Category Archives: Other

THE BLACK WOMAN IN SOLOMON’S SONG

Other December 15, 2023 Comments: 2

PMW 2023-098 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.Song of songs ch 1

In today’s posting I will focus on the opening verses of the Song of Solomon. The text regarding Solomon’s black bride-to-be is usually misinterpreted — along with the rest of the book.

Song is perhaps the most difficult book in the Old Testament to interpret, rivaling even Revelation in the New Testament. Interpretations include its being an allegory (either of God’s love for Israel or for Christ and the Church), a drama (an actual romantic play), a cultic celebration (i.e., speaking of a fertility cult), a funeral cult ritual (cf. 8:6), an actual wedding ceremony text, or a love song (either of an historical event or a purely poetic exercise). Yet, sufficient evidence suggests that it is a love poem celebrating the sexual relationship between a bride-to-be and her husband-to-be. It is not a love story presented as a formal drama, per some interpreters (e.g., the famed Franz Delitzsch), for it offers little character development and virtually no plot line.
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INTRODUCING ISAIAH (3)

Other December 12, 2023 Leave a comment

Isaiah textPMW 2023-097 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

This is my final article on the introduction to Isaiah. Please see previous two posating before reading this one.

SPECIAL ISSUES

One of the most hotly-debated issues in biblical studies concerns the authorship of Isaiah: was it written by one author or by several over a 100+ year period, only eventually being compiled as one book. Before the rise of modern biblical criticism, the unity of Isaiah was the historic position of Judaism and Christianity. Before the eighteenth century, only the twelfth century Jewish commentator Ibn Ezra (1089–1167 AD) questioned the book’s unity.
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INTRODUCING ISAIAH (2)

Other, Uncategorized December 8, 2023 Comments: 3

PMW 2023-095 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.isaiah preaching 2

In this posting, I am continuing a brief historical and literary introduction to the Book of Isaiah. Such knowledge is helpful for better interpreting the text. We move now to consider:

PURPOSE

Isaiah ministered during a dangerous, tumultuous, and critical time. Judah and Israel have major world powers Egypt (Isa. 19), Assyria (Isa. 36), and Babylon (Isa. 13) either on the scene or looming in the near future. This problem is compounded by Israel’s unfaithfulness (e.g., 1:10–11; 6:9; 42:14–25; 43:22–28; 48:1–2). Therefore, some of Isaiah’s leading purposes include:

Isaiah calls Judah and Israel to repentance. Isaiah opens with a call to heaven and earth to serve as witnesses to God’s legal indictment against Judah and Israel (1:2–9). It was important for Isaiah to call the people to repentance by teaching salvation by grace (e.g., Isa. 1:18–20; 40:2; 43:1–7, 25; 44:28; 51:2; 55:1–13; 63:7–9).
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INTRODUCING ISAIAH (1)

Other December 5, 2023 Comments: 2

PMW 2023-094 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.Isaiah mosaic

Isaiah is one of the best-known, best-loved and most studied OT prophets. When opening a book of the Bible, it is always helpful to have at least a general understanding of several key issues. The Bible is an historical book dealing with real history. The more we know about its setting and issues, the better we can understand it. In this brief series I will introduce Isaiah.
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Other June 30, 2017 Leave a comment

By Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

I have slightly re-designed my postmillennial blog, given it a new header (designed by my friend, Brian Godawa), and expanded its realm of study. Continue reading →

STOP SAYING “GOD TOLD ME”

Other March 7, 2017 Comments: 8

listening-for-godPMT 2017-019 by Josh Buice (Delivered by Grace)

It happened again recently. I was listening to a sermon online and the preacher said, “God told me.” Apparently everyone in the congregation enjoyed it from the response I heard, but I immediately turned it off. This type of communication is becoming more prevalent in Christian circles. It’s showing up in conversations because people are hearing it from the pulpit and reading it in books they purchased from the local Christian bookstore. Perhaps it sounds spiritual or is emotionally stirring to the congregation.

Although the “God told me” method of communicating makes for interesting, suspenseful, and entertaining stories, what people need most is to hear from God. I would like to make a simple request. Please stop saying “God told me” unless the phrase is immediately followed up with a text of Scripture. Continue reading →