ark in a theme park. Some claim that the very veracity of Scripture hinges on a particular reading of the flood narrative. But do we understand what we are reading?Longman and Walton urge us to ask what the biblical author might have been saying to his ancient audience. Our quest to rediscover the biblical flood requires that we set aside our own cultural and interpretive assumptions and visit the distant world of the ancient Near East. Responsible interpretation calls for the patient examination of the text within its ancient context of language, literature, and thought. And as we return from that lost world to our own, we will need to ask whether geological science supports the notion of flood geology.To read Longman and Walton is to put our feet on firmer interpretive ground. Without attempting to answer all of our questions, they lift the fog of modernity and allow the sunlight to reveal the true contours of the text. As with other books in the Lost World series, The Lost World of the Flood is an informative and enlightening journey toward a more responsible reading of a timeless biblical narrative.The books in the Lost World Series follow the pattern set by Bible scholar John H. Walton, bringing a fresh, close reading of the Hebrew text and knowledge of ancient Near Eastern literature to an accessible discussion of the biblical topic at hand using a series of logic-based propositions.

Jack Parsons, Israel, Parson's alleged espionage for Israel, what the allegations did to Parsons' career, Parsons' death, whether Parsons' was murdered, Parsons' interest in Israel, how Parsons' system differed from Crowley's, Babylonian vs Egyptian magic, the discovery of Sumeria, Star Gates, megalithic structures across the Near East as Star Gates, Gobekli Tepe, MerkabahMusic by: Keith Allen Dennishttps://keithallendennis.bandcamp.com/ Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And now for something completely different…Razib Khan, beyond being a fine friend of pod, is an excellent genetic historian. He's written a fascinating article about how Europe once had a burgeoning civilization…thousands of years before history as we know it began. We just haven't understood much about a once thriving continent because these societies were largely wiped out by the people who became “Europeans”. These revelations turn a lot of conventional historical wisdom about ancient history on its head. Quoting Razib: Neolithic Europe was one of Eurasia's most advanced regions 5,000 years ago, nearly on par with the Near East, matching India and surpassing China in material terms. In some domains, like gold-work, Europe was the pioneer. We may have forgotten this Europe, but it was hardly a backwater. It was a central engine of world civilization 5,000 years ago.Through the magic of modern technology, we're getting new insights into this lost world. With increasing clarity, we're also seeing just how brutal human life was in pre modernity. It's not sports or media exactly, but I just had to discuss this all with Razib. I believe it's important information and I can't stop thinking about it. Topics include: * Where everybody came from* How nobody is really from anywhereThanks for reading House of Strauss! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.houseofstrauss.com/subscribe

Welcome to Day 2553 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2553 – Old Testament Orientation – The Language, Cosmology, Geography, and Interpretation of the Old Testament– Joshua 1:8 Putnam Church Message – 01/26/2024 Sermon Series: Old Testament Orientation Message 3: “The Language, Cosmology, Geography, and Interpretation of the Old Testament” Last week, we continued our Old Testament Orientation series with ‘The Grand Narrative of the Old Testament.' This week, we will cover the four key themes of language, cosmology, geography, and interpretation from an ancient Israelite perspective and Divine Council Worldview insights. Next week, we will begin to review the various groups of books based on their genre. Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word, which transcends time and culture. As we gather to explore the rich tapestry of language, cosmology, geography, and interpretation in the Old Testament, guide our hearts and minds. Help us see through the eyes of the ancient Israelites, and may this understanding deepen our faith and relationship with You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Introduction Imagine standing on the hills of ancient Israel, gazing at the horizon. The world, as you know it, is filled with tangible signs of God's provision—the rains that water the crops, the stars that mark the seasons, and the sacred land promised by Yahweh. As an ancient Israelite, your understanding of life and faith is profoundly shaped by your language, your view of the cosmos, the land you call home, and how you interpret the laws and stories passed down through generations. Today, we will explore these four key aspects of the Old Testament: The Language of the Old Testament The Cosmology of the Ancient Israelites The Geography of the Promised Land The Importance of Interpretation The Language of the Old Testament The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew, a language deeply connected to the culture of the ancient Near East. It's a language of pictures and symbols, where words evoke images and emotions. For example, the Hebrew word ruach means both “spirit” and “wind,” emphasizing the unseen yet powerful presence of God. Object Lesson #1: The Breath of Life (Fan with Ribbons) Bring a small fan or a balloon. As the fan blows or the balloon inflates, explain how the unseen wind represents ruach. Just as the wind is invisible but powerful, so is the Spirit of God moving through creation and history (Genesis 1:2). The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Cultural Insight For the Israelites, language wasn't just a means of communication; it was an act of creation and covenant. In Genesis 1, God spoke the universe into existence. The Ten Commandments, spoken by God, weren't just rules—they were a covenant (contract) sealed by His Word. Words carried weight and authority, shaping reality and relationships. But beyond its theological significance, Hebrew also shaped the daily lives of the Israelites. The act of reciting prayers, like the Shema,...