Biblical Foundations Academy International Podcast with Keith Johnson

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...

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...

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 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 Ezekiel 37:15–28. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayigash (Genesis 44:18–47:27).

Relating a vision from God, the prophet Ezekiel foretells how the scattered peoples of Israel and Judah will ultimately be brought back to their ancestral land and be reunited as a single nation. They will come to recognize their sin and God will cleanse them. They will forever be His pe...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Kings 3:15–4:1. It accompanies the Torah portion Mikeitz (Genesis 41:1–44:17).

In this passage we read a famous example of the God-given wisdom of King Solomon. The king’s life-saving solution to a bitter dispute inspired his people and demonstrated his special ability to administer divine justice. Listen to Keith Johnson and Nehemia Gordon as they discover priceless...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Amos 2:6–3:8. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1–40:23).

This passage addresses some of the sins of the kingdom of Israel, where social, moral, and religious perversions were rife. Through His prophet the Almighty reminds Israel that she was specially chosen from among all the families of the earth, and for that very reason she will be called to a...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Hosea 12:12-14:9 [12:13–14:10]. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayetzei (Genesis 28:10–32:3).

In this passage God describes His displeasure with those who are unfaithful to Him and warns that punishment will come for turning away from the only one who can save them. Nevertheless, to those who return to Yehovah their God, forsake their sins, and walk in His righteous ...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Kings 1:1-31. It accompanies the Torah portion Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1–25:18).

With Israel’s King David on his deathbed, the king’s eldest living son Adonijah devised an elaborate coup to wrest the kingdom from his half-brother Solomon, whom David had designated as his successor. Although the plot was foiled, it was the culmination of a series of tragic events in ...

This is the second Prophet section of what is traditionally called the Haftorah reading that accompanies the Torah portion of Noach (Genesis 6:1–6:8). This weeks reading is Isaiah 54:1-55:5 .

In this passage God draws on the imagery of the waters of Noah to assure His people that His love and compassion will never be removed from them. And to those who heed His admonition and turn to Him He promises to make an everlasting covenant. ...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 2 Samuel 22:1–51. It accompanies the Torah portion Ha’azinu (Deuteronomy 32:1–52).

This passage is King David’s lengthy song or psalm of praise to God for saving him from all his enemies. Among the many expressions of praise and thanks for His protection and providence is the rhetorical question: “For who is God besides the LORD? And who is a rock, besides our God?” Li...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 55:6–56:8. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayeilech (Deuteronomy 31:1–30).

This week’s passage begins with a remarkable affirmation of God’s readiness to forgive repentant sinners—personally, directly, and completely. He goes on to speak of His coming salvation for those who keep the Sabbath, who serve Him, and who hold fast to His covenant. God also declares ...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 61:10–63:9. It accompanies the Torah portion Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9–30:20).

In this passage Isaiah proclaims that God will make righteousness spring up in the presence of all the nations, as plants spring up in a garden. Never again will Jerusalem be called Forsaken or Desolate, but will be God’s delight. In great love and mercy He will deliver His people. L...

This week’s Prophets portion is a repeat of an earlier portion. The portion for Noach covering Isaiah 54:1-55:5 is read a second time on two subsequent Sabbaths: Isaiah 54:11-55:5 for the portion of Re’eh and Isaiah 54:1-10 for the portion of Ki Teitzei. Rather than record three separate programs on the same section of the Prophets, we decided to re-post the discussion from earlier in the year covering this week’s Prophets portion....