Praise Yahweh one and all!
We are going to have Christmas tomorrow and I wanted to touch on the subject briefly. We all have been conditioned to buy gifts and give to others in the name of Christmas every year. I have read recently that when all is done on Christmas day it takes several months to pay off the Christmas debts for people in Europe, click here if you would like to see the article. I originally wanted to see how long for Americans, but couldn't find the answer online. I also want to remind all that going into debt is also against the Bible as stated in the book of Romans.
The Christmas or "Christ's Mass" was originally started quite a while ago and did not really originate on the day of Christ's birthday. If one thinks logically about it they can realize that Israel got cold just like it does now. The shepherds watching their flocks, or the traveling of Mary his mother during the end of December, makes one think both are unreasonable. Some people say he was born in the month of October. I have not studied it personally myself but will not argue the month of October, as it does not contradict the Bible.
The entire concept of Christs birthday (how we celebrate it as Americans) really has origins in Paganistic ideals. The day of December 25 being yule day for the pagans. Christmas trees, flying reindeer, etc... all are Paganistic also. The Bible clearly tells us not to set up Christmas trees. I myself have no problem with the idea of celebrating the idea of the Messiah coming to earth, however the Paganistic ideas that have entered the church are unbecoming of Biblical explanation.
I want to share with everyone a book that I found on the internet that is called "Is Christmas Christian?" To look at this book, click here see it. The author of the book goes more into detail than I and is a good read. For all those that are going ahead and celebrating this holiday anyway, I pray that all will celebrate it in a fashion that is acceptable to Yahweh our heavenly father without the debt and Paganistic rituals.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Newtown Shooting vs the ongoing tragedy in CT.
It's an unfortunate tragedy of what happened in Newtown this last week. We saw the cowardly act of one lone person that brought tragedy to this town. CNN and other media are claiming that we should have firearms restrictions to curtail such future events.
Although it's true that there should be something done about such an occurrence, it's also my belief that fire arm restrictions is not the ultimate answer. I say this because if someone wants to really harm children they could have used a different weapon than a firearm to do so.
There is also talk about arming teachers or other school personnel, this too can be skirted as someone could go where kids are other than school, like a playground or a school bus and do the exact same thing. Even if everyone gives up their firearms in the country, this still would not be a solution.
Ultimately there is nothing we can do in the long run to make sure something of this magnitude never happens again. I do agree that if people work on their own individual level to make sure this doesn't happen again, that would be the best solution. Yes, I also believe that the media should take responsibility also and not keep talking it up about this coward. This too can lead to copycat shooters in the future.
With CNN and other media, they keep talking about the kids that were murdered. But, they are doing it by addressing the possible rewriting of our Constitution. If the media really want to talk about children and doing what is right in that realm then the shooting is not where they should be addressing their attention at this particular point in time. I want to remind all that there are children being killed every day through abortion in this country and not a single person talks about this holocaust.
I have read on the internet that there are around 3500 children aborted every day in this country. It is my honest belief that during the 10 minutes or so, for the shooting to transpire, there were more than 20 children aborted in Connecticut during that time frame. I can't prove it but it is my belief given the numbers being aborted every day.
What does the Bible say about such things?
The Bible is clear that life starts at conception. Taking an innocent life at any age is also wrong. you can read about this in Exodus 20:13. I want to remind all that call themselves Christians regardless of denomination that it is our responsibility to work against the taking of innocent life. For example, if one would Google abortion petitions they would come across many they can put their name to and help to overturn Roe Vs Wade and possibly give innocent children the chance to live. This is one such petition I found just by doing a simple search. There is nothing we can do now for the children in Newton, however we can do something for other children that are soon to lose their lives in Connecticut.
Abortion is murder, and murder is wrong!
For anyone unconvinced they are welcome to watch the video below called " The Silent Scream" for clearification.
Although it's true that there should be something done about such an occurrence, it's also my belief that fire arm restrictions is not the ultimate answer. I say this because if someone wants to really harm children they could have used a different weapon than a firearm to do so.
There is also talk about arming teachers or other school personnel, this too can be skirted as someone could go where kids are other than school, like a playground or a school bus and do the exact same thing. Even if everyone gives up their firearms in the country, this still would not be a solution.
Ultimately there is nothing we can do in the long run to make sure something of this magnitude never happens again. I do agree that if people work on their own individual level to make sure this doesn't happen again, that would be the best solution. Yes, I also believe that the media should take responsibility also and not keep talking it up about this coward. This too can lead to copycat shooters in the future.
