Biblical Foundations Academy International Podcast with Keith Johnson

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....

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 51:12–52:12. It accompanies the Torah portion Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9).

In this passage God encourages His people not to fear, despite the threats of their enemies. Although He has punished His people for their disobedience, He will liberate and restore them. The prophet announces peace and salvation, which will come when God returns to Zion as her King....

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 Pr...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 40:1–26. It accompanies the Torah portion Vaetchanan (Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11).

In this Haftorah Isaiah conveys powerful promises of God’s restored blessings and presence among His people. He will come in might and care for His people as a shepherd cares for his flock. The passage concludes with a declaration of the incomparable power and majesty of the Almighty. ...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 1:1–27. It accompanies the Torah portion Devarim (Deuteronomy 1:1–3:22).

This opening passage from the book of Isaiah catalogs many of God’s complaints against Judah and Jerusalem for their betrayal of His covenant. Despite the persistent sins of the national leaders and the general populace, God admonishes them to “cease to do evil” and “learn to do g...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—combines two passages and covers Jeremiah 1:1–2:28 and 3:4. These Prophet readings accompany the Torah portions Matot (Numbers 30:2–32:42) and Masei (Numbers 33:1–36:13).

These passages begin with the calling and commission of the prophet Jeremiah, and God’s assurance that He will strengthen and defend Jeremiah against the contempt and vengeance of his countrymen. God the...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—combines two passages and covers Jeremiah 1:1–2:28 and 3:4. These Prophet readings accompany the Torah portions Matot (Numbers 30:2–32:42) and Masei (Numbers 33:1–36:13).

These passages begin with the calling and commission of the prophet Jeremiah, and God’s assurance that He will strengthen and defend Jeremiah against the contempt and vengeance of his countrymen. God the...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Kings 18:46–19:21. It accompanies the Torah portion Pinchas (Numbers 25:10–30:1).

This week’s Haftorah deals with the aftermath of the prophet Elijah’s epic defeat of the prophets of Baal. Upon hearing Queen Jezebel’s death threat, Elijah flees to Horeb, the mountain of God, where he encounters the Almighty and receives instructions on what he is to do next. The pass...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Micah 5:6–6:8 (5:7–6:8 in English versions). It accompanies the Torah portion Balak (Numbers 22:2–25:9).

This passage begins with a prophecy about Israel’s restoration and the punishment of her enemies. Then follows God’s indictment of His people for their infidelity. The Haftorah concludes with a well-known summary of what God requires of us in order to walk in harmon...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Judges 11:1–33. It accompanies the Torah portion Chukat (Numbers 19:1–22:1).

This Haftorah is the story of Jephthah, a renegade warrior who is recruited to defend a portion of Israel against an invasion by the neighboring Ammonites. After failing to dissuade the Ammonites, Jephthah leads a successful campaign against them, freeing Israel from their threat. Jephthah is ...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Samuel 11:14–12:22. It accompanies the Torah portion Korach (Numbers 16:1–18:32).

This week’s Haftorah begins with the coronation of Saul, the first king of Israel. During the inauguration celebration the prophet Samuel castigates the people for having rejected God as their king in favor of a human monarch. Nevertheless, Samuel assures them that if the people and the...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Joshua 2:1–24. It accompanies the Torah portion Sh’lach (Numbers 13:1–15:41).

This Haftorah relates the story of the two spies who go to Jericho in advance of Israel’s entrance into the land of Canaan. They are protected by a woman named Rahab, who confesses, “The LORD your God is the only God in heaven above and on earth below.” In turn, the spies promise to protect h...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Zechariah 2:14–4:7. It accompanies the Torah portion Beha’alotcha (Numbers 8:1–12:16).

This Haftorah speaks of a time when God will again dwell among His people in Jerusalem. The passage includes a reference to the function of an “adversary” and also predicts the arrival of one called the Branch. It concludes with the assurance that God’s plans will be brought to fruit...