The Prophets and Writings
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King David’s Census
Why did G-d punish David for taking a census? (2 Samuel 24) Answer: In Exodus 30:12 the Torah commands us not to count Jews without using a device (such as money or sheep). If we isolate each Jew by counting…
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The Book of Esther and the Purim Celebration
I am currently involved in a Bible study of the book of Esther. Would you please tell me when this particular writing became part of the sacred scripture for the Hebrew people? Was the Feast of Purim begun because of…
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Abraham’s Eulogy for Sarah & Eshet Chayil
I was under the impression that Eshet Chayil (“Woman of Valor” traditionally recited before the meal on Sabbath Eve) came from the scriptural book of Proverbs but I was told that it also comes from a Midrash. Specifically Abraham writes…
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Soap as a Metaphor
Where are the scriptures that explain the exact ingredients that Noah used to make the lye soap for bathing in the Torah? Answer:Â I can tell you a little about soap when used Biblically, such as in Malachi 3:2. There…
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The Love of David and Jonathan
Recently I was discussing King David with a guy and he claims that King David and Jonathan were homosexual lovers. Is this true and if not can you tell me where to find the answers to refute his remark? He…
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Rachel’s Tomb: in Bethlehem or Zelzeh?
The Book of Samuel places Rachel’s tomb in Benjamin at Zelzah in the north as does Jeremiah. Genesis place the tomb in Bethlehem, further south. How can this be so? Answer: Pretty sharp question! The question is actually asked in…
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The Last Prophets
Who is the last person in the Old Testament God spoke to? Answer: The last prophets seem to have been Chaggai, Zechariah and Malachi, who lived at the beginning of the second temple. After that prophecy ceased, and from then…
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Jewish Kings
Why are ancient Jewish Kings permitted to marry up to 18 wives and not more? Answer: Thank you for your excellent question! In the Torah (Deuteronomy 17:17), it says, “And he shall not take many wives for himself, in order…
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Leadership After Joshua in the Land of Israel
Unlike Moses, Joshua seems not to have consulted G-d to find out who would lead the Jewish People after his death. Where can I find commentary about why the change from a single leader (necessary for the conquest of the…