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The Contrast Between Judges and Samuel on Kingship
I was re-struck this morning as I was reading in the Book of 1 Samuel by the contrast between some of the views of kingship in it and in the Book of Judges. The books of Samuel are certainly not a monolith on this topic, however, since there are positive views of kingship found therein. …
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"Prostitute," "Harlot," "Whore" – Does it Make a Difference?
I’m sorry to disappoint you after that provocative title, but this is a translation issue. I was reading Judges again this morning in the NJPS. I read Judges 16.1, which is translated as follows: “Once Samson went to Gaza; there he met a whore and slept with her.” I thought to myself that I was…
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Judges 11.31 – "Whoever" or "Whatever"
I was reading in the Book of Judges again this morning and was reminded of the interesting translation issue in Judges 11.31. Parallel Translations of Judges 11.31 then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the LORD’s, and I will…
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"Judges" or "Chieftans"?
This morning as I was reading in the Book of Judges in the New Jewish Publication Society (=NJPS) version of the Tanakh, I came across the word traditionally translated as “judges.” The NJPS renders the word as “chieftans.” I have also seen it rendered as “leaders/rulers.” I think the NJPS and those that render it…
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How Luz Gets Its Name – Judges 1.23-26
I was reading the Book of Judges this morning and though it was interesting how Luz supposedly get its name. (Check here for the wider context of Judges 1.23-26). Judges 1.23-26 23 The house of Joseph sent out spies to Bethel (the name of the city was formerly Luz). 24 When the spies saw a…