With CNN and other media, they keep talking about the kids that were murdered. But, they are doing it by addressing the possible rewriting of our Constitution. If the media really want to talk about children and doing what is right in that realm then the shooting is not where they should be addressing their attention at this particular point in time. I want to remind all that there are children being killed every day through abortion in this country and not a single person talks about this holocaust.
I have read on the internet that there are around 3500 children aborted every day in this country. It is my honest belief that during the 10 minutes or so, for the shooting to transpire, there were more than 20 children aborted in Connecticut during that time frame. I can't prove it but it is my belief given the numbers being aborted every day.
What does the Bible say about such things?
The Bible is clear that life starts at conception. Taking an innocent life at any age is also wrong. you can read about this in Exodus 20:13. I want to remind all that call themselves Christians regardless of denomination that it is our responsibility to work against the taking of innocent life. For example, if one would Google abortion petitions they would come across many they can put their name to and help to overturn Roe Vs Wade and possibly give innocent children the chance to live. This is one such petition I found just by doing a simple search. There is nothing we can do now for the children in Newton, however we can do something for other children that are soon to lose their lives in Connecticut.
Abortion is murder, and murder is wrong!
For anyone unconvinced they are welcome to watch the video below called " The Silent Scream" for clearification.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
The Assyrian Captivity
Last Monday I addressed the difference between Judah and Israel. One may ask what happened to the house of Israel? Well this is the answer in short. After the two houses split, (Judah and Israel) there was great sin that transpired in Israel. Although the two houses did split the house of Israel did last for a little over 200 years in their rebellion to Yahweh. One of the first acts of Jeroboam the leader of Israel did was to establish a system of worship that is non conducive to the laws of Yahweh. For example in the book The History of Israel and Judah in Old Testament Times by Caste, Jeroboam had a statue of a bull erected in Samaria (their capital) and called it Yahweh. This move he made was for political reasons as the bull appealed to the pagans and the name Yahweh appealed to the Israelites. Which basically watered down the faith for true believers.
God is very patient and loving as it took 200+ years to destroy Israel and he used the Assyrians to do it. God always uses our enemies to punish us for disobedience to him. It started in around the year 745 B.C. when Assyria had military excursions into Israel, and 721 B.C. was when they had finished, capturing, and relocated the Israelites of the Northern Tribe. Most Israelites were relocated just south of the Caucasus mountains, which is located in modern day Georgia (the country not the state). This movement of Israelites is called the Assyrian Captivity.
Flavius Josephus, a first century General and Scribe, in his book, Antiquities of the Jews, book XI chapter V. says "Wherefore there are but two tribes in Asia and Europe subject to the Romans, while the ten tribes are beyond the Euphrates till now, and are an immense multitude , and not to be estimated by numbers." He wrote this around the time of Yashua (Christ). Eventually most of the Israelites migrated North away from the Assyrians and traveled North and West through the Caucasus mountains, which is where the Israelites got their new name called Caucasian. They traveled on a route called the "Pass of Israel" once coming out on the other side they migrated to the fertile valleys of Europe to establish a new homeland. These Israelites are called the lost sheep of the house of Israel that Yashua (Christ) spoke about when he walked the earth, they also carry the name of the Lost Tribes of Israel. Although most did go to Europe, there were however some of the lost sheep that went to other parts of the world.
God is very patient and loving as it took 200+ years to destroy Israel and he used the Assyrians to do it. God always uses our enemies to punish us for disobedience to him. It started in around the year 745 B.C. when Assyria had military excursions into Israel, and 721 B.C. was when they had finished, capturing, and relocated the Israelites of the Northern Tribe. Most Israelites were relocated just south of the Caucasus mountains, which is located in modern day Georgia (the country not the state). This movement of Israelites is called the Assyrian Captivity.
Flavius Josephus, a first century General and Scribe, in his book, Antiquities of the Jews, book XI chapter V. says "Wherefore there are but two tribes in Asia and Europe subject to the Romans, while the ten tribes are beyond the Euphrates till now, and are an immense multitude , and not to be estimated by numbers." He wrote this around the time of Yashua (Christ). Eventually most of the Israelites migrated North away from the Assyrians and traveled North and West through the Caucasus mountains, which is where the Israelites got their new name called Caucasian. They traveled on a route called the "Pass of Israel" once coming out on the other side they migrated to the fertile valleys of Europe to establish a new homeland. These Israelites are called the lost sheep of the house of Israel that Yashua (Christ) spoke about when he walked the earth, they also carry the name of the Lost Tribes of Israel. Although most did go to Europe, there were however some of the lost sheep that went to other parts of the world.
