Roots of the Splintering of the Kingdom of Israel The proper context is now laid for why Solomon had the kingdom rent away. Jeroboam’s origins become important, mostly detailed in 1 Kings 11–12 and 2 Chronicles 10. Solomon and Judah’s corruption are manifest to all, and consequently God raises up adversaries to the one who … Continue reading Jeroboam Part 2: The Rise of Jeroboam
Author: Isaac Miller
Jeroboam Part 1: Solomon
Solomon’s reign is split neatly into two equal segments; the first twenty years of building the Temple of the Lord and his own Palace; and the last twenty years, in which he built palaces for his many wives and concubines and idols for foreign gods (although some of that probably occurred concurrently with building his … Continue reading Jeroboam Part 1: Solomon
On Authority and Scandal
Two things are simultaneously true about the current Catholic Church scandals: 1) Scandal is a constant part of human life, especially of large organizations; 2) The present crisis in the Catholic Church is unique and unprecedented and deserves not to have its uniqueness be muddied. Scandal is of a particularly evil quality when the … Continue reading On Authority and Scandal
Ahaz & the Altar
King Ahaz ordered the removal of a portico on the house of the Lord, presumably to use its materials as payment to the king of Assyria. This was a remarkably desperate act if one is searching for something to sell. He had already given virtually all of the silver and gold from the Temple and … Continue reading Ahaz & the Altar
Solomon’s Early Years
Solomon spent many hours spent seated in the enormous square-roomed summer loft of his palace, where the only external stimuli were cool flowing winds and the ambient tranquility of chirping birds. He had crafted this place as a personal sanctuary away from the imminent concerns of the country. He rarely allowed others in, nor would … Continue reading Solomon’s Early Years
Thoughts on Authority and the Scriptures
In my various dealings with Protestants, I feel there's a theme that has emerged which is more or less the assumption underneath the surface of the various arguments and points of contention. The query "Where is that in scripture?" in its various contexts is always part of an assumption that we are all the center … Continue reading Thoughts on Authority and the Scriptures
Adam, Abraham, Israel – Foundations
This is a chapter from my book, "New Israel" (link in the header of this site). Here, I lay down a flurry of patterns that were laid in the earliest texts of the Bible that should affect how we view Israel & the Church across history. From the mouths of Christianity’s opponents, Jesus' passion … Continue reading Adam, Abraham, Israel – Foundations
