A Virtual File Cabinet for Our Studies of Christian Origins & Hebraic Faith
From OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com Prompt: Compare Hammurabi’s code with the code of Shulgi, king of the Sumerian city of Ur, and the Hebrew Bible’s 10 commandments citing sources and dates when critical bible scholars believe each was written. To compare the legal codes of Hammurabi, Shulgi, and the Hebrew Bible’s Ten […]
Continue ReadingFrom OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com In the Hebrew Bible, the term “ezer” (עֵזֶר) is traditionally translated as “helper,” notably in Genesis 2:18 and 2:20, where Eve is described as a “helper suitable” for Adam. However, critical biblical scholars emphasize that “ezer” conveys a sense of strength and support, often used in contexts […]
Continue ReadingPer Richard Friedman, Leviticus 1 is from the Priestly writer here. Leviticus 1:1-17 ASV 1 And Jehovah called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tent of meeting, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man of you offereth an oblation unto Jehovah, ye shall offer your […]
Continue ReadingThis page contains links to the ten episodes of his podcast that were devoted to the Tanakh, or Old Testament and lists of subsections in the episodes that I found particularly interesting and insightful.
Continue ReadingThe post contains extracts and ideas about the authenticity of the saying attributed to Jesus in Mark 12:13-17. Mark 12 – NRSV 13 Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and […]
Continue ReadingTo Do – Compile the texts highlighted below and read them as the message of Jesus. From Tabor’s Patreon Zoom Mtg on 12/28/2024 – Abbott about goes all the way back to the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jewish Christianity, so-called, and so forth, is do we have emerging in all of these texts two very broad […]
Continue ReadingThis page links to a great transcript with links to the podcast at Literature and History.com [For more on Herod the Great’s son Herod Antipas’ rule of the Galilee, see Antipas—The Herod Jesus Knew by Morten Hørning Jensen] Episode 76: Judea Under Herod. 1 hr. 52 min. The Roman client king Herod (c. 73-4 BCE) ruled Judea […]
Continue ReadingFrom OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com. 12/27/2024. Walking from Nazareth to Ein Kerem (traditionally associated with the village where Elizabeth and Zechariah lived) would be a significant journey, both in terms of distance and terrain. Here are the details: 1. Distance and Travel Time 2. Elevation Changes Elevation Changes Along the Way: Additional […]
Continue ReadingExtracted text by James Tabor sent to the Patreon on 12/25/2024. Contrary to what many assume, given the Jewish revolts against Rome in the first and second centuries AD, Jews regularly served in the Roman army. Some were conscripted, others enlisted, to obtain Roman citizenship and advance their economic and social prospects. The most famous […]
Continue ReadingWe Have Seen His Star in the East: What Was the Christmas Star? See a slightly different version on his blog here. By James D. Tabor December 25, 2024, at Bible History Daily. That article includes the image of the Focal Point article by Molnar included below. Can Astronomy Explain the Biblical Star of Bethlehem? By […]
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