Map showing the general locations where the House of Israel and the House of Judah were relocated to.
This is a map of Israel's migration to Europe, taken from a Bible Study site.
This is a video of the famous archaeologist E Raymond Capt and Pastor Sheldon Emry discussing the Lost Tribes of Israel. The interview with Mr. Capt begins 23 minutes into the video. I think they do a much better job of explaining the migrations of Israel than I.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
The Myth of Spiritual Israel
One important person of the Bible is a Hebrew named Abraham. Abraham was not a Jew nor an Israelite as most churches teach. Abraham lived long before Jacob Israel, or the son of Jacob, Judah. So he could not have descended from them. Heber which was his ancestor which gave him the Hebrew title.
His willingness to follow God in the best capacity he could, gave him and his kin a status of being God's servant race or bloodline here on earth. It's important to notice that they are servants which are leaders. In the dictionary the definition of the word "leader" is one that goes first. This principle is exactly what Yashua (Christ) did when he walked the earth.
The name Abraham has literally been used dozens of time in the Old Testament and also in the New Testament. Which means both him and his descendants are very important people. In Genesis 12:3 God clearly states that everyone will be blessed or cursed by how you treat his descendants. For those of you who claim that they are New Testament Christians and believe that this is no longer true, make sure you read Luke 19:9,10 and Romans 9:4,5.
For some unknown reason most churches have changed Israel into a spiritual Israel, which is totally unbiblical. The verses they use to try to prove their point are as following:
Isaiah 49:6 which uses the word "Gentile". They misinterpret the word Gentile to mean non-Israelite. "Gentile" is translated from one Hebrew word that is rendered into five different ways. For example the Hebrew word Goy/Goyim is translated Nations 373 times, Heathen 142 times, People 11 times, Another 1 time, and Non-Jew 0 times. God told Abraham that he will be a multitude of nations. This coupled with the fact that the entire Bible is about the race and lineage of one race of people. Millions of Israelites went into dispersion in 721 B.C. and made a multitude of Israelite nations in which most migrated to Europe.
Isaiah 56 makes use of the word "stranger" which means foreigner, of another tribe, heathen, one who is alien, or strange to Israel of the southern kingdom of Judah. This stranger is any Israelite from the Northern Kingdom of Israel who was considered outcast by Israelites of the house or kingdom of Judah. In fact verse 8 of this chapter, talks about the Israelites from the northern kingdom that would return to his law.
Matthew 28:19 states to go unto all the nations and baptize them. Once again carefully reading the scriptures, we realize they are talking about the multitude of nations that came from Abraham. If there is any doubt on who Yashua (Jesus) was referring to then reading Matthew 15:24 will clear up the fact that he came only for the lost sheep of Israel. Also Matthew 10:6 when the Messiah telling the Apostles to go only to the lost sheep of Israel makes it perfectly clear.
Mark 16:15 tells to go into the world and preach to every creature. The words ktisis and ktisma translates from Greek as creature. This word does have limitation and if one does not believe it and wants to take it literally, they would be preaching to dogs and cats. Obviously the word does have limitation, and means every creature after Adam's kind. This verse cannot by anyone's standard, justify all races of people being able to become spiritual Israel.
Acts 17:26 this verse, as all cannot be taken out of context. To say all races are of one blood line is absurb. It is simply stating that out of Adam, God made all the nations of Adam kind. This verse by St. Paul is simply paraphrasing Dueteronomy 32:8,9.
Revelation 5:9 this verse speaks very clearly of one kindred, the Israelite nations are diverse by tongues, customs, and historical developments. This does not refer to other groups of people that are not Israelites.
The point I hope all will take from this is that Israel is physical, speaking of the physical descendants of Abraham. Israel is not a rainbow coalition of all Non-Israelites to enter into a thirteenth gate of Gods kingdom. To add to this concept it is also important to mention that foreign missions as we know it today did not exist for Non-Israelites until recent centuries, which demonstrates the fact that preaching to everything that stands up on two legs is entirely a new concept, and was not practiced by the early church. There is one thing to keep in mind, and that is; God does not change, however the doctrines of men change all the time.
