United Israel

This class covers the annual cycle reading known as MiKetz (Genesis 41:1-44:17). It is part of the popular series of Pentateuchal studies and the second in the Joseph Saga. In this teaching, we discuss the texts from Pharaoh’s dreams through the meeting in Egypt between all Israel’s sons. The class provides insights into the connectedness […]

This week in “Pentateuch: A New Look,” we begin a new section of Genesis called Eleh Toledoth Ya’akov. This section, the final of ten such sections in the book of Genesis, will carry us through the end of the Bible’s first book. Our focus now shifts to Joseph, the favored son of the favored wife […]

This week in “Pentateuch: A New Look,” Ross K. Nichols delves into Torah Reading VaYishlach (Genesis 32:4 – 36:43), focusing on the pivotal journey of Jacob. Exploring the intricate relationship between Jacob and Esau, bringing a fresh insight into their legacy. Follow Jacob’s strategic encounters, his transformative night at Peniel, and his emergence as Israel. […]

In this teaching, we will delve deep into the profound concept of Israel’s chosenness as depicted in the Bible. From the Pentateuch to the Prophets and Writings, we will explore a wide array of texts, encompassing narratives, songs, prose, and poetry, all converging to paint a consistent picture. Our journey begins with God’s choice of […]

In this study, we delve into the recurring phrase גוי גדול, “goy gadol,” or “Great Nation.” This phrase, appearing 18 times in the biblical text, is pivotal to understanding the unique role and identity of Israel as envisioned in the Scriptures. We explore the specific references to Abram/Abraham and his descendants, the people of Israel, […]

Join us on a profound exploration titled ‘The Holy Wars,’ where we delve into the Bible’s intricate narrative of conflict and conquest. Throughout the sacred texts, from the journeys of the Patriarchs to the Israelites’ arduous battles for the Promised Land, warfare is a recurring theme. The Bible portrays God not just as a divine […]

Embark on a captivating journey through biblical prophecies and divine promises, all leading to the irrefutable conclusion: Israel is destined to return and unite in their promised land. With the dramatic visual of Ezekiel 37’s Two Sticks prophecy as our starting point, we witness the prophesied reunion of Judah and Ephraim, setting the stage for […]

From the time of the Patriarchs to the words of the Prophets, the pages of the Bible echo a promise – that the Holy Land belongs to the people of Israel, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Today, many nations and voices deny this right, but God’s promise is unwavering. The title deed to […]

Join us as we delve into one of the most fascinating sections of the Book of Isaiah: chapters 11:1-12:6. Commonly categorized as “messianic,” this passage intriguingly omits direct mentions of the “messiah” or David, prompting profound theological contemplation. Is this section a subtle nod to a coming figure of Davidic lineage? Was Isaiah reflecting on […]

Step with us into a journey through time as we traverse the aligned pathways of the prophecies of Isaiah and Micah. This enigmatic parallelism begs the question: when did their shared vision crystallize, and which clues within the sacred scriptures illuminate its moment? As we meticulously untangle their prophetic parallel, insights from another prophet of […]

According to the Jewish calendar, the first day of the seventh month is celebrated as Rosh HaShanah, or “Head of the Year.” Yet, in the Biblical narrative, this day is termed Yom Teruah, frequently translated as the “Festival of Trumpets.” However, a keen observation reveals two inconsistencies: the Bible doesn’t designate the first day of […]

This week’s episode in our Isaiah series uncovers a remarkable, yet often overlooked, tapestry of intertwined prophetic lives. In the shadow of the reigns of Uzziah, Yotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, four prophets—Hosea, Isaiah, Amos, and Micah—proclaimed their visions. But did you know that amidst the turbulence, at least two of these prophets became fathers? Their […]

Step into the world of Isaiah as we delve into the third episode of our ongoing series on The Book of Isaiah, titled “The Eyes of Isaiah.” This class illuminates the importance of context in understanding Isaiah’s prophecies, encouraging us to view the text through the lens of the events unfolding in Isaiah’s lifetime. In […]

This session delves into the formative moments of Isaiah’s prophetic journey, illuminating the divine calling that set the course for his profound contributions to biblical history. A Divine Summons: What can the biblical narrative reveal about the nature and nuances of Isaiah’s calling? How does his experience align with, or diverge from, the callings of […]

Join us as we embark on an enlightening journey through the Book of Isaiah, delving deep into the life and times of one of the most influential prophets in biblical history. Isaiah’s words have resonated through the ages. His profound prophecies, remarkably preserved at Qumran and frequently echoed in the New Testament, underscore his unparalleled […]

It has long been recognized that the Book of Deuteronomy holds a distinct place within the Pentateuch, utilizing language that sets it apart. In this insightful class titled ‘The Fourever Faith,’ we uncover a fascinating pattern involving four specific Hebrew words (שמע למד שמר עשה: Listen, Learn, Guard, and Do). While these words are not […]

Unearth an ancient mystery in “The LOST Scroll of Moses.” Deuteronomy informs us that Moses wrote a scroll and bequeathed it to the Levites and the elders of Israel. Tradition claims this Moses scroll is the Pentateuch, but clues within the Pentateuch point elsewhere. The Bible describes the enigmatic scroll as lost, then found in […]

The conventional belief held by Jews and Christians posits Moses as the singular author of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah or the Five Books of Moses. However, through a close reading and analysis of the texts themselves, a different narrative may begin to emerge. In “The Ghostwriters’ Guild,” we delve into the captivating […]

Join me as we discard stereotypes and journey to the heart of the Hebrew Bible in a special class titled “The Biblical King of Hearts.” Amid the misconceptions painting the Hebrew Bible as a rigid, ritualistic, and legalistic manual, we will unearth its deeply spiritual core – a faith focused on the human heart. In […]

Dive deep into the heart of the biblical narrative in our compelling class, “Sacrifice: A Dogma of Death.” This exploration delves into the complex and profound paradox of the sacrificial system presented within the pages of the Bible. We’ll journey together through a realm where the sacred aroma of sacrifices mingles with divine disapproval, where […]