Strange and Interesting Bible Facts

Interesting Tidbit: This Bible fact might not be news to you; the Old Testament was written in Hebrew; the New Testament in Greek. It’s only a rule of thumb because some Aramaic is thrown in too (Daniel, Ezra, and a few other places.) I had many years of Bible study before I knew this. But once explained it made so much sense! Given to the Jews, the Old Testament was written in their language. But just prior to Christ’s birth, Alexander the Great conquered the known world making Greek the common language. Amazingly, because of this, when the Gospels were written, they could be read by any literate person in the known world! The news also traveled fast along the complex road system the Romans had built. Isn’t God good! His timing is always perfect!

Nahum Trivia: Nahum2:2-4 says, “The warriors are dressed in scarlet, the chariots are enveloped in flashing steel … The chariots race madly in the streets, they rush wildly in the squares. Their appearance is like torches, they dash to and fro like lightening.” This prophecy was literally fulfilled when the Medes invaded Nineveh, one of Assyria’s most powerful cities. The Greek historian Xenophon records that the Medes wore bright red battle tunics … the warriors are dressed in scarlet…and one of the invading armies (either the Medes or one of its allies) had steel swords on their chariots which flashed in the sun as they raced forward … the chariots are enveloped in flashing steel … their appearance is like torches dashing to and fro like lightening …

Who wrote the book of Hebrews? Truthfully, no one really knows for sure. The most common belief is that Paul wrote it. However, there are some significant differences in this book and Paul’s other books. It doesn’t start the same way, and the Old Testament quotes are from the Septuagint where as Paul usually quoted the original Hebrew. There are other differences too. If not Paul, then who? Possible authors include: Luke, Barnabas, Priscilla (the wife of Aquila), and Clement of Rome. One real possibility is that it was one of Paul’s sermons which was transcribed by someone else. But my father always claimed with a twinkle in his eye, and his tongue in his cheek that he thought Priscilla was the author because in Hebrews 13:22, the writer says he has written in “few words”, and who but a woman can write 13 chapters and call it “few words”? (KJV)

Strange and Interesting Bible Facts

Hebrews is the “Better Than” Book. This New Testament book points the way to a better life. In it you will find references to things that are better many, many times. It tells us that Christ is: better than angels (1:4), worthy of more glory than Moses (3:3), the builder of the house (the creator) and as such has more honor than the creation (3:4), a great High Priest (4:4), better than men’s high priests (5:1-2) Men swear by things that are better than themselves, but God swears by Himself (because He is better. 6:13-16) Hebrews also tells of: a better covenant enacted on better promises (8:6), a greater more perfect tabernacle (9:11), a better possession (10:34), a kingdom which cannot be shaken (a better kingdom) (12:28), and a better city (11:10 & 13:14) What could be better than that?

Micah Trivia: Micah is written by the prophet with the same name. His name means, “Who is like Jehovah” and this is the very question he asks in Micah 7:18-19. These verses by the way, are some of the most beautiful in the Bible: “Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious acts of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever because He delights in unchanging love. He will again have compassion on us: He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” (NAS)

Revelation Trivia: There is no book that has less quotes of the Old Testament than the book of Revelation but there is no book that uses the Old Testament more than than the book of Revelation.” This is a quote by Dr. Peter Gentry, a Septuagint scholar and professor at Southern Seminary and my Sunday School teacher. Dr. Gentry explained that rather than quoting the Old Testament directly, Revelation alludes to it. For instance in Rev 1:12-14 the Old Testament is alluded to at least 4 times; golden lampstands - Ex. 25:37 & 37:23, Zech 4:2; Son of man – Ezekiel 1:26 & Dan 7:13, Robe with golden girdle – Dan10:5; hair white like wool - Dan 7:9…and that is only two verses!

Plant your Garden: It will soon be spring time–time to think about planting a garden. Here’s a prescription for planting: “Sow with a view to righteousness; Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes and rains righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12

The Two Edged Sword

The “Better Than” Book

Hebrews is the “Better Than” Book. This New Testament book points the way to a better life. In it you will find references to things that are better many, many times. Some examples are:

Christ is:

better than angels – 1:4

worthy of more glory than Moses – 3:3

the builder of the house (the creator) and as such has more honor than the creation - 3:4

a great High Priest (4:4) which is better then men’s high priests – 5:1-2

Men swear by things that are better then themselves, but God swears by Himself. Why? Because He is better than everything else. 6:13-16

It tells of:

a better covenant enacted on better promises – 8:6

a greater more perfect tabernacle – 9:11

a better possession – 10:34

a kingdom which cannot be shaken (a better kingdom) – 12:28

and a better city – 11:10 & 13:14

What could be better than that?