His willingness to follow God in the best capacity he could, gave him and his kin a status of being God's servant race or bloodline here on earth. It's important to notice that they are servants which are leaders. In the dictionary the definition of the word "leader" is one that goes first. This principle is exactly what Yashua (Christ) did when he walked the earth.
The name Abraham has literally been used dozens of time in the Old Testament and also in the New Testament. Which means both him and his descendants are very important people. In Genesis 12:3 God clearly states that everyone will be blessed or cursed by how you treat his descendants. For those of you who claim that they are New Testament Christians and believe that this is no longer true, make sure you read Luke 19:9,10 and Romans 9:4,5.
For some unknown reason most churches have changed Israel into a spiritual Israel, which is totally unbiblical. The verses they use to try to prove their point are as following:
Isaiah 49:6 which uses the word "Gentile". They misinterpret the word Gentile to mean non-Israelite. "Gentile" is translated from one Hebrew word that is rendered into five different ways. For example the Hebrew word Goy/Goyim is translated Nations 373 times, Heathen 142 times, People 11 times, Another 1 time, and Non-Jew 0 times. God told Abraham that he will be a multitude of nations. This coupled with the fact that the entire Bible is about the race and lineage of one race of people. Millions of Israelites went into dispersion in 721 B.C. and made a multitude of Israelite nations in which most migrated to Europe.
Isaiah 56 makes use of the word "stranger" which means foreigner, of another tribe, heathen, one who is alien, or strange to Israel of the southern kingdom of Judah. This stranger is any Israelite from the Northern Kingdom of Israel who was considered outcast by Israelites of the house or kingdom of Judah. In fact verse 8 of this chapter, talks about the Israelites from the northern kingdom that would return to his law.
Matthew 28:19 states to go unto all the nations and baptize them. Once again carefully reading the scriptures, we realize they are talking about the multitude of nations that came from Abraham. If there is any doubt on who Yashua (Jesus) was referring to then reading Matthew 15:24 will clear up the fact that he came only for the lost sheep of Israel. Also Matthew 10:6 when the Messiah telling the Apostles to go only to the lost sheep of Israel makes it perfectly clear.
Mark 16:15 tells to go into the world and preach to every creature. The words ktisis and ktisma translates from Greek as creature. This word does have limitation and if one does not believe it and wants to take it literally, they would be preaching to dogs and cats. Obviously the word does have limitation, and means every creature after Adam's kind. This verse cannot by anyone's standard, justify all races of people being able to become spiritual Israel.
Acts 17:26 this verse, as all cannot be taken out of context. To say all races are of one blood line is absurb. It is simply stating that out of Adam, God made all the nations of Adam kind. This verse by St. Paul is simply paraphrasing Dueteronomy 32:8,9.
Revelation 5:9 this verse speaks very clearly of one kindred, the Israelite nations are diverse by tongues, customs, and historical developments. This does not refer to other groups of people that are not Israelites.
The point I hope all will take from this is that Israel is physical, speaking of the physical descendants of Abraham. Israel is not a rainbow coalition of all Non-Israelites to enter into a thirteenth gate of Gods kingdom. To add to this concept it is also important to mention that foreign missions as we know it today did not exist for Non-Israelites until recent centuries, which demonstrates the fact that preaching to everything that stands up on two legs is entirely a new concept, and was not practiced by the early church. There is one thing to keep in mind, and that is; God does not change, however the doctrines of men change all the time.
Monday, December 10, 2012
House of Judah is not the house of Israel
There are many growing apostasies in most churches these days. As with all man made errors that are taught in most churches, most are unwilling to hear the truth, especially when you can prove it to them and it's right in front of their faces. Most churches teach that the Jews (House of Judah) are Israel and this is not the truth by any measure.
Who says the Jews are not Israel? Most may ask. The answer is, the Jews say that they are not Israel. Consider the following quotes that are made by Jews themselves. This is only a few of the many examples that exist. I did not make these up.
"Strictly speaking, it is incorrect to call a contemporary Jew an 'Israelite' or a 'Hebrew'" (The Jewish Almanac, 1980, p.3).
"...the ten tribes have disappeared, they must exist under a different name" (Jewish Encyclopedia (1905), Vol. 21, P. 249).
"The ten tribes are certainly in existence. All that has to be done is to discover which people represent them" (The Jewish Chronicle, May 2, 1879).
Who says the Jews are not Israel? Most may ask. The answer is, the Jews say that they are not Israel. Consider the following quotes that are made by Jews themselves. This is only a few of the many examples that exist. I did not make these up.
