Biblical History
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Achiyah Ha-Shiloni
Who was Achiyah ha-Shiloni? He was a prophet who lived in Shiloh in the time of Shelomoh and Yerovam. He was an instigator of Yerovam’s revolt against Shelomoh (1 Kings 11:29-40), and even endorsed Yerovam’s establishment of idol worship (see…
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Elijah as a Kohen
If Elijah was Pinchas, he was a KOHEN; how was he allowed to touch the dead body of the boy he brought back to life (1 Kings 17:17-23)? Since the commandment to save lives takes precedence over (most) other prohibitions,…
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The Twelve Minor Prophets
Who are the twelve “minor prophets”? They are Hoshea, Yoel, Ovadiah, Yonah, Michah, Nachum, Chavakuk, Tzefaniah, Chagai, Zechariah, and Malachi; they authored the last 12 books of Neviim Acharonim.
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The Moabite Stone
What is the Moabite Stone? It is a monument erected by Mesha, king of Moab, around 850 BCE. The inscription on it tells how Omri and his son (Ahab), kings of Israel, subjugated Moab, but Mesha revolted and Moab became…
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An Eye for an Eye – Part I
Did the Jews ever literally enforce the rule “an eye for an eye”? The Oral Torah contains many details that were not included in the Written Torah. For example, the Fourth Commandment (Ex. 20:10) forbids work on the Sabbath; the…
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Tzivia
Who was Tzivia? She was the mother of King Yehoash (2 Kings 12:2; 2 Chron. 24:1).
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The Killing in the Temple
Who was the person who was killed in the Temple? He was a priest and prophet named Zechariah ben Yehoyada. He was stoned by the people, with the encouragement of the king, because of his unpopular prophecy. In 2 Chron.24:20-22…
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Nabunaid
Who was Nabunaid? Nabunaid (Nabonidus) was the last king of Babylon at the time it was conquered by Cyrus.
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The End of Prophecy
When did prophecy end? Prophecy ended at the beginning of the Second Temple period; the last prophets were Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. When there no longer were prophets who could consult G-d, the Rabbis made religious decisions on the basis…