Biblical Foundations Academy International Podcast with Keith Johnson

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—combines two passages and covers Ezekiel 22: 1–19 and Amos 9:7–15. These Prophet readings accompany the Torah portions Achrei Mot (Leviticus 16:1–18:30) and Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1–20:27).

In the first of these two passages Ezekiel is commissioned to sit as a judge over the city of Jerusalem. He enumerates the crimes that have led to God’s displeasure, but also explains ...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—combines two passages and covers 2 Kings 4:42–5:19 and 7:3–20. These Prophet readings accompany the Torah portions Tazria (Leviticus 12:1–13:59) and Metzora (Leviticus 14:1–15:33).

These Haftorahs relate the history of two miracles. The first caused the Syrian general Naaman to declare: “Now I know that there is no God in the whole world except in Israel!” The second was ...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—combines two passages and covers 2 Kings 4:42–5:19 and 7:3–20. These Prophet readings accompany the Torah portions Tazria (Leviticus 12:1–13:59) and Metzora (Leviticus 14:1–15:33).

These Haftorahs relate the history of two miracles. The first caused the Syrian general Naaman to declare: “Now I know that there is no God in the whole world except in Israel!” The second was ...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 2 Samuel 6:1–7:17. It accompanies the Torah portion Shemini (Leviticus 9:1–11:47).

This passage relates the story of moving the Ark of God to the City of David. David wanted to build a temple or house for God, but was not permitted to do so. In fact, God promised that He would be the one to build a “house” for David, and that David’s royal line would be perpetuated thr...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Jeremiah 7:21–8:3 and 9:22–23. It accompanies the Torah portion Tzav (Leviticus 6:1–8:36).

This Haftorah contains Jeremiah’s scathing rebuke of the nation of Judah for its desecration of the temple called by God’s name. He also announces the coming punishment. The reading concludes with a familiar passage in which God admonishes us not to trust in our own wisdom, stren...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 43:21–44:23. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1–5:26).

In this Haftorah the prophet castigates Israel for its idolatry and unfaithfulness, at the same time offering encouragement by assuring the people of God’s willingness to forgive their sins. This passage contains some of God’s powerful monotheistic declarations, along with marvelous prom...

Have you ever wondered what the Gospel of Matthew was like before translators and theologians got hold of it? We now have documents that answer this question! And by the way, they are written in Hebrew—the language in which Matthew wrote his gospel!

For hundreds of years, 28 ancient Hebrew manuscripts of Matthew have been locked away in libraries around the world. Now, like prying open oysters and harvesting their treasure...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—combines two passages and covers 1 Kings 7:40–8:21. These Prophet readings accompany the Torah portions Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1–38:20) and Pekudei (Exodus 38:21–40:38).

This Haftorah begins by mentioning a number of items that Solomon had contracted with Hiram, king of Tyre, to make for the temple in Jerusalem. The passage goes on to relate how Solomon oversaw the placement...

Have you ever wondered what the Gospel of Matthew was like before translators and theologians got hold of it? We now have documents that answer this question! And by the way, they are written in Hebrew—the language in which Matthew wrote his gospel!

For hundreds of years, 28 ancient Hebrew manuscripts of Matthew have been locked away in libraries around the world. Now, like prying open oysters and harvesting their treasure...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Kings 18:1–39. It accompanies the Torah portion Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11–34:35).

The Torah reading relates the famous incident of the golden calf. This Haftorah deals with Israel’s worship of the false deity Baal. The prophet Elijah challenges his people to decide, once and for all, who they will follow: Baal or Yehovah. Seeing God’s dramatic answer to Elijah’s prayer, ...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Ezekiel 43:10–27. It accompanies the Torah portion Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20–30:10).

The context of this passage is the future restored temple in Jerusalem, giving instructions for the building and dedication of the altar of burnt offerings. The prophet emphasizes the need to carefully avoid the errors and unfaithfulness that led to the destruction of the previous temples...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Kings 5:26–6:13 (5:12–6:13 in English). It accompanies the Torah portion Terumah (Exodus 25:1–27:19).

This Haftorah provides an overview of King Solomon’s construction of the temple in Jerusalem. God promises Solomon that if he faithfully keeps the divine statutes and commandments God will fulfill all the promises made to David and will dwell among his people Israel....

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Jeremiah 34:8–22; 33:25–26. It accompanies the Torah portion Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1–24:18).

Jeremiah announces God’s impending punishment on the kingdom of Judah as a result of its persistent violation of his covenant. Despite a brief reform led by King Zedekiah, the nation turns its back on the righteous requirements of the covenant. The passage concludes with the rea...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 6:1–7:6; 9:5–6. It accompanies the Torah portion Yitro (Exodus 18:1–20:23).

This passage records Isaiah’s calling and commission as a prophet, which begins with a dramatic revelation of the throne of God. The prophet then reassures King Ahaz of Judah that a hostile coalition of Syria and Israel will not succeed in dethroning him. The Haftorah concludes with the ...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Judges 4:4–5:31. It accompanies the Torah portion Beshalach (Exodus 13:17–17:16).

This week’s passage relates the history of the prophetess Deborah, who rallied a coalition of Israelite tribes to fight for their freedom from the harsh oppression of Jabin, a Canaanite king. Responding to the pleas of his people, God led them to a decisive victory over a far-superior Can...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Jeremiah 46:13-28. It accompanies the Torah portion Bo (Exodus 10:1–13:16).

This Haftorah continues the theme of the punishment of the nation, the Pharaoh, and the gods of Egypt at the hands of the Babylonians. The passage concludes with God’s promise to Israel that, even though her adversaries will be destroyed and she will be punished for her own sins, she will be pr...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Ezekiel 28:25–29:21. It accompanies the Torah portion Va’era’ (Exodus 6:2–9:35).

Echoing the theme of the Torah portion, this passage speaks of the punishment of Egypt, this time at the hands of the Babylonians. The punishment is attributed to the Pharaoh’s extreme arrogance and self-deification, as well as Egypt’s unreliable support of Israel. This Haftorah also reite...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 27:6–28:13; 29:22–23. It accompanies the Torah portion Shemot (Exodus 1:1–6:1).

This week’s passage contains some sharp contrasts between God’s stern chastisement of his people Israel, and his undying love for them. In order to have her sins removed, Israel must wholeheartedly turn from her idolatry. Ultimately, Israel will accept God’s instruction, sanctify his...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Kings 2:1–12. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayechi (Genesis 47:28–50:26).

This passage relates some of the final words of King David. Shortly before his death he admonished his son and successor Solomon to faithfully walk in the ways of God, keeping all His instructions as written in the Torah of Moses. This, he assured Solomon, would guarantee great success in a...