"Strictly speaking, it is incorrect to call a contemporary Jew an 'Israelite' or a 'Hebrew'" (The Jewish Almanac, 1980, p.3).
"...the ten tribes have disappeared, they must exist under a different name" (Jewish Encyclopedia (1905), Vol. 21, P. 249).
"The ten tribes are certainly in existence. All that has to be done is to discover which people represent them" (The Jewish Chronicle, May 2, 1879).
A quick history lesson: After the death of King Solomon, Rehoboam the son of Solomon became king of Israel. It was then that the people of the northern 10 tribes approached him and wanted the taxes reduced that Solomon imposed on them. Rehoboam answered by increasing the taxes instead of decreasing. Then the 10 tribes of the North, and the 2 of the south broke away from each other and made their own countries called "The House of Israel" and "The House of Judah." They came very close to having a Civil War. The Northern house had a new leader who was called Jeroboam. He came from Egypt from which he was in exile, as he unsuccessfully attempted a military coup against Jerusalem a few years earlier. The tribe of Benjamin went with the tribe of Judah. The tribe of Benjamin was from Nazareth in the North and was located between the Sea of Galilee and Mt. Carmel.
The point of the house of Judah and the house of Israel being separate can be brought to a pinnacle when searching the scriptures. The Bible show that Judah and Israel were at war with each other at certain times. The first time the word "Jew" shows up in the Bible is in 2 Kings 16:6. Make sure you put it in context by reading 2 Kings 16:1-7. The wars between the two nations were great and often. It is reported that the wall separating the nations were 30 feet think in some places as stated in the book "The Bible As History." Even if one believes that somehow Judah is Israel, you would have to see that the house of Judah was only part of Israel and only one tribe within the twelve and do not encompass all of Israel.
I want to add this video from Youtube of Arnold Murray explaining the differences. I do not know much about him but feel in this video he does explain the differences between the two well.
I want to add this video from Youtube of Arnold Murray explaining the differences. I do not know much about him but feel in this video he does explain the differences between the two well.
Map of Judah and Israel prior to 721 B.C.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Are you Saved?
The word "Saved" is a past tense term, and used very loosely in Churches these days to influence non believers. It implies that one can be saved and already has been saved. There is a place in the Bible that states that there will be many that will think they are saved when being judged, but will be surprised in the end when God rejects them. It's noteworthy to mention that the verse says that many will think this way and not just a few. So, in my opinion that with the false teaching of the modern Judeo-churches trying to get people to say the unbiblical sinners prayer which by the way, is not found in the Bible in any way shape or form, most people that think they are saved and call themselves "Christian" will not see the Kingdom of God.
When Christians try to lead another to be "saved" they always take versus out of context to try to sway peoples opinion to their psudeo-ideology. Just a few examples which there are many, is John 3:16, which states that "whosoever believes on him should not perish but have everlasting life." The word that you should notice in this verse is SHOULD. Yes it's true you should be ok if you truly are an Israelite called by God and believe on him and are converted. John 3:16 does not say you will not perish, it says you should not perish! If I am diffusing a bomb and about to cut the green wire, and you ask will it go off, and if my response is "no it shouldn't" you would be a fool to believe that it will absolutely not go off.
Another verse that the modern churches use out of context is Rev 3:20. The claim here is that Yashua (Jesus) is knocking on the door waiting for you to open it. This is also out of context because this is written to the church of Laodicea and specifically addressed to Christians that have fallen out of grace with God, (back slidden). If you look at the verses of Rev 3: 13-14 you will see this to be true.
There are other various verses that they use. But for the sake of brevity I will not cover. However if you look to see who the letters are written to that contain the versus you will see that they use are written to the believers of various churches, not to non-believers.
But there is good news, there is one place in the Bible that tells how someone can have their sins forgiven as being someone who is not already a member of the churches that are addressed in the Bible. This passage is in the Old Testament 2 Chron 7:14 which states that his chosen people that are called by his name (Israelite Christians) will be humble, and seek his face he will forgive their sins and cleanse their land.
Am I implying that God has specific chosen people that he has called, and they have a calling with his law written on their hearts? Yes, I am. In Jeremiah 31:31. For those who call themselves new testament Christians and think the Old Testament is no longer valid they can look at Hebrews 8:8.
