Is Daniel a Prophet?

The book of Daniel never identifies him as a prophet. He was given visions of events that took place about 300 years after he died. Those visions were sealed to be unveiled after the events they describe had come to pass (Daniel 12:9). Therefore, that they have been unveiled suggests that our ancestors believed these … More Is Daniel a Prophet?

Havakuk

The book of Havakuk contains essentially no information about its author, other than his being a prophet.  Even the meaning of the prophet’s name is questionable.  Some argue that it is related to the Hebrew word meaning “to embrace”, while others argue it is an Akkadian name referring to a fragrant flower.  Either way, the … More Havakuk

Nahum

After a long hiatus, I am finally returning to my analysis of the prophets.  The next prophet is Nahum. Nahum identifies himself solely as being from Elkosh.  He gives no hint as to his parentage, instead choosing to emphasize his place of origin and his message about the demise of Nineveh.  Elkosh was, and is, … More Nahum

What a Coincidence!

I recently encountered, via Facebook, an Orthodox Union (OU) article purporting to list evidence for Hanukkah being a Torah holiday.  Hanukkah celebrates miracles, reported in Rabbinical texts, that supposedly happened during the time of the Maccabees, a period alluded to in scripture only in the book of Daniel. Most of the evidence presented on the OU … More What a Coincidence!

Ruth and Consequences

Was Ruth a Moabite?  This question comes up frequently among those making an objective examination of the TaNaKh.  While the Book of Ruth says plainly that she was (1:4), the assertion appears at first blush to be in violation of Torah based on the following verses: No Ammonite or Moabite may enter the assembly of … More Ruth and Consequences

Micah, Part 2

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Micah, Part 1

The prophecies of Micah were delivered during the reigns of Yotam (Jotham), Ahaz, and Hizkiyahu (Hezekiah), making Micah a contemporary of Yesheyahu (Isaiah).  Micah was a southern kingdom prophet, originating in Moreshet, and like other southern kingdom prophets (Amos, for example), he was concerned with the oppression of the vulnerable by the wealthy:  But lately … More Micah, Part 1