Make no mistake about it people you cannot pray your way into heaven. To say that you are "saved" is a mistake as you have not yet been judged by Christ. I encourage you to run the good race that the Apostle paul spoke of. Christ came to redeem Israel his people. Am I saying that other people who are not Israelites cannot be in his kingdom? The Bible does not mention other groups of people except when they come in contact with Israel and is silent about them. It is God's creation and the Bible is clear that anything that offends will not be in his kingdom.
Hopefully I will see you in his kingdom Brother, Praise Yahweh!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Intercontinental travel before Christ
I almost called today's Blog "Jonah ran from God." But, wanted to stress the point of where I thought he was running away to before all can be on the same sheet of music as others. Who discovered america? Most will say that Christopher Columbus discovered america. This idea is fine but, everyone has to realize that there were people here when he discovered America, so how could he have been the first to discover America? How indigenous people may have arrived in ships is what I want you to keep in mind as you read on.
Now back to the story of Jonah. It's taught in all churches that I have attended that Jonah was told by God to deliver a message to Nineveh the Capital of Assyria, everyone agrees with this. Where he was going when he decided to flee is another question. Main stream Judeo-Christianity teaches that he was fleeing from God by taking a ship from Joppa and was heading to Tarsus which is in modern day Turkey, almost directly North from Joppa. However it is clearly written that he was going to Tarshish which is located in Europe specifically in Spain. Tarshish was a shipping port during that time. Going to Tarsus in Turkey, from what I can see on the map will put you closer to Nineveh not further away.
As I said before Jonah was heading for Tarshish which is very close to the pillars of Hercules at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean sea is the way that ships would sail from Israel to the Atlantic Ocean. Once passing the pillars of Hercules they may either turn North to Europe, Turn South to Africa, or go West to the Canary Islands or beyond. The story of Jonah takes place in around the late fifth century B.C. Is there any evidence that people were traveling the world during that time? Yes, I believe there is sufficient evidence to state they were from a Biblical point of view.
During the rule of Solomon, 10 Century B.C., five centuries before Jonah, the bible states that Solomon had ships that went for 3 years and came back with Ivory, apes, peacocks, etc.. 1 Kings 10:22. It also mentions that the ships that brought the treasures from other lands came in 3 year cycles. This time frame is important because it shows the distance traveled by the ships. How far can a wind powered ship sail in 3 years? Around the world is the answer. Because it is the same amount of time that it took Ferdinand Magellan to sail around the world by wind. The types of things King Davids ships brought back are conclusive proof, at the very least the ships from Tarshish circumnavigated the continent of Africa. So where was Jonah running to after he reached the shipping port of Tarshish? No one knows for sure, but, I do know he wanted to get as far away from Ninevah that he could by getting on another ship at Tarshish.
Now back to the story of Jonah. It's taught in all churches that I have attended that Jonah was told by God to deliver a message to Nineveh the Capital of Assyria, everyone agrees with this. Where he was going when he decided to flee is another question. Main stream Judeo-Christianity teaches that he was fleeing from God by taking a ship from Joppa and was heading to Tarsus which is in modern day Turkey, almost directly North from Joppa. However it is clearly written that he was going to Tarshish which is located in Europe specifically in Spain. Tarshish was a shipping port during that time. Going to Tarsus in Turkey, from what I can see on the map will put you closer to Nineveh not further away.
As I said before Jonah was heading for Tarshish which is very close to the pillars of Hercules at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean sea is the way that ships would sail from Israel to the Atlantic Ocean. Once passing the pillars of Hercules they may either turn North to Europe, Turn South to Africa, or go West to the Canary Islands or beyond. The story of Jonah takes place in around the late fifth century B.C. Is there any evidence that people were traveling the world during that time? Yes, I believe there is sufficient evidence to state they were from a Biblical point of view.
During the rule of Solomon, 10 Century B.C., five centuries before Jonah, the bible states that Solomon had ships that went for 3 years and came back with Ivory, apes, peacocks, etc.. 1 Kings 10:22. It also mentions that the ships that brought the treasures from other lands came in 3 year cycles. This time frame is important because it shows the distance traveled by the ships. How far can a wind powered ship sail in 3 years? Around the world is the answer. Because it is the same amount of time that it took Ferdinand Magellan to sail around the world by wind. The types of things King Davids ships brought back are conclusive proof, at the very least the ships from Tarshish circumnavigated the continent of Africa. So where was Jonah running to after he reached the shipping port of Tarshish? No one knows for sure, but, I do know he wanted to get as far away from Ninevah that he could by getting on another ship at Tarshish.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)